Corner By the Post

It’s starting to get cold....Boo! We have been sooo lucky with the weather! But the air is crisp and the slight occasional wind doesn’t help! But that doesn’t stop us from doing what we need to do. We were fortunate for the sunshine for a few days! I am really liking Soeur Bowman as a companion. She is a hard worker and she goes with the flow. Which I am grateful for because I decided that I need to better myself in all areas. Become just a little more than yesterday. Continue to progress—baby steps. So any second we didn’t have something planned, we made sure there was not one minute wasted by sitting down. We were out of the apartment contacting, contacting, contacting. We talked about it as a companionship and decided that we wanted to be diligent 100% because that is the key to happiness. Boy, oh boy, were we diligent! It brought so many blessings. One blessing in particular was Sophie. Before we met Sophie we were on our 3rd day straight of contacting. But trying to remain positive, we kept our heads high and smiles on our faces! About midway through the day, we contacted Sophie. She was at the corner by the post (hence the title of this week's email).  She immediately stopped and said, "What a coincidence! I have been searching for a Christian church! I am looking to be baptized." #shockedoutofourminds.  We talked to her for the next 10 minutes and she related some stories which she said have "prepared her" for something like what we had. In fact, just before meeting her she was at FNAC (a bookstore) buying self-help books. She is looking for the way to find true happiness. We told her that we had the best self-help book and we would give it to her for free—The Book of Mormon. The contact was so filled with the spirit. We were crying, the spirit was touching our hearts and hers, and we could feel something that a lot of our other Amis are missing: DESIRE. She had a real desire and wanted the truth. It was clear she was willing to do the necessary steps to know. Soeur Bowman and I walked away completely touched by the spirit. I know God placed us in her path. And I know He placed her there because we were being diligent with what we have been asked to do. We set a Rendezvous for this Thursday, so everyone start PRAYING YOUR GUTS OUT FOR HER! While me and Soeur Bowman have been doing everything we can think of to be diligent it has brought a lot of opposition. Nearly all our Amis are acting less committed than before. It is hard for me to not visit our amis because I truly care for their well being and I know that the Gospel could bless their lives. But I know that if we show our faith to the Lord and work to find the people who are committed or ready for the gospel, then God will fill the spot with others who are. Gulp. 

This week we were able to find several service opportunities. We have been doing weekly service for a potential Ami  for the past month or so. She LOVES us! She told me yesterday that she feels like a Grandma and we are the grandkids. Before we come to visit, she is so excited and after we leave, she is exhausted! Hahaha! She calls us her daughters. She has had VERY rough family situations all growing up. Every time I leave I always ask myself...why am I so blessed to be born into the beliefs, home, and family I have? I am so blessed.  She has struggled with health for years now. Her kids have disowned her and want nothing to do with her. She is lonely. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to see her weekly and build her faith. She said, "I can’t wait until everything in my apartment is in order so we can focus more on spiritual things." She really needs the love the gospel can bring. She is so generous as well. Each time we leave our hands are full of food and clothes! So generous. 

We had a Sunday night dinner with La famille Arnaud, La famille Gonan, Arsene, and Amyeric. It was a blast...and sooooo delicious! It reminded me of good old family dinners with the family! We all laughed A LOT!  I even did my famous party trick! (aka wowed them with my skill of throwing whipping cream in the air and catching in my mouth). Haha!  It was a hit and everyone wanted to learn! I love this Branch sooo much! Frère Gonan gave a talk this Sunday how we are literally here to have Joy!  It was an inspiring Sunday filled with the spirit! I have really been building a great relationship with some of the members, Fr. Gonan, Sr. Arnaud, Barbara, and Fr. Munn Jr. Fr. Munn Jr. and I have had some great laughs! I just love my mission. I love that I can joke around in a different language! The best compliment my new comp gave me during companionship inventory was you are able to be yourself in English and French. You are the same person, she said. SCORE! That was one of the goals I set for myself my second transfer in the mission. The Lord has blessed me with great opportunities with the Language! He answers prayers!! How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who loves us and takes the time to respond to our personal requests and needs. 

I have also realized how accustom I have become to being in France. Things like fresh street vendor Nutella Crepes and gorgeous architecture have become normal—rough life! I have been making a mental effort to really appreciate where I am right now and all the experiences I have had and can continue to enjoy!! I am hitting 10 months on Feb 3rd...WHAT THE HECK?  Has anyone figured out how to slow down time?!

If my calculations are correct, TJ can turn his papers in this week or next.  Right? I am waiting in anticipation and even dedicated my decorated planner in his Honor :) I am soooo excited for him to get out in the field and experience the joys I am experiencing each day! Hope the family is going well other wise!! 

Pray for us with our efforts! We are trying really hard so we can find success! 

Challenge of the week: Make Hawaiian Haystacks and watch the movie, South Pacific. I don’t know why that is the challenge for the week. Maybe because I am really missing warm weather!! C'est la vie!

ps. The title of the Email is where we met Sophie.....its a blessed spot :) 

Sachiez que je vous aime!! Bonne Semaine!! 

Time Flies - While Posts Trickle In -- Don't Miss It

Lauren's blog has been updated (finally!).  New posts for November 4, 11, 18, 25; December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and January 6, 13, and 20 are all posted.  Don't miss a week filled with adventure, humor, and spirit!  

January 20, 2014 - So Much French Food!

Bonjour ma famille!!! 

This week has been filled with food!! How perfect after setting new years resolutions.....boo! I can say I have grown yet another appreciation for my mission!!  My mission has really allowed me to experience a variety of cultures. Even though I live in France, most of my culturally enriching experiences have been from other parts of the world! This week I tried traditional African, Iranian, and Tahitian meals. After each of those meals, I said a prayer of gratitude. THEY WERE SO DELICIOUS!  Our Ami from Iran invited us over for a traditional meal. We ate a three course meal followed by a traditional "walk it off" walk after dinner. The dish was unreal good. It had apricots, chicken, green beans—the  perfect combo of sucrée et salée (sweet and salty)! And the African dish....WOWZER! Soeur Beeny and I were dying.  It was so delicious.  I did another exchange with a Tahitian missionary! I don’t know how they do it but they can just throw whatever they find in the kitchen into one pot and it tastes heavenly. What a skill!! I feel so blessed to experience so many cultures, ways of thinking, and different ways of living. I can see why people drop everything and travel the world to experience new cultures.  It’s extremely tempting but school, marriage, and kids sound great to :) 

This week was great. We were all in shock that another transfer has passed! Waiting for transfer calls is always such a nerve-racking experience. Normally we receive calls during our studies but for some reason the President was late by an hour and a half! We were all dying!! He called just a few minutes before we entered into an appointment. Soeur Witt and Soeur DeO are staying together.  I got the phone next and got the news I was staying and receiving Soeur Bowman. She came in the mission the same time as my Bleu Soeur Caldwell and Soeur Mod trained her!  I was really excited to stay in Chambery! Staying is always such a joy! But then again it also makes leaving (when the time comes) so much more difficult! Soeur Beeny was transferred to Angoulême. This is on the opposite side of the mission. She is just the greatest!! I am going to miss her like crazy!! She was a fabulous missionary filled with loads of energy!!! Elle a la pêché!! (direct translation: she has the peach hahah. What it really means is “She is full of enthusiasm!!” It was hard to put her on a train and say goodbye! I bawled like a baby in Sacrament meeting during her bye- bye testimony.....sigh. She is great! Although we went out with a bang aka made the most epic music video. Classy EFY music...classy sister missionaries...loads of energy....win, win, win!  It’s such a blessing to serve a mission and get to know my companions in ways that only a mission would provide! I have built friendships that will last my lifetime...and into the eternities! hahaha #cheesymissionary. 

We had loads of spirit filled appointments! It was amazing! We adjusted two baptismal dates and really prepared our other ami for the invitation!! It is going to take loads of work and a lot of miracles but....everything is possible!! We also had a rendezvous with a less active. She has a lot of opposition working against her but she has a daughter YW aged, I really want to work with her!! While we were at her house eating she kept burning toast. I don’t know why we thought it was funny...maybe it was the fact that she started with a whole loaf and only 4 pieces made it on the table. Hahaha. She is amazing but has been away from the church for quite some time. She now has a boyfriend and isn’ t following the Word of Wisdom...sigh. Oh and her boyfriend is completely against the church.....guess its time to roll up my sleeves and get to work!! Missionary work is just the best. The more I do it and give everything the better and better it gets!! 

Alright, just in case it wasn’t clear before.  I am staying in Chambéry and got Soeur Bowman! She is from Lindon, Utah and went to BYU.  She studied English and French. She went on a Study Abroad to Paris and graduated from PG High School.  That’s about all the info I can give you. When I asked her the question, “if you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?” She said, "shy." Hahahha. I love her already! We have been laughing the day away! She is really warming up to me!  She has only been here for an hour or so but she is fabulous!! We will make a great team! I am also grateful the other Soeurs that stayed here. The four of us have already been laughing up a storm and have clicked real well! This transfer has great things in store!! Sorry this email is sooo scattered!! But it’s been a crazy day!! I love you all!! Until next week!! 

Mom or anybody!! If you could send some really yummy recipes to the mission email that would be fabulous!! Soeur Roney is putting together a mission cookbook and is looking for some good additions. Knowing from experience...you are a delicious cook with great recipes!! 

Loves! 

Soeur Richardson 

January 13, 2014 - Snow Angels in the Alps

It continues to amaze me how fast transfers go by and here I am with one week before yet another transfer?  This is getting unreal. I was just looking at my little 18-month calendar thinking, “wow by the end of next transfer, I will really by on the downhill slide.” *sniffle, sniffle* I was feel like I just got to Chambéry and now the thought of possibly leaving is heart breaking. I have been really thinking about the work I have been doing and the life and work of a missionary. It’s a very sacred experience because everything you do as a missionary is directly related to love. But not just any love, it is the love of Christ. I am finding that the love of Christ holds a lot of power. This is the power to allow forgiveness, to change hearts, to mend relationships, and to grow friendships in deep and lasting ways. When I first got to Chambéry, and I’m not going to lie, I didn’t like it at all. But through hard work and the love of Christ, I love this area with all my heart. That just shows that through the work of the Lord or the work of pure love, we can truly change. My heart has been completely changed. I am soo, soo grateful for the lessons I have learned in Chambéry. And it may or may not continue....on verra!! Friday!! (gulp, yikes!) 

This week was full of many fun adventures, contacts, and miracles.  We did an exchange in Anmasse with the Sister Training Leaders. It was a delightful experience. I was with Soeur O'connor! She is French Polynisian! She is probably the best sister missionary I have ever come across.  She is outstanding. She teaches and contacts people with such power and love. I learned a lot. She is a native French speaker so it was really fun to speak French all day learning new words and joking around! We had some really great conversations and laughs. One of the best conversations we had was her telling me about her life story. It was amazing. Her mother was a member but there was no church, no materials—nothing. So she did what she could and read the Bible every night with her children and taught them what Primary songs she new. Song like I am a Child of God. Her mother prayed and prayed for missionaries to come to the island to baptize her family with the proper authority. One day, a single Elder showed up on the island. They asked him why he was alone and what he was doing there. He said he didn’t even know, but his President told him to come. While he was there, he baptized her family. They were the only members on the island and so they held church in their living room. But her mother was very missionary minded and was all about sharing the gospel. Eventually the church grew and they held it in their garage. Eventually they built a building for themselves! Last she heard they now have over 65 members!!! All this started from her mother doing everything she could with what she had! I was basically in tears by the end of it. She has such an amazing story.

She saw her first revolving door (like in the movie, Elf) on the mission. Her first elevator was when she was 17 and she just kept saying, "IT WAS LIKE THE MOVIES WITH THE DING WHEN THE DOORS OPENED AND EVERYTHING!!" She is the greatest!  She is such a trooper also. She is having feet problems right now and is in loads of pain but refuses to let that stop her! I sympathize with her!! She only has one pair of shoes. And it’s not a good pair. If possible I would love to get her some nice sturdy shoes.  I will try to find her size and maybe if everyone could pitch in a few dollars to buy a pair that would be a huge blessing for her! She has never worn closed toed shoes before her mission! I was truly inspired after our exchange!! 

While I was on my exchange, I got to meet a nice old (really old) couple. The little old grandma pulled me aside and said, "vient vient" aka come here! Hahaha. I followed behind her and she took me into her room. She took my over to the far corner where there was a small crib.  Inside the crib was a baby doll. She began to explain to me about her adorable little "baby" and how it has been in her life for the past 40 years lying in the crib so peacefully.  Soeur O'Conner came in and her eyes about fell out of her head. Hahaha. She was trying real hard not to show how creeped-out I was. I just continued to keep the smile I had manage to plaster on my face. It was kind of creepy. But between the baby doll in her bedroom and the giant stuffed tiger that sat on her couch, I would say that’s pretty normal. Old people + France = not good combo. 

If I do end up leaving Chambéry, I don’t know what I will miss more—Chambéry or the Sisters that I am serving with currently. They are such a blessing! Soeur Witt, Soeur DeO, and Soeur Beeny!! We have had loads of opportunities to work with the other Sisters because 1) Chambéry is tiny.  It’s impossible not to run into them, and 2) it’s been the holidays! I just love them!! We all decided to match for District meeting. Now, this wasn’t just that we all wore the same color matching...no, no, no, my friends, this is the Chambéry Soeurs we are talking about!! We all wore the same dress, same color, and the same pattern. I laughed the whole day because we looked more like an American High School Choir! They are great and hard workers! Gotta love 'em! 

We had the fabulous opportunity to go snowshoeing in the Alps. IT WAS UNREAL. The mountains are gorgeous!! I love the outdoors!  I wasn’t cold once!! The sun was shining and the mountains were peaceful! While there of course I did a few essentials (making a snow angel and a snow man). I knew I would regret it if I didn’t take the opportunity!! I handed my comp my camera and plopped down into the snow and began the "angel" we all had a good laugh, especially when the rest of them did the same thing!! :) The rest of the hike was filled with getting stuck in mud and porting Indian teepees...but those are stories for another day! I am putting pictures of all this on dropbox! It was such a wonderful experience!! I am so grateful for the member that took us!!

PS: It was Soeur Beeny’s Bday this week....she turned 20.  My goodness, I feel like a grandma out here! Hahaha. We were able to celebrate with Eduardo's daughters Petra (16) and Dorkis (17)....they LOVE US! Petra made two cakes, we blew out candles, and popped a bottle of...non-alcoholic champagne! It is such a blessing to work with their family. Keep praying for them! I truly love, love, love Chambéry. I don’t know what is in store for me next transfer but I am looking forward with a giant smile and bright eyes because I know and trust God. Thanks for your continued support and love. Above all your prayers! I love you all!! Weird to think next email I could be in a different part of France...any guesses?? :) Until next week!! 

Challenge for the Week: Listen to the Some Where Over the Rainbow version with a big Polynesian dude singing and the ukulele....Malheureusementz? I cant remember his name! Anyways listen to that and imagine me and a French Polynesian missionary boppin' down the streets of France.  

January 6, 2014 - Holidays Are Over

Holidays are a missionary’s nightmare. First, all of your amis are out of town.  Second, their progression is stalled or has digressed over the holidays. And third, missionaries don’t get holidays and it’s a cruel reminder of what holidays are like at home. But, that’s for the best! 

This week went by pretty dang fast. All the weeks seem to do that gosh darn it!! As you all know.....I have sadly hit my 9 months. It was a bittersweet moment. Sad because I only have a precious 9 months to work as hard as I can as the Lords servant but happy because I am proud with the work I have done thus far. No Regrets. I figure that is a pretty good sign! For my 9 month mark, I chose to celebrate with my favorite Bio Cookies. I first discovered these cookies with Soeur Caldwell in Toulouse...And I recently discovered the same cookies here in Chambéry (BOO YA) Framboise Chocolat Noir et Noix de Coco. (Dark Chocolate Raspberry cookies and Coconut Fig Chocolate cookies!!) They are soo good!!   

We celebrated New Years with a potential Ami. She has some physical disabilities and we have been doing service for her. She invited us over for a meal and we gladly accepted. Well when we arrived she had set the table with her nice china and cooked us a meal of courses!!! We were overcome with love. With her handicapped hands it must have taken her all day to cook us that meal! Homemade vegetable soup. Cooked potatoes, steak, zucchini....and two homemade cakes for dessert!! #spoiled. We even ate fois gras—again. Gotta love the fois gras holiday tradition. While our potential Ami was cutting the Fois Gras she accidently cut her finger. She continued to cut the fois gras and blood was getting all over it. You can imagine my face. I was sitting next to Soeur DeO and she was literally about to pass out. She just kept saying, “oh, I don’t feel good.” Hahaha While our Potential Ami was still hacking away at the fois bloody gras we were all thinking, “OH MY GOSH WE ARE GOING TO EAT HUMAN BLOOD!!” She went to the Kitchen to get a better...sharper knife (#badidea) and while she was there I began to pray that we wouldn’t contract some crazy human blood disease. Well it turns out she just got it all over the cloth covering of the fois gras.....alors...so we did NOT eat human blood, phew. Moral of the story: prayer works. 

 I'd now like to recount a story that happened Sunday. As you know, it was the first Sunday of the month (aka Testimony meeting). We had quite a good turnout for church this Sunday...about 56!! Of those 56 we had about 5 less actives (ohhhh ya!).  And among those less actives was a man I had never met before. He showed up in the same boots as Soeur Beeny, a Russian fur hat, and a good looking coat....that I would wear. We taught the Adult Sunday School lecon and he made a few comments that were interesting (but honestly this is France so I didn’t think much of it)! Well testimony meeting begins and I leaned over to Soeur Belibi and asked "Soeur est-ce que vous le connaissez? (do you know him?). And right after I asked, “What can you tell me about him?” She just smiled at me and said "ma chérie, Vous allez voir" Translation: “My dear, you will see." aka ATTENTION,  ATTENTION ..something is about to go down!!! So I continued to look over to see if he was ever going to stand up. Well I looked over and saw a stack of papers. The title was "Témoignage" aka Testimony. Well he stood up and when he did the whole branches eyes about popped out of their heads.  Obviously this guy clearly had a reputation! He got up and began to pull something out of his coat.  It was a Menorah,  you know, a Hanukah Candlestick. He began to explain that he found it by his mailbox so clearly it came from God. He continued to explain that he had been living with Satan for the past few years and thanks to the grace of God he is now freed.....hmmmmmm?! After he had finished his 6-page testimony he said, “I would like to add this testimony in hard copy to the Branch history." He then turned around and handed it to our Branch President as he bowed.  He then exited the stand while holding the candle in front of his heart as he walked down the isle to his seat. I do have to admit it was quite a great presentation of theatrics and drama. You can imagine the awkward silence afterwards. #classic.  Other than the drunk guy making up a song for me and my comp that went something like "Les Filles à Chambéry..Vous êtes très jolie!!" and then blowing on his harmonica...it was a pretty normal Sunday. 

While this week was full of crazy stories, many miracles happened! We have had the great opportunity to work with a couple of families! One family has loads of potential!! We are praying sooooo hard for them right now!! Come to find out their other son is one of our progressing Amis! Small world!! We were dying when we found out!! They love us and we were invited us over where they cooked a homemade cake!! It’s truly amazing the way God can open doors and hearts!! As a missionary you get to see miracles daily.  I often have to remind my self how lucky I am because miracles seem to be something so...normal. God is a God of Miracles.       

This week I also got a letter from a member from Toulouse. I was so touched and happy to hear that they still remember me! :) I just love being a missionary. It’s an amazing opportunity to work closely with people (members, investigators, and less actives). You truly get to feel the love Jesus and God feel for these people. My eyes have been opened to that love. And I am forever grateful. 

Challenge of the Week: Set New Year Resolutions.

 I have set mine and am grateful for the opportunity I have to improve myself! I would suggest setting a goal for 5 things: Physical, Spiritual, Financial, Intellectual, and Emotional. That is what I did and I found that they are really focused and I will be able to see a lot of improvement in those specific areas!!

Happy 2014 people!! Meilleur Vœux!! XOXO

ps. Meg got your package with the ornament...it was pink ;) Thanks for the candy!! And the pics were the best!! I cried. Also, Momma if you could be so kind as to send me a pair of my running spandex (the long black ones) that would be super helpful for morning runs!! pps I love the lotion stuff and face soap you sent me! It’s the greatest! Love you!! XOXO