I've been in France since last Wednesday, so I'm finally writing to fill you in on the past few days. At first it was so hard to be in this strange land (tiny village with no Americans and no kind smiles or friendly younger folk), and I really wanted to just go home immediately. Thankfully, though, I'm feeling much better and more comfortable, and I'm even getting excited about the year ahead!
On Sunday I made a bunch of friends, one of whom is another assistant Jen. We met up in Paris on and commiserated about our struggles and frustrations over a delicious cup of chocolat chaud. Then we went to the American Church in Paris to look at postings for housing and childcare opportunities. I went to the end of the contemporary worship service there, and it was wonderful. Afterward I met several kind people who befriended me immediately, and the young adult social stuff there will be a fantastic way to make more friends. I had a muffin and a coca with Martine and her daughter Valérie, which was such a blessing. Valérie is "handicappée," so she is 34 years old but can't really eat or verbally communicate or walk by herself. Martine and I chatted about life and the Church and Islam (which she is a big fan of, despite her ongoing love for Christianity - really interesting conversation), and then she drove me to Trinity International Church. My new home away from home. They were so kind and friendly and warm - the very family that I'd been missing since I got to France. I even met a man who went to Vandy for grad school! Most of my friends are young married couples, which is so fun because they have babies! I went to the train station to head home, but I ended up waiting at the wrong place for an hour. Apparently, on Sunday nights the trains there don't go to my tinytinytiny town, or to the town next to mine, where my new friend Nicolas was heading. Eventually we got to the right station and on the right train, and I made it home safe and sound.
Today we explored Melun, the town next to Le Mée sur Seine, and I bought a cell phone, got a little hostess gift for the teacher that's renting me a room while I look for a long-term place, and we ate at McDonald's! It warmed my soul, and it's actually a really different menu from our American MickeyD's. The "grand" coca is like a small in America. No wonder...
I'll start teaching on October 1st in Le Mée sur Seine, about an hour southeast of Paris. Until then I'm looking for a place to live, preferably in or nearer to the city. Ideally I could get a room in exchange for some baby-sitting hours, so if you know of anybody in need or any openings, let me know! I'll keep you posted as plans firm up and as things start really getting into gear. (Also, I'll soon post a photo of me actually wearing a beret, but for now, you can imagine.)
Merci, et à bientôt!
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