At times, the comparisons are so similar. I often marvel at the Dutch names found on streets, cemeteries, school lists, and cities. Living in an area where I don’t need to spell out every letter of my last name is refreshing! Even though I grew up around here, I find myself in unfamiliar areas at least once per week which is a fun challenge. However, I find myself wishing for moments when I can curl up in my West Lafayette home, stop paying on two homes, end the constant back and forth travel, and have a normal life. I often felt this way in the Netherlands, but it was a stronger feeling.
But there are differences. Our family is not really together. Mitch is here on the weekends, but he is mostly in West Lafayette during the week. Chloe is in Ireland, for a semester abroad. Caden is at Purdue and comes to Michigan when available. Corey and I are together, but it seems strange at times because I often feel like a single mother. This may change next semester when Mitch will be here for the winter months. We will be staying in Michigan until July of next year, longer than our Dutch adventure.
Despite the differences and similarities, I feel myself being stretched in amazing ways. Living in the Netherlands for almost 5 months made me more flexible in unknown situations. I find myself feeling the same way now when I enter unknown classrooms. I never quite know what curriculum I will be using, the order of the day, or sometimes where the bathrooms are located! Last week, we had a power outage at the rental. This provided another way to become flexible. How do you get out of the garage?
Amidst it all, God is still faithful. He knows the path and orchestrates our days. I marvel at Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He planned this Michigan adventure out. I need to trust in his goodness.
NL 2005 
MI 2019 
At Prairie Wolf Park 
On a Saturday adventure NL 2005
A Journey Worth Remembering 