mountain tops

I did it. I did it. I did it. Yes, I mounted the ever luring St. Victoire today. Oh my goodness! The hills were certainly alive with the sound of my music today. Fatigued, yet excited, I reached the top by 9:45am, having been climbing for nearly 2 hours.

[Pause: let me try to explain something to you. I am going to use multiple languages so that hopefully you will get my point. The climb was a Grade 9 slope, nearly 60° angle, tougher than shoving feet into a shoe one size too small, like climbing a ladder without any rungs, more tiring than trying to carry three kids at once, nearly as intense as rappeling without secure bungey cords, longer than the most annoying traffic jam, but sweeter than the freshest honey.] Get it?

I had the most wonderful morning, spent enjoying the mount to the top and the view below. What a brilliant last Sunday here in France. I cannot believe that I am already in my week of "lasts." I have grown to love these kids, not just like them. They are each so incredibly different but are all equally lovable. There is a pride that overwhelms me as I think of how incredible an opprtunity I have to continue my post with them in America. I am thrilled to be a part of their lives. There is nothing greater than to learn how to love people. That is, for sure, the mountain top of life.