Sharing good times at gracious friends' flat. |
I don't know about you, but I have a lot of thankful friends. Many people have been doing daily postings on facebook as to what they are thankful for; and some of them are very inspirational.
I am thankful that I have found a 'Connect' group through my church, from whom I can learn a lot. The group is completely in French. Thus, it is incredibly challenging to spend 2-4hrs. with this group every Thursday night. And yet, it is, without question, my favorite part of almost every week. It is challenging in every sense of the word. Not only to get myself there on time, at 19:00hr. because they are, indeed, Swiss and start on time, but to have the mental endurance to focus on every word that is being said and practice my comprehension. It also takes incredible self-control my strong desire to hide in a corner, sit with only those I know can speak English, or not speak at all. While my attempts at communication in French are limited and child-like at best, this group is incredibly gracious and kind, I never sense hostility or frustration from them at my inability to communicate clearly. I am so thankful to be able to know such individuals, even if I miss-out on much of their personalities due to the current language barrier.
Classes...yes, what a blessing to be able to learn. Though, at times, I would prefer other blessings, I am, indeed, thankful that I can read, and type, and write, and speak. Such simple things which are true gifts to have, not rights.
Recent chocolate chip 'cookies' I made for my 'CONNECT' group. |
Food, food, so much food. While the world has twisted it into a struggle area for so many women (and men!), and I myself often find that it has become a kind of 'god', I am surely blessed to not have to worry if I will eat each day. It is only a matter of what, when, how, and how much.
Group of us went to see a local ice hockey game, Geneva vs. Zurch. Geneva won of course. |
Enjoying some Indian naan with friends! |
Ok, well, due my full week ahead and desire to post my 'Thanksgiving Post' in a timely fashion[i.e. before Christmas!], I will end there. I would love to hear things that you all are thankful for as well; just post below! Also, a quick note, I will be in CA for 2 weeks, over Christmas and New Years, and would be thrilled to catch up with as many of you as possible. If you will be in CA at that time, and would like to see my face, let me know! I'd love to see yours.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM GENEVA!!! |
With Thanksgiving and Hugs,
Jessica
I am thankful for you, Jessica! You were and are an answer to countless prayers.I see Jesus in you and God working through you. Your life consistently reveals areas in the world where God is at work!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the internet, which facilitates so many forms of communication including video so we can see your beautiful smiling face! I am thankful for each member of our large family, for life and health, and God's provision in it all. I am thankful you are coming home for Christmas!
Wishing you much joy and peace and many blessings as we approach the most wonderful time of the year!
love, forever,
Mom
aw, such a good post. so glad you had a wonderful group of people to share it with. i really like, and resonate with the line you wrote here: "but it is when I move away, and start life again in a new place, that I realize the depth and significant of the relationships that I left behind."
ReplyDeletewe have some friends visiting switzerland over christmas because they wanted a bit of snow. i mentioned you were there...=) the world seems a bit smaller when you can tell someone in qatar that you know someone in switzerland. ha!
blessings.