Week 8 (3/18/19)

Week 50 (1/13/20): Broken plates, Jean Bernard, and a village that smells like chocolate

Hey everyone !

Real quick- the email you are about to get is not written by me. But my companion is a writer, so it'll probably be better- you're in for a treat ! Sorry I didn't get time this week, I'll be on it for next week !

Happy Monday, everybody! 

So, transfer news. Me and Sœur Cate are staying together for another six weeks in Annecy! 

We were scared for a minute, though. I have a sort of curse on the mission that every time I've gotten transferred, I've broken some sort of dish the week of transfers before calls. Happened in Cannes, happened in Aix, and it even happened in Lyon. And one night I was making dinner and pulled a plate out of the cupboard...and dropped it! It was a spectacular shatter and me and Sœur Cate looked at each other in horror and said, "Oh no, sœur, TRANSFERS!!!" But the curse has been broken. *cue magical Disney music and fireworks*  

Now that that's out of the way, here was our week! We weren't able to see our amis Beda or Sylvain this week because one is going to school full time and the other is a caterer and has had no time this week (I know how that feels hahaha), but we've kept in good text contact with them so hopefully we're going to set something up with them next week. It's just a dance of timing, honestly. But we'll get 'em one day! We were able to have a magnificent branch council where we talked about how we can work together to help our amis and less active members. Funny thing though, apparently Sylvain lives in the next apartment block over from ours and we have been seeing him everywhere, so that has been super great contact on that front. Just short, 30-second conversations to catch up on life and answer any questions he's found in the Book of Mormon. He reads it constantly and sends us whole lists of questions and we are so excited to continue teaching him! 

And then we met a man named Gomes. He is super interested in family history and as we were helping him set up an account with family search he asked us why a church would care so much about something like this. Well, friend, it's because we believe families can last a long time after death. It's because of the work we do on Family Search that families can be together for time and all eternity. He was absolutely fascinated by that answer and so now we have a rdv for next week! 

And he has every reason to be! We truly did live with God before this life, and He loves us eternally. He wanted us to have every opportunity to not only return to live with Him (we were already doing that), but to become like Him. And so He sent us here to earth, to make mistakes and learn and see the world and have experiences and recieve a body, in a family, with friends and neighbors and pets and coworkers. And because of the gospel and the promises we make with Heavenly Father, and because of the miraculous Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can go back to live forever with this loving Heavenly Father, with bodies and families and friends in eternal joy. Growing up I took the Plan of Salvation for granted. But teaching it on a mission has been so exhilirating. 

We also have been helping our branch teach temple preparation classes to a returning member, so the Plan of Salvation has just kind of been the theme for the week! To do that we take a bus to a village called Rumilly. The best part about Rumilly is the fact that it has a cereal factory, so the entire village smells like chocolate. I was skeptical, but then I got off the bus and my mind was simply blown. Sœur Cate was right. The village of Rumilly smells of chocolate, friends. Normally we take trains to Rumilly, but currently about 99% of train conductors are on strike in France. Trains haven't run normally for weeks and so we have been taking whatever coach buses are available for the past few weeks. Well, we got to Rumilly this one particular afternoon and found out that the bus we'd taken to Rumilly stopped running at 1:30 in the afternoon...and it was already 1:50 by the time we found out. Alors, our only option was a train. We very nervously bought tickets at the gare and waited for an hour. Google was telling us that trains were supposed to be arriving every ten minutes. Either they were magical invisible trains or they just didn't come hahaha but either way we sat at the station and smelled the chocolate smell as we sat in the midst of the Alps. Yes, that is as magical for the senses as that description sounds. I love France. Eventually a coach bus came tp rescue us and we made it home safe and sound. 

My favorite activity of the week was helping out with the primary on Friday night. We told them about the 7-minute Workout app that we have as missionaries and they had been brainstorming primary activities, so they asked us to come show the kids the workout for an activity. Oh. My. Goodness. It was the most precious night I've ever had in my life. We all did the excercises together (squats, superman, pushups, wall sits, lunges, boxing, shuffles) and they were having so much fun and giggling and falling over and cheering each other on. On the app there is a little CGI guy who shows you how to do the exercises and one little girl named him Jean-Bernard. So he is and forever will be dubbed Jean-Bernard. 

Also, Annecy is BEAUTIFUL. A member took us on a drive up to Semnoz, a ski/sled resort, to see the view and take pictures, and it was stunning. And then for Pday we went on a hike up Mont Veyrier. I have missed hiking so much and the weather was perfect. We had a scripture study session on a bench overlooking the city. My life could be a lot worse, hahaha. 

Welp, I love you all and hope your week was amazing! 

Much love from Annecy! 

Stay blessed! ✌

Sœur Gagon

Wasn't that great ? Such a blessing to hear from more missionaries... even if it's not me. Love y'all, and have awesome weeks !

Soeur Cate

Week 49 (1/6/20): Zucchini bread and computer thieves

We had the COOLEST miracle on new year's eve ! We wanted to visit an inactive family and give them zucchini bread, but we only had their street, not their address. And despite all our searching, we could not find their address. We had just decided to give up and go knock doors somewhere else, when we heard someone say, "hé, les Sœurs !" It was our ami Stephane, that we haven't seen for about a month because he's been in the hospital ! He was given a few hours to go get fresh air, and he happened to be in a café right by where we were wandering around. And he happened to get a call, which he took outside, so he was there to meet us ! So cool that God lined up all those details ! And then another ami on his way home, that we also hadn't seen for a while, stopped to say hi for a minute ! And then Stephane told us that yet another ami was in the café right nearby, so we saw 3 amis that we don't see very often within 2 minutes. So insane !!! God really does have a plan for us to be in specific places at specific times, and He has miracles prepared if we follow the promptings He gives us !

We had some really fun visits with members this week. One of my favorites was with a family whose dad is a professional musical performer, so we all nerded out about musicals together. And their cute little 9 year old girl grilled me for details about being a missionary- everything from how you become one and how you find out where you're going to what we do on an average day to how many areas we serve in. She's so cute ! They also had a Guinea pig, which was adorable. We also had a really cute older woman who made us homemade lasagna (she's Spanish and Italian), that was utterly divine. And she's lived here for a long time, so she told us lots of fun stories about the history of the branch here and past missionaries, they were so funny and inspiring ! There was also a family with a bunch of teenage boys, and we talked everything from French history (thank goodness I took all those french classes in college) to becoming like Jesus. Seriously, members are the best !

We had two first lessons with new people this week, which was incredible ! Their names are Sylvain and Beda. They both asked a lot of great questions, and Beda came to church yesterday ! They're both willing to put in some effort to learn for themselves, which is so cool for us to see, because that's literally all we want from people.

Today for p day, we met up with a man we met on the streets and talked for a bit in a boulangerie. I had a hot chocolate and 2 croissants, basically the food of the gods. And then we were looking for books, so he showed us where the nearest bookstore was. My companion has been looking for the hobbit in French since the beginning of her mission, and we found it today, which was a very happy moment. I saw dozens of books I recognized, either because they were English books translated into French, or because I recognize them from my French courses in university. Either way, I had a lot of fun. I love bookstores !

Okay, I'll end with a funny story. We go and sing every week for a member who lives in a retirement home. So to start this joke, 2 nuns and a Cape Verdian portuguese lady walk into a nursing home. The member we visit recently changed rooms, and we accidentally went to her old room first. On the way there, we ran into a mostly naked little old lady pushing a cart with a computer on it. But it was plugged in, and she was too weak to unplug it, so we were like, sure, we'll help. But then she couldn't really push it anywhere, and she was like, "j'ai plus de force !" (I have no more strength). So when we ran into some nurses, we told them there was someone with a computer, and she seemed lost. They were like, "a lady... with a computer ?" And we're like, "look, we don't know, but yes" and then we followed the nurse back that way (because we were going back to the right floor), and we just heard "oh là là, qu'est-ce que vous faites là ?" Which roughly translates to what are you doing ??? And she was like, you need to go back to your room, leave the computer. "Nooooo." It was so funny, we nearly died laughing in the elevator on the way down.

So yeah, I feel like that sums up a mission ! The miracles, the amazing members, the random hilarity... all that's missing is the hours of talking to strangers about Jesus, and you've got a pretty good picture of my life. What a weird existence 😂

Love y'all !

Soeur Cate 

Week 48 (12/30/19): Christmas then crash...

Bonjour from the Venice of the Alps -
Happy Christmas everyone !!!
So Christmas was a CRAZY busy day, but also one of the best ever 😊
We woke up early and opened stockings and presents, which was AMAZING ! My mom sent me a little green pinky ring, a scarf she hand knitted (which members later said they thought I'd bought, because it's that cute), and cheese its!!! I can't even tell you how much I have missed those delicious little crackers. So much fun.
My companion really loves llamas and avocados, so her mom sent presents for both of us, wrapped in avocado and llama wrapping paper. We got so many fun little toys and treats (she sent us reese's ! That's so wonderful !), which made it feel very Christmas-y.
Then we went to eat breakfast with a woman in our branch who can't leave her home. So my companion made pancakes (when it comes to cooking, I help by doing dishes and not messing it up), then we took them over with yogurts and oranges and fun toppings. It was such a fun way to celebrate with her, especially because she didn't have any other plans for Christmas.
We got picked up from our apartment by the Folleys, a British family in our branch ! We had an amazing Christmas lunch (with all these British desserts that I'd read about in Harry Potter, but never tried), then we watched "It's a Wonderful Life" with them, which was super cute. The dad also gave us tiny Lego sets, which made me very happy.
Then they took us to another family's home, where I got to eat oysters and snails for the first time ! The fact that the oyster must be alive is weird, but hey, we'll go with it. It didn't taste bad, but I only took the one, so the parents could enjoy the rest. Their kids (between the ages of 6 and 20) thought they were gross, which was hilarious.
So Christmas was (for obvious reasons) kinda the highlight of our week. Also because on the 27th, I woke up throwing up, and continued for most of the rest of the day, and then was still very much recovering up until today. Heck, I'm still recovering, but today we were at least able to leave the apartment to grab groceries. Little miracles, right ?
Despite all the craziness, we were able to take a moment to reflect on the birth of Christ with a member family, and talk about what a gift He is from God. He really is. He gives us the only way back to our heavenly home, with a path that helps us become who we need to be to live with God again. I know He lives, and that He loves us. Have a great time ringing in the new year everybody, set some cool goals to be a better version of you, and talk to you in 2020 !
Love y'all!
Sœur Cate

Week 47 (12/23/19): Another week in paradise

Bonjour tout le monde !

We had exchanges this week, which was pretty fun . We contacted a bunch of people and bought delicious pâtisseries, so I really can't complain ! Then the next day we went up to Geneva for the Christmas conference, which was so much fun ! We prepared a bunch of food all together and laughed and talked and caught up. And then ate a bunch. European chocolates are rapidly becoming my favorite weakness. There was actually a really cool moment for me when we had a cute little secret Santa, and the sister who got my name handed me a little package. It had a purple bracelet with a sea turtle charm on it. And my family has a story about baby sea turtles, how they have to fight through a hard shell, dig their way up though the sand, cross a long beach exposed to multiple predators, and then into waves they have no idea how to swim though. But they're made for it. And we're the same. We're made to do hard things and overcome trials, and become bigger and stronger because of it. That's God's plan. And it's not something she could possibly know about me (nor that my nickname in college was Violet, and it was a purple bracelet). It's kinda crazy how God lines up little blessings like that. I very much felt loved and cared for by my heavenly father, and I know He knows us personally.

In other news, we were contacting in a hailstorm, which is a new fabulous thing I can add to then cross off of my mission bucket list.

Today we went to a christmas market for p day, which was a pretty magical experience. Basically, imagine being outside with a bunch of adorable little booths selling everything from mousse to wood worked things to soap to leather notebooks and purses. Christmas music is playing, the air is filled with smells of hot chocolate, apple cider, tartiflette, pretzels, and more other delicious things than I can list. The buildings behind the shops are old European style, with a cathedral every block or so. And then when we walked back to the bus stop afterwards, we passed a lake and canal with swans and a double rainbow. If any of you want to shoot a movie, I have found your set.

I wanted to quickly echo the thought I mentioned earlier that God knows us. In this christmas season, I appreciate him that much more, because He really did make this entire plan for us. He knows all of our strengths and weaknesses, and has designed a way for us to have the experiences we need to to become like Him. He sent His son Jesus Christ to give us a way to make mistakes, but still be able to return to live with Him again. I know God lives, and that He loves us perfectly. I hope you all are able to feel a bit of that spirit this special week !

Love you ALL, and Joyeux Noël !!!

Sœur Cate

There's even a double rainbow!

Week 45 (12/9/19): I'M LIVING IN A ROMAN CITY, WHAT ???

Hello everybody !

So we had transfers this week and I got a new companion - Soeur Gagon ! We went to go pick her up in Lyon (about two hours away from Annecy), and then got stuck in wild traffic on the way back. We got to Annecy at about 20h20, and the local buses stop at 20h, so we started calling members. Most unfortunately, no one was available that last minute, so we walked home 45 minutes with broken luggage. I have a new appreciation for the Egyptians who dragged stones up ramps to build the pyramids. That must have been an experience.

Nerd alert.
My companion and I did a cathedral and castle run today, and we managed to hit 2 cathedrals and a castle. The castle has been turned into a museum, which is full of archaeological stuff. Did you know that Annecy was an ancient Roman city ? Now you do. And all those weird Roman names for places ? It's because there were actually Roman baths and temples and forums there. They had a map that showed where the ancient city lines up with the modern city, and it's so cool ! Consider me educated ! I love history so much, which made today an absolute joy, because I was literally learning about the Roman history (starting circa 25 AD, from what I could understand) in a 13th and 14th century castle. I'm writing this from a window seat in a castle ballroom, which is every bit as picturesque and magical as it sounds. And the best part ? The view from the castle showed us several more cool looking buildings, so p day next week also promises to be full of adventure 😁🇫🇷

Overall, this week has been really good ! We've taught a couple of lessons, seen a few members, had a couple of service opportunities (my favorite was helping the primary kids make Christmas cookies, because they needed extra adults there to help them), and eaten a stack of crêpes with some very kind members. I really can't complain !

Thanks for all your messages, and I'm sorry I don't always respond !
Love you tons !
Soeur Cate

Week 46 (12/16/19): *blows giant raspberry against chapel floor*

HELLO EVERYBODY !!
For that title, i'm just gonna say that sacrament meeting yesterday was hilarious, and some kids are lawless in the most entertaining way possible.

So it's been a great week ! It has rained a bit, but that's just kind of life in Annecy. I'm just glad I have boots now !

We have a member family that is doing improvements on their house, so we painted a room. I'd never painted a ceiling before, so that was an experience, but the end result looked really nice ! I was slightly covered in paint though, so it's a good thing we had some time to clean up afterwards. I really enjoy having service projects to do, it's a fun way to get to know the members and follow the savior's example of helping others

We went to see la Visitation. I'm not gonna lie, half the motivation to visit it was because she saw my ladybug nativity that I got at the gift shop there, and decided she needed one. She's obviously right, everyone needs one.

We had our christmas party this saturday, and it was awesome to see how many families came out, and how many friends came to it ! It was fun to see everyone eating together, playing games, and watching the primary's shadow puppet show (which included a soundtrack made up with songs from random movies, including les mis and star wars, which just made it better !). And there was an older member of our branch whose wife wasn't able to come because she was sick (which we didn't know beforehand), but my companion had gotten the prompting from the spirit to bring the soup leftover from our lunch. So she put it in a cute jar and put a card on it- still not knowing who for- and then it ended up being the perfect present for him ! You never know how the spirit is going to use you, so don't be afraid to follow a prompting, even if it seems a little weird.

We also went cookie caroling yesterday. Sœur Gagon made cookies (I washed the dishes, so I helped too), and then delivered them to a member in a retirement home, a less active member, a sick member, and then a family we were eating dinner with. It's so cool to see the joy that christmas songs bring, there's a spirit that comes with them that just lights people up ! I was grateful to be able to bring that light 😊

Anyways, sorry this is short, but i'm out of time ! Love you all !
Sœur Cate