It's hard to believe that my time in France is coming to an end. I'm watching the sand run right through the hourglass. In all honesty, the memories have been many and the regrets few. And the great thing is that I still have 2 weeks to enjoy.
Recently, we've been spending our time with our church friends. We get together several times a week to eat, play volleyball, or just spend time together. Last Thursday we had a church outing for the Grace Brethren churches in France. There were about 5 churches represented and about 150 people (I actually just made that up, I have no idea how many people were there). The young people went down the night before so that we would have time to set up and practice music. It's always awesome to play with talented people. Needless to say, it was an excellent time of fellowship and worship. Elizabeth and I had the privilege of meeting the missionary couple that will be the "Missionaries in Residence" at Grace next year. An older couple named the Hoberts who have been in France for over thirty years and are very dynamic people. This event was held at the Château de St. Albain which belongs to the GB church, and it is also where our French Professor, Jacqueline Schram, grew up. I also spent a large portion of the afternoon playing soccer with the young people. So, it was a special experience for Elizabeth and I on many levels.
And as if there wasn't enough excitement, Elizabeth's sister, Natalie came on Saturday to spend a week here in Dijon. We both went to Paris to get her, and had a great time seeing a little of Paris before our train headed back. Also this week, we have the bulk of our exams, so if we don't seem to be connected to the cyber world, don't be scared.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Go South, Young Man
As some of you may have heard (or seen on Facebook,) my girlfriend Elizabeth and I went to Spain for a sort of "long-weekend." I had wanted to go see the Heldenbrands, not to mention wanting to see Spain. The cheapest way we could find to get from Dijon to Málaga was the bus.
Lots of people warned us that the bus ride would be long and cramped. So, we checked into flying... But, the wallet is mightier than comfort, and the cheaper method of transportation prevailed. (Not to mention that the bus was very hassle free.)
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| Liz and I above Málaga and the port. |
We spent the next three days hanging out with the family and seeing the sites of Málaga. We tasted some of the local products like olives, cheese, ham, and fish. But, we especially enjoyed the atmosphere of an American family, something that we really missed. It was fun discussing the NFL draft with Derrick (and find that he was much more up to date than I was.) Of course we talked about all sorts of things, but there was seldom a conversation in which my Dad was not brought up.
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| The Heldendbrands and I by the sea. |
Unfortunately, it rained everyday that we were there. Everyone we talked to expressed remorse for the weather, saying that it wasn't typical. However, no one apologized because it had been the driest winter that Spain had had in seventy years. We were still able to have a clear day (Monday) to visit the old city, see a fort from the time of the Moorish Occupation, and even dip our feet in the Mediterranean Sea.
Before we knew it, Tuesday morning had arrived, and we headed back to France. Elizabeth agrees with me that it was well worth the long trip.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Fencing in France
You can imagine my surprise when my friend Alex asked me if I wanted to go fencing with him. I've always enjoyed stick fighting with my brothers and friends (not to mention the plastic lightsaber phase of my life.) I've always wanted to learn about this interesting sport and Thursday night, I got my chance.
We went to the club where Alex fences, and it reminded me of the aerobics room at the GRC, (a wood dance floor with a full wall mirror at one end.) On the ground were painted the fencing lanes. I never dreamed that the fencing stance would be so difficult. As most things, it is awkward and unnatural at first. I didn't know that you had to be "plugged in" to fence at a club. But the swords are connected to a cable so that when the tip is pushed, a light lights up and each dueler knows who has one. Being attached would be more difficult if the matches were not in lanes.
After Alex taught me the basics, I began to "spar." I put spar in quotes because I didn't really accomplish much expect for working up a sweat. But, I looked around and didn't feel out of place because once the others had removed their masks, I could see that they were also perspiring.
Next, I fenced against a girl from the club, and after a couple of minutes she said, "You know, it's ok for you to attack me." I felt kind of silly... I wasn't holding off because she was a girl, I was playing defense because I wasn't sure of myself on the offensive. The other lady I fenced against, once she realized that I really didn't know what I was doing, took it very easy on me, and still also beat me basically every time.
Towards the end, I sparred again with Alex, and he continued to teach me and point out the errors of my form and manner of fencing. Instead of lunging straight forward, I would often get close and move the sword from side to side (bad habits picked up from dueling with broomsticks). Also, I moved like a good basketball player, letting my feet lead my hands. But, that is not helpful in sword-fighting. When you lunge forward, you have to let your foil "drag" your arm, torso, and lead foot forward, while you back foot stays planted.
All-in-all, it was a great time. I loved learning a new sport that has always fascinated me, not to mention the replaying of the Princess Bride fencing scenes in my mind.
We went to the club where Alex fences, and it reminded me of the aerobics room at the GRC, (a wood dance floor with a full wall mirror at one end.) On the ground were painted the fencing lanes. I never dreamed that the fencing stance would be so difficult. As most things, it is awkward and unnatural at first. I didn't know that you had to be "plugged in" to fence at a club. But the swords are connected to a cable so that when the tip is pushed, a light lights up and each dueler knows who has one. Being attached would be more difficult if the matches were not in lanes.
After Alex taught me the basics, I began to "spar." I put spar in quotes because I didn't really accomplish much expect for working up a sweat. But, I looked around and didn't feel out of place because once the others had removed their masks, I could see that they were also perspiring.
Next, I fenced against a girl from the club, and after a couple of minutes she said, "You know, it's ok for you to attack me." I felt kind of silly... I wasn't holding off because she was a girl, I was playing defense because I wasn't sure of myself on the offensive. The other lady I fenced against, once she realized that I really didn't know what I was doing, took it very easy on me, and still also beat me basically every time.
Towards the end, I sparred again with Alex, and he continued to teach me and point out the errors of my form and manner of fencing. Instead of lunging straight forward, I would often get close and move the sword from side to side (bad habits picked up from dueling with broomsticks). Also, I moved like a good basketball player, letting my feet lead my hands. But, that is not helpful in sword-fighting. When you lunge forward, you have to let your foil "drag" your arm, torso, and lead foot forward, while you back foot stays planted.
All-in-all, it was a great time. I loved learning a new sport that has always fascinated me, not to mention the replaying of the Princess Bride fencing scenes in my mind.
"Then why are you smiling?"
"BecauseI know something you don't know. I am not left-handed."
Monday, April 9, 2012
Livin' on a Prayer
Sing it with me now, "We're halfway there, WO-OAH! Livin' on a prayer!"
The reason I choose to use this song is the line "We're halfway there." It's true, it may be hard to believe, but my time here in France has been cut in half.
It takes some time for one to get comfortable and get one's bearings in a foreign country. Obviously, this time frame is different for each person. Routines don't make themselves, at least not in my experience. They must be created, after that they keep themselves going.
My life here is in full swing. As usual, I don't have trouble filling up an agenda.
I have been busy with church and school activities.
Besides church on Sundays, we have college group on Monday nights. The group is called GBU (it's an acronym for College Bible Group or Groupe Bilique Universitaire.) It's really been great being a part of this circle of students, on a spiritual and companionable level, but also just in the interaction with French people. In addition, we have small group every other Wednesday night. We take time to share life and go through Francis Chan's Crazy Love with a group of about 7 students. It has been a privilege getting to know this group of young people and being challenged with the Word of God.
We have also had the opportunity to visit with some friends from church in their home. We had a great time of sharing life and comparing cultures. (When I say "we," I'm referring to myself, my girlfriend Elizabeth, and Amber).
On Tuesday nights, as I have mentioned earlier, I play basketball at the school. I love basketball and practicing French is just another plus.
School seems to be picking up: I come home in the evenings, and I have assignments to do for the next day. In all honesty, I don't like that. Being in Argentina did not help to fortify my study habits, and then not having school for two months had a similar effect. But, when I complain about my petty homework assignments, I simply think of next year and returning to Grace. This is child's play compared to real college courses. :(
Looking at this list of activities, I am saddened because I know that in about 8.5 weeks, this will all come to an end. It really makes me think about how I use my time. But France is not my only time that is limited: my time here on this planet has a definite end that is fast approaching.
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
We're so finite compared to God's infinitude. It's not worth getting caught up in our own petty lives. Why worry about the things that will pass away?
Saturday, March 31, 2012
When integrity pays, it's in cash.
The older I get, the more I realize that in the real world, it isn't convenient to do the right thing. I've coined the phrase, "Integrity doesn't pay." Well, I'm not quite sure that I made that up, but this post demonstrates the opposite anyway.
Tuesday night, I took the bus home from basketball. I take the bus after basketball because I don't feel like walking the 2 miles home. Call me a sissy, but I'm tired after basketball, not to mention that I've already walked 5 miles that day (to school and back, then to basketball).
For this story to make any sense, I will need to explain the bus system here in Dijon. On the bus there are three doors. One in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back. When the bus stops (at a designated bus stop) you have to push the little green button in order for the door to open. When you get on the bus, you don't necessarily have to buy a ticket from the driver at the front. There are small orange boxes strategically placed around the bus that allow you to punch your prepaid ticket. But, many people opt for the monthly pass that allows you to ride any bus in the city as many times as you so desire, no ticket-punching necessary.
Some of my more astute readers will have realized that one could perhaps get on and ride the bus without paying. Indeed, it is possible, and I have done it before. (Once when I forgot to punch my ticket, and once when I forgot the ticket and didn't know how to buy one. But, later that month I bought a monthly pass anyway.)
I learned that if one is caught, one pays a fine. While talking with some of my basketball-playing comrades, I learned the amounts of said fines. (They increase with each offense). I let everyone know that I paid every time I took the bus. They weren't super surprised, but I was greeted by responses like "Well, I'll pay when I'm rich, but now..." One guy told me on the way home that he had already payed the fine twice. I had thought to myself, "Self, these guys do it all the time and never get caught. Plus, it's a Tuesday night. Why would there be a check?" But, as always, I bought a ticket and found my seat.
When the bus reached my stop, I tried to get off, but the doors wouldn't open, and there were men in black uniforms at each door. When the doors finally opened, they asked for my ticket, which I showed them, then I headed home without a problem. They were the control officers. I don't know what happened to the other guy, but it probably involved a hefty fine.
Tuesday night, I took the bus home from basketball. I take the bus after basketball because I don't feel like walking the 2 miles home. Call me a sissy, but I'm tired after basketball, not to mention that I've already walked 5 miles that day (to school and back, then to basketball).
For this story to make any sense, I will need to explain the bus system here in Dijon. On the bus there are three doors. One in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back. When the bus stops (at a designated bus stop) you have to push the little green button in order for the door to open. When you get on the bus, you don't necessarily have to buy a ticket from the driver at the front. There are small orange boxes strategically placed around the bus that allow you to punch your prepaid ticket. But, many people opt for the monthly pass that allows you to ride any bus in the city as many times as you so desire, no ticket-punching necessary.
Some of my more astute readers will have realized that one could perhaps get on and ride the bus without paying. Indeed, it is possible, and I have done it before. (Once when I forgot to punch my ticket, and once when I forgot the ticket and didn't know how to buy one. But, later that month I bought a monthly pass anyway.)
I learned that if one is caught, one pays a fine. While talking with some of my basketball-playing comrades, I learned the amounts of said fines. (They increase with each offense). I let everyone know that I paid every time I took the bus. They weren't super surprised, but I was greeted by responses like "Well, I'll pay when I'm rich, but now..." One guy told me on the way home that he had already payed the fine twice. I had thought to myself, "Self, these guys do it all the time and never get caught. Plus, it's a Tuesday night. Why would there be a check?" But, as always, I bought a ticket and found my seat.
When the bus reached my stop, I tried to get off, but the doors wouldn't open, and there were men in black uniforms at each door. When the doors finally opened, they asked for my ticket, which I showed them, then I headed home without a problem. They were the control officers. I don't know what happened to the other guy, but it probably involved a hefty fine.
So, sometimes, integrity does pay.
| All the busses in Dijon look like this. |
Photo credits: Google images.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Where I come from...ish
Perhaps some of you are interested in the specifics of this town and my university. If not, then this post will be intensely boring:
Dijon is a city of 151,000 people (downtown) and about 250,000 (with "Greater Dijon" included.) For those of you in Indiana, that's about the size of Ft. Wayne. Dijon is a rich city with a lot of old money. It is the site of the capital of Duchy of Burgundy, and still the capital of the region of Bourgogne (Burgundy). Due to the affluence of its inhabitants, Dijon is a very safe city. This is strange for me, as I associate cities with crime and danger.
Some of the quicker readers will have thought earlier, "Hey Dijon, isn't that a kinda mustard?" In fact, it is. It is from here and is consumed in great quantities. I really like it, it's spicier than regular mustard and just has more body. (I don't know what that means, but it seemed like the right description.)
Here in Dijon, I attend L'Université de Bourgogne (affectionately called l'UB). I find this amusing because UB is also the acronym for my school in Argentina (Universidad de Belgrano). There are about 27,400 students in all. It's a pretty diverse campus with 126 nationalities represented.
I, and the other grace students, form part of the CIEF (Centre International d'Études Français). The Center of International French Studies takes up less than three small prefab buildings. Over 1000 students study there between the spring, fall, and summer terms.
If you wanna see what my school looks, type in "Rue Edgar Faure, Dijon, France" at google.com/maps. Check out the street view feature.
My home address is 14 Rue Vauban, Dijon, if you would like to see what the outside of my house looks like.
Sources
Wikipedia
http://ressources.campusfrance.org/guides_etab/etablissements/en/univ_dijon_en.pdf
Google Maps
Here in Dijon, I attend L'Université de Bourgogne (affectionately called l'UB). I find this amusing because UB is also the acronym for my school in Argentina (Universidad de Belgrano). There are about 27,400 students in all. It's a pretty diverse campus with 126 nationalities represented.
I, and the other grace students, form part of the CIEF (Centre International d'Études Français). The Center of International French Studies takes up less than three small prefab buildings. Over 1000 students study there between the spring, fall, and summer terms.
If you wanna see what my school looks, type in "Rue Edgar Faure, Dijon, France" at google.com/maps. Check out the street view feature.
My home address is 14 Rue Vauban, Dijon, if you would like to see what the outside of my house looks like.
Sources
Wikipedia
http://ressources.campusfrance.org/guides_etab/etablissements/en/univ_dijon_en.pdf
Google Maps
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Yes, I am alive.
Hello blogland.
Just thought I'd let you all know that I am alive, in case some of you were wondering. I realized that perhaps I needed to update a blog when Grandma had to write another email because I hadn't written back in several days.... (Oops)
So a quick peak at the life of Will:
School is in full swing, and I had my first midterm yesterday. I felt confident when I finished (that's never a good sign). I'll probably get some results tomorrow.
Elizabeth, Amber, and I went to Paris on Friday to see the GoEncounter team from Grace. We spent most the day with them, but did some site-seeing on our own. We took the cheap train so we had a fixed return time, and that lead to the three of us running from metro to metro in order to catch our train back to Dijon. Praise the Lord, we made it, with about 2 minutes to spare. It was pretty miraculous because we didn't have to wait more than about 60 seconds at our various other boarding sites.
Well, that's all folks. Hope your days are as blessed as mine.
Just thought I'd let you all know that I am alive, in case some of you were wondering. I realized that perhaps I needed to update a blog when Grandma had to write another email because I hadn't written back in several days.... (Oops)
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| Amber took this candid photo Too cool not to share. The cathedral in the background is Notre Dame. |
School is in full swing, and I had my first midterm yesterday. I felt confident when I finished (that's never a good sign). I'll probably get some results tomorrow.
Elizabeth, Amber, and I went to Paris on Friday to see the GoEncounter team from Grace. We spent most the day with them, but did some site-seeing on our own. We took the cheap train so we had a fixed return time, and that lead to the three of us running from metro to metro in order to catch our train back to Dijon. Praise the Lord, we made it, with about 2 minutes to spare. It was pretty miraculous because we didn't have to wait more than about 60 seconds at our various other boarding sites.
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| Liz, Amber, Prof Schram, and I on the Eiffel Tower |
Last night, I finally went to intramural basketball. The Lord worked things out so that I had everything I needed. (Medical exam, sports ID card). It had been about 6 weeks since I had played basketball. It was soo refreshing, and extremely exhausting. It was neat to meet some students from Africa that were on my team.
The system was a little different from Grace's Intramural Program. Tuesday nights are co-ed basketball. About 60 students showed up, then the coach had us split into 9 teams. He then drew up a quick schedule which utilized all 3 courts and gave every team six 10 minute games. I think I only sat out about 6 of those 60 minutes. Needless to say, I'm sore today.Well, that's all folks. Hope your days are as blessed as mine.
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