HOME

Home. 

I looked up the word 'home' in French, because well, why not!  And it came up with a bunch of different words with various categories, but none of them seemed to fit the imagery that comes to my mind when I think of that four letter word.

Home is more than a word.  It's more than a place or a building.  It's people.  It's family.  It's getting lost in the monotony.  It's the agreed upon silent good morning's.   It's finding pleasure in the simple things.  It's big spoonfuls of peanut butter.  It's the laughter from an inside joke.  It's deep late night conversations with kindred spirits; your bosom friends.  It's bundling up in your favorite blanket to keep out the Michigan cold that now don't seem much of a bother at all.  It's laughter in silly things.  It's wholeheartedly singing with reckless abandon.  It's knowing someone's quirks and them knowing yours.  It's belonging to someone.  It's that someone belonging to you.  I miss my home, darling.

Last night I had a deep sense of longing for the place I call home.  Then I came to the realization that this... this world, is not our home.  Even if I could hop on the next flight out of here, I still wouldn't be completely happy or fulfilled upon meeting my desire and longing for that place.  The truth of the matter is even though there is a deep love for my earthly home, I can't find wholeness in it, nor will I find true satisfaction from anything here.  Except Christ.  He is the one thing that truly satisfies.  That is why I can say that I am at peace about being here in Southern France even in the midst of homesickness.  God has called me to be here to serve a family that is obeying God's call for their lives as missionaries to the lost.  Therefore, I will obey God's call and I will obey with joy, for true joy can only be found in obedience to my Savior.

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. | Hebrews 13:14 ESV

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. | 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 ESV

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. | 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 ESV

Okay, but the struggle is still so totally there..... It is difficult not to feel a tad homesick when you've got the best family, friends, and church family imaginable at home.  It's a good thing.  I am so blessed.  God is here to help me overcome and change my heart and my desires...  I want to live in light of eternity.  

xoxo,

colette

 Gonna miss these Hendaye views.

LA MISE A JOUR: THE UPDATE

These days keep creeping by, giving hardly any warning at all.  It's difficult to wrap my brain around the fact that I'm already on the second leg of this journey.  What the what happened people!!!!  Time sure does have a funny way of flying by.  Part of me dreads the close of this adventure, but the other part of me is sooo so excited for what God has for me at home.

Due to the fact that it's nearly been a month since the last I posted, I guess had better go ahead and give sort of an update here on my end.  Although, I have to say I'd much rather just post pictures and talk about all of the scenery, culture, food, and exciting things I'm experiencing here in this strange, outlandish place...  But that will come in good time, my friends, all in good time.  For those interested, here's a great detailed post from the Eastman's blog on arriving in Hendaye.

What's been going on the last few weeks you ask?

Sooo so much.  But I will try and be good and not bore you with all the details.  I'll focus on the main stuff, like you may be asking: why is that girl over there again??  Right.  This isn't a vacation.  [Although it certainly feels like that sometimes.  Especially with that view.  Golly.]  But seriously now, rein it in.  ;)  Schooling has been going amazingly, now that not only the kids are getting accustomed to me and I to them, but also now that I have a little more experience and time under my belt.  Guys, I was so lost and really didn't have a clue as to what I was doing the first couple days.  It was rough!  Hahaha!  But God.  We made it through by His grace and I am so glad those days are behind me!  Homeschooling four kiddos [Simon and Sophia--3rd grade, Agnes and Apollos--kindergarten] has challenged me in more ways than I anticipated, but at the same time, it has proven to be far more rewarding than I expected.  They are such wonderful kids!!  It has taken a couple weeks to get a system down for juggling the four of them, but this past week we seemed to find a groove that works for everyone.  It has been fairly smooth sailing.  Praise God!!

As far as Nate and Rachel's mission here, the focus has been on their family and the challenges presented through the adjustment here.  They, along with Molly and Miles have also been working on their language as a priority.  Monday through Friday, they attend language school from morning to afternoon while I'm home with the youngsters.  On top of language, we've all been plugging away at getting connected and making friendships with teammates, other missionaries, christian friends, and even those who haven't heard the good news.

^^

photo cred//Nate Eastman

In conclusion to this brief update, I can honestly say I am truly loving being here for this season and  getting to know this family.  God is at work here in French Basque country and I am so blessed and grateful to be a small part of that.  Finally, on a smaller but no less important picture, God is at work here in my sinful heart and I am learning and growing in my view of and love for Christ.  All I have is Christ!  

Jesus, thank you.

xoxo,

Colette