The Courier, Fall 2002, page 2
La Rentrée All over France--You can tell when September comes by one simple word -- traffic. At the end of August, die-hard vacationers who just can't let go of those last rays of sun on the beach, race back to Paris in literally the final hours preceding the return to school and work. Traffic forecasters often label those last two or three days of vacation as "black days"--the worst rating possible for travel conditions. But if the rentrée ("back-toschool") means the end of summer, it also means the beginning of many other things. Besides schools and work places, civic organizations also kick into high gear, launching busy fall programs with a special "Organizations Day" in many towns. People come to browse the stands and sign up for activities that spark their interest. Children drag parents around, begging to sign up for the bike club, gymnastics, soccer, martial arts in varying forms, music lessons, swimming lessons and on and on. Churches all over France are also buzzing with activity at this time of year. "No matter how
Where did all the
long you live in France," reflects Tom, "and no matter how much you think you're used to the fact that everyone disappears in the summer months, it is such a pleasant surprise to see them all come back in the fall!" The Hawkins have been considering what ministries will get the majority of their nonoffice time this year. Because there are many musicians now present in the church, they will be slowly backing out of music ministries. In a recent lunch with the Hawkins, pastor François Wattier and his wife, Muriel, underlined a need for hospitality and bringing people together. Bev and Tom plan to expand their open-door policy and invite as many church families as possible into their home. "Our goal," explains Bev, "is to break down the barriers that can still linger when people see each other only at church on Sunday." They are praying that in a country where relationships are important and being at the table is much more than just eating together, these shared mealtimes will transform "bon appetit" into good Kingdom advances! You might be surprised (as we were!) by the list of the ten most-frequented tourist sites in France, according to 1997 stats (the latest we could find). 10. Notre Dame, Lourdes 9. Basilica de Sacré-Coeur, Paris 8. The Louvre (art museum), Paris 7. The Eiffel Tower, Paris 6. Pompidou (modern art), Paris 5. Palace Gardens, Versailles 4. Open-Air Markets, St.Ouen 3. Notre Dame, Paris 2. Disneyland Paris . . . . . and, drum roll, please . . .
Tourists go???
1. Fontainebleau Forest (13 million tourists per year!)
FRANCE FACTS
9 Months and Counting Bois d'Arcy--NO! To dispel all rumors before they start, the Hawkins are NOT expecting. At least not a baby. They are expecting, however, to return to the U.S. in less than nine months. "Wow--is it coming that quickly?" panics Tom, thinking of all the sorting, packing and moving details that must be arranged by mid-June. "It seems like it's a long way off," says his wife, "but it will be here before we know it." In addition to closing up a household on one side of the Atlantic, the Hawkins face that once-every-five-years challenge of setting up house-keeping for one year, this time in the northcentral PA area where Caleb already lives with his grandparents. That means a place to live, a car, school registrations, etc. "There are always so many details to think of," sighs Bev. Pray that as the Hawkins begin to think about yet another move, all the necessary pieces will fall into place. Pray for good "double vision" as they prepare for moving, yet keep their sights firmly focused on the work yet to be done in France. ADDRESSES We would love to hear from you!
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The Hawkins 16, ave Jean Jaurès Bois d 'Arcy, FRANCE 78390 E-mail: hawkinsinparis@ worldonline.fr Web site: http://perso. worldonline.fr/hawkinsinparis 011.331.3942.0534
All contributions, clearly marked for Tom Hawkins' Work, Outfit or Vehicle Special or the Great Commission Fund may be sent to: The Christian and Missionary Alliance P.O. Box 35000 Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500
