Dear Mom, Dad, and Family,
First of all, Happy New Year! Or, as they say it here: Bonne Année! On New Year’s Eve we went to bed at our usual 10:30, but at midnight we were awakened by the bursts of fireworks coming from all directions. Then there was the music blasting until 4am, and then finally the world went to sleep. We didn't get the best night's rest, but luckily for us, we were not allowed to go working on New Years (I suppose it has something to do with fermented spirits that the majority of people had consumed the night before, and the behaviors they incite), so we were able to take a nap later in the day. Naps are golden here, since an occasion for one is scarce. I was listening to a John Bytheway CD a month or so ago in our car in Paita (John Bytheway is not contraband, I promise) and he was saying something about the destruction that alcoholism causes. He said that we all fought so boldly and with such great force in the premortal life for the precious gift of free agency and even a third of Heavenly Father's children were lost to Lucifer in this fight, and then these people that fought so valiantly for this agency come to earth just to give up that prized gift to a bottle.
The New Year was good. The day before, the 31st, was Soeur Swapp's birthday and I woke up early, made her a cake, decorated the bathroom mirror with some "happy birthday" wishes. That night we went to the chapel for what the elders said was a "rehearsal" of sorts, but I was on the in; they had planned a little celebration for Soeur Swapp because she had made it clear in the last 3 district meetings that her birthday was coming. The Mautz's were there and some of our amis. The elders started singing some Christmas songs and Soeur Swapp seemed confused, and then the elders sang "Joy to the World" but changed the words to: Joy to the world, Soeur Swapp is come... (in French it works better). She laughed and then understood. We ate pizza and cake and had a lovely little party. Now, imagine this: The elders had ordered this one pizza that has crème fraîche instead of pizza sauce and has diced potatoes, bacon and hard-boiled eggs on top. You wouldn't think so, but it was SO good! I will make for you all someday - be ready to open your culinary eyes.
January 1st was not only New Years and Dad's birthday, but it was also my halfway mark. Soeur Swapp told me that she was going to make me a sign saying "Halfway!" or something like that, but the night before I expressed my dismay at being at my halfway mark and she decided that it wouldn't be a good idea. I am a little depressed that I am halfway finished with my mission. I decided, on New Years, to set some good goals for the last 9 months of my mission. Oh, even typing that, "last half of my mission," brings tears to my eyes. I just want to work harder and be better. I have come to love this glorious work more than anything. On New Year’s we weren't able to go out and teach and I felt a little useless, and it is true what they say about working - work, and specifically missionary work, banishes all selfish thoughts and desires and opens your heart to greater views on life. I love getting lost in this holy work - I feel like I find who I truly am in serving others (like Mt. 16:25 says), and I feel Heavenly Father's presence close. I just want to be good and always be obedient.
On Wednesday last week we had a great street contact with this group of girls as we were walking home. One of the girls was a person we contacted last Sunday up by Malia's apartment. Her name is Cassandre, and we were about to take a short cut to go home (since it was getting to be dark) when we saw the group of girls and decided to go talk to them. They were interested in who we were and where we were from (thanks to the accent that will never go away. sigh). They gladly accepted two brochures that talk about the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation, and they were very curious about what we believe in and what we teach. They sat down there on the side of the road to listen to us. Cassandre said that she had read the brochure that we had given to her on Sunday evening but that she had a problem at the end of the brochure because it asked questions and gave references to find the responses in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. She said she couldn't answer all of them because she didn't have "that one book.” We asked if she liked to have a Book of Mormon and she said yes. We explained what the Book of Mormon was and all the girls said that they would like to have a copy (there were 5 girls ages 17 - 22). Cassandre said she was interested to read the book and asked if she could walk back to our apartment to get a copy of one but then she said it was probably getting too late. She asked if we could come by the next day, and so the next day we loaded our backpacks with a few Book of Mormons (a blessed burden indeed) and hiked up to Cassandre's where she was waiting for us. It was just her and she said she would give the others to the other girls. She seemed thrilled to have the book and we can't wait to call her and set up another rendez-vous to see what she read and hopeful explain the story of how we have the Book of Mormon today and the Restoration. Wow, isn't this a glorious work! I am amazed by the experiences we have, even if some days are difficult. In the moment we don't always see the hand of the Lord, but in retrospect it is so clear that He is there leading us along and putting us in people's path. There is no greater joy than to know that you are an instrument in the Lord's hands.
Well, that is all I have time for this week although it seems as though I could write a huge letter for every day that passes here! Know that I love you all. I pray for your continued well-being and excellence. You are inspirations to me in all that you do and strive for. I am blessed to have each one of you in my life. I don't deserve the blessings that I receive everyday, but how thankful I am for them. I will work hard this week. I know you all will too.
Au lundi prochain!
Love,
Soeur Cummins
First of all, Happy New Year! Or, as they say it here: Bonne Année! On New Year’s Eve we went to bed at our usual 10:30, but at midnight we were awakened by the bursts of fireworks coming from all directions. Then there was the music blasting until 4am, and then finally the world went to sleep. We didn't get the best night's rest, but luckily for us, we were not allowed to go working on New Years (I suppose it has something to do with fermented spirits that the majority of people had consumed the night before, and the behaviors they incite), so we were able to take a nap later in the day. Naps are golden here, since an occasion for one is scarce. I was listening to a John Bytheway CD a month or so ago in our car in Paita (John Bytheway is not contraband, I promise) and he was saying something about the destruction that alcoholism causes. He said that we all fought so boldly and with such great force in the premortal life for the precious gift of free agency and even a third of Heavenly Father's children were lost to Lucifer in this fight, and then these people that fought so valiantly for this agency come to earth just to give up that prized gift to a bottle.
The New Year was good. The day before, the 31st, was Soeur Swapp's birthday and I woke up early, made her a cake, decorated the bathroom mirror with some "happy birthday" wishes. That night we went to the chapel for what the elders said was a "rehearsal" of sorts, but I was on the in; they had planned a little celebration for Soeur Swapp because she had made it clear in the last 3 district meetings that her birthday was coming. The Mautz's were there and some of our amis. The elders started singing some Christmas songs and Soeur Swapp seemed confused, and then the elders sang "Joy to the World" but changed the words to: Joy to the world, Soeur Swapp is come... (in French it works better). She laughed and then understood. We ate pizza and cake and had a lovely little party. Now, imagine this: The elders had ordered this one pizza that has crème fraîche instead of pizza sauce and has diced potatoes, bacon and hard-boiled eggs on top. You wouldn't think so, but it was SO good! I will make for you all someday - be ready to open your culinary eyes.
January 1st was not only New Years and Dad's birthday, but it was also my halfway mark. Soeur Swapp told me that she was going to make me a sign saying "Halfway!" or something like that, but the night before I expressed my dismay at being at my halfway mark and she decided that it wouldn't be a good idea. I am a little depressed that I am halfway finished with my mission. I decided, on New Years, to set some good goals for the last 9 months of my mission. Oh, even typing that, "last half of my mission," brings tears to my eyes. I just want to work harder and be better. I have come to love this glorious work more than anything. On New Year’s we weren't able to go out and teach and I felt a little useless, and it is true what they say about working - work, and specifically missionary work, banishes all selfish thoughts and desires and opens your heart to greater views on life. I love getting lost in this holy work - I feel like I find who I truly am in serving others (like Mt. 16:25 says), and I feel Heavenly Father's presence close. I just want to be good and always be obedient.
On Wednesday last week we had a great street contact with this group of girls as we were walking home. One of the girls was a person we contacted last Sunday up by Malia's apartment. Her name is Cassandre, and we were about to take a short cut to go home (since it was getting to be dark) when we saw the group of girls and decided to go talk to them. They were interested in who we were and where we were from (thanks to the accent that will never go away. sigh). They gladly accepted two brochures that talk about the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation, and they were very curious about what we believe in and what we teach. They sat down there on the side of the road to listen to us. Cassandre said that she had read the brochure that we had given to her on Sunday evening but that she had a problem at the end of the brochure because it asked questions and gave references to find the responses in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. She said she couldn't answer all of them because she didn't have "that one book.” We asked if she liked to have a Book of Mormon and she said yes. We explained what the Book of Mormon was and all the girls said that they would like to have a copy (there were 5 girls ages 17 - 22). Cassandre said she was interested to read the book and asked if she could walk back to our apartment to get a copy of one but then she said it was probably getting too late. She asked if we could come by the next day, and so the next day we loaded our backpacks with a few Book of Mormons (a blessed burden indeed) and hiked up to Cassandre's where she was waiting for us. It was just her and she said she would give the others to the other girls. She seemed thrilled to have the book and we can't wait to call her and set up another rendez-vous to see what she read and hopeful explain the story of how we have the Book of Mormon today and the Restoration. Wow, isn't this a glorious work! I am amazed by the experiences we have, even if some days are difficult. In the moment we don't always see the hand of the Lord, but in retrospect it is so clear that He is there leading us along and putting us in people's path. There is no greater joy than to know that you are an instrument in the Lord's hands.
Well, that is all I have time for this week although it seems as though I could write a huge letter for every day that passes here! Know that I love you all. I pray for your continued well-being and excellence. You are inspirations to me in all that you do and strive for. I am blessed to have each one of you in my life. I don't deserve the blessings that I receive everyday, but how thankful I am for them. I will work hard this week. I know you all will too.
Au lundi prochain!
Love,
Soeur Cummins
this is where we run in the mornings.
happy birthday to my companion
the surprise party
