Me at the beautiful Rouen Cathedral
We also had a fabulous lunch paid for by the program. Chris was gracious enough to finish off his plate, then mine. Then Karin's. Then Kate's. How kind of him!
This is where Joan of Arc was kept prisoner before her death. Look at those big windows! How luxurious.
Our best work yet.Then on Thursday I got a visit from my dad and my brother John! It was so good to see them here. My dad was meeting with some clients in Amsterdam so he thought he'd stop on by Paris to see his daughter and of course to buy some chocolate as well. I stuffed our itinerary full of the best chocolate shops and bakeries. We visited Pierre Herme, Jean-Paul Hevin, Michel Cluizel, La Maison du Chocolat, Laduree, Poilane, Amorino Gelato, and a few other favorites. As far as sight seeing goes, We went to the Jardin du Luxemboug, l'Eglise de la Madeleine, Chapelle Saint-Sulpice, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. I didn't go with John and my dad to the Eiffel Tower though because I had other exciting plans...
So on Sunday night...we were lucky enough to be able to hear from Dallin H. Oaks! He was in Europe doing a couple a missionary meetings and young single adult firesides. He spoke at the Versailles chapel and we got there 2 hours early to get good seats. We were in the second row! It was a really great experience to hear from such a great man. Also his wife spoke and Elder and Sister Payet too. Karin and I decided that we want to be just like Sister Oaks when we grow up! She is such a sweet lady and she has an amazing spirit and enthusiasm for the gospel.
Elder Oaks didn't really know what to talk to us about. He said that he had been thinking and praying about it a lot, but none of his ideas really felt right. He wasn't hungry, he wasn't tired, he had plenty of time, but he just didn't feel good about any of his planned topics. So he decided to allow a few of the other authorities on the stand to either ask him a question, or call on someone in their stake to ask a question. What an opportunity! We learned from these questions that President Monson is settling into his position as the prophet and president of the church very well. It is obviously a big responsibility, but he is strong and bears it amazingly well! We also learned a little bit about missionary work. He told us four points on how to be an effective member missionary with our friends.
1. Initiate conversations about religion.
2. Bear your testimony.
3. Give reading material.
4. Invite them to our meetings. As Christ said, "Come and see".
Having Oaks here in France and my religion class here have really taught me something about Zion. First of all, we are all part of it! This church is everywhere, in Utah and in France and we are so blessed to know that it is the same everywhere. My friend Brittany told me a couple weeks ago that she was preparing a lesson on feeling the spirit, and then that week in Sunday School we learned about the same thing. I knew that the church keeps everyone on the same schedule for lessons and such, but it is just different to see it in action. Also, in my religion class, I've heard mention of my own ancestors a few times, namely Ferdinand Hintze, and John Browning. Hintze baptized a man named Markow who opened up a lot of areas in Europe for missionary work. It is so cool to be able to hear the names of my predecessors and see how they influenced places half way around the world. Learning and experiencing these things makes me think of Alma 26:37. "God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth."
It is such a blessing to be here in Paris! I know that the Lord wants me to be here so that I can learn all I can about this culture and so I can make friends and memories. I'm so lucky to have a roommate like Karin! She has helped to make this one of the best experience of my life. I have an amazing family and great friends at home, and basically I couldn't ask for anything more!
Elder Oaks didn't really know what to talk to us about. He said that he had been thinking and praying about it a lot, but none of his ideas really felt right. He wasn't hungry, he wasn't tired, he had plenty of time, but he just didn't feel good about any of his planned topics. So he decided to allow a few of the other authorities on the stand to either ask him a question, or call on someone in their stake to ask a question. What an opportunity! We learned from these questions that President Monson is settling into his position as the prophet and president of the church very well. It is obviously a big responsibility, but he is strong and bears it amazingly well! We also learned a little bit about missionary work. He told us four points on how to be an effective member missionary with our friends.
1. Initiate conversations about religion.
2. Bear your testimony.
3. Give reading material.
4. Invite them to our meetings. As Christ said, "Come and see".
Having Oaks here in France and my religion class here have really taught me something about Zion. First of all, we are all part of it! This church is everywhere, in Utah and in France and we are so blessed to know that it is the same everywhere. My friend Brittany told me a couple weeks ago that she was preparing a lesson on feeling the spirit, and then that week in Sunday School we learned about the same thing. I knew that the church keeps everyone on the same schedule for lessons and such, but it is just different to see it in action. Also, in my religion class, I've heard mention of my own ancestors a few times, namely Ferdinand Hintze, and John Browning. Hintze baptized a man named Markow who opened up a lot of areas in Europe for missionary work. It is so cool to be able to hear the names of my predecessors and see how they influenced places half way around the world. Learning and experiencing these things makes me think of Alma 26:37. "God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth."
It is such a blessing to be here in Paris! I know that the Lord wants me to be here so that I can learn all I can about this culture and so I can make friends and memories. I'm so lucky to have a roommate like Karin! She has helped to make this one of the best experience of my life. I have an amazing family and great friends at home, and basically I couldn't ask for anything more!
Sounds like some cool experiences. Hearing Apostles in places other than Utah is quite a treat! Have you found any good spicy hot flaming mustard yet?
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