Prague!

Hey everyone! Sorry I have not updated since now. It was partly due to lack of time, and because I forgot my password and couldn't log into my own blog. Go ahead, laugh, it's pretty funny ;) Yesterday was my first European flight alone. I was a bit nervous at first, finding my way through the Charles de Gaulle airport, but I managed pretty well. In the bus on our way to the airplane I met two couples from Michigan!! It was so great to talk about home :) They were so sweet and gave me their numbers in case I needed anything in Prague. I'm amazed by how God takes care of every little detail. I arrived in Prague yesterday morning; It is so beautiful here! I'll try and post a picture soon :) I'm really looking forward to my week here with the Nichols family. Keep you updated on my Czech adventure!

Love,

Summer

Hi friends :)
Can you believe I have been in France for seven weeks? I can't. God has truly taught me so much during my time here. How to serve when I don't want to, and to rely on Him completely. If you ever get the chance to get out of your comfort zone, live in a different culture, and experience things you never thought you would.. do it! I cannot tell you how much God has used this time to deepen my relationship with Him, my family and friends. Another benefit of living four thousand miles away from your normal life is: perspective. Realizing what is and is no important. Our time on this earth is so short, and I want to spend my days in complete surrender to Christ and His plans for my life. Even if it means missing out on the first year of college, and being away from family and friends for months.
I'm so excited to travel to Czech Republic in two weeks :) Please pray for safe travels. This is my first flight alone in Europe, and I'm a bit nervous. I fly home to Michigan in 30 days!! Can't wait to see you all.
All my love,
Summer Brooke

Bonjour! 

I can't believe I have been here for five weeks! Seems like a lot longer, but looking back it went by so fast. In the past five weeks I have been to a missionary conference in Poland, vacationed in Krakow, toured Auschwitz, picnicked in Paris, visited Disney and the Chateau de Chantilly. I even managed to pick up a little french along the way. Although, I still have difficulty pronouncing 99.9% of the words. 

Many have asked what my plans are for the next two months, and I have postponed sharing because I wanted to pray and consult my parents first. My two month commitment of nannying is up September 28th. I will have been in France for 63 days :) I plan on (Lord willing) flying to Prague, Czech Republic September 29th to visit the Nichols.(Missionary family I have known for years) I will be in Prague for a week or two, fly back to Paris, and then home to MICHIGAN. So about the second week of October. I'm really excited to see what God has planned for my last month in France, and trip to Czech. Can't wait to see you all :)

with love,

Summer

Hey Everyone!
I keep meaning to update, but it's hard to find time! The Cross kids and I are enjoying their last days of summer vacation. Fun activities like slip&slide, sprinkler-trampoline jumping, going to the pool and Disney next week! Mr. Cross, and Claire are doing a half triathlon this Sunday. Makes me feel pretty bad about just sitting home and eating chocolate. Warning: I may not be recognizable upon returning home, since I will have gained about 40 pounds in chocolate and bread. 
I would now like to take the time to thank all of you mothers. wow. I have so much respect for the work you do in raising kids! Sometimes I get overwhelmed, and I'm just the nanny :) Mom, you are wonderful.
Hope all my friends starting college are having a great first week! Praying for you guys.
With love,
Summer Brooke

After living in Europe for three weeks, I have learned a thing or two. 

1. It's quite common to see castles. everywhere.

2. European cereal is far superior to American. Chocolate squares with nutella in the center. SO good.

3. Pandora is not available here, which makes me sad.

4. A French dinner consists of four courses (at least). 

5. They have a meal in between lunch in dinner (Guteau)

6. Bread and Chocolate is served at almost every meal

I have been trying to tech Audrey (the baby) to say Summer. Yesterday she say Nummer a couple times :) Which could either mean she can't pronounce her "s", or that she wants to eat me. (Num-Num is said when she wants to eat) I'm hoping for the first, however she did bite Thomas yesterday. Here is a picture of us from conference in Poland:

Bittersweet.

Today my best friend left for college. The college we both visited, fell in love with, and made plans to attend this fall. Well she is headed down to Nashville to Lipscomb University, and I am in France as a nanny for a missionary family. When I look back I wonder how I got here?! Don't get be wrong, I love being here, and am so thankful for this opportunity to serve. Still, part of me wishes Carlissa and I were heading into this new chapter of our lives together. She has been my best friend since fourth grade, and the fact that I won't see her until Christmas breaks my heart. I'm so glad God has my future planned out, because I have absolutely no idea. Hopefully I will attend Lipscomb next fall :) But I will go wherever God calls me. I know His plans are far better than mine! Missing all my friends and family back home! Thank you for your continual prayers&support!
With love,
Summer

I keep meaning to update, but the past couple of days have been so busy! The house is going through some major renovations, including new paint, bedroom, bed, and window! There has also been a moth problem Mrs. Cross and I are trying to solve. I think the only solution is to freeze or throw out a lot of food, and deep clean all the cupboards in the kitchen. I did have the afternoon off yesterday :) Friends I met at the conference (we worked in the nursery together) came over yesterday, and we went to tour the Chateau de Chantilly. If you get a chance google it. Kellie and I watched the kids (plus two friends) last night while the adults went to dinner :) 

This morning Thomas, Audrey and I went to the neighborhood park. I constantly have to pinch myself, I still can't believe I'm in France. It is so beautiful here :) I have been making dinner lately too! And no, it hasn't burned (yet). School for the kids starts in three weeks. I think Mrs. Cross and I are looking forward to having a schedule, and routine. Hope you all have a great night! 

Love,

Summer