soeur bitter: Hunting Seashells-May 12, 2014

First off, Skyping was the BEST THING EVER!!! It was so great to see all of you and it was awesome that Grandma could come too!!!

First update: So I think I told you about Sonia and her kids and the Batista family. Well in case I didn't clarify that before, Sonia is the cousin of Sylvain (the dad in the Batista family). Last week on Tuesday, we went to Sonia's for a FHE. Sylvain was working. We thought this provided the perfect opportunity for us to gauge how Karene and Sonia were doing.

Everyone brought a little something to share for dinner and then we went into our spiritual thought. Sr Francis and I had been thinking about what to share with them (and potentially all 5 of the kids). We felt that we should watch the movie "The Restoration". Normally I'm not a fan of just watching a movie for a lesson. I always feel that it looks a little like we didn't want to prepare for our ami. But we both felt that it would be the best thing for everyone. After reminding the kids of who Joseph Smith was, we popped in the movie and sat back to watch.

I have seen this movie 20+ times. But even with that, from the moment that Joseph Smith started walking to the Sacred Grove, the Spirit flooded the room. As a missionary sometimes you feel the Spirit but you don't know if the investigator is feeling it as well. Sometimes it is awkward to ask, "Now do you feel the Spirit too?"

Often we're just pouring out our souls in prayer begging Heavenly Father to help them to feel the Spirit too. At this point all the kids are glued to the movie. I'm so grateful! Everyone can watch peacefully. Then came the moment where they read from the Book of Mormon what we call "Moroni's Promise" which reads:

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

-Moroni 10: 4-5

Sr Francis and I turned to each other and we both knew that everyone could feel what we were feeling. Before we could say anything, Sonia responded: "That was...SO touching. I cannot even describe. I just...wow. So touching." Karene silently nodded her head in agreement. We both bore our testimonies and left them with a prayer. Naturally afterwards we skipped through the streets, singing all the way home. BEST DAY EVER!!!

After that lesson, Karene has been so much more open in our lessons. She was always a timid in our lessons. Her husband was making progress but she seemed more like a silent participant. Now however, she is engaged, sincere and excited. IT'S AWESOME!!

Later that week, the Batistas, Sonia and their kids all came to the branch activity. It was at the beach....but unfortunately it was scheduled on the one day that rained last week. hahaha. But the kids LOVED it. We stayed at the beach for about an hour and a half and then went to the Bouaka's after to have lunch. Pictures are below. It was so much fun to watch all the kids be ENTHRALLED with the ocean. They collected sea shells and chased the waves. It was so much fun.

Then the best part of all, they ALL came to church this last week!! GO FIGHT WIN! That was Sonia's first time attending church. Woot woot.

Well, I think that's a pretty good update for now :) I love you all so much. Things are going so well here in Vannes. It was SO GOOD to talk to you all. I know I already said that but I'll say it again. IT WAS AWESOME. You all look great.

Soeur Bitter