Simply, Completely, Truly...

Blessed.

I don't know how else to say it.

Tonight, I had dinner with my host family and my real family.

The two worlds that have defined me the most, meeting together in one place.

First of all, it was a rather hilarious dinner. My host parents speak very little English (in fact, my host dad doesn't speak it at all) and my real family speaks very little French. My professor, Madame Barbour, came along to help translate. But regardless, it was amusing to be caught in between the two languages (there were a lot of mismatched sentences for me, half in English and French when I was trying to talk in just one or the other). It was also hilarious to hear my mother and father try to speak French. And watch my brother drink wine and champagne. And to watch my host dad pull a bird he'd killed on his last hunt out of the freezer, all feathers still attached, to show my family.

All amusement aside, I can honestly say that this was the most unique experience of my life. To be able to share each of my families with each other; to show each family what the other family is like...never again will I have that.

We were 8 people, of different languages and backgrounds, brought together just because I happened to be the common link. And now, after 3 hours together, we know and understand each other a little bit more.

When I sit here thinking about it, I can't help but be moved.

I'll be home in less than two weeks. Which distresses me and excites me all at the same time. But, I can say now that tonight's dinner made my time here in France more complete.

To be able to share this experience with my family is a treasure that I will never forget.

Just this afternoon, I received two letters from two of the brightest stars in my life. One, from a rambunctious little girl named Brooks who teaches me how to be a more loving person every single second of every single day, and the other from her sweet brother John, who teaches me how to laugh more every single second of every single day.

Those letters, when added to the incredible experience I had at dinner, just make for a completely outstanding day.

I am simply, completely, and truly blessed. I do not think I will ever comprehend why the Lord has given me the life I have. I deserve far less...but thats the beauty of the Lord, isn't? His blessings have nothing to do with my shortcomings or my merit...they are based completely on His grace.

Blessed.