Bubbles

I've felt recently like I've been operating in a bubble. Or, in a vacuum, if you prefer. I think this happens a lot to mothers of toddlers. I feel like personally, spiritually, and musically, I've been trying to grow and go forward, but without very much in the way of outside input.

On a spiritual level, Thomas and I often feel somewhat isolated. Our church could use a good revival, along with an infusion of new people. We don't really know many people who are geographically close with whom we could also develop spiritual closeness. For me, this is linked to the fact that I'm still in the process of developing the close friendships I'd like to have here. Friendship-building takes time anywhere, but maybe more time in France than in America.

Musically speaking, I'm putting out a lot, in terms of teaching, but I'm not getting much input. I'm not currently taking lessons myself, nor do I have anyone, group or individual, to make music with. I can be motivated to practice all on my own, but I'm afraid that lately I've been kind of stagnating. I need someone else's perspective, and the added possibilities that another instrument and set of hands would add to my music.

I shared these frustrations with Thomas this week, and prayed about them.

Last night, we had a family over for dinner who are members of the Assemblies of God church in Niort. We may have some doctrinal differences, but they're the first people I've talked to in a long time who actually talk about God as if He were real and doing things in their lives. What's more, they're interested, since their church is kind of far away, in having a sort of prayer/Bible study/sharing group a bit closer to home. Like, in our living room, for example.

Tonight was the Fête de la Musique. Every June 21, on the shortest night of the year, France suspends its anti-noise laws and anyone who wants to can play music out in the street as late as they want. We know a couple who is really into Medieval music, and they, with another girl were playing music in a small park here. We went to hear them and the first thing they said was, "Where's your violin?" Thomas went home and got it and came back, and we played. The girl who was with them plays a small harp and is very good. I played some traditional sorts of Irish and American pieces that I could remember, she made up an accompaniment, and Alain and his wife joined in on the drum and tambourine. It was really fun, and the girl and I exchanged numbers to maybe get together and play more later.

Thanks, God.