Gaining speed

Family & Friends,

 

MERCI for the packages! Literally made my day. Dad you are too good. I don't how you made Aunt Jemima pancakes come all the way to France in a matter of hours, but let's just say we are SO grateful for you. I'm just going to soak these packages in while I'm fresh and new and you remember who I am:)

 

This week was truly better. It was still SOOOO hard. Especially on the rainy days, but much less depressing than last week:) I feel a LOT less mental and more like a normal human. Bon.

 

Since we opened the area we had to start from scratch with finding new amis (investigators) and meeting the ward...everything like that. So that means we are off to a slow start, but the work here is building and there are so many people who are ready to hear this. We had two miracle people this week. Listen to this. We are sitting at a bus stop and this lady walks up with an orchid and is kindof struggling with it so we help her out. I start talking to her..."Sorry, I don't speak English"...yeah thanks I was speaking French...then my companion starts conversating. (I've figured out that this is how it works. I have to get my companion into sticky water and then she can't help but talk to the people. She's still really scared about talking to strangers) Anyways, this lady is pure gold. She just chats with my companion about the importance of love, hope, and charity and then gets on the bus and sits right next to her. My companion finally brings up church and the lady says "Can I come?!" What? You just asked if you could come to church with us? I about died. We didn't know what time church was...embarassing, so she gave us her address and phone number and we told her we would call her. This is where the story gets kindof sad. We call her, and her phone bill isn't paid so we can't get through, then we go visit her. She lives in this kindof creepy old building that smells like black licorice and has a blood stain on the floor. (Yeah, I'm hardcore). And anyways, she isn't there. TRISTE aka SAD. But we will find her. Pray for Patricia. She wants the truth. Okay, so I'm thinking in my head after we talk to her on the bus. Wow that probably never happens and will probably never happen again. WRONG. Yesterday we were walking down the rue after dropping off a gratitude board we made at the releif society activity to a less active, and a lady was trying to bandage her dogs leg, so clearly...we help. She recognizes our accents and is then looks at our tags and says "Mormons, I LOVE the Mormons", some of your boys gave me your book a while back and I love it. She's an English professor, so she speaks really great English and French AND she loves AMERICA, I think she told me that like 200 times. She told US that she wanted us to come to her house and tell her more about the Livre de Mormon and then wrote down her info for us. Golden. We are going by tomorrow because today wasn't good for her. So pray for Glustaime also! It really was amazing. I had been feeling so down all week because we had 0 lessons to teach (yeah, we still haven't been able to teach a lesson) but it was so nice that these people were able to open their hearts to us and recognize us as servants of Christ. I also thought that it was cool that both of the experiences were products of simple service, just the way the Lord did it.

 

Oh I just remembered! Another miracle! Last week we went over to a less-actives house to introduce ourselves and she wasn't home, but her husband was. He seemed really standoffish with the church and us, so we just left our number and asked when she would be home. He said on Sunday around two, but that she works a lot and probably doesn't have time. WELL, guess who showed up at church

on sunday and payed her tithing! SOEUR ISME! I was shocked when she said her name when she introduced herself, she told us that her husband had said that we came by and thought she better go to church so she could see us. We went back over to her house on Sunday night to say hi because we really didn't get to talk to her much at church. She was SO HAPPY to see us. She's this big Haitian lady. And she sits us down and tells us her whole conversion story (which was through missionaries), how she reads the Book of Mormon and Bible everyday, but how she hasn't been able to go to church because she works almost every Sunday, she told us that she wants us to call her our "Maman Francais" aka French Mama and stop by and bring her chocolate chip cookies like in America. I was like, uhm yes. I can do that. Then we got on the subject about how we were trying to make an omlette for lunch and we couldn't flip it, random, and she is like "OHHH heavens" let me teach you how to make an omlette. Somehow her omlette lesson turned into us all eating a full on dinner and this delicious creole fish stuff. It was crazy. I love her so much. Her husband was there and didn't talk to us at the beginning, but at the end he did a little bit and he shook our hands. It's a start:)

 

The food here is unreal. We have about one mangez-vous (aka rendez-vous w/ food aka dinner appointment) a week, but let me tell you. They feed us well. This week we ate with the Young-Women's president whose husband isn't a member. She lives in literally the most picturesque French cottage you could ever dream up and our whole table setting/meal could have been on display at anthro, not even kidding. We ate some beet salad, fresh bread, then pot au fur like a pot roast, and then yogourt, then cobbler, then chocolate, and finally this nasty fake coffee stuff everyone drinks. The food was SOO delicious. Her husband was really sweet too! He got really touchy about the church at one point, but other than that he was the one who was really chatting with us. I WISH WE KNEW MORE FRENCH. I have to always explain things in such a round-about way because I don't have the words. One day. One day. With time. I need to be more patient.  

 

Yeah, a lot more happened this week than last week that's for sure. I am so grateful for it. I really do know that I am supposed to be here and that there are people here who are ready to hear this message. It's crazy, what I do everyday. Literally walk around France talking to people about Jesus. I never thought this would be me. But I'm so grateful. This is changing my life. I have moments where I experience joy that I've never felt before. It's really cool.

 

Another thing that I have been humbled to realize, is that ALL people have so much to offer and so much to teach. Normally I'm not the type who just strikes up a conversation with a random person on the bus, or park, or road. And I never thought I'd be living with an Austrailian (who I love dearly, btw) or talking to people from all over the world every single day. But the people I have met are so interesting, and so inspiring. I love finding out why people are here, what they beleive in, what they think is the purpose of this life is. I am so grateful that I have the gospel to answer these questions. Everything about the gospel just feels right to me. I know who God is I know that he cares about me. I know that he literally answers my prayers. I know why I am living this life. I know that nothing is coincidence. I know that all people are equal in his eyes. I know why families are so important. I know that he has given us commandments to make us happy in this life, and in the next. I know that the scriptures contain the will of God. And I know that the gospel really brings peace. I just wish everyone would be willing to listen to it with an open heart.

 

OK, Time is up. The pictures I attached are of a random parade that just started going on in the streets. We sat by these two wonderful people who explained to us that it was a tradition for Bretange (the region I live in in France, everyone has a lot of Bretange pride and they always say: I'm not from France, I'm from Bretange...like TEXAS...Je comprende). The parade was so cool and there were SO MANY people there. Oh and I'll also put a picture of our relief society activity. Still the same crafts...hahah.

 

Stay classy.

Soeur Johns

THANK YOU FOR THE STRAIGHTENER. I obviously didn't have it in this picture. I got it today:)

VANNES!!!

MY AMERICAN PEOPLE,

Oh how I love you. Seriously. So much to fill you on. I hope my fingers can keep up.

MTC, who cares to hear about that anymore. Right, right. Moving on.

The plane ride to Paris was overnight and took about 10 hours. Thankfully I can sleep ANYWHERE like I am in the womb and slept for a whole 8 hours on the flight. So much less painful than I was expecting. 

Got to the airport, went through customs...(I think, I pretty much had no idea what was going on at this point), then we met the APs and the Poznanski's. Matt Meyers, one of my friends from Freshman year is the AP. That was so weird. He says hello to all you people who know him. The Poznanski's are wonderful. Super nice and cute and happy. They gave us a Pan de chocolat (so good) and a Livre de Mormon right away, and then we were off to the Metro. I sat on the Metro by this man who was about 25 from Germany. He knew about as much French as I did, but he was SOOO nice. We talked all about Paris and Germany and the BOM of course. It was a 45 minute conversation with a real person. It was so amazing that I got that experience right off the bat. It was one of those "okay, I can do this" moments. From there we went back to the church in Paris which is right next to the modern art museum, sorry Kenzie I can't remember the name. I know you know what I'm talking about. At the Church we just filled out paperwork and ate snacks and had interviews. President is really funny. Our interview was in English, so I could understand, thank goodness. He said he could tell that I wanted to go FAST, and I was like yeah that's right I want to get to work. (spoke too soon). After this we actually went to a hotel instead of the mission home, so I haven't been there yet. Our hotel was great though and the breakfast was literally to DIE FOR. I LOVE THE FOOD HERE. See ya when I weight 200 pounds. Blague (joke). Okay then from there we went to Sacre Coeur and Consacre-ted our missions, get it. Too good. It was so beautiful and I felt the Spirit there so strong. It is amazing what people sacrificed to make these beautiful cathedrals to glorify our God. I attached a picture. Then from there we went back to the mission home and got our areas and trainers. My name came up first. I didn't even have time to comprehend it. I freaked out. Then, I got on a train, uhm like Harry Potter my life was complete, and 4 hours later I arrived. Then from there is is where my story begins:

I'm in Vannes France. 

White-washing aka opening the area.

My trainer is Soeur Grewar. She is Austrailian. And a literal angel.

It is beautiful, truly. It has been half sunshine/half rain.  

It is a decently large city. I really don't know what to compare it to because I don't think places like this exist in America.

Our apartment is brand spanking new. Address= 6 Rue Honore Daumier 56000 Vannes FRANCE.

We walk or take the bus everywhere which means a lot of walking. I'm really tired yeah all the time.  

We are part of the Vannes (for Kenz: pronounced Vonn) Branch which has about 30 active members.

I have had one dinner appointment with the Branch Mission Leader we ate lasagna, then quiche, then yogurt, then chocolate. I love their family. They are really kind and easy to understand.

Everyone gives Bises (greeting with the kisses on both cheeks). Please imagine how awkward I am at them. Hahah. I'm getting better.

Okay that all sounds great, I know, but for the real update.

Honestly, this last week was the hardest week I have ever had in my whole entire life. Lets be real, the MTC was like a sorority. Everything was given to us, we had the most hilarious group of girls, and we didn't have to face the world. The mission is hard. Why is it hard? Well first off, the Adversary knows exactly what I'm doing and he doesn't want me to do it. The first 3 days here I cried every single day, and just wanted to come home. I starting doubting if I could even do this. Since we are opening the area we didn't have any investigators, we didn't know the branch, we didn't know the city, we didn't know where the store, or the bus stops, or the best places to find people were, we didn't have food. My companion can speak French, but not super well and she's really timid. I can't speak at all. Everything comfortable about life was taken away. I had a choice to make. Should I be miserable and quit now? Or should I realize whose work this is and get to it? It was hard to chose the right thing, but I want everyone to know that I am on my mission now.

And by that I mean, I am here to be here and I'm here to stay. 

This Gospel is so true. Yes, it is harder to realize when you take yourself out of your comfortable Mormon community and are left with simply yourself and with an Austrailian. But, I can witness and testify that this is God's work. Everyone needs it.

If anyone is wondering why I am doing this. Why I am literally on my knees every single night crying for these people please watch Dieter F. Uctdorf's talk from the Saturday morning conference session. (Mom please attach to my blog).  This is true. This is true. This is true. 

Thankfully I was able to meet the Branch yesterday. They are wonderful, strong people. They remind me so much of the people in Alabama. I pray for the missionaries there every night. Seriously. It takes so much strength to stand for the gospel here. These people blow me away. Also, I have SO MUCH more empathy for any boy who has ever stayed on their mission till the end. I know a sliver of how hard it is. Those boys who were amazing missionaries. You are my example and quite honestly I have never been more amazed by anything in my life. That goes for you Dad!

Family, I'm sending a letter with more details. No worries. I am out of time.

I love you all. More than I have ever loved you before. Be grateful for the strength of the Gospel in the States. Be grateful for the Prophet and be obedient like he said.

Love, Soeur Johns.

P.S. Mom, We have to cook all of our own food. I would love some pancake batter, if that wouldn't be too much to send. My comp has never had pancakes. Also cake mixes and seasonings for stuff would be literally divine. We eat noodles plain right now every single day (obviously I buy pastries). It's kinda killing me. Also, American measuring spoons would be wonderful. Also, my straightener blew up. It works about 10% of the time. So I will probably buy one. If you will just watch for that to come through on my card that would be great. Until then I will look like mufassa every single day. :) I also would love the recipie for simple chocolate chip cookies. I think that is all I need for now. I will write more in the snail mail letter if I think of anything.  

Ready or not here I COME!

Hi.

I don't know if y'all know about this, but I leave for FRANCE in less than 6 days.

What, what. what. what.

I don't think there's another person on the planet who is more excited about something right now. I can't beleive it has already been 5 weeks! Time flies...and goes sooooo slow all at the same time.

No literally, nothing new happened this week. My french has improved. Still love my companion, oh and if her family is reading this THANK YOU FOR THE CAFE RIO. It was still hot. I nearly shed a tear I was so happy. People like you need to happen more often.

But really the MTC has been great. Thanks to the MTC:

I know that 10 laps=1 mile. 

I know how to wake up at 6:30 like my life depends on it.

I know how to live off of PB&J's. 

I know that P-day means a really sore right hand.

I know how amazing it feels to get a little colored slip of paper at dinner aka package slip.

I know how to find joy in "shopping" for BOM's and scripture marking pencils. 

I know how to respond everytime someone says sister. 

I know how to hold the door open and expect thank you in at least 6 different languages you've probably never ever heard of.

I know that it's actually normal to start harmonizing to a church hymn with the girl next to you in the bathroom stall.

Oh and I know how good it feels to be in the bathroom alone.

I know how to refer to the white handbook if I have a question about what I can or can't do.

I know that every letter I send needs at least 10 stickers on the back. 

I know what phantom text messages feel like. 

I know that there is nothing more disorienting than leaving your watch in the residence. 

I know how to call the place I live my "residence". 

I know that Sunday and Wednesday are ice-cream days and that you better get it before your meal if you want graham canyon. 

I know that to get a good seat at devo you have to a) go to choir, no thanks, b) stand in line for an hour, or c) know somebody. 

I know the anticipation of walking to the temple and looking in every single car to see if you know them. 

I know how sister's care less and less about hair, makeup, weight, shaving, etc. 

I know what it's like to spend 16 hours a day with 18 year old boys. 

I know how amazing it feels to get a letter. 

I know how hard dear elders are to open without ripping in half.
I know how many treats people's mom's send them and how it is impossible to not gain weight. 

I know how weird it is to see BYU from the track in 18M and hear the bell tower when I'm walking around outside. 
I know how to forget I'm in Provo...until that happens.

Oh and I know more about the Gospel than I've ever known in my whole life. I have been able to feel the love of God greater than I've ever been able to feel in my whole life. I AM SO GREATFUL that I am here.

& I am SO SO SO grateful that this isn't it. That the best part is what lies ahead. Those people in France really don't know what's coming for them. I already love them so much. I can't wait to be there, speaking their language and teaching them about all of the things that make me so happy. I can't wait to watch lives change. AHHHHH. I wish you could see my face right now. Can't wipe this smile off.

Well y'all. I hope I still hear from you when I'm across the big blue. My life is not real!!!

The Church is true. The book is blue.

Maintenant et à jamais (Now and Forever),

Soeur Johns

-Oh and Miss Ellen Skidmore, I formally accept your invitation to be pen pals. My first letter will come from France though, because I think that would be much more exciting for you.

-Oh and Mom, this is the WORST, but my Fleur de Lis ring fell off my finger somewhere...:( I have checked the lost and found a couple of times and I'm going again today. Dumb.

Okay and almost forgot to tell you about my travel plans. I'm so over on time right now, ehhh last p-day YOLO.

I leave from the MTC on MONDAY at 1:30. So we get to the airport at 2:30ish and our flight doesn't leave until 5!! So this is when I will be calling you. Kay here's the deal. I know how bad you are at answering the phone, but you HAVE to because I bought a calling card, but if I call two times and noone answers it uses it all up. I will call the house, but tell me if I should call another place. Count on a call around 4:30 your time. Crazy. I also plan on getting a large DDP and Cafe Rio salad at the airport in case you were wondering. So yes, our flight leaves at 5 and it's direct to the CHARLES DE GALLE airport in PARIS. I'll arrive there at 11:15 in the morning. What up.

We are counting down through pics...10 days left

NINE days

EIGHT days

SEVEN days

Somehow my companion's mother snuck us some Cafe Rio last night. We were in straight up Heaven. It was wonderful!

My soeurs, Love them so much!

Thanks Mom for the pins they were a hit and a half!

Happy Birthday Kenz from the district

Oh yeah. I started those Missionary tan lines early

Me and Rins

Me and Rins at "the map"

Keep Chuggin Along

Bonjour Ma Famille!!!

 

Okay, first off. Can you believe Rins and Lo leave the MTC this week!! Rin left this morning at 4:30AM and Lo leaves tomorrow!! Ahh they beat me out of this place by a mile.

 

I'm still lovin the MTC, buttttttttt

 

I'm so so so so soooooo excited to GET OUTTA HERE and get to FRANCE and GET BUSY. The French is coming along great. We are PVLing aka Parle Votre Langue aka Speak Your Language aka not speaking English at all starting yesterday, so my head feels like it is going to explode 100% of the time. It is amazing how much we are all improving in our French though. The fact that we can speak to each other in this language and understand everything we are saying is pretty much enough evidence for me for the rest of my life that there is a God and that He loves us so much. Also a huge lesson for me that when you have your mind set to something, WANT it, and WORK for it, you can do anything. 16 hours a day in a classroom practicing French has paid off. Especially for my companion!!! Her French is top notch. She gave a whole talk in Sacrament Meeting this week without even looking at her notes. Never been more proud in my life!

 

I am going to be really REALLY sad to leave my companion and my district though. I got so lucky with them. We are SO close, seriously like family. I've learned that when you stick 10 people in a room for 16 hours a day without cell phones, music, social media, etc. things get real very fast. Haha. They are all spiritual giants and they strengthen me every single day. Also, I'm convinced we have the most hilarious people on earth in our district. Ahh I could tell stories for DAYS, but I only have 3 more minutes. Oh also we've been studying outside in the sun this week (on the grass by the fence of the MTC from 1:00-2:00 everyday, in case someone wants to drive by and observe me in my natural habitat) my calves and arms are SOOOO sunburned. Hey mom remember when we were packing and I threw out the aloe vera, so I could pack like 12 pairs of shoes, yeah whoopsssss.

 

Okay sorry this email is so short and I don't have too much to update you on! All you need to know is that life is great, I love you, and that the church is TRUE. Jesus Christ lived the perfect life and it is only through His Atonement that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father again. It's so simple. And my favorite part of missionary work is that you don't have to take my word for it. Everyone can know for themselves that the Gospel, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, everything is true. The Holy Ghost will confirm it to you 100% of the time. All you need to do is exercise a particle of Faith! (Alma 32) The Gospel of Christ is amazing and it truly is the secret to happiness. I don't know where I heard this but it sums it up perfectly: "How to be happy? Be good."

 

Te me mangue!!

 

Avec amour,

Soeur Johns   

 

Six Sisters Sharing One Room!