SMOi

These past few weeks have been wonderful. We had a truly memorable time with our friends in London. From there we caught the Eurostar (chunnel) to Paris. It is amazing to me that one can travel from London to Paris in two and a half hours while comfortable sleeping on a train. We got off the train and made our way to the metro station and got our tickets to Massy (I was hoping it was the Massy that we needed). We got off there and then found a bus to our school. I will stop to say that this was the first time I have put my French into action and it got us where we needed to go – thank you, Rosetta Stone. We found our way on foot to the school. We arrived mid-day and received a warm welcome from the staff of Les Cedres. We were showed our dorm where we will spend the next four months of our lives. The first week we got settled in and found our way around Massy. The next week classes started. We have been learning very fast, not only the language but also how to live in France. The school is housed at the Baptist center here in Massy and there is also a church that uses the facilities on the weekends. We have been pushed to learn quickly and be disciplined in how we live our lives. Time is short and we know that we are not only here to learn language but also to learn all that God has for us here in France as he conforms us to the image of his son. We have made many friends here at the school. There is such a need for Christian community here in the school. There are people coming and going all the time and it can be easy to get caught up in the work and forget to love those around you. So we have had a great time inviting people into our little home and shearing meals in the homes of others. We have been so encouraged by the people here and have had many opportunities to be an encouragement to others. I will add here that this time has been so wonderful for Maridith and I to spend together. We spend so much incredible time together talking about what we are learning or just going for walks as we explore this little town of Massy. My wife is such an amazing encouragement to me and I am so grateful to the Lord for her. Tomorrow starts another week and we will be serving coffee for the church that meets at the school. Then comes Monday and a new week of classes. Please pray for Maridith and I as we are challenged to learn this language quickly and accurately. Pray that the Lord will keep us from laziness and that we will not let moments slip away from us as we summit each day to him.