Today we overslept. We only made it in time for Sacrament Meeting, and we had to sit in the hall, because the "chapel" was full. This only exacerbated the problem of an all-French meeting, as not only were the kids bored to death, but Marc and I couldn't hear much either.
Max ended up doing some Book of Mormon reading for seminary. I watched the French family that was sitting in the hall with us. It was entertaining to see what the kids were drawing (I promised Lucas we would bring a notebook for him to draw in next week since he can't understand anything!), and to hear the kids speaking French so fluently (duh, I know, but it never fails to surprise and delight).
The only time I felt uplifted was when we sang the hymns (a thoughtful gentleman standing at the door brought us a hymnbook). Thank heaven for the hymns.
I felt once again that we most likely won't be getting a lot out of these church services here. Next time, I am going with the mindset of trying to give something instead.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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16 comments:
I am loving all of your posts from Paris. All of the pictures make me want to get there so much. I am going to be hitting my mom up tomorrow to ask her to come and stay with the kids so that Jason and I can go. Let's hope she says yes, because I am dying to get over there.
"I am going with the mindset of trying to give something instead"...now that's an incredible attitude Michelle. I've read that Sister Bednar has that same mindset.
...so you're in good company.
May I make a suggestion, print off some Friend articles, New Era articles, or Ensign talks to have handy for reading during your meetings at church. Then maybe your kids will maybe learn from those reading times in church, even if they cannot understand the French. Or it would be a good time for them to review the Articles of Faith, or something along those lines. Just a thought. -Diedre Gray
I'm impressed that you stayed! It would have been very tempting and justifiable to leave in this situation, but how wonderful that you felt the Spirit while singing the hymns!
I love your wisdom of going with the mindset of trying to give something instead; imagine how wonderful life would be if everyone did that?!
Oh, dee!!
It seems strange that we have translators for Spanish, Creol, actually many languages in the Philadlephia inter-city branches, and even translators for the deaf in many Wards...I guess they're behind the times!
When I went with Dad to Mexico on our honeymoon, I remember thinking the same thing about the 2 year old children speaking fluent Spanish!!! Dad has always chided me about that. But it does seem so odd to hear near infants speaking fluently in another languge.
Isn't there some gadget on the iphone ipod that could translate?! I'm sure there must be....
Hang in there. I know that blessing for obedience will apply.
Music is the great unifier, thank goodness you could enjoy the hymns.
Your comment about French children reminds me of Shiniki Suzuki who began his music method inspired by the fact that Japanese children can speak Japanese (immersion!)
The few weeks I was in Paris for church (oh so many years ago), I loved the dichotomy of how different it felt, yet how familiar it all was. Such different cultural & geographical trappings, but the same rhythm of church meetings. It was kind of surreal.
I wonder how it'll feel once we all reuinite in the Spirit World, from around the globe, and gather for holy meetings?
An all-French meeting would be so difficult! However, I do admire your dedication to the Lord in going because that's what you do. I love that. And going with the intention to give something to the meeting could very well be the key to this all-French church thing!
I'm impressed with anyone who can speak a foreign language - adult or child!
I think I need to go to church with your new mindset as well. I hope next week is better for you.
I can't believe you're in Paris! It's been too long since I've been "here"...I'm looking forward to catching up.
I was just reminded about our time in Milan, and the church was mostly latins speaking italian...it was funny. It is always good to be there even if you can't understand, it is just harder for the kids...i love your mom's comment.
Great mindset of giving something back rather than expecting to receive. You will probably receive something unexpected with your thoughts focused that way.
Look for my cousins daughter who is serving as a missionary in Paris, Sister Lund.
I'm always impressed when I see small children speaking other languages too... as if they are more intelligent than their English speaking counterparts. What's the difference? It just is.
I too am impressed that you stayed at church. It would be tough in those circumstances. You're getting serious blessings for your dedication.
I love the global clock! Great, great idea to add that to your page. Probably saves your family lots of time trying to figure out if they can call you or not!!!
London calling....London calling....London calling.....
I keep checking for a post from London, I hope you're having a great time there!
Great attitude that can be applied to many situations in life.
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