NEW BLOG! NEW BLOG!

Hello friends,

I realize that it would have been less complicated to update this current blog, but I'm not a simple girl. SO, check out my NEW BLOG:

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NEW BLOG

I have a new blog. Check it out and follow!

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C'est fini.

This is it.
In two hours I will wake up and get ready to go to the airport.
My flight leaves at 6:55am.
This is it.

I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.

God is good, yet again.

I am absolutely speechless. It started today with the Ifle brunch. We were all gathered in the girl's dorm kitchen, feasting on our various favorite brunch foods when I overheard my french teacher tell another colleague that I had written a song, half french and half english for her class and that she wished I would sing it for everyone. I at that moment decided to get over my fear of performing in front of others, walked up to her and told her I would do it if she really wanted me too. She told me to get a guitar and start singing so I asked my roommate if I could borrow hers. After retrieving the guitar I sang my little song. A little woman, seemingly in her 30s came up to me afterwards and asked if I could find her later and sing to her because she wanted to record my song on her tape recorder. I said yes and forgot.

Fast forward to later on that evening. Esther and I were to sing for vespers honoring those theology majors who are graduating this weekend. So we did. Afterwards I went to the restroom and when I got back I saw the woman and her little boy sitting in her lap in the bag row. I felt so bad for forgetting so I went up to her and asked her when would be a good time. She said after the program.

So, I just got finished singing for her and having such a lovely conversation with her. She is a pastor's wife and currently lives in Paris. She is African but was adopted by Italians and lived in Italy all her life. She married a guy from Martinique and now they have a cute little boy, his name I have already forgotten. They speak Italian and French to him. I love it. I have digressed so back to my point. We got to talking about life and God and before I could even really share much with her she told relayed to me everything that I was struggling with this year, without even knowing it.

Everything pertaining to my spiritual struggles, she touched base with. I felt like God was using her to show me that he cared. My issues with trusting God fully, and the influences of certain friends. My questions and curiosities, my doubts and fears. The list goes on and on but she really hit the spot. The funny thing is, this isn't the first encounter I've had this year. A few weeks ago I had a random encounter with another women who did and said most of the same things to me.

I think He's trying to tell me something.

Coming to a close

This is insane!! I am currently in my room surrounded by all my things, trying to figure out an effective way to pack. This year has flown by and so much has happened inside of me. I don't feel that much different, but something tells me that upon my arrival back in the states I'll be having a MAJOR culture shock.

Collonges has been my home for a year. I'm going to miss the sun peeking up over the Saleve every morning. I'll miss walking down to the Cocci Market to buy my groceries. I'll miss the painful walk up the mountain after spending a day in Geneva. I'll miss all the random encounters with people. I'll miss couchsurfing. I'll miss taking trips all over France and learning about the different cultures within the French culture. I'll miss watching French dubbed movies in the theatre. I'll miss spending time with my french friends; Aurélie, Benjamin, Audrey, and my friends from Portugal Rita, Sam, & Froid. And of course I cannot forget my Tahitian friends Virginie and Mattatini.

I've learned so much this year, but feel as if I could learn so much more. It's a bittersweet feeling. I've gotten accustomed to the life here. I've learned how to survive in a different country, and culture. I've learned how much I need God in my life more than anything else. I've really broadened my horizons while being here and I wouldn't take it back for the world. I've had my ups and downs sure but these things make us stronger. Sometimes, anyway.

So here I am, amidst all my belongings taking in the last few bits of France. I'll have to come back one day and visit my friend.

8.

today i took my last state tests.
it went pretty well.
in 8 days this adventure ends and a new one begins.
i can't wait!

tests

We get quite a few of those in life. Sometimes more than I would like, really.

Today we went into Annency for our writing and comprehension tests. I couldn't wait to get out of the testing room. It was pouring rain outside and since the french don't have air conditioning in their buildings, the room of about 150 test-takers was muggy, humid and extremely warm. I made it through the first test alright but the second one I felt really light headed and my thoughts kept drifting off. Despite my grammatical errors, I think I passed. All is well.

tests.

The fact that I even came out to Europe to study for a year has blown my mind. A test that I believe I have passed, maybe not with flying colors, but I've passed. You see, I've never been the type of girl to do anything extraordinary. I dream big sure, but nothing really comes out of my dreams except this time. I actually came. A year ago this was just a thought taunting me. It became a reality. It's taught me quite a few things, this test. I've learned that I do like to travel but not by myself. I've learned to rely on God more than anything, realizing really how small and insignificant I am in this world (Mt. Blanc really helped with that) and now I feel as if the doors have opened. There's only an ocean between me and the world. I'll have to explore it more.

tests.

Talk about a spiritual jolt, that's what I have been experiencing this past year. Revelations and findings that have blown me away making me realize my frailty. My morality has been examined and probed. He's been speaking. I'm trying to obey.

tests.

Now, I have to return back to my life, back to the "normal" stuff that I do. Putting everything I learned here into practice might be a little difficult. I'll just have to see how that pans out. That's one test I don't have the results too and I'm okay with that. I figured out a great study guide to help me along the way. He's been pretty efficient. I can't wait to see what He planned for me.

___________________________________________________________________


on another note some interesting happenings from my day today:

1. While I was in McDonalds today, I had to use a code to get into the bathroom. I felt like a secret agent getting into a chamber. It was pretty awesome.

2. I heard a song on the radio today and these were some of the lyrics:

"I want to be a guy, so I can be gay, and have a boyfriend."

This was sung by a female.

3. Well, I don't really have a #3 but just felt like writing something because three interesting happenings seem better than two. Even though it doesn't exist.

reflect you

please just use me. i'm sorry for wavering for so long.
i just want to help anyway that i can.
i know i can't do it without you.
life is hard, i'm aware of it but i don't want to fear with you on my side.
my time here is soon over.
i've learned so much, help me not to forget it.

there are people dying, thirsty for you.
help me reflect you
there are people living, thirsty for you
hear them out, hear me out

help me reflect you, even when times are good
help me reflect you, even when times are bad
help me reflect you, even when times are just in between

i just want to help them see you. i want to see you. please, help me do it.

thanks for already giving me victory in your name.

Rainy Day Lullaby

Today was such a beautiful day, although some might not agree with me.
We had some spring rain today, the kind that is so light you can barely hear it. I woke up to a gray sky and assertive winds blowing but it was a beautiful sight. The trees and grass popped out against the gray sky like a highlighter green and yellow. That's probably the best way that I can explain it. I went outside feeling inspired, with a guitar in my hand and ready to talk to My friend under a tree. The wind started getting violent, and I literally almost blew away, so I went back inside.
Today, God showed me his face again. Even among the gray backdrop and warm spring shower, he managed to showcase his artwork very tastefully. I feel all warm and happy. I think I might write a song about it.

I think I will. Inside this time.

5 weitere Wochen in Frankreich

Time has flown by.

As I was walking to my first class this morning, I looked to my right and saw the Swiss Alps looming in the horizon. The birds singing, the sun's glow hitting Geneva below me, and yellow and pink flowers peeking through the green grass. The Saleve hauntingly hid me from the sun's rays, and as I drew in a breath of crisp, spring air I realized that soon I would not have the mountains to greet me every morning. The farms and plains of the french and swiss countryside would no longer taunt me with their stories of long ago.

5 more weeks.

A few weeks ago Audrey invited me and a few others to the french countryside where her parents had another home. She is the descendent of a man who saw a "Signs of the Times" pamphlet, and heard that E.G White would be in Geneva speaking so he traveled almost a day to go see her and after the meeting, got baptized by her husband. When he returned to his small french village, he helped build the first SDA church there.
Audrey's grandfather was having his eighty-something birthday and after the typical french meal and cake, we sat around him at the table listening to him tell stories of how the Davy family came about, became Christians,and what they did in WWI and WWII. It was the one of the most beautiful things I got to experience while being here. I'll never forget it.

In Munich, I stayed with Caroline and her family who were so kind. Caroline's mother made a point to cook us all types of meals ranging from Russian to Czech food. Although we couldn't understand each other speaking, our gestures and smiles helped us a long. She made sure we were well taken care of and that we saw everything in the city, and even paid for our tickets to Austria!

Il y a cinq semaines qui reste.

The second week of my spring break was the Cote d'Azur tour in the south of France. Seeing the mediterranean sea was breathtaking. I felt like I was in the Count of Monte Cristo at times with the waves violently hitting the beige rocks glistening in the sun. Ancient chateau's from medieval times hanging off the side of cliffs, and villages hidden in thickets of trees, only their red roof tops gave them away.

A couple Friday's before we had a big bonfire in front of the Saleve. Some of us climbed to the top of one of the crag's while other's prepared the bonfire. The sun had painted the sky pink, blue and purple as it left us slowing behind the horizon. It was breathtaking, once again.

This past sabbath, some of the Ifle and I decided to lay out on a blanket in front of the Saleve and like they say in french, 'se profiter de le soleil'. It was grand.

5 weitere Wochen in Frankreich.

A day without shoes

I did it.


It was a cold and rainy day, but I did it. I walked all over the mountainous campus barefoot and boy was it unpleasant. The frenchies thought I was really weird and when I explained why I was doing it, some mentioned that it was too cold outside and that I would get sick. I didn't thank goodness.
I'm glad I did it though. It made me stop and think about kids and people all over the world who have to walk around most of their lives without shoes. It made me realize the many things I take for granted. It also made me want to make a difference.

What a great guy, that Tom. I've realized that any little bit helps. We need more people like this.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James 1:27 (NIV)

London Town

It's been three weeks since I went on my trip to London. I've been meaning to write about it but things have been a little crazy around here. So here goes...

Upon my arrival at the Gatwick airport, I got through alright except we, being my travel partners and I, got asked to sit in the "naughty zone". That's what the sweet old man at the door told us with a wink in his eye. We had forgotten to fill out some form on the plane stating what we were in England for so we took a seat and filled them out. After we got cleared to leave customs our seemingly endless exit out of the airport began. I felt liked we walked for days. Finally we were out, now onto getting to Victoria station. That was a 45 minute trip by train and then my eyes feasted on the illustriousness of the city.
We bought our tickets for public transportation then headed immediately to Big Ben (which is not big at all. BIG disappointment) and Parliment. It was awesome to say the least. I have always had a fascination with the UK and to finally be in London at that! In the five days that I was there, I am proud to say that I have seen everything touristic and even got time to squeeze in some cool local stuff too.

Funny story.
My roommate got separated from our group because she booked her flight later and so wasn't on our plane. She arrived several hours after us, but because we were couchsurfing together I had to wait for her at Hamsteadheath station. I do not have a phone so before leaving we set a time and place to meet. I got to the station and waited patiently. An half hour passed and a very big and tall African man who was working at the office in the metro station asked me if I needed help. I smiled and said no thanks, I was just waiting for a friend. The sun was shining and I figured I would be alright. Fifteen minutes later however the sun hid it's face and the temperature was steadily dropping while a brisk and cold wind decided to introduce itself.
Two hours later, after much probing and concern from my african friend, she finally arrived. And he was livid! He angrily explained to her that what she did was wrong, keeping me in the cold waiting like that, and that she owed me a meal or something. We turned to each other and laughed about it for a little bit as we walked to our host's home which happened to be not too far from the station. Each morning, we greeted our african friend on our way out and each morning he greeted us with a smile and look as if to say, "you two take better care of each other." We were touched that he cared so much.The rest of the week was filled with discovering London, meeting really interesting and friendly people, dinner date and good conversation about religion with a muslim and really good food! I don't normally like fish, but the fish n' chips I ate had me sold.

I must say that in my comparison between London and Paris, both cities being exceptional in their own way, Paris took some time to love, but London I loved right off the bat. Maybe it has to do with that good ole english charm and the accent helps too, I guess. It was more relatable and more like the states more than any other place I've been to here in Europe.
Paris has a certain je ne sais quoi about it. It's aggressive, passionate, romantic and artistic all at the same time. There's a certain mystery being the parisian life. It helps if you go there knowing someone who can show you the way around Paris or meet people there who show you all the well hidden secret treasures of Paris. London was easier to navigate and discover and a lot cleaner. To be honest though, both cities have a special place for me. I enjoyed them both. Hopefully I'll be able to come back and visit again one day.

P.S If you ever get a chance to visit, I suggest you find Camden Market. It is HUGE and has so much market-y stuff at reasonable prices to buy!!

London Eye


Underground-first and oldest metro station EVER in the world.


Abbey Road


We went to an extremely and pricey restaurant called Sketch but only to use the bathrooms. They were pretty remarkable.
Pod toilets. That's definitely the way to go.


Trafalgar Square


Parliment pendant la nuit

Awhile

It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, you and I.
I’m having a heard time speaking, or even lowering myself to the ground.
I’m paralyzed, nothing seems to work. My thoughts are turning but the words won’t come out.

It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, you and I.
My vie quotidienne is one of nonsense. Sometimes, anyway.
I’m not quite sure what my purpose is anymore.
I don't trust myself.
Wake up, school, eat, work, sleep. Wake up, school, eat, work, sleep. Again, and again.
Where am I going? "Running in circles and chasing tails"
That's what it feels like.

I’m a You-follower, or at least I try to be. I really do, but I’m fighting something everyday. Have you noticed? Remember what happened today, yesterday, the day before, a few weeks back, the year before?
Big jump forward. Five gigantic steps back.
I need consistency. Please take the cup. I can’t anymore.
They tell me I won’t succeed. They tell me to grow-up.
What does that even mean?

I ran away. I ran away to hear you speak more clearly. Isn’t that silly?

It’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, you and I.

why

why?
why do I always do that? talk just to talk.
talk for attention with no thought of the meaning of words.
less talking, more thinking.
this must stop.
immediately.

For Kessia

BEFORE...


AFTER...

BC

It has been done.

I am not my hair.

To the Doctor and Creepers of the Night

You're in luck today. I have two stories to share. They happened a few weeks ago but I had completely forgotten until well, now.
Better late than never I guess.


The ACA students are required to get x-rayed and get a check-up, so 5 of us drove into Annecy for our doctors visit. Upon our arrival the lady at the desk, checked our papers and told us to have a seat. I was just about to get comfortable when they called my name. I got up and followed another lady in a white lab coat into a closet type room and she hastily informed me that I was to take my clothes off from the waist up. My face must've looked quite confused as I asked her if I was just getting a chest x-ray. She repeated herself again as she left the room and I started tearing of my clothes, she seemed rushed and so I didn't want to prolong the process.
I was almost undressed when she poked her head through the door on the opposite side of the "closet". Creepy.
She ushered me into this room entirely gray and industrial looking. My hands were placed on my chest as I gingerly walked across the room, looking for a table to lay myself on. She motioned to a stage-like platform near a marble looking wall.

I was supposed to step onto the platform and press myself against the wall while breathing in. I'll let that sink in.
Awkward, yeah I know.
The woman walked into a little office with a window facing me and counted to three while I breathed in feeling every inch of cold that can be felt while being pressed up against a black, cold, marble wall. After less than two seconds she said, "C'est tout!" and ushered me back into the closet. I chuckled to myself as I got dressed and walked out to the waiting room. The others asked me how it went and as I was about to explain they asked one of the girls, Meredith, to step into the closet. I finished explaining myself and after the tittering died down we heard an alarmed "Oh!" come from the room. We laughed realizing that Meredith had just experienced the awkwardness. What we didn't know is that she had reached another level of awkwardness that none of us would experience.

A few moments later, a red-faced and flustered Meredith stepped out and plopped herself down on a seat.
"How was it?" someone asked.
"I thought she meant take all my clothes off, even my underwear."
Well that did it, we were laughing so hard we cried. Poor Meredith.

Lesson of the day: going for a simple x-ray in France equals partially removing your clothing with no protective x-ray gear, or in the case of Meredith, complete nudity.
*******************************************************************************
That same week was the birthday of one of our french friends here so we decided to go into Switzerland to celebrate. We went to a great little restaurant tucked away in the older, more historic part of Geneva. After great laughs and a great meal we decided to go for a walk by the lake. It was snowing out and the christmas lights were still up and shinning brightly. There were eight of us, five girls and three guys. As we were walking around the lake, Aurèlie, the birthday girl, nudged me hard in my side and whispered, "there's a guy following us, run!" I didn't even think twice and I ran. Idiot move. Five other men came out of the shadows as drunk as can be and started running after all of us girls, slurring invitations to goodness knows. The three boys of course hadn't run, they were still lagging behind us, walking calmly, trying to keep the five men away from us. At one point, one of the men started pushing Tarsis, one of our guys around, but he didn't react he just kept walking. They followed us for a good 10 minutes and after seeing that we stopped reacting, they finally slinked back into the darkness where they came from.
A little scared, was I? I was.
Thank goodness for the guys. I don't know what we ladies would've done.

Burgers...or NOT.

Hilarious.

Today, I have been deceived.

I walked into the cafe and instead of our usual polenta with some mushroom goop, there before my eyes were burgers and fries. My mouth watered a little bit and my eyes teared up when I thought of home and eating burgers. Any kind really, veggie or meat. I was thinking how thoughtful it was of the chef to cook us an american lunch. I remembered the goodness. I remembered it, and then I got closer to the line. I saw cheese and a slice of tomato in between the buns but that was it.

"hmmm that's a little strange" I thought to myself. I pushed the thought aside and put the plate on my tray.

"Merci Chef!" I proclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

"Derien my petite" he replied with a smile as he continued serving the others.

The anticipation was killing me but I got a drink, utensils and condiments (they taste different here by the way) and made it to my seat. Finally ready I raised the burger to my mouth the smell slightly different, nonetheless I was excited, and took a colossal bite.

Corn?!
No!
Yes.
My taste buds recoiled in surprise/they didn't know exactly what to feel.

There was no burger in my burger bun for it was just a corn patty and a very small and well hidden one at that.
Oh well, at least they tried.

To be a child

dead.

Not physically of course, according to any medically concerned person I would still be living. So what’s the deal? you ask.

Well, I feel dead. Spiritually, mentally, emotionally. All the -ally’s but mostly spiritually. I’ve been living in a dark hole for awhile. No, I’m not depressed. I still get up every morning, eat breakfast and attended to my daily duties. I haven’t been feeling suicidal or unable to function physically, that is. I have been noticing a lack of motivation however and I’m not quite sure where to begin as far as tackling this feeling...

I’m listening to Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings”. I think it might be one of my favorite classical pieces ever. Hearing this piece brings one vivid memory in particular; my high school orchestra experience. I remember playing this as a second violin in the second chair next to Joy Nugent. I felt so proud to be the second chair of the second violin section (not that I really earned it, I never practiced) and tried my best to be a good section leader. I remember sitting in my chair, in my blue and khaki uniform, tapping my foot and counting silently in my head. I was wishing that I could be anywhere else. So I let the music carry me away wherever it wanted.

I was a daydreamer.

A church hazily came into view, people inside wearing dark colored clothing while someone up front seemed to be talking about a young girl. My funeral? It seemed like it, there was a picture of my face on the coffin. Morbid, I know but it happened. The daydream didn’t end there. The music carried me someplace else. This time I was standing with millions of others, outside it seemed with chaos surrounding me but I wasn’t concerned. I was focusing my gaze on something or rather, Someone else. Our eyes met, and He smiled and reached out a hand to me. I grabbed it immediately, my eyes never leaving His. Then it happened. There is a part of this piece, the last two minutes of the song, where the notes brighten almost celestially as if there is an ascension taking place.

I remember closing my eyes tightly during this part to keep the tears from flowing down my face. I was thinking, “ I just want to go home. Please, I just want to go home with You,” as my bow strokes got stronger, longer and faster, my heart rate picked up speed. Instantly I felt as if I was being lifted out of my chair soaring closer, and closer to my Maker. Higher and higher the notes got. The melody and harmonies intertwined. Closer and closer I could see in the distance what He had been preparing all this time. Finally all would be well. Finally I could be with Him.

I opened my eyes, wetness and blurriness hindered my sight for a bit. I couldn’t reach up to wipe it away because the aria wasn’t over. The pause only allowed for me to start breathing again, I hadn’t even realized that I had been holding my breath. I had been clutching onto my bow for dear life, as if His hand had truly been in mine.
I tried as much as I could to compose myself to finish the remainder of Samuel’s masterpiece. I had just gotten a glimpse, as far as my imagination could take me, of meeting my Creator.
The song ended, and the bell rang proclaiming that the class period was over. My peers jumped out of their seats hastily putting away violins, violas and cello’s. I couldn’t move. I sat in my seat trying to re-live that moment in my mind.

What will it take to believe like a child again? At the tender age of 16, on that day, I was ready to go Home.
Today, older and hopefully a little bit wiser, unfortunately that same zeal isn’t there. I’ve seem to have lost it somehow. This time, it’s not tears of realization and joy that have temporarily blocked my sight. Life’s realities, pressures, and daily responsibilities have clouded my vision. I've made a decision today and I hope it lasts. I’m not going to let it get me down. I’m going to fight it. I’m going to let Him fight it. We’re going to fight it.


I want to believe like a child again. It’s the only way.

“He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: ‘ I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’

- Matthew 18: 2-4




P.S- If you've got 5 min to spare I recommend listening to this song. Maybe then you'll be able to understand what I felt.
Don't mind the cheesy text.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dPDO3Tfab0

AVORIAZ

Yesterday I went snowboarding for the first time in my life.
In the French Alps.
My body hates me.
It was an amazing experience. I will probably do it again.

7.0

I just got the news.
I checked out CNN and all I kept seeing was "poorest country in the western hemisphere" and "below poverty line"

What does it matter? Is that an incentive to get people to help more? That really annoyed me.
They need help. That's all that really matters.
I love how the media likes to shed light on how poor Haiti is but doesn't remark ever about its beautiful beaches, mountains and rich culture.
I love how they forget to mention that Haiti was the first independent country in the western hemisphere...SECOND ONLY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Or how the U.S occupied Haiti during 1915-1934 and stripped Haiti of all it's agriculture, coal, gold...etc. I just find that interesting.

"So have you met someone?"

Today overall has been a good and somewhat productive day. I went to my classes despite the -10 degree weather and the foot of snow, I can only imagine what states like Florida, and Tennessee must be going through *insert sarcasm here*. I did some well needed laundry, my homework for the day after tomorrow, I even got to sneak in a couple episodes of How I met Your Mother, AND they served lasagna for dinner today!
Afterwards I called my father on Skype because he was finally online. It had been awhile since we had been able to speak so I was a little excited (I'm a daddy's girl). Then, it happened. Not more than five minutes into the conversation my dear, darling father asked,
"So, have you met someone?"

"Yes dad, I meet people everyday."

"hmmm"

"What are you trying to ask me dad?"

" Mmm... (looks down at his desk) If you've met someone, simple, that's it."

"Um, well no. I've got other things on my mind right now, that don't pertain to that at all."

"Umhmm well, I'm praying. (Looks me square in the face, well as much as you can via Skype) You shouldn't leave college without a mate."

(eyes bulging out of my face as I burst into robust laughter. He smiles. It's strained.)

We change the topic.

This seems to be a reoccurring exchange of words between my father and I.
I sense some anxiousness on his part.

Poor thing.

French Fun Facts- according to yours truly

Well I have been living in France now for about 4 months officially, although it feels like years, and have made some observations on the people I have come into contact with.

WARNING: Some of this information might shock you. Or not.

*Parisians hate Americans (well, just the Bush administration really)
I had a guy tell me that he's always wanted to visit the states but because Bush was in office, he wouldn't allow himself to step on American soil. Now that we are under a new president, he said he will be planning a trip soon.

In my frequent trips to Paris, I noticed that Parisians (not all) are just in general, aggressive with everyone, even amongst themselves. To my surprise however, most of the Parisians I came into contact with where nice and helpful.

*French people are known not to shower frequently
This is true. Even a native French woman told me.
I have experienced intense body odor. EVERYWHERE.
People often wear the same outfit 3 or 4 days in a row (pit stains and all). I'm all for conserving water but c'mon wet wipes aren't just for babies.

*French women DO shave their armpits and legs
Although in the wintertime, it doesn't happen as much but who am I kidding? I usually partake in the same non-shaving rituals during the colder months as well. Makes sense.

*EVERYONE in France, particularly in Paris, smokes!
That's what it felt like anyway. Billows of smoke met and followed me everywhere I went.
Young, old...infants...ok, maybe I'm kidding about the infants but they might as well be, since their parents were sucking the deadliness in for them.

* The French think their language is the prettiest, and hate when you slaughter it
This is very true.
In September my friend and I were shopping at Zara. While we were in the dressing room, she needed to exchange a dress for another size. She gingerly stuck her head out of her stall and asked on of the workers in very bad french if she could get some help. With her nose stuck in the air, the lady said coldly " Aye speak ze english." At that point, I stuck my head out of my stall and gave my friend a sympathetic look.


*French people don't like to work.
Also not a falsehood.
Two days ago some handy men where in my room because apparently my shower was leaking to the first floor somehow. The dean informed me that two men would be arriving to break some tile and try to figure out where this leak was coming from. The appointment was made for wednesday at 1pm.
They arrived today.

Also, they love them some vacations. Every month or so, I have had a vacation for a decent amount of time. I'm not complaining though, more traveling for me!

* They love cheese.
Well they should. They have over 200 different kinds. We have at least three different cheeses for lunch everyday.

*French Fashion
Everyone always says that Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Most people just wear black though. I don't know how much of that is fashion or just conformity, or maybe there's no difference. Anywho, most Parisians are really well dressed, they just look like they're going to funerals at high noon.

*Obsession with English and American music
I have found that time and again I meet people here who know all the popular American songs. My favorite, was when I was in a pub in Paris with some friends and a song came on that apparently is really popular in the States. A chorus of voices in that pub started sang the lyrics perfectly. At the end of the song, the guy next to me asked me what the words meant. Nice.

*PDA accepted
I have never seen so much PDA in my life ( not even in front of Thatcher Hall)
I was in the metro, minding my own business when I hear slurping, yes slurping noises near me. Through the reflection of the window in front of me, I witnessed as a couple thoroughly enjoyed each other's salivary glands. No joke.
Some people clearly don't find it a problem to reproduce in public.

Although it seems like I am bashing this culture I'm really not- these are facts that I have discovered and obviously doesn't involve everyone...just most from what I've seen... I've grown to have an appreciation for the French culture and the people; their passion..and well, their passion.
Well, that's all for now folks. Maybe as the year keeps going I will discover more mind boggling stuff. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Colors of the Wind

Yesterday in church there was communion.
During the breaking of bread, the pianist played "Colors of the Wind" from the Disney movie, Pocahontas.
I had a little, quiet giggle session because it was just so random. The pastor was talking about accepting the body of Christ in form of bread and all of a sudden an image of Meeko and Percy popped into my head.






A month before, in the church's orchestra, we took a trip to Marseilles to play at another adventist church and we played "Colors of the Wind" and "Irish music in 3rd class" from Titanic.
Those French people really like their movie soundtracks.