Jesus Christ

Why do the Jesus freaks flock to me like mosquitoes do?  Over a week ago I met one of my neighbors in the dorm. She is a French girl who comes from right outside of Nice and is studying to be a midwife. When we talked she basically told me her entire life story filled with lots of drugs because her father, a protestant pastor, cheated on her mom and then moved to Africa to preach there. Then she went to a Protestant camp during the summer months years later and was locked in her room with only a bible and her school books because she had been kicked out of camp but could not leave for some reason. Well, everyone that is where she found Jesus. 

That is right she is a born again Christian. Whaaaaattt?!?!?! I left the Bible Belt… why are they following me to France, where most of the population is supposedly not religious? I suppose I should have foreseen something like this since I am staying in the dorms for the school of Protestant Theology, but she doesn't even go to the school! Along with the people who left me with Gideon’s Bible I am just really confused. I guess my soul radiates the blackness of a true atheist and draws all of the evangelical Christians to me like moth to a flame (although I can’t devour them like the poor flame can). 

I was really uncomfortable because it is great that she found a religion that works for her. I just don't share her opinions of the workings of the universe. I told her that I had to leave and call my mom via skype which I won’t be able to do until Monday. I just wanted her to stop talking about Jesus’ love and how much she wanted me to experience that as well one day. Yikes!

Long Time Coming

It’s official. I have arrived in Paris and I am waiting for the TGV to Montpellier.  Although the trip started out with a huge dose of stress, it now seems very doable.  On arrival at the airport I was told that my flight from home to Detroit was delayed which would make me completely miss my flight to France. Upon hearing this delightful information my stomach started knotting. I had to get to France so that I can get into my room in Montpellier. 

Well the nice Delta employee found another option for me and it turned out to be a much nicer one than my first. I would fly to Atlanta and then take a flight to France. But, I would get to ride in Business Class. Wow. Life changer. Those seats lie back. I slept a lot more than I would have been able to in coach. 

I also really enjoyed comparing the complementary things that Air France and Korean Air gives you on the long international flights. On my Korean air flight they gave the passengers slippers and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Air France on the other hand gave us socks (they were hideous brown things), an anti-wrinkle cream, a shoehorn, a small comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, and earplugs. I wonder if the difference lies in the change from economy to business class…. That curtain separating the two sections of the plane brings amazing benefits to those in business class.

I have finally reached Montpellier. My train was an hour and thirty minutes late so they are going to repay me the time spent waiting. Awesome? Why yes it is. My first night I stayed in a hotel, which was nice but didn’t have any bells and whistles. This morning I came to the Protestant School of Theology and am now officially installed in my French digs. I really like my room. It is small and cell like but the bed is pretty comfortable and there is a private bathroom attached to it. It looks very European and not much like my dorm rooms in the U.S. except for the Spartan furnishings.

It is interesting how the school sets up the kitchen. It is somewhat industrial and there are lockers for everyone to store their food and anything else they need to produce a meal. There are three refrigerators and in each one the number of the bedroom is on a little plastic tub for people to store their perishables in. The grounds of the school of Theology are very nice. There is a small garden where we can eat if we so choose and there is a library where we can work if we want. Also there are a couple of recreation rooms which although slightly pathetic and shabby looking I would not hesitate to use in a pinch.

As far as the city itself is concerned I do not think I like it as much as some American cities as far as looks are concerned. But, it does have a charming personality. The city center, according to the guidebook affectionately known as the egg because of it’s shape, is really beautiful. I will explore more and make another report and hopefully have some pictures to share.