S'miles and Scooters

For me, one of the most tiring elements of living in a foreign country is the constant underlying feeling that you are somewhere where you don’t really belong. Even without map in hand and camera hanging across your chest, you can’t help but feel different. The realization that you are no more than a long term tourist lingers in your head like a low-grade headache; not enough to keep you home for the day, but just enough to make you feel not 100% yourself. I can’t help but feel that people can tell by looking at me that I’m a long way from home, and that I’m not thinking in French like they are.

But on the more positive side, it doesn’t take much to make you feel just that little more at home and a little more relaxed. We have begun to get a few “bonjours” on our daily 3 minute walks to drop off and pick up the girls at school. The lady who owns the bakery less than a minute away now knows which type of bread we like and reaches for it as I walk in the door, and then smiles at the girls if they are with me, or asks about my “petites” if they are not. Being married to the most outgoing man in the world has helped. Thanks to Barry, the owners of a restaurant and cafe at the end of our street now shake our hands and smile warmly whenever we walk by, or stop for a coffee. The lady at the Casino (our nearest grocery store) cash asked if I wanted to join as a frequent shopper. I filled out a form with our Avignon street address and was handed my very own Casino “carte fidelite” allowing me to collect, not miles, but “s’miles”. So, just like hundreds of other real French people, Casino “s’miles” tags hang off of our keychains. And, the professors and other students at university are friendly and supportive in both Barry’s and my classes.

The transition for the girls is ongoing, but they too have had little experiences that have helped them feel more comfortable. Grace’s class was given a 3 stanza poem to memorize. Although Grace’s teacher said not to worry if it was too difficult for her, she memorized it all and got up in front of the class to take her turn reciting it. After she completed it successfully, the whole class spontaneously broke out in applause: she smiled for hours afterwards and her confidence has been stronger ever since. (I wanted to hug each and everyone of those children for the short but meaningful show of support!) Lily was thrilled this week when one of her little classmates greeted her the real French way - with a kiss on the left cheek, right cheek, and back to the left cheek.

Barry and I also helped the girls feel a little more like French children this weekend; we bought them scooters. This caused Grace to dramatically announce, “This is my greatest day in France”.

So tonight I'm feeling thankful for the small acts of kindness we have been shown, and for the 2 little pink scooters that are lying down by our door. S'miles, for sure!