More on those who pop up; and language faux-paux

     We continue  to have confirmations that Heavenly Father is aware of us.  He keeps nudging us onward at just the right times so we remain motivated and encouraged.  Specifically, often when we go out to do an errand we run into someone who asks us about the church, or about what we are doing here.  I wrote earlier about the woman at the coat store.  Recently, on another evening as we waited for our Kentucky Fried Chicken order (you know Paul and his concept of "eating out"), a young man engaged us in conversation about the "Mormons".  He was a member of a pentecostal organization, but was very nice.  Again, a positive experience for him and for us.  Another evening we were at Sears (the most 'up-scale' store here- ha!) where they had a couple of coats on sale. The young man working at check-out asked us if we were Mormons. He was very cordial and told us his father is a Mormon.  We have had other encounters as well.
     In another little validation, while we at stake conference last weekend the visiting authority showed the congregation a new video on member/missionary work (excellent,  by the way) which he encouraged all to watch and use in their families. We had discovered this video the week before and have already been using it with the families we visit.  We weren't smug, but grateful that we had been led to do something which was approved of and encouraged by our church leaders.
     Maybe I need these assurances more than most, but these seemingly small events serve to remind me that this isn't my work, and that He knows my needs, and those of each of His children.
     On another topic, we continue to provide some comic relief to those around us by saying dumb things in French.  I thanked a lady for bringing one of our less-actives to stake conference, using the word for bringing things, not people- I guess you had to be there to get the full effect of its stupidity.  Yesterday we had to get our car winterized and while waiting we watched in awe as the young woman who handles the office made calls, printed out receipts, talk to customers, etc.  In trying to pay her a compliment Paul said to her "You are the brains of this operation".  She looked a little startled, then smiled politely.  Later we were told by a native that this expression doesn't make sense in French, and that what he has really said  was "You are the brain in this surgery."  I have been known to get flustered and say "Au Revoir" instead of "Bonjour".  This happens sometimes at a grocery store, where one would normally say hello to the clerk at check-out;  I say "good-bye".  In my defense it is because I am distracted with worry that I might be asked a question I don't understand, like "paper or plastic", or "Do you have a rewards card?".  I know the definition of idiot is in order....