Week 56 (2/24/20): Jeremiah's writing is so flowery my allergies are reacting

^^ just a funny quote from this week 🤣

Hello everybody !!
Oh my gosh, we had such a good week !
So this story is kinda long, but it's SO COOL !!
Tuesday evening was incredible. It started out ordinarily enough. We were out contacting, and we weren't very far from a building with a green spire we can see from our apartment window. Well, why not go contacting over there ? We felt no inspiration suggesting otherwise, so off we went. After admiring the church, taking a couple pictures, and then contacting some people in the street, it occurred to us that there might be less active addresses nearby, and we could try to check if they still lived there and visit them. So we went to one building, and the person didn't live there anymore, but we got inside the building ! We were both planning on going door to door, but we both felt like we shouldn't. So we didn't. We headed towards the next address, contacting on the way. It took us a while to find the building, and once we did, Soeur Gagon had the distinct impression that it was wrong. The spirit prompted her to rearrange the words for the street name, so we got a new address, that felt right to us. We reached that address, got in just fine, and made contact with the son, Nephi ! We talked to him for a couple minutes, got his mom's Chantal's phone number, because she wasn't there, then left.
For some reason I really don't know, we didn't port that building. Which is wildly out of character for us. But we went to the one right next door and rang on the first sonnarie. They let us in, but then mostly just wanted to bash, so we just left. We were both feeling a bit rattled, but we thought, hey, why not finish porting this building, then we'll be done for the night (it was getting late anyways). We got to the bottom floor, and there was a scripture on the door : "ne crains pas, crois seulement. -Marc 5: 36" (be not afraid, only believe). I joked to Soeur Gagon that these people were probably croyant (believing), then rang the doorbell. A woman answered, heard who we were, cheerfully threw open the door, and ushered us in, saying, "we just finished praying !"
They had just prayed, and were having their daily evening scripture study as a family. The spirit the was wonderful. Like, soooo strong ! They're so in tune ! We'd made a goal with our district to give out two copies of the book of mormon that day, and we gave them the two copies we had on us. The father, who initially seemed very closed off, was actually really interested, and asked us to write down Moroni 10: 3-5 for him so he could read it again later. And he says he already has loads of questions. Yay !

So yeah, that was our biggest miracle ! In other news, the weather was in full spring mode. We went on a nice little hike, with a great place to stretch and relax at the top (and eat Subway), and we really enjoyed ourselves. Then we headed back down into the city. We wandered around shops and canals, and bought a few pieces of fancy chocolate and ate them by one of the canals. It was so picturesque ! Life could really be a lot worse.
Oh, and my companion helped me organize my desk, and it looks so much cuter now ! It's a lot more cleared off, so I can see my decorations, which makes me happy 😊. I'm so grateful for her, because goodness knows I don't know how to organize anything 😅
Other than that, it's a lot of contacting. We talk to so many people, so at least we're giving people the opportunity to learn more about God, even if they're not interested right now. God loves them just the same, and if they ever decide to open up their hearts to Him, He'll be right there for them. I know He's there for all of you.
Love you guys, and have an awesome week !!
Sœur Cate

Week 55 (2/17/20): The Sound of Music... and the taste of mousse

So it's been a good week. I'm not dead yet 😅 I'm feeling really ADHD today though, so you've been warned !

Dumb thing I did this week: I was having a lot of trouble with allergies. No idea what to, but it was getting really bad. So I called the mission president's wife, and she was like, "have you tried allergy meds ?" ... duh. But the happy news is that they've worked, so I'm no longer sneezing and itching and blowing my nose all the time. Thank goodness for modern medicine ! The only problem is that one of the side effects of the medicine is that it makes me more drowsy in the morning... and for those of you that have ever seen me first thing in the morning, you know that's one step up from dead. So that's been an extra challenge, but hey, it's worth being able to breathe and think ! I like those things.

We've continued helping teach the temple prep lessons to one of our returning members, and honestly, it's such a privilege. We get to discuss the most incredible, sacred place ever once a week, with this wonderful French woman who loves learning about Christ so much ! I love seeing how happy we all feel after the lessons, because our love for the temple and desire to learn just really brings the spirit. I'm so grateful for those rendez-vous !

We went to a nearby little town called Poisy ! There was a beautiful cathedral, some stunning views that look like where they filmed The Sound of Music. It was so ridiculously pretty. We met a less active member (who has 20 cats... cue allergies), and were able to have a fun conversation with him, so that was cool ! We'll try to set up something with him again soon. There was also a boulangerie with an incredible baguette panini with 3 types of cheese, and then a dessert that involved vanilla mousse, apples, caramel, and something that tasted like shortcake ? I would DEFINITELY recommend it. So overall, Poisy was a very good experience.

We're also continuing to help out in the primary every Sunday (my companion plays the piano for them while I help them with the melodies), which is honestly the most entertaining thing ever. Though the kids are starting to get used to me, so they talk with this adorable kid-french, and it's kind of the best.

We made turtle bread ! It is just normal bread, but you put it in the shape of a turtle. And then we wrapped it up in aluminum foil to give to some members, but we had to leave his head uncovered, so he looked like a little space turtle. So cute !

Anyways, I know God loves us. I know He has a plan, and that His plan allows for all of our imperfections, and still provides a path home for every single person that chooses to take it. Choose to take it !

Love y'all tons !

Sœur Cate

Week 54 (2/10/20): Old towns, mousse parties, and 102

Hello everybody !
I hope y'all are doing dang fabulously. I'm doing pretty good myself 😊
We had district council in Geneva this week, which was slightly problematic for our district leader to get to (strikes make transportation in France more exciting 😊) but it was a REALLY great council. We discussed how inviting people to be baptized was one of the most important things we could do, because it puts them on the path to become like God. So now we're just going to invite everyone we teach all the time. I can't wait to see the what blessings come from being bold and encouraging them to make the most important decisions ! 😁 We also talked about being more consecrated- more focused on what really matters, less distracted, more willing to give things up for God, and submit our desires to His higher will. We'll see how it goes !

We also had a really great lesson with a less active. He's not been to church in a while, and he has a lot of questions, but it was really cool to feel the spirit guiding us as we prepared to answer his real questions, and address some of his concerns. Honestly, the feeling of being directed by God so you can serve someone else is such an incredible feeling. It's a slow and steady work with him, but it's cool to see him changing !

We set a goal this week with our zone (the missionaries in the surrounding region, 11 missionary companionships in 7 cities) to find 22 new people to teach in one day ! Which is a pretty high goal, 2 people per companionship. We went out and started talking to people and inviting them to learn more, and we walked FOREVER, but we talked to over 100 people ! That's pretty crazy ! We didn't find anyone to teach, but I know that God sees our efforts, and he'll bless us in His way, in His time.

Well, for p day we got subway for lunch (God bless Subway), then went to a comic book store, then wandered around old town. I would recommend the old town of Annecy to literally anybody. There are fabulous old buildings, bookstores and clothes stores, souvenir shops, DIVINE food, canals, at least 4 cathedrals.... y'all should put this one on the bucket list.

Anyways, sorry this is short, but I love you guys, and hope you're doing great !
Soeur Cate

Week 53 (2/3/20): Twilight zone wandering

The full title is :

Twilight zone wandering in La Roche up and down super steep one lane roads with sharp turns and no railings in the pitch dark with pouring rain, and blaming it on everything from the unintentional murder of Bubbles, and his subsequent vengeance to 20h20•02•02•2020 opening a portal and sending us to the twilight zone.

But alas, they don't give me enough space.

I hope y'all had a wonderful week, mine was pretty good ! We had zone conference and exchanges in Geneva, which was super cool 😁. I bought and ate multiple fresh pretzels, so that was one of the highlights. And then we had a couple of fun rendez-vous with the people they're teaching, and she helped me set some good goals to improve my work. Honestly, exchanges are such a great opportunity to grow.

This week we went international !
We visited a family that's half Chilean, so they had a church broadcast going in Spanish, which was pretty awesome ! She shared a lot about her culture, and her experience being a member of the church both there and in France, and it was honestly so cool to see the cultural fusion in their family.

We also visited a Romanian family, and they're all super cute. A completely different culture, but fun to learn about as we all communicate in broken french, the only language we have in common 😅

Then we had a rendez-vous with one of our members from Côte d'Ivoire (... the ivory coasts ?), and it was honestly like traveling to Africa. She had invited over one of her friends who was also from Côte d'Ivoire and another friend from Nigeria. They all have little kids (and there was an additional kid there from Cameroon... I guess they were watching her ?), so we ended up having a dance party with them to distract them while her two friends finished the cooking. Oh my goodness, it was so good ! Salad and fries and fish with a tomato sauce and a grain mash (but like... dry ? I can't really explain it that well), and honestly being in that apartment was like changing countries for an hour. I love how many cultures get mixed together in France, it has really opened my eyes to how many ways there are to see the world, and how diverse God's children really are !

My companion and I had a really cool conversation this week that I wanted to share. We talked about how God has a perfect plan. He's all powerful. Technically He doesn't need us to do anything. But at the same time, His goal of having us here is for us to learn and grow and become like Him. And that doesn't just happen if He does everything for us. Which is where commandments and obedience come in. We don't obey because otherwise we're going to ruin God's plan. We obey to fulfill His designs for us, and to become tools He can use to help others. The more people He has out there being forced for good, the more He can do the best case scenarios in His plan, because there are people that will make it happen. So let's become the people we need to be to get those best case scenarios 😎
Love you guys !
Sœur Cate

Week 52 (1/27/20): We are each half of a housewife

Hello everybody !!

Oh my gosh, we just had such a nice p day ! I scrubbed the apartment this morning, then got groceries. I bought a cute little plant for 2 dollars (soooo worth it), and we got some other towels and mugs and stuff our apartment just needed. I'm so excited, it's looking so much better ! We also went out, and by some miracle we found warm boots on a really nice sale, a fun little ring, and Subway (the restaurant) within like, 20 minutes. In case you were wondering, if you want an American experience in France, McDonald's is not the way to go. It's like, a completely different experience. But Subway ? Dead on. And then we ate that by the lake, with butterbeer (another great find- and my first time trying it !), and I paid a seagull with part of my sandwich because he was acting all cute and put on a little show for me. And then he was so surprised when I tossed him the bread that he kinda freaked out and hovered above it squaking before composing himself enough to eat it. 20/10 worth the piece of bread ! What a great day 😊

So this week we did a whole bunch of porting ! That is french mission slang for knocking doors 😂 There was one day where ee had a goal to have 23 conversations where we invited people to learn about Jésus one day, and we'd had a really good time out ringing doorbells and talking to people. But it was getting pretty cold and a bit late, and we had 22. We'd walked over to one apartment building, but literally no one was answering, and there was this creepy cat meowing, so we were like, ok, clearly God doesn't want us here, let's go somewhere else. So we prayed together asking him to guide us to the right place, and both of us got the very strong impression to ring a certain apartment building. We rang, and within a few rings, someone picked up, and politely said no. Cool. 23. But we were like, there are still a few left, let's go all the way. The very last doorbell said, "sure, come on up." So we went up, and taught a few basic principles to a couple of college students, and then got their numbers to see them again ! It was such a cool testimony of the power of going the extra mile and acting on the promptings we receive.

We're working with less actives, which has been really cool. It's definitely strengthened my testimony that conversion is not a one time thing. We don't just get converted, and then stay there without any additional effort. It's a decision we make constantly, every day, every decision. And it's amazing watching some of the people we're working with start making those decisions !

Also, yesterday at church, the cutest tiny little child came and found me after church, and had me come play in the nursery with her. Naturally my companion followed me, and another member, so we weren't alone with a kid. Thank goodness for members that help us be obedient ! I'm not that experienced in playing with kids (my sisters were always the babysitters), but it was just so pure. And my companion took pictures, and they're just adorable, so there you go.

So on Saturday I was doing some area book work, and unfortunately the way it works with our technology, it kind of becomes a one person job. So I'm sitting there working on stuff, and my companion said, "hey, as long as I'm not doing anything, I'll go make peanut butter cookies." I was like, no complaints here, so off she went ! A little bit later, she came out and gave me one (I have the best companion), and then said, "I was planning them for snacks for us this week. But I really feel like we need to take a bunch to church and give them to a family." So we did ! And they loved them, and shared them around, and really brightened up an otherwise kinda dull January day, because we all know January can just be like that sometimes. It was so cool to see all those smiles, and know that sometimes God directs you to a certain building to knock, and sometimes He tells you to bring cookies. But for those that listen, He will guide us so we can know how to help and love each other.

Look for the miracles this week !
Love,
Sœur Cate

Subway at the lake

Butterbeer

Week 51 (1/20/20): Breaking up fights in nursing homes

Hello everybody ! How's life ? Mine is pretty good. Gosh, where to start with this past week...

We talked to a bunch of strangers about Jésus. This is fairly normal for missionaries 😂

We helped out some members who have trouble going to church. One of them has agreed to come to an activity with us on Tuesday, which is progress for her ! The other member is the grandmother of a large family, and we ended up teaching the Come Follow Me lesson for this week. I love that we're studying the book of mormon now, and with such an inspired study program ! I feel like it's really helping people learn and grow closer to God.

We had a lesson with Stephane for the first time in like, 2 months, because he was in the hospital. But even though he's forgotten a lot of what we taught him, he still wants to learn and improve his relationship with God. So even though we're starting over a bit, no one is giving up ! Everyone has their own journey, and he'll be prepared according to God's timing. I'm just excited we're seeing him again !

We went and saw a member named Valerie twice this week, which was really cool. She's preparing to go to the temple, and we're helping the temple preparation teacher by going over the lessons with her as well, to make sure she doesn't have any questions. We bought her a cute little bouquet, and it made her really happy. I love when the spirit prompts you to let you know when someone would appreciate something extra. The second time we were with a member too, and we watched "on the Lord's errand," a biography about President Thomas S. Monson. It's such a powerful story, and her husband was definitely touched. He's not a member, but he has a lot of faith in God, likes talking about church things, and supports her in her beliefs, so we get along really well. It made me really grateful for the people that put that movie together. I must've watched it 3 times already on my mission, but somehow it never gets old. The best stories never do ! That's probably how we can read the scriptures so many times and still love them.

So my companion is hard of hearing, and a really good cook. You're probably wondering why I felt the need to give you both those facts at the same time, but she was in the kitchen cooking, while I was cleaning the bathroom. I asked her something and got no response. I just kinda shrugged and kept going, but I heard her music pause like ten seconds later, and she came in and said, "I'm deaf, playing music, and grating a baguette, did you say something ?" Which was one of the best quotes this week.

My favorite spiritual experience of this week has been marking a book of mormon for one of our less active members who has trouble reading. The idea is that this way, he can just flip it open randomly, read a verse, and then ponder it. It's actually been an incredible experience for me as I flip through to mark all my favorite parts. There really are so many valuable principles in there, and I felt so blessed to have had this book in my life since I was a kid. I hope all of you feel some of that gratitude too. I actually wanted to encourage you guys to find a copy of the book of mormon, mark a bunch of your favorite scriptures, and then either give it to a friend or give it to the missionaries to give to someone. I know it will bless the person who receives it, and will also bless you. Try it out !

So we sing to a member with Alzheimers in a nursing home every week, right ? Well, we were having a great time laughing and talking and singing with her, when suddenly mid song, this really old lady in a wheelchair rolls in, and starts yelling at us while we sing. She was also punching at the air. Exciting ! But wait, there's more. Right at the end, when we're saying goodbye, we hear someone yell, "help, help, she's attacking me !" So the member who drives us there disappears, and suddenly we hear yelling from another room. Apparently one lady walked into another's room, dumped her water all over her, and then was hitting her with a towel when our member broke it up. There were a lot of vulgarities screamed at our member, and she, a tiny fiery portuguese lady dished back an equally passionate but clean version. My companion ran and got a nurse, who looked so done with life, it was hilarious. Thus the title ... breaking up fights in nursing homes.

Love y'all, and have great weeks !!
Sœur Cate

eating King cake

walking a member's puppy

Week 8 (3/18/19)