A Thankful Heart

I want to be honest- Thanksgiving week was one of my hardest weeks here. Somewhere in between too short Face Time calls on bad wifi connections and numerous Instagram posts of families reuniting for the holiday, I felt lost and lonely. Why didn’t I have what everyone else did? Discontentment develops quickly when we focus on what … Continue reading A Thankful Heart

My Global Life

I was inspired this week by a series called This Global Life, where women living in countries different than the ones they grew up in share the everyday realities of their lives. The honesty, humor, and contentment of these women, no matter where they are, inspired me to borrow the idea and share a day in my … Continue reading My Global Life

Hospitality

Feeling at home is a foreign concept to me as I live here in France. Cultural differences often make it hard to feel completely welcome. Things are rarely comfortable and safe enough to call home. Even as I continue to adapt and adjust to life in France, I still do not quite feel the sweetness … Continue reading Hospitality

Small Joys

Study abroad is often about the magnificent- the grand weekend trips to new cities, the new friends from all over the world, the spontaneous adventures that I’ll tell my grandkids about. I enjoy these big things- they are fun and exciting. I am so glad that they are a part of my time here in France. Study … Continue reading Small Joys

Up and Up

Studying abroad is a rollercoaster. It is an initial high of excitement followed by a long fall in confusion and discouragement. It is being humbled at the bottom, and moving upwards into growth and adjustment. What a joy it is to say that I am finally on the up. The past seven weeks have been … Continue reading Up and Up

Reveling

I’ve gotten into the habit of reveling. I like to sit in awe and revel in the beauty of the things around me, of the sweetness of a moment. Ultimately, I like to revel in the good things God has given me. I like to take the time to listen to the dear truths He … Continue reading Reveling

Daily Bread

Every morning in France begins with a fresh baguette from the boulangerie down the street from my apartment. A brisk morning walk, a satisfying crunch, an embarrassed laugh at my flour-covered lips. Morning breakfast has already become a consistent and treasured routine. I suppose it would be easier to buy a loaf of sliced bread … Continue reading Daily Bread

New Beginnings

These past two weeks has been challenging, humbling, and memorable. Being in France has not been easy- my French is rusty, I have not yet mastered meal times, and the school system is completely different. I am often reminded of my newness as I feebly attempt to tackle course registrations, bank accounts, directions, and cell phone … Continue reading New Beginnings