Once upon a time there was a French girl on a plane to America. Looking out the window fighting back tears, aching to know when she would be returning home again. She did return. She spent time in France, in French Canada, growing in appreciation for the French language and culture, their cuisine and lifestyle. And she traveled around other areas of Europe… every stop filled with awe for the simplicity of life. The freshly laundered clothing on the line. The sweetness of homemade “confiture de banane” and the crispy crackle of a fresh baguette. The ability to walk or ride her bike to “l’epicerie”.
Upon returning again to America she somehow seemed to forget too easily, swept away by the business of the “American dream”. Until she found a little blue book at a thrift store.
“French Women Don’t Get Fat”.
It struck her because she knew too well. You just don’t see fat people in France. Or much of Europe. Or the rest of the world outside of America, for that matter. So, intrigued, she bought the book and was inspired again by French culture.
The variety of their cuisine. Their love for fresh, unprocessed produce, milk, eggs, and bread. Their ability to find joy in an active lifestyle.
And so the idea for this blog was born. “Oui, Cheri” is about a French heart in an American state. That 16-year-old French girl was me, returning home to my family after 6 most impactful weeks with dear friends in Normandy. I was an American girl heading back to her family, but I felt like a French girl leaving home. Those 6 weeks had changed me in a remarkable way. Giving me a confidence I had not yet known and a greater appreciation for life, family, and God. And France has since held a dear place in my heart.
Fast forward 3 years later and I was called to serve a mission for my church in Quebec- French-speaking Canada. I was overwhelmed and beyond grateful. That love only grew.
So here I am now a student in psychology. I have been married just over a year and we are expecting our first baby in July!
Life is sometimes scary, sometimes difficult to face. But in every step, I have found so much joy.
My hope is to share that joy here. My love and how-to on embracing French culture in the states. Bridging the gap between mental and physical wellness. Pouring sunshine into your life one lemon at a time. 🙂
I want to write of life’s successes, but I also want to be real. Noone loves that sunshine girl who can never accept reality. I’m an optimist, but I want to hear about and talk about the hard things, too. So you’ll know that I’m not perfect. My marriage is not perfect. My life is not perfect and is not going to get easier as we struggle through school with a young child. But here’s our family’s journey about putting it in God’s hands. About stepping through life one foot at a time. And about finding the most joy we can in the journey.
