DEN-LON-OSLO

well we're wrapping up our time traveling as the sun (doesn't actually) set here in norway. what an exciting, challenging, humbling past six days my friend kaitlyn and I have had.

we left early on Friday morning and when we got off the plane, from that point on, I can safely say we have had (next to) know idea what we have been doing. 

we didn't know how to get to our hotel. or how to use the train. or how to pay for anything. really, there was nothing we did know how to do. the past six days have simply been full of baby steps, question asking, and receiving lots of grace. 

traveling with one of my team members, roommates, and closest friends, kaitlyn has been a blessing. she's calm when i'm stressed and doesn't mind asking questions when I'm too prideful and is the constant thing that is familiar in so many unfamiliar places. she gives me a lot of grace and reminds me that we're in it for the experience. 

by God's grace we've been able to see a lot and experience the culture and cities of london and oslo. three days in each city didn't leave us with a ton of time, but we tried our best. here's a list of what we've seen and done:

   -figured out that the westminster abbey is attached to big ben

   -heard big ben's loud chimes

   -successfully overcame the time change

   -ate unknown foods in hyde park

   -saw notting hill

   -put on our tourist hats and rode a double decker bright red bus

   -saw and took a hard pass for riding the london eye

   -rode the tube like a pro (seriously, we only got on the wrong train once... it's impressive.)

   -sat in the same room Narnia and Middle Earth were discussed and dreamed of

   -saw the English countryside by train

   -tried to meet the royal family

   -took a selfie in front of buckingham palace

   -had our worst TSA experience (ever...for both of us) leaving london

   -got on the right train into oslo, not knowing a single word in norwegian 

   -accidentally ran across the royal palace of the norwegian king. 

   -found the cutest coffee shop in all of norway

   -were mistaken for locals (huge accomplishment after being convinced we looked like tourists 24/7)

   -walked on a really big polar expedition boat

   -saw a two thousand year old viking boat 

   -walked on the roof of oslo's opera house

   -saw the painting "scream" in real life

   -rode bikes in a norwegian forrest

the list could go on. needless to say, we've been busy but now we're switching gears and we're so excited... we're gearing up for our month long missions trip in riga, leaving tomorrow. it's weird to be thinking that we're staying there for so long and the next time we'll pack our bags full it will mean home is our next stop.

it's exciting and i'm filled with so many questions of what the coming days and weeks will hold. but if i know anything of my sweet Jesus it is that they will be challenging but so very worth it. 

if you think of it, pray for our team coming in tomorrow. pray for the adjustment to the time change. pray for an adjustment to the culture. pray for a quick transition as we live in close community. pray for all our hearts to be ready and willing for whatever the Lord has for us. 

thank you for being a part of my journey!