Hospital Construction

These are a few pictures of the construction going on at the hospital. Things are moving along quickly.

Spring in Paris

The Institut Catholique

It's hard to believe I've been here two months already. It has been a great time so far. Language school is going really well and I feel like I'm learning a lot. I'm in class with people from all over the world: Taiwan, Venezuala, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Holland, Equator, China and one other American. Its pretty hilarious listening to all of us trying to communicate in French with each other.

Spring has finally arrived in Paris and it is beautiful. Still a bit cool though. I'm ready for some warm weather.

LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

I thought I'd just post a bunch of pictures of Paris and a couple of trips I've been able to take. I had the chance to go to Normandy with some French friends and we had a great time. The American cemetery was really fascinating and very moving. The whole history of the invasion of Normandy is amazing. I admit I didn't know much about it before the trip there.

American Cemetery in Normandy

The Normandy Coast

German bunker, Normandy

My school is really good about arranging outings and events for the students. We've had a river boat ride up the Seine River one evening. We've also had a trip to the Louvre Museum.

Eiffel Tower

The Seine River

I'll post more pics on my Facebook account too. Anyway, just a small glimpse into my life here in Paris.

View from my kitchen window

Paris!!

It's hard to believe I'm here after all this time and preparation. I left DFW on Feb 10 and made it to Paris on Feb 11 at 11:30 am. I found my apartment without any difficulty and am getting settle. (The pic below is the door to my apartment building). Its a small but very functional apartment on the six floor of my building. From my balcony I can see over rooftops of my neighborhood. As I write this, I can hear two different church bells tolling in the neighborhood. Luckily, I have an elevator that reaches the fifth floor so I only have to walk up one flight. The oddest part of my apartment is that from the front door you can literally step into the shower. It is immediately on the left as you walk through the front door. It cracks me up. The shower is so narrow that I can't bend over to wash my feet. It's tricky but I still have clean feet. No worries.

My landlady is a very nice woman named Claire-Marie and she is about 60, I'm guessing. She's an artist. She speaks a little English which has been helpful. She is showing me the ropes and has pointed out the best grocery store, the best Boulangerie (bakery) to buy a baguette, and the best Patisserie to buy pastries, and the best butcher.

Paris is divided into 20 Arrond

issements, or districts, each with its own mayor. The 1st through 8th are considered the center of Paris. My apartment is in the

3rd Arrondissement near the Centre Pompidou. I'm only a 10 min walk from Notre Dame. It is quaint and quiet. I'm pleasantly surprised at how quiet things are at night. My school, the Institut Catholique, is located in the 6th Arrondissement and it is a really cool part of town. Tons of cafes, pubs, restaurants and narrow streets. It will be a fun place to explore.

On Monday I went to my school and registered for my classes. I'll be in class about 24 hours a week. I'll be taking General French for 12 hours, French Writing for 6 hours, Conversational French for 3 hours, and French Media for 3 hours. We'll watch the news, read newspapers and discuss current events. My classes start on Feb 22. I'm ready to get busy.

I've been a tourist this week. It has been fun walking around town. I've clocked at least 3 hours a day. Yesterday was sunny and a bit warmer. It was beautiful. I walked up the Champs Elysee and saw the Arc de Triomphe. I tried to go to the Louvre but it was closed. This is just a great city to walk in.

More to come...

Identity Crisis

Well, a whole new phase of my life has begun. For the first time in 12 years, I am not a full-time pediatrician. I am working two days a week at my practice and spending the rest of the week working from home. I don't feel any different, but my sense of identity is shifting. I'm no longer just a pediatrician. I can't say I feel like a missionary though. But, I'm not sure what that is supposed to feel like. So, I guess I'm "the pediatrician headed to the mission field". In any case I know that I am where God has led me and that is a good way to be identified.

Starting August 1, I began the process of fund raising which will enable me to move to and work in Mali. I'm already amazed at what God is doing and who He is using in this process. Raising support is one of the most interesting "jobs" I've ever had. It is exciting, uncomfortable, humbling, and even fun.

It is exciting to see the Lord orchestrate meetings, speaking engagements, and events that will bring more exposure to the needs in Mali and the work I'll be involved with.

It is uncomfortable because....well, let's face it....it's never easy to ask for help. But, I'm learning to move past the discomfort and awkwardness and seek help from others. My "pride issues" are being challenged, to say the least. I know that is a good thing.

It is humbling as I watch people give to a vision that I have shared with them. They give because they believe in what I'm going to do. I am filled with a overwhelming sense of gratitude each time a new person joins me in this work through their giving.

It is fun because I get to meet amazing people. I never knew so many people share a passion for Africa, for treating the sick and for helping those in need, all in the name of Jesus. I love watching the body of Christ work together.

So, I'll just lay it out to anyone who reads this. I need help. Without reservation I am prepared to go to Mali and live and work and help as much as I can. I cannot do it alone. I need your prayers, first and foremost. I know the excitement and adventure will sustain me for awhile, but those things will wear off. Your prayers will make a difference. I need monthly financial supporters...those who will give on a monthly basis to enable me to live and work. I believe God calls some to go and some to send. If the Lord lays it on your heart to be a part of my support team, please let me know. Thanks so much. Be well

Jason

479-685-1077

malipeds@gmail.com

Honduras 2009

This is me with my dear friends Ryan and Sarah McClain in Yamaranguila, Honduras. We traveled there with a group of college students from New Heights Church in Fayetteville.

This little guy jumped in to help us lay the foundation on a house. Most people in this village have dirt floors which leads to more health problems. Be providing a cement floor the incidence of disease can drop dramatically.

Its all about the kids. They laugh and smile constantly.

We did a medical clinic up in the mountains in a remote village. Part of the care included shampooing and de-lousing the kids hair. Our college students were amazing and worked hard.

The Opalaca Mountains, Honduras

We ended the week with an afternoon at the beach before flying out the next morning. This may be my last visit to Honduras. But, looking forward to Africa.

Koutiala Hospital Website

The new website for Koutiala Women and Children's Hospital is up and running. See the link under my profile picture. It makes me excited to see the photos and the progress of the construction. I can't wait to get there.

Moving Forward

Wow, how time flies. A lot has happened in the past six weeks. On Sunday, May 31, I was commissioned by the Christian & Missionary Alliance at a wonderful service in Louisville, KY. It was a special weekend for me as my parents came to support me and be a part of the event. I guess its official now. Then I spent the week of June 6-12 at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL for Pre Field Orientation. The Alliance provides this training for all their new missionaries. It was very interesting and helpful. We received training on language learning, conflict resolution, building resilience and wholistic ministry. It should all come in handy. I probably need to practice better conflict resolution now!! My family might agree.

So, as it looks now, I'll be leaving for language school in France in January 2010. I'll be going to the Institut Catholique in Paris for a semester. I am really excited about this next step. After language school I'll go on to Tropical Medicine school in Antwerp, Belgium for a semester. That will be a challenge since I'll have to do university level courses IN FRENCH!! I hope I'll be ready. I'm excited but nervous about that. Anyone who wants a trip to Europe in 2010, let me know.