Thankfuls From Prague!
I’m thankful that I started my long trip with a full body massage from a sweet lady in a uniform in the security line! Oh it was wonderful! I told her she gave me goose bumps and I would pay her next time if she would come to my house. It got awkward after that… (for her, not me)
I’m thankful that after being SO jealous that Derek got taken aside for a random investigation at customs (In Prague), that I TOO got chosen on the way home to be taken aside! I squealed with delight that I am favored and jumped up and down clapping, while the security man shook his head in disbelief. After he looked at my hands and padded them with some gismo, he led me to the way of the gate and I was incredibly disappointed. “That’s it?” He laughed and said yes. AW man! I wanted a deep tissue rub. Geesh.
I’m thankful that I dug deep into my bravery battle and found enough strength to navigate through a new and foreign city all by myself for three days, where few spoke my language.
I’m thankful that I took those steps into my fear of getting on a train of packed strangers and managed to get off at the right place every day, all alone…while breathing through impending panic attacks.
I’m thankful that each step I took into the unknown brought more courage and joy and more fear to be stepped into… and victoriously embraced, even when I got lost and it was getting dark.
I’m thankful that I had a phone that I could take pictures and then find WiFi to share them with my FB friends, so I wouldn’t feel so alone.
I’m thankful they had free wine at the hotel every night for happy hour. It was lovely… and free. Did I mention it was free?
I’m thankful that while my stomach raged a violent revolt on me for five hours, housekeeping could understand moaning as a “I’m still in here, don’t come in!” all morning.
I’m thankful that once Derek and I were together, we were able to roam free hand in hand and bask in the beauty of all that Prague is…and delight in each other!
I’m thankful that after spending five days with my husband, I can safely say he is the one and only man I could ever, EVER spend that much time with and enjoy every single minute of it.
I’m thankful that I finally had an adolescent dream realized at the tender age of 47… I got to walk the red carpet! And as dreams often do, this one was transformed into something entirely different.
I’m thankful that the city is FULL of illuminating Cathedrals that honor the Holiness of Christ, giving me a stirring jolt to my spirit that realizes the history of His Holiness through awe inspiring art, extravagant decor and angelic imagery.
I’m thankful that although I learned that the city is mostly atheist, Christ lives on in the architecture that lines the streets presenting an aroma that breathes fresh faith from historic faithfuls.
It’s a reflection that His Power still reigns, and His Grace still invites all hearts and souls to choose to wander into His Presence. Hope lingers in the air circulating amidst the crowds that line the cobblestone roads and reaches far beyond any barriers. How can one NOT question and wonder as they view such marvelous works?
I’m thankful that my children remained safe and healthy and SUPER-Grandma was able to get them to all their practices and games and events without missing a beat! (God bless that woman.)
I’m thankful that although the trip there and back was quite grueling and long, I can now hear out of both of my still popping ears and I am starting to feel a bit more settled. A bit. A. Bit.
I’m thankful that after arriving home and sleeping for a few hours…I awoke to my two precious kids laughing in the driveway at 7:00am as Grandma and Aunt Deb dropped them off. I ran down the stairs in my PJs and embraced them with sheer (groggy) joy!
The perfect welcome home gift ever…
I’m thankful that when I was away, I found clarity in sorting through all my passions. Of all the things that I love and all the things I invest my time and effort and energy in, I realized that the most important part is what woke me up that morning.
I am absolutely in love with being a mom to my two incredible children.
Oh how thankful I am for that.
Aww, Chris I loved your trip’s thankful recap here today and looked like such a beautiful and romantic place to visit with your husband. Also, the ending couldn’t have been more perfect with your kids and I know how I would have been if I was away from my girls for a vacation like this that the first thing I would have wanted to do was see and hold them close after it was all said and done! Seriously so happy for you and thank you a million times over for sharing here with us!! 🙂
I swear when I was reflecting on my life and trying to really take inventory of what my life’s goals and dreams and pursuits are… I just kept picturing me with my kids. Each stage and age and cuddle and cry. That’s it. THAT is my passion, most of all. 🙂
Perfect! From beginning to end! Loved every word and picture!
AW! Thanks soooo much sweet friend!!!! 🙂 (Hope you had a MARVELOUS weekend with KARMEN!! SO bummed I couldn’t see you all…)
So thrilled to hear what a wonderful time and experience you had!!!!!!!!! Congratulations sister. Glad you are home with your babies again. Xoxo
Thanks so much sister!! I have t-shirts for the kiddos!! 🙂 Will maybe wait to give them at Thanksgiving….?
Whoa whoa whoa! You’re 47??? For real??? Get. Out.
Chris, this is a wonderful recap and terrific list of thankfuls. What a trip! I just love every part of this post…and I wish I could muster a more detailed and heartfelt reply here, but you know…sick. Still.
But I love you! XO
Bless your BOOTS (Lizzi’s term) for even taking the time to come by sweetie!!! Now go lay DOWN and rest. 🙂 Oh, and YES if you saw all my wrinkles and greys- you wouldn’t be surprised I was 47!! 🙂 I actually wrote a post highlighting all my ‘good parts’ on my birthday! Did you miss that one? You MUST check it out. It’s one of my favorites.
47 Years of Thankfuls – go here! https://www.themomcafe.com/?s=47+years+of+thankful
You know, I did read that one – loved it – and still the age did not register. Duh. 🙂
Well, I think that is a GOOD thing eh? You can forget about the age… 😉
Love every word of this post! Well, except for the stomach pain part. It was so fun to watch your adventure via Facebook. I can just imagine you in the airport messing with the security guards. And wandering around the city just immersed in all of it beauty. Love it!
Thanks hun!! It was an amazing experience!!! But I am still quite bummed I didn’t get more attention from Mr. Customs. I mean, if they are going to pick someone, why not do that full body check? Geesh. 😉
Loved this so much Chris. You wrote it perfectly. Was cracking up at the beginning and crying at the end. SO SO SO glad you took the risk and made this trip! :)-Ashley
Thanks sweet friend. I swear I wanted to be picked! I was so curious what all they do to you!!
And yeah- my kids were the ONLY part of my life I truly missed. 🙂
Oh Chris… this is absolutely fabulous. So many things to be thankful for. What a wonderful trip, an amazing opportunity, and free wine?! Yes! Yes! Yes!
The end though had me misty eyed. I hear you Chris. Being a mom and leading our children the way our Lord asks us to is an honour.
Wishing you a blessed weekend.
xoxo
Thanks so much Jennifer! I wanted to take an ‘inventory’ of my life priorities and passions… as I sifted through many of my loves- I realized over and over again…
I want to be with my babies. I want to be alongside of them each and every day as they grow and experience this world and their lives. I want to embrace the laughter and the tears and the questions and the heartache they will live through. I want every minute of it.
I know how blessed I truly am… I missed NOTHING else the week that I was gone. Just my kids.
You rock that red carpet!
And those free massages too..
I wonder what happened with your stomach? A bug? New food?
I think it’s so amazing that you did this. I’d be so scared. So very scared. Oddly, though, foreign places and crowds and getting lost in the dark? Not panic attack inducing to me the same way some very familiar and comfortable things are.
I’m weird.
Isn’t it interesting how different people really experience anxiety? Fascinates me- different people. All of us and how we experience life. Hmm…
I have NOT idea what happened- but I don’t recall violently throwing up like that in years. I was so dizzy and nauseous I couldn’t barely get to the toilet….
You get a massage at the airport!!!? I am so taking a trip. LOL
If I remember correctly, I do hope it’s not a repeat of what happened on my return trip from Jamaica years ago. seems people try to sneak some stuff out that country……
Loved your recap and so happy for you that the trip was All That, and that coming home was special kind of wonderful too.
Thanks so much sweet friend! That rub down was seriously wonderful… she had such a gentle touch! (not kidding)
And yes- HOURS in several LINES to get through security checks and customs… I’m sure it is necessary, but waaaay long and exhausting!
Hi Chris! Your photos are just amazing. What a great list of thanks to the Lord who led you all the way. Never getting lost on foreign buses? That is a miracle my friend 🙂
But best of all, you fell deeper in love with your husband, despite your GI issues (totally empathize, I have a hair-trigger colon myself). Love that red-carpet shot too. A bucket list item you can joyfully check off!
Sunday blessings 🙂
Ceil
Thanks SO much Ceil!!! I was SO glad I made it back safely!! Serious miracle!! 🙂 And yes- my stomach was NOT happy about something- not sure what, but it clearly wanted everything OUT. Just so glad it didn’t last too long.
Red carpet dream realized, INDEED!!! lol
Prague’s my favourite place to be… you always feel so grateful there, for everything it offers you 🙂 Nice photos, I could imagine your experience as if I had been there with you!
Oh it is just sooo beautiful, isn’t it Lily? You sound like you have been around the world!!! I wonder where you have traveled? Where should we go NEXT? 😉
What a wonderful vacation (with the exception of the stomach bug, of course). It can be intimidating to explore the unknown, but you sure found some beautiful sites! It is amazing how many places one can find religious symbolism, isn’t it?
OH Kristi- it was breathtaking to see so much symbolism and artwork and structures that just glorified Christ! It truly lifted my spirit into this beautiful realization of all the history of the saints and deeply faithful followers through the ages. Just amazing.
I don’t think this post is actually linked up to the blog hop. I’m going to try to link it for you, though I’m not sure I’ll be able to.
OH NO!!! Crap! I wrote mine early on Friday when there wasn’t a link up yet and I swear I thought I went over and linked up! I went over and saw I was- THANK YOU HONEY!!!!!
Oh, my goodness! Look at all of the brave and wonderful things you did! I am so proud of you! You are my hero! Shine on, my beautiful friend. xo
AW!! Coming from you, that means the WORLD to me Topaz!!! Thanks love. So very much. 🙂
Looks like a complete fun trip for u!! Its sucha amazing place to be. Gonna be one of the destination next for sure !
It was a great time Rashmi!! The city was absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for coming by to take a peek!!
HEEEYYY CHRIS!!! I’m baaacckk!!! Oh how I’ve missed this place girl! And look what I come back to! Your pictures are breathtaking!! And YES, I’m absolutely proud of you for tackling foreign ground all.by.yourself for a few days…you go girl! So glad you enjoyed yourself! I leave for a few months and you get all fancy on me with a “real” picture and all…no more avatar,lol! Your babies are sooo adorable! Love you girlie!! Have a wonderful rest of your week! xoxo
I swear I stood up and SQUEALED when I saw your comment Michell!! My husband was all “What are you freaking out about?” And I was all “MICHELL IS BACK!!!” He was all… “Who is Michell?” Geesh. 😉
He should KNOW YOU!! LOL
I love you, and I missed you SO MUCH!!!
SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
(Oh that pic is from a coupon at jc penney. HA! It does the job, right? That’s how I roll baby!)
I’m so glad you made it home safe! It sounds like you had an amazing trip, except for the half day stomach bug. Love the pictures, especially the last one of your adorable babies :). Being a mom is my greatest passion as well. Sorry you didn’t get the rubdown at the airport you were hoping for. Maybe next time ;)…
I really enjoyed your body image post on your friends site. Thanks so much for referring me to it. I left a comment there too. It’s always great visiting with you, Chris!
I’m SO glad you took the time to go over and read it Candace!! I will check out your comment. Keep being your BEAUTIFUL self… ya know, the one that angels see and God sees… the one that friends see and family sees and all those who love you see. Keep being the person that people will remember with all that MATTERS most… that you lived life with intention and love and faith. And you endured through tough battles with authenticity and compassion and purpose.
I had to read the first paragraph twice before it dawned on me that you were talking about in the security line..(its totally me not you). OMG DYING that is the way to travel!
I seriously wanted MORE from that first woman! She literally gave me goosebumps! 🙂 Thank GOD they have someone with a soft touch… it was just lovely. lol Too bad they don’t do deep tissue massages… I was disappointed.