The last few nights have been very difficult for the team. Transitioning to our nine hour difference has proven to be a challenge. Please pray that we'll be able to get a good nights rest for the school start-up tomorrow.
Yesterday was spent getting to know each other. Of our 6 team members from the US, only 3 of us have worked together for Lifesprings. Our team members are Janice Gutierrez, Terri LaBrie (from our first trip), along with the newbies, Amy Clossen, Sabrina Gillian, Caron Hofer, and myself. Rather than visiting the monestary, which was cold, cold, cold, we decided to go into Grenoble to to take in the sights. It was pretty cold too, since a cold front swung through the area yesterday. During our time out, we had several opportunities to walk and talk with eachother. We have been taking every opportunity to catch little snippets of new friends history. Our first lecturer and his wife, Nate Feldmeth and his wife, Joanne, joined us. We have had a blasting getting to know Nate, a professor from Fuller Seminary. Seminary professors are people too! What a treat to hang with out with the prof.
Grenoble, the sight of the '68 Olympics, has an old city core which is very beautiful. Surrounded by mountain ranges, one being the Alps, the vistas are amazing!. We took the bubble gondola up to the bastille, an old army fortification. From the top of the site, we were able to get sweeping views of the city and valley below. It was beautiful.
Women begin to arrive this evening. This afternoon we will complete setting up the room, putting together binders, and making final prepartations. At 9:00 this evening we're meeting all together for a prayer and worship time. Nine is a little late for us US citizens, especially with jet lag to deal with, but the timing is very European. We begin early on Saturday, with an 8 am coaches meeting for myself and the start up of the school beginning at 9. As we will begin our meeting while you're all sleeping this evening, please pray for us this afternoon.
if you can. We really appreciate all of our praying friends and family back home.
All of our supplies have arrived, so I need to sign off. There's work to be done. Most likely I will not be able to add to my blog tomorrow, but will make every effort to catch you up on Sunday. Until then, Au Revoir, mis ami!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Travel Day, Oct 13, 2009
As expected, travel day was full of surprises. After arriving at the airport in Santa Barbara, in a windy rain, my flight was changed. At first I was not phased, the new departure time was within a comfortable window, but soon it changed to 4:30 and then quickly to 6:50. This was not going to work as my flight from SFO was due to leave at 7:08!
Carl quickly jumped into action. The couple seated next to us join us as well, as we were booked on the same flights. The agent booked us into San Jose with a cab to SFO, with a very limited window. We began to pray. Carl assured me that I was going to make this fight, I had work to do in France, and I was not going to be delayed. He then made arrangements with Mr. Sullivan to be my escort, placed me in his care, and off we went to catch our new flight. Our goodbye was short and sweet.
The wind and rain swept our plane and I quietly prayed. "Lord," I prayed, " I know that you can stop time, speed up our plane supernatuarally and even hold our international flight on the ground. This I know you can do, so I'm trusting that if you want me on this flight, it will be done."
I chatted frequently with my new companions about my praying friends, the school here in France, and our common bond of tennis. All the while, the rain and wind pounded our small plane. I tried to keep the conversation light and postive, but the Sullivan's were not as sure about making our connection. All that changed very quickly. After we landed in San Jose, our luggage arrived on the gondola at break neck speed, a cab was immediately available, the rain had stopped, And to top it all off, the cap driver informed us that we could make it to the airport in 32 minutes In fact, he stated that we'd be there at 6:02, giving us more that enough time to make our flight. The mood in our little cab brightened immediately as we quickly made our way down the busy freeway. Our lane cruise briskly along. Only once did we slow down. In keeping with God's extra-ordinary answer to my prayer, we indeed pulled up to the international terminal at 6:02 exactly.
I soon learned that my friends who were traveling to France with me, were experiencing similar trivals. Theirs in the form of slowed traffice due to accidents on the freeway and rainy BART terminals. Our plane? Even though international flights are given first priority for take-off, our flight was delayed by 50 minutes.
We are all safe and sound at beautiful Champflueri. We're off today to a monastary. The weather is brisk today. Much different from our California weather. So today is a layers days. Anna has arrived so we're off soon. Au Revoir my friends. We'll talk soon!
Carl quickly jumped into action. The couple seated next to us join us as well, as we were booked on the same flights. The agent booked us into San Jose with a cab to SFO, with a very limited window. We began to pray. Carl assured me that I was going to make this fight, I had work to do in France, and I was not going to be delayed. He then made arrangements with Mr. Sullivan to be my escort, placed me in his care, and off we went to catch our new flight. Our goodbye was short and sweet.
The wind and rain swept our plane and I quietly prayed. "Lord," I prayed, " I know that you can stop time, speed up our plane supernatuarally and even hold our international flight on the ground. This I know you can do, so I'm trusting that if you want me on this flight, it will be done."
I chatted frequently with my new companions about my praying friends, the school here in France, and our common bond of tennis. All the while, the rain and wind pounded our small plane. I tried to keep the conversation light and postive, but the Sullivan's were not as sure about making our connection. All that changed very quickly. After we landed in San Jose, our luggage arrived on the gondola at break neck speed, a cab was immediately available, the rain had stopped, And to top it all off, the cap driver informed us that we could make it to the airport in 32 minutes In fact, he stated that we'd be there at 6:02, giving us more that enough time to make our flight. The mood in our little cab brightened immediately as we quickly made our way down the busy freeway. Our lane cruise briskly along. Only once did we slow down. In keeping with God's extra-ordinary answer to my prayer, we indeed pulled up to the international terminal at 6:02 exactly.
I soon learned that my friends who were traveling to France with me, were experiencing similar trivals. Theirs in the form of slowed traffice due to accidents on the freeway and rainy BART terminals. Our plane? Even though international flights are given first priority for take-off, our flight was delayed by 50 minutes.
We are all safe and sound at beautiful Champflueri. We're off today to a monastary. The weather is brisk today. Much different from our California weather. So today is a layers days. Anna has arrived so we're off soon. Au Revoir my friends. We'll talk soon!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hands hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
What a great chorus to a wonderful hymn of faith. Indeed, great is God's faithfulness! I have definately seen God's faithfulness these last few weeks. As I have prepared to leave for this next trip to France; life continued to happen. With life came the start up of fall ministries at church, training and participating in a half marathon (walking) and planning for an event that happens one day after my return. Did I get frazzled at times. Yes! But thanks to the faithful prayers of friends and family, I can say that "It is well with my soul, " and I'm ready to go.
There are currently 50 women registered for the Lifesprings School of Ministry in Grenoble, France. Women are coming from France, Switzerland, Italy, and the UK. Many sacrifices are being made by the participants and their families emotionally, through time spent away at school and studying, as well as financially.
This school is a big deal. Lifesprings Ministries is breaking ground with the start-up of this school on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Women are being prepared for extended ministry in their homes, communities, and church families. I see it as preparing 50 more missionaries already out on the field. And that is awesome!
Our team leaves California this evening even amongest the first big storm of the season. We are not detered. God has a mission for us, and we will set out to see it fulfilled, Lord willing. Please continue to pray as we start out on our journey.
Since we start our traveling this evening, it may be a while before I can post again. I am hopeful that it will be sometime on Thursday. I might even have a picture of the weary travelers. Until then, thanks for your prayers!
What a great chorus to a wonderful hymn of faith. Indeed, great is God's faithfulness! I have definately seen God's faithfulness these last few weeks. As I have prepared to leave for this next trip to France; life continued to happen. With life came the start up of fall ministries at church, training and participating in a half marathon (walking) and planning for an event that happens one day after my return. Did I get frazzled at times. Yes! But thanks to the faithful prayers of friends and family, I can say that "It is well with my soul, " and I'm ready to go.
There are currently 50 women registered for the Lifesprings School of Ministry in Grenoble, France. Women are coming from France, Switzerland, Italy, and the UK. Many sacrifices are being made by the participants and their families emotionally, through time spent away at school and studying, as well as financially.
This school is a big deal. Lifesprings Ministries is breaking ground with the start-up of this school on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Women are being prepared for extended ministry in their homes, communities, and church families. I see it as preparing 50 more missionaries already out on the field. And that is awesome!
Our team leaves California this evening even amongest the first big storm of the season. We are not detered. God has a mission for us, and we will set out to see it fulfilled, Lord willing. Please continue to pray as we start out on our journey.
Since we start our traveling this evening, it may be a while before I can post again. I am hopeful that it will be sometime on Thursday. I might even have a picture of the weary travelers. Until then, thanks for your prayers!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Arts District
Before I tell you about our visit with the missionary in the arts district, I must give you an exciting update! One of the missionaries in Lyon, France followed up on Amelie. Elizabeth sent her a note and arranged to pick her up for church on Sunday! Yeah, God! Thank you to Elizabeth and her family for following through with Amelie for us and also for our great and glorious God. We pray that Amelie's heart will be softened by the gospel and that she will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ. I will give updates as they come in to me.
On Friday, May 15 we took the Metro to the arts district in Paris. This area is located near the Musee D'Orsay, the museum where all of the impressionist art is displayed. The D'Orsay was formally the train station in Paris. It is a beautiful building and the art is fabulous. This sets the stage for "M's" neighborhood. The buildings in this area are lovely. The storefronts house exclusive antique stores, designer galleries, and upscale clothing. Jean d'Pardu (this is not a correct spelling), a famous french movie actor, keeps an apartment next door to the building where "M" and her family lives. The building used to be the Baptist church of Paris and is now owned by the Baptist Federation of France. This old church now houses a bible bookstore, booking agency that arranges visiting Christian artist, a recording studio and other Christian based businesses. This building needs some major renovations. As you enter the building it is obvious that at one time it was very impressive. Sweeping stair cases grace both sides of the entrance that will one day become a social space. Right now it houses the garbage cans. At the end of the entry there is a courtyard that is covered with cobble stone. It currently is home for an automobile, which enters the space through some double doors located in the entry. Strange.
"M" joyfully showed us the one area that has been renovated and is used for performance or visual arts. It is set with an extensive lighting system and state of the art sound system for recording. It frequently houses art shows, actors studios, and musical production rehearsals. If it's art related, it happens here.
"M"s" families apartment is also located in this former church. Walking up a long flight of curving stairs (I'd say at least three or more stories) we finally reached the apartment. This may sound like unnecessary information, but I forgot to mention that we each carried two boxes full of books up these stairs. That means we went up twice. My heart was pounding when I finally reached the top the second time. "M" and her family have recently moved to this apartment after having lived in a house for twenty years. As you can imagine, it has been difficult to pare down her belongings.
The apartment is lovely. "M" who loves interior design, has pulled together a warm and welcoming space. By now, you can see that "M's" and "N's" living situations are very different. "N" neighborhood in multicultural and "M'" is rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. Because of this, it is more difficult for "M" to assimilate into her neighborhood. Her focus is on those who enter the "Foundry" which is the name of the building now, or the "Pavey" which is the studio. Though the artist might be her neighbors, it is unlikely. That just wouldn't have the means to live in the neighborhood.
Terri and I walked around the apartment with "M" and prayed over each room: from the entry to the children's bedroom. The other members of the team did some general cleaning. Old, beautiful buildings have their drawbacks. This one has mold and rats. As a team we had an extended prayer time with "M" after the initial tour. As our time drew to a close, we knew that "M" would be able to entertain her former neighbor that afternoon with a little more peace. Her home was clean! This neighbor does not know that Lord, so she was pleased to be able to focus on their time together and not worry about her surroundings. I pray that their time was sweet.
As we said our good-byes, we headed off to the D'Orsay for a few hours of soaking in fine art and taking a peek at the Eiffel Tower. Along the way I spotted a small white dog. I knew immediately that it was a Coton de Tulear, just like my Tiffany at home. I crossed the street to see the dog and realized that the owner was an American woman from So. Carolina. We chatted briefly about our dogs and their backgrounds. That was an extra blessing for me. I really wanted to see a Coton in Paris, and God gave me the opportunity on the last day of our trip. Silly, I know. But sometimes God grants us our silliest wish. He's like that.
On Friday, May 15 we took the Metro to the arts district in Paris. This area is located near the Musee D'Orsay, the museum where all of the impressionist art is displayed. The D'Orsay was formally the train station in Paris. It is a beautiful building and the art is fabulous. This sets the stage for "M's" neighborhood. The buildings in this area are lovely. The storefronts house exclusive antique stores, designer galleries, and upscale clothing. Jean d'Pardu (this is not a correct spelling), a famous french movie actor, keeps an apartment next door to the building where "M" and her family lives. The building used to be the Baptist church of Paris and is now owned by the Baptist Federation of France. This old church now houses a bible bookstore, booking agency that arranges visiting Christian artist, a recording studio and other Christian based businesses. This building needs some major renovations. As you enter the building it is obvious that at one time it was very impressive. Sweeping stair cases grace both sides of the entrance that will one day become a social space. Right now it houses the garbage cans. At the end of the entry there is a courtyard that is covered with cobble stone. It currently is home for an automobile, which enters the space through some double doors located in the entry. Strange.
"M" joyfully showed us the one area that has been renovated and is used for performance or visual arts. It is set with an extensive lighting system and state of the art sound system for recording. It frequently houses art shows, actors studios, and musical production rehearsals. If it's art related, it happens here.
"M"s" families apartment is also located in this former church. Walking up a long flight of curving stairs (I'd say at least three or more stories) we finally reached the apartment. This may sound like unnecessary information, but I forgot to mention that we each carried two boxes full of books up these stairs. That means we went up twice. My heart was pounding when I finally reached the top the second time. "M" and her family have recently moved to this apartment after having lived in a house for twenty years. As you can imagine, it has been difficult to pare down her belongings.
The apartment is lovely. "M" who loves interior design, has pulled together a warm and welcoming space. By now, you can see that "M's" and "N's" living situations are very different. "N" neighborhood in multicultural and "M'" is rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. Because of this, it is more difficult for "M" to assimilate into her neighborhood. Her focus is on those who enter the "Foundry" which is the name of the building now, or the "Pavey" which is the studio. Though the artist might be her neighbors, it is unlikely. That just wouldn't have the means to live in the neighborhood.
Terri and I walked around the apartment with "M" and prayed over each room: from the entry to the children's bedroom. The other members of the team did some general cleaning. Old, beautiful buildings have their drawbacks. This one has mold and rats. As a team we had an extended prayer time with "M" after the initial tour. As our time drew to a close, we knew that "M" would be able to entertain her former neighbor that afternoon with a little more peace. Her home was clean! This neighbor does not know that Lord, so she was pleased to be able to focus on their time together and not worry about her surroundings. I pray that their time was sweet.
As we said our good-byes, we headed off to the D'Orsay for a few hours of soaking in fine art and taking a peek at the Eiffel Tower. Along the way I spotted a small white dog. I knew immediately that it was a Coton de Tulear, just like my Tiffany at home. I crossed the street to see the dog and realized that the owner was an American woman from So. Carolina. We chatted briefly about our dogs and their backgrounds. That was an extra blessing for me. I really wanted to see a Coton in Paris, and God gave me the opportunity on the last day of our trip. Silly, I know. But sometimes God grants us our silliest wish. He's like that.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Hello from Santa Maria. I am now home and experiencing a little jet lag, but I'm sure that I'll recover soon. I wonder how my friends are doing after they faithfully took "No Jet Lag." Did it really work as promised?
My eyes are open, and my heart has changed after what I experienced in Paris. Paris is a enormous city of culture, fine food, high fashion and fabulous sights. It can also feel unfriendly and remote. Especially if you are an outsider choosing to live in Paris. On Thursday and Friday, our team met two such women who had chosen to leave their homes in the US and live in Paris. Both women were experiencing extreme loneliness and the fellowship of other Christian women. Each talked. And talked. And talked. At first, it was almost comical. Then it became extremely sad. It was as if they knew they had a limited time with us and felt compelled to educate us on everything that was happening around them. My heart still aches for them.
"N" lives in a multi ethnic area of Paris. We walked with her to pick up her child from school at 4:30PM. In France children go to school early, have a two hour lunch break, and then are released at the end of the day. "N" makes this back and forth journey several times a day, and I would estimate that she walks almost a mile each way. We were told that it was safe to walk the streets during the day, but at night it was not. I quietly prayed to myself knowing that though we were supposedly safe, I didn't really feel safe for the first time on our trip. Once at the school, "N" quickly forgot that we were with her after formal introductions. Because she lives in a diverse neighborhood, "N" is able to mingle with the other mothers with ease. If was fun to watch her interact with the other mothers while the little ones ran circles around everyone on foot or on a scooter. Because all of her children have attended this school, she has developed long standing relationships. She invites them all to birthday parties and most recently her annual egg coloring party for Easter. To keep things above board, her invitation informed the parents that the Easter story was to be told. This allowed each parent to make their own choices about whether to send their child or not. Many choose to send their children believing that is would be culturally enriching. "N" and her husband "A" pray that they would find the Lord. Janice, who has a good knowledge of french, began an easy conversation with a mother who wore the traditional Islamic scarf. Near the end of their time together, the mother pulled out a book and asked Janice if she was familiar with the author. The book was about numerology. You'll remember that France has a large occult population and are open to all forms of mysticism. It was an eye opening moment for us all. But it offered some hope. Though is women was Islamic, she was open. We pray that she will be open to Christ.
After we dropped the children off at their home, our team took "N" out to a lovely park near her son's school to pray with her. A soft drizzle began to fall as we prayed. It is hard to express the tenderness and emotion during our time talking to our Father. The team was there to support and encourage "N." Prayer is the best way we could support her while in France and when we are back at home. Continued prayer will be vital.
We ended our time with "N and A" at their high rise apartment which they share with their three children. It is very small; well under 1000 square feet with one small bathroom and two bedrooms. I learned that when they say "water closet" they mean water closet literally. The toilet is in it's own closet with a door out to the hallway. A small sink and tiny shower are right next to it with it's own door. The total is smaller than a moderate sized recreational vehicle bathroom. I think you have the picture. We had dinner and dessert crepes which were fun to make and very yummy. It was a fitting end to our time together. We couldn't stay longer because it was getting dark and we needed to get to the metro for our trip back to our hotel in the Latin quarter.
As we said our farewells, I sensed that this would not be the last time I would see "N" and her family. It appears that I will be returning to France, perhaps even again this year. Please pray with Carl and me about my involvement in France. If He is indeed calling me to an extended ministry of encouragement there; I will go.
Tomorrow I will tell you about my visit with the missionary in the arts district of Paris last Friday. Until then, au revoir.
My eyes are open, and my heart has changed after what I experienced in Paris. Paris is a enormous city of culture, fine food, high fashion and fabulous sights. It can also feel unfriendly and remote. Especially if you are an outsider choosing to live in Paris. On Thursday and Friday, our team met two such women who had chosen to leave their homes in the US and live in Paris. Both women were experiencing extreme loneliness and the fellowship of other Christian women. Each talked. And talked. And talked. At first, it was almost comical. Then it became extremely sad. It was as if they knew they had a limited time with us and felt compelled to educate us on everything that was happening around them. My heart still aches for them.
"N" lives in a multi ethnic area of Paris. We walked with her to pick up her child from school at 4:30PM. In France children go to school early, have a two hour lunch break, and then are released at the end of the day. "N" makes this back and forth journey several times a day, and I would estimate that she walks almost a mile each way. We were told that it was safe to walk the streets during the day, but at night it was not. I quietly prayed to myself knowing that though we were supposedly safe, I didn't really feel safe for the first time on our trip. Once at the school, "N" quickly forgot that we were with her after formal introductions. Because she lives in a diverse neighborhood, "N" is able to mingle with the other mothers with ease. If was fun to watch her interact with the other mothers while the little ones ran circles around everyone on foot or on a scooter. Because all of her children have attended this school, she has developed long standing relationships. She invites them all to birthday parties and most recently her annual egg coloring party for Easter. To keep things above board, her invitation informed the parents that the Easter story was to be told. This allowed each parent to make their own choices about whether to send their child or not. Many choose to send their children believing that is would be culturally enriching. "N" and her husband "A" pray that they would find the Lord. Janice, who has a good knowledge of french, began an easy conversation with a mother who wore the traditional Islamic scarf. Near the end of their time together, the mother pulled out a book and asked Janice if she was familiar with the author. The book was about numerology. You'll remember that France has a large occult population and are open to all forms of mysticism. It was an eye opening moment for us all. But it offered some hope. Though is women was Islamic, she was open. We pray that she will be open to Christ.
After we dropped the children off at their home, our team took "N" out to a lovely park near her son's school to pray with her. A soft drizzle began to fall as we prayed. It is hard to express the tenderness and emotion during our time talking to our Father. The team was there to support and encourage "N." Prayer is the best way we could support her while in France and when we are back at home. Continued prayer will be vital.
We ended our time with "N and A" at their high rise apartment which they share with their three children. It is very small; well under 1000 square feet with one small bathroom and two bedrooms. I learned that when they say "water closet" they mean water closet literally. The toilet is in it's own closet with a door out to the hallway. A small sink and tiny shower are right next to it with it's own door. The total is smaller than a moderate sized recreational vehicle bathroom. I think you have the picture. We had dinner and dessert crepes which were fun to make and very yummy. It was a fitting end to our time together. We couldn't stay longer because it was getting dark and we needed to get to the metro for our trip back to our hotel in the Latin quarter.
As we said our farewells, I sensed that this would not be the last time I would see "N" and her family. It appears that I will be returning to France, perhaps even again this year. Please pray with Carl and me about my involvement in France. If He is indeed calling me to an extended ministry of encouragement there; I will go.
Tomorrow I will tell you about my visit with the missionary in the arts district of Paris last Friday. Until then, au revoir.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hello all from the beautiful French Alps! We are now just outside Grenoble, France. The retreat center here is beautiful! My hope is to get some pictures downloaded soon, but I'm not sure when that might be. My netbook has become persnickty and claims that it can't down load the wireless. After consulting with my technical support (my patient son-in-law), I now know my way around the the technical support screens to no availe.
I have some great news! Amelie did come to the retreat on Saturday night! I wasn't able to talk to her before she left, but I was told that she enjoyed herself. Amelie had dinner with us, sat through the song service and Janice's teaching. The teaching was perfect for someone who might be investigating a relationship with Christ. God knows where her heart is, so we are praying that her heart is softened for Christ.
This morning we met for the School of Women's Ministry set to start in October of this year here at Champfleure retreat center. We got a lot done in one hour. There is much to do from raising funds to contacting potential speakers as well getting all of the promotions out. These are exciting times. After lunch we headed to the International Church "CEP" in Grenoble. The church is run by missionaries ministering to French and English speakers. Our group spent some time praying for their team as well as Carrie and Laura, our missionaries from Africa who are traveling with us. Then off we went to the French version of Walmart to do some shopping. Fun and gifts were bought by all. I am thankful to our drivers who have driven all around this beautiful women. These women have been so wonderful to our group.
Tomorrow we're traveling to Provence to see the countryside and the markets. It will be a two plus hour drive, so we're out of here early and home late. On Wednesday we'll travel by train to Paris, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to send a new entry. Love you all!
I have some great news! Amelie did come to the retreat on Saturday night! I wasn't able to talk to her before she left, but I was told that she enjoyed herself. Amelie had dinner with us, sat through the song service and Janice's teaching. The teaching was perfect for someone who might be investigating a relationship with Christ. God knows where her heart is, so we are praying that her heart is softened for Christ.
This morning we met for the School of Women's Ministry set to start in October of this year here at Champfleure retreat center. We got a lot done in one hour. There is much to do from raising funds to contacting potential speakers as well getting all of the promotions out. These are exciting times. After lunch we headed to the International Church "CEP" in Grenoble. The church is run by missionaries ministering to French and English speakers. Our group spent some time praying for their team as well as Carrie and Laura, our missionaries from Africa who are traveling with us. Then off we went to the French version of Walmart to do some shopping. Fun and gifts were bought by all. I am thankful to our drivers who have driven all around this beautiful women. These women have been so wonderful to our group.
Tomorrow we're traveling to Provence to see the countryside and the markets. It will be a two plus hour drive, so we're out of here early and home late. On Wednesday we'll travel by train to Paris, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to send a new entry. Love you all!
more technical difficulties
Danielle is having some trouble with her computer and internet connection again.
She will post as soon as she is able.
Julie R.
She will post as soon as she is able.
Julie R.
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