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.