5 December

In a week I will be leaving France to return home for the holidays. I will be in Arkansas from mid-December to mid-January. It will be so good to see family and friends. I will also have the joy of getting my taxes in order and other fun administrative tasks like that. I would really appreciate your prayers during this time for good health, safe travels, effective use of administrative time, and just being able to enjoy my friends and family.

My time here since the beginning of October has been rich. I feel like I've truly found a French home. It's been so fulfilling to be able to use my teaching and music experience to help the youth here as well as plug into what is happening with the church. I was warmly welcomed and included in daily life here. While I am ready to see family and friends in Arkansas, I am looking forward to returning to Guebwiller soon to continue life and the projects we have started.

The next step... My plan at this point is to return to France in mid-January. I still do not have a visa beyond the 3 month tourist visa. I will be sending out resumes and see what God might have planned in that direction. I feel my focus for now should remain here in Guebwiller with the school and church. I'm not sure how that will play out practically. So for now I am simply doing what I know to do and trusting God will make the next step clear. Please continue to pray that God will make a way through the visa red tape and give me/us the strategy on how to continue. (For example, if the school wanted to hire me it would be a long process where any possible French candidates would have to be eliminated before they could hire me and sponsor me for a visa.) I also need clarity or confirmation that for the time God wants me to focus on what I am currently doing. If He has another plan or something to add, I need to know. I simply want to be obedient.

The past week has brought me new friends and developed other friendships. I am seeing progress with the youngest music groups I am working with. And I have once again seen the efficiency of music as a tool to reach students at a deeper level. It's simply the tool that opens the door to being able to impart life.

The coming week is going to be BUSY. A guest speaker will be here from Mexico. He will be speaking at the school and there will be evening services on Monday and Tuesday at Eglise Josué. Our youth band will be leading worship on the Tuesday night. We are also having extra practices to prepare for the monthly worship gathering called the Tabernacle which is this Friday night. Please pray God have His way in all of these meetings and that the students will have all the strength they need for school, homework and all of the extra rehearsals and meetings.

Tomorrow I get to go to a Christmas market with the Chaubet family. I am really excited to spend time with them and see a French Christmas market with all of the lights and things that go along with it.

That's all for now. Thank you all for checking in and praying!

29 November

This week has been packed with great stuff...

Monday night I had dinner with two women, one from Germany, the other from England. Beckie is a young English woman who lives across the hall from me in the chateau and she teaches English at College Daniel. Astrid is a young German woman who teaches German and art at College Daniel. Astrid shared with Beckie and I what life was like in East Germany and her memories of when the Berlin wall came down. Astrid is a gifted teacher and I can see the purpose of God bringing her to France.

Wednesday Beckie and I went for a walk with Katya, a young Russian woman who is married to one of the French men in the church. Katya is warm and lovely. She has pointed out that we come from countries that at one time didn't like each other. It is such a God thing how we instantly have gotten along with each other, God's redemption story and the beauty of the family of God that knows no borders. Katya shared with Beckie and me about life behind the Iron Curtain and how life changed in Moscow after communism. She pointed out that the older people knew nothing else and it was normal. The change was the most difficult for them. Can you imagine having your future, until you die, decided for you by the government?

You've noticed that Beckie is mentioned twice. We do a lot together given that we live in the same place. She is in France as a part of her language studies at university in England. She had her birthday on Wednesday and a visit from parents for half of the week. She is also naturally equipped to teach as she is friendly and outgoing as well as just having a knack for dealing with students. She also sings and helps lead worship with the group of young people that I'm coaching. We are often in the home of the Pierre-Elien's and I'm sure we will have many adventures together by the end of the school year.

Thursday night after having tea at the Pierre-Elien's with Beckie and her parents, Roland, the father of famille Pierre-Elien, took his daughter, Elisabeth, and me out to eat at an Italian restaurant. We had a great time and it just seemed a happy and fitting way to observe Thanksgiving. Father and daughter both were in good form and it was fun to be with them. Roland is an evangelist with a story that would probably make a good movie. Elisabeth is also in the group of young people who lead worship. She is such a solid young lady and a delight to be around. I have learned from her peaceful and easy going nature. The future of France is bright in the hands of young people like her.

Friday night brought the anglophone celebration of Thanksgiving. There were at least 20 of us from various countries such as: England, Scotland, South Africa, and the USA. I met many new great people and we ate traditional Thanksgiving food. And of course we ate too much of it. There was a woman from South Africa there named Helen. She has been in France for 17 years. Her story greatly encouraged me and I look forward to hearing more. With her story she was reminding me that God is bigger than any government or visa red tape. She also shared with me about life in South Africa during Apartheid. She would go with a small group of friends and look at the island where Nelson Mandela was being held and pray for him.

Saturday night was the monthly Saturday meeting that takes the place of the Sunday morning service. My group of youth lead worship. (I'm going to call them my group, but really the group is theirs and I belong to them.) Worship was great. God showed up. We've been working on songs and music skills, but how do you teach anointing and deep worship. Well, how to worship in spirit and truth can be taught. But these young people come with hearts ready to worship and draw the presence of God. They were able to handle a time of extended worship both at the beginning and again at the end during a time of prayer and ministering for people. Can you tell I'm proud of them!?

Today I am staying with the Beck girls. I got to go bowling and to eat at McDonald's with the family and now the parents are gone for the evening. Tonight will be pizza for dinner. I'm having an American day in France.

In light of Thanksgiving week and learning about several different cultures I reflect upon where I am from and where I am. I am thankful for where I come from and the freedoms I know. I am thankful for where I am and the sense of destiny and purpose I have here. In short, I am content to be an American in France at this point in history.

God is on the move in the earth. Are you listening to what He's saying? Are you watching where He's going? What is your part in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth? Will you pray for someone who will rise up and be a world leader and change the face of a nation or nations? Will you be the one who changes history? Will you teach the next generation about the goodness of God and impart His love so they can change their society? Will you worship God in spirit and truth and bring the presence of God? Will you welcome the nations into your home and make the foreigner feel welcome or will you go to the nations and be the stranger?

God has given us all a part to play. It will take the whole body to get it done. I am glad that you are a part of that body and that together we move forward.

Prayer requests:
I simply ask that you let the Spirit lead you to whom in this blog you might pray for. Each person or group of people are a blessing and are in need of more of God.

Please refer also to the previous blog where the requests are outlined.

God's peace and abundance in all things to you all.

*These are pics from the anglophone Thanksgiving. I'm afraid I won't get all the names correct so I will just let you enjoy the crew.

20 November

Ok, so much for shorter and more frequent blogs. My intentions were good. But hey it is absolutely perfect outside and I'm inside writing this. Do I get brownie points for that?

There is a lot going on and I am busy. However, I don't have a lot of new to add to my last blog. My time in Germany was good. The best part of it for me was getting to know the people I went with better. I was also even more aware that I am called to France. I came back loving French, the French people, and France more than ever. That's not to say I don't like Germany...but it's not France. It was a stretching weekend for me with all of the different languages being spoken. But God is in the stretching business, might as well get used to it.

Here are some important prayer needs for the school and church I'm working with:
~The school is private and while the students are charged a fee the school depends largely on the donations of others. Please pray God's financial provision for this Christian school that is imparting the goodness of God along with knowledge.
**There is a very strong spiritual battle going on in the class that is the equivalent of 6th graders in the States. The teachers are feeling the strain and are discouraged. Please pray God breakthrough for this class in their home lives as well as at school and that God encourage and give strength to the teachers.
~There is a building project to renovate rooms that were donated. Money and work teams are needed to finish the project and get students in the classrooms.
~Workers for the projects of the church. The leadership is full of vision and there are resources but laborers are needed!

Personal prayer needs:
~The right connections and understanding on the visa process and staying in France.
~God continue to sharpen and strengthen me as He sees fit.
~Continued provision. God is SO faithful! This is also a praise.
~Safe and healthy travels as I come home for the holidays.
~Wisdom on when to return to France and the provision to do so.

Thanks for keeping up with me and these requests. Would love to hear from you when you can take a minute to write a note.

**left pic: The long flat building near the middle of the picture is the part of the school that is in need of work. The four or five rooms on the left are working classrooms. The rest of the building is in the process of being finished.

**right pic: God is making a clear path for me in France. (This is from one of my walks in the vineyard on the hill close to the chateau.)

4 November

Hello, all. I am going to try and do shorter updates more often to keep people up on prayer requests and what's happening here in Guebwiller.

I just want to say again that I am loving working with the youth worship band here. It is my sweet spot: youth, worship, music, discipleship. You can definitely pray that God moves in us all to release and train up these young people. It's not just about having a good worship band. It's about finding who they are in Christ and seeing them set free into that.

God has been speaking to me as well as I walk in the center of the town about the youth there who have nothing to do and just hang around. One of the youth went with me the other day and we prayed in the place where students congregate. We are praying God will give us strategies on how to reach the lost in Guebwiller. Tomorrow, Thursday the 5th, the intercession team will make a tour of the town and pray at all of the schools. I am expecting God to really move. Please pray with us for the youth and the future of France.

I feel strongly that I need to be here in Guebwiller for at least the next year. So the next step is figuring out how to do that with visas, etc. I will begin sending out resumes soon. Please pray that God helps me make the right connections there and even more that I get some clear answers on how to get the proper visa I need. The best situation would be if I could remain in France while the visa is in process. I am going to be checking into this in the next weeks with the authorities here.

This weekend I will be going with some of the leaders to a conference in Germany. It will be with a network of churches from Germany, Switzerland, and France. They come together to share ideas and information and to support one another in reaching Europe. I hope to learn more about what God is doing in Europe and see if there might be any important connections for me. You can be praying for safe travels, health, and the will of God to be accomplished during this time. Praying into this conference is a way you can have an impact on Europe!

A HUGE praise report is that this month's support was for the funds that were missing last month plus the full amount for November!! Thanks so much for giving of your hard earned money to support what is happening here in France. I am grateful and encouraged once again that God has me right where He wants me and with your help we will make a difference in French lives and ultimately in the nation of France.

Ok, maybe not so short, but a lot of positive things are happening.

**The photo was taken from my room window this morning. There was a perfect rainbow that stretched from one hill to the other over Guebwiller. I was reminded of the promises and the faithfulness of God.

31 October

The last 2 1/2 weeks since I last wrote have brought new adventures. I have observed a few different classes, had rehearsals with two different music groups, prayed at the gates of the city, taken a quick trip to Paris to see school friends, been on a hike and walks, and have just generally settled in and gotten to know people better.

I have found from observing classes that French young people are not unlike American young people. That's not to say that there is no difference, but at the core we are all human. We want and need to be loved and respected. We receive better if the giver of information also listens, really listens. We respond well to people who are enthusiastic and passionate.

There is a group of young people that I am working with who are beginning to lead worship from time to time at Eglise Josué. They range in age from around 15 to 21. They are packed with talent and very motivated. Best of all, they have great hearts and are fun to be with. They call me their coach. Where's my whistle... Just kidding! They already know how to play and sing, so we are working to function as a team and I'm just helping to give some structure and stretch them when I can. It's great fun.

My visit with friends in Paris was great. It was so good to see people and to deepen some key relationships. I also got to see some new places in Paris. It was nice to come 'home' to the country though. For me, Paris is a great place to visit but I guess I'm just a country girl at heart.

After talking to a friend at Les Cèdres, the language school I attended last year, I realized even more the importance of what they are doing in equipping the saints to reach the francophone world. I also was reminded of the spiritual warfare that goes on there. It is a light surrounded by darkness. Those of you that are praying with me and for me please remember Les Cèdres in your prayers. Specifically pray for God to protect the school from the enemy's attacks that affect the administration, the teachers, and the students. It is an important call that they are all answering and it is being strongly contested. The French speaking world is in desperate need of the good news of Jesus and our Father's love.

There is much dreaming and scheming going on here. I will give more detail as things develop. I feel I could really be a part of the vision here in Guebwiller. My heart and skill set complement what is needed. Will you pray with me that God will make it clear where I am to go or stay next and how to accomplish that? I still need strategy on finding a job and even more so on getting a visa so I don't have to keep leaving the country frequently.

Thanks to you all for keeping up with me. I will give a list of prayer requests below. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave a comment here or send me and email!

summary of prayer requests:
~*my time in Guebwiller to be effective
-including organizing and preparing music groups
-interceding for the church and school here
~*improving my French skills
~*strategies for finding a job and getting a visa*~
~*financial support
-monthly giving was down this month


**Pictures at the top:
Anne Pierre-Elien, my guide on our hike and a powerful intercessor, in general, a real fireball. I challenge anybody to keep up with her. :)
Anne's family and the Bussiere family live on the floor below me. They have all been very warm and welcoming. Thanks for making me feel at home. Last night I got to have crepes with both families. It was loud and lively and a lot of people packed in a small kitchen. I loved EVERY minute of it.

The chateau from the vineyards on the hill. It's the brown building with pointed eaves at bottom center. The place the pic was taken is a good place to go and pray over the valley.

14 October

Greetings from Guebwiller, France.
It is so good to be back in France. I have many good things to report. I am sure I'm going to forget something, but at least this will help give you and idea of what has been happening and what will be happening. I will start with the more practical and then share my heart towards the end. (You might want to get a cup of tea or coffee for this one. :)

My first four days were spent with the Leigh family until my room became available at the chateau. I am grateful for their hospitality and time with them. I was able to take walks in the vineyards and enjoy the beauty. If you are a facebook friend check out my photos of the area and the chateau where I am living. I was told by another lady who lives in the chateau that I am now a châtelaine (lady of the manor). so fun...

Monday started with two chapel services at the Christian school that is located here at the chateau. There was a guest speaker from Honduras. He brought an inspiring message and many of the students from the youngest who are preschool age to the oldest who are about 15. He spoke in Spanish and Manuela, one of the leaders here, translated. Whew! After the whole day passed in French, the first one for me in a long time, my mind was spinning. The first day was frustrating. I began to understand what was being said fairly quickly but I felt helpless to speak.

Tuesday was better for getting things out of my mouth. I had lunch with a French family Monday and then with another French family on Tuesday. Being surrounded by the language is helping it to come back. I know I am still making a lot of mistakes but at least I'm talking!

The leaders here are keen to get me involved with intercession, which was the first thing I did on Thursday morning. The church leaders came together to welcome me and pray for me. It was a great time. They encouraged me in prayer and I felt loved and welcomed. Then I stayed to pray with the intercession team during their weekly meeting. God is really on the move here and many things are being started. There is a real need to cover this and the people here in prayer. I plan on taking many walks to explore and pray over the area too. There is also daily prayer before school for the school and the students. They really have a heart not just to educate kids but give them a chance to live a healthy life full of God.

Just a quick clarification: There is the church Eglise Josué and there is the school Ecole Daniel. Many leaders of the church are also leaders or teachers in the school. However, the church does not run the school and many of the teachers are not a part of the church. The school is a French Christian school, the largest one in France, and it is not very big. It is a very important work for the future generations of France.

With the school I hope to be involved with music. There are a couple young groups who are interested in leading worship during the Monday chapel services. The leaders have asked if I could help train them in music and playing as a group. There is also talk of other lessons or maybe a small choir. Things are still developing. I would also like to observe some classes to improve my French and to see how the French classroom operates.

I can already see that there are many things to be done and I am here for only 9 weeks total, the first one is already gone. I want to be effective and help in supporting in prayer what is happening and teaching and training where I can. Also during this time I will be sending out resumes and looking for a job teaching English so I can get a visa to work and live in France. These are all things that you could definitely pray for me and with me about.

summary of prayer requests:
~my time in Guebwiller to be effective
-including organizing and preparing music groups
-interceding for the church and school here
-looking for a job
~improving my French skills
~interceding for friends and family in other places
-the more I pray into this place, God puts others on my heart
I need to learn to balance this or learn what God is teaching me through this.
~financial support
-monthly giving was down this month and it's a bit tight right now

Now I want to share some of my heart.
I am a relational person. I am motivated most by knowing people, not projects. With just a few weeks here I've wondered how that would work. In May, God connected me with several people at the France en Feu conference and then a visit to Guebwiller. I knew I had found my French family. It is so odd to feel you instantly have a family but you don't really know them. It's a Spirit thing. That connection was quickly reaffirmed. I feel loved and accepted here. I am a part of what is happening. I haven't had much time with students here but I can already feel a tug in my heart towards them. I think God will do what He does and allow us to get to know one another quickly and work together well, not that that there won't be challenges.

I feel a closer connection to God or maybe greater freedom of access to Him than ever before. While praying in a classroom before school yesterday I was drawn to a particular desk and spent some time praying there. After the time, I asked one of the teachers, who is also one of the intercessors, who sat there. I shared what God had given me and she said it fit that student's situation. God is so cool.

I am at peace and ready to run at the same time. I am grateful for the time of preparation God has brought me through. The struggles, difficulties, and plain old hard work are paying off. I am again reminded of the scripture in Hebrews 12: No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. We all face the challenges of life. How will we respond to them? I want to be trained by them so I don't have to repeat them!

I pray you are finding God in your present situation, whether it be in the valley, on the mountain top, or on the way up. May God's richness fill you today and give you all you need and more.

**Pics at the top are of my new home.
the château
the view from my room

3 October

I'm finished!!! One more step closer to...

The month TEFL course was a lot to do in a short time, but overall a positive experience. I did well on my tests and have a feeling of accomplishment. I am now certified to teach English as a foreign language! God has been gracious to me over this month.

Another positive aspect has been getting to stay with my friends Ruth and Ralph. Their home once again has been a refuge. I have seen them a few times in the last year, but it has been a treat to get a block of time to deepen a good friendship.

I move on to Guebwiller, France on Wednesday the 7th of October. I am really looking forward to seeing friends there and getting plugged in with what God is doing there. It will be so good to be back in France. However, I know my French is rusty and it will take a little time to get it back. Then the goal is to improve for years to come. I will let you know what I am involved in after I am plugged in and know exactly what to report.

I am ready for another stage of this adventure. It has been over a year of preparation and I feel I am close to being able to be a part of what God is doing in France, however that will look.

I read this quote on the side of a church in London. I like it. It offers a bit of a challenge. Maybe it will mean something to you.

"All may have, if they dare try, a glorious life or grave."