Mission Accomplished

Here we are with our new friend Bob

Bill hard at work finishing the painting of our shutters

An elegant house we passed hiking.  One can always dream.

Although this two week trip flew by quickly,  it was enough  time to realize what about the village makes me really happy. To sum it up in one simple word, it is connection. Because  my last trip was just two months ago, my return truly felt like coming home.  I feel like an important part of the community there; respected due to my ability to speak fluent French, understood as  an expat home owner who  travels a great distance  to be in a place she loves,  and someone who makes the effort  to connect with people and really listen to them.   

I bought my first home in Monflanquin in 2001.  Upon my arrival, I consciously chose to speak to everyone who crossed my path, which was not easy for someone who back then did not consider herself an extrovert. When my  students  started coming  to the village for French Language Immersion Camp, a deeper  level of connection opened up.  Their daily assignment was to interview someone, anyone, in the village about a specific assigned topic.  Through my students interviews in the community, I met even more people, and they connected to  even more people through me. The local business owners  appreciated my students' contribution to village life.  Our  good  will brought real joy  and novelty to the village folk, many of whom do not travel or  encounter Americans.  Impressed with the students efforts to learn and speak French, they praised their language skills lavishly and took the opportunity to teach them about the history of Monflanquin. 

So I definitely am in a strong relationship with the village through our shared history. My friends know Bill, Michael,  Erin, Daniel and even Maggy. They know my nieces who visited and my cousin Leora.  They know about my little great nieces and nephews. They saw me knitting their baby blankets. They comforted me through sickness one difficult summer.   A multitude of five hour Sunday lunches allowed me to learn about their  personal struggles. They trust me enough to confide in me, and occasionally, I will be the only person that can be trusted with very intimate revelations as my discretion as a non permanent resident  makes them feel safe. In this way, my sweet French life gives me an amazing unique gift for which I am profoundly grateful.  

Speaking of friends, we made a new friend during this past trip. His name is Bob and lives on the street that intersects  ours.  Bob passed Bill working in front of the house.  Operation Paint Shutters  is located there as no garage or back yard exists. Well, Bob, who is American  and Bill got to talking.   It turns out that the number of coincidences Bob shares with me and Bill  is stunning. He even knows one of my friends from high school!  We went out to dinner with Bob, gave each other tours of our village homes, and thoroughly enjoyed hanging out.   Yes, my sweet  French life offers me a new gift, and I graciously accept it.