See you later Snow!!!

Today, since I am blessed enough to live along the lakeshore of the most beautiful lake in the world: Lake Michigan, it has been snowing almost all day. Every time I think about going outside, I decide otherwise. At least for today the snow has won! But on Monday the 19^th of January the snow will cease to gain victory over me, as I am leaving the country! No more scrapping off the car or starting it up 20 minutes before I need to use it. No more perpetually wet jean bottoms and hopefully no more cold feet and hand all the time! Yup that’s right. On Monday I will be leaving the country and moving to Portugal! I know some of you might be thinking that this is an extreme move to avoid the cold. Why not just move to Florida or back to Pasadena? But I am not moving to avoid the cold. Thankfully, that is just an added perk! I am moving to Portugal to begin working with an organization called Christian Associates International whose goals are to plant churches throughout Europe. Though most of us think of Europe as a Christian region, there are still many who do not know the power of Christ in their everyday lives. So off I go. I will be working with a team of about ten people who are already in the midst of church planting in Lisbon, Portugal. Right when I get there I will be trying to get my life in order, by finding an apartment, opening a bank account, learning how to drive a stick shift and eventually working on my Portuguese. Once life settles down, I look forward to getting involved in Young Life, as well as working in some local orphanages. I also hope to join a volleyball league, and maybe even learn how to surf all the while building relationships with those around me. I am definitely excited about this opportunity, and hope to find my niche there where I can share Christ’s love.

It has been hard thinking about leaving my lovely home in Zeeland, Michigan. Leaving requires that I say good bye to my parents, many of my dearest friends and even my Chihuahua! Just this morning my Chihuahua was found sleeping in one of my bags that I had set out to pack for the journey. All snuggled up, it was almost as if he was begging me to take him with me. As much as I would like to, my parents are much too attached to him to let me take him. Along with my family and friends, I have also been trying to prepare myself to leave my lakes. Michigan is such a treasure to me, specifically because of its fresh water and the many trails that trace the shores. But soon enough, I will be home again as I am coming back for a short time around the 4^th of July for a big Dutch family reunion in Iowa! When that time comes hopefully all the snow will be gone, but until then please stay posted to my blog as I will be updating it more frequently with tales of my adventures in the land of the Portuguese! Also, it is always a blessing to hear from you so please feel free to contact me at christystatema@yahoo.com, or of course, on facebook! Blessings and I look forward to staying in contact with you in the future.