Europe always seemed like a dream. It was a totally different world. I have wanted to see France since I was a little girl. I am so blessed to finally be here. I see God’s wonder and grace everywhere, and it is forcing me to try to see his grace in the difficult and frustrating times.
There are only eight of us in the HIP program. At first I thought I would hate being in a small group, but I am loving it. We all travel together, there are not any awkward cliques, and we can break off in any pair and be alright. We all just get along. Even the adults and their kids can just jump in and have fun with us.
We have been traveling this first week and actually do not head to Paris until tomorrow. We have seen Nice, Cannes, Avignon, Arles and Aix-en Provence. The oceans in Nice had rocky beaches and a lighter color, but they were absolutely stunning, and the rocks made a gorgeous sound as the waves receded. So far, Nice and Arles are my favorite. Everything is so small and quaint: just adorable.
The markets are fun too. Even though the exchange rate is awfully annoying, you can get water and lunch pretty cheap at a market along with amazing fruits and vegetables. They also have wonderful spices and teas that are fresh and delightful. The food is so much healthier and really amazing. I had the best pizza of my life yesterday in Arles.
A few things are a little difficult sometimes, like getting water during the day (we usually have to pay) and finding a restroom. It has not been too bad though. We just pay and go if need be or we make new experiences, like going in a field. Also, a ton of people smoke here, so it is hard to avoid smelling it, but it is usually not too bad for long. They have lavender everywhere and it smells amazing.
Most days we are free to just roam and explore. It is great having Lauren and Tyler Knight as our directors because they are fairly young, and they have a beautiful baby girl named Viola who is with us this trip. She turned 1 year old yesterday.
Today, the HUF director Robbie Shackelford came and taught us a painting technique, so we all sat and painted in impressionist style and ate bread.
The people here all seem really gorgeous. They just have a different look about them and a different sense of what to wear. Cute dogs are everywhere, and they often go in shops or restaurants. Everyone is fairly friendly for the most part.
I can not wait to get to Paris tomorrow and be in our apartments. We have lived out of a backpack for a week. I forgot all of my toiletries and had to find new interesting alternatives. We have also been washing clothes in the sinks.
See you in eight weeks, America.
Next issue: sophomore Mary Vickers from HUG
