Ça va? What's up?

Even as I walk along this bustling city, I can still hear the joyful chirp of the birds as they swirl past the "Renaissance" clouds full of grandeur and color and might. So far, I feel like this paints an accurate portrait of Paris: constantly moving like any big city, all while holding an air of beauty, pomp, and elegance. You'll be caught up in the tide of sidewalk traffic, yet the moment you step into a cafe et dit, "bonjour!", you'll be swept into a world where time moves however quickly you choose. Sit. Watch. Sip your espresso. Listen to the music of the world around you. It's lovely.

What I call "Renaissance" Clouds in a painting of the Death of Adonis

This is Life Now

Now is when the reality of life for the next 3 month begins to emerge. It's a reality that I am both excited and nervous for. Right now, it's mainly the language hurdle that is challenging. It's frustrating when I understand what is being asked of me in class, yet do not have the words to answer the question. This past Monday, we were talking about l'amour in literature of the "Moyen Age", and the idea of "the chase" and infatuation in "l'amour courtois." (Thank you Dr. Gruenler for your Brit Lit course— I at least had a faint idea of what was happening.)

Yet when our professor posed a question to the class, my mind could not stitch together a French answer. It's like having all the pieces to a puzzle, but not finding the connecting pieces to create the finished work. Or wearing the wrong prescription glasses and seeing a blurry image, comprehending the shapes and colors, but not understanding the full picture.

Still. It's pretty incredible to be taking classes, all in French, on the early Méliès films or the birth of french literature or "La France Rebelle." All in the city where so many of these big moments in art or history occurred. And still are occurring and making history right now, such as the current grèves (strikes). What an extraordinary opportunity.

a fairytale

It can't be said enough: The Steadiness of God

It's been beautiful to absolutely, completely let go of everything out of my power, (pretty much all my life right now) and hand it all to God. Living in a different country is an incredible way to grow in faith as my entire mindset depends on the steady and everlasting word of the Lord.

This is hard. There's no sugar-coating it. But every time I hop on the metro or grab an espresso from a corner cafe or see La Tour Eiffel out my window, I'm reminded of why I'm here. (And reminded that I'm in Paris!...?) To expand my little world, to get out of what's comfortable, to audition for the dance team at Hillsong and have no idea what's being said because it's all in French. Yes. That was interesting.

It's that tricky life paradox again: I am so incredibly happy and thankful to be here, yet also so incredibly overwhelmed, scared, and exhausted. This dichotomous relationship is so straining: every aspect my mind is torn in two as I attempt to learn the ways to think and learn and talk about my faith or my emotions or my ideas in a new language.

trying to read the French Bible

But God is so good. And I know that— I'm experiencing it, and I believe it. I truly see his hand in everything, which brings me peace. Visiting the Château d'Amboise was an absolute fairytale. (I wish Debussy had been there to follow me around and play a soundtrack for my promenade around the gardens where Leonardo DaVinci and Francis I walked.) In that magnificent place, I was reminded of the Lord's hand in everything: all history, then and now and forevermore. Throughout the turmoil of the ages, he remains a steady rock, an image that bears more power and weight when you are able to walk through historical places such as Amboise.

Quelques Petites Histoires (A few little stories!)

I'm getting involved at Hillsong, and was able to get lunch with some new friends this past Sunday. It was a wild and amusing time attempting to speak Franglish. Then we all went to a "soirée de louange", or worship night.

pretending to be Belle in her quiet village

We went wine tasting in a cave, so if you have any questions regarding the quality of your wine, I can so totally answer all of them. (not)

All jokes aside, I loved learning about a product that is important to the culture and history of the French. The vineyard owner was so passionate about his product: he said that every time you open a bottle of wine, let's say from 1987, you open a piece of history from that year. Such a charming sentiment.

The doorman, Albert, is the kindest soul. He always waves at me, even if he is in conversation. This past week, he asked in English, "How are you?" and so I replied in English, "I'm doing well! How are you?" And he laughed and shook his head, saying he wasn't sure what I said as "How are you" is some of the little English he knows. The fact that he wanted to greet me in my native language was so sweet though.

And one last note: I've found one of the biggest keys to being successful in learning another language and culture is observation, and being keen to notice and remember the small things. It's really cool to see what little nuances a different culture has. And then, when you remember them, you can make someone's day as you showed respect for them enough to learn their culture and life.

Jusqu'à la prochaine fois amis,

Annie