At least God hasn't written to say that He's found someone better to love... I hope that someday, some man has patience and really won't let me go (not in a creepy bad way, but like the way Erik loves Lisa).
Other good news: Woke up to Abba Father, the theme song for HOPE camp, on the radio this morning.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Today's a Big Day!
Weddings #2 and #3 of the year out of seven that I'm missing because I'm across a big pond.
FELICITATIONS to Erinne & Brian and Kendra & Chris!
Erinne and I worked together this summer and hit it off like long lost sisters with the same heart for neglected kids. Although the male HOPE staff might have been a little afraid of Brian because he's like a five time black belt, Brian and I hit it off well too.
Kendra and I met last year in The Miracle Worker. She played Annie Sullivan and I was Kate Keller. When the boy playing my step-son dropped out, Kendra recruited Christ to fill in. So what if the step-son is a couple years older than his step-mom? At least he had a southern accent. One of the best moments of the rehearsal process, besides Chris secretly telling me about his plans to propose, was when I attempted the accent in rehearsal, unfortunately only successfully (?) on the last line of a serious scene:
CHRIS: Kate, at least will you be my friend?
ME: Aahh ahhhmmmm.
After a few rehearsals, we were finally able to stop cracking up on stage after that line, but even in performances, Chris' eyes would twinkle and I'd try desperately not to break character.
I miss you all and wish that I could support you in person. Praying for you...
FELICITATIONS to Erinne & Brian and Kendra & Chris!
Erinne and I worked together this summer and hit it off like long lost sisters with the same heart for neglected kids. Although the male HOPE staff might have been a little afraid of Brian because he's like a five time black belt, Brian and I hit it off well too.
Kendra and I met last year in The Miracle Worker. She played Annie Sullivan and I was Kate Keller. When the boy playing my step-son dropped out, Kendra recruited Christ to fill in. So what if the step-son is a couple years older than his step-mom? At least he had a southern accent. One of the best moments of the rehearsal process, besides Chris secretly telling me about his plans to propose, was when I attempted the accent in rehearsal, unfortunately only successfully (?) on the last line of a serious scene:
CHRIS: Kate, at least will you be my friend?
ME: Aahh ahhhmmmm.
After a few rehearsals, we were finally able to stop cracking up on stage after that line, but even in performances, Chris' eyes would twinkle and I'd try desperately not to break character.
I miss you all and wish that I could support you in person. Praying for you...
Thursday, September 27, 2007
In the Kitchen w/ HP
A story that my dad will enjoy the most:
Tonight was the students' gathering at the church for which we're each supposed to bring food to share for fellowship. For the past six days, I've been debating about what to bring that adequately represents my native melting pot country and is feasible without a baking tin and other various utensils. Finally I decided upon Caesar salad. Finding that the dressing cost almost 5 euros in a nearby Irish shop, I skipped on dressing and decided to replace it with more fresh tomatos, provolone cheese, cucumbers, blue cheese, onions, ham, salami and sardines. I found the last ingredients an hour before the get together, walked home and began cutting everything up. Happy with the look of the salad thus far, I cracked open the sardine container to find a few huge fish that were about 15xs as big as I expected, weren't salty and including scales and backbones (!). Admittedly, I made quite a stir in the kitchen exclaiming about the unexpected size and components of these fish but I did my best to dissect them and threw them into the salad. Arriving at church, I tried to explain to my mentor in broken French that the sardines were bigger than I expected and she smiled politely at me... the salad was good. A little fishy, but good. No one complained or even acted surprised...
---- two hours later----
Explaining what happened later to Olga, an English-Spanish girl, she said, "You put sardines in salad? In England, we use anchovies." Oh.
In other news, the Chinese feast last night was amazing. As soon as I was stuffed and thought we were done eating, someone else would come out of the kitchen and pass around another platter of more hot chicken, mutton, beef or vegetables. Topped with French wine, it was definitely quite a meal! Only regret, that I forgot my chopsticks at home.
Yet, in order to go to the feast, dinner with Félix was postponed. Bummer... Tonight, he invited everyone else to our dinner... Bigger bummer...
Highlight of the day (besides my fishy salad not making people sick): I was lent a CD/radio player and found a English/French Christian radio station. Listening to "I breathe You in; I breathe You out" I thought, "This sounds familar. Either it's extremely scary obsessive or it's about God..." Glad the second was true.
Tonight was the students' gathering at the church for which we're each supposed to bring food to share for fellowship. For the past six days, I've been debating about what to bring that adequately represents my native melting pot country and is feasible without a baking tin and other various utensils. Finally I decided upon Caesar salad. Finding that the dressing cost almost 5 euros in a nearby Irish shop, I skipped on dressing and decided to replace it with more fresh tomatos, provolone cheese, cucumbers, blue cheese, onions, ham, salami and sardines. I found the last ingredients an hour before the get together, walked home and began cutting everything up. Happy with the look of the salad thus far, I cracked open the sardine container to find a few huge fish that were about 15xs as big as I expected, weren't salty and including scales and backbones (!). Admittedly, I made quite a stir in the kitchen exclaiming about the unexpected size and components of these fish but I did my best to dissect them and threw them into the salad. Arriving at church, I tried to explain to my mentor in broken French that the sardines were bigger than I expected and she smiled politely at me... the salad was good. A little fishy, but good. No one complained or even acted surprised...
---- two hours later----
Explaining what happened later to Olga, an English-Spanish girl, she said, "You put sardines in salad? In England, we use anchovies." Oh.
In other news, the Chinese feast last night was amazing. As soon as I was stuffed and thought we were done eating, someone else would come out of the kitchen and pass around another platter of more hot chicken, mutton, beef or vegetables. Topped with French wine, it was definitely quite a meal! Only regret, that I forgot my chopsticks at home.
Yet, in order to go to the feast, dinner with Félix was postponed. Bummer... Tonight, he invited everyone else to our dinner... Bigger bummer...
Highlight of the day (besides my fishy salad not making people sick): I was lent a CD/radio player and found a English/French Christian radio station. Listening to "I breathe You in; I breathe You out" I thought, "This sounds familar. Either it's extremely scary obsessive or it's about God..." Glad the second was true.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
God is good
Last night at midnight, I called Dad who just got off of work at 6pm EST. We both recognized a change in attitude. I think God really worked on me yesterday in a restoring way.
Memorizing a recommended Scripture verse;
Looking over the city at dusk Monday night with Nannan and Ytung;
Being able to laugh at the situation when I was reading a French children's book aloud with someone to practice my pronounciation (while thinking why do I think I can conquer this language?);
Learning that as soon as my French is better, I'll be expected to lead the university students' group biweekly;
Being reminded by Dad to ask God to teach me the words to say (which is the promise I'm walking with for this French adventure),
All these things reminded me that God is great and that He is with me. Honestly, how could I believe that God is crazy in love with His beautiful HOPE kids and is with them through their trials, and not believe that He does the same towards me.
Another thought (pardon for the rambling, but then I'll share a quick funny story that my Baptist friends may want to ignore ;-)
I found an article online yesterday about the psychological and emotional toll that is taken by AIDS orphans. About the questions of insecurity that they face in expectation of their parents' deaths, of the great necessity for young teenagers to be responsible for numerous younger siblings, of the likelihood that these children will continue the cycle by contracting AIDS. HOW CAN I POSSIBLY COMPLAIN ABOUT A SELF-INFLICTED LANGUAGE BARRIER WHEN THERE ARE CHILDREN IN THESE SITUATIONS? The pondering and seeking God's will for my role in all that continues.
Funny story: I wish I could have taken a photo of myself last night sitting in a church meeting with three others, four glasses and (whoops, Baptist friends whom I love dearly may want to stop reading now) a big bottle of champagne. One of the men had just gotten married last Saturday and was probaly trying to get rid of it, so they cracked it open with crackers and peanuts. Talk about a good church meeting. ;-)
Memorizing a recommended Scripture verse;
Looking over the city at dusk Monday night with Nannan and Ytung;
Being able to laugh at the situation when I was reading a French children's book aloud with someone to practice my pronounciation (while thinking why do I think I can conquer this language?);
Learning that as soon as my French is better, I'll be expected to lead the university students' group biweekly;
Being reminded by Dad to ask God to teach me the words to say (which is the promise I'm walking with for this French adventure),
All these things reminded me that God is great and that He is with me. Honestly, how could I believe that God is crazy in love with His beautiful HOPE kids and is with them through their trials, and not believe that He does the same towards me.
Another thought (pardon for the rambling, but then I'll share a quick funny story that my Baptist friends may want to ignore ;-)
I found an article online yesterday about the psychological and emotional toll that is taken by AIDS orphans. About the questions of insecurity that they face in expectation of their parents' deaths, of the great necessity for young teenagers to be responsible for numerous younger siblings, of the likelihood that these children will continue the cycle by contracting AIDS. HOW CAN I POSSIBLY COMPLAIN ABOUT A SELF-INFLICTED LANGUAGE BARRIER WHEN THERE ARE CHILDREN IN THESE SITUATIONS? The pondering and seeking God's will for my role in all that continues.
Funny story: I wish I could have taken a photo of myself last night sitting in a church meeting with three others, four glasses and (whoops, Baptist friends whom I love dearly may want to stop reading now) a big bottle of champagne. One of the men had just gotten married last Saturday and was probaly trying to get rid of it, so they cracked it open with crackers and peanuts. Talk about a good church meeting. ;-)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Happy Holiday!
One of the good things about having Chinese friends in France is that we get to celebrate thrice as many holidays as usual. Happy Mid-Autumn, Everyone! We're feasting Chinese style for the next two nights recognizing the full moon and this ol' tale: Once there was a woman who abandoned her husband and as punishment, she was forced to life in (on?) the moon with a pet rabbit. On Mid-Autumn night (tonight), Chinese families gather and eat a round moon cake and promise not to abandon each other. At least, that's what I understand.
In other news, I bought my first baguette this morning for 0.47 euros (75 cents). I convinced myself to buy cous-cous and cheese rather than Pepsi and popcorn. And I had good 2 euro seafood (shrimp, crab, fish) pizza for lunch. I think I might be shrinking, I mean losing weight, because of all the walking I do between my third story bedroom and the rest of the city. But then again, French milk and cheese isn't skim...
In other news, I bought my first baguette this morning for 0.47 euros (75 cents). I convinced myself to buy cous-cous and cheese rather than Pepsi and popcorn. And I had good 2 euro seafood (shrimp, crab, fish) pizza for lunch. I think I might be shrinking, I mean losing weight, because of all the walking I do between my third story bedroom and the rest of the city. But then again, French milk and cheese isn't skim...
Monday, September 24, 2007
You can't take that away from me
It was a long weekend of various youth groups each night since Thursday and I accidentally made the mistake of "oui"ing ("yes"ing) too many uncomprehended questions so it looks like I have to go to another family's house for lunch today and apparently their son is going to give me a French lesson... but it's my day off and there's nothing I'd rather do than hide in the foyer and read English books. Granted, thus far, every family I've visited has been great, the introvert is ready to come out full force.
Thus, let's have some thankfulness time. I'm thankful for:
-Erik's last email which just made my day
-English books
-this computer lab
-the good, cheap Turkish food around the corner served by nice men
-a single bedroom
-comfortable sweatpants (am I getting desperate for ideas?)
-encouragement from Dad and Mom
-an invitation to dinner from a new friend, anonymously mentioned earlier
-youtube
-the Alps
-the coffee machine downstairs (I now spend 80 cents = approx. 1 dollar on coffee a day rather than 3.86 at Starbucks... P.S. John Hollenberger, I miss you being my supplier. Having learned that, please don't attempt to mail me a JavaChip frap because I don't think it'll work although of course I would have enjoyed it. :-)
(my attitude is getting better already)
-no broken limbs
-a check remimbursing me for food which I just need to figure out how to cash
-the ability to learn
**The fact that God loves me dispite my inadequacies.
During one of the youth group meetings that I wasn't understanding, I tried Kenny's suggestion to pray in the midst of unrecognizable language (good idea, especially when it's not directed at you). Then I started thinking, I should make a list of the things that I've accomplished so that I can remember that I'm not completely an idiot. First, I have a B.A., made Dean's List, deaned HOPE camp, started an a capella group, got my GS Gold Award, always got good grades, ... ah, wait a second. None of that really matters. The most important thing is that God loves me. Not because of what I've done, but because I'm His child. And you can't take that away from me. Not even in France by insisting that everyone speak French to me.
Thus, let's have some thankfulness time. I'm thankful for:
-Erik's last email which just made my day
-English books
-this computer lab
-the good, cheap Turkish food around the corner served by nice men
-a single bedroom
-comfortable sweatpants (am I getting desperate for ideas?)
-encouragement from Dad and Mom
-an invitation to dinner from a new friend, anonymously mentioned earlier
-youtube
-the Alps
-the coffee machine downstairs (I now spend 80 cents = approx. 1 dollar on coffee a day rather than 3.86 at Starbucks... P.S. John Hollenberger, I miss you being my supplier. Having learned that, please don't attempt to mail me a JavaChip frap because I don't think it'll work although of course I would have enjoyed it. :-)
(my attitude is getting better already)
-no broken limbs
-a check remimbursing me for food which I just need to figure out how to cash
-the ability to learn
**The fact that God loves me dispite my inadequacies.
During one of the youth group meetings that I wasn't understanding, I tried Kenny's suggestion to pray in the midst of unrecognizable language (good idea, especially when it's not directed at you). Then I started thinking, I should make a list of the things that I've accomplished so that I can remember that I'm not completely an idiot. First, I have a B.A., made Dean's List, deaned HOPE camp, started an a capella group, got my GS Gold Award, always got good grades, ... ah, wait a second. None of that really matters. The most important thing is that God loves me. Not because of what I've done, but because I'm His child. And you can't take that away from me. Not even in France by insisting that everyone speak French to me.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Truth May Come Out...
Miscommunication #16 of the Day
Characters:HEATHER- the only American in the room and who only understands about 98 percent of French conversation directed at her; has been in France for 21 days
CORALIE- a great 17 year old who is kind, helpful and patient with the language barrier
Setting:
A high school church youth group meeting. Everyone is sitting on chairs in a circle. Each person is describing what happened this summer for their partner. HEATHER is trying to internally practice her prepared sentence about CORALIE's summer. She hears the French word for Canada and tries to smile as if it is great that the twins apparently visited Canada this summer.
(CORALIE leans over to HEATHER)
C: Did you understand that?
(H shakes her head)
C: He said that they saw a beer in Canada.
(The room has become silent except for H's translator and everyone looks at H to see her reaction.)
H: A beer? In Canada?
C: Yes!
H: That's it?
(H refuses to be impressed. Further conversation continues in the group while H processes the information)
H: Oh, a bear! A bear in Canada! Ah!
(H uses hand motions to describe what she thought Coralie meant...)
_________________________________
Visited the world's largest paragliding festival, Coupe Icare, yesterday and greatly enjoyed watching the take-offs and acrobatics while my face got sunburned.
*If you want to get on my bad side, tell the person in the middle of a conversation with me to stop speaking English.
**Also, so the truth comes out, I am in fact an emotional person. I think the only people who really know that are my parents, especially Mom, Ree Enlow and HOPE staff. Tricia probaly knows too. Luis saw me breakdown once. If people here don't stop stopping communication with me in a language I understand, there are going to be a lot of Frenchmen who learn that I'm emotional too.
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