No university today, which meant no early morning. Everyone had just left for school and work by the time I got up, so I had a chilled out breakfast and then finally finished writing letters and postcards to friends and family back in the UK.

I met with Ida and Hana in the afternoon and we went on a wee shopping trip. We walked around just being silly, but I managed to find a birthday present for a friend which was good. I then eventually left to meet Sierra at Bellecour to head to REFUGE, the church student group. Although we both carefully googled how to get to where we were meant to be, we still managed to get lost. We arrived to the apartment from the couple that lead the student group. It was packed with people, little children running around just before bed-time and the smell of dinner filled their very pretty apartment. After a very filling dinner and lots of talking, we then sat down and studied Psalm 46 all together. – “Be still and know that I am God” (v.10) We looked at what Refuge means in terms of refuge in Christ, but also refuge as students in Lyon, away from home and familiarity. It was refreshing and encouraging being with other Christian students and looking at God’s word together.

I made my way home after, which was scary in a way. I’ve never felt unsafe walking home late at night in Newcastle, but it’s very different here. I had to change metros at Bellecour and despite police and security standing on the platform, I still felt quite unsafe. But I got on the bus, and got home fine.

A friend posted this on facebook today. Interesting and definitely food for thought!