Bienvenue

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the thing you didn't do than by the one you did do. So throw off the bowlines and sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover."- Mark Twain

My sentiments exactly.

Apres (after) my first visit to Paris when I was 15 years old in 2000, I knew that I would return. I found my joie de vivre (joy in life) and there was a certain je ne sais quoi that left me intrigued and yearning for more. Six years after my first encounter with Paris, I am now living here.

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Living in Paris until the end of December in an apartment around the Montmartre area in the 18e arrondissement of Paris with 3 wonderful roomates. My classes will take place a la Sorbonne, one of the most prestegious french universities, as well as an American University which is apart of my program. My classes are french language and literature as well as art history focusing on the impressionism and post impressionism eras (think Renoir, Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh etc.) and Haute Couture in France, focusing on the history of fashion and style. We will be going on trips to the Louvre, le Grand Palais, le Musee d'Orsay etc. etc. to gain hands on experience outside of our classroom.

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With all of this in store the only thought going through my mind is, Wow. I must say that when God does his job, he does his job very well.

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It is definitely by grace and God alone that I am here and I want to thank the people that have extended their prayers, time, energy, effort, support and so much more that have helped me make it to this wonderful city.  So, my first post is dedicated to thanking these wonderful people:

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My mother (thank you so much for all of your love, your many sacrifices and endless support you have given me, I promise I am making you proud!) Aunt Paulette (thank you for all the great Parisian advice and most importantly thank you 1 million times for making sure that I got here, I can't wait for you to visit), Wayne (thank you so much for all of your love and support throughout this entire process) Nicole (thank you for basically, everything) André (I love you bff, you are so supportive and an amazing friend) Ms. Cynthia, Aunt Harolyn, Aunt Wanda, Thank you all for your support and unconditional love!

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It is amazing what a group of people can do for one small person like me and I am forever greatful for everything that each person has done for me! Please come back to visit the blog, there is so much more in store!!!

Bisou Bisou,

Jennifer Pauline

(PS. the picture below is a picture along the Champs-Elysées of the French Olympic winners celebrating the victories they accomplished in Beijing, the back of their bus says "Impossible is nothing": take a second and think about it:)