Helllooo hello from the newest 22 year old on this side of the world. My birthday was the best birthday to date, and here is the reason why:
Prisca got baptized!!!! It was the most beautiful day. Before the baptism Souer Bitt and I were so antsy and nervous and couldn't sit still all morning. And then we went to the gare and met her and her family and then walked to the church to get ready. She was cool as a cucumber and so excited to get baptized. Her husband came, and it was the first time we had met him. He is seriously so. awesome. They are a rockstar couple with two little girls, and by the end of the day he had asked for a Book of Mormon. As she got baptized, I really felt the strongest confirmation of the truth of the gospel, and of God's love for Prisca. It was franchement, the most wonderful week of my mission. On Friday we went and had a big delicious African meal at Prisca's house — fish and plantains and spicy things. It was the best! As we were all at her house sitting around the table talking and laughing and listening to African gospel music, I just had the fullest joy. I love that we found this amazing friend who was just prepared for the gospel. Teaching her was such a privilege. She is such a light, and I felt so lucky to have met her and been able to share the gospel with her.
A few fun moments of the baptism day:
— we witnessed a three year old literally rip the entire fire extinguisher off of the wall right by the font. The case and all. Plaster was coming out.
— Us spelling Prisca's last name wrong on the program. And Aline's last name.
— Being followed around by the LamYams all day. Not complaining. Cutest Asian kids I have ever seen.
— Blowing bubbles with Prisca's kids in the hall (thanks E!) and spilling them all over the floor.
That night was the ward party and it was such a fete. Elder Angel and I sang 'Hallelujah' and he played the guitar, and then we had a big meal all together. I love this ward so much — the cute LamYam kids who are our shadows, the quirky tiny, classic French woman who is a huge Metallica fan (never saw that coming), my bestest friend Aline who is like a sister now — they are and always will be such wonderful memories. Spending almost six months here has been such a blessing. I have come to know and love these people.
In big news: I am being transferred! Other big news: I will be whitewash training in a ville called Nancy in the east. I was not expecting that at all. That's what I get for thinking I was going to get a break and not be training. We got the call last night pretty late, and they usually call to tell you if you are training a little earlier so I thought I was safe. And then the phone rang, and it was the APs and my heart sank and voila. Not only am I training, but I am opening up a new ville. I am nervous about knowing absolutely nothing about the city and the thought of figuring out a new transportation system is a little daunting. But it will be an adventure! I have seen the West of France, le Centre, and now I get to go see what's up in the East.
For my birthday I gave a talk in church (best birthday present ever, right?) and went and had dinner with the Prunin's (she made us amazing Ecuadorian food and I had a watermelon cake.) and then we fed the swans with the Elders (yes, a comical way to celebrate your 22nd birthday. As one member put it, "I think you are the only 22 year old in the world who is feeding birds for your birthday." Bienvenue to the life of a missionary.) and then we taught a lesson.
This weekend I felt so full. My heart felt complete and whole and I know it was because I was able to be a witness in the conversion of an amazing person, and also to be surrounded by my family away from family here in France. I have loved Melun, despite it's ups and downs and good and bad, and it will always hold a little bit of my heart. Especially after training here with Lil' Bitter. We were a great pair and we saw the greatest miracles together.
And noooowwww I get to go see Elizabeth and John!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited and cannot wait. And then Bitter and I are celebrating my birthday by going to the Paris Aquarium! Birds and fish. C'est normale, oui?
I love you. News from the East of France coming your way next week.
xo,
Olivia
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