~FORTY DAYS IN FRANCE~

*Matthew 4:1-4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." I've been in France for forty days and forty nights and of course I can't imagine having fasted from food this whole time... I also can't imagine having fasted from God's Word that long either. Though there are times in my life that I have chosen to. I want to remember that Jesus told us we shouldn't live on bread alone but on the words that have come from God's mouth. One is as important as the other, if I truly live this way I believe my view on many things will be more aligned with His heart and I'll be able to see things the way He longs for me to. 

*I've been living in my new apartment in France for a little over one week now! It's been a huge blessing how everything worked out and how I have a bed, dresser, mirror and everything I need for my room. We also have filled the empty kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, microwave etc, and we were given a couch and chairs for the living room! I have to say I am SO extremely thankful to all the people back home that helped me get here and continue supporting me, and for all the people here that are continually helping me and looking out for my well-being! ~ Please pray that I can be a blessing back to people and make the most of all the gifts I've been given.

*Sunday the 29th marked a full month in France! *I was able to attend the baptism of 2 new Christians in the church. ~ Praise!

*On the 30th we went to the immigration/doctor's office to be examined so that we could receive our "carte de sejour" (resident card) so that we can legally live here in France. It was an interesting experience; I'm glad it's over and only needs to happen once :)  But all was well and we were approved immediately ~ Praise!

*Also a praise was - my sister Meridith and her husband Jason (& my niece or nephew!) arrived safely in Kenya! They are doing medical missions there for the next 3 or 4 months ~ Please pray for safety, health, and a productive time for them.

*On the 31st I had my first French class! I have a class every Tuesday evening for two and a half hours with one professor and every Thursday evening for two and a half hours with a different professor. There are about 16 other students and they are almost all from different countries! The teacher only speaks French the entire time - I had no idea how I would get anything out of it that way but I do feel like I'm learning, slowly but surely catching on to things. My teacher writes on the board a lot, and repeats everything multiple times, and gives us worksheets, we've been going over the French alphabet etc. There are definitely many moments throughout class that I feel completely lost and hope I'm not missing anything too important! :) Thankfully there are a few other English speakers that I've been able to lean over and ask them about things I'm confused about. I'm also hoping to make friends with my classmates and hopefully share the gospel with them ~ Please pray for me to have opportunities and to be bold. 

*On Wednesday (February 1st) I got to attend a dinner at the Pastor's house along with several other missionary families and it was a great time of fellowship - it's encouraging and inspiring to hear about the experiences of people that have been doing foreign missions for many years. 

*Friday (the 3rd) I went to a devotional/game night at the church with the college/career aged people! It's a lot of fun and though it's difficult to communicate I enjoy the time spent with them and the more I'm around them the more I get used to hearing words and phrases etc.

*I love snow and I had hoped that I would get to see some this winter! Snow is a rare thing back home in Tennessee and I heard it's pretty rare here in Bordeaux as well. But Sunday morning when I woke up and looked out the window at least 2 inches of snow covered everything - and it was gorgeous!! It was a cold walk to church but I thoroughly enjoyed it! :)  I passed at least 3 or 4 snowmen (who unfortunately started melting today). 

*That is all for today but I'll write again soon! If you'd like to write me my new mailing address is:  36 Rue Du Relais                                                 Res Compostelle G22G
                                         33600 Pessac - France

Or my e-mail address: singingnanny@juno.com

*Thanks for reading & praying!

In His Hands ~ Rissa

~DAY 26~

I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. ~Habakkuk 3:18; Give thanks to the God of gods. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever. ~Psalm 136:2-3, 26; May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13; Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. ~1 Corinthians 15:58; But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. ~2 Corinthians 2:14. 

These are some scriptures I have on index cards that I've been flipping through the last few weeks and they've been encouraging me to keep my focus on the Lord and His work & word. 2 Corinthians 12:9 has jumped out at me even more recently - it says 'But HE said to me, "MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that CHRIST'S power may rest on me.' There are not many things in my life that have made me feel as weak as living in a country that is not my home country and that does not speak the language I've spoken my whole life. But things are going so well here, the Lord has given me so much peace just knowing I'm where He wants me to be and that even though things are challenging and I feel weak and ill-equipped, He is the One seeing me through and guiding me. I'm learning so much and I'm looking forward to all the other things He's going to teach me!

Let me think what has happened since I wrote two and a half weeks ago... 

*I got to see some of downtown Bordeaux! Once at night and once during the day - it's really pretty!! We took the tram which is exciting! 

*I came to France prepared to live alone but the Lord has blessed me with having a roommate & it looks like we already have an apartment! If all goes as planned we'll get the keys on Wednesday and should be able to move in sometime this week or weekend! Mr. Bixby (the pastor of the church here) has been SO kind in helping us with all the details & translating everything for us. My roommate - her name is Anna and she grew up in Australia as a missionary kid and is here for the year to study French. The cost of living here is more expensive then in the States so I'm grateful to have someone willing to split the financial responsibilities. The apartments here come completely empty - one of the bedrooms doesn't have a closet, the kitchen comes with nothing but a sink, etc. So we're praying to find cheap appliances in thrift stores and on the leboncoin (french equivelant of craigslist!).. 

*Praise - the Cole's have been praying/looking for a van and they were able to purchase one this past week! I drove it for the first time today, I took Adeline & Mathieu and we went to pick up Viviane from school! She started preschool a couple weeks ago and she loves it! I told her she was very brave and inspiring the way she looks forward to going to school even though no one speaks English!

*The people of the Church are amazing, they are so kind and loving, and they love Jesus!! :)  I've met some girls from England & Ireland so English is their first language and Abigail has sat next to me in Sunday School to translate the lesson! There are several other people that know some English and everyone is encouraging me to learn and practice French! This coming Sunday there is a baptism service for 2 people who have accepted the Lord!!

*So today was interesting! I knew I wanted to sign up to take a night class this semester to study French. But I found out about 30 minutes before the test started that I needed to take a placement test in order to get into the class! So I went in, sat down, and was given a 3 page paper with questions in French... I knew where to write my NOM: MAUPIN  Prenom:Carissa & Nationalite:American and then I was completely lost! haha I couldn't understand another question, not one.. So it ended up being pretty funny because i thought I was supposed to wait until everyone was finished anyway so I sat for 30 minutes not doing anything but staring at the sea of words... Then I realized you were supposed to bring your paper to the teacher when you were done so after that half hour I brought my paper to her.. not filled out, and she looked at it and smiled and said "beginner?" I smiled and said yes, so she just had me write my name on the second "test" and said "okay you finished" :) 

Well I just got too sleepy to think if there are any other updates at the moment... But I'll write again soon!  : )  à bientôt blog world!

Love~Rissa

*Happy New Year!!*

Wow where to begin?? I'm in France!!! Only by God's grace and provision and His choosing to move mountains - He's just good like that! There's no doubt in my mind that He wants me here right now. I told everyone I met that I was planning to leave December 28th but that the only way it could work is for God to work a miracle because practically speaking I shouldn't have gotten my visa so quickly. I was hoping I would get my visa before Christmas so that I'd be packed and relaxed knowing what day I was leaving... But the days came and went with nothing in the mail for me. Christmas was a nice time with family, and church family. I continued saying goodbyes and on Tuesday (27th) I finished putting everything back in my suitcases still not knowing for sure if I'd leave the next day... This was the last day I'd be able to receive my visa in the mail and still be able to fly out with the Cole family. That morning I went to Nashville to spend time with my sisters and when we got back I checked the mail, holding my breath!... But the box was empty.... I thought well maybe it just hasn't come yet today... So I went to the house and waited... it was probably 3 in the afternoon and I was making a phone call upstairs when the mail lady drove up to the house. When I got off the phone, before I walked downstairs I prayed God give me the strength to handle the news, whether my visa came or didn't come. I ran down and my sister handed me the envelope and I started jumping around the house laughing, practically crying while singing - "i'm going to France, i'm going to France, thank you Lord, oh my goodness!" :)  I called my Dad to tell him then I called the Cole's; and the craziness continued! It was a long night of putting the last minute touches on everything, trying to make sure I was ready to be gone for a year. Wednesday morning my Mom and sisters - Meridith & Rachel and I got in the car to drive to Atlanta Georgia where I would meet up with the Cole's. I had a big suitcase, a small suitcase, and my guitar & backpack! It was a fun road trip spent singing in the car and having quality time together. Saying goodbye at the airport is never fun... it's just kind of heartbreaking. Our flight was supposed to leave at 830pm but we probably didn't fly out 'til 930. We flew to Heathrow airport in London than had to get all our bags and take a bus to Gatwick  airport in London to catch our flight to Bordeaux France. It was a grand adventure, but very tiring! I was so thankful the whole trip though that I was with Michael & Liz and not having to do it all alone; and glad that I could be of some help with the kids - they did great! We arrived at our final destination Thursday evening. (we're 7 hours ahead of the time in Nashville). Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bixby, and Mr. & Mrs. Tim Bixby welcomed us into their homes with open arms, during dinner I could hardly keep my eyes open and was very thankful when I finally crawled into bed! Friday & Saturday I was able to rest and relax. Saturday evening we brought in the new year by eating, playing a game, and then counting our blessings from 2011! This was a great reminder of all God does to take care of me. Sunday I was warmly welcomed into the Church. The Service is entirely in French so I need to start learning rather quickly :)  It looks like I will have the opportunity to take night classes a couple times a week at the university to begin  studying the language! Monday I got to see the French "wal-mart" so to speak. Then we went to police station to see what paperwork still needed to be turned in to receive our resident card which allows us to stay in France. Tuesday we went to the bank and I was able to have an account set up for my year here. Tuesday evening is the time the church meets for their mid-week service, I gave a short testimony on how I came to know the Lord and how thankful I am to be in France. Wednesday was spent shopping with the Cole's and spending time with Tim & Ruth and their children before they left for Paris. Thursday I had my first driving in Europe experience! It went well, I prayed the whole time! It's not terribly different than driving in Nashville, thankfully they still drive on the right side of the road and the steering wheel is right where I'm used to it being :)   As of today (Friday) I haven't seen much outside the neighborhood of Pessac where we live, but this evening we're planning to go downtown Bordeaux so I can see more than just the airport! Everything has gone so well so far. As for the questions I said I'd answer 1.What am I enjoying? I'm enjoying the adventure of starting over somewhere new, I'm enjoying meeting new people that don't share my language but share my faith; spending time with Michael & Liz, being inspired by their courage, patience, and trust in God; Helping care for Viviane, Adeline, & Mathieu; the technology that allows me to still communicate with the ones I love back home; Time to read & spend with the Lord. 2.What am I missing? I'm missing my family & friends; the comfort of being able to go out and do what I need to do in English; my dog Carly :)  3.How are things different? When you meet someone whether it's for the 1st time or the 100th you don't shake their hand or give them a hug -they give a cheek to cheek "kiss" on both sides - takes a little getting used to.... They use Euros here instead of dollars, that will also take some getting used to; Everything seems smaller; some bathrooms are different, they'll have a bathroom with the sink and shower, and then a separate bathroom with the toilet - and there's usually a button or something to push to flush the toilet instead of a handle. I'm sure there are many many more things that are different, as time goes on I will see much more of the French culture! I will keep this blog updated often for those of you who would like to hear about the adventuress things God is doing! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you the happiest of New Years - 2012!! I encourage you to spend time daily with the Lord and in His word this year - so much truth to learn & cherish. Also if you're looking for a good book to read I recommend "Kisses from Katie" I'm not done yet but so far it's a wonderful true story and very inspirational! Thank you for your prayers!! Love to all <3


In His Hands,
Carissa

*My Visa*

On December 6th I had my appointment with the French Consulate in Atlanta Georgia about getting my visa to live in France for 12 months. The interview went well, I was asked a few questions and told to present all the required paperwork to them. The man who interviewed me said I needed 3 more documents that I didn't have or that weren't correct. So I went home to immediately get these things and have them mailed back to the consulate. 1 of the documents needed translated into French and that ended up being somewhat complicated but God worked everything out! It all took longer than expected so my paper work was not all in one place as it should be until December 19th! So as of today Wednesday December 21st I have a plane ticket to fly with the Cole family to France one week from now on the evening of Wednesday December 28th so I am waiting for my visa to arrive before then!...... I am praying for a miracle right now! Everything but the visa is set and ready to go. My job is completed, I've moved out of my apartment, my bags are packed, my dog is with my Grandparents, I've been meeting with friends this week to say goodbye for now, etc.The financial side of things looks pretty good - God has worked through so many people to provide support for me and I'll continue trusting Him for that while I'm in France. The economy is bad and people said it couldn't be done but HIS servants still have very giving hearts, even when they don't have much to give - it's a beautiful thing! I am so thankful - to the Cole's for all their help and support, for the few Churches that have let me share my testimony, for all the individuals who have sacrificed their money, to the ones who came and helped me clean my apartment, to my parents for letting me come back home for a couple weeks and all the love and support their giving me, to my siblings for dealing with all my crazy moods and loving me anyway :)  to Jenny for taking road trips with me :)  and to my Church, Bible study group, and all my friends who are just plain amazing! I have to admit that I've been super busy and many days I'm stressed and anxious, I wish I wouldn't react that way but I'm human and I do. But no matter how things look to my crazy brain, or how exhausted I get with all the details and emotions, I KNOW the truth. I know how blessed I am. I know that God is in control and that He loves us and has plans and longs for us to follow Him - we're commanded to go out and tell the world about Him. My prayer for this new year is that I will keep Him as my top priority in my life. There will always be something crazy going on but if He's not first what meaning does any of this have? I don't want to be too busy for Him or His Word. I want to change and let these experiences grow my faith. I want to have a love for Him bigger than I can ever even imagine! I don't know what all will happen next year but I hold onto the hope of {Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus}. Someone told me the other day that when I'm busy and tired and feel like I can't be who I need to be just tell God exactly that - God I can't do it all, I need help, I need You. So that is my prayer as I wait for my visa, and for everything else unknown! The song I wrote says "So I trust You, I trust You with the lyrics of my life". He is writing this all out, from beginning to end, He's got it under control, and I want to stop trying to hold on to anything but Him! 

God knows what He's doing-even if I don't :)

Here's a little history on how God led me to where I am now, and I'm so thankful He has! There are many ups and downs but I'm learning that He is always good - whether your circumstances are or not. 

After graduating high school (2007) I worked in a daycare, 'floating' to different rooms/age groups, I settled as the preschool teacher of the 3 year old classroom! I loved that job and adored the kids, it had huge challenges but overall it was a ton of fun and I learned a lot! I worked there for 1 year. Several months into it my Dad (a pastor) received an e-mail from a missionary family looking for a nanny to come to Vietnam for a year to help with their 3 kids. He mentioned it to me (after my sister suggested it-thank you Rachel!) and I jumped at the opportunity. I had been praying for God to tell me whether to stay where I was or to move on. So I sent an application to the missionaries; they knew me a little and knew my parents very well and after a few weeks they accepted me! They didn't have extra funds to pay me so I was going as a missionary myself, not as an employee. This was in March of 2008, there was 4 months to raise the financial support needed. God provided every penny, and then some, it was miraculous! There's much more to that story, for another time :)   I lived in Vietnam for 1 year (summer '08 to summer '09), then came back to the states and have been a nanny in Nashville for almost 2 and a half years. In March of this year I got a text message from a friend/pastor's wife that I sometimes babysit for and she said she knew a missionary family looking for a nanny and if I was interested she would give them my number! Because of my experiences in Vietnam she had recommended me to them. I  spoke to them on the phone and then met them in person a couple weeks later. We all clicked quickly and I loved their 2 little girls from day 1 :)    We all spent a couple months in prayer before really moving forward with the details. We're confident this is what God is leading us to, so Lord willing I will spend 2012 in Bordeaux France with Michael & Liz Cole and their children - Viviane (4 yrs.) Adeline (almost 2 yrs.) and baby Mathieu (7 weeks)!!

Once again I'm going as a supported Missionary, not as their employee. I'll live on my own and the children will be my main focus/ministry, while Michael & Liz attend language school (this will be their first year living in France). Our biggest mission though is sharing the gospel of our Savior with the people of France! Please pray for us as we continue raising the financial support needed; we are also trying to work out the many details it takes to get a visa to live in France.. There is a lot of paperwork involved and I have to appear at the French Consulate in Atlanta on December 6th.. Our prayer is to all be able to fly to France together at the end of December! This will take God helping us through (or moving) the many obstacles that are on the path. We're trusting Him, and taking one day at a time. While trying not to let details stress me out :)  Right now I'm training a new nanny to take over with Will, the little boy I've taken care of this year (this is very emotional); trying to get insurance things taken care of from my car accident in September (drama); and preparing to sell my belongings and move out of my apartment December 17th (need furniture? - let me know!); God is teaching me so much through all of this - main point - trust Him! He's leading, He'll come through, and it's out of my hands! I want to enjoy the journey - I'm so blessed!

Love,
*Rissa*

I will follow

Where you go, I'll go

Where you stay, I'll stay

When you move, I'll move

I will follow...



All your ways are good

All your ways are sure

I will trust in you alone

Higher than my sight

High above my life

I will trust in you alone



Where you go, I'll go

Where you stay, I'll stay

When you move, I'll move

I will follow you

Who you love, I'll love

How you serve I'll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow you

I will follow you



Light unto the world

Light unto my life

I will live for you alone

You're the one I seek

Knowing I will find

All I need in you alone, in you alone



In you there's life everlasting

In you there's freedom for my soul

In you there joy, unending joy

and I will follow


~Chris Tomlin

Newest Adventure

This is my first ever blog! It's for everyone that wants to keep up with my newest adventure - to France! I want to start it now to share the ways God has already been doing amazing things... And I know it will take a miracle from Him to get me to France by the end of December or beginning of January! I hope to update every few days or so. Love to all!


~Rissa