First church service and photos

Our first church service here as residents of Lyon also happened to be the last service for the summer months. Like many other businesses and organizations, the ICCL (International Christian Community of Lyon) shuts down during the month of August, since it seems the entire country of France goes en vacances. It was wonderful to worship with old friends and new. I love the diversity and warmth of this tiny international church!

Worshiping God at the ICCL!

Greg leading Communion

Also today I thought I'd take the opportunity to post a few photos of our host family's home. This house was built in what is now a suburb of Lyon the late 1700s. The owners found an early map of the town, and this house was the only building on the map! It's actually two joined residences now; the families share a wall, and their gardens are separated by hedges. (The neighbors are actually part of the original family line.) There is a large wall all around the property. Huge wooden doors open up to a cobblestone entry. The exterior walls drip with ivy. These walls are about 18 inches thick, and keep the air inside fairly cool despite the extremely hot temperatures we've been experiencing lately. We open the doors and windows in the mornings and evenings to let in the breeze, and then close the thick shutters during the daytime to keep the cool air from escaping. The backyard is mostly gravel, adorned with roses and honeysuckle and large trees. Often we've eaten our meals outside under a huge oak. It's really beautiful!

 The house is three stories. This is the view from the backyard.

 Lori and Greg trying to stay cool in the guest room

View of the front courtyard from our guest room. The adjoining house is visible below. 

The backyard where we often dine "alfresco"