Feb 7 2011

Ma Famille!

I love Carcassonne! You are right you found my apartment, it is right next to a flower shop! You were spot on about my apartment at Brive too! It makes me feel better that you know where I walk everyday ;o) I am so happy you shared what Joelle wrote you! I was very anxious Saturday, I wanted to know if it all went well! It is such a blessing that Maryline was able to taste the fruits of baptism after all the opposition she and her family had been through. I am very happy and thankful to the Lord for his hand in her salvation! I'm so thrilled that it all went well!!!

I heard about the super bowl !! We went and did a little shopping today and the member we went with told me. I can't believe it is already that time of the year.. I had no idea the super bowl still existed! My life is so much different now. I can't believe I am in France and serving a mission!!!!!!!!! Isn't it crazy!?!

Carcassone is wonderful! Like you said it is rich with history, and has a medievel castle! I haven't visited it yet, but I see it every day when we are tracting. Carcassonne has a ward, and has some sweet families! My first meal was with a recent convert couple, Odinete and Carlos, and it was wonderful! Odinete is Brazillian and Carlos is Portugeuse, but both speak french. They made us a delicious brazillian specialty; it looked like an enchilade but with PANCAKES for tortillas!!!! It was a great first impression of Carcassonne.

There is also an English family that is living here for the moment and feed the missionaries every week! The famille Kersey. They are here because of the father's work, but soon will return home to good Ol' UTAH! That's right, they live in Salt Lake! ha ha, small world! I love their accent ha ha, and I get to speak english at their house :) Elder Sautron gets to practice his English! They have lived here for one year now, and the kids speak almost fluent French! The parents.... not so much. In fact, the kids speak better than me! I didn't snap a photo of them, but I will for next week!

We have a sweet ward mission leader who feeds us too! Don't worry I'm not starving ;o)! I absolutely love the culture here, and the country side is beautiful! Many members live outside the ville, and everytime we drive to their houses it is like a fairy tale! The rolling hills, and even better here, there are Mountains. We are closer to the Pyreneese Mountain range, and I feel a little like I'm home! I can't help but look out and think How can people not see God's hand in this!? Simply breath taking! I'M IN FRANCE!!!

The work is going well here in Carcassonne. I get along with Elder Sautron great, and we speak French 24/7! It is great, I feel like I can actually make some progress now, and I see that I already have! I can speak better, and comprehend better! I loved it when I called Brother Kersey to confirm our 'Mangez-Vous' and I couldn't speak english :o(. I kept switching back into French! Good signs! Our apartment is on the top floor and is pretty much a glorified attic. It is great, but has one flaw. Every day, I hit my head on the door frame because I don't hunch low enough! I may have brain damage after my stay her in Carcassonne! ;o)

Elder Sautron cooks and I wash dishes; can't complain :) We have this crazy land lord who comes to see us almost every day. His name is Dr. Christian... or that is what he told me to call him ha ha. He is a retired doctor and had to quite because of Arthiritus. He is an old investigator of the church, but never progressed, he just loves to have the missionaries pray with him each day. He is crazy fun, and keeps us on our toes! I have included a picture of him, we actually did service at his house. He is the man in the middle with the white hair!

We also did service for our Bishop this week. I have included pictures of that too!

Well I absolutely loved the pictures of all the little ones, I can't believe how much they have all grown! I miss all of them! Mason is such a little chubbers ha ha, I love it! Is it me or does Emma look like Lindsey and Cami at the same time!?! Dad I think that is awesome that you are doing the play! I can't wait to see you with a beard! I'm also happy to hear mom is done with her treatments. She is such a strong momma! I fasted for you mom, and I can see that the Lord is hearing my prayers and pouring out blessings upon you!

I'll prepare a package and send it home! I can play cd's here :) send them on over! Make sure you label them so I can get them approved! (unless they are already approved). I bought a suit case before I left Brive, so that is why there was a fluctuation on my account.

Oh pass the Happy Birthday on to Uncle Steve! I love him so much and respect him so much more after being here in France for 4 months ha ha!

I didn't know if you knew by the way but the First Presidency came out and said that in July after Presdent Carter leaves, the mission of Toulouse will no longer exist. It will become La Mission Française de Lyon and will encompass the mission of Suisse Geneve too! Our President is going to be President Murdock who is currently the President of the Suisse Geneve mission. That happend a couple weeks ago and just didn't have time to tell you!

I will try to write the little ones a letter soon, and also the Grandparents, let them know I love them so so much!!!!!! Let me know if you get my packages!

I love you all and can't wait till the next week!

Je t'aime à Jamais! Elder Petersen