The down-side to living a little far out from the Big City

So technically, I don't live in Paris, but I'm a train ride away. I still end up in the city of Paris about 6 days out of the week. It's not a big deal to ride the train down there, but it is a big deal getting back home if I'm in Paris at night time. Until now, I never stayed in Paris too late because of my fear that the trains will stop, and I wont be able to get home. The trains stop running close to midnight. For the first time this past weekend, I actually stayed out late. whoa! Saturday night was a gathering at the American Church of Paris called the ACP Cafe where we spend time listening to music, talking, and eating. It was very chill and pretty fun. A good opportunity to meet people and enjoy the live music. And of course, eat free snacks. That ended around 9:30 I think, but some people where going to hang out afterwards. I ended up staying out with some friends till close to midnight. 

It was very worth it. I had a lot of fun talking to my new friends, but in the back of my mind, I was in a panic because I desperately want to get to the train station before the last train for the night. Without an awesome phone with internet, I couldn't find out with the last train was, so all I knew was to get to the station before midnight. I got there pretty much exactly at midnight, and the last train for the night left at 12:20am. I felt so relieved. If I missed that train, the next one would be at 5:30am. Trust me though, I would have taken a taxi if that happened.

That station was creepy. Only young people like me and creeps are trying to ride the train at that time. So as I wait for the train, I stand close to other girls who are probably just as creeped out as I am. Two guys tried talking to me, and I just walked away. I felt so rude. I'm not exactly interested in talking at a train station at midnight. I'm more concerned about my safety.

I got on the train shortly after that, and I figured I was safe. No one really talks to each other on the trains. Everyone usually keeps to themselves and listens to their iPods. However, half way home, some dude comes and sits in the seat facing in front of me and tries to talk to me...I am a little creeped out. I told him I didn't speak much French, and he said something and left. I thought he was gone. But no, he came back with his friend that spoke a little English. CRAP.  Now two creepers. They told me that the reason they started talking to me was because I looked Polish. These two men were from Poland, so they thought I would speak Polish....uh no. I'm from Texas, but close..?

I'm still creeped out when they started asking me questions like why I'm in Paris and stuff. But my favorite question was what did I do in Paris tonight? club or bar? um no I went to church. That blew their minds. Young girl going to church on a Saturday night. That's crazy. But that started a conversation on christianity. They told me that going to Church is great, but most christians they've met are very pushy with their beliefs. I got an opportunity to share with them my views about how Jesus tells Christians to be the salt of the earth. If you add too much salt on your food, it's ruined, doesn't taste good, and dehydrates you. No salt is too bland. Just the right amount of salt makes it taste good and makes you a little thirsty for more. Sharing Christ should be like a sprinkle of salt. Not too much to turn people away, but just enough for them to see that it's good and thirst for more. The train ride ended after explaining all that, and we went our separate ways. They thanked me for talking to them, and I was thankful I got to share my views with them. If they didn't understand all of it, maybe they will see my kindness. Because Jesus was never pushy on people but performed miracles, prayed, and loved people. I follow Jesus and pray that He revealed through me to the people of this country.