Joys, Apprehensions, and Prayer Requests

Reasons we're joyful

We are hoping that God is leading us toward a new expression of monastic Christian community in and near Harrisonburg, Virginia.  We have visited many communities across the United States and have great respect for each group we've encountered.  This community in France is integrating several aspects we can find all over the US separately, but have hardly found all together:

• Christ-centered world view
• Transitioning toward living fossil-fuel-free (with previous experience living as such)
• Economically self-sufficient
• Funded by land- and craft-based cottage industries
• Practicing monastic prayer and liturgical rhythms with singles, couples, and families
• Taking direct action for peace and social justice, in solidarity with the most marginalized

AND, they have a couple decades of experience integrating these pieces in the "mother" community in southern France!

Reasons we're apprehensive

• We don't speak French!  (Yet...)
• I, Rachel Sarah, am a ball of emotional needs and require physical-world communication with other people who are not afraid to cry about anything, and I don't know anyone like this in France.  (Yet...)

Prayer requests

Everyone

- To overcome the language barrier!

- Connection with the folks there despite initial language barrier

- Visa appointment July 12

- That there would be a room for us on a boat August 12th or September 7th
- Health

Nicolas

- Spiritual growth and maturity

- Wisdom as a father

- Fruit of the spirit in child training

- Receptive mind to the apprenticeship
- Praise God for healing Nico's arm injury last year!!

Rachel Sarah

- A friend that speaks English and has a child Moisés' age

- Peace and joy in re-creating family systems

- Insight with homeschooling

Moisés

- Friends his age

- Fun in the transition

Yanni

This guy has no idea what's about to happen to him!  For all he knows he's already in France.

- Transition to a new place

- Transition back to the US after France becomes all he's ever known
- To remember family and friends! (Send us photos of yourself doing fun things!)

Address to write us!

[One or more of our names]
Communauté de l'Arche de Gwenves
Le Guenvez
29720 Plonéour-Lanvern
France