Le retour

"Oh say can you seeeeee, By the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming...."

A request for me to sing my national anthem came a lot earlier than expected by a French gal I've known for awhile now. I relented without much begging from her, as I am very patriotic, and was able to sing the song in its entirety with only a smidgen of doubt about the lyrics.

So things are going well for me here in la belle France. Ruth Ann and Ray have been 'impeccable' hosts to me this week, stuffing me full at every meal and providing me with a very cushy bed. I also stayed Friday night chez les Cordier with Marie and Thomas after a delightful meal with my old CILEC friends, Srdan, Françoise, Marie-Claude and Sigolène. It really has been wonderful seeing all of these people again so soon. The following Saturday, I had the supreme satisfaction of hanging out with the Blaise family. Their newest addition, Elisa, is a doll! I would keep her if her parents would let me. For those of you who know me, you may not know that I do not usually have an inclination towards babies. I know, I know...start throwing your stones. However, my redemption lies in the fact that i think this baby, Elisa, is a real gem.

Today we had church at the Gorrell's house and shortly after we had 'agape'. Ray explained to me that Agape is a time when the church family can get together for a meal every six weeks and just chat about goings-on in their lives. I really enjoyed the meal as well as the people. So much French chatter...you wouldn't believe it.

Tuesday I leave for St. Pourçain with a tear in my eye. I really love my family here in Saint Etienne, but I know the Lord has express purposes for me elsewhere. With that in mind I look forward to what's in store for me in Saint Pourçain and I hope that I will be an excellent assistant and teacher to those I meet at my juior high and high school.

I miss my family and friends very much and I couldn't help thinking on the way to the airport that the greatest cost in coming to France is leaving them behind. Though, be assured that I have a support system here and that the Lord is always with me.

France is groovy for the moment, but winter is quickly approaching. Think of me when you're sitting out in 75-80 degree weather, knowing I'm somewhere in the middle of France shuffling around in the cold... :) Marmot will keep me warm this year. Seriously it's like wearing a sleeping bag (credit to my mom for making that connection first).

Love, Peace and Crabs
Amour, Paix et Crabes