It's hard to believe that we're already nearing the end of our first term of language school. But we are almost three months in and our exams start Friday and continue until Thursday, Nov 29. These exams will measure our progress thus far and hopefully demonstrate that we are ready to progress to the next level. I still need to continually remind myself why I'm learning French - to share both the Gospel and medical knowledge and care with Burundian medical students and patients. After being so accustomed to class and exams from years of schooling, I easily forget this and look for the grade instead - or worse, for the identity of good performance. But God gives grace and continues to teach me through this experience. Beginner language learning is especially good for learning humility!
One thing emphasized during our language acquisition course in Colorado was the strain learning a new language puts on the brain. They recommended getting TWO extra hours of sleep per night (hard to achieve in reality) and to take regular breaks from intensive learning to allow the brain to catch up in processing all the new information. So it works out well that we're following the French school system here and so have regular breaks scheduled. We recently returned to school from our fall break. I did do some studying during that time but also read a couple fun books in French. It was interesting to note during that time off from school that randomly French words or phrases would come to mind in the course of a day, so I think my brain was doing its processing job!
But I also benefited from rest and the joy of seeing friends and new interesting and beautiful places. Living in Europe means there are lots of possibilities for travel just a short flight or train ride away. This break I visited friends in Great Britain. It truly was an amazing vacation and I'm thankful for a very dear family member who provided the funds for this adventure and for my friends who hosted me warmly in their homes. Following are some pictures from my time:
My first trip to London!
I loved exploring all the history at the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and throughout the country in castles and museums. And almost all of the history reported took place before America even existed!
My friend Sumona (from the tropical medicine course I took in Peru) gave me a great night tour of London - including an unexpected glimpse of the Queen!
In Bath, I visited the Jane Austen Centre. I love the Jane Austen books, so it was interesting to learn more about her life. I also worked on reading "Pride and Prejudice" in French - definitely didn't understand all the words, but I know the story well enough that I could follow along - a fun challenge!
Roman Baths (constructed originally in A.D. 60!!!) with the Bath Abbey behind (site of the crowning of the first king of England in A.D. 973, current building founded in A.D.1499)
One of my favorite parts of the beautiful countryside was all the sheep
I collected Beatrix Potter figurines as a child, so I was interested to visit the Beatrix Potter museum in Windermere - note Peter Rabbit's coat behind me
The Lake District is gorgeous!
The beach in Scotland where Chariots of Fire was filmed. Eric Liddell, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure"
Dunnottar Castle on the East coast of Scotland
I loved getting to visit with these Wheaton College friends who live in St. Andrews, Scotland. Heather and I were actually freshman year roommates - 15 years ago! So fun to catch up!
Christine is another friend from the tropical medicine course and I enjoyed getting to spend time with her exploring the sites of her home town - Edinburgh, Scotland.
In the dungeon of Edinburgh castle - this is actually where they kept the American prisoners of war during our War of Independence - pretty interesting to read about our Revolutionary War from the other side! And there was a small sketch of one of the early versions of the American flag on a door there.
"Arthur's Seat" - hills above the city of Edinburgh
Afternoon tea with friends - I love this British tradition - especially the scones!
Vacation is fun and a good break, but coming back to such an adorable welcoming committee is even better! Love these kids!
