With midterms finished and in the past, I have realized that we are nearing the downward slope of this semester abroad. Fall break begins this Friday, and after that there will be only a month and 10 days left. How time flies! I would prefer it if it slowed down just a tad.There is still so much left to do, places to go, things to learn, people to meet. Now, more than ever, is the time to take advantage of every moment, every opportunity, every conversation. Especially if it involves speaking French!
I hate to say, but most of this past week is a blur. Each day had its own unique high and low points, yet it was so packed that it came and went in a flash. Last Saturday, the 15th, I watched The Holiday (in French, of course) with Chloe. Definitely a highlight. She seemed to love it nearly as much as I do, except that when I would burst into laughter or nearly start crying at certain scenes, she would look over at me with an air that said "vraiment??" Which can be translated as the French way of saying, "really??". But whether or not that was the defining moment of my sanity (or lack thereof) in her mind, I hope to watch more films with her. It was a good bonding experience. Monday kick-off the dreaded week of midterms. I had three tests in a row on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; a school lecture Wednesday, and church Wednesday night. Then I could finally breath again.
I had no class on Thursday, so I met up with Mackenzie and Andy for coffee when they got out of class that evening. What a blessing that night was! We just sat and chatted and got to know each other a little bit. Mackenzie had to leave early, but Andy and I stayed a little longer, and I had the chance to hear some of her story, and in turn, I got to share some of mine. At one point, I found myself in the middle of trying to explain my faith and what my relationship with Christ really is. I remember fumbling for words that actually made sense. When I opened up about my beliefs, she did as well. But what an answer to prayer that entire conversation was. Early that day, I was so burdened with the thought that maybe I wasn't making an impact at all, and I kept asking if He really shines through me, or if I look like everyone else. I remember asking God to show me the seeds I have planted, if any at all. And then there was Andy. She told me that really respects me for my faith, and for actually sticking to it so fervently. Sweet Andy, one of the people who has seen me at my very worst, has seen Christ in me. Because of her words, I have been able to embrace the truth that my Lord is bigger than any and every mistake, and will reveal Himself and work in whatever circumstances. Now I know that He won't hold back from doing mighty works, despite my own unbelief.
Ever since coffee with the girls, I have been blessed with sharing in great conversations and fond memories all weekend. On Friday I invited my sweet friend Shayla over for lunch. She is an intern at ICCP (the American church) and has an absolute heart of gold. A simple lunch of stuffed crepes turned into three hours of talking, laughing, fellowshiping, and listening to heart-wrenching Jesus music. Being a person who loves to tell stories, I naturally love to hear them as well. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Shayla's life, her family, her passions, and her heart. She has been such a huge encouragement to me. As I told her my story, God confirmed things in my heart that I have been heavily doubting over the past few weeks. Who knew??
For the first time in three weeks, I woke up in time for the bus on Saturday! I was able to participate in the day-trip to St. Remy. We took the 7:55 bus to Arles where stopped to get coffee, then headed to the market to buy picnic supplies for lunch. Then we got on another bus to St. Remy, the small town in Provence where Van Gogh was admitted into an asylum, and also where he painted over 300 of his works. After eating the traditional lunch of bread, cheese, fruit, and wine, we ventured all around the town, following a map of sites where Van Gogh had painted. We took a little break at some Roman ruins, then headed to the asylum where, come to find out, they still treat patients and do art therapy.
My host parents left on Thursday for Italy, leaving me alone in the house. Marion, once again, informed me that I could have friends over on Saturday night, so that's exactly what I did. Since it isn't my house, I didn't feel comfortable inviting a lot of people, so I only asked those who I typically spend most of my time with. And it ended up being amazing, much like last time. We made enchiladas, mexican rice, chips, and homemade pico de gallo. I was really nervous about the food because I love mexican so much that I can get pretty critical. But it turned out being positively delightful. I was very impressed with our cooking skills. I was even more impressed when my host family decided to eat the leftovers tonight for dinner and told me that it was "tres, tres bon"! Anyway, after dinner, we practiced our swing dancing, led by Martin who happens to be a man of every kind of talent you can think of, then we settled down to watch a little TV. Definitely a magical night. As I have said before, and I'm sure I will say again in the future, I am in love with quality time. It is my absolute favorite to eat good food and have great company. It makes my little heart so happy.
I hate to say, but most of this past week is a blur. Each day had its own unique high and low points, yet it was so packed that it came and went in a flash. Last Saturday, the 15th, I watched The Holiday (in French, of course) with Chloe. Definitely a highlight. She seemed to love it nearly as much as I do, except that when I would burst into laughter or nearly start crying at certain scenes, she would look over at me with an air that said "vraiment??" Which can be translated as the French way of saying, "really??". But whether or not that was the defining moment of my sanity (or lack thereof) in her mind, I hope to watch more films with her. It was a good bonding experience. Monday kick-off the dreaded week of midterms. I had three tests in a row on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; a school lecture Wednesday, and church Wednesday night. Then I could finally breath again.
I had no class on Thursday, so I met up with Mackenzie and Andy for coffee when they got out of class that evening. What a blessing that night was! We just sat and chatted and got to know each other a little bit. Mackenzie had to leave early, but Andy and I stayed a little longer, and I had the chance to hear some of her story, and in turn, I got to share some of mine. At one point, I found myself in the middle of trying to explain my faith and what my relationship with Christ really is. I remember fumbling for words that actually made sense. When I opened up about my beliefs, she did as well. But what an answer to prayer that entire conversation was. Early that day, I was so burdened with the thought that maybe I wasn't making an impact at all, and I kept asking if He really shines through me, or if I look like everyone else. I remember asking God to show me the seeds I have planted, if any at all. And then there was Andy. She told me that really respects me for my faith, and for actually sticking to it so fervently. Sweet Andy, one of the people who has seen me at my very worst, has seen Christ in me. Because of her words, I have been able to embrace the truth that my Lord is bigger than any and every mistake, and will reveal Himself and work in whatever circumstances. Now I know that He won't hold back from doing mighty works, despite my own unbelief.
Ever since coffee with the girls, I have been blessed with sharing in great conversations and fond memories all weekend. On Friday I invited my sweet friend Shayla over for lunch. She is an intern at ICCP (the American church) and has an absolute heart of gold. A simple lunch of stuffed crepes turned into three hours of talking, laughing, fellowshiping, and listening to heart-wrenching Jesus music. Being a person who loves to tell stories, I naturally love to hear them as well. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Shayla's life, her family, her passions, and her heart. She has been such a huge encouragement to me. As I told her my story, God confirmed things in my heart that I have been heavily doubting over the past few weeks. Who knew??
For the first time in three weeks, I woke up in time for the bus on Saturday! I was able to participate in the day-trip to St. Remy. We took the 7:55 bus to Arles where stopped to get coffee, then headed to the market to buy picnic supplies for lunch. Then we got on another bus to St. Remy, the small town in Provence where Van Gogh was admitted into an asylum, and also where he painted over 300 of his works. After eating the traditional lunch of bread, cheese, fruit, and wine, we ventured all around the town, following a map of sites where Van Gogh had painted. We took a little break at some Roman ruins, then headed to the asylum where, come to find out, they still treat patients and do art therapy.
One of Van Gogh's paintings and the supposed scene of its creation
The asylum where Van Gogh painted "Starry Night".. no big deal
I really wouldn't mind being forced to live here
Oh, Van Gogh, you're so funny!
The group! (Roman ruins)
My host parents left on Thursday for Italy, leaving me alone in the house. Marion, once again, informed me that I could have friends over on Saturday night, so that's exactly what I did. Since it isn't my house, I didn't feel comfortable inviting a lot of people, so I only asked those who I typically spend most of my time with. And it ended up being amazing, much like last time. We made enchiladas, mexican rice, chips, and homemade pico de gallo. I was really nervous about the food because I love mexican so much that I can get pretty critical. But it turned out being positively delightful. I was very impressed with our cooking skills. I was even more impressed when my host family decided to eat the leftovers tonight for dinner and told me that it was "tres, tres bon"! Anyway, after dinner, we practiced our swing dancing, led by Martin who happens to be a man of every kind of talent you can think of, then we settled down to watch a little TV. Definitely a magical night. As I have said before, and I'm sure I will say again in the future, I am in love with quality time. It is my absolute favorite to eat good food and have great company. It makes my little heart so happy.
My sweet friend, Adam
Everyone pitching in to help! (Andy, Adam, Martin, and Mackenzie)
Mmmmmh mexican rice!
What a great set-up =]
Yesterday closed a great weekend. Karissa, my almost housemate, came over for breakfast and to watch the rugby championship. Well, as you might could guess, we never got around to watching the game, seeing that we remained seated at the breakfast table talking well past the end. Once again God blessed me with an amazing conversation. Out of nowhere, I found myself in the middle of talking about the Lord, much like when I talked with Andy. As I continue to pray for opportunities to share, or even just talk about God with someone who doesn't believe the same things as me, He continues to provide. This past week, my heart has been anxiey, itching to desperately tell someone of the love of God, and nearly every day I have been blessed with either long conversations like with Andy and Karissa, or just little fleeting moments. I am humbled because there is nothing in me that is initiating these moments or discourses. This whole time, I have been complaining about how I don't know how to bring God up in a regular conversation with someone who maybe doesn't even believe. And here, in one week, I have been flooded with happenings such as these. I am overwhelmed by how He listens to every prayer, and answers in His own way, in His own timing. Ask, and you really will receive. Seek and you truly will find. Knock, and never stop knocking and the door will fling wide. But never expect it to happen in the way that you expect or even hope! For He is way above all that we can imagine. His plan is good, His will incomprehensible. I cannot wait to see what He has stored for the coming weeks, months, and years.
Continuing to pray for guidance and direction regarding Haiti and my internship. Something has come up that scares me out of my pants, but it very much might be what God is calling me to in the fall. So praying for strength and willingness to accept His will for my life, no matter what that might be. I continue to pray for the rest of my time here, the people I know, relationships I'm making. Maybe they each encounter the Almighty this semester. I want to lift up my community at home. I know that Satan is hard pressed to beak it apart. I am praying for you. Keep seeking after Him and keep Him as your focal point. Don't let anything come between any one of you. We are all brothers and sisters, so I pray that we will treat each other as such. Finally, I am praying for Haiti, Haiti that is so dear to me. My heart longs to go, and I am in love with its people. So I am trusting God in His timing, and not my own. Now is not the time, He keeps saying to me. Now is not the time... And so I will wait... God, be lifted high. Be glorified.
Peace out!
-B
Continuing to pray for guidance and direction regarding Haiti and my internship. Something has come up that scares me out of my pants, but it very much might be what God is calling me to in the fall. So praying for strength and willingness to accept His will for my life, no matter what that might be. I continue to pray for the rest of my time here, the people I know, relationships I'm making. Maybe they each encounter the Almighty this semester. I want to lift up my community at home. I know that Satan is hard pressed to beak it apart. I am praying for you. Keep seeking after Him and keep Him as your focal point. Don't let anything come between any one of you. We are all brothers and sisters, so I pray that we will treat each other as such. Finally, I am praying for Haiti, Haiti that is so dear to me. My heart longs to go, and I am in love with its people. So I am trusting God in His timing, and not my own. Now is not the time, He keeps saying to me. Now is not the time... And so I will wait... God, be lifted high. Be glorified.
Peace out!
-B
Lord, that was amazing Brenna! Thank you for writing this, you are such an inspiration! Prayers will keep coming, I love you and your beautiful heart!:)
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