My journey to the DRCongo is continuing and I am beginning the next steps towards the missions work in Congo. I have arrived in France and started French classes yesterday. Life in France is much different than what I was living several days ago in the US. I knew there would be changes, but not so suddenly. The people here are very nice. They love their country, life, and culture. It has rained every day since I arrived and evidently it rained for a week before then. They say "Ce n'est pas normal!" My first reality hit when I was walking through the rain on Saturday, to run errands. Usually, rain does not bother me, but I was a bit sick of it after several hours. My pants were soaked and my legs hurt! Most of my friends know I do not like wet socks, well, I wasn't wearing any thankfully. It hit me that this was a change for me. I realized that in the past, I have had a car to take me to the different places I needed to go and I could always get out of the rain for a bit and dry off. Here, I will be walking everywhere I go. (There are some muscles in my legs that have never been used before and they are sore!:)) I could ride the bus, but there is so much construction, I could probably make it home before the bus got me there. I am thankful for the two legs that God has given me to be able to walk to places and enjoy the scenery and life in France. I am learning to slow down and enjoy the time here. The French love their coffee and tea! This is one part of France I won't have a problem adjusting to. I love European cafes! You can stay and enjoy your cafe au lait as long as you like. French classes started yesterday. They gave me an oral test to see where my level of French was and then was put into a class that had started a few weeks ago. It was a little intimidating! I am the only American. There are students from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Kuwait, Libya, and Saudi Arabia. The whole day was in French. My head was swimming by the time I got home. I love it!I understand almost everything, but find it difficult to respond back properly. Well, today is a holiday in France, Fete du Travail, and nothing is open. It is like out Labor Day. Also, nothing is open on Sundays either. This is the day they go to church, if they go, and spend the day with their family. The church I visited on Sunday was good and hope to return next Sunday. I have been blessed by another couple Ben and Michelle D. They started school a few weeks ago and have been a tremendous blessing to me. They picked me up from the airport, helped with my luggage through the metro, train, and to my flat. They have been great hosts by showing me all the great places as well as, provide a couple meals until I was able to get my kitchenette working. The Lord is taking care of me and I am so thankful! A la prochaine!! (Until the next time!) G:)
