I thought it would be a good idea to begin a blog as I prepare for France. Here you will find updates as I plan and prepare to go, as well as updates while I am in Paris. This is just one way that I plan to communicate with everyone back home of all the details, joys, and struggles of my trip.
This blog is, in part, inspired by the F (*)'s. After learning about the death of their baby Jessica, I could not help but long to be there. I can't imaging what they are facing right now. Please know that my prayers go out for all of you. That you be encouraged and strengthened in ways deeper than you can comprehend. That you be even deeper rooted in Him. Even as storms rage, you hold fast because your roots go deep within.
Because of this situation it seems that planning for France is being put a little on the back burner. As of now, the trip isn't changing. I simply want to respect the time they need to grieve and process. I want to be sensitive to what God is doing in this time.
Regardless of this, I have not stopped thinking, preparing, and praying about it. I am working on learning the language as well as possible before I go. I am also trying to create a budget. (About as easy to pin down as fog.) Along with that I'm doing everything I can to come up with ways of raising money. While I know that God is in full control and will provide everything I need, I also know that sometimes God calls us to "go and get it." We see that was the case several times in scripture: God promises us things, and then tells us to go and conquer what He has promised. In some of the time I've spent in prayer for France I've heard a few words from the Lord that I think are truly foretelling of the work God is desiring to do there. The main verse, and the one that the theme of this whole blog is based on comes straight out of Isaiah 29.

"In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.... When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction." - Isaiah 29:18-19, 23-24

I believe that God is calling out ears that hear, eyes that see, and people who will be humble enough to rejoice. It is my prayer to be among them. I am praying for great things to happen among the people of Paris. It is not about me learning how to make art a ministry. It is not about me going to do God's work. It is about God glorified. I want to see His name lifted high. I want to see His love displayed among His people in Paris. And I want to see the love that God pours out on Paris begin to have a ripple effect to not only the surrounding cities, but all of France and all of Europe.
Please join me in these prayers.

1. Pray that God will do big things. Pray that He would, even now, pave the way for hearts to be changed. That He would soften hearts and continually draw a people to Himself.
   
2. Pray for the F (*) as they morn the loss of their daughter. (You can find more information of this in their blog: http://justwalkacrosstheroom.blogspot.com/ )
   
3. Pray for housing and funding to be worked out.

-until He comes or calls-