27 June

I made it. I finished my year at language school. I am so relieved and happy to be done. Please understand this does not mean I am fluent or I am finished learning. This is just a good place to start and really learn the language. It usually takes 2 to 3 years to really learn a new language. I am happy to say that on my final tests I scored the highest on the oral expression part. This is a complete turn around from past tests. In the past I have scored higher on the written and grammar parts of the tests and was always frustrated by the oral section or just speaking in general. This is good news because most communication with people is just talking with them. Praise God!

In the past week I had a couple other victories in speaking French. The French like to debate. We've had a few lessons on the vocabulary for this. I had dinner with some friends this week that ended up in a debate. I was able to express my opinion and even counter a couple things that were said. That was a good feeling. The other encounter was on the train on the way to the airport to leave France. Deborah was with me and we had a run-in with the porter. We did our best to argue our point but in the end we didn't win. However, we both laughed about it later and said it was good French practice and a good experience. So, now for the day I can argue my point and win...

I am happy to be on my way home. I will be in Arkansas for July and August. As of right now I still do not have concrete plans for the autumn. However, I do have ideas and I am confident that God will have me back in France in the autumn. I will share what the next step is as soon as I know it. Thank you to all of you who are praying for God to make my future clear. I continue to rest in the peace and confidence that God is preparing the way for me.

I have become aware of a work that God has done in my heart. My heart belongs to God and He is knitting it to France. The longer I stay in France the more I want to be a part of what God wants to do there. I met some missionaries in the north of France this week who have been planting a church for the last 3 years. The church now has 17 adults...3years, 17 adults. But they are not discouraged they see the mission field and even though it is slow tough work they are in it for the duration. He talked to me about how God had given them specific words for a man and he was still suspicious after it was clear that what the missionary knew was beyond what a human could just observe. I admire them. Pray for them and for God to send more workers for the harvest in the north of France. It will take dedication of the people of God but in the end I believe it will be the outpouring of the Spirit of God in France that will change a nation that has walked away and closed the door on it's spiritual roots.


**Pic #1, celebrating the end of exams with a BBQ, French style:
L to R: Règine, Saraly, Sabrina, Deborah, Cècile, Angie
**Pic #2, at the BBQ:
L to R: me, Elizabeth, Sabrina

17 June

The countdown to the end of school has begun. I am more than ready to be finished. I am so thankful for this time at language school. It has taught me so much in addition to learning French. But I am ready to be home for a time and see family and friends and have a time to rest.

The past few weeks have been interesting (don't you just love that word? it can mean so many things...). I have been exploring options for the future and each door has closed firmly. So this is where I take my own advice from the last blog and not worry about the future because God is at work. I am confident in this, God loves me and His plans for me are good. I am full of hope. So I wait...

I ask that you would pray for me in the next couple weeks for the following:
~final exams
~safe travels
~the provision to finish paying school fees and US taxes (I need about $1000 more)
~health and rest
~to be in tune to God's voice to know when to seek and when to simply wait
~grace to once again change homes, lifestyle, and leave friends

I want to brag on my FOC family and those who support me financially. I recently met an American missionary who was surprised to learn that ONE church was providing for my school costs as well as living expenses. Most missionaries have support from several churches. I was very proud of my church family and your generosity!

Thanks to all of you for your part in my adventure. God bless you for your time, resources, support, and prayers.

God is faithful!


PS A very Happy 40th Birthday to my dear friend Michelle Henry who gets more beautiful each year!!

**Les belles fille des Cèdres, mes amies et moi: L to R, Elizabeth, Lauren, Deborah, me