Photos February and March 2013

DAN WAS BAPTIZED!!! March 18, 2013

Hi to all of my loving family.

So I dont have tooo much time to write. But this week was great because, DAN WAS BAPTIZED!!! It was so great and he is so great and Soeur Gardner is so great. Everything is good. Thank you all for your prayers for him. I am sure they helped him to have a wonderful week and to be fully prepared for his special day.

 

Soeur Gardner and I both spoke and Soeur Gardner also sang. We actually spoke in english and then had members translate since we speak with Dan in english. It was cool but at the same time I felt like I didnt really say all I wanted because I had to stop between my sentences and have someone translate. But whatever. The spirit was there!

When I asked Dan how he felt he said, "I have never felt better" There were a good amount of members there and there was tons of food. Lots of Dans chinese friends were there so that was super cool and then we had another one of our amis there, Sylvie, she is a new ami from this past week. Hopefully things will continue to progress with her as well.

 

Vaber, the poor thing is going through a really hard time. His wife is really against the mormons. Please pray that her heart will be softened. We will hopefully be seeing him this week in his home. He was the one that invited us and said that he wants his wife to at least meet us and hear what we teach, even if she is sitting in the other room. I really pray that she has a change of heart because Vaber has changed so much and he really needs the gospel.

This past week we also had conference. It was great we got more goals and inspiration and a new goal is to contact 50 people a day. Doable but still a challenge. It was great to feel so uplifted and to get more steam in me since I am coming down to the end.

 

Anyway. Everyone seems pretty stoked about SC. Its not too far away I know and I really am excited too but trying not to get too excited. Soeur Gardner and I decided that we should probably start running every morning for morning exercises. It is starting to get warm, even though it may or may not have snowed this morning.

Not much else to report. Sorry my emails suck nowadays. I dont know what to tell you about.

love you all

Sister Kimberly Addis

springtime is a comin' March 11, 2013

So fam bam. Yesterday was probably one of the best days of my mission. It pretty much brought my whole mission together in 24hours. I am going to tell you about it because I loved it so much.

Well like every sunday it was the sabbath day. Woke up at 6:30 and said my morning prayers. I prayed that Heavenly Father would show us a miracle that day and very specifically that someone would come to church today that was not a member but wanted to learn more. While getting ready for church we got a text from a YSA, Alexandra. She told us that she would be coming to church with her aunt and little cousin,from Paris, who were not members of the church and who were interested in learning more. I had not even stepped a foot inside of the church building and my prayer was already answered. At 8:10 we ran out the door in order to catch the tram and bus to church. Well it was a beautiful sunday morning and we decided that we did not need to wear our winter coats. We get out to the tram and I realize that I had forgotten my transportation pass in the pocket of my coat, I thought it was no problem and that I would just buy a ticket from the machine...well I had NO CHANGE, so my companion searched for change in her bag, no luck either. So we decided to walk to church. Not the longest walk, just a little bothersome. But it was a beautiful day. So we went back to the apartment grabbed my card, so we would have it later, and started our walk to church. After arriving to church we were only a couple minutes early and so we stood to welcome the rest of the members in. Well this one lady comes in says hi and walks straight passed us and up the stairs. None of us recognized her so I asked a member who she was and he said he wasnt sure either. I thought it was really interesting because she looked like a gypsy and I didnt know any gypsy looking members. In relief Society she was sitting next to a member and talking to her like they were long time friends so i figured maybe she was from a different ward or something. After a great lesson I over hear a counselor talking to this member and then the mysterious woman. She was in fact a gypsy and apparently she wanted to talk to the "pastor" so she could ask him for money. They directed her towards the bishop and although he told her that he couldnt just give her money they invited her to stay at church and eat with us afterwards because we were having a linger longer.

 

So anyway. Good meetings and all that but best of all was during sacrament meeting. There was a huge Italian family visiting, majority of which are not members. The Grandpa however is a member and so they were all there. Well the Bishop was speaking during sacrament and pretty much was just teaching them. He told them all about the Book of Mormon and where it comes from, why we have it, and then he was teaching them about the Plan of Salvation and telling them how they can be with their loved ones for time and all eternity. Then my favorite part. Bishop Simoes asked the missionaries to stand. So of course we did, Soeur Gardner and I next to each other and then the Elders just a couple of rows behind us. And he said to this family, who we are and the fact that we are called of a God to be here serving for 18 mos to 2 years and the fact that we are young but qualified and that if they had any questions they should come to us. Well while he was saying all this I was just so overcome by the spirit. I had never been so proud to stand as a representative for Jesus Christ and then it hit me that I would not be able to do that for much longer. That my time is short. I teared up but was still smiling knowing that I have been so blessed by my Heavenly Father to be HIS missionary here in Grenoble. What a wonderful privilege I have.

So then later that day we had our linger longer and there are three American families in our ward, two of which have moved in since I have been here so we were sitting with them and Soeur Gardner and I were just going crazy to be with Americans that werent missionaries and to laugh and have a good time with them. Okay I was the one going crazy but it really did feel so weird. Its gunna be strange to be home.

 

After church and the linger longer we went to visit our little Soeur Planeta. She is a 90 year old less active that I have adopted as my own grandmother. She is a fireball and has forgotten a lot of the teachings of the gospel and so when we teach her it is as if we are teaching an ami. She was very hard in the beginning but we have softened her up and although we have to be firm with her and may not tell her the things she wants to hear she still loves us and we love her very much. And then we came home and did our weekly planning session. Anyway it was a good day and one that complied so many missionary things all in one. I loved it. I am sorry this was more of a journal entry. I plan on printing this out and posting it into my journal, haha.

Awkward...

yes, that did happen this week. yes i was shocked, and no my companion did not understand what she said when she told her she had peed herself. hahaha one of the funniest moments of my mission. We were with a less active that we were both meeting for the first time. Soeur G, she is your typical old lady, missing several teeth, wears color tinted glasses and has a hard time hearing/understanding when we speak to her. Anyway so we arrived and she was not very happy to have us there. She was tired and in pain and didnt really want us there but she let us stay anyway. Anway so we had a good little time talking to her and getting to know her story. Then when we were getting up to leave I went and looked and the pictures of her children and grandchildren and trying to make her feel good. After she told me who everyone was I turned to get on my coat. Soeur Gardner then went to bis her and said something to her. As I was getting my coat on I hear her say, I just peed hehe. I looked at the floor and yup, sure as heck she was standing in a puddle of pee. Soeur Gardner didnt say anything and I had no idea what to do. I didnt know if she wanted help or if she wanted us to leave or what so i just kind of kissed her goodbye and left. Then as Soeur Gardner and I were getting in the elevator I asked her if she realized what she said. She hadnt so I just started laughing and told her that she peed and that she was standing in a puddle of her own pee. AWKWARD. I realized afterwards I probably should have been nicer about it and cleaned it up and asked her if she needed anything. Next time that happens to me, I will know what to do.

So i dont really have time for a real email today. Our district is here and we are supposed to go to the Bastille, an old military fort in the mountain side. En plus, the computer hasnt been working well, so I havent been able to really write that much.

Just know that things are going well. Dan and Vaber are still a go for their baptisms in the next couple of weeks. No new amis. Cold is now gone, after several long long days at home.

Freaking about the mission coming to an end. Really would rather not think about it.

Sorry I havent written anything spiritual. I promise I study and feel the spirit everyday I just am having a block right now.

Anyway, have a good week.

Love
Soeur Addis

 

welcome to the family, Elliot Michael Farmer!! February 25, 2013

He's handsome. I love him already. Cant wait to get home and snuggle these two little bundles of joy. Being an aunt is such a blessing especially when you want to have your own family but are not quite there. So thanks sisters, for bringing into the world little creatures that I can love and enjoy! Also I really like the name. I am somewhat jealous because I as well wanted to use the name Michael... i guess we have someone in the family with that name or something... and Eli. Its something I discovered I loved while reading in the Bible Dictionary. Anyway. Good solid pick from the Farmers.

Thanks for all the emails full of love and support this week too. As I am nearing the finish I need to remember why I am here and that I dont have much time left to give it my all. I want to return home with no regrets. Knowing that I have left it all on the field, as Michael said. So thank you for reminding me of this in an inspiring way. Not a way that makes me want to get on a plane tomorrow.

So we had a good week here in Grenoble. Soeur Gardner and I both have some killer colds but we are working hard to keep healthy and at the same time work hard. Things are still going great with Dan. His baptismal date has moved to March 16th because it is a significant day for him but hes great. I love seeing someone become truly converted to the gospel. Vaber is also progressing toward his date of March 30th. He has to quit smoking first and his wifes heart should be somewhat softened before he enters the waters but I know the Lord is all powerful and that he can do whatever is necessary to help someone come into his fold.

Besides these dates things are kind of the same. The two families we were supposed to go see turned out to not be so great. The one lady was totally against us coming when I called to confirm and the african lady seemed kind of skeptical. She said they were going on vacation which could very well be true because it is a school vacation right now, but we'll see.

Anyway. I better get going. I love you all and hope you have an awesome week.

love
Sister Addis

P.S. Give Elliot kisses for me :)

seriously, still no baby...February 18, 2013

I cant believe that this baby isnt here yet! I am sure it is even worse for Caroline but still, gosh cant you make him or her hurry up?!

So how is everyone. As I said yesterday I loved hearing about Savannahs baby blessing, en fin, and that mom is doing well. I got an amazing Valentines day package from the Jessop's, be sure to thank them for me, and several letters because I was at the office in Lyon and picked up my mail. I love hearing from my friends and hearing how everyone is doing. Its crazy that in a few short months I will be back into this thing called life. I dont know how I feel about it. It stresses me out. I also got a great email from Lisa. I love her. I miss her. I cant believe who she is dating! But none the less I am very happy for her! Dont plan a wedding without me ;) Also got letters from Elder Edwards (most faithful penpal I know), Sora Kelly, Allie Merrill :D, and my friend Irma Wilde who is serving in Portugal. It was a good day. I have a lot of letters to write!

Also, if you havent heard yet, Elder Hughes,who was here in Grenoble with me, returned home today and Elder SANCHEZ replaced him. Yes THE Elder Sanchez, Derek Sanchez. We saw each other for the first time last night and it was super weird. It has been AT LEAST three years since I have seen him and when he first started talking the first thing that came out of my mouth was, oh my gosh, your voice is so deep! Haha No longer the little deacon that I remember. Anyway after thinking that I probably wouldnt ever see him during my mission we are now serving together in the same ward. SUPER WEIRD. but cool i guess.

Oh and duh, you are probably wondering about my new companion! How could I forget! Soeur Devan Gardner. Fort Worth, Texas. BYU Art Major. Voice of an angel. That pretty much sums her up. Not really. She is super cool but then again I just met her yesterday so I cant make an conclusions right away! We talk a lot together. We laugh a good amount together. I think its going to be a good transfer.

So missionary work is awesome. This week is the ward Carnaval Activity on friday. Next week Dan is supposed to get baptised, which may need to be pushed back a week or two and then Vaber is getting baptized the 30th of march. SUPER COOL! MIRACLES EVERYWHERE!!! Speaking of which. We had a really cool day on wednesday. It was a special day for the Lyon and Paris mission. It was dedicated to contacting and porting, we werent allowed to have rdvs and then starting at 10h30 we, the missionaries, and all the members prayed every half hour. It was amazing. The day one went by so fast and two it was so powerful. Soeur Klingaman and I found two families while porting that Soeur Gardner and I will be going back and teaching tomorrow. Super cool. I love missionary work when the members and the missionaries work together. Its so much more powerful and so much more enjoyable.

Anyway. Thats my two cents for this week.

I love this gospel. I know that its true. If I didnt I would have given up a long time ago. But because I know it is true I have been eternally blessed and these people that have decided to accept God and change their lives have also been eternally blessed. What a wonderful blessing!

I love you lots.

xoxo Sister Kimberly Addis

Grace..., February 11, 2013

Grace, its not the light at the end of the tunnel, its the light that gets you through the tunnel

This is the first time and hopefully the last time that I am writing to you barefooted... There is tons of snow here and my boots have had it. They are soaked... so I took them off and am in the process of warming and drying my feet. Dont worry I am at the church, not a random internet cafe.

Anyway. Hi. How is everyone? Mom said that they had some snow in NJ also. Makes me feel a little bit better about the snow, however it sucks either way when you are a missionary. I dont know how missionaries do it in places like Russia or Canada. Needless to say, I am ready to be transfered to the south. Transfers are next week so there are some chances that I will be writing you from a new location next week.

So this week. What is there to tell you. It was crazy chaotic. I think I am ready to have a family of eight girls or something insane. I honestly dont know what the mission is preparing me for but I am sure it is something a little ridiculous. Anyway, we had exchanges this week. It was good. I was with Soeur Thompson. Shes great. Shes another one of those missionaries that I took out on her first day contacting and stuff in Geneve. We had some fun together. We went and saw a lady in the branch in Chambery who was hilarious. She had Soeur Thompson and i rolling. Just to give you a little picture of why we laughed so hard, imagine an older little lady, around 70 years old, frizzy short red hair, big gummy smile, literally two snaggle teeth on bottom. Oh goodness she was a ball. So full of love for the gospel. The members here in France are wonderful.

About our amis. Things are going. Dan has a baptismal date for March 2nd, i think I already told you that. Vaber is still doing well but unfortunately cannot come to church because his wife is in the hosptial and Julien is showing sincere desire however he is typical college student and has troubles waking up sunday morning for church. I think that about sums up everything.

Little spiritual thought: I was listening to a talk from Brad Wilcox this morning called, "His Grace is Sufficient". It is a good one. All of you should listen to it. Its actualy from a devotional at BYU so I dont know how you will find it but try. Not only is he funny but he has a good way of explaining things. I have been better trying to understand the Savior and his role in my life. This devotional helped me to do so. I hope it will for you as well.

Sorry my life is kind of boring and I dont have anything interesting to tell you. I love you all and hope you have a happy valentines day.

love

Sister Addis

My Boyfriend's Name is Jared*, February 4, 2013

Hey hey family,

So its been a good week. I have been trying a lot harder to be a better missionary and its paying off...slowly. This past week we had zone conference so we were in lyon. This week we will have exchanges for two days because Sr Klingaman and Sr Kohler need to go to Aix for their legality. It will be interesting. This transfer is almost over and i think i will be leaving Grenoble. I will be sad to leave. This ward is wonderful. Really makes me feel like I am at home. Speaking of home I got letters from the Edwards today, the activity day girls, and Soeur Couillens. I still have yet to read them but I am very grateful to have them.

Anyway... this is later in the day. We just had pday with our district. Ate, had a ping pong tournament and other stuff. I got screwed and didnt get any time to finish emails so this is it this week. I hope that everything is going well with all of you.

Caroline good luck with the baby. Hopefully its comes soon. Michael good luck with the job. If you dont get it, know the Lord has a plan for you. Everything will work out, dont worry!

I love you all. Have a wonderful week. Read Alma 32 this week and thing about how you can better make your tree of faith grow. I was going to talk about that today but its clear that I dont have time...

keep calm and carry on,

Sister Addis

"Jared is Melanie Lala's 2 year old nephew"