June 4, 2013

Ma chère famille,

Wow, what a week. I cannot begin to explain how HAPPY I am to be a missionary for the church right now. It's a MANTLE. It's real. And it's amazing. Elder Ulivaka, qui vient d'ici who just here, he got released yesterday, and he said that the worst/hardest part for him wasn't actually taking the plaque off, though I imagine that that was heart wrenching... But he said that it was when they said in his release blessing (what's that called in English again? I only know the french word.) when they said that he is released as a full time missionary for the church. Bahhh. My heart. But I don't think about that. 

Anyways, number one thing of the week... I have re-found my spiritual gift. (The gift of weeping.) hah. No joke. Up until this last week, minus those couple meltdowns in the past, I've been incredibly not me. As in, emotionally stable, and I never cry anymore. Weird. I know. Mais ca est But it is. I'm back. I cried almost every day this week. Comme auparavant As before. (Mom, don't worry, it was usually for a good happy reason.) But yah, Soeur Tere like didn't know what to do with me... Cause usually she's the crier. Mais bon but good. I am happy. I might just be having my mid mission (oh no this thing is gonna fly by) crisis. I dunno. But I'm good! 

Number two thing this week. I spent Saturday being trained by Elder F. Michel Watson of the Seventy. With his wife. And President and Soeur Brewer!! Quelle joie!! What joy The coolest part? There were only four of us missionaries in the room. (Other than the Brewers.) It was Soeur Tere and I, the STLs, and Elder Wilson and Elder Dymock, the ZLs. Prettty amazing. I left my journal of notes and things I wrote down at home, but it was incredible! The spirit was strong, and I was just like, is this real life? Also, Soeur Tere and I found out that we're planning and conducting the next Zone Conference in July in a month. I'm stoked. I kinda wanted to translate... but that'll have to wait. Cause I don't think I can do the two. Mais bon. Un jour!! But good. Someday! 

Also, the music things. I sang in the choir this weekend for New Cal's second stake conference. And that was fun! I LOOOOVVEE to sing. (hah. that's for you Elise.) And also, I got roped into playing piano for our amis bapteme on June 15th. Ben and Forrest, where are youuu? J'ai peur I'm afraid. Secret Prayer and Au Jardin, which is not in the english hymn book and has 4 flats. Ab maj. So yah. Prayer's please. hah. We may only go for the right hand. On verra bien. We'll see

Oh. Also, we got transfers this week. The Elders got moved around like crazy, so I'm not gonna say much about them. Mostly I just wanted to say that they're REOPENING Lifou!! Which is choc shocking. And also, get this. My new district, for next week, will be 5 Soeurs and 2 Elders!! Cause they're putting Soeurs in Dumbea now and it's a trio. Also, it's Soeur Kailiponi! She'll be training there, and Soeur Teahe will be with her with the nouvelle. So we'll be in the same district!! Hah. That gives us one more team to do exchanges with though. So that's almost an exchange a week. 5 exchanges for a 6 week transfer. Chyeah. I wouldn't be surprised if they call another team of STLs soon. Cause I'm sure there will be at least one more sister sector with the next transfer in July. 

Stake conference was incredible! The 70s spoke! Elder Watson and Elder Walker! And it was great! I decided I may just move back here after so I can traduire translate for the general authorities after my mission. Cause traduiring translating is the best. Anyways, here's the lightbulb thought for the week. Someone was talking about the work of God at conference. And I was sitting there, listening and thinking to myself. And je me suis posée la I asked myself a question, what is the work of God? The answer, Moses 1:39. To bring to past the immortality and eternal life of man. What is the work of salvation? MISSIONARY WORK. The work of God is this work. The work that Pup and I engage in EVERY DAY. It's what we should all be doing everyday. Cause we have a work ahead of us. But, it's possible if we all participate! The blessings are grand! The joy, unimaginable. I love this work. And I will be a missionary for the rest of my life.

Also, I dunno what it is, but my hair is attracting all kinds of "compliments" slash back hand slaps lately. So I'm including one. Maybs once a week. This one's Soeur Lamb talking about Christophe, a man that lives in Sixieme, "Soeur Raney and I talked to him for a long time this week! And it was really good. It turns out that he really likes Elvis. Maybe that's why he liked you so much..." hah. There's more where that came from. Mais bon. La prochaine semaine. But good. Next week.

My family!! I love you! You are in my prayers! Thanks for your love and support!!

L'evangile est vraie!

Love, Soeur Santos