Saturday, October 29, 2005
Am back!
And so here I am... back in Manila after two seemingly unreal weeks in Paris! I took so many pictures that they could probably fill four to five albums!
What can I say? Lots and lots! I will probably make a series of entries all about my trip!
Til then... here is an intro picture!
Paris, Paris...
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Sharing the cup
I searched the internet for possible options. I made sure that it is somehow related to what i was familiar with. A recent visitor helped me get additional information. The choices were trimmed down to three.
And so on that Sunday morning, I had to make a choice. Which church should I go to? I have always wanted to see French Christians. They seem to be a rare breed. I haven't encountered one in my entire life. So my trip to Paris gave me a great opportunity to see what they do. And so I chose what I thought to be the best one. The name includes "Pentecostal." It must be a good choice. Very near the metro. It wouldn't be so complicated to go there.
My adventure begins.
I couldn't find the place (the number was not indicated outside). I just followed the crowd.
The service already started. I chose a seat and sat down. A big column covered my view. I couldn't see the pastor. Moving was not possible. Other people came in and I would create some fuss if I move. And so I hear what I couldn't see. Still good. I am a good listener.
The singing began. I didn't know the songs. My seatmate gingerly shared her booklet. It was then that I discovered... it is not the pentecostal service I had in mind. But it is okay. The important thing is that I was able to attend a service.
I loved though the part where everyone was free to verbalize their praises to God. Filipinos should be more like that. Even during the big services.
The pastor gave a short sermon. I don't remember it. Too early mornings for the last week. Not enough sleep. Thus, I was so so sleepy!
And then verbal praises again. Then singing. And then suddenly, I heard the pastor asking something to the people and saw them stand. I did not quite understand his words so I decided to remain seated.
Good decision.
It was the communion.
Why?
In shock I saw the usher giving a silver cup and a tissue to the first person on the row. I asked myself, "Will they do what I think they will do?"
And they did!
One drinks. Then cleanses the edge with the tissue paper. The next one does the same thing. Until the last one.
I would have wanted to take the communion. But I just couldn't. I hope it is okay.
Christ probably shared His cup with the disciples.
Still...
Paris : pros and cons
Paris is beautiful!
Especially at night!
The roads are well planned. The buildings have the same designs. The city is full of cafes and you can take long leisurely walks everywhere.
But the prices are high. The transportation system can be complicated especially to those who have just arrived.
I like what I see but I miss my rice. I miss the comfortable feeling I have when I go home late at night. I miss my comfort zone.
I love Paris but I think that it is better to visit it if you are with somebody. To appreciate it's beauty with the company of another person, your family, a friend or your husband.
Paris, my dream city. Yet, not really. I will explain. Later on.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Salut Paris! Je suis ici!
Hello
These words I will say tomorrow morning as I arrive in the Charles de Gaulle airport in
I will walk along Champs-Elysées. View the whole of
I will write again. From Paris.
Lion Chaser Manifesto
Chase the lion.
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson (www.evotional.com)