I CAN’T BELIEVE I’VE BEEN HERE FOR A MONTH!
One month ago, I arrived in France!
I jumped right in upon arrival in Angers, taking the placement exam for French classes, which I promptly handed in blank…nowhere to go but up!
On my first weekend here, I went with my team to Tours as they hosted the first regional gathering for women in France to come and worship and hear encouraging sermons together. It was really great!
I just finished my third full week of language classes! My main priority right now is learning French so that I can function in life and ministry here. Language learning has been a fun challenge for me. I had a fun little “win” yesterday when I had a particularly difficult class, then was listening to a French music album on my walk home from school and was able to pick out a bunch of words from one of the songs, reminding me that I really am making progress…it’s the little things. 🙂
I am so thankful to have you on my team praying for and with me, because all of my prayer requests from last month have been answered!
One of the major ones being that in the midst of a housing shortage, I was able to find and move into an apartment within 2.5 weeks! Unreal. Thank you, Jesus!!
After moving in, I had to laugh because I realized that this apartment met every single thing on the list I had written down and prayed for months before even moving to France. It was a big reminder that God truly cares about the desires of our hearts…even the unneccesary ones. I am beyond blessed by this little space I get to call home.
Two weekends ago, I went with my team on a quick 1.5 day retreat to get to know each other and spend time exploring a new place and starting a devotional series together, “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.” I think this is going to be a great foundational piece to put into place for the coming months!
I’m heading into my fourth week of language and I am excited to continue learning! I know that the hard work of language learning is an important investment in my ability to serve here.
Be encouraged today. Whatever new (or old) challenge you’re facing, God is present in the details. You are seen, known, and cared for by your Creator. Trust.
Grace & Peace,
Marissa
Caffeinated Theologian 