AU REVOIR TO PARIS

The time has come to say our "good-byes" and cast our eyes on Michigan. We both remarked at lunch today that it seems we have hardley just arrived here, and now it is time to go! What an incredible experience it has been for both of us--much more than we ever thought or envisioned. John finally got to the top of the Eiffel Tower, walking up to the second stage, and then taking the lift.

We are being ushered out with a blitz of appreciation, and listening to wonderful music. This week we have had three opportunities to attend concerts by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, a world class acapella group of 24 men and women, musician alumni and students of the University of the Philippines. The first concert was in the Invalides Church of the Dome (within walking distance and where Napoleon is buried), the second venue was at the world headquarters of UNESCO, and then the final concert at our church.

Also last Sunday, our church hosted the "Distinctly Bronze" bell ringers from the U.S., a group of 32 ringers with over 100 bells...we've never heard anything quite like that!

So it's off to the airport Sunday morning, July 1, being picked up at 5:00 a.m. for our BA flight thru London, Chicago, and then to Grand Rapids.

It's been wonderful to share our experiences with you, and we appreciate the thoughts and prayers for us during these 6 months in "the city of Lights."

Returning to Michigan

July 1 marks our return to Michigan, I have many reflections and thoughts about our 6 months here......It has certainly been much more than the brief tourist trip that many folks experience, and itwas not nearly as long as a more permanent stay which involves much more adjustment. I would say that our stay here had the advantages of both.

Being here for 6 months has given us opportunities to get to know Paris, using walking trips giving historical information and details not available to the casual tourist. We became familiar with the bus, metro, and train schedules and found them such a convenient means of getting around. We found it very "freeing" not to have a car, and learned to walk more. We were able to visit favorite places more than once, and also had the opportunity for travel to London, Brugge, Cyprus, Chartres, Versailles, and Giverney

We have learned and used some basic French phrases and words, and ways of fitting in with French living, always greeting the bus driver or clerk with "bon jour" and when leaving "au revior". Our basic French/English dictionary was like a second Bible to us. We found the French people to be polite and respectful, especially when we needed help with directions, or words. They are for the most part mannerly, giving bus seats to the elderly (even me!), or for a young mother with children. Interestingly, though most people are Roman Catholic, the French are not "religious" in the sense that they worship regularly. However, at the American Church, every Sunday finds a vigorous and full group of people worshipping God!

Paris, is a city that draws in the wealthy and famous, the ex-pats, students, tourists, aspiring musicians and actors, but it is also a city where lonely students and homeless refugees find Paris to be an expensive and unfriendly place. The ACP has ministered to hundreds of these folk, and has become family for them. Now celebrating its 150th year of active ministry, the future reaches out to people of all nationalities and religious background, to find a common faith in the Triune God and expressing God's love to all.

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Will I miss the 24/7 noise??? .....motorcycles, sirens, workmen (who never seem to finish), traffic, busses, trains.....No, but it has been exciting to live in the midst of the city, where one finds people and activity in every section of Paris, day or night.

Will I miss the dog poo on the sidewalk? No...still seems incredible that so many people while walking their dogs, do not clean up after them.

Will I miss feeling like an outsider when I cannot understand people talking in the store, on the street, or on the bus.? No...but it has given me a greater empathy for those in our communities who struggle to know English.

Will I miss the lack of organization and order, and the layers of red tape that the French have? No....but I have come to appreciate a more leisurely life style.....spending hours over a cup of expresso and conversation in a cafe.

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Will I miss the American Church in Paris? Yes, and definitely so! To be a part of weekly worship where there are people from over 50 countries, and various religious backgrounds, all experiencing Christian worship, is just amazing. We have made many friends who have warmly received us, and included us in their lives.

Will I miss apartment living? Yes....although small, it has been very adequate and enjoyable to live "at the church", so convenient and be able to share in the lives of other staff members. It has made me realize how much "stuff" we can really do without. Simpler living has given me more time to read, people watch, help with the mission lunch, be a part of the French/English conversation group each Monday nite at our church, and entertain family and friends the past several months.

Will I miss the baguettes and brie? Yes, for sure....we've enjoyed expanding our waistlines a bit with the wonderful breads and pastries of our favourite patiesserie, Secco's. Walking to the fresh fruit and vegetable markets was always a favourite jaunt.

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If you had told me a year ago, that in a year's time I would be traveling thousands of miles : Australia, Italy, Russia, Finland, France, Cyprus, England, and Belgium.....I would not have believed you. God has given me (us) this incredible year to grow and be enriched by the lives and work of His people all over the world! I will never be the same.

And how will I adjust to being back in western Michigan? I honestly don't know....but I guess I'll find out soon!

Au Revior for now! Sharon

Australian Family Visit

We welcomed Leslie, Gavin, Ben and Tessa Coote early Saturday morning, June 2

After a long and tiring 24 hr trip, they were glad to get settled a bit and enjoy a light lunch here at "our" apartment.

That night the kids (and mom and dad) were glad to get to bed.......only to wake up at 4 the next morning, but slowly the jet lag evened out, although 6 a.m. wake ups were not unusual.



Gavin left for Berlin that next Monday for a week of work in Berlin, returning Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the #2 Air France Bus stopped running at mid day, so he was delayed and had to take the RER back to our place. So much for French sporatic transporatation strikes.


The weather was generally favorable, and we hit all the major and some minor parks and playgrounds in Paris. Luxembourg, Jardin du Acclimation, Parc Villete, Champs du Mars, and Jardin de Plantes. With Tess still needing a nap, one of us alternated going with Leslie and Ben. Sandwiched in between, were several wedding appointments for John.

On Sunday afternoon, June 10, John and I treated Ben to a surprise birthday present by going to the Cirque du Solei, which was an outstanding show, and a special time with Ben.

We had to bid farewell to the family Tues. noon, when they left by the Thalys fast train

to denHaag, to visit with Aussie friends, Adrian and Mara and their girls.

The dreaded flight back from Amsterdam to Melbourne was Sunday, June 17. No fun travelling with kids, and also having to deal with a 12 hr. layover in Hong Kong. But we so appreciated their efforts to come to Paris!!