Gex Week #10

Hello!!! 

This week was fantastic! First I had an exchange in Lyon with the Sister Training leaders. I went with Sister C who has been out two transfers more than me and I can tell you I love her to death. It was an awesome day. We went around Lyon finding investigators and less actives and were able to share little thoughts or hello's with almost all of them. Plus she gave me some really awesome advise about missions and dealing with negativity and lack of motivation from yourself, but also other sisters. It was wonderful. She is 27 and taught at BYU and I love her. We got back Tuesday night and it was pouring! I love the rain. 

Anyway, Wednesday, we went and did yard work for a couple who is renting their house out because they're leaving on their mission soon. I got dirty and pulled weeds and it was actually really fun. It's been too long since I've done yard work. Actually, we have this little plant in our apartment that i water everyday and it's growing beautifully. That's about as close as I get though.  After that we went and visited a kinda less active, but not super. She is the only member and I guess her husband is pretty bad toward the church, which is too bad. I didn't know this, but they don't want missionaries going over. Oops. Her husband was at work so it's fine. But she is really great. She just talked and we listened. I asked her at one point to share her conversion story and it brought back some tender memories for her. She got emotional. I want to go back! I think we are, but we'll see. 

Thursday was fantastic! Zone Conference! Before I forget, there is a mission blog President Roney didn't know about before but he does now, so find it under our mission name :) But it was great. We mostly talked about ways we can use members which we are going to do. Note to members: missionaries NEED your help. We can't do it alone and we need support. I challenge everyone to go on to the new hastening the work of Salvation website and watch those videos. At least a few. You have so much power to change people. Do that and then send those prepared hearts to the missionaries. But yeah. Sister L and I are making a constant effort to just go to member's homes and share a video with them and love them into doing missionary work. Actually, this Saturday we have an open house activity that we and our WML are putting on. We are encouraging our members to bring friends so they can find out who we are. Today, we are making cookies with two young women in our ward who live right above us to go around and invite our neighbors to come. They are so excited! I really hope it is a success. I'll let you know :) OH! Embarrassing. I forgot my tag. I've never done that AND it was Zone Conference. I confessed to President and he just laughed and said "You're funny. Keep being like that." He wasn't mad at me thank goodness! I was mortified though ha ha So yeah. It was a good conference and my interview was good and President Roney and his wife are really incredible people. 

Friday, We really wanted to see M, so I called and she said she couldn't on the weekend, etc so I kept asking and said tonight? and she could! We went and she wasn't home, but we left a note and then we were able to go back later that night. This lesson we really just wanted to focus on her and make a plan to somehow stop smoking. She wants to quit so bad. She has gotten anxiety because of it and can't work or drive. But we made a plan and just testified to her that she can do this and if she prays and trust in Heavenly Father, she can stop. At the end, I was like, " En fete, let's throw away all your cigarettes you have right now." At first she was hesitant, but then she jumped up, ran upstairs to get them, came and threw them in the trash while saying, "No more smoking!" We all kinda cheered after, but she was so happy. her smile was huge. We are going to continue to pray for her. Saturday we left hearts on her door that had scriptures and just showed our love and confidence in her ability to quit. I know she can do it. We are continuing to work with her. I love Melissa so much.

One thing I have been really studying this week is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I want you all to know that I know that He is my Savior. He atoned for my sins. He atoned for all of us. The sorrows, the pains, the burdens, everything. I read a talk by James E. Faust and he said, "I often wonder how many of those drops of blood I caused the Savior to shed?" I wonder the same thing. I am encompassed with gratitude and love for Him. He is my rock and my Salvation. My Lord and my Redeemer. I love Him so much and have such a testimony of His infinite sacrifice. Through Him, everything bad is made good again. I know that is true down to the most bottom part of my heart. 

I love this Gospel so much. i am so grateful to be serving the people of France. They are stubborn and I love them so much. They are God's children. I love you all so much and I hope you all have a wonderful week starting school!

Love, Sister Roberts

P.S. Happy Labor Day! :)