:)

We've been in France for a little over two weeks now. Since the 11th we've been in Vezenobres (a tiny medieval village about 30 minutes away from Nimes). This past week we've been guest teachers in the local middle/high school. We played some word games and broke off into discussion groups so the students could practice their english. It's been really interesting speaking with the students about their likes/dislikes, and their dreams for the future. They all seem very interested in the US and what it is like to live there, so it's also been really fun to talk about where I'm from :) For me, the highlight of our time here so far has been working at the Salvation Army. It is a small place in town that is used as a hang out place during the students' lunch hour. The youth we have met there are part of another school who's focus is on automotive mechanics. There are about 20 boys that come every day. Only a few of them know English well enough to carry on a conversation, and I'm the only one who has had any experience speaking French (which is not saying much, although it's coming back to me here and there), so its been interesting to figure out ways to talk to each other :) Despite the language barrier, we've already begun building relationships with the guys, they are all very nice and welcoming to us, and each other. We made some cakes for two guys that had birthdays, and we are going to have them over for a barbeque some time before we leave. 

As far as liking France goes...it's incredible! We are blessed with a beautiful house to stay in while we are here (complete with a view of the medieval village from our balcony), and I've enjoyed not having to cover myself with at least four layers of clothing every time I go outside; the sun has graced us with its presence every day since we've been here. Last Sunday we went to a Huguenot museum and a cave where the Huguenots used to have secret worship during the Reformation (after the middle ages). 

This past weekend we spent Saturday at huge market! I bought dried fruit, fresh pickled garlic, a pair of gladiator sandals (yet another pair of shoes I'll have to lug home), and homemade honey- to send home to my family :)

We also went to see an aqueduct (built in the time of the roman empire) which was also very cool. On Sunday our host, Henning, came over to share with us some of the words and pictures he got while he was praying for us previous to when we arrived. It was so encouraging! I couldn't help but cry when I heard him speak pure truth regarding what I have experienced this year in my DTS, and it will be interesting to see what comes of the prophesy regarding my future. It's so nice when God speaks- and so cool when he speaks through other people!

For those of you that made it through this whole blog, congrats...it was a long one. We have limited time on the internet so I have to squish a lot of events into one post, so thanks for reading! 

Bonne journée (have a good day)! :)

first week in France...

We've officially been in France for one incredible week. I am in love with the culture; the friendly people, the little shops, fresh baguettes every morning, store fronts packed with colorful and yummy pastries. Also, its been really fun to use the little French I've stored up from many years of French classes. Oh yea, and how could I forget...if you walk to the top of the hill that we live on you can see the whole city of Paris, Eiffel tower and all.

 taking advantage of the artistic freedom in Paris...dancing at the park during worship on a beautiful sunny day :) (photo by Gahyun Lee)

It's been a pretty low-key week. We've spent a good amount of time praying and worshipping as a team. At the beginning of the week we went to the park close to our little abode, to play music, sing, and dance.
Sunday we led a kind of mini-church service at a small soup kitchen. I got to paint during one of the worship songs, which was a cool first-time experience. Afterward we had lunch and spent time talking with the homeless people that were there, it was a blessing to be able to bless them with our art, prayers, and homemade cookies :)
Last night we went to an open mic english poetry night at one of the bar/cafes in Belleville (the area in town where we are staying). That was probably my favorite thing we've done so far. The cafe was a classic Parisian-bohemian hole-in-the-wall. By the end of the night it was packed with people, anywhere from 20 to 70 years old; students, writers, actors...
Most of the people in our group shared their own work (being that I didn't share anything, I was the proud parent of the night, excited to see my loved ones up on stage).
The coolest thing was to see these people up on stage, listening to them pour their hearts out in various forms of art, knowing nothing about them except that Jesus loves them, and that because of that we, as His disciples, should too.

 Gabby singing one of her songs at the The Spoken Word poetry night

 In front of Notre Dame! 

I found a pink vespa...can I have one? please?

 the Notre Dame towers- so beautiful! (photo by gahyun lee)

God has spoken to me a lot in the past week about living out of love. When I left the cafe last night, I felt so full, because I knew that we had brought Jesus with us to love the unlovable. Its just so exciting to know that God calls us into the world- to be among ALL people, to see with His eyes, and feel with His heart. Dying to my own thoughts and preconceptions has never been so liberating! When we live from love, we further understand our amazing God for who He is: hope for the hopeless & love for the unloved.