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.