Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 5/Belfast Day 1

Today we left Belgium for Ireland. We were sad to go but excited to see what the rest of our trip will bring. This morning we went with Tim to the Ivory Coast Embassy. That was a neat experience since we had never been to one before. Before heading to the airport, Tim and Barbara took us took us to a town called Namur to the Citadel. It was a huge stone fortress overlooking the city. We ate lunch in a restaurant there and then Barbara took us to the airport.

We are so thankful for the time with had to spend with the Downs. They had so much advice and wisdom to offer concerning Belgium and culture in general. It was such a blessing to get to talk to them for a few days and learn a little about what they're doing. We loved getting to meet their congregation and get to know them a little as well.

We landed in Dublin around 6pm local time. Tomorrow we'll catch a train to Belfast. We're staying with a couple we met through Couchsurfing and we're excited to get to explore the city. I still can't believe that this is our last country. I almost feel like we just arrived here. Aside from the fact that I'm tired of airplanes, I'm not ready for this trip to be over.

Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 4

Today was our last full day in Belgium. Tomorrow we're heading to Ireland! This morning Brennan still wasn't feeling well so he slept in, but I went to the market with Tim and Barbara. It was different than any other open air market I had ever been to. Every week, people set up booths and sell things, everything you could think of, in the Grand Place of local cities and towns. The one in Soignies had clothes, all types of food, electronics, plants, and even live animals. It was definitely a fun experience. 

After that we picked up Brennan and went to Mons, a nearby college town, where we ate lunch and walked around. It's been so neat to get to see so much of Belgium while we've been here. Each town and city has its own people with its own style and dynamic.  It has been a great experience to see the villages in the country as well as the larger cities.  I have also loved the exposure to the French language while we've been here. One of the cool parts about Belgium and Europe in general is the old architecture and the history behind it. It's amazing to look at these buildings that have been here for hundreds of years and wonder who may have lived in them and what they may have been used for at one time. 

I can't believe how fast our trip is flying by. We'll be coming back to the States just eight days from now. We've already seen so much, but I can't wait to see what the next few days will bring! We have liked certain aspects of every culture so far and we see a need in each. I just pray that God will give us the wisdom to discern His will for our lives on this continent. 

Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 3

Today, after eating some wonderful coffee cake that Barabara made, she took us to the train station. Armed with one phrase in French for getting a train ticket we set off for a day in Brussels. We knew we needed to get off at the Brussels Central station, but when the Brussels-Midi stop arrived we accidentally got off. Realizing our mistake we hopped back on and asked a woman if this was the central station, but she didn't speak English. We were able to communicate enough for her to tell us it wasn't Central so we stayed on. When we approached the Central station, she waved to us and motioned to us to get off there. Despite the total language barrier, I was so thankful for her help. 

We made our way out of the train station and wandered the city for hours. We stopped at the St. Michel Cathedral, the Grand Place, and the Royal Palace. We walked up and down streets filled with locals and tourists. We watched them interacting even though we rarely understood what they were saying. The sights and the culture are incredible here. 

When we returned, we enjoyed the beautiful evening outside eating dinner with the Downs. Unfortunately I think allergies and foreign fields may be catching up with Brennan as he has developed a fever and quite the sore throat. Thankfully, many of the medicines that are only available by prescription are over-the-counter here. We got him something for his throat and congestion so hopefully he'll be back to normal soon! Tomorrow we're going to the weekly market in town with Tim and Barbara then we're going to check out a city called Mons. 

Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 2

It's been a fun filled day here in Belgium! We went to the Downs' church this morning, Grace International Baptist Church in Brugge. Brennan and I the opportunity to share our story and a little of our vision with the members. It was such a blessing to get to meet them and talk for a while. 

One of the members told us about the history of the city and he also told us a little about the religious state of the area. He said that only about 10% of the population attend any type of church on a given Sunday. He said that many of the churches are closing and being sold to become restaurants and antique shops. It was really interesting to hear this perspective from from someone that has lived in this community his entire life.

After church we met some of the teens in the city centre and went on a photo scavenger hunt. It was so fun! We had a great time seeing a little of the city and getting to spend some time with the teens. Some of the things we searched for included petting a horse, taking a photo with a bathroom lady, and kissing a swan. We had to think outside the box on some of them, but it was a blast!

Europe Survey 2013: Copenhagen Day 4/Brugge Day 1

We started our day off right with a wonderful Danish breakfast prepared by Karsten, the owner of the B&B. He told us of the history of the lighthouse and we told him how we wanted to move to Europe. We really enjoyed talking to him and wished that our time wasn't cut short by the three mile walk into town to catch the train back to Copenhagen. 

With the help of a sweet woman who was able to translate the timetable, we successfully made it to the airport with no issues. I've actually been pretty surprised at how easy it is to navigate the train systems around here. With the help of Google Maps and friendly locals, we've had no problems getting from place to place. 

We flew to Brussels, Belgium where we met up with Tim Downs. He drove us back to his chateau and we met his wife, Barbara. We had a wonderful evening eating dinner with them and getting to know them a little. Tomorrow we'll be visiting their church in Brugge and getting to spend time with the members. I just love that we have the opportunity to see what European missionaries are doing and learn a little from them while we're here. We are so blessed that God has perfectly orchestrated this whole trip down to the very little details that we don't even realize. 

Europe Survey 2013: Copenhagen Day 3

This morning we wasted no daylight catching an early train into the city centre to explore a section of town called Nyhavn. Shops and restaurants lined the street in colorful buildings built along the canal. Old boats had been converted to restaurants and even offices in the canal. Many merchants and employees were working to prepare their places for the breakfast crowd. We watched the people as they went about their work. 

After we left there, we packed up our things and caught a train for Northern Denmark. We arrived in Dronningmolle then walked to the lighthouse where we're staying. We had the opportunity to talk to the owner for a while and he told us about a great place to eat in Gilleleje. We walked about 40 minutes into town and had some dinner. After that, we walked around the little fishing town. It was a great opportunity to see Danish life in a small town. We walked back and stopped to enjoy some views from a pier over the Baltic Sea. Since we arrived in Northern Denmark around 2 this afternoon, Brennan and I have walked around 7 miles. Tomorrow we will be going to Belgium to spend time with a missionary friend, Tim Downs. 

As I sit here drinking my cup of Danish tea and thinking about how we're leaving Denmark tomorrow, it makes me realize what a cultural and lasting impact this experience will have on us. Despite our occasional language barriers, we have had the chance to see where these people call home, do work, and build a life. Unfortunately it is clear that they are not building their lives around Jesus. 

No matter which of these cities God calls us, I know that he has a plan and that he already knows where He is going to call us. Regardless of the place, I am so excited to see what God has in store for us, but I also encourage you to pray for the people of these cities. 

Europe Survey 2013: Copenhagen Day 2

Changing viewpoints, today you get my perspective. Copenhagen is an interesting place to say for sure. Though we have only been to the United Kingdom up until this point, Copenhagen is a very distinct city. This is the first "real" language barrier we've encountered. More on that later. This city is very modern with a historical backdrop. Overall I could say that people are friendly but you most certainly run into a few brick walls.

The city itself is well spaced out and keeps a normal pace of life, not too rushed and not slow either. Once reaching the city center we were able to walk most of the way. Bikes are the preferred method of travel. Everywhere you look you will find a bike. It was pointed out to us that the city is making advancements to its infrastructure to be the friendliest city to bikes in the world. People of all types, shapes, class, and race ride bikes here. Mass transit is modern and quick and moderately available. One of a few bumps in the road today was the purchasing of tickets for the trains. In Europe the "chip & PIN" system is used for credit cards. Though it is growing, most credit cards in the US do not have this capability or they might have a chip but no PIN. The latter was our problem and without a PIN we could not get tickets. Thankfully a friendly transit employee allowed us to ride to the city center to change currency without a ticket.

We were told previous to our arrival that almost everyone spoke English here. I haven't found a native here yet that hasn't, but almost none of the important signage is in English (such as transit information). This created a day full of asking lots of people to explain this to us.

The historical sections of this city are of the most beautiful of Europe yet. We visited one of the palaces in Copenhagen and saw the interior. It was incredible. One of my most favorite historical sites I've visited so far! Though is has deep history the city has greatly expanded out and builds and lives a very modern and contemporary life style.

As I have said before, most people are friendly here, but not everyone is quite as willing to converse. A handful of times when we would ask for some assistance an individual would look and walk off in a different direction. And at times if they did respond, they would have a scarcastic joke attached. Very interesting to interact with. But not all were this way. We spoke with many helpful and friendly people. 

Tomottorw we head north in Denmark to see different cities and life outside the big city. What a difference will there be I wonder.

     - Brennan