April 23, 2019

Bonjour mes amis! So a lot happened this week! Lots and lots of lessons including two new finds! We had a missionary from the ward come home from her mission in New York! Sister Lucas. She is so awesome! We got to go to her homecoming party. It was really revitalizing to see her with her family so happy. I am so looking forward to that! But until then, I have a work to do! And man is it going by fast! We were supposed to have transfer calls on Saturday, but for whatever reason, they postponed them to last night! Sister Atwood and I will be staying together here in Laval! I am so happy! I love it here. I love the members, I love our aims, I love my sister! I am so excited for another great learning transfer! I learned a lot about myself this transfer and what I am capable to do. I am finally beginning to be comfortable with understanding French. It still takes some concentration, but it's coming quick! I have had to exercise a LOT of courage and faith this transfer. It has been downright hard sometimes! But my Savior was there. He gave me tender mercies, and strength to continue on more times than I could count. I felt such a great appreciation for him and his suffering and atoning for me. I don't know how he did it. I crumble so easily under pressure and trial, but He didn't. I am so grateful that he didn't. In the beginning of Preach my Gospel, there is a part where it says something along the lines of "whether they understand it or not, people NEED the peace and healing that comes through Christ's atoning sacrifice" They NEED the hope. So many people I talk to brush off this invitation of the restored gospel so quickly, without stopping to consider how it could change them. It can change everything. I know that because I have seen it. The people who take that tiny step of faith to just listen, and then act find joy unlike anything they have ever experienced. And it changes them. It changes their lives. It changes everything. People don't realize it, but they NEED the gospel. So that is the question that I have been really pondering this week. How can I help people to see why they need it? I was reading this talk that elder Uchtdorf gave at a missionary conf. He told the story of an elder who was fearless. the elder said, "we are told to be bold, but not over bearing. Over bearing is to be bold without love. But if people can truly feel that you love them, you can never be too bold." I LOVE that! It all starts with love. When we love them, they will be more likely to listen and also to act. So I want to encourage you this week, pray for the help to love people. ALL people. And then, go do something about it. The love you feel for someone won't do them a bit of good if you don't effectively show it. As we do this, I know that opportunities will arise that you never expected, from people you would never expect. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know he gets me. I know that he loves me personally. I feel it strongest as I am serving and loving God's children. I sure love my savior so much! I hope that all of you had the most wonderful Easter! I love you all! love, Soeur Bates