June 4, 2019

Salut!! This week was super full of ups and downs. We had some pretty rough moments at the beginning, but then everything got better from there! We got transfer calls and I will be leaving dear old Laval and going to Ottawa!! I am also going to be a sister training leader (STL) so that's terrifying! I am so excited to get the opportunity to work with all the lovely sisters there! I am sad that I won't be in a French speaking area anymore. I really hope I don't lose it all! But I know that I am not here to learn French, but to bring others to Christ through the restored gospel. I think that it will be refreshing for me to teach people in English. That will be a major stress taken off of my shoulders haha! I think I will be able to better develop the teaching skills that got a little muddled in the language. It will be so good. I am so excited for the change! We had a lot of goodbye lessons with a lot of our amis yesterday too. There are so many friends here that I just love with all of my heart! My favorite was with Lourdia. She has been going through some difficulties, but I was able to testify that Christ is ready and willing to help her, but that she needs to be willing and ready to follow him. The spirit was strong. Nothing like leaving an area to bring the courage to be bold! It's sad to say goodbye to them when all of your energy over the last few months has gone into them and into helping them progress! But they will be in good hands. And they will forever be in my heart! The time is just flying by! I know that over the next transfer I am going to learn so so much and I know that it will only go by quicker from here! I am so grateful for the last few transfers that I have had here in Laval. This area was a growing area for me, that's for sure. I learned some hard lessons and I was stretched. It wasn't the most pleasant experience at times, but I am grateful for what I learned. I know stronger than ever that this church is true. I know that Christ's way is the most freeing way to live. Satan does a darn good job at convincing us that it's too hard or it's less fun, or that we aren't worthy. But he's a liar. To follow Christ brings more freedom and joy and peace than anything this world could offer. I know this is true. I hope that each one of you are seeing the blessings of the Lord each day. I promise they are many. As always, thank you for your prayers and support. I love you all! A le prochaine semaine! soeur Bates