Today I decided that I had to go to the laundry mat. I had a meeting at the University at 10:00 which went well and next - tackle three weeks worth of laundry! I got back to the hotel and asked my friend at the desk where the laundry mat was, she gave me directions but said I should probably buy the laundry soap in the store because she did not know if they sold it in the laundry or not. So off to the market I went - ok it's all in French and brands I have never heard of right! So I stand there staring and picking up this bottle and then that bottle - is this even laundry detergent??? Then coming down the isle toward me was a pretty young lady. So I simply asked what she used to wash her clothes - she pointed it out to me and I headed to the check out. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't buying dishwashing detergent to do my laundry :)
Now back to the hotel and up to the room. I had sorted everything the night before so it was all ready. I had four small bags and one large green bag with jeans. Since I could not carry them all I decided to take the four small bags, do them and then come back for the big bag. I walked about three blocks to the laundry and when I got there the door was locked. I had sit everything down so I could ring the buzzer for the door to be unlocked. I got inside and again everything is in French - of course I am in France right?? Anyway I figured out how much for each washer and then figured out that you paid in a central location on the wall for all the washers. The little red light was flashing and it would not take any money - so I could not wash my clothes. There was no attendant to ask for assistance so I picked up my four bags of still dirty clothes and walked back to the hotel. It's a good thing I am moving Saturday and there is a washing machine there or I might be in trouble :)
I had my first class a the University of Savoie tonight - 5:30 to 7:30. It is a class on the Society and Culture of Great Britain and the United States. It is taught in English to help International students improve their English speaking skills and business terminology. When the professor found out I was from America he asked me to pronounce words the way we do in America - so I let them know how we say it in Missouri :) Many of the French say they like my accent and that I speak slow enough for them to understand. Then he asked me if I would be willing to write a paper on the election process in American and give a presentation to the class. I said I would if I could do it after I move and he said I could let him know when I was ready - even if I wanted to wait until after the election. We talked after class and I told him I did not want to intimidate the other students and he said he was excited I was in the class. Outside several of the students wanted to talk and also said they were glad I was in the class.
I got back to the hotel about 8:00 and there was a group of college students having a bible study - so you know I had to crash the party. We had a great time - even thought I didn't understand a lot of what was said - I am picking up more and more words every day. The man and woman leading it were from the United States. They have been here over twenty years and lead this Bible study every year for the exchange students. Three of them were exchange students from the U.S. - one from Michigan, another from Nebraska and the third from Montana. We shared and talked until 10:30. The kids (as I call them) kept telling me that France has such a need for missionaries. One of the girls from the states said she wished I could meet her mom. She said her mom had lost the passion for Jesus that she once had. It still amazes me that kids don't see me as being the same age as their moms but I can still call them kids :)
Next week I think will be a time of much needed rest. I only have a couple of things scheduled and they are both at the end of the week. I will be moved in and settled - I need to spend some alone and quiet time with my Dad to see what the next steps are. I have several options in the coming months and I just need some clarity and some R & R :) I'm looking forward to my upper room, when you see the pictures of my apartment you'll understand what I'm talking about.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
They Are An Answer To My Prayers
I had struggled all weekend with this apartment thing. So Sunday while I was at church (which was in French) I asked God why I was struggling so much with this. It was almost like He smiled and said, "you know this is not the place for you but you have heard so much negative about the possibility of you finding an apartment you are acting out of desperation - you are not desperate!" As soon as I made the decision not to take the apartment I had such peace - I can't tell you. He just kept reminding me that He is not broke and neither am I!! So first thing Monday morning I had Marie-lne call the landlady and tell her I would not take the apartment. There was such peace and joy that I almost skipped out of her office. She looked at me like I was nuts - she's not the first to think that. But she does not know my Dad nor does she know the conversation we had had this weekend.
Before I got back to the apartment I had a message from Grace to call Fran (two ladies I met last Sunday at Church) about a new apartment in a house pretty close to the church. Fran and I went to see it Monday afternoon. Jack was very nice and the apartment is brand new - no one had lived in it. He and his wife built two apartments on to the back of their house and he did all the wood work himself - it's amazing. Anyway they did not ask me for an assurance letter or deposit from the bank. In France you have to have a native French person sign a guarantee that if you skip town they will pay your rent. CRAZY - even the French people think so, but they have to do it even for each other. So Fran picked me up at the hotel and took me to the apartment - Jack does not speak English and my French still leaves a lot to be desired, so she interpreted for us. The studio (as I call it) was nice but quite a distance from the bus stop and not exactly the floor plan I would have chosen - the bedroom is upstairs and the bathroom is downstairs :( I told him I would think about it and let him know in the morning as I had another apartment closer to the bus stop to look at that afternoon. Fran could not go with me to the second apartment but it was fine because the landlady spoke English. That apartment was worse than the first apartment I had looked at so I called Fran to let Jack know that I wanted the apartment. There was an unfurnished apartment that I had seen that I really, really liked that kept tugging at me as well. When she called back she said that Jack was showing the apartment the next day and would let me know by 7:00 Tuesday night. Again I prayed - God if this is the one you want me to have make it clear and if not make it clear. So at 6:00 Fran called and said that I could have the apartment if I wanted it. I still did not have an answer so I told her I was going to take the bus out there and see how it would be to walk at night. On the 15 minute walk from the bus stop to the house Dad and I talked again. I reaffirmed to Him that I wanted to be where He wanted me to be and if it was "my" desire that was in the way to let me know. When I got to the house Jack saw me and invited me into the courtyard. He said his wife would be home soon and I asked to see the apartment one more time. We had just finished looking upstairs when Annekathrin came home. She is German/French and a wonderful lady. She speaks pretty good English and we had a good chat. It was after meeting them both and talking with them that I knew this was the place for me - not so much for the apartment but for what God wants to do in their lives :) I told them that I would take the apartment and asked how soon I could move in. Their response was as soon as I get the renter's insurance. We discussed some of the details and Annekathrin took me back to the hotel while Jack fixed dinner for them.
Today Jack found renter's insurance for me and they asked me to met them at the house at 5:00. Annekathrin took me to the insurance agency so she could translate for me and we got the renter's insurance (mandatory in France). Then we went back to the house and Jack called the phone company and got that taken care of. Annekathrin said she wanted to take me back to the hotel and she drove the opposite direction to town so she could show me how to get to the University from the house.
I said all that to say this - God is so awesome and I know that He has the rest of the details worked out. I have a bank account and an apartment in France without knowing anybody. It took me three weeks - but unless you have been here and faced all the road blocks you really can't appreciate how much of a miracle that is. My apartment is fully furnished with everything I will possible need and Annekathrin said if I need something that is not there to just ask. It is also the newest and least expensive apartment I looked at. As we were finishing up tonight I told them I needed to know how to have the bank make the check out Friday morning because I don't have my checks yet. We discussed the deposit and first month's rent and how to direct deposit it. When I asked them the prorated amount for the rest of September they both said - "no nothing" just pay the first of October!!!!
When I would thank Annekathrin today she would say I can't believe that you would go to Africa and then come here and know no one. She probably made reference to it two or three times today. She wanted to know how I knew Fran and I told her I met her a church and that there were five people from the Church looking for an apartment for me. She said that she had read how in America that people could go to the church when they could not get help from the government and she thought that was amazing. She said it is not like that here in France. When I told her that she and Jack were an answer to my prayer she didn't know what I meant. I told her that I had prayed that someone would be willing to rent to me without the assurance. I told her that they were the answer to that prayer. She said, "I guess it could be if you believe it is so". I am excited to see what God has in store for this quiet little community and for Jack and Annekathrin!!!
Again thank you everyone for your prayers - Grace calls me a missionary. I don't really think of myself that way - I just know that God puts me in places where the ground is hard and He just waters. I love to watch people bloom like beautiful flowers - watered and fed by the Spirit of God.
Before I got back to the apartment I had a message from Grace to call Fran (two ladies I met last Sunday at Church) about a new apartment in a house pretty close to the church. Fran and I went to see it Monday afternoon. Jack was very nice and the apartment is brand new - no one had lived in it. He and his wife built two apartments on to the back of their house and he did all the wood work himself - it's amazing. Anyway they did not ask me for an assurance letter or deposit from the bank. In France you have to have a native French person sign a guarantee that if you skip town they will pay your rent. CRAZY - even the French people think so, but they have to do it even for each other. So Fran picked me up at the hotel and took me to the apartment - Jack does not speak English and my French still leaves a lot to be desired, so she interpreted for us. The studio (as I call it) was nice but quite a distance from the bus stop and not exactly the floor plan I would have chosen - the bedroom is upstairs and the bathroom is downstairs :( I told him I would think about it and let him know in the morning as I had another apartment closer to the bus stop to look at that afternoon. Fran could not go with me to the second apartment but it was fine because the landlady spoke English. That apartment was worse than the first apartment I had looked at so I called Fran to let Jack know that I wanted the apartment. There was an unfurnished apartment that I had seen that I really, really liked that kept tugging at me as well. When she called back she said that Jack was showing the apartment the next day and would let me know by 7:00 Tuesday night. Again I prayed - God if this is the one you want me to have make it clear and if not make it clear. So at 6:00 Fran called and said that I could have the apartment if I wanted it. I still did not have an answer so I told her I was going to take the bus out there and see how it would be to walk at night. On the 15 minute walk from the bus stop to the house Dad and I talked again. I reaffirmed to Him that I wanted to be where He wanted me to be and if it was "my" desire that was in the way to let me know. When I got to the house Jack saw me and invited me into the courtyard. He said his wife would be home soon and I asked to see the apartment one more time. We had just finished looking upstairs when Annekathrin came home. She is German/French and a wonderful lady. She speaks pretty good English and we had a good chat. It was after meeting them both and talking with them that I knew this was the place for me - not so much for the apartment but for what God wants to do in their lives :) I told them that I would take the apartment and asked how soon I could move in. Their response was as soon as I get the renter's insurance. We discussed some of the details and Annekathrin took me back to the hotel while Jack fixed dinner for them.
Today Jack found renter's insurance for me and they asked me to met them at the house at 5:00. Annekathrin took me to the insurance agency so she could translate for me and we got the renter's insurance (mandatory in France). Then we went back to the house and Jack called the phone company and got that taken care of. Annekathrin said she wanted to take me back to the hotel and she drove the opposite direction to town so she could show me how to get to the University from the house.
I said all that to say this - God is so awesome and I know that He has the rest of the details worked out. I have a bank account and an apartment in France without knowing anybody. It took me three weeks - but unless you have been here and faced all the road blocks you really can't appreciate how much of a miracle that is. My apartment is fully furnished with everything I will possible need and Annekathrin said if I need something that is not there to just ask. It is also the newest and least expensive apartment I looked at. As we were finishing up tonight I told them I needed to know how to have the bank make the check out Friday morning because I don't have my checks yet. We discussed the deposit and first month's rent and how to direct deposit it. When I asked them the prorated amount for the rest of September they both said - "no nothing" just pay the first of October!!!!
When I would thank Annekathrin today she would say I can't believe that you would go to Africa and then come here and know no one. She probably made reference to it two or three times today. She wanted to know how I knew Fran and I told her I met her a church and that there were five people from the Church looking for an apartment for me. She said that she had read how in America that people could go to the church when they could not get help from the government and she thought that was amazing. She said it is not like that here in France. When I told her that she and Jack were an answer to my prayer she didn't know what I meant. I told her that I had prayed that someone would be willing to rent to me without the assurance. I told her that they were the answer to that prayer. She said, "I guess it could be if you believe it is so". I am excited to see what God has in store for this quiet little community and for Jack and Annekathrin!!!
Again thank you everyone for your prayers - Grace calls me a missionary. I don't really think of myself that way - I just know that God puts me in places where the ground is hard and He just waters. I love to watch people bloom like beautiful flowers - watered and fed by the Spirit of God.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Bitter Sweet Day
Ok so today was bitter sweet for me. I started off ready to meet the lady who owns the apartment that I am looking at this morning. So I am up and headed out at 9:30 to meet her and a lady from the school who will translate for us. When I get to the corner I notice that there is a street market going on - oh yes it is Saturday morning market, I forgot! Now I am doubly excited and since I am early for our meeting I decide to do a little shopping. I find a seam ripper that I was needing and took a few pictures. I got to the corner just as the lady from the school was getting there. We chatted for a few minutes and then began to wonder when the landlady was. After a quick call to discover that we had yet another miscommunication and we needed to be at another corner. We hustled over to the other corner and met her. I had been told that it was a studio apartment so I knew it was not going to be big and it was furnished. When we arrived the lady who was still living there did not know that we were coming - oops! When the landlady opened the door from the sidewalk it was dark and musty like the old stone buildings are here. The stairs are narrow - no lift and the railing is a piece of small pipe screwed into the wall. When we got to the third floor she went around the corner to two very nice wooden doors - the one on the left is the one we were looking at. When she opened the door I wanted to cry - there is a woman living there who is probably in her late 60's and it smelled like an old person's home (if you know what I mean). There was too much furniture in the small rooms and you could barely move around. The kitchen/living room are combined in about a 12 x 12 room. The bathroom has a sink, stool and shower so close they are almost touching each other and the room is probably five feet wide. The bedroom has a window and a closet which is a plus. It also has a twin bed. I can do a twin if I have to, but I would rather not. There was a small dorm frig sitting on top of another frig that doesn't work. She said that she was going to buy a new frig before I moved in. All my emotions welled up inside me and I wanted to cry. Now I know why the price is so much lower than most of the apartments I had looked at. I gathered myself together and said Dad if this is where you want me then this is where I will be. We thanked the tenant for letting us look on such short notice and left.
I took my fruit and treasures back to the hotel and decided that I needed to just get outside. I grabbed my camera and satchel and headed for the bus stop. I decided that I would go to the lake and sit and talk to Dad. I caught bus number three and rode it as far as it would go. When we reached the last stop I asked the driver where the lake was. He pointed to the left and said in the next village - ask someone. I thanked him and off I went. It was a beautiful afternoon and I enjoyed the sun shine on my face. There was just a gentle breeze that kept it from being too warm as I walked along the highway. I stopped and took pictures, admired the mountains and noticed things I would not have seen riding in a car. When I arrived at the next village I did not see anything that remotely looked like a lake. I walked past what looked like a major intersection and kept going around the corner. I saw a young couple depositing their trash and just felt a gentle nudge to ask them where the lake was. So I called across the street and asked if either of them spoke English. They couldn't hear because of the traffic so they crossed the street to see what I needed. Their English was better than my French, which still is not saying much but we managed to understand each other. They conversed as to the best way to tell me how to go and then suddenly decided that they would take me there. I assured them that they did not need to do that but they insisted. We had a wonderful time as we walked all over the village. They told what things were in French and I gave them the English word. We went to the center of town where some beautiful fountains were glistening in the sunshine. We passed by the Casino and Beredicte called it their Las Vegas. I asked them if they had gotten rich there and we all laughed. They took me past the glider plane strip and we watched planes launch and land - it was amazing - I might want to try that some day. Finally we made it to the lake and I laughed. Back in Missouri where I am from we would have called it a pond. They roped on sections to indicate the activity that could go on there. The first section was roped off for the kid to swim, the second was for the adults and the third was a section just for fishing. There was a nice park around it and we had a great walk. As it was nearly 3:30 it was time to find something cold to drink so they suggested a little indoor/outdoor cafe. As we sat and talked Jean-Phillipe shared that they were Christians and I smiled and said that I was not surprised. We continued for a bit to share our faith and take pictures. I asked them where they attend church and wouldn't you know it they come into Chambery! I laughed and told them how I had been praying for God to show me where to go and to help me find some Christian people. I did not know He would take me into another village to do it. He always makes me smile. They decided to drive me back to Chambery and drop me off at the hotel. They wanted to know where it was so they can pick me up in the morning. Love these kids - they have only been married three years. I am excited to see what God has in store!
When I got back to my room I decided to take another walk - you would think I would weight like 3 pounds by now with all the walking!!! Anyway I grabbed my camera again and walked to the apartment we had looked at. I wanted a better look and took some pictures. I walked on up the street to see what else was in the area and I made a decision. I asked Dad if this was the place He had for me that He would make it clear and if not that He would shut the door. Either way, I will be happy because we are together. That is how I am determining to live the rest of my life - He and I will be happy where ever that is.
I took my fruit and treasures back to the hotel and decided that I needed to just get outside. I grabbed my camera and satchel and headed for the bus stop. I decided that I would go to the lake and sit and talk to Dad. I caught bus number three and rode it as far as it would go. When we reached the last stop I asked the driver where the lake was. He pointed to the left and said in the next village - ask someone. I thanked him and off I went. It was a beautiful afternoon and I enjoyed the sun shine on my face. There was just a gentle breeze that kept it from being too warm as I walked along the highway. I stopped and took pictures, admired the mountains and noticed things I would not have seen riding in a car. When I arrived at the next village I did not see anything that remotely looked like a lake. I walked past what looked like a major intersection and kept going around the corner. I saw a young couple depositing their trash and just felt a gentle nudge to ask them where the lake was. So I called across the street and asked if either of them spoke English. They couldn't hear because of the traffic so they crossed the street to see what I needed. Their English was better than my French, which still is not saying much but we managed to understand each other. They conversed as to the best way to tell me how to go and then suddenly decided that they would take me there. I assured them that they did not need to do that but they insisted. We had a wonderful time as we walked all over the village. They told what things were in French and I gave them the English word. We went to the center of town where some beautiful fountains were glistening in the sunshine. We passed by the Casino and Beredicte called it their Las Vegas. I asked them if they had gotten rich there and we all laughed. They took me past the glider plane strip and we watched planes launch and land - it was amazing - I might want to try that some day. Finally we made it to the lake and I laughed. Back in Missouri where I am from we would have called it a pond. They roped on sections to indicate the activity that could go on there. The first section was roped off for the kid to swim, the second was for the adults and the third was a section just for fishing. There was a nice park around it and we had a great walk. As it was nearly 3:30 it was time to find something cold to drink so they suggested a little indoor/outdoor cafe. As we sat and talked Jean-Phillipe shared that they were Christians and I smiled and said that I was not surprised. We continued for a bit to share our faith and take pictures. I asked them where they attend church and wouldn't you know it they come into Chambery! I laughed and told them how I had been praying for God to show me where to go and to help me find some Christian people. I did not know He would take me into another village to do it. He always makes me smile. They decided to drive me back to Chambery and drop me off at the hotel. They wanted to know where it was so they can pick me up in the morning. Love these kids - they have only been married three years. I am excited to see what God has in store!
When I got back to my room I decided to take another walk - you would think I would weight like 3 pounds by now with all the walking!!! Anyway I grabbed my camera again and walked to the apartment we had looked at. I wanted a better look and took some pictures. I walked on up the street to see what else was in the area and I made a decision. I asked Dad if this was the place He had for me that He would make it clear and if not that He would shut the door. Either way, I will be happy because we are together. That is how I am determining to live the rest of my life - He and I will be happy where ever that is.
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Circle
I have so many things to write I really don't even know where to start. When I left the hotel on Monday to go to the University everyone asked me which University of Savoie because there are three? I kept saying the one here in Chambery, but that didn't seem to make a dent. Anyway the sweet lady at the desk told me to take a certain bus and I thanked her and off I went. I found the bus station, which is not far from my hotel. I got on the bus, paid my 1euro 20 and off we went. The bus headed north and out of town, past corn fields and up the mountain. I thought I will really have to plan ahead because it was about a 20 minute bus ride. When I got there I looked for a building that might be the be where they were doing registrations. I went up the stairs and found some professors - it is funny when I ask if anyone speaks English people scatter. It is like they are afraid to try - that is what I found in DRC as well. One gentleman smiled and assured me that I was at the wrong campus but that he was glad I had found it anyway.
So back on the bus and back into the center of Chambery. I asked again and was told to take bus 2 that it would take me to University of Savoie, Jacob-Bellecombette. When I arrived at this campus they ladies told me that I was at the wrong campus as well, that there were two more campus sites and I needed to go down the hill. So I smiled and walked down the hill to the business school. The name had been changed last year to the IAE Savoie, Mont-Blanc. We visited for a few minutes and then she told me that I needed to go to another building downtown because I was an international exchange student - I said "are you kidding me?" I had started at 8:30 that morning and it was 2:00 in the afternoon. She called and made sure Margarete would be there and since she was they sent me off with "directions". Needless to say I took a wrong turn and ended up almost completely out of town so I caught a bus and went back downtown and started from there. When I met with Margarete it was her first day in a new job she was sweet but she was almost as clueless as I was! I spent all day and accomplished nothing - amazing!
Tomorrow I will have been here for two weeks. I have managed to get enrolled at IAE, however, their English Business courses are not taught until next semester soooooo that caused another problem. I am over 24 which in France causes a lot of issues as far as things are concerned with college students. People look at me so funny when I tell them I am a University student. The women I have been working with are sweet but many of them are new in their positions this year and we are all learning together. Since I am a non-traditional student that makes everything much more challenging. MSSU loves and invites non-trad students - I was blessed to be there my first two years and I can say without a doubt I miss you guys tremendously!
The second issue is that I can to a country without knowing a single person here. I knew that I did not want to stay in a dorm with several young college students, many of whom were away from home for the first time! So I walked around looking for "for rent" signs in the yard like they do in the states. However, here they put the signs in the windows of the actual apartment for rent and you must call an "immobiler" realestate agent who will schedule you an appointment. The most popular way is to go on line and look at pictures and choose the one you want to see and contact the immobiler that way. However, what I did not know here is that you cannot rent an apartment without establishing a checking account here in the country first, that you must have someone who will be a guarantee for you (so you don't skip town without paying your rent) and a local phone number. The really neat part about that is you can't get a bank account without a local address and a local phone number. You also can't get a cell phone plan without a local bank account and a local address. You can see how the circle is created. And now you know why I posted this morning that the circle had been broken!!! I had been praying for the person who would break the circle and I met her yesterday.
Yesterday was like a mass group orientation for the exchange students who did not go to the first meeting last week. I sat through another group meeting that was completely in French and they went over papers that I had already filled out - the meeting was 2 hours long! At the end I talked to Marie-lne who has been helping me try to find an apartment when the representative from the bank asked me if I had set up an account yet. Well I answered her by simply saying "no" and the rep from the University pulled me over to talk to her. When I explained what I had run into she said that it was true that she could not help me until I got a local address. At that point I had just had enough - I asked her how I was supposed to do that since the endless circle needed to be broken. The University rep went and talked with Marie-lne and discovered that what I was saying was true. It was then by putting our heads together that the bank rep broke the circle. God gave us a creative idea and this morning I opened a bank account with a hotel address - unheard of here. Thank you God!!
This is just a small sample of what it has been like for the first two weeks. I am completely dependant on public transportation or walking. For all of you who know me - I usually drive so this has been a real stretch. However, even in that God has been good. In DRC I had a driver or walked or had the option of public transport. So He has prepared me gradually. I have not been around so much cigarette smoke in years!!! For a country who is obsessed with recycling and natural foods - many people smoke and drink Coke - makes me smile. Also the majority of people don't say "excuse me" they will bump into you, walk in front of you or even take something off the rack in front of you and never say a word. Many people won't look at you when walking down the street. So you know that I am walking looking directly at them and smiling while saying "bonjour". Some will look up and stare, others will ignore me, but some will smile back and respond "bonjour". It is so much fun!!
The prophetic words I had all those years about pack and don't unpack your bags seems to be coming true. The last one was "pack light" and for DRC that was definitely the case. I left with five suitcases for six weeks and left most of the contents and the largest suitecase there. I have had to buys some long pants and long sleeve tops because all I arrived here with was the summer clothing I had taken to DRC. It is so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I have lived outside the United States for almost two months now! In many ways I have been so busy the time has really flown by.
Tomorrow morning I am meeting a couple of ladies and we will go look at a studio apartment. It is furnished and the rent is cheaper than most of what I have looked at. I have lived the last seven weeks with just a bed, my suitcases and a bathroom. This has two rooms, a washing machine, a couch, maybe a refrigerator and a two burner counter top stove! Waahoo The great part is I won't have to try and sell furniture when it is time for me to leave France.
God is so good and has blessed me beyond words. People have said to me that I am living an adventure and I guess I am. I know that traveling and helping people has always been a dream of mine and I guess I beginning to live my dream. I also know that I know my heavenly Father - my Dad - in ways that I would not have known Him had we not been on this journey together for the past three years! For you who have walked with me and prayed for me - look where we have come in three years!!!! God knows I haven't done it all perfect or even done some things right, but I am moving forward and I will do what He created me to do!!! We will see what the next chapter holds in store - love and blessings
So back on the bus and back into the center of Chambery. I asked again and was told to take bus 2 that it would take me to University of Savoie, Jacob-Bellecombette. When I arrived at this campus they ladies told me that I was at the wrong campus as well, that there were two more campus sites and I needed to go down the hill. So I smiled and walked down the hill to the business school. The name had been changed last year to the IAE Savoie, Mont-Blanc. We visited for a few minutes and then she told me that I needed to go to another building downtown because I was an international exchange student - I said "are you kidding me?" I had started at 8:30 that morning and it was 2:00 in the afternoon. She called and made sure Margarete would be there and since she was they sent me off with "directions". Needless to say I took a wrong turn and ended up almost completely out of town so I caught a bus and went back downtown and started from there. When I met with Margarete it was her first day in a new job she was sweet but she was almost as clueless as I was! I spent all day and accomplished nothing - amazing!
Tomorrow I will have been here for two weeks. I have managed to get enrolled at IAE, however, their English Business courses are not taught until next semester soooooo that caused another problem. I am over 24 which in France causes a lot of issues as far as things are concerned with college students. People look at me so funny when I tell them I am a University student. The women I have been working with are sweet but many of them are new in their positions this year and we are all learning together. Since I am a non-traditional student that makes everything much more challenging. MSSU loves and invites non-trad students - I was blessed to be there my first two years and I can say without a doubt I miss you guys tremendously!
The second issue is that I can to a country without knowing a single person here. I knew that I did not want to stay in a dorm with several young college students, many of whom were away from home for the first time! So I walked around looking for "for rent" signs in the yard like they do in the states. However, here they put the signs in the windows of the actual apartment for rent and you must call an "immobiler" realestate agent who will schedule you an appointment. The most popular way is to go on line and look at pictures and choose the one you want to see and contact the immobiler that way. However, what I did not know here is that you cannot rent an apartment without establishing a checking account here in the country first, that you must have someone who will be a guarantee for you (so you don't skip town without paying your rent) and a local phone number. The really neat part about that is you can't get a bank account without a local address and a local phone number. You also can't get a cell phone plan without a local bank account and a local address. You can see how the circle is created. And now you know why I posted this morning that the circle had been broken!!! I had been praying for the person who would break the circle and I met her yesterday.
Yesterday was like a mass group orientation for the exchange students who did not go to the first meeting last week. I sat through another group meeting that was completely in French and they went over papers that I had already filled out - the meeting was 2 hours long! At the end I talked to Marie-lne who has been helping me try to find an apartment when the representative from the bank asked me if I had set up an account yet. Well I answered her by simply saying "no" and the rep from the University pulled me over to talk to her. When I explained what I had run into she said that it was true that she could not help me until I got a local address. At that point I had just had enough - I asked her how I was supposed to do that since the endless circle needed to be broken. The University rep went and talked with Marie-lne and discovered that what I was saying was true. It was then by putting our heads together that the bank rep broke the circle. God gave us a creative idea and this morning I opened a bank account with a hotel address - unheard of here. Thank you God!!
This is just a small sample of what it has been like for the first two weeks. I am completely dependant on public transportation or walking. For all of you who know me - I usually drive so this has been a real stretch. However, even in that God has been good. In DRC I had a driver or walked or had the option of public transport. So He has prepared me gradually. I have not been around so much cigarette smoke in years!!! For a country who is obsessed with recycling and natural foods - many people smoke and drink Coke - makes me smile. Also the majority of people don't say "excuse me" they will bump into you, walk in front of you or even take something off the rack in front of you and never say a word. Many people won't look at you when walking down the street. So you know that I am walking looking directly at them and smiling while saying "bonjour". Some will look up and stare, others will ignore me, but some will smile back and respond "bonjour". It is so much fun!!
The prophetic words I had all those years about pack and don't unpack your bags seems to be coming true. The last one was "pack light" and for DRC that was definitely the case. I left with five suitcases for six weeks and left most of the contents and the largest suitecase there. I have had to buys some long pants and long sleeve tops because all I arrived here with was the summer clothing I had taken to DRC. It is so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I have lived outside the United States for almost two months now! In many ways I have been so busy the time has really flown by.
Tomorrow morning I am meeting a couple of ladies and we will go look at a studio apartment. It is furnished and the rent is cheaper than most of what I have looked at. I have lived the last seven weeks with just a bed, my suitcases and a bathroom. This has two rooms, a washing machine, a couch, maybe a refrigerator and a two burner counter top stove! Waahoo The great part is I won't have to try and sell furniture when it is time for me to leave France.
God is so good and has blessed me beyond words. People have said to me that I am living an adventure and I guess I am. I know that traveling and helping people has always been a dream of mine and I guess I beginning to live my dream. I also know that I know my heavenly Father - my Dad - in ways that I would not have known Him had we not been on this journey together for the past three years! For you who have walked with me and prayed for me - look where we have come in three years!!!! God knows I haven't done it all perfect or even done some things right, but I am moving forward and I will do what He created me to do!!! We will see what the next chapter holds in store - love and blessings
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
From DRC to France
Everything in DRC takes a long time and if you are a person who turns you life on a schedule you can become frustrated very quickly. Everything ran late on Saturday and we have several traffic jams on the way to the airport. Pappa John is my hero, he kept his cool (pretty well) even when our Land Rover was hit in the rear by a public bus. Not much damage to either vehicle so the drivers got back in their vehicles and took off. Dennis was very stressed and concerned that we would not make our flight - Mary Frances asked me to pray and agree with her that we would arrive in plenty of time. It has been really amazing to watch her grow in the three weeks they were at Mamma Helene's. We did not get to see each other after we boarded the plane, so I was glad we had said see you later in the airport.
I arrived in Brussels late Saturday night and caught my flight to Lyon, France for an overnight flight - really hoping to get some sleep. I found out right away that very few people here speak English. Some were willing to try and some were just annoyed and pretty much blew me off. I was faced with the challenge of moving three large suitcases and myself through the airport and find either a bus or train that went to Chambery. Finally I discovered that the train was a little cheaper than the bus so I took the train. It took three trips to get the bags moved on to the train and then to my compartment. I was exhausted. I had no idea how long the trip would be and was just hoping I would recognize the stop. Finally I saw the sign that said Chambery and a sweet man helped me get my luggage off the train. I had to move everything under the street down three flights of stairs as the lift (elevator) was not working. Then on the other side back up three flights of stairs. At this point I was really asking God for some help and at the top of the stairs was a woman carrying a bag, a purse and a suitcase with metal elbow crutches. I just smiled as I carried one bag up to the first landing and set it down. I asked her if I could carry her bag down the stairs for her. She nearly cried - and I knew exactly how she felt. I got her bag to the bottom of the stairs and bid her to "have a good day" and turned around and grabbed the next bag and headed up to the landing with a smile. Funny how Dad does things like that to help me grow and get a better perspective. When I got out on the street I had no idea where to go. Since it was Sunday I was sure that was no one at the University - so I decided the best course of action would be to find a hotel. I looked right and left and across the street and there were several options - but I have learned. I saw an attendant and asked him if he spoke English - a little was the response which usually means a couple of phrases. He lead me to a place to get a map and pointed to the Art Hotel. I thanked him and went to check in. The man at the desk was very kind and his English was better - we laughed his English was about the same as my French.
I decided to take a walk around and see if I could find some of the sights I had seen on line. I was determined to find the Elephant fountain which in in the center of downtown and everyone uses it to give directions. The local bus station was just a few blocks from the hotel on the way to Elephant fountain. I found out that almost everything is closed on Sunday - the strange thing for me was that I did not see any active churches. There were a couple of older buildings that are now more like museums so it will be interesting finding a church here. I had a great walk and found some parks, shops and lots of restaurants. It is a beautiful little city, the sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom and everything is so green here. I am looking forward to exploring this new place and finding out what God has in mind here.
I came back to my room and was excited to see a TV and know that I have Internet. I haven't had a TV in over two months. I turned it on and every Chanel was in French - guess I'll be practicing my French every night :) The Internet connection is so much better than DRC I am looking forward to skypeing the kids - but that will come later. My room has a bathtub and a handheld shower head!!! Score - I can have a bath and/or a shower - first one is six weeks - no more bucket baths!! I am exhausted and I am going to sleep in a clean bed with pillows and without mosquitoes - I am a happy camper! I will go to the University tomorrow and check in. Then we will begin to look for a bank, an apartment and get a cell phone - how hard can it be right? I'll let you know how it goes - sweet dreams to all.
I arrived in Brussels late Saturday night and caught my flight to Lyon, France for an overnight flight - really hoping to get some sleep. I found out right away that very few people here speak English. Some were willing to try and some were just annoyed and pretty much blew me off. I was faced with the challenge of moving three large suitcases and myself through the airport and find either a bus or train that went to Chambery. Finally I discovered that the train was a little cheaper than the bus so I took the train. It took three trips to get the bags moved on to the train and then to my compartment. I was exhausted. I had no idea how long the trip would be and was just hoping I would recognize the stop. Finally I saw the sign that said Chambery and a sweet man helped me get my luggage off the train. I had to move everything under the street down three flights of stairs as the lift (elevator) was not working. Then on the other side back up three flights of stairs. At this point I was really asking God for some help and at the top of the stairs was a woman carrying a bag, a purse and a suitcase with metal elbow crutches. I just smiled as I carried one bag up to the first landing and set it down. I asked her if I could carry her bag down the stairs for her. She nearly cried - and I knew exactly how she felt. I got her bag to the bottom of the stairs and bid her to "have a good day" and turned around and grabbed the next bag and headed up to the landing with a smile. Funny how Dad does things like that to help me grow and get a better perspective. When I got out on the street I had no idea where to go. Since it was Sunday I was sure that was no one at the University - so I decided the best course of action would be to find a hotel. I looked right and left and across the street and there were several options - but I have learned. I saw an attendant and asked him if he spoke English - a little was the response which usually means a couple of phrases. He lead me to a place to get a map and pointed to the Art Hotel. I thanked him and went to check in. The man at the desk was very kind and his English was better - we laughed his English was about the same as my French.
I decided to take a walk around and see if I could find some of the sights I had seen on line. I was determined to find the Elephant fountain which in in the center of downtown and everyone uses it to give directions. The local bus station was just a few blocks from the hotel on the way to Elephant fountain. I found out that almost everything is closed on Sunday - the strange thing for me was that I did not see any active churches. There were a couple of older buildings that are now more like museums so it will be interesting finding a church here. I had a great walk and found some parks, shops and lots of restaurants. It is a beautiful little city, the sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom and everything is so green here. I am looking forward to exploring this new place and finding out what God has in mind here.
I came back to my room and was excited to see a TV and know that I have Internet. I haven't had a TV in over two months. I turned it on and every Chanel was in French - guess I'll be practicing my French every night :) The Internet connection is so much better than DRC I am looking forward to skypeing the kids - but that will come later. My room has a bathtub and a handheld shower head!!! Score - I can have a bath and/or a shower - first one is six weeks - no more bucket baths!! I am exhausted and I am going to sleep in a clean bed with pillows and without mosquitoes - I am a happy camper! I will go to the University tomorrow and check in. Then we will begin to look for a bank, an apartment and get a cell phone - how hard can it be right? I'll let you know how it goes - sweet dreams to all.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Yesterday we took a trip downtown. Mamma Helene had several errands, Dennis and Mary Francis wanted to go to the market and I needed to get some pictures developed for the women in prison and for the kids at Bakole.
We left early and I am amazed at how normal traveling in the Land Rover seems now. It has only been five weeks, but sometimes it seems like I have been doing it forever.
We went into a part of Kinshasa I have not been to before. Kinshasa is a huge city. There are new buildings being build everywhere and highway construction as well. There are also many buildings that have been started, but perhaps the builder ran out of money and so they remain unfinished. There are also many "hole in the wall" businesses. If you have been to developing countries you know what I mean. There is a long wall or building with open doors that lead into a little shop, which is usually small, cramped and many times dimly lit. The owner will cram as much merchandise into the little room as they can. Then you have the street vendors - they set up on the sidewalk or near the road. Finally you have the vendors who walk up and down the street and make a sucking sound or click bottles together to get your attention - letting you know that they have something to sell.
Everything takes a very long time here. Receipts are written by hand and money is counted and recounted because there are not cash registers here. Food is prepared from scratch so you finish preparing breakfast and do the dishes (by hand) and it is time to start the next meal. Traveling anywhere is not easy. The roads have large holes and drop offs that some cars bottom out going through them. Some roads are paved but many are sandy dirt roads. The public transports are old vans with the seats ripped out and wooden benches put across to get as many people in them as they possibly can. The run with the side door open and a man collects the money and stands there to let passengers on and off. You can also ride on the back of a motor cycle - which I have done both and I can say I like the cycle!
It had rained yesterday morning the first time since the dry season began back in April. The vendors sat under the same umbrellas that had protected them from the sun just the day before. Because people use the drainage ditches for bathrooms sometimes the smell is overwhelming. There is trash everywhere - they sweep the ground in front of their house or shop while trash lies around everywhere else.
We went to a market where everything was displayed behind square panes of glass. You chose what you wanted and a man would write it on a ticket. You would then take the ticket to an opening in the wall and a woman would figure your ticket and you would pay for it, then move to the next opening when men in the back would fill your order and bring it to the window. It was extremely slow and if they did not have what you wanted they would simply substitute something else for it - you have already paid for it remember :)
At the market everyone is your "best friend" and they will give you "best price". People assume because I am white that I have lots of money. I think I have heard about every story there is out there. It did not take me long to be finished at the market so I went to sit out in the parking area by the highway. I chatted with a few people and gave a young boy some money. A man started talking to me that worked for the Immigration Department of DR Congo. He was divorced and wanted to move to America - he noticed that I did not have a wedding ring on and wanted to know if I was married. I told him no, but I was not going back to America I was heading to France! Just then my ride showed up and I was glad to bid him good-bye.
It was getting very late and I was very tired and hungry (we had not eaten since 7:30 that morning. I looked out the window as we drove. There are people everywhere in Kinshasa twenty-four hours a day. On one side of the street people were sitting outside singing hymns and covered almost a block because there was no room for them in the building. On the other side of the street was an open air pub and all the chairs were full playing the music loud as well. Street vendors were calling out their wares, children were crying and horns were blaring.
All of the sudden a question came to my mind - could I live here? Could I get accustomed to the smell, the noise, the filth and never feeling really clean. Could I eat the same things day in and day out and cook everything from scratch? Could I adjust to not having a consistent source of water, electricity and Internet? I could live without a good phone, I have done it for five weeks. I really began to talk to God about the question - was it from Him or was I just thinking out loud? I have peace here and I know God has worked through me in the short time I have been here. But was He calling me to live here???? Maybe it because I know that I am leaving in a week and maybe it was just a thought.
At any rate, I do not have an answer yet. Maybe the timing is not right because I know I will be in France for at least a year. I have had many people already talking to me about doing this or that when I come back. A couple of people have called me Mamma Congo - whatever that means :) Anyway, it was a sobering thought and one that I am sure will come up again and again in the next several months. I am thankful for the people I have met here and I have a great respect for Mamma Helene and all that she has accomplished here in her part of DR Congo. I know I have a lot to learn from her. This has been quite a journey and it is only the beginning!
We left early and I am amazed at how normal traveling in the Land Rover seems now. It has only been five weeks, but sometimes it seems like I have been doing it forever.
We went into a part of Kinshasa I have not been to before. Kinshasa is a huge city. There are new buildings being build everywhere and highway construction as well. There are also many buildings that have been started, but perhaps the builder ran out of money and so they remain unfinished. There are also many "hole in the wall" businesses. If you have been to developing countries you know what I mean. There is a long wall or building with open doors that lead into a little shop, which is usually small, cramped and many times dimly lit. The owner will cram as much merchandise into the little room as they can. Then you have the street vendors - they set up on the sidewalk or near the road. Finally you have the vendors who walk up and down the street and make a sucking sound or click bottles together to get your attention - letting you know that they have something to sell.
Everything takes a very long time here. Receipts are written by hand and money is counted and recounted because there are not cash registers here. Food is prepared from scratch so you finish preparing breakfast and do the dishes (by hand) and it is time to start the next meal. Traveling anywhere is not easy. The roads have large holes and drop offs that some cars bottom out going through them. Some roads are paved but many are sandy dirt roads. The public transports are old vans with the seats ripped out and wooden benches put across to get as many people in them as they possibly can. The run with the side door open and a man collects the money and stands there to let passengers on and off. You can also ride on the back of a motor cycle - which I have done both and I can say I like the cycle!
It had rained yesterday morning the first time since the dry season began back in April. The vendors sat under the same umbrellas that had protected them from the sun just the day before. Because people use the drainage ditches for bathrooms sometimes the smell is overwhelming. There is trash everywhere - they sweep the ground in front of their house or shop while trash lies around everywhere else.
We went to a market where everything was displayed behind square panes of glass. You chose what you wanted and a man would write it on a ticket. You would then take the ticket to an opening in the wall and a woman would figure your ticket and you would pay for it, then move to the next opening when men in the back would fill your order and bring it to the window. It was extremely slow and if they did not have what you wanted they would simply substitute something else for it - you have already paid for it remember :)
At the market everyone is your "best friend" and they will give you "best price". People assume because I am white that I have lots of money. I think I have heard about every story there is out there. It did not take me long to be finished at the market so I went to sit out in the parking area by the highway. I chatted with a few people and gave a young boy some money. A man started talking to me that worked for the Immigration Department of DR Congo. He was divorced and wanted to move to America - he noticed that I did not have a wedding ring on and wanted to know if I was married. I told him no, but I was not going back to America I was heading to France! Just then my ride showed up and I was glad to bid him good-bye.
It was getting very late and I was very tired and hungry (we had not eaten since 7:30 that morning. I looked out the window as we drove. There are people everywhere in Kinshasa twenty-four hours a day. On one side of the street people were sitting outside singing hymns and covered almost a block because there was no room for them in the building. On the other side of the street was an open air pub and all the chairs were full playing the music loud as well. Street vendors were calling out their wares, children were crying and horns were blaring.
All of the sudden a question came to my mind - could I live here? Could I get accustomed to the smell, the noise, the filth and never feeling really clean. Could I eat the same things day in and day out and cook everything from scratch? Could I adjust to not having a consistent source of water, electricity and Internet? I could live without a good phone, I have done it for five weeks. I really began to talk to God about the question - was it from Him or was I just thinking out loud? I have peace here and I know God has worked through me in the short time I have been here. But was He calling me to live here???? Maybe it because I know that I am leaving in a week and maybe it was just a thought.
At any rate, I do not have an answer yet. Maybe the timing is not right because I know I will be in France for at least a year. I have had many people already talking to me about doing this or that when I come back. A couple of people have called me Mamma Congo - whatever that means :) Anyway, it was a sobering thought and one that I am sure will come up again and again in the next several months. I am thankful for the people I have met here and I have a great respect for Mamma Helene and all that she has accomplished here in her part of DR Congo. I know I have a lot to learn from her. This has been quite a journey and it is only the beginning!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Ready or Not
I really can't believe I am here. I have talked about it, prayed about it and had people speak into my life about it, but I have a hard time believing I am really here.
The last two weeks have seemed like a blur. I worked almost every day the week of July forth, except that day. The kids and I went to the 4th of July in Carthage at the park (Leslie and Evan went to her mom's house) and we had a great time. Brayden and Harmony are so much fun to watch together. I love watching Thomas - he reminds me so much of Jason when he was little, it cracks me up!
Then Friday and Saturday we had one last sale - Amy, Susan and I to clear out some of the holiday stuff still remaining. Ben has been sorting and cleaning out his room too getting ready to go to the ranch in Montana. He will have a great time there! Then Sunday to church with John and Shannon in Springfield and received much prayer and affirmation that I am really headed in the right direction.
Monday through Friday are a mixture of packing, sorting and trying to get the house ready to sell - oh yes did I forget to mention that I am also in the middle of selling my house and van as well. Then add summer school into the mix and what was I thinking? That I would really be ready to leave by July 15th???? I finally got my visa back from the French Consulate (that's another story all by itself) and turned around and sent off for my Congo visa. Nothing like cutting it close - I had it sent to Shannon in Lees Summit so I would be sure to get it.
On Saturday I was up early and painted the front porch and around the windows and doors. Then off to Springfield by 11:30 to meet up with some precious Aglow ladies that I had not seen in years. They are precious to me and did what Aglow ladies do - they prayed for me and committed to continue to pray while I am gone. Then back to see my sister and spend some time with her before I leave. Next it was time to I said "see-ya-later" the kids and grandkids - we went to the house of bounce in Joplin and then out to eat. After that to Best Buy to pick up a last minute adapter, to the mall to say "see-ya-later" to Brenda and then out to John & Shannon's to drop off the van and pick up Shannon and back to my house to finish packing. Amy was there when we got there and it took us almost all night - there was more than I thought. We laughed and had such a good time - I am thankful for such sweet ladies.
Sunday morning Brian and Brayden came and picked me up. He asked me if he should have brought a trailer - funny guy. After we were loaded we went and picked up Amy and headed to KC. I called Shannon and she met us in Harrisonville for lunch at Applebees. As we were ready to leave I scooted across the bench and caught my favorite Capri's on a nail and ripped them. I was a little disappointed, but what can you do you are about to catch a plane. Shannon and I hugged our "see-ya-later" hug and off we went.
The airport was quick as well. Checking in and repacking a couple of bags. I held Brayden and he kept asking to get on the plane with me. If I had not been going to DR Congo I would have taken him with me!!! He could not understand why I was crying and why he could not go with me. That was extremely hard!!! I got through customs and Amy was waiting to see that everything was ok - that is one of her amazing gifts - and then they were gone.
It was a long three day trip. On Sunday I went from KC to Toronto to Montreal and ended there that evening. I met a sweet young lady returning from China and we shared a room at the Crown Plaza. She told me about her trip and I was encouraged for the trip ahead of me. I slept in as my flight to Brussels was not until 5:00. That flight was an all nighter, but I was by the exit and could not recline my seat - so I didn't sleep so well. I had only a couple of hours to find my connecting flight and had to take a shuttle to a different part of the airport. I arrived in plenty of time and I slept on the flight to DR Congo. I made it through customs and everyone was very nice and friendly coming into Congo - it was on the other side of the customs gate that I ran into my first problem - but I'll save that for another time.
It felt like this trip took on a life of its own. Once I said yes and started the process, provision came, doors opened and people encouraged and loved on me like never before. I think if I had a long time to think about it might have made it harder. I have many wonderful friends who do not understand what in the world I am doing or why I would want to come here. Many told me that they could not leave their kids or grandkids - and that was the hardest part. I still am not sure about all the things God wants to show and teach me here or of the lives he wants to touch through a white headed grandma from Missouri. All I know is I felt like He asked me and I said yes - so ready or not here we go!!!
The last two weeks have seemed like a blur. I worked almost every day the week of July forth, except that day. The kids and I went to the 4th of July in Carthage at the park (Leslie and Evan went to her mom's house) and we had a great time. Brayden and Harmony are so much fun to watch together. I love watching Thomas - he reminds me so much of Jason when he was little, it cracks me up!
Then Friday and Saturday we had one last sale - Amy, Susan and I to clear out some of the holiday stuff still remaining. Ben has been sorting and cleaning out his room too getting ready to go to the ranch in Montana. He will have a great time there! Then Sunday to church with John and Shannon in Springfield and received much prayer and affirmation that I am really headed in the right direction.
Monday through Friday are a mixture of packing, sorting and trying to get the house ready to sell - oh yes did I forget to mention that I am also in the middle of selling my house and van as well. Then add summer school into the mix and what was I thinking? That I would really be ready to leave by July 15th???? I finally got my visa back from the French Consulate (that's another story all by itself) and turned around and sent off for my Congo visa. Nothing like cutting it close - I had it sent to Shannon in Lees Summit so I would be sure to get it.
On Saturday I was up early and painted the front porch and around the windows and doors. Then off to Springfield by 11:30 to meet up with some precious Aglow ladies that I had not seen in years. They are precious to me and did what Aglow ladies do - they prayed for me and committed to continue to pray while I am gone. Then back to see my sister and spend some time with her before I leave. Next it was time to I said "see-ya-later" the kids and grandkids - we went to the house of bounce in Joplin and then out to eat. After that to Best Buy to pick up a last minute adapter, to the mall to say "see-ya-later" to Brenda and then out to John & Shannon's to drop off the van and pick up Shannon and back to my house to finish packing. Amy was there when we got there and it took us almost all night - there was more than I thought. We laughed and had such a good time - I am thankful for such sweet ladies.
Sunday morning Brian and Brayden came and picked me up. He asked me if he should have brought a trailer - funny guy. After we were loaded we went and picked up Amy and headed to KC. I called Shannon and she met us in Harrisonville for lunch at Applebees. As we were ready to leave I scooted across the bench and caught my favorite Capri's on a nail and ripped them. I was a little disappointed, but what can you do you are about to catch a plane. Shannon and I hugged our "see-ya-later" hug and off we went.
The airport was quick as well. Checking in and repacking a couple of bags. I held Brayden and he kept asking to get on the plane with me. If I had not been going to DR Congo I would have taken him with me!!! He could not understand why I was crying and why he could not go with me. That was extremely hard!!! I got through customs and Amy was waiting to see that everything was ok - that is one of her amazing gifts - and then they were gone.
It was a long three day trip. On Sunday I went from KC to Toronto to Montreal and ended there that evening. I met a sweet young lady returning from China and we shared a room at the Crown Plaza. She told me about her trip and I was encouraged for the trip ahead of me. I slept in as my flight to Brussels was not until 5:00. That flight was an all nighter, but I was by the exit and could not recline my seat - so I didn't sleep so well. I had only a couple of hours to find my connecting flight and had to take a shuttle to a different part of the airport. I arrived in plenty of time and I slept on the flight to DR Congo. I made it through customs and everyone was very nice and friendly coming into Congo - it was on the other side of the customs gate that I ran into my first problem - but I'll save that for another time.
It felt like this trip took on a life of its own. Once I said yes and started the process, provision came, doors opened and people encouraged and loved on me like never before. I think if I had a long time to think about it might have made it harder. I have many wonderful friends who do not understand what in the world I am doing or why I would want to come here. Many told me that they could not leave their kids or grandkids - and that was the hardest part. I still am not sure about all the things God wants to show and teach me here or of the lives he wants to touch through a white headed grandma from Missouri. All I know is I felt like He asked me and I said yes - so ready or not here we go!!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Hurry Up and Wait
Some days seem to fly by and others drag on. One week from tomorrow I will be finished with finals and I will be a Junior at MSSU. Even saying it seems so strange and unbelievable all at the same time. If you would have asked me two years ago when I moved here if I could see this day I would probably have said "no". At that point it was so far in the future that it was much more of a dream than it was even a possibility. I had to determine to put one foot in front of the other and do whatever I had to do that day to move toward the goal. Here I am almost two years later and as I look back it doesn't seem to have taken that long.
Now on to the next phase. I have applied to the University of Savoie and there seemed to be such a hurry to get everything completed and turned in. The registration process in itself would deter the faint of heart! Part of the application was in English and part of it was in French. Since I am only in my second semester of French (like 1st grade), there were many parts of the process I was using freetranslation.com on a regular basis! At any rate it has been submitted for about three weeks. Now the waiting - and waiting - and waiting. I can't apply for my student visa until I have an acceptance letter from the University of Franc. Then it seems I need to go to Chicago to have an interview before I am issued a student visa.
Having said all that I can't go to the DRC until I have my student visa for France. When Dad and I were talking about it the other night I had the distinct impression that I will need to develop patience in this area since paper work in other countries can take a while. I think I have become so accustomed to such favor and things going relatively smoothly here that I will have to work on developing that fruit! At any rate I will continue to do what I can while I wait. I am finishing up classes, getting all my paperwork and documents in order, sorting through things and getting ready for the sale. Oh yes and I have gotten my shots - so any of you who know me know how thrilled I was about that!
I haven't decided yet what I will do for Mother's Day. My mom has been gone for several years. I have had a few offers, but I haven't decided yet. I also need to get back up to the farm and finish cleaning and repairing the wind damage up there. I like working on projects, it helps me think and Dad and I usually have some really good conversations in the process. He gets to show me what we need to work on in me most of the time. We have been working a lot on trust the past two years - wonder if we are finished or if He will just add a few new things to remodel?
Anyway the last day here in my apartment is May 31st. It will be a little sad for me to leave here. Brayden loves it here and said I should live here "forever". He also loves the swimming pool and he and I are going to spend some time in it before I move. I have met some wonderful people on my journey to Joplin, MO. In the last two years I have survived a divorce, moving and a tornado. The key word for me the first year is survivor and I am! The word I have for this year is persistent and I am! It will be interesting to see what the word for next year will be. I guess I'll have to wait and see :)
Now on to the next phase. I have applied to the University of Savoie and there seemed to be such a hurry to get everything completed and turned in. The registration process in itself would deter the faint of heart! Part of the application was in English and part of it was in French. Since I am only in my second semester of French (like 1st grade), there were many parts of the process I was using freetranslation.com on a regular basis! At any rate it has been submitted for about three weeks. Now the waiting - and waiting - and waiting. I can't apply for my student visa until I have an acceptance letter from the University of Franc. Then it seems I need to go to Chicago to have an interview before I am issued a student visa.
Having said all that I can't go to the DRC until I have my student visa for France. When Dad and I were talking about it the other night I had the distinct impression that I will need to develop patience in this area since paper work in other countries can take a while. I think I have become so accustomed to such favor and things going relatively smoothly here that I will have to work on developing that fruit! At any rate I will continue to do what I can while I wait. I am finishing up classes, getting all my paperwork and documents in order, sorting through things and getting ready for the sale. Oh yes and I have gotten my shots - so any of you who know me know how thrilled I was about that!
I haven't decided yet what I will do for Mother's Day. My mom has been gone for several years. I have had a few offers, but I haven't decided yet. I also need to get back up to the farm and finish cleaning and repairing the wind damage up there. I like working on projects, it helps me think and Dad and I usually have some really good conversations in the process. He gets to show me what we need to work on in me most of the time. We have been working a lot on trust the past two years - wonder if we are finished or if He will just add a few new things to remodel?
Anyway the last day here in my apartment is May 31st. It will be a little sad for me to leave here. Brayden loves it here and said I should live here "forever". He also loves the swimming pool and he and I are going to spend some time in it before I move. I have met some wonderful people on my journey to Joplin, MO. In the last two years I have survived a divorce, moving and a tornado. The key word for me the first year is survivor and I am! The word I have for this year is persistent and I am! It will be interesting to see what the word for next year will be. I guess I'll have to wait and see :)
Monday, March 19, 2012
Getting it Done
We worked hard yesterday cutting up a huge elm tree that fell over from the winds last week. Brian, Jason, Leslie and grand kids worked really hard most of the afternoon. I am sure that old elm was over a hundred years old. It was so big that the chain saws the boys had would not cut through it. I also found the house has also sustained some damage from the winds so I guess that is now added to the list. Then I got to have supper with Brian, Amy and Brayden, and of course we had to play in his room for a while. I am soooo loving every chance I get to spend time with my grand kids before I go.
So after class today I will be checking with the insurance company, locating a realtor, trying to finish my application for enrollment to the University of Savoie, France and apply for my student visa. Oh yeah, I need to working on building my business, checking my work schedule and studying for classes on Wednesday!
I also found out yesterday that Jerry will be getting married in June. I can't say that I am surprised I knew it wouldn't be very long. I talked with his dad yesterday and I hurt so much for all of them. It seems hard for the boys to talk about . . . . I hope Jerry will finally be happy.
On the other hand I have a lot to do between now and June to get ready..........If anyone has any good ideas about how to pack to move to another country I would love to hear your ideas. I started sorting through some things last week, thinking if I do a little at a time it won't seem like such a big mountain in May.
I am also finding that I have a desire just to stay "home" that I have not had before. I just want to snuggle down and not go anywhere. . . .which is not like me. Sometimes I look around and know that in a very short time I won't be here. I really like my apartment and have been so blessed by it, I know God picked it out just for me. I am trusting that in the same way He will go before me and choose where He wants me for the rest of my journey. I continue to make plans, but I trust Him to direct my steps and change my course if I am heading in the wrong direction.
I am praying that we all have the strength and perseverance to do what God is calling us to in this next season of our lives. Many of us are stepping out into uncharted waters and I pray we will not be afraid but will move more in sink with Him. May His grace and peace be a signpost in our lives as we continue to stay positioned under His protection and provision. I love you Dad and I am so grateful for your sweet presence everyday of my life.
So after class today I will be checking with the insurance company, locating a realtor, trying to finish my application for enrollment to the University of Savoie, France and apply for my student visa. Oh yeah, I need to working on building my business, checking my work schedule and studying for classes on Wednesday!
I also found out yesterday that Jerry will be getting married in June. I can't say that I am surprised I knew it wouldn't be very long. I talked with his dad yesterday and I hurt so much for all of them. It seems hard for the boys to talk about . . . . I hope Jerry will finally be happy.
On the other hand I have a lot to do between now and June to get ready..........If anyone has any good ideas about how to pack to move to another country I would love to hear your ideas. I started sorting through some things last week, thinking if I do a little at a time it won't seem like such a big mountain in May.
I am also finding that I have a desire just to stay "home" that I have not had before. I just want to snuggle down and not go anywhere. . . .which is not like me. Sometimes I look around and know that in a very short time I won't be here. I really like my apartment and have been so blessed by it, I know God picked it out just for me. I am trusting that in the same way He will go before me and choose where He wants me for the rest of my journey. I continue to make plans, but I trust Him to direct my steps and change my course if I am heading in the wrong direction.
I am praying that we all have the strength and perseverance to do what God is calling us to in this next season of our lives. Many of us are stepping out into uncharted waters and I pray we will not be afraid but will move more in sink with Him. May His grace and peace be a signpost in our lives as we continue to stay positioned under His protection and provision. I love you Dad and I am so grateful for your sweet presence everyday of my life.
Working Through It
So last night I was struggling through following the call I feel is on my life. I have experienced times of tears and counting the cost before when I felt like God was asking me to follow Him a little deeper. Last night and again this morning I have been crying through some of the grieving part of following Him. There are things in this natural part of life that I will miss and it hurts.
There is a real part of my flesh that does not want to leave. As a mom, I want to be close to my sons and their beautiful wives. As a grandma I want to hold and love on my grand kids. I want to take them to the park (they all love it so much when we do that), see their Christmas plays and go to their school functions. I want to be there when Evan is born and hold him, love on him and bless him.
I love my apartment - God picked it out just for me and He has met me here so many times. It is my special place to just hang out with Him. I will miss my co-workers, we have become very close friends. When we were talking about it yesterday one of the sweet young girls and I began to cry. They are excited for me and know that God is going to use me there, but we will miss each other.
Some of my friends have expressed a variety of emotions. One friend in particular says, "I am so excited for you because I know you are stepping into what God created you to do, but I am soooo in denial that you are leaving." On one had it seems like a long time away, on the other hand it feels like tomorrow!
I will miss the friends I have made at MSSU. I know that God sent me to Southern and there are precious men and women there who love God and do a fantastic job. He used them to encourage me, to point me in the right direction and to open doors of opportunity that I would not have even known about unless these precious people had called me or personally told me about it. I have seen His hand move on my behalf time and time again.
It is natural to grieve loss and I know that I will move in and out of this over the next three months. It does not mean that I am questioning the next step. I know that DR Congo is the next step and I believe that the doors that will open once I step into the water will be amazing. I also believe that I need to allow God's grace to walk me through this process into a healthy place.
I received a promise from God years ago that I would be like Abraham. He was called out away from his family and his homeland to a place that he did not know. God told him he would know it when he saw it, but did not even know the name of the place. He was not really able to tell people where he was going or what he was going to do, but he just knew that God had called him. Since his family did not know God, they all thought he was nuts. I know that sometimes it is hard to understand, but I know His voice and I am committed to follow Him to the best of my ability. Having said that, as I have read the Bible it was hard for anyone who really followed God. Many times they had to do things that other people did not understand and tried to talk them out of doing. I pray that someday my kids and grand kids will understand. I am thankful that today there is skype and fb where we can talk to each other and see each other.
Never forget that God has promised to restore what we give up and the blessings beyond our cross are worth it! Jesus looked at the joy set before Him so that He could go to the cross. I believe that we also need to keep the promise that God has given us to before us so that we can face whatever difficulty is in front of us too.
I want to encourage you today that whatever you are walking through, God has already gone before you and prepared everything that you need. It does not mean that it will always be easy, there may be tears and you may feel loss. But as we continue to work through the process there will be joy in the morning. God will finish what He has begun in us and it will be worth it!!!
There is a real part of my flesh that does not want to leave. As a mom, I want to be close to my sons and their beautiful wives. As a grandma I want to hold and love on my grand kids. I want to take them to the park (they all love it so much when we do that), see their Christmas plays and go to their school functions. I want to be there when Evan is born and hold him, love on him and bless him.
I love my apartment - God picked it out just for me and He has met me here so many times. It is my special place to just hang out with Him. I will miss my co-workers, we have become very close friends. When we were talking about it yesterday one of the sweet young girls and I began to cry. They are excited for me and know that God is going to use me there, but we will miss each other.
Some of my friends have expressed a variety of emotions. One friend in particular says, "I am so excited for you because I know you are stepping into what God created you to do, but I am soooo in denial that you are leaving." On one had it seems like a long time away, on the other hand it feels like tomorrow!
I will miss the friends I have made at MSSU. I know that God sent me to Southern and there are precious men and women there who love God and do a fantastic job. He used them to encourage me, to point me in the right direction and to open doors of opportunity that I would not have even known about unless these precious people had called me or personally told me about it. I have seen His hand move on my behalf time and time again.
It is natural to grieve loss and I know that I will move in and out of this over the next three months. It does not mean that I am questioning the next step. I know that DR Congo is the next step and I believe that the doors that will open once I step into the water will be amazing. I also believe that I need to allow God's grace to walk me through this process into a healthy place.
I received a promise from God years ago that I would be like Abraham. He was called out away from his family and his homeland to a place that he did not know. God told him he would know it when he saw it, but did not even know the name of the place. He was not really able to tell people where he was going or what he was going to do, but he just knew that God had called him. Since his family did not know God, they all thought he was nuts. I know that sometimes it is hard to understand, but I know His voice and I am committed to follow Him to the best of my ability. Having said that, as I have read the Bible it was hard for anyone who really followed God. Many times they had to do things that other people did not understand and tried to talk them out of doing. I pray that someday my kids and grand kids will understand. I am thankful that today there is skype and fb where we can talk to each other and see each other.
Never forget that God has promised to restore what we give up and the blessings beyond our cross are worth it! Jesus looked at the joy set before Him so that He could go to the cross. I believe that we also need to keep the promise that God has given us to before us so that we can face whatever difficulty is in front of us too.
I want to encourage you today that whatever you are walking through, God has already gone before you and prepared everything that you need. It does not mean that it will always be easy, there may be tears and you may feel loss. But as we continue to work through the process there will be joy in the morning. God will finish what He has begun in us and it will be worth it!!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Where it began
The seeds of Africa were planted in my heart at a very young age. When I was about seven years old an evangelist came to our church from South Africa. He shares so simply how much Jesus loved me and He died so that I could experience that love. My heart nearly exploded and as I asked Jesus to fill me with that love - He did. I remember feeling so light and free - and at the same time I thought I want to go to Africa some day!
Many times throughout my life I would respond to God and express to Him my willingness to do what ever He asked me to do and go where ever He wanted me to go. If you have know me more than five minutes you know that I am neither "perfect" or "good enough" to be chosen - but He chose me anyhow. I have made many mistakes in my life and have missed the mark, but God is faithful even when I am not. He does not look at my qualifications, He looks at my willingness and then He qualifies me.
This summer I will begin a journey that has been in my heart since I was a little girl. People have told me I am crazy, foolish and the list goes on and on. However, when I read about the men and women in the Bible who actually followed Christ, many of then were misunderstood as well. I have a pretty good understanding that this will not be easy, but the last several years of my life have not been easy either. I believe that God had to work some things out of me before I was able to be used by Him to the hurting people of Africa. I am also excited about the lives that will be forever changed as we journey together.
I will be selling everything by the end of May. That sounds so final, but it is true. I have cried buckets of tears as I have processed through this next phase of the journey. There is something freeing and something a little unnerving about that all at the same time. I look around my little apartment and realize I have a lot to get rid of in the next three months! I will be leaving my kids and grand kids because I feel deep inside of my heart this is what I was created to do. I am putting the house on the market Monday and trusting God that it will be sold quickly. That will be the first time in my life that I will not have a permanent address.
A am grateful for the journey and in awe of the opportunity that lies before me. I hope as we journey together that we will grow in the fullness of what God has for all of us and see His Kingdom unfold before us. May His grace and peace fill your heart today as you continue on your passionate pursuit of Him :)
Many times throughout my life I would respond to God and express to Him my willingness to do what ever He asked me to do and go where ever He wanted me to go. If you have know me more than five minutes you know that I am neither "perfect" or "good enough" to be chosen - but He chose me anyhow. I have made many mistakes in my life and have missed the mark, but God is faithful even when I am not. He does not look at my qualifications, He looks at my willingness and then He qualifies me.
This summer I will begin a journey that has been in my heart since I was a little girl. People have told me I am crazy, foolish and the list goes on and on. However, when I read about the men and women in the Bible who actually followed Christ, many of then were misunderstood as well. I have a pretty good understanding that this will not be easy, but the last several years of my life have not been easy either. I believe that God had to work some things out of me before I was able to be used by Him to the hurting people of Africa. I am also excited about the lives that will be forever changed as we journey together.
I will be selling everything by the end of May. That sounds so final, but it is true. I have cried buckets of tears as I have processed through this next phase of the journey. There is something freeing and something a little unnerving about that all at the same time. I look around my little apartment and realize I have a lot to get rid of in the next three months! I will be leaving my kids and grand kids because I feel deep inside of my heart this is what I was created to do. I am putting the house on the market Monday and trusting God that it will be sold quickly. That will be the first time in my life that I will not have a permanent address.
A am grateful for the journey and in awe of the opportunity that lies before me. I hope as we journey together that we will grow in the fullness of what God has for all of us and see His Kingdom unfold before us. May His grace and peace fill your heart today as you continue on your passionate pursuit of Him :)
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