Somewhere Over the Rainbow

The Auvergne is a region known for its exceptional natural environment: a rugged landscape of mountain ranges and volcanoes, and lakes and springs in the heart of France. Because of the volcanic nature of the region, it is very hilly, and it seems that the cloud formations over the valleys are very conducive to the formation of rainbows. To put it bluntly, I have never seen so many beautiful rainbows so frequently in all my life! Whenever I see one, I am reminded of the Creator who cares so deeply for His creation. Yesterday while driving into town, I saw a gorgeous rainbow arching over the city of Clermont- Ferrand. It was such a special reminder to me of God's love and faithfulness to me personally. The above photo was taken from my back window last spring.

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Ps. 61:1

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation...My salvation and my honor depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Ps. 62:5-8

It Takes A Village

Hilary is right about this one. We need each other. Raising children while maintaining one's sanity is not a walk in the park! With D in the Czech Republic last week and in Germany this week, I have been in need of help, and I have had it. We expat mamas know how to lean into each other and help each other. Without family closeby, we really have to depend on each other. Last week I needed help taking my car in to the garage and picking it up, and this week I have needed help as all of us girls have been under the weather but in need of groceries and party supplies as SA is turning 3 on Sunday. F (she's French but has adopted us expat mamas!) came by on Tuesday and stayed with the girls while I jetted out to get groceries, and today I had several offers for help if I needed it. Thankfully, we are now recovering and were able to get out today. Running is another outlet that provides mental sanity, and lately we have been figuring out ways to help each other in that arena as well. I am so thankful for my "village" lately!

Savon de Marseilles

This type is seemingly considered the "only real" soap in France. It's traditionally made with olive or palm oil and is great for the skin. There are bars, and liquid bath gels touting the "Savon de Marseilles" name, and I have always kind of wondered what makes this soap so great to the French. It is almost like in America when we say "Kleenex" to refer to any paper product that we use for our noses. The word "savon" is soap, but so often you hear people refer to "le savon de Marseilles" and I always see it written on bottles of laundry detergent and such. When I was in the hospital after having CG, I was slightly taken aback when there was no hygeine recommendation for after childbirth other than washing with "savon de Marseilles"! Last week after having some French friends for lunch, I learned that I should be using it to scrub my dishes with! I had no idea! I thought it was just for bathing and in detergents. Apparently it is the only thing that can really get anything clean by French standards. Here's where you can learn more...http://www.marseillesoap.com/