Marriage Referrals and Une Date de Baptême (Week #22)

Date: April 25, 2016

Area: Rouen 

Companion: Seour Spencer

Bonjour à tous,

C'était vraiment une semaine géniale dans la Mission de Paris :) Or in words you understand, this week was so amazing!

I was asked to give a talk last week, and I did what I always do, and Saturday night I started freaking out because I had no talk, let alone in French. Story of my life. Thank goodness I am like my dad and can usually talk for hours without planning much :) Haha so I wrote one, went to bed and then the next morning before church I realized it definitely wasn't in French... scariest moment of my life. So I walked up to the pulpit, said a prayer, and gave my talk. And I know that I was able speak with a power that wasn't my own. And I felt the Spirit as I testified of that Book of Mormon. In french. What an amazing moment to look at those words in English, and just know what to say. He is blessing me, all I have to do is rely on Him. Some of those words I did not know, but I still said them.

So part of me still questions if it was coherent at all becuase the whole congregation was just smiling and nodding their heads. We will never know because Mormons can't be mean, even the French ones :) But I know the Spirit was there and that is all that matters :) It was a good moment.

Now, I have to start off by telling a funny story because it made my whole week, and Soeur Spencer too, because as a missionary you would never except to recieve what I call a "marriage referral." Now, a normal referral is what you say when someone in the ward or another missionary gives you someone that wants to be taught :)

Anyways, Saturday morning we headed out to Le Havre, a city on the coast of France, to have a day of finding with the other missionaries. We took the members contacting with us, found some people to teach, spent time in a new ville, it was just a really good day :) And there were a lot of members there to help! And there was this one man who was talking to us a lot and he was speaking in english and we couldn't figure out why, because he doesn't really speak english :) But gotta give the man credit for trying I guess ;)

Anyways, I didn't think a ton of it. So we continued on with our day, and slowly and slowly people went home and the day came to a close. So we hopped on a train and went home to Rouen. But pretty soon after that the Le Havre elders told us they had some important news for us so they needed us to call them when we had a moment. So we did. And apparently they had a "marriage referral"for me. That man in the Le Havre ward apparently wanted to know more about the American sister missionary and if she was single... Haha awkward... the things you think you wouldnt have to deal with as a missionary. Haha can't catch a break. I do gotta give him a thumbs up for his courage though. It made for a good laugh and probably madez for an awkward Sunday for the Le Havre elders. #parisfrancemissionprobs

But now that I have spent my time sharing that nonsense story with you all that really didn't have  do with anything important, I have to tell you about our amie Hélène! We taught her the other day and before we could even get the words out, she was asking us when she could be baptized. we were both speechless- well not completely speechless because that would have been awkward- but it was an incredible moment and we didn't even know what to think. It is so amazing how the Lord prepares people. When we set a date for June 4, she just looked at us and said "Do you    think that I am ready?" And we told her yes! And then she said, "oh good! I was so afraid you would say that I am not! But I have been praying, and I know that this is what I want to do." And now her cute little family is going to grow up in the gospel and she is going to always have the companionship of the Holy Ghost to be her guide and her comforter. She is so amazing. I cannot explain my love.

It is so amazing how lives can be turned around so quickly and so drastically. The course she is choosing is no where near the one she was on before. And I just look at her little family and smile everytime! Remember the picture of the cute little boy in church I sent last week?! If not I will send it again! He gets to grow up and learn about Jesus and who He is as His Greatest Friend! And then one day he can teach his children the same thing! I am finding it impossible to look at people and to not see their potential with Jesus Christ at the center of their lives. It is impossible. These people need the blessings in their life. With it they know their true potential and the possibilites that are in store for them and their families.

I just have say, being a missionary is pretty dang cool :) Nothing beats it. Nothing makes you work so hard or pray so much. But then at the same time it is the most important thing that I have ever done, and without question the most fulfilling.

I love you all and I pray for you. Know that you have a missionary in France who misses you and can't wait to be reunited. And when things are hard, just remember that you are important in the  eyes of He who created you. That is what I do and it works like a charm :)

I love you!

Keep in touch!

Soeur Trotter

"We must develop the capacity to see men not as they are at present, but as they may become when they recieve testimonies of the gospel of Christ." - Thomas S. Monson :)

Hélène!

Hélène! 

Hélène!

The Book of Mormon... Or Should I Say Miracles! (Week #21)

Date: April 18, 2016

Area: Rouen

Companion: Soeur Spencer

Coucou Mes Amis,

Aside from looking at the scale and seeing that we weigh the same amount as we did the week before, there is something that every single missionary that ever existed wants... we want to hear that our amies are keeping commitments and seeing the results that come from keeping those commitments. It is the absolute rêve. Or in english, it is the DREAM! So when Sylvie told us that she feels genuinely better when she keeps the word of wisdom, or when Hélène told us that she is praying, and with each prayer she feels closer to God, me and Soeur Spencer were having a hard time controlling our excitement. We have seen these blessings in our life. But to see them in the life of someone who at one point, didn't know God, it is simply incredible. There is no greater joy.

I had to write that first because it was just so exciting to see our investigators progressing. I couldn't wait until the end of my email. And not just that, but Sylvie wants to get baptized! She hasn't for so long because she is scared of water but she said that her mind tells her that it is not time but that her heart tells her that she is

ready! I just feel it coming! It is gonna happen soon I just know it! So those things together already made for a pretty happy week in Rouen.

Nothing too crazy happened this week. This isn't Paris or anything and there weren't any dogs to save, but the Bishopric did decide to pull a really mean prank on me and ask me to speak in Sacrament Meeting next week. I'm just kidding. It wasn't a prank because I actually have to do it! Haha talk about a slap in the face as a reminder that I don't speak this language. Now is when I start praying that I will even be able to hear the Spirit through my loud heartbeat :) But hey, they asked for it. So if no one understands me it is on them :)

But all kidding aside, I am actually really really excited to be speaking because I get to speak on my favorite subject. The Book of Mormon.

I just finished the Book of Mormon for the 6th time this morning. And I am honestly amazed at the new things that I learn each time. Each prophet, each testimony given, is another witness that Jesus is the Christ. That He is our Redeemer. And each time that I read it, my desire for other people to have it is indescribable. I can't even contact people anymore with bringing it up as the first thing. It is too important, too special!

I know that not all of you are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And some of you are. But I want all of you to know how special this book is to me. I know that it is true. I am giving my life, every day right now, to testify of it, because I know that it really is the Word of God, that it really does testify of Christ, that it really is another witness that He is our Redeemer. I know that I joke around a lot ìn some of my emails, and that I love to talk about France and what I am doing in this beautiful place. But really I am here because of this book. Because I know that through the words of these prophets, I found my relationship with Jesus-Christ, and I know that it will bring us closer to God than anything else. I just love it. So if you haven't read it, read it now. And if you have read it and didn,t feel anything read it until you do. And you have read it and have a testimony of its truthfulness, read it again. Because each time we read it, at least each time I do, I remember why I am a missionary, and I feel His love and I know why He died for me. Because he loves me.

I love you all. I love my mission. I love these people. I love my Savior. He is my best friend. And we are doing this whole mission thing and we are taking on France together. What a dream team.

Beaucoup d'amour,

Soeur Alyssa Trotter

 

Who Let the Dogs Out! Who! Who! (Week #20)

Date: April 11, 2016

Area:Rouen

Companion: Seour Spencer

Bonjour Mes Amis :)

This week was a really happy, really eventful, strange week. Comme d'habitude.

It all started with porting. I am realizing it always starts with porting. Knocking doors must just be really bad luck or something. Maybe we should stop doing that ;) haha. But here is the question: what would you do if you saw three super cute lap dogs run out of a house into the middle of a super busy street?

Well, if you are Soeur Spencer, you leave them. Because maybe one day they will find their way back home. Haha I think it is just her inner African and she sees dogs everywhere all the time. But Soeur Trotter is from America. And I had to save these dogs! I just had to. So five seconds later, after hurling all my stuff at Soeur Spencer and dropping like 5 church pamphlets, I took off running down the street after these dogs. Oh la la. Those dogs are fast. Or I am just really slow now that I haven't been to the gym in five months. Either way, I caught them! And apparently in Soeur Spence's opinion, it was quite the sight to see me strolling back down the street with two dogs- (I had saved one previously.)

Well, we sat down on this road. And I didn't name the dogs this time because they had an owner! But we couldn't remember his house and he was working in Paris when we called. So we didn't know what to do. We were stuck. With three dogs. So he told us about someone he knows that owns a boutique. And he wanted us to go ask her if she could take these dogs. So we did just that. And as we are sitting there, it was almost like a movie with how it played out. We look up, and a man is just taking a stroll down a street, intently reading something. And not just anything, but a RESTORATION BROCHURE! What is this life.

And then, we took these dogs to this lady, and we started talking to her about her life and who we are as missionaries and it turns out she has kind of a sad life. And we were able to testify and feel the Spirit together and it was just amazing! And then later that night, the owner called. and we talked to him about who we are as well. It was just super cool, looking back.

And this is the lesson that I really did learn from this experience. Missionary work is very much about planning. We planned on going porting that morning. But we did not plan on saving those dogs. And honestly, it ruined our plans. BUT we have to learn to take unusual situations and learn how to search for missionary moments, even when things dont go as you intended them to go. That one moment led to three people being introduced to the gospel. Three people that would NOT have come into contact with the missionaries otherwise. He guides this work. It is as simple as that. He is at the head, and I really believe He placed those dogs there at that time, to lead us to oppurtunities we would have otherwise missed.

I just want you to know how much I KNOW that His is leading and preparing these people, and leading and preparing me. And I feel Him in my life everyday. If any of you feel like He is far away from you right now, or if you can't feel His love, I promise you He is still with you. He is always by my side. I love that.

I love you all. I am excited for what this week will bring :)

Soeur Trotter

PS: I was gonna write more but PDAY is over and the work is calling my name :) Until next time...

A Big Change- A Rouen Change :) (Week #19)

Date: April 4, 2016
Area: Rouen
Companion: Seour Spencer

Bonjour Everyone,

 I was about to tell you all about how things in Paris are going, but I forgot I don't live in Paris anymore! I live in Rouen! Which, if I have to be honest, is a lot more beautiful. It depends on what you like. But all of the buildings are so old and classic and artsy looking. And wooden. I cannot even start to try and describe what it looks like, but whatever it is, I love it. I just LOVE IT! Our apartment is one of the taller apartment complexes is Rouen, so it overlooks the entire city and you feel like you own the place! Honestly the moment I got there, I looked out the window and it felt like I was supposed to be there. It just felt like it was my ville, and the feeling came so easily. I felt like I was at home. Since that first day, I have been able to meet so many amazing members, and a few of our main amis that I just love so much already! Me and Soeur Spencer are both younger on the mission, and I thought it would be harder to communicate with people, but honestly it has been such a good experience to force me to use my French and to just be confident. And I am finding out that the gift of tongues is real. I understand everything and don't always have the words to say, but we are definitely getting by and really loving being together. It is weird to be in a more slow paced ville. It is good, but we knock a lot more doors than we did in Paris. In Paris there aren't really any doors to knock on as you could imagine. So that has been a nice change of pace. :) we are still working on finding a method though because we knocked on a hundred I think and found 3 people! But it was so fun and we felt like we were being led by the Spirit and it was just a really good day. The funny part is that I am already back in Paris. We had to bring another Soeur her VISA so that she can fly out to America tomorrow. I can never stay away for too long I guess. But it has been a lot of fun to see all of the old missionaries I served with like 4 days ago and what not :) it is still a big reunion though and every one acts like it has been a century. I'm finding some of my greatest friends on this adventure of a mission. I am sorry my email is so short this week :) honestly It has just been a lot of settling in to this new place and finding out where everything. And the missionary work continues. The work is the same everywhere. I am so excited for this change though. I feel like I am where I am supposed to be. I absolutely love Rouen. There is so much history, it is where Joan of Arc used to live, and so many old churches and a huge cathedral! There is city, and country, and some stuff in between. People say it's the most beautiful area in France. :) so I think I have to say I'm a super lucky missionary. :) Soeur Spencer and me both have our faults, as every missionary, but I have also already seen the way we are changing each other and how we are working together to listen to the promptings of the Spirit. We are both so hard on ourselves. But I am learning that as we continue to try our hardest and do our best, then the Atonement makes up for the rest and we can know that He is pleased with our efforts. So as we try and try and try and constantly feel like we aren't enough, if we are doing our best, we can know He is happy with us. That is so comforting. I have really felt that this week. I love you all so much. I'm grateful for this city and these people and my companion. Here is to everything I learned in Paris and to everything I am going to learn here. And to all I already have. I love my mission. I cannot believe I've been here for almost five months. Time really does when you are having fun and sharing the gospel. :)

 Soeur Alyssa Trotter!

On the roof of the church! All of the buildings look like this!

Thanksgiving and Thinking of Christ :) (Week #18)

Date: March 28, 2016

Area: Paris

Companion: Seour Archbold

Thanksgiving. That's all I can think of to start this email. Which is funny because it is no where near thanksgiving. In fact, yesterday was Easter. But really, the only word I can think of today is thanksgiving. I am full of gratitude towards our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I want to flash backwards to the beginning of this week. Tuesday was our district finding day, where we go out all day and we trouver the people who are ready for this gospel. I absolutely love it. Nothing beats finding. Well, baptisms are some competition, but I really love finding :) BUT honestly, it had been a little but if an eery day for me. Just one of those days that feels a little off all day, and you don't really know why. Well, we all gathered back together at the end of our finding day, to share some miracles and say bye. And all our phones went off at the same time. And so needless to say, the day got a little eerier when we found out that 4 of our own missionaries were injured in a terrorist attack. We were all just silent for a minute, kind of thinking about what that meant, wondering why the good guys, why the Lord's missionaries were even in the airport that morning, and on top of that, why they weren't protected. We didn't really know how bad it was yet or what it would mean for those missionaries, but they were in the hospital and they were hurt.

I don't know how many times I have prayed for these missionaries since then. I can't count. And I think that I can probably speak for every other missionary in this mission. BUT. One thing I am sure of, is that they were protected that day. We all have agency, and honestly these are the last days. We know that people will abuse that gift of agency. And a lot of people died in Belgium because of it. But I know, I really know those missionaries were being watched over. They should have died. I saw a newspaper the other day that talked about how there was a huge bomb in that airport that failed to detonate. Those missionaries should've died. And they didn't. I don't think there could be a bigger hand of the Lord moment, a bigger tender mercy. He is so present, so aware of us, so much more involved in our protection and well-being then we sometimes remember.

Répertoire was also this week. Or in other words, transfer changes! And honestly we both saw this one coming. I am headed to my third ville with my third companion in my third transfer. And I am headed to Normandy! Rouen to be exact. And now comes the best part. A few weeks ago, me and Soeur Archbold went on exchanges with Rouen. I was with Soeur Spencer, who is from Zimbabuay and we were on fire that day. We had so much fun and were contacting and we taught an incredible lesson. It was so good! We went home that night joking about how we would be the biggest dream team France ever saw. we wanted to be companions so bad! Haha but she is only two transfers ahead of me so we made this plan that we would be companions later on in the mission..

Now see if you can guess whose name was next to mine on the répertoire? :) Haha it is going to be an adventure. I am going to miss the people I have met in Paris, but I feel so good about next transfer and I am so excited.

I was talking to Soeur Archbold the other day when I was upset about how I am being moved around so much, I guess I kind of just felt like another Soeur in the mission, like they were throwing me everywhere without a ton of thought. It honestly felt like that. Because I feel like I haven't been able to bond with my wards and companions with the amount of time I have had in each one and it was just so frustrating. I want a constant, something familiar to stay with me, and I can't really find that!

BUT, I realized this. The work I will be doing in Rouen is the same work I am doing in Paris. I am wearing my same plaque with the same Book of Mormon and the same purpose: bringing people to Christ. The Savior that led me through St. Ouen is the same Savior that led me through Paris, and He will lead me through Rouen. He is my constant.

Yesterday was Easter. And I don't think it is coincidence that Easter was the same week as répertoire, or of that accident. What an amazing time to be able to sit back and reflect on what His Atonement means to us. It means that all those people who died will live again, with their families. That he understands those families who lost people and he understands the pain and fear of those missionaries who were hurt.

I want you all to feel the love that I have for Jesus Christ. He fixes me in ways I couldn't do myself. He changes my heart, and protects me, and he watches over me always. I could not be a missionary and I could not wear His name if I wasn't positive that He was with me. I know He is with me. I know that sending me to Rouen was inspired by Him. I know He knows what is best for me. These are really the last days. Things in the world probably won't get a ton better until He comes again, but! These last days can also be the best days with the knowledge that we can have of who Jesus Christ is and what His gospel is all about. It can be the happiest time that there ever has been, despite all this adversity. I am so grateful that I have Him in my life and that I have His example to follow and His support to rely on :)

So in other words :) It was a really good week. Despite everything. Could the week of Easter ever really be a bad week? I don't think so. I love you all :) Til' next time...

Soeur Alyssa Trotter :)

Easter Bunny came for our roommates! haha (aka us!) haha so Fun! (:

Gina :) Filipino who taught my Filipinos with us. She is perfect! :)

One of my favorite families in the ward! He accidentally biased me once haha so funny haha!

Last Sunday at Church in Paris! 

Artsy Picture with Notre Dame!