Monday, March 28, 2005
Technology continues to amaze me...
...Last night, I watched a video over the internet of Louie Giglio speaking at 7:22. Amazing. I knew that you could do this now...but it still floored me when I clicked on one button and within 30 seconds I was watching a talk that took place a few weeks ago in the states...had I known before, I could probably watch it live. It was so cool to hear some of the new praise songs that were played and to hear Louie again...man is he good or what? He is totally annointed for speaking to our generation. I will say that I believe he might have read Piper's book that I'm reading right now...the talk was very familiar. But I hear Louie is a big Piper fan. Its good though...Piper's ideas are a bit over my head a lot of the time and Louie kind of brings them down closer to my level...and then I can chew on the ideas from there. So...I recommend this to all of you who don't get a chance to go to 7:22 in Alpharetta, Georgia...go to www.webvideocastings.com/722 and listen to some broadcasts...they are truly inspiring.
Pretty in Pink...
...Marisa and I finally made it to the Eiffel Tower...just to take look and some pictures. Thanks for loaning me the sweater Ris! And don't you all love Marisa's hat??
Let's eat some more...
...Elie, Assia, Marisa, and Me eating at this awesome Peruvian restaurant. Although we waited forever for the food (I think they forgot about us for a while), the food was great and we had a great time enjoying eachother's company.
Her first American meal...
...Me, Assia, Jessica and Sarah (both from the Mercer group). Assia joined us for dinner at the American restaurant and enjoyed her very first American meal (aside from McDonald's). She actually like the American mustard too!
Some new friends...
...At the end of the volunteer week, we had a dinner at the American restaurant and invited students to join us. Three girls that Veronica had met joined us and, along with Ali and Sandra, they had a great time getting to know eachother. Ali is hoping to begin meeting with these girls and carry on the new friendship.
A little chit chat...
...On campuses, we use volunteer groups to give surveys. These surveys are great ways to learn about the french student culture and mindset. Here Sandra (from the Mercer group) and Anna King (from our team) are talking with a couple of girls at the university building at Censier. They ended up talking with them for at least an hour!
Cooking lessons with Lulu...
...This was my first lesson in Chinese cooking...given by my teacher, Lulu. Its an exchange of sorts...I give Enlgish lessons and now she's teaching me how to cook real genuine Chinese food. The only problem is that she doesn't know the french or english word for a lot of the ingredients....I think you can only find them in China (or Chinatown, near where I live here in Paris).
The familiar accent group...
...This is the group from Mercer University in the states that came to work with us for a week. From the left its, Sarah, Chris (the leader), Veronica, Jessica, and Sandra.
Discovering new restaurants...
...I love going to ethnic restaurants and discovering foods I've never tasted before. Here, me and Assia are at a Lebonese place with our friend, Elie. He is Lebonese and took us to one of his favorite restaurants. The food was great! We're hoping to make this a weekly event...trying new restaurants with Assia, Elie, and their friends (giving them the chance to practice their English!).
A wonderful day to celebrate...
...After walking the road to the cross....what a day of celebration today is...the day that Christ defied all human laws and rose Himself from the grave!!!
Christ is Risen Indeed!!
Happy Easter everyone!!
Today is an amazing day for Christians. This is the most important day of the year as we reflect on the amazing and free gift Christ gave us...the gift of eternal life through a sacrifice that we could not make ourselves...a sinless sacrifice. I would just like to say a huge thank you to the Lord for this amazing gift...this is my Thanksgiving Day!!!!!
Christ is Risen Indeed!!
Happy Easter everyone!!
Today is an amazing day for Christians. This is the most important day of the year as we reflect on the amazing and free gift Christ gave us...the gift of eternal life through a sacrifice that we could not make ourselves...a sinless sacrifice. I would just like to say a huge thank you to the Lord for this amazing gift...this is my Thanksgiving Day!!!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
A walk following the cross...
...This past Friday (Good Friday) I was invited to join my friend, Joelle, and her sister to go to a service at a local catholic church. I was excited to experience something different...and I did. We begun by singing a few chants...remember, this is all in French. Then a priest carried a wooden cross and we all got up and began to follow him...even out the door! So, Joelle filled me in on what was going on. It turned out to be such a cool experience. It was "The Way of the Cross" (some know it as the "stations" of the cross). We walked a block or so, then stopped, a priest would read scripture and pray and then we would sing a chant that went along with the "station." Each station were parts of Jesus' path to the cross...from the acusasations of the sanhedrin to Peter's denial to the crucifixion. It was really moving. Although the standing and walking was very tiring...it was so great to spend three hours reading about Christ's amazing sacrifice and worship Him through prayer and song. It was a great way to spend Good Friday since that it when it all happened. I think I am going to make it a tradition for myself every year...maybe with a few slight (more protestant) changes:o)
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Some familiar accents...
...A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to host a volunteer group from Mercer University. Boy was it fun to hear some nice southern accents and the "correct" pronunciation of Atlanta ("Alana"). They were able to join us for a week. The group was made up of four girls and I loved getting to know all of them. One of my favorite questions to ask all of them was what they had learned about the students here in France throughout the week. So many of them were so surprised to find out that most students don't believe in God and don't think faith is important in our lives through the cultural exchange surveys they conducted. It was exciting to watch their eyes open to a whole new world around them.
On top of learning things themselves, they helped us out with making new contacts through the surveys, prayer walking up a storm!, and helping with English Club sign-ups. There were a few girls that my roommate met through them and is hoping to begin meeting with. Thanks for all the help Mercer Girls...and Chris!! We enjoyed having you all here...keep praying for the students in Paris and I'm looking forward to hearing about the new outreaches you will be doing on your campus!!!!
On top of learning things themselves, they helped us out with making new contacts through the surveys, prayer walking up a storm!, and helping with English Club sign-ups. There were a few girls that my roommate met through them and is hoping to begin meeting with. Thanks for all the help Mercer Girls...and Chris!! We enjoyed having you all here...keep praying for the students in Paris and I'm looking forward to hearing about the new outreaches you will be doing on your campus!!!!
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
By His Grace...
(the Hymn, "By His Grace")
"By His grace I am redeemed, By His blood I am made clean,
And I now can know Him face to face.
By His pow'r I havev been raised, Hidden now in Christ by faith;
I will praise the glory of His grace.
By Your grace I am redeemed, By Your blood I am made clean,
And I now can know You face to face.
By Your pow'r I have been raised, Hidden now in You by faith;
I will praise the glory of Your grace."
"By His grace I am redeemed, By His blood I am made clean,
And I now can know Him face to face.
By His pow'r I havev been raised, Hidden now in Christ by faith;
I will praise the glory of His grace.
By Your grace I am redeemed, By Your blood I am made clean,
And I now can know You face to face.
By Your pow'r I have been raised, Hidden now in You by faith;
I will praise the glory of Your grace."
Sunday, February 20, 2005
The waves and winds still know his voice...
I am currently reading "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ" by John Piper. In the chapter titled "The Waves and Winds Still Know His Voice" Piper expresses the relationship of God with the earth and all its parts. I was moved by this chapter due to the recent tsunami event in Asia. It really spoke to me. God is completely in control of the earth and what happens with nature...eventhough we may not understand it. Here is a poem from the chapter that Piper wrote...it really moved me and I hope it speaks to you...
God strolled the beach---
Our legs and faces could not bear the piercing, blasting sand.
God stepped ashore---
Palms waved, scattering branches in his path.
God strode inland---
Magnolias, pines, and oaks
Who'd stretched one hundred years toward God,
Fell to the ground before him.
God stood and breathed---
While we--in dark, closed closet--
Feared to face his glory.
God strolled the beach---
Our legs and faces could not bear the piercing, blasting sand.
God stepped ashore---
Palms waved, scattering branches in his path.
God strode inland---
Magnolias, pines, and oaks
Who'd stretched one hundred years toward God,
Fell to the ground before him.
God stood and breathed---
While we--in dark, closed closet--
Feared to face his glory.
Monday, February 14, 2005
All fun and games...
...I've forgotten how much fun I have playing games with friends. Last night I had such a great time over at the King's apartment just playing games. Accompanied by my two roommates, Ali and Heidi, and my friend, Troy, we snacked on my favorite Tex-Mex dish, a layer dip with chips. About thirty chips later we began the real fun. We started off by teaching my roommates one of my favorite games, Speed Scrabble. If you aren't familiar with this game, you should be. Its so much more fun than Scrabble (although I've never actually played regular Scrabble...I just assume that it is a bit boring for me, too slow paced...kind of like my assumption with golf). I won't go into detail about the game, but its called SPEED Scrabble for that very reason. It was fun to watch my roommate, Heidi, come up with new words that I've never seen...she decide to play phonetically. Then we moved on to Nertz. Me and Ali were a team until we got too good and they decided that we needed to be on our own...just because they were all playing indiviually doesn't mean we have to right? Man, it was a competitive bunch. I got in trouble twice for "double handing" it. Who knew that was some unspoken rule? Anyways...one of my favorite parts was hearing what Ali would come up with to say about the number of points she got (she's not a big fan of speed games...she likes regular Scrabble better). When she achieved a positive score, she accredited it to Henry and Henrietta (the two ducks on the deck of card she was using). Another time, she recieved 3 points and said that this was a great number because it was the number of the month of her birthday. She's so funny and creative...always making us laugh...mostly because she's already laughing. So...thanks for having us over Anna and Tom!! We had a blast...next time, we'll host the game night and I'm sure Ali will make us play at least one slower paced game:o) Happy Gamenighting everyone!!!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Letting go of the rope...
(dedicated to my friend who gives me hope every time I speak with her)
Seeking with hope
A young doctor sees
There is more to this world
More than she’s known
Starting with nothing
Stepping slowly down the path
Asking questions with no fear
Just a mind with all wonders
A journey has commenced
And stories unfold
Of other Christians
And their paths to the One
Change has begun
In her heart, mind and soul
She begins to hear the faint whispers
She sees the power, He’s moving
So what holds her back
From the life-saving choice
To give all control
To the ultimate Love
She says there’s a bridge
She sees the other side
But preventing the next step
Is not letting go of the rope
Seeking with hope
A young doctor sees
There is more to this world
More than she’s known
Starting with nothing
Stepping slowly down the path
Asking questions with no fear
Just a mind with all wonders
A journey has commenced
And stories unfold
Of other Christians
And their paths to the One
Change has begun
In her heart, mind and soul
She begins to hear the faint whispers
She sees the power, He’s moving
So what holds her back
From the life-saving choice
To give all control
To the ultimate Love
She says there’s a bridge
She sees the other side
But preventing the next step
Is not letting go of the rope
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
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
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Hey Y'all!
I was so excited to have a group of southerners come and help us out. This is the group from Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. They joined us for 10 days and their zeal was unforgettable. Thanks for the help!
The moast fashionable mullet I've ever seen:o)
Here's a close-up of my wonderful Parisian haircut that has now famed me with the name Pamullet:o) The best part about it is that you can always see my cool earrings...the worst part...no second-day hair. But for only 4 euros, it was definitely worth it!
The Best Way to Say Goodbye
I think this was the best goodbye dinner I've ever had...no tears, just amazing and different Ethiopian food. I will definitely be going back here. It may not look like much, but we couldn't even finish that plate! Oh...this is Lydia and Me...she had to go back to Germany for an internship...but hopefully I will get to go to Germany to visit her soon.
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