Wow! What a Great Experience! (Strasbourg Part III)

As we near exams and the end of our time here in Strasbourg, I thought I'd reflect a bit on what an incredible privilege it's been to direct the program this year. Traveling with my daughters throughout the Alsace region in France, eating spaghetti eis in Germany (a must if you've never had it - I think we actually got the Ashcrofts hooked on it this year), climbing the Eiffel Tower, and visiting relatives in Switzerland, were certainly highlights.

And studying in the shadow of the European Court of Human Rights and Council of Europe also brought greater understanding and perspective to our daily discussions with students concerning important comparative law and human rights topics. But what has made Strasbourg particularly special this year has been the opportunity to really get to know our students! I've enjoyed hearing about and meeting their families, listening to their thoughts on global justice, sharing travel stories over lunch or while bumping into them downtown, and talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. I'm encouraged by their love for the Lord and passion for making a difference.

"Spiritual Vitality" has been an important topic of discussion at Regent for the past year or so, and this year's Strasbourg trip provided some perspective and reminders for me. Although designing programs, encouraging chapel and church attendance, and developing metrics are important, we can never forget to simply be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is doing in the lives of our students by spending time with them and then joining them where God is already at work. One of the defining experiences for this year's program - our weekly Bible study through the book of James - started in the hearts of a few of our students and grew into an incredible time of encouragement, learning, and fellowship.

A few students approached me the second day of class because they were interested in getting together for Bible Study during the week. This student-led initiative began among a group of students who meet regularly for Bible Study with Profs Rehn and DeGroff back at school. I had been thinking that morning about offering to lead a study this year, but with Prof. Rehn lined up by the students already I thought perhaps I should just host in the spacious apartment provided for the director of the program. Little did we know that the study would average over 20 students each week (topping out one week at 27 with family members).

A little more perspective: it's over a mile walk for the students to get to our apartment and two of the weeks it was POURING rain - but those were the best attended weeks. Students held each other accountable, invited French acquaintances, and always came excited to hear from God. Ice cream finished off the evenings - but it was our time in James and praying for each other that brought together the corps group of students for this year's Strasbourg program. What an amazing blessing to see God at work in our students' lives. And what an awesome opportunity for my teenage girls to join in the discussions and learn to serve others each week.

Well...a few exams and our students will be headed back home. Please continue to pray for their safety and that He who began a good work in them will continue it this fall. Looking forward to getting back to the rest of my family and starting off another great semester!

OFF AND RUNNING HERE IN STRASBOURG...

Or maybe I should say "off and walking" here in Strasbourg...for any of you who have enjoyed the Summer Program in France you'll understand my comment. The students (and professors) do quite a bit of walking in and around Strasbourg as part of the program. Of course, there's site-seeing, shopping, and generally strolling around the city to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful weather that we've experienced so far this year. But there's also the orientation walk on Sunday, walking to and from class every morning, and my personal favorite, "The March of the Fans" from the European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) to the Foyer where the students reside.

In the Army we used to call bonding experiences such as picking up your individual fans in a large group and marching together through town to transport the fans to your rooms - "shared hardship" - designed to build the team. Here, it is just an annual ritual designed to alleviate a little hardship if the temperatures get too hot. However, I must admit that it was bit amusing watching all 34 students walking off into town carrying their fans after class yesterday. All that was missing was General Ashcroft's rendition of Johnny Horton's song, "The Battle of New Orleans" - as the students marched off in formation..."In 1814 we took a little trip along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip." We had just heard Gen. Ashcroft's take on the song yesterday morning in class as part of his discussion of Habeas Corpus and Military Commission cases from the Civil War.

All students arrived safely - some after a few days travelling elsewhere in France (Paris seems to have been a favorite) and others directly from the States. Jet lag is beginning to wear off for most of us, and classes have started off well. I look forward to continuing to get to know this group of students and interacting with them on important human rights and comparative law topics. Last evening we enjoyed the "Welcome Family Dinner" - where our students had an opportunity to connect with families from Strasbourg. Many made plans to meet with these new friends again during our stay. Tonight we will have the privilege of attending a reception at the ECLJ and hearing from Judge Vincent De Gaetano. He is from Malta and was recently appointed as a Judge on the European Court of Human Rights.

On a personal note, Prof. Rehn and I were able to attend the US Women Soccer team's victory over Colombia in Sinsheim, Germany last weekend. It was "way cool" (as my girls would say) to see a World Cup game live! I'm taking two of my girls and a few of the students to Frankfurt next Wednesday night for one of the World Cup Semi-Final games. If all goes well and the brackets fall out as we hope, there is a good chance that we will be some of the few among the sold out 45,000 seat stadium cheering for the Red, White, and Blue against Germany! In any case, it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity - as are so many of our experiences here in Strasbourg.

Looking forward to many more memorable experiences in the coming weeks. Please continue to pray for the safety of our students, and that we will all honor our Lord through this educational and cultural experience in Europe.

OFF TO FRANCE!!!

I’m extremely privileged to be this year’s Director of Regent Law’s Summer Program in International Human Rights. In just a few days we head for Strasbourg, France, for an exciting five weeks of legal study and European adventure!

Thirty-four students will be joining us this year from Regent, Handong International Law School (our sister school in Korea), and other American law schools, including the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and Liberty University School of Law. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft, Professor David Smolin, Professor Chris Rehn, and I make up the faculty. Professor Smolin is the Harwell G. Davis Chair in Constitutional Law at the Cumberland School of Law. He is one of the world’s leading academic experts on international adoption scandals and will be teaching our human rights class.

Like any trip – getting ready to go is a bit hectic! But I am looking forward to getting on the plane Tuesday and heading to the program. Last year’s trip to Strasbourg was incredibly memorable and meaningful for our family. Strasbourg is a beautiful place filled with history and a rich culture. My favorite part of the trip, however, was being able to spend a lot of time with the students, both in and out of class. We study together, meet prominent human rights lawyers and judges together, and visit sites together around France’s Alsace region. My kids particularly enjoyed ice cream by the cathedral in the evenings along with many of their new law student friends.

I will send updates from France as the summer progresses…and perhaps some play-by-play from the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany...you can look for me in the stands at the US v. Colombia game next weekend! Please pray for safety for students, faculty, and families. Pray also that the program will play a meaningful role in the students’ lives and that we will be great ambassadors for Christ as we interact with people throughout Europe. Thanks!