.png)
You've probably been able to glean that school here can be a struggle because I feel constantly behind, confused, wrong, mislead, and lost. And that’s before I add in the administration side of school and living abroad!
But it's all what we focus on: I am so thankful that school allows me to have a visa to be here, and that through this avenue I am able to live in France and meet people at school: it is my mission field. And I'm also able to have a genuine peak into the culture here as a result. I am constantly reminding myself of that when I feel behind. Plus, God is the one who got me here, I know he will continue to provide if this is where he wants me to be!
When I’m not working on schoolwork, I’m fully engaged in the fullness of what God has for me from after church dinners to weekly small group meetings to continued ministry nights, I really am so thankful for all the opportunities I have here and the balance I’ve found in how to be present.
It's all what we choose to focus on! And the past few days I have really learned this lesson as I have been sick and learned just this morning I have bronchitis. I really do not feel well, but it's been such I beautiful, sunny few days which has helped. And this morning, one of my housemates heard that I am really only able to eat pretzels, so this afternoon I happen to peak out my window to see him riding up on his unicycle saying "J'ai de bretzels pour toi!" I love this sweet home and community.
Two fun stories from ministry:
I went with one of the FEU workers to the campus during lunch one day to do “perspective cards”, originating from Cru. These cards are meant to spark spiritual and deeper conversation, something that is not necessarily part of the culture here. Even though France has produced many famous philosophers, in the day to day, people here do not talk about their beliefs (or emotions). Even in the States, people are more willing to discuss beliefs as the culture tends to be more open. After a couple of “no’s”, we found a girl who was willing to engage. Ruth took the lead as she spoke French (even though I’m comfortable in French, speaking about big issues is still hard). Our new friend was gentle and honest, and when Ruth shared what Christians believe, (aka the Gospel though these cards) she was engaged and curious. We shared the FEU ministry with her and I’m still praying she will show up one day! She said she’s interested in learning more so we prayed that this would not stop here, but that she would continue being curious.
Story Two! Line Dancing Night When I knew that my brother Langley would be here during a school week, I suggested a line dancing night. So last week, for our Thursday night outreach night, we held Line Dancing/American night. The two of us got sick the day before, and the day of, another leader got sick. I was exhausted but knew that God was taking us to this place so that He could work through us. As the clock ticked past 7:30, there were just FEU students there. Ok, I thought, we’ll just have a fun night with friends. Suddenly, two groups of study abroad students came through the doors. It ended up being a full, fun night and lots of students were able to hear about faith and fear as I had the opportunity to speak about a testimony from my ranch days. (Reach out if you'd like to read it — it's not too long!) And, now my friends all say "YEEYEE" when they see me, which is definitely an added bonus.
Praises:
My friends here in France
Langley and Erin Powe coming to visit!
Longer and sunnier days
Line dancing night going well
School friends! The situation is better now, though I’ve realized that part of why it’s better is because my expectations have changed
Prayer Requests:
That the Lord would give me the time and energy to complete my homework and thesis. I fly home May 16th which means my thesis must be completed — printed out and ready — by May 1st. I’m a little worried about this deadline as most everyone will be completing their theses in June.
My transition home! I’m so thankful I am able to come home. I’m planning on working all summer so I can have money to support being back in France next year.
My friends at school
The week of Evangelization with our church and students from a Bible school - March 25th - March 29th
The student Ruth and I spoke to with the perspective cards
That I would heal quickly! :) just got antibiotics so I'm hoping that will help.
