Sunday, September 23, 2012
God's provision...
This week we have so much to celebrate! God has been teaching me so much about the richness of His provision for me, and the amazing ways that He answers prayers.
God has continued to provide opportunities to go on campus, to talk with students, and to have great conversations with so many. I have been continually amazed by the ways that He is orchestrating the timing of our days, and by the way His Spirit has guided us to specific people.
On Monday, we had the chance to go to Paul Valery (the liberal arts campus) and have conversations with a few groups of students. Amy and I were able to talk to two friends - Marleine and Samia - for about an hour before they had to go to class. The girls were so relationally open and friendly! We talked through the Soularium picture postcards with them, and after answering, both girls asked us to respond which photo best represented our lives. Amy was shocked - she said that in the whole last year of going on campus, not one other student has asked her to share like that. We also spent some time sharing about our families, what we studied/are studying (both girls were psychology majors), and our favorite films. We left with a list of their top French movie recommendations and Samia's phone number so we can invite them to come watch a movie with us sometime. What a great opportunity to demonstrate God's love for them just by being sincerely interested in their stories, sharing how God has transformed us, and by offering them our friendship!
Soon after this conversation, we found out that the dossier (apartment application paperwork) that we had submitted for our apartment the previous week had been denied. After a whole week of waiting and hoping, suddenly that hope was gone. To be honest, I felt a bit crushed. I hadn't realized how much of my hope had been invested in finally having a place of my own, not living out of my suitcases anymore, and just feeling settled in somewhere. I had begun projecting my happiness into the future (I'll be happy when...) instead of giving thanks for the present moment and being content now. I hadn't even noticed how much the hope of an apartment meant to me until it was taken away suddenly. And yet...God is still so good! After reflecting, talking it over with Amy, and processing with God, I came to realize just how much my misplaced hopes were affecting me. Even more than that, God reminded me that He had a better plan - that He knew exactly what He was doing, and all I had to do was trust Him.
Sure enough, after having a heart-to-heart with God and my team, we found out Tuesday morning that Jeannette's real estate agent, Emmanuel, had another property he was renting that sounded perfect for us. We visited it Tuesday after language classes, and it seemed like a great fit. However, Emmanuel wasn't sure about all 4 of us living there - he said he would have to check with the actual owner to see if it would be possible, and that he would give us a call back. Just a few hours later, he called Jeannette to give her the good news - not only was it possible, but we could sign the lease the next day! As Jeannette said, "Emmanuel...God is with us!" It was so beautiful for me to see such tangible proof of His provision and His plan in the midst of my own doubt and disbelief. As soon as I surrendered my own hopes and plans to Him, He worked in our situation to give us exactly what He knew we needed in His perfect timing.
All that being said, hopefully Tuesday we will have all the paperwork completed and we can meet up with Emmanuel to pick up our keys and start moving in furniture! If all goes according to plan, we should be living there by Thursday or Friday of this week!
In the meantime, it's back to language school (our third week of classes), and spending time on campus in the afternoons initiating spiritual conversations with French students. Hopefully in the next few days I should be adding a new update about language school, the Majestart party last night, and sharing a few stories about different students we have been blessed to interact with. A bientot for now - I'll write again soon!
Thanks to all who are praying - it means so much! Blessings!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The first week...
Re-Bonjour a tous! It's hard to believe, but we have already been here in Montpellier an entire week! But let's back up...
Sunday: Many goodbyes at church and at the airport...the beginning of our journey via airplane
Monday: A train adventure - after randomly running into Megan's (my teammate) French friend Yann at the Charles de Gaulle train station, we discovered that our train (and his) had been delayed by over an hour because of a fire on the tracks earlier that morning...but as a result we had some great conversations. First, with Yann as we all waited for our trains. Then, on our first train, we met a young man named Pierre-Baptiste that Megan befriended who was kind enough to lend us his phone to call Amy (who was meeting us at the Montpellier train station) to let her know we were running late. On our 2nd train, we met an Englishman (or boy? guy?) Aaron who was taking a break between his undergrad and masters to bike across Italy, and returning home via France. While we were all speaking English together, a young French guy named Florian, who was a reggae- and English-enthusiast, came to chat with us. All in all, a long day of travel made much more pleasant by wonderful people - not to mention all the French people who helped us with our bags! If anyone thinks the French are rude, they just need to travel by train with lots of luggage and they will quickly learn the kindness of French strangers! After a long day, we were welcomed and moved into our temporary apartments and the second-year girls fed us some yummy pizzas.
Tuesday: Our first real day in Montpellier! We started with pains au chocolat (chocolate croissants) in the park and some apartment viewings - nothing we were very enthused about. After a picnic lunch with Amy and Caroline (two of the second-years), we went to the Montpellier Transportation station and waited in a long line to get our tram and bus passes. That evening, Janette (one of the permanent staff members in Montpellier who stinted herself 2 and 3 years ago) welcomed us to her apartment for great quiche and fellowship.
Wednesday: We started Wednesday by going to the train station to get our "12-25" (the train card for people in that age group that gives great discounts for tickets). Next, we had crepes for lunch and then went to see our 3rd apartment - which all of us loved! (Unfortunately, due to some incomprehensible - to us - issues, we were not able to get it). That afternoon, we went onto the 3 main campuses we will be working with this year to hang posters for an event called Majestart Party - an exposition of all different kinds of artwork put on by young, French, Christian artists. The goal of the event for them is to showcase the talents God gave them to glorify Him and share their testimonies with non-Christian friends. It was really exciting to start getting acquainted with the campuses, and to take the time to pray over the students who will be there this year. For dinner, we were invited Chez Skur (to the Skur house - a staff family in Montpellier) to meet Robyn and her beautiful children - we had already met Darrin as he is our resident apartment-hunting assistant! Dinner was wonderful, and a great chance to share together about the ways God had brought each of us to France.
Thursday: Thursday after lunch a group of us went back onto two of the campuses to initiate with students in small groups (of 3). Our goal was to have spiritual conversations with at least two groups of students, and to pray for the students and university as a whole. I went to Paul Valery - the liberal arts campus - with Megan and Amy, and we used two different tools Cru has for starting spiritual conversations called Soularium and Perspective Cards. Soularium is a set of 50 beautiful photos that we give to students and ask them to use to answer a few questions. For example, we ask students which photo best represents their life as it is today. Then, we ask which photo represents the way they wish their life was, or the life they want one day in the future. Finally, we ask them which photo they think best depicts God - as they understand Him. It's a really unique way for students to express themselves and to get them talking about how they feel and what they think. The perspective cards are a series of colored cards where each color represents possible answers to one of life's big questions - like: How would you describe your beliefs? (Monotheistic, polytheistic, agnostic, deist, etc.), or Who do you think Jesus was? (A myth, a historical figure, a prophet, etc.) With the first group, we were able to have a brief conversation using the Soularium pictures, and with the second group we talked to we had a fairly long discussion using the perspective cards. The girls in the second group were very involved in the discussion, even asking each other (and us!) questions about what each of us believed about different things. Despite the fact that each of them was very convinced that there are no absolutes - a relativist "to each his own" mentality, they were willing - even eager! - to hear about what we believe about God. As a result, we were able to share with them about God's love for us, His grace, and the way we live our lives in response to all He has done. It was truly an amazing experience, and (I hope!) just the beginning of deep, invested spiritual conversations with students. Thursday night, us "new girls" and Caroline had dinner with an Agape (Cru's name in France) student Adam. It was a lot of fun to get to know him a little, and to share in delicious food and great fellowship together.
Friday: Our first day with the Lord! One day each month, we are required to spend a whole 8-hour work day with God. (My job is the coolest!) We can do whatever we want, provided that it is time truly spent with the Lord, and that we do it individually. It was a great time for me to take a step back, to pray about the things He has in mind for this year, and just to process all of the things that had already happened the first week. Mid-afternoon, our day with God was interrupted (by necessity) for a fourth apartment viewing. The apartment was the perfect size, and actually had 3 bedrooms instead of two...which means we could possible have a guest room or office in the 3rd room. We didn't have the same immediate reaction of instant love as we did with the 3rd apartment we saw, but we all liked it and could see ourselves living there. (Les droits croises - fingers crossed!) As of right now, we have submitted paperwork and are hoping to hear back soon...so keep our apartment in your prayers! After all the apartment excitement, we had dinner with the girls and a few Agape students who were Chez Chester (at Amy, Caroline, and Joelle's apartment) before they left for their weekend retreat. After dinner, they left for their retreat, and us "new girls" went to meet up with Adam again to go check out Les Estivales - the last of a series of festivals that happened each Friday night over the summer. While there, we were able to try some delicious regional wines (tres francais!), check out some different foods, peruse the work of local artisans (everything from hats to jewelry to purses to lamps!), and enjoy live music from the band that was playing. Beyond that, we were also able to sample some delicious Moroccan pastries that Adam's mom (who still lives in Morocco) sent to him, and he was kind enough to share with us. Yum!
Saturday: Our first day "on our own" - with the second-year girls gone to the retreat, we were able to take some time to relax and enjoy the city. We dubbed Saturday our "tourist day" and set about making the most of it. The first thing we did was go to the coiffeur and get Amanda's hair cut. (She cut off all her dreds before coming, but hadn't yet acquired a "style"). It was a lot of fun translating (for me) and trying to describe what she wanted. The woman was so nice and understanding, and her haircut turned out absolutely adorable! After that, we had a leisurely lunch, a tour of the Centre Ville (historic downtown area) via a tiny tourist train that Kate absolutely loved, came back Chez Chester for a light dinner, and watched a hilarious French film called Le Diner des Cons (The Dinner Game).
Sunday: Church! Sunday we went to Pompignon - a local church that Amy and some other Agape students attend - with Joanna. We met Joanna Friday, and learned quickly that she was a wonderful person to have as a friend! A very sweet, friendly girl, she was involved with Agape in the past and spent the last year in North Carolina doing an internship. As a result, she was excited to see us and to have the chance to speak English and fondly remember the States. She was a wonderful guide and hostess, and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the service and the potluck luncheon afterward that we were invited to as well. It was a lot of fun getting to meet some people from the congregation, and getting to know Joanna better as well! After church, we came back, changed, and took a long tram ride (followed by a bus ride) down the beach. It was a real pleasure to get re-acquainted with the Mediterranean, and to be able to enjoy the refreshing water, some relaxation, and the beautiful sun!
Sorry to write so much, but a lot happened! I will definitely keep you au courant (up to date/informed) about happenings here regarding our possible apartment. Also, expect an update soon about language school (our first day was yesterday!) Meilleurs voeux et bisous a tous! Best wishes and kisses to all!
Sunday: Many goodbyes at church and at the airport...the beginning of our journey via airplane
Monday: A train adventure - after randomly running into Megan's (my teammate) French friend Yann at the Charles de Gaulle train station, we discovered that our train (and his) had been delayed by over an hour because of a fire on the tracks earlier that morning...but as a result we had some great conversations. First, with Yann as we all waited for our trains. Then, on our first train, we met a young man named Pierre-Baptiste that Megan befriended who was kind enough to lend us his phone to call Amy (who was meeting us at the Montpellier train station) to let her know we were running late. On our 2nd train, we met an Englishman (or boy? guy?) Aaron who was taking a break between his undergrad and masters to bike across Italy, and returning home via France. While we were all speaking English together, a young French guy named Florian, who was a reggae- and English-enthusiast, came to chat with us. All in all, a long day of travel made much more pleasant by wonderful people - not to mention all the French people who helped us with our bags! If anyone thinks the French are rude, they just need to travel by train with lots of luggage and they will quickly learn the kindness of French strangers! After a long day, we were welcomed and moved into our temporary apartments and the second-year girls fed us some yummy pizzas.
Tuesday: Our first real day in Montpellier! We started with pains au chocolat (chocolate croissants) in the park and some apartment viewings - nothing we were very enthused about. After a picnic lunch with Amy and Caroline (two of the second-years), we went to the Montpellier Transportation station and waited in a long line to get our tram and bus passes. That evening, Janette (one of the permanent staff members in Montpellier who stinted herself 2 and 3 years ago) welcomed us to her apartment for great quiche and fellowship.
Wednesday: We started Wednesday by going to the train station to get our "12-25" (the train card for people in that age group that gives great discounts for tickets). Next, we had crepes for lunch and then went to see our 3rd apartment - which all of us loved! (Unfortunately, due to some incomprehensible - to us - issues, we were not able to get it). That afternoon, we went onto the 3 main campuses we will be working with this year to hang posters for an event called Majestart Party - an exposition of all different kinds of artwork put on by young, French, Christian artists. The goal of the event for them is to showcase the talents God gave them to glorify Him and share their testimonies with non-Christian friends. It was really exciting to start getting acquainted with the campuses, and to take the time to pray over the students who will be there this year. For dinner, we were invited Chez Skur (to the Skur house - a staff family in Montpellier) to meet Robyn and her beautiful children - we had already met Darrin as he is our resident apartment-hunting assistant! Dinner was wonderful, and a great chance to share together about the ways God had brought each of us to France.
Thursday: Thursday after lunch a group of us went back onto two of the campuses to initiate with students in small groups (of 3). Our goal was to have spiritual conversations with at least two groups of students, and to pray for the students and university as a whole. I went to Paul Valery - the liberal arts campus - with Megan and Amy, and we used two different tools Cru has for starting spiritual conversations called Soularium and Perspective Cards. Soularium is a set of 50 beautiful photos that we give to students and ask them to use to answer a few questions. For example, we ask students which photo best represents their life as it is today. Then, we ask which photo represents the way they wish their life was, or the life they want one day in the future. Finally, we ask them which photo they think best depicts God - as they understand Him. It's a really unique way for students to express themselves and to get them talking about how they feel and what they think. The perspective cards are a series of colored cards where each color represents possible answers to one of life's big questions - like: How would you describe your beliefs? (Monotheistic, polytheistic, agnostic, deist, etc.), or Who do you think Jesus was? (A myth, a historical figure, a prophet, etc.) With the first group, we were able to have a brief conversation using the Soularium pictures, and with the second group we talked to we had a fairly long discussion using the perspective cards. The girls in the second group were very involved in the discussion, even asking each other (and us!) questions about what each of us believed about different things. Despite the fact that each of them was very convinced that there are no absolutes - a relativist "to each his own" mentality, they were willing - even eager! - to hear about what we believe about God. As a result, we were able to share with them about God's love for us, His grace, and the way we live our lives in response to all He has done. It was truly an amazing experience, and (I hope!) just the beginning of deep, invested spiritual conversations with students. Thursday night, us "new girls" and Caroline had dinner with an Agape (Cru's name in France) student Adam. It was a lot of fun to get to know him a little, and to share in delicious food and great fellowship together.
Friday: Our first day with the Lord! One day each month, we are required to spend a whole 8-hour work day with God. (My job is the coolest!) We can do whatever we want, provided that it is time truly spent with the Lord, and that we do it individually. It was a great time for me to take a step back, to pray about the things He has in mind for this year, and just to process all of the things that had already happened the first week. Mid-afternoon, our day with God was interrupted (by necessity) for a fourth apartment viewing. The apartment was the perfect size, and actually had 3 bedrooms instead of two...which means we could possible have a guest room or office in the 3rd room. We didn't have the same immediate reaction of instant love as we did with the 3rd apartment we saw, but we all liked it and could see ourselves living there. (Les droits croises - fingers crossed!) As of right now, we have submitted paperwork and are hoping to hear back soon...so keep our apartment in your prayers! After all the apartment excitement, we had dinner with the girls and a few Agape students who were Chez Chester (at Amy, Caroline, and Joelle's apartment) before they left for their weekend retreat. After dinner, they left for their retreat, and us "new girls" went to meet up with Adam again to go check out Les Estivales - the last of a series of festivals that happened each Friday night over the summer. While there, we were able to try some delicious regional wines (tres francais!), check out some different foods, peruse the work of local artisans (everything from hats to jewelry to purses to lamps!), and enjoy live music from the band that was playing. Beyond that, we were also able to sample some delicious Moroccan pastries that Adam's mom (who still lives in Morocco) sent to him, and he was kind enough to share with us. Yum!
Saturday: Our first day "on our own" - with the second-year girls gone to the retreat, we were able to take some time to relax and enjoy the city. We dubbed Saturday our "tourist day" and set about making the most of it. The first thing we did was go to the coiffeur and get Amanda's hair cut. (She cut off all her dreds before coming, but hadn't yet acquired a "style"). It was a lot of fun translating (for me) and trying to describe what she wanted. The woman was so nice and understanding, and her haircut turned out absolutely adorable! After that, we had a leisurely lunch, a tour of the Centre Ville (historic downtown area) via a tiny tourist train that Kate absolutely loved, came back Chez Chester for a light dinner, and watched a hilarious French film called Le Diner des Cons (The Dinner Game).
Sunday: Church! Sunday we went to Pompignon - a local church that Amy and some other Agape students attend - with Joanna. We met Joanna Friday, and learned quickly that she was a wonderful person to have as a friend! A very sweet, friendly girl, she was involved with Agape in the past and spent the last year in North Carolina doing an internship. As a result, she was excited to see us and to have the chance to speak English and fondly remember the States. She was a wonderful guide and hostess, and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the service and the potluck luncheon afterward that we were invited to as well. It was a lot of fun getting to meet some people from the congregation, and getting to know Joanna better as well! After church, we came back, changed, and took a long tram ride (followed by a bus ride) down the beach. It was a real pleasure to get re-acquainted with the Mediterranean, and to be able to enjoy the refreshing water, some relaxation, and the beautiful sun!
Sorry to write so much, but a lot happened! I will definitely keep you au courant (up to date/informed) about happenings here regarding our possible apartment. Also, expect an update soon about language school (our first day was yesterday!) Meilleurs voeux et bisous a tous! Best wishes and kisses to all!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Au revoir America!
Here we are at last...the final day! My bags are packed, my documents are in order, and I got in my "last supper" Wisconsin style (cheese curds from Culvers). I have done a lot of traveling - from Milwaukee to Champaign and back again. I have given (and received!) a lot of excellent hugs, and said many goodbyes. And now, finally, is the moment I have been waiting for and working towards and eagerly expecting since God first put Montpellier on my heart back in December. It's been an incredible journey and I have learned so much about God, myself, and the many wonderful people He has blessed me with...and it has all been leading up to this! In about an 4 hours we will be departing (par avion, as they say) from O'Hare and flying to Paris. By dinnertime on Monday (or lunchtime for those of you stuck in Central Time) we should all be safely arrived to our new city and settling in for an amazing year.
Before I go, I would like to thank a few people once again for all they have done in getting me here. Firstly, a huge THANKS to everyone who has prayed, given, and advocated for me throughout my support-raising process. Another huge thanks to my church family at St. John for all the prayer and support and love you have poured out on me and my family - we are so appreciative! Speaking of family, thanks to all my family (blood-related and otherwise) who have helped me in so many ways to get to this point. Thank you to my parents for always helping and supporting me (even when you weren't super enthused about me leaving); and thanks for being extremely excited for me now! Thank you to all my friends who have celebrated with me, prayed for me, comforted me, and wowed me with their enthusiasm and support. I am truly blessed. Last, and certainly not least, a heartfelt and sincere thanks goes to God for His provision and faithfulness this summer, for not letting me be overwhelmed or discouraged beyond what I could bear, and for constantly reminding me of the many, detailed ways He was working behind the scenes in people's hearts to help make this dream - this calling - a reality for me.
Finally, I want to thank God for the amazing people in my life. Saying goodbyes is never easy, and I have often found myself questioning God's timing and even being angry that there are people I have loved in this "college season" of my life that I might not see again this side of Heaven. I have harbored a bitter and sometimes resentful heart towards God because I feel like He is taking them from me. God, however, never fails in His love for me (thank goodness!) and has been gently, patiently reminding me to give thanks. Instead of looking on goodbyes with sadness for the time we may not have again, He has been teaching me to give thanks for the time we have shared together, for the ways they have blessed and loved me. He has also been kindly reminding me that the people I love are also people that He loves - that I don't need to worry about them or take care of them, because that is His job and He does it much better than I ever could. So my prayer during this season of goodbyes is to thank God for all the people He has blessed me with, to trust Him that He has a good and perfect plan for my life and for their lives, and to release them to His care and protection.
God is so good! Thanks to Him and all of you...I'll post soon from across the pond! A bientot!
Before I go, I would like to thank a few people once again for all they have done in getting me here. Firstly, a huge THANKS to everyone who has prayed, given, and advocated for me throughout my support-raising process. Another huge thanks to my church family at St. John for all the prayer and support and love you have poured out on me and my family - we are so appreciative! Speaking of family, thanks to all my family (blood-related and otherwise) who have helped me in so many ways to get to this point. Thank you to my parents for always helping and supporting me (even when you weren't super enthused about me leaving); and thanks for being extremely excited for me now! Thank you to all my friends who have celebrated with me, prayed for me, comforted me, and wowed me with their enthusiasm and support. I am truly blessed. Last, and certainly not least, a heartfelt and sincere thanks goes to God for His provision and faithfulness this summer, for not letting me be overwhelmed or discouraged beyond what I could bear, and for constantly reminding me of the many, detailed ways He was working behind the scenes in people's hearts to help make this dream - this calling - a reality for me.
Finally, I want to thank God for the amazing people in my life. Saying goodbyes is never easy, and I have often found myself questioning God's timing and even being angry that there are people I have loved in this "college season" of my life that I might not see again this side of Heaven. I have harbored a bitter and sometimes resentful heart towards God because I feel like He is taking them from me. God, however, never fails in His love for me (thank goodness!) and has been gently, patiently reminding me to give thanks. Instead of looking on goodbyes with sadness for the time we may not have again, He has been teaching me to give thanks for the time we have shared together, for the ways they have blessed and loved me. He has also been kindly reminding me that the people I love are also people that He loves - that I don't need to worry about them or take care of them, because that is His job and He does it much better than I ever could. So my prayer during this season of goodbyes is to thank God for all the people He has blessed me with, to trust Him that He has a good and perfect plan for my life and for their lives, and to release them to His care and protection.
God is so good! Thanks to Him and all of you...I'll post soon from across the pond! A bientot!
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