Wednesday, February 25, 2009

16 February 2009

16 February 2009
This week we had Zone Conference and it was weird to think that I only have one left.
Friday after Zone Conference, I went to Agen on exchanges with Elder Miles from Phoenix. He is super nice and one of the most charitable missionaries that I've met. On Saturday we were using the bikes in Agen, we had to go up a curb and I guess I was rolling to slowly for I fell and I didn't think much of it, naturally I scraped my knee and my hands, then I looked and I had done a number on my hands, especially the left one, with pebbles in it and a large cut. I went to the supermarket and cleaned it and got some bandaids, it's still a bit tender though. Later while returning to the apartment we were stopped by a "drunk". He harassed us and then called us American Spics. At one point while he was talking I checked a tear in my pants and he thought I was making an offensive gesture, so he kicked me! What a weirdo. I didn't think he kicked me that hard for it didn't hurt, but currently above my left knee is a bruise of considerable size and a
bump, oh well...

Love,
Elder Marsala

P.S. A note from his Mom: Quite a contrast from the previous letter of baptism and confirmation. But we must accept the bad with the good, I guess. My current countdown is now 11 weeks!!!! I'm getting pretty exited to see Miles again.

9 February 2009

9 February 2009
Wow, what a week we just had. The ami we were teaching from Talence was baptized on Saturday. We saw her every single day in the week in order to finish teaching her. She had been well prepared by the Lord and had a great understanding. She understood her decision and was willing to live up to this commitment. She was Buddhist, her parents are Cambodian and Chinese, and she now has a great faith in Christ. Thanks to our wonderful members and the Lord, all was accomplished and Somaly Kim was baptized in Talence and the following day was confirmed. The service went very smoothly and the spirit was very strong. A weight was lifted off our shoulders when frier Fourtina said "Amen" and we took our hands off her head.
The other ami we are teaching, Florancine seems to be humbling herself and sincerely asking in prayer now, GOOD SIGN!

Love,
Elder Marsala

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

2 February 2009

2 February 2009

Things are alright here in Lormont, like typical Bordeaux, it rains a lot and is a bit chilly. The ward is very nice and seems to be quite strong and unified. We have some amis that are doing fine. We have an amie from Talence, which is the other side of the river, she has recently moved in with her parents over here. She is supposed to be baptized this Saturday, we now have to teach her a handful of commandments and make sure that she is ready by Saturday. I'll let you know how it all went next week.
We did find a new portuguese amie, Elizabeth. She's a young mother, her daughter, Carolina, is 1 1/2 months, we're pretty sure that her husband is interested as well, so that should be nice.
I will keep you informed of our progress.

Thanks again for everything, I love you all!
Elder Marsala

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

27 January, 2009

> I'm heading to my last ville. I'm being sent to
> Lormont, which is part of Bordeaux. I'll be with Elder
> Monson from Texas, we know each other quite well, we were in
> the little district in Periguex together for three
> transfers. He is a diligent/obedient/hard working elder.
> I'm excited. This transfer will be nine weeks instead of
> the standard six due to new scheduling requests by Pres.
> Carter to align our mission with other French Speaking
> Missions and the MTC.
> On Saturday the 24, January was all about wind! A
> tempest came through the southwest of France and northern
> parts of Spain. It was an incredible force of wind. Winds
> were about 60 mph with gusts above 90 mph, there were a lot
> of gusts. The city was on Red Alert, which basically means
> don't go outside, but we were out - and it was strong.
> I think at times I could have seriously flown. The
> aftermath was like after tornado, it was crazy.
> Hundred's of trees were completely uprooted, not little
> trees but enormous trees with large root systems that were
> old, went down. Many trees snapped at the bottom. Some
> fell on apartment buildings, or houses, or the streets, and
> the power lines. Some of the smaller surrounding cities
> were without electricity, heating and some without water.
> There was debris all over. Many signs had been blown away,
> fences flattened, street signs that were cemented came up,
> others snapped. Some bus stops had glass panels
> blown out. Absolutely no buses or trains were working.
> Trains were closed until Monday. It was quite an
> experience, they haven't had any winds close to that
> since 1999.
> It's weird to be leaving Toulouse, I've truly
> loved it, especially the ward I was in. Last night we did
> FHE with my favorite family in the ward which would be the
> first family I met and the last I'll see. It's hard
> to think how close the end is, I try not to think about it,
> but it does pop up.
> I hope all is well with everyone.
> Thanks for everything.
> Love,
> Elder Marsala