It's what you think it is

I have always told Amanda that the one thing that would probably make me scream like a little girl was the thought of a roach running across my foot or something similar.  Needless to say, the Lord has a gentle way of getting us past the things we think we can’t deal with so that we may continually find Him faithful.  And faithful He is, He gave me the insight to not squash but flick and then to jump out of bed searching in the dark for anything “darker” to not land on.  After finally getting the lights on I found and dealt with at least 20 of the “little” guys, and no, I did not scream like a little girl, by the grace of God.  I share this story with you, not to paint a negative picture of where we are (everyone knows that roaches are everywhere), but instead to point you back to the Lord.  The Lord is faithful and it is easy to say that, but He is also faithful to get us past the things that we think might keep us from serving Him.  Gently and faithfully He brings up obstacles in our lives and then by His grace gives us the ability and opportunity to get around them so that nothing stands between His will for us and our willingness to follow.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.  Brethren, pray for us.” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 23-25

Enjoying taffy at the Sugar Shack!

I don’t really know if this is number 24 or not, it sounds a little low to me.  The point is that as we are trying to learn language it is imperative that we learn culture.  The two cannot be separated.  Such a large part of communication is not verbal, so to overlook the culture would in fact be to over look much of how another society communicates within itself.  So in the name of culture and language study we forced ourselves to go the the sugar shack with our church here in Sherbrooke.  It was a wonderful time.  Cold but worth every bit of it… or should I say bite of it.  Going to the sugar shack is very traditional for the folks in this community.  It symbolizes the coming of spring, opportunities to reunite with friends and helps to create the feeling of community, not to mention all the wonderful things that are made from the syrup!

-Robert

Update:

Financial Partnership: 48%

Remaining Start-up Funds Needed:  $5,550

Days Remaining to Raise Funds:  112

-Robert (for both of us)

Goal: financial partnership raised from 48% to 100%

Remaining Start-up Funds Needed:  $5,550

Days Remaining to Raise Funds:  180

Praises:  The Lord has provided the entire amount to purchase our plane tickets.  The ability to look back and recognize that it is the Lord alone who has brought us to this point.  For the encouragement we receive by seeing Him work through so many dear friends.

Prayer Request:  That we would continue to recognize Him for who He is and that He would be our greatest delight each day. That we would have the wisdom to make the choices that would be best for our family.  That He would continue to provide for our start up costs (security deposit, several months rent needed up front, children’s education, language helper fees, supplies, shipping, etc.). That we would have wisdom with all of the preparations we’re beginning to undertake for our up and coming move.

Days remaining to purchase tickets: 25

Current Funds: $5,000

Remaining Funds Needed: $0

Now for the update part.  Within 5 days we were contacted by several people excited that the Lord was leading them to give toward the costs of our trip.  We currently have $1,050 toward our tickets and a promised $1,000 from a supporting church if we raise the remaining $2,950!  We are amazed by the reaction of our support team and their desire to join the Lord in what He is doing!  We are also amazed to see the Lord moving so quickly.  Thank you all for your continued prayers!!!  We will continue updating you all regarding the progress of  Project Plane Tickets.

Days remaining to purchase tickets: 30

Current Funds: $1,050 with $1,000 promised = $2,050

Remaining Funds Needed: $2950

We were seated around our dining table enjoying dinner when we began our usual conversation en français.  This has recently become a habit for us, as we can start to have the children speaking simple French in a relaxed environment.

Our conversation for the night was, “Mon t-shirt est (insert color here), et toi?”  So as it comes around to me I reply, “Mon t-shirt est bleu, et toi?”  to which my youngest looks at me and says, “it’s bleu dad.”  So I repeat, “bleu,” to which he looks at me a simply states, “bleu.”  At this point I relent and admit defeat.  Amanda and I both found this amusing and for myself at least encouraging.

At the tower of Babel when the Lord created all the different languages, He created mature, understandable, and learnable languages.  He has given our family the ability to learn French and as a family we will be serving Him in a portion of the French speaking world.  Last night, in my mind, was a milestone and I hope to share many more with you all as things progress.  Until later.

Robert

So Louis (sounds like Lou-e’s) enters the scene.

Louis Restaurant

Trust me, I was not let down.  I had what they call the Maxi Louis.  It is a bacon cheeseburger with green pepper sliced on it, what looks like cabbage (instead of lettuce, I hear it’s actually called Boston Lettuce??) and a spicy type of sauce or gravy hidden under the burger… it came as a surprise since I did not see it before I bit in.  Also your usual fare of tomato and thick slice of beef.  I thought why not?  I will say that it was different, but very good.  You guys will have to try it sometime.  Now the fries or Poutine, Amanda and I decided, will have to wait until we are a little more prepared to enjoy them.  We got to the restaurant a little late and were just too hungry to give them a just trial.

The "Maxi Louis"

The Poutine

They serve a lot of homemade fries with their meals and some coleslaw which was nice and tasted fresh as well.  The Poutine has a foundation of homemade fries with gravy and cheesecurds… it may look funny in the picture, but I am assured by my co-workers (thank you Roundys) that they are well worth the try!

So if your up for something new, or just happen to be in the area, swing by… maybe we can go check out the Poutine together!  Then we’ll go get these massive Cappuccino’s that probably have way too much sugar in them to be healthy and catch up.  Or you will just have to continue living vicariously through our website, either way it’s your choice.

So that’s it for now.  In His Grace,

Robert

The temp. around 8pm.

So where does one end up after driving 2,300 miles from Camden Point, MO? On a back porch with a beautiful view like this!  And temps like these in the evening!

Our new view offers much to enjoy.

Amanda and I often find ourselves on the back porch just enjoying the evening show.  Every sunset here is different from the last, as you can see.  The evening we I took the picture of the temp we had a colorful sunset, the following evening brought thick clouds.

Now after being here for 11 days things are starting to feel at home.  We are adjusting to hearing French first when we are out in public and then, after our blank stares, they politely translate into English for us.  In each instance the Lord has provided someone who is bilingual for our deer caught in the headlight moments… which are pretty frequent right now.

All that to say, we are enjoying our new surroundings and as soon as we get finished unpacking we’ll get some pictures and videos up too.  By the way, the night I took the picture of the thermometer it got down to about 40.

In His Grace,

Robert