French Badminton and Crêpes

I have only been here for 3 full days, but I have already experienced so many new and culturally rich things. I have come to the realization that the French are much more night-activity oriented. What I mean by this is that it is no big deal to be invited to go hang out at 10:30...or later. Last night, for example, Melissa and I went to go watch a badminton tournament at 11:30 pm. I know, I know, who in their right mind goes to a badminton tournament? People still play that sport? Is it really a sport? I asked Siri on my phone, and she could not give me a definite answer.

Apparently, badminton, not spelled badmington, is played in most countries outside of the U.S. It is quite competitive. Melissa said that athletes playing badminton do more running than athletes playing tennis. I'm not quite sure if I believe her, but, I was quite impressed with the athleticism displayed on the court last night. Although the gym was a sauna of stinky sweat and the French make their bleachers with steps a bit too high, I enjoyed the experience and have a new appreciation for the sport-like game.

This evening Melissa and I went to what might be considered a French version of the American mall---but not nearly so big. Before going into the grocery store we had to stop for a little treat. 

 Can you guess what it is?

 How about now?

 Look at that jar of Nutella!

 Yummh!!!

I think all American malls should start selling les crêpes!

The grocery story in the "mall" we went to was sort of like a small version of K-mart. I learned a lot in the hour we were there. 

1. The cheese and wine aisles far outnumber the sport (aka KU/K-State) aisle. 

2. Everything is so expensive. 

3. French perfume is strong, expensive, and everlasting. 

(I may or may not have squirted on some great-smelling adidas perfume. Melissa said she could smell me an aisle away. We came home from shopping 2 hours ago and I still smell strong! We both decided we should go back every morning as part of our getting-ready-for-the-day routine!)

a milestone in blogging and an update from Rennes

I know it may seem hard to believe for some, or completely insignificant for others, but I can't help announcing that my one post entitled 15 Things I Want to Tell my Third Culture Parents has received 1,000 views! That's a 1 with THREE zeros behind it!  It is especially significant to me because that post was very personal and vulnerable. If I were a rich megablogger, I would have had a giveaway to the 1000th viewer, but alas, quasi-public recognition is all that I can afford.

Alright, I must move on to other things with pictures or my sister (can you guess which one?) will stop reading altogether.

I arrived in Rennes Tuesday afternoon and went to a Jazz concert in the evening, which was a fun and different experience. It got a little strange at times, but the majority of the parts that I was awake for were enjoyable! 

It has been really cool to step into Melissa's world and live life with her for a bit; whether it be learning where to take the trash in the apartment building, walking down to la boulangerie and picking up baguette, meeting her friends and going grocery shopping, or participating in her ministry activities such as the English Club she attends on campus once a week. 

Okay, Erika, here are the pictures I took of downtown Rennes this afternoon.

 I love all of the cafés and the old buildings and architecture.

Why doesn't our post office in Emporia look like this?

Place de la République

Snacktime, anyone?

It's so nice to be able to take things slow and not have to rush to get everything done. After all, I do have "sept" semaines here and not just "cette" semaine. Right, Sam?

She's an ESU Alum!

Today was an important day for Sherlynn Goering. For those of you who don't know Sherlynn, here's a brief description. She is:

- my cousin of 24 years

- my roommate of 3 1/2 years

- my friend of a lifetime

(Super cheesy, I know, but I couldn't resist.)

A few other facts about her/our friendship:

- we like to run together because it gives us a chance to catch-up on life

- we've had a lot of crazy college experiences together

- she encourages me, inspires me, and teaches me

- she is a role model to so many people in so many ways

- she is beautiful--inside and out!

Sherlynn graduated from Emporia State University today. After the ceremony (she did an excellent job of not tripping across the stage), we celebrated with family and friends. I was asked to take pictures at the party--a job I did not regard lightly! I love taking pictures! Melissa, I tried to capture a bunch of pictures of family for you! 

The food was delicious!

 Precious Lydia! 

She has the prettiest eyes and the sweetest face.

 What a beautiful family!

 Oh, Matthew! 

  

 Awkward hand picture! 

 Cru Ladies Reunion Pic!

What a fun celebration! 

And just for kicks...

Have we changed in the past couple of years?

my mother, my mentor, my friend

God has blessed me with one of the greatest blessings He can bestow--He gave me Godly parents who raised me in God's Word, Truth, and Grace. 

With it being Mother's Day and all, here are a couple of ways that I am blessed specifically by her.

She is my mother.

 My mother has lovingly nurtured me, comforted me, spanked me, and trained me. She taught me how to sew and how to cook. She spent hours reading out loud to my siblings and I. When I broke my arm she took care of me. When I was new to school (again), she watched over me. She packed trunks with clothes for 3 years at a time, so I would have some new clothes to wear every year in Africa. She cooked, she cleaned, she made home my favorite place to be. She equips my father and has loved him and helped him for 30+ years.

She is my mentor.

Starting at a young age, she instructed me in scripture memory, how to have a quiet time, and was with me when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. When I was a little older, she started discipling me and we would meet just the two of us to study God's Word and discuss issues that confront any middle school girl, whether living in the States or in Burkina Faso! She was my actual teacher for two years and oh! what fun we had studying ancient world history and reading deliciously delightful books like The Master Puppeteer and Mara, Daughter of the Nile. 

Now, even though I am a teacher myself and no longer living at home, my mom continues to instruct me. She tells me what I need to hear, not always what I want to hear. She isn't afraid to hurt my feelings if it means pointing me back to God's Truth. She shares how God is training her and keeps me accountable in my pursuit for Godliness. She listens, she encourages, she prays. 

She is my friend.

I still love to go shopping with my mom. I love to spend the day with her if all we do is visit. She knows me better than anyone else on earth. She laughs with me and at me! She is goofy and likes to have fun. She has been a friend who has transitioned with me from the Central African Republic, to the States, to Burkina Faso, back to the States, back to Burkina Faso, and so on. She knows what makes me hurt and what brings the tears, even before I do. She lets me grieve as I need to, but is unwilling to let me remain in a state of despair and self-pity. She knows me well enought to get me an out-of-print book by an author that I love for my birthday, when I don't even think to put it on my list. She has held my hand during my darkest moments and cheered me on in my greatest successes.

(She is also a beast at bowling!)

My mom has made home for our family of 6 in many different countries. She has learned to adapt to various different cultures. She is willing to obey her Master and Maker whatever the cost. I am so proud. I am beyond blessed.

Proverbs 31:25-30

Strength and dignity are her clothing,

And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 

She looks well to the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

 

Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 

“Many daughters have done nobly,

But you excel them all.”

³⁰ 

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Happy Mother's Day!