Definitely a week I will remember.

Last Monday was a pretty sweet Pday; Elder Price and I hadn't received our calls that day, so we decided to go to touristy stuff. We saw the huge St. Jean Cathedral so that was pretty sweet! and then we went to the Citadelle that's on top of the mountain in Besançon. 

There's a zoo and museums up there; we didn't have a lot of time so we didn't pay money to go in, but we saw some monkeys that we just chillin out in front that we could see haha.

Then later that night we went to the Broch's house for FHE. We went with the Spackmans, so it was their first mangez-vous (A rendez-vous that you eat at).

At the Broch's house they have this huge recorder that's like two feet long (like the one you played in 4th grade). By the way I've been brushing up on my recorder skills. Elder Price probably wants to kill me haha

Tuesday we were porting in some small neighborhood on the outskirts of Besançon, and we met this Russian guy and he let us in his house. he was pretty cool. he said he would prefer a Book of Mormon in Russian, so we told him we would come back!

Wednesday we got our calls!! The news is that I'm staying in Besançon with Elder Price. So nothing changed haha but it'll be pretty sweet! he and I get along pretty well so that's good. Our Zone is down to 12 elders now, which puts us as the smallest zone in the mission!

Thursday we went back to the Russian guys house. his wife was there this time and she was super nice! We introduced the Book of Mormon to her. They told us that they are Muslim and that they will probably stay that way. But we told them we do service for people and they seemed really interested in that. I think they really like us so that's good! They're super nice. they always offer us tea or coffee. So I mean its  pretty generous hahah but we don't take it :)

We met a lady last Thursday on the street. After a pretty good conversation with her, she was talking about how she works with handicapped people. She told us that what we're doing is good, so she tried giving us money (which is against our rules). She gave us 5 euros, but we wouldn't accept it. She wouldn't take it back either. So what we did, we pulled out a Book of Mormon and told her that this is a gift to her. I was holding the Book of Mormon, and I opened the front cover a little bit. Elder Price slyly put the 5 euro bill in the cover of the book without her noticing! We gave her the book and walked away. I hope she had a pleasant surprise when she opens it up to find the 5 euros haha :)

And dang last Friday and Saturday were sweet. Friday night we took a train in to Lyon for Mission conference the next day. We get to the chapel there (because we heard there's free pizza for the missionaries) and literally all 240ish missionaries were there haha! It was sweet. I got to see soooo many people again! and all the missionaries that are finished with there mission on Monday! 

Random note, on our way back to where we were sleeping, these guys on roller blades skated into the road with lights and reflective vests. They then blew their whistles and stopped all traffic. Next thing I know, there's like 300 people on roller blades all skating together. I lost it hahah it made my night because it was just too cool! too bad I didn't snap any pictures in time.. 

But that night we stayed in a hotel. The hotel had a TV so we could have been apostate missionaries and stuff, but we didn't so no stress.

Saturday, we all went to the chapel. Again, the entire mission is there. We got to hear from Elder Kearon and Elder Nielson from the 70. Elder Nielson gave the talk this last conference about the Prodigal Son and his sister Susanne. 

The whole conference was about ipads! We're getting them soon. They joked about how we have the ipad cases, just not the ipads yet. They said that they will be here within the next two weeks, so that will be pretty sweet. I'm excited to add another tool to our mission that we can help bring others to Christ!

Missionary work is pretty sweet.

I love you guys! have a great week!!

MIRACLES UPON MIRACLES!

This week was pretty tight. Last Monday after emails, Elder Price and I went to play bball on the court next to Le Doubs. Le Doubs is the big river. We played against some french bros so that was pretty fun! 

Last week we went to Suisse for district meeting in Yverdon. If I get transferred that may have been my last time in Suisse! We get our transfer calls this Wednesday! It was supposed to be last Friday but then they switched it.. but who knows what will happen! 

Last Friday, we helped the Spackmans move in. They're the new senior couple in Besançon! They lived in California before! They are super excited to be here and we're super excited for them to be here too! So we helped them move some things in and stuff. The Spackmans will be able to help us with a lot of stuff! So we're super excited. 

Also last Friday we went to Dijon so Elder Price could interview the girl in Dijon for a baptism! It went well, so then she is getting baptized the next day! So that night we returned to Besançon. the next morning, we helped out with some more things at the Spackmans apartment (Soeur Spackman bought us croissants so that was super nice of her). Then the Spackmans drove us to to Dijon so we could go to the baptism!

The baptism went really well. It was a college age girl from Madascar that has been coming to church for a long time, so it was nice seeing her get baptized! She has a really good spirit and testimony! There was a second baptism about an hour later too so we decided to stay for that!

The 2nd baptism was great as well! It was some sisters in Chalon. They aren't in our zone, but the Dijon church was the closest with a font. But the girl was named Vanessa. I found out that in my 2nd week of being in France, i did splits in Aix en Provence. That day, the zone leader and i taught this couple. When we taught that couple they were super engaged and really picking it up! I later found out that they decided to be baptized about a month after. After their baptism, they told there daughter about it; their daughter is a single mom, but when she heard about the church she said she wanted that in her life. So we got to see the her baptism, and it was cool because her parents came all the way, and I talked to them and they remembered me! They told us that the missionaries have baptised a super strong family. They have so much joy in their lives so its been really cool to kind of see the beginning and the end :) Miracles upon miracles. 

Then yesterday, I gave a talk in church, the french is coming along haha. But yesterday evening Elder Price and I were walking toward the church, and we saw the Spackmans along the way. we stopped and talked to them for a second. in the middle of our conversation  two guys walked by and stopped to look at our badges. We started talking, and they were both super religious guys that enjoy talking about Jesus! We gave them a BoM. It was perfect timing and everything. The Spackmans are already bringing us many miracles :) 

And today is 420, so me and my comp celebrated by eating a Kebab on Le Doubs river. 

Have a great week everyone :)

I FEEL LIKE TIME IS FLYING HERE!

So the mission life keeps moving along! I feel like time is flying here. I'm almost 4 months out...

But this last week has been pretty good. Besançon is starting to warm up a lot! We've been wearing long sleeves and sometimes we're too hot in that haha. But Besançon is pretty cool when it gets nice outside; a lot of people go sit on the grass that's right next to the Doubs river. They are also having a lot of random events; last Saturday there were a ton of people in centre ville because there's this sale thing that goes on like every few months. There were a bunch of homies that brought drums and a bunch of n'importe quoi going on. haha

But last Tuesday I went to Dijon for some splits. Dijon is a pretty cool place! We just did some work in that area. Dijon is pretty close to Besançon; Dijon has the very furthest north sector of our mission. We always joke about how we're gonna fall asleep on a train and wake up in Paris because that's the stop right after Dijon!

Last Wednesday night we went to Switzerland for zone conference the next day!

We had zone conference in Yverdon. President Roney and his wife were there; they both talked to us so that was pretty good! We also did interviews with the president; its practically everyones last interview with him, so that was pretty cool. He took more time than usual with everyone! 

Last week we decided to start calling up some of the amis from older missionaries, and we were able to get in contact with one then start teaching again! He's a pretty cool dude from Haiti. He already knows a lot so that was nice, and he loves talking about God. We're planning to see him again this afternoon!

Then Fast Sundays in a ward with about 25 Active members are interesting. Surprisingly again, there weren't any moments of silence!

But everything is going well! Our mission has a conference next week on the 25th. All 250ish missionaries will be in Lyon. Its pretty confirmed that we're getting iPads next week. The change from paper to iPads will be weird haha

I love you all! have a great week!

4/6/2015
Conference was pretty amazing, huh?

Conference is always like that though haha. But fortunately, I have been able to watch all but 1 session in English! We made it all work out though so that was awesome! Conference is pretty tight!

But this week has been interesting but still special.

Our cute Easter Pictures!

One thing of news is that we finally found an apartment for the missionary couple coming to Besançon, so they should be in like next week! 

We went to a small ville called Pontarlier last week, and we had a RDV with our baptism engagé. Turns out, he brought his friend along. We were planning to talk to him about some things that someone brand new to learning about would have no idea whats going on. But after 15 minutes of talking and eating some chips, Elder Price somehow made it perfect so that he was talking to our Baptism engagé about these later lesson subjects, while I was talking to his friend about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration! His friend is about 20 and from the Congo, he told us that its nice to talk to people in France about his age about God; he feels that most people our age just want to party and stuff. He then told us he's moving to Besançon soon. so we definitely got his number and stuff! Flippin sweet miracle. I literally see a miracle every day. God is always there.

We did a lot of less active visits last week; we stopped by this guy that hasn't been to church in a while. So far the weirdest RDV I have had haha; He wasn't sober and there was just a lot going on and it was super confusing. But we hope he felt the spirit! We'll probably return this week.

This week rained literally everyday. We met a lady last Tuesday, and she talked to us about how during the Easter week, it always rains. But then Sunday, BOOM it was shining and the sun was bright. That's some pretty cool symbolism!! 

This Easter season was super special for me. I have had so many miracles, but right now not enough time to explain them in depth or how I want to. But I want to end this saying that God is there. Jesus Christ is there. They will never leave us. Even after years of being in darkness, you can always find the light back to safety. And because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, that light will always be there.

I love you all. Have a great week!

Elder Steadman

And a big thanks goes out to the Horrocks family for taking a package all the way to France for me!

This Week was INSANE!

Monday night, we left on a train to go to Lyon because the next day was a big meeting for the leaders in the mission (my comp is the DL). That night we ate at this place called Master Tacos. Its this super popular place in Lyon, its popular with the missionaries, and the workers there know the missionaries pretty well. But to be honest, its better than Cafe Rio. Hahah

But Elder Price and I stayed at another equipes apartment that night in Lyon. Elder Sorenson (DL in a Lyon Area) and Elder Mauss. Elder Sorenson went to Alta and graduated in 2012; we talked for a bit and knew a lot of the same people. I don't think I ever knew him in high school but he's a bro.

I went on splits with Elder Mauss the next day. He and I are both district monkeys so we went and did some work in Lyon. Elder Mauss is super funny; he and I had a good time together! At one point in the day we met up with more district monkeys/Lyon Elders and did some contacting in this big square place. I actually went on splits there with Elder Loosle; he and I came in at the same time, so we're two little 2nd transfer Bleus trying to speak french. He and I actually got quite a few conversations and even gave like a 20 minute lesson on the street! It was pretty cool. The gift of tongues is real. We returned back to Besançon that night by train!

Wednesday, we did splits in Besançon with the ZLs. Both our ZLs are from England, and they're pretty sick dudes. We met up with this guy in a small ville called Pontarlier; he wanted to take us to his friends office. His friend is actually a Pastor of an Evangelic church haha! They asked us what we teach so we gave them a pamphlet. It seemed to be pretty well received, but it was interesting with the Pastor haha. 

Then Wednesday night, we went to Switzerland.

There was District/zone meeting on Thursday and our entire zone is practically in Suisse! So we stayed in Yverdon for the night at the ZLs apartment. 

The next day we had zone and district meeting and that was super cool; we have some big plans for this transfer. But in the Zone, there are 6 Americans, 2 Englishmen, 3 Tahitians, 1 Austrian, 1 Hungarian, and 1 French guy. You can only serve is Suisse if: 1. you're not American 2. if you have a suisse/European parent that can qualify for citizenship. So for me, its pretty lucky that I got to be there! Even though I slept on the floor for 3 nights, it was totally worth it.

We stayed the night in Yverdon, then the next morning we went to Bienne (Still Switzerland) to do a zone finding day! In simple terms, we had a bunch of splits and teams with all 14 missionaries in this one Ville. Bienne is the only ville that's shared in our mission; its like 50 percent German speaking and 50 percent French speaking. But We all worked super hard that day; we had set goals and we were able to accomplish all of them! One of them was to teach 15 lessons and we ended up with 21 :) the purpose of it was to build zone unity; it really worked. :) There were Numerous miracles that day!! 

We found out in church yesterday that we will be able to watch general conference in French; the priesthood session and the Saturday afternoon session. Elder Price and I are gonna talk to our branch president to arrange for it in English.

Have a great week everyone! I love you all!!

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Hello everyone!

My first week in Besançon was pretty good. Its a super pretty place! Its really clean and there's a lot of college-age kids.

 

Elder Price and I are getting along really well! He's a pretty sick dude! He's been out for about 9 months. And he makes a pretty good Pizza haha.

Last Tuesday was St Patricks day, right? I saw a couple guys in kilts. haha France doesn't do anything but drink for St Patricks day. But they drink a lot!! Long story short, this guy on the tram threw up, it didn't get all on me but it got on my shoes and a little bit on the pants. It was all beer and his buddy was like "I told you!" 

But we had a pretty cool miracle that day; for comp study, Elder Price and I practiced introducing the Book of Mormon li on the street.  But later that day, we had been contacting for probably 3 hours and nothing really came about from that. but we had to walk to the Gare (Train Station) to pick up some tickets, and as we were walking, this guy said "Bonjour, Les Elders!" and we were just like what the? We started talking to him and he said his brother is a priest for a church and he had been studying the Book of Mormon. We asked if he has one and he didn't. We said "you can have this one!" and he wasn't that interested, he said he was "pressé" which means like pressed on time. but we asked if we could explain to him what it was, So i got the chance to explain the book a bit, and he accepted it! 

It was just funny how we had practiced that the same morning then I did the same thing later that day. As missionaries, it seems that we kind of just work aimlessly but diligently. But God truly knows where you're supposed to be going!

Last Wednesday we went to this place called Vesoul and tried passing a few less active members out there and we talked to some people out there too. Vesoul is practically the highest that we can possibly go in our mission, the Paris mission is right next to it. But that night we went back to Besançon and we had branch counsel. I got to meet some of the members so that was fun!

In Besançon we have this recent convert(January)/less active and he got to teach him Thursday! Long story short, he told us in the lesson that his heart is on the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Islam. We were kind of puzzled by it haha but we asked if he would come to church on Sunday and he said he would. 

Thursday night, the missionaries teach institute! there's only 2 or 3 that come, but its with the president and a less active comes so that's pretty cool.

On Friday, we got up at 4AM to catch our 5:30 train haha! The train took a couple hours but we went to Lyon! It was blue's conference that day! President and Sister Roney talked, and then 2 of the assistants talked (by the way, our mission has 7 assistants, they usually have 2). It was nice seeing all of the MTC group again! They were all doing really well.

Last Saturday night was interesting; the office elders called us last week and told us that we need to go apartment shopping because there will be an older Missionary couple in Besançon soon! So basically we met with this guy and went to look at apartments.

Sunday, church was pretty interesting. our church is the floor level of this big apartment complex. and its actually under a lot of construction right now, so we can't use a lot of the rooms. But the recent convert came and he had a really good time at church. He called us later that day and said he has found his path that he wants to follow, which is the church of Jesus Christ! That was great to hear from him!

Last night I also learned how to skinny a tie and it turned out pretty well. its pretty sweet!

Have a great week!!

ALREADY TRANSFERRED???!!!

Hey everyone, I've already been transferred hahah! I got transferred to Besançon. its this sweet place that's super north in our mission, and its really close to Switzerland. My zone stretches into Switzerland, so it looks like I will end up in Switzerland a couple times this transfer!! My new companion is Elder Price. He's been out since August, he's from Layton Utah and he's a pretty cool guy!! He Speaks really well.

Anyways, my last week in Avignon was great! Last Monday and Tuesday, we had a couple reunions with our amis and those went really well. Lately, we were able to come in contact with quite a few ancient amis! (remember, ami means investigator for us). But Tuesday night we went to the Farinas for dinner. She made us fish! I'm usually not a huge fish fan, but it was actually really good haha! 

Then last Wednesday, Elder Liechty and I

went to a place called Parnes les Fontaines; its a small ville in our sector, and its has a lot of really cool buildings! During the summer time they have fountains all over the city, hence the name Les Fontaines. Its super cool! We walked to visit this guy that requested to have a Book of Mormon delivered a couple months ago; we had to walk a bit out of the town, and it was the first time I felt like a true french missionary because I was walking on a long road in the countryside in a short sleeve shirt. It felt pretty nice to be honest! 

After doing some work in Parnes les Fontaines, we had to catch a bus to take us to a bus that would take us back to Avignon. Unfortunately, the bus was late, so we missed the connecting bus by a couple minutes, and we were running through the town in hopes of catching the bus! It didn't work though, so after running a mile trying to catch the last bus of the night, Elder Liechty and I decided to eat away our worries with a Kebab. Then we got a call from the other Elders saying that they got us a ride back to Avignon from a member, so that was really nice of them and the member! The members in Avignon are great. 

Friday morning is when we got our calls! I actually didn't even hear what President Roney said,  but we were able to figure it out by finding our where Elder Price is.  Friday we went to Frère Barray's house to do some service; he also fed us lunch (fish again, and it tasted pretty good haha) Then we went and visited this family that they were inactive for a bit, but they've been coming back and now they want the missionaries to teach their kids (the kids are probably 9 and 11 years old) and see if they want to be baptized! They all live in L'Isle sur la Sourge, I don't think I got any pictures but its a sweet place so feel free to look it up.Then that night, we went to Soeur Protano's, and she fed us crêpes! Crêpes freaking rock.

Sunday was a special day because our friend Timmy that we have been talking to because we see him all the time (we haven't ever formally taught him), he came to church with us and he really seemed to enjoy it! he got along well with the members and I could tell he enjoyed it. I even got to bear my testimony because it was my last Sunday. After Church we said our goodbyes and stuff to the members; the members there are amazing and they have so much faith! I hope one day I could potentially return and serve there again during my mission, or just visit after! 

Monday we have just been doing trains all day, but I will  make sure to get some good pictures here in Besançon because its a great place!

I love you all! Dieu vous aime!!

My new address is

Les Missionaires

Elder Steadman

34 Rue Gabriel Plançon

25000 Besançon

France