FAQ

I'm realizing that as I talk to people about our move to France, I am being asked a lot of the same questions. I put together this FAQ to share some of the specific details with you all. I chose a few of the questions people ask most often:

1. Where will you live when you move?
2. Where will you both work?
3. Do you know French?
4. Are you uncomfortable/nervous?
5. What do your parents think?
6. How long will you be there?

1. Where will you live when you move?
Initially, we will be moving in with Will’s family.  They’ve got the 3rd floor all ready for us to move in.  Will’s mom was gracious enough to adjust her work schedule so that most of the day she will be there with me.  I’m hopeful that during that time I can focus on learning French, learning the French culture, and learning how to cook French food! I’m also excited to spend time with Will’s family and focus on getting to know them. Eventually, we will move into our own place in the suburbs of Lyon.
 
2. Where will you both work?
Will is looking for a job now, specific with his Business Management Degree. His dad has many connections there for potential job leads so they are working together to find something once we move. His dad has a solid business network and connections that can help him get a decent job right away.

I won’t be able to get a job for a while… My focus is on learning French. Unfortunately, I can’t use my Children’s Ministry Degree (At least until the future) but we’re talking through some potential job ideas. For the first few months, my goal is to use my crafting skills to make a little bit of extra money.  I hope to make and sell things locally.

I will also be participating in a program offered by the government in an institution in Lyon.  Here I will learn French history and more about Lyon. I will also be part of a private school whose director is a partner of Will’s dad.  I will be working with kids ages 3 to 7 to help them learn English, and help me learn French.  This could also open a door for me to potentially end up with a job teaching English.

3. Do you know French?
Very little.  Will and I started studying the basics before the wedding, since his family was coming.  I know some numbers, colors, foods, and the very basics for communicating.  I have a lot of work to do but everyone says it will be much easier once I actually get there.  I hope that between the French school and Will’s family, I can pick it up pretty quickly. Eventually I may get tired of only being able to talk to Will and no one else. haha
 
4. Are you uncomfortable/nervous?
This question is usually asked when people find out I don’t know French and have never been to France.  Shockingly, throughout this entire process, God has given me a total peace.  The only thing that makes me nervous is that I’m not nervous! I think this comes from me not knowing what to expect. But I am trusting God’s plan and timing and know this is what we are supposed to be doing.  My prayer for the last year has been Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your way, Lord, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all the day long.”
 
5. What do your parents think?
This is the question I probably get asked most often.  Next week I will have specific posts about my parent’s response to our move.
 
6. How long will you be there?
Will and I are moving knowing that God has called us there at this time and we will continue to stay until we are called to something/somewhere else.  We don’t have any expectations either way about how long we will be in France or even if we will stay there our entire lives.  We do know that our call to share the Gospel with the French people will take time, and we would never leave without something being in place and someone to carry on what was started.  By the time we begin having kids and they are close to starting school, we will most likely have a long-term plan in place so that they are not switching from French schools to American schools.

Comment in the box below if you have other questions that I can add to a future FAQ.