Most of this post is dedicated to updating you on how the Coffee Shop is progressing, but first we wanted to point out some praises regarding relationships we've made so far in France. 

RELATIONALLY
*We're beginning to make great connections with people from the Montpellier Church of the Nazarene, including a language partnership with a woman in the church that Betsy has initiated.

*We're beginning to really cultivate some friendships with our French neighbors and landlords

*We're also really enjoying connections with the other "etrangers" (foreigners) in France - a couple American families, a Canadian family that Dave met on the playground and our relocation lady who has becoming a great friend to us!

COFFEE SHOP
Patience:
Regarding the coffee shop; I think often of Didier's words about doing God's work in France..."...it takes patience."  Unfortunately, in the culture we grew up in where one's success is based on outcome and benchmarks, having patience can be extremely difficult.

A Good Model for the French:
*Betsy's professor said in class that in the last 10 years special cafes, based on discussion groups, called "troc cafes ("troc" is french for "exchange")", have come to France and are becoming very popular!  This was extremely exciting to hear and encouraging to know that the French like this format! 

*One Day Didier was telling us that when he was at a radio station, he heard from another Protestant pastor in France that a Coffee Shop is an ideal way to reach the French...having discussion in a constant environment of love.  The name for the cafe the pastor mentioned was: C.A.F.E. -- C - Cafe (Coffee), A - Amour (love), F - Foi (Faith), E - Esperance (Hope). 

We're Learning How to Communicate with the French about the Coffee Shop:
*For the first time Betsy was able to explain in French to a member of the Montpellier Church of the Nazarene about our vision for the Coffee Shop - since it is a very new idea for the French.  She was encouraged to not use the words: "being the church", which is confusing for the French but say we want to be a place where those who might not go to church, come.  This was helpful!

*We spoke in length with our landlord's son (this time in English), who is a German living in France, about the coffee shop.  He asked, "Doesn't France have enough Cafes?"  But, after listening, he understood our vision and agreed that many are disillusioned with God and the "institution" of church, and the the coffee shop could be a non-threatening way to be Christ to them.

Building/Furniture/Money:
*Of course these are the things we don't have yet, and are continually praying about.  But, we are trying to focus on taking one step at a time, and trust that God will reveal how and when to proceed with these. 

PRAY with us, as we move forward with navigating and fulfilling the vision God has given us to reach France...through a Coffee Shop ministry. 

I recently heard that CNN posted an article saying France has been voted the #1 place to live in the world!  One cannot deny some amazing cultural ammenities particular to France: amazing cheese, fresh bread everywhere, private chocolatiers, beautiful "ruelles" (small streets), everywhere you turn, donned with unique and eclectic boutiques and cafes.  But, behind all that, is France ideal? 

When I first read the article, I immediately remembered words I heard recently from our new French friend: "Contrary to what people think, France is not Paradise."  

This statement was in the context of a conversation we were having about how hard a lot of young people, like themselves (in their early 30s), work in France.  That basically living and working here is very different than visiting and vacationing in France.  Maybe the people who voted to live in France, haven't actually lived in France.  Maybe the fantasy is better than the reality.

Don't get me wrong; overall our experience of arriving and beginning our lives in France has been mostly positive, but we have also seen very sad things in France.  I still have a hard time getting out of my head the face of a young boy lying in his father's lap, as I walked through the Farmer's Market, begging for money.  This is a very frequent sighting in the city of Montpellier.  Sometimes even the young children are put to work and will sing, dance, or play an instrument for money. 

I've also heard from the French themselves:

*The young people in France are suffering; they do not earn very much money, and it is very expensive to live here.
 
*Despite a really amazing Health Care system; households have to contribute at least 1,000 - 1,500 euros a month into the system

*It is hard to find employment in France, unless you know someone, even if you have a Masters or are qualified.

The poll of course, from this article, also doesn't speak of the spiritual atmosphere in France, one that is very dark and sometimes seems pretty bleak.  We know that God is at work here, but it is hard to see the light, sometimes, in layers of darkness.  In general, there is a hopelessness in the voices of those we've spoken to, and it's the hope of Christ that we worship together about on Sunday.  It's this hope that I see the Christians, we've met here, are dying to share! 

Maybe to some, France is paradise...but to many who live here, it is just life...and it is hard.