After DC, we flew to Brussels.
This was my first time in Europe, so everything felt brand new. Exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Also, we had never left our kids for this long, and even though I prepped everything, freezer meals, rides, the whole system, I still felt that mom tension in my chest.
That quiet question that says, what if something happens and I’m far away?
But in that same space, I kept sensing the Lord nudging me to loosen my grip. Not because I don’t love my kids, but because I do. And because I’m not the one holding the whole world together. I had done all the prep to make everthing easy and smooth for the kids, I needed to relax and trust the God has the rest.
We made it to Brussels, but the travel day was long. Customs took two hours, and by the time we reached the hotel, I was ready to collapse. Of course, right across the street was construction, with non-stop jackhammering that made the room shake. Sleep was going to be hard.
Not exactly the soft, romantic arrival I imagined.
Belgium surprised me, it was beautiful, historic and unique. After work, Grant and I spent some time exploring, eating Belgium waffles and of course trying many delicious chocolates. I mean when in Belgium right?
The next day, we took a train to Ghent.
That day was lovely. Mild, overcast, calm. The kind of weather that makes everything feel a little softer, like the sky is muted on purpose. it was the perfect day for exploring.
We went to the Gravensteen castle, This castle was built in 1180 by Count Philip who wanted to build a castle twice as big as other so he could intimidate his neighbors. Such a man thing to do lol.
Let me pause and tell you a funny story.
We’re walking around this ancient castle, learning about medieval life, and before we got too invesed in the tour I needed to use the bathroom. So I asked the lady at the desk where to go, and she directed me.
I walked in… and immediately walked right back out. Nope, nope, nope!
Men and women use the same bathroom!! I thought I walked into the wrong bathroom. But no, men and wormen reallty do use the same bathroom. And its not unusual in other places around Belgium. I decied to hold it. I am not standing next to men at the urinal while I’m waiting for a stall. because like all restrooms that ladies use there is always a wait. Of course it didn’t bother Grant at all. He just walked right in with no hesitation.
No thank you. Absolutely not.
I was laughing and shocked at the same time, like, welcome to Europe, I guess.
Next, We toured a St Bavo’s Cathedral, The cathedral is incredible, and it was built in the 12th century. They church holds reguliar services and mass. People still come in to pray and worship. The architecture is breathtaking, every detail ornate and intentional, stained glass telling stories like sermons made of light.
Standing there felt holy.
Not because I’m impressed by old buildings (even though I am), but because I realized I was praying in the same space where saints have prayed for centuries. Prayers for their families. Their communities. Their nation. Their fears. Their hopes.
And I thought, I’m not the first woman to stand here and ask God to lead her and I won’t be the last. There is something so moving knowing you are joining the chorus of prayers that has been happening for centuries.
While we were there we were able to see the Adoration of the Lamb, which is a paneled art piece that was painted in 1432 by Jan van Eyck. It is an incredible piece of art that had been stolen many times but was preeved and is now on display at the cathedral.
After Belgium, we went to London briefly and then took a train to Paris.
And Paris… Paris was everything.
Grant planed a weekend in Paris for us inbetween his work trip. He knew that I had been longing to go for many years. we arived in the evening an the view form our hotel room was incredible. We could see the whole city. Grant picked a hotel that was away from of the tourist’y stuff tucked away in a cute neighbohood, but the view was simply magical.
We ate dinner at this local place across from our hotel. It was nothing fancy just a small place tucked into a neighborhood. It was delish. I had my first taste of french butter and it is literally the most delicious, creamy butter ever. The whole meal was some of the best food we ever had. I knew if the “simple food” had this level of attention to detail than we were in for a culinary treate here in Paris.
The next day, we did something that felt really meaningful. We hired a photographer.
Grant and I have never had photos done of just the two of us. No wedding photos or anniverery photos nothing like that. So having photos taken in Paris was a gift. Alex and his wife did an incredible job. Grant and I laughed and just enjoyed the process. The images are incredable and You can see the love. The laughter. The way we still choose each other. I am so thankful that we paused and took the time to have pictures taken.
The weather was mild. You didn’t really need a jacket. The sunrise was soft and beautiful, the whole city had that soft glow. The morning light is my favorite kind of light. It is soft and gently wakes up the world Just like God intended. And everywhere we walked, you could smell fresh pastries and coffee.
I’m not being dramatic. It was like a movie.
After pictures, We wandered streets, neighborhoods, parks and landmarks, ate crepes, drank coffee (that honestly ruined me for American coffee), and just took it all in. Every detail I tried to imprint on my memory. We went to Notre Dame, and I stood there in awe of the craftsmanship. The details. The fact that people built that by hand. The day was simply perfect. I think I took a thousand pictures.
On our last night in Paris, Grant surprised me with a dinner cruise on the Seine. Five course dinner on a boat with big windows and a perfect view. Paris at night sliding past us like a postcard. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, all lit up. Simply Gorgeous!
It wasn’t just beautiful.
It reminded me that laughter and love can carry us through hard seasons.
That romance can still exist inside a full life.
That God restored my heart that i haden’t realized felt so heavy. He restored it in the quietest ways, like a warm, perfect and simpl croissant in your hand, a soft sunrise at the Eiffel Tower, and a husband who planned a an increadable and perfect ending to our trip to Paris because he wanted me to know how loved I am by him. I say it all the time but I won the husband lottery.
Paris was the dream come true. I am so grateful for the time we got to spend there.
Stay tuned for part 4.
Love & Blessings,
Tori
