MY PUMPKIN PIE

Usually on Sundays, I have a reality check after trying to understand French all morning. I usually come away wondering if I really am making progress with my language learning and if I ever really will be able to really participate in friendships with the French in French,or a medium to long conversation in French, or ever really understand the message that the pastor preached. How am I to be a light and a witness in this place where I really cannot fully communicate or participate? Sometimes the week goes great, but when I end up sitting in the nursery at church with SA and several non-English speaking adults, I am reminded that I really am living with a huge handicap here- the inability to communicate and be understood. This for those of you who know me well is hard, for I am a communicator by nature and believe that part of good communication is understanding. Here in France I am unable to understand much of the time and unable to be understood as well. So, Sundays bring me face to face again with my weakness as I enter into the French world at church. You see, most of the time I live in an English speaking world - at home with my family and with English-speaking friends -simply because I am unable to particiapte in the French-speaking world. After living here a year, I am able to shop and do all of the things that are necessary in French. But, life isn't all about just surviving; it's about making a difference for the kingdom wherever we are. So, how to make a difference without the ability to communicate or participate? Well, today I am reminded that just being a reflection of God's grace to those around us matters and that "His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). It is this weakness that has made me more aware of my need for His grace. Also, I am reminded that one of my primary purposes in this season is to care for and train my little precious daughter, and for that I need God's grace as well.

Isn't she the cutest thing ever? I know, I am a little biased. When we walked into a creperie, she immediately pointed out this "big pumpkin" in the fireplace. I love it that she talks so much now. Jesse and Tracy taught her to say "Hallelujah" with both hands in the air, so now she is praising the Lord in line at the grocery store. I love it! Her mama has a master's degree in missions but can't communicate well enough to be much of a verbal witness over here, but SA is a little missionary at 19 months! "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise." (Matt. 1:16). She is my little piece of encouragement for today. When I think about my life and its purpose here and remember that just caring for and pouring my life into this little one is enough for now, I am able to rest and be content, for He has given me a precious gift in her and I will treasure this time that I have to focus on just being the mommy that He has called me to be and asking Him to make me a reflection of His grace in marriage, in motherhood, and in friendship.