It's Time to Begin....

Our little team: Me, Claire, Linda, and Christine

Well, after all that we've been through, it pleases me to say: I made it! I'm here in Marseille! PRAISE JESUS!!!!!! I have been here a week now, and what a week! Where do I even start? I suppose the beginning would be a good place....

At Notre Dame de la Garde: Linda, Me, Christine, Claire, Elodie, and Ania

Well, this time last week, maybe a bit earlier than this, I boarded a plane with Claire and Linda to fly from Minneapolis to D.C. where we would meet Christine. It was one of the scariest, and most wonderful moments of my life. I knew that stepping onto that plane there would be no going back. I knew that once I got in the air I was saying good-bye to the familiar, to the comfortable, to my old self, and saying hello to uncomfortable, confused, and a brand new person. So I took a deep breath, prayed a quick prayer, and took that step.

Our little group touring the city!

And as the plane was landing in Marseille tears filled my eyes. Because as we flew low over the beautiful landscape, I remembered a promise whispered many months ago, a promise made by a God who never fails to keep the promises He makes: "You will return, this place will one day be your home." and now this promise, that seemed almost impossible when it had been spoken, was being fulfilled. And so, I stepped off the plane, and entered the city that would be my home.

It's been a wonderful week since then. I've done things like learning more about the public transportation system here, get a metro pass, done a bit of sightseeing, met new friends from all over the world, gone out exploring with just my teammates, bought bread (in French! Which indeed felt like an accomplishment since I have not started language learning classes yet!), gone grocery shopping, and many, many other exciting experiences! I have enjoyed my time here thus far, and I have definitely seen evidence of the Lord moving here in this place. Last night we were able to go out and do ministry with Matt, our missionary contact here who we will be doing much of our ministry with. We went to a high traffic area and did worship, prayer, free hugs, and just had conversations with passersby. I watched in utter joy as our French contacts went out and fearlessly spoke with people who stopped to see who we were. They asked questions, listened, and shared their testimonies with people who were interested to hear. I felt so much joy singing at the top of my lungs in the street about the goodness of my God, knowing that even though people may not understand me, I was able to worship and intercede for those that were having wonderful, meaningful conversations with others. It was a beautiful experience for me, and a great way to kick off my ministry experience here in Marseille. 

Christine and I at Palais de Longchamp!

So, to all of you at home, THANK YOU! Your prayers and continued support have been a blessing to me, and gotten me here! God is moving here, and I am excited to keep you all updated on what goes on. My heart is full of new promises from the Lord, which makes me even more excited about what is happening in Marseille! Please continue to keep my team and me in your prayers, as I'm sure that if God is moving, satan will be doing all he can to block what the Lord is doing, but as we know, our God is GREATER than any obstacle the enemy can use. So stay tuned for upcoming news about my adventures here, I'm looking forward to having you along for this adventure!

                                                     Blessings and Love,

The lovely Palais de Longchamp

Chrissy

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                       Claire and I on the very windy day we toured the city!

On the escalator down to the Metro!