I'm a Trainer!

 

Salut!

Well, on Wednesday we took Sr. Lai's things with us to the train station and then headed off to Paris . We almost missed the train because I was dumb and decided to wear some high heels that I found the apartment that I didn't realize were too big for me. Super silly of me, I know....

We got to Paris without too much trouble, said hello to everyone. I said goodbye to Sr.Lai (It was very hard. I almost cried, which, Mom you know, that means a lot) and then all of us trainers went into a special meeting before all of the bleus arrived. About half way through, Sr. Poznanski stopped the meeting and said, "Elder and Soeurs, the bleus have arrived. I wish you could see how all of the other missionaries are greeting them. We all can feel what an exciting time this is".

Finally, they all walked in and we trainers were so nervous, even the ones who had trained before. The missionary world is changing forever and we're part of the first people to greet the changes...literally!! I said to some of the sisters, "If I faint, tell my bleu which one I am, OK?" One Australian sister said in her super accent, "Yes, I'll just say, there she is on the floor. Good Luck!"

As I looked at the sisters wondering which one I would train, I saw one who looked different than the rest. Her actions reminded me of myself and I thought, "I think she's with me". I was right!

 

Her name is Sr. DeAnna Covington and at first glance we couldn't be more different. She grew up in Cedar City , UT (she's excited about the new temple that'll be there) and has never left Utah ...not even for vacation! She graduated from Beauty School and has 8 siblings!

However, she has seen as many movies as I have and gets all of the quotes I say. And I get all the ones she says. She's already picked up French pretty well and is not afraid to at least try talking to people. I was afraid that when I tried to get her out of her shell she wouldn't want to, but whenever I push her she says,"Ok, I'll try!"

And yes Dad, I know that sister that I saw on campus last year. I didn't see her too much in the MTC, but I see her often enough at Zone Conference and transfer days.  Her name is Sr. Garrett and she's training too this transfer!

The beginning of the week was soooo good when it comes to miracles. Monday night we had FHE with Lesley and Elodie where we talked about the Savior’s life. We were going to teach the Atonement, but we realized they it would mean nothing until they knew who Christ was. The Spirit was very strong and they asked good questions.

Right afterward we taught Antoinette with a sister in the ward who has a similar background. This lesson went as perfect as it can get. We set up another appointment and also a time to go to a session of General Conference with her. Unfortunately, she canceled both because she went to the beach at the last second.

I got Elodie's information before we said goodbye because she was moving into a women's shelter the next day not far from where we live. She gave me her phone number and said it would work, but every time I call it doesn't even ring. We also saw her the next day getting a ticket for riding the bus without paying. She looked pretty upset. We weren't able to talk to her though. I really have the desire to help her and asked in Ward Council about finding her an adult she could talk with to give her advice on basic life skills. Unfortunately, I can't get a hold of her. We've been praying that we'll run into her on the street soon.

Unfortunately, ever since Sr. Covington got here all of our amis have dropped off the face of the planet. For me, I understand that this happens, plus I was there at the beginning of the week for all of the miracles, but Sr. Covington has really only taught one inactive. Always opposition, but the Lord will prevail!

Luckily General Conference was this weekend! I really loved all of the talks about finding peace and strength through the Savoir. I feel that these things are what our amis need to know the most right now.

 

I'm so grateful for priesthood authority on the earth today. I'm grateful for a modern day prophet who guides us. I'm grateful for my testimony that Jesus is at the head of this church. I'm grateful that I was able to hear His direction for us this weekend. I know that through obedience to the things we hear from the Lord through the leaders of the Church that we can find the peace and joy that we are all looking for.

Happy April!

Bethany