Salut!

Just a little photo to show you some of the members of the rollerblading club I belong to.  We did a ‘rando’ last sunday in the sun! Click to enlarge and try to spot me! 

I travelled up to Paris early yesterday morning to visit an appartment.  When I got to the agency they told me it had been let the day before.  I was really gutted and dispondant.  How is it ever going to be possible to find somewhere here when they are snatched up before I can even get to a viewing?

Anyway, on the way back home I stopped in on another agency and they had something to show me.  It was perfect!  (Well, almost!)  It was a great little flat with a kitchen that opens onto a small shared garden and it even has a bath and room for a washing machine!  I have given them all the papers they asked for and now I’m just waiting for the landlord to make his choice.  I know that at least 3 other people have already visited.  With my missionary status it is quite difficult becuase I don’t fit into the normal mould.  Please pray that the landlord would be favourable.

Sorry I haven’t posted after our campaign…I have been exhausted!

The weekend was a mixture of encouragements and dissapointments.  We distributed all morning Saturday.  For lunch I co-ordinated a meal for 50, except only 30 turned up!  All afternoon we were out.  Me and Paul called on a lady I know and we drank mint tea and chatted with her for about 2 hours!  In the evening it was the concert.  We had a room for 400, we were about 200 with about 70 non-christians.  it was OK.  I was kind of dissapointed.

My neighbour came with his wife and we had a great discussion with both of them.  She is from Morroco and someone was able to speak to her in Arabic so it was great.  Please pray for the seeds sown. 

The concert is really good with lots of humour.  The Gospel message was clear and a handful of people resonded.  We will be supporting them on their journey towards Christ.

Monday I was SOOOOO exhausted that I didn’t get out of bed till midday, after going to bed at 10pm!!

Our evangelism campaign has kicked off.  We were in the markets this morning giving out invites to the concert tomorrow evening.  I love this!  This is what I’m here for.  I could do this every day!!  Just meeting people, sharing with them, letting them know that there is HOPE!  I can’t think of a better job!!

My pastor and his wife from Aberystwyth came to visit for a couple of days.  It was lovely to see them and a great encouragement.  As always, meeting people out of context seems strange!  We spent an afternoon talking and visiting the city and the next day we had a little tour round the area taking in a few castles and the oldest church in France from 840!!

Sunday was a great day of celebration.  Hilary, one of my closest friends here in Orleans, got baptised.  The church was packed with all the people she had invited and everone got to hear how Jesus has changed her life.  A great day!

Sunday was also a very special day for a completly different reason.  Sunday 18th May 2008 was the day I tried my very first frog’s leg!!!  And here is the photographic proof!

 No one can ever say I don’t make every effort to adapt culturally!

It’s a week before our big evangelism campaign and today we went out in groups to stick up posters around the town.  It was quite funny because everywhere we went there were the same posters for a nightclub with a very scantily clad women.  We took great pleasure to put up our posters which covered her bum!  Hee hee!

here’s our team in action…

I spent ALL DAY Thursday walking, walking walking, looking for a flat in Arceuil - but no!  Nothing to be had.  Very depressing.  Also most the flats I did see where HORRIBLE!  The best one I saw was very Parisien!  Next door to a boulangerie with a little square and a cafe in front of the front door.  It was VERY tiny - as to be expected - but very nicely done up.  Anyway, it’s free straight away and I can only take it from the 1st of July.  So I have to pray that God keeps it for me of finds me something better!  Ho Hum!

I did a ‘rando roller’ with friends from my club a few weeks ago and the photos are on the web if you want to see them:

http://qvls.orleanscity.com/qvls_roller_photos_080420.htm

I have recieved my official ‘go ahead’ from ECM to move to Arcueil and become part of the ministry there.  I’m excited but getting more and more scared as the reality looms!

This weekend has been a bit like Dawson Creek!  Saturday morning I set out with 2 others to put posters up for our forthcoming evangelism campaign.  We came back and ate together and then sat outside my flat in the shade of the trees and had a lovely time of relaxation and sharing.  It is so good to have spiritual brothers and sisters! 

In the evening I was invited to eat pizza with a group of friends.  It was lovely and hot and we decided to take the dessert to the local lake and enjoy it there.  After a bit of paddling, shreeking and water kicking we sat on a little jetty and made the most of the warm night, appearing stars and croaking toads.  Why is that just when I start to feel at home I have to move on?!

I will be in Paris for a training course tues/weds and hope to stick around and start the flat hunting on Thursday.  Please pray.