The first two days were spent at university campuses, engaging strangers in conversation. This was a particularly stretching experience for the introverts on the team (which were most of us), but the Lord demonstrated His faithfulness by using each of us when we least expected it.
There were several opportunities to meet our new friends for coffee. I think everyone on the team has someone with whom they plan to keep in contact.
Friday night, our host family had a barbecue and invited all their neighbors. Linguistically and socially, this was the most difficult night for me. I'm not very skilled in the art of conversation in English, and most of the guests only spoke strongly-accented French. Thankfully over half our team spoke French, so others were able speak when I couldn't.
Saturday afternoon, I had my first un-aided conversation with a local in French, inviting her to join us for an event at a nearby billiards club. Unfortunately she couldn't come, but someone else did. Casper, a vagabond from Poland, was one of only three guests. The message of the gospel hit him hard, and the Holy Spirit was definitely stirring in his heart. He was so overwhelmed that he left before the end, but he heard the majority of it.
This is the little church we attended in Enco de Botte, one of the outer neighborhoods of Marseille. Afterward, the pastor showed us his bible distribution warehouse and shared about his ministry.
Sunday night we had an "American Party." Many people in Marseille, especially young adults, love the chance to meet Americans and practice their English. This event was one of the highlights for most of us. We met a lot of interesting people from around the world: Vietnam, Gabon, Algeria, Morocco, Uganda, Belgium, France (of course), and even a few fellow Americans.
In the midst of all the hub-bub, we managed to see a great deal of this vast city and became quite accustomed to the public transportation system. We also got to attend our hosts' student bible study and help them paint their house. Despite the diversity represented on our team, we really felt like family.
Thanks for all your prayers. I had almost zero problems with the food or jetlag, and we saw the Lord working in many hearts and were encouraged to meet several local believers. It was such a rich experience, and I wish I could share every last detail about the things we saw and people we met. But alas, my whole heart could never fit onto a single blog. Check out more pictures on my Flickr account. I look forward to the next update in six weeks, when I can tell you about a completely different adventure in Honduras.
You look French! Could I buy you coffee and hear the rest! LaVonne
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