Day #8: A Weekend in Paradise

   I've heard it said that Nice is the most beautiful place in the world. Well, after running all over the city yesterday, I would have to say that as far as the natural beauty of the landscape and ocean, that judgment isn't too far off. But then again, I haven't been everywhere in the world, so my observation is a bit irrelevant. I went to Nice on a weekend excursion with IAU. We spent the day there yesterday, then we to Monaco last night, and Cannes all day today. I loved Nice, but it was a little too touristy for me. I think I need to spend more than a few hours there to really appreciate it. However, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the historic part of the city. Mackenzie, Andy and I (two friends from class) bought lunch in the market, then headed up to the chateau on the mountain for picnic. It wasn't exactly one chateau, but more like the grounds or estate of one. The view was incredible. One can see all of Nice and the Mediterranean. After lunch, we took a few pictures on the beach, then went on a walking tour with a couple of the leaders of the our group.

   Monaco blew my mind. As the world tax haven, every building and street sets the atmosphere for the ritziest city imaginable. Though the casino, Monte Carlos, is the main attraction, I was more so intrigued by the city itself. I felt as though I had stepped into a Disney kingdom, and halfway expected to see Cinderella drive by in her pumpkin carriage. I wonder what everyday life is like there. After Monaco, we stayed the night at a youth hostile about 15 minutes away from Nice. We all loaded up bright and early and headed for Cannes.

   Cannes, another city on the coast, battles heavily with Nice for my affection. It's not as glamorous or clean as Nice is, but there is something about this city that draws me in and identifies with me more. It is beautiful and rugged, but at the same time, many movie stars and celebrities have been known to go there. I'm really bummed because my camera died Saturday night, so I wasn't able to get any pictures here (see facebook for pictures!). The time we had in Cannes was much more relaxed than in Nice, and we had more time to kill. We walked up to the old chateau (for every French town has at least one!) and went through the museum. Then we went to the market there, bought lunch stuff, and headed to the beach. We found some nice big rocks wear we settled down to eat the traditional cheese, baguette, and fruit lunch. I'm not really sure why, but we had decided that we weren't going to swim, so we didn't bring our bathing suits with us. Well. That was a mistake! The water of the Mediterranean it too blue and perfect to not take a dip! So we (me being the instigator) stripped off our cloths and made the plunge. Aah... magnifique. Seeing as how many women were topless, and men wearing speedos, I figured our bras and panties was no public disturbance. This experience definitely qualifies as a high light of my first week overseas.

   The other high light of my first week would be Friday night when I found a church! I haven't been able to go yet, but I'm planning on it next Sunday. The Institute had this orientation thing where a bunch of organizations and clubs came and gave everyone information about things to do here in Aix. There was this young guy and girl, probably in their 20's, who shared about ICCP which is a Christian gathering that meets every Sunday evening. They both seemed really nice and welcoming. I almost choked up when I went to introduce myself, because I saw three other students there too. I was overwhelmed with relief and thankfullness that I'm not alone here. So, as far as I know, there are two other Believers here at the Institute. Parfait! God is good. He always provides, always watches, always care. I am humbled by how He continually provides for me, even when I doubt Him to no end. God is good. Never forget.

   Another discovery I made this weekend: though it is still hard to relate to the people here, I'm finding it easier to be myself. My Lord instills boldness in me little by little each day, so I am constantly progressing. Sometimes I find myself trying not to draw attention to myself, or avoiding certain topics so that I won't have to tell anyone that I'm a Christian, for fear of conflict, or them thinking I'm like one of "those" Christians. But the more I cower away, the more I am lovingly convicted. This weekend, I roomed with Mackenzie and Andy, two girls who I tend to spend a lot of time with during the week. I realized today that the more I hang out with them, the more I enjoy their company, and the more I am comfortable around them. I haven't had a really good laugh since I've been here, but something tells me when it happens, it will be with these two girls. They are rather lively and fun, both having very strong personalities. Naturally, I sort of fall in the background, as I used to do with Andrea and Emily at school. But I appreciate being in the background. I think that's my introvert talking. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting to know them better and them getting to know me.

   Tomorrow starts another week of classes. After the roller coaster that this past week turned out to be, I'm interested to see how this one fares. I'm still praying for boldness and confidence: boldness to speak out the Name, and confidence in who Christ is, and in who I am in Him. I'm also praying that He will give me love for the students around me, and that they would feel loved. Shine through me, oh precious Lord! I am amazed and humbled by those who are praying for me. I know that I am being covered and protected by a blanket of prayers. When I was in Nepal, Bedu told me that I am a warrior. He said that I will go out and do great things for the Kingdom, and I will have an army behind me, praying on into battle. I don't by any means see myself as a warrior, but I do see the Warrior who lives inside of me; the Warrior who leads me into battle. And now that I'm out in the world, I feel the army of prayer warriors behind me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for you prayers!
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 
Phil. 1:3-6


Peace!

-B