Last week I didn’t even bother telling you that transfers
were coming up. I had just arrived here in Charleroi and figured I would stay
here … wrong. I got a phone call Monday telling me that I would be leaving
early Wednesday morning for PARIS! My head is still spinning … wait, I just got
here! And not only that, but I’ve really started loving it here!
I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve
with Sœur Gordon. She is still relatively new in the mission but works like a
horse. She is so bold, but loving, with the people we teach and meet, it’s
incredible! I will really miss working with her as we have grown so close by “whitewashing”
here in Charleroi. She has so much faith and I know she will continue to get
big things going here in this city. As for me, another part of my heart will be
left in Charleroi. I will never be able to forget the inspiring people here
that have changed my life. I am headed to the heart of France - PARIS - to find
that family I know the Lord is preparing for me!
My penpal, Camille, and her family drove an hour and a half
to come visit me on my preparation day (Pday) on Monday! They are so wonderful
and have truly become my family. Sœur Gordon was able to meet them and we were
able to have a wonderful time eating pizza together at a nice Italian
restaurant just down the street from where we live. Afterwards, I was able to
take them to the church building not too far away and give them a tour. My
heart filled with joy as I showed them the many paintings of Christ that line
the walls, the little nursery and primary rooms for children on Sundays as well
as the many other classrooms. Camille’s mom asked so many questions and really
seemed interested. As we entered the chapel, there was such a reverence and
strong spirit as I explained the sacred ordinance (the sacrament) we partake of
each Sunday to renew our baptismal covenants. It was so neat being able to
testify to them of living prophets and the importance the gospel plays in my
life! I know they are being prepared to accept the gospel one day when they are
fully ready. It was sad saying goodbye to them, but it was also such a blast
being able to see them and share with these special people my testimony of the
gospel.
Sœur Gordon and I saw another week of miracles. It’s crazy
thinking back just six weeks ago when I first arrived here in Charleroi. This
change and transfer has come sooner than I could have imagined, but I can
honestly say that I gave it my all here. I don’t understand why I am needed in
Paris, but I know that our mission president is an inspired man of God.
I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.
There is nothing that brings me greater joy. Continue to share it with your
friends! This is the greatest work there is!
“And if it so be that
you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and
bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the
kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you
have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy
if you should bring many souls unto me!” Doctrine & Covenants 8:15-16
Do you want an inside scoop on the daily life of a missionary?
Check out this link at lds.org to find out for yourself!
I love you all!
Sœur Madeline Vance
