Gratitude

An important part of "mindfulness" is learning to live gratefully in every moment. (The Apostle Paul wrote, you may recall, "Give thanks in all circumstances....") Some moments are easier than others; this is one of the easier ones:
As we prepare to wrap things up and head home, I want to express tremendous gratitude for what has been an experience of a lifetime. The list is not necessarily in order of importance... just the way it rolled out!
The Lilly Endowment: Thank you for believing in the proposal the church sent in, and for the grant that made my program and the church's possible. (Both I and the church now write an extensive report to the Endowment on our programs.)
The Church of the Palms: Thank you for writing sabbatical time into my terms of call, and for all the cooperation and interest you have shown. A special thank you goes to the planning team for working on the proposal last year and seeing the process through. Thank you to the staff and volunteers for weathering the changes and disruptions, for picking up the jobs that I had done before, and for taking good care of my mother when she was hospitalized... and after.
Cindy Fain: Thanks for faithfully coordinating our mail and other personal matters that came up.
Clint Reynolds: Thanks for serving so capably and enthusiastically as Acting Minister.
Summer Preachers / Seminar Leaders: Thanks for bringing your unique gifts and sharing them so freely.
Everyone who has held us in your prayers along the journey... thank you, you made a big difference.
This will be the final post... at least from Europe. A bientot! (See you soon.)

Happy Birthday, Kel!

Our daughter, Kelly, celebrates her birthday today... happy birthday, Kel... you are such a blessing to so many people! We spoke with Kel a few moments ago and we give such thanks for the person she has beccome, and the life that she (and we) share with Steve, Kayla and Aidan.
We spent yesterday on an open-top bus tour of Paris; it is a relaxing, informative way to see a wonderful city. Among the sites we saw, of course, was the Arche de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon I (pictured left).
Questions From Home, part 2:
Have there been surprises on this sabbatical?
Yes: Early on, in Farnborough (UK), we encountered the mausoleum of Napoleon III and the Empress Eugenie of France. We had never thought much about them. Well, so much of modern Paris is a result of the far-sightedness of NIII-- it is amazing. It gives me pause as I consider the importance of our ministry at The Palms; more to come on that. France wants their remains back-- no wonder!
How does this sabbatical compare with the one in '04?
Great question. In many ways, there is no comparison. In '04 it was all self-funded, and there was of a service focus (teaching in China and India). This sabbatical has been focused on learning and spiritual integration. I feel as though the Pilgrims are friends and personal acquaintances. I also feel a kinship with the artisans of medieval France.
Will the sabbatical impact your preaching and ministry?
You have no idea!!! Oh, yes. Poor people.

Picnic and Au Revoir

Mary's week here has flown by, and we are amazed at her ability to step into the entirely different rhythm of life here. She was an excellent guest and we all had a great time.
Yesterday we enjoyed one of our favorite things... a picnic on the steps of Eglise Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart Church) high atop Montmartre (Mount of the Martyrs) with a panoramic view of Paris stretching before us. Attached are the in-front-of and from-the-back views of mesdames enjoying bread, cheese, meat and some excellent wine.
Part of the joie de vivre of the steps is the excellent music and arts entertainment always ongoing. The whole experience is impossible to describe... ya gotta be there. Among yesterday's performers were two drama students to whom we made a gift in honor and memory of Katie.
A cafe visit and stroll around Ile de la Cite finished the day, and this morning we took a reluctant Mary to Charles de Gaulle airport for her flight home to Rhode Island.

Questions from home:
1) Are you ready to come back?
Three months is a really long time to be away, so yes, I am. It has been good to be "unhooked" from normal responsibilities and routines and free to pursue interests and new experiences. Now it is time to be home again.
2) Have you been able to find joy?
That is a tougher question. There have been many wonderful moments and experiences that I and we will be "unpacking" for a long time. We are so very grateful for all the pieces and people that have made this sabbatical possible, and I have some satisfaction at things being as I hoped they would be. At the same time, as we move through the grief process, using the word "joy" does not seem to fit. No, we are not "all better" by any means, and the sadness of losing Katie remains profound. We appreciate those who continue to pray with and for us.
Onward.

Cathedrals and Gift Shops

Mary's visit continues; here the cousins are in Luxembourg Gardens where we enjoyed a leisurely picnic, shared with an assortment of birds and bees.
This was a cathedral weekend... magnificent worship at Notre Dame on Saturday evening, and then a an hour's train trip to the medieval village of Chartres on Sunday.
The cathedral there (pictured) dominates the town and the surrounding area-- it can be seen from 25 miles away! Older than Notre Dame Paris, it was dedicated in 1160. (There has been a cathedral on the site since the 400s.) In both places the mighty organs were thundering... what a thrill. Built into the ancient Chartres floor stones is a huge labyrinth, a symbolic pathway to deeper spirituality. (I thought briefly of clearing away the chairs and people so I could use it.
Excuse me for this next item... I can't resist. I have long noted how gift shops are always positioned where you cannot avoid them... at the completion of a museum tour or exit from a theme park ride. We have made our way through hundreds this summer, but this one takes the cake... in a public toilet no less! Thankfully, the items for sale were not themed to the surroundings.
Since I mkentioned the public toilets: Unlike in the US, they are clean and safe here. There are two reasons: 1) You pay 1/2 euro to use them, and 2) there is an attendant on duty at all times. The attendants are on the public payroll, and are pleased to have a job with great security, 4-to-6 weeks' vacation, and a living wage.
Much of Paris is on the public payroll. The tax rate is high... it can be as much as 75%. With that comes free health care for everyone (so much in debate in the US now) and an admirable array of public services; for example, every street in Paris is cleaned every night.
Onward.

A Visit from RI

Liz' cousin, Mary, arrived Thursday from RI for a week. She is doing amazingly well with the jet lag, and is thrilled to fulfill a longtime dream by being here... especially seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. (I realized I had not included a picture of that... herewith corrected!)
Lunch near the Eiffel Tower provided an opportunity to discuss American sports with our waiter, who happened to be a Patriots fan. He was, however, unable to comment lucidly on the Yankees / Red Sox rivalry. ("Here we do not do ze bessbole.")
Yesterday we took a boat tour on the Seine, then walked back riverside to the Tuileries Garden, where we enjoyed a ride on the giant ferris wheel... erected only for the summer. From there the walk continued to the Louvre, where we enjoyed the sunset. (Pictured is the entrance pyramid with some of the Louvre to the left and also the beautiful arche de jardin.)
With ten days left in Paris, my thoughts and even dreams are turning to home and resuming life and ministry there. This has been a remarkable oddyssey, and in the next posts I will reflect on some of what I am taking away from the experience.
Onward!

A Concert at Sainte-Chappelle

Last night was a visual, historical, and soul-soothing treat. We walked two blocks to the Sainte-Chappelle complex. It was built in the mid-13th Century by the very devout King Louis IX at the center of the then royal palace. The "chapel" was meant for his private use, and to house the crown of thorns... yes, purportedly the one the Romans used on Jesus before the crucifixion. (You will see in the picture-below- the 'throne' in the center, high up, intended for the crown.)
Now, before you roll your eyes... the crown actually has a pretty good provenance. (It is currently housed at Notre Dame, taken there for safety during the anti-religion French Revolution.) You can do some Googling if you want to learn more... the thorns are long gone, but the twisted-reed "crown" remains and is brought out on the first Friday of every month.
As you can see, the chapel is an exquisite example of high gothic architecture. What is remarkable is the amount of beautiful stained glass that surrounds the nave... without the walls caving in. It surpassed Notre Dame for its light, airy, uplifting feeling. Much of the original paint and decoration is intact. (The windows were removed and hidden away as the Germans approached during WWII.)
The concert was one of Vivaldi, featuring The Four Seasons, with Pachelbel's Canon in D tossed in. The musicians were superb (6 strings and a harpsichord), and the acoustics and setting were stunning. It seems impossible to me to experience that and then doubt that music is a pure language of the soul.
Today had a slow start... with coffee and tea on the terrace, as usual. We then took a walk up into the St. Suplice neighbiorhood for a visit to Liz' favorite porcelain store (several of you have received gifts from there over the years). On the walk back we stopped to eat at a Mexican restaurant, where Liz and I enjoyed the essence of sidewalk dining (pictured)! We walk more when we are here, and it feels good.
We stopped at Monoprix for some wine and the makings of fresh guacomole... then "home" for some reading and another Paris evening.
Onward.

The American Church, Paris

Another clear, sunny day dawned, and after I made breakfast (using the French coffee press that Steve explained to me), it was off to the American Church in Paris. Liz and I had visited there in the past, but had never worshiped there.
The church is non-denominational, founded in 1857. The minister, Scott Herr, came here last year from Fort Collins, CO-- where Doris and Allan Gott now live. The impressive stone building was built in the 1920's and patterned after Riverside Church in NYC (UCC & American Baptist). As you can see, the sanctuary is also impressive, and has beautiful stained glass all around it. A 10-year-old pipe organ was played with panache. I especially enjoyed the incredible tenor soloist today, who sang from Handel's Messiah.
The church is located along the left bank of the Seine River, halfway between our apartment and the Eiffel Tower... such a spot!
Once again I have been brought to an example of Christian unity (e.g., they baptize or dedicate babies) to which I will pay careful attention. While clearly Christian, the church consists of people from all over the world and every major religion. Fascinating.
The service was much more traditional than I expected... entirely led by black-robed clergy. One interesting touch: Instead of sending the children out of the snactuary for their class time, they remained there, in the front, working on a project that was introduced during the children's message. I like that idea. Hmmmm.....
The ACP (American Church Paris) also has a contemporary service at 1:30 p.m.-- I may try that next Sunday to see what they do.
We miss Kelly, Steve, Kayla and Aidan. As I descended the steps to the Metro, there was no little hand in mine seeking a ride down. We assume they are home safe and sound in California, if a bit jet-lagged.
Later this evening: a concert in Saint-Chappelle, started in 1239 by King Louis IX. More tomorrow.

An Arduous Assumption

I happened to note the link to this blog on the Southwest Conference UCC website... the description says this blog concerns my arduous sabbatical journey in Europe-- casting aspersions on my rigorous schedule. Originally blaming the Conference Minister, I now find I must vent on the Director of Communications. All in good time, all in good time.
Happy Assumption Day! Today Paris is celebrating the assumption of Mary, mother of Jesus, into heaven. The epicenter is Notre Dame Cathedral, of course. Kel, Steve and the kids were treated (on their last night here) to a stunning procession of lights and angelic music along the Seine River past the church last evening. As I write now the organ is thundering and what must be a choir of hundreds is singing beautiful hymns that echo all over "our" neighborhood. Yesterday we gazed in through an open door to the altar, where the bishop was presiding... again backed by etheral music. You don't need to be Catholic to be swept up in the spiritual depth of what is clearly a very big deal here.
Our family deserted us this morning to go home and start school. (Kayla begins 1st grade Monday, and Aidan begins preschool the following Monday.) We escorted them to Charles deGaulle Airport this morning, and saw them off with reluctance. We spent a wonderful two weeks together, with a lot more going on than sightseeing: Our relationships with Aidan and Kayla deepened significantly; we all had the sense that Katie was very much with us; I feel about this time much as I did about the monastery visits. I will need to reflect more.
Pictured at left is our visit to the giant ferris wheel and carnival set up each summer in the Tuileries Garden adjacent to the Louvre Museum (which you can see in the background). From the wheel you can see for miles in all directions (similarly to the Millenium Wheel in London). We also enjoyed other rides and some romping in the Tuileries playground. And yes-- we also did Paris Disneyland.
Aidan and Kayla soaked in the magic of Paris readily, as did Kel and Steve. The food, the sights, the people, the pace, the indescribable je ne sais quois blend with remarkable effect. They, and we, enjoyed (way more than their dad did) a hot-air balloon ride (right) and view of Paris.
The kids also had an elevator adventure yesterday morning. Liz and I were roused from our hotel room early by Steve yelling in the street outside... "Kelly and the kids are stuck in the elevator!" We hustled down the street, and sure enough, the elevator decided to stop about a yard up from where it was supposed to (as it likes to do from time-to-time)-- and since Kelly had not brought the key with her needed to send it back up, she was stuck. She was calm, and so were the kids. Liz ran out for the police, fire, sanitation, maintenance and tourism departments. Cool-in-a-crisis Steve got a butter knife and began removing the screws holding the safety glass in the elevator door... and it worked! After about 45 minutes the window came out and we were able to get a key into the elevator. They all used the stairs (7 flights) for the rest of their stay.
So we are back in the apartment (trsuting the elevator), feeling more and more at home with the rhythm of life here.
Onward.

Mindful in Paris

It has been a whirlwind week... showing Paris to Kel, Steve and kids -- and the art of using the efficient Metro (subway).
Kel and Steve left very early Friday morning, against Aidan's advice, for a weekend away on their own... and Kayla and Aidan stayed with us. They were on their super-best behavior, and we had a great time together. Sharing life with 6-and-3-year-olds for several days is an object lesson in being rooted in the moment! ("Mindfulness" is much more than that... but it is a good start.) Aidan's days were puncutated with "that's AWESOME!" and "WICKED awesome!" and "I'm going to do this EVERY day!" Yesterday, after touching a stuffed goat outside a restaurant, he sang an impromptu song all the way to the apartment; the words are simple... "I love goats, I love goats, I really love goats, I love goats..."
Our forays have included several public parks with playgrounds; an excursion inside Notre Dame church, where they were awed by its sheer size and dazzling stained glass; an odyssey to find an appropriate toy store... finally successful as we returned with bubble-making stuff (a hoot off the balcony) and pick-up sticks and a Mr. Potato Head for the bath; 2 trips to Jardin d'Acclimation with its lovely grounds, animals, and rides that we all could enjoy; and (of course) countless Metro rides and grocery shopping at Monoprix. In my sleep I am hearing, "Poppy, can I ride on your shoulders now? My legs won't work." Kayla observed that maybe it would be a good idea to live here... until she realized that her friends and extended family are elsewhere.
Kel and Steve returned today, and Liz and I are 'holeing up' at a nearby hotel. We are grateful for these past days and also keenly aware of our loss of Katie.
A note about 'Paris pace': Paris is a large city population-wise, but is really a collection of 20 smaller towns. There is a laid-back air to life here; Kelly is struck at this difference from New York and L.A. There is a peculiarly small-town feel in the midst of 2 million people!
One sidelight: There have been four attempts (that I know of) to pick-pocket me-- two of them almost successful. My response has been immediate and angry each time; the aftermath has been an opportunity to reflect on mindfulness in its greater meaning-- awareness of the many levels in the simplest encounter.
Onward.

Skype / Family Arrives

The posts may get a bit more infrequent... life has suddenly kicked into a higher gear!
Sunday's "Skype-in" to King Hall went well. (OK, we had to re-make the call few times before we got it perfectly.) It was to see and hear folks from back home and share just a little of what we are experiencing here. (My mom thinks the whole thing was utter wizardry, and cannot imagine where I got my brains. "Not from me," she says.)
Monday morning, the California contingent arrived and we met them at Charles deGaulle airport. We have turned the small apartment over to them and moved a few doors away into our favorite hotel on our favorite street (Rue de la Huchette). You can see it pictured at the left, just outside the hotel-- with Poppy playing the part of a camel. This is a very old street lined with cafes and shops and teeming with life... pretty much around the clock! It was left untouched in the 19th Century when the architect/planner Haussman re-did Paris with wide boulevards and mansard roofs.
What a day we had yesterday... a hike of 15 miles took us all over the left and right banks. We visited St. Sulpice Church (made famous by The DaVinci Code), then spent considerable time in the Luxemborg Garden... acres and acres of laid-back beauty with all sorts of great things to do for kids of all ages. (Pictured at the right, Paris's two newest French kids pose on a very old Catalpa tree in the garden.)
From there it was a long, beautiful walk across to the right bank, past the Louvre (more than a mile long itself!), the Tuilleries, on to Place de la Concorde (where the guillotine once stood), all the way up the Champs Elysee (where the barriers from the end of the Tour de France are still in place), and up the Arc de Triomphe. (We made the return trip by Metro.)
Having the grandchildren here adds intensity to all of the experiences, and really kicks "mindfulness" up a notch.
Onward.

Playful Paris

The rehearsal for Sunday's "skype-in" to King Hall went well. The church now has a new laptop computer which will help us a lot. I look forward to seeing and hearing many of you after the worship service tomorrow!
In anticipation of arrival of Kel, Steve, Aidan and Kayla we have been scouting the city for kid-friendly places. As it turns out, this is not a problem. Paris has enormous green spaces filled with pony, hot-air balloon, and mechanical rides at reasonable prices! Pictured (left) is the Luxembourg Palace and gardens... home of kings in the past and the French Senate these days, along with pony rides, tennis courts, and a HUGE playground. Just beautiful.
Also, along the Seine River from mid-July to mid-August there is the Paris Plage (Paris Beach)... tons of sand, palm trees and chairs placed all along the river in central Paris to create a beach atmosphere!
Today we walked a lot ... including past the old towers where Marie Antionette was held prisoner prior to her execution (pictured right) along the Seine River. We jumped on the Metro for a ride out to the Jardin d'Acclimation and its live anmials, exotic birds, lush greenery, and wonderful rides all aimed for kids 3-10 years old; Aidan and Kayla will be ecstatic! (So will Poppy.)
Our biggest surprise has been the weather: We were expecting really hot and wet; au contraire, it has been lovely (mid-70s-80) and dry. So much for the tourist guides.
Parisian culture makes great room for children and animals in its everyday culture (both are welcome almost everywhere). The generations are not nearly as fragmented as they are in the U.S. There is much to ponder.
Onward!