36, rue Tivoli
F-21000 Dijon
France
You can send her mail there! :)
36, rue Tivoli
F-21000 Dijon
France
You can send her mail there! :)
Ok, what a time. Keyboards here are different than qwerty, by the way. So... forgive me. Here is a sample of how it is different: ok; zhqt q ti,e: keyboqrds here qre different thqn azerty; by the zqy: so::: forgive ,e:
Man!
Anyzay; more important things. I love it here! Travelling by myself was pretty cool. I took a train (TGV) from Geneva to Dijon and talked to a really cool guy named Matteo. He spoke English. I gave him Le Livre de Mormon, he said he would read it. Very interesting conversation; he spoke very good English.
I love my companions! Sr. Barlow is a great trainer, very full of love. And Sr. Andelin is one of the sisters Maddi told me to look out for when I got here, she had some classes with her and was in the MTC at the same time. They are zonderful. I mean wonderful. Both Americans.
Maybe it is only because they all speak pretty French, but French people seem to be really nice to me-- at least nicer than I expected. They shout at you that you are pretty, that you speak good French, " I could tell that you were used to the French language when you started to speak" and "Are you Quebecoise?" Ha ha, some of the accent rubbed off on me, I guess. Too bad. But nice that they thought I was a native French speaker. Don't let that fool you, though, French is still very hard for me. I may have gotten a running start, but I have a looooong way to go before I really understand what everyone says and be able to say something back. But I'll get there... soon, hopefully. I like it; I like it a lot.
Everybody smokes. Everybody.
Dijon is beautiful. From the way my companions look at the city, though, I'm guessing other areas are more aesthetically pleasing (to put it softly to Dijon), but I am stunned by the age and beauty of things here. I'll take pictures... today. We live in the Centre Ville, which is like downtown, and it is super convenient. What a blessing.
The ward is great; I love the members. Bishop Nizet looks JUST LIKE Jemaine from Flight of the Conchords, I laugh all the time. Except he looks a little more French. So funny.
The elders serving here in Dijon take really good care of us sisters. One is from Nebraska, the other from Provo, believe it or not (...I'm walking on air, I never thought I could feel so free-hee-hee, flying around on a dream and a prayer, who could it be? Believe it or not, it's just me). His name is Elder Liechty, and his family lives on Old Willow Lane and recalled the Earls. Both very nice.
Oh. The bread. And the cheese. And the patisseries. Something to write home about, so I just did. Incredible. And I love the vegetables. Zucchini, peppers, squash, etc. Surprise, no?
I've already seen so many miracles, and I'm just getting started. We have some good investigators, and really the only thing holding them back from being baptized is a lack of faith leading to action. But we will keep teaching them and making new amis (investigator = ami, which means "friend") and strengthening members. It's a good time, being on a mission. A bitter cold, long, rejected, and sometimes frustrating ("Oh that I were an angel...") time, but ultimately, a very good time. It took me a little while to love the MTC, but I ended up loving it a lot a lot. Not because of the food or the sitting all day, but because of the amazing people I was with all the time. I reckon it will be the same here and every place. Except I already love it here.
Oh, like I say, bitter cold. Just like everybody told me. But I am well-protected from it. Today it is warmer-- maybe even warm enough to snow! Some flakes are falling, but nothing is sticking. I think they will, though.
Well, we are about to go grocery shopping at the marché, where I'll use euros and speak French, and then we'll eat some French food, and then buy French stamps and visit a French cathedral and church that are more than 500 years old. Yep, awesome. I love it here. Zait, did I already say that? Oh, I mean it.
I'd also love to hear from you. I hope your Christmastime is wonderful, and that finals and work and preparations are all going well. I love you all so so much. I wish there were a better word for how much I love you and miss you, but there isn't. Not even in French. Sorry if I forgot any major details to tell you.
A mercredi prochain!
Thanks for all the emails. And letters. And packages. You guys are the best and will be the people I most want to see for the rest of forever, I guess.
Ok, so first I was going to be at the MTC 9 weeks. But then they found out I kinda knew French, so they said three weeks. When I arrived, my departure date was set for Dec 14. I was called to the travel office on Monday to talk to Salt Lake--my mission president, bless him, wanted me there by Dec 7 when the mission was having a transfer. I was told to ask the Frenchies in Sam Farisco (Blue Lagoon, anyone?) if they could hurry up and get with the get go on my visa for it to be ready for Monday. On Tuesday we flew to Sam Crab's Disco and had a great time. At the French consulate I asked the lil' French guy if there were any way to speed it up. He said no matter how urgent he made my visa application seem, they'd still do it in the regular time, which is 3-5 business days. Or if not 3-5, shortly thereafter. But you see, my friends (a la John McCain, of course), he told everyone else in my party that "regular" meant 5-10 business days. Heh heh. The lil' French guy responded well to my winking and flattery. Just kidding! But he responded well to me nonetheless... Both President Price and Brother Owens (teacher) said I have "this aura" of happiness or "glow". So, I guess it did the trick. Maybe. Don't count chickens yet. I talked to Salt Lake on Wednesday to report on the San Francisco (did you get that's where I went yet? Ha ha.) trip. Linda said that I probably won't go by Monday, but as soon as the lil' French guy mails my visa and passport to the Church Office Building she'll know and be able to track it. Something about a FedEx Overnight thing. And as soon as that happens, she'll call President Murdock and see if that day is a good day for me to arrive. So little Emily may be gone any day! Gone to FRANCE. On. So let me tell you about my Swiss visa. Apparently, we've already met our quota for missionaries' visas this year for Switzy. So we'll apply for mine in January and my first areas will be in France. No holding cells for me! Straight to my mission. Heh heh. Ok, other things that have happened.
My companion called me a feminist this week. Wonderful! It's because I had a couple soap box episodes about what "woman's work" is.
Also, here's a neat experience for you. We ate at In-N-Out in San Fran. People are so weird about that place. To me it's just a burger. And not that good...but anyway, as I sat in In-N-Out, people came and sat right next to me and began speaking with each other in French. I tried to listen and hear what they were saying and also think of things I could say to them. I thought about not saying anything and just leaving, or that it would be rude to interrupt them. I had a distinct impression, "This is not a mistake"--meaning that they sat by me for a reason. Secular reason = no other open seats. But yes there were! Spiritual reason = Heavenly Father put them next to me so I could act on faith and trust and cast out fears. So as I stood to take my tray to the trash I asked, "Vous etes Francais?" and had an entire (albeit relatively brief) conversation with them in French. I understood everything they said and they understood me and were very kind. Incredibly nice! I didn't give them a pass-along card, but I told them who I was as they read my name tag. The Spirit whispered to me that I should act and I overcame my nerves and apprehensions and fears. My ears and mind were opened that I may understand and my tongue loosed that I may speak easily and well. It was wonderful.
Elders are climbing like monkeys on the pipes in the laundry room. Pretty much exactly like monkeys. I miss Christmas stories, but intense scripture study is a good replacement. I miss my family, but these wonderful Elders and Sisters are the best replacements. But... nothing can take Tucker's place. Can you bring him to the airport? No, he'd hate that. I want to come home and see him fleeping on my bed, like when I'd come home from work. Oh, he's gonna get squeezed. And so are you!
I've had some amazing experiences with faith this week. This place is like Commerce, Illinois with all manner of pestilence. EVERYBODY is ill, but Heavenly Father is keeping me well. Because I have faith that He will. Not that the other missionaries don't, but maybe they don't want to not get sick as badly as I don't want to get sick. If He can heal that ox, He can heal me. Right, Eliza R Snow? Right, everybody? I love getting packages. I share most things with my elders because they don't get a lot of mail. I tell them you say hello, even though you haven't. I'm so sorry they haven't gotten anything. But I share everything. Except the Star Crunches. Those are for MEEEE (a la Gollum)!!!! They're all little brothers to me, which is weird, because I never had a little brother. Again, I am so glad to be with them. I'll be leaving them next week! More tears. But not as many as when you and I said g'bye. Our feet are the same.
Ah, less than five minutes.
Yesterday morning I woke up and remembered the song "Joy to the World" and the song had deeper meaning to me than ever before. Joy to the world, I can be saved. Even though I'm a jerk. If I try to change and be like Him. All the world can be saved! It's a miracle, really.
And this morning I woke up saying a prayer. Then I wondered for a while if that counted as my morning prayer... this mission thing is spirituality on wheels and also on fire. Pretty neat. You should hear some of the stories these people have. Also, I'd better send the email so you get it...
And, can you send all the emails you send to me to belindaofthebushfolk@gmail.com? I'll lose them if they just come to this address, and I don't want to. I also don't want to print everything. So belinda will do very well. Thank you!
I love you!!!
Maybe next time I write I'll be in the land of the French. Yeah! (a la Howard Dean)
'APPY SANKSGEEVEENG! That's French, of course.
Wow! Thank you so much for your letters! Have I ever loved you more than I do now? I don't know, but I sure love you.
Thanksgiving at the MTC was neato. Elder Holland came and gave a devotional in the morning. My goodness! My companions and I almost three hrs. early (!!!) and were able to get wonderful seats. I laughed to myself when Elder Holland made a statement then said, "Period. Exclamation point!" So you see, Cheri, I'm in good company when I say, "Point!" The devotional address was wonderful. It was very powerful when he said, "I am not devoting my life to a fairy tale" in his powerful, Holland-aise way. Incredibly moving.
Oh, as I said, "my companions". In addition to Sister Clark, President Price (Branch President) has put me with Sister Rajan from India.
Sis. Clark and I both have received extra callings. She is a coordinating sister for our district and I am the music coordinator for the branch. I'm glad for my calling--it's so easy to love.
Really, though, thank you for your letters and package. I get the most mail and feel a little guilty when Elder Torres (District Leader from Sao Paulo) hands me more letters. But...don't stop. Keep 'em coming! I'll write as much as I can. Like right now. Like I say, I LOVE my branch. These elders are wonderful; I am so happy and blessed to be with them. Elder Raimoldi (from Italy!) looks JUST LIKE George Harrison. I told him and he said he's gotten that before and is sad because "After Ringo, George is the least good-looking." Ha ha. He's right...but I think George's humor, music, and good person-ness really help. So don't be so sad. Elder Raimoldi's very Italian--hand gestures, talking, rolling eyes and saying "Mamma Mia!". Hilarious. All of them are hilarious. Though I missed you incredibly, it was really nice to spend Sanksgiving with these new loved ones--laughing over turkey and potatoes, giving Elder from Alaska my stuffing, singing together as a district around the piano, humanitarian aid projects (I've gotta do a whole lot more of that when I come home!), firesides and devotionals, sack dinner (chips, Sprite, and a hoagie. Yay!).
It's been a good week and finally the days aren't so looooong anymore. Knock on wood.
Oh. I'm the only missionary currently at the MTC going to Switzerland Geneva. And President Oaks said on Sunday that only 10% of missionaries are called to go to Europe. So...I keep getting the feeling that I'm very much supposed to be where I'm going.
I'm glad Tucker's lost without me. I love that little guy. Could you mail him to me in a small box?
Oh, I saw Elder Will Rather here. He's supposed to be in Brazil but there are really bad visa problems. Like 230 missionaries waiting here @ MTC and Brazil isn't giving out many visas...join me in praying for a miracle for them. oh, and also for my visa...:)
We went to the Po po station on tuesday and got my wallet. What a relief! It was weird to be out of the MTC, but GREAT to talk to Mom and Catherine on the phone. I wish I could have spoken with you longer. I loved hearing your voices so, so much. you have two of the most beautiful voices in the world. thank you thank you thank you for answering the phone. Also, thanks for answering the phone guy who lives at 801-465-4993. You were nice! Another missionary miracle.
Alright, let's see if I can respond a little more personally.
Mom--because I already speak French I'm in the international branch, not the French one. But I've been keeping my eyes peeled for Brother Williams.
The memo about flying to San Fran says I'll fly directly to the mission after leaving the MTC. Maybe that means I go to Switzy? I dunno. I hope. Maybe I'll have to wait in the States after all. I'll let you know. :)
We've sung "Called To Serve" a couple times, and one of the times Sis. Clark and I sang in French. Fun!
I will receive no French instruction while in the MTC. Everything has been in English. We went to the TLC and taught in English. It was crazy! but good. We'll go more and get lots of practice that may or may not actually be useful in the field. We'll see.
Bay--You'd better write! Thanks for your emails.
Catherine--I was a little sick when you dropped me off, but not because of a heavy brunch..I loved that meal so much, except for the feeling nervous part. How's Valarie? And Alex? You gotta send me pictures. That goes for everybody.
Thank you Melanie, Joshua, Seth, and Adam for "writing" me. I love you all!
Seth: I don't know the Lombax's name. What is it?
Jared: Very little laughter during prayers so far. But you should see the Samoans here.
Sunday was very busy--like everyday--but very good.
How was Chuck A Rama? Give me a detailed report of how decorating has gone.
Melanie: I'll be on a mission until May 2011. How was the sleepover?
Courtney: MTC's great! Favorite thing: my branch and fellow missionaries. And four square at gym time. I shouldn't be here more than three weeks. I've heard a departure date of December 14, though...Things may be a little weird with Thanksgiving delaying some schedules and teaching. But I'll definitely be gone before January 18. Good job on your nursing test! You're amazgin--I'm proud of you! Thank you for your prayers. And good luck with Devin. The MTC food is alright. I feel ambivalent about it. Love the chocolate milk, though. Yum.
David: No MTC in Geneva. I'll be done with MTCs by mid-December, I believe. The playset (that digging is honest work) and Miyazaki film sound great--I'm glad you have such a good family. Tell me more about your mission experiences! I don't think I could handle two months in the MTC. Land sakes! Sitting all day in class thing definitely is, as you said, pretty intense. Which seems to me odd, but true.
Jeff and Cheri: Thanks for the package of candy. All my favorites--including Star Crunches!!! I cried when I opened the package and read the note. I shared the sour worms with Elder Puriri--we were pretty tired in class and they were a great pick me up.
I'm out of time, it seems. Dumb big red clock. But I love you! Believe me when I tell you ("ooo, I'll never do you no harm/wrong. I don't think I actually know the words. Take it, Elder Raimoldi! It's cool, 'cause he actually really loves the Beatles. His "last album", like my "last meal", was The Beatles' "Love". Good guy, that elder.) I love you, I miss you, and I'm doing my best and love it.
Again, keep the letters coming. The gospel is true, y'all. Joseph Smith was a prophet--you can know this too if you pray to know if the Book of Mormon is true. By their fruits ye shall know them, the Master said.
Yikes! That clock is fast!
Te amo mucho. Oh wait...French what?
Sir Little Emily
PS--"When you told me--duh dun duh duh duh duh duh-- you didn't need me anymore, you really know, I nearly broke down deep inside; Oh darling..." get this stuck in your head like me and we'll be together!
Here it is:
Mom!!!
Well, I love it. I like it, I like it a lot. Most of most I LOVE my branch. Branch 56. 90 missionaries from something like 32 different countries. In our little group (I'm not so good with the lingo quite yet. District? No.) there are elders from Brazil, Spain, St. George, Kiribati (pronounced "kih-di-bahss"), Samoa, Fiji, Venezuela, American Samoa, Szechuan Province in mainland China, and Hong Kong. Oh, and Holland, too. And a sister from India! I think she's the fourth Indian missionary ever at the MTC. I love them all so much--we are already like a family. In the branch there are only a few Americans, and I think I'm the only sister with brown hair! There are only 5 sisters in our little group, but our branch has the most sisters of any branch, because they're all the international sisters who are learning English or speak English as a second language. One elder is from Armenia and he doesn't speak much English yet. We all bore our testimonies yesterday at a branch meeting and he had the help of a translator. He said he had fasted for two days that he would get some help with his language because he had been feeling so lonely and scared, and then a miracle happened and this brother came to interpret for him. Elder Zohrabyan, I think, is how it's spelled.
The thing is, we're from ALL OVER THE WORLD, and we'll be sent out all over the world. We look and talk so differently, but each of us has a testimony of the gospel and of a loving Heavenly Father. We all have the gift of the Holy Ghost.
My companion is Soeur (Sir...) Clark. She's from Pensacola, FL, and will be going to the Belgium Brussels mission. She will also speak French. I'm excited to get to know her better. We'll both only be here three weeks, and then we'll probably go to a states mission. I think she said she found out she's going to San Fran to get her visa on December 1, and that's probably when I'll go, too. I'm getting used to that idea. After all, what else could they have done? I just got here, and next week is Thanksgiving, so I think they're sending me out as soon as they possibly could. Oh well, we'll see what happens with that.
Things just keep getting better and better here. I'm going to try to make my whole mission crescendo like my time here at the MTC has been.
The Chinese elders are really funny. Ok, all the elders are really funny. Since we're in such a diverse group, some of the elders are really interested in learning how to say things in different languages. The elders from Hong Kong (Elder Ip--pronounced "Eep"--and Elder Leung--pronounced "Leuhnh+barely g", Dave could easily say it, I'm sure) taught the Samoan elders how to say thank you and hi and stuff. So all the time, in most every circumstance, one of them says "Xia xia" ("shey shey", which is "thank you"). It's kind of a joke.
Oh yeah, almost 700 missionaries arrived on Wednesday (including Soeur Smart for those of you who asked), which is one of the biggest groups to arrive at the MTC. Lots of kids with deer-dash-in-the-headlights looks on their faces. Except I'm not supposed to call them kids, they're Elders and Sisters.
I feel stronger than I've ever been, I think. Maybe it's because I've been praying really hard for strength; maybe it's because you're praying, too. I'll be honest--it's not the coolest to be SO CLOSE to you, and still be so very, very far away. Why'd you have to be so loveable? It's ok, these missionaries are lovable, too, (how do you spell love-able?) and probably the people in France and Switzy will be, too.
There's a big red clock ticking on the screen, telling me I only have four minutes left to write. Hey, none of you have one of these clocks, and I haven't gotten a single letter! What's the deal? Maybe it's my zone leaders...or maybe it's you.
It's ok.
I love you I love you I love you I love you. Hope work has been good, hope the baby is cute, hope school is going well. Oh, and can someone give Tucky a squeeze for me?
I'm happy, Mom. And I'm learning and growing. I'm not scared, and I'm well fed, as soon as I get an appetite. Lots of chocolate milk. And cranberry juice.
Two minutes. Let's milk it.
Um...I am in a room with five other sisters. I have a top bunk, and the storage space right by the door. It's kind of inconvenient, but hey, someone has to have that space, I can take it. I guess I'm the "biggest" one of my group. Just kidding. Oh, I'll also try to stop being so proud. We're all supposed to prepare talks about humility for sacrament meeting this Sunday. It'll be a surprise who gets to speak!
Ok, thirty seconds. I'd better send this RIGHT NOW.
Love you,
Soeur Cutler
