Language School...Shall I Say More???

Bonsoir!

I attended my language course today and with every class, I seem to get more overwhelmed with the amount of material to be memorized. I am learning that with every grammar rule their are plenty of "exceptions"! After about 6 hours of studying and memorizing after my class, I am tired and not going to touch any more books until tomorrow. Of course, it is now 8:30 in the evening (Il est huit heures du soir) and I am ready to head to bed to get some sleep. I hope that in the morning, all of the words, phrases, numbers, verbs, etc are not a jumbled mess in my brain. One of the hard parts of french is knowing when to use "de, du, de la, de l' , des, au, aux, le, les, la," in front of nouns......

Here are a few pictures of the kids that we took today and a video of Silas that is real cute. I hope that you enjoy!

Bon Soiree!

frere Patrick

My First Hockey Game

Josh and I had the opportunity to play hockey tonight....I just want to say that I now realize how important it is to have someone that you can change in and out of the game with because you get really tired. I think that I did pretty good for the first time even holding a hockey stick! Josh scored two goals and everyone was so proud of him...that's my boy!!! I did take a shoulder to the face but I didn't lose any teeth, therefore it wasn't considered much of an injury! Our goalie was in full Detroit Redwings gear and I thought about taking a picture with him to say I played with the Redwing's goalie but I didn't have a camera. We had a great time of fellowship with Christian men and a great time playing with my son...Josh is a very fine young man who shows great character and a true love for the Lord.

The Pot At The End of The Rainbow!!!

Finally someone has photographed the pot at the end of the rainbow! My father-in-law sent this to me, I thought it was hilarious. As I was posting this picture just because it was funny, I realized that there is a huge spiritual implication with the picture.......Many people spend their lives chasing what they think to be riches, blessings, and success trying to find their pot of gold, just to realize that this old world will lead you to shattered dreams and ruined lives. As the scripture says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." There are no broken and ruined lives with God!!!

Patrick sings in the French Choir!!!

Yes, it's true..............I sang in french in a church choir.....and I know what you are thinking....I can't even speak french nor can I sing!!!

This past Sunday evening we joined Egilise Baptiste de la Foi (Faith Baptist Church) in Trois Rivieres for their 1-year anniversary. Our good friend Pastor Jason Hamby (another missionary with Macedonia) celebrated their 1st anniversary in the city of Trois Rivieres about 1 hour & 20 minutes from us. Pastor Roy moved our evening church services to be part of theirs and celebrate with them. We arrived at 3 PM and everyone brought their favorite dishes and desserts and we grilled hamburgers and hot dogs! (Yes, a Baptist always loves to eat no matter where in the world they are from!!!) We played horseshoes, volleyball, football and fellowshipped with brothers and sisters in Christ (as best we could considering the language barrier!). We ended the day with a service that included testimonies and prayer.

However, when Pastor Hamby found out we would be attending, he asked Pastor Roy if everyone coming from our church could sing a choir special. Pastor Roy called and told me he would like for our family to be a part of the choir. Yes, I did tell him that we can't even speak, pronounce, or even recognize any French words much less sing. With him being the Pastor and the whole authority thing, next thing you know I'm in the choir singing in french!!! Needless to say, we did our best and learned a song while we were at it. It was a blessing for those of us who sang and for the church celebrating their first year anniversary!