One knows when she has grown accustomed to her surroundings when weeks begin to run together; when days are no longer memorable because of a certain overbearingly consistent routine. Yes, I hate to say it, but I have reached that point. I definitely do not feel like it has been a whole week since my last post, either. My days have grown so predictable and even uneventful. This morning, I found myself praying that God would shake things up in this routine of mine. Because honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of the same routine day after day. Where is the balance between being disciplined and stuck in the same old, same old everyday? I'm so ready to find that balance... like today. One reason why I'm not a fan of this routine I've found myself in, is because I'm so scared of taking the time I have here for granted. I'm scared that I will blink and realize that I'm back home already. I want to get as much as I can from my experiences here. And I want to make a difference, an impact! I think I'm almost scared of being too comfortable. Today! Today I will do something different. I will break my routine. I will break out of my already forming comfort zone!
Pardon my little rant there. This week was another good one. Last Wednesday I went to GBU which is a college group with the French Bible school here in Aix. I was a little (or a lot!) out of my league since it was all in French, so I didn't say much. Actually, I didn't really say anything at all. I just sat and listened. It was such a blessing to hear college students, people my age, breaking down scripture and really diving into it, picking it apart, and discussing what it means and how we can apply it. It was especially so encouraging to me because it was all in French. I was able to see first-hand the work that the Spirit is doing here in the lives of the Believers. I was talking to Nathalie, a girl I met, and she said that though there aren't a lot of Christians in France, the ones that are here, are passionate and strong. And I couldn't agree more!
On Thursday we had another little outing with the French Honors program. We went to le Cite des Livres, or in other words, the library. Friday night we had a movie night at the Institute. Everyone brought food and drinks to share, and then we sat down and watched Inception. Which, by the way, I absolutely loved. What a great movie! I recommend it to anyone who hasn't already seen it. I really enjoyed myself. I love seeing everyone being together, laughing, and having fun. It reminded me of the movie nights we have at Shorter, whether it's a movie on the lawn or in Martha's Cellar. Those are always fond memories.
Saturday, oh Saturday. What an eventful day! A small group (Mackenzie, Andy, Debba, and Will) decided to give St. Victoire another go. But once again, since we had no map, we couldn't find the trail that actually leads up the mountain. So we ended up picnicking on the Zola Dam, then taking a 2 hours trail to another smaller dam. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect, and we were able to see the mountain perfectly, and get a good dose of the French countryside. Once be got back to the bus-stop, we couldn't get on the bus because there were probably 50 other hikers who were trying to get back to the city. So the people in my group had the bright idea to walk back to Aix. Yes, I said walk. So that's what we did... we walked about 10 miles back to city, after hiking for two hours. That was definitely one of my favorite experiences (sarcasm). I don't think my body has recovered yet! My joints are all broken. Yes, all of them. But, as I've said before, good company makes everything better, even walking 10 miles down the road. I really enjoyed the chance to get to know everyone a little more.
Pardon my little rant there. This week was another good one. Last Wednesday I went to GBU which is a college group with the French Bible school here in Aix. I was a little (or a lot!) out of my league since it was all in French, so I didn't say much. Actually, I didn't really say anything at all. I just sat and listened. It was such a blessing to hear college students, people my age, breaking down scripture and really diving into it, picking it apart, and discussing what it means and how we can apply it. It was especially so encouraging to me because it was all in French. I was able to see first-hand the work that the Spirit is doing here in the lives of the Believers. I was talking to Nathalie, a girl I met, and she said that though there aren't a lot of Christians in France, the ones that are here, are passionate and strong. And I couldn't agree more!
On Thursday we had another little outing with the French Honors program. We went to le Cite des Livres, or in other words, the library. Friday night we had a movie night at the Institute. Everyone brought food and drinks to share, and then we sat down and watched Inception. Which, by the way, I absolutely loved. What a great movie! I recommend it to anyone who hasn't already seen it. I really enjoyed myself. I love seeing everyone being together, laughing, and having fun. It reminded me of the movie nights we have at Shorter, whether it's a movie on the lawn or in Martha's Cellar. Those are always fond memories.
Saturday, oh Saturday. What an eventful day! A small group (Mackenzie, Andy, Debba, and Will) decided to give St. Victoire another go. But once again, since we had no map, we couldn't find the trail that actually leads up the mountain. So we ended up picnicking on the Zola Dam, then taking a 2 hours trail to another smaller dam. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect, and we were able to see the mountain perfectly, and get a good dose of the French countryside. Once be got back to the bus-stop, we couldn't get on the bus because there were probably 50 other hikers who were trying to get back to the city. So the people in my group had the bright idea to walk back to Aix. Yes, I said walk. So that's what we did... we walked about 10 miles back to city, after hiking for two hours. That was definitely one of my favorite experiences (sarcasm). I don't think my body has recovered yet! My joints are all broken. Yes, all of them. But, as I've said before, good company makes everything better, even walking 10 miles down the road. I really enjoyed the chance to get to know everyone a little more.
St. Victoire from the Dam
One day, I will climb that mountain!!
The other side of the dam
South of France
Andy and I
I don't want to walk anymore!!
On Sunday, we had another IAU sponsored excursion, except this time we went to Le Luberon which is a well-known region in France. When you think of the "South of France", think of Le Luberon. It was so picturesque with the rolling hills, vineyards, chateaus, quaint little villages, and narrow roads. Absolutely beautiful. We first went to Lourmarin, a town which it known as the home of Albert Camus, a famous French author. We visited the famous chateau there, then went to see Camus' grave. After that, we bought food for a picnic, and headed to Lacoste, a small village in the hills (which would be considered mountains for my fellow Georgians) which is known for the chateau of the Marquis who lived there years ago. We picnicked in his front yard, looking out over Le Luberon Valley. After Lacoste, we made our way to Roussillon, a town that is known for its Ochres, of its red dirt. Honestly, it just reminded me of Georgia red clay! But the contrast of the red mounds against the green trees was absolutely spectacular. I will post up some pictures of this trip later today or tomorrow.
And so started another week of classes. It blows my mind that I have been here over a month now! I have a feeling that the next two and a half will fly by, since I will hopefully be traveling more. The past week or so, I have been hanging out with Chloe, my host-sister, more. She often comes in my room and sits with me while I do homework. She shows me her friends on Facebook, or her favorite songs on YouTube. I've also been able to show her pictures of my family and best friends. I've really enjoyed these little bonding moments. More and more we are beginning to actually have conversations about our day or school. She helps me with my French and corrects me when I am saying something wrong. I'm hoping to really get to know her over the rest of the time that I'm here. I want to know her personality, her heart. I hope and pray that I will make an impact on her life in some way.
Praying for confidence to speak French more, in order to learn as much as I can. Continuing to pray for the strength of my Lord to give of myself and boldly live for Him. That He will shake things up and protect me from falling into mediocrity and minimal ministry. Healing from lies of the enemy and gaping wounds in my heart. That I would hear Abba's romancing whispers and trust in His affirmation. His words never fail. I will cling onto His promises and Word, for He has a plan and purpose. And I will continue to joyfully wait for His timing and the man He has chosen to be my husband, no matter how lonely I feel, or how far-fetched it seems. Consume me, Lord Jesus!
Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. (8)For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one knocks it shall be opened. (9)Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? (10)Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? (11)If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
(Matthew 7:7-11)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. (8)For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one knocks it shall be opened. (9)Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? (10)Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? (11)If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
(Matthew 7:7-11)
Why, may I ask, are you posting at 3:42am? That's definitely sleeping time! Love you!!!
ReplyDeleteBecause it was really 9:42? :D
ReplyDelete