Chock-full of GBU goodness

When I first arrived in Strasbourg, I had over two weeks to kill before classes began. The prospect of spending this time alone in my room was quite depressing, so I was delighted when Emilie suggested that I participate in the back-to-school events of the GBU (Groupe Biblique Universitaire). During those two weeks, I waited impatiently for 8:00 pm each evening in order to have human interaction and some time to reflect on God's Word. There were meals, debates and a "Soirée Intérnationale" where I taught a group of 60 the Electric Slide! After attending nearly all of the events, I was looking forward to getting to know these GBUians in the semester ahead.

The GBU is an international organization of college students who get together and study the Bible. In Strasbourg, each school in the university system has a group that meets weekly and all of the groups meet together monthly. Every Wednesday, about 20 of us from the Université Marc Bloch gather to discuss a text from the Bible. Afterwards, we chat, nibble cookies until security locks building at 9:30, and then linger outside for another hour (or two...).

GBU also organizes retreats throughout the year. Last weekend, I hopped in a car headed for Besançon to meet up with GBUians from Nancy, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar and Besançon. It was a great to get away, spend time in Scripture, learn more about the ministry of GBU, admire the beautiful Franche-Comté, play ridiculous games and get to know some lovely people.





On both ends of the weekend were memorable roadtips with Rachel, Estelle and Joël! The ride to Besançon included a sing-a-long to classic 80's French music and Le Roi Lion (The Lion King in French) courtesy of Rachel's family's cassette tape collection. The return trip featured a nap (yay!) and some hot aviator sunglasses found in the glove compartement. We capped off the weekend with Domino's pizza and Ben & Jerry's ice cream for Estelle's birthday (and because no one had any food at home).