Hello everyone! The year 2025 has been quite eventful for us, so I thought I'd begin with a little timeline…

·      February 25, 2025: We got engaged in Allen Arena during what I thought was just an "interview."
·      June 21, 2025: We got married in my parents' backyard!!
·      August 10, 2025: We moved to Leuven, Belgium, for Will to start his basketball journey.
 
In about six months, we finished our Lipscomb basketball careers and experienced a lot of change. Every change has been amazing in its own way. But as most of you know, change often comes with challenges—spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes even physically.
 
Jalyn's Point of View
 
At the start of 2025, I wrote a "word of the year" in my journal. I had never done that before, but I liked the idea and thought it would be cool to see how the word would unfold over the year. My word was embrace —"an act of accepting or supporting something willingly or enthusiastically."
 
I knew this year would bring a lot of change, but I didn't know exactly what that would look like. Will and I had been talking about marriage, but he was also considering professional basketball. With all the logistics, there was a real chance I might stay in the States to start a job while he played overseas. Thankfully, that didn't happen! Now, we're in Leuven, Belgium—about 30 minutes outside of Brussels.
 
Some quick updates since being here:
·      We've gotten involved in an English-speaking church in Overijse called Redefined Church. My dad knew a friend who had a cousin there—such a God thing. We love the people. The church is very diverse, with members from America, South Africa, and all over the world. We've quickly realized that most people in Belgium don't believe in the gospel, so we see this as a mission field. We know God brought us here for more than basketball, and we pray He uses us to further His Kingdom!
·      We got bikes! Since Leuven is a college town, everybody rides bikes—it's often faster than driving. Cyclists always have the right of way, so when driving, you really have to stay alert.
·      We've made some really sweet friends. There's a couple from Leuven connected to Will's team, and they've been such a help.
 
As I reflect on how God has been working in my life, I'm struck by His goodness and the unique way He orders my steps. I've always lived close to home. I love hanging out with my family and being near them.
 
Jesus says: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children,
brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26
 
Now, hear me out. I don't believe Jesus literally meant for us to sinfully hate our families. Rather, He's calling us to complete surrender, keeping Him as our highest priority—above my husband, above my family. God has blessed me with an incredible husband and family, and I love them deeply. But in this season, I've realized that sometimes I've placed them at nearly the
same level as Jesus. Even if they've never gone above Him, holding them too close in comparison can still be idolatry.
 
Being a disciple means following God's plans even when they don't align with ours. That can be a hard truth. Jesus is meant to be my number one—no questions asked. His plans and calling must come before mine. So, can He satisfy me when I'm upset with my husband? When I'm away from my family for 10 months? Is He enough to satisfy me at the deepest level of my soul—no matter what?
 
I've learned that homesickness, though painful, is a gift. It means I have a family I deeply love. But there must be a healthy balance. God is teaching me to cling to Him alone, reminding me that my deepest fulfillment must come from Him. I'm learning, in real time (even without prison, persecution, or extreme hardship), what Paul meant in Philippians about being content in every
circumstance. I'm not where I want to be yet, but it's refreshing to know I have the hope of Jesus to guide me.
 
Being far from home has also strengthened our marriage tremendously. Married friends always said it takes work, and now I see why. It's been work—but it's also been fun figuring it all out with my best friend. Whether this adventure lasts one year or several, we are trusting the Lord to order our steps. Each day, I'm working to embrace this journey with willingness and enthusiasm—even on the less-than-enthusiastic days.
 
Will's Point of View
These past few months will forever hold core memories for me. As Jalyn mentioned, we got engaged, married, and moved overseas—all in a short span. It's been such a blessing, though not without challenges.
 
We've found a church that welcomed us warmly, and the friends we've made there are an answered prayer. It reminds me of Ephesians 3:20 that says God can do more than we think or imagine.
 
I've also been able to live out a dream for the past few months—playing professional basketball. My teammates and coaches are good people, which makes going to practice each day enjoyable.
 
Leuven is such a unique city. Everyone walks or bikes everywhere. On our very first day here, we were pulling out of the Leuven Bears' office parking lot and almost hit a biker. Then, driving around the city, we got our first fine for going down a street during restricted hours. That was quite the welcome! It didn't take long for us to realize we needed bikes. Jalyn and I joke that buying bikes has been our "best investment so far." It's definitely our favorite way to get around.
 
All in all, this has been an incredible adventure so far, and we know there are more memories to come. God has been teaching me to slow down, sit in stillness, and learn how to be a better husband every day. We continue to pray that we'd remain steadfast in our faith and truly "be where our feet are."
 
God's plans far outweigh anything we have for our life. Once again, here is a reminder of what Ephesians 3:20 says; "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."