America! Home Sweet Home!

As of November 18, I am back in the country I love ... permanently!

The Army has moved me to Fort Carson located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, one of the most beautiful cities in which I have lived. I feel SO BLESSED to have had the opportunity God gave me to care for Wounded Warriors the past 3 years in Germany - it was an experience that has truly changed me, strengthened my heart and my character, tested and changed me, and given me some of the most wonderful friendships that I have ever known. But I am SO THRILLED to begin a new adventure here in Colorado Springs.

I went through many changes towards the end of my time in Germany - one being a very emotional break-up. I came across this quote on a friend's Facebook page. 

My prayer has been this ever since, "LORD, if it is your will grant me strength to trust, courage to hope, & grace to smile through it all." I feel confident that God's hand is guiding me and directing me towards the plan he has laid out for me. At the time I had so many questions and I struggled to find balance and understanding. I am happy to say, through Christ alone, I am coming to a place of contentment and strength again. 

One of the greatest blessings I have experienced here in Colorado is the support of family and friends! I am so happy to be living with my sister, Liz, and having her to help me get settled in my new environment. She has done so much for me with so much patience and generosity, I am overwhelmed by her graciousness. I am also encouraged by having a chance to renew my friendship with my dear friend, Kayla, and her family. It is a blessing to know that time or distance can never separate hearts that are united as ours are. I have also been given the gift of meeting new friends at church who have opened their hearts to me as well and accepted me as family without any hesitation. 

My passion for CrossFit has had the opportunity to continue here in Colorado Springs - the crew at CrossFit 719 has welcomed me and definitely made my transition easier. I can never replace the amazing family I have at Landstuhl CrossFit, but I am thankful for the new friendships I am building today. 

Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." I know that God has brought me to this place in this time for a very special purpose ... I'm so excited to see the plans he has for me come to be!

 

 

Flying Solo - Alghero, Italy

After a few incredibly stressful and challenging night shifts at the hospital I felt a strong and spontaneous urge to get out of Germany and away from the day to day.

One perk of living where I do in Germany (and currently doing shift work) is easy access to affordable airline tickets and the ability to hop over to another country for a three day weekend. So, I booked a flight and a single room in a villa in Alghero, Italy in the region of Sardinia.

The next morning I was on my way ...

 

... and arrived that afternoon!

  

I had to wait to check into the guest house, so I took a walk from the Villa Maria Pia ...

 

... along the beach ...

... to the historic original wall of the city!

The first night I enjoyed some wine and pizza and got some MUCH NEEDED sleep!

The next day was GORGEOUS weather so I walked through the city garden and to the pier, while I waited to take a boat tour.

 The view of the city as the tour left was wonderful!

The tour made its way from the port to Capo Caccia... 

... and docked at the Grotta di Nettuno, Neptune's Cave. 

The one picture of me from this trip, thanks to a tourist from Boston!

When the tour returned to the city I enjoyed a delicious seafood pasta and a seadas con riduzione - a cheese filled pastry, a typical Sardinian dessert.

 I took in the beautiful sunset as I returned to the villa for the evening. 

The last day I walked into the city ...

... for some shopping!

I had some pizza and gelato by the port and enjoyed the sunshine for my last few hours in the city. 

Bird's eye view and back to Germany. 

Psalm 121:8

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

It was the first time I have traveled here in Europe on my own. It was a little unnerving at times, and not speaking the language presented plenty of challenges. It was a relaxing three days and coming back home I felt a little more balanced to face the day to day :)

The Start of a Journey

Proverbs 31:25

"She is clothed with strength and dignity,

 and she laughs without fear of the future."

This is my first blog post and it is to be a dedication. 

First, may the words of my heart that are recorded in this blog be a reflection of my LORD. All that I am is because of HIM and every day I will live to his glory. 

Second, Andrea Dolan, a wonderful friend and incredible blessing to me, who after MONTHS of persuasion has convinced me to start this blog and share my unique experiences being an Army nurse currently serving the United States armed forces in Germany. 

Third, Brittaney Devane, a dear friend and a woman whose strength I admire. Your words have always brightened my days and I pray my words will be a gift to you. 

I hope you enjoy! 

With love, 

Abby