Natalie December 23, 2013

Bonjour tout le monde!

What a beautiful week we had here in Valenciennes. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Even if there's no snow. We dedicated our week to "proclaiming his name" and bearing witness of the Savior as our gift to Him. It was incredible. What a special time to be a missionary.

Here are some snapshots of our week: Had a rendez-vous with our friend Erika. We showed up to meet her and she walks up with this big group of her friends! They're all from Africa and naturally, my sistas. We were laughing and laughing and talking like we were friends in the womb...We walked to the church and taught them about the Savior. We gave them a chapel tour and ended up singing Christmas hymns in the chapel. A lot of Hallalujahs! It was so incredible and they kept saying, wow my sisters, the spirit is here. The spirit is here. And they were right! I have such a testimony of the power of music.

We were porting in an area and knocked a door, the women let us in because she heard the word
American. We went in and began teaching her and learned that she had just lost her husband. All of a sudden words came out of our mouths testifying that SHE WAS NOT ALONE. She began to cry and cry and told us how lonely she'd felt that day. We testified of the Savior's birth and life and that because of Him, we never have to be alone. She showed us pictures of her grandkids and we spent some time with her. It was so great and we will be going back to visit her! Mary Vonne is our new beautiful friend.

We also had a rendez-vous at a sweet members home. Turns out she has 15 cats and exactly 2 dogs living with her in her little squater and yes, we may or may not have seen them all, by name. haha As we were teaching they were climbing all over and jumping on us and all I could do was sing, "keep calm, and carry on" in my mind...thanks just. haha it was a real adventure and a memory I will never forget.

We also had our Christmas mission conference. We met up with a few other zones and it was so special. President and Soeur Poznanski made it feel like home for us. I was surprised to see 5 or 6 other missionaries from AF there too. it felt just like home! And was such a tender mercy! This is Elder Ryan Hall! One of Loge's friends from HS and the little brother to Jared Hall.

We had a fun time catching up! He's great! I also got to see my MTC district and all of my friends! Here is a pic of all of us together. soeur hilton and our elders!

It was so great to see everyone. We were also so surprised to have our letter from home! thank you so much. It meant the world. President and Soeur Poznanski also gave us each a temple recommend holder with the Paris temple that will be built soon on the front and a quote on the inside about us coming back. it was so special and i'll treasure it forever! We also made some videos and they should be on FB soon.

Throughout my mission I have devoted my studies to the Savior--specifically Characters of Christ. In the past few months I have been in the New Testament and in the past week I have been studying the Nativity specifically. It has been incredible and I've learned so much. I have studied each character in the nativity and I have learned that each one individually teaches us more about the person who the story is centered on! They teach us about the Savior in ways I have never thought about. We see Him in each person. We find him in the character of Mary when she accepts the role of being His mother and her faith when she learns that, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" luke 1:37 We see Him in the strength of Joseph as He walked with courage alongside Mary as He protected them. We see it in the humilty of the shepherds as they witnessed the angel bringing tidings of great joy! "The trustful and unsophisticated keepers of sheep had not asked for a sign of confirmation. Their faith was in unison with the Heavenly Communication. They waited not but went in HASTE for in their hearts they believed, yea, more than believed, they knew, and this was their tenor of their resolve" James E Talmage
And we see Him in the wisemen, who we don't know much about. And I've learned that it's that way maybe for a good reason. We each can serve the Savior, and praise Him without our name being signed.
And most importantly, we learned of the Savior; that He chose, to come into this world, in the most humblest of circumstances. He, the King of Kings, chose to be born in a stable, and live a humble life.  I know that He lives! I know it I know it I know it. I know that He gave His life for me! With a heart overwhelmed with gratitude for Him, I know that the only way we can repay the smallest part of what He gave us or to show Him our gratitude, is by striving to become like Him, and to become His disciple. I know that as we waste away our lives in His service, in His name, we too can see our faces and stories in the Nativity. I also know, that just as Mary looked forward to the coming of a Messiah, we too are looking forward to the Second Coming of our Messiah. I know that He will come. I know it. And how excited I am for that day! When He will come in His glory and reign as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. I look forward to that day when He will come again. I know that He'll hold me so close that I'll know from the inside out that Jesus is the Christ, the most High God, and He'll take me to His Father. I know it. I know He lives because I know Him. I have seen Him every single day of my life and more specifically my mission. I love Him and I love His perfect Atonement for each one of us.
I love you all so much. And I'm so grateful for this special Christmas. Though we're all far apart I know that the Savior will link us together. I love you all and CAN NOT WAIT to skype you in T minus 2 days! woot woot! I love you so much!
JOYEUX NOËL

Love,
Your Soeur Cameron

100 PERCENT NO REGRETS I'VE PROMISED TO GIVE MORE!