Just another Day in Grenoble...

Bonjour, tout le monde!

Well, officially today (now yesterday) has been one of the most eventful of days that I have had thus far in Grenoble. I am currently gleaning internet from a little park in the middle of Grenoble. I believe that today is an orientation day for university students, (traditional students at my campus), and currently there are different little teams wearing various colored t-shirts, running around- jumping in fountains, going up to perfect strangers and asking for autographs, etc. It's super funny... the French have really bizarre traditions, and this isn't the first time I have been asked to help with little antics like these:)

This morning I woke up and prepared to go to a political forum in France entitled the- "Liberation Forum." This weekend, various French/ European political, media, and cultural figures are gathering in Grenoble for a series of debates and speeches. Today, I sat in on a debate between a two prominent politicians Laurent Fabius (socialist) and Nicolas Schmit (who has served as an ambassador to Luxembourg) in France. The debate concerned the French and their views/interest in the European Union- mostly regarding the governing abilities of the European community in comparison to the rule of the French state. It was interesting gaining insight on the different French perspectives. I was encouraged by how my comprehension of such topics is improving, but honestly, I felt like the debate was artificial and stale; alas it was a good experience for me.

After, I decided to try a small boulangerie that my host mom, Sylvette, had told me about, she said that they have most wonderful Paninis. I think I may have chosen the wrong one because when I entered there was only an elderly Italian man and the shop owner, and this shop didn't have any cake- which my host mom had also raved about. I ordered a sandwich expecting to order and run, but soon found that I had no choice but to sit down. During the hour and a half I stayed to eat lunch, I met a man who was visiting from Italy, a nearby shop owner who owns a salon, and a man who is a aspiring opera singer. I left the restaurant having drunk a glass of wine and cup of coffee (free), a coupon to get my hair cut, and a free concert... hahaha- oh, and some great practice of French.

oops... one day later... I attended a new church, also reformed, and felt much more at home. Many of the worship songs that were sung I know in English, and the congregation was warm and welcoming. I was encouraged by the several moments the congregation freely read scripture, prayed, and requested different songs as the spirit moved. Today I was reminded of my gross need for Christ and his righteousness- my feeble efforts to contrive offerings of righteousness on my own accord are essentially dirty rags to the Lord. I am constantly reminded of the gospel and my need for a savior, and his glorious plan for my life, because of what he did for me. I was also reminded of the passage in Romans 8- that we have been adopted by Christ, and are his beloved. I pray that the Lord could reveal the words and peoples in France for me to share the source of my joy. Thankfully, he is in control.

This week I learned that ,07 percent of the French believe in Jesus as their savior. YIKES. Let's stand together in prayer for France, and that the Lord would move in hearts and minds here.

lovelovelove