Things We've Learned
What we've learned about France:
1. It's dry, sunny, and pretty warm in Aix-les-Bains (we were expecting humid, cloudy, and cold) - it's quite similar to Colorado; which we love!
2. It takes longer to do things, which has its benefits and drawbacks. The benefits are that the lifestyle of others helps us slow down. It helps us focus on relationships and not just tasks. However, you can't get a bank account in just one hour. It takes days or weeks to get bank accounts, set up cell phones, and get apartments.
3. Not everyone rides their bikes with a baguette in their backpack. In fact, several families we have met make their own bread to save money. Either way, all the bread we've had has been pretty tasty.
What we've learned about ourselves:
1. We like to be in control. We have a hard time letting others make decisions for us. Right now we are very dependent on other people, and this is sometimes difficult--especially coming from a do-it-yourself mentality in the United States.
2. We really like France. The food, people, and region have been very enjoyable so far. Yes, we do not understand everything that is being said, but with the help of many people, we are learning more French (though most people are speaking English to us at this point).
3. We need the support of others. We could not be here without the support of people who have sent us here, are coming with us on this journey, and those who are in France guiding us (both financially and relationally). We desire all these relationships and are thankful for them.
What we've learned about God:
1. He is a God who provides. And He is faithful in taking care of us. So many things have been taken care of for us that we do not have control over. Financially, God has moved through so many generous people to bring us and use us here.
2. He wants us in Aix-les-Bains. We are seeing how God has directed us here, prepared a place for us, and has plans for us. Hearing the vision of the church and meeting our teammates has also been an encouragement as we connect with their goals and visions for ministry.
3. God's will is better than our will. Easier said than believed. It is easy to sing about trusting God, waiting on Him, and declaring His sovereignty; it is harder to believe and live that. But as we are seeing God's timing and His will, we begin to see why His plan works out better than our plans would have.
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Last night we sent an email update. If you missed it, you can view it here. To receive future updates via email, please sign up here.
1. It's dry, sunny, and pretty warm in Aix-les-Bains (we were expecting humid, cloudy, and cold) - it's quite similar to Colorado; which we love!
 |
| We had the opportunity to enjoy the mountains for a few hours. |
2. It takes longer to do things, which has its benefits and drawbacks. The benefits are that the lifestyle of others helps us slow down. It helps us focus on relationships and not just tasks. However, you can't get a bank account in just one hour. It takes days or weeks to get bank accounts, set up cell phones, and get apartments.
3. Not everyone rides their bikes with a baguette in their backpack. In fact, several families we have met make their own bread to save money. Either way, all the bread we've had has been pretty tasty.
What we've learned about ourselves:
1. We like to be in control. We have a hard time letting others make decisions for us. Right now we are very dependent on other people, and this is sometimes difficult--especially coming from a do-it-yourself mentality in the United States.
2. We really like France. The food, people, and region have been very enjoyable so far. Yes, we do not understand everything that is being said, but with the help of many people, we are learning more French (though most people are speaking English to us at this point).
 |
| Raclette - a favorite meal of ours, but not an easy word to say! |
3. We need the support of others. We could not be here without the support of people who have sent us here, are coming with us on this journey, and those who are in France guiding us (both financially and relationally). We desire all these relationships and are thankful for them.
What we've learned about God:
1. He is a God who provides. And He is faithful in taking care of us. So many things have been taken care of for us that we do not have control over. Financially, God has moved through so many generous people to bring us and use us here.
2. He wants us in Aix-les-Bains. We are seeing how God has directed us here, prepared a place for us, and has plans for us. Hearing the vision of the church and meeting our teammates has also been an encouragement as we connect with their goals and visions for ministry.
 |
| Muriel and her family have been such a blessing to us! |
3. God's will is better than our will. Easier said than believed. It is easy to sing about trusting God, waiting on Him, and declaring His sovereignty; it is harder to believe and live that. But as we are seeing God's timing and His will, we begin to see why His plan works out better than our plans would have.
_______________________________________________________________
Last night we sent an email update. If you missed it, you can view it here. To receive future updates via email, please sign up here.
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