So our time out started by leaving Saturday morning and arriving in Perpignan, where we attended our very first French wedding. It was quite the celebration!
They started at the courthouse at 1pm - which we didn't go to. Then on to the church at 3pm, where we joined. The ceremony was a little longer than the tradition US 20 or 30 minutes and included some worship. Which was really sweet ringing out in a old Catholic cathedral! I see revival in the old denominations!
Around 5:30 we headed over to a beautiful vineyard where the reception was to be held. The beginning hors d'oeuvre/mingling time last for about 3 hours before we headed inside for the dinner around 8:30.
First course served around 9ish, main dish about 10ish, lots of dancing, finally cheese about 12:30am and we left. I was told things would go til 5am - after talking with a few others, I'm certain that's for real. And it's not just 'the partiers' who stay - most do, including the elderly grandparents and families. My only disappointment was dessert wasn't served before we left. I saw the table set up (sans the desserts) and am sure that it would have been AMAZING!
Thankfully, Sunday's meeting wasn't until 2:30 - it was at a church and included people from several congregations, including 5 pastors. Wonderful time!
We drove into the mountains that night - fun times in the dark, in a foreign land, in the mountains. Mitch is a brilliant navigator and we had no problems. (I have yet to drive...)
Now that we're here in the Cevennes, we have nightly meetings in different homes (small groups of the church mostly). Another cultural difference is that often services begin at 8pm or later so that makes for late nights.
Jesus has been meeting with us each night and Mitch has been releasing a fresh passion, encouragement and a new hope, as well as releasing healing into each group. We believe we are here to release what God has given us - so that's what we're doing. And the Lord is so faithful!
I've probably lost most of you, so so long. We continue our week here in the mountains for the next 5 days before we head 'home' for a few days before heading north to Normandy.
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