Almost There

I feel as if I am almost in sight of the goal that I have been working towards since we moved to France- becoming part of the community. It is odd and different to live on the fringe of society as I have been for the last almost three years- living in a cloud it seems like- of not knowing- not knowing why there is suddenly a carnival in town, why stores are closed at random times, how to work the cell phone, oven, dishwasher, etc (because all the manuals are in French even though we did buy Whirlpool) or use "the system" for benefits that I had no idea existed. The language barrier for me felt dangerous for a long time- like how can one be a responsible parent when one is completely incapable of getting help in an emergency because I wouldn't have been unable to communicate with the emergency officials? And what do those roadsigns mean anyway? I mean really, I am just so thankful that I know the Lord and that I believe in angels, because there were many times before I knew about "priorite a droite" - (a French driving nuance in which certain roads that intersect with the road you are on may have "priority" so that you have to yield even if there is NO stop or yield sign) that I could have been hit by another car whom I failed to yield to.

There has been a "grande" cultural learning curve, and I feel as if I have made progress, by God's grace. Relationally, the couple down the street finally spoke to us the other day and gave SA a bonbon. The last two times I have been to my favorite fresh produce store in town, the cashiers have struck up conversations with me. I mean this never happened before- at that shop. I get the "bisou" from the owners of my favorite gift shop in town, and the pharmacist knows me and talks to me too. Last week SA, CG, and I went to a French storytime. This may not sound like a big deal to you, but I have been looking for a simple storytime to take her to for almost 3 years! Then this week, we went on a little field trip with the kids and moms from the "garderie" or nursery where she goes once a week, and I talked with some of the other moms! I found out that several of the kids that she knows from the nursery will most likely be in her class at preschool next year! I feel as if the clouds are parting and I can almost see the light- maybe I will know people soon and actually get to be a participant in my French community instead of being a recluse. I can't believe it has taken almost three years. Now that I have learned to survive in France, I would like to stay and be able to thrive.

Gelatto- the ice cream of a little girl's dreams...

The theme of our trip to Italy (and all of our trips) is, well, food. We love food. And in Italy the ice cream is especially good! So good that we had some every day! France doesn't really have good ice cream, so it was pretty fun to see these gelatto ice cream shops on every corner in Italy. So creamy- and delicious! And so many flavors! From tiramisu flavored ice cream to vanilla and so many flavors in between. There were definitely more than 31 flavors. Well, SA is partial to strawberry ice cream, so D stood in line for a good 10-15 minutes and got her a cone and each of us a cone as well. She enjoyed about 1/4 of it then accidentally dropped it on the street and burst into tears after which D frantically picked it up, licked it all off for her and gave it back to her! Our friends and I were doubled over in laughter and shock and totally grossed out. What a moment- wish I had it on video- so funny!

En Vacance in Provence!

During the first leg of our vacation, we resided at this lovely hotel which has an excellent chef. This is the only place in France where I absolutely love everything that is set before me on the table! Each night we ordered the "menu du soir" without knowing what it would be and each night we were delighted with a wonderful 3 course meal of simple yet delicious Provencale cuisine including seasonal local produce and accented with the freshest herbs of the region. Each morning we indulged ourselves in a breakfast of coffee and croissants, toast, honey and the freshest homemade fruit jellies seasoned with herbs and spices, all served on the terrace. SA played in the garden and D read her stories under the huge plantain tree in the courtyard. After our brief 2 night stay at Le Berger des Abeilles, we spent a day in Chateau Neuf du Pape where we enjoyed lunch, wine tasting, and visiting the former chateau of the Pope for which the region names its wine!