We had a wonderful time with Ben and Christy in the Dordogne region in the waning days of December, staying in a rural farm loft with beautiful views over the valley down to the river. The weather was very nice for the first few days, even permitting lunch on the balcony outside one day.
We visited several chateaux: Beynac, so full of history, Castelnaud with its medieval weapons museum and trebuchets, and Chateau des Milandes, the home of Josephine Baker, heroic/tragic black American entertainer who was beloved in France. Her life reminded us of the need for stability in life. We also found some lovely patisseries and went for walks in the hilly woods. It was a good break from the routine. 
The gardens at Chateau Milandes 
A view of Beynac from Domme
On our way home we stopped at Vichy for a drink from the municipal fountain - bubbly water!
 |
| Ben taught Sunday School - Intro to the OT |
We returned to a transfer week, sending off Sr. Rasmussen to Clermont - Ferrand and receiving Sr. Cardon. In testimony meeting Sunday we heard from Sr. Schuling, our mariner who lives on her boat in the marina. She told of how she had met a couple while boating on the Saône in the fall. They invited her to dine on their boat and she went. Before the meal, feeling prompted, she asked if she could offer a prayer before they ate. The wife accepted with enthusiasm and it led to discussions about religion and life. Sr. Schuling has stayed in touch with the couple, who live in Clermont-Ferrand not far from the LDS chapel, and a week prior had mentioned sending two books about the Church, but had no way to send them. When she heard Sr. Rasmussen would be transferred there this week she was overjoyed at this answer to her prayer, and gave the books to be delivered by hand. That has happened already, with photos of the sister missionaries enjoying a meal with the couple. We don’t know the outcome of this yet, but God certainly moves in mysterious ways.
Kitchen helpers after the arrival dinner
We had snow in Lyon during the arrival day, enough to make it slippery driving the next morning until the temperature warmed above freezing. We also learned some things. The couple that were to replace us in April had their assignment changed. They will now serve as mission leaders in Halifax, NS starting in July. We also heard that with so many new missions opening, it is unlikely that our mission will be able to replace many seniors currently serving - too many needs elsewhere. Isn’t that a wonderful problem to have? We are excited at the new missions opening in the Africa Central Area, and even more so with the new Paris South Mission, which will likely take the Bordeaux and Toulouse Stakes out of the Lyon Mission. Big changes.
This week is the start of another round of zone conferences, beginning in Lyon. The last series produced a lot of viral illnesses - colds, etc. - among the missionaries. This time we will require the missionaries to use hand sanitizer before they eat the lunch meal. Hand washing is one of the best things we can do to prevent the spread of these winter illnesses.
The branch had 10 friends in church this morning. Not many seats left, and several members absent. It's an exciting time to be here.
No comments:
Post a Comment