Here I am. Back from traveling europe... and I didn’t travel nearly as much as I had planned. I came back here early for two reasons: Wanting to figure out if it was possible to stay in France for a year, and coming to the realization that traveling just for the sake of traveling is rather empty. Relationship and community is what really makes the world go round, so when I looked at visiting all these different places, all I could see is being a tourist and taking pictures and spending money.
I am kind of missing traveling though... I’ve only been back here for a couple of days and I’m already longing for some new adventure.
After spending a day doing research, I have pretty much concluded that either I stay here and slightly bend the law a bit risking deportation, or I go back home and start from scratch doing it the legal way. Unlike the UK, France doesn’t have a volunteer visa, which really sucks. Wanting to reside in France for a year requires a long stay visa for a non professional. There is a laundry list of requirements and paperwork, and it has to be applied for in person, and in your country of residence. As much as I would love to just stay here and continue on with Bless, I think that doing it the right way is important. Besides, it’s probably not a bad idea to get Franke back to Spokane.
I definitely feel that spending a year with Bless will hold a lot of benefit for me, and I really think that it will open doors to other mission work and hopefully the ability to share my story with others. This trip over here is just the beginning I feel... and that makes me smile. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the next chapter. I still need lots of prayer, as I still have to make it home (hopefully without breaking down) and I still have to go through the process of getting the visa... which will take a lot of patience, as well as having to fly to San Francisco to present my case to the French consulate. I’m up for it though, cause it really feels like God’s hand is behind it, and if this is where I need to go and what I need to do, then I know that things will fall into place.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Napoli
Oh my FREAKING HOT. I really hope that its not going to be like this the rest of my time here. It is the kind of hot that paralyzes and prevents you from doing anything. Just walking around downtown this morning drained me, so here I sit, drenched in sweat wondering how to make the most of sightseeing in this heat. It's 37 degrees celcius, which is about 100 farenheit, and it is so humid that your clothes stick to you immediately after putting them on. Gross.
It's been awhile since I've blogged anything, so let's see... where did I leave off... oh yes, sitting in the Lacy on Rinke's computer contemplating staying in France for a year. I am still contemplating that, but have actually moved on to seeing if it can work, which involves getting a temporary visa and seeing if I will be able to change my return flight. "Yes, ma'am I would like to change my return flight from two weeks from now to a year from now" ... "no, no I swear I'm not crazy." I can't wait to see how that conversation is going to go.
So before I left the mission, I got an email from my uncles friend Christine in Paris, stating that she would love to have me stay. At first I was mostly exstatic at the thought of saving the 140 dollars that I would have spent on a hostel, but in the end I was blown away by her hospitality, and truely have a new friend in Paris. She took the time to actually meet me at the train station, show me around to places that not all the tourists go, explain all of the public transportation systems and how to navigate them, and on top of it cook for me every night and make me coffee and toast every morning! She was AMAZING. Plus we had many good conversations and some good laughs, and she helped me expand on my French a little. I couldn't have asked for more.
So on the day that I was supposed to leave, I woke up to an email titled "Flight cancellation" I was informed that because of a workers strike at the Orly airport, my flight no longer existed. So I went through all the hoops to see if I could change flights, and the soonest one that I found was for 3 days later, so I went ahead and opted to have the money refunded. Before searching for alterior ways to get to Napoli, I seriously considered just cancelling it all together, but after finding out that my flight out of Napoli was non-refundable, I reconsidered. So I ended up finding a bus ticket for the same price as what I paid for the flight... the only downside being spending 24 hours on a bus. According to the man on the phone, there was a few seats left on one leaving that night, so I paid and started packing. I said my goodbyes and took the 45 minute tube ride across town to the bus terminal, where the lady behind the counter politely informed me that there was no bus leaving for Napoli, and that I was booked for one the following night. So I ended up getting another day in Paris, but actually lost a day due to having to rearrange everything. So the next day we went for a long walk and saw a few more sights that I hadn't seen before we said our goodbyes for the second time.
The bus ride was not the most fun experience in the world, and it ended up being 26 hours due to a connecting bus being late. I didn't sleep at all, and I was too tired and grumpy to appreciate the countryside as we were passing it. However, I can now say that I've been to Milan, Parma, Balogna, Florence, and Rome... even if it was just for a few minutes at the bus station :) By the time I got off the bus and walked the 2.5 km to the hostel with a 50 pound pack on, I was officially dead. But not dead enough to not want a beer, so I went with a fellow Hostel mate to a local outdoor bar and had probably the best beer of my life. So now I'm updated for the most part... YAY. And I'm happy to have a new friend from Taiwan, and one from Hong Kong. PEACE.
It's been awhile since I've blogged anything, so let's see... where did I leave off... oh yes, sitting in the Lacy on Rinke's computer contemplating staying in France for a year. I am still contemplating that, but have actually moved on to seeing if it can work, which involves getting a temporary visa and seeing if I will be able to change my return flight. "Yes, ma'am I would like to change my return flight from two weeks from now to a year from now" ... "no, no I swear I'm not crazy." I can't wait to see how that conversation is going to go.
So before I left the mission, I got an email from my uncles friend Christine in Paris, stating that she would love to have me stay. At first I was mostly exstatic at the thought of saving the 140 dollars that I would have spent on a hostel, but in the end I was blown away by her hospitality, and truely have a new friend in Paris. She took the time to actually meet me at the train station, show me around to places that not all the tourists go, explain all of the public transportation systems and how to navigate them, and on top of it cook for me every night and make me coffee and toast every morning! She was AMAZING. Plus we had many good conversations and some good laughs, and she helped me expand on my French a little. I couldn't have asked for more.
So on the day that I was supposed to leave, I woke up to an email titled "Flight cancellation" I was informed that because of a workers strike at the Orly airport, my flight no longer existed. So I went through all the hoops to see if I could change flights, and the soonest one that I found was for 3 days later, so I went ahead and opted to have the money refunded. Before searching for alterior ways to get to Napoli, I seriously considered just cancelling it all together, but after finding out that my flight out of Napoli was non-refundable, I reconsidered. So I ended up finding a bus ticket for the same price as what I paid for the flight... the only downside being spending 24 hours on a bus. According to the man on the phone, there was a few seats left on one leaving that night, so I paid and started packing. I said my goodbyes and took the 45 minute tube ride across town to the bus terminal, where the lady behind the counter politely informed me that there was no bus leaving for Napoli, and that I was booked for one the following night. So I ended up getting another day in Paris, but actually lost a day due to having to rearrange everything. So the next day we went for a long walk and saw a few more sights that I hadn't seen before we said our goodbyes for the second time.
The bus ride was not the most fun experience in the world, and it ended up being 26 hours due to a connecting bus being late. I didn't sleep at all, and I was too tired and grumpy to appreciate the countryside as we were passing it. However, I can now say that I've been to Milan, Parma, Balogna, Florence, and Rome... even if it was just for a few minutes at the bus station :) By the time I got off the bus and walked the 2.5 km to the hostel with a 50 pound pack on, I was officially dead. But not dead enough to not want a beer, so I went with a fellow Hostel mate to a local outdoor bar and had probably the best beer of my life. So now I'm updated for the most part... YAY. And I'm happy to have a new friend from Taiwan, and one from Hong Kong. PEACE.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bethanie, Livarot and Lisieux.
I really wish that I had the time to write a small book here, because the last two weeks are deserving of one, but I figured at least a little is better than nothing. First off, France is beautiful. The architecture and landscape here are both amazing. It blows my mind that homes from the 16th and 17th century were built so well that most of them are still standing. It also makes me wonder how all of the sub-divisions in the states will be holding up in the next hundred or so years. Bethanie is a farm situated off of a narrow country road just a few minutes outside of the village of Livarot. It was originally a huge estate with the main manor about a mile away from the outbuildings. At some point in the mid 1800's the land was divided, and a new brick farm house was built right next to the existing outbuildings. The age of the outbuildings is unknown, but most likely 80-100 years older than the home. It's an area so thick with history it makes my head spin. Bethanie is a very special placed... a very blessed place.
13 days ago when the ferry was pulling into the harbor in Caen, something felt strangely familiar to me. It's hard to explain, but I felt something fall into place inside of me, like me being here was always meant to happen. Like I was somehow wired for this point and place in my life. This is going to sound crazy, but I feel like I was born with this inner connection to France, and being here has brought that to life in me. Needless to say, it's been amazing being here. We have been able to bless and love kids in need in the poor areas of Lisieux, but more than that, this mission has been about the inside of me and so much more. I can't even explain without writing a book, but it's all good things. God is rearranging things inside of me, and I'm looking at life through a totally different lens right now. I am not the same person that I was when I left home... but God's not nearly done with me yet. I'm being called even more out of my comfort zone, but I think it's something that I'm finally getting used to. Those of you reading this, please pray for me... I'm really feeling called to this area and I'm thinking about cashing in my plane ticket and staying on with Bless for the next year. I really need prayers and support at this point, because I will be making a decision within the next couple of weeks. I have also decided not to visit all of the places that I was planning on, because tourism with the purpose of being able to say "I've been there" doesn't hold much value to me anymore. I want to LIVE, not simply visit. I want God's PURPOSE, and not just pictures. Crazy how priorities keep on changing :)
I will still be going on to Paris and Naples, as they have already been booked and paid for, but from there I just need time to think and seek God, so I have no real direction... just a goal not to spend much money. I can't believe how much calm I feel inside right now despite all of the unknowns... I'm learning to love life in such a new and different way.
To all of my friends and family both new and old, thank you for your prayers and support. Words can't describe the love I feel for you in my heart. God is good.
13 days ago when the ferry was pulling into the harbor in Caen, something felt strangely familiar to me. It's hard to explain, but I felt something fall into place inside of me, like me being here was always meant to happen. Like I was somehow wired for this point and place in my life. This is going to sound crazy, but I feel like I was born with this inner connection to France, and being here has brought that to life in me. Needless to say, it's been amazing being here. We have been able to bless and love kids in need in the poor areas of Lisieux, but more than that, this mission has been about the inside of me and so much more. I can't even explain without writing a book, but it's all good things. God is rearranging things inside of me, and I'm looking at life through a totally different lens right now. I am not the same person that I was when I left home... but God's not nearly done with me yet. I'm being called even more out of my comfort zone, but I think it's something that I'm finally getting used to. Those of you reading this, please pray for me... I'm really feeling called to this area and I'm thinking about cashing in my plane ticket and staying on with Bless for the next year. I really need prayers and support at this point, because I will be making a decision within the next couple of weeks. I have also decided not to visit all of the places that I was planning on, because tourism with the purpose of being able to say "I've been there" doesn't hold much value to me anymore. I want to LIVE, not simply visit. I want God's PURPOSE, and not just pictures. Crazy how priorities keep on changing :)
I will still be going on to Paris and Naples, as they have already been booked and paid for, but from there I just need time to think and seek God, so I have no real direction... just a goal not to spend much money. I can't believe how much calm I feel inside right now despite all of the unknowns... I'm learning to love life in such a new and different way.
To all of my friends and family both new and old, thank you for your prayers and support. Words can't describe the love I feel for you in my heart. God is good.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Diving off
Tomorrow I dive off into Europe, and I’m tired sore and nervous. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited, but there’s so much out of my control. I’ve begun to stress about finances... I know I’ll be okay, but just like in the states, I’m sure I’ll go through more money than I planned. I slept horrible last night. Tossing and turning with a million and one questions rolling around in my head. I leave tomorrow morning and won’t be returning to Steph and Jon’s until a month from now. I’ve booked until Florence, and I’m not sure I dare book further at this point. I’m quite disappointed in couchsurfers.org... I was really excited about the possibility of staying in someone’s home for free vs. a hostel, but out of all the requests and emails I’ve sent, all have come back with a decline. So hostel’s it is. Paris is booked, Naples is booked, and I know how I’m getting to Florence, but I’m not quite sure where I’m staying yet.
It’s mentally and emotionally taxing trying to figure this all out. I mean, I won’t have my computer, so I’m having to do my research now to figure out what trains/busses and connections I need to get to where I’m going, and then walking directions from there, trying to remember to write down all the pertenant information in my journal.
The mission trip in France should be interesting... staying in a home with lot’s of other christians, not having a room to myself, and not being able to smoke or drink... for two weeks. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to handle this, but I’m sure that I will need a lot of prayer for grace and patience. Hopefully I won’t snap at any point.
Anyway, Jon’s parents are on there way over for curry and to chat about their holiday in Crete, so I’m off for now, and I’m not sure when I will be able to write next... for all I know it could be a matter of weeks, but my hostel in Paris has an internet cafe, so I will be able to write then. To all my family, friends back home, and friends I’ve met along the way, I love you, and big hugs.
It’s mentally and emotionally taxing trying to figure this all out. I mean, I won’t have my computer, so I’m having to do my research now to figure out what trains/busses and connections I need to get to where I’m going, and then walking directions from there, trying to remember to write down all the pertenant information in my journal.
The mission trip in France should be interesting... staying in a home with lot’s of other christians, not having a room to myself, and not being able to smoke or drink... for two weeks. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to handle this, but I’m sure that I will need a lot of prayer for grace and patience. Hopefully I won’t snap at any point.
Anyway, Jon’s parents are on there way over for curry and to chat about their holiday in Crete, so I’m off for now, and I’m not sure when I will be able to write next... for all I know it could be a matter of weeks, but my hostel in Paris has an internet cafe, so I will be able to write then. To all my family, friends back home, and friends I’ve met along the way, I love you, and big hugs.
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