Oi!

Oi! Apparently that's how you say hello is Portuguese! Sr. Soares (Bethany's new Brazilian companion) hit the ground running when she got here to Torcy. The rumor that she never quits is definitely true! She saw that things have been slow, but that didn't stop her. She immediately had me start calling former “amis” and inactives that the missionaries haven't seen in a long time. We've had double the amount of rendezvous that we normally have in a full week in just the past 5 days. And our schedule for the next week is filling up fast. She just has no many fresh ideas on how to find people. I'm learning so much from her. She's also taught me the importance of really getting to know the members. Also, that I don't need to be afraid of asking too many questions when we meet someone, member or not. The French don't normally like being asked even simple questions like "where are you from?" which is why Sr.Dremeaux didn't do it. But I have the excuse of being American and Sr. Soares being Brazilian. Plus, it really doesn't throw people off that much and I think they enjoy the conversation a lot more. We only had one lesson with Delphine again and she didn't come to church. We're worried that she doesn't understand the commitment she's making to be baptized. We have another lesson set for today on respecting the Sabbath and we've decided we need to be bold so she understands what the Lord expects from her. I know she has a testimony and I know that she really does want to be baptized, but it wouldn't be fair if she didn't totally understand what is expected of her. Good news is that if all goes well we might have her baptism next week! Also, she brought her friend with her again!! We also taught a woman named Anne-Marie who is the neighbor of a member. It was very spiritual and I think she understands now that God is our literal Father in Heaven and not just a spiritual being or idea. We committed her to pray about the Book of Mormon which she seems excited to do. Unfortunately, there is a two week holiday for the whole country and she, like everyone else, is going to be out of town. I found out from one of Mireille's daughters that she has been home from Africa for a long time. I'm really confused as to why she won't answer the phone when we call. I really hope her family didn't tell her bad stuff about the church while she was away. The Ward held a classical music concert performed by a very musical family in the Ward. It was actually very professionally done because most of them are professionals. There were a lot of non-members there and we got some contacts. Also, Sr. Soares is a harp major at BYU and had the chance to play the harp afterward. The woman who loaned the harp to the church was there and said she could play it for free when she wanted. She also suggested they do a duet. We're hoping that we can use this as an opportunity to spread the gospel. Well, from everything that I've heard from you and my friends who write me, it looks like I picked a good year to miss BYU football. However, I always want BYU to do well. I liked seeing the picture of the missionaries. (We sent her some pictures we took at the BYU-Georgia Tech game) It's cool that their President let them go. I'm pretty sure President Poznanski wouldn't do that except if it was on a P-day. That warm weather you've been having sounds great! As soon as September hit, it got pretty cold here, probably stayed between 55 and 65 Fahrenheit until two Sundays ago. Then it was very warm and pleasant for about three days. However, ever since transfers on Wednesday, it's been very cold. Two days ago it was 1 degree Celsius! It will probably stay cold until March. However Mom you don't need to worry, I have two good coats, several scarves, gloves and two pairs of boots so I think I'll be fine. I do wish I had nylons that are really thick, but they don't sell them here. They're all really light weight. However, Sr. Soares has given me a pair of thick ones that should be good. Yay, to Brianne for her baby girl! I can't wait to hear when she arrives in December. Only a little more than a month away! That's funny that Donna Andrus contacted you mom. What's really funny is that my roommate Soeur Alley’s sister is married to Donna's brother. I guess when I posted that picture of her a few months ago Donna saw it and told Sr. Alley's family. However, I had no idea she was the teacher for the Lyon mission president’s children. Tell her that it is the 12th of October issue of Elle, pg. 126. I guess she reads these emails so she already knows. So I'll talk to her directly: Hey Donna! How did your Master's Thesis go? I still want to read it when I get back home. I also can't wait to hear where Jesse in going on his mission. I recently read an article in the Liahona about a young man in the Finnish army and how he spread the gospel with others during that time. I definitely thought of Jesse. That's all for this week, Bethany