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!!