A Postcard from Paris

If I were to sit down with postcard and pen in hand, I would say…

the croissants are incredible
there is deep history and beauty here
my favorite thing is spending time with my brother and mom

The last two days have been a whirlwind of subway trains, decadent food, incredible sights, much learning, and time spent together. 

We have visited a history museum, Notre Dame, and the Museum D’Orsay.  We have made memorable scenes, of which I will never forget:  feeding the birds along the Seine, taking a French cuisine cooking class, learning how to make chocolate, and splitting one sandwich on the 58th floor overlooking the entire city of Paris. 

I have always thought that I have known my mom and brother well.  Yet, somehow this country has allowed me to develop a deeper love and gratitude for them.  I have always loved Dan’s pursuit of life, yet France has taught me to also respect his quest for continual knowledge.  As for my mom, she has always been a strong and independent woman.  Yet her resilience, flexibility, and courage to even make this trip has been unparallelled. 

I guess I’m trying to say that I am grateful.  For:

my mom and brother (and an incredible dad at home)
Paul for encouraging me to come here
the kids whom I also miss like crazy
Paul’s parents for loving our kids in my absence
my grandfather, whose generosity has made this all possible

There is much more to unpack than this.  Like the beggars and thieves, God’s Word draped in architecture, the big-bellied Italian waiter with three girlfriends, and how Monet was only good at two things. 

But the crew is asleep and I better get there too. 

Much Love and God’s Peace, 
Kristin 

PS  I would treasure your prayers for continual safety on this trip, both in Paris and in Tournes, where we will be spending  the weekend with an old friend.  Also for Selah and Adden to have peace while I’m gone.  Thank you!

Bonjour Amis!

We’ve made it!  I’m sitting here now in a little Parisian hotel, typing out this message while my mom gets ready.   My brother sits next to me, map in hand, planning out our ventures for the day. 

Yesterday was insane, but we made it.  A long flight with awful turbulence, not being able to find my brother from the get-go (and no way to communicate with him), 33 hours without sleep, and a trek to our hotel complete with three subways, miles of walking, 27 or so flights of stairs with bags in hand:)  We had to laugh!

But we are here.  And yesterday was like a dream.  So far, we’ve hiked the L’Arc de Triumphe to witness an incredible view of Paris.  As I rounded the top of the monument, the Eiffel Tower caught me off guard.  I had to catch my breath.  It is more astounding than I ever fathomed. 

My brother looks good.  Actually, he looks French to me.  And his French is amazing!  I am so impressed!  He is getting us around the city with ease.  He is more fluent than I had anticipated.  More fluent than I ever was after three years in Korea.  We couldn’t be more proud. 

Well, we are ready to explore.  Museums are in the plans for today.  More updates to follow!

Au revoir!