It has been several days since my last post, since I had two very special experiences, and I needed to take my time curating and adjusting photos. I am happy to share them with you!

On Sunday, June 7, I met Christine and David at All Saints Anglican Church here in Marseille. Christine and I had a lovely conversation that I was reluctant to bring to a close. Even though I learned that they live some distance north of Marseille, I asked her if we could meet somewhere for coffee or lunch. While discussing several scenarios, she invited me to stay overnight with them this past Saturday, June 13. I could not say no! After checking with my family to make sure they didn’t need me, I purchased my tickets and got on the train mid-afternoon on Saturday.

I was justifiably nervous about boarding the right train, having experienced a bit of confusion about that on a previous trip to France. But there are many people in the station, and one need only approach someone with a friendly face to ask for help. A couple of men near the departure screen explained what to do: watch the screen for the correct platform, because it can change at the last minute. Good to know! Sure enough, it changed a few minutes before I needed to board. Success!

The trip actually ended up being a short train ride and a long bus ride to my destination of Manosque. No worries, the beautiful countryside can be enjoyed either way.

David met me at the station, and we were off to Cereste, almost an hour’s drive but so picturesque along the way. They live in the Luberon, a massif, or chain of small mountains that runs east and west and precedes the Alps farther north. As we drove over the top, I saw the beautiful valley below as well as lavender fields and a field of poppies. As we drew near to Cereste, David explained that the aisle of trees we drove through were descendants of the trees Napoleon planted so that his troops could march in the shade.

Cereste is a small town like many in the region, but it boasts all the facilities one needs including a good boulangerie (good bakeries are required!), medical offices, a large grocery, etc. My new friends spent a lot of time finding a good place to retire, and I think they made an excellent choice.

In my travels my most cherished memories are made by people who extend joyful, generous hospitality. Such was the case with Christine and David, who provided an amazing meal of lamb kebobs with side dishes, a cheese course, and an apricot fool to finish the meal. Plus a bottle of rosé enjoyed by many in Provence in the summer months.

What a beautiful home they have made through hard work and careful planning. I relished the sounds of birds outside the window in the morning. And having David bring me a cup of tea after waking was an extra treat from my British hosts.

On Sunday morning we drove an hour to Oppède, another small town where the Anglican church they attend is located. The congregation rents an old Roman Catholic church for their worship services, which take place only once a month. They have to share clergy among the four small Anglican churches in the region. But the Catholics are no better off, with the local priest serving twelve parishes there.

I sat in worship with Erona, a lovely young French woman who rode with us from Cereste. She had been invited to share her testimony of becoming a Christian. She was not raised in a family of faith. She went to Oxford to earn her law degree, and it was there that she came to know Jesus Christ. Erona decided to follow a call to ministry after completing her studies, and she served the Alpha organization in Paris with a focus on youth for three years. She and her husband have moved back to the Luberon to be close to family. Now she is awaiting her next assignment from God. I agreed with her that this is the best way to proceed, from my own experience in ministry. I enjoyed every minute I visited with her!

After worship we went to a bistro for a while to give our lunch hosts a chance to prepare for us. I was graciously included in the group of British expats who live in the region, gathering for a potluck meal. We arrived at a large maison provinciale, a house that our host had inherited. I felt as though I were in a movie! The food, the conversation, the wine, the perfect afternoon sun and breeze…c’était un rêve. It was a dream I will long remember. It was fun to chat with people who were not native to the area but now call it home.

We said our goodbyes and started the trip back to Cereste so Erona could head home and Christine could drive me to the station. On the way back I savored the views along the way, one that David had told me featured the “pre-Alps” in the distance. You can see them in the photo banner on the top (title) of this page.

This experience confirms my philosophy of being open and curious when traveling. Let go of expectations, accept invitations from trusted new friends, and see what happens next! I am excited to share my day trip to Nice with you on the next post. À bientôt!