Our Story: London, Part 4

"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; 

even the hard pathways overflow with abundance." 

- Psalm 65:11

{you can read Our Story: London parts 1-3 and a summary here.}


There have been so many interesting things here for us. The ups and downs of surgery, culture shock, graduate school, and finding our way in a new place. We have made some of the most amazing friends - deep and wide relationships that will last a lifetime. 

It has not been easy, but it has been unbelievably beautiful. 

Remember my cake post? Well, we are still firm believers in loving the messy, this-is-not-what-I-thought-it-would-be life; and that laughter heals much. 

Psalm 65:11 verse is the theme verse of this year in London. God has truly crowned our year here with a harvest that will last - friendships that encourage, memories that will never fade, and travel opportunities and experiences that we never could've had any other way. He doesn't promise bliss without the hard; He promises that the hard places will "overflow with abundance" - and thankfully, God is faithful. 

What mighty praise, O God, 

belongs to You in Zion.

We will fulfill our vows to You, 

for You answer our prayers. 

All of us must come to You.

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins

You forgive them all.

What joy for those You choose to bring near, 

those who live in Your holy courts. 

What festivities await us

inside Your holy temple.

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, 

O God our Savior. 

You are the hope of everyone on earth, 

even those who sail on distant seas. 

You formed the mountains by Your power

and armed Yourself with mighty strength.

You quieted the raging oceans

with their pounding waves

and silenced the shouting of the nations. 

Those who live at the ends of the earth

stand in awe of Your wonders.

From when the sun rises to where it sets, 

You inspire shouts of joy.

You take care of the earth and water it,

making it rich and fertile.

The river of God has plenty of water;

it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,

for You have ordered it so.

You drench the plowed ground with rain,

melting the clods and leveling the ridges.

You soften the earth with showers

and bless its abundant crops.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; 

even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, 

and the hillsides blossom with joy.

The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,

and the valleys are carpeted with grain.

They all shout and sing for joy!

Psalm 65