L’aventure commence

Written 04/21/16 of 04/19/16

Long story short: when I landed in Brussels, everything went smooth at the airport. The passport-checker man told me to cut my hair so I  would once again look like the child in my photo.

Cool detail: my mom’s neighbor handed me a few Euros before I left home, which allowed me to purchase my public transit pass, and kept me from having to exchange money right away.

Leaving the airport, I went the right direction for a little while, then the wrong direction for a long while. I had help going the wrong direction a few times by very nice people, and my French got me in trouble a few times (I have no French). I went to the last stop on the wrong tram (then enjoyed the return ride to where I had started), I rang the wrong call bell (mainly because I was tired-I was 90% sure I was on the wrong street but figured I would give it a shot-it was the right number!), and I walked entirely too far with my backpack and 2 barely-under-50 lb. suitcases (FYI road signs are a bit different here).

But, this made the eventual arrival glorious. (I’m thankful the flat was only on the “3rd” floor.)

One major detail of the Europe script was being played out. My flight for Africa was through Brussels. I have friends in Brussels. I was trying to backpack throughout Europe, adjusting the first leg of my journey by about 6 weeks. One does not backpack through Europe with 100 lbs. of additional luggage bound for Liberia. My friends saved the day. The cool thing was, they played this part without even being in Brussels! They had travel plans, but connected me with a good friend (Jerry) who would help me out!

Jerry is the man. He has lived some of the stories I dream about…and he handed me a glass of water when I was severely dehydrated. Jerry has a heart for the Lord. The evidence is clear. He knows joy and is unashamed of the Gospel; he’s all in. Jerry shared of months of adventuring to meet, work alongside, and encourage missionaries and churches near and far. He and a friend (of a friend!) were loving like Jesus. This type of work is something I mentioned doing several months back (will be doing in Europe). I loved that Jerry discussed how he wants to bring Gospel truth to people in all the ways we see it delivered in the New Testament; it’s incredibly important that we use all avenues available! I am thankful for the giant world map on the wall that led to all of our discussion.

One of the coolest stories Jerry shared was when he and his friend provided a time of leave for a pastor who had gone 7 years without a sabbatical! That’s a length of time that is hard to even think about–I can only imagine how refreshed that pastor must have been. We also shared of the times we have most experienced the church as family of God (as the church is intended to be).

After much more conversation, a shower, and a final check that I had everything in my backpack, it was time to head out. Jerry “just happened” to have a single pass for the tram; he gave it to me. He prayed for me as I was leaving. It wasn’t a casual prayer, but an intentional one. Though he prayed for safety, the focus of the prayer was that God would work, and that the love of Jesus would be known (this is how we should be praying). I am extremely thankful for this brother in Christ. I was excited to pray for Jerry as well, and I know God is going to continue using him in mighty ways.

I left to meet my first European couch surfing hosts. I took the correct trams. I found Wi-Fi, and was able to communicate and meet up easily. Travel was light without a suitcase in each hand. My host, Justina, treated me to a wonderful tour of the highlights in Brussels. It’s a beautiful city full of color and liveliness, architecture and culture, chocolate and outdoor eateries. I saw the flowers left memorializing the lives taken in the airport attacks; that was a somber experience.

After walking a few kilometers (loving the correct units over here), we went for a French meal, my first of the day (I snacked throughout). I didn’t know what was going on so I just decided to have whatever Justina was ordering. It turned out to be just like a burger, only without the condiments, and with rye bread replacing the burger bun. Oh yea, it was also completely uncooked and served over a plate of lettuce. It was not the most appealing thing my eyes have seen, but it was great (I didn’t taste any bacteria).

I was able to hang out with Justina and Alex (flatmate) back at the flat; the other flatmates weren’t around. It was awesome hearing about Justina’s work with European Parliament, and Alex’s studies as he is completing his master’s degree in nuclear engineering. Alex was talking about the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, which was music to my ears. Alex is from Italy and Justina is from Lithuania. They shared of places traveled and I was able to share about Liberia and my friend Joe, as well as this precursor adventure and previous experiences. It was exciting meeting new friends my first night in Europe, and being warmly welcomed (the church could take some tips from couch surfing hosts). Justina and Alex helped me find the cheapest possible bus ticket for Paris the next morning, before heading to sleep. We also talked about guns; that was fun. I had an awesome night’s rest on an air mattress they provided, then headed for the bus station. I wish I had remembered to take a picture with them; maybe when I return to Brussels!

I decided to walk (5-6 kilometers) to the bus station to take in the city since I had time, rather than taking a perfectly good bus (from directly outside their flat). That time dwindled, and I couldn’t find the station. I wound up frantically taking a bus. I went approximately 2.5 blocks and arrived at my station. I basically paid a taxi rate to get around the corner. I saw that coming. I tried to discuss with the bus driver, but I don’t speak any French (I feel ignorant) and he didn’t speak any English; he thought I was a moron. What to learn from this last story: sometimes we need help getting back on track, even when we think we have everything figured out. Sometimes we are closer than we think. Always pick up a map. Your ability to communicate, and to communicate in a way that can be understood, is crucial. Encourage your kids to learn something other than English, at an early age, when absorption rates are high (maybe multiple somethings).

After arriving just in time to catch the bus to Paris…the bus to Paris was late. While waiting, I was asked to be filmed while fake-boarding a bus for some Belgian TV network; I hope I make the cut. I hopped on the double decker bus bound for Paris and enjoyed the ride through the countryside to the next page of the story.

I would say many of us from the United States are more ignorant of the rest of the world than we might like to think (My current perception, don’t get angry…even in our claiming the term “Americans” when there are many American people groups). Something to ponder. More stories from the French adventure coming soon.

#LETMEINTRODUCEYOU

#lovedoes #JesusisLord

Some of you have asked about making donations/my financial situation:

Liberia (including the flight): covered. {Praise God}

Month of July in Puerto Rico with team and as interim intern: no funding as of now.

Europe: I’ve had a few people contribute to this adventure. If you would like to take part by donating, that would be awesome. If you are hesitant for any reason, please don’t. I strive to make best use of all resources (time, money, talents, gifts); stewardship is important. Please follow along through stories and pictures-feel free to share. Disclaimer: you will see pictures of me smiling, having fun next to monuments and natural landscapes, and meeting with people. No funds raised will ever be spent on personal entertainment or above-average meals.

Donations can be received instantly through paypal.me/greghelms. Tax deductible donations can be made out to Mt. Pleasant UMC with my name and the trip you wish to support in the subject line. These can be mailed to 1260 N. College Street, Mt. Pleasant, NC, 28124. To everyone who has supported me in any way: thank you.

This post is now 4x longer than I anticipated…