Paris is the dream, so they say. It’s a magical place of endless croissants, crêpes, and baguettes. It’s a place where getting lost means finding my new favorite pâtisserie. It’s a place filled with history, architecture, and museums. It’s a place where I can now call home.
It’s also a place that, within the first week of moving here, made me feel empty. It’s easy to fall in love with this place. I mean, the people, food, and culture are nothing short of extraordinary. But why am I here? Better yet, who am I here for? Every time I asked myself these questions, my answers left me dissatisfied.
I want something more than the smell of coffee and bread to wake me up in the morning.
I want purpose.
I want to know that when I leave this place, I’m not just leaving with crêpes in my belly and artsy photos on my instagram. I want to leave with more than what money can buy.
Eight days after moving here I found my answer. An answer that left me awed and amazed at the love and care God has for me. An answer that gives me the privilege of teaching ESL (English as a second language) to men, women, and children from all over the world.
Community. Learning. Growth. Purpose. Jesus.
My internship with this organization gives me everything I need and want and have been lacking. It mixes my life and my story with people with different stories and backgrounds. It gives us the opportunity to journey through our new lives in Paris together.
This is better than baguettes and coffee in the morning. This is relationships and learning and growing with the children of God. This is purpose.