[Week 12] President Roney

Howdy from France, I hope everyone is doing well! sounds like things are pretty crazy kelly? good luck with the exams, I know youll do awesome though. haha en fait I was bragging about you to this family in our branch. they were pretty impressed with what I said! Dad youre a stud Im so happy to hear youre off crutches and walking around again! I got a letter from Bro Christianson saying he forgot how tall you were hahaha. Mom- congrats about the eye, Im glad you finally caught a medical break!

So after much anticipation we got to meet our new mission president. We traveled to Bordeaux last thursday for zone conference. It was a riot. We are the only missionaries for about 2 hours so, and theres only one other member in centre ville so it can get pretty lonely for us out here sometimes haha. Needless to say seeing other missionaries is like christmas morning. Well when president arrive we all waited to shake hands with him and his wife and meet them. When he got to me we shook hands, and the first words out of his mouth were, 'have you ever milked a cow?' it was classic. We exchanged greetings then I met Sœur Roney. She came with a message for me from the MTC. Apparent fes (Daniel Farah) is their son's MTC companion. Its a small world.

It didnt take long before President had won us all over. There is a reason this guy is a millionaire.

He is super bold and a great leader. He told us about the Portugal mission, and how theyre baptizing like crazy over there. The mission president is a guy from Brésil and he said the secret is to simply love people. His attempt was to translate the brazilian culture to Europe. Well, since then they have quadrupled their convert baptisms. I thought that was awesome but just attributed it to a more humble people. Then president stopped and said that is exactly what we're going to do here... He could have said we're going to increase baptisms, or we're going to double even. But he took it as far as quadruple. He proceeded to share how we were going to accomplish that goal. After he was done I dont think there was a single missionary there that didnt believe we could accomplish the goal. We're going to be focusing a lot on just loving people. And helping others 'forgive the unforgivable'.

Afterwards the APs and ZLs taught while president interviewed us once by one. I was one of the last to be interviewed but it was worth the wait. As I walked into the room there were just 2 chairs facing each other and a show polish kit spread out where the missionary sits. I knew exactly what was up his sleeve as I sat down. We started talking about this and that and before I knew it I had pulled out my pocket notebook and started taking notes on what he was saying haha. He is so inspired. After awhile he got down on one knee and started towards my shoes. I tried to talk him out of it haha but he wouldnt allow it. So I had to sit there while he polished my shoes. It was one of the most humbling times of my life. I vowed to him Ill repay his debt and polish his shoes sometime throughout the course of my mission. Moral of the story, we're gonna be seeing miracles here.

Well it was bastille day here the other day, but I didnt even realize that until late that night. I expected it to be a bigger deal than it was because I heard from people back home that it was a big deal. Im sure it is celebrated much more in Paris, Lyon, or any other big ville. But sounded like all they really did was shoot off some fire works and play music haha.

Im gonna try to send you some pictures kelly since I still havent even sent all the ones from the MTC haha. Gotta catch up.. So in cloture I would like to invite whoever that may be reading this to follow Presidents council. Think back to the last person who really made you mad, or to the person that you have a grudge against, etc. And now forgive them. Lay all your anger and emotions at the feet of the Savior and forgive them. Move on, and be happy. If we forgive others, we are forgiven ourselves. I know that doing this will help everyone come closer to Christ and have more peace in their lives. I love this church!

Forever Love,
Elder Gruber