Well, I've now joined the ranks of those apologizing for not updating their blogs more regularly. But I expect that pressure is mostly self-imposed, so I'll keep seeking the balance of giving myself grace and still persevering in the work God's given me to do - with those of you near and far! Life is very full here, these days - with a lot more than just French, too! Thankfully language is such a pervasive component of life that opportunities to speak and listen to and ponder French seep into most other experiences here these days. Hope you enjoy these photos from the last month:
The kids performed a circus for the adults as a celebration after our exams - definitely entertaining! Love their creativity!
We planned a Easter egg hunt for the kids in the singles building - fun to continue these American traditions for them and also to welcome them into our space (picture above in my room). We also hid 2 eggs in more obscure locations for the parents to find - Rachel discovering one and contorting her very pregnant self to reach it may or may not have been the beginning of baby Toby's arrival later that day!
April 1st, day of the Easter egg hunt, was also Sarah's birthday. Kathryn and I prevailed in making delicious surprise cinnamon rolls for her - in contrast to our last attempt which resulted in cinnamon hockey pucks because the yeast didn't rise. :) Culinary adventures with Kathryn are always hilarious and full of joy! And what a privilege to celebrate Sarah and the gift she is to all of us!
Shortly after the birthday party, I was put on stand-by to watch the McLaughlin kids, and Rachel, the OB, continues to amaze me in her predictions, as, indeed, she went to the hospital that evening and delivered Tobias Timothée just about an hour after arrival there. Read more about Toby's birth here. I was happy in my role as babysitter to Maggie and Ben (above) - much less stressful than being pediatrician for Ben's birth 2 years ago in Kenya!
We enthusiastically welcome Toby as the newest McCropder teammate!
Last week, my friends Heather and Ryan Moore (from Wheaton College days) and their adorable boys Elijah and Jonah visited me here in Albertville. They timed their visit perfectly - coming from cold Scotland to the first days of beautiful spring weather here!
As they rented a car, we took a day trip to Torino, Italy (above and below) - just 2 hours away - my first trip to Italy!
Unfortunately Jonah tumbled on the cobblestones, but he let the pediatrician (me :)) bandage him up and became quite attached to that zebra band-aid! Both boys were super fun to have around for a few days - for me and for the missionary kids they played with daily outside.
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| The highlight of our time in Torino was definitely the gelato! Although the swords and spears and knights in armor at the palace were also really cool. |
Springtime in Conflans (medieval city a short hike from Albertville)
Overlooking Albertville from Conflans. I'm so blessed to have friends who are enthusiastically interested in my life and even in my team and community here. The Moore's visit was a great encouragement to me!
Birthday and farewell celebration #1 for Kathryn - kebabs!
Mint chocolate chip ice cream cake!
So bittersweet to begin celebrating the joy that is Kathryn as she prepares to leave France next week. We will miss her greatly! And we're still working hard to recruit her to join us in Burundi after she finishes college!
Birthday/farewell party #2 with the kids - Kathryn loves children whole-heartedly and they enthusiastically greet her daily, knowing she's always happy to play with them! So it was apropos that her party included pin the earring on Kathryn, musical chairs, and a French birthday guessing game.
And, of course, chocolate cake!
What joy the springtime brings! Light is breaking through!
