On tour...

During the kids' two-week autumn holiday, we had the first of several journeys we'll be making to visit churches and other supporters. We went first to St Etienne, where we stayed with friends and spoke about our work in Benin at their church. Marc also preached there.

We next went down to Orange, to the SIM France HQ, where we had a 2-day conference. We joined the SIM France office staff, missionaries who work in France and missionaries who like us are back in France on Home Assignment. And their kids, which made our own kids very happy! It was great to reflect on God's Word together, hear about other people's ministries, and walk out in the beautiful countryside of Provence. After the conference we had a day of debriefing on our last 4 years in Benin.



We then spent a couple of days in Blois, with friends of ours who are church-planting missionaries there with France Mission. A wonderful time of relaxing and encouraging each other. Again, our kids were very happy to get to know theirs (photo taken at the Château de Chaverny).



We then spent a weekend in Chinon, visiting English friends who retired there who I have known since I was a teenager. We led their church service, Marc preached and we also gave a presentation about our work. There was a shared meal afterwards, giving us the opportunity to talk with people some more.



Simon collecting walnuts in our friends' woods.



We spent our Monday with the friends (Wayne and Margaret, see above) who had welcomed us into their home, and then went on to Marc's parents for a few days before coming home. One of the wonderful things about driving around France at this time of year is seeing the amazing autumn colours. Especially after 6 years without an autumn! (The smudges are on our windscreen!)



This travelling is a tiring business!