October 30, 2012

Ma Chere Famille,

It's early this morning cause Soeur Lamb and I are trying something different; laundry in the morning. It's going well so far. I kinda wish we'd figured this out earlier, cause I'm always having a heart attack trying to finish letters, but it's good!

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions, highs and lows. First of all. Soeur Cuthbert has returned home. We found out she was going home Tuesday night, so we spent the night in the residence, crying and packing. She left Wednesday, and Wednesday was rough for a couple reasons. Firstly, because it was the day J-Dawg was going to report, and I really wanted her here! And also, because Soeur Cuthbert went home. That was hard. But, I know that the Lord knows better than I, and I've been trying to not only trust in Him, but to trust Him. And know that despite what I think is best for everyone, I know that He KNOWS. So I've been trying to pray to align my will with His. Mom, I've thought a lot about you and Kawehi and your prayer story with her. Thank you for setting a good example for me to follow with that. Life is so much better when we don't fight against His will. We have to have faith! One of the huge blessings of this week was teaching Frere Sybrowsky as himself, and that was the first lesson that Soeur Lamb and I taught alone. It was hard, but we actually talked about this same thing. Trusting the Lord and knowing that He has a plan for us, even if we may not know what it is at the moment. But he said that we were super united, even though we were missing the third wheel to our tricycle, Soeur Cuthbert. It's been on and off awkward since then, but I know that that was a tender mercy from the Lord. Him saying, "You can do this, even though it's different." We love and miss you Soeur Cuthbert! Hope you're doing well.

Another thing that we JUST started this week, that has really helped, is companionship study. It's THE BEST! We haven't really had time for it up until now when the teachers finally gave us time in class, so it's been great. One of my favorite things about companionship study is that you get more practice teaching! Which is THE BEST. I love it. We do little jeux de roles which usually come in handy in the actual lesson. It's great. So yah, we're had one everyday since last Thursday. 

Another tender mercy of the week was TRC. It was probably my favorite one yet. We getta teach members and it's so great! This week, we had two older men Frere Close et Frere Smith, both of whom, served french speaking missions and are still super legit at French. I wanna keep my language skills! (Also, as a side note, I decided I'm learning Spanish and Portuguese when I get home. Languages are THE BESTTT.) Anyway, TRC has always been a joy for me, but Soeur Lamb usually doesn't like it cause the people there have corrected her to the point of being obnoxious. So yah. But this week! It was miraculous. We taught Lesson 3, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we really focused on how as members, they can continue to live this gospel, how it's not a one time thing, even baptism, and how it applies directly to them. The questions that were coming out of my mouth were not from me. It was INCREDIBLE. I love the Spirit. He's the best! 

Soeur Cutler taught my district this weekend cause my teachers were busy, and she's a zone resource teacher. But we got to teach her as an investigator, Claudie, and it was great! Planning for lessons without Soeur Cuthbert has been super awkward lately, but usually the lessons turn out good. I dunno, it's weird. But anyways, with Claudie, we invited her to be baptized in the first lesson! Which I haven't done in awhile, and it's great! I love helping others and inviting them to come closer to Jesus Christ. That is why I am here, and nothing brings me more joy. hah. Quote of the week from my elders had to do with this lesson that they taught her. She was super hardcore about kicking us out after 20 mins, but the elders didn't know she was going to be so on time, so they only got through the apostasy. "Basically, we left her with 'there are no true churches on the earth'" I died. hah. But luckily they told us this before we taught, so we ended up cutting out part of our lesson so that we could end on time. Also, we had a singing party on Friday night with Soeur Cutler and it was the best! We sang hymns in french and she played piano. And we sang Christmas hymns, and I thought of you, my dear family!! 

Also, the candy fast was broken this Saturday night. We had a party to celebrate, and Soeur Lamb and I may or may not have ran a mile in our tiny classroom. hah. And the other not very smart thing I did this week was play sand volleyball in the sand on Thursday night. It had snowed that morning, so the sand was freezing, but we thought it'd be ok. But it was extremely cold. My toes are back to normal now though. And Soeur Lamb and I have sworn off night time gyms outside. 

Oh! And Soeur Lamb and I finally successfully committed Michel to baptism! Fifth time's the charm... hah. But I'm sooo happy! It's actually kind of ridiculous how happy I am, considering the fact that this is all a simulation... But it just makes me wonder how excited I'll be when I actually get to New Cal. I cannot wait! Speaking of which, second to last week here. I'm outta here November 11th. 12 days!! I could not be more excited...

Finally, PVL! Parlez votre launge. We've been speaking a lot of french this week, and I have loved it! We spoke all french last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, (which was more like mostly french with some English) and this week, Monday to Monday is 100% pure french. And I love it. It's the best. Seriously, speaking the language of heaven. And it's been funny, I've talked with several people since I've started that know French, but are going elsewhere. An Elder going to Hungary, (I thought of Jack) and an Hermana that took SOOO much french before her mission and even studied abroad in France, but is now learning Spanish. It's great. And I talked to an old mish that's going to France and he served there for his young mish. He said my french was good! I love this language. It's the best. Pray for me this week, I'm gonna need all the help I can get to speak only French.

Well family, I'm outta time. I love you! I hope that you have a fantastic week! Kiss the babies for me, they're sooo cute! And Kalei! I want to hear from you! I love you all. Thanks for your love and support. Pray for the people of New Caledonia! I'm almost outta here, and I cannot wait!!

L'evangile est vrai!

Love, Soeur Santos