Bonjour et Bienvenue à Notre Pays

This blog entry will be particularly special. The reason why? It is my first blog of many that will take place during my time in Nice. I am writing this blog in my room at my host family's home. This is the real deal now. I am in France, and I couldn't be more grateful. My host family was so kind to pick me up at the airport as soon as my final flight to Nice had landed. I was already feeling a little impatient, which may have been caused by a three hour delay at the Montreal airport, due to a mechanical malfunction.

Yet, my host family was so warm to welcome me. It's a mother and a father, and they have a nine year old son named Axel. He's basically like any other nine year old boy, full of energy and spirit towards adventure. I never have questioned my decision to work at SpringHill the past two summers as a counselor for kids his age. They make the job so worth the while. And Axel is certainly no different. He is excited to learn more about my culture and customs. He and his parents really appreciated the gifts that I brought; a state of Michigan picture book, Dutch windmill cookies and peppermints, and a Hope College football. My host family has already been so kind to me; showing me around the home and making me feel welcome. One of the things that I think I appreciate the most is that they are patient with me if I am having difficulty trying to say something in French. I know that living with them over the next six weeks is going to be such a blessing in itself. I cannot wait until we go to church together tomorrow.

We had dinner together for the first time. I wasn't particularly hungry, because I learned that even though the French don't typically eat dinner until after 8:00pm, my stomach was still telling my brain that it was 2:00 in the afternoon. Which reminds me, I've been traveling for almost 20 hours, so I'm a little tired. I say goodbye and see you soon for the first time in Nice, France.

Oh and one quick note, my brain has officially been forced into overdrive as far as speaking the French language. So you'll have to be patient with me and full of grace if some French words happen to slip out.

The photo above is the first time I was able to witness the Nice shoreline. My flight came into Nice at approximately 4:00 this evening.