Getting a photo of Sis. Jocelyne was never an easy feat… it was quite a challenge in fact. For whatever reason, she was generally quite camera-shy (to put it lightly). On Thursday, however, we bid her “Au revoir”  (until we meet again).

The News

Last week, as you know, I was running some during the various days, but sleeping out at the farm in order to take care of the animals.

Sunday afternoon, after returning to the farm, I got the news that Jocelyne had passed away that morning. It was a shock without fully being a shock. She had been very sick for several months, but it still catches you off guard somewhat.

History

You must remember that I have been coming to this little church in Châtellerault, off and on,  since 2005, and it was in 2006 that we met Jocelyne for the first time.

That’s her in 2006, in the bottom picture. At the time, I didn’t know any better and just took her photo. I thought I was being discreet, but obviously she caught me. 🙂

Interestingly, the lady behind her, in the corner, is Sis. Cecile LeDay – the very first member of the church here. Indeed it was because of her that the church was planted here and many of the initial contacts were made through her.

So you see that Jocelyne had been associated with this church from nearly our very earliest days… as far back as 2006. There was no one more faithful than her.

It goes without saying that she leaves a big hole behind…. in the church and in our hearts.

Funeral

Jocelyne’s daughters opted for a civil burial (graveside service only) but they nonetheless asked if I would say a few words. It was, of course, an honour to do so and it was a great chance to meet not only her family but many of her friends from the community as well.

Music Study

This week, one of Timo’s homework assignments was a list of some 15-16 classical music standards (Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyrie, Ravel’s Bolero, Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Watermusic).

He had to learn them to the point that, listening to an excerpt, he would be able to identify both the composer and the title of the work. He’ll be tested next week and he’s doing pretty good!

How’s that for cultural and music education!? I’m very impressed…

Bookwork

This week I pretty much finished up the electronic version of the eBook that I’ve been working on.

I finished up some of the artwork: pencil sketched renditions of photos that I’ve taken at various points, as well as cleaned up some of the formatting.

I also began formatting the paperback version. It’s amazing how different the two versions are in terms of formatting.

Launch day: March 31st.
Know someone who’s planning a trip to Paris… I can help!

Open House

Today is another portes ouvertes (open house) for Dominic in terms of his school choice for next year… yet again, down in Poitiers. Although there are high schools here in Châtellerault, they don’t have programs in the areas of study that interest him.

Poitiers is roughly 30 min away… so it looks as though he will be traveling daily. Getting on the train each morning, followed by a bus ride from the train station in Poitiers to his school.

This little bird is going to be starting to spread his wings a little bit.

Spring

Finally, let me leave you by telling you that Spring has sprung in France.

The daffodils are bright and the violets are a’plenty. Although I love the showy size & color of the daffs… the violets have a special place in my heart as well… it’s our provincial flower back home in New Brunswick… so I can’t see them without thinking about home and since purple was also Jocelyne’s favourite colour… I can’t see them without thinking of her either.

For those of you are home, in New Brunswick… or in the Northeast more generally… “Bon Courage!” Spring is on its way….

Thank you for stopping in to check on us again today.
God bless you richly!

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