Life....

I cannot believe we've been here for six months. It feels like an eternity since we've seen family and friends from the States, but with regards to the French language it seems as though we've only been here a couple of months. When we first moved here it was tough. Initially, we felt this was the right place for our family...but the challenges we faced often made we wonder. The culture, language and being somewhere new took a toll. I'm glad as time passed, little by little, we have become more acclimated to the point of really enjoying it here. I feel that a few contributing factors helped: Expats, Church, Natives and getting involved!
We were lucky in that we moved to an area where many expatriates live from many different countries. I have met some wonderful friends whom I love spending time with. These women are amazing! They are from countries like Holland, Argentina, Ireland, England, Hungry, Poland, China, Japan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belgium, Scotland, France, and US. (I apologize if I forgot a country :) All of these ladies speak their native language in addition to English and French. I love it! The potpourri of cultures, languages etc. is so fun to be around. While being here a few of us have instituted play-dates in addition to fun excursions for us and our children. In addition to this, we've also stared a Ladies Night Out once a month!

September LNO @ Indian Restaurant

 

October LNO @ Moroccan

Initially our LNO was about 10 people and now it has grown to 20+ in just a couple of months. I've also started teaching Yoga on Thursday evenings to get some exercise and for another opportunity to visit with the gals. While our spouses are working hard during the day, us ladies felt we needed some "US" time; hens the reason for instituting yoga and LNO.
Another help has been our church. I am so grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. I love the gospel. I love that anywhere you go in the world the teachings and organization are the same. I know and believe the teachings to be true. This was one of the first interactions we had when we arrived. The members of our small congregation were and still are very supportive and loving! Their kindness is genuine and makes us feel very welcome here!
Other ways we've been getting involved is through Patati Patata. An indoor play area where native ladies bring their children to play. I go here frequently to practice my French. I've also met many wonderful ladies here whom have become my friends. Seneca is in "La Garderie" (daycare) 2 days a week for three hours a day. The purpose for this is for her to learn French and play with other children. This has been a fun experience for her. It was been so exciting to see her grow and progress not only with English but with French as well.  She mixes her French with English unknowingly. The other night at dinner she asked "tu veux, mommy". Which mean "you want". The following day she offered me a drink from her little tea party set by saying "un petit peu"; which mean "a little". She can also count to 10 in French and will often tell us "no speak French", when we read to her in French. She is so funny! So, needless to say, we have been very blessed while being here! Life is good. I am so happy to be here.
One last thought...please know these posts are fun! My intention is not to offend or make people jealous. I believe each place is unique and special in its own way. Of course, we love the conveniences the US provides, but also love what we've been offered here. There really is no comparison. We love both places. Yes, we get to see new places along the way but that is because we live so close to many places.
After going through this experience and living in California, Utah and Pennsylvania, I've realized more of what I love. Our town's population here in France is about 20,000 and I feel it is just perfect! Small but close to large shopping areas! :) I need to be close to fun shopping but don't necessarily live in it. Anyway, I love seasons, the mountains, the trees, and I love animals (cows, sheep, horses, deer, pigs, etc.). I'm not exactly sure were this adventure will lead, but I do know when we are done wandering the world, I'd like to settle in a petite ville living in a cute villa with some animals. I do like the whole farming thing...but having no knowledge of this would make it difficult to come to fruition. Anyway, I love the earth we've been given I thank our Heavenly Father for this wonderful gift as it is beautiful---at least what I have seen; which is not much!

Ciao!