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Austin and Alicia Morris are members of Westminster who are spending a year in Rouen, France (near France's northern coast). Alicia is teaching and Austin, who did not speak French prior to their move, is taking classes. Click here to follow their French adventures on their personal blog.

This week, I (Alicia) have been teaching my French students about Thanksgiving, since they have almost zero knowledge of what this grand holiday is for us Americans. We are making turkey hands and listing the things for which we are thankful. I have realized this is also a therapeutic activity for adults (seriously...turkey hands and all). With that, we would like to share some of our thoughts and experiences in France for which we are incredibly thankful.

I am grateful to live in France this year for our marriage. We have the opportunity to step back from the stress of teaching which is naturally doing positive things for us as a couple. Plus, we are sharing this adventure together in an unknown land and making quite a few cultural “faux pas” that bring more laughter to our relationship.

I am thankful that our time in France inherently forces us to take risks. Sitting down with a French banker and trying to open a bank account, all in French, was a stretching experience. So many finance-related terms that I never learned in French class! A few weeks ago, Austin ventured out with his limited French knowledge to ask surrounding restaurants if they were hiring anyone. He was unlucky in securing a job, but he took an incredible risk. I am thankful for risks because they build courage in our character.

I am thankful for the little nuances we all experience in new places that make fun stories. As I write this blog, I am typing on a French computer. Did you know that the “A”, “M”, “Q” and “Z” are in the “wrong” place on a French keyboard? I had no idea before coming here! Tipping at a restaurant? Not a thing here. Dryers, also not a thing. Buying a baguette everyday? Very much a thing here. We literally buy bread everyday and walk with it tucked under our arm (no beret though!).

Living on a tight budget in France has been the best lesson for me. God is definitely teaching me about contentment and stewardship in living in a simple apartment with only a few possessions for this year. Not worrying so much about objects has freed me to enjoy the beauty of the people and the experience!

For me (Austin), this experience has been very eye opening. As a l’etranger (foreigner) and non-speaker, I've realized the gifts that God has given us. The chance to speak and know the cultural norms isn't easy for everyone, and they're super hard to learn! It's wonderful to be a part of something and know the inside jokes, and when you don't, it's truly terrifying. It has made me wonder when I have done this to my own people, told the inside church joke that an outsider wouldn't understand, or looked down on someone who didn't adapt well. My hope is that this experience sticks and that I remember what it is like to be an outsider. Maybe next time I have a chance to tell an inside joke or exclude another, I'll choose to accept, include and love, especially for those unlike me.

Lastly, in my conversations with refugees from Syria and Chechnya, I'm reminded how thankful I should be. They, like me, struggle to understand this new culture and adjust. Yet, they would gladly choose here (France) over their own country. Be thankful this Thanksgiving and know that our blessings are so vastly more than that stuffing or cranberry sauce. Our blessing is complete in Jesus!

4 Comments

I have this amazing mental pic of you both carrying your baguettes under your arms as you walk around town--adorable! Ha, love it! What a perspective shift for you both! When you come back to us;) you will bring the gift of your new lenses for life! No dryers...yikes, how do you shrink stretched out jeans-bah;)! Austin, love your compassion for the foreigner while you also live in a foreign land. Alllll thru the OT God is worried that we care for the sojourners, widows, and orphans! Miss you both and the big smiles you always wore!

We take so much for granted..

Enjoyed this so much. I was in a small town in Italy once where no one spoke English. It was on the Adriatic Sea. I went for a walk and got lost. I wrote the hotel's name in English but everyone shrugged their shoulders. I kind of panicked but walked long enough and eventually found my way back. It's a different ballgame for sure when no one speaks your language and you don't speak theirs! I hope y'all have a great year and will enjoy following your adventures.

Thank you both for writing and for your words! We miss y'all! I am so thankful that y'all are safe. Praying for you guys!!

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