Farewell to St Ouen

Living in the ‘neuf trois’ has been an amazing experience. The ‘nine three’ is the nickname of the worst part of Paris after the first two numbers in the postal code. St. Ouen, St. Denis, and Sarcelles make up some of this area, including the Stade de France (three stops down from the ward building on the metro line 13), and also the Marché des Puces (the biggest and most renowned marché in Paris, takes up blocks and blocks beneath the freeway in the shadow of Sacre Coeur). Several times while being in this area, I have been reminded of the Middle East. The marché is just like the suq of Jerusalem or the bazaars of Egypt and many times, instead of attracting attention to hear the word of God, we are trying to get Away from the men on the streets. We were often stopped or at least tried to stop by men who call after us and even when I think it might be for religious reasons, once a man followed us all the way through the gare before he finally gave up the date he wanted that week….

Once we were stopped at a light next to a monument so Sr de Ruyter and I looked at a monument. I turned around because there was a man very close to me; I immediately asked him if he knew of the church or—but he said no, all he wanted was my hair. Anyway; that story just ends with him having a few inches of my hair… I figure that’s pretty good if that’s as much harm as I got in St Ouen.

I didn’t think that I could get as attatched as I am to the ward in 6 weeks. It was with tears in my heart that I wrote goodbye notes to our investigators and friends. After church, there were even members that I had never talked to that came up to me and asked for pictures together. There is something special that can happen with the Spirit, and it was a gift that I could get as close as I did to my dear St Ouen secteur. It’s not really goodbye though because Georgette is coming to UT for the first general conference that I get back. And I will probably be in their stake when I get to serve in Versailles.

The theme for that transfer in St Ouen was ‘Purity’ and I had the most amazing studies about purity in thoughts, being pure in heart, and pure doctrine. I have learned yet again how to open my heart and learn from all those around me, stay completely focused in mind and heart, how to love those around me, and how to teach the pure doctrine through the purifying power of the Holy Ghost. I have grown in understanding, patience, and in my faith in the Lord’s timing. All of the miracles that ended our last two weeks are testimony to that.

And we’re already finding miracles back here in Nogent. The work goes forth.

Love you all,
Soeur Wilson

Camille I got your email and also your snail mail—
you are doing all the right things, thanks so much for your support!!! and Mallory Hales thankyou so much for doing the blog. i love you!