Reflection Time
Something new that Sœur Erichsen and I decided to do this transfer is have a nightly routine we call Reflection Time. What we do is get ready for bed at about 21h50 (9:50pm) and when it's 22h00 (10:00pm) we relax for 30 minutes and go to bed. During the 30 minutes you do something that will get you relaxed before you go to bed and that can be reading scriptures, writing in your journal, listening to peaceful music while lying in bed, or having a good conversation with your companion. We did that for a full week and it really, really, REALLY helps and makes a difference when you're stressed or exhausted! I highly suggest it to those of you who are serving missions and to family and friends at home too I guess hahaha come and join in on the relaxation!
Last week was pretty decent. Since there wasn't a change between Sœur Erichsen and I, not much happened but half of our district changed. We have a new elder here in Rouen and we have two new soeurs in Le Havre who are in the same transfer as me so it's definitely going to be a party with them and I'm excited to have them all in the district! Other than that I'm still here in Rouen with the same awesome comp for six more weeks and it'll be interesting because Sœur Erichsen will be hitting her year mark this transfer...that'll be me next transfer...uh oh...MOVING ON!
C_____ passed the baptismal interview on Tuesday! She's ready to be baptized this Saturday! I'm so excited for her! When we met with her on Thursday, she told us that she is ready for a new chapter in her life and that she has so much faith than she used to before. Her progression has been incredible to watch. Two weeks ago, she was still smoking 6 cigarettes and we told her that she had to stop smoking completely before her interview with our district leader which would be 4 days later. She got a little stressed about that but we told her that we would fast and pray for her to stop smoking completely. Fast forward 4 days later to Tuesday of last week where I could not stop pacing back and forth in the church hallway as C_____ was in the bishop's office having her interview with our district leader. We had no idea if she stopped smoking or not so that kept us on pretty nervous. When they came out, C_____ looked pretty happy and our district leader told us that she passed! I felt like I could melt into a puddle right then and there! She is such an amazing person! After she left the church, our district leader told us that C_____ made the decision to stop smoking after our rendezvous on that Friday, it's been hard for her but she has been pulling through miraculously! It's astounding to know how aware Heavenly Father is. All He wants is for us to do our parts as missionaries and from that point on, He'll do the rest. He has been helping C_____ on her journey to join His fold of sheep.
We taught our ami T_____ about the Plan of Salvation and he was very intrigued by it because he has a family of his own and it's very easy to see how much they mean to him. He wants us to meet them soon so hopefully within the next couple of weeks we'll have a chance to see them and teach them a fun lesson! We told him that when we come over we would bring banana bread for them to try! Banana bread is not a thing here in France so when we mention it to people they get a little weirded out by it, but when they taste the bread itself, it's like they are in a new world of food. We're even planning on bringing some banana bread to C_____’s baptism because the members are really curious about it. I came to find out on the mission how crazy French people are about simple American things like brownies, cookies, cakes, breads, etc. you name it. I guess the way to win a French person's heart is by giving them homemade American baked goods so voila quoi!
Yesterday, I had another opportunity to go to the temple in Versailles! I just can't get enough of the temple! The ward actually had an activity going on so we had the chance to go once more. It was snowing as well and the temple was still glowing as ever in the night as small snowflakes fell down. We got to hear a testimony from a recent convert in the ward and what I liked about it was that it was simple and very meaningful. She also gave Sœur Erichsen and I ride to Versailles so it was a fun 1 hour 40 minute ride with her! After the program we were able to walk around in the gardens and we got a picture with our ward mission leader and his wife at the Christus. That guy and his wife are literally one of my favorite couples in the ward! He's a pretty funny guy too as you can see in the picture I attached.
When we taught the Plan of Salvation to T_____, it reminded me of how grateful I am to have a plan like that in my life. It gives me a purpose in this life and I know that whatever comes my way, is Heavenly Father's plan for me. We learn from our mistakes and rejoice from the blessings we get. I know that Heavenly Father will guide us in the way He wants us to go. He loves us infinitely and wants us to turn to Him.
Have a great week everybody! I love and miss you all!
Love,
Sœur Hopkinson
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