#bikinginthewoods

[pryorinc]

You can only get this view on two legs or two wheels. #hike #bike #walkinthewoods #bikinginthewoods #cyclelife #hikinglife #vegancyclist #veganhiker #blackvegan #blackcyclist #blackhiker #hiker #biker #cyclist https://www.instagram.com/p/CFWOPa6pz7F/?igshid=zti9nb7t8lfg

[impartofthesolution]

The best life

I have the best life.  Literally, Germany has been amazing.  I stand by every decision I've made.  I would choose this life over a life of partying, trips to everywhere, and constant contact with other exchange students any day.  Yes, I've had some hard, trying times, but they do result in trusting God more. I would argue that I'm experiencing Germany the way it should be experienced.  I live with a host family over an hour away from my university, but it is so so much more than that.  I get to become a German for 5 months, living like one and talking like one.  And I'm so thankful for all of the people who have helped me fit in to the small groups and youth group, the people with whom I commute to or from church and the people with whom I can play game or pray. I'll give an example of how perfect it is right now.  The day started right with praise and worship and a message from God.  But even before that, I ran into some friends on the way and joined them on their journey.  The church service included the Lord's Supper and a prayer for healing.  My return trip home took me through the woods with its blossoming trees and lush foliage on this gorgeous spring day.  Later, my host mother made a tasty dinner and we followed it up with a sweet and delicious berry cobbler. But the best part was the evening.  I got to hang out with other German youth and just chill.  (Funny story, Germans also use the verb “chillen,” meaning “to chill”).  We laughed, told stories, danced a little (definitely not me), ate some food, played Janga, and spent time in prayer.  I didn't head home until almost 1AM.  The following description is what completes the best life, my life. It was drizzling lightly and the smell of rain was refreshing.  I was walking on suburban streets under a canopy of trees on the way back to my house.  The streetlights are terrible at illuminating the sidewalks, so I was able to walk without glaring lights in my eyes.  It was quiet; I didn't see one car in over ten minutes of walking.  All there was was my footsteps and the sound of the rain.  It was warm, and it really felt like spring.  Me, the trees, the rain. So now I lay in bed with my window opening, falling asleep to the sound of rain as I reflect on how blessed I really am.  God has provided a family of friends who care and support me and I can in return bless and encourage them.