On the road...

Little Copy Cat

2011-05-14T11:21:00.004-05:00

Who come's flailing into our house screaming "How are you? How are you?" Meet Ba Mari: next door neighbor boy: mentally challenged mother, uncaring father, 3 1/2 years old, loves icecream. (Guess who introduced him to it?!) He spends a lot of time at our house since his mother often leaves him behind.

In the past, he hasn't known very much English so we say what we want to say and he hasn't understood. Lately I've been realizing that he is watching and understanding more than I realize. The other day I called our cat a dork, and instantly I heard a little voice say, "Dork." Just like I had said it. A few weeks ago I got a bad burn on my leg, and had removed a piece of aloe vera plant to spread over it. I don't even remember him being around but this morning I looked outside to see Ba Mari reaching over the aloe vera plant. He grabbed a chunk off and opened it just like I had and smeared it over a wound on his leg. Gone is the freedom and saying and doing what I want! Little eyes and ears are here!

Going to Grandma's House (or the village)

2011-05-06T04:29:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, I really wished I had been one of those children who LOVED attention. A friend was going to a wedding, and asked if I wanted to come. I decided it was a great opportunity to make friends, so I quickly agreed. After a bumpy ride through dunes in a lenge-lenge (a big truck with an open back where everyone crowds in) which left four hours later than scheduled, I arrived in a village 20 kilometers from where we live. Next came 2 1/2 days only communicating in the local language from sun-up (5:30 am) to midnight. The attention was not only on the four brides and four grooms to be married but also very much so on this foreign woman speaking their language. They asked lots of questions and then began talking about me thinking I didn't understand. I heard things like "She doesn't know any Manga" to "She knows everything in Manga" to "In the U.S. they get married when they are 25 or 30 sometimes?? If you wait that long there are no men left and you're too old to catch their eye! Kanjiallai!" (their expression of surprise which I heard over 20 times in one hour).
The highlight was one evening hearing my friend retell to her sister the story of creation which she had heard from our mp3 player a few months back. And the next day I was taken to a sick little boy and was able to pray for healing for him in front of the village leaders. May God open doors here!

Digging up a tree growing in our kitchen...and why can't we get plants to grow in the yard??

2011-05-06T04:15:00.004-05:00

A Wedding

2010-11-16T04:20:00.005-06:00

Just a few glimpses from a local wedding, a 7-day event full of family and friends and special moments.

Perspective

2010-10-02T11:08:00.005-05:00

It's sometimes too easy to consider the unfavorable things here:
-Black trash bags scattered everywhere, decorating trees and littering the ground.
-Dirty smells rising up from the lack of proper sewage.
-Temperatures that soar and give no reprieve.
-Isolation from life as we used to know it.
-Lies and deception that cause people to not look for change or truth but to go along as things have always been.

But then, there are the moments of wonder:
-The healing of our friend's little boy's eyes after praying for healing.
-People asking us health questions, giving us the opportunity to teach some basic good health tactics.
-The many friendships we have developed with wonderful, gracious people.
-The progress we've made in a very difficult language.
-The help of God through difficult circumstances.
-The presence of God, always.

So, yes, we try to be JOYFUL as we live here. God is worthy.

Crisis in Niger

2010-07-31T06:28:00.000-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8751000/8751252.stm

Kids teaching how to sort millet

2010-07-04T17:45:00.003-05:00

It's 105° F in my house

2010-05-30T06:14:00.006-05:00

You know it’s hot in your house when:
The syrup bottle microwave indicator tells you the bottle is HOT.
You have no need to boil water for washing dishes because it comes out of the faucet the right temperature.
Within 10 minutes of taking butter out of the fridge, it is already softened and beginning to melt.
The minute the electricity cuts and the fan stops blowing, you’re drenched in sweat.
You drink a whole 32 ounces of water and are still thirsty.

The events of Christmas while living near the desert.

2009-12-26T07:11:00.002-06:00

-The first choice for a party on Christmas Eve is to go to the sand dunes for a picnic and bonfire.
-You notice that the sandstorms ‘almost’ remind you of a snowstorm with the grayish, whitish color in the air. Then you realize it is 90 degrees instead of 0 degrees.
-You feel cold when the temperature ‘drops’ to 65 degrees F.
-Your Christmas tree is a thorn tree branch!
-You have donkeys walking by your door all day to remind you of Mary, very pregnant, riding on a donkey.
-Missing family, but remembering that no matter where “home” may be, it is so great to rejoice in the huge sacrifice our Father gave in sending His son to save us. We, His complaining, sinful, and selfish beings. There’s no sacrifice too big for us to make in response to this amazing sacrifice.

A Tax-ing Experience

2009-10-23T09:26:00.001-05:00

Riding in a taxi here in Niamey is always an experience. The other day we flagged down a taxi on Tillabery Road just in front of Kwame's house. I knew there were going to be a few problems when the engine of the taxi died as soon as the taxi man pulled up in front of us. We tried not to think too much of it and hopped in the taxi. After a few minutes of the engine shutting down and the taxi man restarting it, he turned to us and asked if we minded. We said, "No," and so he kept on going. We noticed he wasn't going the normal direction to the Stadium area so we asked him where we were going. He just smiled and said, "I have to go to the garage." You would think that if you were going to go get your car fixed, you wouldn't bother to pick up passengers. But then again, this is a different culture here. We sat at the mechanic's shop for about 15 minutes while he tuned up the car. Finally, we were off again. We drove for about five minutes this time before the taxi man decided to stop and get some gas. It was a good thing we weren't in a hurry… the taxi man sure wasn't. But then again, this is the pace of life around here.

A Day of Bureaucracy

2009-10-23T09:22:00.001-05:00

The other day I traveled into the city to buy some fiscal stamps, a stamp that's kind of like a money-order used for acquiring government documents such as a new driver's license. The director of SIM told me that I could buy them at the post-office. I jumped in a taxi and headed to the post office, ready to accomplish all that I needed that day. I walked into the post-office with a smile on my face only to be greeted by a woman at the window who obviously didn't care to be at work.

I timidly muttered in my best French, "Can I buy some fiscal stamps here?"

"Fiscal stamps? Go to the Domain Services up the street on the left."

I quickly made my way out the door and up the street, thinking, "No problem." As I walked up the street, the only building on the left was the Minister of Finances but there weren't any signs saying anything about "Domain Services." Across the street I noticed some buildings looking a little more inviting with signs saying, "Services of Taxes." The needed stamps are actually a kind of tax-stamp so I thought that I'd try it out. As I began to enter the first building, a man outside the door asked if he could help me.

I cheerfully said, "Yes. I need to purchase some fiscal stamps. Do I do that here?"

He smiled and responded, "Go to the building to the left. There you can buy them."

I think the day is going to be a good one after all. I walked over to the next building and popped into the first office I saw.

"I need to buy some fiscal stamps."

The woman nodded and pointed towards the hallway, "Down that way."

I walked up the hallway only to find a large African woman sitting in front of her computer playing solitaire.

"Excuse me, but I'd like to buy some fiscal stamps."

"How much do you need?"

"10,000 CFA ($20)," I responded.

Shouting down the hallway even further, she beckoned to another office where another large African woman was playing solitaire as well.

"You can't buy them here. Go to the building on the left."

Shrugging my shoulders, I went back to the building I had first come from.

Still smiling I said, "They said I need to get them here." He briefly spoke with another man and told me to go two buildings down on the right. I entered the building and found the first person who looked like he knew what he was doing.

Struggling to still smile I said, "I need to buy some fiscal stamps." He nodded and led me to the back of the building where a small group of people gathered around a couple desks noisily chatting away. Again I noticed that one of the computers displayed that ever-present card game, solitaire. The man pointed me to a woman sitting at one of the desks and said, "He needs some fiscal stamps."

"How much?" she demanded.

"I would like 10,000 CFA of fiscal stamps please."

"Oh, you can't get them here." Another man chimed in and told me I had to go to a building next to the radio tower building. I thought he meant nearby, so I left the building, and went next door. Stopped at the gate by a guard, I was asked, "What do you want?"
"I need some fiscal stamps."

"Go to the building you see on the left there." Disappointed, I slowly made my way back to the building where I encountered the office of people. They didn't seem any happier to see me than they did the first time I was there. Exhausted and tired of French, I said, "I still need some fiscal stamps and the guys next door told me to come here."

One of the men told me that I had to go all across town to another tax office located next to the radio and television building. This was going to be a long day I thought. Luckily, or by divine intervention as I like to think, another man chimed in and finally said, "You can buy the stamps at the Treasury building which is just down the street."

I hope and prayed that he wasn't just leading me on another wild goose chase. Thankfully, and to my own sanity, when I asked the woman at the window for some fiscal stamps, she promptly pulled out a sheet of them and asked, "How many would you like?"

Words from the Wise

2009-08-26T08:43:00.010-05:00

It was a moment I'll remember. Her name was Mary Ann. This little woman with long gray hair, big glasses, and a big smile wandered up to me after we'd finished sharing about Niger at her church. She began by telling me about all her grandkids and what each was doing. When she was about finished I said, "Mary Ann, what words of wisdom do you have for a young woman like me?" She paused and said, "What? What do you want to know?" I asked again, a little louder this time. She paused and then said, "Make sure to thank the Lord every morning for His blessings. You pray every day, don't ya?" "I try to!" I responded. As we continued to talk she asked, "Now, what can I pray for you about?" I told her a few things and before I knew what was happening, Mary Ann grasped my arm and began asking the Lord to bless our ministry, to do His work in Niger, and to take care of us on the airplane. I'm sure it was one prayer out of thousands she had prayed in her lifetime, but for me, this one was special. Someday, maybe I'll be like her. She informed me before we said goodbye that everybody in the church knew her. I assured her that I was certain they did! And I was certain, because after my 10 minutes with Mary Ann, I sure felt like I did.

The Things You Learn in France...

2009-06-26T10:15:00.002-05:00

When I came to France ten months ago I never expected that I'd learn more than just the French language. But thanks to an English friend here at the language school, I have also learned a new trick.

That's right... I can now swallow fire. Katie's not very amazed about my new trick, but I know that she will come around. It's just a matter of time. When our funds are low and there's no food on the table, she'll turn to me and my new fire-swallowing ability.

Strength Found in Weakness

2009-06-16T14:15:00.008-05:00

Lately, the Lord has been humbling me by showing me my weaknesses. It's hard sometimes for me to accept because I've always had a "superman" complex. I mean, I've always considered myself able to do anything... able to do anything I set my mind to... impervious to the world around me. However, I've come to realise how little I really know and how weak I really am. When I hear others speak about the Scriptures, I realise how much I don't know. When people ask for my counsel, I see how much wisdom I am lacking. When I think about my French learning, I realise my inability. It is easy to be discouraged...

However, the Lord has also shown me that even with all of these reasons, I still have no adequate reason to be discouraged. I won't give into this deception. My hope rests in the Lord. My hope rests in His faithfulness... in the fact that in weakness His power is made perfect. Over and over again, God has used the weak to shame the strong... the foolish to shame the wise.

I have learned that my strength does not rest in the acceptance of my own abilities or powers. My strength rests in the acceptance of my weakness. It is through my weakness that the Lord will be glorified. The weaker I am, the stronger He will be displayed in my life. When I am able to quote Scripture or give wise counsel, it will not be because of anything I've done, but only because of what He has done in me. When I become fluent in French and other languages, it won't be because of my abilities, but only because of what He has done in me.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will all boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Cor. 12:9-10

What does sewage, classical music, and the Tango all have in common?

2009-06-14T11:07:00.011-05:00

Well, these are all things you can do in one day in the romantic city of Paris. When most people think of Paris, they think of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre. Well, what do you do after you've seen all those sights a half-dozen times? Well... you go underground.

We took a short tour of the Paris sewer system. It's really not overly interesting, but it still was a little bit. We saw how Paris has over 2100 km of sewer pipes (that's over 1300 miles) and pumps out over 1.3 million cubic meters of sewage water every day... that's equal to 35,000 35-ton trucks of liquid.

After our wonderful tour underground, we went to Saint-Chapelle, a chapel in the city center with beautiful stained-glass windows. Instead of taking the normal 10-cent tour, we waited until evening and enjoyed the chapel's beauty while Vivaldi echoed throughout the hall. A stringed quartet along with a harpsichord played classical music as the sunshine from the windows made a myriad of colors across the floor.

As the evening came to a close, we grabbed a pizza and took a stroll down by the river Seine. We enjoyed our cheap dinner on the bank of the river with all the others gathered around watching some tango dancing. Instead of pizza and a movie we opted for the more economical and romantic... pizza and a tango.

Medieval Times

2009-06-08T01:28:00.003-05:00

The other day Katie and I had the opportunity to go to a medieval festival not far from where we are staying here in France. It was a small festival with singing, dancing, and all kinds of grown men attacking each other with swords. Truly a good time. It was really just like some of the Renaissance Festivals in the United States, except for one thing... this festival took place in the shadow of an old château from the early 13th century. The band in the video above was quite amusing and talented. They were probably the best part of the festival... well, except for the home-made crêpes that were cooked over an open fire.

Pronunciation is Key

2009-05-26T16:08:00.003-05:00

Language learning at times can be difficult, but it is always humbling. As we finish our last five weeks here in France, it's always good to look back and see how far we have come but to also remember how much farther we still need to go. This video just makes me laugh, and I definitely have a new appreciation for the correct pronunciation of words. Who knows how many times I've probably done the same thing...

Learning English Again

2009-05-05T13:42:00.002-05:00

One would think that as he learns a new language, he wouldn't have to relearn the language of his mother tongue. However, as I learned today, poor grammar in English results in poor grammar in French. In class today we were doing some exercises with the many different tenses of verbs - that is, present, future, near future, past, recent past, conditional, etc., and with indirect discourse (i.e. "He said that..."). Our teacher explained that it was very easy to do... just do what you would do in English. "It's the same thing," he said. Well, obviously, my English isn't very good. I translated the sentences incorrectly.

Anyway, I seem to be relearning English at the same time I'm learning French. Go figure!

Fields of Gold

2009-05-05T13:28:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we had the pleasure of viewing the French countryside as we drove back from a conference in Switzerland to our home here in Massy, France. The landscape seemed to shine with splashes of gold as the fields of mustard burst forth with God's glory. Openings in trees spilled out the secrets of the old châteaus hidden from ages past. Man's glory fading while God's glory shining for eternity.

God's Decision

2009-04-26T12:27:00.009-05:00

A little while ago, I just finished my first 'real' French book. I consider it a 'real' book because for the first time I could read something in French beyond a children's book. It felt good. And it was a good read. "L'oeil du Tigre," or "Eye of the Tiger" is a story of a man who was a Kung Fu World Champion. A man who had killed people and become a thief. A man full of hatred. A man who was thrown in a Turkish prison where he came to meet Jesus. How? Another man, Michael, was willing to come meet with him and show him Jesus. Michael had hope that Tony was not beyond hope.

As I read, I couldn't help but think of how unwilling I would be to go to a prison to meet with someone like Tony. And, how my mind would instantly decide that someone like that had gone too far and that their heart would be too hard to follow Jesus. A friend said the other day, "God is the ultimate one who decides. We can't be the judge of how God is going to work. We are not the ones to make a judgement call on people." Psalm 75:7 says, "But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another." I'm certain I decide too often how I think God is going to work. I decide too often what is within a person. But the decision is up to Him, not up to me.

1 Chronicles 28:9"And you, ... acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Taking a Ride

2009-04-12T10:19:00.005-05:00

Well, yesterday ended up being a beautiful day here in north-central France. We first thought it was supposed to rain, but we were pleasantly surprised when we awoke to sunshine and warmth. Katie and I jumped on our bicycles and tried to make our way over the hills and through the woods to see an old château. Like most men, I am superb in my directional ability. However, somehow my antenna got a little out of whack, and we ended up stopping to stare at a little map at the corner of town. Surprisingly, a man on a motorcycle drove up and asked if he could help. He was very nice and even pointed out to us some other bicycle trails that we did not yet know of. We finally made our way to an old abbey from the 17th century. It was a great bicycle ride but after five hours of riding up and down hills, we were both ready to go home. Instead of riding all the way back to Massy, we took the lazy man's way and jumped on the train. All in all, it was a good day.

Saying Good-bye to Friends

2009-04-08T07:34:00.002-05:00

This is our last week of classes here at school before spring break. Through

out this past year, we've been blessed to meet every week with a small group of students to study the Bible and pray together. One couple, pictured bottom left, is leaving school this weekend and heading to the field in central Africa. Katie and I have been very blessed to know them and to learn from their wisdom. We are very grateful for our group, and we're excited to continue meeting together until we leave in June.

Painting Again

2009-03-29T10:26:00.002-05:00

Well, as some of you may know, I used to paint a little bit. However, it's been a little while since I've picked up a paintbrush, but thanks to the recent gift of my parents, I now have a new paint set. The painting pictured here depicts a scene of nowhere in particular except simply a scene from the beauty of God's creation. I hope to maybe take my paints into Paris one day and try painting the Eiffel Tower. We'll see how that goes...

Enjoying the Fresh Air

2009-03-29T08:32:00.006-05:00

As the weather has been turning warmer, Katie and I have enjoyed spending more and more time outside of our humble abode at Les Cèdres. Earlier this year we purchased two bicycles off of eBay France and have thoroughly enjoyed using them. The other day we bicycled through Massy to a nearby forest where we relaxed by a small pond while watching a fisherman cast his line into the water.

There's also a trail known as the Coulée Verte (pictured here) that goes directly from our town all the way into Paris. It's about an hour's bike ride, and we hope to make the journey soon. About half-way to Paris is a beautiful château where many Parisians go to relax. It's a great spot to relax, read, and just enjoy some time with the Lord.

Taking a Tour

2009-03-22T14:49:00.008-05:00

This past week we were able to go with some other students to Paris for a historical tour of the Notre Dame as well as another old church in the center of town. Alain Joly, a local minister (pictured at left), gave us an exciting lesson of history about both churches. Though we have both already seen the Notre Dame and heard some of its history, Alain told us some things we hadn't heard yet. It was also exciting to take an entire tour in French and actually understand most of what was being said.

The other church, seated just a few hundred meters from Notre Dame in the heart of old Paris, has an allure all of its own. Walking through the big red wooden door from the street, you first see a small courtyard surrounded by weathered stone pillars. The church actually has in its possession two original copies of bible commentaries by Martin Luther. Both books are dated 1525 and are in excellent condition.

Running the Race

2009-03-10T15:27:00.006-05:00

Well, we finally did it! It's been a long time of training, but Katie and I finally finished our second, and probably our last, half-marathon (But then again, who knows... I said I wouldn't run one again after the first one too). It was indeed a challenge. However, we enjoyed the company of two close friends who came all the way from the States to run with us. Out of the 25,000 participants, I finished number 13,845 (with a time of 2 hours) and Katie finished number 20,154 (with a time of 2 hours 24 min). I am glad we are finished and my knees are thankful as well.

Our race started at the front of the Château Vincennes in the eastern part of Paris. Just before the gun sounded at 10am, the four of us made our way to the crowded street with great anticipation. Clouds gently rolled across the cold French sky giving no good luck wishes but only threatening us with the ensuing rain. "No matter," we thought. "We have been training for this day, and we are ready." We exploded from the starting line with a pace with which snails could not surpass. Like a lost sheep in a stampede of cattle, we fumbled our way through the streets of Paris. With the Eiffel Tower always looming in the distance, we finally reached the half-way point as we neared the Notre Dame Cathedral. "So far, so good." However, the same clouds that had threatened us earlier where now pouring down their wrath. "Woe to you runners," came the shout from above. But we were not dismayed. We marched on with force and with new vigor. "Nothing will stop us." And nothing did. As the 21st kilometer (13th mile) came into view, we all dug down deep into our hearts and pulled out one last burst of energy. We all finished with force, and we are all alive today to tell about it.

When There's Fire... Blow the Whistle!

2009-02-21T12:35:00.003-06:00

We finally discovered our fire alarm the other day here in the building where we live. No worries though... we didn't find it out of necessity, just mere curiosity. However, we did find it quite amusing.

In case of fire... break the glass... take the whistle... blow a few times... and RUN (Well, it doesn't actually say to run, but I think it is definitely implied).

Crêpes and Dancing

2009-02-15T12:44:00.008-06:00

Can you think of anything else that goes better together than crêpes and dancing? Well, maybe there are a few things... But anyway, our school hosted a night of crêpes and dancing. It was a lot of fun and I know that I ate way too many crêpes. Oh well... it was worth it. After the meal we all got together to watch a Scottish couple (that ministers here in the area) teach how to dance in good ol' Scottish style. It was kind of a mix between the polka and barn dancing... if you can imagine.

A Short Skit for Class

2009-02-15T12:09:00.006-06:00

Every so often each class here at our French school must do the chapel meditation for the rest of the students. Last week our class had the privilege to share a short meditation with everyone. We decided to focus on the need to pray by performing a short skit. The skit is about a boy that really wants to pray, but nobody in his family will pray with him. Guess who plays the role of the grandparents? Check out the wonderful acting by Katie and I in this short movie clip. Enjoy...

Running Again?

2009-01-31T03:09:00.003-06:00

Well, I never thought it would happen, but Katie and I are going to run the half-marathon of Paris... that's 21 km or 13.1 miles. Almost two years ago now, we both ran our first half-marathon together and even finished at the same time (2 h 10 m). It was an exhausing race, and I vowed I would never run it again. Well, somehow we talked ourselves into running one more time. This past week we ran 9 miles in one stretch as we begin to prepare ourselves for the big race on March 8th. Katie hopes to finish in 2 hours 10 minutes (avg. 10 min/mile), and I hope to finish in 1 hour 50 minutes (avg. 8.5 min/mile).

Still Learning English...

2009-01-24T03:09:00.004-06:00

The other day while eating some dessert with my French class, I tried to explain the word "self-control" to a German friend of mine. My vocabulary in French is still lacking, and I struggled to get my point across. Finally, he said, "Just tell me in English." But my mind went blank. For the life of me I couldn't think of the English word. He eventually had to look up the German word in his own dictionary that he thought I was trying to explain, and then tell me the English equivalent.

It's pretty bad when a German, who speaks English as a secondary language, has to tell me, someone who speaks English as his primary language, the English word for something. Once again... the joy and humility of learning another language.

She Said What?

2009-01-19T06:06:00.003-06:00

Well, last Monday Katie gave her first meditation in French. It was great. She really did an excellent job at the story she told as well as at her pronunciation of "la langue française." However, a couple of the students didn't follow the story very well. You see, Katie shared a story about a friend of hers named Derya. The story actually told about two different "Deryas..." Derya #1 and Derya #2. The problem, though, is that in French "Derya" kind of sounds like the word "derrière" which means of course, one's backside. The two students were very confused on what Katie was trying to explain in speaking about her two "derrières." Oh, the joys of language learning...

New Beginnings

2009-01-10T09:44:00.003-06:00

Well, we had an interesting and relaxing Christmas and New Year's break, but now we have to get back to studying and learning French. We started school this past Tuesday and after two weeks off, it seems like we've forgotten many things. I know that's not quite true, but it is difficult to get the ball rolling once again. Many of the friends we had made last semester did not return to school, and now we are making new ones. It's just like the beginning of school all over again... well, except this time, we're the ones who can speak some French while the other students are the lost ones.

Though the French is still difficult, Katie and I are both definitely progressing. When I first came I couldn't understand a single word of the weekly Bible study I was attending. This past week I actually answered a couple questions and even prayed. This Monday Katie will be giving her first meditation in French in front of our class. It should be good.

Things You'll Never See in the States

2009-01-10T09:34:00.004-06:00

The other day Katie and I stopped at a coffee shop in a train station in Paris as we were killing some time before the museum opened. We sat down at our little table only to be visited by a new friend. It seems that Mr. Sparrow wanted to join us for coffee. He was more interested in the crumbs on the table than the coffee, but he still graced us with his presence. While Mr. Sparrow hurriedly ate the crumbs from our table, his friend Mr. Pigeon ate the ones that fell on the floor.

No one seemed to mind the two visitors in the coffee shop. I think it was an everyday experience.

Subway Music

2008-12-29T10:55:00.002-06:00

Music while you wait for your train...

Christmas and Paris

2008-12-29T10:29:00.006-06:00

Though we've only been married now for two Christmases, Katie and I haven't spent Christmas in the same spot yet... nor will we for another year or so. Last Christmas we were still on our honeymoon in Costa Rica and spent it on the edge of the Costa Rica jungle. This year we celebrated in Paris, France. Next year, we'll be celebrating on the fringe of the Sahara Desert in Niamey, Niger. Quite a lot of change, but it's been good.

Heidi, Katie's youngest sister, came and celebrated Christmas with us. We all have been exploring Paris and gazing at the beautiful lights all over downtown. On Christmas Eve the three of us took some fruit and candy to a group of Romanian gypsies living behind the park here in Massy. I was amazed to see over 40 different dwellings all tucked away in the field behind the park. Though many of them were away, we were blessed to talk with them, hand out gifts, and even pray for some that were sick.

On Christmas day we went to dinner with two other couples who stayed here over break. It was a nice time to share and get together with family, even though they weren't our own.

Christmas is in the Air

2008-12-23T02:37:00.003-06:00

Though our apartment is small, we have tried to decorate it as best we can. A little $8 tree adorned with home-made ornaments and strings of popcorn makes its home in one corner of our apartment. Our windows are covered with probably the only snow we'll see this winter... the fake snow from a can. Being from Minnesota and Indiana, we both enjoy the winter months of snowmobiling, sledding, and ice skating. I guess we better start adjusting now of not having snow because once we get to Niger, sand will be all that we see. C'est la vie!

Katie's sister, Heidi, is also here celebrating with us this Christmas. She has been traveling around Ireland the past couple of months and now is resting here in France. It is always nice to have some family around for the holidays. She has been an encouragement to us both.

We all look forward to spending a few days in Paris because Paris is supposed to beautiful this time of year. We'll be sure to post any pictures we take. We pray you all will have a wonderful Christmas. Joyeaux Noël!

French Fun Fact

2008-12-14T13:46:00.003-06:00

Nursing homes here in France still serve wine at each meal to the elderly. Kind of crazy, huh?

Church Christmas Program

2008-12-14T13:36:00.006-06:00

French Band

Last Friday night the church we attend held an international Christmas Program. Many of the students here, as well as the members of the church, shared a Christmas song in their own respective languages. Katie and I sang with a few others the song: "What Child Is This." We were able to hear praises to our Lord in French, German, English, South African, and a few other African languages. It was a great time of fellowship and praise! The program didn't start until 8:30pm and then didn't end until after 11pm. A little bit different than church in the States...

Christmas Comes but Once a Year

2008-12-13T12:47:00.002-06:00

As my eyes connected with the old woman weeping in her wheelchair, I couldn't help but wonder where her life had taken her all these years. Had she been married? Did she have children? Is she now all alone? My voice cracked as I struggled to sing the Christmas songs for which we had come to sing.

You see, a little while ago Katie and I joined the student choir here at Les Cedres with about 20 other students. Every week we've been meeting after class to practice three different Christmas songs in French. It's been a little bit of a struggle, but it has been good. On Wednesday this week we went to a nearby retirement home and sang for all the people there. It was a wonderful experience that I know we'll cherish all season long. It was great just to connect with people who probably don't get very many visitors. I spoke with one gentleman who used to drive a bus up and down the streets of Paris. He lived there all his life, and now he sits in a retirement home... waiting... He says the food is pretty good most of the time, especially in the afternoons. He said he liked our songs.

It's great that we all could go as a big group and share Christ's love at a time of the year when people tend to feel the loneliest. It's too bad, though, that Christmas comes but once a year...

Thanksgiving Day Celebration

2008-11-29T13:14:00.006-06:00

Answered Prayer, Exploding Ovens and Cracked Heads

2008-11-23T23:18:00.007-06:00

Well, this past week has indeed been an exciting one.

Answered prayer... Awhile ago when Katie was running through the park, she met an older gentleman from Algeria. He was difficult to understand, but he really wanted to help Katie learn her French. Katie and the man chatted for awhile, and he even invited her over for dinner. Katie declined at that moment, and the two went on their way. Katie and I later discussed how this could be a great opportunity to learn from a local and even share the Good News. We prayed for another opportunity to meet this man.

Earlier this week while we were both running through the park, Katie again ran by the same Algerian man. Looking for any reason to stop running (I think), she stopped and chatted with the man. It wasn't too long before I also made my way around to the two of them. We spoke to him for about 15 minutes and even invited him over for dinner. However, he refused, and we soon went our own ways. Please pray that we might meet him again.

Exploding ovens... well, no ovens actually exploded this week, but we sure came close! If you've ever roasted chestnuts before, then you know that a deep 'x' must be cut into them before cooking. Katie decided to make some roasted chestnuts earlier this week, but one of the cuts just wasn't deep enough. As we sat at our little kitchen table, a sound like a shotgun being fired rang out from behind us. One of the chestnuts had exploded in our little oven. Thankfully, no damage was done.

Cracked heads... well, I (James) was at it again. If you know me at all very well, then you know that I have a problem of keeping track of my head... literally. You also know, therefore, that head injuries come naturally. Well, I was down in the main kitchen this past Friday night with some other students preparing for a nice little dinner together. I was in the process of making some popcorn on the stove when I suddenly knocked a glass off the counter. With my superman-like reflexes, I caught the glass just before it crashed onto the floor. Flooding with excitement, I leaped into the air like a startled cat on the 4th of July and smacked my head into the steal frame of the oven hood. Nothing but a little hurt pride and a bloody head to start the evening off right! Oh well...

Armistice Day Celebration

2008-11-16T09:16:00.003-06:00

Last weekend the French celebrated Armistice Day, the day commemorating the armistice signed between the Allies and the Germans on Nov. 11, 1918... the day that marked the end of the World's first great World War. Celebrations erupted in small towns all across the country. In Massy Katie and I attended the local celebration and remembrance of those heroes who fought and died in WWI. Seventy-seven brave souls from Massy gave their lives during the onslaught of that war. But as we listened to the names being read of those who gave their lives for the freedom of France, I couldn't help but think of the one who gave His life for the freedom of the French people almost 2000 years ago. The French do not neglect to remember their brave soldiers, but they do neglect their creator God. Not once during the whole ceremony was a prayer said or a word about God given!

The French life revolves around the pursuit of liberty, equality, and brotherhood, yet the very thing they seek can only be found in the One they have denied. True liberty... True equality... and True brotherhood can only be found through Christ Jesus our Lord.

La Lumière de Dieu

2008-11-04T09:34:00.002-06:00

How often does the light shine into our lives and into our churches but fails to shine out? As Katie and I traveled around the port city of Marseille, we happened upon this little church with the light of God's creation illuminating the light of His salvation. What a beautiful sight to behold!
But how often does the light come in and never make its way back out? Christ calls us to be lights in a dark world. All too often, though, God's light shines into our hearts, but we keep it hidden. This must not be so. Jesus says, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:14-16).
May the song we sang as children ring true in our lives today: This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine... let it shine... let it shine....

La Mousse au Chocolat

2008-11-04T07:22:00.003-06:00

We enjoyed learning how to cook this Mousse in our french language cooking class!

Ingredients
6 jaunes d'oeufs
100 grammes de sucre
1 sachet de sucre vanillé
200 grammes de chocolat noir
2 cuillères à soupe de lait
1/2 litre de crème fraiche

And now for the English version...

Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
8 oz. (or 8 squares) dark chocolate or baking chocolate bar
2 Tbsp. milk
2 cups whipping cream

1. In a large bowl, mix together the egg yolks, the sugar and the vanilla.
2. In a saucepan, melt the chocolate pieces with the milk.
3. After melted, slowly combine the two mixtures, stirring the egg mixture as you add the chocolate.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the whipping cream until it is light and fluffy.
5. Combine the two preparations.
6. Allow the mousse to stay in the fridge for 12 hours. Enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

Virtual Tour of Our Apartment

2008-10-22T07:37:00.004-05:00

Come on in! This is a short video showing the inside of our lovely apartment here at Les Cedres. We actually have two rooms - one is the bedroom and the other is everything else. It's a little small, but we like it.

Eight Weeks Learning French

2008-10-21T14:13:00.011-05:00

At Versailles

At a local cheese festival. We've never seen so much cheese.

Beautiful at night

What Katie does when she's frustrated with 'la belle langue francaise'

A bit of good news

2008-04-09T14:49:00.004-05:00

Check out this link. It's GREAT to hear a bit about positive changes taking place in this world.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/04/04/world/0405-ORPHAN_index.html

Grandpa and Grandma

2008-02-20T09:04:00.002-06:00

James and I went to California to spend time with Grandma and share about Grandpa at the beginning of this month. I will savor those sweet moments for a long while. All the family was there, and Grandma loved meeting James for the 1st time. I think he captured her heart when he waltzed with her in the living room.

I had not seen these pictures until my sister put them in a memory book of Grandpa. One is the opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge! My grandpa is the tall man in the middle. The other is a picture of my grandparents while they were dating! They look as though they are having so much fun, reminding me of all the times my grandpa would tease my grandma, through their almost 60 years together.

Wedding Day!

2008-01-23T09:42:00.000-06:00

A great day, our wedding day. The little people parade, with as many nieces and nephews as I could fit into the processional. Who said you couldn't have snow sprinkling girls, 4 bell ringers, and a ring bearer and flower girl? The waltz...oh the joy of almost tripping over myself in my dress with the large train that I loved so much before trying to dance in it! Yet, the joy of dancing with the one I will love always. A perfect day.

Thoughts...

2007-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

My first post. Hmmmm, this is a big event. What to say first?

Well...I'm sitting here and I can't decide, so here goes!

I hope for this blog to not only be my thoughts, but a record of our journey on the way to West Africa, and a way to look back and remember the faithfulness of God.

First, will you just look at this little girl? We spent time with her in Niger, West Africa a month ago and I just love this picture. She has one of those faces that sticks in my mind like glue.

Image of God. I've tried to think with that perspective lately. I forget to see people with those eyes, that each of us are really CREATED. Honestly, I don't see people as being created in the image of God very well at all. Those I am having trouble getting along with today are CREATED, those two homeless guys Brian and Kyle who we hung out with on Tuesday are CREATED, those that see me as an American dollar sign are CREATED. Imaged into God's design and purpose and plan.

Crazy.

But oh so good.