Sorry this is late getting out to you all. Here are a few personal notes that Bethany sent to us with her email on 12/31/12 :

I can't believe I forgot to say HAPPY 25th ANNIVERSARY when I was talking to you (at Christmas). . I had been planning on saying that ever since I left for my mission. Dang it! There were so many things that I had wanted to tell you when I was talking to you that I thought about later. And now I can't remember them again! Typical.

Dad, I really have no idea what you're talking about when you mentioned "passing off" stuff. We don't do anything like that; we don't really memorize scriptures or the lessons. However, I realized after Soeur Soares got here that I needed to step up at least knowing where scriptures are and being able to find them fast. I made a personal goal about it and I really think I've improved. I feel pretty confident and using scriptures now. In fact, I gave a talk yesterday and was surprised at how many scriptures I used and how quickly I found them while talking.

Bonne Année! 

First, a big thank you to Sister Swenson and Sister Williams for their Christmas packages. I just got them two days ago and I've already used every item, needfully.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a great New Year. The Torcy ward is going to have a Ball and “Just Dance” competition all the way until Midnight. I wish I could go SOOOO badly, but alas such is missionary life. Tonight my companion and I are going to go the Champs Elysee (so tough to have to spend New Year’s Eve walking down the Champs Elysee!) and then tomorrow to Disney Village. We're not allowed to go to Disneyland, but we can go to Disney Village!!!!

Last week for Christmas Eve we went to Notre Dame with the Nogent Soeurs. It was busier than usual, but not too bad. Then we walked around the area and saw some things that you can only see in Paris: a bridge covered in locks by people who are getting married soon, a band playing jazz (complete with crazy man off to the side mimicking them), bought stuff at the shops next to the river and ate crepes.

Then we went to a family in the Ward's home for Christmas Eve, they're very French AND very English, because the mother is. It was an interesting mix of both. It was a very homey feeling that I enjoyed very much.The next morning we got to sleep in!!!! Yay!!!!!!! Best thing ever. Then we opened presents and had a relaxing day. Then at 3PM we went to Peruvian family's home to eat again and Skype with our families. So good to everybody's faces. And I got to talk a little bit with the Huntsville Elders who were talking with their families at Mom and Dad’s.

We are working with several amies concerning their fears of baptism. It feels good knowing that I'm doing everything that I can for the situation. I just have to have faith that the Lord will provide the rest.

 

We had a miracle Saturday night. We went to teach a young woman who came to church the week before, Diana. We couldn't believe that she actually came because people we meet in the road tell they will all the time and then never do. But she DID! We got to her home Saturday night and her mother and brother were there. Diana explained a little about whom we are and what we believe, she had read some the Book of Mormon and was prepared to explain it to her family!! Then we taught the first lesson and showed the Restoration film. Afterward the mother said that she didn't want the film to end. The spirit was so strong and they all agreed to pray about the Book of Mormon as a family and individually!!! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!

Happy New Year!

P.S. I totally forgot to say that I went to Luxembourg for exchanges Thursday/Friday! It's such a pretty place even if it did rain the whole time. I've now been to all three countries in the mission, even if I don't get to serve in all of them.