Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année...un peu en retard!

Chers Compatriotes...

I hope this new year will refresh and rejuvenate you wherever you are! Some wonderful, funny, bizarre and normal things have happened to me in the last seven days leading me to believe that 2010 will be an adventurous year.

For those who are interested in the chaos before Christmas, skip to the next paragraph. For those who are interested in the what's happening now, move on to the paragraph beginning with '...'. For those who are uninterested in everything I've already written, please navigate away from this page.

Well, two weeks before the Christmas holidays I was having a bit of trouble getting my plans in order.


I didn't have plane tickets, I didn't have train tickets and I hadn't bought Christmas presents.

Thankfully something lit a fire under me (thank you Clint Whatley for the phrase of the century) and I got things shaking around St. P. After shopping at the local Tabac for a Twilight calendar and cookies and an African art exhibition, I had the majority of my presents taken care of in three hours. The principal of my school, out of the profound kindness of his heart, gave me an extra week off of school for traveling purposes with no strings attached. That enabled me to purchase an affordable, Paris-Houston plane ticket during the 'cheap and semi-restricted period'. Finally, my church in Saint Etienne is supported by a Korean lady from California who happened to be randomishly working in Paris, and when I asked her, offered a place for me to sleep the night before my flight.

All these things were stressing me to the max, but God in His infinite goodness provided for each thing.

Christmas was lovely and I still contend that there's nothing like Christmas at home. My mom said this year was her favorite Christmas of all time, and I'd like to think it's because I wrapped the presents so well. Courtney, you can argue with me if you like, but rolling a t-shirt up in Christmas paper and twisting the ends so that the gift looks like a big piece of candy is elegant.

Most of the family is doing well and my grandmother celebrated her 80th birthday this year! So 2009 while a bit turbulent, ended on a good note.

As for seeing my buddies in Texas, I must say 'chapeau' to the gals in Dallas. We had a blast and my besties came from all over Texas to spend the night in the Big D. We drank margaritas, played Guess Who?, ate tomato soup, talked ourselves senseless, laughed our heads off at Piggie's and enjoyed all the time we spent together. I love them girlies.

Le Jour de l'An was spent in Francey with the Cordier family. We stayed in a village outside of Tours at the Cordier family's country home. Maryke and the Blaise family were in attendance as well. We ate a traditional Chin-french-ese meal for New Year's including escargots, beaucoup de vin, shrimp dumplings and speculoos!

Actually speculoos is neither French or Chinese, but it's delicious and I know how to make it.

S-P, Marie et moi. Sparkling juice anyone?

Thanks Mommy for the horns!

As you can see, we had a blast aaaallll night long.

Even when the kids busted out the video games.

And buddy boy, I've never seen so many adults get down....

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, DDR has returned!

Since then things have been a bit calmer. We had a lot of snow this weekend and that may traveling hard for me. Again the Lord provided for me and all turned out well.

Be blessed this year you friends and inconnues! I wish you nothing but the best and that God's glory would shine upon you.
Luke 2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
Luc 2.14
"Gloire à Dieu au plus haut des cieux! Et paix sur la terre aux hommes qu'il aime."