I like listening to the radio while we drive in the "camping car." There is as much American/British music as French (which is strange to hear when they are followed by French advertisements on the radio). Dominique, my host dad, shook his head at me when I was mouthing along to Jason Mraz. He had the same subtle smirk he has when he offers me wine at dinner (which he knows I'm not allowed to drink) or makes comments like, "The bathroom here is just like the one at your house." In their home, the toilet is in a closet-sized room under the stairs, and the sink and shower are in a separate room down the hall. The first time I used the bathroom here, it took me a solid minute to figure out how to flush the toilet. Not exactly the same.
Lately we've been listening to the "Nostalgie" station. There is a lot of old French rock songs, as well as songs like "Mrs. Robinson" and "Stand by Me." I got a look from Dominique while I was mouthing along to "Bohemian Rhapsody" as if he thinks Americans are ridiculous. It was just in the beginning! I didn't pull a Wayne's World or anything. Dominique sings in funny voices and occasionally dances along to the radio; I need to observe the culture more closely and determine when this behavior is appropriate.
I love when Dominique talks about American or British things. They soundmuch cooler in a French accent. I had to suppress a smile when he was talking about Davey Crockett and the Alamo. Today he mentioned the BeeGees and Queen. The other night he started talking about cowboys, and he had to repeat himself with hand motions before I understood. In English, we often emphasize the first syllable (like DA-vey CRO-ckett, COW-boys, and BEE-gees), but the French emphasize the last syllable. You can probably imagine why it's so funny to listen to Dominique when he talks about these things.
He mentioned cowboys because we were talking about stereotypes during dinner. The French media makes it seem like Americans all ride horses, are buff, and eat a lot of pizza. Emily, I told them about how your aunt raises horses, but that isn't true of most people, especially in the city. They think it's strange that our family really likes Japonese food. They don't care for Japonese or Chinese food. My host mom had a friend over for coffee the other day, and when her friend asked me what we eat in the US, Monique said, "Her family likes Japonese food! Her mom makes sushi!" Does anyone know why that's so strange?
My parents asked me what Americans think of the French. (No, I didn't tell any Mr. Watt jokes about their army.) For the most part, my preconceptions of these people seem ridiculous now. Everyone I've met is friendly and hospitable. It isn't common to see a French dressed in the nautical-style striped shirt, or wearing a beret. Smoking is common, but I haven't seen as many smokers as I anticipated. I thought they eat a lot of bread, which seems true. Dominique said it's true of Bretagne, but not all of France. Bretons cannot have a meal without fresh bread, and you can't have too much butter with it! Bretons are proud to be Breton. Almost every car I see here has a sticker on the back with the region's symbol and the name in breton, the regional language. Dominique told me that the Breton culture is different from the French culture. "The French are berets and baguettes," he said, emphasizing his words with hand motions, "But Bretons... Bretons live with the sea."
Yesterday Monique told me that she and Dominique travel most weekends in the RV, and always to the sea. I can live with that. This past weekend we were in St-Malo. We parked the RV, then (first things first) we walked to a boulangerie (bakery) for a few baguettes. Boulangerie-patisseries are my favorite things in all of France. The ones we have visited are petite and charming, with the cursive title above the wide windows and the oh-so-inviting scent of fresh bread. You walk in and are greeted by the artistic and indulgent pastries, usually made with fruit and chocolate. Behind the counter is stacked all kinds of fresh bread. Mm. They are wonderful places.
After lunch we walked on a path worn through the grass along the beach, with the grey silhouette of Mont St-Michel on the horizon. We drove out to Cancale to hike. My goodness!! The three of us walked through the little town then out along the cliffs. It was more beautiful than anything I had ever read in a book or seen in a movie. The sea seems to be but a backdrop for the cliffs, which are severe and majestic, and the dominant subject in almost every photo I took. We stopped to sit on the rocks and take in the view. Before the sharp drop of the cliffs, they are covered in flowers. I walked out to an edge overlooking the sea, which is speckled with rocks and sailboats. With the seabreeze against my face and blowing my hair behind me, I was truly content. I'm liking France.
And how much more beautiful is the God who is sovereign over such extravagent beauty! All creation sings the greatness of our God!! I believed it before I ever saw France, but now my heart sings it with such confidence! Yesterday the earth gave me the strongest witness yet of how incredible her God is. He is extravagently generous with his beauty here!! Writers and photographers should come to France. They will never lack inspiration here.
I've been in John 14 often the past few weeks. Christ has given us such amazing promises! They come back to me during my day: "Don't let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. I have not left you as orphans. I am preparing a place for you. I'm coming back! And I will bring you with me to where I am now. You know the way! I am the way. And the truth, and the life. And I have given you my Spirit to dwell with you always."
There is no place I would rather be than here in Your love. Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control. I want more of you, God. I want more of you.
Yesterday I had a time of such sweet communion with Christ. The Spirit was reminding my heart of verses about how I want to walk in his way and be guided by his truth and his light, and that we will find him when we seek him with all our hearts!
With my busy schedule here, it is often easy to forget that my identity is in Christ. It is only by his grace and strength that I have nights in the Word before collapsing in my bed. The past fez days I have been in Ephesians 2:1-10 (thank you, Brian!!), and have been reminded to preach the truth and goodness of the gospel with my life. I've also been in the Psalms. I love the chapters that call all the nations to praise the Lord. He is sovereign even over France!
Jessica, thank you so much for that verse from Romans. It was PERFECT.
Hmm, anything else? I'm not sure what this week looks like for me. The soldes start this week! They are the big clothing sales throughout France. Awesome : ) Monique said we are going camping next weekend with her aunt and uncle, and us girls are going shopping!
Thank you all for being so supportive. You've all been wonderful! Lots of love.
