By Mary
Last October my friend Havilah called to announce not only that I was to be the godmother of her child, but also that I was to come to Paris to where she and her family live to visit and attend the baptism. In response to her invitation/command (you have to know Havilah to know exactly how direct she is, and how she makes things happen-big time!), I said I would think about it which proceeded in such a manner that I thought about it, got excited about the concept, then completely forgot about all travel plans before revisiting the option and putting it into my prayer intentions and just letting the trip form as it should. Nor only did the trip manifest, but it turned out to be a trip of exceptional blessings that was filled to the brim with good humor, wonderful company, amazing food, and more importantly than amazing food, amazing cheap wonderful wine.There was also beautiful sights especially when seeing the heart of Paris with my friends, and than the sea when my French friend Morgane took me on a ride alongside the English Channel as a special surprise on a rainy spring morning.
During the few days in Paris I saw many sights.
Some reminded me of home like the bucket filled with sauerkraut at the farmers market…
The piles of fresh vegetables…
And the pasture full of horses that Morgane took me to visit.
Other sights were totally distinct and bore no resemblance to home.
After seeing some of Paris and the surrounding countryside, it was time for the baptism of my Godson, baby Gabriel.
And his big brother Anton.
The baptism was a long formal affair followed by another long formal affair- a 7 course meal with an abundance of amazing food.
Despite all the wonders of the day by the end of the night I was starting to think about home and by Tuesday I was happy to depart back to Wisconsin via a long flight back that took us to Helsinki Finland overnight, then to Rome, then Chicago and finally Madison. All in all, it was a wonderful adventure. Upon getting back I had many people ask me about my trip which made me reflect about what stood out to me the most during my eight days away. What I realized was that the very best part of the trip had nothing to do with the majestic atmosphere that France is so elegantly shrouded in. Far more wonderful than any sights I saw or wonderful food I consumed was the time I got to spend with those that I shared the trip with.
The laughter and the memories shared were epic and for that simple fact I am grateful.
I am so glad you went and enjoyed your trip so much. You are the best!