Village Quilter

Reflections while waiting at Terminal 1 at CDG

2011-06-13T22:40:00.002+02:00

Recently I was at the airport to pick up a group of American ladies coming to France. I had a good location in front of the doors at customs, leaning on the railing along with a row of other chauffeurs. All of us were holding our little signs, waiting for our people to come out. It is a great chance to observe people and let one's mind drift.

It is easy to pick out the frequent travellers and business men. They have almost no luggage and walk out the sliding doors talking on their cell phones. They have no need to look around or check signs. They stride with purpose off to the next important thing, impatiently pushing passed the confused, lost and waiting masses.

Then there are the long separated lovers. On our side of the doors there are usually two or three people pacing back and forth anxiously, sometimes holding flowers, craning their necks to see who is coming out next. It is a beautiful moment when The One walks out. The recognition and joy on both faces makes everyone smile as they embrace and kiss and go off with arms tightly holding the other.

Most of the travellers seem to be couples on vacation. When the doors slide open they have to make a choice. Left or Right. I believe that how a couple navigates this first decision predicts how the rest of the trip will go. (It really doesn't matter which direction you go, but you do need to go or you block everyone behind you trying to get out.) Most people just follow the flow of the group in front of them. For a while everyone goes left. Then there is a break and everyone goes right. Some couples choose this moment to start the first fight of the trip. Each one stubbornly clings to their belief that right or left is the correct direction to turn. It can get ugly.

I make at least 50 trips to the airport every year. There are lots of very strong moments in my life associated with this particular terminal of this airport. I remember arriving in Paris as a little girl with my parents, sleeping in the terminal with little Will on our way home from Africa, arriving ten years ago when moving to France, rushing home to Kansas to say goodbye to Dad before he died, sending my first-born off to college, meeting new people, saying goodbye, going on my own adventures, travelling alone, with the family, with a group. My mind is drifting everywhere. Where was I? What? Oh, those ladies are pointing at my little sign and smiling. Introductions are made and luggage carts are pushed to the elevators and to the van. Mission accomplished.

Tuesday night at Carrefour

2011-05-04T22:32:00.002+02:00

Men in suits with tiny children picking up something on the way home, working moms with carts filled to the brim doing the family shopping for the week, a few extended families helping Grandma get her groceries, two little boys excited about their new nintendo game, young people who hadn't grabbed a basket and were carrying a couple of items more than they could handle, a man still in his paint splattered coveralls cooing at his tiny baby in the stroller: Carrefour hypermarket before closing on a Tuesday night. I hate going to the store after a day at work, after the rush to fix dinner. I feel like I'm sleep walking and have to call home three times to be reminded of why I had to go. But observing the other types of people trekking through the aisles made it more interesting.

For some crazy reason I usually do my shopping on Saturday when the whole town is crammed into our little local mall. Super Target and Super Walmart are not originally American inventions. France introduced the concept of hypermarkets 30 years ago. Carrefour is one of the largest chains in the world. Hypermarkets are usually the anchor store of shopping malls. One other tidbit you need to know: Carrefour is closed on Sunday. This is why everyone is bumping carts and fighting over the fresh strawberries on Saturday.

October 31

2010-10-31T22:54:00.006+02:00

Today I was trying to impress upon my son the historical importance of October 31. 493 years ago today, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the Wittenburg door, launching the Reformation. I considered dressing up as the door and allowing people to post their theological points on me (using post-its, of course).

The conversation worked its way around to Halloween and the ways the day is observed in France and the U.S. Luke is 18 now, and I thought he was ready to hear a shocking truth about Halloweens past in the Austin home. Mark and I were always somewhat ambiguous about the holiday. While having lots of happy memories of dressing up in goofy costumes and gathering oodles of candy filled our minds, times had changed. Concerns about safety and some underlying discomfort with the darker side of the holiday tempered our enthusiasm. When the boys were small we decided that we would dress up and distribute candy. (In those days the boys were always in costume. They wore capes constantly)

Now this is where the great revelation occurred. Mark and I also agreed that if the boys ever asked to go out trick or treating we would let them. So back in those halcyon days of the 90's, in Orlando, the boys would be thrilled with each group coming to our door, pillow cases wide open. They would laugh and dance about, giving candy to all. Never once did it occur to either of them that they could also be going door to door gathering goodies. Ergo, they never asked to go. And we never asked them if they wanted to go. Passive parenting. Maybe I should write a book.

Luke stared at me in disbelief. I believe the words "what cruel parents" passed his lips. How long will it take to regain his trust, to restore his love and admiration?

Oh, and why do they call those little candy bars "fun size"? Fun size for me would be HUGE bars of chocolate. I'm just saying.

Who Am I?

2010-10-17T07:55:00.002+02:00

Sanguine, phlegmatic, otter, ENTP, blue square, secondary leader, spokesperson, strategic, woo, includer, big picture, and a number between 1 and 9. (Sorry Mom, I can't remember which one you said I am) And I believe that I'm either a "summer" or a "winter".

Beginning with my training to be an RA at Kansas State University and through various employers and even pre-marital counseling I have become an expert in taking tests to discover my strengths, passions, gifts and how nasty I can become when stressed. Somehow I picked up a reputation for disliking these tests. Au contraire! It usually means I get to spend 15 minutes to half an hour answering questions about ME! My answers reflect the ME that I want the world to see. When the results are in I get to sit with my boss/team/spouse and talk about what it all means to ME! In some cases people I know have taken other kinds of tests and can label ME based on a series of numbers and/or letters that have no meaning to ME. But tant pis, as long as we are still talking about ME!

My favorite song of all time is Dancing Nancies by the Dave Matthews Band. (gee, I wonder why)
Here are a few choice lines:

Could I have been a parking lot attendant? Could I have been a millionaire in Bel Aire? Could I have been lost somewhere in Paris? Could I have been your little brother? Could I have been anyone other than me? Could I have been anyone? . . . I am who I am. I am. Who am I? . . . Could I have been Dancing Nancy?

Good question.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth--discerning what is pleasing to the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10

"The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ--seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him" Romans 8:16,17

For all the right reasons

2010-08-09T21:19:00.002+02:00

This evening I cried while I was cooking dinner. Now depending on how well you know me you are speculating and coming to conclusions about why and judging whether or not I should be crying whilst preparing supper. Maybe it would help if I told you why I cried. I made French onion soup and had to chop a lot of onions. Sniff. Sniff.
I have heard the phrase "for all the right reasons" in reference to contestants on the Bachelorette as well as the aid workers who were killed this week in northern Afghanistan. In my brain this also linked to the Francis Schaeffer book I'm reading and onion soup. Bear with me here.
First the Bachelorette; actually I have never seen this show but I love to read blogs about it. Young attractive people are often accusing other attractive young people of being there "for the wrong reasons". It gives one pause. In the moral universe that is reality TV how does one discern "right and wrong". Discuss amongst yourselves.
In circumstances on the opposite side of the world geographically and morally, were the tragic deaths in Afghanistan. Some people seek to judge whether the expat workers were in the country for the right reasons. Who is qualified to make this judgment? These precious saints did not seek their own glory, gave up family, comforts of all kinds, financial gain and security in order to serve others, the poorest of the poor, the most desperately needy.
A few years ago I was in a Central Asian country helping out with a crisis management training amongst expat aid workers. These men and women each had a conviction that God had called them to this far corner of the world to serve the people there. Each had also come to grips personally with the possibility of facing death even though they served "for all the right reasons". They sought to please God; not man.
Which brings me to my point (finally, I think). Only in a universe where a good God has made Himself known through a revelation to man created in His image can we have any hope of knowing the difference between right reasons and wrong reasons. Our brothers and sisters who laid down their lives in a foreign land were most assuredly there for the right reasons. And I pray that others will rise up to shine as light in the darkness and spread the love God.

I know. I know.

2010-07-27T17:01:00.006+02:00

The deal is that sometime around his 14th or 15th birthday he was supposed to transform into a hideous creature called a teenager. My understanding was that door slamming, moodiness and a penchant for insulting his parents would make me dream of the day I could ship him off to college.

Instead he became really cool, thoughtful, funny. The kind and gentle heart he demonstrated as a cute little boy only grew kinder, gentler. He developed insights to God and the world around us that challenged me and helped me grow as a person.

His musical talent and sensibility made it a joy to lead worship with him at church. Watching MTS3K with him and laughing at the same stupid jokes made him more like a friend than a jerk that I had to cook for and clean up after. He often would have to patiently correct my French, or my attitude. Always with kindness and understanding.

In two days we will drive to the airport, hug and say goodbye until Christmas. He is launching into an amazing future. We have no doubt that he will do much good in this world. I keep reminding myself that this is what we've raised him for. This what we have all done to our parents at some time or other. And we have two others still at home--almost as good as him.

But, dang. I'm going to miss that kid.

Snapshots of the Expat Life

2010-03-26T20:05:00.002+02:00

What folly drives the expat? Little things become big things. Silly things become our quest. If they build it we will come.

A couple of weeks ago our eldest brought us exciting news that a Subway Sandwich shop had opened in a nearby mall. What joy! The menu he brought home announced an incredible deal for breakfast for only 2 euros. So, Saturday morning all five Austins piled into the car to bask in the prefab glory of an "American" restaurant. Oh! What deception! Our friendly neighborhood franchise does not open for breakfast. So we had to settle for the totally amazing bread and pastries at La Brioche Dorée

Next stop at the mall was the FNAC where the Princess purchased a CD she had been longing to own. (Owl City--which is not a band; it is just one person. I don't get this trend of solo artists having odd band-like names: Iron and Wine, Coeur de Pirate, Never Shout Never) Anyway, handsome hubby was drawn to the discount bin. For a mere 10 euros our family came to own Boston's Greatest Hits, Steve Miller Band, Eagle's Deperado, M Ward and the Princess Bride soundtrack. (Hubby observed, "It's just like music from the movie")

So on a random note; we listened to "More than a feeling" in the car on the way home. Luke went with some school friends to see a movie where George Clooney kills goats through ESP. That song was played during the credits.

So there is a snapshot of a random Saturday in the lives of these expats.

also, Go K-State!

Listen

2010-02-28T20:12:00.002+02:00

Recently our eldest had a bac blanc for his philosophy class. After the 4 hour exam he joined us at the office for lunch. (as he often does, much to his mama's joy) I asked about his exam. He had to write a paper about a text by Locke about property and ownership. Someone in the kitchen asked him if he disproved the philosopher's ideas. Will pointed out that the purpose of the exam was to display that he truly understood what Locke believed. For some reason this really struck me as a wonderful excercise. What if, instead of instantly seeking evidence to prove others wrong, we actually listened to others and first displayed that we understood what the other was saying?

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T19:02:00.002+02:00

Goodbye 2009. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Do I want to reflect on it all? Yes and no. New challenges, loss, joy, pain are part of the past. They probably will stick around for the next year as well.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, oh God? How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them they would outnumber the sand. When I awake I am still with You. (psalm 139: 17,18)

This year I want to remember every morning that I am with God. And knowing His thoughts is the most significant thing I can do this year. Obey His voice.

Nick, Joe and Kevin Fever

2009-06-23T22:17:00.002+02:00

They came toward us flowing with the crowd leaving the concert. The princess was sobbing, bangs plastered to her forehead, damp with sweat. I hugged her and asked her what was wrong. "I saw Nick".

Nick JONAS, that is: the cute, sensitive one from the Jonas Brothers band. The princess and her best friend from school had been anticipating this big concert for months. At the last minute I bailed out and only acted as chauffeur. Our 25 year old friend accompanied them in my place. Happily, Katie is a much more accomplished concert goer than I am. She knew how scope out the best spot by the stage. The girls were all three close enough to claim, "Joe looked right at me; so did Nick." As a bonus, another Disney star, Demi Levato was the opening act. Evidently it was stinking hot in the Zenith that night. Plus they were all squeezed together in the crowd. Security men were passing out water. Young girls were just passing out. This is where Katie's skill was most appreciated. During the final song, "Burning Up" little Rose passed out--and the Princess was on the verge. Katie successfully navigated them to the first aid section to join all the other girls who had "seen Nick" and were recovering from the experience.

After all they had been waiting a couple of hours outside before the doors opened--standing in the sun. When we dropped them off Luke took one look at the thousands of girls and said, "I'm starting to think maybe I should go to this concert." But Amy had the best quote of the night, "This is the second happiest day of my life--just after my wedding."

1. I sure hope she marries some day so she has something to live for now.

2. Where did I get a daughter who screams, cries, and passes out over a musician?

So Close and Yet So Far Away

2009-06-07T13:47:00.002+02:00

Yesterday Will took his SAT exam at the American School in Paris (which is actually in the posh suburb of St. Cloud). If there is anywhere in the world where he should feel at home one would think that a High School, in France, where Americans go to school would be it. So close and yet so far away. He felt very different from the kids in the exam room; felt strange answering questions by filling in little ovals; didn't have enough time to finish his essay on the topic of "must there always be losers; or is win/win(/win) possible. He got deep into philosophers and religious ponderings through the ages and ran out of time on his very last sentence. So close and yet so far.

I had four hours to kill ; so I drove around looking for a place to plug in my computer to finish some urgent stuff. Whilst cruising around Paris looking for a friendly Starbucks, I saw police presumably preparing the route for Obama and Sarkozy to get out of Paris and to their helicopters for the D-Day commemeration. Probably the only time I'll be in the same city as the Obamas. So close and yet so far away.

On my way to pick up Will after his exam I drove right past Rolland Garros while the women's final match was beginning. So close and yet so far away.

I watched all the ceremony held at Colleville sur Mer for the 65th anniversay of the Normandy invasion. My mom was only a few 100 km from where all those veterans in their 80s and 90s landed so long ago. So close and yet so far away. It was a beautiful ceremony.

Blessed are you when they persecute you . . .

2009-03-18T22:37:00.003+02:00

He sat at the table across from us, smiling, comfortable, friendly, dressed in a dress shirt, tie, jacket. Since he has only been a France a couple of years and does not yet speak French or English fluently an Arabic friend joined my colleague and me to translate for the job interview. Since the job involves spiritual work like answering letters and e-mails about Christ, the first question was to ask for his testimony. My colleague asked in French, "When and how did you come to know Jesus?" Ali translated the question in Arabic.

His eyes softened. He relaxed in his chair and spoke to us of his wife. He was not a Christian; she was a devout Christian. She never argued with him, but was always sweet and patient with him. Ali struggled to translate--she was the odor of Christ to him. They couldn't have children; yet he was obviously a devoted and loving husband. After 10 years of marriage he embraced his wife's faith--making it clear that this was his own decision. He began to attend church with his wife and even started to attend at times without her. This caught the attention of the authorities in his country. He was arrested. After some time he was released and they arrested his wife. For one month they tortured her. She died. He was allowed to come to France as a refugee. He has not stopped trusting and loving the God she introduced him to.

He took out a tissue and touched his moistened eyes.

We paused a long time, weighing the cost this man has paid for his faith, sharing in his grief, awed by our God. How do we go on to question 2 of the interview questionnaire?

Learning Phonetics

2009-03-04T22:30:00.002+02:00

Everything I learned about Phonetics I learned in Byblos. This charming ancient fishing village on the coast in Lebanon is the place where the Phoenicians invented the first phonetic alphabet. The Greeks later named the village "Book" (Byblos). So you can thank the amazing Phoenician people for the fact that you don't use hieroglyphics to type, write, tweet or text. Cool.

Ponderings from the Sewing Machine

2009-03-04T20:53:00.003+02:00

Working on a quilt affords me plenty of time for pondering. This week I've been on a roll making a flying geese quilt out of a collection of African fabrics. It's looking pretty wild. Anyway for a while I was praying for the young man for whom I'm making the quilt. Then my mind wandered.

I thought about hope. Hebrews 6:18-20 speaks of hope. Verse 19 says, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil . . ." In what do I really place my hope? Is it in our High Priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens? (7:27)

I thought about the French high school girl that died in the bombing in Cairo, the nine people who perished in a Turkish air flight in Amsterdam. We don't control very much in life, do we? God is sovereign. I am not.

I also thought about the next quilt; sneaking peaks at the fabric and pattern that will one day be more than an image in my mind. Better get back to the machine.

25 Random Facts about my trip to Turkey

2009-02-12T23:31:00.003+02:00

1. A kitty sat next to me on a flight

2. Turkish Air has good service and decent food.

3. A film about the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper is as interesting as it sounds.

4. I sat in a middle seat that split down the center. When the girl on my left leaned back to sleep half of my seat went back with hers. No, it was not comfortable.

5. My friend Hiroko speaks at least 5 languages and reads 4 kinds of alphabets.

6. She reads right to left, left to right and up to down.

7. and plays piano and sings beautifully.

8. I'm not jealous at all.

9. Hazelnuts are a gift from God. (learned from an ad by the Turkish Hazelnut Producers)

10. No one in the world should be denied the benefits of hazelnuts. (from same ad)

11. People love to sing in their own language

12. CNN scares me. I've grown accustomed to subdued European news reporting

13. I was paged at the airport as Mr. Augustine Nancy

14. 3 times.

15. My duffle bag ripped open right after I checked in.

16. The plastic bag they stuck it in also ripped, but nothing fell out

17. I wish I spoke Turkish (and Arabic, and Farsi, and Russian)

18. Mark and I passed each other going opposite directions in planes somewhere southwest of Istanbul.

19. Our brilliant plan to switch places being home with the kids by flying on the the same day fell apart when I missed my connection in Istanbul and had to stay the night there, leaving the kids alone.

20. I learned my kids don't need me as much as I need them.

21. It is hard to enjoy a free night in a hotel when you are thinking about your kids being alone.

22. It is also hard to enjoy a free night in a hotel when the wake up call rings at 2:30am, 3:30am and 4:00am when you really wanted to get up at 4:30am.

23. The Istanbul airport has 2 Starbucks. Is that right?

24. Turkey leads the world in pickled products

25. It is good to be home.

Will the Gaffs Ever Cease?

2009-02-12T22:59:00.002+02:00

Okay, so I was at Will's high school, outside the homeroom teacher's door, waiting with other parents and students to go in and receive report cards. Will was a few blocks away at the music conservatory about to perform with a jazz piano group. As the wait grew longer those of us in the hallway got antsy and started complaining about how much time the teacher was taking. I mentioned that Will had a concert now. The chatting stopped. One mother gasped and put her hand on her mouth. A young girl cried, "No!". I thought their reactions were somewhat overdramatic. Actually, I had mispronounced "concert" and said instead, "Will has a cancer, now." We cleared up the misunderstanding. But I still missed Will's concert.

Two weeks ago at church we had put up blank sheets of paper on the walls for people to draw little pictures of things they are thankful for. As I was explaining the exercise I wanted to say, "You don't have to create a work of art". Instead I said, "You don't have to creat a goat of art."

I don't really speak English that well either.

Opposites Attract

2008-11-24T21:46:00.002+02:00

Anyone that knows me as well as my husband can quickly discern that we are opposites in many ways. One time I met a respected "Auntie" from Sudan who has known Mark for many years. The first time she saw me, she grabbed me hugged me and said, "I'm so glad to meet you! We've always wondered what kind of woman was married to Mark!" This has happened to us many times.

In October Mark invited me to accompany him to the annual Gala banquet for his magic club. It was very interesting to meet his fellow prestidigitators. We sat at a table where a lively discussion regarding the care, training and feeding of doves was under way. This seems to be a hot subject in magic circles. In any case, it caused me to reflect lovingly on all Mark endured at my choir dinner. He actually had to sing Elvis (I Can't Help Falling in Love w/You) and Home on the Range. With me. In Public. I'm grateful that he doesn't expect me to perform in his magic act.

A few weeks ago I lost all my keys. Of course I lose my keys many times a week; but this time they were missing for two weeks (the Princess found them sitting next to the computer--didn't I look there 100 times?). Mark always hangs his keys on the hook next to the front door. He placed the hooks there for this purpose. Why don't I just put my keys there? he asks. I don't know. Maybe it's the ringing phone, the bags of groceries I'm carrying, or just plain old irresponsibility. One day we were in the car, discussing again where the keys could be. I hung my head in shame and said, "I'm just a big mess-up". Mark reached over and patted my knee and replied lovingly, "That's okay, honey, we're just opposites."

We both started laughing as he added, "You know, I mean that in the best possible way."

Opposites attract.

Reflections While Waiting for the Train

2008-09-23T20:44:00.002+02:00

Well, to be fair these are not my reflections. Today was going fine; I was making progress on a translation project at work. Just as I was about to shut down and head home, I received two requests for help that in all of my overblown pride seemed to be "asking too much". After blowing off some steam to some colleagues (I can be a girl-doggie in two languages!) I rushed out to catch the train home, settled in my seat appreciating the isolation and time for thinking this mode of transport affords. All of that to introduce a translation of a cool little essay written by Will last week in French class. He got a good grade and the teacher read it out loud to the class. (He posted it in French on his Facebook wall)

It is possible that the train is the thing that brings together and concentrates in the least amount of space, yet the most intensely, all of the great diversity of the entire earth. That is why sometimes in order to understand many things it is enough to go sit in a train station.

A train heading to Malesherbes stops at the Evry-Courcouronnes station. It is one of those trains with two levels with more seats, which remains, however, insufferably full for the reserved French. The doors open. The people waiting on the quai step back to let flow the mass that exists the train. Someone tries to graciously get off with his bike and heads to the exit. Those in a rush make a little jump while leaving the train. Some business men pass by, with their ridiculous "bluetooths"; not far behind files out some gypsies who are surely begging. A man helps a lady who pushes a stroller with her baby inside, before getting in the machine himself. One woman is wearing a Muslim veil, another wears a traditionally African colored dress. Some British tourists already are getting out their map and looking around them. Two teenagers with those faux-hawks, that they themselves will find ridiculous in a few years, listen intensely to their music on a cell phone (that ruins the sound, for those of you that don't know that).

And there are so many so many other people to notice, each having their own destinations, their own thoughts, their own lives. It is very impressive, when you think about it. But there is something else going on, which is very sad; rare are those who don't have this fixed stare, empty and without emotion. For fear of those surrounding them, they act as if they see no one. Only people surrounded by friends and those who are not constrained by society seem to be at ease and comfortable. The whole earth is assembled in one place and we are too frightened by what others think to be ourselves, and to speak to others "ourselves". We prefer to rush on to return to the world that is familiar, yet is very restrained toward the real world.

Farewell, Sweet Summer

2008-08-27T09:44:00.007+02:00

The air has already turned chilly; we've bought school supplies; ordered bus/train passes; and are counting down the last few days of laziness. The past few weeks I've been working on the annual report for our office but am trying to be home every afternoon to be with Wuke (the boys have combined their names--Wuke even has its own facebook) and the Princess. So here are some random bits as we kiss "les grandes vacances" goodbye.

Two little kittens showed up in our office parking lot. In a moment of cuteness induced insanity I had a friend help me catch one which I brought home. So what if I'm allergic? Bingley is cute, and very active. Mark is completely in love. I remember when he used to look at me as he now gazes at his kitty.

One afternoon the kids tie-dyed some t-shirts. I had forgotten how treacherous doing crafts with children can be--no matter the age of the "children". I suppressed my neurosis about permanantly staining every thing in the house and some pretty cool shirts were the result.

Berry Warriors? We went picking blackberries (berries, not PDAs) in the forest. Wuke removed their shirts within two minutes and moments later were applying blackberry warpaint to their faces and chests. Will I ever understand boys? As we like to say, "Vous n'êtes même pas civilisés." The Princess and I kept our distance as they ignored nettles and thorns to get the best berries. We picked the easy ones.

So this morning we had blackberry muffins, tomorrow is Luke's 16th birthday. Summer's last hurrah. When did I get old enough to have two kids over 16?

They're Baaack

2008-08-06T16:51:00.004+02:00

The boys are back! They had a five week adventure in Mexico, made new friends, learned new things, spoke Spanish, shared their faith, helped the poor, lost clothes and money hither and yon. They arrived in Paris after a 30 hour delay (a cancelled flight, two very late flights and 24 hours at Chicago O'Hare in the unaccompanied minors room!). Happily they were with five females also returning from the project.

The most striking changes were 1. Luke is now strawberry blond. 2. Luke let a girl pierce his ear with a safety pin, ice cube and apple slice ala "Parent Trap" (we are happy to report that the hole is almost completely closed.) 3. Will wants to attend university in Mexico City. "But Mom! They have an AWESOME music department!" 4. Will wants to take a gap year after high school.

The parental units are quickly losing control! But we still think they are two of the most adorable boys ever!

Tour de France

2008-08-06T16:23:00.007+02:00

We just enjoyed a great visit from Mark's two sisters and one of his nieces. We took them to the usual places; Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, a chateau, etc. We saw a few uniques sites, like a constuction site for a 13th century chateau. They are in the middle of a 20 year project to build a medieval castle using only techniques of the time.

On the last day of the Tour de France bike race we went to the starting place and saw the beginning of the day's race. It was like the Cowley County Fair--a parade, celebrities, live television (well maybe on a little like the fair). The Princess nearly fainted b/c she saw the winner of Star Academy perform. "Quentin is even cuter in person!"

We also bopped over to Bruges, Belgium for a day and night, passing through a sliver of the Netherlands before returning to France. Everyone appreciated something different about the time; chocolate, the magnificance of Fontainebleau, the cuteness of Quentin, tour of a brewery, shopping. I loved hearing Mark and his sister reminisce about their childhoods. I also loved sharing a bit of our lives with them.

Not Alone

2008-07-22T15:00:00.003+02:00

God makes a home for the lonely . . . Psalm 68:6a

Our good friends, Don and Be are on their way home from China with their beautiful little girl, whom they have just met. They are great bloggers and allowed their friends and family to rejoice, cry and pray with them through this journey. Someone posted a comment with the above verse. Isn't it beautiful? We are not alone. At our little church we make a home for one another and a house of worship for our Lord. Nothing is too big or too small to share.

Mark prayed out loud that I would find my new glasses--which I've already lost. I felt my face go beet red. I so ashamed of losing such a valuable item. It also seems petty when some are facing far greater challenges. The Lord touched my heart to reveal my self-centeredness. What does it matter if everyone knows I'm a fool! After church, several people encouraged me, laughing and sharing tales of things they've misplaced.

I still haven't found the glasses, even after gathering up my last shreds of dignity to go ask at the Town Hall if anyone had turned in a lost pair. But, I am not alone!

*you can catch some of Don and Be's story at www.donandbe1@blogspot.com

Hurray for Chocolate and Friends and Switzerland!

2008-07-12T08:25:00.007+02:00

The house is soooo quiet since the boys left. We are eager to hear of all the wonderful works of God in them and through them as they reach out in love to people who need love and tender care.

The Princess, hubby and I skipped town for a few days to visit friends near Geneva. It is such a cool area. We drove over the Jura mountains, around lac Leman and visited a chocolate factory (free samples!) as well as a Gruyere cheese factory. Guess which I preferred?

Mark was thrilled to go with Sue to every thrift shop and junk store in a 30 km radius. As always he found some little treasures. I got to spend an afternoon with my friend Nada who is there for the summer with her family. She recently lost her mother and has faced many other hardships these past two years. We talked and cried and talked some more.

We love Switzerland, but home is pretty great too.

Identification

2008-06-23T08:32:00.004+02:00

Will followed up on his first concert, with an even more important day on Sunday. After seeking and praying, he decided a few months ago that he was ready to be baptised. He shared his testimony with the church and then was baptised by his dad. It was an awesome moment. He and his brother leave in one week for a month of ministry in Mexico City. We pray and trust that God will by His Holy Spirit bring to fruition the work that He has begun in these two cool guys. Yes, I'm proud.

First his testimony and then the baptism!--

A Big Day

2008-06-22T20:10:00.004+02:00

Saturday was a big day full of important events. The biggest event was TJ (Mark's nephew) and Kylee's wedding in Branson MO. We spent much of the day thinking of all the family gathered for this special day, wishing we could be with them. It was also Uncle Brother Will's birthday. That is always a big deal!

June 21 is also the national Fete de la Musique in France. While I was up singing with the old folk in the town auditorium, Will was giving a three song set at the much hipper outdoor stage near the train station. A bunch of town kids and some of Will's friends cheered him on. Check out his performance a song he wrote himself called "Peer Pressure". He dropped his guitar pick about halfway through--that explains part of his stage demeanor.

Sunday was an even bigger day for him--stay tuned!

Time Keeps on Tickin' Into the Future

2008-06-17T21:25:00.002+02:00

Today I picked up my first pair of prescription glasses. My! the computer screen is so much clearer! But it also means that age and time are creeping up on me. Just look at my little Princess. Six months from now she will be taller (and probably more clever) than me.

Some things, however, don't change all that much. My sweet roomie from college, Lia, came to visit two weeks ago. (she took the picture). Even though we have spent precious little time together in the past 20 or so years, her sincerity, faith, unique perspective and humor reminded why she has been a friend for all these years. One thing that I have missed is her way of describing the world around her. As an artist she speaks of line, form, color, space and perspective. I know that she opens my eyes to different ways of seeing and thinking.

So as we are winding down another school year, everyone getting bigger, smarter and older, I hope that I continue to grow, learn and hold on to dear friends!

From Ruins to a Mansion

2008-05-27T22:11:00.002+02:00

this story was in an e-mail received by my friend Ali from Nicodemus* who lives in N. Africa

As you ask and suggested I have sought God. I'm bowing before Him with all my heart and will, praying for Him to show me the truth. God heard me. He showed me through a dream.

I was sitting in a broken down house, one that was completely demolished. Before me I saw a beautiful house. I longed to move from the demolished house to the beautiful one.
A shining white cloud appeared and a voice said, "Stretch out your hand to Me."
"How? I can't."
"Try, if you truly love God."
I tried, but it was impossible. Because I could not reach Him though I tried and tried, He reached out to me and pulled me to the beautiful new house.
As He was leaving, I asked, "Who are you, my Lord?"
"Didn't you ask Me? I am the Lord, the Christ. You belong to Me now."
My life has changed.

*Name changed for security purposes

Aliens and Strangers

2008-05-19T22:09:00.002+02:00

My favorite husband is still off in Egypt. His trainees asked him to perform in the short films they are making for this media training. In one he plays a college dean, in another he plays a clown. Look out Sundance!

On the home front we had a plethora of church and office activities. On Saturday we took two neighbor girls to a church youth group. One of the French families brought a Spanish exchange student. I managed to communicate enough with him to learn that he likes neither Enrique Inglesis nor Juanes (his nose wrinkled at the mention of Ricky Martin as well).

That evening the tots and I helped with kitchen duty for some big dog meetings at our office. We served food prepared by our Persian sisters. As the Princess and her friends giggled and washed all the dishes I enjoyed listening to a conversation between an Algerian woman who has lived her whole life in France and an American girl that spent 18 years in France and has now completed her first year at the University of Michigan (see earlier post about her graduation). They both spoke on the phenomenon of being at home neither here nor there. As those great songsters, Switchfoot sing, "I don't belong here". It is comforting to feel solidarity in our alienation.

A Nice Day for an Outing

2008-05-12T20:59:00.003+02:00

Today was a holiday; the Monday after Pentecost. The hubby is out of town, the kids and I have hung around the house all weekend (two quilts are in progress!), the sky was bright blue, so an outing to Paris seemed the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Normally the kids go to Paris to go to America. They prefer Starbucks, Subway, movies and Ben & Jerry's. I foolishly proposed something more cultural. Our piano playing boy loves Chopin, so I suggested that we visit Chopin's grave at a famous cemetery, one where many other famous artists are buried. Chopin's tomb has a beautiful alabaster angel playing lute on top of it. An abundance of fresh flowers adorned the area all around. So far so good--yet I was unwilling to stop there! As I led the children up and down and around looking for Jim Morrison's grave one of them asked, "Who is he anyway?" Eventually we found it--it had been terribly vandalised, and compared to Chopin he wasn't really that great of an artist. None of the brood was very impressed. Well, maybe traipsing about a cemetery wasn't the best idea; but we did get out of the house!

Christian Zeal

2008-05-07T21:25:00.002+02:00

Dear Friends and Family,

After a long absence, I'm back! It took several weeks to get internet at the new house--and several weeks more for me to get back to my old routines. Today I'll just post a quote from Jonathan Edwards that I read this morning. (I'm progessing usually one paragraph at a time through this rich book, Religious Affections)

" . . . some are much mistaken concerning the nature of . . . Christian zeal. It is indeed a flame, but a sweet one; or rather it is the heat and fervour of a sweet flame. For the flame of which it is the heat is no other than that of divine love or Christian charity, which is the sweetest and most benevolent thing that is, or can be, in the heart of man or angel. Zeal is the fervour of this flame, as it ardently and vigorously goes out towards the good that is its object; and so, consequentially, in opposition to the evil that is contrary to it and impedes it. There is indeed opposition and vigorous opposition, that is a part of it, or rather is an attendant of it; but it is against things and not persons."

Follow up on Semsa's Quilt

2008-02-19T17:21:00.002+02:00

Since my last post we have moved into our new home (more on that later), I've gone to Turkey and back (more on that later), and passed the one year anniversary of Dad's death while continuing to mourn the loss of Karin. Sometimes life happens all at once.

However, I wanted to give an update. I met with one of the ladies who gave our quilt to Semsa. Semsa has been feeling very isolated and lonely. When she received the quilt she was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love. She said it was the most precious gift she had received. Thank you again to all who contributed in stitches and prayer. Continue to pray for her as the trial drags on, meaning that she has to relive that painful experience over and over.

Karin

2008-02-06T16:39:00.000+02:00

Karin was born and raised in South Africa. She spent many years as a biology teacher. Several years ago she went on a prayer journey to North Africa and knew God was calling her to commit her time to taking the Gospel to the world. Three years ago this confident, goal oriented, funny woman of faith arrived in France. I helped her in those early weeks to look for housing, get settled etc. She struggled with enormous culture shock in those early weeks--dealing with French, American and Middle Eastern cultures all at once (our team is a real melting pot). But Karin had great faith and an eagerness to learn new things and experience everything.

In three years Karin became our resident expert on France. Her keen sense of observation caused me to learn much about my own culture. Her dependance on prayer challenged me. She proved to be humble, teachable and full of perseverance.

Monday morning at our home was typical. The phone rang as I was brushing my teeth--no time to talk to my boss now--meeting this morning? no problem. Mark's boss called as well--we're late to drop off the kids--meet with him first thing? no problem. We got to the office and were taken immediately aside and received the shocking news. Karin was in an accident. She died at the scene. She's gone. But her desk is still there--her car, her apartment, she hadn't yet told me about her first trip to America, this is not possible. Karin had traveled to some of the most dangerous places on this planet. She had only gone to Colorado for a training. It was a Sunday morning. She was going to church. I miss her.

The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

The Bitter-Sweet Taste of Irony

2008-01-28T21:48:00.000+02:00

I was shocked to see that 3 weeks have slipped by since my last post. Our house has become a maze of boxes as we pack, waiting for that elusive moving date. One delay has piled onto another (will we ever understand how everything is supposed to work here?). But keeping our eyes and ears tuned to our Good Shepherd is faith building.

The headlines here in France have been blazing with a story that has made me chuckle out-loud. No, not Sarkozy and his heiress/model/popstar girlfriend. Societé Génerale, the bank that sifts through all their accounts, down to the most meager accounts in order to prevent and extract any undesirables, is enduring a scandal of global proportions. If you recall, our bank closed our account with no warning or explanation a couple of months ago. The explanation we finally received is that we were suspected of money laundering because every few weeks we deposited cash into our account. (to pay for things like rent, utilities, phone--shocking!) They were very keen to keep riff-raff like us out of their bank. Now it has been revealed that one of their young employees managed to play with 20 billion euros more than the entire worth of the bank and lost 5 billion euros (more than $7 billion). Well, at least they don't have to worry about us ripping them off.

Handsome Hubby has pointed out that it would be wrong to rejoice in the afflictions of others. He is so right.

I'm sorry, Societé Génerale for laughing.

La musique

2008-01-05T17:59:00.000+02:00

Happy New Year! Today we are taking down the Christmas tree. Monday the kids go back to school. Happily we had a very musical holiday with the following cds being given and received: Sufjan Stevens-Illinoise, Francis Cabrel-1997-2007, Phil Keaggy-Master and the Musician, Hannah Montana,LiveEarth (CD and DVD), Led Zeppelin-Mothership, Michael Buble-Call Me Irresponsible, The Beatles--the Blue Album, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Disney Holiday album and a four cd set of Christmas tunes. We are all wrangling for our favorite in the car, house, etc. The kids made a cd for family and friends called "Willsong--Christmas EP". The boys took the cash they received as a gift and doubled the wattage of their amplifiers. I now can feel the bass guitar in my teeth and through my spine. Guess we need to build a recording studio in the back of the house!

House Update--we still do not know the closing date! It will be around January 15 and we will move bit by bit through the rest of the month. I'm going back to packing now!

Meilleurs Voeux

2007-12-27T10:39:00.000+02:00

I sincerely hope that all of my fair readers have had a joyous Christmas. Our hearts (and our tummies) are full. We baked up a storm during the days leading up to Christmas--muffins and scones as a gift to the office folk, sugar cookies and gingerbread people for the church service, two pies and a yule log cake for Christmas eve. Yum. But the greatest joy has been celebrating the incarnation--Jesus humbling Himself, taking the form of a bond servant to sacrifice Himself for all of us--with friends and family. Happy New Year!

Bread of Life

2007-12-18T14:20:00.000+02:00

Christmas is coming! We've watched nearly all of our Christmas movies, started reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (for about the 10th time). Practiced and played music at a variety of events, shopped, baked and taken time to sit quietly and meditate on the meaning of it all.

This is the first holiday season since Dad died. Even though it has been many years since I've been home for Christmas, I still miss him keenly. Just yesterday I was struck with such a pain while I was in a check out line at a store. Can't predict when and where it will hit. Of course for my Mom and siblings this pain is very intense.

The past year has had many sorrows and troubles; but it has also been a year full of incredible blessings. God's presence, peace and purpose give meaning and joy in the midst of all parts of life.

This December I have been studying John 6 where Jesus provides for the multitude and declares Himself the Bread of Life. Jesus was born in Bethlehem which means "house of bread". He is the Bread of Life who has come down from heaven, sent by the Father. He alone truly satisfies. So as we look at the nativity scene, and sing beautiful carols and ponder the mysteries of the incarnation may we find our greatest joy and satisfaction in the Bread of Life.

Waiting for Thee

2007-12-01T23:12:00.000+02:00

Psalm 104 is one of my favorites. It speaks of God's creative power and His provision for all of creation. Verse 27: "They all wait for Thee, to give them their food in due season." Various trials and troubles have served these past couple of weeks to remind me to keep my eyes focused on the Provider. Some anxiety is linked to the shrinking value of the dollar against the euro. I've discovered that with some effort I can make a week's worth of groceries last 8 days--eliminating one week's grocery bill every two months! The big trial was being informed by our bank here in France that they were closing our account. The fact that we are foreigners being paid by a religious organization does not suit them. (This does not affect our housing loan, Praise God!) Monday we have an appointment to open an account with a different bank. Praying for and serving our national staff experiencing far worse trials really keeps things in perspective. We all are dependent on the Creator and Provider.

Can I count it all joy? In the power of the Holy Spirit may God accomplish the perfecting of my faith.

Cubicle Madness

2007-11-14T16:25:00.000+02:00

Working in an office setting can lead one to do silly things. Our office in particular feels a bit like being caught up in a lovely Kansas tornado. People coming, people going, crises, urgentmustbedoneyesterday-type issues. Sometimes we need to release a bit of stress. Recently, following a few days of craziness, my friend and I innocently googled "stapler in jello" (fans of The Office will understand) To our surprise there are many websites with step by step instructions on doing just such a thing. Dental floss is the key. We plotted and planned and giggled a lot. One day we placed the stapler in jello on Josh's desk. Well, we thought it was funny. The stapler still works.

A Quilt for Shemsa

2007-11-11T21:32:00.001+02:00

Last April many of us were deeply affected upon learning that Shemsa's husband, along with two other brothers were murdered. As we were grieving and praying for Shemsa and her young children the Lord put on my heart to make a group quilt representing the prayers and love of her sisters in Christ around the world.

Mark left yesterday for Turkey with this quilt tucked into his luggage, along with some notes from women that contributed to making this quilt. 25 women from 3 continents sent blocks for this quilt. It has been amazing to see the outpouring of compassion and love from so many women. After I put in the last stitch on the binding and spread out the quilt I got quite emotional. I pray that God continues to comfort Shemsa and that she feels God's presence as well as the love of her sisters in Christ through this token of our love.
For a recent update on Shemsa and the children here is an interview with her. http://www.compassdirect.org/en/display.php?page=news&length=long&lang=en&idelement=5049

I've Been Tagged

2007-11-10T19:42:00.000+02:00

I've been off of the blogosphere for a few weeks. My next post will tell why. The Quilter has been quilting.

My friend Be has tagged me for a middle name game. The deal is to say something for each letter of my middle name and then tag someone else. Here it goes:

J-azz music is my favorite. Love it.
E-nglish is my mother-tongue even though it is slipping these days!
A-nnie is my cool California friend who writes so eloquently
N-icole is my MOM and she is also very cool
N-eedles--have to have a sharp one for quilting!
I-ce cream is one of the greatest foods ever
N-orway is a country I would love to visit some day
E-very one in the world deserves a chance to hear the gospel!

Well, I'm not sure if I did that correctly--but Annie you are tagged!

Unexpected Common Ground

2007-10-15T15:37:00.000+02:00

Last Friday I was madly dashing about running errands before leaving town. (Never want to leave the hubby and tykes without making sure they have all they need) Anyway, I noticed that there were lots of children at the strip mall, with their parents, not at school. It came to mind that it was the beginning of the 3 day feast to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Instantly I recalled the feeling I have every year at Thanksgiving time, which is such a big deal for our family, a day that we let the kids skip at least half a day of school, but for the people around us it is a day like any other. I thought, this must be what it feels like for my Muslim neighbors to be celebrating one of their biggest holidays while everyone else is having a day just like any other. It is another day in the ex-pat zone.

Back to the Pyramids

2007-10-15T15:25:00.000+02:00

Hello from Cairo. I am back in the beautiful country of Egypt--at yet another conference. This time we are meeting with a few people who are director of operations for their national ministries. We are having great discussions and making progress on some important issues, but blah blah blah. That is surely not what you want to know. Of course you are wondering what happened in the Rugby semi-finals this weekend.

France lost
South Africa won

France Wins!

2007-10-08T17:51:00.000+02:00

Ah, the Monday sports news was glum for a KSU/Chiefs fan. The only ray of sunshine is the fact that FRANCE DEFEATED NEW ZEALAND! Now I realize that this is no news to Americanos. I scoured AOL sports and could find nothing about the Rugby World Cup--but it sure is BIG news in the southern hemisphere. I encourage you to do a YouTube.com search for the Haka, which the All-Blacks perform before each match. The French team were staring them down with determination and ended up winning the match. France faces England in the semi-final-- South Africa v. Argentina in the other semi match. Woo Hoo! Maybe it will be a France/South Africa in the final. Only in our own little bizarro world is that a thing worth pondering!

And the winner is . . . .

2007-10-06T12:57:00.000+02:00

The smile on her face revealed all! She won! As the highest vote-getter, our little Princess has entered the world of politics. The election was not held until Thursday, thus the delay in reporting the results. She is happy, but also serious about bringing justice for the sixth graders at Rosa Parks middle school. (yes, it is really named for the American civil rights hero)

In other news: The Austins took a HUGE leap of faith and signed a "promesse de vente" on a house in Villabe. The signing took 2 1/2 hours as the agent explained all the details in the lengthy documents we had to sign. So, after procurring a loan and going through all the legal and bureaucratic steps we will move in January to our own little nest.

Tonight "les Bleus" (France) face the "All-Blacks" (New Zealand) in the quarter final of the Rugby World Cup. We would love for either team to advance--we shall see.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present the next president . . .

2007-09-28T21:20:00.000+02:00

The Princess is running for "déléguée de classe"--sort of like a class representative. It is a crowded field with 9 of the 24 students in the running. Last night she was working on her campaign slogan. She wisely chose, "je vous écouterai sans vous insulter". (I will listen to you without insulting you) Today I asked her if she had insulted anyone at school. She replied, "No". I told her that it was a good thing to keep her promise. She answered, "I just said it; I didn't promise it."

The election is Monday. We'll have special coverage of the elections at le Collège Rosa Parks à Villabé. Don't miss it.

A Major Award!

2007-09-26T22:31:00.000+02:00

The most excellent Marko has won a major award! Last June I posted about his participating in a show at his magic club. The results are in! Mark won first prize! He has won La Coupe Meldini!!!! (we are still waiting to see what, exactly that is) As Heart used to sing, "he's a magic man".

I'm not sure if it is absolutely necessary for him now to always go out incognito . . . but what do I know?

Ready for worship?

2007-09-26T22:18:00.000+02:00

Worship, true worship, is manifested in many ways. We worship God when we share with one another how we have seen His hand at work. We worship when we express our dependance on Him in prayer. Of course, music is a fabulous way to proclaim God's glory. Lately it has been a great joy to have Will and Luke join me in leading worship at our church. I remember being encouraged when I was a young thing at playing guitar and taking part in the worship service through song. I pray that my children will have hearts that love to worship.

By adding another guitar and a bass we are free to experiment with a bit of percussion, and maybe some interesting sounds with the amp. Last Sunday, however we may have gone a bit too far. The kids and I were having such a good time during practice that I decided we could turn up the gain and push the little button that turns on the drive--just for the more rockin' songs. After church a friend came up and after sweetly thanking us for leading worship, mentioned that she heard some static during the singing. I sheepishly smiled and admitted that it was supposed to sound that way. Maybe our little church is not the place to let loose with wild guitar effects. We'll set the amp on "clean" next week.

Rugbymania

2007-09-14T21:16:00.000+02:00

It is World Cup time. This September/October it is the Rugby World Cup being played right here in France. Last weekend we watched the opening France/Argentina match. The next day we were completely mesmerized as the All Blacks of New Zealand crushed the Italians. It was essential that we all watch South Africa bury sweet little Western Samoa. The boys looked up all the rules on-line, found lots of high-light clips on YouTube, and voila, instant fans!

Tonight is South Africa/England--a true battle of the titans. Two of our S. African colleagues are at the match. We are scanning the crowd for a familiar face under a hat with horns coming out of it.

Honestly, this is not a game for the faint-hearted. Blood flows freely, these guys don't take breaks for beer commercials or time outs or gaping flesh wounds and they run headlong into the opposition without 300 lb blockers clearing the way. No heavy armour or helmets. It's awesome.

Team USA lost to Tonga.

Go Springboks

La Rentrée

2007-09-11T22:42:00.000+02:00

Ah, the end of the "grandes vacances". The neighbors' shutters opened one by one. The traffic in town and on the highway slowly increased to its normal congested state. The school supply aisle at the hypermarket became a scary place where we would dive into the crowd one by one as the more feeble stood by the shopping cart. Fresh ID photos are required for student cards, club cards, transport cards, lunch cards, and extras just because.

It is back-to-school time in France!

We now have three children in three different schools. The Princess (sixth grade) is going to the new middle school in our village. It is beautiful and new, but she was heartbroken that her two best friends are not in her class. Luke is finishing middle school in the next town over (french third grade, american 9th grade). Will is a second grader (10th grade US) at a high school in a town just up the highway from here. I'm sort of drowning in papers to read and sign, parent meetings to attend, and class schedules that are changing daily.

In France middle and high school students have different classes everyday. Things are further complicated by A weeks and B weeks--so some classes are only held once every two weeks. We are one week into the new school year and all three children had their schedules changed today. I don't even know what day it is anymore! Of course this could also be due to a big increase in the work load at the office.

John 14:1--Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God. Believe also in Me.

AMEN

Manpri Phenom

2007-08-30T08:34:00.000+02:00

(I wish to preface this entry with the observation that were I a French woman living in the USA, this post would be about brightly colored, odd-looking, rubber footwear in America)

Last week the family took a trip to a local amusement parks. By mid-day I realized that "thrill rides" no longer thrilled me. So I volunteered to hold the bag, rain jackets and camera as the rest of the crew rode "Thunder of Zeus". The wait was about an hour, so I passed the time snapping photos of grown men wearing capri pants--or manpris, if you will.

Ch ch ch changes

2007-08-24T21:49:00.000+02:00

Changes, have been occuring around this household. My oldest son is reading Plato's Republic rather than rushing to complete the latest Harry Potter book. He also will acquire his first bus/train pass, learning to be more independent as he takes off for lycee this year. Second son shocked me earlier this year when he expressed his preference for the film "A Beautiful Mind" over the CGI extravaganza "Spiderman 3". He is also growing so rapidly that I feel like a dwarf next to him. The Princess is now tall enough to go on every roller coaster at Parc Asterix. When did that happen? Our sweet kitty has picked up the carniverous habit of depositing mice, living and dead in our bedroom, eeewwww. My handsome husband has become even more striking by growing a beard. Our cell phone provider gave me a new portable phone this week. It takes pictures, organizes my calendar and even works as a phone! Finally, the old used washing machine died. When the sparkly new one arrives tomorrow it will have a week's worth of work to do! Ain't life grand?

There's No Place Like Home

2007-08-13T21:44:00.000+02:00

The kind lady turned to my children and asked them the question, "Where is home for you?" Such a simple, impossible question. After the usual awkward silence one child answers with conviction, "France." Number two follows with equal conviction, "Kansas". Precious child number three offers, "With my dog and my cat."

Driving across Kansas last Wednesday for the last time this furlough, I was enjoying the beautiful rolling hills and open spaces as I pondered this question. You would think that after 20 years of changing continents every few years that the question wouldn't still trip me up. On the one hand I'm an American, born and raised in Kansas. The place is so familiar. All of our family live there. Mom is even in the same house where I grew up. Every turn of the corner stirs up memories--yet--so much has changed about the place and about me.

Now we are back in Villabe, we've lived here for more than six years now. This place is also full of memories and important relationships--but I will never be fully at ease here either. I will never be fully French.

There are other places, people that I miss so much that it aches. Are any of those places "home"?

Inevitably as I ponder this issue the answer comes roaring to my mind. I am a pilgrim, an alien in this world. This life is a journey to our eternal home, feasting with Jesus, in the presence of God the Father, delighting in Him forever. I will continue to enjoy this journey, happy for God to teach me all He has for me along the way, wherever we live; but I won't forget that my final destination is in the Kingdom of God.

Satisfied with His likeness

2007-06-26T23:01:00.000+02:00

We leave tomorrow for Kansas.

Yesterday and today have been a flurry of preparation; with two unexpected trips into the US Embassy in Paris to get Princess an emergency passport. Yesterday on the train as I was praying, telling God that I didn't seen anything redemptive in losing a passport, it seemed God was impressing on me to not miss out on the blessings of the day by stressing about the potential problems and hassles. It made a huge difference in my attitude.

Today was a great day. I made it to Paris and back, got the emergency passport, picked up a very happy Will who thinks he aced the brevet (exams), successfully completed his inscription to high school and confirmed the apartment we want to buy is reserved for us until we get back in August and work out the financing. The house is tidy and the bags are mostly packed. We are thankful.

This is the verse that jumped out at me on the train this morning: Psalm 17:15 "As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake."

Psalm 84:4

2007-06-23T23:31:00.000+02:00

This verse has stuck with me all day--isn't it beautiful?

"How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house! They are ever praising Thee."

I was thinking of Dad, Necati, a friend of a friend, all who recently passed to the other side. They are ever praising at the throne of God. But so are we who are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And tomorrow wherever we gather to worship it will be the Lord's house, His body. Let us ever be praising the Lord.

This 'n That

2007-06-22T15:14:00.000+02:00

Well, it has been a very full week. Mark had several performances of his unique brand of magic. Here is a picture of him performing for a competition--and below is what one finds hanging over the bathtub when it is time to bathe the rubber chicken:

We've had school programs, school registration, music rehearsals and field trips. Yesterday we sent off the first two family members for furlough. The three of us that remain had the Fete de la Musique last night. Will was great as an accompanist and soloist. Our chorale also performed. Now all we have to do is get Will through exams and find the Princess' misplaced passport. The house is getting clean during the search.

On top of all of it we think we have found an apartment right here in Villabe to purchase! I appreciate you praying for this big step. There will be updates as we move ahead with this project.

Below I've posted the three quilts I've finished recently. Now I need to put together some hand work to take to Kansas next week--see you all soon!

2007-06-22T15:04:00.000+02:00

2007-06-22T15:02:00.001+02:00

2007-06-22T15:02:00.000+02:00

Pomp and Circumstance

2007-06-12T21:45:00.000+02:00

This past weekend our little ex-pat family gathered to celebrate a somewhat American high school graduation. In France, high school ends with a series of very difficult exams, the results of which one discovers sometime in July. There are no robes, funny hats or relatives crammed onto stadium bleachers. So, to make up for the lack of pomp and circumstance, our team has a tradition of conducting a graduation for those who will be going off to the U.S. to university. It is always a bittersweet time full of sharing, blessing and prayer. Here's a picture of me with this year's grad and the quilt I made for her. The back is a fabric that has a Paris map all over it. (check out the picture of everyone studying the back of the quilt!)

I shed many tears at the graduation. We all live far from our extended families and hometowns. The team becomes a sort of surrogate family. The children of my colleagues are like nieces and nephews--they are almost like siblings to our kids. We have spent Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays and other special moments together. Like any celebration of a life's passage, there are tears, but we all love a day together rejoicing at God's faithfulness in the life of a godly young person stepping out into the world.

I'll attach one more picture--this is all of the kids. Can you find my three?

Piano Lessons

2007-06-08T07:48:00.000+02:00

If May is the month we love because of the endless parade of holidays; June is the month we dread as it seems to last forever. The school term doesn't end until early July, so June represents exams, evaluations, and the sun rising at 4:30am, setting at 10:30. (Trying to get some shut-eye is a challenge!) So, we imagine all American children happily riding their bikes, climbing trees, swimming in the pond, while we trudge off to school and work; the Grandes Vacances being a barely discernible haze in the distance.

Did I mention evaluations? Will had a piano evaluation last Sunday morning (!) which was Mother's Day (!) playing a piece by Debussy (!). Due to church commitments we missed hearing him, but rushed to the school to hear the comments. What happens is that 6 to 7 students in his group are all called in before the 4 person jury (parents stand around awkwardly) and each student steps forward to have their musical faults pointed out to them. (The parents look at their feet, the ceiling, anywhere, praying that their kid won't get as humiliated as that poor kid getting a public flogging) Will, always positive and optimistic had no fear as he stepped before the jury. Pointing at his feet which were adorned with his favorite African market flip-flops, she said that you must always wear proper shoes--especially when using the pedal--especially when playing a very fragile pastorale Debussy piece. (otherwise he did well) Hubby and I swallowed our giggles as our son smiled sheepishly. Evidently his shoes flipped, flopped, slapped and slid all over "The Shepherd". Afterwards we patted him on the back. At least the lesson was an easy one to apply. Now he has been invited to play the same piece on a grand piano for the "fete de la musique June 21. Lesson learned.

Living in De-Nile

2007-05-30T10:13:00.000+02:00

The hubby and I just got back from a conference in Cairo. While we had truly informative, helpful meetings during the day; we also got out to see some sites in the evenings. There were about 80 of us exchanging information and ideas about how to communicate the Gospel in some of the most difficult places in the world. The participants engage in letter writing, telephone counseling, internet ministry, and even tv and radio production. Mark did a presentation answering some technical questions and discussing statistical trends. During the meal times and our treks out to the pyramids I was thrilled to connect with several of the women, encouraging them and learning how to better pray for them. One woman is fearful of another war in her country this year, one woman is discipling a girl who is being beaten by her family, another wants to move to another country in the region to minister to women. Praise God for these faithful ones who continue to find their joy and peace in Jesus.

Leaving Comments

2007-05-22T16:09:00.000+02:00

Several people have told me that they had trouble leaving comments. I think I just fixed the setting which will allow anyone to leave a comment. It has been fun to be back in touch with so many friends.

Hey, Don, You are right. Blogging is habit-forming!

Amazing Grace

2007-05-22T15:52:00.000+02:00

The month of May is the best of the year in France. We have a total of four public holidays; the 1st, 8th, 17th and 28th. That means that there has been plenty of time for things besides work. I mentioned in an earlier post that I've been quilting like crazy. There has also been time to engage in my other passion--music.

Last year I joined the Chorale of Villabe. We practice every Wednesday night. Along with the fun of singing in a choir I also get the scoop on village goings-on. Most of the 40 people in the Chorale are retired and have lived in Villabe for many years. Last Wednesday we performed at the inauguration of our new town auditorium. There were speeches by local dignitaries, performances by children, string ensembles and the local theatre group. Finally it was our turn to take the stage. "Amazing Grace" was one of the four pieces we performed. As the only native English speaker in the group it was my duty to teach my fellow choristes how to pronounce all the words to all four verses. Let me tell you, it was no easy task! But as we performed I think I was beaming with just a bit of pride as we got through it. (how sweat ze zound). It helped to make up for all the times I sound dopey singing in French!

That you may excel all the more

2007-05-19T14:59:00.000+02:00

A few years ago I studied I Thessalonians during my devotions. Chapter 4 v. 1 struck me as the central theme of the epistle "Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more." This last phrase has been rattling around in my head all week. Maybe it's because at work I have been immersed in Excel spreadsheets. It makes for a lousy pun--but a good life lesson. So many things that I do every day; drive kids to school, wash dishes, prepare Excel spreadsheets are outwardly so mundane. But God wants to sanctify, make holy these divers activities.

God wants me to worship Him. Every morning for the past few weeks, while I sit at the table enjoying my coffee, I ask Jesus to show me how to worship Him in the midst of each thing I have to do that day. It sure has helped my relationship with the computer--and the people who ask me to spend several hours a day working on spreadsheets! So today, I have to mop, do laundry, cook for a women's dinner at church (and sing two songs!); Lord, may I worship and glorify you--that I may excel still more.

The Village Quilter Quilts

2007-05-16T16:29:00.000+02:00

Quilting is one of my great passions in life. I love the feel of soft cotton fabric, the excitement of putting colors and textures together and the inspiration that comes to me in the middle of the night for the next quilt. Sometimes quilts make me weep. Last year my dear husband good-naturedly tagged along with me to a major quilt show in Lyon, France. One exhibit featured quilts all with the theme "I Remember Mama". We both cried looking at some of the fabric art we saw. All of that to say that quilting is much more to me than cutting fabric up into little pieces and sewing them back together. It is a way that I express love, celebration and mourning.

My sewing machine is on a desk at our bedroom window and I have a great view of our village and the valley and town beyond. When I am sitting there it is one of the times when I am still, contemplative, serene. I pray for the person that will receive the quilt.

This week I am on a quilting rampage. Evenings, I am handstitching binding on a Log Cabin quilt for our guest bed; after posting this message I will cut out the borders for a giant Dutch Rose pattern baby quilt for Souad and Mamdou's baby they adopted in Morocco; and I just ironed the fabric for a coffee-themed Irish Chain quilt for a friend graduating from lycée--going off to America for University. It is all so energizing!

I am the Village Quilter!

2007-05-13T15:34:00.000+02:00

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T15:25:00.000+02:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I miss being with you. Today is not Mother's Day in France--I have to wait until June 3rd here. We don't have Hallmark reminding us that it is coming up. One year the Princess drew me a pretty little picture. T.C.T. #2 signed it, T.C.T. #1 put his initials on it. I still have that one hanging in the kitchen.

Well, here's to all the Moms getting fresh refrigerator art! Have a special day!

Two Terribly Cool Teens and a Princess

2007-05-13T15:21:00.000+02:00

Cool teen #1 (in the middle) was called "Madame" at the store yesterday. He thought it was hilarious.

Today we bought him a hat from Mali (where he was born) in a French village and had Turkish doner sandwiches for lunch. He thought that was really cool.

T.C.T #1 played electric guitar at church this morning. It thrilled him to turn the amp sound to "dirty" on the last song. I have to admit--it sounded cool.

T.C.T #2 played electric bass. He is shy about it but it adds a lot to the Austin family band. (Mom still just plays acoustic guitar)

Welcome to my blog

2007-05-11T15:29:00.000+02:00

It seems irrational for me to start a blog. I am a terribly poor writer and a great procrastinator when it comes to keeping in touch. But I thought perhaps if I had a place to share thoughts, experiences and random musings that my writing would improve and my thinking become less muddled. Also, I am asked from time to time, "what is it like to live in France?", "what do you do?", and "what is a typical day like?" Now I can respond with my blog address!
So, for what it is worth--welcome from the Village Quilter.

The Princess and me

2007-05-08T12:34:00.000+02:00