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.