Visitors from Texas! :)

This past weekend, I enjoyed a visit from my older sister Meredith and brother-in-law Jake!

Can I just tell y'all that these two started dating when I was only 13 years old?  They are celebrating 15 years of marriage this year!  I am thankful to have a bonus older brother for all these years!  It was such a joy to share my life here with them!  In just 4 days we were able to see and do so much.  I do not ever want to take this for granted.  It is amazing to live in Europe and see so many beautiful things! Traveling always brings you closer and gives you wonderful memories (and inside jokes) to look back on. :)

But truly, just enjoying laughter and conversation was my favorite thing of all!  Here are some highlights of their visit:

Just about an hour after they landed - they were hungry so we went out to eat right away! 

We walked across the Chain Bridge and took the funicular up the hill. 

Enjoying the views from Fisherman's Bastion 

Gelato after dinner is always a must!

Parliament Building

St. Stephen's Basilica

Inside the Basilica

Danube River boat tour

The Parliament Building all lit up at night! 

Heroes' Square

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Day trip to Vienna - Imperial Palace

Vienna - beautiful gardens!

Vienna - St. Stephen's Cathedral 

Vienna - State Opera House

Signs of springtime in Vienna! 

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Visiting my house in Diósd! 

Lunch at Johnny's in Diósd

Finally got to try an "After Eight" milkshake (so good)! 

Spent the afternoon at my amazing school!  In March 2016, Meredith and I visited here after I had been accepted through ICSB and TeachBeyond.  It was really special to be back here together one year later, with Jake, too! 

We were able to spend time with my class (pictures of that will be in my newsletter, not on the blog). :) 

I am so thankful that they got to see my sweet 1st graders.  Those kids are the entire reason I am here!  I love them so much.  They are so much fun and they definitely turned up the charm in honor of our special visitors.

We spent our last evening together at my favorite restaurant, Akademia Italia.  (L to R > Pizza > Lasagna > Spaghetti).  I love it because it's so bright and cheerful, and the food is amazing! 

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It was a real blessing to be encouraged by Jake and Meredith in my ministry here, especially because I have committed to serve at ICSB for the next school year!

It was good to talk with them about my sense of calling to this school specifically, to serve these children.  Most of you know that I would have never done this without feeling called by God to do so.  I have never wanted to live overseas, and I would never choose on my own to live thousands of miles from my family.  Only God could bring about something like this!

But what I am doing does not demonstrate any more obedience than others who use their gifts for the glory of God and for building His kingdom in many other different ways.  We talked about how wherever God plants us, He desires that we share His love in that place for whatever period of time He chooses.  Every time we follow His lead to be a light for Jesus, we are acting in faith and obedience.

Sharing my heart with Jake and Meredith, and being encouraged by them was such good medicine for my soul!

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There are only about 10 weeks left in the 2016 - 2017 school year!  And they are going to be incredibly busy but I can't wait to see what all God has in store.   I am so happy that spring is in the air.  We are enjoying more sunshine and warmer temperatures each week.  I am getting excited about putting my heavy coat away (I.Never.Want.To.See.It.Again)! :) 

Thanks for reading all about my long weekend with my family! :)