Tuesday was a full on finding day, as was Wednesday.
Wednesday was a lot more interesting, however, because we went door-to-door finding in a far away area, and the very last door that we knocked on was an old investigator of the missionaries from about 30 years ago. He was very nice and let us right on in to talk. He didn't seem too interested in talking about our religion again, but he sure does want to be friends. Hopefully there is some result from this in the future!
The next day we had a very interesting appointment with Whoopi Goldberg look-a-like, Imma. There is a photo we got with her in my weekly album and it doesn't do her any justice. I swear that in person she looks just like WG. Anyway, she was a riot, but not very interested in our religion, sadly. After that we taught Hilda and her ex-boyf (who she is obviously still friends with) from Pakistan. We watched the Prophet's General Conference talk and discussed it. It went very well and afterwards they even bought us food. It was a successful rendez-vous and we're excited to see where they go.
On Friday we had district council, followed by an all-dessert lunch... This was probs not the wisest decision, but we need to live a little sometimes as missionaries. I made a 3 Chocolate pie, pictures will be shown in album. It was delicious and I was very proud of myself. Then I gave a baptismal interview for a woman, which was extremely awkward because she didn't pass. Never want to do that again, so cringey!
Saturday was great! We had a lunch appointment with a woman in our branch, her in-active husband, and their children. The lunch was a delicious casserole of duck and mashed potatoes. After which we took a walk along the shore. For a while now, Elder Paxman and I have been wanting to go to a beach that is called the "Pink Beach," because pink granite has been formed all along the shoreline. However, there is no way for us to get out there without a car. Luckily this member, Gaelle, told us that she would drive us there. What a blessing. It was beautiful! I wish we had a good camera when we went there to really capture it all, but I guess I'll just have to return one day with my family and do that. Along the granite are flowers that smell like coconuts, so it really was a beautiful place. Many tourists were there and I definitely know why! When we came back, we met up again with the Russian photographer, Alexander, that many of you know from my previous emails. He is back in France for vacation, which is part of the reason that my photos this week (and in next week's album) are so good.
Sunday was a great day. Alexander came to church with us and was able to get pictures of the whole branch together. I was also able to make my 3 chocolate pie again for the Swedish couple, to thank them for all that they do for/feed us. Another miracle occurred, when an in-active woman showed up with her whole family and asked that her new-born baby be blessed. This event literally added 10 people to the branch photo, who don't even go to church typically (and added some diversity to the photos, which is much needed haha). Then the Raveneau family unexpectedly invited Alexander and us to their house for lunch. It was very good and we all really enjoyed it. Then the parents drove us to a different beach with an old chateau, over-looking the sea. It was beautiful! It is now the time of year when the members start taking us on walks on the beach and I'm so happy about this. Then they drove us home and we went to Emmanuel and Stella's house for a rendez-vous with them. Thought they were dropped as investigators? They were, but they got themselves back in with us haha. I wonder how many times this will happen. Anyway, it was a really good meeting and we "ate like African men" with him, with pounded yam and a fish/chicken soup. It was quite the experience!
This week was off to a really slow start, but ended up being a really good week. Today we are exploring different beaches with the Russian photographer and then going to the American family's house for dinner. It's going to be a great P-Day.
In terms of a spiritual thought, I just wanted to let you all know that you are loved. I know it's not always easy to keep good, strong faith, because you can't physically see/touch God (or other things)... But it's ESSENTIAL. Faith is the only way that I've been able to make it this far in my mission, no matter how many fun and exciting experiences I have been able to have. If faith wasn't there, I would have gone home already, as missions are hard! Faith can move mountains as the scriptures say. If we have faith we can do anything and we can find happiness in even the worst situations. If you have lost your faith over time, I would invite you to act upon the Prophet's words and "re-find" it! It's not an easy journey, but it's one that is well worth it. I can promise true peace and comfort in life if you at least try to have faith.
I love you all! Hope you all have an amazing week!
Elder Connor Anderson
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