à mi-chemin marquer! (half way mark!)

I can't believe it but I'm already more than half way through my program here at Laval.  I've pretty much settled in with everything here - the language, culture, weather, people, etc, and I'm learning to appreciate the Lord's sovereign arrangements in all our situations.  Living here is different from any other trips I've had away from home because I'm not around saints all the time.  A few times I would ask myself, what am I doing here?  Or, is this really the Lord's will?  But I've come to realize that the Lord's will is that we would "gain Him" in whatever circumstance we are in (Philippians 3:10).  Yes, I'm here to learn French, but I want my number one priority here to be to experience and enjoy more of the Lord.

Sometimes it can be frustrating learning a language.  One day I tried to speak only French for the entire day, but I eventually gave up after awhile.  It's difficult to express yourself when you're limited to only a few verbs and nouns!!  In terms of learning, I think I've improved more in application of what I already know compared to expanding my vocabulary.  I definitely feel more confident while holding conversations in French.  My goal is to be fluent in French in 5 years (to the point where I would be able to preach the gospel in French) so I don't expect dramatic improvements.  I feel like learning a language is like putting together a puzzle.  It's a process, and the best way to fill the puzzle in is through trial and error.  And when you're able to communicate with native French speakers, they really enjoy it.

Here are some photos of the beach and river close by my place.  This is where I go for runs if the weather is nice and spend time with the Lord, reading His word or singing hymns. 

Poutine!

Laval football stadium > UBC's

Traffic right outside my house

Hike at Cap-Tourmente

Other students

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Exterior

Interior

Charles Konick Building, where I have all my classes

Interesting building at the Laval campus

And thanks for all your comments, I miss you all!  I'm usually online from 9:00pm - 10:30pm Quebec time (6-7:30pm), so look for my on Google chat then if you would like to chat.  Last week I had 4 exams, and this week I'll have another 4, but I'll try my best to keep in touch.