BLOOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED

Saturday was the "Bloom Where You're Planted" event.  You may remember it's an annual, one-day expat seminar hosted by The American Church to help people new to Paris or moving to Paris thrive not just survive in their new home.

The American Church in Paris

Last year David and I directed this event after the leadership dropped out and after being cancelled the previous year for lack of leadership.  When we decided to stay in Paris, we were asked to direct the 2019 Bloom.    It was a huge job (bigger than we realized!!), but one we had the time for (we're retired, after all).  Too, maybe we were here for  "..such a time as this"  (Esther 4:14).  Anyway, we worked with a wonderful, committed group of people and, together, we accomplished our task with 117 adults and 20 children attending.

These ladies were great help in the kitchen

Organizing volunteers was easily handled by these two friends

We had a light breakfast provided by Craig Carlson's diner,  "Breakfast in America", three great morning speakers including Adrian Leeds (from HouseHunter's International and our realtor), Craig Carlson (diner owner and author of "Pancakes in America") and Peter Caine (owner of a great tour company, Paris Walks).

I read Craig's book before we arrived in Paris

I can't wait to get back to the US and watch House Hunters International

Following the morning speakers, there were over fifty exhibitors offering various information on Paris.    The Red Wheelbarrow, a quaint little bookstore near Luxembourg Gardens, provided books again this year, and our speaker/authors were available to sign their books.  A delicious lunch awaited them upstairs giving them an opportunity to meet others new to Paris and share their stories.

Two lunch periods so plenty of room for all

The afternoon offered multiple break-out sessions guests could select including our friend, Lisa Anselmo, who always motivates me each time I hear her speak, Cara Black, author of the Aimee Leduc Detective series set in Paris which we love,  plus sessions on marketing/cooking in Paris, education in Paris, the ease of buying French wines and transitioning to the French workplace.  Something for everyone, we hoped.

We ended the day with a casual "Wine Down", a time to meet and chat and enjoy various wines and cheeses.  One of our committee chairs said when she attended Bloom several years ago she met her best friend!  Now if that's not a reason to attend Bloom, I don't know what is!!

Lots of French cheeses for guests to try

Various wines were available to try with information about the region

Me??  I spent the day meeting newcomers, hearing their stories and telling them mine, encouraging them,  answering questions and making sure everyone enjoyed their day.  My wish for each of them is a wonderful, meaningful and fun experience in Paris.  That each will "bloom" in this new life!