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!