A New Season

Well, I miss-named the last blog with the incorrect date and I noticed that the date is given above the title anyway, so how about real titles? A new season...It really is a new season in my life. God has just done some major healing and adjustments in my heart and soul. I am so thankful the process is over but I'm even more thankful for the fruit of peace and righteousness. God is so good to us that He doesn't leave us at I'm ok or even I'm good but He wants to bring us to a place of more freedom and life. Thank you, God, for your faithfulness!

The heat is back on in the chateau!! Thanks to all of you who prayed. It's been back on on my floor for about 2 weeks now. They started at the bottom and worked their way up.

I have no news on my 'carte de Sejour' since the last blog. It is in process and I am still waiting on a letter so I can make a doctor's appointment to move on to the next step. Please continue to pray that the process doesn't get bogged down or blocked. I'm not worried. Apparently, these things always take time but it would be nice to have a word to know that things are moving and all is well. Please also continue to pray for provision to pay the $300-$400 doctor's fee.

We had a prophetic youth conference the first weekend in November at Joshua Church for ages 9-15 called Deploie tes ailes (spread your wings). The first DTA was in April 2010 and was powerful and exciting. This DTA was also powerful but with a much different flavor. It was a quieter, deeper time with God. I think many of the young people were able to make a real connection with God and several dedicated there lives to Jesus for the first time or rededicated their lives. It is such an honor to be a part of what God is doing to raise up a generation for His Kingdom and because of His love.

There are some new Americans in town, Rusty and Janet Richards. The Americanization of Guebwiller has begun! Even my French friend, Nadine, is becoming more and more American! I'm finding it more difficult to find people to speak French with. OK, so I'm kidding, mostly... It is true, however, that the link with the States is being strengthened. Rusty and Janet bring a real maturity and new dimension in the spirit with them. They have a call not just to France but to Europe. I'm looking forward to knowing them better and watching what God is up to.

Just a little personal note: I've taken up the guitar. Who'd have ever thought!? Not me. Anyway, it's been fun and I've even got the callouses to prove I've been practicing. I wanted a way to have personal worship time in my room without having to hunt down a keyboard, etc, and it's difficult to sing and play the trumpet at the same time as you can imagine. It really has been a helpful way to worship whenever I want and it's just fun to learn something new.

My music groups and English lessons at the school are going well. I have added two more hours of English tutoring to my schedule and I will add one more music group. It is always rewarding as a teacher to be able to help students 'get it.'

It has been a season to be around home and sow here and now the next several weeks will be a time to go out and invest. In early 2010 God dropped it into my spirit one day out of the blue that when an opportunity to go to Greece presented itself to take it. Well, an opportunity has presented itself and I'm gonna take it. The opportunity is coming through the connection that the Richards have in Europe. They were invited with Emilie Pierre-Elien to go for a conference in Greece and now that team also includes Nadine and me. That will be the first weekend in December. Needless to say, I'm a little excited. What could be waiting that God would give me a heads-up several months in advance?

In a couple days I will be headed to Toulouse to visit one of my friends from language school, Katie. I am looking forward to time with her as always and it looks like I will have opportunity to meet and spend time with some of her friends that are hungry for more of the things of the Spirit. Then I will spend several days in Nîme, Nadine's hometown. Nadine has already arranged one meeting with a group of intercessors and she expects God has plans for more. I am so excited to get into France and see more of the country and what God is doing in other places. I feel this week is about relationship and sharing 'the normal Christian life' of an open Heaven with others. Not to mention that it will be warmer in the south...

Then I am hoping to get away to see my dear Korean friend, Deborah, in Paris for a few days. Again in sharing life I hope to be an encouragement to Deborah who is a young Asian woman tackling a western culture and going to university in French and English. She is reaching out to the Parisians who are not known to be warm and welcoming. I admire her courage and persistence. Please pray for God to open doors and hearts to Deborah. And please pray that God strengthens her daily and the other missionaries who pour out daily in spiritually difficult Paris. They need all the air support they can get.

And then it will be time to head to Arkansas for Christmas!! I'm already excited about seeing family and friends and welcoming French AND Swiss friends over the holidays!! That's right, folks, Russellville will be welcoming several Europeans for the holidays!!!!!! I'm so excited for the connections God is making!!

OK, let's rap this up with the prayer requests. Thanks as always for reading and praying. May the riches of Our Heavenly Father pour out in every area of your lives!!

The requests:

~Provision for: -the docotor's appointment and carte de sejour -travel expenses over the next month

~continued good health in the busy weeks to come

~That God's will be done through relationships and times of sharing, praying, and "ministry"

~God is on the move in France. Please continue to pray into the spiritual atmosphere that it will open more and more and that society and culture will be transformed by the love, presence and power of God!!!

Really I want to end with PRAISE. God has healed and transformed me, given me a home and a family in a strange land and has sent me from a home that is a firm foundation. He's given me a life full of adventure and Kingdom life. I am truly one of the most blessed people on earth because of Him.


**Just a few members of my French family.
Left: Maman Huguette and me. Please continue to pray for her complete healing!!
Right: The sisters Pierre-Elien, my little sisters, L to R Elisabeth and Emilie

12 October

The trees are beginning to turn here and it is really beautiful. I love autumn! I have to admit though I REALLY miss football games and MARCHING BAND!! When the air turns cool and crisp I want to head out to the game.

One of the recent highlights for me is that my friend Ruth came to visit from England. We had a great time and got to explore Alsace together. The picture is of Ruth and me when we visited Riquewihr. We saw some wonderful little villages and ate a lot of Alsatian food. Ruth and Ralph were my hosts when I lived in England in 97-98 and have been good friends since that time. It was such a blessing to have Ruth come and see where I am and what I'm doing. We spent time praying for Ruth and Ralph as well and she was encouraged I think. Ralph is not able to travel anymore because of a serious health condition. Please pray for Ralph's healing and the continued strength and grace of God for them both.

I am happy to report that I have now filled out all the paperwork to get my 'carte de sejour' in process. Now I am waiting to hear from the prefecture that it is all ok and that I need to make an appointment for my medical exam (which will cost between $300-$400, this is a financial need). I am thankful that the lady at the Mairie here was very friendly and helpful. Hopefully, the other offices that I visit will have people who are as helpful as she was. So, it will still be a while before I have my 'carte de sejour' but at least the process has begun!

Unfortunately, the heat is still not working in the chateau. However, I have learned that a part has been ordered and they are waiting for it to come in. Then they will have to run water through all of the radiators and see if it works. Please keep praying that it all gets up and running soon.

Most of my classes and music groups are in place now. Things are starting to take shape. I am still asking God how to use my time and where to invest as well as for Him to bring me the English or music lessons I can teach and earn money with. I find there is always something to do and I don't have a lot of free time. However, I want to be intentional with my time and energy.

It is really a challenging season here in the church. God is pouring out more of Himself and in that it brings our humanness to the surface. Please pray for the leaders and the people of Joshua Church that we can press into God and prepare ourselves for the fullness of what God wants to do in us and through us in our region at this time.

Please continue to pray for the Hufschmitt family, especially the parents who have lost their son.

We are seeing more healing in the church and people praying for others outside of church and seeing them healed and touched. Aslan is on the move!! I am so encouraged to hear testimonies of people living the 'normal Christian life' everyday and affecting the world around them. Our corporate hunger and expectation is growing! These are exciting times.

It is really a good season for me. I feel truly at home here. God has given me good relationships that feed and encourage me. I am able to use the tools God has put in my hands and see fruit. And I am full of expectation for what God is doing here and for what is coming from Heaven for France and Europe. It is a good time to be alive and a part of the Kingdom of God!!

It seems this blog has been mostly newsy but you see a little of my heart in it too I hope. I will leave you guys by just summing up once more the prayer requests. Thanks as always for reading and praying! You guys are the essential support group that every missionary needs!

Prayer requests:

~God's will be done in love and grace in the leaders and people of Joshua church.

~Heat for the chateau!

~the Hufschmitt family in their time of grief.

~Healing and favor for Ralph and Ruth

~That God show me clearly where to invest my time and energy.

~That the 'carte de sejour' process continue without problems and in a timely manner and provision for the doctors visit.

~For more of God's presence and transforming power to be poured out here and in France!!

11 September

I'm looking at the calendar and wondering how it's possible that I've already been here 3 weeks. Then again, in some ways, it feels longer. The passing of time is a strange thing isn't it...

It's a beautiful September day in Alsace. I'm enjoying sitting by the open window while writing. I just need to get this done and get out into the sunshine!

I wish all of my news was as happy as the weather report. Many of you have heard about the suicide of a young man, 20, from the church here. I don't need to tell you that it was a tragic event that has greatly effected the church family here. Please remember the Hufschmitt family in this time of grief. Luc Bussière, the pastor, gave a truthful, hopeful and encouraging message at the funeral. Choose life was the message the parents shared. As only God can do, life will come from death.
I am close to the oldest daughter of this family, Aurélie. She has been in one of my worship groups. She is now in Mexico doing a 3 month Christian training course, receiving more of the life of God. The mom has asked me to spend time with their twin daughters to give them an opportunity to talk and share. I am honored. Please pray that I can be a help to this family in whatever way God wants to use me.

On the visa front...Yes, that's right folks the visa journey is not over yet. Well, technically, the visa part is over. Now I will use my visa to ask for a 'carte de sejour' which is the name of the French document that will give me the right to live and work in France. The visa was the hardest part but I am not finished until I have the carte de sejour. I went yesterday to the local government office, the 'Mairie', to ask for my papers. The lady was very nice but needed to ask more questions before we proceed. I will go back Monday afternoon and see where to go for the next step. There will be another government office to go to the 'sous-prefecture' and then a doctors visit, more money to pay and then when it's all in process it could be up to 4-6 months before I actually receive my carte de sejour. However, I will have a paper saying it's in process that will allow me to stay in the country until I get the official carte de sejour. It also means that it will be a while longer before I can earn money in France. Oh yes, I will possibly have to have documents, like my birth certificate, translated or updated. All doable. Just lots to do. Fortunately, my friend Nadine has been here to help me through all of these steps, making sure I don't miss any details and getting me where I need to go. Luc has also been great to get me the documents I need from here. Thank God for His provision in all things.

I have been slowly getting my groups started again and talking to the school administration about what my role will be at College Daniel this year. Some things are in the air until I get my carte de sejour in process and have a better idea of how I can arrange my schedule. I am excited about a new school year and what it will bring.

A major prayer request for the school and inhabitants of the chateau is that the boiler that provides the heat and hot water is broken. It is ancient and probably has breathed its last. Over the summer one of the family's had work done on their plumbing and because of a mistake in hooking the pipes back up the rest of the chateau has hot water. This is good for the others but sharing hot water with a school and several other inhabitants is, well you get the idea. They quickly run out of hot water. Cool autumn weather will be quickly on us. Attempts by the handy man have failed to get the heating going again. We definitely need the provision of God in this area.

I spent my first birthday here in Guebwiller. I was the recipient of a large steak (Emilie remembered my American love for beef!), beautiful flowers, and a lovely surprise party with friends. I felt known and loved. It's a good feeling as I start my third year in France and my second in Guebwiller.

Tomorrow, Sunday, Nadine will share a message and then Emilie and I will add testimonies about our time together in Arkansas and all that we saw God do. Then we will have a time to pray for anyone who wants prayer. I'm excited to see what God wants to do and how He wants to love His people.

Prayer requests: Please pray that...

~The Hufschmitt family as they grieve the loss of their son, Pierre Daniel.
~That I and our church family can be an encouragement to the Hufschmitt family.

~That the process for the carte de sejour go smoothly and quickly.

~That God will provide for a unit to heat and provide hot water for the chateau. (BEFORE THE COLD WEATHER GETS HERE!)

~That God will show up tomorrow as we share and pray for people. We want to see more miracles and people experiencing the love of God. We want to see more of the normal Christian life!

Photos of summer 2010

Here are some photos to go with the August 28th post. Enjoy!

I will try to make some sense of these pics. I never know how they will look when it post, so bear with me... (sorry,don't know why the words are hidden. you haven't missed anything important)

Nadine at Brown's Catfish. It doesn't get anymore southern than a fried buffet extravaganza.

It's always good to see my dad and his wife, Melba.

The biggest gang was the night we had crêpe night at the Graces house. It was a great group of people who love me and support me. Thanks for coming!

Jeff and Maureen Grace were more than gracious hosts! Thanks again for your amazing hospitality!!

Emilie with a .22. This one is obvious. "Annie get your gun." haha

I went back and forth this summer between the Graces' and the Hudsons'. This is me with Carl and Becky. They take care of me. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without their help. I can't thank you both enough.

The five women together was the night we celebrated the visa. My besties. haha yes, I do work with youth.

Keep going to the next entry "28 August" to get a full summary of my miraculous summer.

28 August

THE MIRACULOUS SUMMER OF 2010

Wow, how am I going to sum up the summer I've had!? It's been an amazing ride. So if you are committed to reading this blog (maybe more than I am to writing it regularly, hehe) settle in for a longish but great story of the wonders and love of God.

The summer started with a trip home with Olivia Leigh. We had a good time together even though we were delayed out of Frankfort and missed her connecting flight leaving us to catch flights the next day. We both made it to our destinations in good shape and with all of our stuff even though it was a day later.

A few days after my arrival in Arkansas my French friends Nadine Adriano and Emilie Pierre-Elien came for 16 days. We had such a good time together. They are crazy. That's all I can say. But of course it's the good kind of crazy. Let's just say there was never a dull moment. I did my best to share my southern culture with them: fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, fried catfish, canoeing, shooting (yes, I do mean guns), listening to the cicadas singing, and of course wonderful people and southern hospitality. They liked it so much they considered coming back for a bit after their trip to California and before returning to France but they decided another time would be better.

While Nadine and Emilie were with me we had the opportunity to pray and minister to a few groups of people. This is were this gets really interesting because I'm going to talk about how God touched peoples' lives. The three of us experienced a new dimension of God's presence and power as we prayed for people. We were amazed at the impact of the prophetic in the lives of some young people we prayed with. Nadine had a word of knowledge for a man in a blue shirt before we got to the group. When we prayed for this man he ended up on the floor soaking up the love of God and Emilie spoke 'man of peace' over him. I later learned that he dealt with anger. Shortly after that evening someone he was helping stole his car and wrecked it and he was able to deal with the man in love and forgiveness. His friends were amazed at his reaction because they expected him to be angry and take it out on the man. God transforms, sometimes slowly, sometimes in one encounter. Amazing.

We took a little trip to Searcy to meet with the folks at the Exchange. Wow. These people are hungry for God and He is answering that hunger! Again, Nadine had words of knowledge for healing and all three of the people were there. One man had pain in his forearm. As we prayed for him I noticed his eyes become wide. He looked a little freaked out honestly. When Nadine stopped praying I asked him if something was happening and he said it felt like electricity was going through his arm! His arm was different after that. Two weeks later another man visiting from Bethel Church in Redding prayed for him and God completed the healing! His arm is completely restored and without pain!! Yes, God! That evening we had the privilege to pray for most of the people that had come and God gave us very clear prophetic words. It was a new level for us and yet completely normal.

Thanks again to all of you who were able to make the informational meeting at FOC. It was much more than just info though. Emilie lead worship and Emily Knox sang with her. They really ushered in the presence of God. I shared and then Nadine and Emilie shared. I think this helped everyone to get a clearer picture of my role here. I was encouraged by what they had to say. I didn't realize how they view me. Thanks, ladies. That night we prayed for people as well. And yet again Nadine had a word of knowledge about someone in a red shirt that had digestive problems. She was there and we prayed for her. The lady told me several weeks later that before she had had to eat medicine like candy for her stomach problems but she hadn't taken any since we prayed for her and she hasn't had any more problems!!!! Yes, God!!

Then there are the stories of provision. Many of you have read about this in my emails but I'm going to give a summary of what God has provided for me.

Let's start with the trip to Houston. All total the trip, visa, hotel, plane, everything cost about $700. People gave generously, down to the morning that I left when I was handed the last $100 that I needed. The trip was all payed for when I got on the plane.

Then there was the $1200 insurance bill that was due. I was handed a check for $1100 just in time to make the payment without penalty.

Then there was the plane ticket...this still gets me... I was talking with friends a couple weeks before my desired date to leave and mentioned that I still didn't have my ticket. One of the people there said he could take care of that... and all of my plane tickets to and from France from now on!!! His company makes a habit of helping missionaries. He also told me they would support me financially!! I was in shock. In one moment I was assured that whenever I needed to return to see friends and family it would be provided for. wow.

My new insurance covers yearly check-ups for women. That's great. Except I have to wait a year to use it. When my doctor, who is a Christian, asked about my insurance I explained the situation. He didn't charge me!! When I thanked him he said, "you can't out give God."

Then there is the visa. THE VISA. You've all heard so much about it and know it has been A LONG, LONG process. Well, when I had my interview for the visa the lady told me it would be about 2 weeks to process. That was no problem because I was hoping to leave in 3 almost 4 weeks. She did tell me at the interview that she didn't think I was asking for the right visa and I didn't have what I needed. I told her I did the best I could with what I read online, etc. Two weeks passed, no visa. I waited 3 weeks and called her. She had not touched my visa and she told me again she didn't think what I had would work but she would take it to her boss and call me the next day. That was a long 24 hours, folks. God gave me a dream that night of the lady handing me the visa with a smile and I was really happy. When I tried to imagine what I would do if I didn't get to come back to France I couldn't see anything, and I have a good imagination. But let's be honest, I was worried. Not knowing is hard. I got tired of waiting and decided to try and call the boss and plead my case. While the automated directory was playing on the phone an important call interrupted and I took it. After talking with my friend I asked God if I should try the embassy again and he told me to keep my hands off. At that point I had peace. A few hours later I got the call from the lady saying she was finishing my visa. "Does that mean I HAVE a visa," I asked. She told me she would finish it up and put it in the mail that afternoon so I would get it Saturday. When I finished the call I put the phone down and ran out into the yard where Carl was working yelling at the top of my lungs and waving my arms like a mad-woman, "CARLLLLLLL, I HAVE A VISAAAAAAAAAA!!!!" What a wonderful moment of relief and joy!! I could return to France where I knew God wanted me and this time I have the right to stay and work. Thank you, Jesus. Where I had been told 'no', God said 'yes.' Robb had told me before I went to Houston that, "It doesn't matter what man says, it only matter what God says." Wise words that carried me through.
I checked the mail Saturday. No visa, but I knew it was coming. Monday my dad found it by the door. So the day before I flew out I had the visa in my hands. The day before... Why does God like to wait to the last minute? Anyone else see this pattern in your lives? lol I guess He has His reasons.

A HUGE thank you to all of you who have prayed and prayed and prayed about this visa. You see the miracle your prayers encouraged!?

Now I am back in France. I was able to keep my scheduled flight. I am back in time for the beginning of school which is Monday. It is so good to be here. I was met by big hugs and loving people happy to see me. It is good to be home. It is good to have two homes. Although, it is always a little disorienting to change places this has been the easiest transition so far.

Prayer requests:

**I need to organize my music groups and my schedule for this school year. I always need God's grace for organization.
Please pray that God makes it clear what to take on and when and where.

**Yes, I have my visa but there is one more step. I have to have a 'carte de séjour' from the prefecture in France in order to have the right to work and for the visa (which is actually the carte de séjour) to last for 3 years. This should be a much easier process since the biggest hurdle has been passed. However, without the ok of the prefecture the visa will be null and void. This will be done in the next 2 months. I will start the process next week. PLEASE PRAY!

I will do better at writing my blog. Thanks for your support and prayers!!

And thus ends my summary of the SUMMER OF MIRACLES...

but this is just the beginning, we will see more

THIS IS NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE!!

15 June

Two weeks from today I head back to Arkansas for the summer! I am ready to see my family and friends!

There are several things to share so I'm going to keep it more succinct if that's possible.

This time when I fly home I get to have a travel buddy part of the way. Olivia Leigh, the daughter of David and Angela, will be flying to the States with me and then I will put her on her final flight and then catch my flight to Arkansas. I am looking forward to time with Olivia and having a someone to travel with.

The two weeks that are left are packed. You all know how busy the end of the school year is, in addition I am preparing to leave for the summer and working on paperwork for my visa. whew! It's all moving though so I can't complain.

My computer hard drive died suddenly a couple weeks ago. That was not fun to say the least. Fortunately, David Leigh is a computer guy and he took good care of me, as their family always does. Thanks to David I am writing to you once again from my laptop. I have been less communicative in the last few weeks as a result of the laptop and the busyness, so I apologize if I have somehow missed an email or been slow to reply!

The end of the school year here at Collège Daniel is always topped off with a big party. I have a couple groups who are preparing to perform at the party. It is a day of food, games, music and relationship. I am looking forward to experiencing my first 'fête.'

If you've gotten my newsletter you know that we are having are getting together on Friday, July 9 at 6:30 PM at FOC with my two French friends who are coming to visit in Arkansas for a couple weeks. I hope you are planning to come! I want to take a little space and tell you a little about each of them.

Nadine Adriano is one of the elders of the church, Eglise Josué. She has had training in the Sozo technique from Bethel Church in Redding, CA and she is one of the leaders of a healing room that is regularly available to the people of the community. She is from the south of France and is looking forward to the heat of Arkansas. (I honestly don't think she knows what kind of heat that really is.) She is a lot of fun and is a good friend and buddy to me.

Emilie Pierre-Elien is an anointed worship leader. She spent 3 months in Mexico last fall doing a Christian training course called Foundations in Monterrey. She spends her mornings in worship and prayer and the fruit is obvious. In the fall 2010 she will be doing an internship with a government office involving helping communities become more 'green.' She is also a lot of fun and always entertaining. Her family has basically adopted me and Beckie, the young English lady who live in the chateau.

Needless to say when the three of us are together we laugh a lot. I feel this will be an important time of connecting my two worlds when Arkansas meets France. I am excited to see what God is going to release and the exchange of life that will happen. They have something to give and my FOC family also has something to give. This is gonna be GOOD! haha

OK, gotta rap up and get going.

This summer I will make a trip to Houston to apply for the work visa. I will have to have all the paperwork done and an appointment made. I will have to get a plane ticket and a hotel room for at least two nights I think. This is definitely a financial need for this summer.

Then I will have to purchase a ticket to get back to France at the end of August for the beginning of school. This time I hope to return without time restrictions and with a visa in hand! Yes God, do it!

Next fall we are hoping to start a small orchestra/music program at Collège Daniel. Please pray that all of the pieces fall into place for this. This will be an opportunity to continue to use teaching and music to reach young people.

I will add the prayer requests from the newsletter. Thank you for your faithful prayer support. It is essential. If not for the grace of God I could not do this. He is faithful!

~I have 2 weeks left before I return to Arkansas for the summer. Please pray that I use this time effectively and invest myself where God is leading.
~Supernatural help on getting the visa paperwork done. (If you know me well, you know I need the supernatural help! haha)
~Financial support for travel this summer to Houston to get my visa.
~Money for a return flight to France at the end of the summer.
~That God will orchestrate my time in the States this summer.
~That the time with Emilie and Nadine in Arkansas will build bridges and that all God wants to do in that time will be accomplished. (And that they will have a lot of fun!!)
~Safe travels and good health for all of us.



**top left: This is a the majority of the Tendon family, a Swiss family I met this spring. I have a lot in common with them and I'm grateful for new friends with similar hearts and calls. L to R Emmanuelle, Joy, Dan, Zoe, Mike. Not pictured are the dad, Eric, and the oldest son, Yannick.

**top right: I also got to see my dear friend Simone and her family during my few days in Switzerland. This is Simone with the youngest of her two daughters.

16 May

How did we get to the middle of May!? The weather here would suggest it is still March or early April. However, it is green and beautiful and I am thankful to live in such a beautiful place.

I have sent out a letter with updated visa news. I will leave it to the letter to explain.

I spent several days in England resting and enjoying my friends. I am thankful for the time I get to spend in England as it is one of my 'homes.'

It is the end of the school year and we all know what that means, it's gonna be busy from here on out. I am thankful to have had a quiet week with this last week having a few days of school holiday. I will be continuing with my music groups and looking at finishing one year and looking ahead to the next. Please pray God make His plans for next year clear.

It has been a challenging week for me. God is systematically putting His finger on things in my heart and saying, "OK, now let's work on this." This is not a comfortable process but I know that there will be fruit. I am thankful to be well supported by people who love me and pray for me. Some of it has just been a part of the natural process of having a new home and missing out on a lot of life that is happening in Arkansas with my family and friends. God is faithful to strengthen and encourage me.

This is just a short addition to go with the last blog in April. Thanks to those of you who continue to read and support me. I would love to hear from you if you get a chance to drop a quick note here, by email or on facebook.

Amazing love, oh, what sacrifice, the Son of God given for me...



**The pic was taken by my friend Katie when she came to visit. This gives you just a little taste of spring in Alsace.

26 April

So much has happened this month. I will do my best to remember all the highlights.

I have enjoyed teaching English. Beckie returns this week and will take her classes back. It has been interesting to communicate in English with the students after I've worked so hard to be able to communicate in French. It was a little odd at first but a lot of fun. I also got to work with Olivia Leigh, the daughter of American missionaries here. She is completely bilingual. We explored American literature in reading 'To Kill A Mockingbird,' one of my favorite books. We have also looked at just a little poetry and I've had the pleasure of getting some good writing assignments out of her. She is talented. Keep an eye out for her stories in the future.

One of the highlights of the year was 'Deploie tes ailes' (spread your wings), the youth seminar we had over a the weekend of the 9-11th of April. During the treasure hunt over 20 people were prayed for within an hour, one man received Jesus as savior, one woman was the treasure of two different teams, one man was found and God had given us his name. The kids were pumped at the joy of hearing and obeying God and then seeing what happened. The youth were prophesied over during the weekend and all had the opportunity to prophesy over others. It was amazing. Four of the older youth ended up praying and prophesying over the team of adults for 3 hours straight! It was like rapid fire prophesy in team. I've never seen anything quite like it. They were red hot and right on! The most amazing thing from the weekend was the lives that were transformed, TRANSFORMED. I could see the difference the second day in a couple of young ladies. I see them at school and church now and they are still new creations, delivered, healed and released! PRAISE GOD, our loving Father!! Thank you to all of you who prayed for us during that seminar. The power and presence of God came and changed us all!

Did you hear about the volcano in Iceland and the ash cloud that disrupted air travel in Europe? Well, I haven't made it to England yet for a visit. That should happen next week. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and getting some rest. Things are getting back to normal as far as travel goes, however, I'm sure it will be a while before the back-log and financial difficulties are overcome in Europe.

My friend Katie Berry came for a visit for a few days. We had perfect spring weather and took advantage of it. She also came to my English classes as an added point of interest in English conversation.

The music groups are coming right along and I have more students asking for lessons. It is always rewarding to see progress and enthusiasm in the students.

Pierre-Daniel Martin, a French prophet, came and did a seminar last week with the school and church. He had encouraging words for the spiritual future of France. France has a strong prophetic call as a nation. I am excited to see what God is about to do in this nation and in Europe. He also had many clear and encouraging words for the people here. I had never met him and he said to me that he saw that I had closed a door and made a turn in my life and that it was right, which was confirmation for me. He is a man full of grace, love and humility. It is a joy to see ministers of Christ who care for the body like that.

I am happy to report that my dad was able to sell our family home quickly and at a price that was more than he had asked for it! God is so faithful! This is just another blessing for my family and more proof for me that my place is in France.

I want to end this blog with praise. God has added to me good friends, given me the opportunity to teach and work with young people, given me a beautiful place to live, given me a church were I can worship, grow and serve, and He continually loves on me. I am a blessed woman.

Thanks to all of you who are a part of my life. Knowing you makes my life richer.


**The pic at the top is from the making of the short film that I talked about in my last blog. It is finished and I look forward to seeing it.

April 2

I have good news to report. It's taken me a week to get to this...but we're not really surprised are we.

I want to start by reporting the good news from a friend. The lady who leads our intercession group, Huguette, has suffered for years with pain in her back and hip. She has walked with a cane for a long time and many times has been stuck at home because of the pain and danger of falling. She is in Mexico with 10 others from Eglise Josué doing the Master Builders training. We had news from her 2 days ago that God had started working in her hip and she was walking without the cane!!!!! PRAISE GOD!! I can't express the joy I feel knowing this wonderful lady is being healed.

Last Saturday night I shared my testimony at church in French. It was the first time I had shared my testimony in French to an all French crowd. Thanks so much to those of you who prayed. The Holy Spirit helped me and it went well. It wasn't a struggle at all. I shared about how God delivered me from depression and afterward asked for people to come forward for prayer if they needed deliverance from something. Many responded and we had a long time of ministry that followed.

That same church service was packed with the presence of God. My part was at the end and we had already seen God move powerfully. The worship time was anointed and many responded to drawing closer to God. Then the youth shared about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, followed by praying for the youth to receive the baptism. There were many youth who came forward and I hear they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues!! What a night! We started at 7 and we were leaving there at 11:15! I love it when God shows up!

The school is making a short film for a festival here in Guebwiller and I've been asked to help with the music or soundtrack for the project. I asked one of my youth band leaders who writes songs to compose a song for it. Mattias got right to it and created a great rock type song. We spent Wednesday afternoon and David and Emilie continued on Thursday evening recording it. David Leigh is putting his knowledge and creativity to bringing it all together. I'm excited to hear the finished project and see how it works with the film. I also gave some more classically styled music composed by Stephan Haffner, one of the men in our church, to the man who is doing the film. It's great to be surrounded by such talent. Basically, I've just asked my resources to donate their time and talent and I'm watching it unfold. It's great that the music can also be a part of the school. Thanks to all who have given of themselves to put music to this project!

We have Easter break for 2 weeks now. The English classes I have been teaching are going really well. I enjoy the time with the students and being in the classroom. We had a prayer time with the oldest class yesterday because it was my last day with them. It was a rich time and at the end they prayed for me. I am blessed, what amazing young people. Their hearts are true and their testimonies are powerful!

prayer requests :
~College Daniel and Eglise Josué are still in need of God's provision!! Please keep praying that the blockages will be removed and God's generosity will flow.
~The safe return of our team from Mexico next week.
~There are no new developments with the visa. I do know my next step will be talking to the nearby prefecture. Please continue to pray I know God's perfect timing to talk to the right person at the right time and that the visa will come miraculously.

I am full of hope and joy!! Thanks for your continued prayers, support and love.

**The pic at the top is of me working with my youngest music group the 5eme (7th grade). We have a pianist, 2 flutes, a violin, a recorder and several singers.

5 March

Ummm....where to begin? Well, I think I will begin with the practical and prayer requests. We all know it will roll into one anyway...

Things are starting to be clearer on the visa front. I said clearer, not faster. I have talked about this in detail in my newsletter. Maybe I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep praying!

I have mentioned the school that I am a volunteer with, College-Daniel. It is one of the few Christian schools in Europe. They rely largely on donations to function. Right now there is a need for donations to cover salaries as well as to prepare for work teams that will come this summer to finish the new classrooms. Please pray God's abundant provision to be poured out so that Christian education can continue in France. As American's we don't realize the value of having Christian thought as a foundation in our nation. It is essential to raising up Christian's in France that will transform their society for God. Here is the school's website if you would like to have a look around.
http://www.college-daniel.org/

There is a group of leaders from Eglise Josué, my church here, that will be going to Mexico to do a training course called Master Builders. They will be gone for 3 weeks. One of the English teachers here, Beckie, will be going with them and I will be taking her English classes. Please pray for these leaders that God will fill them with everything He has planned for them in this time. Also, please pray for safety for them and God's protection for their families and the church family while they are away. You can pray for me that God just gives me grace in taking the English classes in addition to my music groups. I have to say I'm looking forward to more classroom time.

Saturday the 27th of February, we had a 12 hour Tabernacle, which is a worship event. My youngest group, the 8th and 9th graders, lead worship for the first time with me as their coach. It went really well. We made a lot of progress in our 9 hours of practice over the school holidays. My older group also led worship that day and did a great job. Then on Monday I started a new group with 7th graders taking them for half of their general music class. There are 12 in that group. I am excited to have so many young people interested in WORSHIP as well as music. It is such a blessing for me to be able to teach music and worship together. Please pray for these groups that God continues to grow them in technique, but most of all that He leads them in His ways and that I have wisdom in how to instruct them and lead them into His presence.

One of the highlights for me at the Tabernacle was a time when a worship group from Germany was leading worship. They had the French and German youth join hands and sing together (in German) "Father, Father, thine is the kingdom." OK, now think about the history of France and Germany and read that again. Two nations, once at each others throats singing that it's God's Kingdom reigns, not the kingdom of France or Germany. Powerful.
**This is the pic at the top.**

For me personally, I am rediscovering music as worship. OK, I know you're thinking, but you're a music teacher...Music has been my job and my passion. I am a worshiper. Somewhere along the way I've forgotten the freedom of expressing my heart without words. God has lovingly reminded me. I have had some sweet times just playing for God and me the last couple of days. I feel something is reawakening and something new is being birthed. This is for life, but I also see the value as I am imparting into these amazing young people a heart for worship. Please pray God has His way in me and through me.

And to top off all this activity I have had 3 special guests in the last few weeks, dear friends that I met during my year of language school. What a blessing to get to spend time with them and to share my new home with them.

17 February

Sorry it has been so long since I've written. It's just been a period of time when I couldn't get to writing or had no motivation. I was sick with a fairly strong cold for a while, but we all know tis the season. And life has been offering it's challenges.

I could definitely use prayer for my spirit and emotions as well as physical health. I had a few days of feeling off balance. It's a natural occurrence I'm sure when one moves to a new culture and attempts to build a new life. Now I am feeling more at ease. Then this week I experienced intense feelings of loneliness. Everyone has a bad day from time to time and I wasn't too worried. However, when day 3 of the intense emotions came around I finally clued in that this was more than just a normal cycle of loneliness. I asked a friend to pray for me and she discerned a spirit of loneliness and a lying spirit. I was buying old lies. Amazing how after all the freedom God has given me I can still listen to the old lies. The good news is the prayer worked. The spirit is gone and I am back to myself. It did leave me physically exhausted however and I am getting my strength back, grâce à Dieu. I would really appreciate prayer for spiritual protection and discernment as well as physical strength. Also, could you continue to pray that God help me adjust to a new home, new culture, and new relationships.

I have no new news on the visa. Things seem to point back to Houston to get the ball rolling. I will check into going to a French embassy in London as my last option before pursuing having to return to the States. I still need guidance and wisdom on God's timing and when I should be in the States and when to make sure I'm in France.

The picture of the group above is the younger worship group I am working with. They are 8th and 9th graders. The name of the group is 'JTDR' which is texting lingo in French for Je t'adore, I adore (love) you in English and is aimed at God. As you can see they are a lot of fun to work with. They have a lot of talent and great hearts for God. One of the great joys and honors I have the pleasure of being a part of. L to R Mattias, Benjamin, Noémie, Barbara, Me, Olivia
There are a couple people missing too: Pauline, Victoria

Also, this is a picture of a Celtic monastery at Murbach. I love that the Celtic missionaries created a school and center of learning and worship in the 1100's. What a heritage!

26 January

Here's the latest, folks. The job that was so promising has not come through because of the visa issue. My hope was that the company would help me with the process, but they replied that I needed my papers first in order to work for them. So, I'm in the same place. The next step is to find another way to go at this. I will have a visa. It is clear God wants me here. It's just a matter of figuring out how to go about it. Please keep praying.

I was sick a few days last week and have found it difficult to get my strength and energy back. The good news is that I was never very sick and I'm functioning ok. I would really like to be back to top form. I think it's the combo of readjusting to French time and the virus. I'm definitely doing better and getting stronger. Please just pray that God renews my strength and my body gets completely sorted out.

There has been a situation here at the school this week that has caused a lot of emotional pain for students and teachers. God seems to be bringing about a change, but as pouring new wine into old wineskins causes problems, there seems to be resistance in the 'structure' of the school. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort the students and teachers and that God's will and purpose be done in this situation.

I am getting back into life in the school and teaching music groups as well as working with the church. While I know that God has me in these things and it is fulfilling, I was looking forward to working with non-Christians in the workplace. I'm sure that will still happen someday. So, I am waiting on the timing of God and still seeking His face about timing and direction. Please pray God continues to reveal Himself and make the way clear before me.

If you haven't heard, my suitcase came back to me at the end of last week! Everything was in it. It is so nice to have my things and new clothes too. God is so generous!

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. I am always so grateful to know you are thinking of me and lifting me up to the Father.

**Pics above are:
My lovely English friend, Beckie, who lives on the same floor as me. We are English speaking buddies. She is a great singer and worship leader and is a big part of the oldest worship group I work with...and a great personal shopper, I might add. This pic was taken at the Pierre-Elien's home. You can see a little of the kitchen in the background. This is significant because we are in their home daily eating their food. =)

The A-team! This is the intercession team for Eglise Josué. These ladies get it done in the Spirit and prayer. This pic was taken at Huguette's home where we meet to pray each Thursday morning. l to r: Anne, Genvieve, Huguette, Marie-Christine

January 13

I have returned to a winter wonderland. I had a safe and uneventful trip back to Guebwiller. The only problem is a bag that didn't make it with me. The biggest issue with that is that I have an interview Friday and my clothes for the interview are in that bag. I called today and the airport is closed because of the snow. So it looks like I will need to go shopping to get interview clothes unless the airport reopens later today. The good news is that I made it back before the snow closed the airport! Thanks, God.

Please be praying for me for this Friday as I go to interview for a job to teach English. I am feeling well, but it always takes several days to get over jet lag. I am giving myself grace as I get back into speaking French, but I need to be up to speed, my speed anyway, for Friday.

I had a great visit in Arkansas with family and friends. Thanks to all of you who took time for me. My informational night was a wonderful time. I am always encouraged by the support and interest you show. It is always a good time of worship and prayer together. A young man from church saw the announcement in the bulletin at church and just showed up and God spoke some amazing things to him! He is looking to go to the nations and God planted some seeds in him that evening.

It is good to be back in France. I feel at home here. God has really transformed my heart. It is always difficult to say goodbye. I always remember just how rich in relationship I am after being at home in Arkansas. It is never easy to leave such precious people. But in God's graciousness I returned to people in France who love me and took me right back in to share life with me. God is so faithful.

**The pic at the top is a view from my window of snowy Guebwiller.