Welch Update #2 - 01.23.24
Bonne Année (Happy New Year!)
And what a whirlwind 2024 has been for us so far!
We finished off 2023 spending time with both sides of the family before packing up all of our luggage (thanks to the help of Joe’s parents John and Joy) and flying out of Chicago on New Years Eve.
Toupin Family Christmas (with 3 new little additions within the past 6 months!)
I’m not sure the airport employees were too thrilled to see us on New Years Eve – but we were thankful one of them took us to a new lane and streamlined our checkin. We were also so grateful for our “chauffeurs” John and Joy!
It was a huge blessing to have bulkhead seating with a bassinet and an empty row so both kids were able to sleep most of the first 8 hour flight!
We had a quick layover in Paris before catching a hopper flight to Geneva, Switzerland. Our travels overall were smooth – minus finding out there is a French and Swiss side of the Geneva airport (and you’re technically not supposed to be able to switch once you get off on one side). Our luggage arrived on the French side and we eventually (after a few hours) found out our driver was on the other. The look on the security guards face was priceless when he realized the situation and looked up to see our mound of luggage (although it didn’t feel so comical in the moment)! Fortunately, he spoke the most English out of anyone we could find and was extremely helpful in figuring out how to get through the border and manually get all of our luggage from one end of the airport to the other. After several hours of the luggage debacle, we drove another hour and eventually arrived to the language school in Albertiville, France – with all of our luggage intact (huge praise and answer to prayers).
Flight into Geneva, Switzerland
Albertville, France
We have officially been living in the beautiful city of Albertiville for three weeks now. The first week was spent settling into our little apartment (which is on the school compound), meeting new people, and learning how to live and get around in a new country and culture. We then jumped into A1 (beginner) French class with probably the most joyful French “professeur” you will ever meet (Anne!). We were warned that classes would be intense – and they really are! It has definitely felt like we are drinking from a firehose – but each week we are understanding more and more and we know that the work and studying is ultimately so that we can communicate and share the love of Christ with the people of Togo.
Our amazing professeur Anne!
We found that our luggage totes also double as great bathtubs as our apartment only has showers!
It has been overwhelming navigating all of these new transitions (especially with littles) and trying to find a new rhythm of life as a family as we are both full time students again, taking classes together and trying to study several hours each day outside of class – but the Lord has been gracious in providing a kind and helpful community here at the school who are all likeminded in learning French with the ultimate goal of using it to serve others.
Eden and Gil are adjusting well. They are both in the school’s nursery during class which allows us to see them over our lunch break. Eden is already counting in French and will likely surpass us at some point!
We have found in our short time here that learning a new language is a humbling process. We often feel like we are toddlers trying to learn simple words and phrases (although, I think our toddler is much more advanced than we are…). It is hard for us to see now how we will ever be able to speak and understand French fluently – but we are reminded daily of just how small we are and how great He is when we look around us at the beauty and majesty of His creation – and ultimately, we are reminded that He is the one who has called us here and He is the one who has been faithful in the past and will continue to be faithful.
The view at the end of my favorite running path – it leaves me speechless every time (and it’s not just because I’m out of breath from running! )
Praises
Time with Family/Goodbyes – We were able to spend precious time with both sides of the family for Christmas prior to leaving.
Travels/Luggage – We had overall smooth and safe travels and all of our luggage arrived intact!
Community/Adjusting – We have amazing community around us who have gone out of their way to help us adjust and settle in here.
House in Lafayette – Our house that we turned into an Airbnb was vandalized prior to our departure – but it is back up and running as of this past week! Thank you to so many of you for your help, support, and prayers regarding this situation!
Kiddos – Both Eden and Gil seem to be adjusting well here and they both are doing well in the school nursery when we are in class. There are a lot of other young children here which has also been fun and a blessing.
Prayer Request
Alyssa’s hand – I have had worsening pain in my right thumb/wrist that I think initially started from how I hold and carry Eden and Gil, but has been exacerbated by writing for class the past few weeks. I think it is likely inflamed tendons, but I did go to get an Xray to rule out other potential causes (which cost a grand total of $23 which I found quite impressive!). It did make me have more empathy for my patients who don’t speak English as it was quite humbling not being able to communicate or navigate the system well. Prayer for complete healing and wisdom surrounding the entire situation.
Aptitude for learning French – that we would be able to learn French well and have minds that can take in and remember the information, ears that can hear, and mouths that can speak.
Community involvement – that we can find ways to become involved in the community outside of the school, not only to be able to practice and use our French but also to grow relationships with our new neighbors here.
Thank you all so so much for your continued prayer and support! We are truly humbled and blessed. We love hearing from you and also would love to know how we can be praying for you specifically as well – so feel free to shoot us an email.
I don’t think Eden gets the blame for your hand injury. That is 100% Gil.
So happy to read your update and see your smiling faces! I’m now cheering for the Lions to get all the way to the Super Bowl… sending you prayers and love ! 💕 Jodi
Love reading your update – and travel adventures- praying for you !
Thankful to hear that you have arrived safely and are settling in well!
Will daily lift your family up in prayer.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you and give you His peace”
Thanks for the update! Your luggage debacle at the airport sounded extremely stressful!! So Happy you are settled in and doing great!
Love Jody Hawbaker
We are happy and excited for you in this journey! In 1996, we left with as much luggage and two small ones for an adventure of YWAM schools, which led us to Central Asia. God is only good, and the safest place to be is following Him in obedience.