A Jessica

Quick story about Charlotte:

Last night Charlotte was eating dinner and AnneMarie told her that I would be leaving soon. She asked why and AnneMarie said because I needed to get back to my mommy and daddy and brothers. Charlotte said "I have a baby and a sister and a mommy and a daddy and a Jessica."  :) Everybody needs a Jessica!

Thanksgiving, Brussels, and Snow

I trust that you all had a great Thanksgiving. It was very weird having my first holiday away from my family and friends. And not to mention, a holiday that isn't even celebrated over here. There were no days off of work or school... life went on as normal.  However, Michael did buy a turkey for me to prepare.  I made my first ever turkey, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and green beans.  It ended up being just the three of us: Michael, Anne-Marie, and myself. It was a nice dinner, and their first ever pumpkin pie!  At the end of the night, I got to talk to all of my family back home via skype!

Saturday morning, I took the bus to the train and the train to Brussels. There was some confusion at the stop in Brussels as to how I was getting to Waterloo to meet the Hoggards. But I finally made it and was greeted with warm smiles and a warm meal.  Ruthanne, Terry, and I went to downtown Brussels, making a few stops along the way for pictures.  It was a very chilly night but very enjoyable!  We went to the Grand Place where there was a beautiful Christmas tree and music playing! We had hot chocolate and enjoyed the atmosphere, as well as did some shopping! It was a great evening! 

Sunday we went to church at the International Church where they used to be pastors. It had frosted that morning and their neighbor Marianne couldn't get into her car. She is an elderly Dutch lady who lived through WW2. We took her to church. Church was incredible. To see so many different nations worshiping together was amazing.  After church we went to a local Chinese restaurant. Yummy. Ruthanne then took me to the place where the battlefield of Waterloo took place. 

We stumbled upon a chocolate market... which gave out free samples! We took Terry to the airport and then Ruthanne and I went out to dinner. We had a cheeseburger and fries (oh yeah). We went back to the house and watched a movie (and maybe fell asleep on the couch just a bit).  Monday, we got up and went to get a nice breakfast. The conversation was great!  About 11 we headed for train station :( I could have stayed a lot longer... and was very tempted. All weekend I felt at home, the conversation was great and inspiring, and even though we didn't do anything particularly spectacular, it was fun! I had such an amazing weekend :) I took the train back to Luxembourg and arrived to crazy snow. It took me almost as long to get back to my village in Luxembourg as it did from Brussels to Lux.  

Today, I went out in the snow with Charlotte. It makes everything look beautiful!