Friendship in a Foreign Land

Just over a year ago, we decided on La Rochelle and began to look for housing. As we trolled through the available apartments, I was struck by the lack of comfortable seating in most living rooms. Until I discovered a charming house with two Ikea Poang chairs. I have always loved the design and comfort of these chairs so this house rose to the top of our list. We emailed the owners who replied promptly letting us know that the house was unavailable as they were returning to live in it themselves. The email ended by saying: "If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know." There was something about the tone of the email that made us believe that this was not a throw-away line but that it came from people who really meant it. We took them up on it and asked for advice. And so began a gift of friendship that we will treasure long past our time in La Rochelle. The presence of Géry and Marie Marchant in our lives has helped to make this experience richer, more fun and more interesting than it ever would have been without them.
Over the months before we left we emailed over 200 times and talked on Skype. We all wondered about each other and whether when we finally met, we would have much in common. Now it feels as though we have known each other for years. We have hung out together, helped each other, had coffee and walks together. They have shown us where to shop, interesting places in the city, encouraged us in our French. They have introduced us to many people and given us experiences we would never have had without them.

So who are these people who have made such a difference in our lives? Marie is chic, animated and very funny. She listens with great attention and interest,one of the reasons why she has been an effective counsellor in a variety of settings. She is energetic, extroverted and a risk-taker.
Géry is tall and lanky with a shock of blond curly hair that makes him look much younger than his 60 years. His bright blue eyes reflect what he is thinking. He is quieter and outwardly more serious than Marie, slower to express himself. However, he is quick to laugh and when he speaks it is worth listening to. Married in their forties, they are each other's best friend.

They come from different parts of France,  but share childhoods in large families. They readily give credit to their families for some of the characteristics that drive them. Marie's eldest brother was born with severe disabilities. Everyone in the family was needed to care for him as both parents worked. While sometimes difficult, she thinks this has made her sensitive to the needs of others and drove her to choose professions (teacher and psychologist) where she could put this skill to use. Géry grew up on a farm in the north of France. He says his work ethic comes from his father's influence as does his interest in learning new things. He is a student pilot and sailor. Both are musicians. Marie is an accomplished pianist, Géry, a new student of the saxophone.

Most of all, they are honest and true people. They are steadfast and loyal. We know that if ever we needed help in a hurry, they would arrive at our door no matter the time of day. They are true believers in "paying it forward". And that is what they are about to do. They leave for Africa on April 6 for four years. Géry will be working for an NGO in Bénin, a small country in West Africa, formerly the French colony Dahomey. In true Marchant fashion, they are excited to be going on a new adventure, passionate about the country that is to be their new home and committed to the difference they hope to make in the lives of the Béninois.

We will miss them during the months that remain for us in La Rochelle. But we are sure that we will meet again: in Africa, in Canada or once more in France. Meanwhile, our friendship will continue as it began via email and Skype.

Chers Marie et Géry, bon courage! Vous serez toujours dans nos pensées et nos cœurs.