i alluded to this in my support letter, but i think it deserves a more thorough explanation.

i had the opportunity to go to france with my father two years ago. While there, i met a missionary by the name of "jean baptise." i was introduced to him at a house-church we attended in a suburb of paris. i started conversing with him when the service was finished, and learned that he was studying theology at a school in paris. ergo, my father and i decided to ride back to paris and treat him to diner. while on that train, i asked him questions in "frenglish," and he responded likewise. i do remember asking questions which included the words God, Jesus, the Bible, etc. i also remember the stares that befell upon me as i used those words, from the other people on the train.

the Holy Spirit worked in me on that train. i wouldnt consider that experience my "calling" to the missions field, but when i did feel called to it, i immediately thought about that train ride. there is a very serious hostility towards God not only in France, but Europe at large, as i learned on that train. so when i found A.I.M, i looked at their european offerings. England was the only one, which was fine by me because i dont speak french well enough to evangelize.

i suppose it's also worth mentioning that as i've begun to read about church history and theology, i have come to realize how many theologians and pastors England has produced. the problem is that i havent noticed a significant amount of english theologians and pastors in the 21st century. i would like to change that.