Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful occasion to stop and consider the glory of the Gospel!! Our Savior left the glories of heaven to become a baby born in a stable-- what a demonstration of love and grace...but not only that, He came with the purpose to die in our place! I never cease to be amazed by this and He gives the gift of salvation to all who believe!

Celebrating Christmas this year will of course be a bit different for us. (Dec. 27th makes one year for us being in France). Christmas Eve we will be having dinner with some French friends and we will bring some American Christmas dishes and our friends will be bringing some French dishes. We're looking forward to celebrating this way! We will spend Christmas day at home mainly.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior! And may God bless your new year as well!!

Boaz et le Papou

This week we were surprised to learn that Boaz would like to be a Papou. Perhaps you can see the resemblance between the two pictures. One never knows what will next capture the imagination of a little person. A man from PNG came to visit Albertville and Boaz's class went to see him and from that time, he has declared that he's a papou too. It has been interesting to observe his imagination at work. At bedtime, he wanted to sleep on the floor because that's what a papou would do. We did eventually convince him it was OK to sleep in bed. The next day, he wanted to run to school rather than ride his bike because the Papou run everywhere. To really take the cake, when he got up this morning, he created an entire Papou outfit (including loin cloth). Only time will tell how long he will continue to be a papou. For us, we were happy to see he enjoyed his time with somebody so different because he is going to be meeting lots of interesting people in his near future. Thanks again for everyone of you that prays for us, we appreciate it!

Back to School!!

It is hard to believe school has once again started for all of us, but we're off!! James was the first to start on Wednesday. It was a big day for him as he began middle school. The school he is attending is named Jean Moulin and both the middle school and high school are in the same building. James is the only English speaker in his class, and he is doing great! We look forward to seeing his French jump in the next weeks as he is immersed and learning history, french, science, math, and english-- all in French! Cassie went back to same school she went to last year and jumped right in. Boaz also is back at his same school, except this year he is in the grande section which means no nap!! This makes life much easier for him. Also, he really likes his teacher.

It is exciting to see each of the kids enjoying their school experience and actually thriving in it. We are so thankful for everyone praying for us, we can see God at work in our family and are grateful for all He is doing. Please keep praying for our continual growth in our ability to communicate in French!

Time to regroup!

Well, since I last blogged much has changed around here. Many of the people that had been here left, including a lot of the kids--thus, it has been very quiet around the school. Christal and I both took a class in July and right now have been enjoying a few weeks of "regrouping" before school starts the first week of September. It's nice to have some time to think through the multitudes of things we were taught since we got here. Also, we have been able to get out a little more thanks to the van that was given to us by a family that left last month. One of the excursions we went on was into Italy with a family of our French friends. We were able to take in some interesting sites as well as enjoy a day speaking French with this dear family--a day which also included stopping by to see part of their family that lived in a beautiful little village in the mountains of Italy. If you look at the pictures I posted you will see a lot of the mountain shots and ruins are from this trip. We have also been able to spend some time getting to know our French neighbors. Cassie goes to school with the little girl, and her parents have a vegetable stand at the weekly marché. The grandmother loves to talk and enjoys hearing us talk. It has been fun to get to know them and be able to have someone to regularly converse with in French. Please pray that we are able to share the love of Christ with them as we build this relationship. Thanks for praying for us!!

A time for good-byes

Well, we just finished another trimester of school and are definitely seeing progress-- thanks so much for praying for us, there is still much to learn so please keep praying. The kids also have finished school for the year and they all did really well in spite of the great challenges they faced-- with God's help they overcame and excelled-- once again thank you for praying. This was the year James finished elementary school-- next year he moves to a different school a couple of blocks away for collège (really middle school). It's hard to believe; he's growing up so fast.

Along with finishing this past trimester, two classes also graduated from the school. So of course, the last weeks have been filled with good-byes to some great people going out of here to fulfill their callings to five different countries. It is exciting to see them move on to what they have been working so hard to prepare for, but also a sad time as we have built friendships as well. Especially for the kids, who have seen their really good friends head out-- so please pray for them as well as they face another transition.

As a wonderful blessing to our family, one of the family's that was leaving left us their van. This will give a great opportunity to get more involved in French things off campus as well as make grocery shopping much easier. We do have a couple small repairs to make in order for it to pass inspection, but we should be in good order in a couple of weeks. Praise God for His continual blessings!

Birthday Party

This past weekend was the celebration of the grand event of Boaz turning 5!! He got to be the first one to get a party in France, and it was a great time as all the kids were pirates. They followed a map to a treasure and had a blast.

As far as the rest of us, we are pressing on in our language ability. Some days we are greatly encouraged by our progress and some days not so much but such is the process. It was nice to have Jim's parents visit for a week. You can see by the pictures we visited a couple of new places.

Thank you for your prayers!! Please continue to pray for us-- the time is flying by and the language learning doesn't always go as fast as we would like, but the Lord is teaching us many things as we experience the struggles and realize in so many ways our total dependency on Him!

Spring Break!!

After completing our first trimester of class, we entered into two weeks of spring break. We are definitely grateful for the opportunity to catch our breath. The kids also had off school which allowed us to spend some extra time together as a family. We went ice skating again the one day (which was Cassie's first time); all the kids love it. We also were able to take a short train trip over to the town of Annecy for one of the days (which is about halfway to Geneva from where we live). Annecy was absolutely beautiful (see some of the pics)--the canals, castles, old churches, lake, and park made for a wonderful day! We were surprised at how much the kids really enjoyed the castles and churches (this makes a history loving dad smile). For our final outing, we took a picnic lunch up the hill to the nearby medieval town of Conflans-- a perfect way to finish.

Mainly, though, the break is a great time to catch up on French. It seems that a week of class covers more info than one can take in in a month, so break allows the chance to catch up. Of course, the various outings into the community always provide opportunities to practice French. Thank you once again to everyone who prays for us! We begin our next trimester in a couple of days-- so please keep praying for us to continue to develop in our ability with the language.

Carnaval

Last week was a fun time for the kids as they celebrated their spring carnaval at school. The children have a big celebration the first week of spring. The kids all dressed in animal costumes (and insects) and had a parade throughout our little section of town. The big kids started the parade and marched up to the little kids school where they were joined by Boaz's age classes; they all then marched through our school campus where we live and then back to James and Cassie's school. They all had a great time. In the morning, each class made crepe batter and then after the parade, they had a time of eating crepes (James ate 15!! good thing he's the skinny one!) From what James could decipher from the French explanation, it is a celebration of spring. The animals all coming out are represented by the costumes. They end the parade by burning a big bird they carried throughout the parade on a chair which seemed to represent winter. We not sure of the origins of the thing (I'm sure it's not Christian), but it was an enjoyable day nonetheless for the kids.

As for the adults...we officially completed our first trimester of language school as we finished our exams (four days worth). It has been a very interesting couple of months as we grapple with all the issues involved in trying to communicate in a different language. Thank you all who faithfully uphold us in prayer!!

The French Challenge

This week has been a great learning experience as far as finding out firsthand the many pitfalls in learning a new language. I had the opportunity to preach in chapel this week (in French). This was a great lesson concerning all that is involved in delivering a message in a different language. The way it works around here is like this... first you have to write the manuscript for what you are going to say--not easy!! Something is so easy to say in English may not even translate into French. The teacher then goes through the manuscript to correct any grammatical errors. Then you read it to the teacher who corrects your pronunciation-- again, not easy! All this before the actual delivery of the message. You might think if you stand up with a manuscript of good French (remember it has been proofread and corrected by the French instructor) it's all easy after that...not so... as you stand up front you realize that there are fifteen minutes worth of words that you potentially could mispronounce!! Not only that, as a preacher, the realization was also driven home that it is very easy to emphasize something unintentionally with voice inflection!! Wow, the pitfalls are many!!

We are so thankful for everyone who continually prays for us-- this (learning French) is truly a task for which we need God's grace and help to accomplish!! By the way, I've included a small clip of my message so you see we are working diligently:) I recorded it so I can watch it later for encouragement at the hopeful progress made.

The Gerhart Train

Our main form of transportation these days is bikes. The kids have gotten really good at travelling along the roads. We, of course, have to ride in a straight line and so have named our "car" the Gerhart train. It is always an adventure going to the stores on the other side of town especially as we have to go around several round-about on the way that have traffic. We all stick together and the "train" makes it all the way around.

I (Jim) had an interesting experience yesterday when I was riding by myself (thankfully). I went down a road we had never been on before because I had made a wrong turn on my bike. I got on this road and started riding only to find that a dog was on the other side of a fence barking wildly at me. At that moment I breathed a sigh of relief to see the fence that separated me from the dog and kept riding as the dog ran with me along the fence. All was well for a moment, until I had the dreadful realization that the fence didn't have a side!!! The dog was very happy about this-- me not so much. I discovered that the dog did not like bike riders as he began the chase. I thought I was doing good at increasing my speed until I looked down and noticed he was attached to my thigh!! At that moment I said a prayer and really started peddling. The dog lost his grip on my leg and a block later lost interest in the chase. God really protected the "Gerhart train" at least part. Originally, I was going to have James come with me, but we decided not to (Thank God). I am really thankful that God answered my urgent prayer and allowed me to get away from the dog, but the greater protection of allowing such a thing to happen when none of the kids were with me!

Oh, by the way, the dog only left a nice lump and a big bruise on the top of my leg. I am also very thankful for blue jeans!! Thanks for praying for us, one never knows what a day has in store!

Learning Life in God's school

Phillippians 4:11-13 says, "...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
I have read and studied and preached through these verses many times, but as we continue down the path that the Lord has called us to, we are learning more and more the power of what is contained in these few verses. Contentment is something that can easily elude us in life if we aren't careful. I have never considered myself one to be discontent, but going through the changes that have accompanied our move into a new culture have shown me how discontentment can easily creep into our lives. I am thankful that God is teaching us new lessons about contentment as we adjust. It is only by His grace and only by His strength that such adjustments can be made!! Some of the smallest things can be the biggest source of discontentment (it never seems to be the big things). For instance, our shower has caused a challenge for me each morning. It is a 2 ft. square (which for me means the inability to turn real easily), and the water doesn't drain because the drain goes into a half inch pipe (which means your shower is in ankle deep water and fast as the water rises to overflowing). Every morning I dread a shower (which I used to enjoy), but in my devotions this morning I came across this verse and realized Satan was using something as small as an inconvenient shower to cause discontentment and I was very grateful that God brought something like an inconvenient shower into my life to teach me contentment. As we prepare to go to Africa, where there will be more inconveniences, I know we will be thankful for what God is teaching now. (I recall a friend in Central Africa telling me about taking a bath with a bucket outside).
Contentment is indeed something we can learn by God's grace and we can definitely "do all things through Him."
Thank you for praying for us!! I have included a couple of video clips for fun.

Settling In

The last couple of weeks were pretty much just settling in. The kids continue to adjust to their schools and Boaz has made great progress in his adjustment (thanks for praying). As for mom and dad, we have started to get a feel for the new schedule and are beginning to feel normal with it. School is quite challenging for us, but we continue to press on. We were able to find bikes for the family which was a great blessing since we normally would have to walk everywhere. The kids especially have enjoyed their bikes and Boaz rides his bike to school each day (which has helped tremendously with his desire to go). We were also very thankful that we were able to find James a reasonably priced guitar this past week. It has been good to hear him singing and playing again. He still plays his saxophone too, but the guitar is like an old friend.

We have been enjoying to sites of the area. Last week, as we already mentioned in an earlier blog, we walked to the old city of Conflans. This weekend, Jim had the opportunity to go with a group to a nearby mountain called, "La Belle Etoile." It was a strenuous three hour hike to the top, but the breathtaking view at the top was worth the work. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Please continue to pray for us!! Learning a new language is a great challenge, but we are noting some small progress in the journey-- We praise the Lord for the opportunity to be here!

Ups and Downs

It's hard to believe another week has already gone. We've had our ups and downs this week. As we mentioned last week, James was beginning his school this week. Well, he started in one school on the other side of town on Monday afternoon. He really enjoyed the school and the other kids. Having said that, by lunch on Tuesday, they decided to put him in the same school as Cassie (right across the street from our school). James has proven himself to be quite flexible and though dissappointed at first at the change, has made friends in his new school. He is doing a tremendous job fitting in. He also went on a youth group skiing trip with the church we have been going to and had a blast. (By the way, his school gave him skis on his first day because they take an entire week in February to go skiing-- I guess as their PE!!). Cassie continues to do well at school, also. She has basically been put into a class that is doing at least first grade if not second grade work and she has really done a terrific job. She had only started kindergarten in PA and now she is writing in cursive and has math and everything else! Her teacher said she is a very determined girl! We are proud of her. She also lost her first tooth this week. Boaz did a marvelous job going to his school also. He is just about over his issue with the nap time and enjoys learning in class.

We also took a hike to a nearby historical site--the scenery here never ceases to amaze me (check out the pics). God's power is evident every time I look out the window and see the mountains!

As far as the down side goes, we were smitten with a stomach virus this week (I probably need not say more). Christal missed an entire day of class on Thursday and then Jim got it on Sunday and Boaz is home from school on Monday (which means dad and mom both missed a half day of class). Please pray that we will be able to keep up with our classes with this challenge. Thank you so much for your continued prayers!

Beginning French School

This has been an interesting and challenging week for the Gerhart family. The reality of being in France was before us as we took the kids to French public school at the beginning of the week. We've included a video of the kids first day at school, the picture is Cassie with her teacher. Cassie was very brave and went to school without a problem. She has another MK in her class with her. As you can see in the video, Boaz was very brave also and went right into his class (he has a couple of MK's in his class). In the afternoon, Boaz's class has a naptime which he did not particularly like. As I dropped Boaz off for his naptime after lunch (by the way, we all get lunch together at our language school), he had a difficult time staying, the events that followed really capture what the whole experience must be like for the kids--Boaz was being held by a French guy who spoke no English at all as I left, he was upset and the man was trying to comfort him in French--in spite of that, he really did enjoy his day! Like I said, the kids were very brave! James just found out today which school he will go to (which is a couple of blocks in the opposite direction of the other two), and he will be starting Monday or Tuesday whenever we can figure out how to get him registered. The kids schedule is pretty nice actually. They go to school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30, and then from 1:30 to 4:30. We get a two hour lunch together which we share with some of the other students in the lunch room at our school where we can practice French and have French cuisine (which has been pretty good thus far). Christal and I both started our classes on Thursday. We began in different classes, but may wind up in the same by the end of this week. It will definitely be a great challenge, but with God's help I know it is possible. We are so thankful for everyone who has been faithfully praying for us (and especially the kids) as we have gone through these big changes this past week!! Please continue to pray, and especially for James this week as he gets settled into his classes.

Our first Sunday in France

Today was a day of being reminded of the magnitude and diversity of the body of Christ as we worshipped the Lord with a congregation of French believers. Though we did not understand much from the sermon from Mark 1, we did enjoy the fellowship. Some of the songs were familiar tunes such as "Shout to the Lord", but of course not quite spoken the same way. The service concluded with communion. Cassie enjoyed her class, and James got to be part of the youth group for the morning. Boaz was more comfortable with mom and dad for the day. We never cease to be amazed as the Lord is praised on every continent. "The earth is the Lord's!!" He is worthy to be praised by every tribe, tongue, and nation.

We have arrived in France!

We had a whirlwind weekend as we left JFK airport late on Saturday evening to fly into Lyon, France. We spent the night in Lyon, which was a wonderful time to recover from jet lag. We then travelled via train to Albertville-- which was a feat in itself with about fifteen suitcases!! We were met at the train station by a couple of ladies from the school who brought us to our new home! We are so thankful for everyone who made this possible, and to the Lord who has blessed the journey!! I have included a video tour of our new house as well as some pictures of the trip. Visit again soon!