And now, in no particular order, the short list of things that I'm missing...and how Luxembourg makes it up to me in so many ways...
1. YOU
Of course, the thing that I miss most from the US is you- my family and friends. Though technology has made it so easy to communicate with everyone back home, not seeing the faces of my sweet family and friends for such a long period of time is tough. That said, I'm so very excited that we just booked our plane tickets home for Christmas! We will be in the States for 2 weeks in December - staying in Atlanta and spending a weekend in Nashville. I can't wait! Do pencil us in!
The flipside: We have had the opportunity to meet some of the most fantastic and lovely friends in Luxembourg! Though we've only been here for three and a half months, we've already grown to care about and love so many wonderful people from Lux and all over Europe. For each one, we are so thankful!
2. Sundresses and stilettos
The weather in Luxembourg, I must say, has been quite a surprise! We had a month of summer in April (conveniently, the month we arrived) but the daytime temperatures have been in the high 50's to high 60's ever since. I'm sitting here on a Friday afternoon in July wearing skinny jeans, tall boots and a sweater - sundresses tucked away in the back of my closet (tear). And shoes...I love shoes. I specifically love my heels. The walking-everywhere-way-of-life combined with the cobblestoned streets in Luxembourg has caused me to temporarily bid farewell to some of my favorite shoes in exchange for, well, more boring ones.
Shoes I've temporarily bid farewell to:
The B-team (short for Boring), recently forced to the A-team position:
The flipside: There is not much of a flipside to the current temperatures and lack of sundress-wearing currently taking place in Luxembourg but the increase in walking (though be it in B-team flats) nicely balances out my increased pastry and carb intake. 3. Mexican food
Speaking of food, I never realized how much I love Mexican food (or how often I ate it) until arriving in Luxembourg. Alex and I went from eating it several times a week to being forced to quit our chips-and-salsa habit, cold turkey. John Ko, this is a plea to you - Local Taco Luxembourg? Please. We're desperate over here!
The flipside: The bakeries in Europe - specifically Luxembourg - are amazingly decadent. I've never experienced desserts like I've experienced them here. Europeans know how to bake and their rich pastries make up for the absence of enchilatas and burritos.
4. Sonic diet vanilla coke (with extra crushed ice)
Its nearly impossible to find ice in Luxembourg and throughout most of Europe. Crushed ice? Not a chance. The more painful part of the beverage issue for me is that only .25cL Coke bottles are served in restaurants. The .25cL bottle is 1/2 of the amount in a Coke can, to give you an idea. No refills. Water, which is not served complimentary at any restaraunts, is also offered for about $4 per .25cL. Let's put it this way, I stay thirsty because it pains me to pay $4 for a beverage that I can down in 3 gulps.
The flipside: Europeans love their wine and coffee. The wine comes from grapes just down the road and the coffee is strong and oh-so-delicious. Coffee (or expresso) is enjoyed after every meal and usually once in the afternoon with a chocolate or biscuit (cookie). I can definitely get used to this (and my body will thank me for the drastic decrease in aspertame).
5. Crosspoint
Crosspoint, our church back in Nashville, is amazing and unlike any church I've ever had the joy of being a part of. We were heart-broken to leave such a special place where truth was taught and where people lived what they believed. Thank goodness for the internet - we're tuning in as often as we can online. Pete Wilson and Blake Bergstrom, we miss you!!
The flipside: Our church here in Luxembourg, All Nations, has been such an answer to prayer. The community has drawn us in and for that we are so grateful!
Love until next time...Melanie
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