District Meeting -Feb 2010

Each week we have district meeting when our district gets together. We discuss our goals, our activities, investigators, make plans, and have a lesson. This weeks lesson was on companionships. D&C42:6 "Ye shall go forth in the power of my spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God." Sisters Gappmaier and Koehler were the guest lesson givers today. They did an excellent job. Some of the concepts that we discussed were that companions should support one another in proclaiming the truth and bearing witness of it. They should help each other work and grow and also help one another in times of difficulty. They should study together, pray together, and try to serve one another. They also should celebrate their successes. They had several activities for us to do. One of them was a game to see how well we know each other. Each companionship also had to make up a victory dance or handshake that they could do when they had a success. Oh, it was so funny. Even Dh and I had to make one up. We made up a short little dance and the missionaries got a big kick out of us. Can you just picture us? Everyone had a turn and it really was fun. We got to laugh and clap for each other. Sisters Koehler and Gappmaier.

Sisters Nielsen and Carson.

Elders Bertrand and Carpenter had quite a long and a bit complicated set of moves.

Elders Harper and Porter loved this activity.




Elders Paoli and Shaunig were going to a service project after the mtg, hence their attire. These two love to goof around, but when it's time to teach the gospel, they are serious and awesome missionaries who really have the spirit.

We have been blessed to have really great missionaries to work with. We are in awe of the knowledge and testimony of these young men and women. They are just wonderful. They are clean cut, hardworking, fun loving young men and women who love God and Jesus Christ. They are talented in so many areas and they are a pleasure to be with. I know the Lord is very pleased with their work and their efforts.

We have had a busy week again with lots of lessons to teach. I even surprised myself this week by teaching several concepts in French to a young couple. She just was not understanding the concepts that the elders and Dh had taught her previously although they did a great job. I explained things to her at a very basic level (in French no less:{ ) and she finally understood. I think it's because she had to listen so carefully to even understand my French that she "got it". Also because she is a girl, she could relate a bit better to me and because I spoke slowly, she had time to actually think about what I was saying. I know the Lord was helping me as I was trying to speak in French.

I have also been doing some repairs and alterations for the elders. January is a months of huge sales in France and so the missionaries had some fun shopping on their p-days They all love the chic, french styles. So, I have had several pairs of pants to shorten or lengthen. I also get to repair rips and tears. Good thing I brought my trusty needle.

Interviews 2/10 and Institue (Pay Back)

We had the best mtg last Thursday. The Zone leaders prepared a great lesson and while the Pres. interviews one missionary at a time, except for the couples who go together, the rest listen and participate in the lesson. While he was interviewing we talked a lot about the war in heaven and how that war is still continuing on today. We need to know what our weapons are against Satan and his wiles. Here is a short list of some of the weapons each of us has; the spirit(sword), our companion, scriptures, prayer, power of the truth, testimony, a living prophet, prophecy, desire, priesthood, knowing truth from error, and being able to choose the right. We expanded on each of these and discussed how they could help us. It was so interesting and uplifing to know that we have the power and the knowledge to do what is right and to be able to teach others correct principles.
For lunch 2 of the sister missionaries fixed Chicken Cordon Bleu, rice, and green beans. Sister Koehler's mom made these cute aprons for them. Then Elders Bertrand and Harper just had to wear those aprons as they cooked scones. They goofed around posing and acting silly, but their scones were d e l i c i o u s. We have soooooo much fun with the missionaries. They are so nice and good to us. We just love them.

Elders Shaunig(Austria) and our 2 French missionaries Paoli and Darguence. All 3 of them are speaking English now. Shaunig perfectly, Darguence getting there, and Paoli (he's new) coming right along.

, Soeur Koehler, and Sister Brubaker.

Elder Carpenter is just the nicest. He is an awesome missionary.

The clean up committe in the background and Soeur Carson and Soeur Nielson.




You can see how much these companionships love each other. They even buy matching things to wear.

Each thursday for institute I prepare a meal. This week it was burritos, chips, and banana bread and cupcakes for dessert. The young adults love everything I make. They tell me I should publish a cook book. They are very kind. Our JA membership is growing happily. We have a few investigators attending and a few inactives coming out again. We are so happy.

Once a month the high councilors meet with the stake president and they are always happy if it's in our bldg because after the mtg, they always come in to see "what's cooking". As you can see they love to eat the food too. I very rarely ever have anything left over. They eat every last crumb. One of the men, Pierre, our old Bishop came into the kitchen and told me that he was not going to eat because his wife was holding dinner for him. Before I knew it, he was holding the empty banana bread pan and was scraping out the crumbs with a spoon and eating them. :)

Now for my pay back story. Several month ago we went to the party for Manu and Anne Louise. At that party Brother Vanaquer, our institute director, laced one of the cream puffs with lots of tobasco. I was the lucky recipient of that cream puff. I took one bite and it was oh so hot. I asked Dh how his cream puff was and he said it was just so delicious. Not wanting to make a scene, I quietly asked him to take a tiny taste of mine. He did and said that indeed it was very hot. My mouth was actually burning for a long time after that. I was holding the cream puff not knowing quite what to do with it when I noticed that lots of people were watching me. I quickly realized what was happening and they all burst out laughing. Well, I told Brother Vanaquer, "faites attention (be careful)" because he would get his turn. Since then we have joked about it quite a bit and he occasionally would look at some food I made and ask me, "tobasco?" "No," I always answered, but "faites attention". Well Thursday was pay back day. Soeur Carson was helping me frost the cupcakes and we sprinkled a lot of salt on one of them. Also we mixed salt into the frosting for that cupcake. It was going to be gross. Elder Bertrand came over and said that there was not enough salt. So, he carefully moved aside some of the frosting and sprinkles and with a toothpick made a hole right in the center. Then he filled it with salt and put the frosting back so that it looked as good as new. So the plan was in motion. That evening I was going to give it to Brother Vanaquer. Many of the JA's were in on the plan because they already knew the story. Finally after eating the burritos we served dessert. Luckily 2 of the JA's had a birthday, so I took the tray with the cupcakes and Virginie held 2 of them (the special one and a regular one). After singing Joyeux Anniversaire she gave one to Brother Vanaquer and one to the JA next to him. Then we all watched expectantly except he was sooooooo slow finishing his burritos. Just before he was to eat it, I unexpectantly got called out to talk to the Stake Pres. Oh no, what bad timing that was. I didn't want to leave. This is what happened next. He finished eating and then he got called by one of the high council guys to talk to him. So, he stood up and said, "Noone eat my cupcake." But then he paused and turned around to take a bite to ensure that noone would eat it. As soon as he took the first lick/bite he got his surprise. I then heard a lot of laughter and told the Pres that I would be right back. As soon as I walked into the room, he looked at me and pointed at me and said, "You, you're the one responsible." Everyone was laughing so hard. "Oh yes," I said. "It was me and the missionaries." He told me that as soon as he had that first lick, he immediately knew what was happening. He told me that, "You got me good". We laughed several times during the evening about it. Then he told me that I was the salty girl and he was the spicy boy. It really turned out to be lots of fun. I am not a person who plays jokes on people and in fact this was my very first time and I was glad that he took it well. He does, however, like to play jokes on people often. He also held up 2 thumbs and told me one for one. Soooo, I guess I'll have to wait and see if this is the end or not.:)

Dominique and little Kelly

Yesterday we visited Dominique. She is a very nice young woman from Gabon. Kelly is her little daughter. I am surprised how many people have come to France from other countries. There are many, many people here from Africa. I guess things really are very, very bad in many areas in Africa and people want a better life for themselves and for their children. Kelly has it pretty tough. Recently she is got a job and is working in a little clothing store. However, the job is just part time and temporary. She is also taking some sort of training for further employment. For a while she was spending her days going from door to door looking for a job so that she could earn money. She is one of those who wants to work for what she has. She does not want to depend on the dole. I feel sad that it's so tough for her. She has all of her family back in Gabon. Her little brother left for South Africa when he was 5. Yes you read that right- 5 and he has been living there all these years. She says there is nothing Gabonese left in him. I don't know his story, but imagine he was sent there to live with someone. How does a 5 year old leave his country?

Dominique was found by the sister missionaries last year and they taught her the gospel of Jesus Christ. She told us that she has been to many churches and that they all wanted her to be baptized, but she never felt right about it. Then she started attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She said that she felt a warmth in her heart and a very good feeling when she prayed and she knew that this was the church she wanted to join.

She wants to do genealogy, but it's difficult for her because the men (her father and grandfathers) have many wives and no dates for marriages or any other events. Apparently when they like a woman, they "take her" in a tribal ceremony and they become a wife. The only concrete dates that she has are death dates. She is going to try to record those.

In spite of all of these hardships, she is happy, pleasant, hard-working and a fun young woman. I sure have to hand it to her and wish her the very best. I know the church will be helping her to make a good life for herself.

Sylvie and Alexandre

Saturday we had 2 baptisms in our wards. The first was Sylvie, a wonderful woman whose Father is from Africa and whose Mother is English. Sylvie has lived many years in England and speaks English with a British accent. She also speaks French and her Dad's African dialect. She works as a psychologist in France. She said that she has been searching for a church for about 9 years and that she has been attending many different churches looking for the truth. She was kind of nervous, but very excited to be baptized. Today she told me that yesterday was one of the best days of her life. In the morning, yesterday, she was having a lot of pain in her leg and didn't know if she would even be able to go to church for the baptism. She said that she prayed and asked Heavenly Father to help her feel better because this was the day of her baptism and she needed to go. She decided to lie down for while and after a short time she felt much better. She told me that as soon as she came up out of the waters of baptism that she felt the spirit so strongly and knew without a shadow of a doub that she had made the right decision in joining the church.

Our 2nd baptism was Alexandre. This awesome young man is 23 years old. He is a university graduate and has a great job. He is clean cut, smart, pleasant and a really nice person. He began a job working for the company of our Bishop and his brothers who also work together with their brother. As he got to know them he noticed that they did things differently. For example, they didn't drink, swear, or smoke. They went to church every week and he just noticed differences in their behavior and attitude, etc. When he asked his friend, Jacques, (1 of the brothers), Jacques told him that it was because they were Mormons. Alexandre kept asking more and more questions and Jacques would answer them. Then he wanted to read the Book of Mormon. He said that as he read the book, he would pray about things because he knew that God would answer his prayers and lead him to the truth. The more he studied and prayed, the more interested he became. He began talking more and more and learning more and more. Finally he finished the book. He said that he prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true and he had the burning in his bosom that affirmed that indeed the book was true and was the word of God. He knew that he wanted to be baptized. Alexandre had quite a bit of opposition to joining the church from his parents. His Mom was sad because she thinks that she didn't teach him to be happy with just her. He explained to her that true happiness comes from serving God and doing what God wants. He assured her that he did love her, but that he had a testimony of the truthfullness of the gospel and that he had to act on his convictions. His parents are trying to be supportive now and even came to his baptism.
In the picture are Alexandre with his parents, his best friend and the friend's girlfriend.

The next picture is of Alexandre and Virginie.

These 3 men are Adrian, the counselor to the Bishop, Bishop Marc Duez, and Pres. Brubaker.

When Bishop was giving his talk, he said that Alexandre himself began asking questions about the church. He said that it is not a requirement to belong to any certain church to be employed by his company. He also spoke about what an outstanding young man and what a great employee Alexandre is. We are thrilled to have him join in our young adult center.
Alexandre was baptized by Jacques. Jacques served his mission in Madagascar as a young man. He is now married and has a brand new baby girl named Rose.

I am including a picture of Manu, teaching our investigators class. Manu is an outstanding teacher. He explains concepts so well.

It is interesting that in France where the membership in the church is not huge, but is in it's growth stage that many members hold more than one calling. Manu is The ward mission leader, the teacher for the investigators and he is also the president of our institute. In addition to that he is a full time student and has a part time job.

This is a picture of the class. Virginie actually lives in Calais, but she came up for the baptism yesterday and then spent the night with some of her friends in Lille so that they could all be at church with Alexandre today. By the way, the young adults went to Manu's apartment after the baptism yesterday and ate raclette and visited and had a good time until 3:00a.m. They were tired at church today and several of them told me that they would be going home, eating, taking a long nap, eating again, and then going to bed early. Ah youth!

Investigators

We are workingwith several people now, teaching them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This first couple are Larissa and Dino. They are from Madagascar. I can't help it, but each time I think of them being from Madagascar, I think of the cartoon and the penguins. Well, anyway, they are the nicest couple. They are so gospel centered. They love Jesus Christ and have been so accepting of every concept that they have learned. They want to be baptized, but they must first get married. They are in the process of getting his paperwork completed. She is already a Belgian citizen, but although he is in Belgium legally, he has to have some additional paperwork. It is very complicated and very time consumingn. We hope that within 3 more months they will have the paperwork done. They already want to go back to Madagascar to teach their own people about Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. They live in Kortrijk and so when we teach them we have the Dutch speaking elders with us. Dh always does the teaching because they speak French although Larissa often has to translate into Malagaisy to him. I am the translator to the elders when Dh is speaking french because of course they speak Dutch. I translate into English.

The next couple we are working with are Marieta and Dourian Souren. This couple is from Armenia. He has been here for 4 years and she has been here for 1yr9mos. They are also working on getting their papers. He left first and she stayed on working at "The Bureau." Then the director of the bureau was killed for political reasons and I don't know why, but she had to leave right then. She left everything; her car, house, belongings, and even her clothing. She came with the clothes on her back. Their 2 sons escaped to Russia where she does not know. She has had no contact with them. I don't know the reasons they had to flee except for the fact that it was political. They are living in 2 separate foyers. They spend the days together and then must split up for the night. They are searching for the truth. They seem so nice and I feel really bad for their situtation.
Yesterday we went to do home teaching to Hayrie and Vasil and while we were there she introduced us to Oenchoomeek. This lady left Mongolia about 9 months ago to seek a better life for her family. She has 3 older sons; 17, 20 and 25, a 10 year old daughter, and an 82 year old Mother who is taking care of the daughter back in Mongolia. She came to church last week with Hayrie and she now wants to learn about Jesus. She said there are many Mormons in Mongolia, but she doesn't know a lot about it and now wants to learn. You should have seen us teaching the lesson. Felix, the home teacher and Dh speaking in French, Vasil reading the message in Bulgarian, me translating everything into Russian and also trying to understand what Hayrie and Oenchoomeek are saying to me using many Bulgarian and Mongolian words. It is so difficult. Sometimes I just have to guess at what they are saying from the context of the converstion because I speak neither Mongolian or Bulgarian. Then I have to say it back to them in Russian to make sure I have understood it correctly. With the help of the Lord, we get the messages across.

We are still working with Clothilde and Samuel and Kevin and Emiline as well as Emmanuelle. It's kind of hard with Emmanuelle because she stands us up about every other time when we have an appointment, but then she calls and really wants us to come back. She is just having so many emotional problems right now. Hopefully she will be able to come out of her depression.

Today is institute night. It is some sort of French holiday when they are all eat crepes, so Dh and I spent about 5+ hours fixing crepes. I don't think we will be making those again any time soon. It was a lot of work. I sure hope they will like them.

Sometimes when our kids had their birthday they wanted to have crepes instead of cake. So, that's what we would make and put the candles on the crepes for them to blow out. I guess that's what one can expect when the Dad is French.:)

Transfers again and JA's Activity

It seems like transfers come way too quickly. This transfer we had 3 missionaries leave. After the mtg. we always take lots of pictures. The missionaries especially take lots and lots of pictures. The first few are serious.

The next few are always goofy. They set up two tables one on top of the other with all of the cameras. This is only half of the cameras. We set them all up, put them on timers and then some of us have to run to our spot. The missionaries always set mine up for me.:)

Elder Cabrera is leaving for Brussels. Sister Fritsch is going home to Strasburg. She served a great mission. We will all miss her a lot. Elder Clawson is going to Liege.

Now Elder Paoli will be the only missionary in our district from France.(for a little while anyway)

The missionaries fixed a really nice luncheon. They made pork chops, mashed potatoes, and salad with cake for desset. Sister Koehler brought ranch dressing for the salad and you should have seen the success of that salad dressing. Many of us went crazy for it. Even the missionaries from France and Germany loved it. It has been a long time since any of us had had any and it tasted soooo good. Her Mom sent her a few packages of the powder to mix. The missionaries told us that we just had to show up for the luncheon and not even bring anything. Of course, I made something. This time it was strawberry and apricot bars.

Here is Dh in his typical position; doing dishes after eating.






Last Saturday we had a great young adult activity. We all gathered about 4:00 for a wonderful forum at which our institute director spoke. Dh and I had to miss most of that because just at that same time we had to teach a first discussion to Marieta and Duria a couple who is here from Armenia. They speak Russian and so it was up to me to teach the lesson. I will have to write their interesting story later.

After the forum, there was a nice buffet and a dance followed.

The decorations were very nice. The JA's did all the work.

There was a spot to write your New Year's Resolutions.

"Box for Resolutions!"

"Instructions:

It is very simple, write your resolution or a goal for 2010

(It can remain annonymous)

Direction of the box for resolutions is on the stage."

There was lots of pizza baking in the kitchen.

Lots of chatting and goofing off.

A bit of flirting going on.

We have a couple of "special boys" in our group. Everyone loves them and is always kind to them. They love to come and to participate.

We had a great DJ. Manu is always lots of fun. Manu is the most awesome guy. We just love him. He is diligent, smart, very talented in so many areas. He is the type of guy who is a great example to all. He served his mission in Paris. He speaks English perfectly.

There was lots of food to eat and everyone always enjoys that.

Lots of dancing took place. Girls danced with girls, boys danced next to each other and boys danced with girls. It took a while for them to warm up and start dancing together, but warm up they did and a good time was had by all.

Anne Charlotte is almost ready to graduate from physical therapy school. She speaks English perfectly. Many of the young adults here speak English.

Claudine and Noemi both speak English fluently.

Virginie is studying chemisty. She is fluent in English. Next to her is Alexandre who is getting baptized this Saturday. He is already a university graduate and has a great job.

The missionaries assigned to the young adult center stopped by for a little while. Elder Porter is brand new from the MTC. Elder Harper is our district leader.

Some prefered to sit and read.

Celine speaks English too. Her design in art school was just selected as one of the top 3 to go on tour. Her Dad is our Stake Pres.

Natacha is planning to be an Enlish teacher. She will graduate this year.

Narina from Madagascar is a student of economics at the university here. She speaks Malagasi, French, and English.

Gael rocking out.

Celine and Giovanni. Celine got the surprise in the cake, but she gave her crown to Giovanni who proudly wore it for a long time.

Andryei is a Russian boy. He speaks Russian, Ukranian, French, and English. He came to France with his Mother who has since married a Frenchman and now has a new baby daughter. Andryei is the only one in his family here who is a member of the church. His Grandmother is a member who lives in Russia and she is actually coming for a long visit. I look forward to meeting her.





I want to add one little thing that happened to me that shows how the Lord watches over us and takes care of little things.

As you may know senior couples who go on a mission pay for all of their own expenses. Things here are very expensive and add to that the poor exchange rate of the euro to the dollar makes things even more expensive. Being a California girl and then a Texas girl I never had the need for lots of cold weather clothing. Knowing I was coming over here, I did bring some sweaters and of course coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. However, my skirts were not of a very warm or heavy material. I could have bought a warm skirt, but I figured I could just wear what I had. I really didn't want to spend the extra money either. Well when the weather started getting really cold, Hayrie surprised me by giving me not just 1 but 2 warm skirts. I have been so grateful to get them and have worn them happily during these cold winter days. And, even though she is blind and has not ever seen me, she knew exactly the right size to get. She is amazing. I am sure she listened to the promptings of the spirit to help out a missionary.

When we were sitting in Sacrament the other week, a black fellow went to the podium and began giving a talk. Hayrie's husband leans over and says, "That's Abu." "No it's not." says Hayrie. Then she leans over to me and says, "My husband can see, but I who am blind am the one who knows that it's not Abu." She was right. She never ceases to amaze me.

Guest Blogger

My Dh wrote these words and I am reluctantly posting them. I know he has been much too generous in his praise, but he insists on my posting it. I love him for it though.

In Praise of my lifelong sweetheart.
I write the following on my wife's blog because I don't have one of my own. I know that she would never consent to print anything of this kind about herself, so, I'll take on the task myself. I am the only person responsible for the contents of this message. I feel certain that her many friends and acquaintances will not be in the least surprised to read these words. What I say here will only echo the sentiments they already harbor in their hearts for her.
Fifty years ago this year, I lost a toss of the coin which resulted in putting me on a path that led me into the presence of a pretty young maiden who would become my wife five years later. Her warm smile and shiny green eyes had an immediate effect on me which has lasted and deepened as the years have rolled on. Our home was always neat and clean in spite of her relentlessly busy schedule.(The only times I had to get involved with cleaning was when CJ, our dog, would spread her vomit or diarreah all over the kitchen floor.) Just to name a few activities that devoured her time I will cite: rides to school, to the doctors, to dance classes, scouting for the boys, sporting events, piano lessons, and a host of other engagements at night and the week-ends. During all those years she had time consuming, demanding callings in the church, as well as monthly temple trips and so on. All those years she prepared tasty and nutritious meals, did most of the shopping and found time to knit, sew clothes, make quilts and visit people in need.I believe she was a one hundred percenter in her visiting teaching, and, most of the time, through it all, a gracious smile lit her face as she welcomed friends and neighbors into our home.
The years passed. The kids grew and moved away. Retirement time came followed by a move to Texas. Then, in 2008, we accepted a call to serve a 23 month mission to Belgium and northern France, where we are laboring to this day. Now, you would think that, after all those years of intensive work and responsibilities, Natalie would be worn out and would have wished to sit and to lounge around while eating bonbons and watching TV. Sometimes she admits that that lifestyle would be quite appealing...But, instead, she has 20 or more Young Adults to cook for, to shepherd,to train and to guide. You should see her, how she smiles at those youngsters, hugs the boys as well as the girls, pats them on the back, cheers them when they're sad, tells them jokes and stories (mostly in english), advises them (mostly the girls) with their boy troubles, empathises with their challenges, provides solace for their anguish, all the while acting much like a proper mother hen in charge of a large brood of chicks....And the way those youngsters respond to her!!!! They simply love her and seek her opinion on their miriad problems, frustrations, disappointments, heartaches, all of which are typical challenges facing young people between the ages of 18 and 30. It would be very difficult to find a better counselor, supporter, friend, leader, exemplar, or simply put, a more sorely needed light in these benighted times, as they wend their way into productive adulthood. She is their trusty polar star and she helps them make sense of the emotional roller coasters they experience at that stage of their lives.....
And I watch her. I stand back with a proud smile on my face. I watch her buzz around, and I smile and thing to myself "Yep, that's my Natalie!" I must have done something really good, perhaps in the pre-existence, to deserve this truly remarkable and capable woman.
We were both wondering when we found out about our assignment to Belgium and France, why the Lord had inspired his leaders to send us to this unlikely corner of the world. It soon became evident once more that the Lord knows what He is doing. It turns out that Natalie's language skills are at a premium here. Who would have thought that her knowledge of russian would be needed to spread the gospel light and to teach the plan of salvation to seven of Heavenly Father's children who had made their way into this area? He knows where His children are, what their needs are, and on whom He can trust to "lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees." Though she is saddled with constant footache, backache, stomach problems and other physical ills of many kinds, she "girds up her loins" as it were, and sticks to the task of filling the many needs of those, who, at their tender age, are in dire need of much nourishment, strength, guidance, example to follow, and love. In that arena is where Natalie truelly shines. Her natural inclination is to dispense love and warmth without measure. The Young Adults in the Stake of Lille are the fortunate recipients of the bounties of her heart. Bless her heart, if there ever were women whose worth was above that of rubies, Natalie surely is one of them. I know that the Lord God Almighty smiles kindly as He watches her follow in the footsteps of His Only Begotten. Her noble heart will be a blessing to her numerous posterity throughout the ages to come, and I'll be happy and honored to stand by her side and smile and nod my approval with heartfelt admiration and love through endless ages to come. From the pen of John