Happy New Year everyone! Soeur Biver and I had a wonderful
Christmas! It was so much fun being able to Skype with my family. Over the
course of my mission, I truly feel as though my love for my family has
deepened. I may be far from them in distance, but I can honestly say that I
have never felt closer to them. I am so grateful for their shining examples and
friendships in my life. They motivate and encourage me to continue to work my
hardest and turn my will over to the Lord.
On Christmas Eve, we ate with the Famille Tancrel. A team of
elders came with us and we ate a traditional meal from Haiti! It was so good
and we truly felt their love as they took the time to open their home to help
us feel the true Christmas Spirit. We played different games together and
laughed over the dinner table as we shared several mission experiences and
shared the various Christmas traditions we do in our respective families.
Marie is one of our progressing amies, and I love her. She
is a 70 year-old woman from Martinique. A couple weeks ago she shared with us
that she would be spending Christmas alone. Her children have moved far away
and don’t spend much time with her. Hearing this broke my heart. For some reason,
it never occurred to me that there really were people out there who spent
Christmas alone, in their homes, with no Christmas tree … nothing … just
spending the day like any other. We went over on Christmas Eve and sang many
Christmas songs and hymns with her. The Spirit entered the room and she had the
biggest smile on her face. We threw Santa hats on at the end and were laughing
so hard together … even though we really had nothing but each other. A few days
later we stopped by to see how she was doing and tears filled her eyes as she
thanked us for helping her have the greatest Christmas ever. She said, "We
had nothing. No big feast, no presents, no fancy clothes or decorations ... all
we had was each other … and that was all we needed. You two have a light within
you that shines. Thank you for sharing that light with me as we celebrated the
birth of our Savior together. This Christmas is one I will never ever
forget."
Just hearing Marie say that made my Christmas season, and it
is something I will never forget. Sharing that moment with her bonded us as
sisters, as daughters of God, in a way that no presents, decorations, or
Christmas lights could.
On Christmas Day we were allowed to sleep in! We slept in
until 8:30am! Haha, it was glorious! We started the morning opening the gifts
we received and had the perfect French breakfast ... crepes. We were then
invited to a members home, the Michaud's, for a Christmas brunch. I was so
touched by their generosity and the way they made us feel at home on such a
special day. As I looked around the room, I saw other members from the ward who
lived alone, and also invited to join with us to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
I was so inspired by their examples and hope I will do the same when I am
older. We ate goat! It was actually pretty good!
Our amies continue to progress and we are seeing so many
miracles. We will be passing them over to the elders as we will both be leaving
the area. I am excited for Soeur Biver to head to her mission in Louisiana! She
will be great!
I know the Savior lives. I know He knows and loves each one
of us. I hope that each of us will strive to stand a little taller, to be a
little better, and to do a little more as this New Year approaches. We can
leave behind our past mistakes and start new when we use the Savior and His atoning
sacrifice in our lives. Let us make resolutions that will help us become more
like Christ … more loving, more unselfish and more service-oriented. Share the
joy that comes from the gospel with those around you … you will never regret
it!
I love you all so much. I will be eternally grateful for the
incredible people I am meeting every day here. It is my last week in Paris … leaving
it better than I found it! Here I come, St. Quentin!
Love
Soeur Madeline Vance
"And Christ truly
said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are
expedient unto me." Moroni 10:23
p.s. We went to the Opera Garnier today for our PDAY... it
was so awesome! That’s where the Phantom of the Opera takes place, as well as
several ballets! Sophia, you would love it!
b
