Roller coasters...

Bonjour Supporters, Famille, et Amis!!

Hello Supporters, Family, and Friends!!

“Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent? In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other…” Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

The New Year began with fireworks, but little did I know that the Lord had a roller coaster in store for me the first month of the year. The month of January was full of ups and downs…and oh how the “downs” made me appreciate the “ups” so much more. Now, no one worry…I’m fine, I promise.

So…where to begin.

Most memorable moment: Seeing the look on my face in the mirror after getting my first Parisian-style haircut. I adventured into the Jean Louise David school to get my super-cheap haircut (only 4 euro, which is about 6 dollars or so right now). All was going well until I was separated from my roommate, Ali, who was assigned to be my translator for this momentous occasion. Although my understanding of French has grown, my ability to speak has not (unfortunately). But with the help of many hand gestures and a magazine or two…the student began hacking away. Huge chunks of hair were flying around and I suddenly realized that my worst fear might be coming true…I was getting an infamous mullet! After two hours of cutting, and help from the teacher, all was complete and I was officially a part of the group known as South-Georgian Hicks. Now, some might say, “you’re exaggerating Pam!”…well, you are right, I am. Truthfully, it is a very stylish mullet…my stick-straight hair helps in that way. And I have come to really like it and I actually feel like I fit in better now. But, I don’t think I’ll be pointing to that picture next time. And don’t worry Valerie, I’m going to get another haircut to even it all out before your wedding. I don’t think a mullet (no matter how stylish) will go well with a lilac bridesmaid dress.

A sad good-bye: One of my down moments was having to say goodbye to my good friend, Lydia, who was studying here from Germany. She ended up having to leave Paris a month early due to an internship. However, we did get in a whole bunch of fun before she left: shopping, coffee, ice-skating, and dinner at an amazing Ethiopian restaurant. I truly feel blessed to have met Lydia and become friends with her. And I wish her all the happiness in the world in her new marriage that will begin in August! I can’t wait to visit you Lydia!

A big southern-style hello: The third week in January, we welcomed a volunteer mission group from Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. They were here for 10 days helping out our ministry. This was my first time being on this side of things and it was very interesting. I have a new appreciation. We were blessed to have these students come…their zeal was encouraging, their theological discussions were unforgettable, and I think they walked away from here with a new understanding of reaching post-modern thinkers through relationship evangelism. Thanks for all the help y’all!!


“The end of the matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8

Avec amour,Pamela Simpson