Soeur Alyssa Trotter: Was it the Bus Driver? Or Was it Satan? (Week # 40)

Date: August 29, 2016

Location: Nancy

Companion: Soeur Petersen

Bonjour!

Have you ever asked yourself why the devil hates missionary work? I did this week that is for sure, and I also learned WHY he hates it so much. Haha and I also learned that bus drivers aren't my favorite people in the world, and that the principle that you can break prison walls with the word of God is true. Okay, not EXACTLY prison walls, but it got us out of cops taking us to jail sooo close enough :)

It all started as we were on our way to pass by an old Amie of some past missionaries. She hadn't been home, and so we decided that we were in a nice neighborhood, and we wanted to knock some doors. And I usually really like the sound of ringing doorbells and fists knocking on doors. Haha but something about cop lights and people yelling at you takes away from it. We were caught, sharing the good news. There could be worse things I suppose. :) Unfortunately for the woman who was about to hear the restored gospel, the cops ordered her to go back inside. I wonder what that poor woman was thinking. Two young women standing at her door surrounded by three cops. It turns out we looked a little suspicious in our skirts and nametags. Well, it turns out that these cops were not very happy. So, they told us that they were going to have to take us to the station, due to our lack of passports. He was impressed with my Californienne ID, everyone is usually, but it wasn't cutting it to prove that I am here legally. And let me tell you, I almost wanted to go with how hot it was outside, but something in my head told me that the idea was better as an idea, and it needed to stay as an idea, and not a course of action. So, with all the gusto I could muster up within myself, I said to this man, "We are here to represent Jesus Christ, and to find the people that He has prepared." It sounded pretty good, but his response was this... "I don't care who you represent! even if it is the Christ or not!" So I told him that I have a VISA, and he could take us back to our apartment instead. But, whether it be that his heart was softened or that he realized he messed with the wrong missionary, or more likely that he realized how innocent we actually are, he agreed to let us go. Close call. The Lord was on our side that day. What an awkard phone call to make to President Babin...

But the week continued on. and little did I know, as we got on Bus 2, I was about to meet one of my favorite people in the world. Florence. She was just sitting there, with a cute black purse, black outfit, on her way to work. And so I did what I have been trained to do, and I followed what I thought was a prompting, and talked to her. and within minutes, she was talking about her family and her work and her hobbies. and before I could even ask her for her number, she throws her phone at me, saying "I have to have your number." So, I wasnt about to decline. And as we parted ways, I invited her to church. I don't know if I have seen someone this excited about church in a really long time. Even me maybe. But she wanted to come, and she was detirmined to find a way.

On the other end of things, our other amie, Mireille, wanted to come to chiurch as well. and she has three kids and she was so willing to try and get them all out the door at 8 the next morning, to make it to church :) Her bus stop was a few after ours, so as we got on the bus, we were excited to see if she would be at the stop we were passing by. and SHE WAS! We waved to her, and we were so excited. And before I could even process things, the bus driver just kept driving. he didnt even stop! And he just left our amis behind in the dust. I was so mad. Number one, because she tried so hard to get out the door, and she did, only to miss the bus, and number two because the driver didnt stop! So I ran to the front of the bus, not about to let that one go, and he was so mean! I said, "Hey, they were people back there. Our friends were back there and you didn't even stop." And he looks at me, and says, I didn't see anyone. maybe you should have told your friends to make themselves stand out more. So they MISSED church. Oh la la that took some cooling down. I am so convinced that all these amis we teach as missionaries are going to see opposition in their path, as they try their hardest to come to Christ. But the more I think about it, the more I realize it is never easy, and there are always road blocks. So I hope that they try again next week. Because I know they are ready. And the harder we try, the more God helps us to make it where we need to be.

BUT Florence came to church, and she LOVED it. I am so amazed with this woman and her desire to be better, and her happy personality. The members loved her, and she already has so many friends. She told us that she loves how she already feels like she found another family. and when church ended, all three hours, she looks over to us, and says, "That was it?" Usually getting them to stay for two is a feat. She is incredible, and is such an example to me of someone who is so willing to follow the things that they feel. She wanted to see the baptismal font, she wanted to know if she could come back next week, she wants to start doing her family history. She is a miracle. I am so excited for tomorrow when we teach her again and I am grateful for how easy it is for me to love her.

I really do love this gospel. so many times I am so frustrated, asking, "Why isn't this easier, God? Why, if these people need to be at church, is it so hard for them to get there? Why are there roadblocks and missed buses and bumps along the way and why doesn't everyone listen to this gospel message that I know is true. And I know that through these difficultiess, these people are building their faith. God never said that it would be easy, but I think there is a quote somewhere that says that God said that it would be worth it. These people are ready, and so Satan really doesn't want them to progress. But he always loses so I know that they will. He loves me and I feel the love He has for them.

I learned a lot this week- about patience and being bold. And lots more. I love you all so much. I am working hard ad having fun and I know that this mission is going to change everything.

I love you a lot :)

À la prochaine,

Soeur Trotter