And so it begins

In order to update family and friends while abroad and to keep a personal record of my semester in France, it seemed most effective to do something far beyond my technological abilities and write a blog. Nevertheless, because the theme of this semester already seems to be stretching beyond my bounds, here I sit in my room at the end of my first full day in France composing a blog post.

The blog is named for a beloved book by Mark Twain which I read years ago when my grandmother gave me a copy. The work tells the story of the author's own journey through Europe and to the Holy Land. Though my semester will have a far narrower scope, I thought the title somewhat appropriate for my account of my exploits in France. I hope also to spend a part of this semester searching for the "Holy Land" as it exists in the advancement of God's kingdom in France. In other words, perhaps I'll cover much of Twain's journey within the borders of one country. For my grandmother's benefit, I will point out that I am aware that Innocents Abroad also covers a journey into skepticism for much of the text. In this case, I hope my experience diverges from the book. So there you have it; even in France I shall remain somewhat true to my original love for English literature. Forgive me if you think the blog title kitschy.

I've had a funny day, being twenty years old and returned to the world of seeing small tasks completed as great triumphs. I literally only have the capacity to face one challenge (and I use the word "challenge" here extremely loosely) at a time, giving myself continuous pep talks as I go: "There you go, Halley Anne. Get on the bus. Now put the ticket in that slot. Now find a seat. There you go! Surely you didn't look too much like a complete idiot!" Today, I successfully:

1. Read the bus and metro map correctly, and made it to the central terminal, where I

2. Managed to purchase a bus and metro pass for the month

3. Found my school and the room I need to go to on Monday

4. Bought a voltage converter

Though it sounds mundane, I consider all four considerable victories. More than that, I did have two people address me as if I were French, so I must not have looked too incredibly lost. One woman asked if I bought my shoes at Hermes (a great compliment, I think) and another asked me for directions (which I could not give her). No one would mistake me for French after I open my mouth, though. I hope progress comes quickly; the language is overwhelming, and true to promises, not a single person has been able to speak to me in English. They did lead me around the electronics store looking for an employee who could speak English to understand what type of converter I was asking for, but none was found, so we made do.

Despite a considerable language barrier, everyone has been beyond kind, especially the family I am staying with. M and Mme Bardel have a beautiful, quintessentially French house, and I have a very nice room. They make an effort to speak slowly and clarify what they are saying so I don't have to stare at them like a total fool. One of their sons, Thomas, is here for a few days while he negotiates an apartment. I have much trouble speaking to him. His mother reminds him to slow down for me when she is in earshot. I certainly have a lot of room to become better at French!

My mom cited a verse from Joshua in her e-mail about the move to California, and I will write it again here, because it has given me much encouragement today. "Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave or forsake you . . . Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go" (Jos 1:6)

I would appreciate prayer beyond anything else right now. Please pray that I could be strong and courageous, relying on God for all comfort, and please pray that I would learn quickly.

Second to prayer, I would love a letter! My address is:

Halley Anne HARGRAVE

2 Chemin Louis Chirpaz

69130 Ecully FRANCE

So day one has come to an end, and now I look to day two. Never have I so fully understood that each day has enough troubles of it's own . . .