Not my own, of course. Just all these Europeans are starting to get a little smelly.
First things first. I would like to wish my handsome brother, Michael, a very happy happy 24th Birthday! I love you so much brother, and am so grateful for the wonderful example you have ALWAYS been to me. I don't want to get sappy because I know that this is posted for everyone to read, but know that I love you very much. Hope you have received your present and if not that it will come soon!!Second thing.
Today is transfer day... I am staying here in Geneva. With... SOEUR LALA HARINIAINA... encore. We did not see this coming at all since we have already been together for two transfers (12 weeks, 3 months), we thought that one of us would be leaving. This will be the longest that she has ever been companions with someone. Either it means that the Lord thinks we work well together, or I have more training necessary :) This also means that I will most likely be staying the next transfer here as well because Sr. Lala is finishing her mission. Unless our area is white washed again but it is not very likely because it was just white washed in November but who knows.
Therefore, the address is the same, keep the letters coming!!
Okay so now about our week. It wasn't very exciting. Miryam and Eduardo were gone in Peru, so we missed them a lot. They are supposed to be getting back tonight. We spent a lot of time trying to find new amis. The elect if you will. Those who have been prepared for us. I am pretty sure they are hiding in all the dark alleys where we are not allowed to go. No worries. We will find them some way some how. Theres not a doubt in my mind that as we are being obedient and trying our best the Lord is going to bless us.
Yesterday, I was extremely blessed and privledged to be able to spend some personal time with President Murdock. I have never felt so loved. I know that mission Presidents are very inspired men and are so in tune with the spirit. They have infact been called by the Lord. As we talked he taught me so much. We were discussing faith and particularly Alma 32. From this study with him I realized how much we, Latter-Day Saints, really are a faith based people. Everything of what we believe is on faith. Many of us have received feelings that the church is true or little experiences that have made our faith stronger, or helped us find the truth. President Murdock used the term spiritual assurances. I loved this. These experiences that I have had are really spiritual assurances. They help me each day to continue on. They help me to understand why I live the life I live and why I believe the things I do. Its really hard to give a brief summary of all the things we talked about but I just wanted to express how grateful I am for this experience I had. I know its not something that every missionary gets to do. I know that I am here in Geneva for a reason and that the Lord knows me and knows my needs.
I love you all very much. Have a wonderful conference weekend. I know I will. A missionaires summer vacation!
For those of you who read this who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, please take some time this weekend to visit both www.lds.org and www.mormon.org. Here is the link to watch conference: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/invite-others?lang=eng. Do it. It will change your life.
Again I love you all.
Ciao,
Soeur Addis
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Become Perfected in Christ
Well my loved ones, it has been quite the week.
My life should be a movie, because sometimes i feel like its one.
Funny story of the week is from thursday:We were heading home from one of my favorite members house, Soeur Maulini, in France. She was less active for 11 years or so because the church was so far away but has recently become reactivated. Because she was gone for so many years she kind of forgot the gospel so we have been teaching her each week as if she is an ami to remind her of the doctrine. Its been so great. She has a goal to be ready to go to the temple by the end of the year. We are so proud of her. She is the sweetest woman and likes to make us good food. Actually a couple of weeks ago we were with her and I looked down at her hands. As I was staring at them, I know that sounds creepy, I thought I was staring at moms hands. I immediately got tears in my eyes and missed my momma a lot. Its fine though, I am not tearing up right now or anything. Gosh, I think I love my mom, a lot.
Anyway back to the funny story. We were going home on the bus and had the pass the border control. We never get stopped on the bus because there are so many people to check and it takes so much time. Well this time we did. And I did not have my passport. Sr. Lala and I were so anxious, wondering what was going to happen. Well the guy came up to me and asked for my passport or identification, and the only thing I had to give him was a little photo copy of my visa that I keep in my petit english Book of Mormon. We were talking in French and he was asking me things like my address and what i thought i was doing. I told him I didnt have my passport and I thought he responded by saying, This is all you have? (waving the little paper around) You dont have your passport? So i responded no. Then he flipped out. He was like the answer is not no it is yes! Blah blah blah, and Sr. Lala jumped in and said sorry I dont think she understood. He then started talking to me in english so that I would understand clearly, and he said that I needed my passport when i cross a border. We then were taken off the bus with three other druggies. I had to have my bag checked, everything taken out and gone through, and they would have felt me all over to check for drugs and suck but i think they realized how innocent I was. Anyway, after he took my American drivers license and checked my information he had Sr. Lala and I step outside. He told us that it was a gift that he was going to let me go this time but that the next time I would have a huge fee and I would have to be sent to a judge blah blah blah.Okay so here is the funny part, when I didnt understand what he said to me, he had said, You need your passport when you cross borders you cant just have this piece of paper. And I said No! Haha It seemed like I was acting like I didnt need my passport when i crossed the border, that it wasnt necessary for me. Haha oopps. Its a good thing I was with someone who fully understands french. I now will never be forgetting my passport when we go to France.
Now for the goods. I know you are all waiting to hear about the baptism. Where thats where more of my movie life comes in. Thursday night we went to go see Eduardo the last time before his baptism and when we got to the apartment called him to see where he was. He told us that they had just got a call that his grandma in Peru was really sick and that they were going to the airport to buy tickets and they would probably be leaving Saturday or so. We were shocked. We didnt really know what to do and it was getting somewhat late so we decided we would head home so we could make phone calls and decide what would be best to do. An hour later, when we were home and trying to find out what we needed to do for the baptism the next day, we called Eduardo and he told us that they had just found out that his grandma had died and that they would be leaving for Peru in the morning at 7 am. It was nine and we were supposed to be home but we asked him if he wanted us to come and talk with him and his mom. He said that would be great, that he thought his mom could really use it. So after calling our district leaders and zone leaders to get approval we headed out to Miryams office, about 15 minutes away. When we got there Eduardo met us at the bus stop. He apologized that he would not be able to get baptized the next day and to tell everyone in the ward that he was really sorry. Then we got to her office and it was crazy. She looked at me crying and speaking spanish and I just gave her a huge hug. From the years of spanish i took and now from the french i know, I understood her say, Why would God do this to me, as she cried hsyterically. It was one of the saddest things I have ever seen. We then went up to her office as she made phone calls. Eduardo explained to us what was going and we werent there for long, just to say a prayer with Eduardo and to give him a couple words of support. I dont want to say what happened because it is very personal for their family but at that moment looking at Eduardo and Miryam cry and look so frazzled I knew that is how Heavenly Father feels looking at us. He is just watching over us all the time and wants to help us but he cant until we ask him. It was so heart breaking. I gained such a greater perspective of the Lord. We left them and said not to worry about the baptism and that we would talk to them soon. Well the next morning our sweet Eduardo called us around 10 asking us how we were. Sr. Lala then asked him how he was and where he was. They were in Amsterdam waiting for their connecting flight. Then he apologized again and asked when he could get baptized. Sr. Lala told him April 7 and he said, cant it be sooner? He really has the desire to be baptized its so amazing. We know this is a hard time for their family and we could see it hardening their hearts but then again we know everything happens for a reason. We know the Lord has a plan for each and everyone of us. There are a lot of more factors that go into this story but I dont have time to explain.
When they get back either Sr. Lala or I will be gone, but I am hoping that whoever is here will talk to Eduardo about having his baptism on April 6th because of the significance of the day. Another thing that was kind of cool is that Eduardo and Miryam asked for the address of the Church builing in Peru. We are hoping they went yesterday and cant wait to hear how it went. Miryam really wanted to go to the church in Peru and see how it was there. I know that if they went they had a wonderful experience and that they both will have the desire to be baptized. So excited for them.
Last thing really fast, I am running out of time. This week my goal is to study with a question so today my question was, How has the atonement affected the Restoration? Well so that led to studying the atonement further. From the Bible Dictionary defintion i realized that Christ made a "perfect atonement". I then realized how this applied to our lives. The atonement was perfect. It was exactly how the Lord had planned and was everything that needed to happen so that we are able to be purified through Christ. I then connected this to the fact that when the Lord invites to become perfected in him he is inviting us to use the atonement in our lives. He is literally saying, please use this gift that I have given you so that you may become whole and clean. What a wonderful blessing that is. I wish i had more time to explain my thoughts but I dont.
I love you all so much.
I pray that you have a wonderful week and become perfected in Christ.
Soeur Addis
My life should be a movie, because sometimes i feel like its one.
Funny story of the week is from thursday:We were heading home from one of my favorite members house, Soeur Maulini, in France. She was less active for 11 years or so because the church was so far away but has recently become reactivated. Because she was gone for so many years she kind of forgot the gospel so we have been teaching her each week as if she is an ami to remind her of the doctrine. Its been so great. She has a goal to be ready to go to the temple by the end of the year. We are so proud of her. She is the sweetest woman and likes to make us good food. Actually a couple of weeks ago we were with her and I looked down at her hands. As I was staring at them, I know that sounds creepy, I thought I was staring at moms hands. I immediately got tears in my eyes and missed my momma a lot. Its fine though, I am not tearing up right now or anything. Gosh, I think I love my mom, a lot.
Anyway back to the funny story. We were going home on the bus and had the pass the border control. We never get stopped on the bus because there are so many people to check and it takes so much time. Well this time we did. And I did not have my passport. Sr. Lala and I were so anxious, wondering what was going to happen. Well the guy came up to me and asked for my passport or identification, and the only thing I had to give him was a little photo copy of my visa that I keep in my petit english Book of Mormon. We were talking in French and he was asking me things like my address and what i thought i was doing. I told him I didnt have my passport and I thought he responded by saying, This is all you have? (waving the little paper around) You dont have your passport? So i responded no. Then he flipped out. He was like the answer is not no it is yes! Blah blah blah, and Sr. Lala jumped in and said sorry I dont think she understood. He then started talking to me in english so that I would understand clearly, and he said that I needed my passport when i cross a border. We then were taken off the bus with three other druggies. I had to have my bag checked, everything taken out and gone through, and they would have felt me all over to check for drugs and suck but i think they realized how innocent I was. Anyway, after he took my American drivers license and checked my information he had Sr. Lala and I step outside. He told us that it was a gift that he was going to let me go this time but that the next time I would have a huge fee and I would have to be sent to a judge blah blah blah.Okay so here is the funny part, when I didnt understand what he said to me, he had said, You need your passport when you cross borders you cant just have this piece of paper. And I said No! Haha It seemed like I was acting like I didnt need my passport when i crossed the border, that it wasnt necessary for me. Haha oopps. Its a good thing I was with someone who fully understands french. I now will never be forgetting my passport when we go to France.
Now for the goods. I know you are all waiting to hear about the baptism. Where thats where more of my movie life comes in. Thursday night we went to go see Eduardo the last time before his baptism and when we got to the apartment called him to see where he was. He told us that they had just got a call that his grandma in Peru was really sick and that they were going to the airport to buy tickets and they would probably be leaving Saturday or so. We were shocked. We didnt really know what to do and it was getting somewhat late so we decided we would head home so we could make phone calls and decide what would be best to do. An hour later, when we were home and trying to find out what we needed to do for the baptism the next day, we called Eduardo and he told us that they had just found out that his grandma had died and that they would be leaving for Peru in the morning at 7 am. It was nine and we were supposed to be home but we asked him if he wanted us to come and talk with him and his mom. He said that would be great, that he thought his mom could really use it. So after calling our district leaders and zone leaders to get approval we headed out to Miryams office, about 15 minutes away. When we got there Eduardo met us at the bus stop. He apologized that he would not be able to get baptized the next day and to tell everyone in the ward that he was really sorry. Then we got to her office and it was crazy. She looked at me crying and speaking spanish and I just gave her a huge hug. From the years of spanish i took and now from the french i know, I understood her say, Why would God do this to me, as she cried hsyterically. It was one of the saddest things I have ever seen. We then went up to her office as she made phone calls. Eduardo explained to us what was going and we werent there for long, just to say a prayer with Eduardo and to give him a couple words of support. I dont want to say what happened because it is very personal for their family but at that moment looking at Eduardo and Miryam cry and look so frazzled I knew that is how Heavenly Father feels looking at us. He is just watching over us all the time and wants to help us but he cant until we ask him. It was so heart breaking. I gained such a greater perspective of the Lord. We left them and said not to worry about the baptism and that we would talk to them soon. Well the next morning our sweet Eduardo called us around 10 asking us how we were. Sr. Lala then asked him how he was and where he was. They were in Amsterdam waiting for their connecting flight. Then he apologized again and asked when he could get baptized. Sr. Lala told him April 7 and he said, cant it be sooner? He really has the desire to be baptized its so amazing. We know this is a hard time for their family and we could see it hardening their hearts but then again we know everything happens for a reason. We know the Lord has a plan for each and everyone of us. There are a lot of more factors that go into this story but I dont have time to explain.
When they get back either Sr. Lala or I will be gone, but I am hoping that whoever is here will talk to Eduardo about having his baptism on April 6th because of the significance of the day. Another thing that was kind of cool is that Eduardo and Miryam asked for the address of the Church builing in Peru. We are hoping they went yesterday and cant wait to hear how it went. Miryam really wanted to go to the church in Peru and see how it was there. I know that if they went they had a wonderful experience and that they both will have the desire to be baptized. So excited for them.
Last thing really fast, I am running out of time. This week my goal is to study with a question so today my question was, How has the atonement affected the Restoration? Well so that led to studying the atonement further. From the Bible Dictionary defintion i realized that Christ made a "perfect atonement". I then realized how this applied to our lives. The atonement was perfect. It was exactly how the Lord had planned and was everything that needed to happen so that we are able to be purified through Christ. I then connected this to the fact that when the Lord invites to become perfected in him he is inviting us to use the atonement in our lives. He is literally saying, please use this gift that I have given you so that you may become whole and clean. What a wonderful blessing that is. I wish i had more time to explain my thoughts but I dont.
I love you all so much.
I pray that you have a wonderful week and become perfected in Christ.
Soeur Addis
Monday, March 12, 2012
He that cans does... He that cants teaches
The subject line is something that was spray painted onto a
building. I thought it was funny because obviously the person that wrote that
should not be teaching english, nor writing it on buildings.
Well the crazy week was completed succesfully. We had a lot
to do last week and a lot of stress but everything worked out perfectly and
went smoothly. Tatiana was baptized and confirmed on Saturday and now we have
Edouardo's Baptism on Friday.
Zone Conference was great. We learned a lot and taught well
for our workshop. Then I had the exchange in Anncey. That was a little crazy
because we missed trains and buses and stuff but thats life. I liked Anncey,
they have a beautiful lake there as well, but I realized how much I LOVE
Geneve. I LOVE this city and all the craziness it has brought into my life.
Anncey is a lot smaller than Geneve and I realized that I really like being
around so many people all the time.
Thursday we had District Meeting, a RDV and porting in
France and then a Relief Society Activity. It was a good day all in all. On the
bus on the way home Sr. Lala and I were not sitting next to each other and she
was closer to these teenage boys. I guess they started talking about me in a not
nice way... a way that would break the law of chastity... and she came over and
sat next to me. It was so funny because I didnt hear them and I probably
wouldnt have known what they said even if I did hear them, but oh did she give
him the evil eye. She stared them down so hard that they slunched in their
seats and felt very awkward. I am very grateful to have a companion who is so
protective of me :)
Then Friday was a little crazy. The Schneller family was
facing a LOT of opposition and Tatiana got sick. Sr. Schneller called us,while
we were at the institute, and said that she thought we needed to postpone the
baptism. Sr. Lala and I knew without a doubt that this was just the adversary
and that things would improve before the baptism. After we got this call we
decided we needed to say a prayer. I said it in english, so I could fully
express myself. It was a really cool experience. I have never really felt in my
life that I have really pleaded with the Lord. I have had experiences similar
to this but none quite as strong. Anyway, after we said this prayer we thought
that maye Tatiana would like a blessing. After talking to Sr. Schneller about
this we called a couple priesthood holders in the ward and made an appt to meet
them at the Schnellers home that night. It was a really good experience. Not
only did Tatiana receive a blessing but Sr. Schneller received a blessing of
comfort so that she would be able to be calm and get everything done the next
day in preparation for the baptism.
We went over the next day to help her prepare the food for
the baptism. It was amazing how the atmosphere of their home was totally
different than the day before. Tatiana was feeling better and Sr. Schneller was
the calmest I have EVER seen her. I know it was because of these blessings
that were bestowed to them by worthy priesthood holders.
It was a great day. We made Papas Ryainas... not sure of the
spelling... a peruvian dish. They were sooo good I will definitely be making
them when i get home. That is what the pictures are of. It is mashed potato
with meat inside and then the outside is covered in egg and then fried a little
bit... not totally submerged in oil but just on the outside. Then we topped it
with meat and peppers and a very spicy sauce.
Tatianas baptism was great. Sr. Lala and I were running
around trying to get all the food ready and help Tatiana get in and out of the
water and do all the behind the stage stuff so their family could enjoy the
baptism.
Not much else to report. This week should be a little less
crazy. Not as many things going on so it will be better to prepare for
Edouardos baptism.
I love you all a lot. It sounds like things are going well.
Until next week :)
Soeur Addis
P.S. After this week dont send anything to the Address in
Geneve, send things to the Mission Home because I dont know if I will be
getting transfered or not. The transfers are on Michaels birthday so in two
weeks I will be able to tell you where I am and that sort of thing.
building. I thought it was funny because obviously the person that wrote that
should not be teaching english, nor writing it on buildings.
Well the crazy week was completed succesfully. We had a lot
to do last week and a lot of stress but everything worked out perfectly and
went smoothly. Tatiana was baptized and confirmed on Saturday and now we have
Edouardo's Baptism on Friday.
Zone Conference was great. We learned a lot and taught well
for our workshop. Then I had the exchange in Anncey. That was a little crazy
because we missed trains and buses and stuff but thats life. I liked Anncey,
they have a beautiful lake there as well, but I realized how much I LOVE
Geneve. I LOVE this city and all the craziness it has brought into my life.
Anncey is a lot smaller than Geneve and I realized that I really like being
around so many people all the time.
Thursday we had District Meeting, a RDV and porting in
France and then a Relief Society Activity. It was a good day all in all. On the
bus on the way home Sr. Lala and I were not sitting next to each other and she
was closer to these teenage boys. I guess they started talking about me in a not
nice way... a way that would break the law of chastity... and she came over and
sat next to me. It was so funny because I didnt hear them and I probably
wouldnt have known what they said even if I did hear them, but oh did she give
him the evil eye. She stared them down so hard that they slunched in their
seats and felt very awkward. I am very grateful to have a companion who is so
protective of me :)
Then Friday was a little crazy. The Schneller family was
facing a LOT of opposition and Tatiana got sick. Sr. Schneller called us,while
we were at the institute, and said that she thought we needed to postpone the
baptism. Sr. Lala and I knew without a doubt that this was just the adversary
and that things would improve before the baptism. After we got this call we
decided we needed to say a prayer. I said it in english, so I could fully
express myself. It was a really cool experience. I have never really felt in my
life that I have really pleaded with the Lord. I have had experiences similar
to this but none quite as strong. Anyway, after we said this prayer we thought
that maye Tatiana would like a blessing. After talking to Sr. Schneller about
this we called a couple priesthood holders in the ward and made an appt to meet
them at the Schnellers home that night. It was a really good experience. Not
only did Tatiana receive a blessing but Sr. Schneller received a blessing of
comfort so that she would be able to be calm and get everything done the next
day in preparation for the baptism.
We went over the next day to help her prepare the food for
the baptism. It was amazing how the atmosphere of their home was totally
different than the day before. Tatiana was feeling better and Sr. Schneller was
the calmest I have EVER seen her. I know it was because of these blessings
that were bestowed to them by worthy priesthood holders.
It was a great day. We made Papas Ryainas... not sure of the
spelling... a peruvian dish. They were sooo good I will definitely be making
them when i get home. That is what the pictures are of. It is mashed potato
with meat inside and then the outside is covered in egg and then fried a little
bit... not totally submerged in oil but just on the outside. Then we topped it
with meat and peppers and a very spicy sauce.
Tatianas baptism was great. Sr. Lala and I were running
around trying to get all the food ready and help Tatiana get in and out of the
water and do all the behind the stage stuff so their family could enjoy the
baptism.
Not much else to report. This week should be a little less
crazy. Not as many things going on so it will be better to prepare for
Edouardos baptism.
I love you all a lot. It sounds like things are going well.
Until next week :)
Soeur Addis
P.S. After this week dont send anything to the Address in
Geneve, send things to the Mission Home because I dont know if I will be
getting transfered or not. The transfers are on Michaels birthday so in two
weeks I will be able to tell you where I am and that sort of thing.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Spring is Sprung--the weather is beautiful!
Salut MY sweet family!
It has been another crazy week and we have even a crazier one coming up. Here's a little bit of what happened.Tuesday we were soooooo blessed to attend the "bleu" conference in Lyon. It was so amazing. Not only did I get to see my MTC companion, Soeur K., but Elder C., Soeur C.and Soeur B. were all there also. The other half of the group that came at the same time had their conference in Toulouse or something. I was sad that I didn't get to see them but hopefully sometime soon we will reunite!! Anyway it was so great. The Assistants taught us a lot and so many of my prayers were answered. I was really strengthened from this conference and felt like it was a great growing experience. Soeur B. and I got to go out contacting with each other before Sr. Lala and I had to take the train home. It was so fun to see how much better our French has gotten and what great missionaries we are becoming. It's amazing how when we pray for Miracles the Lord is so much more willing to bless us with them. I love this work.
Wednesday we had an exchange with the other Sisters that are here in Geneve. It was pretty cool. Again we saw Miracles. Sr. M. (unsure of the spelling, she is Mongolian) and I were here in the Saleve area. It was pretty cool because I was the companion that knew the area and kind of had to direct everything. That night we had a manger-vous with Sr. Humez and then afterwards were going porting. Sr. M was not too sure about us going porting because Sr. Humez doesnt live in our sectour and it takes so long to get back. We have to be home by 9 and it was already a little passed 8. By the time we would get to where we wanted to go porting we would only have about 15 mins or so to go porting. Logically it wouldnt be very efficient however if we went home we would be home 45 mins early. I told her this and we decided it would be best to go porting. The building where we went porting Sr. Lala and I have been wanting to finish for over a month. We only had two floors left but we have never had time to do them. Well Sr. M and I got to the building and the first door we knocked on the lady LET US IN!!! This has NEVER happened. If anything people talk to you for maybe ten mins but NEVER let you in. It was funny because the lady at first didnt open her door. She asked who it was and then we said les Soeur Missionnaires. C'est qui? Les Soeurs Missionnionaires de l'eglise de Jésus-Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours. She opened the door and said, vous parlez espagnol? Sr. M then just said Hola, Buenas Noches. And she said passe, passe. And waived us in. We were both baffaled but entered. We then got talking to her, in French, and found out that she was living here only for a short time. She would be moving back to her home country, Peru, but was here working. Her whole family back in Peru is members and she in fact was baptized but has not been going to church here. It was such a little miracle. There are so many lost members that when they move they dont go to church any longer but the Lord wanted us to find her. I am not sure if she went to church or not because she was going to attend the spanish ward but I know that Heavenly Father wanted us to find one of his lost sheep and bring it back to the 99. I am here as a representative of the Lord and because he cannot be here on the earth to do His work he has missionaries here to do it. The cool thing is however that members can be doing this work as well. All of us know someone who is less active. Please reach out to them and bring them back to the fold. I know that some have been offended, some are not in compliance with the commandments and some have just moved to a new area and no one knows about them. But the Lord knows them and he knows what they need. Find a way to help.
Saturday there was a baptism for a little girl in our ward, Marissa. It was so sweet to see a little 8 year old make covenants with her Heavenly Father. It made us very excited for Tatiana's baptism this coming saturday, and Edouardo's the 16th (I know it changed again.) We have another busy week with preparing for the baptism. We have zone conference tomorrow and Sr. Lala and I were asked to teach a 25 minute workshop so we have been busy with that. Then right after zone conference we have another exchange with the Annecy sisters and I will be going there until wednesday late afternoon. Then on thursday we have district meeting and were asked to do the little lesson for that as well. And then saturday our BAPTISM. Its great to be busy because the time goes so fast but at the same time it is a little frustrating because we can never do all the things that we need to get done. For instance today because of complications we have not yet been able to do laundry and wont be able to until tonight when we get home at 8. Its those little things that Satan uses to get under my skin. How clever he is.
Okay so Caroline asked about cultural differences. A couple big things that I have noticed.
1. Families stay VERY close. Our ward is made up of like three or four huge families. The Relief Society president is the Sister of the Young Mens President. Her mother in law teaches Seminary. The Stake Primary President's daughter is the ward Primary President and her Sister is also in our ward, with her daughter. Then there is the Bonny and Oguey and Denina families. Its way to complicated to explain but simply put, you stay close to your family. There is no moving far away just for work. You find work where your family is and that is that.
2. People are quiet. I think I have said this before. Public transportation is very quiet. Not many people walk around talking on their cell phones. And if they do they are so quiet. 3. At the end of sentences they say quoi, which means what. It is one of the weirdest things. They will just say a normal sentence and then add quoi to it, even though it makes absolutely no sense. 4. EVERYONE smokes. Including 12 year olds. Okay that is kind of exaggerated. But not really. I saw some kids who looked 12 or so smoking. Its bizzare. 5. beaucoup des peuple speak english. Its like everyone is at least bi-lingual. I guess it is kind of like a lot of americans knowing how to speak spanish, but it just seems like a lot more here. I dont really know what else yet, I cant think of anything right now but I will keep my eye out and write them down.
The new mission president will be coming in the beginning of July. And yes I did know he was the President of NuSkin, benefit to living in Provo for 3 years, I guess. Its funny, I actually know where he lives, and one of my friends was dating one of their daughters. It will be fun to talk to them about haha. We got to see a picture of them. She looks very young, and in the biography it says he is 53. It will be interesting to have a mission president and wife that also have their kids here. Sister Murdock is so good at taking care of us missionaires as if we were her own children it will interesting to see the comparison to someone who still has to take care of her kids. I'm sure it will be great.
I got a sweet letter this week from Lisa Adams, thank you!! Mom I am excited to get my package. I have been looking forward to it for quite some time. Michael and Allison keep your eyes peeled. Caroline your time will come dont worry :). It just so happens that I owe Allie Swiss Chocolat and my big brother has a birthday coming up. I love you all a lot and think about you as much as my time permits. Just kidding, I think of you everyday. You are always in my prayers and I know that I can count on the Lord to be watching over you.
Please send a little shout out to Kim Bitterman. Tell her I love her and I think about her a lot. Well also to pretty much to everyone from Resto, Susan Starr and Leshah as well. Also Trevor Sandberg. I think about him every now and then and hope he is doing well, Mom please send my love. Tell him I miss our talks giving each other advice.
Lots of Love from Geneva,Soeur Addis
P.s. Pictures are from a bus stop in the city center. That little building i think is a restuarant or a musée. And then i just took a picture of the water to show how clear it is. I am pretty sure that is the rhone river but I am not sure because there are two rivers in Geneve.
It has been another crazy week and we have even a crazier one coming up. Here's a little bit of what happened.Tuesday we were soooooo blessed to attend the "bleu" conference in Lyon. It was so amazing. Not only did I get to see my MTC companion, Soeur K., but Elder C., Soeur C.and Soeur B. were all there also. The other half of the group that came at the same time had their conference in Toulouse or something. I was sad that I didn't get to see them but hopefully sometime soon we will reunite!! Anyway it was so great. The Assistants taught us a lot and so many of my prayers were answered. I was really strengthened from this conference and felt like it was a great growing experience. Soeur B. and I got to go out contacting with each other before Sr. Lala and I had to take the train home. It was so fun to see how much better our French has gotten and what great missionaries we are becoming. It's amazing how when we pray for Miracles the Lord is so much more willing to bless us with them. I love this work.
Wednesday we had an exchange with the other Sisters that are here in Geneve. It was pretty cool. Again we saw Miracles. Sr. M. (unsure of the spelling, she is Mongolian) and I were here in the Saleve area. It was pretty cool because I was the companion that knew the area and kind of had to direct everything. That night we had a manger-vous with Sr. Humez and then afterwards were going porting. Sr. M was not too sure about us going porting because Sr. Humez doesnt live in our sectour and it takes so long to get back. We have to be home by 9 and it was already a little passed 8. By the time we would get to where we wanted to go porting we would only have about 15 mins or so to go porting. Logically it wouldnt be very efficient however if we went home we would be home 45 mins early. I told her this and we decided it would be best to go porting. The building where we went porting Sr. Lala and I have been wanting to finish for over a month. We only had two floors left but we have never had time to do them. Well Sr. M and I got to the building and the first door we knocked on the lady LET US IN!!! This has NEVER happened. If anything people talk to you for maybe ten mins but NEVER let you in. It was funny because the lady at first didnt open her door. She asked who it was and then we said les Soeur Missionnaires. C'est qui? Les Soeurs Missionnionaires de l'eglise de Jésus-Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours. She opened the door and said, vous parlez espagnol? Sr. M then just said Hola, Buenas Noches. And she said passe, passe. And waived us in. We were both baffaled but entered. We then got talking to her, in French, and found out that she was living here only for a short time. She would be moving back to her home country, Peru, but was here working. Her whole family back in Peru is members and she in fact was baptized but has not been going to church here. It was such a little miracle. There are so many lost members that when they move they dont go to church any longer but the Lord wanted us to find her. I am not sure if she went to church or not because she was going to attend the spanish ward but I know that Heavenly Father wanted us to find one of his lost sheep and bring it back to the 99. I am here as a representative of the Lord and because he cannot be here on the earth to do His work he has missionaries here to do it. The cool thing is however that members can be doing this work as well. All of us know someone who is less active. Please reach out to them and bring them back to the fold. I know that some have been offended, some are not in compliance with the commandments and some have just moved to a new area and no one knows about them. But the Lord knows them and he knows what they need. Find a way to help.
Saturday there was a baptism for a little girl in our ward, Marissa. It was so sweet to see a little 8 year old make covenants with her Heavenly Father. It made us very excited for Tatiana's baptism this coming saturday, and Edouardo's the 16th (I know it changed again.) We have another busy week with preparing for the baptism. We have zone conference tomorrow and Sr. Lala and I were asked to teach a 25 minute workshop so we have been busy with that. Then right after zone conference we have another exchange with the Annecy sisters and I will be going there until wednesday late afternoon. Then on thursday we have district meeting and were asked to do the little lesson for that as well. And then saturday our BAPTISM. Its great to be busy because the time goes so fast but at the same time it is a little frustrating because we can never do all the things that we need to get done. For instance today because of complications we have not yet been able to do laundry and wont be able to until tonight when we get home at 8. Its those little things that Satan uses to get under my skin. How clever he is.
Okay so Caroline asked about cultural differences. A couple big things that I have noticed.
1. Families stay VERY close. Our ward is made up of like three or four huge families. The Relief Society president is the Sister of the Young Mens President. Her mother in law teaches Seminary. The Stake Primary President's daughter is the ward Primary President and her Sister is also in our ward, with her daughter. Then there is the Bonny and Oguey and Denina families. Its way to complicated to explain but simply put, you stay close to your family. There is no moving far away just for work. You find work where your family is and that is that.
2. People are quiet. I think I have said this before. Public transportation is very quiet. Not many people walk around talking on their cell phones. And if they do they are so quiet. 3. At the end of sentences they say quoi, which means what. It is one of the weirdest things. They will just say a normal sentence and then add quoi to it, even though it makes absolutely no sense. 4. EVERYONE smokes. Including 12 year olds. Okay that is kind of exaggerated. But not really. I saw some kids who looked 12 or so smoking. Its bizzare. 5. beaucoup des peuple speak english. Its like everyone is at least bi-lingual. I guess it is kind of like a lot of americans knowing how to speak spanish, but it just seems like a lot more here. I dont really know what else yet, I cant think of anything right now but I will keep my eye out and write them down.
The new mission president will be coming in the beginning of July. And yes I did know he was the President of NuSkin, benefit to living in Provo for 3 years, I guess. Its funny, I actually know where he lives, and one of my friends was dating one of their daughters. It will be fun to talk to them about haha. We got to see a picture of them. She looks very young, and in the biography it says he is 53. It will be interesting to have a mission president and wife that also have their kids here. Sister Murdock is so good at taking care of us missionaires as if we were her own children it will interesting to see the comparison to someone who still has to take care of her kids. I'm sure it will be great.
I got a sweet letter this week from Lisa Adams, thank you!! Mom I am excited to get my package. I have been looking forward to it for quite some time. Michael and Allison keep your eyes peeled. Caroline your time will come dont worry :). It just so happens that I owe Allie Swiss Chocolat and my big brother has a birthday coming up. I love you all a lot and think about you as much as my time permits. Just kidding, I think of you everyday. You are always in my prayers and I know that I can count on the Lord to be watching over you.
Please send a little shout out to Kim Bitterman. Tell her I love her and I think about her a lot. Well also to pretty much to everyone from Resto, Susan Starr and Leshah as well. Also Trevor Sandberg. I think about him every now and then and hope he is doing well, Mom please send my love. Tell him I miss our talks giving each other advice.
Lots of Love from Geneva,Soeur Addis
P.s. Pictures are from a bus stop in the city center. That little building i think is a restuarant or a musée. And then i just took a picture of the water to show how clear it is. I am pretty sure that is the rhone river but I am not sure because there are two rivers in Geneve.
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