We're at such a huge time of transition that it's hard to know exactly everything we should mention in this letter.
The first thing that's been on our hearts for a month now and is a HUGE matter of prayer is for our teammate, Dan Stoner. Dan and his family were flown home from France suddenly when he began experiencing the symptoms of what we now know is a type of lymphoma (to read about the Stoners and Dan's journey go to http://www.caringbridge.org/
We are adjusting well to living in France. We were able to get a car before we got here and we have been very thankful to have it. I, Stephanie, am thrilled to be back behind the wheel of a stick-shift! There are lots of mountains with lots of switchback roads and I absolutely LOVE it! After getting away from all of that Pacific NW traffic, I'm loving to drive again!!! Oh wait, this is a prayer letter and this is not a matter of prayer... or is it?
Leslie started school before all of us. She is a very social little girl and usually loves meeting new people and making new friends quickly, but her first days of school in French have been a little more difficult for her. Her social status has been disrupted by her inability to speak French, and to be honest with you, she has been afraid and maybe a little resentful of the language barrier. Even though children pick up languages quickly, it is not easy for them. It has been like throwing our little girl into the deep end of a pool each day and walking away from her. However, she IS a strong willed child, and we are sure that her determination will work to her advantage. She now knows that the road will be hard, but that there are rewards for hard work.
AnnMarie has had a little bit of difficulty going to the nursery each day and cries most days when I drop her off. However, I posted this prayer request on Facebook recently, and have already seen answers to prayer. Monday, AnnMarie walked right into the nursery, kissed me goodbye, and went right to playing. This was a huge improvement to the previous week. Tuesday was hard again, but I am sure that she will improve over time. Thank you for your prayers on her behalf.
Ryan and I are doing fine. We study hard when it's time to study and enjoy the countryside and sights when it's time for a break. Albertville is a beautiful little city and we are grateful for the privilege of living in France while we study.
To recap our prayer requests:
-Pray for the Stoner family and Dan's cancer treatments. He starts his second round of chemo on Thursday.
-Pray for the girls to adjust to school well and to learn French.
-Pray for Ryan and I to study well and retain the information as we learn French.
May our Lord bless each of you as you study His Word and learn to know Him better. May He be your source of comfort at all times.
The first thing that's been on our hearts for a month now and is a HUGE matter of prayer is for our teammate, Dan Stoner. Dan and his family were flown home from France suddenly when he began experiencing the symptoms of what we now know is a type of lymphoma (to read about the Stoners and Dan's journey go to http://www.caringbridge.org/
We are adjusting well to living in France. We were able to get a car before we got here and we have been very thankful to have it. I, Stephanie, am thrilled to be back behind the wheel of a stick-shift! There are lots of mountains with lots of switchback roads and I absolutely LOVE it! After getting away from all of that Pacific NW traffic, I'm loving to drive again!!! Oh wait, this is a prayer letter and this is not a matter of prayer... or is it?
Leslie started school before all of us. She is a very social little girl and usually loves meeting new people and making new friends quickly, but her first days of school in French have been a little more difficult for her. Her social status has been disrupted by her inability to speak French, and to be honest with you, she has been afraid and maybe a little resentful of the language barrier. Even though children pick up languages quickly, it is not easy for them. It has been like throwing our little girl into the deep end of a pool each day and walking away from her. However, she IS a strong willed child, and we are sure that her determination will work to her advantage. She now knows that the road will be hard, but that there are rewards for hard work.
AnnMarie has had a little bit of difficulty going to the nursery each day and cries most days when I drop her off. However, I posted this prayer request on Facebook recently, and have already seen answers to prayer. Monday, AnnMarie walked right into the nursery, kissed me goodbye, and went right to playing. This was a huge improvement to the previous week. Tuesday was hard again, but I am sure that she will improve over time. Thank you for your prayers on her behalf.
Ryan and I are doing fine. We study hard when it's time to study and enjoy the countryside and sights when it's time for a break. Albertville is a beautiful little city and we are grateful for the privilege of living in France while we study.
To recap our prayer requests:
-Pray for the Stoner family and Dan's cancer treatments. He starts his second round of chemo on Thursday.
-Pray for the girls to adjust to school well and to learn French.
-Pray for Ryan and I to study well and retain the information as we learn French.
May our Lord bless each of you as you study His Word and learn to know Him better. May He be your source of comfort at all times.
