This morning we left our cozy home on the hill. We met with frozen pipes again this morning, which made showering more of a challenge, but all made it out the door on time. Thank you Lord for cooperative folks. We will miss their hospitality, the children and the beautiful views from this lovely home.
At 9:30, we met with a group of women from the French church on prayer. Adventure was added to our trip, as we got slightly off track looking for our hostess's home. Streets are not well marked, it you call it being marked 1/2 block off the street, marked. Ultimately, we reached our destination. Susan's lovely home has a huge picture window that faces the Alps. Unfortunately, the clouds obscurded our views, but it was easy to see that she had a million dollar view.
Terri shared her faith walk in prayer, and challenged the women to seek a relationship of prayer with our Lord. I don't have time to relay all that she had to say, but the women held on to her everyword. One thing though, which was very new to me, was thinking of grace as God's Riches at Christ's Expense. So very true.
Since most ladies needed to fetch children from school for their 2 hour lunch (they stay in school until almost 5) our morning ended quickly. We then set off for Champflueri. The three of us finally felt at home,as this has been our home away from home for almost a year. This afternoon ladies will be arriving for a soul care day on Friday and then School on Saturday. I am putting the final touches on my teaching- just reading it through, wanting to keep it fresh and note rote.
I'll tell you about our day tomorrow, but until then,
Ou Rivour,
Danielle
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tourist Day
Ah, to be a tourist in France! It is great fun! Today we ran around the Grenoble area taking in some of the sights. Usually while here, we are busy preparing for the school. With this trip, it was determined that we would stay in the area and meet with the women here that are involved with Lifesprings and with the International Church of Grenoble, which is an English speaking church. Tomorrow we will meet with the French church which meets in the same ware house as the English church. Just before Christmas one of their members lost a child to the "aphyxiation game" A game? As you can imagine, the church family has been devistated, so Terri will be sharing with their women a session on praying for your children. We pray that much healing will take place.
Back to our touring... This morning we headed out to Voiron, a community about 4o minutes away from Grenoble. This is where the Chartreuse liquear is made. The recipe goes back with the monks of the Chartreuse order located in the Chartreuse mountains. The monks considered this a health elixure The recipe it top secret with only 2 monks at a time knowing the exact ingredients. All used to be done by and in copper pots and oak barrels, but now they run the operation via computer and stainless steal drums. Time marches on.
We ate lunch at a local favorite hangout which provides only three choices per meal. I chose the lamb and a caramel creme dessert. Yummy!
After lunch we went to the Musee de la Revolution of France. The French Revolution was actually planned at this stately chateau in Grenoble. We prayer walked that gardens which were beatiful, even in the bitter cold wind of wind. We all laughed at the idea that we certainly looked "approachable" as we struggled with dripping noses, teary eyes, and fozen hands and feet. Later we entered the musee which had many artifacts and artwork from the revolutionary period. I found it most interesting that the rebellion was planned on the chateaus tennis court. Hmm, such a genteel sport being associated with a revolution? I even found tennis balls and rackets hidden in corners of some of the artwork depicting the meeting held under the noses of the kings heirarchy. Facinating stuff. I looked for a book on the subject, but alas, they only had books in french. Imagine that!
Well, I don't want to be a rude guest. My hostess is busy making dinner, a traditional ratoule, which is a special cheesed poured over veggies and meat. Another delicous meal coming my way, I do believe.
Until tomorrow, Ou Revoir
Danielle
Back to our touring... This morning we headed out to Voiron, a community about 4o minutes away from Grenoble. This is where the Chartreuse liquear is made. The recipe goes back with the monks of the Chartreuse order located in the Chartreuse mountains. The monks considered this a health elixure The recipe it top secret with only 2 monks at a time knowing the exact ingredients. All used to be done by and in copper pots and oak barrels, but now they run the operation via computer and stainless steal drums. Time marches on.
We ate lunch at a local favorite hangout which provides only three choices per meal. I chose the lamb and a caramel creme dessert. Yummy!
After lunch we went to the Musee de la Revolution of France. The French Revolution was actually planned at this stately chateau in Grenoble. We prayer walked that gardens which were beatiful, even in the bitter cold wind of wind. We all laughed at the idea that we certainly looked "approachable" as we struggled with dripping noses, teary eyes, and fozen hands and feet. Later we entered the musee which had many artifacts and artwork from the revolutionary period. I found it most interesting that the rebellion was planned on the chateaus tennis court. Hmm, such a genteel sport being associated with a revolution? I even found tennis balls and rackets hidden in corners of some of the artwork depicting the meeting held under the noses of the kings heirarchy. Facinating stuff. I looked for a book on the subject, but alas, they only had books in french. Imagine that!
Well, I don't want to be a rude guest. My hostess is busy making dinner, a traditional ratoule, which is a special cheesed poured over veggies and meat. Another delicous meal coming my way, I do believe.
Until tomorrow, Ou Revoir
Danielle
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Back in Grenoble
I'm back in Grenoble! Our team has all arrived after two days of travel. Janice and I left on Sunday at 2 pm and arrived in Grenoble at 5pm on Monday. Yes, we missed a day. We managed well on our travels and slept through the night at our hostesses house, MR.
MEs house is FRENCH. Thick walls, large curved windows with multiple glass panes, dark woodwork and iron hardware. Though the snow is still falling, the garden is beautiful. The house sits down off the road surrounded by shrubs, trees, and rock walls. In the spring, the walls will be covered with ivy and louvored windows. Let's just, say, I'm very comfortable here. ME's three children are charming and have tried to correct our French, much to their great joy. It's been fun interacting with them.
Today was our first full day of ministry, so we hit the ground, running. Well, running after 9:30. ME had invited ladies from her neighborhood, many are not churched. Ladies began to arrive around 1:30. We chatted and drank tea and cakes as we stood around the blazing fireplace. Janice imparted her wisdom, challenging the ladies with the story of Mary and Martha. Her challenge to them was to "stay on course" after the Olympian speed ice skater lost his gold medal due to racing in the wrong lane. The ladies left around 4, all chatting merrily. I'd call it a huge success.
Tomorrow will be our tourist day. We 're going to check out the chartreuse factory locally, visit a chataeu, and hit a local restaurant for lunch. It will still be snowing, but that won't dampen our day.
I'll report bck later!
Ou Revoir,
Danielle
MEs house is FRENCH. Thick walls, large curved windows with multiple glass panes, dark woodwork and iron hardware. Though the snow is still falling, the garden is beautiful. The house sits down off the road surrounded by shrubs, trees, and rock walls. In the spring, the walls will be covered with ivy and louvored windows. Let's just, say, I'm very comfortable here. ME's three children are charming and have tried to correct our French, much to their great joy. It's been fun interacting with them.
Today was our first full day of ministry, so we hit the ground, running. Well, running after 9:30. ME had invited ladies from her neighborhood, many are not churched. Ladies began to arrive around 1:30. We chatted and drank tea and cakes as we stood around the blazing fireplace. Janice imparted her wisdom, challenging the ladies with the story of Mary and Martha. Her challenge to them was to "stay on course" after the Olympian speed ice skater lost his gold medal due to racing in the wrong lane. The ladies left around 4, all chatting merrily. I'd call it a huge success.
Tomorrow will be our tourist day. We 're going to check out the chartreuse factory locally, visit a chataeu, and hit a local restaurant for lunch. It will still be snowing, but that won't dampen our day.
I'll report bck later!
Ou Revoir,
Danielle
Saturday, January 16, 2010
School Day!
Oh, how I love this school! It was a fabulous day of God, teaching, friends, and of course, french food. Last October, the tension in the classroom was palitable. Nerves were a little frayed as the students realized that there was homework. A real shock to some of them. Homework can be very intimidating when you live in France. I'm sure they were all certain that the expectation was a theological disertation on a topic that was studied in class for only 21/2 hours. Imagine!
I could almost hear the corporate sigh of relief after one of our directors wrote a letter reinterating that all of the homework did not have to be done by class day. Many took this to heart.
Today was filled with joy in the reunion of new and old freinds. Many of the students are from France, with a large group coming from the Grenoble area. Switzerland is just over the Alps (I can't believe that I said Just) so there is a a group of approximately 25 women coming to the school. We also have gals from England, Wales, and Italy. In total, there are 60 women enrolled, plus those of us from the US.
School almost feels like a retreat since about twenty women come to stay at Chamflueri for a night or two. We are all bunked in a common lodge, eat in the common dining hall, and are taught all together in the french rock barn. It is wonderful. Women being women, we are chatting constantly, enjoying each others company, learning more about their families and why their families are living in Europe.It is a cross-cultural exchange as there are many women living in Switerland, but from the African continent. I love worshipping with them is song, as they begin to move with the music. Fabulous!
Tomorrow Erin will be singing at two church services and then doing a concert at the local English speaking church. Then we'll head back to Paris in the afternoon to celebrate two birthdays that happened this week away. On Monday, we head home. We have had a great time, but I look forward to coming home. I miss you, honey.
I plan to add pictures when I get home. I hope to add one more entry to close out this chapter. The next will be in March. Keep in touch!
Au Revior!
Danielle
I could almost hear the corporate sigh of relief after one of our directors wrote a letter reinterating that all of the homework did not have to be done by class day. Many took this to heart.
Today was filled with joy in the reunion of new and old freinds. Many of the students are from France, with a large group coming from the Grenoble area. Switzerland is just over the Alps (I can't believe that I said Just) so there is a a group of approximately 25 women coming to the school. We also have gals from England, Wales, and Italy. In total, there are 60 women enrolled, plus those of us from the US.
School almost feels like a retreat since about twenty women come to stay at Chamflueri for a night or two. We are all bunked in a common lodge, eat in the common dining hall, and are taught all together in the french rock barn. It is wonderful. Women being women, we are chatting constantly, enjoying each others company, learning more about their families and why their families are living in Europe.It is a cross-cultural exchange as there are many women living in Switerland, but from the African continent. I love worshipping with them is song, as they begin to move with the music. Fabulous!
Tomorrow Erin will be singing at two church services and then doing a concert at the local English speaking church. Then we'll head back to Paris in the afternoon to celebrate two birthdays that happened this week away. On Monday, we head home. We have had a great time, but I look forward to coming home. I miss you, honey.
I plan to add pictures when I get home. I hope to add one more entry to close out this chapter. The next will be in March. Keep in touch!
Au Revior!
Danielle
Friday, January 15, 2010
The Day Before School
One would think that putting on a school such as this would become easier. But with each school comes a new kind of obstacle to jump over. This month it is the weather. We all expected it to be cold, but not this cold, and not this kind of snow. It is beautiful, but it brings obstacles for travel and comfort. The roads become icy with the freezing temps at night and early morning. Most of our women will be coming in by car this time and will experience these icy roads. Then there is the physical warmth, or lack of it in the French barn where we will be holding school on Saturday. The walls are rock. Need a say more? Though they windows have been covered, and the heaters have been running non-stop for a few days, there is a chill in the air. Perhaps the bodies of 66 women will help.
Sixty-six women! What a praise! Eleven women have added since October. Space and setting comes into play now. Space for feeding all of these women including staff and whomever else might be on the campus. Amy, the great admin person from CA is overseeing all of this today. Eating in shifts might be the answer, but all must be cleared with the cook who has been out sick. Seating in the rock room will be a challenge. It is a roomy space, but tables, which are preferable for a full day of class, could prove to be interesting. These are not insurmountable. Our God knows what our needs are, how and where everyone will sit. Who knows, maybe the chill in the air will help everyone to stay focused after our 2 hour, yummy Champflueri lunch. By the way, Champflueri has been mis-spelled the last few days. Pardon me.
Tonight we will have a worship and praise time after dinner. Many women are coming in tonight because of the distances that they are traveling. It’s almost like a mini-retreat. Community is very important here. Since there are so few evangelical Christians here (.5% of the pop) any chance they get to be together is very important. It has been interesting as I’ve spoken to people on this trip. I have heard several refere to France as being “post Catholic” and the prodigal daughter of the Catholic church. From what I understand this comes from the inter-twining of the monarchy and the Catholic church before the Revolution. I think I need to do more reading on the subject. At the Revolution, the people put a prostitute on the throne of the leader of the Catholic church of France. I’ll let you make your own assumptions on this move.
I pray that I can give you a report tomorrow after things quiet down here. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. They are much needed and appreciated. Until then,
Au Revoir,
Danielle
.
Sixty-six women! What a praise! Eleven women have added since October. Space and setting comes into play now. Space for feeding all of these women including staff and whomever else might be on the campus. Amy, the great admin person from CA is overseeing all of this today. Eating in shifts might be the answer, but all must be cleared with the cook who has been out sick. Seating in the rock room will be a challenge. It is a roomy space, but tables, which are preferable for a full day of class, could prove to be interesting. These are not insurmountable. Our God knows what our needs are, how and where everyone will sit. Who knows, maybe the chill in the air will help everyone to stay focused after our 2 hour, yummy Champflueri lunch. By the way, Champflueri has been mis-spelled the last few days. Pardon me.
Tonight we will have a worship and praise time after dinner. Many women are coming in tonight because of the distances that they are traveling. It’s almost like a mini-retreat. Community is very important here. Since there are so few evangelical Christians here (.5% of the pop) any chance they get to be together is very important. It has been interesting as I’ve spoken to people on this trip. I have heard several refere to France as being “post Catholic” and the prodigal daughter of the Catholic church. From what I understand this comes from the inter-twining of the monarchy and the Catholic church before the Revolution. I think I need to do more reading on the subject. At the Revolution, the people put a prostitute on the throne of the leader of the Catholic church of France. I’ll let you make your own assumptions on this move.
I pray that I can give you a report tomorrow after things quiet down here. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. They are much needed and appreciated. Until then,
Au Revoir,
Danielle
.
The Day Before School
One would think that putting on a school such as this would become easier. But with each school comes a new kind of obstacle to jump over. This month it is the weather. We all expected it to be cold, but not this cold, and not this kind of snow. It is beautiful, but it brings obstacles for travel and comfort. The roads become icy with the freezing temps at night and early morning. Most of our women will be coming in by car this time and will experience these icy roads. Then there is the physical warmth, or lack of it in the French barn where we will be holding school on Saturday. The walls are rock. Need a say more? Though they windows have been covered, and the heaters have been running non-stop for a few days, there is a chill in the air. Perhaps the bodies of 66 women will help.
Sixty-six women! What a praise! Eleven women have added since October. Space and setting comes into play now. Space for feeding all of these women including staff and whomever else might be on the campus. Amy, the great admin person from CA is overseeing all of this today. Eating in shifts might be the answer, but all must be cleared with the cook who has been out sick. Seating in the rock room will be a challenge. It is a roomy space, but tables, which are preferable for a full day of class, could prove to be interesting. These are not insurmountable. Our God knows what our needs are, how and where everyone will sit. Who knows, maybe the chill in the air will help everyone to stay focused after our 2 hour, yummy Champflueri lunch. By the way, Champflueri has been mis-spelled the last few days. Pardon me.
Tonight we will have a worship and praise time after dinner. Many women are coming in tonight because of the distances that they are traveling. It’s almost like a mini-retreat. Community is very important here. Since there are so few evangelical Christians here (.5% of the pop) any chance they get to be together is very important. It has been interesting as I’ve spoken to people on this trip. I have heard several refere to France as being “post Catholic” and the prodigal daughter of the Catholic church. From what I understand this comes from the inter-twining of the monarchy and the Catholic church before the Revolution. I think I need to do more reading on the subject. At the Revolution, the people put a prostitute on the throne of the leader of the Catholic church of France. I’ll let you make your own assumptions on this move.
I pray that I can give you a report tomorrow after things quiet down here. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. They are much needed and appreciated. Until then,
Au Revoir,
Danielle
.
Sixty-six women! What a praise! Eleven women have added since October. Space and setting comes into play now. Space for feeding all of these women including staff and whomever else might be on the campus. Amy, the great admin person from CA is overseeing all of this today. Eating in shifts might be the answer, but all must be cleared with the cook who has been out sick. Seating in the rock room will be a challenge. It is a roomy space, but tables, which are preferable for a full day of class, could prove to be interesting. These are not insurmountable. Our God knows what our needs are, how and where everyone will sit. Who knows, maybe the chill in the air will help everyone to stay focused after our 2 hour, yummy Champflueri lunch. By the way, Champflueri has been mis-spelled the last few days. Pardon me.
Tonight we will have a worship and praise time after dinner. Many women are coming in tonight because of the distances that they are traveling. It’s almost like a mini-retreat. Community is very important here. Since there are so few evangelical Christians here (.5% of the pop) any chance they get to be together is very important. It has been interesting as I’ve spoken to people on this trip. I have heard several refere to France as being “post Catholic” and the prodigal daughter of the Catholic church. From what I understand this comes from the inter-twining of the monarchy and the Catholic church before the Revolution. I think I need to do more reading on the subject. At the Revolution, the people put a prostitute on the throne of the leader of the Catholic church of France. I’ll let you make your own assumptions on this move.
I pray that I can give you a report tomorrow after things quiet down here. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. They are much needed and appreciated. Until then,
Au Revoir,
Danielle
.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Day of Rest?
Today is Thursday? I am beginning to feel disconnected from time, but I know that school is only a few days away. We are all getting excited here at Champfluere.
This morning we spent some time with Jan Johnson on meditation. She led us through some exercises in which we meditated on the scriptures,Ps 23 and in Mark 9:14-28. We used "lectio divina," which is reading, reflecting, responding, and resting in God's word. The second exercise was called Ignation Meditation. With this exercise we imagined we were a part of the action in the Mark verses. Give it a try. I am looking forward to sharing some of what have learned from Jan.
We have had some exciting news! One of our school students from China asked for prayer regarding her parent's salvation. Just recently her parents visited from China. Both are communist party members working for the government. During the visit, the parents tried to argue against Christianity with their daughter. Her father began reading the the Bible in order to argue his case. Our God has a sense of humor indeed. Mom and Dad are now believers, baptized, and studying scripture through course work provided by their daughter. What a thrilling answer to prayer!
This afternoon we've had some time to unwind and rest in preparation to our busy days ahead. Thank you for your prayers regarding the school and this trip.
Correction from yesterday- Erin Agenjo's band website is "Ivory Owl," not white. At least I'm in the same color hue.
Love to you all,
Au Revoir
Danielle
This morning we spent some time with Jan Johnson on meditation. She led us through some exercises in which we meditated on the scriptures,Ps 23 and in Mark 9:14-28. We used "lectio divina," which is reading, reflecting, responding, and resting in God's word. The second exercise was called Ignation Meditation. With this exercise we imagined we were a part of the action in the Mark verses. Give it a try. I am looking forward to sharing some of what have learned from Jan.
We have had some exciting news! One of our school students from China asked for prayer regarding her parent's salvation. Just recently her parents visited from China. Both are communist party members working for the government. During the visit, the parents tried to argue against Christianity with their daughter. Her father began reading the the Bible in order to argue his case. Our God has a sense of humor indeed. Mom and Dad are now believers, baptized, and studying scripture through course work provided by their daughter. What a thrilling answer to prayer!
This afternoon we've had some time to unwind and rest in preparation to our busy days ahead. Thank you for your prayers regarding the school and this trip.
Correction from yesterday- Erin Agenjo's band website is "Ivory Owl," not white. At least I'm in the same color hue.
Love to you all,
Au Revoir
Danielle
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
women's ministry begins in the 12th!
It's 8:30 here at Chamfluere Retreat in Grenoble,France. All of my traveling companions hasveretired after a long travel afternoon and a busy day of ministry on our last day in Paris. Let's start at the beginning.
On Tuesday, we started out at the Luxembourg Gardens for our quiet time. Though snow covered the ground, it was the perfect setting for some alone time with the creative director of all that our eyes took in. I can only imagine how beautiful the grounds must be on a warm spring day. The sights were breath taking.
We headed back to N and A's apartment in the 12th district to prepare for the first women's only event hosted by this missionary couple. N has had the neighborhood children in for four Christmas cookie parties and egg dying parties to introduce them to the basics of their faith. It has taken eight years in France where she could freely invite the mom's into their home. Eight years! That seems like an eternity! N is no shrinking violet. She is outgoing and warm. Yet, it has taken this long for relationships to be strong enough for her to freely invite the ladies into her home.
Our US team's job was to help ready the house and provide some Californy foods for the ladies cocktail party (remember this is France!). And Californy is no typo. That is how they say California. Our team brought and prepared SM pinquito beans, small tacos with all the fixings, and a chocolate chip cookie desert topped of with a scoop of ice cream. We were providing a concert also via our troubador Erin Ajenjo. Check out White Owls website.
The 15 women loved the event! Food disappeared from the table and most were unwilling to let us take their plates, wanting to go back for more. All commented on how we were willing to come serve them, unable to grasp that this was a pleasure for us. I commented more than once that it was because we loved women. Nicole's goal is to soon share that it's our love for Christ and his love for women that drew us to the far away place. We all left certain that this was only the first of many like soirees that would be held in their home.
The women didn't leave until after 11pm (remember, this is France!). After some debriefing and prayer we headed back to our hotel on the metro. Our host insisted that the metro didn't close until after 1:30, but to our surprise it closed at 1 am, precisely when we were ready to make our last connection! The metro worker clearing the station gave us directions to the hotel and assured us that it was safe, mainly because it was so cold. So cold in fact that it started to snow!. We walked for almost an hour in a steady snow fall. What could have been a tense hour turned into a wonderland as we strolled home in awe. Another one of God's simple pleasures! My head didn't hit the pillow until 3am.
We were up early this morning to catch the train to Grenoble and then on to Champfluere. This is where the school will take place on Saturday. Jan Johnson from So. Ca will be leading some sessions with the local pastors, teaching young men and women at the Christian school for young adults here at Champfluere, and then leading a session at the school on Saturday morning. Jan is a spiritual director. I'll tell you more about that later, as I am not fully certain what that all entails. I may have a sessions with her if time permits this week. She will also be our speaker at women's retreat the following weekend in Monterey. I am looking forward to sitting under her teaching.
I've had a little time to reflect on yesterday's party. I am wondering if the church as gotten away from the "at home" concepts of ministry. Home is where people feel more comfortable.I am going to need to spend more time praying about focusing more events at "home" when it comes to evangelism.
It's almost 9pm. I need to hit the pillows myself.
Au Revior!
On Tuesday, we started out at the Luxembourg Gardens for our quiet time. Though snow covered the ground, it was the perfect setting for some alone time with the creative director of all that our eyes took in. I can only imagine how beautiful the grounds must be on a warm spring day. The sights were breath taking.
We headed back to N and A's apartment in the 12th district to prepare for the first women's only event hosted by this missionary couple. N has had the neighborhood children in for four Christmas cookie parties and egg dying parties to introduce them to the basics of their faith. It has taken eight years in France where she could freely invite the mom's into their home. Eight years! That seems like an eternity! N is no shrinking violet. She is outgoing and warm. Yet, it has taken this long for relationships to be strong enough for her to freely invite the ladies into her home.
Our US team's job was to help ready the house and provide some Californy foods for the ladies cocktail party (remember this is France!). And Californy is no typo. That is how they say California. Our team brought and prepared SM pinquito beans, small tacos with all the fixings, and a chocolate chip cookie desert topped of with a scoop of ice cream. We were providing a concert also via our troubador Erin Ajenjo. Check out White Owls website.
The 15 women loved the event! Food disappeared from the table and most were unwilling to let us take their plates, wanting to go back for more. All commented on how we were willing to come serve them, unable to grasp that this was a pleasure for us. I commented more than once that it was because we loved women. Nicole's goal is to soon share that it's our love for Christ and his love for women that drew us to the far away place. We all left certain that this was only the first of many like soirees that would be held in their home.
The women didn't leave until after 11pm (remember, this is France!). After some debriefing and prayer we headed back to our hotel on the metro. Our host insisted that the metro didn't close until after 1:30, but to our surprise it closed at 1 am, precisely when we were ready to make our last connection! The metro worker clearing the station gave us directions to the hotel and assured us that it was safe, mainly because it was so cold. So cold in fact that it started to snow!. We walked for almost an hour in a steady snow fall. What could have been a tense hour turned into a wonderland as we strolled home in awe. Another one of God's simple pleasures! My head didn't hit the pillow until 3am.
We were up early this morning to catch the train to Grenoble and then on to Champfluere. This is where the school will take place on Saturday. Jan Johnson from So. Ca will be leading some sessions with the local pastors, teaching young men and women at the Christian school for young adults here at Champfluere, and then leading a session at the school on Saturday morning. Jan is a spiritual director. I'll tell you more about that later, as I am not fully certain what that all entails. I may have a sessions with her if time permits this week. She will also be our speaker at women's retreat the following weekend in Monterey. I am looking forward to sitting under her teaching.
I've had a little time to reflect on yesterday's party. I am wondering if the church as gotten away from the "at home" concepts of ministry. Home is where people feel more comfortable.I am going to need to spend more time praying about focusing more events at "home" when it comes to evangelism.
It's almost 9pm. I need to hit the pillows myself.
Au Revior!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Planning for ministry
Tuesday was our first full day in Paris. We covered a lot of territory on the metro, which we are beginning to become more comfortable using. We moved into the Montmartre district. In this area the famour artist of the early 20th century hung out. The first bohemiems. During that era, the Montmartre district was in the country. Currently there is only one small vineyard remaining surrounded by lovely french country homes. Right up my alley! In a small square, local artists sells their wares, even in the chill of the day.
We continued up the hill to the famous basilica Sacre Coeur, Sacred Heart. If you're a fan of the cult followed, "Amelie" this beautiful basilica and area of used heavily near the end of the film. Our time was short due to an arranged appointment to meet our missionary friend, "N"
We met at Notra Dame. Yes, remember Disney. Now it has a beautiful huge Christmas tree in the front square. At night it is lite with blue lights. Magnifique!
N took us to Panis Cafe, just off the Notra Dame square. We had a pot of chacolate and a pot of fue, which is a pot roast in a cast iron mini pot. The trippy part was the marrowed bones that were also included in this delicacy. (OK, I'm having trouble typing because we are chatting and laughing around our breakfast table)
We ended our day at N and A's house planning tonights women's ministry kickoff. We'll spend most of this afternoon getting ready after our quiet time at Luxemberg Garden.
Au Revoir
We continued up the hill to the famous basilica Sacre Coeur, Sacred Heart. If you're a fan of the cult followed, "Amelie" this beautiful basilica and area of used heavily near the end of the film. Our time was short due to an arranged appointment to meet our missionary friend, "N"
We met at Notra Dame. Yes, remember Disney. Now it has a beautiful huge Christmas tree in the front square. At night it is lite with blue lights. Magnifique!
N took us to Panis Cafe, just off the Notra Dame square. We had a pot of chacolate and a pot of fue, which is a pot roast in a cast iron mini pot. The trippy part was the marrowed bones that were also included in this delicacy. (OK, I'm having trouble typing because we are chatting and laughing around our breakfast table)
We ended our day at N and A's house planning tonights women's ministry kickoff. We'll spend most of this afternoon getting ready after our quiet time at Luxemberg Garden.
Au Revoir
Monday, January 11, 2010
Paris/Greboble Jan 2019
I'm back in Paris with a team of ladies from California for ministry in France. We left SF on Saturday, Jan 9 and landeded in Paris the next morning. I'm happy to report that travel was smooth and there were no delays in Chicago.Yeah, God. There have been terrible storms all over the US, so we were very happy to land in Chicag0 with blue skies greeting US
Not the same in Paris. It is very cold here, with snow on the ground and a deep chill in the air. Fortunately, there is no wind, so the cold is managable. Last we looked the temp highs for the day are around 28 degrees. A big change for this CA girl that left with an average of 70 this last week.
We arrived to our hotel in the afternoon. The Hotel Moderene is just that. Located in the Latin quarter we are close to the big sites via foot. With the temps low we chose to go to the Louve for the afternoon. The Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo are still the "must sees" at the museum. That evening we headed to the Champs Elysse and the Arch de Triumph as well as the Eiffle Tower. Last May we didn't make it to the Champs. It was thrilling to walk down this long boulivard with all the Christmas decorations still hanging from the trees and buildings. Most will come down this week I think since Ephany was just last week. Beautiful! Pictures to follow.
This morning we're off to do some more sight seeing with one of our missionary friends. We'll take in a few more sights and then head to their house for traditional crepes. Tomorrow we're hosting a CA night with our foods and singer entertaining woman from N's neighborhood. This will be the kick off of women's ministry in the 12th district, a muticultural area of Paris. We are praising God that we can be a part of something so big!
I'm hoping to make the historic cemetary where Jim Morrison was buried. That for you, honey! We tried in May, but were locked out due to rain. Bitter snow will not deter me this time!
Au Rivour, for now. I'll check my spelling later!
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