Well, here I am in Paris. My introduction has been pleasant. I can see why people say so much about it.

We rose this morning to get ready for the trip to Paris. I have not been sleeping well but was have been able to rest. Jerry and I took the train in and went to my hotel. The room I will share with another man is somewhat small. We will make do.

Jerry and I walked around Paris. We went to the church of Mary Madeleine and saw the ornate architecture and religious symbols inside. We walked to the center of the city. We looked in one direction to see the Arc of Triumph and turned the other to see the Louvre. It is all impressive. The cafes line some of the streets we walked. People sat eating, talking and watching as we walked by. This is the beginning of the tourist season so the streets are filled with people in tours and carrying direction books. This is the time most Americans visit.

Our conference officially began this evening. Eight or nine people are part of the group that is gathered. They have had larger groups but apparently the conference is better when the group is small.

Detlaf Gwinner and his wife, Gabi, are the France field leaders. They were present to greet us and tell a little of what we would be doing. Suzy Grumelot, one of the team members, is the hands on director of details. David Riddell, now the European director for World Team and a BFC missionary was present with his wife Becky (who was born and raised in Wallingford). Becky is also helping with the details of the conference.

We enjoyed a wonderful French dinner which took over three hours to consume. They brought a course at a time and gave lots of time for talking and sharing. It was a dining experience. I suspect we will have many more.  By the way, it is important that you know I had French Fries and French Onion Soup in Paris, France.

My thoughts on Saturday night are with you back home. I will be thinking of you at about 3pm because you will be starting the service there.

We returned to our rooms at about 10pm. I met my roommate, Bob Larned from Binghamton, who is very delightful. I think I will enjoy his company.