Little things that make you smile

This blog may seem random but it is the little things over the last couple of weeks that have made me smile which I decided to share.

I have come to realize just how much I love the market in my town. Three days a week it is right next to my dorm and three other days it is all over the main part of the city. I love just being able to walk through there and listen to people talking while looking at all the things being offered. My favorite is buying some fresh fruit, looking at the different flowers, and walking past the herbs and spices. Simple I know but it is one of the many things I have comet to appreciate about this town.

A couple of days ago I was sitting in the part when this little girl came running up to the fountain near where I was sitting. She sat down and just played with the water and then ran up to meet her parents. It was not like she did anything special but in a way she reminded me of my brothers-just the fun playful spirit.

It amazes me how much God works through our lives and those around us. Lately I have been learning more about our walk and how safetly plays a role (if it really does at all) as well as our faith and what it looks like. What was neat was I got an email from a good friend who was able to challenge me although he did not realize it. At church this last sunday that is what the pastor spoke on. It just made me smile at the different ways we affect each other and God uses us.

This last Thursday my friend David called me randomly and asked if I wanted to go hiking. I said of course and made sure my friend Kate (who is visiting) wanted to go as well. We had a blast that day. Half way up we decided to take the difficult route and let me tell you it was definately a challenge and at times you had to use both hands and feet. My favorite part of that day was climbing down. We made it to the top where this man started giving us some history so by the time we started our descent the sun was setting. It was amazing. We had to stop time and time again because it really just took your breath away. The sky was several different shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. The mountain we were on is one in a small range with deep valleys. The sun hit everything just right making the whole place just shine. For example the rocks behind us were this beautiful color of red and orage. It was also just good to be out and hiking again. The whole trip was about 6/7 hours.

Trains and buses are a very easy and reliable form of transportation but at times too reliable. My friend and I went to Cassis for the day and caught the bus there which was almost 1:45mins. We spent a couple of hours in this really cute little town right on the water. It was amazing. In its own way it was a touristy town but more of a touristy town for people who are french rather than normal tourists. We decided to head back to Aix en Provence and get dinner back at my room so we went to the bus stop. We waited and when the time came we got a little nervous because generally if it is not there you somehow missed something, and ofcourse we did. We found out that the bus we needed was around the corner. Finding this out we run to the bus just as the last person was getting on.

This last thursday and friday we had off due to all saints day. Interesting how there is a huge separation of church and state and yet they take a holiday which is supposed to be religious...Interesting but I am not complaining. Anyway I went to school this last Tuesday to find my school was closed. none of the students were allowed to enter the building. My sources could be wrong and my understanding of french may be off as well but from my understanding the school does not have en ough money and were trying to come up with more ways to come up with this money. In order to do this the faculty besides most of the professors were in meetings all day but in hopes of keeping the students from striking or doing something stupid to the school they cancelled all classes for Tuesday and wed. In turn I had basically a fall break this week. Yeah go french school system.

This may sound random but I am really excited about it...I will be singing in a choir for the christmas church service coming up in about 3weeks. They were trying to get as many people to be in it as possibly so we could fill more seats with locals. There are going to be about 50 people in the choir so my voice will not really be heard. Anyway we get to sit up front during the service and get to look out at crown who will all be holding candles. It is an event where both French and Internationals come together to celebrate christmas. I am sooo excited.

I will write up an update on what I have been doing at a different time but I thought this would give you a fun idea of some of the small things that have been taking place. I will also be putting up pictures probably on monday (I hope). Until next time.