Dakota -- I have a Mormon friend who did missionary work in Paris...he played chess with an old man there..when he told the guy he was also a US Marine the man began to cry..gave him a hug and thanked him. He said it was a really powerful moment. Franchise - I'm with you...I think it's a great thing too. He is a Christian missionary. We heard him speak and checked some of his references before allowing him in...one of those references was a Muslim cleric who told us how great the guy is. The guy makes no apologies for being a Christian...and apparently will teaches on Ishmael a lot (you know the story of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar?) from Genesis...and God's blessings on the Arab people in general. I looked through his outline and thought that he really has a lot to offer. I can't wait...if you're interested in going, shoot me an email. My understanding is that he'll be giving the sermon and then will do another event in the evening that builds on that. I think we're going to do a little publicity for it in the Saturday Chronicle Religion section at some point...
DaDa, I lived in Paris and visited all over France and had the exact opposite experiences. Oh well. What a waste of time.
Rimmy, I met some great folks too, but the people that I did business with were A$$holes. I guess that slants your opinion some...huh? DD
I have spent a good deal of time in France in the last two years and found a combination, like you would anywhere else. I was very suprised that the general attitude I experienced was MUCH different (better) than the few French I had met in the States, who were reminded me of that French guy on Cheers who tried to muscle in on Sammy. Basically arrogant pricks.
