FRIENDS IN FRANCE

 I arrived in Nantes, France on Thursday night.. I had told my friends here, Keith and not to feel obligated to take me to other places. I didn't come as a"tourist, " but rather to help and encourage and to learn more about their lives and ministry here. 

They recently moved houses, and Carmen and I have been able do some cleaning and organizing work at the old house. It was a great time to chat while we worked and catch up on their lives. We've also had some good late night conversations, the three of us. I'm learning a lot. 

Friday evening we took the tram to the city center. I enjoyed learning a bit of history.

We went to the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne on the banks of the Loire River. It was built in the late 15th century by the Duke of Brittany surrounded by a moat and drawbridge.  

Nearby the castle is the home of Lu cookies, first produced in Nantes in 1846 and going strong worldwide still today. 

After the castle, Keith and Carmen introduced me to their favorite creperie - LeLoup, Le Renard et la Galette. We had an amazing galette (savory crepe --mine was chicken), and then split a rich and yummy chocolate crepe. 

Walking around Nantes after dinner was a lovely conclusion to a cool and beautiful day. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II. But there still remain several historic buildings, including some half-timbered buildings that reminded me of our days in Germany. The variety of architecture is impressive. Even part of the old city wall still remains.

Sunday I was blessed to hear Keith preach and we shared fellowship with some of the international students. A good reminder that the body of Christ is global, and even with cultural differences, we are united in Christ. 

After church and a light lunch, we left for an afternoon in the city again, headed for the Nantes art museum.

I had not realized how many artists Nantes produced, although I should not have been surprised--we are in France, after all! The museum also housed works I recognized by Marc Chagall (one of my favorites), Max Ernst, and two of Picasso's works.

This weekend university students were returning to Nantes for the new semester to begin. A university town is an exciting place, with much opportunity to meet and serve people from all over the world. One of the aspects of Keith and Carmen's job here is working with international students.

 They are gifted with hospitable hearts and have many opportunities to mentor one on one with young people who are far from home and family.

It's now time to move on with the trip, but I'm so happy I was able to begin my journey here with these dear friends.