Dear Family and Friends,
...We had a wonderful experience on Saturday, at the end of a long hard day, we went to see Florencine, our very nice but stubborn ami that has always disliked when we talk about her being baptized. Well, the lesson was on baptism. We went with our ward mission leader, frere Ojeda, and it went super well. She had a hard time when the lesson turned from baptism to her being baptized. Elder Monson and frere Ojeda persevered and were patient. When we left, she was engaged to be baptized the 18 April 2009!
I am very happy to be in the Lormont Ward, the members here are wonderful and I love the people! Don't worry about me, I'm not really trunky at the moment, which is wonderful! Not to make you trunky or anything but I'll be home in only 7 weeks from when you read this.
Thanks for everything! I love you all!
Love, Elder Marsala
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
16 March 2009
Dear family & friends,
This past weekend we had Stake Conference and it was presided over by Elder Caussic of the First Quorum of the Seventy, acting under the direction of the Twelve to reorganize our stake, he was accompanied by Elder Kerr, an area Seventy from Scotland that knows Elder Call's family. During Stake Conference I had a "Tender Mercy." Before the main meeting started on Sunday, there was a little welcome meeting for new converts with Elder Caussic and Elder Kerr. For some reason, Elder Monson and I were in there listening and then in walked Hongora Sandag (I baptized her last year) We were so happy to see each other. Then I had the honor, privilege, and blessing to see her shaking hands and talking with two Seventies, one, a General Authority. It was one of the greatest things I've seen on my mission. Afterward we were able to talk and she told me about her trip last Autumn with the branch to the Madrid Temple, where she participated in baptisms for
the dead. She goes to church every week and know the missionaries very well, one being Elder Gill, my MTC companion. I was so grateful to see this young member staying strong and growing in the Gospel, being only 15 and the only member in her entire family. It was a most beautiful gift from on High.
I love you all and I thank you for all that you do.
Love,
Elder Marsala
This past weekend we had Stake Conference and it was presided over by Elder Caussic of the First Quorum of the Seventy, acting under the direction of the Twelve to reorganize our stake, he was accompanied by Elder Kerr, an area Seventy from Scotland that knows Elder Call's family. During Stake Conference I had a "Tender Mercy." Before the main meeting started on Sunday, there was a little welcome meeting for new converts with Elder Caussic and Elder Kerr. For some reason, Elder Monson and I were in there listening and then in walked Hongora Sandag (I baptized her last year) We were so happy to see each other. Then I had the honor, privilege, and blessing to see her shaking hands and talking with two Seventies, one, a General Authority. It was one of the greatest things I've seen on my mission. Afterward we were able to talk and she told me about her trip last Autumn with the branch to the Madrid Temple, where she participated in baptisms for
the dead. She goes to church every week and know the missionaries very well, one being Elder Gill, my MTC companion. I was so grateful to see this young member staying strong and growing in the Gospel, being only 15 and the only member in her entire family. It was a most beautiful gift from on High.
I love you all and I thank you for all that you do.
Love,
Elder Marsala
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
2 March 2009
Dear family and friends,
How is everybody? I hope that you're all doing just lovely. I'm doing pretty good here in Bordeaux. We had another pretty good week, which finished with Fast Sunday, meaning there are only two more on my mission - CRAZY! I remember leaving the MTC only having had two.
We were able to teach Elisabeth (our investigator) again, and this time with her husband and her father-in-law. It was so wonderful. They're a beautiful little family with lots of love for each other, it's refreshing to see. They seem to be accepting the restoration and we have high hopes for them.
A few more miracles we've witnessed this week, mostly on Saturday. After the rendezvous with Elisabeth and her family, we went to another rendezvous, he wasn't there so we went to our back-up plan, to pass a guy we met and then do some "porting". We arrived at the beginning of the street and we noticed a young lady in her car. We approached her to see if we could help with some of the groceries, she declined but continued to speak with us. She had remembered Elder Monson from December when he and his last companion spoke with her. When we asked if we could explain our message another day she replied, "Tell me some right now" Veranique listened intently and seemed touched. She is 19 or 20 and doesn't drink or smoke! That is almost unbelievable! We asked who else she knew that might be interested, she wasn't sure but said she would make photo copies of our card and hand them out, we just gave her more cards!! She was born in France but her
parents are Portuguese. Tell Matt Torgersen that he should love the people in Portugal - I do. Half the branch in Periguex is Portuguese, Elisabeth and her family, and Veranique are also Portuguese. There is a member here from a Portuguese family and served her mission in Portugal. She said the work is kind of like France, except - the Portuguese believe in God and don't hate religion like the French.
Friday and Saturday we helped somebody move, the work wasn't bad except for the place was disgusting. Upon returning home on Saturday, we saw a man and young lady standing next to a van full of furniture, we offered a hand and to our astonishment we were able to help them. There were eight people in all and about five of us emptying the van. We got the whole thing done in an hour. It was quite tiring, going up and down the flight of stairs, but it felt good.
Love, Elder Marsala
P.S from his Mom: Miles birthday is March 23rd - I'm sure he would love a card or letter.
Elder Miles Marsala
France Toulouse Mission
4, Rue Alaric II
Compans, Caffarelli
F-31000 Toulouse FRANCE
How is everybody? I hope that you're all doing just lovely. I'm doing pretty good here in Bordeaux. We had another pretty good week, which finished with Fast Sunday, meaning there are only two more on my mission - CRAZY! I remember leaving the MTC only having had two.
We were able to teach Elisabeth (our investigator) again, and this time with her husband and her father-in-law. It was so wonderful. They're a beautiful little family with lots of love for each other, it's refreshing to see. They seem to be accepting the restoration and we have high hopes for them.
A few more miracles we've witnessed this week, mostly on Saturday. After the rendezvous with Elisabeth and her family, we went to another rendezvous, he wasn't there so we went to our back-up plan, to pass a guy we met and then do some "porting". We arrived at the beginning of the street and we noticed a young lady in her car. We approached her to see if we could help with some of the groceries, she declined but continued to speak with us. She had remembered Elder Monson from December when he and his last companion spoke with her. When we asked if we could explain our message another day she replied, "Tell me some right now" Veranique listened intently and seemed touched. She is 19 or 20 and doesn't drink or smoke! That is almost unbelievable! We asked who else she knew that might be interested, she wasn't sure but said she would make photo copies of our card and hand them out, we just gave her more cards!! She was born in France but her
parents are Portuguese. Tell Matt Torgersen that he should love the people in Portugal - I do. Half the branch in Periguex is Portuguese, Elisabeth and her family, and Veranique are also Portuguese. There is a member here from a Portuguese family and served her mission in Portugal. She said the work is kind of like France, except - the Portuguese believe in God and don't hate religion like the French.
Friday and Saturday we helped somebody move, the work wasn't bad except for the place was disgusting. Upon returning home on Saturday, we saw a man and young lady standing next to a van full of furniture, we offered a hand and to our astonishment we were able to help them. There were eight people in all and about five of us emptying the van. We got the whole thing done in an hour. It was quite tiring, going up and down the flight of stairs, but it felt good.
Love, Elder Marsala
P.S from his Mom: Miles birthday is March 23rd - I'm sure he would love a card or letter.
Elder Miles Marsala
France Toulouse Mission
4, Rue Alaric II
Compans, Caffarelli
F-31000 Toulouse FRANCE
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.
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
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
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
> 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
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