Daydreams

(On the second tier of the Eiffle Tower looking out onto Paris.)

I'm back from France. It's been a month and a half now since I've returned. Is that how long it takes for sweet memories to fade into daydreams? It's hard to believe that I've gone and returned. Yet, my heart reminds me that it is true. What I have experienced is not a lie. My fear if forgetfulness. Will those sweet memories cease to exisit if I forget them?

(Walking around in Senlis, France.)

Tara, my step-mom, bought me European style hot coco. I had my first cup this morning. As I sipped the not-overloaded-sweetness-like-American-hot-coco flashes of memories of being in Paris flooded my gaze -sitting on the Parisian patios watching the passer-byers, absorbing the French words swirling around. These sweet memories bring me to tears. The longing to return is great.

(Walking through Apremont's forest with Claire and Emma. Claire's on my back.)

I wrote a quote down a month ago that has been lingering on my desk, its words speak perfectly to my heart right now.

Faith looks back and draws courage;

hope looks ahead and keeps desire alive.

-J. Eldredge from The Sacred Romance

(On the grounds of the Abby of Chaalis, which is to the right.)

The Empire Disney Strikes Back

Well, it wasn't really the Disney part that struck back, it was the up-chucking flu part. It hit hard on Saturday, 3 days ago. I was fine when I woke up in Compiègne- side note, Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians after trying to free Compiègne during the hundred...and I can't wait to go back to school to take some history classes. Yet after taking a few bites of cereal my stomach was too happy. I had hoped to explore another castle that day or visit with a mutual acquantince in Paris but the gurgling from my stomach overruled all other previous thoughts.

After walking through Compiègne with a terribly queasy stomach, I took the train back to Chantilly. During the uncomfortable train ride, I worked on mastering the art of not thinking about how nauseated I felt. I made it back, crawled into bed, with a trash can at hand, and fell asleep. I wish I could say c'est tout, that's all, and would have been done with it but I'm out of energy and continue to feel queasy.

So I did enjoy my time at Pierrefonds castle. It was a beautiful time and I do have access to some of the pictures I took.

Early Friday morning I head to Taize monastary for the weekend to spend sometime with Jesus. I come back Sunday night to finish my last day as a nanny on Monday. The next two weeks are full of travels across France and England. I won't have frequent access to a computer, as I do now but do look forward to some.

Up-chuck Disney

I went to Disneyland today with the Cross family and another missionary family, whom live in Compiègne. Emma, the second oldest, who explodes life from every pore of her being, wasn't well this morning. We journeyed forth with a van load of 7 only to experience the first round of up-chucking before pulling out of the driveway. We were going to Disneyland with the hope that once was all that was needed.

This was my first time in any Disney amusement park and my first ride was Space Mountain 2. I, literally, giggled the whole time. I sat back relaxed, took in a breath of air and let the ride take me where it whilst. The picture taken of me during the ride revealed a grin. I giggled and grinned without anyone having to know, having to care, having to notice.

Then venturing to the next line poor Emma preceeded to continue her onslaught of up-chucking. I stepped forward taking her hand and the yellow, filled ziploc bag and hunted for a wash room. It hit me several minutes later, still hunting for a wash room, that I could throw away the bag. Who would carry around a bag full of up-chuck around Disneyland anyways? It may sound dégoûtant, disgusting, but en effet, in fact, it was a beautiful moment. I didn't care that anyone could have seen me carrying around a bag full of yellow, floaty stuff or walking with a girl who's face was smeared with slim. I walked forward not even noticing. There was no shame there. No regret. Just compassion for a hurting girl.

The day continued with dancing in the streets with two 9 year old's, Claire and her friend from the other family; noticing the details of the dolls in "It's a Small World"; finding another bag for up-chuck to go; smiling at the la belle au bois dormant, sleeping beauty, castle in the distance; and pretending to play a star wars video game while sitting in a simulator.

It was a good day. Beautiful. Gentle. And may I say...serene.

Side note:
Disappointingly, my laptop is still down. I did take pictures, so the moment has been captured, just not revealed, at present. On Friday I am headed to a real castle, called Pierrefonds. Now that I've practiced being a princess in Disneyland, I'm ready for a grand château, castle.

Running in Paris

Imagine with me, for a moment, walking into Paris with your black slacks and french jacket -mind you it was 10 euros at a marché , outdoor market. Going inside the Louvre, finding the nearest restroom and coming out with shorts, a pink pullover and running shoes. One of the things I wanted to do in Paris was go running. I ran through Paris on the 23rd, Monday. Walking through the Louvre with running shoes and shorts drew some unwanted attention, but what can you do? It cracks me up thinking about when I ran past tourists next to Notre-Dame. Getting soft gasps from people who were shivering under their winter coats. Police officers standing on a street corner on the Il e de la Cit é, mumbling, in french, about runners and winter.

I think it's the best way to sight see, running through Paris, that is. Tasting the Jardin du Luxembourg with the wind in my hair. A spectacular garden, it will only get better when more of the flowers come out. Maybe some of the looks were caused by the smile on my face?

Smiling is fairly uncommon in Paris. Not unless one wants to be pin-pointed as an American. There is a chance that is why the Mona Lisa is so famous. From first glance she doesn't look like she's smiling, it's only when you linger that you realize that her smile has been there all along. Parisians mimic her on the métro.

Don't be surprised if I come home carrying a Mona Lisa smile.

L'Abbaye de Chaâlis

I visited the Abbey of Chaâlis on Saturday with Sarah. It's not far from a small town called Borest -cool fact about Borest is that the countryside, outside of the village, was where Joan of Arc fought- where I stayed with Sarah for a night when she house-sat for a british family. She packed us a very french pique-nique, picnic, with saussion sec, dry sausage; boursin brie; des poires, pears; une baguette, bread; and des fraises, strawberries. The abbey actually isn't standing, the ruins are left. We feasted on some of the ruins of the Abbey. The grounds had a museum, a chapel and a rose garden -it doesn't start blooming until june or so. It was a beautiful time with Sarah. We giggled. We sang our hearts out in la chapelle, the chapel, where the acoustics were incredible, also a camera is tucked in the corner, not obvious until after you've made a spectacle of yourself. I have a number of pictures of the time spent there, execpt I haven't figured out a way to load them from another computer (my laptop is still down, although a friend of a friend may look at it).

That evening, Saturday, I was invited to join Amy and Charles to join their dinner party. After hours of preparation, a few friends came over around 8 -not ending until well past midnight, maybe even 1, I don't recall the time we finished- to share a meal. The repas, meal, starts with a salty appetizer including an apperatif, a strong alcoholic beverage; champagne. Then moved to the table after an hour or so of talking to eat salad, asparagus, fish and rice. Then came the cheese course and afterwards, dessert. It was yummy. I am enjoying the difference in pace in eating compared to the states, I don't feel stuffed to the point of popping.

I'm learning more and more about myself. Learning how to serve, to sacrifice my own needs and wants to honour others. It's different than being in college, being self focused. Each days is a new challenge, a new chance to grow and learn.

Look forward to some pictures once I figure out a solution to loading the pictures.

La Tour Effiel

Tuesday, I went to Paris with Claire, the eldest. We walked up the 700 and something set of stairs to the second tier of the tour, not quite the top. To get to the top you have to buy another ticket. Regretfully, we discovered this after we waited in line for 15 minutes, a LONG time for a 9 year old, for the elevator to go to the top. Afterwards, we took the metro to a creperie shop in the St. Germain region, which is in the 6th arrondisment, neighborhood, in Paris. The shop was cute, quaint, and expensive. Who would've thought 4 crepes and cidre would cost 33 euros. I guess, that's Paris.

From there we found a museum, called Musée des Egouts de Paris, which refers to the sewage system of Paris. That's right I have smelt the sewers of Paris! :) Before we entered, I forwarned Claire that it would smell not so pleasant, so to speak, she had a choice and went willingly. As we entered the depths of Paris, she kept on saying that the air was so thick, translating into I thought she was going to throw up. Let me tell you, it was cool. No really, I'm serious. Wandering around above the dark green water with not so bright lights. I mentioned how this could be a scene from a movie. Can you imagine someone running from a bad guy in the sewers of Paris through the dark corridors?? Someone should pay me for this idea.

As we immerged into the fresh air, with my freshly wavy hair due to the humidity, we wandered around the 1st arrondisment on Avenue Montaigne, which is one of the world's most expensive streets, just now discovering this after I've left. No wonder we had thought the guys in suits standing at the doors looked so funny. How bored they must get just standing there, Claire had said. We passed some famous shops, such as Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel and other such high end chic shops, then walked over to the Champs Elsyée. Only I would, after walking the streets of one of the famous shopping areas of the world, discover the grandeur of the circumstance. Oh, causal Colorado what have you done to me.

The Champs Elsyée is great until you're trying to find a cheaper boulangerie, bakery, or pâtisserie, pastry shop, to go to. On to the metro we went in search of a place near the Forum des Halles, which did you know is an modern underground shopping precinct -I'll have you know Wikipedia just informed me. We bought two postcards and then went to the Gare de Nord, main train station in Paris, and went back to Chantilly, it's the closet train station to Apremont. Names are fun to know if you want to look it up on a map. ;)

Oh, the joys of Paris.

Mountains

This past week I've spent in and near the Alps. The first night I spent in Lyon in a little apartment not far from the Rhône River. As I walked past the Rhône on my way to my friend's place I had thought how cool it was to be in a place I had learned about in high school french class. The next morning I got up early to take a train to Grenoble and then a bus to the Bourg d'Oisans, which is a cute little mountain town.

The camp was beautiful. I enjoyed getting to meet some of the Greater Europe Mission (GEM) folks. I stayed for the next few days. The first day that I got to the camp I hiked to the porte de romaine, which means Roman door. It's actually a place where the Romans crossed. You can see and feel the markings in the rock where wagons had crossed. The following day I hiked up this trail called la cheminée, which means the chimney. Parts of this trail were also crossed by the Romans. The third day I was there I went for a run/hike near the camp. While I was gone I saw wild boar! It was incredible.

I arrived in Grenoble on Monday. I stayed two nights in a community christian house not far from the University in town. Grenoble reminded me a great deal of University of Colorado in Boulder, where I've gone to school for the past three semesters. It could be that all college campus' are the same, or maybe it was that and how the city had mountains. While I was there I spent time with some students, going to a French politics class, and eating meals in French. :) Grenoble has been my favourite place to visit thus far. I just wish that my vocabulary was larger so I can understand more.

As a head's up, my laptop is a bit out of commission. I am using the Cross' laptop for the moment, gratefully.

This is a picture above the camp in the Alps. It's looking at the Belledonne mountain range. Don't mind the tree branch in focus, I had to set the camera on the tree to take the pic.

This one below is from a bridge above the Isère River not far from the fortress on the hill in Grenoble. The mountains sure look lovely for a backdrop.

Learning

In my previous post, I shared some personal things about the Cross family. After posting it I was gently reminded that this a public space. I don't feel like it was appropiate to have posted such personal things about other people. I have changed the post since then.

This is my first blog and I'm learning how to communicate through blogging. I want to invite you to post any thoughts about blogging. What are some things that are good to remember when writing in public space? What are things that you've learned? How can I communicate better in this space?

A child

Stepping into this family, joining up with them in the way they cook, the way they take the kids to school, the way they live, has been exactly what everyone has told me, it's not what I expected. Before coming I thought that I would just jump into whatever the norm of the Cross family was, little did I really realize how excruciating it is to lose a child, how that pain and sorrow is carried. This isn't a normal time for the family, yet in the same moment it is.

How can I, a mere 20-year-old, offer compassion to a hurting family. It's funny to me how traits that I see in the girls stand out so strongly because I don't like that they exist in me. Watching Claire and Emma, the two eldest girls, argue draws me back to bickering with Drea (my sister). *shakes her head* God sure has a sense of humor.

I'm mapping out my time for next week. I'm taking the TGV, the fast train, to Lyon. Lyon is near the Alps and I'm going to be staying at a camp in the Alps for a few days. Check out the website,Camp of the Peaks, if you would like. Afterward, I'm going to take the train to Torino, Italy to eat some real Italian food and real tiramisu, my favourite dessert. Did I mention real? I may stay the night in Torino, I haven't quite figured out all the details, just yet. I'll be gone for five days.

Á Plus Tard (At a later time)

Raechel

Paris Feburary 7th

Dear Monsieur Whiskers,

I went into Paris today and it was beautiful. I don't have time to chat long but here's a few pictures to show you a bit about what I did. The picture above is of Notre Dame and the Seine. Enjoy.

Fatiguée (tired),

Raechel

This one is fairly obvious. It's hard to believe I saw this painting in person instead of in book store somewhere.

This one is outside the Musée D'Orsay (a famous museum). Do you see all the snow? Love it.


This is of the quai de gare (train station) on the way home.

Pirates!

Dear Monsieur Whiskers,

Have you ever seen pirates in France? Well, I have a shock for you. There were pirates running around in Apremont hier (yesterday). I have pictures to prove it. They were an energetic bunch, a few neighbors stared as they walked past. The pirates balade (strolled) by to meet another rowdy group for a fight to the finish. It was awesome.

Dans l'après-midi, I tried my hand at ratatouille. It's a popular french dish made up of vegetables such as d'aubergine (eggplant), de courgette (zucchini), de poivron (red pepper), d'oignon (onion), d'ail (garlic), and de tomate. C'étais délicieus!

Dans le soir, I went to Chantilly for a beer with some other au pairs. We met at this cute café called Le Syliva. There were 9 other girls around my age. It was good to hear about some other of the girls experiences of being an au pair. They meet up every Wednesday at the café in Chantilly. I know I will be back.

The plan for this weekend is to go into Paris and visit the Musée d'Orsay. Then that evening find a little jazz club and enjoy some French jazz music. Let's see if it all works out!

Until next time,

Raechel



This is moi.

This is Sarah, another au pair, chasing the pirates!


Sarah and Emma fighting.

Jus De Pomme

Dear Mr. Whiskers,

What to you do in a grocery store when you can't find the jus de pomme (apple juice)? You ask, bien sûr. Today I went to the grocery store. Amy (the mom) had lunch with one of the girls, Sophie, while I looked for a few groceries. I couldn't find the jus de pomme, I looked around the store timidly. I decided here's my chance to practice my French and ask someone for help. I went up to an employee and greeted him, which is très important. If you don't actually greet a person before talking, like bonjour or bon soir, then they find that quite rude. He pointed me in the right direction and off I was to find the jus de pomme.

Another thing I've learned is don't say hello or make eye contact unless greeted first. Guess what the first thing I did on the day I arrived and went for a walk? Bonjour to everyone and to the two men working in the cementary. Wow, I couldn't believe how friendly everyone was in Apremont. Amy soon told me it is very forward to greet men or make eye contact. No wonder they were friendly! Ugh...

On samedi (Saturday), I did a tour of Paris in a convertible. Talk about overwhelming. It is très beautiful. It is a lot bigger than I had imagined. I'm looking forward to taking more time exploring parts of Paris on pied (foot) rather than car. Champs-Élysées here I come. :) Click on this link to watch this video of pictures of Paris. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAMuNfs89yE&feature=related It's a taste of everything I saw from my whirlwind tour of Paris. Don't worry I'll be back to take my own pictures. The song is called Aux Champs-Élysées, which is popular French song. Yes, I did sing the chorus as we walked, for a short jaunt, on the Champs-Élysées.

Attention (be careful) with water!

Raechel

Address

Just a head's up for those who received my support letter. The address on the bookmark is wrong.

FYI, my address is
75 Rue Louis Wallon
60300 Apremont, France

The Dot

The dot on the map is where I am. If you click the map a few times, while hovering over the dot, you'll see Apremont. The pictures below are views from the house.

This first one is the house with the automatic gate.

The second is of the gate. In this one you can also see the front door.
The third is a few from standing at the gate looking out on the street.
Time for me to eat déjeuner.

Little Town

Dear Mr Whiskers,

Have you ever seen Beauty and the Beast? Bien sûr, you've seen it. The first scene is Belle walking through her ville singing Bonjour. That was my first thought when I arrived in Apremont. When I proceeded to walk around looking at all the cobblestone I couldn't help but sing: Bonjour, Bonjour! Not too loudly, of course, I don't want to scare everybody off. Yesterday, I went with Amy to pick up the girls from school, which is maybe a block away. While we waited I met a few neighbors. One of them being a girl my age who is a nanny.

Mr Whiskers, don't forget to have someone charge your batteries. You must remember that you're just a robotic cat not actually a real one.

Mr. Whiskers

At church yesterday, Corb, the college pastor whom is positively wonderful, introduced his friend Mr. Whiskers to the congregation. Now don't be deceived by the name, Mr. Whiskers is a cat. He detests water, it's electrifying to him. He finds voices interesting for a time but if you talk too long he closes his eyes slowly and ever so slightly leans his head consistently to the left. He does purr if you touch him in the right spot. He also is quite obedient in sitting in the same position -I didn't think cats could be obedient either. I like to think that Mr. Whiskers would thoroughly enjoy to hear about my adventures in France.

Dear Mr. Whiskers,

I'm preparing for my journey today. I leave so shortly that it is wise to start packing. It's hard to believe that I'll be getting on a flight for Paris in two days time. I will arrive Thursday morning, Paris time.

Oh the turmoil of what to pack. Of course, I'll bring clothes and shoes and my tooth brush. It's the questionable things that I'm fretting about. What about my hiking boots? Snow pants? Or a tambourine? Then the pressure from my books. Each of them are glaring at me, trying desperately to hold my attention, to entice me to bring them to France. Yes, I will bring a journal. It's still in its packaging. I will unwrap it in the airport. Mr. Whiskers, I know how much you like to look at picture so I attached a picture of me packing. I'll be sure to write soon. The next time will be on the flip side, in France.

Au Revoir,

Raechel

Pilot

Dear Friends & Family,

Happy New Year! I hope that 2009 finds you well and ready for the adventures this year will hold. As you may have heard, I am going on an adventure of my own in 2009—I will be spending three months in France as a missionary nanny to help relieve the burdens and support the work of a family who is part of Greater Europe Mission.

This is an exciting time for me, as I step out to help them as they continue their much-needed work in France. This is the first opportunity I’ve had to live outside of the United States for any significant period of time, as well as the first time that I will have traveled to Europe. I look forward to this being a transformative experience both while I’m with the Cross family, and while I travel across France on my own.

I’d like to invite you to be a part of this adventure with me. I have significant expenses at home that I’m responsible for while I’m overseas, as well as certain living and travel expenses to cover while I’m in France. Because I am going to support the Cross family with missionary nannies, I will not be paid directly by the Crosses, Greater Europe Mission, or Missionary Nannys (the organization through which I am raising tax-deductible support.)

There are two ways that you can help me make this incredible adventure with God happen. First, I have a missionary budget that is dedicated specifically to covering my expenses while I am serving the Cross family. This includes living expenses such as food, as well as direct travel to and from the Cross household. Donating toward these expenses is tax-deductible. The way to donate directly to this mission is by sending a check to this address, Mission Nannys P.O. Box 61805, Santa Barbara, CA 93160-1805.

The second method of support is direct donation. While this method does not result in a tax-deduction for you, you will be making my travel while in France possible, including such incredible experiences as visiting the beaches of Normandy to learn about the battles of WWII and spending time learning about the Renaissance artists in the museums of Paris. I would be so grateful if you chose to support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you would like to donate directly to me, you can send a check or money order to Raechel Owens, 5945 Chokecherry Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80919, USA or donate via Paypal using my email address, raechelo@gmail.com.

This new year is one of change and opportunity, life and more adventure than I had dreamed possible. I am looking forward to seeing the kingdom of God grow through my support of the Cross family as I provide childcare, meal planning, housekeeping and other help which in turn relieves their stress and will bring them rest. I am also hoping to learn more about the culture around me, the history behind me, and the future ahead of me as I travel through France.

I would be blessed if you would choose to support me either financially or through prayer. If you have further questions about my coming adventure, please email me at raechelo@gmail.com or call me at 719-352-8016. I will soon be starting a blog to keep you updated on my adventures.

May God’s adventures find you in 2009!

Love and thanks,

Raechel Owens