So early Sunday morning (early meaning 8am)all three children and three adults packed into a French minivan and headed to England. The adults were armed with new toys, Where's Waldo, plenty of snacks and nappys and a portable potty. This portable potty turned out to be very crucial to a successful and hazard-filled journey. Hazard-filled due to the snow and ice. Successful because about every two hours, Alistair would cry out in agony, "I have to do a weeeee." The first stop, we pulled over on the side of the motor-way(free-way) and opened the boot (the back hatch) and Alistair was graced with a scenic snowy view. He did not view it that way and once again cried out in agony as flakes of snow pelted him. Alistair HATES getting wet. This continued throughout, about twenty minutes after every stop at a petrol station where Alistair would not do a wee, he would cry out. Marc possesses that particular male gene that must make good time, so you can imagine how this urked him. My favorite wee stop was when the portable potty was placed on the drivers seat and Alistair got to play driving and wee at the same time. Although, I do think he found the steering wheel a bit diverting.
We took the euro star over, which was pretty interesting and not at all what I expected. The cars drive onto it like a ferry. In 35 minutes you are in a new country. We stopped in Ashford and I introduced the Dubarrys to Starbucks. Which they loved. Then we travelled across the widest part of southern England to Kingsbridge, Devon. Kingsbridge is idyllic, I rarely use that word but it is the best way to describe it. It is at the end of an estuary where little fishing boats rest on the sand when the tide is out. On the north side is filled with beautiful English farms spread over rolling hills and complete with hedgerows, spray painted sheep and stone farm houses. To south is the English channel crashing into cliffs. Devon and the neighboring Cornwall are the setting of many pieces of English literature and it is not hard to imagine why. It is absolutely stunning and has a wild, untamed feel. It is tamed, but you can feel the history just under the surface and it feels like Druids or knights might come thundering over a hill at any moment. I know its probably just me and all of the books I've read, but is wonderful to see the landscape that inspires so many metaphors in literature.
The congregation is also lovely. I am staying with a sister who is the picture of hospitality. And after only a week here, I am privy to much of the congregations gossip. For example, one young sister was supposed to be proposed to last weekend, but her boyfriend was struck by a sudden illness that kept him in the loo all night and she returned unengaged. We are expecting a retry next weekend. It is nice to be a part of the congregation so quickly and I definitely plan on returning.
Next week, I will experience a different aspect of England with a visit to London. I am really looking forward to visiting the British National Museum, Victoria Albert, and St Pauls Cathedral. More to come. Bisous!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
I must build on Darcy's comment because that is really how I feel. Leaving your home doesn't mean you leave behind your friends, family, thoughts, ideas, past, dreams and alas problems. You are who you are no matter where you go. I did have a vague sense of this before I left and honestly was striving for a way to reinvent myself; but Darcy nailed it on the head; you must lose yourself then find yourself.
Right now all of you are still with me and I love it; I actually feel I get to chat more with you now than I did before I left! So keep emailing and keep commenting, obviously your comments inspire, amuse and encourage me; just like you all did when I was with you.
That said, I am sorry I have not done better to keep you updated. I did give myself entirely up to Paris. The week is a whirlwind of children and French lessons. Even the meetings and service are French lessons as the congregation has banned English in my proximity. (I am gaining in experience in miming and reading mimes-watch out next game night!)
By the way, I gave my first comment! It was "parce que Jéhovah est le Dieu de vérité." (Because Jehovah is the God of truth)Going to the English congregation in Paris is a real blessing. It is amazing how it good it feels to simply sit and listen. I really took it for granted in the states. Another aspect of our meeting I took for granted was the depth of material we cover and the depth in the comments of our brothers and sisters. The congregation in Paris is made of many zealous friends for whom English is their second language. When speaking a second language your thoughts have to fit into the words you know. Their english is not by any means broken and they are quite articulate; it is just very difficult to communicate the thoughts of your heart in your second language. Last Sunday I had the privelege to listen the the CO's last talk (I missed the majority of the public talk thanks to a strike affecting when trains run; very French). It was a talk I had heard with the last visit of a CO in the states. But given in very simple straightforward terms. At first, I was dissapointed. After the meeting I went to Chez Papa (Em, I think I had the salade you love so much!) with some friends who were very impressed with the CO's speaking ability. Through the conversation, I really got what we have in America and what our dear brothers are up against in foriegn speaking halls. Any strecthing of the depth and length and hieght you wish for really comes for your own personal study. It is vital for strenthening your faith! I had prayed to Jehovah on the way to the meeting to be strengthened and encouraged by the CO's talk and boy, was I! And what a lesson I hope to never forget; DO NOT take for granted the preperation and study that go into the parts and comments of our meetings and at the same time do not depend soley on the meeting for your encouragement and upbuilding. I know that has been said and said at meetings, assemblies and in our publications; I just really saw it.
The brothers and sisters are extremely friendly and welcoming. They are very accustomed to visitors coming and going from around the world and used to friends coming for a longer visit, like me. Their is no shortage of conversation and you are never left to stand akwardly by yourself. My first meeting I walked in and met a sister visiting from New Zealand. She is fluent in French and dearly loves the language. She was visiting with a friend from England, thus attending the English meeting. Her love of Jehovah and of the language afforded her a great privelege-she gets to give Bethel tours to French speaking visitors in New Zealand!
Saturdays I have devoted to wandering the streets of Paris. I did finally see the Eiffel Tower, have walked along the Siene to the Arc de Triomphe then along St Honore to the Louvre and Tulleries. My next area to explore will be St Michel and St Germain, then up to Montfort. The last couple Sundays I have gone to the English meeting then spend the afternoon with a good friend who has kindly taken me in and is showing me her Paris. Thank you!!
The last couple days have brought snow and it is breathtakingly beautiful. I have taken pictures and will get them posted, somehow...
Right now all of you are still with me and I love it; I actually feel I get to chat more with you now than I did before I left! So keep emailing and keep commenting, obviously your comments inspire, amuse and encourage me; just like you all did when I was with you.
That said, I am sorry I have not done better to keep you updated. I did give myself entirely up to Paris. The week is a whirlwind of children and French lessons. Even the meetings and service are French lessons as the congregation has banned English in my proximity. (I am gaining in experience in miming and reading mimes-watch out next game night!)
By the way, I gave my first comment! It was "parce que Jéhovah est le Dieu de vérité." (Because Jehovah is the God of truth)Going to the English congregation in Paris is a real blessing. It is amazing how it good it feels to simply sit and listen. I really took it for granted in the states. Another aspect of our meeting I took for granted was the depth of material we cover and the depth in the comments of our brothers and sisters. The congregation in Paris is made of many zealous friends for whom English is their second language. When speaking a second language your thoughts have to fit into the words you know. Their english is not by any means broken and they are quite articulate; it is just very difficult to communicate the thoughts of your heart in your second language. Last Sunday I had the privelege to listen the the CO's last talk (I missed the majority of the public talk thanks to a strike affecting when trains run; very French). It was a talk I had heard with the last visit of a CO in the states. But given in very simple straightforward terms. At first, I was dissapointed. After the meeting I went to Chez Papa (Em, I think I had the salade you love so much!) with some friends who were very impressed with the CO's speaking ability. Through the conversation, I really got what we have in America and what our dear brothers are up against in foriegn speaking halls. Any strecthing of the depth and length and hieght you wish for really comes for your own personal study. It is vital for strenthening your faith! I had prayed to Jehovah on the way to the meeting to be strengthened and encouraged by the CO's talk and boy, was I! And what a lesson I hope to never forget; DO NOT take for granted the preperation and study that go into the parts and comments of our meetings and at the same time do not depend soley on the meeting for your encouragement and upbuilding. I know that has been said and said at meetings, assemblies and in our publications; I just really saw it.
The brothers and sisters are extremely friendly and welcoming. They are very accustomed to visitors coming and going from around the world and used to friends coming for a longer visit, like me. Their is no shortage of conversation and you are never left to stand akwardly by yourself. My first meeting I walked in and met a sister visiting from New Zealand. She is fluent in French and dearly loves the language. She was visiting with a friend from England, thus attending the English meeting. Her love of Jehovah and of the language afforded her a great privelege-she gets to give Bethel tours to French speaking visitors in New Zealand!
Saturdays I have devoted to wandering the streets of Paris. I did finally see the Eiffel Tower, have walked along the Siene to the Arc de Triomphe then along St Honore to the Louvre and Tulleries. My next area to explore will be St Michel and St Germain, then up to Montfort. The last couple Sundays I have gone to the English meeting then spend the afternoon with a good friend who has kindly taken me in and is showing me her Paris. Thank you!!
The last couple days have brought snow and it is breathtakingly beautiful. I have taken pictures and will get them posted, somehow...
Friday, December 4, 2009
All By Myself
Thats not a bad thing. It forces me to speak French; which will have to be a topic for another entry. Oh la la. This last Monday I went into Paris all by myself. I felt quite confident on the train; thank you New York. In fact, I had a person ask me if it was the train to Montparsse. So that was good. Unfortunately, I took the slow train and so it took an hour to get into Paris. If I had caught the fast train it would have taken half an hour. The metro system is nice and easy to navigate, my only complaint is I haven't seen clear markings to go underground once you want to get back on the train. So I arrived at the Concorde station and came out right at the wheel in front of the Jardin de Tullerie with the obelisk, the Acr de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower behind me. I was overwhelmed, where would I start? I was also just trying to take in the fact that I was in Paris and free to do and go wherever I wanted and there was no hurry because I am here for a year! I decided to walk up and down the Champs Elysee and thought I would go to the Grand Palais afterward. I know its shocking that I didn't go straight to the Eiffel Tower, I just didn't. I just started walking. The Champs Elysees is beautiful. I started in the market and straight off got a vin chaud. Warm wine. I know, but its really good. Its actually kind of a holiday tradition. There are some spices added to it and its trés bon. Champs Elysee to me is the Times Square of Paris. I hope I haven't offended anyones sensibilities but thats the feeling I got. It is wider and with Parisian architecure, tree lined streets ect. But it bosts Gap, Sephora, McDonalds, Adidas and Nike. There is Luois Viutton, United Colors of Benitton, Mont Blanc; so there is some level of granduer. And it was nice to go into the Gap and Nike and STARBUCKS! Oh, getting a soy latte and a gingerbread loaf was heavenly and I chatted it up with a lovely couple from Ireland. But never fear I will become more Parisian and venture off into more obscure and adventurous places.
Later in the week, the Dubarrys were all sick, thanks to me; so I went to the meeting by myself. Well I rode with a very sweet couple who only spoke French. But it was good because I had to use the few words I knew and really listen. After the meeting, many brothers and sisters came up and it seems they have all decided I must only speak French. Even those who I know speak English would only use it to correct me. But the congregation is a safe place to practice and everyone is so patient and helpful. I feel like a child and everyone is waiting for me to speak. Even with the language barrier I am making friends.
I am really looking forward to this coming Sunday when I go to the English congregation in Paris and then spend the day with some friends who are locals and can show me their Paris!
Later in the week, the Dubarrys were all sick, thanks to me; so I went to the meeting by myself. Well I rode with a very sweet couple who only spoke French. But it was good because I had to use the few words I knew and really listen. After the meeting, many brothers and sisters came up and it seems they have all decided I must only speak French. Even those who I know speak English would only use it to correct me. But the congregation is a safe place to practice and everyone is so patient and helpful. I feel like a child and everyone is waiting for me to speak. Even with the language barrier I am making friends.
I am really looking forward to this coming Sunday when I go to the English congregation in Paris and then spend the day with some friends who are locals and can show me their Paris!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Spritual Life in France
So I've kept wanting to tell everyone about service, the meetings and the perception of Jehovah's people in France, but I keep thinking my blog entries are looong; so this one will be dedicated to that topic. Coming soon will be my first adventure into Paris ON MY OWN.
First the perception. I will do my best to describe it, but you must understand the French people and the culture is ironic and elusive; difficult to describe and I am only now being introduced to it. As a whole the nation is atheistic and the scripture at 2 Peter 3:3 definitely speaks to the attitude of the people to God. They ridicule his existence and those who beleive in him. Also, in order to protect religious freedom people are not allowed any religious paraphenilia in state run places. For example, children in school cannot wear crosses around their necks. Women of Islam are accused of provoking debate for wearing their burkas. So you can imagine what people think of the Witnesses coming to their homes to talk of God. The Witnesses are also viewed as a cult. I guess Sarkozy was recently asked if he thought the Witnesses were a cult. His answer would be crucial becuase if he did it would open the way for those who would like to to have the Witnesses banned. Fortunately, he said they are a registered and recognized religion and left it at that. Now the Scientologists are in the spotlight.
The meetings and the congregation are a comfort, as I'm sure you all understand. The structure and the continuation of topics really helps my French and this week I will be preparing my first comment. This is a shift for me as I really didn't prepare comments at home. But now I am a child and my comments will sound like one. The brothers and sisters are very kind and very welcoming. Even the ones who can't speak English come and say Bonjour and try to have a conversation; although it often ends in us akwardly and dumbly staring at eachother. I have all the books in English and French and flip between both. Except the song book. I sing in French, which is really fun!
Service is also very much like home. Although the thought process behind the apathy is different the response is the same. We mainly buzz at apartment buildings. Helen doesn't like to do homes becuase everyone has gates and its especially akward as the householder has to come out of there house and open the gate and most will not bother. Also, the Dubarrys do not take all the kids out at the same time. First of all, it would be very challenging. Also, the French find it particularly apalling to have children out in the ministry. So Marc goes out on Saturday and takes one of the children and Helen goes out on Monday and takes another. So they make it work.
I am so thankful to work for the Dubarrys and that they are Witnesses. I really can't imagine what it would be like to work for non Witnesses in this capacity. Its doable and many Witnesses do do it, but I feel very protected spiritually. Marc is an elder in the hall and the family is at the "center" of the congregation so I am very well looked after.
First the perception. I will do my best to describe it, but you must understand the French people and the culture is ironic and elusive; difficult to describe and I am only now being introduced to it. As a whole the nation is atheistic and the scripture at 2 Peter 3:3 definitely speaks to the attitude of the people to God. They ridicule his existence and those who beleive in him. Also, in order to protect religious freedom people are not allowed any religious paraphenilia in state run places. For example, children in school cannot wear crosses around their necks. Women of Islam are accused of provoking debate for wearing their burkas. So you can imagine what people think of the Witnesses coming to their homes to talk of God. The Witnesses are also viewed as a cult. I guess Sarkozy was recently asked if he thought the Witnesses were a cult. His answer would be crucial becuase if he did it would open the way for those who would like to to have the Witnesses banned. Fortunately, he said they are a registered and recognized religion and left it at that. Now the Scientologists are in the spotlight.
The meetings and the congregation are a comfort, as I'm sure you all understand. The structure and the continuation of topics really helps my French and this week I will be preparing my first comment. This is a shift for me as I really didn't prepare comments at home. But now I am a child and my comments will sound like one. The brothers and sisters are very kind and very welcoming. Even the ones who can't speak English come and say Bonjour and try to have a conversation; although it often ends in us akwardly and dumbly staring at eachother. I have all the books in English and French and flip between both. Except the song book. I sing in French, which is really fun!
Service is also very much like home. Although the thought process behind the apathy is different the response is the same. We mainly buzz at apartment buildings. Helen doesn't like to do homes becuase everyone has gates and its especially akward as the householder has to come out of there house and open the gate and most will not bother. Also, the Dubarrys do not take all the kids out at the same time. First of all, it would be very challenging. Also, the French find it particularly apalling to have children out in the ministry. So Marc goes out on Saturday and takes one of the children and Helen goes out on Monday and takes another. So they make it work.
I am so thankful to work for the Dubarrys and that they are Witnesses. I really can't imagine what it would be like to work for non Witnesses in this capacity. Its doable and many Witnesses do do it, but I feel very protected spiritually. Marc is an elder in the hall and the family is at the "center" of the congregation so I am very well looked after.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Ah Beautiful Parie
So I finally saw Paris. And everything good and beautiful you have heard about it is true. When I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time my heart literally slowed. It was how I imagine it is when you meet your true love. Honestly, Paris may be my true love. The Dubarrys and I drove around and saw Printemps and the Galerie Lafeyette; the Champs Elysees; the Grand Palais (where they were having a Tony Hawk exhibit; hehe) and so on. Then we went to a Lebanese market and purchased some exhotic foods and spices.
The food here is incredible. I was worried becuase what I knew of French cuisine is that it was butter, butter, butter and cream and cheese, none of which agrees with my stomach. But the French cuisine is really about simplicity and moderation. The french enjoy food for how it tastes and do not like to confuse the palette with too many spices or too many options. I've had things like mussels, smoked salmon on bread with creme fraiche, and today I had my first French pizza. We went to a restaruant where a man made individual delicious pizzas. Mine had anchovies on it! I had never had anchovies, and honestly I didn't love them. Too salty. But the rest of the pizza was wonderful. The waiter chose our wine which was grand; in the French way, which means a big wine. So very full and rich and red. I think one of my favorite thinge is wine all day long!
The waiter could tell I didn't speak the language and kindly switched to English only to encourage me to not waste time and practice speaking French. The people here are very kind. I do think Americans do not fall into the prettiest stereothype (thank you George Bush), but they are happy when we come over, not as a tourist, but to learn the language and culture. They are happy to help any willing students learn how things should be done. So far I wholeheartedly agree with the French and am a grateful student.
PS: I will have pictures, we are having trouble getting my computer hooked up to the internet. So please be patient and thank you for the comments; its good to here from you all!
The food here is incredible. I was worried becuase what I knew of French cuisine is that it was butter, butter, butter and cream and cheese, none of which agrees with my stomach. But the French cuisine is really about simplicity and moderation. The french enjoy food for how it tastes and do not like to confuse the palette with too many spices or too many options. I've had things like mussels, smoked salmon on bread with creme fraiche, and today I had my first French pizza. We went to a restaruant where a man made individual delicious pizzas. Mine had anchovies on it! I had never had anchovies, and honestly I didn't love them. Too salty. But the rest of the pizza was wonderful. The waiter chose our wine which was grand; in the French way, which means a big wine. So very full and rich and red. I think one of my favorite thinge is wine all day long!
The waiter could tell I didn't speak the language and kindly switched to English only to encourage me to not waste time and practice speaking French. The people here are very kind. I do think Americans do not fall into the prettiest stereothype (thank you George Bush), but they are happy when we come over, not as a tourist, but to learn the language and culture. They are happy to help any willing students learn how things should be done. So far I wholeheartedly agree with the French and am a grateful student.
PS: I will have pictures, we are having trouble getting my computer hooked up to the internet. So please be patient and thank you for the comments; its good to here from you all!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Bonjour mes amies! I have successfully crossed the ocean and arrived in France. Its been nearly a week and I am really enjoying my time here. The children are adorable, very intelligent and so sweet. My first night here the two oldest, Cesca and Alastair, brought me a pot of flowers and I can see that soon my walls will be decorated with bright abstracts by the talented Cesca.
Speaking of my apartment; I love it. It is a studio with a loft. There is a large sky light with a remote control shutter and a large window. I love the shutters. Every night I open the window and pull in the shutters, then close the sky light. Aparrently, the French sleep in complete darkness, they don't waste their time with measly curtains that will allow sunlight to creep in. The French decide when the day starts, not the sun. I think my favorite part of my apartment is the loft. We will be moving my bed up there today, then I will climb a ladder to get to my "bedroom." I'm sure you are all picturing a quaint old fashioned cottage, but actually the apartment and the main house are quiet new, bright, clean and modern.
I've also had my first French lessons. We are not allowed to speak any other language at all in the class; there are many languages present, including Spanish and Russian. So it is trés difficule because I can't understand the explanations of the language as it is all in French! But its good, I can see I will be picking the language up quickly. Already random new French words come popping into my head and pouring out of my mouth. I can't even escape it at night; in my sleep I dream about the language. I love how the French pronounce their "r's". Imagine a cat coughing up a hair ball. When I took French in college we were taught to pronounce our "r's" that way, but most of us didn't and those who did were viewed as pretentious suck ups. Now I have 4 year old Cesca pronouncing my name that way. But its so cute, I love it.
Finally, there is the congregation. Everyone is very friendly, I was mobbed after the meeting with bonsoirs. I didn't understand anything except sister, brother and truth. I did sing the songs in French and it was so much fun! I met a lovely couple who were a part of the recently split up English group. They are both pioneers and are very encouraging.
Ok, thats all for now. There is so much more to share, but this whole time I have been typing on an European keyboard and this post has gone on long enough.
Speaking of my apartment; I love it. It is a studio with a loft. There is a large sky light with a remote control shutter and a large window. I love the shutters. Every night I open the window and pull in the shutters, then close the sky light. Aparrently, the French sleep in complete darkness, they don't waste their time with measly curtains that will allow sunlight to creep in. The French decide when the day starts, not the sun. I think my favorite part of my apartment is the loft. We will be moving my bed up there today, then I will climb a ladder to get to my "bedroom." I'm sure you are all picturing a quaint old fashioned cottage, but actually the apartment and the main house are quiet new, bright, clean and modern.
I've also had my first French lessons. We are not allowed to speak any other language at all in the class; there are many languages present, including Spanish and Russian. So it is trés difficule because I can't understand the explanations of the language as it is all in French! But its good, I can see I will be picking the language up quickly. Already random new French words come popping into my head and pouring out of my mouth. I can't even escape it at night; in my sleep I dream about the language. I love how the French pronounce their "r's". Imagine a cat coughing up a hair ball. When I took French in college we were taught to pronounce our "r's" that way, but most of us didn't and those who did were viewed as pretentious suck ups. Now I have 4 year old Cesca pronouncing my name that way. But its so cute, I love it.
Finally, there is the congregation. Everyone is very friendly, I was mobbed after the meeting with bonsoirs. I didn't understand anything except sister, brother and truth. I did sing the songs in French and it was so much fun! I met a lovely couple who were a part of the recently split up English group. They are both pioneers and are very encouraging.
Ok, thats all for now. There is so much more to share, but this whole time I have been typing on an European keyboard and this post has gone on long enough.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
How this came about
So I realized when I was letting people know that I had a blog that many do not know whats happened. So here is the story. My friends Heidi and Emily were visiting from Canada. The three of us had been planning forever to move to Paris together. About this time, however, we had decided that it was most likely not going to work. So I was exploring other options, blah, blah, blah. Back to the girls visiting. Emily said she had an email from a friend whose sister was looking for an au pair. Ironically (as most things happen in my life) I had said I would not go to Europe as an au pair. I asked Em to forward it to me. Just to see. I emailed Helen and heard nothing back:( Then one week later, I got a phone call from Helen! And things kept working out. A lot of great things! I will be living in Rabouillet (30 miles south of Paris) in a studio apartment. I watch the Dubarry children on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Mondays and Fridays I will be taking 2 hours of French lessons and have weekends off! The Dubarrys are witnesses (yay!). I will be going to the French congregation with them for the congregation book study, school and service meeting. On Sundays, I will head into Paris for the Public talk and Watchtower study in English until I am fluent enough in French to handle it all at the French congregation. Helen says most of the brothers in sisters in the congregation in Rambouillet speak English and will be very supportive with me at the meetings and in service. Many friends over here are giving me some connections too. I feel very supported and blessed spiritually and materially. Everything has been taken care of. Whenever I felt it couldn't be done, Jehovah supported me through prayer, friends and the meetings. Its been wonderful to see how loving he and all my spiritual family are!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Getting Ready
So I'm getting ready. Thanks to Kristen I am packed! Thanks to Kimi and Heidi the perfect flight is purchased. I'm dealing with loose ends and watching any Parisian, French movie I can think of; from American in Paris to French Kiss. I really can't wrap my mind around what I am about to do as I have never even been to Europe. I can imagine Meg Ryan walking around France, but not me! Whatever my mind isn't dealing with my stomach is!
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