Paris State of Mind- Thankful Thoughts from Angelina

Hello everyone! As the title states, I am in a Paris state of mind! I am drinking Paris Tea (Harney & Sons- Amazon!) from Gloria's Paris mug, which was given to her by her former French tutor. :)

Gloria and I were revising our itinerary the other day, and she asked me, "Mama, why are you so excited to go to Paris?"
I thought about that question with some amusement and reflection. I explained to her that I am most excited to just be with her in the City of Lights!

And I am! I cannot wait to see her face when she sees the Eiffel Tower for the first time, or when her eyes light up when we step inside Sainte Chappelle and all the stained glass windows are reflecting rainbows everywhere!
I am excited to rent bicycles with her at Versailles and ride to Marie Antoinette's Petite Trianon and marvel at the fountains, gardens, and exquisite inside art and furnishings. I smile, thinking about how she will probably complain all the way as we hike uphill through Montmartre to Sacre-Cour, but know her breath will be taken away with the views from the top! I can't wait to people-watch and be silly with her in French cafes and parks. But most of all, I just look forward to bonding with my daughter, holding her hand as we navigate this amazing city together.

The days are counting down, and we anticipate with much excitement this trip, this journey, we are about to go on. The days are also counting down as we pack up our belongings in our home of 10 years and get ready to move to Saint Louis. There is much change on the horizon and it is tempting to get overwhelmed; but, God is so good and gracious to me! He has provided a loving family and extended family. He has also provided wonderful friends and an exceptional church family. I did become overwhelmed this past Sunday with the extreme generosity of a member of the church who anonymously donated $200 towards Gloria's and Joshua's Paris/Germany trips this summer! This church has been like a family to us, and every week we look forward to seeing this family and worshiping at St. James' Episcopal Church together.

The kindness, generosity, and heart for outreach and serving others is beyond measure. Everyone there has been so supportive of my family, whether it's patiently listening as I stumble at times with the really long names in the Old Testament readings or losing my place in Prayers of the People, praying for Gloria and sending get well cards when she had surgery on her foot last year, printing Joshua's uncensored Biblical comics in the church newsletter, and giving Matthew and Gloria the opportunities to sing during services and fellowship karaoke nights. They have also been so kind as to support Joshua and Gloria every time there is a scout fundraiser! They have bought many Boy Scout oranges and Girl Scout cookies over the years, too many to count!!! For their generosity, I say humbly, thank you.

And now back to my tea and musings about which art to seek out with Gloria at the Louvre! Au Revoir!