I have had many positive experiences with meeting people in Paris. All of the people I have met in Paris have been through MLK Church. I have been deeply blessed by their willingness to love and welcome us into France. The man who leads our devotional, Nicolas has been especially present with us. Every word that comes out of his mouth has profound value in our lives. It is beautiful to see someone so in tune with the Holy Spirit. He likens us to Abraham who was called to a distant land in Genesis 12, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” I was astounded by this verse, and my life in the past couple years began to make sense: how I keep being called to visit different nations. I am thankful for what I have received from Nicolas.

Paris people outside of the church are as I would expect, pretty distant from each other, moving through the world seemingly untouched by emotion. It surprised me that almost everyone on the metro wears earbuds or headphones. It seems in the United States, most people wear them while they are working, but not while they are going somewhere. I like to feel connected to the world and people around me, so I do not normally wear them unless I am trying to focus on homework. Somehow, even if I speak in French, they know that I am American and respond in English. It is probably obvious, but it is fun to try to blend in.

This is a photo of Steve Armund, a man who invited us to his house. He was so eager to teach French and learn English from us. He set up a whiteboard by his kitchen table and we wrote down unfamiliar words on the board.