Soeur Alyssa Trotter: Like Mother, Like Daughter (Week #25)

Date: May 16, 2016

Location: Rouen

Companion: Soeur Bennett

Well Mes Amis,

You know what they say... The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Haha I don't know if she is trying to trip over things just to follow my example, but I think that God just knew that I needed to be with Soeur Bennett this transfer, because no one else could handle it.

So. That is #1 on the list of similarities for us. We are both really klutzy! For real though! I don't know why that is my struggle in life but it seems to be, and for the next twelve weeks, I found someone who has no right to judge based on the amount of things we have ran into or broken the last three days haha.

But, aside from that, she is from Moorpark! Which is right next to Thousand Oaks! So we are Southern California girls taking on France! And it is funny because I was talking about a good friends that I used to have around that area and she definitely knows them. The world is so small it is crazy. Talk about inspiration right there! We were meant to be together!

AND she is one really lucky missionary because the SECOND day that she got here we got to go to Versailles to listen to Dieter F. Uchtdorf and see the temple that is being built! Such miracles! It isn't finished, but you can already feel the Spirit that comes from it in that busy Versailles neighborhood. There is no denying that it is the

house of God. That man is so inspired and the only thing that made it better is that Sylvie came with us. We have so much fun with her and she got to hear the voice of an apostle. The feelings that came with him were so strong and we could feel the love he has for each one of us. It is amazing to see how much he affects French people, even through a translation. All that matters is the Spirit.

Oh! And how amazing is this? They always tell us that church referrals are a super good way to find people. And I keep trying to believe them, but they have never really worked out for me on my mission. But me and Soeur Spencer received this referral for this woman named Oyinlade who wanted a Book of Mormon. So we set up an appointment, showed up, and she just...didn't... So we called her... and then called her again.. and again... and finally we took a break for a few weeks. But if something is right, God will always prepare a way for it to work out.

And a few weeks later, we felt prompted. So we just decided to go, show up, and see what happened. And she was THERE. and she wanted to meet again!

So this last Saturday we taught this woman and her perfect little family. Her husband, and their 3 little kids. And it was incredible.

And as we talked about the Book of Mormon, this man was just flipping through the pages saying, "This Book just looks like the word of God. it looks like the word of God!" And they were excited about it! And so touched by the testimonies of us as just 19 year old kids sent out to preach this gospel. What good comes of the Spirit? I cannot even begin to explain how much good can come from the Spirit.

They loved it and as we asked them to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized, Oyinlade just looked at us and said... "If this book us true, me and my family, we are ready."

I know that we taught them nothing that day. Sure, the story of the prophet and the book that he translated, but everything they are going to remember is the things that the Spirit testified of. He knows this family and their needs. He has been preparing them for forever in ways I do not and will not ever understand.

And me and Soeur Bennett are just really excited. We are such lucky missionaries and I know that we are going to do great things together this transfer and the next. Je suis benie. :)

Got knows me and these people. We are put in each other's paths whether that is to bring a family into the gospel, or to have a new compnanion to make you feel less bad about your clumsy self. I know Soeur Bennett is supposed to be my companion, and I know we were supposed to meet this family now, at that time.

Don't forget that He knows you as well and that He loves you. There is a plan for all of us, that is coordinated perfectly in His way and in His timing. Trust it! I am learning to and I am learning that there is no other way.

I love all of you and I miss you. I'm where I am supposed to be and I am working hard. :)

Soeur Trotter