OHHH OHHH I'M HALFWAY THERE ! OHH OHHH ! LIVIN ON A PRAYER !

Salut toute le monde ! 

I hope that as you began to read this update, the voice of Bon Jovi singing "Livin on a Prayer" came to mind. 😄 Can you even believe it?! I am halfway through my mission in serving the Lord! Only 9 more months remaining of the greatest decision I have ever made! These past 9 months have been way more than I have ever expected in many ways, but I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. I have learned so many things up to this point in my mission, and I know I still have so much more to learn! I have met some amazing people and have created relationships with companions, members, amis, and other missionaries that I know will last a lifetime. I have seen and experienced countless miracles, had many profound moments defined by the Spirit, and have seen the hand of God work in every moment, detailing this sacred work. My testimony has grown leaps and bounds, and this is just the beginning! I cannot describe the love I have for the people of France, the language, the culture, for each and every experience I've had, and for this sacred work. A mission is not the easiest thing ever, but it definitely is worth it! So, cheers to nine months more! 

Miracles Abound:

On the topic of miracles, we have experienced a lot this week! Because the weather is SUUUUPER nice here (and we want to work on our missionary tan lines🤪) Soeur Chapman and I often go to the port to get some work done. There are tons of people from all over Europe at the port and I love to hear all the different languages spoken there, and to of course, to see all the boats. One afternoon we went to the port and had barely sate down at a little picnic table when I saw a man walking by. I watched him for about two seconds, then turned to Soeur Chapman and told her that I felt impressed we needed to talk to him. We both immediately stood up and started speed walking towards him. We didn't realize how fast he was walking to begin with, so it quickly turned into us kind of jogging along to catch up to him. 😂 When we caught up to him he was sooooo nice and talked easily with us. We found out he was Christian, and he was totally open and willing to talk more! We ended up giving him a Book of Mormon and we even exchanged phone numbers! That night we texted him and he responded almost immediately telling us his availability! Wow! We are hoping to have a rendezvous with him this week, so I'll of course keep you all posted!

Another amazing miracle this week happened last Friday! Friday was a French National Holiday, so our branch had a huge carnival to celebrate! It was so fun! We had some amis attend, (including Chaterina!) as well as some amis that members invited! Soeur Chapman and I were enlisted as the photographers and they all loved the photos! Towards the end we all shared a meal together after-which one of the members introduced us to their friend, Dorian. Dorian is one of those people who is just so ready to accept the gospel. I am so excited for her! Her member friends had already started talking to her about the Plan of Salvation and our believe in Eternal Marriages in the temple and said that is what really got her interested! We talked a little bit more with her about the Plan of Salvation and gave her a Book of Mormon. She was so excited to recieve it! She was all smiles and just so joyful and excited to receive it! Between the two of us, I seriously couldn't tell who was smiling bigger! 🤣😁 That night we texted her as well, she responded, and better yet, SHE CAME TO CHURCH AND LOVED IT! I sat with her a bit before the meeting started and explained how our meetings worked and she was so excited and content! She also had this adorable little baby boy! I asked her if she had had the chance to look at the Book of Mormon at all and she said that she read until page 15! IN ONLY TWO DAYS! I was so impressed! The member that introduced us also offered to have a rendez-vous at their home too! I am so so excited for her and to see how she progresses! 

This past week as a zone we also stayed out of our apartments from 900- 2100! Throwback Thursday! In the past, it was a regulation for the missionaries to be out of their apartment all day, so we decided to give it a try. It was actually so so fun! We met some awesome people, enjoyed the sun, had some amazing lessons, and simply just had a great day! The work is starting to pick up here in Toul and it is so exciting! The Lord is really sending us some very prepared people and we see constant evidence of His hand through all our efforts! 

Spiritual Thought:

In reading the Book of Mormon this week I came across a scripture that I thought was really interesting. This scripture comes from Alma when he went to heal Zeezrom (a man who was against the church for a while but ended up becoming baptized). Alma told him that he could be healed through his faith in Christ and Zeezrom said he did have faith, and was then healed. This is the same pattern we see whenever someone is healed in the scriptures. The first question is always do you have the faith to be healed, and then through and according to their faith they are healed. I love this pattern of faith and healing in both The Bible and The Book of Mormon, and I especially love how it can be applied to us today. 

"If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed." (Alma 15: 8) 

This not only applies to physically healing, but to all levels and types of healing. Have faith and believe in the redemption of Christ and He will heal you. I have seen it and I have felt it. No matter what is going on in the world or in our families, He will and can heal you in the ways you need it most. I love you all so much! 

À Bientôt ! ♥️ - Soeur Hansen 

Note To Self: Papillon also means Bowtie not just Butterfly

Mes chers amis ! 

What à week it has been! This has probably been one of the fastest, shortest weeks ever! Sometimes it's just like that: lessons with amis in Tahitian, hanging out with the young women in the branch and visits with ward members - Simply, things have been great! 

Let me first start out by saying that no matter what language you are speaking or hearing, you can always feel the power of the Spirit! Always!  Even if you don't understand the words that are spoken,  the Spirit knows all languages and He knows all of our hearts, so He knows how to touch our hearts even when we don't know the language. Soeur Chapman and I started teaching a woman name Chatarina, from Tahiti who's husband is part of the military. That is super common here in Toul as there are a lot of Tahitian families who come from Tahiti to serve in the French military. We have been teaching her since I have been here and things have been going SO WELL with her! She is so interested in learning more. She has a genuine interest in the gospel and is starting to read the Book of Mormon on her own! She is also the most easy going person I have ever met! We are currently working on the Plan of Salvation with her and for this past lesson we decided to bring some Tahitian members of the branch with us, hoping that having a familiar connection would help her, and wow did it ever! She was way more at ease and she seemed to be even more open than she was before! It was incredible because the members would bear their testimonies in Tahitian, and even though we had no idea what they where saying, we could feel the Spirit so so strongly!  Personally, it felt like I could feel the Spirit was stronger that day as it was spoken in another language because it was able to touch me simply through the intense feelings we were all experiencing, and not just through words. The Spirit doesn't need words to preach the gospel, it just needs an open heart. 

Our member friends then explained practically the entire Plan of Salvation in Tahitian and it was seriously incredible to be apart of! Of course, every once in a while Sœur Chapman and I would jump in, in French, when we knew what was happening, 😉 but it was so cool to see Chatarina grow more and more open. At the end, we gave her a Book of Mormon in Tahitian, hoping it would help make it easier for her to understand in her native language. We ended the lesson with everyone asking when we could do it again! 🤣 Sunday she came to church with one of her sons and it seemed like she felt right at home. I am so excited to see how things go with her! 

We also enjoyed lessons with other amis this week who were super open and engaged as well! We don't have very many friends in Toul since it is such a small town, but the ones we do have, have very open hearts and are so ready to be taught by the Spirit! They have amazing questions and are so willing to make an effort to learn and know more. 

During the second hour at church on Sunday we had a mini lesson with a member and her mom (who isn't a member but super religious. Sweetest mamie ever!) and another friend who came to church with them. We talked about the Plan of Salvation again and, WOW was the Spirit strong there as well! Both our ami and the member's mom had amazing questions and we had a really good discussion together. The testimony of the member was so so powerful, and the connections both her mom and our ami were making to those things they already believed was incredible too. I couldn't stop from smiling the entire time! It was kind-of an impromptu lesson too, as it was our friend's first time coming to church, and the member's mother has hearing problems, so we usually just have simple discussions together. But, at the last minute we decided to make it a small group with everyone together, and it honestly couldn't have turned out better! After the lesson, both the ami and the mom thanked us and told us how much they enjoyed the time we spent together and how they look forward to talking with us again! Ahhhh! Made my day! 

And for the blonde moment of the day...

So, a lot of times as missionaries we get into situations where we ask ourselves, "how did I get here?" Now that I am driving, sometimes we have to literally ask ourselves that question. (As most of you know... my navigational skills aren't too stellar.) 🤣 Sometimes we find ourselves driving through a tractor field because we missed a street, and maps told us to go through a field. #blindobedience 

Or, sometimes we drive on a road where we are in the middle of nowhere, but are surrounded by fields of cows! #gotmilk 

But don't worry, we always end up where we need to go, and on time! So, I'd say we are doing pretty good so far! 😉However, other times we ask ourselves that question when we miss translate ourselves into a weird moment. (doesn't happen too often, but it does happen) Saturday night an ami was texting us about church, asking us what he needed to bring and the dress code. He told us that he was going to comb his hair and then wear à papillon too, along with some other things. As Soeur Chapman and I read the text, we understood it as he wanted to comb his hair and wear a butterfly hair clip. It was quite strange, because it all made sense until he stressed the importance of wearing this butterfly clip! We kinda laughed to ourselves, and continued texting with him about church and what to bring, etc. and of course we approved his outfit. Hey, you do you!

After we finished texting with him, we went back and reread the texts because we knew we were missing something in regards to his papillon. It took us a bit, but come to find out, he was asking if he could wear a bowtie! OOOHHHHHHH! Soeur Chapman and I just died laughing right there in our kitchen, because finally it all made sense! 😂 

Note to self: papillon does not only mean butterfly, it is also short for bowtie 😉

Funny moments aside, this week was amazing! The lessons we had this week allowed me to leave each time with a smile plastered on my face! Of course there are so many more wonderful moments I want to share with you all, but we could be here for hours! I have so much love for the people here in Toul! It's such a beautiful area with amazing people!

Spiritual Thought: As missionaries we pray a lot. We pray first thing when we wake up, right before we go to sleep each night, and every moment in between. Everything we do is through prayer and with a prayer in our hearts! I read this scripture this week and I invite you all to take a moment to really ponder it and what it means for each of you personally. 

" Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 37:37) 

Apply this scripture daily this week and take note of your thoughts and feelings as you do. 

I love you all dearly! Have an amazing week!

À Bientôt ! ♥️ - Soeur Hansen 

I Guess I'm Part of the Army Now

Saluuuut! 

I can't believe it's P-day again! The weeks are seriously flying by! I hope you all are doing so well! This week was a great week! It was my first full week in my new secteur, and honestly, I am loving Toul more and more every day! In my last update I said Toul kind of reminds me of a mountain town... well this week cemented that feeling! As I mentioned, I am driving in this area - we are still alive, with everything in one piece - so don't you worry!  We used the car almost every day this past week to get to our rendez-vous, and WOW! The landscape was incredible! It really did feel like I was driving in my beloved mountains! It is seriously so pretty here! It's definitely very very different when compared to the Paris city life, as Toul is a very tiny town, but I am loving it! The people here are so kind too - when we say Bonjour on the street, they actually say it back!  Win! 🤣 

Remember Ulrich Hoffmann from last week? (He knew my dad when he served here.) We had dinner with him and his family on Tuesday and it was so fun! His wife's mother was also there, who is a Babooshka from Ukraine, and she is the sweetest! After dinner we all played some games together and had such a good time!

We had some amazing lessons this week on the Book of Mormon and blessings that really just left me feeling on top of the world! Don't you just love that feeling when the Spirit is so strong you feel as though you could fly?! 

This week we taught 24 lessons, which means we get to go out to dinner with President Claus and his wife! We don't know when yet, but yay! 😂 Sunday we actually went to their house for lunch after church, and oh my goodness, their house is so so cute! It seriously reminds me of à house from a period drama They said that it was built before the French Revolution, and it's pretty much the same as it was back then! Of course they've made some renovations to the house since, but it was seriously one of the coolest houses I've been in since being here! 

What I Love About the People Of France:

• I know there is a stereotype about French people, but the people of France are seriously so cool! Once they open up to you, they are so kind and generous, and just really fun to be around. They treat you as if you've known each other all your lives and it's seriously incredible. 

• Another thing I love about the people in France is that they are very much rooted in their culture and history (hence the french revolution house) They love their history, all of it: general history, regional history, family history - they love allowing history influence their daily life and culture. The French culture is so rooted and historically rich, and it is extraordinary to be a part of it - even in such a small way and for such a short time. I love France and I love my mission for bringing me to these people! 🥰

• I also love that France is a bit of a melting pot of a bunch of cultures! I've had the opportunity meet à lot of Africans, Ukranians, and Tahitians! Toul is home to the 516 Regiment of the French military. A lot of Tahitians are actually part of the French military and I get to hang out with a lot of them - let me tell you, they are some of my favorite people! 

Tahitians actually make up most of my branch! On Thursday we went over to the house of the second counselor in the branch presidency, Frère Tehahe! There we enjoyed a Tahitian BBQ, and la vache it was so good! We also held a family home evening lesson with his family, and his two sons were just the cutest. His wife's parents are staying with them right now too because they just had a baby. It seriously took me back to family home evening lessons when I was growing up, where all us kids were super restless and excited for the game or activity and we didn't listen very well. 😂 Despite the chaos of Frère and Sœur Tehahe trying to quiet their sons down, the room was constantly full of laughter and I don't think I ever stopped smiling! The gospel really brings so much joy, no matter the activity and in all aspects of our lives! 

Saturday Soeur Chapman and I were invited by one of the amis we are currently teaching to the 516 regiment porte ouverte ! We were able to go on the base and watch a demonstration of different military vehicles. It was super cool, but the coolest part was probably when they performed some Tahitian dances - including the Haka ! The wives of all the soldiers came out and did some traditional dances as well. Once they finished dancing, we heard singing coming from behind us. We turned around to find all the soldiers in lines, singing à native chant, dressed in traditional clothing with face paint, walking towards the presentation area. They all marched in singing and then began to do the Haka! The whole presentation was incredible to watch! Our ami who invited us was so excited to see us there along with other members of our branch! It was so so fun! 

Even though we couldn't proselyte on the base, the simple fact that we were there to support them meant a lot to both our amis and the members of our branch who serve in the French military. Until now, I never realized how much the simple act of just being present for someone truly meant.  As a little girl, I remember how excited I would get when my friends and family came to my different performances or competitions, but I never truly acknowledged or understood how much that meant until I was the one showing up for others. A lot of members and amis express how much it means to them when we come to an activity, or when we help out or become involved in something when they didn't expect that we would. 

For example, our ami, Chatarina, who invited us to the military démonstration, joins us for a rendez-vous each week. We are starting at the Restoration of the Church and working through each lesson, really taking our time in helping her understand each principle, especially those taught in the Book of Mormon. This past lesson we with her, we had planned to talk about the Plan of Salvation, but instead we decided to read through the introduction of the Book of Mormon to help her better understand what it is and answer some of her questions. She hadn't really began reading it until we took the time to do that with her. She said she would rather read the Book of Mormon together with us because:

One, if she has a question she can ask us right there,  and two, she said that she just enjoys the feeling she gets when we are around. A lot of people tell us this. That incredible feeling is the Spirit! Each and every one of us can have that incredible feeling of the spirit with us if we allow Him into our hearts!

As some of you know, the new edition of the "Preach My Gospel" manual came out recently. Let me tell you, it is incredible! It is exactly what missionary work needs! "Preach My Gospel" is a resource that missionaries use to help us prepare to teach lessons and is a guide to missionary work. However, it's not only for missionaries. Anyone can read and study it, and I hope you all do! It's very different from the original version, as the principles of the gospel are explained in new ways, and some things have either been added or taken out, but it is very much what the work needs today. I have already learned so much and have felt much of its teachings resonate with me as I study it. 

We had our first call this week with our new mission President and his wife as well, President and Soeur Munns, and they are incredible! They already expressed how much they love us and I already love them! Ever since I heard we were getting a new mission President, I have been so incredibly sad and worried about loving my new President as much as I have loved the Hansens.  While I'm extremely sad to have had to say goodbye to the Hansens, this week my worries have been put to rest and I have been blessed with the confirmation that this is what was suppose to happen, and I am loving every moment of all the changes taking place, including those in my area. The Munns even talked a lot about the new "Preach My Gospel" and I got even more excited about it! Seriously, I invite you all to read it! 

Spiritual Thought:

Okay time for a quick spiritual thought! I know this was kind of a long update, but I just had so much to tell you! In the spirit of talking a lot about how being present for others is so important, the presence we should all want and yearn for in our lives is the presence of our Savior. He is there, if we will only let Him in. 

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Isaiah 43:2) 

He is there! I have felt Him. I have come to know and feel my Savior more than ever before because of my mission, and I am so thankful for it. Strive to feel His presence this week. 

I love you all so much! Have an amazing week! 🥰🥰

À bientôt ! - Soeur Hansen 

20 and the Designated Driver

Bonjour à tous !

  This week was wild!  Monday night we had the awesome experience to attend a "Lamb of God" concert in Paris...IF we brought an ami with us...so we brought three! 🤣 Any missionary in the Navigo Zone could go, with their friends, and it was free admission! Funny enough, we actually met one of the actors at the Louvre earlier that day! Totally random! Unfortunately we had to leave the show early because missionaries have a curfew. We didn't realize that the Lamb of God portion of the concert was after intermission, so we didn't get to see that part, but we were able to enjoy the "King of Kings" concert, which I had never seen before and focused on the birth of Christ. It was absolutely amazing, and our amis absolutely loved it! The spirit was so incredibly strong and I loved being there with the other missionaries, as well as with President Hansen! It was such a good, spirit filled night - and it made me realize how much I miss attending concerts! 😂

We were able to enjoy Zone Conference and interviews with President Hansen this week.  Sadly, this was our last interview and Conference with the Hansens, as they will finish their mission this coming Friday. It has been amazing being able to serve with the Hansens, I just love and adore them and am going to miss them so much! They have become very important to me. I know I will see them again at reunions and different events when I get home, but dang, goodbyes stink! These past 8 months I have met some of the most amazing people, and many I have come to look up to as role models. Beginning with President and Sister Ostler at the Preston MTC, to President and Sœur Hansen here in France, and all the many missionaries in between, including my companions. I am so grateful for all these incredible people who have entered my life and the influence they have had on me and my mission so far. As I've said before, it is so sad when your mission friends leave, but it is ok, change is good and allows for growth!  I am excited to meet the new President and his wife, and I know things will be great!  

Even though this was a week of many lasts, it was also a week of awesome firsts! I had my first (and only) mission birthday! That's right! I'm officially 20! 🤯 Gosh, I already feel old saying that! My birthday happened to fall on the day of our Zone Conference, so I was able to celebrate with the Hansens and all my mission friends! It was seriously, honestly, one of the 

Best Birthdays Ever 🥳 

I was able to spend the day in Paris, they gave me a unicorn ballon (I cannot tell you how excited I was about that), and I got to spend it with so many friends that I love! It was great!  And a huge thank you to all of you who sent me birthday wishes! It made me so happy! 

And the Big Transfer News: 

So... Yes!  I have been transferred again, and transfer day was crazy! Turns out both Soeur Thurgood and I were transferred, but we weren't both going to the main transfer point and we had to make a Soeur exchange at the gare of Montparnasse - every missionary's transfer day nightmare! There are no escalators in this gare, but there are lots and lots of stairs! Imagine being a 20 year old, with three suitcases full of basically your entire life, and trying to haul them up and down many many stairs... TALK ABOUT A WORKOUT!!! 

Long story short, I had to go to Paris and back 3 times before I got to my new secteur with all my suitcases! 💪 In truth, the crazy was actually kind of fun and soooo many kind people helped all of us with our luggage up and down the stairs. It was so awesome to be blessed with our transfer day angels!! 

This will be my fourth area in 8 months, which is super rare for a Sœur. I've never surpassed two transfers in one area, so who knows, maybe this transfer will be different. I am now out of Paris and in a small town named Toul! It is right next to Nancy, over by Strasbourg, Germany, and the French town of Épinal. For some of you these may just be town names, but for me, this transfer and these places are very special.  As I've mentioned in previous updates, my dad and I have kind-of the same mission! A lot of our areas are the same. My dad spent most of his mission in the northern areas of France, a lot of time in Epinal and the Strasbourg area, and Nancy.  My current zone encompasses many of his areas, and even in my few short days here, I have already seen him in the work here... 

You Won't Believe This!!

At church my first Sunday here I met a member, Ulrich, who remembers my dad from when he was serving here over 20 years ago! Ulrich was 14 at the time and told me that my dad was one of his favorite missionaries!  As we were talking he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out one of my dad's old missionary tags!!  Turns out my dad gave Ulrich one of his tags and Ulrich has kept it all these years and brought it to church Sunday to show it to me! He let me borrow it just until Tuesday when we go to their house for dinner so I could show my mom and dad. Unfortunately, his family is moving next week so I won't be able to spend more time with him and talk with him about some good stories and memories about my dad when he was a young missionary... BUT WOW!! Could the timing have been any more perfect?!? Not gonna lie, when I received my mission call, I always hoped to be able to serve close to where my dad served, and maybe one day even possibly meet someone he knew, but I knew that would be a long shot.  Well... that dream was more than fulfilled!!  I can't even believe that it happened!!  Tuesday we go over to his house for dinner and family home evening with his family so I am really looking forward to that.  And yes, I will return the tag. 😉 

I moved out of ward life and am now living and loving branch life! My branch President's name is Claus (pronounced like Clowse) so I kind-of have Santa as my branch President! 😂 He seems cool and super fun.  He has a deal with the missionaries where if we get 24 lessons a week he and his wife take us out to dinner! So, this past week I was able to profit from the hard work of the Soeur I replaced and we went to Buffalo Grill - it was super yummy and I definitely enjoyed it! While at dinner I got to know the Branch President and his wife and they are the funnest couple! Even though I've been here for only a few days, I've been able to meet a lot of members from the branch and I already love them so much! And, of course, I also have a new companion, Soeur Chapman, from Ottawa, Canada! This is actually her last transfer before she heads home so we are already planning on making it a good one! 

Oh!! And I'm also driving now! Yuuuup, I am the designated driver in France! It's lowkey actually kind of scary... but we and the car are still in one piece... for now. 🤣 

Toul is beautiful! It reminds me of a cute little mountain town because there are tons of giant hills (almost mountains), lots and lots of trees, and houses tucked into the trees! It is such a cute, small "mountain town" that even has a small port where we often go to do our studies! I'm sad to have left Torcy and Paris, but I already love Toul and the people here! 

Spiritual Thought:

At Zone Conference we talked a lot about a "change of heart" and how who we are is a reflection of what is in our heart. Our heart is composed of our intentions, attitudes, desires, affections, and motives. That is our heart! So, my question is... What is written on your heart? What are all of these attributes to you?  

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."  (1 Samuel 16:7) 

The Lord looks upon your heart, He looks at what is inside each of us rather than what is on the outside. He knows your heart, and that is what actually counts. 

Je vous aime ! Bonne semaine ! 

À bientôt ! - Soeur Hansen 🥰😘