Busy, Busier, Busiest
My life is like a roller coaster right now. It keeps getting faster and faster. I'm sorry that I haven't posted lately; I will stick with my usual plan and include some photos to distract you from noticing how long its been, haha!
Friday night after work, I went out with some ladies from the gym where I work out. I've done this once before, and it is always an interesting experience. None of these women are Christians, which means that I suffer their smoking, drinking, and rough talking. I enjoy the chance to do social things with them, because I hope that I can build some sort of rapport with them. I see it as a ministry, even if I do come home reeking of cigarettes. I imagine Jesus would, too. I'm viewed as something of an oddity, since my conversation is always about church and my involvement in the church activities. They did ask a lot of questions this time, which was good. I was glad to be able to pique their interest in some of the upcoming events at church.
Friday night after work, I went out with some ladies from the gym where I work out. I've done this once before, and it is always an interesting experience. None of these women are Christians, which means that I suffer their smoking, drinking, and rough talking. I enjoy the chance to do social things with them, because I hope that I can build some sort of rapport with them. I see it as a ministry, even if I do come home reeking of cigarettes. I imagine Jesus would, too. I'm viewed as something of an oddity, since my conversation is always about church and my involvement in the church activities. They did ask a lot of questions this time, which was good. I was glad to be able to pique their interest in some of the upcoming events at church.
Saturday was another all-day practice for the youth group musical. I'm heavily involved in this massive project; I secretly think they are trying to trick me into staying in France this summer, by making me in charge of so much in the church youth group. They come up with new things just about every week that I "have to do." I admit, I'm starting to feel pangs of sorrow when I think about saying goodbye to the young people of the Bordeaux church. Its taken me months to make friends, and now that I finally have them, it's time to leave.Sunday was the annual business meeting at church. Here in France, they are held on Sunday mornings (when everyone is usually there), and they are mostly just financial reports. It's both boring and interesting at the same time- boring because financial reports aren't really laugh riots, after all; but interesting in the comparison on how churches spend their money. My church in Bordeaux, for example, only gives 02% of their total giving to missions. In fact, the average person in this church gives less than $15 a year to missions! Yikes.
Fortunately, the day got more interesting. After the afternoon service, some of the young adults decided to go out to dinner. The weather was so nice; it seemed to be encouraging us to go somewhere and do something, so we ended up at a Chinese restaurant, where the six of us laughed ourselves silly over egg rolls. I really enjoy hanging out with them; they are from all over the world. Last night at dinner, we represented four countries (and six hungry appetites!)
I need to give a shout-out to my sponsor for the weekend - my fashion sponsor, that is. Mom and Sarah (my sister) got me some new clothes and I've been wearing them ever since the box arrived. I keep getting compliments on my outfits, so obviously, my mother has good taste! Here I am getting ready for the night out with the gym ladies. Thanks, Mom.