Final Countdown!

I've been about up to my eyeballs in French paperwork this week, but I think I've cut through enough red tape to get securely into the country with mom! Once I arrive, the paperwork will continue for a while as I essentially "immigrate" to France and begin receiving healthcare and maybe even housing subsidies from the French government. Struggle of the week: getting a "certified" translation of my birth certificate in French. That business makes the big bucks.

Despite the legality issues, I'm SO excited to get there! I heard from my American roommate, Nicole, this week, and I think that we will get along very well. She wants to learn how to play tennis with me, and I'm hoping she'll teach me how to play the guitar. (and be a teacher, because she actually knows what she's doing). We also both like to hike and ski, so I bet we'll be able to take advantage of the mountains around us!

I also heard from my French roommate, Cloé this week! She's got my room ready for me- and I have a double bed! This is a serious step up from the cot I had the last time I lived in France. She's going to come get Mom and me from the train station when we arrive, and Mom's going to stay in the third bedroom of the apartment while we settle me into Valence.

AND my girl Cloé may have gotten me the hook up for a job! She works for Anne Sophie Pic, the only female 3-star rated Michelin chef in France. This is the highest rating offered, and only 26 restaurants in France have attained it (there are 81 in the world). Maison Pic is a boutique hotel, restaurant, and cooking school where Cloé does HR and Marketing. She told me that they're having an American chef come in to teach a cooking class at the school, Scook ( http://scook.fr ), and they thought I could translate for her during the class because she doesn't know French! This is just a one-time deal, but Cloé said there could be other opportunities in the future!

Maison Pic

Anne Sophie Pic

As I reflect on my journey to France up to this point, I can't help but be amazed at how sweet and patient God has been with me! A year ago, I begged in my prayers for this opportunity, but when I finally got accepted into this program I bawled because I was so confused about what I should do. He has kindly encouraged and blessed me at each point of doubt and uncertainty that I've encountered along the way. My prayers recently have been that He would make good use of me while I'm over there and prepare me for my good-byes in America.