What a crazy week it has been!!! Starting off and the very beginning will take us to September 12, when the mountains behind my home were on fire! We could see the flames and there was so much smoke. We were safe, many homes had to be evacuated in safety though. The fire kept burning but away from us so it was more safe :)
I had a ton of classes this week and we learned a lot of french and are starting to learn the lessons in a mix of english and french. My district is just the best and I've had so many moments where I've laughed so hard! 18 year old boys will still be boys... I taught two more lessons to our previous 'amis' we taught last week and they went really well! We run out of time every time which stinks but we felt the spirit so strongly in our lesson about the restoration. It was incredible.
We left for San Francisco on Thursday at 3:15 and the flight was smooth and fast. I love flying and traveling so much I was so excited!! My parents not so much hehe. We arrived and got settled in for our appointment the next day. I went to San Francisco to get a French passport and French ID, because I could go to Tahiti sooner if I do! The french passport would bypass the Visa that they are not issuing right now, which would be very nice to not do. The appointment was successful!! It was such a crazy experience in the Consulate. We entered the building, which seemed to be under construction, and talked to the guy at the front desk for my appointment. He led me to the elevator and I found out I would go alone, which was what I was scared for. He told us it wasn't his rules because it was "a whole different world up there." Oh boy, he was right. I got up to my floor and everything was in french. Informational signs, flags, decoration, and pictures on the wall were all in French! Even the guys behind the counter and walking around were very typical french men (white-ish hair, tucked in shirt but the two buttons on top of the shirt undone, the French-from-France accent) I luckily had everything I needed, and my application for passport and ID!! Hopefully I will receive it in good time...
I have many thoughts from my time wandering around the city of San Francisco that I'd like to share. As many may know, the city is struggling with homelessness. Many people walk the streets carrying everything they own, which isn’t much. Sometimes people forget they are children of God too, and I couldn’t help having an overwhelming desire to help them. I felt so bad for their situations, to the point where I felt guilt walking by in my white shirt and tie. It’s almost impossible to think of what they are going through and the things that have happened in their lives. This concept applies to every single human on earth, even though some may be worse than others. But we must remember that God loves every single one of them, and he wants them to be happy and live with him again. We are to Love God and His children, He loves us unconditionally. How sad should it make you to think they do not know this??
Please smile a little. I know it’s cliché to say you never know who might need it, but it’s true. A lot of people don’t know there is a God that loves them no matter what, that they are His child, and that He wants them to come back with Him again. The least you can do to share that divine love is spread it a little, and try to be happy in faith that there is a plan for you and that Jesus Christ lives.
I love you guys:)!!! Sorry this is so long, it was a productive week for sure:)
Elder Hansen :)