Easter with the Belgians

A few months ago we decided to travel to Belgium for the Easter holiday. We wanted to spend time in both Brussels and Brugge and we were told that Brugge would be our favorite by far. We ended up finding the opposite to be true. Although Brugge was beautiful, Brussels was filled with so many surprises. Around every corner we found a new and impressive area. The Art District, Greek Alley, parks filled with tulips and the city center where just a few of the areas that we enjoyed.

Enjoying a gyro in Greek alley


Playing in the park


Beautiful Brugge

On a canal tour of the city.


The Atomium in Brussels




We had read about the waffles, chocolate and mussels that Belgium is famous for before our trip but we were not prepared for what we would find. There were two or three chocolate shops on every street that we walked down. I am also pleased to say that Belgium chocolate is by far our favorite so far. We also had to resist the urge to purchase a waffle everyday that we were there. The cake like smell of waffles filled the streets and were quite hard to pass up.

After trying some of the areas specialties we decided to have dinner at a Moroccan restaurant.



On Easter Sunday we found a beautiful church that was holding a service in English. Phil and I thoroughly enjoyed the time of worship and feel so blessed to be able to worship with people from all over the world. It has also been really interesting to learn about the different ways that other countries celebrate different holidays. Just like in the States, in Belgium and Germany there are chocolate bunnies everywhere. Although, I must admit, I like the chocolate over here a little more.

With the beautiful buildings and delicious food, Belgium has become one of our favorite countries so far.

It's a Wrap!

Looking back on the weekend I have strong feelings of joy, exhaustion and the feeling of being stretched. We filmed the show all day Friday and Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The small crew that we worked with were fantastic. They made us feel very comfortable and we all spent time together even when we were not shooting. They were pretty impressed with our little town once we had taken them around to some of our favorite spots. The weather also cooperated and even warmed up to 62 degrees on Sunday.

We still have one more day of filming in Charlotte and then we are finished. Although the show has been a lot of fun the highlight will be going home 7 months earlier than we had originally planned. We are both looking forward to seeing friends, taking care of things with our rental property and of course, picking up some much needed supplies (time for a Walmart run).

We are so grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to find out when the show will air. They have promised that they will send us a dvd so that we can plan a little party and watch it over here.

Not only was the weekend great because Phil and I got to participate in the taping of a great show but also because it was the first time that we have led worship together at church. I have always loved to sing but the idea of singing in front of people has always made me really nervous. Having a camera in my face for two days prior really helped me get over my fear of performing and I believe that it went really well. What a great weekend!

Fun Surprises

It is only Wednesday and already I feel like we should be well into the weekend. It has been a very busy but exciting three days. We have been blessed several times this week with the biggest blessing bringing us back home for a visit to Charlotte next month. Woo Hoo!

So the surprise is.............We are going to be on TV!

Now that everything has been approved I am not allowed to say the name of what show we will be on until it airs. I can, however, tell you that we are filming the Germany portion this weekend and I could not be more excited. I have spent the last two days responding to email after email and filling out lots of paperwork. It is a lot but will all be worth it when we get to start the process of filming.

I will take lots of pictures of the process to preserve the experience and eventually share.

Thank you to all of you that got excited with me about the possibility.

Flea Markets and Festivals

This weekend we enjoyed the warm weather as we walked around a large flea market and attended the Fruhling Fest.

Saturday we spent the day searching for treasures at the flea market.

They had everything you have ever wanted. We saw animal pelts, fossils, antiques, clothing and a box of 40 white ties.

Although we did not come across any steals, we had a good time talking with people and walked away with a white tie.

On Sunday we checked out the Spring festival. It was packed with rides for kids, lots of baked goods and several local bands. My favorite ride is the yellow submarine in the background. It is filled with water and someone in a wetsuit and swims around. They bring it out for just about every festival.

Sweet baked breads

A great band

There were also several men playing large music boxes (I am not sure what else to call them). This particular gentleman also had a beautiful parrot.

Finally, I will leave you with a picture of my new ride.....I wish.