The Power of the Cross

Romans 6:8-11: "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."

 When I survey the wondrous cross 
 on which the Prince of Glory died; 
 my richest gain I count but loss, 
 and pour contempt on all my pride. 

 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, 
 save in the death of Christ, my God; 
 all the vain things that charm me most, 
 I sacrifice them to his blood. 

 See, from his head, his hands, his feet, 
 sorrow and love flow mingled down. 
 Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, 
 or thorns compose so rich a crown. 

 Were the whole realm of nature mine, 
 that were an offering far too small; 
 love so amazing, so divine, 
 demands my soul, my life, my all.


What powerful words. "Love so amazing, love so divine." 

1 Peter 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us New Birth into a living Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ..."


Christ died for me. He took upon all of my sin, gave up his life, and saved me. I am not worthy! What a wonderful gift; I cannot even comprehend God's love for me. Hallelujah, He is Risen!

Adventure Eight: Geneva, Switzerland

This place and the moments I experienced here are some of the highlights of my trip across Europe.

When we first pulled into Geneva, we were all a little down. We had just left our "family" in Germany, and now we were headed to another couch surfer's home for the next three nights. It's funny how sitting on a train all day can make you so tired! But it does. So, we were all a little exhausted. First thing upon arriving in Geneva - we headed to an internet cafe to check up on email. Then it hit: Geneva was going to be extremely expensive. We had already been stressed with converting the pound to dollars than the euro to dollars; now we were converting the Czech money into dollars, and it was not looking too good. Our bank accounts weren't too happy either. After finally getting to skype with Sue Sue for the first time in two weeks, we headed to the little village of Gamil to unite with our couch surfer. After a fourteen dollar train ride, we made it to the village where we were graciously picked up by Hannah, our couch surfer. Immediately I knew God loved me and wanted me to have the best time, because Hannah was amazing. She is twenty-three years old and married to Rob-Jan; they live in a precious house out in the country side that overlooks the Swiss Alps. What a breath-taking picture of God's power and beauty to wake up to every morning.

When we walked into her house, it was a breath of fresh air! She had candles that smelled like cinnamon lit all over the house; she also had snacks set out and a buffet of different teas and Swiss chocolates for us to enjoy. She also had her iPod playing in the background ... it was perfect. She and her husband were out that night, so us three girls were able to relax the whole night, enjoying Hannah's hospitality She even bought all the ingredients for spaghetti which we made that night; enjoying a home cooked meal with friends .. priceless.

The next morning, Hannah graciously drove us into Geneva while she went to work, at Starbucks! Before she headed into work she took us by Starbucks and treated us all to free drinks of our choice - so sweet, especially since a hot chocolate was about six or seven dollars! Then she took the time to show us around Geneva which is a beautiful city. Once she headed to work, us girls headed to the United Nations building only to find that you could not enter except at tour times, which we had missed by about an hour. We TRIED to persuade the handsome guard to let us in, but it was no use. We did take pictures of the building with the other million tourists, and enjoyed it none the less! Then we spent about an hour in one of Geneva's beautiful parks taking pictures by the fountain. Yes, we were those girls.

After meeting back up with Hannah at Starbucks and receiving another round of free drinks, we headed back to Hannah's house. That night, Hannah and Rob-Jan treated us to a typical Swiss fondu. It was absolutely delicious! We had the BEST time; we laughed and laughed until our stomachs hurt ... literally. Earlier that day, I found out that Hannah played guitar. I jokingly mentioned that I could only play one song, Come Thou Fount. Hannah immediately jumped up and asked, "wait ... are yall believers?" We all answered that we were and Hannah's face brightened. She and Rob-Jan are too. We all got so excited! God had placed us in this home where we were all believers; it had been awhile since we had been surrounded by other believers, and it was so refreshing! That night we all gathered around a bowl of Swiss chocolates, and while Hannah played the guitar we all sang worship songs together. It is a moment I will NEVER forget. We also sang my favorite worship song, In Christ Alone; it brought such joy to my heart to be sitting in Geneva, Switzerland, with other believers we had just met, singing songs of praise to our Great God. I could not have asked God for a more perfect moment.

The next day we headed to the little town of Lausanne where we spent the day gazing at the Swiss Alps ... amazing. Then we headed back to the house where we cleaned and made dinner for Hannah and Rob-Jan, including Duncan Hines brownies which Hannah had brought back from the states (her parents are missionaries but live in the States now). It was yet another fun dinner filled with laughter. And brownies ... so great! Sadly, we had to call it an early night, because we were leaving for Rome very early the next morning. Unfortunately, Steph got extremely sick that night which made for a hard day of travel to Rome. After a long morning of getting lost and missing trains, we finally made it to the Geneva train station where we caught our train to Rome. It was so so sad to leave Hannah; I pray I will be able to meet up with her again someday. She and Rob-Jan were such a blessing; just in two short days, I learned so much from them. I am so thankful God brought them into my life at the time that He did. It was exactly what I needed to carry on with my travels.

Praise the Lord for watching over me, protecting me, and blessing me in so many ways. I do not deserve the things He gives me, but I am so thankful that He does. What a Mighty God I serve!

Off to Roma!

Adventure Seven: Esslingen, Germany

Going to Esslingen was like going home.

God was so good in providing us with a wonderful place to stay in Esslingen. Stephanie's brother-in-law, Scott, spent a year in Esslingen, Germany and had a good friend who still lived there with his wife and five year old son. Graciously, they opened their home to us for three nights. They were AMAZING. We had our own room to stay in, they provided dinner and lunch each day, washed our clothes, drove us everywhere, and made us feel right at home. I spent a grand total of 15 euros in Esslingen. 15. That is unreal. They were such sweet people.

When we arrived in Esslingen, Arndt (Scott's friend) was waiting for us right outside the train station with a sign reading "Welcome Stephanie, Lindsey, and Melanie." While listening to ACDC, we enjoyed a 20 minute car ride from Stuttgart to Esslingen. When we got to their house, we were greeted with German breads and cheese for a late night dinner. Here, we were able to talk with Arndt and his wife and get to know all about their family. They have such a sense of humor, and they made us laugh the whole time.

The next morning we met Jonas, their five year old son, who is such a cutie. We grew an attachment to Jonas and it was hard to leave him several days later! Anyways, we started out at at the castle in Esslingen where we were able to look out over the whole little village. Then we headed down into the City Center where we went a local market to pick up the ingredients for lunch, saw the first candy store built in the city, the oldest house in Esslingen, and the oldest restaurant in Esslingen which is a few hundred years old. It is a beautiful town filled with such great people. Everyone we met was as nice as can be. Then we headed back home where ate a German type of ravioli filled with spinach, meat, and cheese in a delicious soup. Then we took a short nap then headed out to Stuttgart. However, it started to rain so we only stayed for a little while, listened to some street musicians, visited a bookstore, went through an amazing local international food market (it was so great), then went home for the night. That night we had German sausage as well as more bread and cheese for dinner (while listening to Phil Collins over the sound system with a fire going too) as well as homemade marble cake for dessert. Don't worry, I got the recipe!

The next morning, we went to their local church ... which was spoken in German. Despite not understanding anything the pastor said, I still recognized several of the songs they sang as well as the Lord's Prayer! It was really cool to experience a very traditional church service in another country and in another language. Quite an experience! Then we had lunch at Arndt's parents house which was delicious!! We also got to watch his mother make the homemade pasta which was really neat. After a break, we headed back into Stuttgart with Arndt's father, who is quite the character. For example, we were driving behind this car that was moving pretty slowly so Ardnt's father rushes around him, honks, and yells, "GO HOME SLEEPY TOTS!" We laughed .... and feared for our lives. First, we walked up this hill that over looks the city which is beautiful. Then we headed to the Mercedes museum .... we were there for forever! We picked out every car we wanted and dreamed that maybe one day we might get it. After many pictures at the museum, we headed into downtown Stuttgart where we walked around, visited a castle, and had drinks at Starbucks .... I know, I know .... but it was the only thing open on Sunday! That night we had MORE cheese and bread for dinner, then we spent a while on the computer booking several hostels and catching up on emails.

The next morning we were up early and heading out to Switzerland to see the Alps! I had such a great time in Esslingen. I would however love to go back to Germany and visit the bigger cities, especially the cities that overflow with World War II history. Maybe next summer?? However, Esslingen was such a great break from the big cities. Big cities can get stressful after awhile. It also made me excited to be back with my family soon! I miss you all!!

Adventure Six: Salzburg, Austria

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music ...

After a six hour train ride, we finally arrived in Salzburg, Austria. Salzburg is known mostly because it is the city in which the Sound of Music was filmed. Needless to say, we were very excited to see all these places from the movie. When we arrived we headed straight to our "Couch Surfer" home for the night. For those of you who don't know, Lindsey, Steph, and I used a thing called couch surfing to find a place to stay for several of the cities we went. It is safe I promise! We were able to find people to stay with, communicate and talk with them ahead of time, and make sure that is who we wanted to stay with. I look back now and find that couch surfing was one of the best experiences of my travel abroad! In Salzurg, we stayed with a precious lady, Andrea, and her husband, Frederick. They are both probably in their early 60's, and they were such sweet, gracious people to open their home to us. We had a nice bed and couch to sleep on as well as delicious hot tea that night, and a wonderful breakfast the next morning. Such kind people. The whole experience at their home brought a smile to my face.

That night we headed out into the town, which even at night was absolutely beautiful. We walked around, took many pictures, then stopped at a quaint little restaurant for dinner. Delicious. Our first real dinner since we had been abroad. Then we headed back to Andrea's, drank some tea, chatted with Andrea and Frederick about everything under the sun, then headed to bed.

The next morning, Andrea was gracious enough to drive us around the city so we didn't have to pay for public transport. So great. We headed first to the house used as The Von Trappe home in the movie. It is now a University. We were so excited to see it! Then we walked to a garden near a big castle where the gazebo in which they sing "I am Sixteen Going on Seventeen" is placed. Then we drove back into the city and explored. Andrea knew so much about the city; basically we were given a personal tour for free. We saw beautiful Cathedrals (one which is in the movie - the graveyard scene at the end), buildings, parks, and fountains. We also stopped for our daily pastry which was a pastry similar to an apple strudel.

After our walk around the city, Andrea dropped us off at the train station where we felt like we were saying goodbye to our mom. She was so great, and we were really sad to leave! But we were on to our next adventure ..... Esslingen, Germany which is a small town outside of Stuttgart, Germany. Salzburg was beautiful, and I would love to go back again one day!

Goodbye Austria, and Hello Germany!

Adventure Five: Prague, Czech Republic

Prague. Oh Prague.

Started out rough but ended wonderfully! Steph and I left Barcelona reminiscing on all the funny and pretty moments of our time there. We miss B, Rose's stories, Billford's faces, Pat's dance moves, and Kramme. But we shall see it all again soon in Swansea!

Moving on, we arrived in Prague safely and happily ... until the language barrier hit us. However, the Lord provided. We met a sweet man while boarding the plane in Barcelona who lived in Prague and after we arrived he graciously took the time to help us purchase the correct bus tickets that would lead us to our hostel for the night. Our 10 dollar a night hostel. Yeah, we were sketched out a little too. Little did we know, that hostel would help to make our stay in Prague the absolute best. The hostel was huge ... Plus Prague Hostel. The guy at the reception desk was SO helpful. He put us three girls in a huge room to ourselves, with decently comfy beds, and our own bathroom with extremely hot water .... it was heaven.

Unfortunately, our meeting up with Lindsey did not take place. Lindsey had a rough time getting to Prague .... so she ended up staying with a friend that night. We missed her. And Steph purchased a train ticket to Austria for the wrong day by mistake, so she had to purchase another, which she ended purchasing for the wrong day again, so she had to purchase a third, this time for the correct day. Rough night, but all is well now!

We spent the next day roaming Prague, seeing everything it had to offer. It also happened to be the week of their big Easter Market in the center of their Old Town. There were stands with homemade food, pastries, jewelry, clothes, etc. It was great. We saw many old, beautiful buildings ... pictures to come when I get back to Swansea. We also took probably a few billion pictures at the John Lennon Peace Wall ... the only place in Prague where graffiti is legal. Even though I know very little about Mr. Lennon, I like his Peace wall a bunch.

Before crossing The Charles' Bridge ... the big bridge you see in all the pictures of Prague .... we saw a group of what we thought were Czech sailors. So Steph asked for a picture, and they informed us they were not sailors ... just guys selling tickets for the boat rides. This is where we met Bayo ... such a gracious person! We talked to him about America, our time in Prague, our day of touring the city, and he got us into the boat ride for FREE which included free snacks and drinks, and an hour long boat ride around Prague. Such a blessing! Great day in Prague.

That night Steph and I took advantage of the free sauna in the hostel. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to Prague ... relaxing in a sauna, with diet coke and snacks, listening to Coldplay, and talking to someone who is becoming one of my dearest friends. Traveling around Europe on a tight budget, with a fellow college student who shares your same passion of chocolate, brings two people together like I can't explain. Then we took advantage of the free internet ... of course!

The next morning we were up early for our six hour train ride to Salzburg, Austria. We said goodbye to Prague, but we looked forward to the city where the Sound of music was filmed .... we couldn't wait to sing The Hills Are Alive at the top of our lungs ... in the mountains .... with our hair in braids .... wearing red and white striped skirts .... just kidding .... kinda.

Love you all!!

Adventure Four: Barcelona, Spain

Hello Barcelona!

First off, the city was beautiful AND there was a beach. What more could a girl ask for? Oh I know .... wonderful friends to spend four days in Barcelona with ... never mind, God gave me that too. 12 of us Americans managed to squeeze into an apartment that was meant for 8 people. But no worries, we made it work! I have never felt so close to these people; I have spent the majority of my time abroad with them and I just realized how hard it will be to leave them when I go home. I hate thinking about it! We are all so different, but I have been given an opportunity to be an example and witness. It's been such a great experience living, talking, sharing, and having so much fun with this group of people. All I know is I have a whole page of hysterical quotes from Barcelona ... so fun.

Second, we went on a bike ride. Yes, we did. Pretty sure I haven't taken a ride on a bike since I was maybe twelve years old ... on my white and pink bike. So needless to say when I heard "bike ride," my joy turned into absolute fear. However, it turned out being the best part of Barcelona. Five of us rented bikes, with little bells on 'em, and rode around Barcelona for two hours. It was amazing. I might have almost run over a small child, but it was definitely his fault .... I think. Anyways, we saw the Sagrada Familia (a beautiful, huge, Gothic church), the bull fighting arena, Spain's version of the Arc de Triomphe (the original is in Paris), and the beach! Our map of the city, which was placed in Steph's back pocket, ended up falling out and we got lost. But Steph used her perfect Spanish speaking skills to find our way home. Again, it was amazing.

Third, we didn't actually eat local food, but we made some good food. A group of us bought pasta, several sauces, garlic cheese bread, and made one delicious dinner ... while listening to some good music. It's one of those memories that wasn't a big deal at the time, but I will remember for a long time.

I hated to leave Barcelona, and I hated even more to leave my friends. However, on Monday we all separated into smaller groups to continue our travels around Europe. Steph, Lindsey, and I are ready to take on Europe together! Our next stop: Prague! Once again, God has been so good. He has kept us safe traveling, and He has blessed us with so many great opportunities. I can't explain the joy He has brought me just in four short days in one city. I can't wait to see what comes next.

European Spring Break

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5

Unfortunately, I will not be taking my computer with me over our four week break because one, I have to fit four weeks of clothing into a "backpacking backpack," so no room for the bright pink Mac; two, I would absolutely hate for my only connection to the outside world to be stolen, and three, knowing myself, I will somehow manage to drop it, damage it, or even destroy it by the end of my journey. So, needless to say I will be doing my very best find a computer during my travels so I can update you and assure you that I am still alive and well! On that note, here are our journey details, in case y'all would like to follow!

"The Lord will guide you continually ..." Isaiah 58:11

March 19: Barcelona, Spain
March 22: Prague, Czech Republic
March 25: Sazlburg, Austria
March 27: Esslingen/Stuttgart, Germany
March 29: Geneva/Interlaken, Switzerland
April 2: Rome and the Vatican on Easter
April 5: Florence, Italy
April 7: Venice, Italy
April 9: Athens, Greece
April 14: London, England
April 15: Back to good ole' Swansea!

8 Countries. 12 Cities. 28 days.

Hello Spring Break!

Please keep us in your prayers! I will be traveling with Stephanie and Lindsey, both from UT, and we would love to know that our friends and family back home are praying for us! Please pray for safety, travel, health, and that God would not only guide us but also teach and show us amazing things while we explore Europe together. I am so thankful and truly blessed to have this opportunity; God is so good, and I pray that everywhere I go I will find His beauty, His blessings, His faithfulness, and His love.

I will update as often as I possibly can!

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. I Chronicles 16:34