I just finalized our May – yes, this May – travel plans to Europe including a stay in Lisieux, France. I have been so busy packing, unpacking, re-packing, and making reservations and arrangements for our home and Toby, that it has been difficult to see past the logistics of planning.

Until this morning.

This morning, as I reached for and read favorite passages from The Story of a Soul, the autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, I was finally able to step into the excitement of our journey. I can barely believe that I get to sit and be in the sanctuary and convent where St. Therese prayed and lived for her twenty-four short but inspiring years, and that Les and I get to enter into all of this adventure, together.

Truthfully, I am a little afraid of missing trains or going down in planes or falling over small stones and breaking bones, but I am also profoundly grateful for the opportunity that we have been given – by grace, health, and encouragement from others – to explore and experience the land, cultures and people of France and Spain. The key to not letting my fears steal from this joy, I am reminded, is to give a gentle nod of notice to fear, then to turn, as I am able, to Love.

I may find time and wifi to post along the way, so check in now and then if you are interested in following along. For now, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from St. Therese, and for always, my love.