And high speed trains can get you anywhere you need to go within a couple hours across the country. It was just awesome. Dont contend with them, but always be able to inform them where they can readily find accurate information and that youre always happy to teach them more about the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Phoenix, the Lord has prepared missionaries and members alike to share this important message in the French language. There are places in the world where the missionaries, even in their humble circumstances, are wealthier than the people they serve: dont insult them and embarrass yourself by over-dressing. Always soaking wet, get water resistant everything. My first name is Jeff. (Paul), Youre girlfriend will NOT wait for you. (Jacob), There are a lot of cognates in French. (Kara), Fresh bread and chocolate. French Polynesia (Tahiti) Skip to Main Content. We have the coolest mission song ever! That feeling of love was astounding. I wish Id understood things about the Temple more when I was there attending so much so I couldve more fully appreciated the experience. Some of us may wonder if we were really called to the right place or whether we can truly make a difference. Oh yeah and raw hamburger. (Paul), Little to no snow.. humid. Then we were praying for safety. Washington DC North Missionaries Group. (Jeffrey), Have a young punk kid saying ta mre and I laughed back at him because I realized he had just said youre mom which doesnt translate as a bad word into English. (Merrilyn), How to be humorous. I just waited until the last possible month to earn it. Thats what its about Joy in the journey. Charleroi is my idea of Zion. In my head, I translated tableau as table and went to get one. Do your best to communicate in a loving way with your companion. France has over 65 million total inhabitants; Switzerland, nearly 8 million total . Keep it going! But there was no time to jump out and talk to her, get her number or set up an appointment. There is a lot to do. (Doug), Pray for the people even before you get your call. (Merrilyn), Our mission extended from Paris to Tarbes and Pau. Learned how to get along with a companion whom you were with 24/7 in every sense of the word. (Bryan), Galettes. Basically love the Lord and the Gospel more than you love anything, anyone else and youll do fine. Utah Salt Lake City North Mission. If not, they are cheap enough where you can buy a few. My companion scheduled a dinner appointment just outside of our area, but I went along with it since he only had three weeks left in his mission. (Jeffrey), I wish I knew the language better. The French are awesome people. We fled war in our country and went to Tanzania in 1995. (Alex), Saint-Quentin, Brussels, Saint-Ouen. How to keep pushing past hard times. (Zakarias), Its like regular mainland European weather- we have both a lot of rain and sun. He participates in the temple preparation class we teach twice per week, and his testimony is a blessing to everyone around him. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, spoke at the first of six area devotionals . (Nicholai), EVERYTHING! Nothing changes the truthfulness of the gospel and Satan will work against you, so fight the battles and win. I know that I choose my joy or sadness. We dont use cars for transfers. (Chloe), I wish I was more dedicated in obtaining the Ammon Award. I still have a copy of the flyer the police were handing out in my mission scrapbook. Every apartment will have enough. (Alex), Living in the neuf-trois in Paris during gang fights(Jacob), We were a little bit late coming home one night. Here are T-shirts for the France ParisMission! I love you, and so does the Lord. It was so cool to see the Spirit guiding us as we were walking having no clue what God was going to have us do. (Dennis). They were going against a whole lifetime of culture to live the principles of the gospel. Didnt understand the word robbed. I can get along with almost anyone. 3. -awesome!!!! I was also blessed to learn how to set goals and work toward those goals. (Chloe), Do not bring clothes hangers even though the missionary preparation manuals advise it. More trust in the Lord. As missionaries, we are helping fulfill that prophecy today. Not only was I blessed with the chance to develop near-native fluency in French during my time serving, but I developed a literary fluency in most of the Romance Languages along the way. They are amazing men and their wives are incredible and strong. (Anna), We had decided to go up to a specific village a few train stops away to do some finding. That lead to us teaching he and his girlfriend. (Mariah), Getting city vendors to sell you little souvenirs for really cheap by having two of them competing with each other for your purchase. 131 Blvd Carnot (Anonymous), Missing the last bus, attempting to hitch hike back home. Cant remember the name of the main cheese I loved. It was a surprise for me to meet American people who speak French. (Jeffrey), Kebabs, crpes, coquilles St Jacques. Friends. (Doug), Paris, Versailles, Nantes, Chatiillon, Pau, Tarbes, Bordeaux. Get a good,lightweight jacket thatll keep you warm and dry. Scott M. Naatjes, 53, and Jodi T. Naatjes, five children, Lake Marion Ward, Lakeville Minnesota Stake: Alpine German-Speaking Mission, succeeding President Christopher S. Brown and Sister Laura G. Brown. Over coming adversity. We hiked up a mountain one weekend when everyone from Tarbes went to a Missionary Training Session in Bordeaux and there was only room for all missionaries but one so another had to stay behind so we could be a pair. It is such beautiful countryside, both in natures landscape, and also in the architecture of the little roads, the stone buildings, the manicured trees and the history there . I learned a valuable language. (Anna), (Sisters) Dont feel like you have to have Everything youll need for 2 years. We cant wait to hear from you! Later missionaries entered Quebec City where a branch was organized in 1969. Our mission president is french. Cold in the winter, but it never snowed. His friend pulled him away but we were scared, partially from the sense that we were not as well protected because we had not been obedient that day. Memorized the Articles of Faith. (Mariah), The place is amazing with so much to see, hear, taste, and enjoy. (Anna), I was training for the second time in St. Ouen/Sarcelles, and we were waiting to cross a busy street after an appointment. But work is progressing, and swinging upward. Always practice the language. Those young men were us giving him the Book Of Mormon. Missionary Preparation. 65,950,000 (July 2013 estimate) Operating. France Lyon Mission. (Jeffrey), A warm coat for winter that can withstand wind and rain. Each US mission has languages you are officially called to speak and then other languages that you might be asked to speak regardless of your call. Bad idea. Chocolate. This led me in Patience to realize that, Have a good attitude. (Anonymous), Great food and some very wonderful people who really dont know where to find the truth. You can submit your own article, ideas, or feedback at liahona.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. (Bryan), Cold wet winters. (Alex), Language bonus, people skills, being able to carry on a conversation, cooking. How to love all of Gods children. Its nice to have some high quality tights/nylons and deodorant and stuff. In a revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1833, the Lord said, "For it shall come . I learned how the Spirit worked with me more clearly. We spoke French to her and she repeated it all in Russian. In the end, the most important part of the letter we both received that day were the words, You are hereby called to serve. We love our assignment in French-speaking Arizona, but most of all, we love participating in the work of the Lord. (Douglas), Every baptism was such a spiritual experience. (Doug), Pain au chocolat (Nantes) Falafel (Paris 4eme) Baozi (Paris Rue Au Maire 3eme) Banh Mi (Paris 13eme) Gaufres (Bruxelles) Kebab Poulet (18eme, Rue Marx Dormoy) Any McDonalds (really good in Europe). It was the first time for me! Today, Brother Luala is preparing to enter the holy temple. (Matt), My family has grown much stronger together! Utah St. George Mission. Has awesome preparation days. (Chloe), Dont worry about trying to express everything that you want to say. The weather felt extreme (but its really pretty moderate) but only because of the humidity. (Alex), Rainy, warm in country/cities, very rainy. (Scott), St Nazaire Sarcelles Versailles Paris Poitiers Meaux Cergy. I love their appreciation and priority for music and the arts. Now my son is also serving in the same mission I know there were about 100 + missionaries and maybe 20-some sisters It was a lot smaller area than it is now. You were called to that area to talk to the people you will talk to for a specific reason. We kept working through the crowd, and somehow, up ahead another block or two away was that bright pink. We were handing out English lesson flyers while knocking on doors in St Dennis. We were trying to get away from him for like 30 minutes. 78110 Le Vesinet ): I have complete confidence in you. Serve. (Nicholai), The language was really hard for me. Here's a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Paris LDS Mission. (Bryan), Pack with quality luggage or large packs. (Paul), A second language. In general, weather is nice, except it occasionally snows in the winter and there are occasional heat waves in the summer. Pick things that you feel great in when you feel beautiful in the morning, you can stop worrying about yourself and your confidence is boosted as you go around talking to everyone. Pack light. Tartiflette. You can get souvenirs, mementos, whatever, just remember that if you cant mail it home, though, youll have to carry it in a suitcase somehow. She knew completely the truth and she whole-heartedly embraced the gospel from day one. Very little snow (winter in Orleans). (Anna), There are two separate cultures in the mission: The city culture and the countryside culture. (Anonymous), It gets very hot and very cold. Armani isnt exactly for missionaries. Brussels is the city of miracles and Nogent is a dream. It was very embarrassing. (Jacob), Humid, which intensifies both heat and cold. (Mariah), Dont wear your clothes to deathjust buy some new suits when the old are worn out and the same goes for your shoes. Blessings continue to flow from service. We taught them most of the discussions and they attended church several times and other church activities. (Elsa), I had three Mission Presidents: President Jones in Paris, Elder Andersen, and President Oveson in Bordeaux. The people outside of Paris seem more friendly to Americans than Parisians do. This is a list I made from information from Lifey, current language needs for senior couples, mission websites, and locations of non-English speaking units in the US. French Language Called to Serve LDS Mormon Missionary design for sister or elder missionaries serving in Paris or Lyon France, Belgium, Switzerland, Montreal Quebec, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Congo, Madagascar, or any other French speaking missions. My scripture studies were so good, I was always learning new things, meeting amazing new people every day, in extraordinarily beautiful places, and feeling the love of the Lord every single day it was more fulfilling than I ever imagined. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes in countries all over the world. One was when a recent convert learn how to read by sounding out words from the Book of Mormon and the Gospel Principles manual. (Merrilyn), Learn how to provide good reasons to believe in God without resorting to Bible/Book of Mormon/Prayer (which are all great ways to learn of God but some/most people need a logical reason to believe in a Higher Power at all. Try to hold out for Soldes for major discounts. (Anna), Living & spending all your time with many different types of companions. (Doug), Changed every aspect of my life. He told us (in French) that he was excited to be there, but exciter in French means to be sexually aroused. (Jordan), Riding bicycles down the hill from the supermarket with a Christmas tree tied to the back of my companion with her scarf. (Jacob), A stronger testimony of the Gospel. (Drew), Paris West & East, St. Brieuc, Versailles. Weve seen how Heavenly Father has a unique and beautiful plan for Brother Lualaand all the French-speaking people in Phoenix. Either how they got to France, how they found their faith/the Missionaries, some people were alive during WWII, etc. Now, as I work, it seems a lot of people only want to associate with those who can help them. Enduring to the end. Here are LDS-friendly educational videos aboutFrance. Youll get rid of the big one quickly of you bring it. (Douglas), Orleans, Reims, Lorient, Sarcelle(Paris ghettos), Soissons, and Alencon, and then I got to serve in many others on exchanges. They also do their own laundry, exercise daily, eat nutritious meals provided by each MTC cafeteria and stay in touch with family and friends via weekly emails. Laundry. Cheese. The members are awesome. MyMission.com provides free missionary websites to LDS missionaries and their families giving them a great way to communicate and share mission experiences. There are many kind, beautiful Muslims, many vibrant and funny Africans, people from the old French colonies, transplants from Asia, South America, the rest of Europe, and also many tourists. (Alex), Their loyalty to family and good friends. Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. (Drew), Teaching the lessons and seeing the baptism of a young refugee from the Ukraine. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you. What are some interestingfacts about the ParisMission? (Mariah), The weather depended on what part of France you were init, Little bit like Washington D.C. but without snow. They do provide sheets, but I suggest bringing your own haha. (Nicholai), Be more outgoing and less afraid of making mistakes. Good wheels if you have them. I dont know if they ever got baptized, but I was definitely prompted to talk to him. 4. You will see European clothes and want to change. French Language: General: Dealing with money Getting to Paris from the . If we are here now, what will our race be like a hundred, a thousand, a million years from now even if there is no higher power to interfere with our progress? Bread. You dont always know what kind of circumstances a missionary is coming from. I tapped him on the shoulder after we crossed the street and started talking to him. She met the missionaries after her member friend told her about how priesthood holders can bless homes, and this really helped her and her family. (Roberto), When knocking on doors the first time, I commented after about three doors to my trainer Man, there sure are a lot of people called sonnerie here! Most of the doorbells said sonnerie on them. Raclettr. She got baptized later, and I got to baptize and confirm her. So wear thick. Pack light. *Send your missionary a gift (mission-specific shirts, ties, Christmas stockings/ornaments, pillowcases, etc.). The members are incredible. John Taylor was one of the first missionaries here, but the church is still young. Just an inch or two of snow, two months of cold, and only a few weeks of hot. Some times to a fault for preaching the gospel as they only want to worry about themselves and dont need anything else . (Kale), The Moloroff (speed record of 6:15). I love their politeness, manners and gentility. Id never had that happen before. I smiled kindly and struck up a conversation. Love the people. I discovered a lot about myself. More people than I had imagined are in Paris. I was thinking, what are we doing?! (Anonymous), I served in an ever changing mission with boundary changes, area closures and much adversity, but I still had a very successful mission serving in 8 different areas, living in 10 different apartments with 15 different companions. Also, people enjoyed food. It was so hard, but the people I met forever changed my life. You never know what the Lord has in store for the friendships you build with members and investigators. (Nicholai), I had 4 Mission PresidentsI only officially met 2 of them. Amazing member missionaries, amazing examples. Intermittent rain that youve got to be prepared for ;). The people who remember you most are often the companions you serve with so be good to each other. (Jeffrey), You will teach mostly African immigrants. (Mariah), We were out knocking on doors late one night and missed the last bus back into the main town where our apartment was. Hair? The next day, we were notified from our Mission President that missionaries were no longer to hold Halloween parties in any way whatsoever. It was great. The language of the Spirit is the codex for the universal translator that is the Gift of Tongues. I want to live in a place like this. My nervousness changed to joy, and we kept walking along the road, talking to everyone that came close. French-speaking immigrants from the Piedmont valleys of alpine Italy, taught Utahns how to raise and use silk. (Roberto), Good, sturdy walking shoes- Danskos maybe. To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Paris Mission: Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the France ParisMission.