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  :)

My Birthday! (Week #45)

Date: October 3, 2016

Location: Nancy

Companion: Soeur Petersen

Hello Everyone!

Today is October 3rd. Which means two things! I am extremely lucky that my birthday fell on a Monday, because we get to go hiking today! And it also means that my years as a teenager are officially over. I am 20! Haha although you would never know based off of my general conference behavior. It is never a smart idea to watch general conference with four elders and a back scratcher. I don't know if you remember, but Soeur Petersen has been trying really hard for the last week to bring herself to give me a hug. Well, problem solved. Because I bought this legit back scratcher and it was GENIUS. But these Elder's that I always thought were so grown up got a hold of it, and all hell broke loose. It was like trying to get a two year old to watch general conference :) But the back scratcher was confiscated by my wise companion, and yes, we were able to learn a thing or too :) We even had a raclette party in between as well :) For those of you who don't know raclette, it is a meal that is super french, with a machine in the middle of the table that heats up cheese and cooks meat, and as it cooks, you take it off and drape it over some boiled potatoes. It was so good and I might have to make it a tradition. :) I will send a picture :) 

So it was the week of General Conference. Which in itself is a miracle :) But on top of that, we saw some super cool miracles that made my whole week. Starting with Tuesday. Marie-Lord is an amie of ours, who is incredible. She loves her family and she loves us, and even more, she loves the Lord. And as us missionaries like to say, she is GOLDEN. She just radiates happiness. But because she just had a baby and works a ton, she is super hard to get a hold of. God is good though, and we have ran into Marie-Lord 3 TIMES on buses :) how fun is that? And we would talk to her and twice, she would be getting off the bus really fast and wouldn't be able to talk. But three really is the lucky number, and last week, she talked to us for a while and we were able to schedule a rdv for Tuesday! YES!

So, as the days went on, we started to talk about and prepare what we wanted to teach Marie-Lord. And also our other amis. I swear it is summer because so many of our amies are out of town, but we do what we can with what we have :) We have this one amie Patricia, who was almost baptized. She is from Nigeria, and has only been in France for a few months, and she doesn't speak any french. So unfortunately the baptism fell through. She didn't feel super welcome in the ward, as much as us missionaries love her, and I think it is because no one in the ward can really speak english. And we have been so SAD because we just cannot get a hold of her! So with lots of prayers directed towards her and also Marie-Lord, we set out Tuesday, to do some finding. 

It all started when we decided that we wanted to walk through a park next to Marie-Lord's apartment. We went, and to be honest, I started to wonder if I really had been prompted to go there, because i was hearing crickets. This place was empty! But we walked about five steps, and as we turned the corner, there we saw her. Her name is Bolinda. She was just taking her daily stroll, when she decided to sit down on her usual bench and smoke her usual cigarette, when she sees two young girls walk up to her, with a smiling faces and a Book of Mormon. Smiles work, my friends, they really do. And in the case of Bolinda, she was able to hear something that she really needed to hear. She shared with us towards the end of our conversation, that while we spoke, she forgot that she was even holding a cigarette, and that she could find no desire in herself to pick it up again. She felt God's love. It was a moment that I will remember for a while and we are excited to see what happens :) 

So after an hour with Bolinda, we ran to our rdv with Marie-Lord. and we knocked on the door, disappointed as no one answered, and no one answered, and a minute later, no one answered. But we have faith, and Soeur Trotter should stop trusting her blue, because she had had a feeling all along that it was the wrong door ;) haha but we were happy it was, because we found Marie-Lord and she was there! and even better than her being there, PATRICIA was sitting on her couch! What?! They can't even speak the same language! And that afternoon was fantastic. We taught in english and in french and we felt the Spirit. And Marie-Lord is going to get baptized on November 12th! we are super excited and we really felt the Lord blessing us. 

So, I could keep rambling on about things that I have learned and miracle people that the Lord has placed in my path. But I kind of just want to bear my testimony about something that I have been working on. 

This week I have been really trying to improve my prayers. I read a quote during my studies that changed the way I see it.

“Our prayers become hollow when we say similar words in similar ways over and over so often that the words become more of a recitation than a communication. This is what the Savior described as ‘vain repetitions’ (see Matthew 6:7). 

“Do your prayers at times sound and feel the same? Have you ever said a prayer mechanically, the words pouring forth as though cut from a machine? Do you sometimes bore yourself as you pray

"Will prayers that do not demand much of your thought merit much attention from our Heavenly Father? When you find yourself getting into a routine with your prayers, step back and think. Meditate for a while on the things for which you really are grateful. Look for them. They don’t have to be grand or glorious. …

"Think of those things you truly need. Bring your goals and your hopes and your dreams to the Lord and set them before Him. Heavenly Father wants us to approach Him and ask for His divine aid” (“Improving Our Prayers,” Ensign, Mar. 2004, 24, 26).

I know that some of the most miraculous experiences in my life have come when I try my hardest to have conversations with God. Yes, it takes more time, effort, and a lot more humility then I sometimes am willing to give. But I am learning more and more all the time that those are the times when I receive answers and feel close to God. I can feel Him listen to me when I am willing to listen to Him, and I feel Him watching over me, when i care enough to look to Him. He wants to give me His attention, but to do so, I need to be willing to give HIm mine. 

He loves me. And He loves you. i love you a lot as well and I can feel your prayers. I am always working hard and doing what I can to please God. And I know that He is watching over us all the time.

Soeur Trotter

This 6 month old African Baby is almost big enough to eat me!!!  

Conference Raclette Party!

Raclette Party!

Hike on my birthday!

Mary Laure gave my companion these hair extensions to practice with, and she put them in my hair! Mary Laure is the mom of the adorable 6 month old baby I sent a picture of!

We got caught in a rain storm! 

Because the Justice League is cool!

Our DMP bought us my favorite drink! #blessings