2017 December 30 « AIM Long

Snow! Yesterday we watched snowflakes fall and drove in… well… OK – since they melted almost as soon as they landed it wasn’t the fluffy white stuff… more just a grey slush, but still, it gave us a taste of home.

Before I get to the snow however, let me dial the clock back and tell you about Christmas in Châtellerault.

Christmas Eve Service

Like many of you this year, the focus of our Christmas Eve was service at church.

We had two first-time guests with us for that service – a school friend of Timo’s and a friend of Annie & Ghislain, who have been attending since September.

Following service we enjoyed a pot-luck dinner which involved everything from a traditional turkey to Cantonese rice.

One couple brought a basket of oysters to share. My, my my…. I must admit, I’m not a fan and let’s just say that Dominic’s first oyster experience wasn’t a positive one.

That being said, folks stayed fellowshipping for over 2 hours following the service. The youth were back in the sanctuary jamming on the instruments and the adults were content to sit & chat… a real bonding time – for which we thank the Lord.

Christmas

That night the kids opened their annual Christmas-Eve pajamas and we watched The Nativity Story – also a Christmas Eve tradition.

The next morning started out with a read-through of the Christmas Story from Luke 2, followed by stockings, coffee & muffins and then a few gifts.

It’s funny how different things will catch the kids’ eyes. They’re almost always just as excited about the stockings as they are the other gifts.

I’m thankful that our kids are easily pleased and quick to express gratitude… We are blessed!

Turkey anecdote: It’s hard to have as much leftovers as back home. The biggest turkey Liz was able to find was roughly 6 lbs… SIX! (Back home it’s difficult to find anything smaller than 10 lbs). She must’ve really been missing the big-birds because she even suggested raising some of our own… A Christmas Miracle!!! 🙂

Road Trip

The remainder of Christmas Day, boxing day and the 27th were “Lay Low” days… except for Liz who has been working on translation for Purpose Institute.

Thursday we hit the road. Our final destination; Belgium to spend New Year’s with Liz’s parents. On the way, though, we stopped in Paris for the afternoon.

It was the first sunny day in roughly 1 week so we spent a few hours taking in the sights – including the ultra cool tribute to Louis XIV – “the Sun King” – covering one whole side of the Louis Vuitton store, Place Vendôme (today’s feature pic).

Even Pollux got to ride the Paris Metro.
He did it like a pro!

Late Thursday night we arrived in Belgium to everyone’s delight – glad to be out of the car and glad to be at Nonno & Nonna’s!

As for the snow & slush… yes, we did see it fall and yes, we did drive in it. While watching it fall gave you that warm fuzzy holiday feeling, driving in the wet, cold, sloppy mess was a definite reality check. One that I don’t miss all that much! 🙂