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.