Happy Birthday Jenni.
I am so glad that we were able to spend the day together to go to the temple and to lunch.
You are a special daughter to me.
I hope you had a great day.
Love ya
Mom
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
I am alive!
So have thought about posting on my blog a couple of different times since i got home but at first there wasn't much going on in my life so really it wasn't worth the time. Then since the first of the year life has just been super crazy!! As you can tell by reading my mom's and sister's blogs family life has been pretty eventful lately. In November right before Thanks giving I got a job a Focus Services. I love working there, there is such a variety of people and things to do that there is never a dull moment. In January I started school at WSU! I LOVE being back in school! You may think I'm a nerd which is true. Sometimes I do complain about getting homework done and such but really I love it!!!! (Especially my French classes.) Life couldn't be better at this moment!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
September 20, 2010
We met an new ami this week his name is Leonardo! He is a complicated man i mean that in a nice way. He is very intelligent and he uses words that frankly i just dont understand. My comp don't either. We have seen him a couple of times and each time he just talks a lot. he listens too. Then last night we went to see him and as we were talking he kept asking these really complicatec questions that I finally told him that he needed to be more simple because they didnt make any sense; As we kept talking and teaching he explained something that helped me understand him. He explained that a few years ago he got divorced and shortly after that his daughter died but he doestn know how. I realized that he hides behind his intelligence. It is still really hard for him to think about his daughter so if he drowns himself in work and in his knowledge it will all go away. We are goingn to see him and teach the plan of Salvation next time. He doesnt understand or believe that throught christ those burdens can be lifted and the peace can come in. i pray for him to be open to the spirit. i really think that his daughter is on the other side pushing him to listen.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
September 13, 2010
So first thing is first the Baptism was great! I can honestly say That Jeremy is someone that has been being prepared for a really long time to accept adn follow our Savior. He is someone very humble. It is reallyfunny because he is pretty quiet too. but he has such a strong testimony. One Wednesday we had the opportunity to watch the restoration movie with him. At the end the Spirit was so strong he then testified to us that he knew that it is true and that he knew that if he could have the faith like Joseph smith Heavenly Father would answer his prayers too! He said too that he was very excited and waiting impatiently for his baptism! He passed the interview Friday. Saturday mornings we all paly sports together as we got there we saw him sitting on a bench just reading the Book of Mormon.Everytime we looked at him he would just smile. Saturday afternoon the Baptims was perfect. There were a lot of the young single adults that came which was really cool! The talks and the music were just perfect. The spirit was really strong as well. I felt so happy and just so excited for him. There is such a peace that comes in thinking about the covenants that he made and also thinking about my own as well. Heavenly Father really doest promises so much when we take upon us his name and promise to follow him. Even yesterday Jeremy couldnt quit smiling again. He stayed and at with us and we had a good time talking. He is so happy to be baptized!
We had many great things happen this week. We had received a referal from the church last week and finally contacted her this week. Her name is Suzanna she is from Brazil. When we finally got to see her she welcomed us in and was very happy to listen to us. she has been here as a students but will be returning home to brazil in less than 2 weeks. When we foundt hat out we were really sad but said we will do all that we can so that when she goes home she will want to find the missionaries. We invited her to come to institute with us and she gladly accepted. The couple that is over institute is amazing SR. Blonchon took her right under her wing and it hink hse taught her more than we did that night. After institute she told us "everyone is so nice and so holy. I really liked it." We set up a time to see here hte next day where we actually taught her about the restoration and invited her to come to the baptism with us. She agreed and came and loved it. That night we invited her to come with us to church the next day and she said well ok. She loved it again. We were talking about it earlier and between Sr. Blanchon; us and church yesterday she has had the basics of all of the lessson. She gave us her address so that wecan find the chruch for her when she gets home. I am just really sad that hse is leaving so soon. but that is not going to stop us from teaching her and helping her have a good base for when she goes home.
We had many great things happen this week. We had received a referal from the church last week and finally contacted her this week. Her name is Suzanna she is from Brazil. When we finally got to see her she welcomed us in and was very happy to listen to us. she has been here as a students but will be returning home to brazil in less than 2 weeks. When we foundt hat out we were really sad but said we will do all that we can so that when she goes home she will want to find the missionaries. We invited her to come to institute with us and she gladly accepted. The couple that is over institute is amazing SR. Blonchon took her right under her wing and it hink hse taught her more than we did that night. After institute she told us "everyone is so nice and so holy. I really liked it." We set up a time to see here hte next day where we actually taught her about the restoration and invited her to come to the baptism with us. She agreed and came and loved it. That night we invited her to come with us to church the next day and she said well ok. She loved it again. We were talking about it earlier and between Sr. Blanchon; us and church yesterday she has had the basics of all of the lessson. She gave us her address so that wecan find the chruch for her when she gets home. I am just really sad that hse is leaving so soon. but that is not going to stop us from teaching her and helping her have a good base for when she goes home.
Monday, September 6, 2010
September 6, 2010
We have a friend that has a pizza restaurant just around the corner from our appartment: Stephan. As we pass at lunch and as we are on the way home for the night we stop and talk to him; He really is great. This last week we had stopped and my comps were both anxioius to get home but I could see that there was really something bothering Stephan. So I kind of ignored that they were antsy and kept talking with him. Come to fin out he had a cousin that had passed away. It had realy hit him hard; It is interesting because he is someone that believes but that is as far as it goes. It is realy interesting to be able to talk to him and to share our testimonies with him, little by little he is opening up to the gospel.
We are so stinking EXCITED this coming Saturday is Jeremy's Baptism!!! It is fun because we see him almost everyday. THis las week we hadnt palnned to see him on Tuesday and as we were walking through town he passed us in his car and stopped. We ended up talking to him for a little while. He asked us some questions of things he had seen at church liek why the boys all where white shirts and ties and not just regular dress shirts, if he had to buy the white clothes for the baptism. And each tiem that we see him you can see how much he really has put into pratice the gospel. He really isnt scared to change.He has a grand faith that if he changes and starts to keep the commandements as we teach them he is blessed or will be. The other night we were walking to the institute building for the YSA FHE and we got talkinga obut the lesson the night before where we had talked about the 10 comm. and the law of chastity. And he said one of the things that had touched him the most was the commmandment to honor your father and your mother. He explained to me that he never has lived with his dad. he has met him a few times but that is all. BUt he grew up with his mom and one of his aunts. And as he got older he had a hard time making his own decisions because it wasnt exactly what his mom watned him to do but at the same time it wasnt what he wanted to do either. But when he finally decided to leave the Martinique and come to France was when he really started to start his own life. And at first he felt guilty but then as we talked he said,"i dont need to feel guilty. I respect my mom but also I am making the best out of my life. and now I have a the gospel." It really touched me. He is really very sincere and just amazing! Saturday he even reminded us that it was fast Sunday. I had completely forgot and he asks well this weekend isnt it the mothly fast? We were all like well ya. thanks for the reminder.
We are so stinking EXCITED this coming Saturday is Jeremy's Baptism!!! It is fun because we see him almost everyday. THis las week we hadnt palnned to see him on Tuesday and as we were walking through town he passed us in his car and stopped. We ended up talking to him for a little while. He asked us some questions of things he had seen at church liek why the boys all where white shirts and ties and not just regular dress shirts, if he had to buy the white clothes for the baptism. And each tiem that we see him you can see how much he really has put into pratice the gospel. He really isnt scared to change.He has a grand faith that if he changes and starts to keep the commandements as we teach them he is blessed or will be. The other night we were walking to the institute building for the YSA FHE and we got talkinga obut the lesson the night before where we had talked about the 10 comm. and the law of chastity. And he said one of the things that had touched him the most was the commmandment to honor your father and your mother. He explained to me that he never has lived with his dad. he has met him a few times but that is all. BUt he grew up with his mom and one of his aunts. And as he got older he had a hard time making his own decisions because it wasnt exactly what his mom watned him to do but at the same time it wasnt what he wanted to do either. But when he finally decided to leave the Martinique and come to France was when he really started to start his own life. And at first he felt guilty but then as we talked he said,"i dont need to feel guilty. I respect my mom but also I am making the best out of my life. and now I have a the gospel." It really touched me. He is really very sincere and just amazing! Saturday he even reminded us that it was fast Sunday. I had completely forgot and he asks well this weekend isnt it the mothly fast? We were all like well ya. thanks for the reminder.
Monday, August 30, 2010
August 30, 2010
THis week was great! can i tell you how cool Jeremy is?! I am not even kidding! Each time we see him we ask him if he has any questions or whatnot. and mostly he replies with no but... and then shares something that he has learned or something that he really appreciated about the member and things like that. I think one of the coolest things with him this week was when he was praying at the end of the lesson. He testified that he know that the scripture are true. Each time that we ask him to keep a commitment he looks at us like "of course." I dont think that I have had an other amis like him through out all of my mission. It really is interesting as we plan our lessons we keep thinking that we are going to find an obsticale with him but he really is ready for the gospel. For example the other night we taught the Word of Wisdom. He told us that the only thing that he does right now is he drinks a cup of coffee when he is at work but other than that he is ok with all the rest. and he will stop drinking the coffee at work. We were also able to fast with him this last week. it was a really spiritual experience for him and for us. Just to see his faith that he is going to do whatever the Lord asks him to do. It really has made me thinko f my personal obedience. and how well i follow th commandments and how willing I am to follow the directions taht I get from my leaders. He really makes me want to do better to be a better missionary be a better person.
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 23, 2010
Heavenly FAhter has really blessed us with our ami Jeremy!He is amazing! It is like there isa little fire in his eye and with each lesson and each time that we see him that fire gets brighter. We had some really neat experiences with him this week. I think the coolest thing was on SAturday he come to the baptism of the amis of the elders. At the end I was talking with him and asked him what he thought about it. He said,"honestly it was kind of wierd to see how that happens because I was just a baby when my parents baptized me and I donthave any memories of how it happened or anything." We talked for a good 10 minutes of the importace of baptisim and what it means to be baptized. THe coolest part was talking aobut the holy Ghost. How the holy Ghost becomes your constant guide. How right now he has felt the Holy GHost. I asked him what he feel when he come to church and whenwe have lessons an so on? thoughta bout it for a minute and then replied, "I feel good. I feel happy. sometimes I thinkthat it is weird tofee like this but it is a good thing and Ilike it."
To be honest it is moments like that when an ami is really seeing difference and isnt scared to take that leap of faith. I amexcited we aregoing to have FHE with him at TheDefranchi's tonight so that will be fun.
WE seem to have a lot of other amis right now that we see once or twice and then they disappear. then they reappear.
Wehad another cool experience this week. On Friday we were at the chruch and this guy called us. He told me his name and said taht we had met a couple of weeks ago and that he would like to meet withus again. The only problem none of us could remember who he was. But we set up and appointment with him and went to see who this mysterioius ami was. When he opened the door I about fell over. His name is Soleman. We had met him and taught him once the beginning of last transfer but he was not at all interested. but yesterday as we talked with him he said he had ben thinking about it and wanted to know more. I was so excited and so weirded out you could say. We are going to see him more this week and hopefully allwillgo well.
To be honest it is moments like that when an ami is really seeing difference and isnt scared to take that leap of faith. I amexcited we aregoing to have FHE with him at TheDefranchi's tonight so that will be fun.
WE seem to have a lot of other amis right now that we see once or twice and then they disappear. then they reappear.
Wehad another cool experience this week. On Friday we were at the chruch and this guy called us. He told me his name and said taht we had met a couple of weeks ago and that he would like to meet withus again. The only problem none of us could remember who he was. But we set up and appointment with him and went to see who this mysterioius ami was. When he opened the door I about fell over. His name is Soleman. We had met him and taught him once the beginning of last transfer but he was not at all interested. but yesterday as we talked with him he said he had ben thinking about it and wanted to know more. I was so excited and so weirded out you could say. We are going to see him more this week and hopefully allwillgo well.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Pictures from France
Missionaries playing volleyball in the sand 
Soeurs Jensen, Walton and Lake in Tour de France attire
Soeurs Walton, Jensen and Lake on P-day
August 16, 2010
This week was really a week of miracles. for the first time all transfer we had amis at church: three to be exact!!!
It was so crazy because there is one guy whose name is Eric. Soeur Madsen and I started teaching him but then he kind of disappeared. Two weeks ago he got on the bus with us and started talking a bout how he still wants to be baptized and wanted to know what he needed to do. So I explained that we needed to see him and he needed to come to church. Well after that he disappeared again for a few days. one day this week we got on the bus together again. As we got talking he siad he wanted to meet us at the church and wanted to come and see what it was like. When he came it was such a great experience. The only thing is he might be moving in like a week. but we will see.
The second of our amis his name is Pedro he has been really flaky too. but this week we were able to see him 2 times one at his house and one at the church. He came and really like church!
The Third was a new ami Jeremy! WE had a great appointment with him on Saturday. he was contacted one of the elders but lives in our area so we got to teach hhim. He came and met us to go to the Church. He is from Martinique. He said that he really has been thinking about his faith and how he wants to hae more faith in God and know that he is there. WE gave him a tour of the church then started teaching the restoration. As we were teaching we asked if he had an questions. With all seriousness he says, "is someone like me wants to be rebaptized what do they need to do? do they have to have permission from their parents or how does that work?" Seriously that is like music to missionaries ears. WE then told him what he had to do and asked if we could set a date for his baptism. He then replies that he is ready to do all that he needs to to be baptized and find his faith. It truely was a greatexperience. As we were leaving the church I really was just in awe of what had just happened. He is ready!
that is just a couple of the miracles that have happened! I was thinking about the week during sacrement meeting yesterday and how We had been working all transfer and had been teaching and trying or best but were just not seeing the results that we wanted then yesterday all at once i saw that the blessing and the results come not always with the same people that we would have thought but with the our brothers and sisters that Heavenly Father has prepared.
It was so crazy because there is one guy whose name is Eric. Soeur Madsen and I started teaching him but then he kind of disappeared. Two weeks ago he got on the bus with us and started talking a bout how he still wants to be baptized and wanted to know what he needed to do. So I explained that we needed to see him and he needed to come to church. Well after that he disappeared again for a few days. one day this week we got on the bus together again. As we got talking he siad he wanted to meet us at the church and wanted to come and see what it was like. When he came it was such a great experience. The only thing is he might be moving in like a week. but we will see.
The second of our amis his name is Pedro he has been really flaky too. but this week we were able to see him 2 times one at his house and one at the church. He came and really like church!
The Third was a new ami Jeremy! WE had a great appointment with him on Saturday. he was contacted one of the elders but lives in our area so we got to teach hhim. He came and met us to go to the Church. He is from Martinique. He said that he really has been thinking about his faith and how he wants to hae more faith in God and know that he is there. WE gave him a tour of the church then started teaching the restoration. As we were teaching we asked if he had an questions. With all seriousness he says, "is someone like me wants to be rebaptized what do they need to do? do they have to have permission from their parents or how does that work?" Seriously that is like music to missionaries ears. WE then told him what he had to do and asked if we could set a date for his baptism. He then replies that he is ready to do all that he needs to to be baptized and find his faith. It truely was a greatexperience. As we were leaving the church I really was just in awe of what had just happened. He is ready!
that is just a couple of the miracles that have happened! I was thinking about the week during sacrement meeting yesterday and how We had been working all transfer and had been teaching and trying or best but were just not seeing the results that we wanted then yesterday all at once i saw that the blessing and the results come not always with the same people that we would have thought but with the our brothers and sisters that Heavenly Father has prepared.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
August 9, 2010
Heavenly Father is blessingus with all kind of miracles and many new amis. This week we had sucha good experience this weekwith one of our new converts, Belal. He has been asking us for a hwile now if he could come and work wih us for a day. and we didn have a lot of consistent things planned so we had been pushing it off a little bit. until Friday we realized that we had 3 appointments all with new amis back to back so we asked him if he wanted to come and teach with us. Lets just say it was a great experience. With each lesson us as a companionship became more and more united and we werereally able to teach together at the same time we were abme to use Belal; who has a very strong testimony. Lordis helping us. I sincerly pray taht He wil let us stay together for the next transfer. We really are just getting things figured out. We are teaching together so much better now. we stil have a things to learn but it is more balanced.
So I think that I told you about our friend Laurent, he is one that was our waiter when dwe went fo ricecreamwith belal. well now we are getting to teach him. He is really interesting.He really doesnt have a religious back ground. more or lesshe belives in all sorts of thing and everything that he see on TV. It is interesting to teach him.I dont thinkHave ever taught someone that has not had a belief inGod before. It is really making me turn and try to mut myself in his shoes to understand where he is coming from.
It is amazing to see how Heavenly Fahter doesnt let too comfortable inthe way we teach or the kind of peole that we teach. Everyone ins different.I see more and more why we use Preach my gospel. WE have to go to the people. EVeryone is differntand everyone has a different story different background but the Gospel isfor everyone.
I amso grateful to be a missionary and to be able to serve and help bring the light of the gospel to those who do not have it.
So I think that I told you about our friend Laurent, he is one that was our waiter when dwe went fo ricecreamwith belal. well now we are getting to teach him. He is really interesting.He really doesnt have a religious back ground. more or lesshe belives in all sorts of thing and everything that he see on TV. It is interesting to teach him.I dont thinkHave ever taught someone that has not had a belief inGod before. It is really making me turn and try to mut myself in his shoes to understand where he is coming from.
It is amazing to see how Heavenly Fahter doesnt let too comfortable inthe way we teach or the kind of peole that we teach. Everyone ins different.I see more and more why we use Preach my gospel. WE have to go to the people. EVeryone is differntand everyone has a different story different background but the Gospel isfor everyone.
I amso grateful to be a missionary and to be able to serve and help bring the light of the gospel to those who do not have it.
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 5, 2010
I love church yesterday! especially sacrement meeting! The youth of most of France we able to participate in EFY this year. It is the first time that they have done an EFY in France and since the beginning of the year the youth along with their parents have been preparing for this week. Well yesterday it we evident in their faces and in their testimonies of how powerful and stong the youth are. EAch one that bore their testimony said how much they really enjoyed it and how their testimonies had grown. Our leaders are really trying to give the youth all that they need to stay stong in the chruch and have a solid testimony while they are young. The world is going father an farther from the things of God and we all need to be stronger and more sure in Christ.
THe spirit really was just so strong among the youth and it made me thing of Jackson and him being able to go to the MTM!
So we have some new amis. ONe his name is Laurent. We met him one night when Belal took us to get icecream. And Laurnet was our waiter. We talked a little with him while we were eating then as we were leaving he asked us for our card. SInce then we have seen him a few times but not really to teach him. WE tried but when he was at work he and his boss love to talk to us but Laurent would just joke around. THen he invited us to go to his house. We went one time and his neighbor ws their and talked a lot the second time we went to his house he was actually serious. We had a really good discussion about the Book Of Mormon. IT was interesting because he said that he thinks he will become "brother laurent" soon. even when we went to the restaurant the other day he said it again. We pray and continue to teach.
As for Salim we are going to see him tomorrow. He really is ready for the gospel. Just pray for him.
We also have another mr. His name is Guy, He is really cool. He is a practicing Baptist and very believing already. HE accepted the BOM and said he is going to read it from start to finish;
THe spirit really was just so strong among the youth and it made me thing of Jackson and him being able to go to the MTM!
So we have some new amis. ONe his name is Laurent. We met him one night when Belal took us to get icecream. And Laurnet was our waiter. We talked a little with him while we were eating then as we were leaving he asked us for our card. SInce then we have seen him a few times but not really to teach him. WE tried but when he was at work he and his boss love to talk to us but Laurent would just joke around. THen he invited us to go to his house. We went one time and his neighbor ws their and talked a lot the second time we went to his house he was actually serious. We had a really good discussion about the Book Of Mormon. IT was interesting because he said that he thinks he will become "brother laurent" soon. even when we went to the restaurant the other day he said it again. We pray and continue to teach.
As for Salim we are going to see him tomorrow. He really is ready for the gospel. Just pray for him.
We also have another mr. His name is Guy, He is really cool. He is a practicing Baptist and very believing already. HE accepted the BOM and said he is going to read it from start to finish;
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Yesterday we had one of the most spiritual and most incredible experiences I think I have had since I have been on my mission. After church we ahd an appointment with our ami Amed. He had told us when we got the the tram stop to call us and he would come and meet us. Well we get there and call but he didnt answer. WE stood there for a minute and thought well what can we do? We knew which apartment building he lived in but not which aprtment number(plus it was a 17 story building) But we felt like we should go and look at the mailboxes for that building and see if we could find his name. Well we found 2 boxes with the name Amed and siad we will try them and see what happens maybe we will find him. So off we go to the 7th story. We ring the doorbell and a young man comes to the door. I recognized this young man. We told him that we thought we were looking for our friend and we must have guessed the wrong apartment. He looked at us really confused and was like no but how did you find this apartment. we were like just randomly.
To give a little bit of backfround I had contacted him back the first week I had been in Bordeaux and it was a very humbling and a great teaching experience for me to say the least. AT that point he didn give me his number or anything. I had prayed that maybe I would see him again. But had kind of forgotten about him. Until the other day I had the thought just wondering how he was and if he had prayed.
SO to continue with the story. His name is Salim. He started to tell us that he had been praying out on his balcony and asking GOd for help with some problems he is having. SO that is why he was so confused that we had showed up at his house. He came out in the hall and talked with us for a few minutes. I cant give you all the details but I can say the spirit was very strong. We talked about why we are here in this life and how God answers our prayers. We gave him the Plan of Salvation Brochure. he trembling hands he read the first page.
THe spirit was strong and was there. I know that it was not just randomlly that we knocked on his door last night. Heavenly Father has been preparing him. and needed us to see him last night. I have no doubts that this is the work of the Lord. He leads and guides us his hands to be where he needs us to be. He really know each of his children and what they need and when they need it.
To give a little bit of backfround I had contacted him back the first week I had been in Bordeaux and it was a very humbling and a great teaching experience for me to say the least. AT that point he didn give me his number or anything. I had prayed that maybe I would see him again. But had kind of forgotten about him. Until the other day I had the thought just wondering how he was and if he had prayed.
SO to continue with the story. His name is Salim. He started to tell us that he had been praying out on his balcony and asking GOd for help with some problems he is having. SO that is why he was so confused that we had showed up at his house. He came out in the hall and talked with us for a few minutes. I cant give you all the details but I can say the spirit was very strong. We talked about why we are here in this life and how God answers our prayers. We gave him the Plan of Salvation Brochure. he trembling hands he read the first page.
THe spirit was strong and was there. I know that it was not just randomlly that we knocked on his door last night. Heavenly Father has been preparing him. and needed us to see him last night. I have no doubts that this is the work of the Lord. He leads and guides us his hands to be where he needs us to be. He really know each of his children and what they need and when they need it.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 20, 2010
We had two amis that were supposed to come to church Jahwajah and Hademou, but for one reason or another they didn't come. Bus while we were in Relief Society Sister Lazof came in. We are working with her and her husband and son to come to church. We had been there Saturday and had a great lesson with them . we had invited them to church again and they said they were going to come. WE prayed really hard that they would come because last week they had said the same thing and didnt come. When I saw them there I was jsut extactic! Even Brother Lazof had come! They stayed until right after sacrement meeting. THere is still a lot to work on with them but they CAME to church!
I love the Lord and am so grateful for all of the blessing that he gives me. Right before coming to write we were at Belal's! I love to go and visit him. Everytime he teaches us and it seems to be exactly what I need for that day or that moment. He just got back from a trip to JOrdan. He showed us all of his photos and discribed some of the things that he saw. THen he shared with us a couple thoughts about serving those around us. It was interesting I needed wht he said and he gave me someideas especailly for serving my companions and other. Even if it is just a simple sincere complement taht come from the heart that can do great things. He really helped me remember the importance of not judgine others. I find myself especially when we are contactin or in the tram and bus that I judges people by their appearance of whether or not they will be interested; But it doestn work like that.
I just remembered somthing really cool from this last week! The 14 of JUly is kind of like our 4 of July. And we were out in the streets talking to peopel and we stopped a man his name come to find out is Theirry. He was having a rough day. He said that maybe he would be interested talking to us another time. He gave us his address but that was it. Said pass and if I'm there we can talk if not viola.
Well we were excited anyway and thoght you never know. Well the next day We had just got back to appartment and were fixing lunch when the phone rang. I didnt recognize the number or the voice. Come to find out it was Theirry calling to tell us that he had told us the wrong house number, he ended up setting an appointment with us for Saturday. He is amazing. He is seperated from the mother of his 2 daughters. and only sees his daughters everyother weekend. It is really hard for him. Just in talking to him he is very sincere. He is searching for the peace that only the gospel can bring. We are excited to see him again this week.
I love the Lord and am so grateful for all of the blessing that he gives me. Right before coming to write we were at Belal's! I love to go and visit him. Everytime he teaches us and it seems to be exactly what I need for that day or that moment. He just got back from a trip to JOrdan. He showed us all of his photos and discribed some of the things that he saw. THen he shared with us a couple thoughts about serving those around us. It was interesting I needed wht he said and he gave me someideas especailly for serving my companions and other. Even if it is just a simple sincere complement taht come from the heart that can do great things. He really helped me remember the importance of not judgine others. I find myself especially when we are contactin or in the tram and bus that I judges people by their appearance of whether or not they will be interested; But it doestn work like that.
I just remembered somthing really cool from this last week! The 14 of JUly is kind of like our 4 of July. And we were out in the streets talking to peopel and we stopped a man his name come to find out is Theirry. He was having a rough day. He said that maybe he would be interested talking to us another time. He gave us his address but that was it. Said pass and if I'm there we can talk if not viola.
Well we were excited anyway and thoght you never know. Well the next day We had just got back to appartment and were fixing lunch when the phone rang. I didnt recognize the number or the voice. Come to find out it was Theirry calling to tell us that he had told us the wrong house number, he ended up setting an appointment with us for Saturday. He is amazing. He is seperated from the mother of his 2 daughters. and only sees his daughters everyother weekend. It is really hard for him. Just in talking to him he is very sincere. He is searching for the peace that only the gospel can bring. We are excited to see him again this week.
Friday, July 16, 2010
July 12, 2010
We had 2 really neat experiences this week with a less active family. the Family Lazof. I had only ever met soeur Lazof, whenever Sr. Madsen et moi had stopped by she was there alone. But this time they were both there. WE asked themif we could sing and pray with them. they agreed. After we had sang We asked them about their conversion. They both went on to share the things that had touched them about the church. The spirit was really strong as the two of them bore testimony. That night I can truly sayt that the spirit led us to know what to say. We testified that the spirit was there right then and we asked them what we could do to help them to have the spirit in their home and te help them prepare to come back to church. Sr.: Lazof lit right up and said "you come here every Saturday night and you spend time with us." she then turned to her husband and said "we will have a good time without smoking or drinking." He agreed! SO Saturday we went and they had fixed us dinner. We ate then were sharing our little lesson with them. Brother Lazof was kind of anxious I still dont know why. As we finished we asked if we could just leave them witha prayer. He agreed and said he would even give it! As he prayed the spirit was really strong. He prayed with all his heart. He finished and said that he felt a heat come over him. It was a very neat experience. THey are sucha neat couple. We are going to continue to work with them.
It was really fun this week we ran into our amis and serge all over. Especially Serge- that was handy because a couple of times he was actually able to teach with us. I have to laugh because m companion think I am crazy but we really are learing to work together. THis morning we were street contacting. Sr. Walton said to us we should try and just smile wear a really big smile as we walk. so we did. We were laughing and having a good time. THere was a man that was walking towards us we said bonjour, he had a really confused look on his face and replied "how are you? " and just like that we got taking; we ended up talking of over 20 minutes. It was really a good conversation and we are actuallyu going to see him tomorrow too!
Honestly things are going well! I love being a missionary. Time is going by so fast. I cant even stand it.
It was really fun this week we ran into our amis and serge all over. Especially Serge- that was handy because a couple of times he was actually able to teach with us. I have to laugh because m companion think I am crazy but we really are learing to work together. THis morning we were street contacting. Sr. Walton said to us we should try and just smile wear a really big smile as we walk. so we did. We were laughing and having a good time. THere was a man that was walking towards us we said bonjour, he had a really confused look on his face and replied "how are you? " and just like that we got taking; we ended up talking of over 20 minutes. It was really a good conversation and we are actuallyu going to see him tomorrow too!
Honestly things are going well! I love being a missionary. Time is going by so fast. I cant even stand it.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 5, 2010
This last week was really a good week. We are finding lot of new people to teach. Even this afternoon shortly after we had arrived in Bordeaux we had a Rendezvous with Serge. When we got off the bus we were walking across this open place and this lady came up behind us and was saying, "wait wait." We turned around stopped. She stopped next to us and said "I want to know more about the mormons, that interests me. can I get one of your Books?" I think that my mouth was on the ground. After I got it to close and actually work she gave us her information and said we could come by during the week. The on ly thing is she lives in the Elders area. In all of my mission I have never had anyone stop us like that before. You never know when the Lord is going to place someone on your path.
We had another cool experience this week. We received a text from someone saying that he had been admitted to the hospital but he wanted to let us know that he was doing ok. WE had no idea who he was. So we called him because we thought that maybe it was an ami or member that had just used a different number. Come to find out he was taught by the sisters a couple of months ago but some how they had lost contact or something with him. It was so cool. WE were able to meet him his name is Pedro he is really cool we will see what happens with him.
So yesterday we had the opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July. I had made brownies and we went with the elders to Gus' house. He is originally from Florida but came to FRance after the 2nd world War in 43. Heis now 87 and is really losing his memory he has a hard time speaking French and English and his hearing is going too. But I can say that is was such a fun night. we sang all of the patriotic songs in the English Hymn book. He was so happy to have us there. I realized how proud I am to be an American! I love France and the people here but I can ruely say that my heart is american!
We had another cool experience this week. We received a text from someone saying that he had been admitted to the hospital but he wanted to let us know that he was doing ok. WE had no idea who he was. So we called him because we thought that maybe it was an ami or member that had just used a different number. Come to find out he was taught by the sisters a couple of months ago but some how they had lost contact or something with him. It was so cool. WE were able to meet him his name is Pedro he is really cool we will see what happens with him.
So yesterday we had the opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July. I had made brownies and we went with the elders to Gus' house. He is originally from Florida but came to FRance after the 2nd world War in 43. Heis now 87 and is really losing his memory he has a hard time speaking French and English and his hearing is going too. But I can say that is was such a fun night. we sang all of the patriotic songs in the English Hymn book. He was so happy to have us there. I realized how proud I am to be an American! I love France and the people here but I can ruely say that my heart is american!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 28, 2010
One thing that I reallylearned was that Stress is a lack of faith. For most amis they really have oposition right before their baptism we were really suprised when The week before Serge's baptism it was calm everything worked out just fine. But this wee we really understand why. I can't give you all of the details but lets just say that it was rough. His situation is not easy. And many times during the week we had appointments with him just to make sure that he was ok. I can honestly say that he has so much faith. He has complete confidence in the Lord. One thing with him he doesnt have a cell phone right now so when we have an appointment with him and he is late we cant call him to see if he is even coming or not. And one night we really needed to see him and we had been waiting at the church for more than half and hour. I was kind of worried and started stressing is he going to come? has something happened? BUt as I sat there I realized that I had been praying and asking the Lord to help him get there safely yet there I was stressing out. I had a thought come to mind that really hit me" do you really have confidence that Heavenly Father is hearing your prayers or not?" As I thought about it I thought well of course I know he answers prayers then another thought came: "why are you stressed then?" It is just that I knew at that moment that Heavenly Father had complete control over everything. There were many moments when that inspiration really helped me this week to realize that Heavenly Father is in control. There is nothing to big, too strong or too powerful that He cannot handle.
It is really cool to to watch your new converts and amis progress in the church. Sometimes it is like being a parent. For example Belal another of our recent converts blessed the sacrement and received his first calling yesterday. I was so escited for him. I can see how really his testimony continues to grow and how well he is integated into the Ward. Ihope and pray that it is going to be like that for Serge in not verylong. THey really are such great examples.
We have been working with a lot of new people. The cool thing is they are all young single adults! THat makes it even more fun because they are at our level. We are facing the same kinds of things in our lives. It is really cool to share the gosple with them and let it change them like it changes me in my life.
the weather has changed to super hot! We went from like 20°C to 30°C over night. It really does tricks to you when it changes like that.
It is really cool to to watch your new converts and amis progress in the church. Sometimes it is like being a parent. For example Belal another of our recent converts blessed the sacrement and received his first calling yesterday. I was so escited for him. I can see how really his testimony continues to grow and how well he is integated into the Ward. Ihope and pray that it is going to be like that for Serge in not verylong. THey really are such great examples.
We have been working with a lot of new people. The cool thing is they are all young single adults! THat makes it even more fun because they are at our level. We are facing the same kinds of things in our lives. It is really cool to share the gosple with them and let it change them like it changes me in my life.
the weather has changed to super hot! We went from like 20°C to 30°C over night. It really does tricks to you when it changes like that.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 22, 2010
This wekk was incredible! SErge was Baptized! We were able to see him a couple of times during the week. One of the times we had Belal another recent convert teaching with us. SErge and Belal once again taught me so much more than I could have taught them. THey had the analogy that for the last 31years for Belal and 40 years for SErge they have been prisioners. THey didnt know they were prisioners. But as they have found the gospel and put into practice the teaching of CHrist and now been baptized they have been made free. How cool is that! Through and only through the gospel of Jesus Christ are we made free.
EAch time that we saw Serge he was more and more excited for his baptism. He shared his testimony many times too about how the scriptures help him and how he really feel the Holy Ghost teach him and help him. Saturday finally came. Not going to lie I was a little stressed I don't know why but I was. Everything worked out. THe Program was really good. Serge had asked Belal to give the talk about he Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. ANd he aske Bouba to baptize him. BOth of these brothers are new converts themselves. It really was something special. As we went in to the room for the baptism the spirit was so strong. I cant explain how the spirit really is special at a baptism. You could see the pure joy when Serge came out of the water. He even Bore his testimony. He told us that when he first met the missionaries he doubted what we were teaching him. "I didnt want to believe. But as I read the Book of Mormon and continued to pray it was like somthing was telling me it was true, but I still didnt want to listen to it. Little by little i came to know that it was true." As we have talked with him since hte baptism and receiving The Holy Ghost he there is something different about him. He said to us that it is like his heart is at rest. He feel light there was something lifted from his shoulders. It is so true! There is a difference in his countenance it isnt something you could capture with a camera. Almost like someone has turned a light on in his face. He glows.
EAch time that we saw Serge he was more and more excited for his baptism. He shared his testimony many times too about how the scriptures help him and how he really feel the Holy Ghost teach him and help him. Saturday finally came. Not going to lie I was a little stressed I don't know why but I was. Everything worked out. THe Program was really good. Serge had asked Belal to give the talk about he Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. ANd he aske Bouba to baptize him. BOth of these brothers are new converts themselves. It really was something special. As we went in to the room for the baptism the spirit was so strong. I cant explain how the spirit really is special at a baptism. You could see the pure joy when Serge came out of the water. He even Bore his testimony. He told us that when he first met the missionaries he doubted what we were teaching him. "I didnt want to believe. But as I read the Book of Mormon and continued to pray it was like somthing was telling me it was true, but I still didnt want to listen to it. Little by little i came to know that it was true." As we have talked with him since hte baptism and receiving The Holy Ghost he there is something different about him. He said to us that it is like his heart is at rest. He feel light there was something lifted from his shoulders. It is so true! There is a difference in his countenance it isnt something you could capture with a camera. Almost like someone has turned a light on in his face. He glows.
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
i have to tell you that I am so excited! SErge is going to be baptized this Saturday! He is so ready! We have had some really cool rendezvous with him this last week. He loves to study the scriptures and it is so cool to start teaching a principle and have him end up teaching us. He understands the importance of staying clean and worthy to always have the holy ghost with him. WE had been at Brother Defrranchi's house the other night for a FHE. Belal and Serge were there. I think that Belal (our recent convert) and Serge did most of the teaching. I know that I walked away having learned a lot. One thing that I really like that Belal actually was telling us is how we need to remember to pray in all things. He Said that he had started to do that. BEfore he leaves for school, before a test before eating everything that he does he prays. It realy taught me how important it is so include GOd in the little things in our life even if it is just a little prayer as we are driving or walking somewhere. He knows best in all things and can help us.
Random side note for you. If you paint the front door and then you dont want it to fade do you know what you do? You do like the French here in Bordeaux you put up a curtain on the outside to cover and protect the door. It is something that I still dont understand mais voila!
Random side note for you. If you paint the front door and then you dont want it to fade do you know what you do? You do like the French here in Bordeaux you put up a curtain on the outside to cover and protect the door. It is something that I still dont understand mais voila!
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