Big Change (Week #49)

Date: October 31, 2016

Location: #5 Orléans

Companion: Soeur Robertson

Hello Everyone!!

We all knew that this was going to be a week of changed. I knew that I was leaving, my baby grew up, and it was time for her to move on to a new companion, and to take over with our amis and the good old city of Nancy. Soeur Petersen really is an incredible missionary. It is funny, because we talked back and forth and back and forth, not knowing which one of us would be leaving. We made guesses nonstop and joked about not being able to wait to be split up. And it turns out that when it came down to it, neither of us were ready to leave each other. After the suitcases were stuffed and shut for the last time, and as we huddled together at the front door on a cold, dark morning to say one last prayer together, we just started to cry. Sometimes I don't realize how much people mean to me until I don't have them anymore to sing to me in bed at night (she has the voice of an angel ;)) haha no but really. She became a best friend, and it made the move about 10 million times harder. But God, as always, promises that sometimes He takes us from something good, to give us something even better. Which, I don't know if it can get better than Nancy with Soeur Petersen. But I really believe, that God knows what I need when I need it. And so here I am in Orléans, trying to figure out what He DOES have prepared for me. And Soeur Petersen is in Nancy, figuring out what He has prepared for HER.

So basically Orléans, for lack of better words, is a dream ville. The members are incredible, and I feel like I am a part of their family. They care about us, and they do what they can to help us. And they love being missionaries. So that's a bonus :) I remember one of my first days here this week, we took cookies by a member's house, Soeur Javoy, and she pulled us inside, sat us down, gave us a snack, talked to us about missionary work, and prayed. Prayed that we could be refreshed and continue to work hard and bring people to Christ. As we left, she looked at us, and said "If you ever need anything, you know where to find me. If you need a boost, a rest, a little support, come here. We are here for you." Talk about having a mom away from mom :)

So aside from that and from getting lost a few times, we had a couple other super cool miracles. If we flash back a few weeks, I believe I wrote an entire email about my love for Africans. Nothing has changed. I just love them. And we have these amis from Nigeria, Emmanuel and Victoria, and their cute little family. We were able to see them yesterday, and Oh la la quelle miracle. They are incredible.

So basically, we get there, and when they see us, you would have thought that they had won the lottery. They were excited to see us! I'll take it :) They were just so happy and so nice! And as we taught them, they just lit up and they asked questions and they were so involved! And the Spirit was so strong. I love that. I love how the second the Spirit enters the room, you just feel everyon's heart open up and listen. When the Spirit is there, I just never want to leave. I just want to stay and stay and stay in that moment forever. And it is in those moments when I start to see these people with a little glimpse of how Christ sees them. And it reminds me not only of why I decided to come, but also of why I have stayed here.

The best part ever, was when we were able to teach them about eternal families. Victoria, the mom, when we asked her what she thought, just looked at us, and said, "That is beautiful. It is so beautiful." And it is so true. It is so important. I love that. I loved being there in that moment with this family, as they learned that there might never be an end to their family. That there is a plan, and we are a part of it. And I just fell in love with this family. we are excited to see what happens. They are aiming for December 17th as the day to be baptized. What a good Christmas present :)

I hope that you all know that I love what I do. It is hard and it is by far the most rewarding and fulfilling thing that I have ever done. I don't know if there could be a greater joy found than in watching someone come unto Christ and be influenced by Him. He changes us, and each person changed, means everything in His eyes. I feel so blessed.

This week I learned a lot about change. It is hard. I keep expecting it to get easier and easier each time, and it doesn't. It is supposed to be hard. But I never cease to be amazed at how fast God shows us that He knows what He is doing if we just look. He knows what He is doing! I know that it is true. and I miss Nancy, i still miss Rouen, some days I still miss home. But I can honestly say that each day is better than the day before. I love that. That each day, i work harder than the day before, I try to be a little better, a little more charitable, a little more humble. And every day is happier and more fulfilling. Miracles come when we turn to Christ. It is so true. I see it all the time. I love Him :)

I love you all, I am working hard and having lots of fun! We even hiked a river today! :)

Beaucoup d'amour,

Soeur Trotter

Saying bye to my best friends before heading to Orléans! It was so hard!

Hiking a little in Orléans Today! Fun!

It's so pretty here! 

Sylvie Finally Went Swimming :) My Life Was Made in a Single Phone Call! (Week #48)

Date: October 24, 2016

Location: Nancy

Companion: Soeur Petersen

Hello Everyone :)

Today is my final Monday in the blessed ville of Nancy. I am headed off to ville #5, Orléans, with Soeur Robertson. :) I have no idea who she is, or the ville, but I have only heard great things about both of them so I am excited to see what this brings. And the best part is, is that I get to serve with Elder Trotter! We served close together once before, but now we are in the same city! that will be super fun. We are still on the search to find out if a couple of our great great great uncles were related or something but so far, nothin.

But, as far as this week goes, my entire week was made with a phone call. Last week, I was able to get an email from one of the members in Rouen, where I served last, and she was just so happy to tell me that there was going to be a baptism in Rouen. Which, in itself is a huge miracle. But this is where the story gets real exciting, and real quick. I don't know if any of you remember, but there was Sylvie, who I was absolutely obsessed with. The one that just made my whole day every day, and she just could not get over her phobia of water! Well, Françoise emailed me that Sylvie had been praying and praying and that she decided that she was going to try and be baptized with the other people being baptized, and that she needed as many prayers as she could get :) So I was definitely in. After that, I just could not stop thinking about Sylvie.

So, on Friday night, I decided to give Sylvie a little ring. And I was able to talk to her and it was so cute because she was so scared and kept telling me how she was not ready but that she had been praying so much. and she said, "Soeur Trotter, will you please keep praying for me? I really want to be baptized tomorrow so that I can go to the temple." My heart melted. Oh la la. of course I said yes!

The next day came around, and I just felt like I needed to fast. So that is what I did. and I called Sylvie a half hour before, just letting her know that I loved her, and that I knew that she could do it, and that Christ would carry her through it. And that night, I got the best phone call in the world. It was Sylvie! Telling me that she did it, that she finally was a member, and that she could finally start getting ready to go to the temple.

I cannot begin to explain the happiness that came into my heart. I cannot begin to explain the number of times that my heart broke for Sylvie, each time she lost faith in herself and moments when we all wondered if she would get there. I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who never lost faith in Sylvie. Who saw her potential all along and who guided her to be able to overcome her fear.

I felt like all noise was blocked out and I felt like there was nothing that could take the smile off my face. It was the perfect reminder for me of why I came.

There is a scripture in Doctrine and Covenants that came into my head the moment she spoke to me. It says this:

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" Doctrine and Covenants 18:10.

My mission isn't over. But the joy that I felt in hearing about Sylvie, made my life. I am so happy, and so is she, and I know that we are going to be friends, literally forever. That is the promise. I am so excited for her and for what is laid out in front of her. :)

This week, we were also able to go to Épinal, another city nearby. And I was able to work with one of the members there, Soeur LaForge, who is incredible! She had a list of all her friends she has prayed about and knew were prepared, and we went by and tried to see some of them. One of them was an adorable Bolivian woman, Zorita, who is so prepared by the Lord. It was such a testimony builder for me as I watched Soeur LaForge bearing testimony to her friend about what has changed her own life so much. And we felt the Spriit. It made my whole day :) The members really are the only way.

As far as the rest of the week, we were able to meet with Maité, and Claudine, two less actives who are just angels. And Maité makes us call her Grandma. She really is like another grandma for me and it is going to be really sad to go. She made me sit next to her in Sacrament and she held my hand the whole time. and i dont know who the heck chose the songs for Sacrament Meeting, but "God Be WIth You Til We Meet Again" wasn't exactly what I would have chosen. it made it like 20 times harder :)

But something I am grateful for is that I have no idea why I am being sent to Orléans. But I know that I will find out so soon and I know that God has a plan. That is the best blessing ever!! He is watching me over here in Nancy, and watching all those people over there in Orléans, and He is counting on me to work hard, to be obedient, to follow His voice, and then He will lead us to each other! MIRACLE!

I love you all- I will have more details next week on everything that happens. It is going to be busy but I say Bring It On! :) I am looking forward to a new adventure. Our amis are in good hands. Soeur Petersen is a stellar missionary and I am so excited to see what happens :) she is worried but I am not!

Soeur Trotter

With Soeur LaForge and her friend! Member missionaries are the greatest :) 

With Claudine & Maité!

I SWEAR she told me she loved me...

What a great district! I met some of my greatest friends here (: I am supposed to be dressed up as wonderwoman #missionbudgetprobs

The temple in Paris is getting there! So Pretty!

Sylvie over in Rouen!

Turns Out Soeur Trotter Gets Hurt Just About as Much as Alyssa Did! haha yep... Still Me... (Week #47)

Date: October 19, 2016

Location: Nancy

Companion: Soeur Petersen

Hello Everyone!

I am aware that this email is a little untimely (: This week has been insane and stressful and great all at the same time. But that also meant that we haven't had wifi, or pday really, until now. The things that happen on a mission. No, but it has been a good week. I think all of you know, but before her mission, the great invincible Soeur Trotter broke her hip. Haha that was terrible! Haha and it got better! Super huge blessing! And then about 2 1/2 months ago, we decided to go play soccer with the Elder's one morning, and I just have super bad luck, because since then, something hasn't felt quite right. So Monday we were at the hospital all day. NOW, hospital doesn't mean the same thing here so don't get too worried. It mostly consisted of sitting in a waiting room freaking out because it looked like I was in a science lab with how high tech looking everything was. I felt like they were about to experiment on me or clone me or something. But really I just had to get an MRI. (: And let me tell you, if there is something to remind me that I don't actually speak French, it was the doctor giving me the results. I don't know what language he was speaking, but it wasn't the English, or the French that I know. So I probably couldn't tell you super well, what it said. Something about a crack. So it probably wasn't too important. (Just kidding, I know it is important. I double-checked. It is a "petite" one. So that is good!) I am going back for more tests later. So basically, it stressed me out a little and not a ton was discovered. So I will keep you updated (:

BUT, as far as last week, we had a week full of everything. Earlier in the week, we went out to eat with the Elder's, and it was super fun. And then the next day, we got up, and we started to go about our day. We did our studies, talked a little, prepared for an rdv, and I started to notice that I was feeling a little sick, and a little dizzy. But we had an rdv that I didn't want to miss. And when Soeur Trotter doesn't want to miss something, we don't miss it. So we basically stumbled our way to the tram, and got on. And three stops later, I was only sure of one thing. I had to get off that tram. I am not even sure I remembered that we had an rdv at that point. I was losing it. So I got off the tram, and just threw up. I didn't know what was going on until I saw this poor African man across the tram tracks just starting at me with pity in his eyes. Turns out we weren't even going the right direction. yeahhh we didn't make that rdv. And as all of that was happening, we got a call from the Elders. They were super sick. And three hours later, my comp decided to join the club. Haha turns out that kebab that we ate the night before really did a number on us. We have all since recovered. It is sad though because no one wants to go back to the store we got the food at, but we usually go like 3 times a week and we love the man that works there! We are really good friends and he is going to get baptized one day! Me and Soeur Petersen are bound and determined to go back (: But we will give it a little time. I get sick just thinking about it.

Now, onto more spiritually uplifting things. Marie-Claire. Quel Perfection. She is an angel sent from Heaven. Just kidding she is from Africa technically but she is indeed an angel as well. We met her as she sat on a bench in front of her apartment one day, and we just felt prompted to stop and say hi (: And to be honest, she was kind of scared of us. Me and Soeur Petersen are just so big and scary (: haha but she ended up just telling us to stop by one day, and she didn't want to give us her number. So a few weeks ago, we stopped by, knowing that God could work miracles, but I am not sure that either one of us were positive about how receptive she was to listen. She was just so... lets just say she didn't participate much. But as we sat with her that second time, she opened up about her family and her life. And she had 12 kids! oh la la that is insane! And she started to smile more and I just fell in love with Marie-Claire. Oh la la she is 77 and I thought she was 50, and she is beautiful and just so full of love and desire to follow God's plan for her. So we set up another meeting, and that is where we were this last week.

As we stopped by Marie-Claire's, we knew that we were going to be asking her to be baptized, and we could feel that it was what God wanted us to do. And cutest thing ever. She opens the door with her Book of Mormon, with a huge smile on her face. And she lit up when she saw us. And I just couldn't help but be so happy standing there looking at her! and as we sat down and prayed, I knew that it was going to be a good moment. She told us that she had read the book, parts of it, and she knew that it was from God. And she was so grateful that we had met her that one night in front of her apartment. And as I bore my testimony, in support of hers, I knew that it was true. As I heard my own words, they rang with truth in my ears, and I was reminded all over again of what I already knew to be true. That the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that it testifies of a loving Savior, who died, that we may all live again. I cannot begin to explain what peace fills my heart, when I think of my Redeemer. Think about it! The only perfect person to ever live loves me and He knows me! And in that moment He knew my heart! And He knew the heart of my companion and He knew the heart of Marie-Claire, who is trying her best to know what is true. Our words weren't perfect but the Spirit that was there was, and the three of us were left in tears.

I know that each time I bear my testimony, something goes off on my heart. And I can't explain it, but my heart flutters a couple times, and I have this overwhelming sense that what I am doing is what God would have me do. That I am here to preach and teach and testify. And it is for a reason. A really important one. If this church is true, it means that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. It means that we have a new chance to become better every day, and it means that we can live eternally with our families. If the Church is true, it means Christ is at the head, and nothing else really matters. I know that it is true. I have never been more sure of something in my life. Nothing else, in the grand scheme of things really matters. It is led by Him, and He really is the center of everything.

I hope you know that I love what I do. Everyday, I am blessed to be His representative. To try my best to live as He lived, and to help others to feel what I feel every time that I testify. That feeling that goes off in my heart? Every one can have that confirmation. I have seen it in these people, and we all can. It is a real promise He gives. And if there was ever someone that could keep a promise, it is

God. He is really good at that (:

I love you all- there are many of you, but I love you all individually, and I miss you (:

Soeur Trotter

Our zone activity this week! So fun with all of our friends!

You can't tell but the three of us in this picture were all very sick! We hide it well (: 

The fourth sick missionary wasn't hiding it very well that day!

It's finally that time of year!

Our Amie Florence was obsessed with me zipping up my coat ALL THE WAY haha I felt so claustrophobic!

Hospital Selfies! (: There were so many doors with numbers on them!!!

I have a wonderful companion (: 

Minutes before eating something that would almost kill us! (: We were so happy! 

This is what did it! They are so good!

What a Nice Surprise. A Tick. (Week #46)

Date: October 10, 2016

Location: Nancy

Companion: Soeur Petersen

Hello Everyone!! 

This week started off fantastic. Do you remember about how I told you that we went hiking for my birthday? Well, turns out I had a little too much fun because I ended up bringing some little forest friends home with me. :) Tuesday morning, I woke up, ready to ATTACK THE MORNING, and I went into the bathroom. Well, I looked in the mirror and what did I see? Well, I thought it was a scab so I started picking at it... Bad idea #1. Haha but it got a whole less exciting pretty dang fast when it started moving!! I GOT A TICK! Haha that was so gross. Haha luckily my comp was willing to play surgeon and we got it out :) I kept it as a souvenir to show you all when I come home :) Haha whenever I tell people the story and tell them that I kept it, they all laugh hysterically and ask me if I am serious. And they get so shocked when I say I am. Haha I didn't think it was the weird... but who knows what being a missionary has done to me.. Haha.
As for the rest of the week, it was full of lots of adventures and birthday parties and teaching :) Just the way I like it. We went to this member's house, her name is Maité, and she is HILARIOUS. And her birthday was a few days after mine, so she threw a fête! And it was a lot of fun. But it consisted of being fed raw steak, which I wouldn't recommend. Apparently she likes the texture... haha and it also consisted of Maité going and getting her scale and then her and three of her old friends all sat around and forced me and soeur Petersen to weigh ourselves. And when we would get on the scale, they would all come over and look at it and start laughing and pointing at us, and saying stuff like, "c'est pas vrai!" haha and then they made us eat like ten pounds of cake :) haha sooo pretty sure that counts as bullying but it was fun and they love us and feed us so we let them do what they want. It was fun becuase none of Maités friends are members. So we love answering their questions when they have them and helping them grow closer to Christ. She is such a missionary and we love it :)
Something really cool that happened this week was meeting Sylvain. We were walking through a parc one night, and Sylvain was too. He and his girlfriend had just gotten into a really bad fight and he needed some time and some space. And as we started talking, Sylvain opened up a little bit, and He started to cry as we talked of Jesus Christ, and how there is someone who understands him. It was a really cool moment as Sylvain looked at us and said, "You are right. I have been so busy thinking about so much, I completely forgot that He is there for me." and he went on to explain that us meeting was one way in which Christ was looking out for Him. We were able to see him later that week and he is becoming one of my favorite people, who is prepared. It is true that he has trials, but Christ understands him even if we don't, and I love that. I love being able to remind people of these things because they are true! I love being able to look at people, and be honest and tell them that there is no way that I understand what they are going through. But the best part is is telling them that there is someone who does. Someone a whole lot greater and better and who loves us. Even when we don't remember to love Him. That night was a huge tender mercy, for us and for Him, and I know that God is leading and directing us. That is also how we met Anissa.
The other day, me and Soeur Petersen had been out for hours. People were listening, but we weren't getting very far, and I think that we walked up and down the same street 10 times, deciding what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. Something that gives me the most stress on the mission, is being honest with God and asking Him sincerely where we need to go to find those who are prepared; and then we don't get an anwser. At first I was frustrated with God, and then after a few weeks in the mission, I was frustrated with me, thinking about what might be keeping me from bieng worthy of God's guidance and His answers. But something that I have learned with time, is the importance of acting. If we don't recieve an answer, we cannot just sit and wait, but act, and God will let us know if the decision we are making is wrong. For all of you who know Garth Brooks, He has a song called unanswered prayers. And this night reminds me a lot of it.
I was frustrated in all honesty. Soeur Petersen wouldn't decide where to go. And She was frustrated because Soeur Trotter wouldnt decide where to go. And it was windy and cold and it had been three hours. And we were being so lamme! But we decided to pray. And we really wanted to know where to go. We really wanted to find those who were ready and we were willing to listen. And we looked up from bowing our heads, and there was no one. But, we decided to walk. And just down the street, there we see her. Anissa. She was reading the paper outside of the gare, and she hoenstly looking freezing. But I knew we had to talk to her. and we did. And she told us about her life and her family and her beliefs. And before we knew it, we just felt so much love for her. She asked what we were holding in our hands. Which lucky for her, was the Book of Mormon. and she took it and just looked at it flipping through the pages, saying that she wished that she could have one. little did she know, that is why we hold them in the first place :) #trickymissionnaires
But it was fun to look at her looking at a Book that i know will change her life. I know what it can do. And I know that that day, God's "Unanswered Prayer," was actually an answer. An answer telling us to stop complaining and to just walk a little longer, a little further, to test a little more of our faith. And we did. And like He promised, He blessed us. I know that the Lord gives us commandments that we have to follow. He tells us missionaries to always talk to people and to go to bed on time and to try our best. And then in return He blesses us. And He is the umitmate promise keeper. Heavenly Father WANTS to bless us. And He will! I see it every day.
I love you all. Don't forget it. I think about you all the time, even if I don't write you. Mom comes first and the rest are questionable if I will get around to it. I try my best. I am working hard and I am having fun. The Lord is blessing France and Nancy and Soeur Petersen and Soeur Trotter. And all of us :) His work really is moving. And it really is true so there is no stopping it :)
Soeur Trotter

Hiking up to an Old World War Fort.  Elder Randrianaivo is facing the camera, and Me and Elder Pro are turned around!

You can't tell but we found a super cool old military fort!

Hiking today! Hopefully no ticks round 2!

Such a fun day!

Our Birthday Party! She didn't want to put a 71 on the cake so we said we were both 20 :) Clever   

At our member Claudine's house with Maité  :)