November 18, 2013 - This Week was "Shocking!"

Well, well, well! Another week gone. I was just pondering about the time I have left because we just celebrated my companion’s 6-month mark. Then I started to feel really old! I have less than a year!!! WHAT?!!!!! Sad, Sad, day!! Can you even believe that!! I am one of those cheesy missionaries who never wants to go home!!! EVER!! Just kidding.....I will come home....President won’t allow me to stay—darn it. 

So this week was crazy. If you ever get the opportunity to play UNO with a group of French Adults, I highly recommend the experience. I have never laughed soooooo hard before. We had a great FHE and the spirit was there!! I am also finding that nothing brings unity faster than: 1. of course the Holy Ghost, and 2. laughter. Laughter is the secret cure to any of life’s problems!! And boy was this week filled with laughter.  

Let me set up the situation for this next story. Our DMP took us on a nice hike in the Alps. I have never literally had my breath taken away by beauty until that day. It was GORGEOUS. Watch Pride and Prejudice—Kira Knightly version (Sorry Dad!).  It is the scene when she is walking in nature with a pretty piano interlude in the background. Yah, it’s that type of natural beauty here only times it by a billion.  So.....we were walking in the Alps collecting chestnuts (to later roast on an open fire...they are soooo delicious) when we had to traverse through a cow field. Well I decided to hold the string for my DMP so he could go under when no sooner I found out that...in fact it was not a string, it was a wire. And it was not only a wire but a wire with an electric current. So yes this week was literally SHOCKING. But in all honesty...how many people can claim having been shocked by an electric cow fence in the Alps?! #imcool #nopermentantdamage

I have had the opportunity to go to Swiss multiple times in the past week!! Stake Conference, Zone Conference, and Zone training. I love it. LOVE IT! And I love Swiss Chocolate. I have no shame in admitting I have tried about 8 different chocolate bars! #fatty And yes, I got to talk with Elder Kearon and a conference. He is sooo impressive. I was blown away by his powerful testimony and fun sense of humor. Basically I just want to be him. He was soooooooo happy that I came up and said something because He was hoping to get a picture just like Elder Teixeira. Yah…I felt popular having Seventies fighting to get pics with little old me hahaha! Just kidding!  Elder Kearon gave me one of the nicest and sincere complements I have ever received. I was extremely touched. 

This week was also great because I got to interview with President!! I love that man!!! The interview was great we talked about life, the gospel, and missionary work. I am grateful for him and his time he gives to each of us. I asked him if it was bad that I didn’t love Chambéry as much as Toulouse. Because I seriously feel so much guilt from it. But he said, “take a deep breath. You are fine. You will have favorite areas!” It made me feel a bit better but Toulouse me manque beaucoup!! Sigh. I also have such a great appreciation for Mission leaders (District leader, zone leaders).  I was really spoiled in Toulouse in that aspect as well!! But things in Chambéry are great!! I have seen soooo many miracles since being here!! We got another new ami, she is Italian and her name is Benedetta!! She is adorable! That brings are total up to 8 amis again! I just love all those we are teaching!

PS Dad! President Roney's daughter got home from her mission!! She told me she took your living prophets class!! Small world!! She is super cool!! Love her!! Also tell everyone “Hi” in your classes for me!! Jared Bodine, Zach Blackham!!! HOW fun!!!! 

CHALLENGE: Go for a nature walk! Take some time to harness your inner Chi! Basically meditate and feel the spirit. But there is no greater way to invite the spirit then to be in the beauty God created for us!! LOVE IT!! 

PPSS: I think I decided what I will do with my life. Basically I knew but this already, but...I am going to double major in Special Education and French, minor in Coaching, and also do Seminary. Crazy right!!! Sounds impossible to most but I think it sounds fun and exciting!! Read paragraphs 9 and 12 of my patriarchal blessing!! 

Love you all!! keep me updated on life!!