Transfer 7 Semaine 2 12/17/13

Dear family and friends, 

Forgive the day of delay! Yesterday I didnt take my P-day because we had our giant Christmas conference!:) Since the mission is so big now, we had to split the conference up into four different groups in order to cater to all 250 missionaries! and my group was up first.:) It was such an incredible learning experience, and being all together truly unified the spirit and vision of the mission. I am so especially grateful for my mission president and his wife. They are incredible. I have no clue how they do all they do. They are and forever will be some of the greatest examples and friends I will ever have. Please keep them in your prayers of gratitude and blessing. 

This first week in Versailles has wizzed by! Although I am the new one in town, I love it already and am so grateful for those whom with I serve. Since I have arrived, Soeur Stahly and I have met with several inactive members: Nadege, la famille Staikovsky, Joyce, and Laurie. Each of them are so sweet, and I am so filled with the love Heavenly Father has for them. Laurie, in particular, was a special miracle. Just before I came to Versailles, she had contacted the sisters to ask for a copy of the Liahona, and when we visited her to deliver it, we were happy to hear of all of the the experiences she has had that have pushed her to turn, once more, to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Laurie was baptised 20 years ago when she was 19 years old and just soared as a new convert. A year after her baptism, she went through the temple to make additional covenants and helped many others around her to accept the Gospel into their lives. When she got married, however, her husbands pessimism really took a toll, and since about the age of 25, she has been completely inactive. She met with the missionaries for years, on and off, but always pushed them away because of the guilt she felt. A couple weeks ago, though, at her grandmother's funeral, she felt the Spirit confirm to her the importance of performing temple work for deceased members of our families. She felt as though her granndma has desires for this work to be done. So, as a result, she contacted the missionaries, began again to read in the Book of Mormon, and is taking other necessary steps that she needs in order to enter the temple of the Lord. What a blessing she will be to those in her family who are anxiously waiting, and what an incredible blessing Laurie is to each of us! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, especially this week, as we will meet with her again at the end of the week. 

Since my arrival, I have also been able to meet with serveral investigators: Marguerite, Marylline, and Luce. Each of these women are outstanding, and are coming closer in their decisions to be baptized. Please pray for them so they may be able to feel the Spirit tell them the importance it is to make this covenant with God. 

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I feel so much of your love.:) 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help and always, always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart.:) 

Soeur Laura Lee Judd 

Transfer 7 Semaine 1 12/9/13

Dear family and friends,

Another transfer is over, and I can hardly believe it!!! Goodness! Time flies when you are having fun.:) Sadly, we all know that at the end of each transfer comes changes....and although I am sad to have recieved the news that I will be leaving Blois, I am so happy to announce that my next area will be VERSAILLES!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you read it right.:) I am moving to Versailles.:) My new companion's name is Soeur Stahley, and I am so grateful to be able to serve with her.:) She and I were in the same district when I was in Angers, and, before they had Sister Trainer Leaders (back in the dark ages...:) haha) I acually was so lucky to be able to go on my first exchange with Soeur Stahley in Cholet. She is a really incredible missionary, and I am so grateful to be able to spend this next transfer with her.:)

This week (I am so happy to tell you this) we were finally able to organize lessons with the Velija family and the assistants serving in the Adriatic South Mission! I have been praying for months and months for the Velijas to have a way to hear the Gospel in their own language, and I am so grateful to have been able to see that become a reality. Although I wasnt able to understand even the least bit of Albanian, the Spirit in the room was so strong, and the Velijas, already, are progressing so quickly. Now that they will be able to have each lesson from here on out in Albanian, we are not too involved in the teaching process anymore, but it is still quite a treat to be cheering at the sidelines and watching the Lord do His work.:) I know that the Lord answeres prayers. Please continue to keep the family Velija in your prayers. Although I may not be able to keep you very updated about their detailed progression because I will no longer be in Blois, I will let you know all that I find out about them in the future.:)

Ending a transfer and finishing time in an area sure causes a lot of reflection...and today I have been thinking so much about what I have learned and how I have grown since I have come to Blois. I am so happy to be able to say that the greatest lesson I have learned, and will continue to learn, is how to use the Atonement and to lean on the Savior for help and support. I know that He lives! There is no possible way I could ever perform the work He has laid out for us without His help. He is with us every step of the way. I know it.

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help and always, always remember to smile.:)

I love you with all of my heart.:)

Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 6 Semaine 6 12/3/13

Dear family and friends, 

It's alrady week six! I can hardly believe it. Early on in your mission, you're always told that every transfer goes faster and faster, but I never realized how fast that could actually be!!!!!!:) 

On Sunday, Maggy was confirmed a memeber of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Even in the one week since her baptism, her testimony has grown so much, and I know that with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost that she now has, her spirit and knowledge will grow even more. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

This week we have done all sorts of organizing through the Assistants with missionaries in the Adriatic North mission because THE VELIJA FAMILY IS FINALLY GOING TO HEAR THE MISSIONARY LESSONS IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE!!!!! I am so excited.:) Hopefully this week we will be able to get that first contact with all of them through skype. I also hope that, in that lesson, we will be able to set a baptisimal date for the entire family.:) Please keep them in your prayers as well.

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help. And always always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart, Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 6 Semaine 5 11/25/13

Dear family and friends, 

I am so happy to say that Maggy's baptism was a success.:) She made it safely in and out of the water, and i am so grateful.:)

This week we will be doing a lot of finding, and please please pray for us so that we can be led to more people, more families who are ready to recieve the Gospel in their lives. 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help and always, always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart.:) 

Soeur Laura Lee Judd 

p.s. I will try to send pictures next week!!!!

Transfer 6 Semaine 2 11/4/13

Dear family and friends,

I am so grateful to have two companionships serving her in Blois!!! The work is pushing forward so fast here. Both companionships work very very well together, and we push each other positively. Although it is a little squishy in our apartment sometimes, I love rubbing shoulders with the sisters serving here.:)

My companion's name is Soeur Doyle, and she is from Herriman, Utah. She was actually trained by my second companion, Soeur Anderson, in Angers, so I had met her a couple times before. When I got the news that she was going to be my companion, I couldnt help but smile.:) She is dedicated, hard working, and very inspired. She is exactly what Blois needs right now, and I am so grateful to serve by her side.

The two other sisters serving here are really great too! Soeur Paxton is just starting her last transfer of her mission, and I am learning so much from her. She'll be outta town before we know it! The other sister is actually a visa waiter waiting to go to the Temple Square Mission. She is beautiful!!! and FRENCH! I love speaking with her.:) I am getting such good practice!

Our serious investigators are all progressing. Yesterday the famille Velija came to church and starting singing the hymns for the first time.:) Yesterday we went to their house and watched The Testaments with a member, and it was so uplifting for us all. Selvete, the oldest daughter, is progressing the most. She needs to be reading more, but her desires are so pure and strong. We hope to have a date fixed with her this week. As for the rest of the family, they are learning how to recognise the Spirit. With the language barrier, it is really hard, but we are making headway!!!

We recently starting teaching an old investigator named Nadiha Zarka. Soeur Mangum and I "accidently" knocked on her door a couple weeks ago, and since then she is progressing really fast to baptism. She doesnt have a date yet, but we hope to have one by the end of the week. Saturday night we had a wonderful family home evening with Nadiha at our stake president's house, and yesterday she came to church. We will see her again tomorrow.

Maggy Kerlo is progressing really well, and she attended church for the second time yesterday. She LOVES singing the hymns and is really sensitive to the Spirit. She struggles severely with her health and is hard to schedule with, but she is progressing well. Reading and understanding the Book of Mormon is the hardest thing for her right now. I know that when that testimony comes, Maggy will be baptised. Keep Maggy, especially, in your prayers.

Maria Poletto is progressing really well but, sadly, can only progress so much because she and Chris are not married. She is regularly reading the Book of Mormon, praying, coming to church every week, and she so desires the blessings of the Gospel in her life and in the lives of her children, Axel and Exaucée, but without being married, she cannot make that step. Chris will absolutly not budge on marriage, but we are praying. Maria, in fact, is thinking about moving to Bretagne to live with her mom and sister...and if that were to be the case, she could be baptised. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Mirian and Jennyfer have been progressing well since their baptism. Mirian loves visiting teaching! and is setting good goals like praying as a family every night. Jennyfer is anxiously sharing her testimony of God with everyone around her and loves teaching lessons with us. She has recently been spending a lot of time with Selvete and Suada Velija, and her support is really strengthening them. The toughest things for both Mirian and Jennyfer, though, is regularly reading out of the Book of Mormon. Truly, like us all, they need to be reading everyday so that they can see their testimonies continue to grow brighter and brighter. Please keep them in your prayers.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve as a missionary at this time, in this place, at this time. I know this is where the Lord needs me. Take the time to find out where the Lord needs you.

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help, and always always remember to smile.:)

I love you with all of my heart, Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Letter to President Poznanski 10/21/13

haha i probably dont have the best grammer or spelling in the world haha but here is a little miracle from the week that i shared with my mission president. hope you like it.:) 

Je souhaite qu'il y aurais des indicateurs clés pour tous les portes et tous les personnes avec qui vous parlez parce que ces moments sont souvent les moments que nous voyons les plus grandes miracles. Après un repas que nous avons eu, Soeur Mangum et moi attendions à un arret de bus à coté de chez nous. J'était nerveuses un petit peu de parler avec la jeune dame à coté de nous, mais j'ai commencé un conversation avec elle en disant, "J'aime bien vos chaussures!" Après juste quelque phrases, nous étions en train de parler au sujet de l'Evangile. Quand le bus est arrivé, nous sommes monté tous ensemble continuant de parler. Nous avons montré nos cartes de bus au conducteur, et, toute suite, il a commencer de parler avec moi au sujet de Salt Lake City. J'ai resté avec lui d'expliquer ce que nous faisons en tant comme missionnaires, et pendant trente minutes dans le bus, nous avons parlé au sujet de l'Evangile rétablie. Avant de descendre, je lui ai donné un jaune carte avec notre numéro. Quand nous venions de descendre le bus, Soeur Mangum m'a dit qu'elle a parlé avec la meme dame avec les chaussures toute au long du temps dans le bus. Elle lui a expliqué ce que c'est Le Livre de Mormon, et quand Soeur Mangum lui a offert un copy, la dame était vraiment touché. Elle lui a demandé d'écrire quelque chose de dans, donc, Soeur Mangum a écrit son temoignage. C'était vraiment un miracle, et je crois que c'était le plus miraculeuse expérience que Soeur Mangum a eu pendant sa mission. Quelque heures après ces expériences, l'homme avec qui je parlais nous a envoyé un SMS demandant pour un rendez-vous. Nous allons le voir demain soir. C'était vraiment miraculeuse. Et tous ça a commencé en disant, "J'aime bien vos chaussures."

Soeur Judd

(Basically, she is doing amazing and miracles are happening all over the place   -Alicia)

Transfer 5 Semaine 5 10/14/13

Dear family and friends,

I have to start by apologising for not getting a word off last week! After I finished writing President Poznanski, the stake presidency here has a conference skype with Salt Lake City, and I had to let them use the computer. So sorry about that. You'll get to hear about lots of good things this week, though!

Since their baptisms, Amandine and Jennyfer have been progressing well. Amandine lives in the countryside where no busses go, so it is tough to ever see her during the week unless they come into town, but we have seen her on Sundays, and she is just a little ball of sunshine.:) Jennyfer just recently started going to seminary and loves is already. Reading the scriptures daily has been something kind of hard for her, but the seminary challenges of reading and memorizing scriptures is really pushing her well to do that. The other day Soeur Mangum and I went to Mirian and Jennyfer's house and made African pastries (sorry i can only say it not spell it haha) and a fish dish. It was sooooooooo good!!! there. Jennyfer also read all the way though the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, started applying the counsel inside, and shared it with a friend!:) She teaches with us regularly, and her prayers are more sweet and tender every time. It is truly such a blessing to know her.

We are meeting with a few other investigators quite regularly. I may have mentioned some of them before...so I'll do a little update on a few.

Selvete and Suada Velija and their family are progressing well right now. They are a young family who moved to France from Kosovo in February, not knowing any French at all! Since then, though, they have progressed a lot, and, after meeting the missionaries, starting coming to church in about April. Although they are not practicing, their Muslim background has been making it fairly hard for them to be taught, but they are so humble and have a desire to know that what we have to share is true. Each time we are there we read 10 verses out of the Book of Mormon in French, and after each verse, Selvete or Suada reads it outloud again in Albanian. It is slow, but it is incredible how much they are able to understand. Although it is tough to read themselves, each of them prays to know of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and whatever subject we discuss in the name of Jesus Christ. Although their belief in Christ is not that strong, they are the best example of faith and expressing a desire to know the truthfulness of these things. They have accepted the invitation to be baptised when they do know that the Book of Mormon is true, so PLEASE keep them in your prayers so that they will set a date with us and progress towards that covenant of baptism.

Horchidet is a referral we recieved from a recently activated member, and although we are having to teach a little bit slower than normal, she is progressing along just great. She LOVES church and sings all the hymns (even though she is pretty off key haha). Mirian is reaching out to her really well too.

Maggy is an older French woman we have been teaching for about 12 weeks. We met her though an inactive member. She has never accepted the invitation to come to church, but she understands baptism and has accepted the invitation, but not yet a date. She is reading the Book of Mormon and likes the stories inside, but she is nervous to because she isnt very confident in her reading skills. She prays in the manner that we do when we are not there, but has never prayed since when we have been with her. She keeps her word, though, and I am confident that she will accept a date soon, but the big thing really is getting her to church. She really struggles with her health...she is in and out of the hospital A LOT! So I think that that holds her back from leaving her house, but I know that that will be the deciding factor. Please keep her in your prayers so that she will come to church!!!!!!

 

This past week I got the opportunity to go to Paris for an exchange with Soeur Roney, and it was so incredible! Soeur Roney is finishing her mission soon, so I was so lucky to be able to do one of her last exchanges with her. She is such an incredible missionary, and I am so grateful to have learned so much from her. The biggest lesson I learned while I was with her is following the Spirit. Contacting in Paris, as I am sure you can imagine, can be kind of overwhelming.:) haha. There are millions of people to choose from! So truly, like in all missionary work, following the Spirit is key in choosing who to talk to and what to say.

Sorry I just ran out of time! But I love you so much!

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help, and always, always remember to smile.:)

I love you with all of my heart.:)

Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 5 Semaine 3 9/30/13

Baptisms of Amandine and Jennyfer!!!

Sorry I have no time to write right now, but for now you can enjoy looking at the incredible week i had!!!!!!!:) 

there can be miracles when you believe.:) 

i love you with all of my heart! 

Transfer 5 Semaine 2 9/23/13

Dear family and friends, 

I am so grateful that we didnt have to do any moving or exchanges this week! This was the first time on my mission that the work continued on smoothly though week 1. Before I have had to bring in new companions or get transfered, and going to Paris with a million pounds of suitcases is always a drag. This week was golden, though. Soeur Mangum and I really kept the work flowing, and miracles are coming from all directions. 

This week we were able to meet twice with two new investigators named Horchidet and Vivienne. 

Horchidet is a member referral from a recently activated member, and is progressing well. She recently moved here from Congo Braza-ville and is living with her sister, but has been struggling because she lacks guidance from God in her life. Sharing the background and story of Joseph Smith really struck a cord with Horchidet, and she said that she feels very much like he did as he searched for the true church of Christ. Yesterday, Horchidet came to church, and I think she really enjoyed it! Having Karine there for support is really huge for her, and I know that as she prays to know of the truthfulness of the things we share, she will come to a realization that they are true. Truly, this is the path that God wants for her in her life. What a blessing that we are able to have contact with her. 

Vivienne is a young mom from Togo that we met on the bus about four or five weeks ago. She was really open and willing to learn when we first talked to her and gave us her number, but because we have been so busy for the past weeks, we didnt call follow up until this past week! She immediately remembered who we are when we called, though, and we got to see her the next day. The first lesson was so spiritual, and it was very clear that she is ready to accept this message into her life. Saturday we were then able to teach with the relief society president here in Blois, and it was one of the greatest lessons I have ever had on my entire mission. Vivienne had read all of the introduction to the Book of Mormon like we asked and had also read the testimonies of the three and eight witnesses. We gave her a soft baptisimal invite, and she accepted to do so as 

she comes to know these things are true for herself. She asked all the right questions and listened intently to every answer. At the end of the lesson, which only really ended up being twenty or  twenty-five minutes long, Vivienne said the prayer, and it was the most humble and sincere prayer I have heard from an investigator. She thanked the Lord for what He does for her in her life, gave a brief summary of the things she learned during our visit, and directly asked for the Lord's guidance on knowing the Book of Mormon in true. Although she wasnt able to come to church yesterday, Vivienne immediately scheduled another rendez-vous with us. I dont know what her time frame will be, but I know that Vivienne is ready to hear that which we have to share, and I know that even if it takes some time, she will be baptised. 

Please keep Horchidet and Vivienne in your prayers this week! 

At the end of this week we have two baptism scheduled. One is for a young girl named Amondine Grither, whose parents are both converts but have been in and out of activity for the past couple of years. Although I have not had a lot of opportunities to teach Amondine, she is under our wing because she is nine years old. She is active and ready to be baptised, so I am not worried about her date, but please keep her in your prayers so that it can all go smoothly and according to plan. 

Y'all know about Jennyfer Ntambwe, and she, too, is scheduled to get baptised this week. Her baptism will be such a strength to her family, and she is as ready as anyone I have ever known. Her faith is rock solid, and her testimony of the Book of Mormon is unwavering. She is so devout, and I know that she will do incredible things for the building up of the church in her lifetime. Tonight we are going to have a family home evening with Jennyfer and her family, and we are going to watch the Restoration, eat popcorn, and have Dominoes pizza (which, btw, is WAAAAAAAAAY better in France than it is in America haha). I am so excited for Jennyfer and incredibly grateful for the decision she has made to be baptised. She is one of the greatest friends I have ever had, and she will forever be my sister. I look forward to telling you all about the baptisms next week!!!:) 

Thank you so much for your love and support of me serving a mission. There are so many miracles happening around the world as the Lord pushes His work forward, but...the best miracles are happening in Blois.:) I am so grateful and so blessed to be serving the Lord in this capacity. 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help, and always always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart.

Soeur Laura Lee Judd 

Transfer 5 Semaine 1 9/16/13

Dear family and friends,

Good news!!! A new transfer has begun, and I get one more in Blois! I don't know why, but I was pretty nervous that I was going to have to leave, but I am happy to say that I get to stay.:) Truly, there is more for Soeur Mangum and I to do here together, and I am so grateful to be able to start strong. In the immediate future, we are looking forward to Jennyfer's baptism on the 29th. She is ready and continuously progressing towards that date.:) Getting to spend so much time with her is so much fun! It's like we've known each other for years and years. I love her so much.

Yesterday, we had the biggest blessing to go to a conference where Elder Oaks spoke. Although we didnt get to have a special conference with just the missionaries, the meeting we had yesterday was all in celebration for the new stake in France that was just created. Pretty historic day! In France, there are no longer any districts, only stakes.:) And the new stake president who was chosen to preside is actually a memeber of the branch here in Blois named Frère Liebard. He is an incredible incredible man, and I have been so blessed to be able to rub shoulders with him and his family. Hearing him speak yesterday, along with Elder Oaks, was such a treat, and I know that Frère Liebard was chosen of God to lead this new stake.

This week, we were also able to celebrate attaining the goal the missionaries set as a mission. Two transfers ago, to celebrate the welcoming of Elder Oaks, the mission set a goal to have 100 baptisms. It took a lot of prayers and a lot of work, but this weekend Président Poznanski announced that, in two transfers, the mission as a whole had 115 convert baptisms. We are all thrilled.:) I am so grateful to have been a part of this effort and for the continuing efforts there are here by the missionaries and our leaders here in Paris. The work sure is going full speed ahead here, and it is such a joy. Look forward to hearing more miracles!!!:)

Also, this week, Président announced to us that the temple grounds in France have officially commenced! It is going to take a while for the temple to be built-no earlier than the end of 2015-but it has begun.:) Elder Oaks talked all about the temple in his address yesterday, and he cheerfully announced that the temple is ready to be build because the French members are ready to fill it with the Lord's work. What a blessing it is to announce all of these French miracles!!!:)

Soeur Mangum and I are busy and anxious to continue working here this week and this transfer. We know that there are many more people out there who are ready to accept the message that we have. We've set apart a lot of time this week to find, and we hope and pray that those we have already contacted and those we are yet to contact will accept that which we have to share.

This morning, I again had the opportunity to finish the Book of Mormon, and it was such an incredible testimony building experience. As I read through the last pages, I was awed at the strong witness of Moroni about Jesus Christ and desire to have the same conviction. In the first chapter of Moroni, he describes how the Lamanites put to death all the Nephites that would not deny the Christ, yet he said, "I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ." Are we able to say the same? Let's reflect upon the testimony we have, of the covenants we have made, so that we can have this conviction. I can personally bear witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I know that it is the word of God, that it pushes man to do good, and that every man will draw nearer to God by reading and abiding by its teachings. I know that Moroni's promise is a promise of God. We can all know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that it is true. Read it. Pray about it. It is true. This witness and this testimony I am sure of. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help, and always, always remember to smile.:)

I love you with all of my heart,

Soeur Laura Lee Judd

P.S. I got to see Soeur Anderson and Alexandra at the conference yesterday. Sorry it is not that great of a picture...but it was the best day of my life!!!!!!!!!!:)

Transfer 4 Semaine 6 9/9/13

Dear family and friends,

Well it is a good and rainy day in Blois today!!!:) I am so happy to have a couple minutes to update y'all on what is going on here. This letter may be a little more all over the place, but i am hoping to get a lot of information communicated!!!:)

I just have to start with telling one of the craziest stories of my mission. It was definatly NOT funny at the time, but now I can laugh about it.:) haha. A couple weeks ago, an inactive member from the Congo named Karine came to church with us for the first time. It was really akward for her to be there because it was her first time back in a long time, and I think she was really nervous bringing her son,Holyson, to church for the first time. As usual on Sunday mornings before church, things were a "little" hectic, and I am not gonna lie, I was really stressed trying to get Mirian and Jennyfer and all of our other amis to church. Ten minutes before all the meetings started, everyone started pouring into the building, and right when our branch president came to talk to us and Karine, Holyson started throwing up ALL over the hallway!!!! Oh my gosh I though I was going to scream. Ah man he would not stop thowing up. Yikes!!!!! It was a nightmare. As i quickly went to get things to clean it up, Holyson followed me down the hallway and threw up ALL over the hallway too. Ahhhh. Everyone scattered pretty quick haha. So...as my companion greeted everyone into the building, I was the lucky one to clean it up with paper towels. Yeah...paper towels....haha. Ahhhhhh my goodness it was the worst thing...But now i guess it is pretty funny, huh???:) haha. 

Ok I know I have to give you a quick update on Mirian and Jennyfer!!!! If you couldnt tell by the pictures, the baptism was a complete success! It was a little tough getting members there cause it was the last week of vacation, but my companion and I each gave a little talk and we all sang a couple cantiques together. Walking behind the font with Mirian was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. She was so quiet and so full of the Spirit, yet I knew that Satan was working on her hard. Once we stepped into the bathroom, she stopped and asked me if we could pray together. For the next couple minutes or so, Mirian held my hands and bowed her head against mine and prayed prayed prayed. After, she looked up with the biggest smile on her face and walked right down into the water.:) It was beautiful. Then, the first thing she said to me when she came out of the water was, "Jennyfer will be baptised. She will know this is what she needs to do." Little to our surprise, earlier this week, Soeur Mangum and I got the wonderful opportunity to teach Jennyfer and talk about baptism. She had been struggling with a testimony of the Book of Mormon but lately has been reading regularly. When we asked about her prayers and responses again this week, the biggest smile came to her face and she said, "I have prayed and have seen differences in my life. I feel the fruits of the Spirit, and I know that the Book of Mormon is true." It was so incredible. She happily acepted a date to be baptised the 29th of September.:)

Thank you so much for your love and prayers on behalf of our investigators. They feel your support and thank you.

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help. And always always remember to smile.:)

I love you with all of my heart, Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 4 Semaine 5 9/2/13

Dear family and friends, 

Again I am so sorry that I do not have very much time to write (me companion and I got a little carried away looking through stores today hahaha). But I at least had to send some pictures from Mirian's baptism this past weekend. It was as beautiful as ever, and it was so incredible to be a witness of that covenant she made. I am so grateful for Mirian and all that she has done and continues to do for the Lord. She is an example to me. 

Please continue to keep her daughter Jennyfer in your prayers. She is still reading the Book of Mormon and trying to get an answer. That is the only thing keeping her from entering into the same covenant. I will update you more on her next week.:)

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help, and always always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart! 

Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 4 Semaine 3 8/19/13

Dear family and friends,

I know that my letters are getting really short...and I am really sorry!!! This week I had zone conference and legality in Belgium, so things have been pretty busy here in Blois.:)

I have just enough time to tell you about a little miracle.:)

On Sunday we were on our way to an investigator's house for an appointment, and we ended up missing our stop because of the changes they made in the busses!!!!!!! As soon as I noticed the change, I panicked! and looked over to my companion hoping that she didnt realize that we were off course. I said a little prayer in my heart to know what i should do and a couple minutes later, i had a really strong feeling to get off the next stop. As soon as we got off, I saw a young girl across the way. On a whim, Soeur Mangum and I dashed across the street and, out of breath, we asked her if I could share the word of God with her. One thing led to another, and we ended up teaching the entire first lesson right there. We testified of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel, and even though we were on the side of the road, the Spirit bore witness to all of us that it is true. We then had a strong impression to pray with Rusca. When the prayer was over, we all smiled at each other in reaction to the Spirit. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have had on my mission. As we exchanged information to see her again, we found out Rusca lives in Paris; however, she was still wanted to meet with the missionaries there.:) We passed her information along this morning.:) And boy were the Elders in Paris grateful for that referral!!!!!!!!:) haha. I pray that she will continue to feel that same Spirit we felt that day together.:)

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help. And always always remember to smile.:)

I love you with all of my heart.:)

Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Transfer 4 Semaine 2 8/12/13

Dear family and friends, 

I am sorry I do not have very much time to write today, but I thought to send a quick message and a couple of pictures. 

This week I got to go to Paris to pick up my new companion, Soeur Mangum, and she is the greatest!!!!! She is fresh in France from the MTC and is just loving life.:) I am so blessed to be her companion, and to watch her work work work. 

I am sorry for the lack of information....but know that things are going really well here in Blois.:) The work is moving forward like never before! and I am so blessed to be a part of it.:)

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help. And always always remember to smile.:) 

                                   Love, Soeur Laura Lee Judd 

Transfer 4, Semaine 1 (i just realized i am actually in my 4th transfer now...not my fifth...BEST REALIZATION EVER!!!!) 8/5/13

Dear family and friends, 

This transfer was an absolute success! I am so sad that is has come to an end, but I am also so grateful for the many miracles Sister Linton and I have witnessed together in these few short weeks. Although it was challenging at times, we always fell asleep content and woke up excited and ready to continue on the next day. I know that all the good experiences and memories we had together happened only through the loving care and grace of Heavenly Father. We know that we can do all things He needs as we realize His power and capacity and use Him in every single aspect of the work. 

Considering the incredible things we experienced together...Sister Linton and I were pretty sad yesterday to get the news that she is getting transfered. She could kinda feel the change coming...but it is still hard to change. I am excited for her though! She is going to be moving to a city called Lorient, which is on the west coast of France, and her new companion is Tahitian!!!!!! Which is super cool. I am kinda jealous...her French is going to get even better!!!!!!!!! As for me! I am so lucky to be able to stay in Blois.:) I love it here! I also got a phone call from the Assistants yesterday telling me that I am going to be training here. I was surprised! but I am really grateful for the opportunity that I will have to welcome in a new missionary.:) I am going to be in Paris for meetings this week, and I will finally be able to meet her on Wednesday! I will let you know all about her next week! 

Comedy Spotlight:

Ok!!!! I have been dying to tell you the funny spotlight this week!!! Ok. So we have an investigator named Judith who is from Hungary. She has been living in France for 15 years or so, so she speaks French, BUT she speaks English like a champ!!! and likes to practice, so we teach our lessons with her in English. Anyways. This week we decided to read a talk given by President Monson about the Plan of Salvation to help give her a better understanding of God's plan for her. She read the entire talk outloud and understood all of it really well! except for the part when it gives reference to Peter or someone giving a sermon on Mars Hill....haha. She read over the little explanation, seemed a little confused, stopped for a second, and then said, "Oh, yes, yes I see. They were on Mars." She then went on reading the rest of the talk like it was no bit deal.:) haha. Sister Linton and I were trying SOOOOOOOOOO hard not to laught out loud! haha It was the funniest. Oh Judith.:) 

Culture Spotlight:

So...today we got to go to a castle.:) and it was awesome!!! A couple in our ward picked us up, drove us, and took us on a tour of Chateau Chambord, and it was the funnest thing ever!!! Chambord was built by Francois 1ere in the late 16th century, but he only lived in it for 3 months of his life!!! Crazy, huh??? That's French royalty for you.:) You should definatly look up some pictures of Chambord-I attached a few for you to see too.:) It was the greatest! PLUS we saw English speaking members there! haha. A family from Draper and a family from England stopped us, and it was so funny talking to them for a little bit! It was the greatest.:) 

Food Spotlight:

Do you remember the member meal that I told you about my first week here in Blois??? It was the fish dish made by the Branch Presidents wife... Anyways. During that meal she had asked us what food from America Sister Linton and I miss the most, and both of us shouted in unison, "Mexican food!!!!!!!!!!" haha. We all laughed and joked about it, but then guess what??? She actually made us a Mexican meal!!!!!! Oh man it was the greatest thing to eat make-your-own burritos for the first time in six months....oh my mouth is watering...haha. I'll try to attach a picture of our Mexican feast...in France.:) 

Investigator Spotlight:

Mirian is golden!!!!! This week she took the lessons sooooo well! We were a little nervous because she drinks coffee and tea a lot, so it was tough at first for her to understand the importance of keeping the Word of Wisdom, but we had challenged her to turn to the Lord through prayer, and by the next time we saw her, she had thrown out all of her tea and coffee and had been keeping the law completely. She is such a strong example of faith. 

Guess what else??? Mirian's husband and her two other kids Barbara and Robinson got here safely from the Congo this week!!! We loved being able to finally meet them! And get this!!! Turns out Mirian's husband Vincent has been baptized for 20 years! and is a returned missionary! He has had many years of inactivity....but when he was living with his family in England, he started coming back to church.:) He is super supportive of Mirian and Jennyfer and their baptism (which is set for Aug 31). Keep them in your prayers! 

I am so grateful to be a missionary!!!! I love everything about my life here-I dont ever want it to end.:) I am so grateful for the lessons and changes and miracles I have seen in my life in these few short months. I know that the Lord has great things in store. Let us all do our part in bringing forth His will. 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help.:) And always always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart.:) 

Soeur Laura Lee Judd 

Chris and Maria 7/29/13

Dear family and friends,

Wow I cannot believe I am almost through another transfer! Time is just flying out here, I can hardly believe it!

It is hot and it is humid, but I could never be happier.:)

Comedy Spotlight:

Comedy Spotlight just barely happened walking here to the library. On some bench in the middle of centre-ville with all sorts of tourists walking around, we saw some lady laying down on a hard wooden bench. Soeur Linton and I turned to each other with wide eyes and laughed. She was reallly out of place haha. Then, as we got closer to this lady, we realized that is was one of our amis, Patricia!!! haha. She looked so akward laying sideways like that...but she said her apartment was too hot to bear, so she had decided to come there and get some "fresh" air (as fresh as the air here can be right now). It was really funny talking to her laying down...he practically fell asleep as we were talking to her haha! Oh well. I'm glad she could get a nap at all!

I know that is not really a funny moment for y'all....but try to understand a missionary's humor and maybe you will understand why we seemed to think that was so funny.:) haha. I'll try to remember funny moment better.:) Sorry.

Culture Spotlight:

You know you're turning into a frenchie when you slip into boulangeries and eat baguettes as you are walking down the street. Haha. By the end of my mission I dont think I will even be able to have cultural moments anymore cause I feel like I will actually BE French.:) haha. This week we also got to see a couple of the churches around centre-ville, and they are all really incredible. I am still surprised that I had never heard of Blois before the mission! There are so many incredible landmarks here! It is France in a nutshell. I love it so much.

Food Spotlight:

Dominoes!!!!!!!!!!! for the first time in a long time I got to have some pizza!!!!!!! Man alive. I know that it is really lame to give a food spotlight of food that y'all can have anytime, but it was pretty ground breaking for me. I love America. I am so happy that greesy American pizza has finally made its way to Blois.:)

Investigator Spotlight:

This week we had a lot of good news from our amis! We get the chance to meet with each of them often, and they are progressing well. The greatest experiences from this week, though, were teaching Chris and Maria. Chris and Maria had met with the missionaries in the past, but somehow got lost between whitewashes and transfers previously made in Blois. However, Soeur Linton and I have been working with them since the begining of the transfer, and the changes we have seen in them have been absolutely incredible. This week, we reviewed some of the Restoration, namely the resoration of Priesthood authority, and this concept really clicked for them. The Spirit that accompanied us was just perfect, and in the midst of our conversation with them, Chris and Maria asked US when they could be baptized. I dont know how, but we were calmly able to communicate that there will be a service on the 31 of August. They formally accepted that invitation, and yesterday, they came to church as an entire family for the first time.:) It was incredible to see them all together and to feel the little bit of love for them that I know our Heavenly Father has for them. Although there is a lot to be done before their baptism, they have made the commitment, and I know that they know it is true. Please keep them and their two children in your prayers so that they will progress and that they will, together, enter into the waters of baptism on the 31st of August.

I am so incredilbly blessed for the opportunity that I have to see these miracles every day. I know that the Lord, Jesus Christ directs this work. I know He lives. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to testify of His love. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. More than ever before in my life, I know that the Book of Mormon is true, that is was translated by a living prophet named Joseph Smith. Read the book. I know that you can feel the same Spirit and know of a surety yourself.

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help. And always always remember to smile.:)

I love you with all of my heart.

Soeur Laura Lee Judd

Mirian 7/22/13

Dear family and friends! 

Thank you so much for the thoughts and love you constantly express towards me. I am so grateful for each of you. The work is moving full speed ahead here in the France Paris mission, and I am so blessed to be a witness of the Lord's hand. 

I am sorry I did not get much off last week. I was caught up hanging out with my best friends, Alexandra and Soeur Anderson!!! haha. I have the best life in the world.:) As I think of all the things I wish I could have shared with you then and of all the experiences I had this week, I am overwhelmed at the thought of getting it all written down! But I will try the best that I can to share the moments and the feelings I have had this past week while working here in Blois. 

Comedy Spotlight:

We met a really nice lady the other day, who wasnt particularly intestered in our message, but she listened to us explain a few of our beliefs. Today, as we were getting onto the bus, she was getting off, and when we saw her she said, "Hello Mormons! How are you, Mormons? These are the Mormons!" haha It was pretty funny for us and for everyone else on the bus. That story will should go to show just how small Blois is.:) haha. I love it. 

Cultural Spotlight:

The cultural spotlight this week is really obvious.:) I got to street contact on the corners of Notre Dame!!! There is not such thing as porting in the city. Only street contacting!!! but it was so so fun.:) This week we had exchanges with the Sister Trainer Leaders, and I was the lucky one that got to stay in Paris for the night.:) It was the greatest. I was companions with Soeur Hoover (April, she is from Idaho Falls!!!) for 24 hours, and I learned so much from her. I taught a lesson with her to a woman who just walked into the Visitors' Center one day (the one right near the Pompidou). This particular lesson was the second time the missionaries had met with Maria, but we got the special opportunity to relay the story of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the church. The Spirit was incredibly strong, and Soeur Hoover and I were quite emotional. It felt right to ask, so we invitied Maria to be baptized the second weekend in August, and she accepted.:) What an increcible opportunity it was to be able to learn from my Soeur Leader. I am so grateful for all of the leadership in my mission and for the strenght of the missionaries who I get to serve with. 

(Oh! and mom! Do you remember Lauren Kimball??? Her mom was the director of the Lower School at Waterford for a couple years... Anyways. Soeur Kimball is serving in this mission now (she only got here about a week ago!) and I got to see her when staying in Paris! Things are going well for her.:) Tell her mom I got to see her!!!) 

Food Spotlight: 

The food spotlight this week was yesterday at another member meal. Man! these member meals are filling me to the brim! I love it!!!:) We ate at Natalie Bellamy's house (who is a less active in the branch) with her and her son. It was SOOOOOOO good! From scatch, she made a zuccini quiche, a rich pork roast, and a red berry tarte.:) It was incredible! I loved being with her and her son. They are so close. I hope to see her again later this week or the next! 

Investigator(s) Spotlight: 

I didnt really get to share too much at all last week!!! But I really want to update you about our investigator Mirian. We taught her just once after she came up to us on the bus, but she ended up coming to church that same weekend and loved it. Then next chance we had to teach her was the following Tuesday, and as we were teaching the Plan of Salvation, she accepted the invitation to be baptized on August 3rd.:) Then just this past weekend, while I was in Paris for exchanges, Mirian's daughter Jennifer (who has been living in Belgium for the past five years) moved to Blois. Soeur Linton and Soeur Pymm visited them on Saturday, taught the Restoration, and Jennifer also accepted the invitation to be baptized on the 3rd of August.:) What a miracle! I finally got the opportunity to meet Jennifer at church yesterday, and she is just the sweetest. I love her already. I also got the chance to talk to Mirian yesterday about her husband and two other kids, who are scheduled to come here from Africa this week, and she gave me the greatest news! It turns out that for the past couple of months, before he went to Africa to pick up their kids, Mirian's husband took the missionary discussions in England and was baptized.:) What a miracle. I am so excited for them to all be together again this week and to be full recipients of the blessings the Gospel offers families. Please keep the family Awazi in your prayers, that they all may arrive here safely and that they may progress and strengthen one another.:)

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a missionary, to be an instrument and a witness of the Lord's hand. I know that this work is His work, it is divine. 

Remember that you can make a difference, wherever you are. Find someone to help. And always always remember to smile.:) 

I love you with all of my heart, 

Soeur Laura Lee Judd