Weeee!!!!

It is the end of our first weekend at Le Gault-la-Foret. We are getting used to the big bell ringing for meal times, drinking out of tiny glasses (impossible to ever feel satisified in the thirst department) and feeling at home in the big farm house.

Last night, we had a bonfire out in the fields, it was absolutely beautiful. I loved wrapping up in scarves and warm clothes to be around a fire and just talk. We played some worship songs, us English folk had our first attempt at singing in French and then we all shared how we came to be at Le Gault (YWAM). As the night went on it was interesting to hear everyone's different stories. The evening ended with some prayers and we all headed to bed.

Today we woke up bright and early, had some breakfast and were off to church. It is in a cute town (pictures will be up soon) called Sezanne. It was about a 10 minute drive through the fields. Church actually felt like home, we walked through a cobbled alleyway to get there and then helped set up all the seating. Worship was in French but it was easy to recognize what songs were playing and didn't take too long to catch on. The sermon was translated into English for people of the group who are still struggling with the language. Afterwards we cleaned up, had some tea and cookies and then we all headed to a lake!

A small lake, I would perhaps say a pond? The sun was shining, the water was glistening and we had a picnic! Truly French! We ate baguettes avec du fromage and jambon (cheese and ham) and tomatoes and then little baked goods. Afterwards we were free to do what we liked. Some of us girls headed off in the direction of the park which is where the picture was taken. It was great fun to be like a kid again, some of the boys refused to go on the see-saws...mocking us at our age, but then once they were seated could not stop laughing. It was great! Good clean fun, as some would say!

Day by day we are all getting to know each other better and be ourselves more. Tonight we were introduced to everyone that works at our base in YWAM not just our teachers. It was a great dinner with lots of laughter. Our table had a rule that we could only speak French for the whole meal! It worked out well....sometimes haha.

That is all, Panda and I are heading to bed. He gets sad sometimes that he cannot come on the outings but I do let him know all about them. Tomorrow is the first day of "school".... early morning! Ah!

Bien Dormir!

xxx

Bisous!

Je suis arrivee!

So, I have arrived at my placement which is ACTUALLY in the middle of nowhere! This is what you see when you step out onto the road...fields, fields, feilds! It's great, other than when you want even a chocolate bar and there is no such thing as a convenience store around. I am sure that I will spend most of my time on walks and perhaps reading out in the garden, because yes, we have a wonderful garden!

Today is my second day here, yesterday I was greeted at the train station by Samuel, the leader of the base. He grabbed my bags and we had a two hour journey through the fields to the farm house on the hill where we are staying. I am glad to tell everyone that YES I spoke French the entire way, and to the enjoyment of my aunt he said my accent was amazing! So that made my self confidence go way up! When I arrived at the base, it was really amazing I think around 10 people ran to see me as I was one of the last to arrive. Voices fluttered around my head in French and in English offering to take my bags to my room, make sure I have dinner etc.

After dinner we had get to you know you games, some prayer time and then off to bed. I set up my little bunk and got to know my roomies. Two french girls - Luci-Anna et Lydie and Jessica who is from the States. 

This is my bed!

As you can see Panda has made himself at home! Today we have just been busy walking through the Village...I mean a couple of streets and eating lunch while getting to know one another. It is quite chilly and a lot of people are outside playing games, but I thought some quiet time would be nice.

Not much else to report!

Love you all :)

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Here is the link for the pictures on Facebook, you do not need facebook to view the pictures so dont worry about having an account!

Touchdown.

Hello world! I have touched down in France. I had a very tearful goobye, and an even more tearful wait in the gate as I could no longer see faces that had become so apart of my everyday life. Papa had the privelege of getting me a rum and coke to calm the nerves and stop the tears...did not work in the least, Papa then walked me right to the plane, gave me another hug and VOILA I was on my journey.

The flight was smooth, watched some movies and spoke to a nice French couple who were sitting beside me. Panda slept nicely on my lap - he is enjoying the adventure so far. Off the plane and my job was to run through customs and baggage claim so that I could catch a train to Nantes to see the French fam. The train ride was interesting - French people are sooo not Canadian...probably had five men just watch me struggle with my huge bags trying to get them into the baggage holdings - o well all done.

Home, showered, ate, time for cousins!!! Met the girls at the bus stop, went to get a sim card for the cell phone, and now they are doing homework. I thought it would be nice to update everyone! Sorry for short sentences etc. this french keyboard is driving me insane; it takes some insane concentration to form even a word.

Miss you all! Once I have my comp set up with internet I will put up more pictures!! Here until Friday and then one more train ride until YWAM.