Best. Week. Ever.

This week started off well enough. Derek got home. Trevor and I picked him up from the airport Sunday night at midnight. I love that little bunsucker. It's been far too long. Then I went to my last day of work with Chris. I came away with some quality letters of recommendation, a decent paycheck, some Christmas nuts
for the fam, and knowledge and experience and friends and all that. I celebrated by going to the local pizza place, Valentino's with Shiboi Derek himself, where Kevin and the Carolers were performing a delightful concert. Kevin even paid for our pizza. And their teacher, who has taught at least three chorus classes with Derek and NONE with me, recognized me and not really him. Awkward. But I think he is an avid basketball fan, because he also knows Hannah, who took no classes with him.

Why you stuck up, half-witted,
scruffy-looking nerf herder!
Who's scruffy-looking?

Tuesday I got to go to T Sizzle's basketball game. The man is a freaking demon. He is so good at everything. I love watching the kid play. And playing with him. Not, however, against him. We're the same height, but I got nothin' on his bootycakes. After the game, I dropped him off with some friends and I went to hang out with friends. Weird that I still have those, right? We had a nice evening of gift giving, merrymaking, and revelry. It's so strange to be back. I feel like I'm in high school again with these people. The following day began our Star Wars marathon that is NOT 24 hours straight of movie-watching (last time, we did that with Harry Potter and I almost died). The rest of our Christmas Eve was spent opening a single present, as per tradition, and reading the Christmas story. And, of course, setting up traps for the kiddies. Kevin and I strung up the dining room while Derek and Trevor trip-wired the hallway so a bag of basketballs would drop on top of them. Unfortunately, Xander and the little girlies do not have the adventurous spirits that we once had as youth. The traps, designed to work in the wee hours of the morning, were not nearly so effective at 8am, when the sun is basically at its peak this time of the year. What kind of kids are these? The best part of Christmas was our family basketball game, which had me laughing so hard, I nearly peed my pants. I love these guys. The level of ridiculosity at which we interact is just too much. And basketball is just always fun.

Early Friday morning, we drove to Rhode Island to go rock climbing. Which just reminded me how long its been since I've climbed and how weak my upper body is. But hey! I am progressing rapidly towards doing a pull-up. Sometime in the next six months,  I reckon. It was super fun, challenging, and adrenaline boosting. I spent most of my time on the half-sized wall, honing my (lack of) skills. I like climbing better than bouldering anyway. But I had conquered all but one of the walls when we were contemplating leaving the gym and so, obviously, I had to get that one. (It was being hoarded nearly the whole time we were there, by a group of pretty decent climbers). Anyways, so the first time that I get up almost nearly to the top, I tried to jump off of the little foothold and it broke into pieces. I thought I just slipped until I got back to the ground. I did get to keep a piece as a souvenir. And I did conquer that wall, despite how bad I was shaking (from overexerted muscles,

not fear). Of course, energy was built back up rapidly enough for a good session of fight club. Trevor and I were really sweaty by the end and our calves burned from being slapped repeatedly. What great fun. And then, of course, we had a night frisbee session with the old crew that ended in a Taco Bell run and me staying up super late because Kevin and Derek and Trevor would not get out of my bed.
Saturday I was exhausted even more than usual as I went to the temple. But I got through it, oftentimes running around like the hooligan that I am, alongside Grampy. We're buds :) Not even the temple can control our shenanigans. I got to see Alejandro at a session, eat lunch with Grampy and his friend, hang out with the Providence Stake missionaries and recent converts at the baptistry, and meet my family for a session and a steak dinner. Derek read me the Wayside School books all the way home.
Sunday was wonderful too. We got to hear a sweet talk by Cody Hanson about seminary that he wrote during Sacrament meeting. I taught the Gospel Principles class on Jesus Christ in the preexistence. And I got to help out in Primary. I get those kids into more trouble than they can get into themselves. Oh yeah, and Donny Osmond came to church. I got an introduction, a picture, and a hug. Holla.

Gloria In Excelsis Deo

As per usual, all highlights hemdomadaire occurred at the end of the week. The beginning is usually pretty tame. I went to work literally all day on Monday. I did have a dinner break. As part of my work, Chris thought it would be a good experience to go to a BNI meeting. So at 7am I went to this networking meeting. It was basically a bunch of professionals doing 30s commercials- what kind of referrals they would like, what services they offer. Then two businesses get a ten minute slot each week to go more in-depth. It's all very dry. I liked the personal trainer, though.

Kristen, Mikey, and RJ

I got my tooth tumor fixed this week. And I got a free bracelet because Dr Kitley is actually the kids' dentist and I'm supposed to go to the adult side now. What can I say? I'm a rebel. I also got a life time supply of glasses and contacts. And I got all my old glasses fixed. And the guy who helped me out with it all is Haitian, so we talked in French for a while. Then I was bored, so I volunteered to do mom's shopping while she was finishing up her eye appointment. She gave me the list and I was out running. I got everything she ever wanted. And more. I was privileged to see basketball games from Xander, Trevor, and Hannah this week. What a beautiful sport that is. Friday, I babysat for Kristen Fry, who is a tad eccentric, but a better person than I could ever hope to be. What an example of hope and diligence in the midst of trials.

Grampy and Mimi. And Derek-
who gets back this week!

Saturday I went to the temple, yet again. I had a few good laughs that day. Overstressed co-workers. Weird, rented temple clothing. It was all good fun and oh so glorious. I loved it. I headed over to Grampy's on the way back for some cookies, but more importantly grape juice. Love that stuff. We all went down to Kevin's Christmas chorus concert, which was splendid as well. Final Cut was hilarious with an Africa/12 Days of Christmas mix, similar to this one. And the Carolers were lovely as well. Almost as lovely as that sandwich I enjoyed while watching the concert, despite the "velvet seats" of the auditorium. The grande finale was of course, all the alumni singing the Hallelujah Chorus with Select and Chamber choirs. I sang the men's part. Partially because I was hanging out with some old chums, Zach Higgins, Sabo, and Steven Burger. Partially because I can't actually sing that high. Then Zach and I grabbed some late night GTH milkshakes and caught up on life. And contacted Maurice, the Brazilian barista who will soon receive his very own Portuguese BOM, gratuitement. (Good thing I only know how to bear my testimony in that language. Comes in handy.) And planned many an adventure for the upcoming week. It includes the classics: Star Wars, Hobbit, GTH, and frisbee. Who can argue? And today is Sunday. I spent all of Sacrament meeting avoiding sitting or leaning on a staple Kevin found and kept placing strategically on the pew. We all need a little more adventure in life. Then I taught Gospel Principles, unplannedly. And Primary. Unplannedly. Roarke and I became friends. Zack and I did not.  And some Canadians came to my Gospel Principles class, so we spoke French as well.

There he is.
Little Jonny himself.

Here's a new segment I like to call "Missionary Look-Alike". This week, we have two featured. The first shoutout goes to Soeur Schreiber. I saw the Asian version of you (how appropriate) at the temple (hence the lack of picture). But she has the same haircut, the same face structure, the same style, including some bright red heels I can easily picture on your feet. Voila, thought of you. Second shoutout goes to Elder DuPre, spotted at the chorus concert. I never knew your voice was so good. But there you have it. I love you all and miss you a reasonable amount. I hate that David Archuletta came without me, but I'll get over it. I wish you all an overabundance of joy and happiness, which will come to you as you follow the gospel of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas.

Working Backwards

http://francelyonmission.blogspot.com
Check out the Mission Overview Video.

I miss missions. But people have been distracting me often enough that sometimes I forget and I almost feel like a real person. (I still talk to myself in French and type like I'm using a French keyboard, but it's gonna take me a while to kick those habits.) This weekend was the best. I just got back from a Christmas Concert performed by the Boston Mission. I almost cried when they played Angels We Have Heard On High. Almost. Even more amazing was the fact that most of those songs didn't rhyme at all, but they sounded so good that the lack of rhymes didn't even bother me! And my boss, Chris was there. And they had frosted animal cracker cups (although they tried to hide regular animal crackers inside. Don't worry- I carefully separated the impostors).
Boston Mission President Packard and his family hung out at our house all day (in between going on visits with my dad and the Groton missionaries). So we got to eat with them and I just talked to Sister Packard about my mission. For a long time. And also re-learned how to play the guitar at the same time. 'Twas awesome. At church, the third hour was a combined meeting where the Packards just answered a bunch of questions people had. I heard some complaints about the "Chaperone Rule," which quickly changed when a woman shared a story about how she used that as an excuse to share the gospel with a male friend of hers. Cheers to you, my friend.

Fight Club poster boys

Saturday night was the umpteenth installment of Fight Club. At this point, we've gotten to designating all future Saturdays to this activity, in addition to any random time throughout the week. T Sizzle and I cleared out a decent area in our Family Room so we've got some room to work. Trevor's moves consisted of calf-slapping. Every now and again he says, They call me Rocky or Yo, they don't call me Swipah fah nothin'. I would punch him and then tickle the underside of his chin as humiliation (just to show I could hit him there if I wanted). Fight Club is fun because we don't actually try to hurt each other. We get a decent number of bruises from it, but it's all whimsical. Sometimes Kevin wants to start up a session (always in inappropriate circumstances, i.e. at church) and actually tries to punch hard, which doesn't hurt too bad, but makes him really annoying to play with. Stupid boy.
Saturday morning my dad actually drove up to the temple with me! Meaning free garments, lunch, annnnndddd temple cookies. I worked all day en espanol, en plus. Our stake had 7 own-endowments in one session (temple record!) and they were ALL spanish speaking. Then I was invited to a Christmas party at the Thompsons' house. They live in back of the temple in the Presidents' house, so I used the secret spy walkway to get there. So I got free dinner too. AND I could sleep on the way home.
In other news, this week I had all my medical appointments. I got my Tb test and I think it looks positive, but they didn't look too closely and said I was fine. So if I die, blame it on tuberculosis. I finally had a dentist appointment and got my teeth cleaned and got my favorite children's dentist to help a brotha out.  Turns out my tooth has a reverse cavity, otherwise known as a tumor, otherwise known as a 'rough patch'. It's all very technical, but I have to go back to get it smoothed out. And I went to the chiropractor. That was disappointing because I figured it'd be like a couple back cracks and we're good to go. He wanted me to come back twice a week forever. Which, at $30 a visit, I didn't agree with. But he did give me some good advice.

Fishing for Kindness. Classic. 

I missed Institute this week because my sweet potato fries took too long to cook. But I did see a hobo with a fishing pole and a sign that said Fishing for Kindness, which I thought was hilarious. So I bought him a bunch of fishy food (Goldfish, Swedish fish, tuna, cape cod chips, etc). I hope he gets the joke. My boss' wife was out of town this week and I think he was lonely and/or trying to make up work, so he kept asking me to work crazy hours and do weird things. Like find some courthouse in the middle of New London, which has NO parking spots nearby, in the pouring rain. But he's still working on not swearing. And his Christmas gift to me was "an hour of his time". What did I do with it? I invited him to the missionary Christmas concert, of course! #missionarywork And I took a nap in my bed today (remember the concave fold-out couch?) and woke up with Xander, Isabelle, and Lavinia in here with me and a computer with Hannah on Skype on my lap. Happy Holidays to me.

Fight Club

Already broken a
thousand times. 

I did the Kenpo (like karate) Cardio Plus workout of P90X this week. Who knew punching the air could be so fun or leave your arms incapacitated for the next three days? Not I, said the Little Red Hen. It also stimulated a strong desire to be able to fight people. So I learned how to throw knives and punches on YouTube. Then T Sizzle started attacking me at every spare moment. We may or may not have an official fight club. It happens every where, all the time, and only ends when someone cries.  

Hey there, Lil Richie.
You're so big!

In other news, I work for this attorney, Chris, doing random stuff that he needs. He left me his house keys and asked me to clean his carpets while he was on vacation. Talk about trust. Then when he got back, he tried to help me with my future by hooking me up with internships and teaching me how to network (say their name, make a connection, and suck up to people). And he decided to quit swearing. I'd like to think I had a small role in this, seeing as I make sarcastic comments to him every time I hear things of which I don't approve. 

It looked like this, but then he
landed on his face. 

Saturday I woke up real early to get up to the Boston Temple again. I actually got to eat lunch with Grampy. Which was nice because that's about all I saw of him. People talk to me about Grampy all day and I guess they talk to him about me too, but we don't actually really see each other. I made it home just in time for the ward Christmas Party. There was good food. My mom did a 12 Days of Christmas skit and threw around uncooked chickens and eggs, making a mess on the floor.  Tim Kitley lip synched with an electric ukelele while wearing an alpaca fur hat. And I saw my favorite kid from nursery and spent the whole time throwing him up in the air until he tried to show me how you Hulk Smash the ground and biffed it and started bleeding everywhere. And Santa called my dad Lil Richie. And so that's what we've been calling him. 
Today was the best though. First of all it's fast Sunday. I like fasting. Second, I got to go to Gospel Principles, where we talked about exaltation. I like exaltation. Third, I got to teach the Retab to the Young Women. Unfortunately, that meant I missed out on teaching it to Jacob Money. I made the missionaries do it for me. I jumped in at the end of the lesson and it seemed to have gone reasonably. We have a return rdv for Thursday, when I'll actually be there. And I had potatoes for lunch. I like potatoes. And this:

Turkey Day

I know this is the highlight of your Mondays but I'm going to keep this relatively short due to the fact that it is being written at 2am. Honestly, this week was a bit more of the same. I woke up before the sun to go play basketball.  And by that I mean, stumble around with my dad making him run drills and rebounding until I get to play defense on him. Then the fun begins. Then I wake up.
I worked a fair amount. This part time gig is turning into more of a full time gig than I'd planned. But the more, the merrier when it comes to solid green in the hands of a soon-to-be starving college student. 
I'm sewing a new skirt with little monsters on it. I thought it was funny. I also had my little brother T Sizzle escort me through the library to tell me all the new series I need to read. I made a stack of the first books in each series. It's a hefty stack. 
Thursday my family drove up to Massachusetts to meet my extended family for dinner. We borrowed the keys to the church, in typical Hutchins style. We set up the feast of all feasts. Then we all ran around like maniacs, also true to form. I threw someone into the snow. Fended off repeated attacks. At some point, a cousin had a leg through the basketball hoop. It was utter madness. Imagine our family if they drank alcohol. Bad news bears. My oldest cousin Roger just got married and so his new wife was there. She's pretty cool. And she's the Roney's neighbor. All I heard about for the rest of the day was bets on which of the cousins is next for the chopping block. 
I bought a sweet leather jacket on black friday. Then i drove back to mass to go to Roger's reception. And by that I mean watch my sister's basketball game in the basement while eating delicious cupcakes. If you saw that picture from my basketball days last week, then you get a decent picture of the girl Hannah was up against. After having more than my fair share of cupcakes, I presented my wonderful cousin Adam with the French cheeses I have been reserving in my freezer. Roquefort, some chevres, and Tar Tar of course. The fact that I carried these reeking cheeses all the way from France and then kept them in my house just shows that I like him. Even with the beard. Then, as per usual, I invited myself to sleep over at his house. The father of Rogers BFF was there and not taking any of our hints that it was time to go. Which, at the very least, proved to be entertaining.
Early Saturday morning I drove to the Boston temple. I worked there all day. I hung out with Grampy. Also a funny old Italian man. And all the Haitians that were there. We spoke in French. They also spoke English but I didn't care. Sunday I dropped some of my siblings off at our ward before I went to the singles ward with my two littlest sisters. Only because I had to speak. We got there late,  but that's what happens when it's an hour away and I've sworn to drive J Money to church. My mom had meetings early in the morning so she couldn't. Anyways.  I gave a talk on repentance to the whopping 15 people there. And sang four times as loud as anyone else. Then they invited me to a linger longer, which I only stayed for bc my sister's were begging. And it included cereal. That meant I had to talk to people. Naturally,  I sat at the boys table. I was shocked that there people still sit segregated in normal life! I thought it was a missionary thing. Guess not. I broke up the monotony, as per usual.
I read a lot of books this week. I sleep on a couch bed in a room that people usually don't enter. It is now the hub of activity. And the middle of the couch bed is like the Rancor pit in Star Wars. Deep and unforgiving. And has hidden monsters. The kids find any excuse to be in here. My favorite is when we're all just sitting in here reading. Every now and again one of us will laugh and explain what happened and we all laugh. It's nice as far as limbos go. 

I Have the Priesthood

Really, this time. Last week when I drove up to the Boston Temple, I mentioned to just about everyone that I just got back off my mission to France (most of them asked). And ALL of them responded that I should be an ordinance worker because there are a lot of people from Montreal who are coming down while their temple is closed for mold obliteration and I could speak French with them. So I talked to my stake president (which is really easy when you eat from the same fridge). And voila quoi. C'est fait. I will work au moins every Saturday from 7 to 18h. My ward actually had a youth temple trip, so we went up at the same time as them, I got set apart, and did a session. I officially start next week. I have the priesthood. But for all of you who listened to Dallin H.'s talk, we already knew that. 

On another note, I've been waking up at 4am every morning to help get my brother in shape for basketball season. He's a junior and 6'4" and still growing. All the other kids are short, but also black, which means they have extra muscles automatically built into their calves. Cheats. But hopefully we can whoop him into shape. Also hopefully tryouts come soon because I don't know how long I want to be doing this. Although I do like when I get to box him out. That's my favorite part. Here's a picture of me playing basketball in high school without digging too far back into the archives. 

Good news of the week. I have a job now and housing for when I go out to Utah. Yay. I'm going to live with my best friend Lauren. I like her. She is a good human. On her birthday, she said, "I wanna feel the heat with somebody". So, like any good friend, I helped her out. It took a while for the heat to get started, but we felt it. We felt it together. (See picture). 

My job for the moment is working with a man named Chris Albanese, a lawyer. Although I don't do lawyery things. I just kind of do odd jobs for him and his wife. I used a leaf blower to clear out his flower beds and he was really impressed. Like too impressed. I wonder what other chumps he's been working with. 

And I made a skirt for myself. For some reason I put that on my list of things to do. And I have to do it here because I don't own a sewing machine. My mom somehow talked me into making three. It's nice because it gives me something to do with my hands while I'm catching up on all these movies my little sisters want me to watch. I also bought a few different piano books to practice, including some Les Mis and Imagine Dragons stuff. I'm also working on technifying some hymns, although I have to wait for my brother to get back from some Catholic retreat so he can help teach me the tricks of Garageband. T Sizzle and I already played around a little with it and decided it needed a nice rap in the middle of a Nearer My God to Thee/I Am A Child of God mashup. Obviously that means we have to write it ourselves. I wrote a practice rap to see how hard it was. I'd like to think it's comparable to Eminem and Blackalicious. I expect to have a few number one hit songs before you hit the next transfer. Enjoy.

Yep. Made this with my hands. 

Get up, get up, get down on your knees

Fixed against those fine fenced filibusters of philosophy

Something so magical cannot be conceived

Gifts so generous cannot be received

The richest of the rich are remarkably in need

We need to ask, we need to act

Do whatever we can to get back on track

Knock off the frustration

With the large scale lack of liberal donations

No taxation without representation

Gratification instantaneously

Simultaneously asking and receivin’

Justin bieber’s new hit CD-better be believin’

Green galore, great gobs of greed it’s

Ruining the society, catastrophe

Calamity, crocodilian collection of casualties

Bank Baba’s bills don’t grow on trees

Work for the wages, a virtual storm of pages

Pleadingly proposing to prodigious sages

Enough is enough, animalistic appetites for the answer

Graciously granted bargains you didn’t beg for

Increased endurance a godsend in war

He condescends, so we can ascend

Personal philosophies so perfectly penned

Termination, the end, bow your head

A prayer ain't a prayer until you say amen. 

There you have it. And tonight I did a fireside all about my mission. At the end, they said, no, keep going! And the bishop said maybe there'll have to be a part two. I also had an ami at church. I like to call him J Money. His real name is Jacob Money. I took him to gospel principles and then to nursery. Nothing like getting your amis to do service. And I had a rootbeer float. And went to institute, where the engagement was to pray 5/7 days in the next week. Weak sauce.

I'm Back!

Who ever thought this day would come? Not I, said the Little Red Hen. And let me tell you it was weird. Starting with weekly planning because I'm still not over it. Two hours into weekly planning, Elder Erickson calls and says, Sister Hutchins. I'm so sorry. The only way for us to get you to Lyon before your plane leaves on Tuesday morning is for you to take a train up Saturday morning and spend the weekend in Lyon. To which I responded, I hate you. 

Turns out I was fine and found another train I could take. I had a great day at church. I only wish I had more time with those wonderful people. They are fabulous, all. May or may not have forgotten to tell them I was leaving until I bore my testimony in Sacrament meeting. Oops.

Anyhow. I flew home and it was less stressful than I ever imagined it. I kind of just sat there in a bit of a stupor, not being able to function like a normal human. I finally got home at 19h in Providence, RI. I carried my bags full of rocks and scriptures down the escalator and there they were. Approximately three feet taller then when I left them. 

I was famished and so we went to Wendy's. Love the JBC.

I had an interview and was released by my father. Then I went and took a long, hot shower where the shower head was above me. I didn't cry too much, but I think it's because it doesn't feel real. The mission is the realest thing you will ever feel. Normal life is dull comparatively. It's not hard to see why RMs go inactive. Je suis paume. Sorry for the lack of accents, but I have an english keyboard now. I feel so out of place and I don't know what to do with myself. So day one, I raked the lawn until my hands bled. Then I mowed the rest of it with a ride on lawn mower. This is my lawn and house if you can see it.

Day two my mother took me shopping to get a phone. I pay for it myself and it has internet access. She left me alone for a while so I tried to go through some old boxes of stuff I have, but promptly gave up. We went to Five Guys for lunch and I got a new toothbrush. I learned the Party Rock dance. Thank you, YouTube. And I played some basketball. My dad brought me home stuff for a rootbeer float.

Friday I went to the temple. I left really early to get to a session at 10am. It snowed. But the trees were beautiful. Kind of like these ones. 

Then I got to the temple late because I got lost in Boston. But then I saw people from Montreal (their temple is closed for mold) so I could speak French with them, I saw my aunt, Becky. Then I saw a bunch of people from my home stake. So that was a miracle. 

Then all day Saturday, I drove my brothers and two kids in the ward and three nonmember friends to Boston again for EFY for a day activity. I hung out with my mom and read the scriptures and put pictures on Facebook during the day. Some of my sister's friends found me and spouted off facts about me and took this picture to send to her. 

Then I committed my brother's friend to baptism during the dance portion that I went to. All in all, a good night. Sunday I gave a talk and my family came to visit and skyped Carolyn Carter and my BFF Lauren and my sister Hannah and my brother Derek. There you have it. Love.

GLORIOUS

Elder Hutchins

French. I thought I would never come up with enough of these, mais voila. Our ami Raphael told us this week that the French are really feminine, which is why they are so into style and art over comfort and fun (cough cough, America). Those are his words, not mine. But I testify of their truthfulness.

We had a GLORIOUS week. It always feels good to be in your sector and have things happen. (Glorious is a word I learned from Elder Kearon. I like it a lot). 

We went to a natural park last p day called L'Esterel-with beautiful red rocks and blue ocean. The pictures do not do them justice. I wanted to climb all over the rocks. But I made myself wear a skirt so I wouldn't be as tempted.

L'Esterel National Park

This week we dragged Akima around with us to visit some members. It's good because she has no job or anything and so she just sits at home and thinks of really bad ideas. So I decided to occupy her. Hehehe. Never have Sister Hutchins occupy you. I literally made her run around like a hooligan all day. But she was tired and it worked.

She also got to teach Raphael with us. That was good. We taught the plan of salvation. Akima didn't understand very much because she is Portuguese and has only been here a year, but in the middle she just testified of the BOM. Raphael had a lot of questions answered. He says we are his ray of sunshine in the week and that our visits give him the force to keep going. I say the Spirit is here. We are promising you a lifetime of this. What joy!

Lion King-Get It?

The Carpios and we had a great rdv where we taught about the sabbath day. They invited us to their concert and promised to come. They were so close! They came via train and waited for a long time for a bus that never showed up. Progress though.

We had great other visits with Sœur Delval and Lapierre, encouraging them to give out a dedicated BOM, like the ward mission plan says. They're both wonderful sweet older ladies that work so hard despite their loneliness.  

We also saw Sandra and Tongi finally and had a wonderful, spirit filled rdv. They fixed some goals and made some serious progress. 

We had dinner and rcm with the Perez couple, the missionaries, and our amis Raphael and Vanessa. I loved it.

Ok, here's the good stuff. Elder Kearon came this week. We had a zone conference with half of our mission and it was glorious. He taught us some good things, but I loved his emphasis on energy. Rising to a new sense of commitment. Scratch and bite. Have fun. Be happy. I like those things because I know they are true. 

These past few weeks have been a very interesting experience for me. I kind of took a step back and analyzed in spiritual moments what was happening. I feel glowy. I feel like my whole mission, I've been crammed full of light and love and all things good. I literally can't contain it. It just flows out of me from a never-ending source as I teach and testify and smile and laugh. It feels glorious.

On Vacation

French Fact: It's really bizarre to travel long distances. Driving even 30 minutes is literally the biggest hassle in the world. That being said, members of the Church are slowly killing this cultural norm through youth activities, temple trips, and stake conférences. Normally if you drive more than an hour, you're on vacation, and you stay there for a week, au moins.

Why would this be relevant? You may ask. Let me tell you. Last pday, after playing tennis at the Perez family's court and emailing, Sœur Staples and I took a train to Montpellier, leaving at 13h and arriving at 18h. We started an exchange with our STLs. Sœur Francis and I visited Fanny, one of the most wonderful recent converts ever, who's stuggling a bit right now. She's a delightful human and we were able to bring some light and revitalization into her life. 

The next day, we visited a woman currently studying to be a pastry maker. No complaints there-we were well snacked. 

We also stopped by an African lady who is now engaged for baptism! In between there we were yelled at on a tram and then hit on by a different guy. Missions are fun. 

We ended by having a short rdv with a member who now has some cool activities planned with his friends. 

Also, since I have no problems in my life, Sœur Francis just asked me questions and delved into the neverending pockets of wisdom that I possess. They're actually a myth, but we don't tell anyone.

We then rejoined our collègues and Sœur Staples and I headed to Bordeaux. Yep, there it is. Again. Sœur Clark said that a sister had to bribe a guy at the airport about 200 euros to get home and she doesn't want me to do that. I said, well no worries, I'll just have to stay in France till it's done. She didn't like that. Neither did President Roney. They told me to go to BDX and stay there until I was legal. 

So I did. We went to the prefecture first thing Wednesday morning and they told me to fill out a form and they would contact me shortly. I explained that I had doubts about that because I'd actually already filled out the form. They said do it anyways. So I did. Then we waited. We did our studies. We worked. I saw Sonia who is back on the baptism track. I saw Justine at Institute. And I dropped by the Jouault's house to grab the keys from the sisters so we could get into their apartment and they told us to sit down and eat with them. I said OK. Again, no complaints. They're wonderful. Frere Jouault and I just make fun of each other the whole time. I felt bad infringing on Sœur Swenson's and Sœur Pape's rdvs, but not too bad.

Thursday we did studies and kept checking my email to see if the prefecture would send me anything. Nothing. So we went out the Gradignan. There, we had a much needed visit with the Lerbschers. They also fed us on the spot. Then we did some porting and found some less actives. And we went back to check my email and turns out my carte de séjour was done in July, but no one wanted to tell me. We met the sisters coming home from a visit with the Lancelots and also profited from the extra food she gave the sisters for us.

Friday we went to the district meeting there since we missed ours. My comp had her first kebab. She now understands. And we went to the prefecture between 130 and 245, the only time you can pick this card up. Unfortunately, we were in a long line of unprepared people and it took a while and we missed the one straightshot train to Cannes by ten minutes. So we did the next best and went halfway back, and spent the night in Carcassonne. 

The next morning, we took the first train back to Cannes at 1230 and arrived at 630pm. I also paid for that myself since the office forgot the day before and Saturday is their pray. 

Finally, we returned to our own sector where the sun is always shining and I don't have to wear a sweater. We saw Akima and the Carpios before the night was over. Both are struggling.

At Church, however, we had a great day. Everyone missed us even though we didn't tell anyone. Raphael came to all three hours of Church and brought Akima and her kids. Sandra and Tangi came. The Elders had a few amis there as well. And it was just a really good day. It's so wonderful to be back in our sector. 

We are planning on double timing it even more than before. Splits and blitzes are all chez nous from here on out. And since I'm Sister Hutchins, people literally do whatever I ask. I think it's weird, but I'm not complaining. Have a monster of a week. Love.

Fresh Baguettes

French fact. Mold counts as cheese. I mean, you have your normal roquefort, which is like cheese that is only like two thirds mold but the rest is cheese. Then you have real delicacies that are only mold. Does that count as cheese? Not so sure. 

Well last Monday it rained buckets. Like go take a cold shower and that's about what it felt like. I changed my clothes three times. Which I could do because it was P day. Also we accidentally left our phone at an internet cafe. Then some guys stole it. Then we went back to get it and used the pay phones to call it. The guy reluctantly agreed to give it back. So we waited for 20 minutes in the rain for it. And by rain I mean torrential downpour. Hehe. 

We had an FHE chez Rutily that night. I like kids. They make FHEs more fun. Sometimes adults don't pay ettention if the lesson is simple because they think they don't need it. They do. Having kids there is the perfect excuse to teach them simple things. Then they pay attention because they have to get their kids to pay attention. Then we played Dont Eat Pete with candy corn. Spicing it up. 

Raphael has a baptismal date. He's got a long way to go, but he's engaged now and that's the first step I think. Toni and the Carpios want to go to the temple, so that helps us as well. Fix goals and your progress accelerates. 

We had the best ward council this week. Super effective and lots of things getting done , which is great to see. 

We showed Colette the Retab film and she loved it. She also promised to come to church when it's back in Cannes. 

And Akima is just so delightful. Also I speak portuguese. I said my first prayer. I also know how to eat fish with the bones still in it. 

OKay, here are my highlights from church. First, basically think of the people you love most in the world. Your kids, your spouse, your BFF, whoever. Then think of times when you sacrificed everything for them. You know their weaknesses and you don't care because you love them so much that you will literally do anything for them. Now imagine what the world would be like if you loved everyone like that. Go try it. 

Second, when your kids are misbehaving, you are less likely to talk to them or  help them. You send them to their rooms. Or you tell them to clean up their mess. But, when they are polite and respectful and sage, parents are much more likely and willing to help. God is like that. He is more likely to help us when we are behaving ourselves. 

Third, Frere Perez's son gets home from his mission in December. He is so excited he is already planning a party and a snowboarding trip the very next day. He loves his son a lot and is excited to see him again. Again, that's like God. He sends us out here and all he wants is to bring us all back. He wants to have a huge party. Celestial kingdom. 

Well that's all I have. It's short, but you can handle it for a while longer. Love. 

Raphael. That's all.

Family Photos are such fun!

French fact. They do, as per the stereotypes, carry baguettes around under their arms. Berets, no. Baguettes, yes. Also, the French stereotypes of Americans is baseball hats and chewing gum. Accurate. 

All I want to talk about this week is Raphael. I will also tell you our ami Toni has a baptismal date. Back to Raphael. 

I met him, stopped him from crossing the street and told him I had a one minute questionnaire. He agreed. I talked to him for 30 minutes, teaching him the first two lessons because he just kept asking questions. I asked if we could meet again and if we could pray with him. He said no. So I said, fine, at least take this BOM. He said ok and left. 

Ten minutes later, we were still there waiting for an ami to show up and Raphael literally comes running around the corner to see us. He said he would meet with us again. We fixed a time. 

A week later, Soeur Houasse and we went over to his house and despite the fact that he only kind of believed in God and only wanted to meet with us because we were delightful people, we had a great rdv. We talked about who God is in a way he could understand. The spirit was strong. He agreed to come to our ward activity. He said he didn't want to pray. But I convinced him. 

Halloween package minus most of the candy

The following Saturday he came and brought his 15 year old daughter. She spent the whole time with the little kids and he played basketball with the adults. We all ate barbequed sausages together. He told us this came at a good time in his life and he really liked the community. I told the bishop to talk to him (sometimes French people forget that they need to do that). The bishop invited him to church. 

He came to church. Only to the Sacrament. But he came. He even tried to wear a button down, but he burnt it while he was ironing it. Silly Raphael. He sat near us and sang and prayed. (And then bragged about it later, hehe). He said he really liked it and that although he didn't agree with all of the talks, it felt good. 

He was busy and we didn't see him until he came to church two weeks later. He came in a white shirt and suit and everything. Still kind of felt awkward amidst the crowd of people that knew each other, but that he didn't know. That was a crazy day. I had to find a ride home for Akima and her two kids, so I rushed around doing that really quick before everyone left, but by the time I was done, he was gone. I called him later to apologize and we fixed a rdv. 

He cancelled last minute because he had to go to a birthday party. 

We called the next week and fixed a rdv. We weren't sure what to expect because last we'd really checked in, he still wasn't interested in taking lessons. Only with being a part of our community because we were all friendly. So we tried to make it lighter, but he testified about the spirit at church and asked about baptism and a few other things. We told him about how we have a living prophet and general conference and stuff and he said he'd look at it and come to church. For the first time I felt like his heart was softened enough to really start getting down to business. 

So we wanted to get him to come to church earlier than the last hour. We therefore asked him to take Akima and her kids. He agreed to coming an hour earlier. This week we had our first Gospel Principles class ever. I taught it and Fr Perez made lots of comments. Meaning it was exactly what we wanted it to be. We had some extra members, some less actives, lots of amis and missionaries there. IT was awesome. 

Then in Sacrament meeting, a guy from the high council spoke all about missionary work and hastening it and it was so cool. Pumped up all of the ward. Everyone came over and talked to Raphael afterwards (with a little prompting). And Akima's kids were really attached to him and followed him around like little puppy dogs. He loved it. He told us afterwards that the class we had before Sacrament was awesome and if church was always like that, he'd have to come early every week. Yes, yes, you must. 

I love Raphael. He's just a good guy. He loves his family and he feels the spirit. He's so cool. If he was my friend at home, I would think to myself, he's so cool I wish he would come to church with me because we would have a good time. Anything is better when you're with people you like. It's funner. 

The Hutchinator, District Leader

No, I'm not the district leader. But that's what President and the assistants texted out as a joke. I laughed.

What a week. I love training, but the first week is always rough. Especially if you live far away from Lyon. Here's the down low. I went up to Lyon first thing Monday morning. I had pday in Lyon with Sœur Jenson and we bought a new strap for my Watch and a supply of cereal I could survive on for a few days. Also a coing. (French fact! This is a fruit. It grows here. People make Jelly with it.) Anyhow, it wasn't ripe, so the one bite I had was less than satisfying. That night I went to FHE with the JAs at Institute. I saw a lot of my favorite people. Including Sœur Luthi, who has now passed beyond the grave, may she rest in peace. Jokes, she's in Cali.

Tuesday, we went to the office to grab some supplies we'd bring back to our sectors and then the fiasco started. Several dying missionaries were prevented from boarding planes, whether due to plane strikes or lack of French legality (I still don't have mine, so here's praying). And all the new missionaries were stuck in London for several hours as well. Luckily, I  know the sector a bit. We helped out in the office doing as much as we could. 

We went to visit an ami in the hospital and did some contacting and area book cleaning for the sisters there. I hate being out of my sector for longer than necessary.

Traditionally, the STLs try to keep the trainers and blues out of contact for as long as possible. I kind of do what I want. So when they finally got in to Lyon, I said hi and told them stories and introduced myself and stuff. We went to breakfast together. I sat with the Elders, another tradition. Then we had a trainer's meeting. Which felt kind of repetitive after every trainer in that room had already asked me for advice. We ate lunch together. Then, the assistants asked for volunteers to help so I volunteered. Also Elder Joyce. I ended up teaching the blues how to teach because both they and the assistants were so tired that it was terrible. We had some fun with it. And somehow I ended up having to go to President's house. Where I then played petanque and volleyball with Elder Joyce, the office Elder's and all the new missionaries. Then I made some other trainers come get me so I could have a companion and leave and we went and ate dinner with Pascale Stefani. I like her. She is a good human. She was baptized when I started in Annecy and moved to Lyon.

The next day we had our conference where we got our companions. Did I mention I have two daughters and a niece also training? Literally the mother of all missionaries. Gross. 

As per usual, I cheered as loud as I could. President loves it. He says it teaches them that missions are fun right off the bat. I got to sit with him at lunch. Everyone else wanted to sit with me too, but I have favorites. 

My new daughter is named Sœur Staples. She hails from Virginia. When we were finally done, we ate dinner at the office and then did some contacting.

I was then able to see all the second transfer blues come in for blues conference. So I got to see Sœur Caldwell. Nice. 

Finally, we took our train back to Cannes. Met with a couple members. Went to a few general conference sessions. Tried to weekly plan, but it took a really long time and we're not done because I have to explain a lot more than usual. But hey. We're hitting the ground running and by running I mean sprinting. Hope you are too. Love.