sunday in the park with georges (and paul)

It has been an unacceptable amount of time since I last wrote here, but that's a good sign! I've been insanely busy and having so much fun. Here's a quick update of how my life has been here. 

I teach three days a week in a small town at the end of the RER D line, so it takes me about an hour and a half each direction... I'm learning to love the commute, though, figuring out the trains and buses, and taking advantage of my time to read and rest instead of frantically driving through rush hour traffic. I babysit a whole bunch, and I'm starting to really develop relationships with the kids. Today Paul misled me as to what is allowed, and we made microwave popcorn (so delicious, by the way, and such a treat over here). Ella walked in and was shocked because they hardly ever have popcorn, so we had a long conversation about telling the whole truth and being a trustworthy friend. Bit by bit, the kids are learning that I love them and want them to be the best people they can, and I'm learning how exactly to that. Paul eventually cheered up out of his guilty pout when he, Georges, and I went and frolicked in the Tuileries! We made huge leaf piles and jumped in them, played hide and seek, and laughed our butts off! Apparently, playing in the leaves is not common practice in France... boy, are they missing out on a *lot* of joy over here! 

Now I'm officially on vacation, and I'm looking forward to a week of sleep and rest and exploration and free time with sweet France friends. Every so often, we'll be walking around the city, and someone will gasp and say, "We live in Paris!" It's good to be reminded of how thrilling is this life we lead.

Gros bisous, et à bientot!