Soeur Alyssa Trotter: 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