Since Zabrina is so bold with her French, we went to the French sunday school class and, as it always does, it surprised me how much I am able to understand! I nearly fell asleep but it was still a great lesson. I cannot wait until they're in English again!
After church, I walked Zabrina around the city going from Hotel de Ville all the way to Rue Cler down the Seine. We went for the city's best crepes and ate on the quai, then had a little photoshoot in the Palais Royale, enjoyed some amazing street orchestra music, and sat in on a piano concert in the American Church in Paris. We were feeling like we needed ice cream so on our way to the Carrefour, we passed some fruit stands. Our detour ended up in buying a huge slice of watermelon and some cut fruit and me losing my beloved waterbottle. Oh, that waterbottle. My world travel companion now lost in the city, all alone and empty.
After our picnic on an abandoned bus stop bench, I exclaimed, "Look at us! We went for ice cream and ended up with watermelon." Zabrina replied, a bit disappointingly, "Oh, I thought we were still getting ice cream after this..." I was dying! We finished our waterbottle hunt and with no success, hopped on the metro towards the Ermatinger's home. They are an American family in St Merri ward who commonly host activities for the missionaries and YSA. Their apartment is amazing! It's big and located right off the Champs-Elysses. Not to mention, their life story is one for the books. I was in complete awe.
The theme of this dinner was a huge American BBQ. My oh my, they did not dissapoint! Some Utah Fluff (jello, cool whip thing) made an appearance along with macaroni salad, ribs, burgers, and hot dogs. For dessert- have mercy. Crockpot peach cobbler, cherry pie, and brownies!
That whole night we made new American friends and hung out while the missionaries gave a great devotional (in English!!!) about getting to know the YSA and how they play such an important part in helping to reactivate members and do their own form of missionary work. Emily and Carter showed up basically at the end after a full day of going around Fontainebleue but always a good time when more friends show up!
But let me just give you a little run down on the Ermatinger's story. Basically Bryan proposed to Donna in a letter that he wrote inviting her to their wedding at the Temple. And she even had a "Dear John" letter in her desk drawer ready to send! They ended up getting married on Halloween, the only wedding that day in the Salt Lake Temple, and then continued to have the coolest life ever. He is the financial advisor for the American Embassy (for an embassy around the world) and he gets a new assignment every few years. They've lived in a few different African countries, Istanbul, Pakistan, Thailand, Egypt (Africa, I know), Germany, and now France. Basically- my dream job! Donna also works for the embassy and now their oldest son is going to start doing IT work for the embassy here. I love these people! She even told us how she had to help reshape their ward in Paris because of some French vs American problems whether that be starting on time, feeling ostracized or segregated, and finding activities that are worthwhile for the Young Women and actually getting them to come. These people are amazing!
A wonderful Sunday!
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