Tired

I had no idea how tiring this project was going to be.

For years, I grinded through two-a-days in August sun, but this is something else entirely. The weather here is mild, cool in the mornings and evenings, but during the afternoon, the sun comes out and bakes the city. In many of the places where students gather, you're hard-pressed to find good shade. It's physically taxing walking through the city in the heat.

Concentrating through the conversations, usually for an hour or more at a time, is mentally draining. We're in France. People either speak French or broken English. Either way, it takes a ton of concentration. Plus, we're constantly on the look for windows to the gospel. If I need to answer in French, that takes time and thought. If I need to answer in English, I have to annunciate and choose small, easily understood words. It's a completely different experience.

Finally, it's spiritually exhausting. It's great because your beliefs are challenged every day, and you need to be able to put forth sound reasoning to your truth statements, and be able to challenge theirs. It's an opportunity to constantly rely on God.

I'm looking forward to the French summer project to arrive this week. People who speak French and love Jesus will be a refreshing change of pace. I'm sure we'll all be encouraged by their presence.

I keep reminding myself of Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."