Week 64 (Les Lilas)

This week was more amazing than normal, we had a temple visit and a baptism!

We brought our friend Pacome to the temple on Friday, and it was incredible. We all felt the Spirit so strong. We showed him around the gardens and the Visitor's Center and explained why we have temples and what we do in them. He loved it! And now we're setting a date with him for his baptism.

Speaking of baptism, we had one in our ward on Saturday. The other Elders' friend Reza was baptized and confirmed this weekend! He's a great guy and loves the gospel, and his plan is to baptize his whole family!

Neat miracle that we had this week, we were trying to find someone to come with us to see Annie, a member in the ward. We called the people who normally helped us out, they weren't free. We called other people we thought could help. They weren't free either. Then we got desperate the morning of the rendez-vous, calling every male member we could think of. Nobody. Then as we were losing hope, someone called us back! So we were able to go after all. It goes to show that God really does watch over us and prepares a way for us to succeed. Even if it's a bit tough getting there.

Bon courage!
Elder Wood

Fun photo on the grounds of Versailles. Elder Christensen, Elder D'Anjou, Elder Coryell, Elder Wood, Elder D'Anjou, Elder Coryell, and Elder Christensen!

Gardens of Versailles

With Pacome at the temple Visitors Center

With Pacome in the temple's garden

Looking cool in his borrowed shades

Every missionary's favorite street. I found out that it is in Versailles, near the temple

Food photo: A sundae dessert they were served at a member's home

Rush hour traffic near their apartment. "Nobody was moving."

Week 63 (Les Lilas)

What an amazing, busy week.

We had two exchanges this week, so that was a lot. The first one we did with the Elders in Aulnay, so I went over there with our District Leader, Elder Christensen, and Elder Coryell stayed at home with Elder D'Anjou. It was interesting since it was my first time actually splitting up into both areas. Normally we're too far apart to do that. So it was cool to head to Aulnay just with Elder Christensen and work there with him.

We also did an exchange with the Zone Leaders, which was interesting as well. Nobody went anywhere since we live together in the first place, but Elder Vincenzi and I worked in my half of the ward. And it was great to work with him and get a fresh perspective of how to do things.

Yesterday was a really great day. Of course since it was Sunday, but we also had a cool experience. We had a rdv with someone who wasn't really interested in changing. It was a little frustrating because he didn't even listen to everything we had to say since we was so set in his ways. So to say the least, we were a bit discouraged afterwards.

So why was it a great day then? Because it was then that God chose to bless us with amazing people in our path. On our way home, we had three people talk to US. People NEVER start conversations with us! And these people are all interested to learn more about the restored gospel. One of them even said that he had been looking for a church to go to, so when he saw our nametags with Jésus-Christ written on them, he had to ask us about ours. So that was a testimony to us that God knows and loves us all. He knows what we're going through in our lives, and He is always there ready to bless us when we need it most.

Que Dieu vous bénisse,
Elder Wood

"A cool arch somewhere in Paris" (not the Arc de Triomphe)

Food photo: "Breakfast of Champions" (Pop Tarts from the care package)

Week 62 (Les Lilas)

This week was jam-packed with conferences, which was neat. But it didn't leave time for much else.

First off we had a Tri-Zone Conference with all three Paris zones. We all met and had a great time discussing different topics like sabbath day observance and the Plan of Salvation. Then to finish, Brad Wilcox showed up with his wife and they talked to us! He talked a lot about the gathering of Israel and opened it up to a Q&A at the end. He has so many amazing insights, it was great to get to hear him speak.
(See his famous "His Grace is Sufficient" talk here! https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox/his-grace-is-sufficient/)

We also had the New Missionary Conference for Elder Coryell this Friday. Président Sorensen had all the new missionaries and their trainers come to discuss things pertaining to new missionaries. We reviewed some of the rules, talked about how the mission is hard, and also some motivational/inspirational stuff to help us through that. It was really interesting to see what kinds of things I remembered from when I had mine last year, and also what Président has changed/added since.

Elder Coryell has also been making lots of progress with the language. At the beginning I had to speak most of the time, but now he's starting to understand more. It's a big job to be the companion with better French, especially when you don't actually understand everything that's going on! But God always helps us through our trials, and helps us grow stronger!

Bon courage!
Elder Wood

Group photo of the Tri-Zone conference with Brad Wilcox

With Elder Hicken at Zone Conference (he is from our home stake in Oregon)

Mountain Dew from the care package (his parents went a little overboard bringing treats from the US)

Week 61 (Les Lilas)

What a week! So much has happened it's hard to believe.

First off, my new companion. I got a call Tuesday night from the Assistants telling me that I would be going to the airport the next morning to pick up my companion, that was a surprise! So after Elder Vincenzi arrived, all three of us went over to try and find him. We got a bit turned around actually and went to the wrong side of the airport at first, so then we ran across the whole thing to get to his terminal. But all's well that ends well! He came out and we brought  him home safe and sound.

The rest of the week it's been fun getting  him used to France. His name is Elder Coryell, and he actually has already served 2 transfers in the US. His visa took a while to come in, so he was sent over to Portland, Maine. And it turns out that his trainer there was Elder Ellsworth! The same one from the MTC! Such a small world. So basically, he already sorta knows how to be a missionary, but he isn't used to French. So I'm doing my best to impart of my (limited) knowledge. Luckily though, Elder Vincenzi is a native French speaker so he's a big help.

In other news, this Sunday was fast and testimony meeting, so everyone got the chance to go up and bear their testimony. What was interesting was that it was my turn to translate. So I did my best to understand what was being said, and turn around and say it all in English. Please, if you're ever in a situation where someone has to translate live for you, be courteous and speak slowly and clearly. And also give them the scripture references! Nothing's harder than translating scripture language being read at 90 miles an hour.

And wish me luck with training! Hopefully I do a good enough job with the Lord's help. But I'm sure it will be fine, since nothing is impossible with Him at our side.

À toute à l'heure!
Elder Wood

Welcome to Elder Coryell

Elder Wood and Elder Coryell together at the church building

Saying farewell to Elder Hulet at the train station

"We tried facemasks all together"

Food photo: A delicious pastry