Why it says "March 13, 2013"

The date says "March 13, 2013" . . . No I'm not still overseas. I was looking back through my blog and reminiscing. I found a bunch of blog posts that I never published (I don't remember why I never did) so I decided to! Some day I want to print this blog out.

Job

2008

job

I was asked the other day . . . "How do you go back to a normal job after one like this?"

I honestly don't know how to answer that. I have no clue, how I will go back to regular activities.

Well, for those that don't know. I am extending. It means I won't be coming home in Aug. for good. I am coming home for a visit though. I am unsure as to how much longer I will be here--I'm still working through that.

We will see!

A Pickle

August 2008

One of my favorite baseball plays is called "a pickle". I love it because you are on the edge of your seat waiting to see who is going to out play who. I'm sure it isn't fun for the one caught in the middle.
Well I kind of feel like I'm in a pickle and it isn't fun. I feel torn. As the past two months have flown by it has made me think more and more about the end of my term. I know there were days when I desperately wanted to go home and now there are days that I dread the end. Why is it that we can't enjoy where we are but long for where we are not (or dread what is coming)? I have been asked to extend a year. Part of me breathes a sigh of relief and says, "Yes, I'd love to. More time in this part of the world working with people I love." While the other part says, "Another year is so long." What's a girl to do? So I'm praying, begging God for direction. I don't want to do something that doesn't honor God. I don't want to make a decision for selfish reasons. I desperately want His will...
I've been reading this book and read this the other day:
'"Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills." Neither does holiness mean, as is so often thought, adhering to a list of 'do's and don'ts', mostly don'ts. When Christ came into the world, He said, "I have come to do Your will, O God" (Hebrews 10:7) In all of our thoughts, all of our actions, in every part of our character, the ruling principle that motivates and guides us should be the desire to follow Christ in doing the will of the Father.'

Incredible Day!

May 2008

Incredible Day!!

Today after church, I went to visit the A. family. We had so much fun!! We laughed, talked, and ate. Saliah said, "Rachelle, what are we going to do when you leave?" It warmed my heart. Days like these make me want to stay forever. She proceeded to tell me that I could find a husband here, get married and then I could stay and visit them every day. I smiled and said "I don't think so--not that I don't want to visit them everyday, because I do--it is the marrying part". So then she decided I could go back to the states, get married and return to live in here. She was so sweet and sincere. Today, I totally surprised them. I used the 5 words that I know in @r@bic and they loved it!! Saliah just smiled and smiled. I apologized for not knowing more and she said "Rachelle, it is enough that you try." I am going back on Wed. Did I mention that I had so much fun today???
She found out that my mom and family (7 total) are coming over in May. She told me everyone is invited for coffee and cakes. I am sure that it will be interesting; boisterous Italians mixed with boisterous @rbs---it is bound to be a party for sure. I am thrilled for my family to meet them. I will keep you posted.

Productive Day

Today was the most productive day I have had in a LONG time. I don't know what it was about today that was any different.
I have two jobs. One is to meet with families over here and the other is to prepare for 250 tourists who are coming this summer. In the fall, I spent more time in homes that I did on the summer job, but now that summer is approaching the balance is shifting and I am spending less time in the homes and more time on the summer part. Getting ready for the summer, means a lot of errands, a ton of e-mails back and forth between tourists, summer staff, bosses, technical(web) people, recruiters. Just a lot. So often I have a list and work down the list; starting more than one activity while I wait for others to do their part before I can finish mine. It is also a foreign country so things just take longer. So a lot of starts very few finishes, except for today.
I got two big items checked off and at least 5 small ones. I am completely organized and ready for whatever is next.
WWWHHOOO for today being a productive day!!! It feels so good.

Berbers, North Africa, Augustine, and so much more

Berbers, North Africa, Augustine, and so much more

This is from a colleague's website. . . I thought it was funny. . .
"I was traveling to the US for business, the plane just landed and I was exhausted, it was a long flight and did not manage to sleep. The customs officer greeted me and went to a series of questions, one question particularly caught my attention: you were born in Algeria? Where is Algeria?
I thought it was a joke, and told him it was in South America , he nodded and didn't say anything. I realized just then that the customs officer had not clue where Algeria was.
There are many people that have never heard about North Africa or the least they may have heard could be the terrorism and the bad news and the catastrophes. Or when we say North Africa is a Berber land, they always think it is carpet, or when we talk about the main dish of North Africa namely Couscous people think it is an animal…. "
FYI: Berbers are people! The Romans called them barbarians because when they spoke the Romans said their language sounded like someone was barking at them. They also thought they were uncivilized. However Augustine was a Berber!! The early church would have been made up of Berbers too!! Over 50 % of North Africa at one time was Christian. Couscous are small round pieces of rice/pasta. Hard to explain! But it sure is good!

What is the Deal?

What is the deal?

This morning I woke up and there were 4 stories about pastors, sunday school teachers, and other church leaders that have fallen into some type of moral sin. And this isn't the first time that I've woken up to story after story about this. What is going on? My heart is grieved.

I've thought about it alot and here is what I think. . .

1. Satan wants to kill, steal, and destroy and he is doing just that. I believe for those who are in the forefront of ministry (pastors, pastor wife's, church leaders, missionaries) are a target, especially those who are walking with the Lord. I also believe NO one is above the ability to fall into sin (any type but this especially). Why? Because we are human and we have a sin nature.

2. I also believe that sin is a gradual decline. I don't believe someone who is walking with the Lord wakes up one day and falls into a pit. I believe it starts with a missed day of spending time with the Lord. Then another, a week, month. Other areas start to go . . You get the idea.

3. Praise God, He is the God of second (even more than just 2nd) chances. The power of His forgiveness is amazing. He is able to restore someone to a position of ministry. However, that doesn't mean there aren't consequences. There are often many!

To be honest, it scares me to death to know that none of us is above any sin.

So what do we do? We fall at His feet daily, begging for protection. We have accountability partners (guys with guys and girls with girls) that are able to ask any and ALL questions. We pray for our pastors and church leaders. Pray for their protection and their daily walk with the Lord; that they would take up the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.

One of my collegues makes it a point to pray for the pastors in the states on Sunday morning (our sunday morning , their midnight). I was so impressed with that. Now I understand why.

So for those of you in ministry (or preparing for ministry) I'm praying for you today!!

A Great Visit

I need to tell you what a great day it has been!!! I visited with one of my families today. This is the first time I was able to see them since Christmas and it was such a good time. When I got there, Jamel said, 'Rachelle it has been so long and it is good to see you'. DId I mention that they called me to see when I could come see them?? This is huge!! Malika told me over and over how much she missed me and asked about my family. I told her that my mother loved the gifts that her family sent them. It was a good time. I also got a picture of them so I will be getting that up soon. I am so excited. It always makes it easier to go back knowing you are kind of "in".

I'm a genius!

Sometimes, I just have brilliant days. And today was one of those! I had a friend come for a visit and let me tell you how much fun it was!! I will post pictures later, but back to my genius day! Unfortunately, before she came she came in contact with ringworm. Being the daughter of two who are in the medical field, I knew right away what it was, so I got on the phone with the parental unit and asked about treatment. I was told that in the states you can get the medicine over the counter. I thought, well, that shouldn't be a problem here because their over-the-counter here is far bigger than in the U.S. So I went on hunt for anti-fungal cream. I went to three pharmacies. Three because I didn't know how to say "anti-fungal" in French. I tried using hand signals, and describing it. No luck! Finally, on my way to the third pharmacy ( I was praying the whole way), I had a very ingenious thought! Here is what happened!

I walked into the pharmacy and began the charade game again and finally I said, "It has the same scientific name as a mushroom!" The pharmacist's eyes got real big and said "oh, ___ (whatever the word is in french)" and I said "Oui." Then we went through what form of the medicine I wanted (spray or liquid). She was so sweet. She looked at me and said "see we are communicating!" She was so helpful and didn't make me feel like an idiot. I really love the people here!! So that was my genius moment! Okay so maybe it doesn't make me a genius but I would say a good problem solver. Come to think about it; I have learned a lot about problem solving. Sure have had a lot of practice here!

Family Vacation

7 of my family members came for a visit. We went to London, Paris, Rome, Venice, and Nice. It was a wild ride. The first photo is of my grandfather trying to take a picture of our family in front of Buckingham Palace. As you can see, he struggled a lot.

Many more fun adventures were had . . .

Loosing my grandmother at the Eiffel Tower for 2.5 hours in the freezing cold rain, at 11:00pm. Not fun!

Before we lost my grandmother . . .















After we found my grandmother!




















Wanna know what this handle does?


Just ask my grandfather. That is right, folks, the man stopped the high speed train from France to Italy with one hard yank of this lever. Why? He thought it released the window shade. When pulled, smoke, along with this horrible smell, and screeching brakes can be experienced by all on board.





Needless to say, it was an adventure more than a vacation. But memories were made by all.

Water in an aerosol can?

That is right folks, water in an aerosol can!!! Last summer, I noticed people spraying themselves with this misty liquid. At first I thought, "Don't they know deodorant goes on under your arms not on your neck?". I was waisting time in a store yesterday and discovered this!! For when it is hot, Evian has canned it's refreshing water in a spray. This set cost 7 euros. Someone should introduce them to a spray bottle, works the same and cost way less.

I'm Canadian

My old supervisor used to make jokes about how if he every did anything stupid or culturally offensive, he would tell people he was Canadian. Americans get a bad enough rap, why make it worse? Well I was in a market in North Africa with a group of ladies from the states. One of them had to use the restroom. Well if you've ever been in a market, then you know there aren't any restrooms. So we were going to try and ask at the mosque if there was one there. We were stopped by this man who asked "Are you going to pray?" We didn't really look like we were the praying type if you know what I mean. In my best french accent, I replied, "no, we are looking for the restroom." He said, "Follow me" and motioned for me to follow him. At this point we/she was desperate for a bathroom, so I followed him, with the lady right behind me. He started to take us deep into the market (you can get lost in these things, if you aren't careful). She began to ask me where we were going (like I knew). I told her to be quiet, I didn't know. (I wanted to be as low profile as possible--and English is like a neon sign) And so I continued to follow him, all the while praying. After 2 minutes, I asked again, "Sir, are you taking us to the restroom?" At this he got frustrated/angry and said, "You said you needed a restroom . . . " I couldn't understand his french because he was missing teeth. So we continued. The lady nervously asked, "Is he taking us to his house?" I replied, "I have no idea, just stop talking." He finally looked at me and said, "where are you from? what is your nationality?" I quickly responded to his first question, "France" ( I do live in France). I knew what was coming next. "What part of France?" He asked this question with a look of slight unbelief, no doubt because of my lack of a french accent. So with a big smile, I responded, "Well actually I'm Canadian". And this look of "oh so that's why her french is so bad" look came over his face. We finally arrived at the restroom. I paid him 1 dinar for his services and he kindly returned us to where he picked us up at. When in doubt tell them you are Canadian--Everyone loves the Canadians!!!

A Quarter of a Century old

On May 12, 2007, I celebrated my 25th birthday. I went to the park for a couple of hours, to exercise and just hang out. I had lunch at a cute little cafe at the park. Then a couple of friends and I got together to have domino's pizza and home made chocolate cake. It was a really sweet time. Amazingly, a card from my brother arrived that morning and I got a ton of phone calls. Thanks so much to everyone who made my day so joyful.

And the number one question I've been asked it, "How does it feel to be a quarter of a century old? Well, the same as when I was 24.

From Culture Shock to Culture Rage

I talked with a friend the other day who is also living across the big lake. In the midst of our conversation we chatted about culture shock and the things that just really get under our skin. He informed me that at this stage, it is no longer called Culture Shock but Culture Rage. He was right! You see, I am no longer "Shocked" by this culture. I know how things work here or should I say don't work here, however, it still drives me crazy and yes, some times even produces some anger. By now I would have thought I would be accustomed to the differences. I wonder if a person ever becomes used to another culture?

I should have known better . . .

My day has been one that no one will believe unless you were there with me to experience it. And since no one was, enjoy the story . . . It all began December 2006 . . .

Background Info:
I met with my former boss and discussed some ideas for the coming summer with her. They are studying France and so she was able to pick my brain on some things. Well at the end of the meeting I offered to purchase these things called "santons" and mail them to her for the summer.

This is where the story picks up. . .

Since December 2006, I have been keeping my eye out for these little creatures. During the holiday season they are everywhere. There are markets dedicated to just selling them. Stores that don't normally sell them, sell them. So I didn't think they would be hard to find. I would just need to visit their workshops and "Voila" it would be easy. I was WRONG, way WRONG! Having lived here for more than a year I am ashamed to say I should have known better.

For the past two weeks, I have been diligently searching for these creatures. There are seven stores in Marseille and I have visited every one of the 7, asking if I could purchase them---not have them, but purchase them. And their response, "No". Why? Because it isn't tradition--It isn't December.

Yesterday, I found a store in another town that said I could order them. Since these need to be in the states by May, I decided it would be best if I went there to get them myself. So I took a bus to Aix, went to the office of tourism, asked which city bus I needed to take, and took the appropriate bus. With map in hand I departed the bus stop in the direction of the store.
The name of the street I was looking for was Bouenhoure de Haute. Those of you who know french know that the word "Haute" means on top or high. I would soon realize the reason it was named Bouenhoure de Haute.

I eventually turned onto this gravel road, that had a slight incline. Let me paint the whole picture for you. To my left is a rather steep embankment (kind of like the road was carved out of a mountain) and to my right is a ditch that separates me from the interstate. You would see this scene in one of those lifetime movies where the girl gets abducted and is never seen again. I started to walk and take notice of the street numbers on the houses. At the bottom of the hill (I would later learn that it was a BIG hillmore like a mountain) the first house read 205 Bouenhourde de Haute. I looked at the address in my hand: 955 Bouenhourde de Haute. I thought "surely the next house won't be 206 Bouenhourde de Haute." Oh it was, and this wasn't like I was in a neighborhood, there were acres between houses. . . .

1 hour later I reach 856 Bouenhourde de Haute. And shortly after that I come across 955. Only to discover that the owner passed me in his vehicle on his way in and was in his drive way. I tell him that I am there to buy the santons and he shows me to the shop. As he is getting my order ready, I begin to look about the shop and realize that this isn't so much a professional looking store. Translation: He probably doesn't take credit cards. What do I have? A credit card. So I ask "Do you take visa?" He responds, "no, only cash." I'm not real sure what my face said, but I would love to have a picture of it. I respond, "Is there a bank near by?" Remember the hour plus walk, the acres between houses, the hill . . . there is no bank and I know it. He asked, "did you walk here?" I said, "yes". We were both thinking the same thing and then he speaks.

This is where he becomes my best friend!!

He said, "I have to go pick up my kids from school, I will drop you off at a bank, you can pay me, and then I'll take you to the center of town." You can bet your bottom dollar the whole family is rolling over this story tonight. He wraps up my purchase, we get in his car, have a lovely conversation about how cold it is, how strong the wind is (and I'm thinking you have a car--I walked up hill in it), how much I love it here, and what I'm doing here. Before I got out of his car he said, "you know people aren't buying santons right now; it really isn't the season." I chuckled and nodded in agreement with him. He drops me off at the bank and I pay him. I apologize for the inconvenience and you know what he said, "It is normal". I think to myself it is so far from normal.

This is what I have learned:
1. My dad was always right--take cash not everyone accepts a credit card (of course he told me that 8 years ago)
2. I still have an american mindset. Not everyone cares about making a buck, tradition is far more important to some.

So it has been forever!

I know I have become a total slacker! Well life here is now normal, so the cultural mishaps aren't as funny. I'm trying to think of some that have happened lately. And can't. I have been hiking, which was a great stress reliever. I highly recommend going to find a mountain to climb. I've hit this fruit and veggie stage. I love them!! Strawberries are in season and huge. One thing I miss about the states is that you can have any and all fruit year round, but here you only get it when it is in season; however, there is nothing like fruit that is in season! Oh, my the strawberries, melons, grapes, and cherries are gianormous!.

Above are some pictures of our hike!

The A. family

Saliah and Me


Aya

Djeziah and Me


Aya and Sannia


Hosine being silly





Aya being cute



Aya is just now learning how to talk, so we sit there and babble like two old friends. Djeziah and I love to play games . . . card games, word games, if it is a game we play it. Sannia and I do our nails, and talk about makeup, just girl stuff. Hosine and I play this game called, "Rachelle what does ____ this mean in english?" "How do you say this ____ in english?" It can last for hours. He loves it and so do I. Saliah is their mom and an amazing cook. She cooks and we all eat. I love this family!!

A Funny Story . . .

A friend and I decided to go to the movies tonight. She is a big movie fan, and even votes for the nominees. We went to see Little Miss Sunshine. I forget everytime that they don't have ratings over here. I walk in expecting this clean movie and walk out with new vocabulary.
So to the funny part. It was a new theatre. She went to use the restroom while i went to find us seats. I'm going to try and describe to the best of my ability. I am facing three doors. The middle one opens up into this large theatre and the doors to it one are propped open. The two side doors are small, almost like side doors to something. There are signs over each door indicating a movie. I enter into the door on the right, the sign reads Little Miss Sunshine. I walk in and the door closes behind me and it is pitch black. So I feel along the walls until I come to a dead end (literally about 7 steps from the door I entered). I run my fingers along the wall. This has got to be some sort of closet. I exit and look at the sign again. This time I enter the big theatre thinking maybe that is the way. It isn't so I walk back out and try the right door again. This time there is a little light, but not much. I walk all the way to end (7 steps) and think maybe it makes a right turn and that I just didn't go far enough. So I try. . slam!! right into the wall (remember it is dark). So I exit again and wait for my friend. She comes from around the corner and I ask her "where is the theatre. She points to the door that I just came out of TWICE. I start laughing and tell her "it is just a room, see for yourself". She walks in and i follow. About 3 steps before the end she magically opens a door. Where this door came from I have no idea. I start dying laughing and at this point am thankful people can't read my mind, because I was throughly confused. We took our seats and entered into the world of entertainment.

I think it was one of those kind have to be there moments, but it made me smile and think "maybe I should have been blond"

The best night ever!!!

What is that? Can it be? Rest assured your eyes are not failing you!!!
Upon closer inspection . . . It is a domino's box in my fridge!!!
The best pizza in France.

My supervisor and I hunted this place down, about 30 minutes out of town. It was well worth an hour walk that is for sure. We arrived at 5:30 to an empty parking lot and a dark Domino's. Fear not, we waiting for that bad boy to open. There we were huddled in our car with the heater on (it was so cold). The minute the lights were on, the race was on to be the first to the door (it was just her and I).lol. So we ordered our pizza (one a piece) and told the man we would be waiting in our car (the car was right outside the window). It was the longest 10 minutes of my life. When we saw him with our pizzas, we beat him to the door. We thanked him and hurried back to our car. There we sat, two Americans, inhaling like we've never eaten before (in our heated car). We sat in the parking lot and finished our pizza before heading home.
Then we went and saw some Christmas lights. It was the best night ever

Saying a blessing. . . before you eat

I'll be honest in saying that before I came here, I never thought much about what I said before I ate. Don't get me wrong, I meant it but not as much as I do now. I often quote what Mark said in his book, chapter 18. . . "when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all . . .". You can never be sure how things are prepared or for that matter what was prepared (raw meat or unmentionable body parts). The other day I had lunch with a family. The mother proudly brought out chicken soup (best way to describe it). She told me it was chicken. I didn't realize that the whole chicken was in there, bones in all. A couple of times I almost choked. And then I got to this lovely brown ball. I thought, "I've never seen KFC or Popeyes serve this". I ate it with a smile and prayed it would stay down.

Or like the time I was in the middle of an olive grove visiting with the people harvesting the olives. We were in the middle of the field and they brought out food for us (we are literally in the middle of nowhere... the gps didn't even know where we were). Oh we were definitely asking for protection from it, and nourishment from it. But to see their faces light up as you eat like them and comment on how it is better than the restaurants is worth it all. May they see the one in us that is the creator of it all.