Vous allez bien? I am writing a little later in the day today because the Internet place in Paita was closed and we had to come down to Nouméa for a dance practice (explanation later) at the Magenta building, and well, voilà, we finished a few mintues ago. We were practicing a Tahitian dance that the sisters will be doing for our Christmas missionary talent night. We will definitely be filming the dance so you can see how terribly these poor hips of mine bounce around.
I hope you are well! I heard that there are some major fires going on in California, and I fear that you won't tell me if you all have been evacuated or not. I hope they aren't affecting us, but knowing Southern California I can't be too sure.
It was a wonderful week here in the field. We had our zone conference on Tuesday where we were edified by the talks that our leaders gave. Mostly just on avoiding pride, being bolder in talking to people, and counsel on how to be better missionaries. I am seeing more and more how much we need to lean on the Lord in this work, how important it is to be clean on the inner vessel and the strength that comes from being fully consecrated. Zone conference is always fortifying; surrounded by a bunch of missionaries who are striving to be their best selves. I am always a little overwhelmed after zone conference though because I see all the things that I need to work on and better in my missionary life. I am trying to take everything day by day though; trying to be the best I can be, the best that the Lord can make me.
On Wednesday we had an appointment with our new investigator Santony, a 19 year young man. He is interested in our message because, although he is Catholique, he doesn't have a very good scriptural base and we perceive that he has the desire to know more and develop his spiritual side. He asked what the 10 commandments were and when we opened to Exodus he asked, "The 10 commandments are in the Bible?" We taught him the message of the Restoration, which I just love sharing. He was very accepting of what we shared with him and he kept asking questions. At the end we found out that his father passed away three years ago and so next time we are going to teach the Plan of Salvation. I know it sounds awful, but when I find out that our investigators have lost a love one I get so excited because then we get to teach them the Plan and give them the hope that they will see their loved ones again and live with them, in joy, for all eternity. That is, of course, if we accomplish the “after all we can do” part.
On Thursday we had to take the Berlingo down to Nouméa to get some repairs, and Elder Mautz and the elders of Kuotio drove us back to our sector. It was pouring rain when they dropped us off at our appointment, and since our car was down in the city all day we were going to be on foot. But, providentially, after our lesson with Madame Baille the rain stopped but the clouds stayed - thus it was just a mild, cloudy day. No sunburn! We walked for about an hour to get to our next appointment, only to find out that she wasn't there. We did some knocking in the area and then ate lunch. There were some workers sitting in the same area as us in the town square when we ate lunch, and they beckoned us over. What a surprise it must have been when we came over and shared the message of the Restoration with them. One of the men actually seemed interested after we talked. We’ll see how that pans out.
On Friday we had our grande planification for next week and ate at the Toyon's for dinner. Their oldest daughter Alicia came back from her studies in France to prepare for her mission - she is awaiting her call. We are excited to have her work with us in Paita while she is home.
On Saturday we had another meeting with Lorenza, who had read her chapter in the Book of Mormon. We taught about the Holy Spirit and how He works and what His function in the Godhead is. She prayed for us at the end. It was heartfelt and since.
On Sunday we had church. Yeah, we thought we’d do something a little different and go to church. J Sacrament meeting was good and it was quieter than usual - a good thing considering our rambunctious branch. Soeur Seiko and I taught about missionary work in gospel principles class, and I shared the story of how Mom was taught by the missionaries at age 17 in England. How very thankful I am for missionary work for that very reason. There was a nice spirit in our class since many of the people in there were found and were taught by missionaries. It is important for each one of us to be missionaries in every way we can.
Just a side note: Mom, thanks for accepting the Gospel and following the Spirit’s promptings. Look where it has brought your family.
After church we taught a lesson, ate, and had a song practice at the Rivière Salée building for our Christmas fireside. I know, it's only September. Then we came home and studied for the night. I was feeling a discourgaed last night - one of the first times since being out here. I am not sure why I was feeling like that. I suppose I see that I need to be more fully consecrated to the work and more single-minded on the glory of God. I know I can be doing more and doing better. I’ll set some goals to help me attain a higher level of dedication.
Before I go, can I just describe a moment I had today? We drove down to the Magenta building, which is right by Magenta plage (the beach). We walked to a store, bought some sandwiches for lunch and walked over and sat under some palm trees/oak trees in the grass on the outskirts of the sand. We sat there in the shade facing the ocean grandness and the wind was blowing gracefully - just enough to push all your hair back. We sat there for a good while, enjoying the ocean scene. I am going to miss this place immensely when the time comes to leave. I still have a year and a little bit left though, so no need to get too sentimental.
I love it here so much. I am eternally grateful for this experience.
I love you all dearly, dearly, dearly. I hope you have a good week, et jusqu'au lundi prochain je vous laisse
Avec tout mon amour,
Soeur Cummins
P.S. Maybe some more exciting stories in the week to come - but maybe it's better if avoid the things that create exciting stories. Hmm...
