Bonjour tout le monde!
Here I am on my first preparation day in Switzerland! Its nice because here there are several computers at theLausanne chapel (our chapel is in Renens, but its is right next to Lausanne which is a bigger city and there are two equipes (companionships) there as well. We live with the sister equipe at our apartment in Renens, and there is also an equipe of Elders in Lausanne. This is a new experience for me because Soeur Paoli and I are the only missionaries in our ward and there were seven in Montpellierand six in Dijon.
Ok so Switzerland! I am truly having a unique missionary experience, aren't I? It has been taking some getting used to when I contact people to remember that I am not inFrance anymore, and although there are certain things that are similar, it is certainly a different country! First of all, there are people from EVERYWHERE! Seriously,Switzerland is the melting pot of the world. In one week, I have encountered people who speak Slovakian, German, Swiss German, English, Creole, Hindi, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Turkish, Spanish, Italian, and I'm sure there are tons more. There were scriptures in 4 different languages in our gospel principles class on Sunday! Speaking of languages, I will now answer the ever popular question 'How is sister Waldron's French??' I'm sorry I've kind of left you in the dark on this one, I never really know what to say because I don't know it seems prideful or something but the French is coming a long great. I know that the Lord has blessed me, at least to some degree, with the gift of tongues, and it is literally amazing to look back at how much French I knew five months ago compared to today. I can understand more than I can speak, but that is normal I think, and I am often the recipient of kind words from others about my French abilities. I have A LOT more to learn, sometimes I feel like I use the same words over and over, but I know that I am already improving a ton, seeing as I have to speak in French all day with my companion. Also, pretty much everyone in the ward speaks Spanish...ok not everyone but there are a lot of people from South America here...even from Peru! Spencer will be happy to know that one of them knows Los Olivos in Lima!
Its been a very interesting new start this week, a change of culture, a change of companions, just a lot of change. Change is good, although I must admit I miss Montpellier at times. I realized that I had an address to give Soeur Madsen for someone that lives in Sete, and so this was a great excuse to call her haha. And oh what glorious news she had for me! Mussole has decided to be baptized the 10th of March (it was the third, then the 17th, and then I guess he settled on a happy medium) Also, the last lesson Sr Madsen and I taught together (Sr Lemire was on a split with someone else) was with a young man named Ivan. It was probably the best lesson we have ever taught together, or at least a really good one. Anyway, I guess they have had another rendezvous with him since, and he came to church, and he has set the date to be baptized the same day as Mussole! BEAUTIFUL! Oh man, what joy it brings me to know that good things are happening in that beautiful place inSouthern France! And what hope it gives me too because right now things are kind of slow here in Renens, but I just remember how things started out in Montpellier and I know there is that same potential here. Bring it on!
Yes, it is cold, but you really can't predict the weather much, yesterday it snowed, rained, and was sunshiney. There are winds coming from Sibera or something and its been all over Europe...I honestly don't really know, all I know is that we are out there rain or shine and that it is a normal occurance to lose feeling in my extremities. Ha. Don't worry though, I am ok! Really! I am well taken care of, and all is good.
Mommy, the flower was from a weed near a bus stop. Ha. Isn't it pretty?
Well, I need to go and do some more work in the Lord's Vineyard. Thank your for your love and support. Thank you for praying for us and our amis (keep praying for Mussole! and also our ami Ana, and Tonino, and just everyone, ha!)
Alright, I need to go. Have a wonderful week, ok?
Also! I am sending a flash drive of pictures tomorrow. Sorry its taken forever!
I know that God lives, He is our Father in Heaven and He loves us exactly as we are. He wants us to be happy, and to return and live with Him again. That is why He sent His Only Begotten Son to atone for us, and to provide us the way.
Lets all have a happy week!
Soeur Waldron
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