whimsy

I have a new favorite word.

You can probably guess what it is by my creative title.

Whimsy is defined as "playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor".

When I think of whimsy, I think of swallowing my fear and trying something new and exciting. Like spending four months living and taking classes in the French Alps.

Whimsy Project #1:
Plan excursions around Europe to visit other Aggie friends who are studying abroad, as well as going on other trips with friends that I meet in Grenoble.
Potential Destinations: Sweden. Italy. Paris. Grindelwald, Switzerland. Brussels, Germany. London.
Mode of Transportation: train, plane, automobile

Whimsy Project #2:
Explore the great outdoors that Grenoble boasts.
Potential Activities: hiking, skiing, camping
Supplies Needed: hiking boots, skis, warm clothing

Whimsy Project #3:
Invest in new relationships while in Grenoble.
Prime Locations: coffee shops, cafés, school, parks
Tools: big smile, fashionable clothing, killer French accent

These "Whimsy Projects" are my intentional way of making the most out of my semester in France. I can hardly wait to put these into play!

Official Countdown: 2 months from yesterday.

Jesus in Grenoble

My faith is something that is very important to me. It gives me purpose in life. I believe in something more than religion and church. I believe in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a man who took the form of man to come to earth, show an example of a holy and perfect life, then suffer on a cross in order to take away the sins of all of us.

I've been a believer of Christ ever since I was a little girl. My parents sent me to a Christian summer sports camp where I learned the basics and foundation of what my faith is today. I learned that it's about standing up for what you believe in, loving the heck out of others like Christ loved us and sharing the good news of the gospel through your actions, words, and even sports. His power is not limited.

From summer camp to high school and now onto college, I've been nothing but encouraged and uplifted in my faith. There have always been people sharing wisdom with me, challenging me to take leadership roles in teaching others and keeping me accountable in my relationship with the Lord. A relationship with Christ is just the same as any other, in order to cultivate it and have it reach it's maximum potential, you must put in the time and care.

All this to say, I have the feeling that I'm about to embark on a journey that will be quite different than the rest of my adventures before. Going to a place where I literally know not one person is thrilling to me. I'm ready for a challenge. I've read time and time before that Christians will endure hardship and persecution in this life, but I've never experienced it myself.

James writes to the twelve tribes of Israel, "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3

Paul also writes to faithful believers in Christ, "we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." Colossians 1:28

I'm excited for whatever comes my way in this next chapter of my life because I'm confident that "Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8 Whether I'm in Dallas, College Station or Grenoble, France, I know that there is only one stable, concrete place to store my faith- in the love of Christ.

66 days.

66 days until I board a plane to France.
66 days until I meet the people who will be my family for four months.
66 days until I'm living in a new city that will be mine to explore.
66 days until I'm separated by oceans and seas from the people who mean the most to me.
66 days until I can hop on a train and travel to Italy, Switzerland or even Paris.
66 days until my faith will be put to the test when I am in an environment that is completely foreign.

66 days until I'm attending school with students from all over the world.
66 days until I'm leaving class for an afternoon hike in the French Alps.
66 days until I'm learning how to speak French in everyday conversation.
66 days until I'm learning how to interact and live with people who are completely different than me.
66 days until I'm living in Grenoble, France.