I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go: The Atonement and April Fools' Day

Hi, y'all!

My week here in Paris has been nothing more than eventful!

We had a lesson with a less-active member who was referred to us by her visiting teacher. She was anything but friendly towards us. Sadly, she has a hard time with the fact that we preach the gospel in the Spanish language. I can testify that I am a missionary set apart to preach the gospel to those who speak Spanish so that they can hear the gospel in their language. Everyone matters to our Heavenly Father. All of His children will have the opportunity to hear the good news, and I am so grateful to be an Hermana. I LOVE Hispanics and their culture. They are incredible people because they are His children. D&C 90:11 "For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ."

We saw a few more less-active members and had amazing lessons with all of them! I know that life gives us lemons. We are promised that we will have challenges that are both common to mankind and that we will have trials that are specific to us. God is aware of ALL of His children in every moment. One woman said that she isn't doing enough and that she gave up too quickly. The Atonement is accessible to anyone who feels that they can't do enough or that they have given up and are too far gone. Trials are promised to us in this life, but we are not alone. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

If anyone knows me, they know that I love pranks. April Fools' Day is an obvious day of jokes and pranks, so Hermana Starling and I took full advantage. The pictures will say it better than I can!

We received transfer news on Saturday afternoon. "Hermana Boyson, you're staying in Paris. Hermana Starling, you're staying as well." YES! Another transfer together! Five minutes later, we received a call from the Zone Leaders with the REAL transfer news. Hermana Starling is being "trunky transferred" to Owensboro. Throughout her mission, she always thought it would be fun to get the "six-week shaft." Herm, you got it! I'm so sad to lose my companion. I have learned so many wonderful things from her. She is compassionate, patient, and kind. She is diligent in the work and has fun doing it. I feel so blessed to have served with her. Best of luck, Hermana!

My new companion will be Hermana Rodriguez from Tucson, AZ. I'm so excited to work with her! She's been out about the same amount of time as I have been out. She's a native Spanish speaker, so I'm excited to learn more of the language with her!

General Conference was AMAZING! We are so blessed to have living prophets who receive counsel and direction from God for the world. I especially enjoyed the words about missionary work and conversion by Elder Joaquin E. Costa. "Let me invite you, with all the energy of my heart, and from the depths of my soul: go and be baptized! It is the best thing you will ever do. It will change not only your life but also the lives of your children and grandchildren." Amen, Elder Costa!

I hope that this weekend brought you some of the same feelings that I experienced. God loves us. We are in the last days, but we don't need to fear. We have a prophet to guide us. I invite you to review the words of the prophet, his apostles, and other church leaders, and to make this your walk and talk for the next six months. You will receive the strength needed to endure challenges and personal problems. Your family will be blessed. You will feel our Savior's love more fully. You will have JOY.

Love you so! Gotta go!

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Hermana Boyson
Kentucky Louisville Mission