I think the last two weeks of Bibleschool I got an average of 5.5 hours of sleep a night - things were crazy.
But now I'm on holidays and slowly collecting my thoughts and emotions and belongings from all over the place, so I figured it was about time to let everyone know how I was doing.
Well for starters, I'm an adult now.
That's a little scary.
And I'm in Europe.
Put the two together and suddenly Northwest Ontario seems REALLY far away.
But God's still here, so there is no reason to get overwhelmed. :)
And He's been here all along, ever so evident during my time in France.
France.
Sadly, my life there is over.
But only for now, I'm 100% sure I'm going back.
Those three months were wonderful. Eye opening, sometimes shocking, definitely beautiful, thrilling, and one ridiculous adventure. Amazing people, gorgeous scenery, challenging lessons, and lots and lots of fun.
Part of it had to do with the fact that I was in a different country.
Man, I love that country.
I learned so much about the land, the culture, the language - sometimes to the point of my head wanting to explode! - and the people.
The French mentality became evident, stereotypes came to life, and the country's unspoken rules were revealed. Sometimes entertaining, sometimes stretching, and sometimes frightening.
Let me explain the last sentence by giving an example.
I thought the whole French people kissing each other on the cheek was just something in the movies. That must just be the extremely French people, not everyone. And movies always exaggerate everything, even greetings.
My first few hours in the Bibleschool passed normally. I met other North Americans, the teachers, and a few other students, all greetings were normal and I don't really remember too much of it.
That is until Marie walked into the room.
No, burst into the room in a shower of happiness and began given everyone - I mean everyone - the bisous. The kiss on each cheek.
I begin to panic as she got closer, thoughts raced through my head like bikers on the Tour de France. I don't know how to do this, and I don't even know her, what if I give her the wrong cheek, she's getting closer, ahhhh! And beneath all this, I began to realize that the bisous is actually a part of French culture and I might just have to get used to this...
Next thing I knew it was my turn and a kiss of the cheek later it was over. *Phew*
But only for now.
However by the end of three months - which included a week of service with only French people - I was used to it almost as comfortable receiving them as I was giving them. And I'll have you know that the last person I said goodbye to was Marie: I gave her a huge hug and bisous.
So French culture can sometimes be a little scary because its not my culture. And when you bridge the two there are some awkward moments, but once you get over it the most amazing experiences can begin. Its never too overwhelming.
Because God is with you.
Some highlights from my time in France!
- 11 Students + 3 young German staff = Awesome friends and ridiculously good times
- Jesus and music and people are literally my three favorite things in the world
- A radio in the kitchen meant there was be a dance party every night while washing dishes
- New teacher and course every week meant lots of learning, thinking, and growing
- Canadians stick together, and sometimes adopt a Texan
- Mountains, mountains, everywhere, and every day they look different.
- The French language is really complicated, but as long as you can make people laugh (and they're not laughing at how bad your French is) you know you've made progress
- Being tri-lingual means you can talk with anyone in Europe, one of the three always overlaps
- Snow is super important to Canadians, and winter just isn't winter without it
- Food and being to pick it and make it yourself is a blessing
- Speaking of which, having fresh French bread everyday really spoils you
- Worshiping in a different language is one of the greatest experiences ever, as is learning new and powerful songs
- I am such an extrovert, and being with people 24-7 made my day. I mean, every once and I while I would take an afternoon and just read my Bible and listen to music, but for the most part alone time could be done together.
- I now like tea and am able to drink it 3+ times a day, makes me feel more cultured too
- Window seats are awesome and perfect for doing homework
- The best, deepest, or funniest discussions happen around midnight
- Sisters are awesome
- There are music nerds everywhere and they will find each other
- French people stay way so long at the table that you almost need to bring games....
- Movies bring people together as well, however they usually happen to be in English
- I love love love love love castles, something the French people don't understand because they're used to it. However for a romantic-poet-musician-Canadian girl its a big deal
- God shows us our faults in order to heal us and make us more like Him, not discourage us
- Living in Christian community is one of the healthiest, heavenly, and holiest things I have ever experienced
- Getting to know other people and see their souls and personalities in action creates deep and strong relationships SO fast. These friendships will last lifetimes, I am sure. Actually, eternity.
- One of the best phrases to tell other Christians that you meet is "A toute ou dans le ciel" - See you soon or in heaven.
And that last point is what I'm really counting on, because I left some really good friends, no, sisters. I said goodbye to a little family. It hurt, and it still hurts.
But! I know if we keep working out our salvation with fear and trembling, coupled with the fact that it is God who works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure, I know I will see them in eternity.
Hopefully still on earth though.
Thankfully the world is small when compared with my hopes, dreams and growing heart for Europe.
Who knows what the future holds!
Thus my adventure in Europe is half over, j'ai dit au revoir a la France, but Germany is on the horizon with good things in store.
I know that because right now I'm not ready for it.
In my experience, whenever I'm nervous for something that I know is in God's plan, amazing things happen. He always explodes all of my expectations, comforts me completely, changes me, and reveals Himself in so many obvious ways. It happened in France - something I did not feel ready for, and so it will happen in Germany.
So now I just need to wait. And reflect and thank God for my awesome time at Champfleuri.
Adventure with God in France is complete.
Adventure with God in Germany has just begun.
God can and will take you on adventures everyday, no matter where you are.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
