André is a rapper

André is a rapper. I met him when he came to my concert and then when he came to ward choir. he loves music. I kept on being pestered to teach him voice lessons (which i couldn't agree to) before I left Nogent, when the elders started teaching him. after coming to a bit of a slow down after hearing all of the lessons from the missionaries, he decided that he really Did want a change.
I am so glad to be back in Nogent for this time in his life... 'I realized that I want bigger change in my life.' He has a huge smile and just couldn't stop smiling. after the baptism, and for the confirmation on Sunday. it was incredible. he is so humble.

for the service, I played piano prelude, hymns, interlude, and postlude and loved inviting the spirit and the words of specific hymns to the minds of the audience + 3 of our investigators there(!). my companion, Soeur Adams, and i sang I love to see the temple with a second verse I wrote (about how baptism is the first covenant we make in preparation) as a descant voice. it was really special. As I talked with him afterwards, he thanked me so much for the music that I was able to offer for his baptism. he was so grateful.

he later asked if I could help him compose some little parts for him on piano and violin. he only has one or two albums out, but wants to do something a little different. or even--could i just record them for him... we'll see. I at least consented to replay some of the old concert repertoire after the gouté (refreshments) for the members and amis left.

Maëva is another miracle.

Patricia moved into the ward just in time to hear my last concert and was really touched by it--she said it was an answer to her prayers and a confirmation that she was doing the right thing. well i never really got to work with her since I left that week, but we met with her my first week back. so she met Maëva outside of her apartment building (they are neighboors) and she asked for a book about God.

Patricia was excited to tell us about it and was almost in tears when Maëva (from Côte d'ivoire, 17 or 18yrs old) came to open the door for us when we came to drop it off. well, we didn't just drop it off.... Her Questions were all perfect, 'wait--what did the Lord say when he asked which of all the churches were true?!' and we will be seeing her three times a week. I can't wait to go back tonight to teach her!

love you all, and congratz MissMelissa Moorhead on your engagment!!! thanks for the card

Soeur Mariah Wilson