Second best or an apprentice?

Three days in Poland. In many ways it feels like home, and yet in so many ways I am observing and taking in so much. Not only am I taking in how the kids behave, how the household works, what times to prepare things, and where to go each day, but also I am having to fill some pretty big shoes. I can't say I am really in charge quite yet since E is still very much still their nanny. This is good, and I feel like I am learning alot just by listening and seeing how she does things. Most definitely I will do a my own version of all of these things, but I think seeing a precedent will help me to acquire knowledge of what to expect and perhaps how to handle certain situations. I can't say everything will be easy or that I will always know what to do, but I am confident that I will be able to take everything one stride at a time. Perhaps I will even be considered just as good as her. I hope so.

There is still so much that I think about. Will they like what I cook for them? Will I be compared to what they had before? Yes, I think somewhat that will happen--but perhaps not for the worst. Will they like me? Silly question, but it still crosses my mind sometimes. It's so easy to feel only second best, but I keep telling myself that there is a reason for that now. I am being trained, and only when she leaves will I be tested. I plan on passing. :)

Step off the Tarmac and Say Hello

So today was the day that I reach my final destination and my first day with my au pair family. I can safely say that this will be such a grand adventure and I have already taken in so much. Although my morning started off very early, and I was reminded again of the goodbyes I would have to make, I was calmed of the fact that in a mere three months I would be back for a visit--there is some comfort in that even amidst my nervous feelings about going and living in a country I had never been before. With God nothing is impossible.

The flight was relatively easy and I even dozed a little (not much). I found it quite funny that I had to actually walk across the tarmac to get to the airplane, and that the passengers randomly clapped at our landing. (It wasn't an abnormal landing), and the fact that I had to again walk across the tarmac and be taken in a super packed bus to the airport entrance. So strange! But equally good for a story.

I have a sore throat now and I don't know if that is from not getting enough sleep or that I am coming down with something.... hopefully not the latter. And! I got through customs with no complications whatsoever. I am always nervous about those things. My au pair mum was waiting for me and we made our way to the car. It was nice--as I hoped it would be a thousand times over. Poznan wasn't much to see, namely because of the dreary weather and construction all over the city. I am told it will look much better in the springtime. Even so, I was intrigued by the Eastern European look of all the shops and buildings. There is certainly alot of culture here. Equally so, the little villages along the way were so charming to pass by. And so much mistletoe in the treetops! Everything here will take getting used to, but I am willing the challenge and hoping all goes well.

Lunch was nice. Cauliflower, a salad, rice, and mince steak was prepared for us with some wine. It looked so special and yet so perfect as a welcome. Later we watched Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and had a nice, simple dinner of bread, cheeses, some meat, and a pepper with some tea. How lovely is that? :)

I am very pleased to be here and I see such kindred spirits in the family. They are truly one of sweet personalities and such kind hearts. I am confident my time here will be a blessed one. Of all the things I am scared of it's getting to and from places in the car. Can I successfully drive here and not get lost? I truly hope so.

Goodnight my dears. I hope this finds you well.

Happy

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning;
Jesu, to Thee be glory given.

Happy Christmas all. I can not imagine a more perfect Christmas even as I am writing so far from home--because home really should be where Love and Happiness abound. On Christmas Eve I was blessed with spending it with my beloved and his family. To be with him and to share what we both believe in, to feel the love I share with him and for our Father, celebrating our God's birthday, to experience the traditions here in England, and to bring in Christ's birth with the company of friends, candlelight, communion with fellow brothers and sisters of Christ, and an amazing worship service just as midnight struck. The night seemed so perfect--just like that night Christ was born. 

Happy Christmas, and may it bring you every happiness, peace, and great heaps of Love. For Love is what we have been given this holiday and all the days of the year--the Love of a Father who brings Hope and Joy to all who know and remember Him. A Saviour whom we call Christ the King. Praise be.

Christmas Eve Eve

Having been in the UK for about a week, so much has happened since then! First off, arrival was quite an interesting event, but all is well. I got through customs, and my bag arrived safe! Yay! :) I have had some worries about my upcoming trip to Poland, but hopefully it is all sorted. We shall see after Christmas... pray that all goes well for me dear readers in my next installment of travel next week.

The weather here has been surprisingly mild, with only a few days that have been purely English--cold and wet. Most days have been like home, although I have heard that home had a tornado watch and in December too! Craziness. At any rate my fluffy coat has been keeping me very warm. I literally can't feel a single thing when it is on. Oh and if you are wearing it in a very warm shop, you will feel like you are in a sweat shop. It was a very good purchase. :)


I am so very very happy to be here with my love and his family. Christmas here has been different but altogether just as meaningful. I love walking through High Street and smelling the pastries from Greggs, hearing a bag piper playing on the corner, and seeing all the Christmas displays in the shop windows. The carol service last week was also so beautiful. I really do miss hearing the choir singing at Christmas. 


Now to see if we get a White Christmas! (It doesn't look promising, haha) 
Love to you this Christmas.

Leavin'

Well today is the day! I have everything packed in one suitcase for an entire year, under the weight limit too. And then I have my small but fully packed backpack to take on the plane, PLUS my furry winter coat. You know, the one Mom says makes me look like a bear? ;) Ah but it is so warm. 

Everything seems to be in order and I am just waiting for the hour to pass before we head to the airport. Then on to my nonstop flight to London for Christmas. This is it. Happy Day. :)

Pray for me and safe travels. I will be doing alot of it in the next year. Merry Christmas all!!

Good Morning Sunshine

Not even halfway through the day and it's already been such a lovely Sunday. I have the entire day to myself, and have no work to think about. Not to mention my last day is this coming Saturday! I am so excited.

What's more I started the day off with a fresh batch of banana pancakes. Yum! 

And to make things even better my au pair family called me this morning from Poland to say hello and have a brief chat. I love mornings like this.

Time

 Time. It has a place for everything.

I find myself a mere two weeks away from my departure from the States; somehow the time can't go fast enough. In such a short time I am preparing, mentally and physically, for my long awaited adventure and life building experience. In such a long time I am trying to imagine the day already here. In eight days I say goodbye to my job as an underpaid department store clerk (nothing wrong with that if you enjoy it) and start a new life more in tune with my passion and love--the English language. I cherish this time of goodbyes and hellos. It only means that new horizons are in sight and right now they are in a sunbathed light of fresh purples, teals, peaches, and bright scarlets. Who knew the world could be filled with such amazing things.

In the throes of preparing, I find myself wanting to pull out the suitcase and start to fill it. Unfortunately I know that packing for an entire year in just one suitcase is no small feat, so I am trying to convince myself to wait until next week. (It's so hard!) In the meantime, I have been shopping for last minute things I will need, a bit of clothes shopping in there, and some gifts for the family. I already have them wrapped, that's good right?

I must admit I have a new obsession. Brace yourself... knee high socks. Yes, knee highs. And now to those don't know what it is about them, because truthfully, I don't even like wearing socks that often, but somehow this year I am so enthralled by all the pretty patterns, and the softness and the cute marketing they show on what to pair up with them, that I have become obsessed with getting new ones. I can wear them with boots, layer them with tights, and wear them with flats. Oh yes, it is quite amusing.

I think my modern style conscious didn't kick in until now in my 20s. I can say I don't think I wore what was considered 'in style' as a child, or as a teen for that matter. But now, especially working in a department store where you are constantly being buried in clothes, my eye for cute outfits has really emerged. Maybe I got older, who knows. All I know is, I am digging the tights and shorts, and the layered longsleeve T with a dress over. Oh and boots--love the boots. Tune in next time for more updates on the last week home.