Always a Fine Line... Awkward or Inspired? (Week #26) 6 Months Down!!

Date: May 23, 2016 

Location: Rouen 

Companion: Soeur Bennett

Hello My Beautiful Friends and Family,

This week was probably the longest week in my mission so far. I think it is because we had the oppurtunity to find literally all day every day. BUT finding days always lead to miracles so no one is complaining :) And I think that we can honestly say that rain or shine, that is just what we did. We FOUND. And we really did find. There are some people in this city that are seriously ready and who have open hearts to this gospel. It is so fun when we talk to people and you just know that they are taking everything in and pondering and asking themselves questions and asking us questions!

On Wednesday we decided to spend our time doing a little porting :)

But us missionaries don't have a weather report to look at, and when in Normandie, a weather report doesn't do you much good anyways because one minute you could be out sun bathing and the next you could be searchng for the nearest storm shelter ;). So needless to say, within ten minutes of our little door-to-door adventure, we were wondering where our feet were and our faith of some nice person letting us was seriously boosted :) It is amazing what rain will do. Especially when the rains falls sideways and you cant even try to escape it if you tried. BUT! We signed on for it as missionaries and I don't really think the Lord cares if it is pouring or if it isn't. Because if somebody on one of those streets was prepared in the sun, they were going to also be prepared in the rain, and we were dedicated to find them.

Well, it turns out no one on Wednesday was super ready for our message, or they weren't home. And me and Soeur Bennett were a little wet and a little tired and a little disappinted that no one had listened to us all day. But for some reason I kept having the words "You receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Come into my head over and over and over again. And I remember we were walking in the cold, and Soeur Bennett just turned to me and said these words... "While they who reject this glad message, will never such happiness know."

And we realized that in that moment we were both happy and we realized we had been laughing all day and we had been happy all day and we hadn't complained at all, neither of us! And now it is one of those days that I will remember forever. Yes, because you can't forget that kind of cold, but you also because I can't forget that kind of faith building experience. Because the next day, walking down the street, we found our witness, after the trial of our faith. And her name is Ida :) and she is incredible and she is so ready. And me and Soeur Bennett are both so grateful that we had the chance to show Heavenly Father that we are willing to keep going even when it is hard :) And because of that, I believe He placed someone incredible in our way.

It is amazing to be a missionary. We have so many awkward moments as men try and bise us and we have to lean our heads back in a super uncomfortable way to dodge it, or we have to do special dances in people's driveways as we try and get their attention while they are using power tools in their garages. But then we also get to see people light up as they get slight glimmers and remembrances of their heritage and where they come from :) And as they remember their purpose :) I say it every week, but it could not be more amazing!

I love you all so much. If you are having a rainy day or a stormy time in your life, just remember that you WILL receive a witness after the trial of your faith. Now is just the time that we have to show Him what we are willing to choose in the midst of those trials. And we can always choose Him. Because it is the only intelligent decision there is to make. I know that I always want to have God on my side, the one who is all powerful and all understanding, and who has our lives in His hands. I want Him on my side. And He always is on our sides, rooting for us, cheering for us, and helping us.

I am so happy. I love Rouen, I love my companion, I love missionary work... and pastries. there is always that too. Life keeps getting better!

Lots of amour,

Soeur Trotter

"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." -Ether 12:6

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

Soeur Spencer and I

Sad Day when all of your pictures together are with food! But what are you supposed to do in the land of Tartes!

Mother's Day Skyping!

Oh No! I'm Gonna be a Mom!! (Week #24)

Date: May 9, 2016

Area: Rouen

Companion: Soeur Spencer

Coucou Mes Amis!

I learned a lot this week. I just have to start out by saying that because that is all that is popping into my head at the moment. I learned that families can be together forever, that the Lord qualifies those who serve Him, even when they don't feel qualified, that His grace is sufficient to transform us into who He has planned for us to become. And I learned just how close you can get to people in six weeks time, and about how important it is to live in the moment because if you are constantly looking to something in the future, you miss out on what is right in front of you.

So to sum all of that up, I had an emotional week, ups and downs and everything in between. But I am excited for what is ahead of me.

I got a call on Saturday morning... and no one wants to get a call Saturday morning... Because that means that it is the Assistants telling you that you are about to train a blue, or in other words, a missionary, fresh out of the MTC. In mission lingo, I am gonna be a mom! Oh la la they have lost their minds. That was my first thought. Haha that they had lost their minds. But I am so excited for what is going to come out of this. She is the luckiest missionary in the world to be born into Rouen. And to have me as a companion of course ;) Haha she gets the humblest missionary too ;) Just kidding. But I am super excited to find out who she is and to see all the things that we are going to do together. Rouen is going to blow up! I love a new transfer because it is such a good time to just set some goals and to change and become better and to do your best. A new start :)

So there is that. Me and Soeur Spencer are already going through a few withdrawls these last few days together. We became good friends so fast and that is going to be a blessing later on but for right now it is just really sad! She is from Africa and I keep telling her that she needs to study up on her American History because her new companion is Mitt Romney's granddaughter. :) I am excited though for everything that she is going to do! She is headed up North to Valenciennes :)

Now- I don't know how many of you knew my Grandma Trotter, my dad's mom :) But yesterday was a bitter sweet day because she finally finished her fight and went home. And it was really hard to hear. I absolutely adore my grandma, as well as everyone who met her. She is one of those people who just radiate the light of Christ and she never thought of herself. She was forever a mom and a missionary and an example to everyone she met. And I am going to miss her so much. There was a part of me that wanted to be with my family, there still is. But the more I think about it, the more blessed I feel to be here and to be able to testify of the blessing that I have of my eternal family. Becuause I know that my grandma is forever a part of my family, in this life and in the next. And right now, I am here and she is there.

But I can already feel her watching over me and I know that she is a missionary as well, in a different way but in the same purpose, to testify of Christ. We are in it together, forever. And right now we are separated. But not in Spirit, and not forever. Could there be a bigger blessing? There is no bigger blessing! He died so that we can live again, as families! if all we do is decide to follow Him and love Him!

Anyways, that is my week. And I got to Skype my family as well which was so weird! Braden is so old and grown up in just 6 months! CRAZY! And he has asked, due to the large amount of people on my weekly, to let you all know that he is doing well, but that he would really love some cookies ;) to speed up the healing process or something ;)

I hope you all know that I love you! I am a little nervous for this new adventure but I am so aware that I am able to do it because the Lord has qualified me to do it. Me and this blue are going to attack Rouen and it is never going to be the same! I am so excited to just focus on where I am, and in every moment, I am excited to find oppurtunities to serve. I love my Savior. He is my Redeemer and he is my Support. I can honestly say He is my best friend. He is always there. I am learning that even though I am a whole lot less perfect then I would like to be, He sees my potential to become like Him, because it is for that end that He was willing to die for me. So I can always improve, always try. And in doing that I know that He is proud of who I am becoming. Of all of us and who we are becoming. We are in it together!

I hope to hear from you and to hear about your adventures going on back home as well. I miss you and I love you!

Soeur Trotter

PS: Listen to how skilled this is. Me and Soeur Spencer always have to be within sight and sound of each other. And last week I managed to plan and throw her a surprise birthday party at FHE with some ward members and everything! Balloons too! Haha it was a lot of fun :)

PSS: Don't actually make Braden cookies ;) haha he can get off his butt and do it himself ;) haha I love that kid.

I bought her a candy fish for her birthday!!

Sylvie... The Investigator? Or the Missionary? (Week #23)

Date: May 2, 2016
Area: Rouen
Companion: Seour Spencer

Coucou Mes Amis :)

So sometimes I make jokes because I think that I am pretty clever. And then sometimes no one laughs. Sad day. Haha but sometimes I come up with something pretty good. And it is even better if I do it in French AND if someone laughs. This is how I am gauging how well I am doing with the French language. :) But our amie Sylvie, if anyone makes it easy to laugh, it is her. She is everywhere all at once and it is my favorite thing ever. She comes to church, she is in the ward choir, she comes to FHE monday nights, we meet with her twice a week, and as of this last Saturday, she is a missionary. I always say that she is more active than the bishop with all of the activities she comes to. (Haha get it? That was a joke!) Haha the mission is killing my sense of humor but I still try.

But the other day, we had this huge finding day and we set up an exposition of pictures and explanations of the life of Christ. And then at the end we had a station set up to explain the Restoration of the Gospel and the story of Joseph Smith. And we called in two other missionary équipes, so there were 8 missionaries, and we all took
members out on splits with us. That means that we went out, every missionary with a member. 16 companionships. So you could imagine what we accomplished. We talked to everyone, all around the church and
invited them to cme feel the Spirit, and to learn a little more about the "Mormons." Everyone here is a little misinformed about the Mormons so it is so cool to clear up the misconceptions. I don't know how many time I have had to explain that I don't wear a bonnet. ;)

I went contacting with Sylvie though. That was a real treat. She is the cutest old woman you will every see, and so graceful and sweet. And violent! Haha that last one was something I recently learned. She got people into the church alright. She was willing to do whatever it took. The best moment ever was when I watched as Sylvie literally pushed a couple into the building. Pushed. As in physically shove them into the building. They took the tour though and liked it so job well done. ;) It is so cute though that she has such a desire to talk to EVERYONE. She did not let one person get away without an invite. My investigator put my to shame!!

Needless to say, the activity was just about as successful as it could be. 4 hours, 23 members came, which is an absolute ton for France, and we gave the church tour to 38 people, and gave away 39 Books of Mormon. Missionary work is taking off here. It is the most amazing thing to see, and even more amazing to be a part of.

Here is something funny too. I have been sick this entire transfer. Which is 6 weeks. So I finally went to the doctor and apparently I am allergic to Rouen! Haha Haha or the pollen in the air or something. Haha I am allergic to the city... What is this life. Haha so weird.

But even though my body doesn't necessarily love this city, I feel like I am at home and I love the members and our amis and I love the work. I am so ready for this next transfer to see what happens and to see who we find in this grand city! It is literally the best place in France to be. Haha I know I am biased but I swear it is the best city :) I just feel such a desire to find people here and each week I want to work harder and I love it!

I just want to share this one thing that I learned this week- sometimes life doesn't play out as planned. My family is moving to Utah while I am here, my brother just got in a dirtbike accident and is in the hospital and I can't be there with him, I am sick, and we can't get a hold of Hélène, our golden amie I wrote about with the cute little family. Life can have so many stresses and more and more pile on and sometimes we think that we cannot handle it. BUT we can. Because someone died for us to give us something to hold on to through it all. And I am learning that happy is a choice. Because it is true. Sometimes life makes it pretty hard to be happy. And it is hard. And we think we can't do it. But we can still be happy. By looking for the good things. Because one day when we look back and reminisce and think about all the moments we have had, we want them to be good ones. At least for me, those are the ones that I always remember.

I love you all so much. It was a hard week but it was a good week and a happy week. Comme d'habitude. He is there and He loves us. I love you all as well and I pray for you. :)

Beaucoup d'amour,
Soeur Trotter