Favorites in France - Flowers

 

Since we first acknowledged and agreed to God’s call to us to work for Him in France, we’ve been in the biggest transition of our lives.  The challenges and changes in our hearts have been many, and we’re still living this side of the Atlantic.

Several colleagues have echoed what we first read in a missions training letter:  Make a list of the things you love about your new country.  You’ll have plenty of seemingly negative adjustments, so intentionally search for positives.

During our recent two-week trip to France, I started my list of positives—things I love about France.
At least for now, France's summer flowers top that list – and they are everywhere!  

 

They spring from window boxes and planters on terraces new and old. 

They garnish medians on busy streets, hang from lampposts, and even pop through cobblestones on narrow lanes supposedly reserved for foot traffic.

 

Wild lavender,  petunias, nasturtiums,  morning glories, hollyhocks, and what I've always known as daisies grace manicured gardens and unsuspecting barrowpits alike.  Indeed, God uses his floral salt-shaker liberally across France.




  



I dare not attempt to identify specific floral beauties.  Do you see any variety or species you can name in these pictures?

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

 

Our friend, Jennifer Williamson, identified this lavender wisteria covering ancient walls.

 

 

 Plants and flowers fill oil paintings in galleries and pop art in subway tunnels. 

 

 Their fragrance and beauty tantalize chateau guests and the customers who enter small village shops and restaurants.

  

Florists abound in France; a small bouquet or potted plant serves as a most appropriate hostess gift.

 I love France’s flowers.