Paris - Crepes & Croissants

Our time in Paris was spent mostly with the OM office. We stayed at their office in Pontault-Combault, a suburb of Paris. We really enjoyed the few days that we got to spend learning about OM France's office, team and ministries. We even got to experience and serve in some of the ministries.

On various occasions, we were able to help the OMers pass out tracts in the local market, pass out invitations to a French language class, actually attend the French class, and serve at a soup kitchen. Seeing the ministries first hand reminded us of the importance of knowing the local language. It also showed us how we don't need to be overseas to serve other nationalities, as there are immigrant populations everywhere (most of these ministries targeted immigrants to France).

The OM team was extremely welcoming! We loved getting to know the various members, learning about how they arrived in France, and what they do there. We were invited to two, delicious dinners - home cooked food has probably never tasted so good! In both cases and in other interactions throughout the week, we both felt very encouraged about our future. We were prayed for on several occasions and then also given some very practical advice in making decisions for our future...in terms of language barriers, cultural differences, etc.

As for Paris, we definitely enjoyed the food and sites (or should this be spelled "sights", any opinions?) it had to offer. We walked the Champs-Élysées from start to finish. We saw the Arc de Triomphe, walked into a Mercedes showroom to see a 2 million Euro car, and ended in the Tuileries Gardens. We went to Sacre Coeur for one of the best views of the city and spent some time in the art district of Montmartre. We toured Notre Dame and spent lots of time eating crepes in the Latin Quarter.

The second day was definitely the most full of any sightseeing day we have had! We started in Versailles, the 3rd largest palace in Europe, with really beautiful gardens outside of Paris. It was a gorgeous day out so we spent lots of time walking around the gardens and taking lots of pictures. We were amazed by how big the chateau was with a room for everything - from a royal make out room to a room for getting dressed (bigger than any bedroom we have seen).

We climbed the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, walked around the Egyptian exhibits in the Louvre, saw the Mona Lisa, and then went back and saw the three main monuments lit up at night. We were exhausted by the end of the day, but so happy that we saw everything. Being on the Eiffel Tower was our favorite part. It was amazing standing on this landmark that we had heard about our whole lives. I (Nick) can now say I have climbed the Eiffel Tower!

After a fun time in Paris, we are off to Holland!