Things are still awesome here! I've learned so much in these past two weeks and times starting to get faster it feels like. Not sure if that's good or bad...
I'll start where I left off:
Tuesday evening our branch counselor Brother Downling sent us In N Out through MTC same day delivery. It was great, I already missed real food after 6 days! We brought it into the cafeteria and all the other missionaries were staring at us and everything. It may have been against the rules but oh well, no one told us anything haha.
Tuesday night was devotional given by Quentin L Cook! It was such a good talk, all about the importance of inviting people to make commitments and if we're putting in our best efforts and continually inviting, we're doing the right thing. He said it better than I did just then, I promise. I don't think I've seen him speak before. I've seen about 6-8 apostles speak I think? I'm praying Elder Holland comes here before I leave, hopefully the Tuesday after Easter! Also, beforehand in the choir we sang a rendition of Praise to the Man, it was so cool, made me feel like I was in Nauvoo or something. Elder Cook said it was very good too haha.
Wednesday we taught Jhonny for the last time because he was "going back to France." He really is becoming our second teacher! I was really bummed when I found out that we wouldn't be teaching him anymore, even though we knew he was a member! It was so cool to see him pray with us and ask sincere questions about the Gospel. And to try and help him with those questions. And all in French! I'm really glad he's our teacher though, and we'll keep "teaching" him as a different investigator. He and our other teacher, Sœur Echols, are both going to be playing as amis for us. Frère Dicou is Victor and Sœur Echols is Patience (PAH-see-onse). The teachers here base their characters off of real people they taught on their mission, it's really cool
On Sunday I blessed the sacrament and gave a talk, both in French. Each week they have everyone in the branch prepare a 3 minute talk and then during opening announcements they say who's speaking. I didn't think I would be speaking since it was the last Sunday for the other district. But luckily one of the Elders in the other district caught a glimpse of the schedule that one of the counselors had and told me I was speaking. I had prepared a talk, don't worry, but I added a little more to be safe hahah. I'm probably off the hook for next week luckily
Yesterday the other district left for France. Elder Paredes and I are now zone leaders. We're getting a new district tomorrowwhich should be fun! Our little district has to show them around and everything. I'm glad the other district helped us know how everything works here! It's been pretty quiet around here yesterday and today and I miss those other missionaries already! Although they're probably seeing cool chateaus and eating actual food right now...
Yesterday we taught Victor and Patience for the first time. The three of us are teaching together now so that's kind of tough but I think we did alright. With two teachers, two amis, a new district, and being zone and district leader, we've got a pretty busy week ahead! But that's alright because the more you do in a day, the faster it goes and the more accomplished I feel!! I like having stuff to do haha
More update on how awesome my Branch Presidency is:
Brother Downling (who brought us In N Out) played basketball for BYU (speaking of which, how is Ole Miss in the tourney? Marshall Henderson isn't still playing is he? Also Xavier's a 6 seed? If BYU beats Ole Miss and Xavier then they'll play a 5 or 12 seed right? That shouldn't be too bad. I feel like 12 over 5 upset is pretty common so I don't know. Hope they go far!) and his wife was like a professional dancer and some of his daughters are or have been Rockettes!
Sister Newell is from Chesterfield, MO! How fun! Forgot to ask her what high school she went to, it might be too late now. I'm guessing Parkway West though. Maybe a private school, idk. Also, when she and her husband were embassadors, she was voted Best Dressed Woman in Europe by some European Magazine. Bro Newell said she was kind of a celebrity in Sweden.
And seriously, google "Greg Newell" he probably has a wikipedia page
Our branch presidency are the kind of people I want to be like when I'm older haha
So this week I've had this cantique stuck in my head. It's called "Souviens-toi" and it's like the best hymn ever maybe. I've memorized the third verse which goes:
"Souviens-toi, mon enfant, à l'aube de temps
Nous étions des amis jouant dans le vent
Puis un jour, dans la joie, nous avons choisi
D'accepter le Seigneur du grand plan de vie
Ce soir-là, mon enfant, nous avons promis
Par la foi, par l'amour, d'être reunis"
Which roughly translates to
"Remember, my child, in the dawn of time (in heaven)
We were friends playing in the wind
Then one day, in joy, we chose
To accept the grand plan of life from the Savior
This night, my child, we have promised
By faith, by love, to be reunited."
It sounds better in French but it's so cool. After we sang it in class for the first time our teacher said something like "this is the hymn that ever French missionary says they'll sing to their children" Which is exactly what I was thinking haha. I'm so grateful for hymns and the power that music has. I'm also so grateful for families and the Plan of Salvation. I'm so glad I can live with my family forever because of this Plan! I love all of you, je vous aime!
-Ross
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