Thanks to the resurrection of Christ it is not a dead religion that ties us down but a living God that sets us free; it's not about formality but about family; it's not a religion but a relationship; it delivers us from vice and gives us victory ! So let us live the resurrection each and every day and as Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change that we wish to see in the world" (Matt. 28:19-20).
March was a very fulfilling month. I really enjoy my classes. The students really began to become a unit and friendships are forming. God has presented several clear avenues for sharing the gospel. I have reconnected with friends from two semesters ago. I have made new French friends. We have seen progress and answered prayer at the church plant. The mission trip to the Ivory Coast is quickly approaching and future plans are beginning to take shape !
I've never before taken a course on litterature and am surprised at how interesting I find it. It's amazing how the most minute detail can convey so much meaning and how all the different threads of a piece of litterature are woven together to form a magnificent tapestry. What is more, I have come to realize that the French see their language itself as cultural monument, a master piece of the centuries, something to be protected, revered and proud of. It is a passion. Vocabulary, verb tenses, sentence structure, historical and cultural references, even rules are the paints of an artist to be used to create a linguistique Monet.
A particular class that enjoy is history of the French language. (It's actually thanks to the professor of this class that I've had several opportunities to give the gospel. In speaking about the history of the language, he speaks about Christianity and as my classmates know that I'm a believer they ask me after class if what he said is accurate. Enter the lesson. I never would have thought that a prof would open the door to sharing the gospel, haha.) To see and understand how a language transforms and reflects a people's history, culture, thought is incredible ! That's why for my 20 page essay I chose the title, Language and Culture : How a few of today's words reveal a change in French mentality since the last 70 years. You're probably laughing and rightfully so. It's a daunting task but nonetheless an interesting one. God willing I can gain through this project a more profound understanding of who the French are and why. As interesting as it is, the paper is like a giant (but cute and cuddly) monster looming over me... especially since I must hand it in early because of my trip to the Ivory Coast. Add to that a sermon to prepare before I leave and things get quite heavy.
I have all my meds and vaccinations, tickets are purchased and a rendez-vous at the embassy is scheduled to acquire our visas. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to experience, serve and learn about the French church in another contexte. What I'm not looking forward to is the 93 degree weather... plus humidity, haha. This mountain boy's going to melt away ! We leave the 13th of May and return to France the 23rd. Two days later... exams :( It's going to be a great, but stressful time.
After this I will go to Camp des Cimes in the French Alpes again in July and return to the States the beginning to mid August. What I envision from there is reconnecting with my home church, Rocky Mountain Bible Church, family and friends, and working through December. From there I am pursuing a year at Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, MO where I hope to get my Frontier School of the Bible credits accredited and graduate at the end of 2011 with a BA in intercultural studies.
Ciao !
Prayer Requests : 1. To be salt and light to the world 2. Open hearts to the gospel 3. Diligence and courage for my classes, paper, sermon and exams 4. Preparation of team to the Ivory Coast and the work there 5. Open eyes to God's plans for the future : "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbe 16.9)
Praises : 1. Christ's resurrection !!! 2. New life !!! 3. Opportunity to follow the pre-university programme 4. Opportunities to share the gospel 5. Chance to go on a mission trip to the Ivory Coast 6. Received my long stay card (which means I can stay for a month of camp) 7. My nieces Mya and Caro (Caroline)- Mya can now say "tonton," uncle in French !!!
once again as i read your blog i feel like our journeys are so similar! love reading about your love for language and the French! i have a new classmate - a 75 year old french lady! she's amazing and i find learning about the french culture very fascinating! i'm headed back to the states for a while and doing the CBC thing too...have you looked into doing online courses with them? it looks like i can get my BA by taking 30 credits online and 3 credits in Kansas City through one of the intense 6-wk courses they offer. i worry about spending too much time away from "the mother land" and plan to move back after Christmas 2010 (i hope i can finish up any remaining CBC classes online from here). thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI actually thought you could only do online courses if you'd already been there once. In any case it'll be ok since I'd like to reconnect with family, friends and former churches. I can graduate in one year with a BA in intercultural studies by taking 32 of their credits. With my year of community college, three years at FSB and then language here I have almost everything I need.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about being away very long. Scares me :s Thankfully God knows what He's doing. I'll look for other French people to practice with while I'm Stateside.
It's fun seeing your stories too. Anything cross-cultural is just very interesting.
Nathan and I are SUPER excited to hear about your opportunities to share Christ in your history class! Sweet! It'll be nice to see you when you get back this summer. :)
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