First day of school. Well, kinda.

well, today was my first big day of school. only i didn't really go to school.
we got to the school at 9 this morning. we met with agnes (my french teacher from mc) and took an oral exam---basically, an interview in french to see our level of fluency. i was the first one from our group to go, and let's just it was intense. she began with easy questions, like "what's your name? your age? your nationality? your hobbies?" and led into "what do you want to do for a living? why are you learning french? how will you use french in your future classroom? what was the last movie you saw? did you like it? why? what do you like to read? who are your favorite authors? why? (etc)". it was quite intense. but i think i did ok.
after our test, our group was sorted into classes. brittney and i are in the same class, but everyone else is in a class by themselves. brittney and i have had every french class together since first semester, so i'm glad i have someone that is always good to study with. we start real classes at 9 tomorrow.
agnes walked us around the city today. we went to the supermarche (supermarket), the loire river (again), old town, rue nationale (their shopping streets), and everywhere else around the city. we walked for 7 hours. like whoa. i'm a bit tired.
for dinner, madame turpault cooked le cordon bleu. it was delish. we also had vanilla pudding cups for dessert. i love a good pudding cup. she really is such a great cook, just like my real mama. i'm so blessed. it curves the homesickness a little bit :)

i will leave you with a picture of our group out on the town today in tours. a bientot.

                                                  

Oh, and a picture.

the Loire river in Tours

Just a picture. In case you wanted to remember what I look like.

Bye.

Life as a Frenchie.

well, i'm here! i'm all settled into my little home in tours, france. and it's great. i live with a sweet little woman named madame turpault. her daughter, anne, is not 19, but rather in her 40s, but she lives in another home and comes to see us/her mother everyday. she speaks a little english and is so kind. they are both very understanding and generous. i just really love them.
our home is....amazing. it was built in 1875 so it's really old and creaky, but it is quite the gem. there are fireplaces, and we open windows for air. our window opens up to the park in tours. it's small, but it is so beautiful. right outside our window is a pond filled with lily pads. it is a very quiet town, so it's peaceful.
i start school tomorrow. eek. i'm excited. we arrived in tours yesterday at 4 and just settled in and such.
we ate dinner at 6:45 (everyday, no exceptions...gotta love a sh-edule). and then madame went to bed. the house is full of "locataires" or renters. my friend molly and i live here and share a room and there is a girl next door named jessica from utah. and she is so fun. glad i have a new friend. there is also a girl named monica from padua, italy. she speaks a little english and even less french. but she has an awesome haircut, and she is super friendly. and there are 2 french girls, but i haven't really met them yet. jessica, molly, and i (and i think a french girl) live on the third floor, it's quite the trek.

this morning (dimanche), we had brunch---which consisted of 4 types of bread. yummy carbs. jess, molly, and i tried our very best to eat it all, but we failed. madame asked us repeatedly why we wouldn't eat anything. i had 4 pieces of bread. ah.
molly and i went to mass with madame and anne. it was a good experience. it was oddly comforting. it was neat to see a church body outside my own. we were warmly welcomed, and, even though the entire thing was in french, it was so encouraging to know i was surrounded by a family of believers. the priest was very funny. he tried to "bissou" me (little side kisses) and i didn't know how. he said, "vous etes americaines. hahaha" (you are american). thanks buddy...
after church, madame and anne sent me and molly on a walk. we walked aimlessly for a while until we met up with jessica. tours is currently hosting a wine tasting exhibition. it was free entry, so we went in and walked around. they had lots of french food (like crepes, ah) so we ate....a lot. we also walked to the loire river. it was a longer walk than i anticipated, but it was worth it.

on our way back, i had to use a public little bathroom that was coin-operated. they are the self-cleaning kind that clean after a person leaves. i couldn't stop thinking about a story my high school history teacher (coach norman/stormin' norman) told me about how he got soaked one time when he used one. so i go to leave, and i pushed the wrong button (it was all in french) and there was a whirring sound. so i freak out and start pushing all the buttons. luckily, i pushed the right one. but it was a close call...
i also took a 3 hour nap today. but i'm still tired.
au revoir, mes amis.
school tomorrow. yippee...

Back in Paris...

It's really late at night in Paris. It has been a crazy day.

we woke up in london. we walked to hyde park first thing. we looked at the peter pan statue. it was super awesome and fun. we looked at the cute english dogs. we walked all around the park. we had breakfast/brunch/lunch in the orangery. good memories came back. we went back to the hotel and packed up to go to get on our eurostar train.
we took to the train back to london. i took a baby nap and spent the rest of the time worrying where i was going to go once we got back. i couldn't get in touch with anyone staying in paris. so i was a little stressed. once we got in paris, we exchanged more money and got train tickets. maddie and i got the wrong ones because i forgot the days of the week in french. my bad. so we bought another ticket and finally got on the train. we wandered around until we found the place i stayed on monday. we went in the wrong building and knocked on a few wrong doors. we found the right building and waited on someone to let us in. finally, we found the right door. we dropped off our things and went to get food. i finally got a croque monsieur. yum.
after we got through eating, we went to the eiffel tower. we got there just in time to sparkle. it was the highlight of the day. we had so much fun. it was a great way to end the evening.

it has been a long day. but i've been learned a lot. about myself and what i'm capable of. we were running around scatterbrained and confused. but it's all about taking a moment to stop, taking a breath, and saying a prayer. God never abandons His children in times of distress. He is our comforter. so whenever you feel overwhelmed (like you're in a foreign country, no idea what's going on, and you are out of euro coins), rely on God. He will never fail you.
Think on it.

i love you all very much. thanks for keeping up with my life and adventures. your prayers and thoughts are appreciated.
i leave tomorrow for tours. i get to meet my host family. come to find out, my family unit is a mother and a daughter. the daughter is my age, which is exciting. pray God will use me as His witness and i will be faithful in following His desires for me in the coming weeks...and years...and life.

2 days. Not enough time.

It's my last night in London/my 3rd night in London. I'll never have enough time in this place. It  is by far my favorite place in the world. It's been a crazy 2 days and we've kept super busy, but it has been so worth it. We've been super productive.
yesterday: we woke up early (aka 8) and ate breakfast at the hotel. i almost had my first boiled egg, but i chickened out. we started the day on the tube, something i feel i have spent half this trip on. we went to westminster and caught a boat on the thames. we sailed around london and looked at the sites. it was the best 10 pounds thus far. it lasted an hour and fifteen minutes, but i could've done it all day (except i got a really bad sunburn). we got off at greenwich, where the prime meridian is. last time i came to london, i didn't have adequate time in greenwich due to the fact we had to go to the justin bieber concert (but that's another story). this time was great. note: we have enjoyed as much free fun as possible on this trip. we went in the maritime museum (who knew naval history was so fascinating) and in the chapels: the painted one and the other one (i don't remember the name, obviously). the painted chapel was a little treasure tucked away in the midst of all the bustle of the buildings. but it was one of the highlights of my day. it was painted entirely from top to bottom. it was…amazing. we climbed the giant hill (it'll take your soul) and drank diet coke while listening to the british school children. another free fun thing we did was "watch the ball drop". but not the american way. everyday at 12:55 and 1 pm, the royal observatory drops a little red ball to note the GMT time. so we watched that. we also visited the astronomy museum (free fun, i'm telling you). after our adventures in greenwich, maddie and i went to oxford street and zach split to go to st. pauls. everyone wins :) the girls weren't too hardcore at shopping, it was the experience. we actually spent the most time in the costa coffee cafe drinking water. we also had horrible tube luck. the exit we needed was shut off on our way, then when we meant to meet zach, it was closed due to overcrowding. so stressful.
but we met zach outside st. pauls and went to find dinner. i tried a place i saw on spring break, ye olde cheshire cheese. it wasn't a restaurant, just a bar. so we didn't stop there. we ate at a burger place (so adventurous) and walked across millenium bridge. we also got extremely lost trying to find the london eye. ya know, one of the biggest sites in london. but, it was a big day.

ok, so today. we slept later and i, being the mother i am, decided to organize the day. i called the globe theater box office hoping for tickets this evening, by a random chance. sidenote: i am a huge nerd. like the biggest. and i love shakespeare. so what i am telling you is a dream come true. the theater had tickets open for this afternoon for the play "much ado about nothing", which happens to be one of my favorites. i booked the tickets and we took off to get them. the show started at 2, so i thought it would be warm, so i dressed accordingly. the best part was our "seats". we were GROUNDLINGS. for those non-nerds out there, that's ground level standing room. our tickets were only 5 pound, what a steal. however, it rained 60% of the show. but i didn't notice. it was 3 1/2 of the best hours of my life. i can't put it into words right now. to continue my fantasy, i went to the bookstore and bought a "folio" of the play. yippee!
the rest of the day was spent being miserable from standing in the rain for hours. but we came to the hotel and regrouped our thoughts. we went to ride the london eye. and like whoa, it was awesome. it had the best views and it was just us (and 2 couples, yay…). so we got to see london at its best. after, we attempted to go the "icebar london" which is a club/bar/hangout made of ice, no but for real. sadly, it was booked with private parties. but i "had to use the bathroom" so they let me go in. i didn't see anything though… :( we went for dessert (one of my favorite things to do) to ease the pain. and now, i'm back at the ABC blogging. that's my day.

i just love london. i can talk about it for hours/days/weeks. the english are so nice. the buildings are beautiful. it really does have a lot of character. i'm going to miss it.
the agenda for tomorrow is: hyde park, lunch at the orangery, eurorail to paris, possibly the louvre and lock bridge with maddie, and put pictures on facebook. big day. then saturday, tours! geez. everything is so fast.
i am really thankful for the blessings of friendship God has given me on this trip. i've really enjoyed getting to know the people on this trip and hear their stories. it's so awesome to see how God works in different people. can i get an amen?!

Day 1: London

Well, it's been a big day. I'm in London! And it's magical.
we kicked off the day at 4:30 in the morning, or i did at least. i got to gare de nord at 5:45, and zach got there at 6:30. but hey, we made it. with plenty of time. we decided to fly instead of take the eurostar train because it was cheaper. it was a hassle, but hey. cheaper. we flew easyjet, a budget european airline. and it was quite enjoyable. we got to sit on the 3rd row, like that'll ever happen again. we landed and took an easybus into london. then took the tube. once we (finally) got here (to our hotel), everything has been easy-peasy.
i took a needed nap until my dear friend madeline arrived from the airport. then we took off. we went to the city of london and saw big ben, london eye, houses of parliament, and westminster abbey. we took lots of fun pictures. that i will share at a later time. we went to evening song at westminster (it was free) and it was so cool. it was such a blessing to worship the Almighty in a new way, even though it was very different. sitting in a church housing the bones of the monarchs, greatest poets and writers, and other historical figures, i felt so small. but God always reminds me i mean something to Him. my mission this summer isn't to "find myself", but to find who i am for God. we got a seat close the front, and i was right by the alter. the saying on the alter read: Attempt to do great things for God. that's my goal. not to attempt, because i know God can do anything. but to follow His will for great things. His Kingdom is home, and i am undeserving. but i am special to my Father. just a little thing i learned today.
after church, we walked to st. james' park. it is by far one of my favorite places in london. we took pictures in front of buckingham palace. however, we didn't spot the Queen. probably because she was having tea with my president. bless him. we also prayed for him at evensong. and the royal family. God save the Queen. Ah-men.
we had dinner at my favorite pub, the Bag o' Nails. i say favorite, as in i've only been to two. but i got the same thing i got last time. creature of habit. roast chicken and bacon sandwich. madeline and i also split the best ice cream i've ever had. and i said "this is the best ice cream i've ever had" about 50x while i was eating it. glutton?
random fact: when we are bored, nervous, or delirious, zach and i like to sing. we like to sing songs by our favorite people including, but limited to: taylor swift/t-swizzle, justin bieber/the biebs, rihanna, and cee-lo. people are beginning to stare. oopsy.
as i type this, i'm in the breakfast room of my hotel, ABC Hyde Park Hotel. and there's a rat. but i'm trying not to freak out. the hotel manager assured me that rats outnumber people 4 to 1. thanks bud. i assured him there are rats all over the world, not just here. tried not to be a brat. but, i hate rats.
tomorrow, sh-edule (English accent) is greenwich village and hopefully shopping. i would like to see oxford street. we shall see. big things in the next few days. i love london. it never lets me down. so good to be back.

go forth. do great things.

Well, twice in one day.

It's the end of my day in France. At 9:15. I'm a sleepy girl.
I hate to blog twice in a day. But I didn't do my day justice earlier.
Well, it's been a wild day. We went to Alex's apartment, walked around aimlessly, and wound up at the Sacre Coeur (one of my favorite spots in Paris). Zach and I walked around the church and the Montmartre. And I got pickpocketed. The little booger. But he only got away with my coin purse of a few Euro coins. But still, the little booger. Then my credit card wouldn't work. It's been a big day.
But, I get to stay with some really fun people and a cute baby. And I had a 7Up today, first one in at least forever. Plus plus plus.

Well, I'll be in London until Friday. But I'll post as soon as I can.

Love you all.

At last.

I'm in France. Sitting in Alex Vance's apartment, blogging away.
All our flights worked out perfectly. Poor Brittney didn't get her luggage, but other than that everything was fine. I drugged myself with dramamine. Good decision.
I had the beef/mashed potatoes on the plane. Also a good decision.
Well, nothing has really happened yet. But, I'll keep ya updated.

Love you all.

1 day.

Well, it's not even one day. More like 11 hours. Whoa.
I'm done packing. I have good Southern food in my belly, thanks to Mama Hamil's. I'm ready.
Or, I should be.
I'm kind of getting nervous. Nervous mixed with excitement.

Today was such a great day. One of the top 10 in life so far. I got to sleep till 8, a new time since I've had a class at 8 for the past 2 weeks. I got to see children, thanks to Lyndsey Hester. Seth and I went to the Jackson Zoo. We ate lunch at Pizza Shack. And we went on a walk in the Clinton Nature Center. Seth and I also watched an entire disc of Modern Family (never gets old). It's a day full of favorites. The perfect way to spend my last day.

Well, I have my boarding passes printed and everything is by the door. Guess I'm off to bed.
Who knows when I'll update next. I'll leave it with an ASAP.
Yay France. Yay Europe. Yay summer.
Pray for safe travel for my group. We are all stressful travelers. I think tomorrow will be the worst day of the whole summer. Pray we arrive safely :) God has truly blessed us with this amazing experience and we will enjoy it and see His glory in His creation.

1 week.

I'm sure you are as ready as I am for Sunday so you can stop reading about my adventures in Clinton.
But. I am where God wants me for right now. I am learning so much about myself and having a peaceful week preparing for my trip. This past weekend was amazing. My friend (also named Rebecca) got married, Helen had a birthday, I got to spend time with my sweet parents, Seth came back from Africa, and I had a birthday party. All things I love.
A few highlights: spending time with sweet friends who are so encouraging, my French birthday/going away cake (thanks Auntie Linda), writing my speeches and papers for my maymester class (3/5 doneskis today), and relaxing.
In exactly one week, I will be in Paris, hopefully eating crepes. I'm not gonna lie, French food isn't my absolute favorite with the duck, lamb, leeks, raw eggs, and whatever else it is. But, I love a crepe. Any kind of crepe. So, this summer looks promising.
A week from Tuesday I will be in London. That is what I am looking forward to the most. I love London. Possibly my favorite place in the world (next to the Neshoba County Fair, a hot day on the beach, and Harry Potter land). I can't wait to go! I watched a good movie the other day (The Young Victoria) and it multiplied my excitement. I'm trying to squeeze in a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum now. How on earth did I think 4 days was enough?!
This week is going to be kind of rough. I'm in the midst of several projects for my class, packing, and seeing loved ones. I'm trying really hard to manage my time, but I wish there was about 40 hours in a day, then I might get everything done. Might. Pray I will use this week as a time of preparation. 7 weeks sounds like a long time, but it's just like kamp with a k...times 2. Totally doable.
A bientot, mes amis!

P.S. I can't figure out how to post pictures. So if any has any tips, holla at ya girl.

2 weeks.

Only 5 1/2 days till France! Ah.
I'm so excited. Can't believe it so soon. But I'm glad because I don't think I will be able to control my excitement much longer.

Well. I'm currently taking a Maymester course. Professional Communications. Out of all my required classes for English Lit (Shakespeare, British Romantic Poetry, and Analysis of Literature), it is the only class I have left to take. And I view it as such. I'm hoping my attitude improves. It's only 10 days, 9 more to go. In my 3 years of college, I've never had class at 8 in the morning, let alone for 4 straight hours. Let's hope this is a one time thing.

Life has been busy this week. I finished class last Tuesday, finished with decent grades (boo poetry). I moved out of my apartment, and I am sure I won't/don't miss it. However, the smell has carried over to my new home. Which is sad. Yesterday was Mother's day. For those of you who don't know my mom, she's awesome. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know in the world. She is the best listener and has the warmest, tightest hugs. She is everything I hope to be as a woman of God, mother, wife, and friend. Anyway, let's just settle with saying---I'm blessed. Another blessing is Seth (my shawty) is in South Africa right now, which is also a big deal. We're such travelers. He's helping in an orphanage there. He has such a solid faith, and I can't wait to hear all of his stories. Pray for him as he continues his work for the Kingdom.
*Also, my sister (Michele) has a big birthday tomorrow. Because she is rather old, I won't share details. But, I love her. Happy birthday, big sis! I hope it's magical!

Today, Kelly and I spent a few hours (as usual) looking for a hostel in Rome. We've decided we are going to go there then see where the road leads us. After all, if all roads lead to Rome, surely one or two leads out. We found a semi-snazzy hostel (I mean, I don't know how to describe hostels). My hope is that it isn't shady and the staff speaks English. Because I sure don't speak Italian.
I'm debating a trip to Brussels, Belgium with my pal, Madeline during our stay in France. I know it sounds random, but I've been researching. And it looks so awesome. And only like an hour away is this town called Bruges. It's the Venice of Beligium. Google pic it. And I found this hotel I love---the Bloom. I really hope we get to go.... Cross your fingers.

K. Well, Maymester calls. Part of my homework assignment was to take a personality test. I'm an ISFJ according to Meyers-Briggs. Whatever that means. Introvert? Really?