les yeux qui nous regardent

"In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people's trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. We plead with you on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God!" 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

I'm listening to 'His Renown' by Watermark and I feel like it just speaks to many things that have happened to and around me this week.

"Who will we say He is for the little eyes watching you and me?

We just can't wash our hands of this and walk away
And blame the ones before us 'cause it's easier to say
Than to listen to His heart beating for the coming age

So let the hands go up around the world in surrender
And let the voices echo out a new sound
So the ones who come behind us
Will follow in His name and see the greatness of His renown

We are a doorway and window to the truth
We have one passage of time
What will we say then?
How will we live?
This burning passion is a gift

So let the hands go up around the world in surrender
And let the voices echo out a new sound
So the ones who come behind us
Will follow in His name and see the greatness of His renown"

It's good to share with others what we know about the Lord, in what we say and how we live. As the French would say, "Ça fait du bien".

Ça déchire

There are a couple of students who live at the school during the week and I see them at the cafeteria every night. Each week I learn a new phrase or expression and the boarders always have the best ones.

For example: (Expression, literal French translation, equivalent English expression)
"Ça déchire!!" -- That tears -- Awesome!
"Ça pète!!" -- That farts--Excellent!
"C'est mortel!!" --That's mortal/fatal--Awesome!

If I'm not 100% correct on the translations, I hope you'll forgive me. Anyway, the above expressions have become a part of my daily vocabulary and I just love tossing out a 'ça déchire!' or 'ça pète' around the young guns. They MDR (mort de rire, die from laughing) when I speak their lingo...or try to, haha.

Everyone I work with has been buzzing about what they'll be doing over the upcoming vacation. We have a two-week break in February which corresponds to no holiday I ever had in school. In Louisiana we did have a week for Mardi Gras, but I'm not sure if that still exists. In any case, these kids have to go to until the first week of July, so I'm all for a two week va-cay in Feb-ray!

Shannon has been trying to put together a little trip to the Côte d'Azur for the Festival Citron de Menton during the first week of our vacation. Right now we are looking at renting an apartment for a week and splitting the cost between 4 or 5 girls. I hope it all works it out because Lord knows I need me some sunshine. We'd be at the edge of the beach...lazing around...for a week. Ahhh what bliss :)

As for my little slumber party last Saturday, we did indeed have a 'nuit blanche' and I still haven't caught up on my sleep. That's the problem with hanging out with young people, you know. Seriously friends, I'm turning into more of an old lady with each day. While sitting in my living room yesterday I thought, "Now where is my housecoat?" ...



To make matters worse, I've been having some digestion problems (surprise) and I bought an economy-sized bag of prunes, prune compote, prune/blueberry yogurt, broccoli, coffee and I've been downing mineral oil. FYI: Mineral Oil is disgusting to swallow. Not very much makes me gag, but I just want to heave that stuff up as soon as I feel it gliding down my throat. Yuck.

The only thing keeping me from being Mr. Rogers is an electronic train set and a magical puppet world on the stage one set over from my house set. Nah, I have a real apartment; you can ask Mr. McFeely if you don't believe me!

It's strange to be young and feel so old. I would take a nap everyday and turn in at 8 pm if my body would let me. For some reason, right around 8:30 I get this energy surge and I'm up until...well I won't tell you because my mother would be worried. Let's just say I'm up until an unholy hour and you can think what you want.




Ok, kids. Well, I'm outie cuz I have a bus to catch. I hope you are well this week and enjoy a blessed weekend.

Scripture Memory:

'Jésus répondit "Il est écrit: L'homme ne vivra pas de pain seulement, mais de toute parole qui sort de la bouche de Dieu".'
Matthieu 4.4

Actualités: Egalité

I'd forgotten how much I like "Hide & Seek" by Imogen Heap. Today while skimming my iTunes library for a jogging mix (hold your applause) I came across this treasure. Catlin gave me her version of the same song for a CD made to raise awareness about the political discord *ahem* between China and Tibet.

This week I've been doing lessons about Martin Luther King, Jr. since we celebrated his birthday this past Monday. I found a really upbeat video of his last speech in Memphis by my favorite auto-tuners on youtube. Every time I watch it this overwhelming sensation to change the world hits me. When I think about what I want to do in the future, I can see myself dedicating my life to the movement Rosa Parks, MLK Jr. and so many others started way back when. I was perusing the NAACP website today, but didn't really find what I was looking for... Time will tell.

Social Justice is the theme of the week, serieux! In reading one of my favorite blogs, I followed a link to this article at NPR. Basically women are taking over the world. It's about time.

Still reading? Ok.

Well, not really... The article just shows some new numbers from Pew research concerning marriage trends. Seems that more and more women are becoming the breadwinners (gentlemen, are you happy?) and marrying less intelligent men (ahhh, life is vicious sometimes, isn't it, ladies?). The last bit of the article was more encouraging as it noted that people with more education are more likely to get married despite the reality that many girls leave college without the infamous MRS degree. So, yay.

Haïti may become my lesson plan for my Secondes next week. Social justice has been the theme this week, but I'm thinking I can make civil rights and justice more tangible for them if I can show them authentic altruism... Civil Rights just seems so long ago and far away from where they are today. I tried to compare discrimination in the States with discrimination in France and it really wasn't computing for most of my kids. They live in a different world, it's true, and so do I, for that matter. My foreignness never escapes me. I need a Diet Dr. Pepper, srsly.

In other news, I'm hosting a slumber party chez the Gorrells on Saturday. "Une Nuit Blanche" as the French would say, meaning a night without sleeeeeeep. That's exactly what I expect with three teenage girlies.

Colton visited this weekend. I was a bit stressed about him making all the connections on his own, but he managed just fine and made it to Germany with relatively few problems. Susi and I had a great time being hostesses at our apartment and at others' apartments in Saint Etienne. Thanks to Françoise and the Gorrells for hosting all three of us. I've been so blessed by people hosting me this year. The Lord continues to show me His love and it's abundantly clear when my friends are willing to open up their homes and hearts to me. God is good!

All right friends, I really need to get to exercising this bod, so I'm gonna head out for a jog. You would all be so impressed with my handstand. It just gets better everyday!



Much love to you from me where ever you are and may the Lord draw you closer to Himself.

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."

le bazar de ma vie!

Well hello everyone! I'm just sittin' fancy here in France-y. Today marks my ?? day on the other side of the Atlantic among the Europeans. I think I've finally started to fit in because I've started to sport a wool sweater-jacket and black boots. As soon as I open my mouth, however, it's back to foreigner land I go. So funny how conversation changes when the natives find out you're not one of them...

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!!!

SliDeSHoW

I have a post about my time in Switzerland written somewhere around here, but I just had to put up this slideshow cuz it's brilliant!




And, I just realized that everything I am learning to do revolves around food. Well, nearly.

Les grèves...

Beauty in the Alps.

Life in la belle France has been rather 'vite, vite, vite' lately what with all my trips to Clermont-Ferrand. As an Américaine there are certain documents I must furnish to the French government (birth certificate, multiple copies of my visa/passport) and medical exams I must undergo (chest x-ray for TB) in order to work in this lovely country. I completed the paperwork circus (for the moment) yesterday! After making several trips back and forth to Clermont-Ferrand, the capital city of my region, I have one new friend, Pascal a bus driver, and a 'titre de séjour' to show for it! The titre de séjour means money in the bank, baby :)

So again I am thankful to the Lord for his continued blessings. God is good all the time, but it's especially clear when nice things happen!

The first round of vacations is coming up tomorrow and I am suuuuuuper pumped. The French celebrate a holiday called Toussaints = Tous Saints = All Saints (day) which I think is similar to Dia de Los Muertos and, of course, HALLOWEEN!! Well, not so much Halloween but I couldn't think of a better segue for talking about Halloween... Ahhh, what is your best memory of Halloween? I remember one year my friends and I were trick-or-treating and we came back to my house in the middle of our candy gathering for a breather. We were twelveish and pretty simple-minded because we thought we could apply deodorant to any part of our bodies to control our perspiration... I walked around the rest of the night smelling like a stick of Degree.

I <3 Halloween. Probably my favorite holiday after Christmas.

Back to the strikes, aka grèves. So Susi and I are leaving St. Pourçain for the weekend to celebrate her birthday, which is October 25th, in Le Puy en Velay and then St. Etienne. She is turning 22 and we're going to have a blasty. The one thing that has continued to put a damper on our trips and may continue to do so tomorrow is the train striking. The railroad workers have been striking every weekend since I arrived making getting out of Auvergne, my region of France, quite difficult. However, the Lord has helped us each time to get where we needed to go!

After our weekend celebrating Susi's birthday, I am heading to Switzerland for a few days with some other assistants, Shannon and Pam. Shannon is also bringing her friend Ashley who is studying in the South of France. Watch out land of Toblerone: you soon will be invaded by four Americana girls! Actually, we're going to Geneva, so I'm sure you're used to the Americanos, Ricola country. It's going to be great. I used to dream about living in the Swiss Alps secluded from modern life and progressive ideas... Oh youth. Oh Heidi...

There's the news for now. I want to share what I'm reading as well, so we'll see if I can't find a gadget for that.

Blessings to you this weekend and enjoy your Halloween!!!