Monday, January 18, 2010

93rd and LAST email from France

Hey are you there? We are at the mission bureau. It’s so fun being here with all the ones I came out with. We are having a good time! I just finished my interview and I’ve been trying to throw out all the things I’m not going to need because my bags weigh a little too much. I don’t want write a lot. I’ll see you tomorrow! I’m really excited about coming home- everyone is. Also, do you know if they will weigh my carry-on bag?? I hope not!

Monday, January 11, 2010

92nd email from France (Albi)

Hey Everyone,
We had a good week, lots of snow! Everyone is acting a little crazy about it all but it is cool because from what I hear it doesn’t snow very often in the area. We spent the whole weekend in Toulouse which was really fun. We did an exchange starting Friday night but when we were ready to go back to Albi the trains were all canceled and we were stuck there. The branch president called to tell us that church was canceled in Albi so we decided to stay in Toulouse because they were still able to have church but it was still just one hour and not alot of people came. I guess it was alot easier for them because alot of people come on the metro and there is a stop not too far from the church. We finally got back to Albi around six but even for that train we had to wait around for a long time because the first one we wanted to take was canceled. So this week we had a really cool miracle and found a really cool family. So Wednesday we had to go to Toulouse for our zone formation meeting. We had set a rendez vous in a town called Castre for just after so instead of going back to Albi from Toulouse we headed to Castre. About half way through our train stops at a station in a little town called Lavour and from what they told everyone it wouldn’t restart so everyone had to get off of the train and they called busses to come and pick up all of the passengers to bring them the rest of the way. While waiting for the bus everyone was lined up outside and we started casually talking to the people around us. There was one really nice family, well it was a younger couple, a younger kid then an older lady. After about ten minutes the lady asked us if there was still a church in Castes. We told her where it was in Albi and that the church in Castres had been closed for a few years. She said she was baptized about twenty years ago in the north of France and was never even put into our member records here in Albi. Her son was really young when she was active in the church but is now very open and interested to talk to us. We have already taught them one time and hopefully again this week. The rendez vous went super well and they were happy to follow the engagements we left them. The coolest part is that they really see that it wasn’t by chance that our train broke down and we met each other anyways. They are already progressing well and seem to love everything the church teaches. Me and Elder Newell were pretty excited because the last few weeks have been a little slow even though we have been working really hard. So I only have one week left. It’s really weird to think about. I am really excited to see all y’all again and also I’m excited to see Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea.
I went shopping again today but I didn’t really buy very much. It’s hard to explain there isn’t much here that you can’t buy anywhere else, it just costs alot more here. I would love to buy a bunch of really French stuff but its hard cause it’s just as modern here as anywhere else. I’ll buy some nice chocolate and maybe some cheese if I can. Love y’all, Taylor

Monday, January 4, 2010

91st email from France (Albi)

Hey Everyone,
Piper is finally here, that’s exciting! She’s cute. But it's kinda weird to think that Ivy had a baby and I am now an uncle cause I haven’t really been there. I am excited for that though. This week was good. We had a few really long days but it’s good to say we worked hard. Everything is going good- it’s starting to set in that I don’t have that much time left and that I’ll be with yall again soon. It doesn’t really bother me during the week though just during emails and preparation days. Elder Newell is doing pretty good keeping me concentrated. I did an exchange with Elder Hill, my old comp from Toulouse, and we just talked about home all day so that made me realize how much Newell is helping me stay focused. We have alot of stuff to do the next two weeks so that will make them go by fast. Wednesday we are in Toulouse then again for an exchange this weekend and also we are doing another exchange with the Montauban elders Tuesday of next week. So with all that, wow it’s all kind of unreal. Everything I did before I came to France seems like a big pre-existence memory. I am excited to go back to normal life though. Well, I’ve said enough about going home I guess. I do still have two weeks. Church was good again. There weren’t many people there. Actually alot of people haven’t come since the Arnolds left. I hope it’s not for that same reason. We would love to go out and see all the people they saw and taught but it’s just not possible without a car. We’re trying to start working with members though even though its hard. This week we didn’t really see any members since at church the Sunday before which kind of makes for a lonely week but we have a few things planned for the next few days so I hope that all works out. The New Year’s pictures look cool. Everyone is so much different.
I don’t have any pictures today but I think I’ll just make you wait. Also, I have tons you haven’t seen on memory cards but don’t get too excited, I think I sent most of the good ones!
I’ll see you soon! Love y’all, Taylor