The week of Paris terror attacks ….

Monday:

Well there is opposition to all things right. So as we made our epic goals, that morning I was making some calls on our phone for the week, and all of a sudden it stopped working. So I took everything out and re tried it. Nothing finally I got so annoyed I used the other soeurs phone and called the mission office. Turns out our SIM card broke, so we have to go a week without a phone, until it's replaced. 

Tuesday:

Well this week we set some insane goals right? We did everything to accomplish them too! Even without a phoneWe met with our Amie Marie, we had a super good RDV with her and honestly one of the best ones I've had. Ah miracles. We also went and passed by some referrals we got. Nothing cam from them, but it's ok. 

Wednesday: 

We had no scheduled RDVs. It was going to be hard. But I prayed that we would find people and we contacted all day! ... And the best news we taught 4 lessons! It was crazy. 

Thursday: 

District meeting. Stoked. Mostly because I always know how fun the formations are and how much I love this district. So the mission put out a goal for the 40 days before Christmas, we would do a "fast" so our mission goal is to pray every hour of the day and try to find one new ami everyday, so by Christmas we can give the lord our best efforts of a 40 days fast trying our hardest to being his sheep back. So our DL got creative like normal, and at first asked us what we thought our set backs were that makes it hard to focus on the work. Then we made a list of how we can over come them. Then he pulls out bocce balls. Haha so like last transfer we played like minute to win it with our comp to get more complicated unity, so he said, well for these goals you have to be in comp unity, so each person gets a bocce ball, and you and your comp are a team. The white ball is our objective to find the one new person everyday, but the other teams balls are the trials that will hit you as you go through. Haha so we played bocce ball as a district. It was super fun, and it reminded me of all the fun times we had together playing bocce ball on our side lawn. 

Friday: 

My favorite day of the week for missionary work. We had a ton of RDV, and we contacted everyone! We found a new ami! She's super cute too! We met our less active whose giving a talk on Sunday for church. Her topic was "purifying the heart" I gave her the general conference talk "what lack I yet" I think it helped a lot. Ah, we helped so many people that night too. 

Saturday:

We woke up with several RDV planned, but at 6:30am the DL called and told us the news. The mission held an immediate council, and then gave us the news we were to stay inside for the weekend. So yep, we had fun though, we played some card games, had some members ask if we needed anything. I love this ward, they are absolutely amazing. We were aloud to send you an email, and that's when France went into mourning. We've had several minutes of silence in memory of those who have passed. We prayed every hour that things might be ok. We took count of missionaries. It's amazing to see how organized the church is in situations like this. The leaders are truly inspired, and I know President has seriously been in so much stress the last couple days about what to do with the missionaries here. He's so worried about everyone of us. 

Sunday:

We were able to go to church. The minute we got to church there were two of the big priesthood guys standing at the entrance, they greeted us, they had to look in bags (even though we weren't aloud to wear any sacks or back packs) and then the bishop quickly ushered us over and gave us directions. There was only one door to be opened the others were locked and barricaded. If there was anyone that came in that we didn't recognize we were to "kindly ask for ID" and get a priesthood holder there immediately. It was crazy. But it's true they are attacking Christians right now. The ward was very distraught and the topics were "Food storage, and emergency situations" so it was weird. So many people here are grieving so much. I was just pushed to tears during sacrament. I know several of the places that were attacked, and I know some people who had loved ones that were in there. 

*story time. 

We taught with a member who he is 20 getting ready for his mission. So we were talking and he has a lot of friends in Paris for studies, one of his friends fiancé was at the Bataclan concert but felt the spirit tell her to leave, so she immediately got up and left the concert early. Not knowing why, a couple minutes later before she got home her fiancé called her and the member that we know just in tears. How grateful was she. The member was just in shock the entire time at what had happened. 

I feel like as a missionary and after serving these people for the last 16 months my heart really did grieve with them we all were getting larmes aux yeux. I pray for these people so much. 

Something I learned:

John 16

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

(I'm trying to finish the New Testament now by the way mom). But I read this during studies and I just though about how true it is. 

We find peace because of Him. It kind of gives a whole new meaning to the atonement. No matter what happens in the world. We will always be able to keep our hope and faith. No man can take that away from us. It is ours. 

Letter from President Babin before release….

Parents of Sister Ashley Noelle Stevens

   Sister Ashley Noelle Stevens will soon complete her  service as a full time missionary in the France Paris Mission. Her  scheduled release date will be 10 Dec 2015.

  At this time we wish to thank you for your invaluable support of her  mission through your letters and prayers.  We feel certain you are anticipating a joyous reunion.  Upon her  return she  should report immediately to her  stake president in order to give an account of her  mission, receive timely instruction, and receive her  formal release.

  During her  mission, Sister  Stevens  has served faithfully, has demonstrated an extraordinary attitude, testimony, and spirit, and developed qualities which exemplify the very best in the performance of missionary work. She  has treated the various responsibilities she  assumed here as a sacred trust.  By her  faith, humility and devotion to duty, often in the face of adversity, she became an effective teacher and witness of truth.  The great personal qualities which she  discovered and enhanced during her  mission will be a source of strength to her  and to all with whom she associates throughout her  life.

 Sister Stevens  will be remembered with fondness and love by many friends and members of the Church in France, as well as by her  missionary companions.  Her  life has been enriched by learning the French language, by living in a foreign culture, and especially by serving others.

 It has been our privilege to serve with her, observe her  spiritual growth, and enjoy close association through personal interviews, and her  weekly letters and accompanying reports.  She  is a fine young woman  whom we love and for whom we wish the very best.

 Sincerely,

 

 

 

Frédéric Jean Babin

President, France Paris Mission

Already set to speak when returning...

Hi Kirsten,

Saw the note about Ashley being home on the 10th. I cannot believe its already been that long. That's crazy!

We'd love to have her speak. Would dec 27th work? The topic would be "protecting our testimony".

Just let me know and I'll pencil her in.

Thanks
Chris

 One of her last packages!

Halloween fun

 Things are breaking down!

 Veterans Day Parade

Preparing for return & release

Dear Stevens Family,

President Petersen wanted to share with you the normal order of things that will need to take place on the day of Sister Stevens's return. This is surely an exciting time. Here's how it works, you pick up your daughter on the 10th of December from the airport as planned. When you all are in the car pulling out of airport parking please call president Petersen on his cell (503)480-4024 and let him know you are leaving and what time you expect you will be able to meet him in west Salem.(i.e. You may stop for Dinner etc..) He will tell you where he will meet you when you call. It is often a good idea to call him again when you get on Salem Parkway and let him know you are on time and a few minutes away.  When you you meet with President Petersen he will officially release Sister Stevens.  Also on Sunday December 13th Sister Stevens will need to meet with the High Council and give her report.  After this report she is then eligible to speak in sacrament meetings as invited. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 

Congratulations!

Chris Johnson

November 13th, 2015 Paris Attacks

Soaking up every last bit….

Monday:

We had a soirée famille! It was super fun we had a really good time we played pictionary, and had pizza haha.

Tuesday: 

We met up with our recent convert and gave Hume he book our heritage to read because he's been asking so many questions about he history of the church, so we thought that should help answer a lot of his questions. Then later in the day we met up with a new ami we found she's super cool! A refugee from the Algerian war moved to Paris and has had one crazy life. We taught her about the plan of salvation. She said she's been searching for 40 years to find a religion that believed in a "pre earth life" that we actually lived with God before this life. She was absolutely blown away and was like, this is what I've been searching for! Haha it was so cool, I geared up, and almost cried in the rendez Vous. Needless to say, she's way cool. Then that night we got a call from JJ the recent convert whom we had just given the book our heritage to and he's like, Soeur Stevens guess what! You'll never believe it! Haha I was like what's up JJ what happened! He then related me the miracle. He was sitting in class before the professor started and decided to start reading the book well this other guy came and sat down beside him and started giving him looks, so JJ was like oh whatever I don't want him to think I'm some religious wako, as there was a huge photo of Jesus on the page,so he put the book face down on the desk. Then at the end of the class JJ was starting to put everything back into his bag and the guy tapped him on the shoulder and asked, "excuse-moi, mais est-ce que vous êtes mormon?" "Excuse me, but are you Mormon?" Then JJ told him yes, I've been a member for about a year now, and that there was a ward here, and finally the other guy started to talk and JJ immediately recognized he had an American accent because he's always around American missionaries haha. The guy was like, yes actually I'm from Arkansas, but I'm here getting my masters, I'm Mormon too, but I'm kinda less active for the moment. JJ then took the liberty of befriending him and invited him to soirée familiale! He said he was going to try and come!

Wednesday: 

We met up with our recent convert Vanessa, who is basically my best friend. Haha I really do love her! I think she is one I will miss most when I leave. We did an over view of the plan of salvation, she had some questions, and it was a good RDV. Then we went to a less actives with Soeur Penverne. Which was pretty cool. The lady was telling us about her family history as she is working on genealogy. The lady was born 1933. It was pretty cool. Then we went to our DMP with the best man Frere Chantriaux. He's just an amazing person, remind me to tell you their story some day. Then we finished the night with a manger-Vous at the bishops house. I have to say I've served in some amazing places, but the Orleans ward is fantastic. They bishop and his wife were both converts and we asked them how they met, and he was like, NO, she explained the whole story we were laughing so hard. Then we just reminisced of all the hilarious French mistakes we've made, the MTC lessons, how goodness it was a nice night. 

Thursday:

We woke up early and headed into Paris for our exchanges, but on the train the Other soeurs texted they were organizing stuff for zone conference and couldn't meet us until 12:30! Ha ok. So it gave us 3 hours in Paris to do whatever we wanted! I took her to the best place to get macaroon, and Notre Dame, then we ate lunch at this cute Parisian cafe. That was fun. Then we met up with the others and the ZL's asked us if we would make dessert for the zone tomorrow, so Soeur Asay and I took on the task of making tiramisu for 40 people. Haha it was pretty fun, and it's not the first time I've made it. So when I get home, I'll make you all a really good fruit tiramisu like the French do it! Then as we were finishing I walked out and boom it was Soeur bell! Haha we ran into each other and got to catch up. I forgot how much I love Paris, and Soeur bell haha. We're both super excited to get to go the same day!  

 Then we went to the apartment in Torcy and got to see Soeur Back! Ahh it was like the best day ever! We talked and caught up. 

Friday: 

We woke up early and headed back into Paris meme for zone conference. It was really good, I gave my dying testimony and had no crappin idea what I was supposed to say. So I gathered my thoughts and got up there, then when I stood on the stand, everything just became so real. I blanked, all I could think, was "it's over, your done, the last zone conference, the last time you have to do any of this" then I froze. I had no idea what I was doing up there, didn't I just get to France? How on earth could I have enough experience to give a dying testimony to all these other missionaries. Well I kinda remembered some of the biggest things I've learned and some how got them to come out in a word form lol. Then I look down and Soeur Walters crying and Tilby is like, "my mom is leaving" tears in the eyes. Then I saw my district, my best friends. I just smiled. Everything has been worth it, and would do it all over again. I can't put the feelings into words, but it was a pretty epic moment up there. Then after that we were given formations by the Babins and the AP's. Then we had lunch and they were bringing out the dessert when Soeur Babin was like, hey you ready for your interviews? So Tilby and I went to the other section and started our interviews. I started with Soeur Babin and ah I just love that woman. She just asked me how I was and all that, then she looked at me and asked, "what was the biggest thing you learned on your mission?" Did she not see me struggling hard core giving my dying testimony lol. So we chatted for a bit. Then the big man himself President called me in and about a minute into the interview there was a knock at the door and it was our zone leader with two plates of tiramisu he had saved for us! So we took them and set them aside and he asked me, "so Soeur Stevens, are you eating?" Haha yes, "are you sleeping?" Haha "good one president, ça suffit" (its sufficient) we both laughed then we started to eat our dessert and he was like, wow this is good, I was like thank you I made it haha. It was just hilarious. We starting chatting and eating dessert together and then at the end he was like, "Soeur Stevens, you're at the very end, and your training. I want you to know how you finish your mission will put into her mind how a missionary dies. Finish strong, and show her how to die." Haha ok President whatever you say. But really we've been working hard, and we made some insane goals for the next two weeks! I think they are totally possible if we put our faith to it. We finished up zone conference and headed home. 

Saturday:

We had a couple RDVs and then the elders from Blois (our DL) was having a baptism but they don't have a font, so normally Blois and Bourges do their baptisms in the Loiret, but because it's November and cold, they came up to use the font here. There was 16 people at the baptism. He is from Korea and just the coolest guy. He's married and has 2 kids, his wife is kinda taking the discussions too! One day he says he will go to the temple with her. It was adorable. 

Sunday:

Church, weekly planning, and our eternal amie. Lol that was a good RDV. We payed down the law. But props to prayer, we had two Amis at church this week! Hoping for 4 next week, but it's ok! 

Alright I'll give you my run down:

So the APs were giving us some motivation to work with and this quote is what we got:

Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hope shine, enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gate the grip in your hand, the irresistible surge of will and execute your ideas -Henry ford. 

The last two weeks of the transfer are here, and it's really a huge point as its my last transfer. We made some epic goals, and as we always ask here, "do you have the faith?!" Haha motto of Rennes, coming back. Ah I'm so happy to be here and soaking up every last little bit.

Have a super week,

Soeur Stevens 

Sent from my iPad