An unforgettable visit...

...As I mentioned before, one of my best friends, Stephanie, visited me here in Paris just a while ago. She came all the way from China to spend time with me (and see a little bit of Paris). We had such an amazing time together. She is a wonderful best friend and I know the Lord is blessing our friendship (even while we are thousands and thousands of miles away from eachother). So, this is for you Steph...just some words: the apprentice, dumplings, who are all these people from california?, a springy mattress, some beautiful views of the city, no waffle, breakfast or lunch?, fresh market food, picard & ed, spilled jam, the park with will, a huge salad and little bity brownie, we know how old frieda is!, and what's up with the cold??? I love you girl and it means so much to me that you came so far to see me. The pleasure will be mine next year!!

Soakin' it in...

...Wow...its always toward the end of something that time begins to fly by. The end of my time here in Paris is in sight...a little too close I think. For the past few months, it seemed as though I would be in Paris forever, and then all of the sudden I have less than two weeks left in this city that I have fallen in love with. I beginning to feel the sadness of leaving behind a world that is so different from my old one. I feel as if I have to say goodbye to all of these changes that I have both painfully accepted and warmy welcomed. But I also know that God has blessed me with all of these changes and I am praying that He will help me integrate them into a new life back home...in my old, but new world. Its all a bit fuzzy to me. But I know God will guide me. I am just so incredibly joyful as I look back on this year in Paris and a smile comes over my face and my eyes light up and all of the wonderful experiences, people, and memories come flooding into my head and heart. And I know that I still have two fabulous weeks to soak up even more of the life-changing Paris and take a million more pictures!! Its not goodbye yet!

ice cream...

You Are Rocky Road Ice Cream

Unpredictable and wild, you know how to have fun. You're also a trendsetter who takes risks with new things. You know about the latest and greatest - and may have invented it. You are most compatible with vanilla ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

A cooler, calmer summer...

...After a couple of weeks of crazy heat here in Paris, we're finally getting some mild (and a bit chilly) weather. Its a welcomed relief after surviving the "heat wave" without AC. And along with the cooler weather has come a calmer schedule for me. What a drastic difference. Many students have gone home for the summer and the goodbyes have continued...my friends, Joelle and Assia, and my teammates, the Kings, and my roommate, Ashley. Whew. And its expecially been a big change from my busy 10 days I spent at home in the states a couple of weeks ago. I had an amazing visit at home...spending lots of time with college friends, my nephews, my sisters, my parents, and my best friends from high school...and I have my best friend, Valerie, to thank for my visit...she just got married! It was a beautiful wedding that brought glory to God...a wonderful example that I pray to follow. I love you Val and I'm so happy for you!

So...its a bit calmer and with that comes a bit or boredom. But I'm tyring really hard to be productive and not just sit around idle the last month of my time here in Paris. I have some fun things planned for students that are still here and I have my teammates, the Campbells, to spend lots of time with before I leave (and a new addition, Wyatt...when he comes very soon!), and I have also just finished my "Paris To Do" list...all of the places I want to go and things I want to do in Paris before I leave...and its really long...probably too long for just one month left. So...that should keep me busy...and I'm really hoping to have some great time alone with God to read, chat, and just have some good quality time with my favorite companion!

And the best news for the moment is that my best friend and roommate from college, Stephanie, is coming all the way from China to visit me here in Paris!! She'll be here this week and is staying for 5 whole days!!! I can't wait to spend time with her and for us to talk about our year away in foreign countries...lots to talk about...So...as you can see, the Lord has plans for me here in Paris for my last month and I hope to be writing about some amazing things in the next days...keep checking (now that I remembered to write in here:o).

Go Andy!!!! Wish I could be watching.