Is This Home?

Hi Everyone!

Sorry it's been a while... I've been going, going, going since I've been back! But now I've found a little bit of time to write, so I'll fill you all in on what life's been like back here in the States!

First though, I want to say thank you. Through all of your prayers, support, encouragement, and love I made it through internship! It would not have been possible without you, please know that in your heart of hearts, I am truly thankful for all that you have done to help me get to France! Lives were touched, friendships were made, and I have been forever changed. So thank you, from the very depths of my heart, thank you for answering the call to be part of my team.

Well, it's been a little over a month since I've been back. And it's surreal. After a lot of running around during break (New York, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, and finally Minnesota to return for my senior semester) I've been able to actually sit down and begin processing. It has not been easy. For a while there I couldn't even talk about France because I just wanted to cry. I missed it. I still do. I built a life there, made friends, learned a language, loved, laughed, cried, lived. And now, I'm back here, in a place that was once familiar, but seems so foreign to me now. The food tastes funny, everyone speaks English, and I'm supposed to just pick back up where I left off? No. This is a time for readjustment, this is a time to reflect back, close one chapter, and move forward with the next.

This is one thing I'm so thankful for here at Bethany, during senior semester, everyone on staff is so gentle with you! They know, they understand, and they don't push you too much. I love it! I feel like I have a safe place, with plenty of people to talk to, who understand what I'm going through. I can be open, honest, and just vent if I have to. This is very much needed during reentry, it is a fragile time in a person's life, and it is important to treat them with the respect and understanding they need.

As I reflect back to my time in France I can see all of the amazing, awesome things God did. He gave me a friendship that I will always cherish, He gave me a family in Marseille, He gave me direction, and a love that I will never lose. During my time in France my heart for Europeans has grown exponentially. I am in love with Europe. Not just because of the beautiful scenery, the languages, the accents, but because God has such a deep, deep love for the people there, and He has shared this love with me. I know that He has such wonderful plans for the people there. I also know the darkness, the hopeless oppression that the live under, and I desperately just want to love the people there. I want to be used by God to shine the light of His love in these dark places. It makes me sad to see how so many people in the church remain ignorant of the need there. It genuinely hurts my heart. I know now though, God has not forgotten them, He has not abandoned them, and He continues to send people like me to them, to remind them of, to show them Jesus. I am so excited for my future, and all of the wonderful things God has in store for me and Europe!

So that's just a little glimpse into my life back in the States. I miss France, I'm glad to be back though, and I'm excited for this summer when I can share with you all in person! Sending you lots of love from the frozen tundra (aka Minnesota)!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy