France - part I

There have been few times in my life like the time that comprised my spring break in France, spent with the best of friends, in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I realize there is something within me that responds to those that are closest to me; something that comes alive and takes over my heart and soul and entire being. I am completely free when I am with them, and I have them to thank. Mike and Brett, I love you guys completely; you are my friends and brothers, both in Christ and darn well close to blood. Reflecting back on "les trois" in the bed at Jenna's place, all the way through to smoking Cuban cigars along the Champs Elysée, you guys are the greatest. Jenna, what can I say? You are my sister and friend and this trip helped me draw so much closer to you and helped me to realize what an invaluable friend and confidante I have in you. Thank you for convincing Veronique to take us into your tiny little three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Aix-en-Provence, and put up with us for three days and two nights!

For all of you who are reading this, know that France is beautiful and I cannot do it justice with my words here...Marseille is a land of sunshine and green grass and flowers, and where the guy at passport control gives you a sly look, before asking the inevitable, "what are you here to do?" but does not stay for the answer, and instead with the cry, "a girl" takes off running! After this priceless beginning, the trip was an amazing success. Everywhere we went, we encountered endless generosity and ever more deep lessons of God's goodness. Starting in Aix, I dressed up in a toga and attended a costume party/dance at the local engineering school, we discussed some of the harder questions of Catholicism, and then ended by taking a drive through the countryside, lunching at a nice French place in a small town, and then driving through vineyards and chocolateries. Leaving Aix we met up with one of the most generous women I have ever met in the quaint town of Cavaillon. Marie-Jean, one of the holiest living persons I have ever encountered, and also one of the most amazing cooks, told us how much faith she puts in us as the generation to take up the struggle of holding this world together in the time to come. She spoke of her hope for the conversion of all peoples to the one truth. She inspired me as few people ever have, and she said it all in French! She did not speak English with us at all. The beds, the shower, the food, the hospitality, were all the best I have had in a long time. And she gave it all freely, on merit of our friendship with Theresa, a very holy young woman as well of our age.

After a wonderfully relaxing long lunch with Marie-Jean, we visited the Palais des Papes in Avignon, and felt the wonder and the interesting phenomenon of imagining the Roman Catholic church centered out of this French town. This especially after having seen Rome. Our soiree ended in our favorite city of the whole journey, where a wonderful young man named François awaited to put us up in the local rectory where we slept like babies. The next day his family took us into their home and we again experienced the generosity of the French and the glory of God who enabled these two wonderful people to raise five wonderful children, all of whom were extremely compelling in conversation. One of my favorite points to note is that all were welcome at the table, especially the parish priest who sat and ate with the family. It was a beautiful show of love for all, and from these people I learned how much more I have to learn about how to give without counting the cost. May God bless them now and always....

More to come, but I'm off to bed, I hope you have enjoyed thus far...