Sometimes Life needs a Like Button.

I like life.

I am not deserving.

I am blessed. 

These thoughts consume me on a daily basis.  Nothing seems more absurd right now then reminding myself that John and I have lived in Amsterdam for nearly ten months.  Writing that the time has flown by is simply an understatement and I feel confident that this time in our marriage is truly a gift from the Lord.  Who knew I could like McElroy as much as I do?!?!

Our life in Amsterdam is pretty simple and I like that too.  A typical Saturday consists of sleeping in, eating the best ham and cheese croissants from the bakery on the corner of our canal, going to the local street market, walking around the city and then cooking dinner.  Unfortunately, we have had only a handful of these Saturdays.  We have been beyond blessed with several visitors and ironically it’s McElroy who keeps our travel schedule pretty tight.  It is funny, of the two of us, one would think John majored in Tourism.

As the European Crisis continues, John and I feel fortunate to work for US companies.  My Tourism degree (thanks mom and dad) is finally being put to good use as I now work for a company in the aviation industry.  We were both enrolled in Dutch classes at our offices and while John may be able to tell time better than I can, I think my Dutch is far superior (which in all honesty is not saying a lot).  My favorite phrase that the Dutch like to tell little children when they ask the notorious “Why”… Waarom zijn de bananan krom?  Why are the bananas crocked?

While I admit, this Texas girl longs for warmer weather and longer days, I liked wearing winter coats, fires in the evenings, hot wine, “going home” for Christmas, skiing the French Alps, witnessing Pace “experience” snow and walking on the frozen canal in front of our house.  These are memories I will tuck away and hope not to experience again until next winter. 

I truly believe that the Lord rewards the work of our hands, if not here on Earth but in Heaven; however, my hands have done nothing to deserve this.  I often ask Him, “Why?”  I am sure He smiles, looks at me and gently whispers, “My dearly loved child, waarom zijn de bananan krom?”

The year we sold our house and cars and bought a boat….

…and then wrecked it on the first day! God’s sense of humor and blessings never cease to amaze me. I wake up every morning praising Him that this is my life.

John and I relocated to Amsterdam about two months ago. The intermittent time has been a whirlwind of emotions and I have been thankful for every minute. We moved into a beautiful apartment overlooking one of Amsterdam’s main canals the first week of July. Since then we have received two shipments worth of “stuff” and a somewhat calmer dog, blown every appliance we have plugged in from the States, bought a boat and two bikes, traveled to four countries, celebrated a Birthday and an Anniversary and have had a handful of visitors!

John and our friend, Andy, fulfilled a lifetime dream of playing the Old Course at St. Andrews during probably one of the windiest rounds of golf either of them have ever played. It was refreshing to be around Andy and Angela who are currently missionaries in Budapest. I was able to spend a long weekend with my parents and sister in Paris, what a charming city. Courtney was right, seeing the Eifel tower light up at night is an unparalleled experience. Courtney then came back to Amsterdam and I could not have been more blessed to have her beautiful soul here. We even hosted two of her Chi Omega pledge sisters for a weekend. In early August I was able to join up with Grace’s college mission trip in Budapest. Most of the “young adults” (in my loving words, ‘kids’) that were on this trip were in middle school when I interned at the church (talk about one of my first moments to feel “old”). I was humbled by their heightened and matured faith. One of my dearest friends, Kim, came back with me from Budapest. I cannot imagine laughing anymore than we did; I think my sides are still hurting; the wine on the wall speaks for itself. Andy and Angela followed her here and we spent a great few days together.  We took a boat ride to a town a few kilometers away for lunch; John then asked if we wanted to take a more scenic route back that ended up taking nearly seven hours! “I can not remember a time when I wasn’t on this boat”.  For our anniversary, John planned a beautiful trip to Greece. It was an incredibly relaxing week full of sun and shade for others. There have been a couple of bottles of wine along the way coupled with even more laughter and joy than I deserve in an entire lifetime.

Work- oh yeah, that is why we came here. John thoroughly enjoys his new job here in Amsterdam. His co-workers are great and also come from a variety of home countries. I will begin looking for a job as my residence/work permit is in the final stages of being approved. Although, I have to admit, I have yet to be bored.

I have more acutely learned that our ability to handle stressful situations is quite different. In the weeks leading up to our departure after an unfortunate home renovation project, John had told me, “ I would hate to be on a sinking boat with you, Natalie!”. At the time, this statement infuriated me; however, I believe it was probably a fair analysis. I also believe that through the chaos, God has been working on my patience, kindness and gentleness. I guess lucky for John our boat did not sink when it hit a metal boulder on our first day of boat ownership (with the previous owner as an onlooker).  I will say that my reaction was quite impressive given my family genes and over-reaction tendencies! I credit this to God’s graces. At times it may feel like we are sinking even if in actuality we are not. If duck tape and an old Astros umbrella cannot repair the temporary damage, I have learned God’s mercy and grace serves a better long-term solution.

Praise God for FaceTime, Vonage Phones, Houston radio station Apps and Slingbox. I also could not be more thankful for friends and family who have made this transition not only bearable but life changing. Cheers to you all!