
I haven't written in over a month but no news is good news I guess :) I'm doing well. In some ways it seems that a lot has happened the last 5 weeks but in other ways I can't think of what has happened or how to write about it. I've been regularly attending a church in Pessac and enjoying getting to know the people there. Everyone is very kind and I'm thankful for the body of Christ no matter where I am. My roommate Anna and I have a Bible study at our apartment on Saturday evenings and that's been a blessing. There are usually at least 1 or 2 other young women that attend! We're studying the book of James, I've read it many times but am learning lots more this time around, so much wisdom written in scripture, I love it! The more I choose to read it the more I hunger for it. I'm no longer taking a formal French course but my friend Abi has graciously taken the time to give me French lessons, in exchange for guitar lessons :D We have so much fun together. We're both learning! I think learning a language is similar to learning an instrument in the way of if you're actually going to get anywhere, you have to want to do it, you have to be dedicated to actually working at it and practicing it, and you need someone who tells you it is possible :) And where the scary part comes in is actually showing people what you've learned, using it all for God's glory, not worried about your own. (preaching to myself right now haha). Anyway - the Cole's are doing well, they have been such a blessing! I've known them only a little over a year but the impact is sure to be lifelong, no doubt! Michael & Liz constantly take the time to just sit and talk with me and are always making sure I'm well, letting me stay for dinner etc. The kids are my favorite thing about France :) They have so much joy and enthusiasm and I just love it! Spending time with them, helping care for them etc. it's teaching me so much and always brings a smile to my heart, God knew what He was doing when He brought us together :) Summer is just beginning here in France, some days it's really warm other days it cools off a ton again, so I never quite know what to expect. I've had some time off this month and have gotten to see some neat things around Bordeaux (Dune de Pilat; Lacanau beach; Public Garden; etc.) I enjoy riding the tram; seeing cultural differences here and there; meeting new people etc. Life is not always easy but there are adventures to be had and I think it's my choice whether I focus on the negative things going on or the positive. There are always both, no matter what country you live in... Speaking of countries, my family members are all back in the US! Meridith & Jason have been back for some time now and are awaiting the arrival of my brand new Niece or Nephew any time now!! Though my heart still aches at not being with my sister through this, I know the Lord has a time for me to get to meet the baby, and it will be special and unforgettable no matter when that is. Rachel got back from Australia just a few days ago and I'm excited about getting to hear more of her stories.
I'm praying about the possibility of flying home for a couple weeks this summer. The tentative plan is August but there are several factors going into it so I'm waiting and praying for wisdom. Please pray with me, that I'll make the best choices and God would give clear direction etc. Please also pray for my Grandma. She's not doing very well and I think she wants to go home to be with the Lord and my Grandpa. I understand her desire, and I want that for her.. But I'll miss her if she goes now, I want many more years with her! Just asking for the Lord's will to be done, and grace for those of us left behind.. I'm thankful for the special time she and I had together before I came to France.
*{But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit}
*{So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal}
2 Corinthians 3:16-18;4:18

