In the days preceding our move to Greece from America, I was on the phone with a friend and he suggested that I should start a journal to chronicle my thoughts and experiences surrounding our new life in Greece. Right when he said that, everything inside me knew that he was right. From here on out, I will occasionally be sharing thoughts and details about our experiences of re-locating to Greece to start a non-profit organization to aid in the humanitarian and war refugee crises taking place in the Mediterranean & Middle East. I hope that through opening up my heart through journaling, my words will not only be a source of introspect for myself, but also encourage you on your journey, wherever you may be <3
“La vie en rose” loosely translates from French in English to, “life in pink.” It comes from the popular French expression “voir la vie en rose“, which literally means ’’seeing life in pink.” This phrase has become a routinely thought about notion in our life ever since our dear friend Samira (@alphafoodie) began to frequently play a song of this title on her Instagram stories. An upbeat dance tune, La Vie en Rose by DJ Antoine is not the typical type of music that we listen to in our household, but the more we heard it, the more we enjoyed it. What stood out to me the most in this song was the message: “la vie en rose, your life is what you make it, so go ahead and take it.” The concept that “seeing life in pink” is up to us really resonates with me.
You see, I believe that joy is a choice. No matter what your circumstances in life may be, there is always, always something to find joy in. Seeing life in this perspective however, especially in deeply difficult circumstances, takes intention beyond our own strength, it takes faith.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ” HEBREWS 11:1
Faith is the one and only thing that allows us to “see life in pink” despite how difficult moving to Greece has been. Faith in knowing that we were called to this land. Faith in understanding that we have been appointed to this great task of laying down our life in order to aid those who cannot help themselves. You see, it is not by our own strength that we will accomplish any of the things that we have set out to do here in Greece, it is through faith in our Maker that we will be empowered to be world changers.
After all, that is why we are here after all – to change the world. For we are here on this earth, not just to find our own fulfillment, but to be a part of helping others find theirs. I have come to fully understand that one cannot find their own fulfillment in life outside of making a difference in the lives of others. When you pursue what you are passionate about, you will find your purpose and by all means, the by-product of finding your purpose in life will equate to you helping others find theirs.
All of the truths I have written above stand as the foundation for which we are building our new life on. And if any of you have ever been a part of constructing a home or a building, than you know that it is a very, very slow process. As of the writing of this post, I would equate the stage of our “new life” building to be at the point of the cornerstone being laid. We are at the very beginning of what is going to be a lengthy and strenuous process, with many delays and frustrations, that will surely all be worth it in the end. Because what we are building is so much bigger than just me and my hubby. We are building something that will affect more people than we can imagine and for that, we are eternally grateful and able to “see life in pink” no matter what trials come along the way.
To all of you who are reading this, I just want to send you a sincere thank you, for the love, encouragement and support – just knowing that there are people all over the world standing in faith with us on this new journey gives us so much strength and fuels us with even more hope <3
Lots of love,
b e l l a
Oh Bella! I am bawling after reading this- It resonated deep within my heart so much and your words are words that also are very much how I view the world and our time here- I am SO thrilled you decided to make the choice to share your journey. Hugs and much love to you and your husband as you continue to make a difference in this world- not only to the refugees- but to those whose lives you touch daily.
Oh Lori! I cannot thank you enough for your endless support and encouragement…each post I share, I truly feel more and more connected to you. I am beyond grateful for you and am so so happy that this post encouraged you! I appreciate you so much!
Bella I could not agree with this (all of it) more. Joy is a choice we get to choose everyday. I love following your journey!!! Much love to you both. xox
Awwww….thank you SO much Rebecca…I appreciate the love from you more than you know! Much love to you too! p.s. CANNOT WAIT for your cookbook!
Sending you love!
thank you bb! miss you!
Lately I have been thinking exactly about how we have to choose joy everyday. It’s so easy to find something to be unhappy about no matter what situation we are in. This post was so encouraging for me and I have been loving following along on your stories about your move. <3
You are so right…if only we could all seek out the positive versus the negative, our lives would be so much sweeter! I am so grateful that this post encouraged you! Thank you for your support!
At a time when there is so much war and hatred in the world, to see someone who has actively chosen to make a difference is inspiring. Mathew 25:36-40 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ … And the Lord will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
In America we talk about building walls, and keeping people out. We don’t want out lives to be affected. We want to keep the riffraff out. We don’t put a human face to the refugees. But in other places all over the world, there is no choice it is the reality that faces you every day. Refugees are in your city, in your towns, sleeping in the streets. You can either turn your face away or you turn to see Christ and do what you can.
May God bless you and your husband. With love from another servant of God.
Oh Alexandra…your words literally brought tears to our eyes (I read your comment aloud to my husband!) Thank you so much for your love and support, we can feel it through the computer screen! And thank you for standing in faith with us!
WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<3
Yeshua Hach Mischia Yahweh !!!!!!!!
Indeed!!!!!!
Isous Xristos Thespotis Sotiras Theos Pantokrateras !!!!!!!
Alithea!!!!!
As BEAUTIFUL as the pictures of all the roses were, the Word of your caption was profoundly more Beautiful!!! And the Life that all the people receive that need your help will be THE MOST Beautiful of ALL!!!!!!!
That means so much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Jesus THE Christ IS God Almighty!!!
YES!
Beautifully written and I know it really does come from your heart. I was going to write, I can’t wait to see how God is working in your lives, however, He already is and people all around the world are already seeing it as well!
Sending prayers my friend! I love that God has brought you there. You are doing great things !!
Thank you so so much Andi…we are truly so grateful to have friends like you supporting us and encouraging us along our way!
Beautifully written. It’s so inspiring to read these thoughts- may we all see life in pink! Good luck dearest Bella 💕
Thank you sweet Sylvie! Yes indeed!
I think that chronicling your experiences in a journal is a wonderful idea and I wish I would have done the same when I moved to Trinidad – would have made the transition much easier!! Such a beautiful post Bella!! I hope that settling in becomes easier and easier as the days go by!! Wishing you all the patience – (which also requires faith and Gods spirit) and so much success on your journey!! Love that you quoted Hebrews too btw!!
Thank you sweet Joanne! I am truly grateful for all of your support and appreciate your love and kindness so so much!
Honestly, I am crying. Firstly it has made me realise how fortunate I am in my life and I will from here forth never complain about the silly little issues I face when there is so much more happening around me.
Secondly, What beautiful and heart warming words. You my friend are a modern day angel who has chosen to do good in the world. There are so very few like you around but the message that you send will very easily transform us into beings like yourself. I’m sure I speak for all that we wish you all the best in this humanitarian act and that your followers including myself are here to support and help in any way we can. God bless you and keep spreading the word. Πατνα αξία και με υγεία 🙏🏼💖
Awwwww….Margaret! I am so so honored that this post had such an effect on you! I truly hoped that it would touch lives and I can feel in your comment that it absolutely touched your heart! Getting messages like these is what keeps me motivated to keep doing what I am doing! Thank you for sharing…I appreciate you so much!
Looking forward to all of your journal entries. Beautiful photographs. Can’t wait to hear about your ministry and your insights. You and Niko are such blessings.
Thank you Helen! We appreciate your support! Sending you guys love!
I wholehearted agree that joy is a choice. As well as gratitude. If only more people can take a moment before starting their day to reflect on these two personal choices, they would be so much happier and be able to extend that to those around them. I’m in awe that you and your hubby are facing your new journey with such grace, bravery, and choosing joy everyday.
Thank you so very much for your love and support Vy. I wholeheartedly agree with you that the choices we make affect those around us!
Your words are so touching and your thoughts are so deep Bella…… I have so much admiration for what you and your husband have set out to do at that little island in my country!
Oh…thank you so much Marilena! Your constant support means so much to us!
You just confirmed my word…joy. I see this was posted a while ago and coming upon it today was perfect timing. Thank you for your thoughts. They are appreciated more than I can say.
Awww…that makes me so happy Rachel! You are so welcome :)