December 9, 2012

Ma chere famille,

This week was good! I had my first exchange, and I got to go to Paita (chez Soeur Kailiponi) with her and Soeur Madsen. And it was GREAT!! I love Soeur Kailiponi. I'm waiting for the day when we getta be comps! And Soeur Madsen's great too! (She's Soeur Lamb's comp right now) and she's from Idaho. But yah. It was fantastic. I learned lots. I learned, once again, that Heavenly Father knows all. He knows what's supposed to happen and who we need to teach and when we need to teach them. We went to visit two recent converts in Paita, Estelle and Steve, and we had a great conversation and mini lesson with them that needed to happen and that only could happen with us, the missionaries that were present. It was incredible. Heavenly Father knows us, His children. And He loves us!

I also learned that we really need to focus on the needs of our investigators. We had a fantastic companionship study where we quite literally went to the drawing board and figured out what the needs of our investigators were and what we could do to help. We listed the problem, possible solutions, what principle of the gospel we could teach, etc. And finally, I learned that I can open my mouth and share my testimony an this gospel with others. It was easier being with 2 Americans. We were all translating into French, rather than just me. But, even though it was easier, I am sooo happy and blessed to be with my francophone comps, Soeur Teahe and Soeur Marae. Yes, it's hard. But it's getting better! And my french is coming much faster than it would if I was serving with Americans (even though we spoke french the entire time). Again. Heavenly Father knows all! But yah, it was a great exchange. It's interesting how you can learn different things from different people. And I think that's the reason we do these exchanges. 

This week with Patita, we had a "teach people not lessons" experience and it was great! We were gonna teach the second half of the Restoration, but instead we came up with a plan of action for him to quit smoking. It was great! As a missionary, my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ and to help them! So we have a plan now! And it's going great. He also received a Priesthood blessing the next day, and the Spirit was there. The best! That was actually my first blessing in French! It was great.

Finalement, we're studying the Book of Mormon in companionship study right now. And it's THE BEST!! It's hard to put into words how much I love this book. It is incredible. It is the key to conversion. It is the evidence that this gospel is true and that Jesus is the Christ. If someone wants to know the truth, all they must do is read the book, ponder it's teachings, and pray with real intent. This book is the word of God. I know that it's true and that it contains the fulness of the gospel! I love this book. I love reading this book and applying what it teaches. Read this book everyday! Personally, with family, etc. Just read it. You will be blessed when you do.

Ok my fam, well I gotta go. We're doing a big zone p-day today! I love you all!

Oh. And packages are free on this end if you send them with USPS the red white and blue one. So yah. I love you!

L'evangile est vrai!

Love, Soeur Santos