love for creaky steps

This week has flown by. I could hardly believe that it has almost been a week since I posted the last blog. Though this week was wonderful, I also encountered my first couple bumps in the road. By Monday, French class transitioned from creating enthusiasm and excitement to creating a strong desire to bang my head against a wall. Walking in these new shoes of life in France for two weeks has made me aware of where blisters can rub in regards to things within the culture, within our group, and within me. Though becoming aware of the soft spots is not pleasant, I am thankful to be aware before a huge blister formed.
These soft spots have allowed Grenoble to feel more like a home than a vacation spot. This week has been one of spotting the creaky steps and the leaky faucets, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Each home has its quirks that make it unique, and make you love it. I was able to be switched to a French class that is on a more appropriate level, I am becoming more and more in love with the French people and culture, and I find myself thanking the Lord several times a day for placing me with the girls who are in my program.

Random tidbits and some of my new favorite things:
-I love French old people. I went to a church on Sunday and had lunch with people from the church afterward. I talked to two old ladies for about two hours (the standard time for a French lunch or dinner), and it was wonderful hearing their stories. One of them was in Grenoble while occupied by the Germans in WWII, and spoke with joy as she descried the Americans coming to liberate it six days after D-Day. Also, her parents were Jews, so they hid in the woods of a small French village- one of the pastors of that village was the dad of the other old lady sitting next to her!
-The French love to talk politics. The two ladies mentioned above had no problem asking me point blank who I voted for and gave a large and longwinded reprimand for not voting for the French’s new favorite politician.
-I love French little kids. For some reason, I think they are adorable.
-I love Grenoble in the morning. I have afternoon classes a couple times a week, so I have had the opportunity to walk around in the cool, crisp mountain mornings. Initially I would simply walk around discovering all the different shops and markets while watching the city wake up. The favorite mornings though, have been getting to sit in the cafes while I read or try to eavesdrop on conversations to help with my French. All has been marvelous!

Sorry no pictures thus far, I have been having trouble getting them from my camera to my computer. I will try and snag some from other students and put them up next week. Thank you all for your prayers and support!