Southern France

This week has been a much needed getaway from Massy. It is the vacances de Toussaint for the kids and us. This gives us a week and a half off school. We decided to escape to the Dordogne region of France where getting a gite (cottage) is quite inexpensive in the off season. In the summer, the French and English flock to southern France. Yet, at this time, there in nary a soul in the area. Right now, for this family, it is idyllic. This is the view from our front yard.

We even have cows in the back yard.   The good thing about having French cows as neighbors is that they look at you with animal indifference, moo and present no language barriers. (although they are probably not as happy as the California cows that we see in the TV commercials)  As an added bonus, Isabel pointed out that when they pee "it looks like a fountain."  What's better than a French country home with three roaming fountains?

We have spent lazy mornings sleeping in, playing games and relaxing. In the afternoons, we have explored the area which has beautiful villages, castles and fall landscape. I feel a world away from the suburbs of Paris, and I really enjoy the pace of life here. It has really given us some perspective and much needed rest.  We really feel closer as a family, and the rest has helped us all quite a bit.

I have really been feeling convicted lately of developing some sort of discipline to begin regular writing.  I believe that God is calling me to some sort of writing endeavor though I do not know exactly where to begin.  Developing regimented routines has never been my strong suit. 

We will continue to plug away at French learning when we return to Massy on Monday.  Continue to pray that we develop community here. 

In the meantime, some of the areas we explored this week:

The nearby town of Messyac where we got groceries and bread

Rocmadour

Les Tours de Merle

May you continue to see the beauty of God's creation all around you.