February 19, 2019

Salut mes amies! What a week! First of all, CALLING! That is the most exciting news i have ever heard! I just got done talking with my mom and it was such a blessing! This change is so inspired. It was so cool to be able to share my experiences with her about the week. I feel like this is going to help missionaries and families everywhere to really get more and more excited about missionary work! I know I am! We had the coolest experience last night. We were in this neighborhood, doing pass bys and we said hello to this cute girl walking by. She stopped and said, Hey, you're missionaries! I didn't know there were girl ones! Haha. She told us that her brother has been taking lessons with the elders. She told us that she wants to get closer to God. So we gave her our card of course. Then this morning, she texted us! SHE texted us. (That almost never happens people) We are meeting with her on Friday. Her name is Winnie and she is a doll. Such a grande benediction! We have also been very blessed with sunny days this week so we were able to do some street contacting (also, everyone is more friendly when the sun is out). I never thought I would ever feel comfortable going to up to people on the street and talking with them. Now, it doesn't bother me too much. French is continuing to come. I have noticed improvement in my ability to understand. I still have a long ways to go! But its coming. I really can't believe that I am already 1 third of the way done with my mission! It doesn't seem real. The time goes by so quick I cant even believe it. Yesterday, we had dinner and language study with a member and she really reminded me about what a blessing it is to be out here serving a mission. She told us that the feelings she gets when she is around missionaries are close to the same feelings she gets when she is in the temple. That blew me away. There really is so much power in this mantel. I am so grateful and blessed to be here, sharing what i hold so dear to my heart. This has been the best opportunity for me to change and grow. It is helping me get out of my shell, grow my faith and meet new people. My ability to love has grown tremendously. I mean I have met people from, Congo, Cote D,Ivoire, Pakistan, Lebanon, Cambodia, France, Bolivia... There is no way I would have had those opportunities if it weren't for my mission. I have never felt such great joy than from serving these beautiful people. This message saves and it brings a peace to their lives that NOTHING else can, and I get to be the share it with them. wow. I love this work. I know that the field is white and the time is right😉 These are the last days and what an exciting time to be alive. I know that this is the Lord's church, I know that He is the one directing this work. I love Him and I know that He lives. I hope that you all are doing great and finding joy. I love you all so much! Love, soeur Bates