I have enjoyed my time here in Paris. Although I am still fighting off a cold. I have seen all the major sites including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, and the Musée d’Orsay.  But what has been most impactful and has made me thought about faith and the church a lot has been visiting these old Cathedrals such as Notre Dame and Sacré-Cœur. I love Love LOVE old things. So getting a chance to visit these super old churches has been amazing.



Walking around and looking at the architecture I can’t help but think of how these buildings were made with ought modern equipment. Looking at the stained glass windows reminds me how many people understand the stories of the past through images. What I found quite interesting was getting the chance to be at the Notre Dame when they were showing a few of their ancient relics, specifically a piece of the cross, a nail of the Passion, and the crown of thorns. I am not sure what I think of these relics overall, but it was interesting to see people in tears after being in the presence of the ancient relics. What are people thinking, feeling, or experiencing? I am not sure how it is for others, but for myself I felt a deep sense of awe and reverence for God and specifically Jesus for what he did on the cross. Whether or not these relics are real does not negate the reality of what Jesus did for all of us. 



Now off to Brussels! I am looking forward to what other things that God will teach me and remind me of as I travel around Europe

I haven’t had much time to post something on this blog for a while. I was at the Northumbria Community for several days. There was no wifi there. Then upon arriving to Paris I have been feeling a bit under the weather. Nothing too serious. It’s just a cold. But it does suck to be sick in a foreign country when there is so much to do and see. 

For several days I was at the Northumbria Community which has their main house in northern England. The community practices the monastic tradition and spiritual disciplines. They have a book titled “Celtic Daily Prayer,” which has daily readings, offices and prayers. I attended a contemplative awareness retreat there where the goal was to just be with God and reflect on who He is and who I am. This is perfect for my sabbatical in which I am hoping to think deeply on both of those. 

EditWhile I was at the Northumbria Community I realized how fast paced my life and my heart is. We did the daily offices and complained which I am used to since we do that as a part of InterVarsity. But the difference here was instead of rushing through the words and moving on to the next things, we read things very slowly with a lot of pauses to reflect on what was just said. What previously took 5ish minutes now took 30min. Not only did this make me initially impatient, this also made me realize that I had been missing what the words and prayers were actually saying. 

This retreat gave me the opportunity to slow down my pace of life even more and just see where God was around me. I took walks around the beautiful English countryside, rested, and experienced God in community. What a great place to visit. I hope to one day go back again. 

One thing that God is continuing to remind me on this trip is to not forgot to experience and be aware of the wonder of God. There was an exercise on this at the retreat. I was also reminded of a lyrics from a song that Matt Redman played in London. 

“May I never lose the wonder, oh, the wonder of Your mercy. May I sing Your hallelujah. Hallelujah, Amen.”

My hope and prayer is that I would continue experience His wonder in nature, places, and people on this trip. 



If you would like to learn more about the Northumbria Community check out their website at northumbriacommunity.org

These few days in London I have done some major site seeing. I’ve seen the many of the iconic sites such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, etc. I’ve done some fun things such as watch Miss Saigon and go through the Harry Potter Studio Tour (if you are a fan of the books or movies be sure to go). One thing I have done extensively in this city is something that I absolutely love… going to museums. I enjoy all types of museums. Portraits, ancient artifacts, sculptures, etc. I have seen so many things in the four museums I have visited. Visiting museums, looking at old dinosaur bones, wedding dresses that were over 300 years old, portraits and sculptures of people, ancient Egyptian mummies I couldn’t help but think of where we all came from. Even watching Miss Saigon, which is a pretty sad but good musical, was a reminder of the Vietnam war and some effects of it. How often have I looked forward to the next thing to do and forgotten to look back and remember the past? I have been blessed with a pretty great life, an awesome childhood, and amazing parents. There have been both good and hard things in my life to reminisce about. Thinking about those difficult times I can’t help but recognize how they have shaped me into who I am today. I am excited what God will do in the future of this trip but am glad He is letting me reflect on the past and what He has done in my life. 

On another note, one unexpected thing  when I decided to go to the Hillsong church. I expected to be hearing a sermon but instead was surprised when Matt Redman came out for a whole service of worship. I was blown away by this moment and couldn’t help but sing my little hear out. Haha. Matt Redman was nice, but I think I was more blown away by God and who He is. What a great moment!

 I leave for the Northumbria Community tomorrow where I will get a bit of time to rest and be with God. Till next time!













I am not a blogger. So I don’t know how often I will write in this. But since this is a trip of a lifetime I thought I would at least put one out there. This trip to Europe has been months in the making. I have been blessed with a 6 month sabbatical. Two and a half months in Europe seems like a great way to spent it. 



I have done much research these past months (I am a googler by nature). Research on the best backpack, clothes underwear, shoes, etc. I have researched what to do and how to get there. Today, March 5, 2015, it is actually happening. As I have been preparing for this trip, I have been getting more and more excited. But as the day is finally here I am super nervous. I have never travelled this extensively by myself in countries that I have never been to or speak the language. What if I get lost? What if I can’t communicate? But I can’t help think of the other what ifs. What if I do get lost but find something amazing along the way? What if I meet amazing people along the way? What if God blows me away during this trip. 

I don’t know what God has in store these next few months. But I know for sure that He will be doing something in me. He has already answered one of my prayers of meeting some amazing people along the way. 

Europe here I come!