Parked in the middle of a flea market in a French Medieval city/"For Christian husband and wives:that the Lord will assist them in their struggles..."

Pat and I in front of the altar of the Green Cathedral in Saint Pierre after Hallel's vows on the feast of The Assumption of Mary.  His French cousin, Lucy, had joined us from Northern France... a days' ride on the train.

A week ago we left our Medieval home on foot to wind our way through the narrow streets to discover that our car was parked in the midst of a fleas market!  It looked as though it would be impossible to get out and on our way to mass with the Community, but my husband was not daunted!  He scouted ahead in the crowds of people with the vendors on both sides winding down the street, and returned telling John that he would have to move a gate at the end of the street for us to pass.  Motioning that we needed to have things moved for us to pass and those shopping stepping aside with a mixture of reactions... we slowly got down to the gate, which John moved for us to escape with some embarrassment.  "Those Americans!'  As we drove away Bobbi stated that we continually are being confused by this  "maze of a town."  Stories of this once in a lifetime experience certainly will be carried forth in our family history!

Pat has a huge appreciation for history, and we were surrounded by old history right out our door in Fanjeaux! 

This prayer from the intentions for today really ring true considering the week of ups and downs in the midst of moutaintop experiences we were having with most of our family in France!
"For Christian husbands and wives: that the Lord will assist them in their struggles and make them witnesses of Christ's love."

Living here with my parents for the last 4 days has brought this very clearly to me in their adjustment and struggles with dad's new tubes and condition.  I am leaving here today and mom is struggling to help him as he needs, but sighs and goes ahead with it with some trepidation.

A quick breakfast of granola bars brought in our suitcases from America on the morning of Hallel's final vows!

Appropriate to do french/Bernadette braids for the occasion!  My favorite thing to do after having 4 girls in a row... Susan/Hallel is my #4 girl!  The granddaughters know how much grandma loves to do girls' hair and allow me this joy!

The ancient church just a block from our home... built in 1271!  Pat thought that the home we stayed in could have been built before Columbus discovered America in 1472!  At times it certainly felt that way, but my husband loved it all and was up to any and every challenge!

Ephesians 5 today!
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it, 
even as Christ does the church,
because we are members of his body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
This is a great mystery,
but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.

Our house for the week!

I am returning home today to "the apples have your name on them."  Yes, we are now canning for 7 families adding John and Bobbi!  It is something that Ruth and I do with the help of Pat, Paul and her 6 kids, too!  Nancy has been known to join us, but with kids in school now that has probably come to a halt.  Bobbi got a canner from our kids as I did from Pat's siblings for our wedding!  That canner has been practically been worn out as it now has only one handle...

My prayerful parents are still together in their own home and are definitely encountering the struggles that come with old age!  This peaceful island is a joy for me to share in, but my husband and our farmlife is calling me back.  

Their example of facing together what comes their way is a lesson to us.  They will celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary on Thursday - August 30th!  Their prayers are so important to me and our family on our journey of Faith/Family/Farm!  

We celebrated 40 years a few weeks ago... A trip to France and both of our youngest having their Big Days/Wedding/Vowing to "I promise unto death" to their spouses... John to Bobbi with the Lord first and foremost in their sacrament of Matrimony, and Hallel to her Spouse, Jesus Christ, "I promise unto death!"

Jesus, I am so unworthy and struggle to be a wife as you ask me to be!  I need you give me the strength and graces!  Jesus, we trust in you.  Bless-bless, Barb

The mountain of the Lord!  7 little ones at home with grandmas and 2 to join us in March!  7 children in heaven praying joined by 5 grandchildren!  keeping our eyes on heaven forever with them, Jesus, Mary and the Saints and Angels!