Il faut prier!

     I believe I need to clarify French Fact Number One. It's true that I would not call up any of my French neighbors to help transport a couch. But the thing is, I wouldn't have to. They would be there in the drop of a hat, rarin' to help out. 

Zone conference in Geneva

     As Soeur Layton is going home soon, we sometimes play this game where we ask questions as if we are home. Mainly pinpointing things that are strange here that you become used to. For example: Why are the men all stronger than me? And why are none of them offering to carry my bags? 

     The members especially are awesome. They drive from all over in their tiny French cars to come to church and to support and serve each other. If nothing else, serving here makes me want to be a better member. They are so dedicated and so helpful to the missionaries. 

     The other day we were coming home from a tomber-vous with our investigator, Christ, and we were contacting. We got to a section and literally there were no people anywhere in sight. This is a little unusual, especially around Tour de France time. Usually we at least see one person. But I had a thought enter into my mind: Il faut prier. And pray, I did. As we were walking, I just started praying so hard. Please let us find ONE person to teach. Let us find ONE person who is ready for the gospel. Just ONE. About half a second later, we spotted a man over yonder coming across the bridge, over the crest of the hill. Raphael, the hitchhiking song history major, accordian and all, accepted a Book of Mormon and agreed to contact our Geneve missionaries upon his return. Miracles happen. The Lord is ready to pour out blessings upon each of you, sometimes you just have to ask. And sometimes you have to be reminded to ask. I hope this serves as a sufficient reminder to you.

Pascal's baptism

 We had our first baptism! Pascal was so ready for it. She is wonderful. Her cousins were converted like 30 years ago and have been working with her ever since. Don't worry, if you want a sneak peak at her cousin, Roland Lepore, who baptized her, he and his son are pictured on the first page of the tableo f contents in the Nopvember 2011 Ensign. I would not be surprised if he were called to be an apostle. He's French, served his mission in Salt Lake and lived there for 12 years, married Aimee there and has some kids, and works in the Family History section for the Church. Also, he wrote a book on his mission during his P Days while his comps played basketball. What. Anyhow, convert baptisms are great. You can see the difference in their faces and feel the Spirit so strong. I ran up to Pascale afterwards and gave her a big hug. That may or may not be against social protocol, but                                                                                               then again, so is everything I do. Ah well.

     That's pretty much all that happened this week. I guess I also scored major points with the Primary kids when I busted out a stunning rendition of Pirates of the Caribbean on the piano before church. I think we ended up teaching one lesson this week, but as we like to say, teach less, baptize more. And our contacting numbers are higher. It doesn't help that none of the buses were running normal a cause de Tour de France. 

Sister Layton and Sister Hutchins with sweet treats

Oh la la!

     From this point forward, according to the inspiration and knowledge afforded me, I have decided to switch up the letter writing a bit. I will try to provide one insight on the French people and one cool story a week and some cool highlights, of course. If I forget sometime, feel free to reprimand me and then show me an increase of love. Thanks. There's just too much to write about.

     French insight: they all secretly speak really good English. Every week, more and more people surprise me with their knowledge of the language and its refreshing but at the same time, I want them to speak to me in French so that I can learn better. They give up really easily and won't even repeat what they said once. Great. But also, I apparently have a strong Eastern accent and its hard for them to understand my English; which is usually only used during English class or talking with my companion. Apparently I don't pronounce all the letters in words. Who knew? Not I, said the Little Red Hen.

     Story: We helped the Cambouris move this week. It pretty much took us all of two days. Between that, our Zone Conference in Geneve, and our three trips to Bellegard for Pascal, we had very little time to teach or study. But it was worth it and the help was well appreciated. People here just live a different lifestyle and don't value strength training quite as much as in the U.S. Lets just say Soeur Layton and I had an easier time moving things. I mean, we're both tall and strong and used to moving heavy objects, and it went a lot faster when we helped with the heavy lifting. They kept trying to help us, but those were the lightest couches I have ever moved.

    Highlights: In our service work at the thrift shop, I found my new winter coat for a single euro. It's not pictured here, but it's white and warm and serviceable. I'll leave it here afterwards too, but it beats buying a winter coat I won't ever use.

      It was Soeur Buenanotte's birthday at the Zone Conference this week, so we sung her a rap. Soeur Layton and I hid on the balcony and in the closet and came in as the special feature to the other sister's part. You can call me White Tyga if you want. Just kidding, it's Sister Hutchins to you. 

Swear I am not on drugs in this picture. At Scout de Cluse. This section looks kind of like a warehouse, but a little to the left is a mountain of bags and boxes of clothes we are sorting through. By mountain, I mean actual mountain. And all the clothes they don't use are sent to Africa. Cool. Also, all the clothes are in really good condition.

     Pascal is getting baptized this week! She's so ready. Her cousins are members in Lyon and so she already knows all the things we teach her and even gave up coffee when she started meeting the missionaries. She is adorable and just lovely. I feel like she's already a member because her house is filled with the Spirit.

      Sunday I gave a talk and played the piano in church. Frere Colignon laughed at me because I told him I don't speak French or play the piano. Haha. He's awesome! He is our DMP that just got back from vacation and he is so willing and ready to work. He just has this aura about him that's so comfortable and welcoming. Even in French. I can actually understand a lot of what he says. Yesterday was French Revolution and this weekend it Tour de France here, so its gonna be crazy!

Bellegard Gare

     Spiritual Insight: This is like the added bonus feature that you watch the whole movie just to see. I have a couple for you. First, I am realizing more and more what it means to rely on the Lord-totally and fully rely on the Lord. It makes such a difference. When you realize how little of an impact you make by yourself, versus all you can accomplish with the Lord? The difference is huge. It takes a little struggling to realize completely just how much we need Him. Which is a testimony  to me that there must be opposition in all things. We have to have bad days to recognize just how good the good days are. After you've been healthy for a while, you forget what a blessing it is until you get sick again. Like that. Try to remember how good it is to be healthy and maybe you don't need to get sick as often. Maybe. This works for all things spiritual and physical I think. Mainly be grateful.
     Finally, in my reading of Jesus the Christ-still highly recommended to all audiences-an article was mentioned concerning the miracles in the Bible. For believers, we don't need proof that they exist. For nonbelievers, its just a story. But by examining each miracle as you would scientifically decide the purity of gold or the validity of a pearl, every single miracle in that story is authenticated and validated. Chouette, no? Its in chapter 11 if you want to look it up. Hint, hint.

Hymnalism

Foot Long Blueberry Marshmallow

Oh baby, oh baby. Where to begin? If I didn't feel like a missionary before, I sure do now. We have had the craziest, busiest week ever. Lets go through it topically. Food. I tried my first Kebab, which contrary to what some jokesters will tell you, is not shaved elephant leg, but veal. Its dang good. Its a Turkish dish and we've found that the less French the cook speaks, the better the Kebab. We also saw foot long blueberry marshmallows at Carefore and went for it. I have to say, I would rather eat one of those than a regular marshmallow, but at the same time, I've definitely had better food. Like pre-made mousse that they sell here. Also, YOP is like a drinkable yogurt, except the chocolate flavor is more like thicker, creamier chocolate milk. AKA heaven in a bottle. I also had a Cru sandwich, which I didn't know until halfway through was made with uncooked meat. Yikes. Still looking for a Belongerie, which is where they make those delicious French pastries, but we haven't found one yet. Weird for France, but I have 18 months left, so well have plenty of time.

   

Happy July 4th!

Let me tell you about our Tuesday this week. We started out with a service project at a thrift shop called Scout de Cluse. They made us stop promptly at 930 for a tea/coffee/pastry break. They are all awesome people that work there and they love each other so much. I even choked back a cup of herbal tea for them. But also I just wanted to work the whole time. Sorry I'm diligent? And also dislike tea. Anyhow. We had to cancel a few appointments because we had a vital heater check in our apartment that we had to be present for and they were late. The guy came and left and Soeur Layton and I were dying. I swear he let out some noxious fumes. We were coughing and laughing for no reason and I started to get a headache. Remembering some strong counsel given at the MTC, we checked the Carbon Monoxide detector and it didn't have batteries and also didn't really  work! We left and finished our appointments and went to a bunch of stores to find a new detector. We caught the last bus out to a big store that we hoped could have one and got it. Whew. We had to walk back and tried taking a short cut to get home on time, but we ran into a caravan of gypsies. We were introduced to the whole family, including a child being tied up to a tree, and then one of them drove us home. What a crazy day.

Sometimes we match!

Other notes for the week. Last week, I thought France was pretty modest. Turns out it was just cold. France is a lot of extremes-like you are covered up or you don't have clothes on. Awesome. Or you wear all neutrals or a bright solid color sweat suit. We started contacting based on the BOM more this week. Turns out it works a lot better. Weve given out a lot more books and cards and met a lot of cool people. Pedro, from Spain is a mountain guide. And Tiffany is a Taoist who loves world travel and volunteer work. And We also met a Belgique who may or may not have told me that I would have died in the Holocaust. But there's so much more to them! Contacting is still hard for me at first, but once I get into it, I love these people so much and its just so devastating when they don't want to listen anymore. I have never felt such a range of emotions. Sometimes I wonder if I am in France because I wouldn't be so emotionally affected, or because I would.

Spiritual Thought of the Day: Read Ballard's This is My Work and My Glory. I have never realized how powerful the priesthood is until I read this today. This is the power through which worlds without end were created, the Savior was able to accomplish the Atonement, and it exists on earth today! All righteous men in the church, in conjunction with the women, are able to yield this power, so long as their wills are alligned with the will of God. Chouette, right?

District meeting

Exchange with Sister Roney

Dear Brother and Sister Hutchins,

Thank you so much for the wonderful information you sent about your missionary daughter.  We have so

much enjoyed getting to know her and we know she is going to bless our mission and those around her with

her gifts and talents and love for the gospel.  

We are blessed in our mission with incredibly obedient missionaries which allows us to focus on our purpose

with complete diligence.  Sister Hutchins will fit in perfectly!  

We are grateful to you for raising a righteous daughter who is so ready to serve the Lord.  Thank you for

sharing her with us for this short time.

We will love and care for her.

Love,

Sister Roney

P.S. I warned her that we hug all the time in this mission.  I think she is going to be okay with that  : )

She also is serving in the city of Annecy which is one of my favorites. It is a lovely, small town south

of Geneva.  It is incredibly beautiful right on a lake and surrounded by mountains.  She has an amazing

companion as well.  

Phoenix

     Sorry in advance, but there will be a lot of grammatical corrections to be made in these emails. Every word I write is underlined in red and the keyboard is different and I have to press shift AND another button in order to type a period.  cherish them. 

MTC District June 23, 2013

     Last Sunday I participated in the biggest Sacrament Meeting ever. It was in the gym and it worked so smoothly. there are miracles afoot in every aspect of the day, my friends. Then I got to be in the Missionary Broadcast and so close to the Brethren. The messages were wonderful and really placed importance on the role of members in missionary work. If serving a mission does nothing else for me, I hope I will come home with an improved idea of my role as a ward member. They are so important. If you have not seen this, watch it now.
   Some side notes. First, Sister Marriott came to Relief Society last week or so and gave us the FULL version of her story. She is adorable. Second, if you're wondering why everyone laughs as Holland sits down and L Tom gets up to speak, its because Elder Perry stuck his arm out to clothesline Holland on the way up. They are so full of life and energy and it's awesome. Finally, I would note that we tried to situate ourselves to get a nice closeup, but despite all the indicators to the contrary during the practice session, it did not occur. However, if you really want to see me, I'm in a yellow shirt next to the aisle and you can tell its me around 2:36 online. Enjoy my beautiful face. 

     We woke up early to get on our plane and said goodbye to all our friends. And then they decided to not send us to the airport for another 3 hours. So that was awkward at breakfast. We took three flights, landing in Chicago, London, and finally Lyon. We barely made it on each of them. Although, I did have some time to introduce a man to the plan of Salvation, which he said he would look more into if I would check out Thomas Equinnus. I think that's his name, some philosopher that talks about the Bible. Please, sir, you got a deal. Give it two years, though. He also tried to stump me with some riddle about Original Sin and was speechless when I trumped that with Article of Faith Number Two. Gateau, my friend.  Oh yeah and my companion, Sister Swenson tried to take the biggest pair of scissors onto the plane. Seriously imagine scissors at least triple to length and width of a broadsword that she forgot in her backpack. So we were sprinting to our plane after that holdup. 

France

     We met President Roney and Sister Roney at the airport and half of our bags were lost. Good thing I packed extra clothes in my carry on and there was Hotel Douche Gel in the bathroom. We contacted a little in between going places, and went through a series of rejections from Atheists and Muslims and all kinds. We also gave out our first Book of Mormon. Elder Smart contacted the maid at our hotel. He is seriously awesome. We got the weirdest chest x-rays ever and became legal to stay in France!  yay!  (Also I found the exclamation mark button!)

     My companion is Sister Layton. She's just as tall as me and says somehow companions always share some physical trait. Funny. It took her a week to tell me that I'm killing her, which contrary to my original thoughts, does not mean she's frustrated with me, but that this is her last transfer. Scary. 

     So, missionary work. We started off a little rough because she was really sick the first day and the Africans are flaky. Also, suddenly, I can't understand anything here. Every day I understand more and more, but its been rough adjusting to the speed and accents. 

     I'm in Annacy, the fairy tale town right next to Switzerland. Sometimes I wonder if I'm really in France because people just throw English at me sometimes. Frere Giles is my favorite. He is from Utah and apparently is a video game creator. The branch here is small and ready for some serious Blue Fire if you catch my drift. The members work with the missionaries a lot, but conversions are low just because they've done all they can already and they keep trying to help. The Cadets are funny. They're in charge of all things musical. Frere Cadet usually plays the piano, the right hand line with both hands, but he asked me to do it. Then he told me I need to practice more. Sorry, peoples salvation is more important than playing the piano well at church. In Relief Society, Sister Cadet was leading the song as we walked in and stopped it. She went on about how she did her makeup today and looks really pretty and nobody will look at her leading and how can she work with people like us? Of course I learned this all afterwards when Soeur Layton translated. Oh yeah, and she knows Kaitlyn Albach and Peter Moody because she's from Orem. Small world. 

Tiramisu

This morning she was making Tiramisu and asked me to finish it while she took a shower. Bad idea. I did what she told me and then panicked because I saw this chocolate-y mixture and I couldn't remember her saying what to do with that; So I tried to mix it in. Turns out I had it right the first time and she was already done with that mixture of cocoa powder and water. Well, it'll still taste good, right? 

   

  I also now more fully understand Frere Smiths hesitation to contact on buses. And for the record, I'd appreciate any contacting tips or spiritual thoughts you come across. This is my letter address:

39 Ave du Cran 74000 Annecy France

Lies they told me about France. 

-People are mean. Not true. But really, like anywhere, it depends on the people. Although people here will be more honest with you, but I think I prefer it that way. 

-People are stylish. At least not here. Its like a mix between America and a thrift store. Everyone dresses very neutrally except for the occasional solid color teal sweatsuit with sneaker heels. Yikes. 

-People aren't ready for the gospel. Obviously that's false. I handed it to a man who tried to tell me that on the plane.

Truths:

-Everyone smokes. 

-There's lots of Africans. 

-The public transportation is well used. 

-And there are lots of round abouts. 

-People speak French. 

OH and here's a funny experience I forgot about. I told Soeur Layton to call potentials while I contacted; And then this old guy tried to get me to sit in his bike basket and go eat at a restaurant. I told him I'd meet him at the church to talk about Jesus.Nice try. I'm a missionary.

Okay I have to go invite people to Christ now.