On Tuesday we did some morning service and then lunch at Marie France's house. She's been on vacation since February, so we haven't got to go over since then. Honestly, it's quite remarkable that I even got to see her again haha. I've been here for quite some time! Anyway, I find service pretty enjoyable these days. My mom should be excited to know that I'll actually want to do some gardening when i get home. I don't know how long this phase will last, but she better take advantage of it while she still can. To make this service opportunity even more enjoyable, Marie France literally lives on the coast. Behind her property is a field of horses and then a cliff that drops down to the sea. Because of this, we had a coastal view the whole time and were able to see all of the sailboats and people at the beach. What a dream place to live. After we worked, she made us some amazing galettes (a Brittany speciality) and great rhubarb pie for dessert. If every day could start like this, I wouldn't be mad!
The next day, I gave my last district council in Rennes. I still technically have one more to give, but it'll be here in Saint Brieuc next week. I'm really going to miss Rennes. I'll only be there two more times before the end of my mission (zone conference and interviews) and it's kind of a sad thought. Later that night, we had a dinner appointment with Brother Bergera and his in-active daughter, Eva, was actually present for once! It was a miracle. We had a great evening full of laughter, which was actually fun enough that Eva invited us to go on a sight-seeing walk with her and her dad this coming week. What awesome people!
On Thursday I got another one of those American style cookies from that bio/organic NOJ restaurant. The workers there are always so nice to me and make me feel so good. Great customer service; 10/10. They have definitely earned my business. I think I might be going there more for the compliments and positivity they show me than for the cookies, but who knows.haha Later that night we had a dinner appointment with the Semeraus. It was nice and a little sad, knowing that it would be my last time at their house as well. Afterwards they took us to a place called the "Valley of the Saints" and it was super interesting. Look out for pics in my album. What kind people. I'm going to miss them!
The next day was a day complete with service. We started our service at 9 in the morning and didn't end until 7:30 PM! We took a train out to a British couple, the Meeses', house. Upon arrival, they fed us an English breakfast. This was followed by digging and raking in their massive irrigation canal. This took hours, but was followed by a delicious lunch. Then we went outside and helped the husband, Chris, re-attach some shiplap to the outside of his barn. Then we went and took the net off of a massive cherry tree and picked all of the cherries. They were so good and they even sent us home with a bunch. After that, they took us to the church and we weeded the grounds. This was followed by a spiritual thought and before we knew it, our day was over. Spending time with these members is my favorite thing ever. They really are special people.
On Saturday we went to Lannion to have a lunch appointment with a member family. It was good, as usual, and afterwards we played a boardgame with them. Later that night, we had a dinner appointment with a member family that was so much fun. As I've previously mentioned, I love these members!
The next day we got a lot more set up with members before my depart, while we were at church. Afterwards, we got to ride with our Branch President in his new Tesla and it was so much fun. Honestly like a roller coaster with all of that acceleration. I couldn't believe it. So smooth and so fast. And if that wasn't already good enough, it's super environmentally friendly: it's electronic and the leather interior is vegan leather, so it's actually fighting against animal cruelty as well. What a car! I encourage you all to go out there and get one for yourself. ;)
Today I have my last interview with President Sorensen for the rest of my mission. I honestly cannot believe that I'm already at this point.
This week I really found the joy in serving others. When we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God. That is so true! Before my mission, I honestly hated service. There was no benefit for me financially, etc., but I now realize that there really was always a benefit there. Service opportunities really help change us into better people. Eventually, as we continue to serve, we start caring less for ourselves and more for others. That's when we find true happiness in life and when we really see how much we have been blessed. I invite you all to serve and pray for a love of service. I promise that as you do, you will be blessed beyond measure.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. I love you all. Just two and a half more weeks until I'll see you all again. :)
Love,
Elder Connor Anderson
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