Tuesday, September 30, 2008
i saw snow!
Much has gone on the past week, around here and back home as well. Last Thursday, on my way home, I was stopped at the tram stop and asked a few questions by some students. Turns out, it was an international student organization that was having a competition, trying to get groups to build and get people to translate a little paragraph into as many languages as possible. I translated it into Spanish and joined the team. To my surprise, our team ended up winning. I got a free round-trip ride up the cable car in town that leads up one of the mountains’ “Fort la Bastille.” I also got a tee-shirt (too big for me anyway), a book, a little bag and a voucher for a trip to a mountain nearby. I don’t know about this last one, I don’t have any details on it other than the day of the trip. Supposedly they’re going to email the details later, but even if it never happens, I’m happy with what I did end up with in my hands! Plus, I made friends a girl from Poland while playing.
Saturday, after resting well, I invited my friend Arielle to come over, and we watched two movies in my room (The Invasion and Ironman). Afterward, we went into town to eat lunch and buy stuff for a dinner picnic. We met up with another friend and the three of us hiked up to the Bastille. It was so wonderful! When we got to the top, a few friends that took the cable car met up with us, and we all watched the sunset and ate dinner while watching the city lights come on. After hanging out for a good while up top, we all took the cable car back into town. We had crepes at Jillian’s house, and then I, along with two other girls, spent the night at Jillian’s because she was home alone and we all had to be in town early Sunday morning for an excursion with the CUEF (Centre Universitaire d’Etudes Francaises, my school).
Sunday morning, we left town at about 8am and headed North East toward Chamonix to see the famous Mont Blanc. The weather couldn’t have been any better! We rode the cable car up to the top of the mountain and had a spectacular view. It was crazy to be high enough to see snow, but what was crazier was that we could see Italy and Switzerland! Mont Blanc is the highest summit in Europe (4,807 m = 15,780 ft). We reached as high as 12,602 ft. We spent a few hours admiring it all, hiking a little at a half-way point to a gorgeous little lake, and then we walked around town before heading home. Needless to say, my weekend was amazing, but I came home exhausted. It was hard waking up for my 8.30am Monday morning.
Sunday night, my host-parents’ daughter, Astrid, came over with her two little ones, Théophane (2) and Anselme ( 9 mos) to spend the week. Monday evening, after babysitting at my neighbor’s, it was fun to come home to little ones in the house. They aren’t used to me yet, but Théophane is starting to talk to me a little. I think he enjoys anyone who will make him laugh. I’m excited about having them around the next couple of days.
Saturday, after resting well, I invited my friend Arielle to come over, and we watched two movies in my room (The Invasion and Ironman). Afterward, we went into town to eat lunch and buy stuff for a dinner picnic. We met up with another friend and the three of us hiked up to the Bastille. It was so wonderful! When we got to the top, a few friends that took the cable car met up with us, and we all watched the sunset and ate dinner while watching the city lights come on. After hanging out for a good while up top, we all took the cable car back into town. We had crepes at Jillian’s house, and then I, along with two other girls, spent the night at Jillian’s because she was home alone and we all had to be in town early Sunday morning for an excursion with the CUEF (Centre Universitaire d’Etudes Francaises, my school).
Sunday morning, we left town at about 8am and headed North East toward Chamonix to see the famous Mont Blanc. The weather couldn’t have been any better! We rode the cable car up to the top of the mountain and had a spectacular view. It was crazy to be high enough to see snow, but what was crazier was that we could see Italy and Switzerland! Mont Blanc is the highest summit in Europe (4,807 m = 15,780 ft). We reached as high as 12,602 ft. We spent a few hours admiring it all, hiking a little at a half-way point to a gorgeous little lake, and then we walked around town before heading home. Needless to say, my weekend was amazing, but I came home exhausted. It was hard waking up for my 8.30am Monday morning.
Sunday night, my host-parents’ daughter, Astrid, came over with her two little ones, Théophane (2) and Anselme ( 9 mos) to spend the week. Monday evening, after babysitting at my neighbor’s, it was fun to come home to little ones in the house. They aren’t used to me yet, but Théophane is starting to talk to me a little. I think he enjoys anyone who will make him laugh. I’m excited about having them around the next couple of days.
Friday, September 26, 2008
loving him already
I haven't even met my little nephew, and I already LOVE him. I've gotten several pictures (thanks Mom), and I think he is absolutely adorable. I can't wait to meet him in a few months!
Isn't he cute? I think Mom looks great too... grandbabies are becoming for her!
Isn't he cute? I think Mom looks great too... grandbabies are becoming for her!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
an aunt in france
Last night, Carson David was born to Daniel and Amber. I'm so excited to be an aunt and I can wait to give many kisses as I hold the little one in a few months. I can't believe my brother's a daddy!!!
Things are going well here. I'll post and update in the next few days.
Things are going well here. I'll post and update in the next few days.
Monday, September 22, 2008
un bon weekend
Yet another wonderful weekend! The BBQ Friday went well. I met a few people and had a chance to know a couple of French girls and practice with them. I got along pretty well with them, and I invited one of them to join me and my friends on Wednesday for lunch (since she wants to practice some English). After the BBQ, some of us went into town to get some ice cream and just hang out for some time.
Saturday morning, a group of us met up to take a bus about 40mins up the mountain to watch an event that happens once a year. We couldn’t tell if it was a competition or just a display, but we got to see Para gliders and hang gliders diving from the mountain. The event had the feel of a festival, and it was really exciting to be there. The morning began a little cooler than we expected, but the afternoon brought the warm sun. It ended up being just the perfect weather.
When I got home, I had to get ready for Violaine’s (host-sister) birthday party. I had a good time with everyone. Got to meet many people, and practice my French a bit. However, I had several people that wanted to speak English to me once they found out I was américaine. I got to dance some (apparently it’s not always like this, but everyone pretty much danced Rock and Roll, which was like swing dancing with techno music), but what I really enjoyed were the great conversations. I ended up staying up really late because there were quite a few people from out of town that spent the night here too.
Sunday morning, after breakfast, my host-family took me with them to Laure’s (host-sister) Girl Scout start-up event. They had a big reunion and picnic for the families of the Boy and Girl Scouts of the district.
That was quite and interesting experience. I learned a few weeks ago that Scoutisme here is in fact a religious association. So after lunch, I joined my family for a special mass for the start of the new year. I enjoyed the mass and I’m glad I went. It was interesting not only to attend a Catholic church, but to hear it all in French. I didn’t participate in everything, but I appreciated a most of the songs and Scripture readings.
On my way home, I got the weekly reminder (via text message) from my neighbors about soccer. I was so tired from the weekend, I didn’t think I’d play. But I went over to say hi to them, and the convinced me to join (it wasn’t hard) even though I hadn’t changed. Felt so great to play though!
After school, my friend Megan is going to come home with me for a little bit. She’s another believer in the group; she went to church with me last Sunday. Anyway, we’re just going to take some time to step back and reflect on our time here. We’re both looking forward to talking to each other and unloading a bit, which we can’t entirely do with the rest of the group. Afterward, I will go to the Bernard’s house to baby sit again for an hour. I’m actually looking forward to that.
Saturday morning, a group of us met up to take a bus about 40mins up the mountain to watch an event that happens once a year. We couldn’t tell if it was a competition or just a display, but we got to see Para gliders and hang gliders diving from the mountain. The event had the feel of a festival, and it was really exciting to be there. The morning began a little cooler than we expected, but the afternoon brought the warm sun. It ended up being just the perfect weather.
When I got home, I had to get ready for Violaine’s (host-sister) birthday party. I had a good time with everyone. Got to meet many people, and practice my French a bit. However, I had several people that wanted to speak English to me once they found out I was américaine. I got to dance some (apparently it’s not always like this, but everyone pretty much danced Rock and Roll, which was like swing dancing with techno music), but what I really enjoyed were the great conversations. I ended up staying up really late because there were quite a few people from out of town that spent the night here too.
Sunday morning, after breakfast, my host-family took me with them to Laure’s (host-sister) Girl Scout start-up event. They had a big reunion and picnic for the families of the Boy and Girl Scouts of the district.
That was quite and interesting experience. I learned a few weeks ago that Scoutisme here is in fact a religious association. So after lunch, I joined my family for a special mass for the start of the new year. I enjoyed the mass and I’m glad I went. It was interesting not only to attend a Catholic church, but to hear it all in French. I didn’t participate in everything, but I appreciated a most of the songs and Scripture readings.
On my way home, I got the weekly reminder (via text message) from my neighbors about soccer. I was so tired from the weekend, I didn’t think I’d play. But I went over to say hi to them, and the convinced me to join (it wasn’t hard) even though I hadn’t changed. Felt so great to play though!
After school, my friend Megan is going to come home with me for a little bit. She’s another believer in the group; she went to church with me last Sunday. Anyway, we’re just going to take some time to step back and reflect on our time here. We’re both looking forward to talking to each other and unloading a bit, which we can’t entirely do with the rest of the group. Afterward, I will go to the Bernard’s house to baby sit again for an hour. I’m actually looking forward to that.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
brain cramps
All my mind can really process at the moment is that I’m tired. It’s crazy what learning a language by submersion can do to you. I even have trouble speaking in English now, AH! With my group-mates, we seem to be speaking more Franglais these days. It’s a bit amusing. Actually, this last Tuesday I had lunch with a French girl I met through Violaine (my host-sister). Cecile speaks French and a good bit of English and Spanish, so our conversation was a crazy mixture of them all, whatever came first.
Classes are going well, at the moment. I think my hardest class is probably going to be my translation course. WOW! Pretty intense! But I can tell that this is what I need if I want to bring my French to a professional level. Right now I’m pretty proud with my ability communicate, I see the improvement already, little by little. It’s encouraging, even thought there are moments where I feel like I should go back to French 1.
I have had many laughs with my inabilities to communicate certain ideas. For example, last night, I was trying to explain “ground beef” to my host-family because I didn’t know the word. About five minutes after the matter, my host-mom finally got it. All the way through we had a good laugh as they were trying to guess what I was trying to explain.
Usually, at night, when I notice that I see my host-parents’ mouths moving, but my mind is not processing the words, I know it’s time for me to go to bed.
This Friday, the school is having a BBQ to get the French students and International students to intermingle. I’m looking forward to that this weekend.
P.S. Babysitting went really well. The girls are well behaved and very helpful. Not difficult at all! I still find it wild how I land these jobs!
Classes are going well, at the moment. I think my hardest class is probably going to be my translation course. WOW! Pretty intense! But I can tell that this is what I need if I want to bring my French to a professional level. Right now I’m pretty proud with my ability communicate, I see the improvement already, little by little. It’s encouraging, even thought there are moments where I feel like I should go back to French 1.
I have had many laughs with my inabilities to communicate certain ideas. For example, last night, I was trying to explain “ground beef” to my host-family because I didn’t know the word. About five minutes after the matter, my host-mom finally got it. All the way through we had a good laugh as they were trying to guess what I was trying to explain.
Usually, at night, when I notice that I see my host-parents’ mouths moving, but my mind is not processing the words, I know it’s time for me to go to bed.
This Friday, the school is having a BBQ to get the French students and International students to intermingle. I’m looking forward to that this weekend.
P.S. Babysitting went really well. The girls are well behaved and very helpful. Not difficult at all! I still find it wild how I land these jobs!
Monday, September 15, 2008
le weekend
I had a wonderful weekend. Friday afternoon, I went with the API group to a château about 30 km from here. Even thought it had been raining all day, it stopped at least while we walked around the gardens. It wasn’t bright and sunny, but it was definitely pretty. Then we went in the castle to check out the museum of the French Revolution. “Vizille is said to be the location that started the French Revolution!” (But as my group-mates and I kid, it seems that many towns make the same claim).
Friday evening I met Violaine, the daughter that is closest to my age. She is really nice, but she speaks TOO fast and doesn’t enunciate well enough for me to understand her the first time around. I had fun teasing her about it and learning a bit about French youth with her. Next week she’s having a big fancy party with her friends here, so I will definitely be learning some more then. This will be an interesting adventure, but I’m looking forward to it.
Yesterday I went to church with a girl from the group. I left the house about an hour before the service started. It’s a bit of a bummer that transportation is less frequent on Sundays because that complicates getting to the other side of town and getting back. Next week, Megan and I might try going to another Evangelical church that is nearer to our side of town. And that way I’d only have to take one bus (yesterday I took two and a tram to get from home to church).
I hurried home for Sunday lunch. We celebrated my host-dad’s birthday with my host-parents, two sisters, a friend of Violaine’s and Evelyne’s (host-mom) parents. I had been warned about Evelyne’s dad, and sure enough, he drilled me about everything. I successfully communicated politics, religion, a bit of history, cuisine, among other topics, all in French. What a feat! Thankfully when the rest of the family noticed I hadn’t been able to eat much because I’d been answering questions and giving my opinions, they turned the attention elsewhere.
Of course I met up with my neighbors for the weekly soccer scrimmage. Weather had been crummy all weekend, but thankfully it wasn’t raining out. However, the grass was pretty slippery, so we were sliding all over the place.
Today after class, I begin my new babysitting job… :) International Babysitting Business, I suppose. Some neighbors asked me to come a couple of days a week for about and hour at a time to just make sure their girls do homework and eat properly at the table. And I’m supposed to speak to them in English. Seem like nice girls. So we’ll see how it goes with them.
Friday evening I met Violaine, the daughter that is closest to my age. She is really nice, but she speaks TOO fast and doesn’t enunciate well enough for me to understand her the first time around. I had fun teasing her about it and learning a bit about French youth with her. Next week she’s having a big fancy party with her friends here, so I will definitely be learning some more then. This will be an interesting adventure, but I’m looking forward to it.
Yesterday I went to church with a girl from the group. I left the house about an hour before the service started. It’s a bit of a bummer that transportation is less frequent on Sundays because that complicates getting to the other side of town and getting back. Next week, Megan and I might try going to another Evangelical church that is nearer to our side of town. And that way I’d only have to take one bus (yesterday I took two and a tram to get from home to church).
I hurried home for Sunday lunch. We celebrated my host-dad’s birthday with my host-parents, two sisters, a friend of Violaine’s and Evelyne’s (host-mom) parents. I had been warned about Evelyne’s dad, and sure enough, he drilled me about everything. I successfully communicated politics, religion, a bit of history, cuisine, among other topics, all in French. What a feat! Thankfully when the rest of the family noticed I hadn’t been able to eat much because I’d been answering questions and giving my opinions, they turned the attention elsewhere.
Of course I met up with my neighbors for the weekly soccer scrimmage. Weather had been crummy all weekend, but thankfully it wasn’t raining out. However, the grass was pretty slippery, so we were sliding all over the place.
Today after class, I begin my new babysitting job… :) International Babysitting Business, I suppose. Some neighbors asked me to come a couple of days a week for about and hour at a time to just make sure their girls do homework and eat properly at the table. And I’m supposed to speak to them in English. Seem like nice girls. So we’ll see how it goes with them.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
ma famille
A little snapshot into my “famille d’acceuille”
The info I received from my program before arriving was as follows:
This family consists of a mother Evelyne, a father Xavier and their 5 children. Anne-Cécile (28), Astrid (26), Alexis (23), and Violaine (19) no longer live at home. Laure (14) is the only one living at home. She has mild Down syndrome, but is very capable to talk, understand, and she loves to joke around! Evelyne is a school supervisor and Xavier is a librarian in a catholic bookstore. They are always home in the evenings and usually the weekends. This is a very “classic” French family meaning that they love family gatherings, eating large meals, and going to mass on Sundays. You will be staying in a large house in a suburb of Grenoble. You will have your own private bedroom with all the necessary furniture. There is the bus # 9 (connects you to the Tram stop “Grand Sablon”) and #31 bus that you can take to get to class or downtown Grenoble. This family is very kind and welcoming.
This weekend Violaine will be coming over, and I’m looking forward to meeting her and hopefully chatting with her a bit. I’ve enjoyed hanging out with Laure some. She loves to play board games with me, to dance Waltz and “Rock ‘n Roll” (swing dance), and to watch French films.
My host-parents are so kind. Everyday they want me to share about my day and I love hearing them talk to each other. I’m improving my comprehension day-by-day, but our conversation gets on pretty well. Hopefully in a few months I’ll be able to speak more fluently.
Here are a few pics of ma famille, of ma maison (my house) et of mes voisins (neighbors) whom I played soccer with on Sunday. A bientot!
The info I received from my program before arriving was as follows:
This family consists of a mother Evelyne, a father Xavier and their 5 children. Anne-Cécile (28), Astrid (26), Alexis (23), and Violaine (19) no longer live at home. Laure (14) is the only one living at home. She has mild Down syndrome, but is very capable to talk, understand, and she loves to joke around! Evelyne is a school supervisor and Xavier is a librarian in a catholic bookstore. They are always home in the evenings and usually the weekends. This is a very “classic” French family meaning that they love family gatherings, eating large meals, and going to mass on Sundays. You will be staying in a large house in a suburb of Grenoble. You will have your own private bedroom with all the necessary furniture. There is the bus # 9 (connects you to the Tram stop “Grand Sablon”) and #31 bus that you can take to get to class or downtown Grenoble. This family is very kind and welcoming.
This weekend Violaine will be coming over, and I’m looking forward to meeting her and hopefully chatting with her a bit. I’ve enjoyed hanging out with Laure some. She loves to play board games with me, to dance Waltz and “Rock ‘n Roll” (swing dance), and to watch French films.
My host-parents are so kind. Everyday they want me to share about my day and I love hearing them talk to each other. I’m improving my comprehension day-by-day, but our conversation gets on pretty well. Hopefully in a few months I’ll be able to speak more fluently.
Here are a few pics of ma famille, of ma maison (my house) et of mes voisins (neighbors) whom I played soccer with on Sunday. A bientot!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
back to school
Results of the placement exam were posted yesterday morning. I did as I had hoped and placed in the advanced level. We had our first class yesterday. All the afternoon classes are electives, but we were told it’d be best to go to all the electives the first week to get a feel for them and see what best suits us. Yesterday’s was the World of Business and the Economic Environment. Today I had a mandatory 8.30am class (boo!) and two electives in the afternoon, History of Contemporary France and History of French Film. Tomorrow I don’t have any morning classes, but there are two electives I’ll check out. Friday’s are nice because I only have one class, but it’s and 8.30am aussi (also).
There is so much to get involved with here, I want to try many things, but at the same time don’t want to over-commit. With the other students from my program, we were saying that we feel like freshmen here, but even more, freshman foreign exchange students. It’s actually pretty funny to watch us get around. But we’re getting the hang of it and we’re getting along well. This Friday afternoon we’re going to see the Castle of Vizille. I’m looking forward to this day trip.
There is so much to get involved with here, I want to try many things, but at the same time don’t want to over-commit. With the other students from my program, we were saying that we feel like freshmen here, but even more, freshman foreign exchange students. It’s actually pretty funny to watch us get around. But we’re getting the hang of it and we’re getting along well. This Friday afternoon we’re going to see the Castle of Vizille. I’m looking forward to this day trip.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
a perfect day in grenoble
I actually ment to post that last entry before we left Paris last Thursday. Since I’ve been in Grenoble, my internet access has been quite limited, as my host-family’s router is having issues. We have now been here five days, and I am so excited to be living here this semester. Everything is so amazing. My host-family is wonderful, a very loving and tender family. I feel very much at ease with them. The area around Grenoble is incredible. There are three giant mountains that surround the city. I live in a suburb about 15-20 mins from the city center. Transportation is very easy and reliable. The school campus is really big (it hosts like 4 universities on the same campus) and it is beautiful as well, but with the surrounding beauty, it is no wonder.
Sunday was my first of my perfect days here. My host-family had to go out of town and felt bad because they had to leave me. however I had a wonderful day on my own! Totally the way to start the semester.
When I woke up, my family was already gone. I got ready and the Lewis’ (a missionary couple that has been here for 33 years) picked me up to go to church with them. I really enjoyed the worship and the message (in FRENCH!). I liked the church and plan to get involved there this semester. After the service, I met and conversed with quite a few people. They were all quite friendly. One lady even invited me to have lunch with her and her husband after church next week. I’m looking forward to that.
Another host-family know I’d be on my own, so they invited me over for lunch and to hang out some at their place. So after church, the Lewis’ kindly dropped me off near this family’s home. After eating, we sat on the back porch because it was a beautiful day! Then we decided to go on a drive up one of the mountains to a fort that has a BEAUTIFUL view of Grenoble. Then they dropped me off at the house again. It was so lovely out that I couldn’t bear to stay in the house alone, so I put some stuff together, changed and headed out to talk a walk. I ran into some neighbors who were playing soccer (futbol) and they invited me to join in. It was so nice to play with them and meet a couple of families from the neighborhood. Afterward they invited me for refreshments at their place (WOW, that was a LOT of French that went over my head). I had a great time with them, and they invited me to join every Sunday afternoon, sun, rain or snow!
When I came home and showered, my host-family returned and wanted me to tell them all about my day. They are so sweet and make me feel very special. I love talking to them and learning so much every evening.
Yesterday was my placement exam and today I find out what level I will enter. I’m hoping to make it into the advanced level, but we’ll see this afternoon.
Sunday was my first of my perfect days here. My host-family had to go out of town and felt bad because they had to leave me. however I had a wonderful day on my own! Totally the way to start the semester.
When I woke up, my family was already gone. I got ready and the Lewis’ (a missionary couple that has been here for 33 years) picked me up to go to church with them. I really enjoyed the worship and the message (in FRENCH!). I liked the church and plan to get involved there this semester. After the service, I met and conversed with quite a few people. They were all quite friendly. One lady even invited me to have lunch with her and her husband after church next week. I’m looking forward to that.
Another host-family know I’d be on my own, so they invited me over for lunch and to hang out some at their place. So after church, the Lewis’ kindly dropped me off near this family’s home. After eating, we sat on the back porch because it was a beautiful day! Then we decided to go on a drive up one of the mountains to a fort that has a BEAUTIFUL view of Grenoble. Then they dropped me off at the house again. It was so lovely out that I couldn’t bear to stay in the house alone, so I put some stuff together, changed and headed out to talk a walk. I ran into some neighbors who were playing soccer (futbol) and they invited me to join in. It was so nice to play with them and meet a couple of families from the neighborhood. Afterward they invited me for refreshments at their place (WOW, that was a LOT of French that went over my head). I had a great time with them, and they invited me to join every Sunday afternoon, sun, rain or snow!
When I came home and showered, my host-family returned and wanted me to tell them all about my day. They are so sweet and make me feel very special. I love talking to them and learning so much every evening.
Yesterday was my placement exam and today I find out what level I will enter. I’m hoping to make it into the advanced level, but we’ll see this afternoon.
belated post
Salut! Today is day four in Paris. I can’t believe how the summer has come and gone. I got to see one more of my Costa Rica friends, making it four during my summer. After having a wonderful time in the UK, I flew out of London on Monday morning and arrived in Paris to meet my program director who took me to meet some of the group at the hotel. That evening we took a boat tour along the Seine River for about an hour. SOOO beautiful! Then we all went out for dinner together, and I tried the famous escargots (pretty good, actually). Ever since we’ve been in Paris, we’ve been pretty much going, going, doing a lot of sight-seeing, getting to know the city, the food, the transportation, PAH-REE.
Tuesday: Versailles, Musee d’Orsay, L’Arc de Triomphe
Wednesday: Notre Dame (went all the way to the top, to the bell), Sainte Chapelle, Musee du Louvre (did see the Mona Lisa), Musee de l’Armee and Napoleon’s Tomb, Les Galeries Lafayette (ginormous department store)
Today: we’re about to visit the Eiffel Tower and when we return, we’ll be starting our trip to Grenoble to meet our families. I’m excited but also beginning to get a little nervous. This will be the forth family I live with this year (only one being my actual family), so I’m used to living with others, but I think it’s different this time because of the language barrier. However, I’m looking forward to meeting them. I’m also looking forward to stability. I’m getting a little tired of living out of suitcases and packing and re-packing them. It will be good to settle in for the semester.
Things are going well. I’m getting to know people from the group. I’ve been noticing many things that we have in common, as well as many things we don’t. I know this will be a challenging semester at times, but I’m looking forward to growth. I think I’ve been able to fit in well enough with them all that the appreciate me and also respect me, knowing I’m different (something I’d been praying for).
Anyway, I don’t know how frequently I’ll be online in Grenoble, so for now I leave you with some pictures of my time in Paris.
Tuesday: Versailles, Musee d’Orsay, L’Arc de Triomphe
Wednesday: Notre Dame (went all the way to the top, to the bell), Sainte Chapelle, Musee du Louvre (did see the Mona Lisa), Musee de l’Armee and Napoleon’s Tomb, Les Galeries Lafayette (ginormous department store)
Today: we’re about to visit the Eiffel Tower and when we return, we’ll be starting our trip to Grenoble to meet our families. I’m excited but also beginning to get a little nervous. This will be the forth family I live with this year (only one being my actual family), so I’m used to living with others, but I think it’s different this time because of the language barrier. However, I’m looking forward to meeting them. I’m also looking forward to stability. I’m getting a little tired of living out of suitcases and packing and re-packing them. It will be good to settle in for the semester.
Things are going well. I’m getting to know people from the group. I’ve been noticing many things that we have in common, as well as many things we don’t. I know this will be a challenging semester at times, but I’m looking forward to growth. I think I’ve been able to fit in well enough with them all that the appreciate me and also respect me, knowing I’m different (something I’d been praying for).
Anyway, I don’t know how frequently I’ll be online in Grenoble, so for now I leave you with some pictures of my time in Paris.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
