“How do you know you're not in Kansas anymore?”
Our team of 15 had a wonderful time living with the families of the students here in Guebwiller, France. The Christian school (Daniel Ecole) has about 135 students, aged 4-16. Most of us were familiar with “Christian schools” in North America, but I don't think we were prepared for just how different the French version would be.
L-R- Breaking up Old Sidewalk / Pouring the New Sidewalk
Many things were the same- starting the day in prayer, small classrooms, and lots of energy during recess. But there was certainly a French flare (at school, and in the homes). The food! Soccer and Volleyball, not kickball and tag.
L-R- Mixing Concrete / Hanging Metal Framing
Oh yeah, we worked too, converting summer cabins in to classrooms, pouring concrete and laying block. Putting insulation into the ceiling (I think some of the guys are still itchy). And we worshipped together in a 4-5 different churches.
L & R - New Sidewalk
L-R- Eating with the Locals / Flammkuchen or
Tarte Flambée
But the best was the graduation ceremony. Not a simple one-hour of speeches and handing out diplomas, but an all day, late into the night, everyone has to perform a skit, eating and drinking together, Christians and non-believers from the whole region. Bouncy castle, dance floor, rap group performance (both by professionals and students), the list goes on...
L & R- Insulated and ready for Sheetrock
And we saw the sites in this part of Europe. But we'll remember the people, the families and students, long after we forget the food, the sites, the work. Amazing what the Holy Spirit can do, uniting Americans and French through our bond in Christ!
Host Families and Team
