Anyway, I've had a hilarious evening.
Nearly every weekend since I've been in France I've traveled back to Saint Etienne. My church family is there and I feel sincerely wanted, so I return again and again. This weekend was no exception and I've just propped my feet up in St. Pourçain after a long day of traveling back from the Rhône-Alpes.
Just to get an idea of why I had a hilarious night, this is what my schedule is like Vendredi-Lundi (Friday-Monday) ::
Friday >> leave from St. Pourçain at 1:09 pm, arrive in St. Etienne 5:00 pm
<< Monday leave from St. Etienne 12:33 pm, arrive in St. Pourçain 6:15 pm
Now, before I explain in more detail why I am a klown for the village people of St. Pourçain, let me tell you I am not complaining about the travel time. The opportunity to be with my church family and friends in Saint Etienne definitely merits the exhausting travel from St. Pourçain. Bear in mind that by car, St. Pourçain is two hours from Saint Etienne...
So, story: Tonight, per usual, I was on the school bus from Vichy back to St. Pourçain. The bus picks us kiddies up in Vichy at 5:10 pm and usually arrives between 6 and 6:15. We arrived at 6:15 and, per usual, I allowed everyone else to 'descend', or get off, the bus before me. Now before you go thinking I'm such a saint, let me remind you that I travel with a backpack that's the size of two small children and weighs as much too. It would really be heinous of me to elbow my way off the bus first while swinging my beast of a sack around the bus. So all the school kiddies got off and then the slow people and then me. As I'm saying thank you sir to the chauffer, I miss my step going down and, yes, tumble off the bus rather awkwardly. Fortunately there some spectators around to laugh and sort of catch me. My friend, another bus driver named Pascal, quickly tossed his cigarette before reaching out to help me and saying, "Whoa Brooke, whoa!". Was I humiliated? Mmmm, when I walked away, yes. While I was standing chattering with Pascal, all I could think was, "I really need to pee and I'm glad I didn't twist my ankle." Thank you Lord for the small bodily distractions, cause otherwise my neck to my face would've been bright red in front that giggling gaggle of people.
Everything else here has been quite dandy. Much to my surprise and elation the weather is still quite agreeable!
I have more to say, but I've gotta get working before Susi comes back. We share the webs and she needs to prepare some lessons for her classes tomorrow. The teachers are striking tomorrow, so maybe her work will be in vain. Who knows...
Love you all.
God is good. Psalms 34:8
PS. For those of you who care, and those of you who don't, I've seen New Moon twice. Both times in French. And, yes, I'm slightly embarrassed of myself. But, it was fun!! Both times!!!
