I'm sorry. I skipped one day. You probably don't read every day anyways, so I guess it's really not that big of a deal, no? So, since I last wrote to you, I have been to the city to barter with some vendors (there's this cap I realllllly want, but it's like 60€, which is expensive, but it would be worth it, for sure. Maybe I will treat myself to an early birthday present? We will see). I have purchased an ever-so-cute dress to wear to Porquerolles this weekend when we vacation for a few days. I have hosted a 'school's out!' party for Milan, which included baking cakes (french style, of course), blowing up balloons, decorating the pool house and the pool area, you know, all things important for a successful party. I have spent some time with Laetitia, just getting to know her. I have gone for an early morning bikeride across the Barrage du Bimont...my favorite! And, wht's more, I have endured a hail storm this afternoon. Yes, today there were ice pellets plummeting from the sky in the middle of the 90° afternoon. Needless to say, I had to re-do all of the decorating for the party, which began just as the storm cleared. So, I've been busy. I hope you've been well, and know that I have been thinking of you.
By now, I have a pretty good handle on who reads this. So, I feel safe writing this to you: I have discovered new things about myself: One, I am just flat out slow in the summer. Regardless of what I love to do, how much knowledge I acquire, how many books I read, how many times someone directs me, it just takes me forever to get something done! Imagine this: you are used to moving at 100+ mph, and then you are thrown into, not only a totally different time zone, but a totally different world that is every bit enticing, but every bit frightening. No matter how much fun I have here, my heart is for something familiar. You know, I meet so many young kids here that I would label 'international kids.' They move from world to world with their parents, and they somehow fortify an incredible ability to adjust. That is just not my world. I spent the majority of my formative years in the same house, with the same friends (albeit not always the best company), the same roads to drive on, etc. We didn't vacation as a family, and we certainly didn't cross the ocean on either side. America was home. There was consistency in that, and as a result, I am used to being in one place. Perhaps that is why I have hints of freauently, if not always, feeling inadequate. I am still learning to put boundaries on my worldview. So, culture shock can only be beneficial, right?
Two, I love life. I really do. No matter what I do, where I go, who I meet, I am always excited to pick up whatever piece(s) of God there are. Wisdom waits for us; it is not we who wait for wisdom! Wisdom is calling out to us, just as naturally as we breath; we do not often enough call out for wisdom. I mentioned begging for the Lord to grant me favor with the family. It is growing. I am, by no means perfect here, and I am again wondering why I tend to take the jobs where all of my weaknesses are openly on display at all times? For instance, I am victim to my own pressure to be perfect. However, loving people is growing on me. I can feel my patience for children, and for people in general, growing every day. When I can meet anyone and talk about any subject they broach, it is then that I have mastered the art of conversation. I've read the book The Art and Power of Being a Lady. It supports the intricate study of conversation, and it also calmly guides a woman through the correct approach to change. It is most certainly not easy.
I have endured the pains of buying gas for the first time in a European country...not successful. Talk about the ultimate humiliation. After not being able to read the manual and find what kind of gas to choose, I acquired the help of the attendant. Kind as she was, I know she thought me utterly imbecile! Can you imagine not knowing how to even get gas? I feel so inadequate sometimes, and it's never something major. It's always minor things. The best part is, the Lord knows I think in small things, and I am such a slow communicator that it takes a series (sometimes an eternal series) of small things to get my attention. Nonetheless, He always brings me back. I am still looking for Him in everything, don't fear. I am merely recounting a list of personal reflections today. It's been a full day. Tomorrow? Tennis with the boys. I will be taking up tennis when I return to the states, I am quite sure, so please practice now. I plan to be a professional by then.
By now, I have a pretty good handle on who reads this. So, I feel safe writing this to you: I have discovered new things about myself: One, I am just flat out slow in the summer. Regardless of what I love to do, how much knowledge I acquire, how many books I read, how many times someone directs me, it just takes me forever to get something done! Imagine this: you are used to moving at 100+ mph, and then you are thrown into, not only a totally different time zone, but a totally different world that is every bit enticing, but every bit frightening. No matter how much fun I have here, my heart is for something familiar. You know, I meet so many young kids here that I would label 'international kids.' They move from world to world with their parents, and they somehow fortify an incredible ability to adjust. That is just not my world. I spent the majority of my formative years in the same house, with the same friends (albeit not always the best company), the same roads to drive on, etc. We didn't vacation as a family, and we certainly didn't cross the ocean on either side. America was home. There was consistency in that, and as a result, I am used to being in one place. Perhaps that is why I have hints of freauently, if not always, feeling inadequate. I am still learning to put boundaries on my worldview. So, culture shock can only be beneficial, right?
Two, I love life. I really do. No matter what I do, where I go, who I meet, I am always excited to pick up whatever piece(s) of God there are. Wisdom waits for us; it is not we who wait for wisdom! Wisdom is calling out to us, just as naturally as we breath; we do not often enough call out for wisdom. I mentioned begging for the Lord to grant me favor with the family. It is growing. I am, by no means perfect here, and I am again wondering why I tend to take the jobs where all of my weaknesses are openly on display at all times? For instance, I am victim to my own pressure to be perfect. However, loving people is growing on me. I can feel my patience for children, and for people in general, growing every day. When I can meet anyone and talk about any subject they broach, it is then that I have mastered the art of conversation. I've read the book The Art and Power of Being a Lady. It supports the intricate study of conversation, and it also calmly guides a woman through the correct approach to change. It is most certainly not easy.
I have endured the pains of buying gas for the first time in a European country...not successful. Talk about the ultimate humiliation. After not being able to read the manual and find what kind of gas to choose, I acquired the help of the attendant. Kind as she was, I know she thought me utterly imbecile! Can you imagine not knowing how to even get gas? I feel so inadequate sometimes, and it's never something major. It's always minor things. The best part is, the Lord knows I think in small things, and I am such a slow communicator that it takes a series (sometimes an eternal series) of small things to get my attention. Nonetheless, He always brings me back. I am still looking for Him in everything, don't fear. I am merely recounting a list of personal reflections today. It's been a full day. Tomorrow? Tennis with the boys. I will be taking up tennis when I return to the states, I am quite sure, so please practice now. I plan to be a professional by then.
2 comments:
so it seems you're making an attempt to beat the master. well, dear madam, i extend to you an invitation, a dual, a battle royale, on the courts of tennis. woman vs. woman. racket vs. racket. i'll kick your ass.
-lux (or marazapan)
lux-
(with racket in one hand, ball in the other, fire buring in my eyes):
you're mine. practice up.
Post a Comment