NEWS
Photos from Summer 2008 are up!
Find them HERE or under the Photos section.
Chez Vous Summer 2009 . . .
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A Compassionate and Faithful Father
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Time ticks at a constant rate, although sometimes it seems like it’s flying by, leaving us struggling to keep up. That’s what it feels like here at Domaine l’Estuaire; Chez Vous 2008 is nearing its end, but it has been a whirlwind of activity from start to finish and it is not letting up yet. The students have been hard at work both here at the center and at the Université de Caen; they have been all over Normandy on various historical and cultural excursions, and they have also contributed to the community through several service projects, such as collecting garbage at the estuaire, doing yard work for some of our French friends, and helping with renovations at a local church. The équipe has also been busy in various capacities to insure a well-run program. At times it is an exhausting experience for students and staff alike, and we’d all like to stop time until we can catch our breath. In spite of tired minds and bodies and any other difficulties that may arise during such an intense program, the Lord has blessed us all immensely. He has brought a bunch of great students here. He has orchestrated many meaningful conversations and has initiated several special relationships. He has been faithful to us in every circumstance; He is compassionate and loving and He is the one who gives us each new morning. He provides us with all that we need and more! Instead of trying to hold back time, we can enjoy each moment for what it is, since it is God who has given it to us and who walks beside us…or carries us…for all time. We will be able to look back at Chez Vous 2008 and give praise to a compassionate and faithful Father.
Chez Vous Summer 2008 - Update . . .
Chez Vous Summer 2008 is underway! This summer’s program commenced May 11 th with the arrival of two brave Track A students. Track B and Track C are in full gear and we anticipate the arrival of Track D and E students at the end of this week.
Although the program is a little smaller in numbers this summer, there is still plenty going on here not only at Domaine l’Estuaire, but also in the town of Merville-Franceville. Some of our students had the unique opportunity to participate in a special D-day ceremony at the Merville Battery, where they witnessed the unveiling of a restored C-47 warplane from the June 6 th allied invasion. Two American pilots from this particular plane were present as well as the American ambassador to Paris, the mayor of Merville-Franceville, and the president of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was an exciting and memorable event for everyone involved. Some of us were particularly excited by the fact that the Bosnian president stayed at the hotel across the street from the center…. We were, of course, very discreet in any spying that took place…
On another exciting note, we are happy to announce the return of Danielle Hétier to the team. After a long 5-month recovery from an accident that took place in January, Danielle returned to work at the center on June 9 th. Although she is still quite limited in her mobility and may have to face another surgery in the future, we are greatly pleased to have her back after the long absence. Thank you to everyone who lifted Danielle up in prayer over the past months. Despite difficult circumstances, the Lord has been faithful and we are incredibly thankful for His continued presence.
We look forward to seeing how the rest of the summer will progress and we will do our best to give updates concerning any exciting events worthy of mention. Your prayers are always greatly appreciated. We recognize that God is working in some very unique ways here and we pray that His work would not be hindered by any physical or spiritual means.
Blessings to all!
Institute staff:
Danielle - Brief update and prayer request . . .
In early January Danielle was walking home after dark on a cold and rainy night. Shortly after leaving the Institute, she called us on her cell phone saying that she had fallen. We rushed out and found her on the ground unable to move. An ambulance took her to the hospital where we learned that she had broken both of the lower bones in her right leg.
She is now in a convalescent home until at least late February, with a “no-work” order from her surgeon until April 18. We are still sorting through all the implications here at the Institute, just taking things a day at a time as details unfold.
We would certainly appreciate your prayers, both for Danielle’s healing as well as for the staff here at the Institute. God's ways can be difficult to understand sometimes, but we know He is sovereign and will work all things for His glory and for our good.
Located on the Normandy coast of France, “Chez Vous Summer!” is a relational Language Study Program for North American Christian College and University Students.
