Big city life...

...ain't for me. Don't get me wrong, this place would be awesome without a 2 year old. I would highly recommend Paris to anyone traveling without kids. However, it is not friendly for kids under 18, and that's an understatement.

I haven't been to many big cities, but I assume it's the same for most of them.

Most of the people seem to be in decent shape despite not working out, that I can tell. By in decent shape, I just mean not fat. I haven't seen hardly any ripped or really in shape people, but I have seen a lot of waifs, men as well as women. I attribute their lack of substance to a combination of cigarettes and the cost of food and or the ability to get it home.

Oh, and while I remember it, just so you know, I'm not replying to individuals in my posts, but I will respond to your comment in the same comment string. So check back to that comment string if you want to see if I replied. I usually will.

Ben's sleeping through the night, but not actually going to sleep until 11 or so... a big difference from his usually 8 pm time. We're getting him up with Beth at 7:15 and giving him a nap mid-day, a short one, but despite being up for 8 hours after his nap, he's still not getting to sleep easy.

Of course, neither are we really.

The pics are of the church and some playing at the new playground for 2 to 5 year olds that's right in front of the church. You can see how packed it is at peak hours. Ridiculous. But when we went this morning, it was just a few kids, and I got to talk to a nice lady who lives in Paris. She's Italian, has a 2 and a 1/2 year old, Luca (born March 28th), is married to an Englishman and is a flight attendant for British airways. Ben and Luca played cars, while I received confirmation that there is nothing to do with a 2 year old in Paris.

Makes me wonder why anyone with a kid and a choice would stay here...

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about our situation...other than the lack of things to do for Ben, I'm just stating my observations. No one knows more than me how much we are supposed to be here. What God has wanted me to do throughout my life has often been hazy, and only really discovered after much searching. With Beth, God's plan is on a rail. First choice for internship and residency? Check. First choice for job. Check. Oh, and go to Paris while under contract to do the Fellowship you also had wanted to do? Check.

I think Beth's hard work has helped open all these doors of course, but there's never really been a question like, what should we do now? I've never experienced anything like it, and I have to say...it's nice! =)

So while I think Paris is a rough place for Ben, please know that I love the opportunity being presented and am enjoying every minute...despite my frustration on Ben's behalf!