Well, I don't know if this week has been anything super out of the ordinary (at least not for a missionary, anyway). I will tell you that for the past couple of weeks, the mission has been trying to focus on us having Family Home Evenings (hereto referred to as SF) with the members and with investigators (hereto referred to as amis). We have lots of amis that have more or less staying in the same spot, without a lot of progression, which is a bummer, so we're hoping that this will help them. We were blessed this week to have 3 SF with both members and nonmembers, which were amazing. Khadia has such a sincere desire to follow Christ, but she just can't seem to get her answer about authority, and she can't seem to make it to church either, luckily, the Mengolli's ( the members who are her friends) help her a lot. We KNOW that one day she will be baptized. We also visited Soeur Haumont, who is married to a really nice nonmember. They had us over for dinner, and we had a great discussion. We'll see if we can spark his interest in the gospel! We also had a super great SF with Daphné and a member family on Friday. Haha, actually, that is a great story. This family has 3 kids, and each one has the reputation of having the energy of an atomic bomb, and about as much self-control as one, also. So of course we prayed before-hand and hoped for the best. We met up with Daphné just before heading to the family's apartment, only to find out that her son didn't feel like coming, so it was just her. "Great, this could be a little weird", we thought, but we hoped all would go well. When we arrived, we found out that the wife of the family was sick and in bed, so it was just us, the 3 kids, and the husband. For a few moments, Soeur Thibault and I really were wondering what we'd gotten ourselves and Daphné into. But then the father really took control of the situation and helped his kids recite the first 4 articles of faith, which really touched Daphné. She later said how impressed she was that their kids who are still quite young, could know and comprehend so much about Jesus. It gave a new determination to teach her own son better. We ended up having a great discussion about the Book of Mormon and the Bible working together, and what it meant for Daphné to receive her own answer. The husband was such a champ with Daphné and really bore powerful witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon. In the end, Daphné loved the SF and both she and family said they would be more than happy to have another one. On verra! This past Saturday was also the much anticipated RS activity. The Relief Society had invited all the sisters who were of different nationalities to give a small presentation on their country. It was awesome! Soeur Billings, Soeur Rasband, and Soeur Lam-Yam (all members of the ward who are either from, or have lived in the states for a long time) and Soeur Thibault and myself presented 'North America'. I explained why we had Thanksgiving and the 4th of July, and we had cookies, rice krispie treats, pumpkin pie, and corn bread. All the other countries were also very well presented. We had ladies from Peru (Soeur Mengolli), Colombia, Argentina, Camaroon, Togo, Madagascar, Tahiti, Guadelupe/ Martinique, and others. The best was when the sister from Africa, asked Soeur Thibault and I to help model the african clothes she had. She explained to the crowd that the outfit I had on could send a lot of different messages depending on how I wore the belt. I explained to them that the way I was wearing the belt said, "I'm a sister missionary". That got a pretty good laugh. I can now officially check off "Being funny in french" from my list of things to do before I die. Speaking of dying, Soeur Thibault and I studied the Spirit World this morning during out personal study! What an amazing subject! We had some talks that answered a lot of questions. I really felt the spirit this morning testify to me that there is indeed life and this life, and that our family members and loved one are so much nearer to us than we think. They want us to make right choices, and want to help us. We really truly will be with our families again and forever. Our loved ones care for us and help us, and children who died when they were young will be raised by righteous parents. What a great way to start off this week leading up to one of my absolute favorite days of the year, Easter! I'm so thankful for the love and merciful plan of our Lord, and for the glorious morning of His Resurrection! "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen."
A beautiful Easter to everyone, may it be filled with love, sunshine, and most importantly, the message of our Lord and Savior. And if you get up early enough, you might just be able to see a 'purple east'. (Look us hymn #199 for the reference! :) )
I love you all, the sun never sets on missionary work!
Avec espoir et amour,
Soeur Bracken
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