"Chef du Café"

That's my new role here;) Preparing coffee and tea each morning and every break. I've just learned to work with an old, half broken 5 liter coffee machine, but there's brown liquid coming out that smells like coffee so we're happy;) I also learned some French traditions. I'd set up some glasses near the watercooker and then people came to ask for a bowl.? I thought perhaps they want to eat cereals or yoghurt but no, it was for tea. They all drink tea from bowls. Interesting. Concerning the coffee, I noticed there was no creamer or milk provided so I added it to the shopping list. But guess what, coffee creamer is not common in France, you can hardly find it in the supermarket. They only drink black coffee. In a très petite tasse.

Change

When we started the school with this group of 40 people, we felt the spiritual atmosphere was dark en dry. All though most hearts were longing for intimacy with the Lord, the worship felt the first day if we're just singing songs. But we knew we had to push through by prayer and worship because we knew the Holy Spirit would show up. Now we're at day 4 and it's amazing what's happening in each life, as Jesus breaks through with His Presence and His love. I see faces literally transformed. They're shining, I see new joy, peace and a softness all over them. There are many tears as well, when healing is flowing into wounded hearts. Beautiful. There were even three people who weren't yet sure of being saved, but were willing. What a joy when they gave their yes to Jesus, receiving His gift of salvation.

Soaking

This afternoon all chairs were removed from the audience. Mats were rolled out and everyone was on the floor. Like a yoga session;) But meant as positioning us to spend quality time with the Lord. Soaking in His Presence. Like a dry sponge that's put into water. Soft music was playing and we were asked to picture us as standing in front of the door of God's room. There was a coat rack and we were invited to hang up everything that was still on our mind, also prayer requests or to do lists. Then we stepped into the room. Looking up to the Lord, asking Him: how would You like to spend time with me? For the next 45 minutes we had this private meeting. I can't describe what happened during this soaking session, all I can say is: try it yourself.

Camp

This accommodation reminds me of my youth camps or sport camps;) Showers with only a hard jet of water that's burning your back and a button you've to push every 5 seconds. Quickly washing your hair in between two pushes and before the hot water is turned into ice water. Beds with hard, plastic mattresses. Smelly toilets. The only window in your bedroom with a paper telling you: "ne pas ouvrir la fenêtre". Haha. Of course I tried. But it didn't work. Usually these lacks of comfort would affect my day, my joy but here it really doesn't. I'm totally happy because my highest goal here is to see peoples lives touched, including mine and I don't find that in materialism.

Tomorrow will be the last day of week one. Some stay for two weeks and 15 for the full three weeks. I 'll be leaving this Sunday and 'll be updating you when on the plane home! There's much more to tell;)

Love & blessings,

Marieke