Thursday: lovely French people

Thursday I went back to the bank in the morning to collect a RIB (a piece of paper with your bank details on for giving to official people) and then went to give it to Amandine in human resources, so I could get paid! She was very very lovely indeed and, along with the other girl in the office, even helped me apply for a student railcard. (I got the application form on Saturday but had since been a little overwhelmed by it!)

I also got to spend a little more time with Blandine, the lady a couple of doors down from us in the office. She works with the Americans, I think, and wanted me to look over some of her English. She comes across as a little bit mad and speaks with the most OUTRAGEOUS French accent which brings me endless joy.

When I came home I went straight round to Kathryn's as she runs a prayer group for the girls in the foyer on Thursdays. There were only two other girls but they were very friendly and we sat on the terrace eating sorbets before going inside to read a bit of Bible and then pray.

This was actually really great for me as I have recently been struggling quite a bit with my faith but I had such a HUGE long list of thank-yous and as I reflected on each point I was overwhelmed by how many good things there have been (especially given my reserves about coming here) and when we prayed I found it almost helpful that I couldn't speak fluent french because it made my prayers so short and simple that I felt I could focus even more.

Despite being just about able to follow what was going on in the service last Sunday I found this was the first space I'd had to reflect on all that has gone on and just sit with God. And even though I didn't feel so entirely able to understand him and connect with him, I felt very aware of all the prayers of people behind me in England and I felt deeply encouraged. I also had a real sense of something happening when we were praying together in a way that I haven't felt recently at all on my own.

I then came back to my room to find more post from Dave, Ali and Little Jo and Becky!