Bordeaux, Eysines Week #3

Famille,

Wow. I cannot begin to express to you how much I enjoyed conference. If you didn't get enough member missionary work talks in the Saturday afternoon session, I don't know where else you would! Are you taking Elder Ballard's advice? Do it! :)

So on Monday we were able to meet with M. It was short and we ate lunch too. She asked us about the Word of Wisdom, specifically coffee and tea. She, like many people, struggled with completely giving coffee up. She admitted that she likes her coffee and understands that it can be addictive but she believes it should be okay every once and a while. We testified that you can't know or understand why we have these commandments unless you act and then pray about them. She said she would do that and  also read a couple pages in the Book of Mormon :) she has a lot of potential. M is so logical and willing, but we haven't been able to see her since then, which makes me worried. It is so easy to get lost after the first couple lessons. Satan works hard on the people like M. We'll see.

Tuesday we were able to teach an investigator from like 2 transfers ago, X. He is 37 years old and went into the film/comedy career path when he was in college. He expresses to us how he regrets that. He yearns for a family and for happiness. He has guilt that he want to be gone. he told us how he just wants peace in his life and happiness. Golden. We have all the answers. So we discussed a lot. We told him about the Atonement, and read in Alma 7 and 34. He asked why Christ had to suffer. He seems to understand a lot, but he also seems to lack the desire to really change. He is catholic, had is first communion, everything, but obviously he hasn't been satisfied with that. He wants to be happy, but I fear he doesn't have the motivation to make the necessary changes to get that complete happiness he so earnestly wants. I guess the first lessons he had before he was completely against baptism. Now he is slowly easing into it. He is a  very logical person. he is afraid of "feeling" the spirit because he said that is why he regrets so many of his choices. He is a complicated guy, very intelligent, we just need to help him undertsand  the need for a restoration, the need to be baptized into THIS church. He actually came to General Conference. He talked to us about Dallin H. Oaks talk and wants to rewatch President Monson's talk. X will get there. Slowly, maybe, but he will.

I met an old ami on Monday at English class named L that they dropped just a week before I got here. I asked her if we could see her Wednesday. We met with her on wednesday anyway and I shared with her a spiritual thought on 2 Nephi 25:26. She was touched. L knows the church is true, but she doesn't want to change. She feels comfortable staying catholic because it's like home for her. She is from el salvador so it's pretty foreign here. The catholic church reminds her of home.

We also were able to meet with a recent convert R and I, who are on the edge of  becoming less active. I want to continue working with them and hopefully teach their friends! who knows!

Zone conference was friday and was really great.President Roney talked about having conversations with people. He said just go and talk to them with the mind set that you just want to become their friend, then bring in the gospel. Be personable and loving. The Paris mission tripled their baptisms this past transfer. Why? Are they better than us? No. But they don't let stereotypes of a tough European mission get them down. I feel like that is a big reason why European missions don't baptize as much. Because we assume we won't be able to as much anyway. Open your mouth and have faith. It's like what Elder Dyches said in conference. Faith precedes the miracles. Faith is absolutely neccessary. It was a great conference.

Speaking of conference, general conference was incredible. I had never been so excited for something in my life. To hear the words of a living Prophet. I loved what President Monson said. I loved all the talks. We are so so blessed to have this wonderful opportunity.

I also finished the Book of Mormon like I had wanted. When i read the last words of Moroni and closed the book, i was overwhelmed with the assurance that that book is true; it is the most true book in all the world. I know it is true. Read it. Treasure its words. It is an incredible blessing to have it.

I want you all to know that I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. I know that this church is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. It is His church and we teach His principles and doctrines. I love my Savior. Like President Monson said, He is there when we are happy and sad. He is there always, wanting to help us. He loves us. We are so important to him. "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your fears." I love you all so much. the Gospel is true.

Love Soeur Roberts