It is amazing to me how time flies. We have a good routine and many things that come up to fill in the time that remains. I enjoy visiting members who have a difficult time getting out. It gives them contact with the church and gives them a chance to sing the songs of the saints and have the sacrament and study with us. It is very gratifying to go to the rest home and see Sister Louise hang on to Joanne. She hugs Joanne with all her might and then gives her the biggest kiss on the cheek. She enjoys the visits so much she won't let go of Joanne's hand the whole hour or so we spend with her. I also have learned to appreciate how much the French Saints revere the title of Bishop or Branch President. They have a great deal of respect for the priesthood authority. I feel very uneasy when I am called "President," as I would just like to be brother instead, but I know that the members here have so much faith in their leadership that it humbles me each time they refer to me as their branch president.
I am still without counselors, but I hope that will be taken care of this Sunday when the Stake President comes with the Mission president and his wife. Then it will be easier to function with good brethren with me. Although we are small in numbers, the members have the strongest faith in the Lord Jesus Christ I have ever seen.
We are teaching a number of people and hope that they will continue to progress. Joanne and I have been out tracting and even though we have not met anyone willing to hear the message, we have left everyone with a pleasant felling and have not tried to put anyone on the defensive. We have a couple of neighborhoods we would like to do, so our efforts will continue as we have the time. We are teaching a daughter of some members in the North. Sophora has a 4-year-old son and has been to church once. We will have the 2nd lesson this week. We are also teaching a young woman who is a friend of one of the members.
One thing that is different in France is the drivers and the way they get about. Those who are on foot cause all kinds of problems due to their indecision. I have learned to stop whenever I see one, but that is not always evident as they come out from no where. Bikes are the next interesting situation. Most of the bike riders are dressed as if they are entering the Tour de France. The roads are small enough that one rider on the side of the road can hold up traffic pretty good. The motor bikes range from the ones without much power to loud dirt bikes. The low powered contraptions have to be started by pedaling and then the rider puts the small engine on the front wheel and it starts up and hits a top speed of 35mph. When going up a hill, the driver has to pedal to get it to the top or it would stall. The dirt bikes are allowed on the road here and their noise level can scare you out of your wits as they go by. All bikes don't follow the same rules as the rest of us, as they zoom in and out of traffic to get out in front. The large motor cycles never go the speed limit and will pass you with just the slightest amount of room. Cars come in all sizes, from the two seaters to just about the largest we have at home. All drivers want their side of the road and some of yours. No one here can say that Americans are obsessed with cars as even in the projects here in France there are some of the fanciest cars in the parking lots. Truck are something else. The 18 wheelers back home could never negotiate the sharp corners and tight spaces. The Europeans have built trucks that will handle the toughest driving situations. They have a better turning ratio and the cabs are much smaller to start the tight turns.
It is all an experience I will never forget and if you come to Europe one must be a master of the parallel parking. If not you might as well stay home. Getting use to the fact that the guy on the left has the right away has been a challenge and it is good that my copilot, Joanne is always on the look out.
Well, keep on smiling and remember that a good sense of humor and a good laugh will keep you in good health.
Elder Dad
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I'll Have Bacon With That!
Hi and bonjour to all of you this morning. We were up at six to pray for the success of the Toulouse Mission, and to read another two chapters of the Book of Mormon (in French), on this P-day. Then, to tell the truth, being still tired, we went back to bed since all of that was accomplished before 7 a.m., and it was still black outside. We don't tell the Elders about all the extra perks available to senior couples, as they seem to think we have it much easier than they do as it is. And it is true actually, because we have a lot of freedom to make decisions and go with the flow, where they have rules and regulations to follow to keep the spirit and do the work. Anyway, we are up and at it after our nap, with Jack fixing French toast, and me mulling over Isaiah's words in 2Nephi. If you think Isaiah is difficult to figure out in English, you would not believe how hard the French translators worked to get his meaning across, while dealing with his wild word imagery. We keep the English scriptures handy to be able to understand what he is saying, and are so glad to have them.
We went to visit a woman who has had contact with the church over the years, but is not a member. She has come into our path because her sister wants the lessons, and is living with her right now. Christelle has 3 little children, two divorces, and is a hard worker, trying to keep things together; but she hurt her back, and is really in bad shape. She asked a member for a blessing, but he had no oil, so he came to Jack and asked him to do it for her. The room was full of smoke as we entered (with the Elders also), and as we sat, the first thing Jack asked her was if she had faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. She looked at him straight, and admitted that she didn't really because she had a hard time believing in Mary's virgin birth. So he taught her about Heavenly Father and His son for several minutes, and I got the feeling that she was sincerely trying to listen and learn. We made a date to return a few days later, and when we did we found her totally down. She'd tried getting something done, and had only made things worse. She was slumped on the couch, unwilling or unable to move or even look up, as Jack gingerly sat down beside her. She answered some questions dully, with others in the room doing most of the talking, and so we left her with a prayer, wondering what we could do to help?
Just as we were pulling out of this vast "projects" apartment complex, and I was rolling up my window, I saw from the corner of my eye, "the egg," as it flashed by and hit the right side mirror, and splattered across the windshield and fender. The little brown missile was well placed, and just missed the open window, which would have been lots of fun for all! We were a bit stunned, and Jack automatically pressed on the brakes, but there was no sign of the pitcher. Jack optimistically thought maybe we just got in the way of some kids playing around, but I'm having a hard time with that idea. Anyway, after we dropped off the Elders, he said let's take them DINNER tonight, so we rushed home to do it. He peeled a big pot full of potatoes to boil, and I cooked hamburger and gravy and those fast Toffee bars, and with everything mashed and baked (in proper order), along with a green salad, we were back by 6 p.m. The surprise on their faces when we returned bearing food was priceless; plus we got a surprise too, of going into a smoke filled room of visitors for Christelle, and being stared at as if we had flown in from Mars. It's the Mormons! And they're bringing food! We had a spy there, and he later reported that they ALL ate and wanted to know how I made the gravy! No Campbell soup here in France to help you out; I'll tell if they take the lessons.
Well, I guess that's it for me now, I hope you all are well and happy.
Much love, Sister Mom Joanne G' ma
We went to visit a woman who has had contact with the church over the years, but is not a member. She has come into our path because her sister wants the lessons, and is living with her right now. Christelle has 3 little children, two divorces, and is a hard worker, trying to keep things together; but she hurt her back, and is really in bad shape. She asked a member for a blessing, but he had no oil, so he came to Jack and asked him to do it for her. The room was full of smoke as we entered (with the Elders also), and as we sat, the first thing Jack asked her was if she had faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. She looked at him straight, and admitted that she didn't really because she had a hard time believing in Mary's virgin birth. So he taught her about Heavenly Father and His son for several minutes, and I got the feeling that she was sincerely trying to listen and learn. We made a date to return a few days later, and when we did we found her totally down. She'd tried getting something done, and had only made things worse. She was slumped on the couch, unwilling or unable to move or even look up, as Jack gingerly sat down beside her. She answered some questions dully, with others in the room doing most of the talking, and so we left her with a prayer, wondering what we could do to help?
Just as we were pulling out of this vast "projects" apartment complex, and I was rolling up my window, I saw from the corner of my eye, "the egg," as it flashed by and hit the right side mirror, and splattered across the windshield and fender. The little brown missile was well placed, and just missed the open window, which would have been lots of fun for all! We were a bit stunned, and Jack automatically pressed on the brakes, but there was no sign of the pitcher. Jack optimistically thought maybe we just got in the way of some kids playing around, but I'm having a hard time with that idea. Anyway, after we dropped off the Elders, he said let's take them DINNER tonight, so we rushed home to do it. He peeled a big pot full of potatoes to boil, and I cooked hamburger and gravy and those fast Toffee bars, and with everything mashed and baked (in proper order), along with a green salad, we were back by 6 p.m. The surprise on their faces when we returned bearing food was priceless; plus we got a surprise too, of going into a smoke filled room of visitors for Christelle, and being stared at as if we had flown in from Mars. It's the Mormons! And they're bringing food! We had a spy there, and he later reported that they ALL ate and wanted to know how I made the gravy! No Campbell soup here in France to help you out; I'll tell if they take the lessons.
Well, I guess that's it for me now, I hope you all are well and happy.
Much love, Sister Mom Joanne G' ma
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hello
Hello to all of you this new day.
Seems to me like I've been the silent partner lately, and it's true, mainly because of the timing involved in our coming and goings. We worked very hard to prepare for our 'Porte Ouverte', as a part of the national 'open house' day last Saturday. Jack took a picture of the chapel, showing the spire, with the gate open symbolically, for the fliers he and a member created. They ran off 1400 invitations: a few were taken by members to give out, the Elders took some to pass out while contacting, but most were taken by Jack and Jean-Jacque (JJ), and dropped into mailboxes in neighborhoods all around town. Jack and JJ (who is a little nuts anyway), walked their legs off for three days in a row, while I was in the church working on creating posters for the rooms. Each room was to be manned by a member who would explain an aspect of the gospel, such as: the family, temples, genealogy, the plan of salvation, and the restoration. Last week we helped a single dad by watching his 12-year-old daughter for a day, and she helped me by drawing her version of the 'plan de salut' on 3 large pieces of paper. I thought it was so good that we set up a special display just for her with her photo along with it. Anyway, things looked great, and we were all ready for a crowd with refreshments set out (I baked another sweet treat at 10 o'clock the night before just to be sure we had enough!), and our members all in place. We waited, and waited, and waited some more, and not one person came to visit us, to say hi, to say boo, nothing--nobody. At 2 p.m. the overhead clouds let loose a torrent of rain, and the very intense Richard Humblot was sure it was the wrath of God on the city of Angouleme; but President Metcalfe (that's Prey-zee-daun in French) set him straight, "No, Richard, it's just rain, like always." We were all disappointed, but not down and out. Everyone sat together in the chapel to discuss what we could have done better, and how to be more effective next year, and we stuffed ourselves with lemon bars, and left with smiles all around.
We went to see an inactive member who is confined to her bed mainly because of obesity. I frankly was not looking forward to this because of things I'd heard and because of preconceived ideas, but after meeting her, that all changed. Bernadette Petite (an unfortunate name!) has a life that consists of sitting propped up in a double-sized hospital bed, with no way to get out without help. In spite of the hand she's been dealt in life, she has an outgoing personality, a great smile, and seems to be a people magnet (what with folks popping in to see her left and right while we were there). She used to come to church about 10 years ago, but someone was so mean to her that she went inactive. We mentioned the names of some of the faithful, longtime members we know, and she remembered them fondly. She testified of her strong belief in and love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, and feels that she is worthy to receive the sacrament. Gladys, her older sister (not a member), lives with Bernadette and her husband and helps him care for her (I think hubby gets money from the state for her home care and keeping). Gladys is overweight and wracked with arthritis pain and has diabetes like her sister, but is at her beck and call without a murmur. Their relationship to one another is special, and Gladys seems to always be by her side. I really like them both, and their interaction with one another as they talk about life, and interject thoughts, and finish each others sentences. While we were there, Gladys suddenly got up to get their blood sampling kit. She pricked her sister's finger and read the results and got a needle ready, and bared a large portion of Bernadette's stomach. Jack hid his head, which made them both laugh because it doesn't hurt at all, they claimed, as Gladys plunged it in deep! Apparently the nerves there were cut in some long ago surgery; but he was only trying to preserve her modesty and dignity, which they seem to think is unnecessary at this late date! So, the Petite's, as we call them, are now on our rounds, and I look forward to our visits with them.
Well, my last attempt at an e-mail flew into outer space because (Jack sez) I take too long writing them, so I'm trying to hurry, but it's hard for me! Just don't forget that we love you all and think of you often. Thanks for caring.
Love, Sister Mom - Joanne - G'ma
Seems to me like I've been the silent partner lately, and it's true, mainly because of the timing involved in our coming and goings. We worked very hard to prepare for our 'Porte Ouverte', as a part of the national 'open house' day last Saturday. Jack took a picture of the chapel, showing the spire, with the gate open symbolically, for the fliers he and a member created. They ran off 1400 invitations: a few were taken by members to give out, the Elders took some to pass out while contacting, but most were taken by Jack and Jean-Jacque (JJ), and dropped into mailboxes in neighborhoods all around town. Jack and JJ (who is a little nuts anyway), walked their legs off for three days in a row, while I was in the church working on creating posters for the rooms. Each room was to be manned by a member who would explain an aspect of the gospel, such as: the family, temples, genealogy, the plan of salvation, and the restoration. Last week we helped a single dad by watching his 12-year-old daughter for a day, and she helped me by drawing her version of the 'plan de salut' on 3 large pieces of paper. I thought it was so good that we set up a special display just for her with her photo along with it. Anyway, things looked great, and we were all ready for a crowd with refreshments set out (I baked another sweet treat at 10 o'clock the night before just to be sure we had enough!), and our members all in place. We waited, and waited, and waited some more, and not one person came to visit us, to say hi, to say boo, nothing--nobody. At 2 p.m. the overhead clouds let loose a torrent of rain, and the very intense Richard Humblot was sure it was the wrath of God on the city of Angouleme; but President Metcalfe (that's Prey-zee-daun in French) set him straight, "No, Richard, it's just rain, like always." We were all disappointed, but not down and out. Everyone sat together in the chapel to discuss what we could have done better, and how to be more effective next year, and we stuffed ourselves with lemon bars, and left with smiles all around.
We went to see an inactive member who is confined to her bed mainly because of obesity. I frankly was not looking forward to this because of things I'd heard and because of preconceived ideas, but after meeting her, that all changed. Bernadette Petite (an unfortunate name!) has a life that consists of sitting propped up in a double-sized hospital bed, with no way to get out without help. In spite of the hand she's been dealt in life, she has an outgoing personality, a great smile, and seems to be a people magnet (what with folks popping in to see her left and right while we were there). She used to come to church about 10 years ago, but someone was so mean to her that she went inactive. We mentioned the names of some of the faithful, longtime members we know, and she remembered them fondly. She testified of her strong belief in and love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, and feels that she is worthy to receive the sacrament. Gladys, her older sister (not a member), lives with Bernadette and her husband and helps him care for her (I think hubby gets money from the state for her home care and keeping). Gladys is overweight and wracked with arthritis pain and has diabetes like her sister, but is at her beck and call without a murmur. Their relationship to one another is special, and Gladys seems to always be by her side. I really like them both, and their interaction with one another as they talk about life, and interject thoughts, and finish each others sentences. While we were there, Gladys suddenly got up to get their blood sampling kit. She pricked her sister's finger and read the results and got a needle ready, and bared a large portion of Bernadette's stomach. Jack hid his head, which made them both laugh because it doesn't hurt at all, they claimed, as Gladys plunged it in deep! Apparently the nerves there were cut in some long ago surgery; but he was only trying to preserve her modesty and dignity, which they seem to think is unnecessary at this late date! So, the Petite's, as we call them, are now on our rounds, and I look forward to our visits with them.
Well, my last attempt at an e-mail flew into outer space because (Jack sez) I take too long writing them, so I'm trying to hurry, but it's hard for me! Just don't forget that we love you all and think of you often. Thanks for caring.
Love, Sister Mom - Joanne - G'ma
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Drivers
As you might or might not know, as of last last Sunday I was released as 2nd counselor of the Angouleme Branch and sustained a few minutes later as the Branch President. I did not think the call was going to take place until the end of the month, so I didn't have time to get ready for it--which was probably a good thing. Stress is not a good thing. The prior Branch President had to come from 2 1/2 hours away each Saturday to handle the affairs of the branch. He and his wife were called for 6 months and they served 15. The 1st counselor is from Bordeaux and he and his wife have been coming to Angouleme for 33 months every Sunday. Brodeaux is an hour and a half south from Angouleme. I have had the privilege to work with these two men from the time we arrived and there are no finer members of the church than these two. Their unselfish service and the love that developed between us as we served together will last into the eternities.
I have called two counselors from the branch and we will find out how their interviews go when the Stake President comes at the end of the month. These two men have become close friends of mine. When I was asked to serve, their names were cemented into my mind by the Holy Ghost. I think that the 1st counselor in the stake presidency was surprised that I was already giving him names, but I had plenty of time to petition our Father in Heaven about the subject.
This will be a challenge, but we are looking forward to serve these great members and build the branch. I am sure the work will move along and we will progress with the help of God. This has been a great growing period in our lives and I would not trade it for all the world.
We would like to solicit for your prayers this Saturday when we have our open house. It is actually a national day and our activities chairman came up with the idea. We are looking forward to having some good success. Our activities chairman has made some classy invitations and we and the members will be putting them in the mail boxes in their local neighborhoods and we are saturating the neighborhood around the chapel. The missionaries are also handing them out as they make contacts throughout the city. We have 5 rooms set up for displays and we will have members and missionaries present to give 3 to 5 minute presentations on the: family, temples, the Plan of salvation, genealogy, and the restoration of the church. We will have church music playing in the chapel and refreshments in the relief society room.
We are grateful for your support and prayers.
Love Elder Dad
I have called two counselors from the branch and we will find out how their interviews go when the Stake President comes at the end of the month. These two men have become close friends of mine. When I was asked to serve, their names were cemented into my mind by the Holy Ghost. I think that the 1st counselor in the stake presidency was surprised that I was already giving him names, but I had plenty of time to petition our Father in Heaven about the subject.
This will be a challenge, but we are looking forward to serve these great members and build the branch. I am sure the work will move along and we will progress with the help of God. This has been a great growing period in our lives and I would not trade it for all the world.
We would like to solicit for your prayers this Saturday when we have our open house. It is actually a national day and our activities chairman came up with the idea. We are looking forward to having some good success. Our activities chairman has made some classy invitations and we and the members will be putting them in the mail boxes in their local neighborhoods and we are saturating the neighborhood around the chapel. The missionaries are also handing them out as they make contacts throughout the city. We have 5 rooms set up for displays and we will have members and missionaries present to give 3 to 5 minute presentations on the: family, temples, the Plan of salvation, genealogy, and the restoration of the church. We will have church music playing in the chapel and refreshments in the relief society room.
We are grateful for your support and prayers.
Love Elder Dad
Sunday, September 7, 2008
News from Angouleme
Good morning everyone,
We just got home from church and I have some news to give to you. Elder Dad was released from being 2nd counselor in the Branch here, and was then sustained as the new Branch President. It has been a wonderful experience to be associated with the former Pres. and his wife, and the former 1st counselor and his wife, both of whom came every Sunday from their home wards, quite a distance away. In the mission field the bonds of friendship and love can grow very strong and lasting, and we will miss these good people very much. As for President Metcalfe, he is feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, but truly loves the people here, and wants to do the job well. In his testimony, he said that the young Elders can be sent from city to town, all around the whole Toulouse mission: Nice, Bordeaux, Marseille, Corsica, etc.; but we will be staying in Angouleme, the best city of all. We are happy here, there is hope here, and a reason we were sent here! So, I thought you would like to know the latest, up-to-date news; all is well with us, hope you are doing well too.
Lots of Love to you all, President and Soeur Metcalfe :)
We just got home from church and I have some news to give to you. Elder Dad was released from being 2nd counselor in the Branch here, and was then sustained as the new Branch President. It has been a wonderful experience to be associated with the former Pres. and his wife, and the former 1st counselor and his wife, both of whom came every Sunday from their home wards, quite a distance away. In the mission field the bonds of friendship and love can grow very strong and lasting, and we will miss these good people very much. As for President Metcalfe, he is feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, but truly loves the people here, and wants to do the job well. In his testimony, he said that the young Elders can be sent from city to town, all around the whole Toulouse mission: Nice, Bordeaux, Marseille, Corsica, etc.; but we will be staying in Angouleme, the best city of all. We are happy here, there is hope here, and a reason we were sent here! So, I thought you would like to know the latest, up-to-date news; all is well with us, hope you are doing well too.
Lots of Love to you all, President and Soeur Metcalfe :)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
This Week
We have been very busy these last couple of weeks as we are getting ready for the Aungouleme chapel open house. The 13th of Sept is a national day in France for open house of business, homes and churches. Our activities chairman came up with the idea. Joanne is using her skills in the area of drawing to get all the proper pictures with good drawings and headings. We are having the 4 rooms set aside for different themes: Families are Forever and the video on temples; Plan of Salvation; Genealogy; and The Restoration of the Gospel. The missionaries will take the Plan of Salvation and the Restoration. The 1st counselor and his wife, a great couple, will take the Family room and Patrick Humblot will handle Genealogy. We will have a three to five minute presentation in each room with the chapel being used for questions and soft music. We will have a room for refreshments and hopefully we can get some interest going. We are distributing 900 fliers in the general neighborhood of the church and the missionaries are going to hand out additional fliers as they make contacts the week before the open house.
We have a referral from one of the members who we are teaching. Angelique has come to church twice and was taught the restoration lesson after church. Anyone who can sit through 3 hours of church and still want to be taught more has got to have the spirit. We are still waiting for Gilda, the almost blind lady, to come back from vacation at the end of the week.
The rest of the work is concentrated on our rest homes sisters, inactive members, and the few contacts we make as we go about town. Carole Bruce, our student from Togo went off to Canada to school and we are trying to get a hold of the Quebec Mission to get a hold of her. Carole gave us the names of her parents in Togo and the name and address of her brother in Tour, France. I am waiting for the mission office to get a hold of me so I can send the referrals.
Two things have struck me since we came to France and that is the civility of the insects and the different methods of transportation. The insects here have been trained over the centuries to stay out of the homes of potential victims, humans. We can leave the doors and windows open here and even though there are no screens on anything here, the bugs stay mainly outside. They might venture in, but for the most part they go right back outside. They are not like our insects back home. We even have mosquitoes that have not attacked Joanne, whereas in Wyoming she would have been picked up and carried off the minute she set foot outside. The insects here are not attracted by the lights inside the house at night. They have been well trained to stay in bed after the sun goes down.
As for the methods of transportation, they vary from feet to the fancy cars. After the normal feet, the next method is skate boards. Quite a few young people use skate boards to get around. Angouleme is a little tough since it is up hill until you get to the center of the city. Down hill will be much appreciated. Bikes are very popular. Most bikers wear head gear and, when it is for recreation, most of the men are decked out in the best Tour de France outfits. Mountain bikes are popular here. Then comes the moped: this is a heavy bike (like the old balloon tire bikes) with a little motor that fits over the front wheel. Once you pedal and get some speed, your maximum speed will be about 15 mph, but on any uphill climb you would have to help the motor and pedal. Motorbikes come next with a speed of about 35mph. From here on in the two wheeled types get very noisy because there are no laws against certain decibel levels. Scooters for one and two person come next. Less noisy and better to get around on because they have a rack on the back for caring your goods. Motorcycles are very prevalent and can get up to very fast speeds and are extremely loud with the lack of exhaust pipe system to cut down the noise. The two wheeled types of transportation don't follow the rules of the road. They go in and out of traffic at will and try every which way to pass you. They will go so far as to drive up on cement dividers to shoot past the slower traffic. On the freeways, they have no regard for the speed limit. If you see them coming in your rear view mirror and move over to give them even a little space to zoom by you, after they pass the driver of the motorcycle will lower his right leg a little off the pedal as a way to say, thanks. If you don't see them in time in your mirrors, they will make you jump out of your skin because they make so much noise they will startle you.
The cars come
in all shapes and sizes. There are the two-seaters, like the Smart Cars that are now selling in the U.S. Smart Cars are not the only two-seaters around. Many other companies make them, but you won't see them in your local showrooms because they don't meet U.S. emission standards. You hear a lot of criticism by Europe of the U.S. not accepting the world wide treaty on industrial emission standards, but if the European car makers had to meet just our national standards for cars, we would be the only ones selling car along with the Japanese and Koreans. Don't let anyone tell you that it is only people in the U.S. who love their cars. The popular expensive cars are seen all over Angouleme, even in the apartment buildings we call the projects.
There are many more car makers in Europe than back home and I sometimes wonder how they all make it. Many can't sell in the U.S. because they don't meet our pollution standards. There are no emission control standards like many states have at home. Once a year tests here in France would put half the cars off the roads.
Well with all the cars on the roads here, it is a wonder that they get around with the huge gas tax that puts the cost of a gallon of gas at about $7.50. The schools for learning how to drive are about $1,500 a session and if you fail the drivers test you must start all over again at the same price.
Well keep the faith and soyez sage, be wise.
Love Elder Dad
We have a referral from one of the members who we are teaching. Angelique has come to church twice and was taught the restoration lesson after church. Anyone who can sit through 3 hours of church and still want to be taught more has got to have the spirit. We are still waiting for Gilda, the almost blind lady, to come back from vacation at the end of the week.
The rest of the work is concentrated on our rest homes sisters, inactive members, and the few contacts we make as we go about town. Carole Bruce, our student from Togo went off to Canada to school and we are trying to get a hold of the Quebec Mission to get a hold of her. Carole gave us the names of her parents in Togo and the name and address of her brother in Tour, France. I am waiting for the mission office to get a hold of me so I can send the referrals.
Two things have struck me since we came to France and that is the civility of the insects and the different methods of transportation. The insects here have been trained over the centuries to stay out of the homes of potential victims, humans. We can leave the doors and windows open here and even though there are no screens on anything here, the bugs stay mainly outside. They might venture in, but for the most part they go right back outside. They are not like our insects back home. We even have mosquitoes that have not attacked Joanne, whereas in Wyoming she would have been picked up and carried off the minute she set foot outside. The insects here are not attracted by the lights inside the house at night. They have been well trained to stay in bed after the sun goes down.
As for the methods of transportation, they vary from feet to the fancy cars. After the normal feet, the next method is skate boards. Quite a few young people use skate boards to get around. Angouleme is a little tough since it is up hill until you get to the center of the city. Down hill will be much appreciated. Bikes are very popular. Most bikers wear head gear and, when it is for recreation, most of the men are decked out in the best Tour de France outfits. Mountain bikes are popular here. Then comes the moped: this is a heavy bike (like the old balloon tire bikes) with a little motor that fits over the front wheel. Once you pedal and get some speed, your maximum speed will be about 15 mph, but on any uphill climb you would have to help the motor and pedal. Motorbikes come next with a speed of about 35mph. From here on in the two wheeled types get very noisy because there are no laws against certain decibel levels. Scooters for one and two person come next. Less noisy and better to get around on because they have a rack on the back for caring your goods. Motorcycles are very prevalent and can get up to very fast speeds and are extremely loud with the lack of exhaust pipe system to cut down the noise. The two wheeled types of transportation don't follow the rules of the road. They go in and out of traffic at will and try every which way to pass you. They will go so far as to drive up on cement dividers to shoot past the slower traffic. On the freeways, they have no regard for the speed limit. If you see them coming in your rear view mirror and move over to give them even a little space to zoom by you, after they pass the driver of the motorcycle will lower his right leg a little off the pedal as a way to say, thanks. If you don't see them in time in your mirrors, they will make you jump out of your skin because they make so much noise they will startle you.
The cars come
in all shapes and sizes. There are the two-seaters, like the Smart Cars that are now selling in the U.S. Smart Cars are not the only two-seaters around. Many other companies make them, but you won't see them in your local showrooms because they don't meet U.S. emission standards. You hear a lot of criticism by Europe of the U.S. not accepting the world wide treaty on industrial emission standards, but if the European car makers had to meet just our national standards for cars, we would be the only ones selling car along with the Japanese and Koreans. Don't let anyone tell you that it is only people in the U.S. who love their cars. The popular expensive cars are seen all over Angouleme, even in the apartment buildings we call the projects.There are many more car makers in Europe than back home and I sometimes wonder how they all make it. Many can't sell in the U.S. because they don't meet our pollution standards. There are no emission control standards like many states have at home. Once a year tests here in France would put half the cars off the roads.
Well with all the cars on the roads here, it is a wonder that they get around with the huge gas tax that puts the cost of a gallon of gas at about $7.50. The schools for learning how to drive are about $1,500 a session and if you fail the drivers test you must start all over again at the same price.
Well keep the faith and soyez sage, be wise.
Love Elder Dad
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