Today, Natalie had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
In all honesty, it was the kind of day I found myself laughing more than crying, because laughing is the better alternative when everything is going wrong… but the day did end in crying (thankfully the healthy, healing kind).
To start, Elizabeth and I finally broke down and decided to bring our laundry with us to campus; the laundry facility in our residence is closed for but 30 minutes every week (the first problem). So 7:30am came and there we were, hauling our laundry bags, as well as our backpacks, down the mountain. Alright, so neither of us tripped over ourselves going down (I’m trying to count my blessings). Still, it was a huge hassle. Not to mention the tram we got on was packed to the gills… .we’re talking about a new level of friendliness with nearly every person beside me!
In class, it was one of those days when you really do want to contribute to the discussion, but for every question you don’t volunteer to answer, you realize you would have said the right answer…..and for every question you actually do muster up the courage to take a stab at, you fail miserably. Frustrating, indeed.
After four hours of that (which went by sloowwwwly today), and after talking to a friend who we both noted was in a very bad mood (never fun), Elizabeth and I decided to get our laundry started and head to the grocery store to run errands while our clothes were washing. Mistake one: not eating lunch. And as we started the wash we were reminded that absolutely nothing is cheap in Europe, even university washing machines. At the store, the cereal that we most wanted to buy was completely sold out (Grr). I wanted to buy some dark chocolate to console my crushed spirit but, alas, most chocolate in Europe is amazingly delectable, and the price tag reflects it.
When we got back to the laundry room, Elizabeth found that her laundry soap container had cracked and a pool of pink, floral-scented liquid lay all over the bottom of her backpack, and all over my laundry bag. The best I could do was remind her that at least her backpack would smell good! She had to run and wash it out in a friend’s sink—a sink that, in turn, clogged—oh my.
As we folded our clothes after the dryer, Elizabeth kept saying that hers’ were still wet, and I kept saying that I was not convinced some of mine had even gotten clean. Seriously….?
Finally, at 6pm, we were ready for our trek home. Actually, we were really dreading it. Combined, we had about 30 pounds of groceries (whose idea was it to buy pasta sauce this time?!), two laundry bags, and two backpacks. Needless to say, we looked helpless and homeless. Our pilgrimage home with all our bags made for a cumbersome trip on foot and on tram and on bus. The bus driver we got this time must have been a newbie, because he had to back up during every turn at every switch-back up the mountain, and many times I really thought the vehicle was going to self-implode.
When I finally reached the last step to the third floor and I set all my bags down in my room, I really thought the day was done with its drama. Should have known better…..as I put away my laundry, I picked up something on my bed and discovered a nickle-sized spider underneath. I hate killing spiders, but sheer anger helped me get the job done. A spider in my bed. Just what I wanted.
Thankfully, the story ends with good news: Elizabeth and I made a delicious dinner (cooking will always be a relaxing activity for me) and we had a good laugh about something that was actually funny: how we could put my ‘fromage blanc’ to good use (it’s a recent purchase at the grocery store that I thought was cottage cheese, but turns out to be something like cheesy yogurt…..now I’ve got a lot of it…..and I decided tonight that it tasted good with jam, kind of like a cream cheese, and not ten minutes later, I was saying it would work as a sour cream with tacos…it’s the fromage that wears many hats, I guess. ;)
Also, tonight I received my first letters from home!! (Thank you…. You know who you are!). I chose to read them in a secluded spot overlooking the city, and the alps, as the sun was setting. The jagged ridges of the Alps were serenely silhouetted against the rosy sky, and in the distance, the mountains seemed to take on a hazy, dreamlike blue color. I got a chance to enjoy the mountain breeze, to think, to pray, to be emotional. The Lord really, truly, encouraged me by those people and the words they had written, but more significantly, each letter included a passage of Scripture that seemed to speak directly to my current situation. It was an intimate time with the Lord; I wept at the end of nearly every letter.
Whew. All in one day’s time. I hardly ever plan to write about a day in such detail, but golly, it was epic! I’m glad today is DONE. ;-)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
1, 2, 3....Allons-y! (Let's Go!)
It's 21:39 here (I'll let you labor at deciphering the European clock too); I'm munching on a carrot (it's whole, not a baby one-- I feel like a rabbit), and can't help but want to write about another part of my ever-evolving life here, one that is a real joy! I just got back from my second university volleyball practice!
It's true; a friend from Pittsburgh and I registered to play on a competitive female volleyball team with about 20 other French students. Last Monday evening was our first practice, in a gym about 15 minutes from campus, and we had a fabulous time. I felt a bit like a mute, because everything I knew how to say in volleyball terms lacked the French equivalent, but it was ok; I soaked it all in! The girls were extremely friendly; in fact, two of them were quite boisterous when they found out we were Americans (still wondering why...) and actually came up to the net and gave me a hug. People don't give hugs in France. It was amusing, to say the least.
The level of play is perfect for me; there are girls to make me better, yet I play confidently and feel like a lot of my skill from high school is coming back.... yay! I'm relearning the numbers for all the different sets up at the net, because France obviously has a slightly different system for that. I'm learning how to say "out," "net,", "court," and "good job," but my favorite was figuring out how to 'call' the ball! In America we always said "mine!" but in French, that would translate "le mien!" which is quite a mouthful. Quick observation taught me that in France, the players just say "oui!" (or, spelled as it sounds when they say it, waay) which literally means, "yes!" I like it.
The coach, who is a great man--older, patient, kind to us internationals-- has split us into teams by university, because once November hits, we will have a game a week on Wednesday nights. I adore the girls who are on my team. There is Colene, who has the sweetest smile but plays like a warrior; Mona, from Germany, a tall girl with short black hair and tattoos up her arms; Cecile, with whom I did warm-ups tonight (way fun!); and certainly not forgotten, Chloe, who is the setter for the team (so I have to be real buddies with her, being a middle hitter!). Chloe is always joking around; Chloe leads our team in encouraging each other; Chloe has unlimited patience with me, who misunderstands half of what she says. :-)
And really, in the past few hours, the Lord did an amazing thing. He turned sadness and frustration into great joy. I went into practice very discouraged: I had just finished a class that was difficult, and I was exceedingly frustrated with my lack of ability to say what I really wanted. I was frustrated with someone in my class and I was worried about what was ahead (I will elaborate further.... later...).
But as I swung open the door to my room in Rabot just 2 hours later, how different I felt! Midway through practice, Chloe mentioned that she drove right by where Elizabeth and I lived and could drive us at least half way to our residence. Though it was a 5-minute trip, we had a lively conversation, which is always a pleasantry for me as I learn the language. As I walked back up to Rabot, I soon realized that I had made a new French friend! Immediately, Elizabeth and I made it a goal to have Chloe over for dinner. I was so happy. Moreover, I had communicated better tonight and, of course, I was running on the endorphins gained from playing hard.
It's little things like this that encourage me now more than ever; equally, I'm finding that menial things have great power to knock me down. I need to depend on the Lord more. I need to trust Him in the little things again.
I just had this verse come up as "verse of the day," and it's a perfect way to end because it describes the lesson I am learning:
"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." John 16:24
Go UPMF girls’ volleyball!
It's true; a friend from Pittsburgh and I registered to play on a competitive female volleyball team with about 20 other French students. Last Monday evening was our first practice, in a gym about 15 minutes from campus, and we had a fabulous time. I felt a bit like a mute, because everything I knew how to say in volleyball terms lacked the French equivalent, but it was ok; I soaked it all in! The girls were extremely friendly; in fact, two of them were quite boisterous when they found out we were Americans (still wondering why...) and actually came up to the net and gave me a hug. People don't give hugs in France. It was amusing, to say the least.
The level of play is perfect for me; there are girls to make me better, yet I play confidently and feel like a lot of my skill from high school is coming back.... yay! I'm relearning the numbers for all the different sets up at the net, because France obviously has a slightly different system for that. I'm learning how to say "out," "net,", "court," and "good job," but my favorite was figuring out how to 'call' the ball! In America we always said "mine!" but in French, that would translate "le mien!" which is quite a mouthful. Quick observation taught me that in France, the players just say "oui!" (or, spelled as it sounds when they say it, waay) which literally means, "yes!" I like it.
The coach, who is a great man--older, patient, kind to us internationals-- has split us into teams by university, because once November hits, we will have a game a week on Wednesday nights. I adore the girls who are on my team. There is Colene, who has the sweetest smile but plays like a warrior; Mona, from Germany, a tall girl with short black hair and tattoos up her arms; Cecile, with whom I did warm-ups tonight (way fun!); and certainly not forgotten, Chloe, who is the setter for the team (so I have to be real buddies with her, being a middle hitter!). Chloe is always joking around; Chloe leads our team in encouraging each other; Chloe has unlimited patience with me, who misunderstands half of what she says. :-)
And really, in the past few hours, the Lord did an amazing thing. He turned sadness and frustration into great joy. I went into practice very discouraged: I had just finished a class that was difficult, and I was exceedingly frustrated with my lack of ability to say what I really wanted. I was frustrated with someone in my class and I was worried about what was ahead (I will elaborate further.... later...).
But as I swung open the door to my room in Rabot just 2 hours later, how different I felt! Midway through practice, Chloe mentioned that she drove right by where Elizabeth and I lived and could drive us at least half way to our residence. Though it was a 5-minute trip, we had a lively conversation, which is always a pleasantry for me as I learn the language. As I walked back up to Rabot, I soon realized that I had made a new French friend! Immediately, Elizabeth and I made it a goal to have Chloe over for dinner. I was so happy. Moreover, I had communicated better tonight and, of course, I was running on the endorphins gained from playing hard.
It's little things like this that encourage me now more than ever; equally, I'm finding that menial things have great power to knock me down. I need to depend on the Lord more. I need to trust Him in the little things again.
I just had this verse come up as "verse of the day," and it's a perfect way to end because it describes the lesson I am learning:
"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." John 16:24
Go UPMF girls’ volleyball!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Me Voici pour Louer... (Here I am to Worship....)
A quaint stone courtyard, just off the main road, serves as a place for the small congregation to greet each other before the service begins, and a place for a handful of children to chase each other in circles. The courtyard serves as the threshold to the Centre Evangelistique Protestante (CEP), and so in essence, the courtyard serves as a spiritual threshold, ushering both English and French-speaking people into the presence of the living God.
The inside of the meeting room is unassuming and simply decorated, but the large windows, stretching nearly to the ceiling, draw in the sunlight and create a mood that is at once refreshing, welcoming, joyful. The congregation’s worship is sincere and energetic, and the pastor’s message is rooted in truth and authenticity.
My first experience with a church here in Grenoble was certainly a highlight of my time thus far. Instead of merely retelling what took place, I thought I’d give you a glimpse into my experience by sharing what I wrote in my journal (just this once ;) detailing just some of what I felt and what I heard from God…
Lord, I don’t even know where to begin! My heart is full. I praise you for being such a strong, Universal, Transcendent God.
Church this morning at International Church of Grenoble was amazing. God, first of all, you helped us find it on time! Then, you blessed me tremendously through worshiping you. I had missed it so much! It seemed simply too much—to be able to worship with other believers half way around the world in English.
The message profoundly touched me. Humility and Holiness. God, it’s something you desire of your people, and consequently, it’s on the heart of your people around the world. It is the best way to live, and it is something your Everlasting Kingdom is built on. I praise you also for the ministry of Sous Figuer, and how they long to minister to the helpless! My heart leapt for joy when I realized that even here, you are moving your people toward mercy and compassion.
God, the people were so kind. Michelle Ball, Marie, Matt, Donna…Thank you for your people planted in Grenoble!
But the best decision was staying for the service in French with CEP, Lord. I got to worship you in FRENCH today! And be fed by your Word in French. What a privilege! Some songs I didn’t know, but others I recognized: “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” and “Heart of Worship”…. Lord, this Body loves to sing, to clap! And they love to pray. At least four times during the service, they had a time of prayer out loud, each one as led….that was awesome.
The Pastor began with a survey about how important we considered the Word and how often we read it, because He wants to encourage the Body to dig in!. He didn’t make a pitch, but he shed light on Your Word for all that it is. Father, the reading of your Word is a desire you are collectively moving Your Body to. It is the only way to know you, Lord, as the Word. La Parole.
God, there was especially one or two moments during the service when I almost wanted to break down and cry. One was during a spontaneous prayer time. A man to my left across the aisle began to pray about a passage of Scripture that had touched his heart that week, that had pushed him toward you… and that passage, which he began reciting, was this one:
“L’Eternal est mon berger; je ne manquerai rien… Même si je marche dans la vallée de l’ombre du mort, je ne crains aucun mal, car tu es avec moi…” (psalm 23)
Oh our Shepherd! It was almost too much to give me, this realization that during the same week of life, you had been speaking this psalm into my life too, helping me memorize it…
Lord, how I felt unified with the Body unlike ever before. And of all the words you could speak…. Thank you for reminding us—that french man and myself-- that You guard us like lambs. I’m reminded that You always whisper to us exactly what we need most.
Humility. Holiness. Hearing You through Your Word.
Oh God, France needs You.
The inside of the meeting room is unassuming and simply decorated, but the large windows, stretching nearly to the ceiling, draw in the sunlight and create a mood that is at once refreshing, welcoming, joyful. The congregation’s worship is sincere and energetic, and the pastor’s message is rooted in truth and authenticity.
My first experience with a church here in Grenoble was certainly a highlight of my time thus far. Instead of merely retelling what took place, I thought I’d give you a glimpse into my experience by sharing what I wrote in my journal (just this once ;) detailing just some of what I felt and what I heard from God…
Lord, I don’t even know where to begin! My heart is full. I praise you for being such a strong, Universal, Transcendent God.
Church this morning at International Church of Grenoble was amazing. God, first of all, you helped us find it on time! Then, you blessed me tremendously through worshiping you. I had missed it so much! It seemed simply too much—to be able to worship with other believers half way around the world in English.
The message profoundly touched me. Humility and Holiness. God, it’s something you desire of your people, and consequently, it’s on the heart of your people around the world. It is the best way to live, and it is something your Everlasting Kingdom is built on. I praise you also for the ministry of Sous Figuer, and how they long to minister to the helpless! My heart leapt for joy when I realized that even here, you are moving your people toward mercy and compassion.
God, the people were so kind. Michelle Ball, Marie, Matt, Donna…Thank you for your people planted in Grenoble!
But the best decision was staying for the service in French with CEP, Lord. I got to worship you in FRENCH today! And be fed by your Word in French. What a privilege! Some songs I didn’t know, but others I recognized: “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” and “Heart of Worship”…. Lord, this Body loves to sing, to clap! And they love to pray. At least four times during the service, they had a time of prayer out loud, each one as led….that was awesome.
The Pastor began with a survey about how important we considered the Word and how often we read it, because He wants to encourage the Body to dig in!. He didn’t make a pitch, but he shed light on Your Word for all that it is. Father, the reading of your Word is a desire you are collectively moving Your Body to. It is the only way to know you, Lord, as the Word. La Parole.
God, there was especially one or two moments during the service when I almost wanted to break down and cry. One was during a spontaneous prayer time. A man to my left across the aisle began to pray about a passage of Scripture that had touched his heart that week, that had pushed him toward you… and that passage, which he began reciting, was this one:
“L’Eternal est mon berger; je ne manquerai rien… Même si je marche dans la vallée de l’ombre du mort, je ne crains aucun mal, car tu es avec moi…” (psalm 23)
Oh our Shepherd! It was almost too much to give me, this realization that during the same week of life, you had been speaking this psalm into my life too, helping me memorize it…
Lord, how I felt unified with the Body unlike ever before. And of all the words you could speak…. Thank you for reminding us—that french man and myself-- that You guard us like lambs. I’m reminded that You always whisper to us exactly what we need most.
Humility. Holiness. Hearing You through Your Word.
Oh God, France needs You.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
En Découvrant la Vie Ici...(In Discovering Life Here....)
If only I could detail everything that transpired this week, all the good time spent with new people, all the specific ways the Lord was overwhelmingly faithful…. well, I’d exhaust myself, as well as you. I believe it to be a good thing that only just now I have a chance to update my writings; it simply reminds me that there was never a dull moment this week! So, with an effort toward conciseness (I think I failed miserably), here are some snapshots of life this week:
LUNDI:
Monday was the day I went from knowing no one in Grenoble to knowing 500, it seems! I walked to school with five international students, and we kept up a lively French conversation the entire 15 minutes down the hill. At lunch I met Eliot, Luke, Gareth, and Emma, all with endearing British accents. :)
That night was perhaps the highlight of my week. I was in the residence hall library--yet again for the Internet--and ran into two friends I had walked to school with that morning, Kathryn (Ohio) and Margot (from Nice…. yes! A french friend!). Margot invited me to her room to watch a movie, and even though I had been planning for an earlier bedtime, I took her up on her offer. The great thing about Margot is that she doesn’t speak much English so she forces me to communicate in French, which is what I want! We had a lot of fun choosing from the myriad of movies we collectively owned, and in making our choice, we taught Margot the rhyme “eenie meenie mynie mo” (how do you spell that?! :) and in turn, she taught us the French equivalent! It was SUCH a delight to share cultures like that.
Tuesday was a good day. The University hosted an international students welcome, where a man very eloquently relayed to us (in the beautiful language of French, of course) all the reasons he was delighted we, as international students, had chosen to study at Grenoble.
I met Richie, John, and Elizabeth, who all go to Washington Jefferson University, and Elizabeth and I have so much in common: we are here for the same program for just one semester, we play the same sports, we went to Christian high schools, and we both live in RABOT! That was the most exciting thing to find out, because it meant not having to walk alone back to my dorm after 8:30pm (that’s when the buses stop). We have been doing life together ever since. She is actually sitting next to me on the park bench in the Jardin du Ville, the city’s gardens, where one can find free wifi!
That night was another highlight of the week: it involved grabbing dinner but showing up late to a city tour… so, not knowing where they had gone, we sat down at an outdoor café called La Palais (the palace, literally) in the beautiful Place Victor Hugo (like the square in Kirksville, only there are about 20 just in Grenoble). We ended up meeting up with the tour group, who walked right in front of the café, and to make a long story short, ended up back at the same café, encore. :)
MECREDI:
I felt like Wednesday was the day I began learning ‘French life 101.’ We got a tour of the downtown with a group who connects the international students with the French university community; I am quickly becoming quite familiar with this city! I also wandered around a huge gymnasium for a sports forum, where any student could get information on over 30 activities there are to join.
In the afternoon we ventured a bit further south on the tram and went to the supermarket. DO NOT go to the French equivalent of ‘Walmart’ at 4pm. The place was swamped with people, and the lines were ridiculous! I waited in line 25 minutes just to pay for four items. Oh la la.
Wednesday night there was a special soiree at my residence, just for people who lived in Rabot. It reminded me of a frat party in the states…only we also had a scavenger hunt, which was really fun! Again, I met more people than I can name. I find the French students very inviting, which is awesome!
JEUDI:
At this point in the week, I began to feel like I had lived here forever. There’s really not a better feeling! In the morning we finished the process of obtaining French social security, so we all had a rendezvous (yep, that’s a French word; who would have known that’s what RDV stood for in the emails I was getting…?!). This rendezvous, my friends, impressed me beyond measure. All week long I had nothing but gripes about the French bureaucracy here; everything took five steps instead of one, ten days instead of two. But Thursday morning, when I went to fork over an unmentionable sum of money just so that I could comply with social security policies, those French administrators were ready for us and I left with my student ID paper ten minutes later! SHOCKED. Delighted, for sure. Having my student ID paper meant I could apply for at least three other things I needed….
Well, that’s a long time to talk about boring social security. After that, we toured campus with an upper class Grenoble law student…. on bicycle! Students can rent bikes through an organization on campus for a few days or for an entire year, and for that hour, they rented us 20 bikes for free! It was quite a sight to see, us foreign students navigating the narrow university roads and sidewalks; I’m sure many people temporarily hated us. But I had so much fun! And I discovered the university’s arboretum, in a beautiful corner of campus. To do: go back there for a walk.
That evening was the “closing event” for the orientation week, and we all enjoyed a concert by this marching jazz band called “Pink it Black.” Yes, they wore black and pink, and yes, their name is a spin-off of something else. And actually, they were exceptionally good! They actually led us on a parade of sorts through campus, playing anything from popular French songs (I knew they were french because all the french people were singing) to “Hit the Road Jack” to the Jewish Bar Mitzvah song. And I talked with two very sweet and hilarious Italian exchange students…. Ooh la la. I know. :)
VENDREDI:
You are part of Grenoble now, and Grenoble is a part of you!
That’s the feeling I got on the last day of a very full week (as you can tell if you are still reading!). Partly, I felt this way because I finally finished all my paperwork and I was an official student. Partly, I felt this way because I made my first purchase—two delicious pears—at a signature French open-air market in town. Maybe it was my wandering in town alone that afternoon, weaving in and out of bookstores and card shops and through the narrow roads….
Certainly, I felt officially welcomed to Grenoble at the tour of La Maison de l’International---the International ‘Center’ of Grenoble—that afternoon. The two women who made a short presentation for our group of 15 students showered us with flyers, brochures, and pamphlets about Grenoble as if it were the 25th of December. They showed us an art exhibit in a building next door that featured artists from San Marino, a city with which Grenoble is connected. They even had refreshments for us and let us wander around and peruse all their wonderful material on anything and everything about life in Grenoble. I was excited because I found a booklet on international and local non-profit agencies! To top it all at the end, they gave us FREE passes to Le Telepherique, which is the trademark gondola system up to the Bastille on the side of the mountain! I felt overwhelmed by their hospitability.
In the afternoon we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and Margot, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Lizzy (Edinburough), and Ed (England) ventured up to the Bastille via Le Telepherique! It was quite exciting and we all managed to fit into one “Bulle.” Rabot’s view of the city is wonderful, but from the Bastille, which is a bit higher, one can see Grenoble in full panoramic!
Yesterday evening, a friend I had met earlier in the week invited me to dinner. Xiu is from China, and she and some other Chinese friends cooked an authentic Chinese meal for about ten of us! Three students from Mexico joined us. I’m noticing that forging friendships as an international student is easier/quicker than in other cases. I’m thankful.
After eating, Xiu whipped out what I’ve decided is the universal game of the world—UNO. :)
It is quite a humbling thing to be surrounded by so many different cultures, different ways of thinking, different social norms. I’m quite enjoying my time here so far. I give the Lord all the credit for the way He has orchestrated this week so as to surround me with good people in safe situations!
This morning I made it to an English speaking church, and then stayed for the French-speaking service as well…. But that, my friends, is something I’ll have to write on in it of itself. Hate to leave you on a cliffhanger…. But I will describe what’s it’s like to go to church in a foreign country very soon!
To all who have prayed for me, especially this week: we serve a God who hears and RESPONDS. He can be trusted with everything; there were times this week when I had legitimate concerns about life’s details, both small and big, but for each time I cried out to the Lord, He responded tangibly and with so much grace. So through your prayers, thanks for opening up the floodgates; the Lord showered me with so many undeserved blessings.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Micah 6:10
I miss you all and I send my love!
LUNDI:
Monday was the day I went from knowing no one in Grenoble to knowing 500, it seems! I walked to school with five international students, and we kept up a lively French conversation the entire 15 minutes down the hill. At lunch I met Eliot, Luke, Gareth, and Emma, all with endearing British accents. :)
That night was perhaps the highlight of my week. I was in the residence hall library--yet again for the Internet--and ran into two friends I had walked to school with that morning, Kathryn (Ohio) and Margot (from Nice…. yes! A french friend!). Margot invited me to her room to watch a movie, and even though I had been planning for an earlier bedtime, I took her up on her offer. The great thing about Margot is that she doesn’t speak much English so she forces me to communicate in French, which is what I want! We had a lot of fun choosing from the myriad of movies we collectively owned, and in making our choice, we taught Margot the rhyme “eenie meenie mynie mo” (how do you spell that?! :) and in turn, she taught us the French equivalent! It was SUCH a delight to share cultures like that.
Kathryn, Margot, and I
MARDI:Tuesday was a good day. The University hosted an international students welcome, where a man very eloquently relayed to us (in the beautiful language of French, of course) all the reasons he was delighted we, as international students, had chosen to study at Grenoble.
I met Richie, John, and Elizabeth, who all go to Washington Jefferson University, and Elizabeth and I have so much in common: we are here for the same program for just one semester, we play the same sports, we went to Christian high schools, and we both live in RABOT! That was the most exciting thing to find out, because it meant not having to walk alone back to my dorm after 8:30pm (that’s when the buses stop). We have been doing life together ever since. She is actually sitting next to me on the park bench in the Jardin du Ville, the city’s gardens, where one can find free wifi!
That night was another highlight of the week: it involved grabbing dinner but showing up late to a city tour… so, not knowing where they had gone, we sat down at an outdoor café called La Palais (the palace, literally) in the beautiful Place Victor Hugo (like the square in Kirksville, only there are about 20 just in Grenoble). We ended up meeting up with the tour group, who walked right in front of the café, and to make a long story short, ended up back at the same café, encore. :)
Elizabeth, John, and I on a bridge downtown!
MECREDI:
I felt like Wednesday was the day I began learning ‘French life 101.’ We got a tour of the downtown with a group who connects the international students with the French university community; I am quickly becoming quite familiar with this city! I also wandered around a huge gymnasium for a sports forum, where any student could get information on over 30 activities there are to join.
In the afternoon we ventured a bit further south on the tram and went to the supermarket. DO NOT go to the French equivalent of ‘Walmart’ at 4pm. The place was swamped with people, and the lines were ridiculous! I waited in line 25 minutes just to pay for four items. Oh la la.
Wednesday night there was a special soiree at my residence, just for people who lived in Rabot. It reminded me of a frat party in the states…only we also had a scavenger hunt, which was really fun! Again, I met more people than I can name. I find the French students very inviting, which is awesome!
I see this every DAY!
JEUDI:
At this point in the week, I began to feel like I had lived here forever. There’s really not a better feeling! In the morning we finished the process of obtaining French social security, so we all had a rendezvous (yep, that’s a French word; who would have known that’s what RDV stood for in the emails I was getting…?!). This rendezvous, my friends, impressed me beyond measure. All week long I had nothing but gripes about the French bureaucracy here; everything took five steps instead of one, ten days instead of two. But Thursday morning, when I went to fork over an unmentionable sum of money just so that I could comply with social security policies, those French administrators were ready for us and I left with my student ID paper ten minutes later! SHOCKED. Delighted, for sure. Having my student ID paper meant I could apply for at least three other things I needed….
Well, that’s a long time to talk about boring social security. After that, we toured campus with an upper class Grenoble law student…. on bicycle! Students can rent bikes through an organization on campus for a few days or for an entire year, and for that hour, they rented us 20 bikes for free! It was quite a sight to see, us foreign students navigating the narrow university roads and sidewalks; I’m sure many people temporarily hated us. But I had so much fun! And I discovered the university’s arboretum, in a beautiful corner of campus. To do: go back there for a walk.
That evening was the “closing event” for the orientation week, and we all enjoyed a concert by this marching jazz band called “Pink it Black.” Yes, they wore black and pink, and yes, their name is a spin-off of something else. And actually, they were exceptionally good! They actually led us on a parade of sorts through campus, playing anything from popular French songs (I knew they were french because all the french people were singing) to “Hit the Road Jack” to the Jewish Bar Mitzvah song. And I talked with two very sweet and hilarious Italian exchange students…. Ooh la la. I know. :)
pink it BLACK! p.s. I found the snare drummer handsome ;)
VENDREDI:
You are part of Grenoble now, and Grenoble is a part of you!
That’s the feeling I got on the last day of a very full week (as you can tell if you are still reading!). Partly, I felt this way because I finally finished all my paperwork and I was an official student. Partly, I felt this way because I made my first purchase—two delicious pears—at a signature French open-air market in town. Maybe it was my wandering in town alone that afternoon, weaving in and out of bookstores and card shops and through the narrow roads….
Certainly, I felt officially welcomed to Grenoble at the tour of La Maison de l’International---the International ‘Center’ of Grenoble—that afternoon. The two women who made a short presentation for our group of 15 students showered us with flyers, brochures, and pamphlets about Grenoble as if it were the 25th of December. They showed us an art exhibit in a building next door that featured artists from San Marino, a city with which Grenoble is connected. They even had refreshments for us and let us wander around and peruse all their wonderful material on anything and everything about life in Grenoble. I was excited because I found a booklet on international and local non-profit agencies! To top it all at the end, they gave us FREE passes to Le Telepherique, which is the trademark gondola system up to the Bastille on the side of the mountain! I felt overwhelmed by their hospitability.
new friends... in the Maison de l'International art exhibit
SAMEDI:In the afternoon we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and Margot, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Lizzy (Edinburough), and Ed (England) ventured up to the Bastille via Le Telepherique! It was quite exciting and we all managed to fit into one “Bulle.” Rabot’s view of the city is wonderful, but from the Bastille, which is a bit higher, one can see Grenoble in full panoramic!
Yesterday evening, a friend I had met earlier in the week invited me to dinner. Xiu is from China, and she and some other Chinese friends cooked an authentic Chinese meal for about ten of us! Three students from Mexico joined us. I’m noticing that forging friendships as an international student is easier/quicker than in other cases. I’m thankful.
After eating, Xiu whipped out what I’ve decided is the universal game of the world—UNO. :)
UNO!
It is quite a humbling thing to be surrounded by so many different cultures, different ways of thinking, different social norms. I’m quite enjoying my time here so far. I give the Lord all the credit for the way He has orchestrated this week so as to surround me with good people in safe situations!
This morning I made it to an English speaking church, and then stayed for the French-speaking service as well…. But that, my friends, is something I’ll have to write on in it of itself. Hate to leave you on a cliffhanger…. But I will describe what’s it’s like to go to church in a foreign country very soon!
To all who have prayed for me, especially this week: we serve a God who hears and RESPONDS. He can be trusted with everything; there were times this week when I had legitimate concerns about life’s details, both small and big, but for each time I cried out to the Lord, He responded tangibly and with so much grace. So through your prayers, thanks for opening up the floodgates; the Lord showered me with so many undeserved blessings.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Micah 6:10
I miss you all and I send my love!
from the Bastille-- a new favorite photo
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Un Croque Monsieur...
I'm writing again from the library of Rabot, overlooking the city, the city that I now have a good feel for! I passed most of the day--a good 8 hours-- wandering up and down narrow "rues," across beautiful gardens, and even into the heart of campus. Nothing makes me happier than to say that I did not get lost ONCE. :) I must have walked about 8 miles.....one thing I'm sure of now, this city is HUGE. It's no Kirksville, and yet it's the change of pace that I'm loving!
It would be impossible to detail my adventures today in full, so here are some of the highlights....
Crossing one of many bridges over l'Isere (the river) and into the heart of the city, where I got a great picture of the gondala cars, which are part of what's called le Téléphérique, making their way up the mountain (this is also when i realized that since le Rabot, my residence, was in such close proximity to where these were headed, they were automatically my built-in compass and guide to home!)....due to the unpredictable road map of the city, realizing I had to settle with being blissfully "lost" for the day.....finding le Jardin de Ville (the city gardens), sitting on a green bench, and people watching/listening, as well as composing my first letter home....exploring a nice, large bookstore and browsing french magazines....purchasing some postcards and successfully speaking with la madame behind the counter...exploring the tourism center....stopping for lunch at an outdoor cafe, ordering the "croque monsieur et salade verte" (the signature french open-faced ham and cheese sandwich and a salad) and spending nearly an hour relaxing, writing, and watching life unfold....following the tram line on foot all the way to my university's campus (which is really four universities in one place)....successfully finding each building I would report to on monday.....seeing the post office as I was walking and sending my first mail.....passing small shops selling meat, cheese, pastries, and bread (and believe me, there is a shop for each thing and they are found in abundance!)....wandering through a large sporting store and purchasing a watch (which I needed so badly, and after talking with a worker, I actually purchased the last of its kind/color!)......and finally, finding my way back to my dorm as easily as if I've lived there for a month. The climb up to my dorm is no light promenade, but after I saw a man running up it in front of me, I decided there would be no complaining.
Honestly, this day has been such a boost to my confidence about being here. If only I could depict the sights and sounds! I've included some new photos below.
What I will pass every day as I snake through several buildings around my dorm...
The view from one of many bridges... to the right is my residence (you can't see it from this picture, though) and to the left is the main city of Grenoble!
Orientation for all international students (and there are 3,000 total at my university alone) beings on Monday at 10am. I am excited to get this semester started!
One last thing: my address is now posted on this blog, first thing on the right. Of course I would love any mail that you'd like to send my way! You are guaranteed a response. :)
The thing I was reminded of this morning: "O Lord Almighty, blessed is the (wo)man who trusts in you" (psalm 84). May you trust the Lord for every detail of your life!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Ici, finalement... (Here, finally...)
A warm hello to my friends and family from Grenoble!
I'm seated in an overstuffed chair in my residence's private library, surrounded by tons of french books and a few other students on their laptops. "La bibliothèque" is in a separate building from where I am living, but within a stone's throw, and it's the only place I can get wireless right now!
Today I took the SBB (the crazy nice trains of Switzerland) from Basel to Geneva and Geneva to Grenoble. The Shumans sent me off as they would a daughter: they helped me purchase my ticket, they carried my luggage through the station until they literally had it sitting next to me on the train, and Mrs. Shuman sent me off with a great variety of sandwiches, snacks, and treats. I felt very sad to bid them goodbye, yet I knew that I had a memorable day ahead!
When I arrived in Grenoble, which was nothing short of a bustling metropolis at 4:30 in the afternoon, I found my way to the tram stop, which I took into the heart of the city. There, I was supposed to catch a shuttle bus up the mountain to my residence, le Rabot. I had no idea where to go once I got off the tram, and after an attempt to ask an older woman about "la navette pour aller à Rabot," I meandered toward where other buses were stopping nearby and decided to wait awhile. This was the most unsure I felt since I began my travels. However, as I continued to scan the area, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible with my two large suitcases, I saw the small sign that I was looking for, a sign for Rabot. It's location meant I was exactly where I needed to be! Certainly, the Lord guides every step, my friends. La navette came minutes later and I was on my way up to Rabot with about 5 other students!
The narrow road snaked back and forth up the mountain; the bus driver even had to stop mid-turn and back up to get more clearance a few times. The view of the city got more and more spectacular. Le Rabot is an old french fort, so as we drove in, I literally felt I was entering a castle. I easily found "l'accueil" (the reception desk) and met a very nice Candian girl, Jessica, there getting her mail. She ended up staying with me while I checked in (aka while the kind woman talked my ear off in french for 10 minutes, and I did my best to get it all....), and then Jessica helped carry my luggage up to another building further up the hill (ugh...) where we were both living! I was exceedingly grateful for this new friend; you have no idea! The building we live in is called Chartreuse (un joli nom, n'est-ce pas?) and I have a room all to myself, as I thought. It's cozy (small but just fine), with trimmings in pink (poor boys, I thought). I immediately opened the windows, which you can swing out so the entire area is open. The breeze felt so nice and I instantly disovered my wonderful view of the city! I've yet to explore the entire residence... I'll save decribing it for another day..... but I definitely made my bed right away and unpacked to some Chris Tomlin music (fancy that, for all those who know I sometimes give him a bad rap... :). The internet does not work in my room yet, so here I am, in la bibliothèque.
Yes, it's true; seven blogs later and I'm finally in the place that my blog picture so wonderfully depicts. It is even beautiful on overcast days (as was today), and I am anxious to explore the city tomorrow. I have felt every type of emotion today: sadness, excitement, nautiousness, joy; confidence, frustration, gratefulness, relief. Overwhelmed a little, yes. I think these first few weeks of getting lost, meeting strangers, testing language skills, and trying not to miss family and friends will be difficult enough. And yet--the Lord is my shepherd, I am not lacking in anything.
Pray for patience as I try, fail, and try again with the language; pray that the Lord would direct me to people I can be friends with; pray I would always hold tightly to my faith and to the hope I profess.
Thanks for your excitement and support; you really give me extra confidence. As it's almost my bedtime.... bon soir, tout le monde. :)
I'm seated in an overstuffed chair in my residence's private library, surrounded by tons of french books and a few other students on their laptops. "La bibliothèque" is in a separate building from where I am living, but within a stone's throw, and it's the only place I can get wireless right now!
Today I took the SBB (the crazy nice trains of Switzerland) from Basel to Geneva and Geneva to Grenoble. The Shumans sent me off as they would a daughter: they helped me purchase my ticket, they carried my luggage through the station until they literally had it sitting next to me on the train, and Mrs. Shuman sent me off with a great variety of sandwiches, snacks, and treats. I felt very sad to bid them goodbye, yet I knew that I had a memorable day ahead!
When I arrived in Grenoble, which was nothing short of a bustling metropolis at 4:30 in the afternoon, I found my way to the tram stop, which I took into the heart of the city. There, I was supposed to catch a shuttle bus up the mountain to my residence, le Rabot. I had no idea where to go once I got off the tram, and after an attempt to ask an older woman about "la navette pour aller à Rabot," I meandered toward where other buses were stopping nearby and decided to wait awhile. This was the most unsure I felt since I began my travels. However, as I continued to scan the area, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible with my two large suitcases, I saw the small sign that I was looking for, a sign for Rabot. It's location meant I was exactly where I needed to be! Certainly, the Lord guides every step, my friends. La navette came minutes later and I was on my way up to Rabot with about 5 other students!
The narrow road snaked back and forth up the mountain; the bus driver even had to stop mid-turn and back up to get more clearance a few times. The view of the city got more and more spectacular. Le Rabot is an old french fort, so as we drove in, I literally felt I was entering a castle. I easily found "l'accueil" (the reception desk) and met a very nice Candian girl, Jessica, there getting her mail. She ended up staying with me while I checked in (aka while the kind woman talked my ear off in french for 10 minutes, and I did my best to get it all....), and then Jessica helped carry my luggage up to another building further up the hill (ugh...) where we were both living! I was exceedingly grateful for this new friend; you have no idea! The building we live in is called Chartreuse (un joli nom, n'est-ce pas?) and I have a room all to myself, as I thought. It's cozy (small but just fine), with trimmings in pink (poor boys, I thought). I immediately opened the windows, which you can swing out so the entire area is open. The breeze felt so nice and I instantly disovered my wonderful view of the city! I've yet to explore the entire residence... I'll save decribing it for another day..... but I definitely made my bed right away and unpacked to some Chris Tomlin music (fancy that, for all those who know I sometimes give him a bad rap... :). The internet does not work in my room yet, so here I am, in la bibliothèque.
Yes, it's true; seven blogs later and I'm finally in the place that my blog picture so wonderfully depicts. It is even beautiful on overcast days (as was today), and I am anxious to explore the city tomorrow. I have felt every type of emotion today: sadness, excitement, nautiousness, joy; confidence, frustration, gratefulness, relief. Overwhelmed a little, yes. I think these first few weeks of getting lost, meeting strangers, testing language skills, and trying not to miss family and friends will be difficult enough. And yet--the Lord is my shepherd, I am not lacking in anything.
Pray for patience as I try, fail, and try again with the language; pray that the Lord would direct me to people I can be friends with; pray I would always hold tightly to my faith and to the hope I profess.
Thanks for your excitement and support; you really give me extra confidence. As it's almost my bedtime.... bon soir, tout le monde. :)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
La charme d'Allemagne...(Germany's charm....)
This morning, I awoke to sunlight streaming through a still-cracked window, listening to the sound of a lawn mower buzzing outside. Good morning, Germany.
Happy to have rested so well, I curiously grabbed my ipod to check the time. 11am, CEST! Last night, after reading up on a french cell phone plan and reviewing fruit and vegetable flashcards, I had finally succumbed to my fatigue at 9pm.... so 14 hours of sleep, not a bad start to overcoming jetlag, I'd say. :)
As I write, I realize most of you are still in the midst of your day, but over here, I'm about headed toward bed again. Being here in Kandern at the beginning of this adventure has been the most wonderful decision. I met up with Tim and Sandee Shuman at the airport almost immediately after grabbing my quickly delivered luggage from the near-empty Basel terminal. The drive home was a dream.... as scenic as I remember the Black Forest to be! We drove through the border into Germany without so much as anyone flinching, and at times could see both France and Switzerland from the car window. Mrs. Shuman very kindly made a delicious dinner and then I got to the part of my day when I really knew God for His goodness: I took a hot shower. :)
This morning, I got a chance, using the Shuman's phone, to give a welcomed wake-up call to my parents (trust me, it was one of the few times I can say it was "welcomed" at 6am :). After lunch, Mrs. Shuman and I strolled through Kandern and I tried to convince myself that, though it all looked familiar, my year here had not been a dream! It was so wonderful to walk the town (it's so small and easy to navigate) and one of our first stops was the house my family lived in, where a BFA still resides. I shamelessly took pictures to send to my family and had fun seeing how the house has been "modernized," and how it is still very much the same. In addition to lingering sentimentally in each room, the Stemple's four-year-old Katy took me into the attic, where the family had a few swings set up--we never had swings!-- and also into her room--my room--our room.
On to the next dear place, and that was Black Forest Academy, the school my Dad taught at and where we kids went to school. Again, a lot has changed in eight years, but there were still some familiar faces amongst the faculty. Many people smiled knowingly when I said I was studying in Grenoble for the semester--the city is apparantly very beauitful (which I knew) and has a very solid Christian student community, run by a Christian couple, called Le Feu (which I also knew). It was extremely encouraging to hear that from so many when I mentioned Grenoble, and it made me even more excited to get there myself and see what it is all about. God is setting up community for me to find there. I'm thankful already.
We went to dinner at this really amazing open-air restuarant out in the German countryside called Funfschilling, run by a Christian family. The restaurant is completely supplied by the food that they grow themselves, much of which you could see near the roadside driving in! I enjoyed chicken shnitzel, a very common food in Germany, as well as a fantastic salad (and of course it was fantastic... it was as fresh as if I had picked it myself!). To top it all was their apfel juice, or apple juice, fresh squeezed from their own apples. It was the best I've ever had.
Tonight I enjoyed looking through last year's BFA yearbook and talking with Mr. and Mrs. Shuman. Their apartment is lovely, their dog KD, also a bichon frise like mine, is cute and playful (we've been playing fetch/tug-of-war for 20 minutes, now), and to say the least, I feel at home. I thank the Lord constantly for His provision thus far and the wonderful way He is preparing me for the next few days, and weeks, and months!
You've prayed me into Kandern.... thank you. Every comment I read is such an encouraging addition to this experience. You can look forward to my next post being from the infamous place I'm so curious to explore, Grenoble (I promise)!
Happy to have rested so well, I curiously grabbed my ipod to check the time. 11am, CEST! Last night, after reading up on a french cell phone plan and reviewing fruit and vegetable flashcards, I had finally succumbed to my fatigue at 9pm.... so 14 hours of sleep, not a bad start to overcoming jetlag, I'd say. :)
As I write, I realize most of you are still in the midst of your day, but over here, I'm about headed toward bed again. Being here in Kandern at the beginning of this adventure has been the most wonderful decision. I met up with Tim and Sandee Shuman at the airport almost immediately after grabbing my quickly delivered luggage from the near-empty Basel terminal. The drive home was a dream.... as scenic as I remember the Black Forest to be! We drove through the border into Germany without so much as anyone flinching, and at times could see both France and Switzerland from the car window. Mrs. Shuman very kindly made a delicious dinner and then I got to the part of my day when I really knew God for His goodness: I took a hot shower. :)
This morning, I got a chance, using the Shuman's phone, to give a welcomed wake-up call to my parents (trust me, it was one of the few times I can say it was "welcomed" at 6am :). After lunch, Mrs. Shuman and I strolled through Kandern and I tried to convince myself that, though it all looked familiar, my year here had not been a dream! It was so wonderful to walk the town (it's so small and easy to navigate) and one of our first stops was the house my family lived in, where a BFA still resides. I shamelessly took pictures to send to my family and had fun seeing how the house has been "modernized," and how it is still very much the same. In addition to lingering sentimentally in each room, the Stemple's four-year-old Katy took me into the attic, where the family had a few swings set up--we never had swings!-- and also into her room--my room--our room.
On to the next dear place, and that was Black Forest Academy, the school my Dad taught at and where we kids went to school. Again, a lot has changed in eight years, but there were still some familiar faces amongst the faculty. Many people smiled knowingly when I said I was studying in Grenoble for the semester--the city is apparantly very beauitful (which I knew) and has a very solid Christian student community, run by a Christian couple, called Le Feu (which I also knew). It was extremely encouraging to hear that from so many when I mentioned Grenoble, and it made me even more excited to get there myself and see what it is all about. God is setting up community for me to find there. I'm thankful already.
We went to dinner at this really amazing open-air restuarant out in the German countryside called Funfschilling, run by a Christian family. The restaurant is completely supplied by the food that they grow themselves, much of which you could see near the roadside driving in! I enjoyed chicken shnitzel, a very common food in Germany, as well as a fantastic salad (and of course it was fantastic... it was as fresh as if I had picked it myself!). To top it all was their apfel juice, or apple juice, fresh squeezed from their own apples. It was the best I've ever had.
Tonight I enjoyed looking through last year's BFA yearbook and talking with Mr. and Mrs. Shuman. Their apartment is lovely, their dog KD, also a bichon frise like mine, is cute and playful (we've been playing fetch/tug-of-war for 20 minutes, now), and to say the least, I feel at home. I thank the Lord constantly for His provision thus far and the wonderful way He is preparing me for the next few days, and weeks, and months!
You've prayed me into Kandern.... thank you. Every comment I read is such an encouraging addition to this experience. You can look forward to my next post being from the infamous place I'm so curious to explore, Grenoble (I promise)!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
London
You were all probably sick of reading blog posts about me.... still in America. Well, now I'm sending a warm hello, from London!
I have 2:44min left on my internet time card.... it cost me £2 but is well worth the assuring email I was able to send to my family. I also became friends with my youngest brother on facebook. A good use of my money, I'd say.
And now, I get to tell you quickly that I am doing well, and I'm happy and healthy. The flight was flawless and, surprisingly, not full, so I got two seats in the middle to stretch out on! Yay!
I am connecting here soon to go to Basel. Kandern is so close now. I simply cannot wait!
THANKS for your prayers... keep praying..... I appreciate them more than you know. God is always good.
Ok, less than a minute... post, post!
I have 2:44min left on my internet time card.... it cost me £2 but is well worth the assuring email I was able to send to my family. I also became friends with my youngest brother on facebook. A good use of my money, I'd say.
And now, I get to tell you quickly that I am doing well, and I'm happy and healthy. The flight was flawless and, surprisingly, not full, so I got two seats in the middle to stretch out on! Yay!
I am connecting here soon to go to Basel. Kandern is so close now. I simply cannot wait!
THANKS for your prayers... keep praying..... I appreciate them more than you know. God is always good.
Ok, less than a minute... post, post!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Un détour merveilleux... (A wonderful detour...)
Today is the DAY! Soon I'll be living on another continent and feebly fumbling my way through the art of french communication...
...well, not right away.
My flight tonight leaves from Chicago O'Hare at 10:05pm and arrives in London Heathrow; from there, I'll connect to a flight headed to Basel, Switzerland (out of my way a bit? yes. random? not at all). Some very good family friends are picking me up in Basel and driving me 20 minutes north to their home in Kandern, Germany. Kandern is a second 'home' for me as well; when I was 13, my family and I spent a year there living as missionaries at Black Forest Academy, an international Christian school for children of missionaries around the globe. Situated in a quaint German village, BFA is a place we absolutely adore. For me, a lot of spiritual maturing took place there, as well as immense growth in my global perspecitive. I am so grateful that my days spent "de-jetlagging" will be in a place I feel so comfortable, surrounded by people who still know me well.
Grenoble will come soon enough; Friday, I'll spend three hours on a train headed there, furiously brushing up on my french and praying I won't get lost once I arrive. :) Grenoble, à bientôt!
...well, not right away.
My flight tonight leaves from Chicago O'Hare at 10:05pm and arrives in London Heathrow; from there, I'll connect to a flight headed to Basel, Switzerland (out of my way a bit? yes. random? not at all). Some very good family friends are picking me up in Basel and driving me 20 minutes north to their home in Kandern, Germany. Kandern is a second 'home' for me as well; when I was 13, my family and I spent a year there living as missionaries at Black Forest Academy, an international Christian school for children of missionaries around the globe. Situated in a quaint German village, BFA is a place we absolutely adore. For me, a lot of spiritual maturing took place there, as well as immense growth in my global perspecitive. I am so grateful that my days spent "de-jetlagging" will be in a place I feel so comfortable, surrounded by people who still know me well.
Grenoble will come soon enough; Friday, I'll spend three hours on a train headed there, furiously brushing up on my french and praying I won't get lost once I arrive. :) Grenoble, à bientôt!
Mon Berger... (My Shepherd...)
La Sainte Bible rested open in front of me on the breakfast table this morning; 'it's time I got used to this,' I thought. I have owned that copy of the Word for a few years now, but it does not have the same well-worn pages that characterize my English copy of similar size. I hope someday my french Bible will be as familiar (and as easy to read!) as that one. Reading the Word in another language is an adventure, and a privilege, all wrapped in one. I'm sure I'll share further about that as I discover it more deeply.
This morning, I was soaking up 'Psaume 23,' the well-known psalm that begins "the Lord is my shepherd..." This theme of Christ being the 'good Shepherd' and us being His 'sheep' has been reoccurring for me the past few days (it's in John 10, too), and what a blessed time to be reminded of it. I love my identity as a sheep, because it puts me in a place of utmost dependence on the Good Shepherd, and it reminds me of my utter weakness and frailty. As much as I'd love to think that I'm invincible, self-sustaining, and personally competent as I head into this adventure, I know I am not. But I do know that I have a God who calls me, leads me out, and stands ground in defense of the sheep He has already shed His precious blood for. That is why I am insistent on heading into this new, unknown chapter of life with confidence; because with the Lord as my Shepherd, 'I will not be lacking in anything' (the literal translation in French).
As you pray for me, pray I'd rest trustfully in the hands of my Shepherd as I begin my travels, adjust to a new environment, and forge new friendships. I'm praying the same kind of trust evidences itself in your life and heart.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternel life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
This morning, I was soaking up 'Psaume 23,' the well-known psalm that begins "the Lord is my shepherd..." This theme of Christ being the 'good Shepherd' and us being His 'sheep' has been reoccurring for me the past few days (it's in John 10, too), and what a blessed time to be reminded of it. I love my identity as a sheep, because it puts me in a place of utmost dependence on the Good Shepherd, and it reminds me of my utter weakness and frailty. As much as I'd love to think that I'm invincible, self-sustaining, and personally competent as I head into this adventure, I know I am not. But I do know that I have a God who calls me, leads me out, and stands ground in defense of the sheep He has already shed His precious blood for. That is why I am insistent on heading into this new, unknown chapter of life with confidence; because with the Lord as my Shepherd, 'I will not be lacking in anything' (the literal translation in French).
As you pray for me, pray I'd rest trustfully in the hands of my Shepherd as I begin my travels, adjust to a new environment, and forge new friendships. I'm praying the same kind of trust evidences itself in your life and heart.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternel life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
Saturday, September 5, 2009
"Il me fait plaisir..." (It brings me pleasure...)
For now, you'll be hearing "il me fait plaisir d’être en France" because I just can't think of a good way to say "I'M SO EXCITED TO BE HERE you have no idea" en français. Two nights ago, I spoke with a very dear friend who attended Truman my freshmen year but had spent the previous year in Grenoble. I had a laundry list of questions for her, and she was all too eager to help me (thanks, Katrina!). I thought it important enough to write down this question: how does one say "I am so excited to be here" in french? In the years of studying I've done, I have never been satisfied with a way of expressing such a common thought. One thing is certain: students of french are taught early on to steer clear of the phrase "je suis excitée" because, well, it doesn't mean what you think, apparently. Good to know, good to know. Still doesn't help my dilemma.
The mystery has to be solved because "excited" is the most accurate descriptor for my emotions right now! Any anxiousness or fear is currently shadowed by my overwhelming enthusiasm for going abroad. This week has been preparatory in all ways: I've methodically checked things off my detailed "to-do" list, I've had alone time to think and pray, I've been with my family... I've even "soaked up" America, as one friend encouraged me to do earlier this week (and doing that would involve, you know, enjoying Chicago-style pizza night with my family, listening to the radio, drinking Starbucks...).
Tomorrow is "packing day" and the mess that I've layed out in our living room will attempt to fit into 1-2 suitcases. My mom is serious business about packing (I now refer to her as the 'master packer') and I'm looking forward to hearing her tell me I have to get rid of half the stuff I intended on bringing. Really, though, I'm aiming for 'light.' :)
I'll write again soon to detail what getting to Grenoble will look like for me... let's just say I'm taking the scenic route and making a slight detour....!
For now, I'll be looking up ways to say "I'm excited!"
The mystery has to be solved because "excited" is the most accurate descriptor for my emotions right now! Any anxiousness or fear is currently shadowed by my overwhelming enthusiasm for going abroad. This week has been preparatory in all ways: I've methodically checked things off my detailed "to-do" list, I've had alone time to think and pray, I've been with my family... I've even "soaked up" America, as one friend encouraged me to do earlier this week (and doing that would involve, you know, enjoying Chicago-style pizza night with my family, listening to the radio, drinking Starbucks...).
Tomorrow is "packing day" and the mess that I've layed out in our living room will attempt to fit into 1-2 suitcases. My mom is serious business about packing (I now refer to her as the 'master packer') and I'm looking forward to hearing her tell me I have to get rid of half the stuff I intended on bringing. Really, though, I'm aiming for 'light.' :)
I'll write again soon to detail what getting to Grenoble will look like for me... let's just say I'm taking the scenic route and making a slight detour....!
For now, I'll be looking up ways to say "I'm excited!"
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