My Ward, The Versailles Ward

I made it to my ward! I've been here a week + 1 day and I finally found a place I think I will sincerely love. The bus ride was easy on the way there, even had a view of the incredible Chateau de Versailles. Yes, the Palace. I was one road from the entrance and all I could see was a glimpse because of the massiveness of the place. Seeing the tourists mill around the courtyard was like watching hundreds of little ants in comparison to the Chateau. I cannot wait to explore more of it! (And the bakeries nearby)

I arrived around 9 am and was greeted by two sets of missionary Elders. I was a bit nervous to have found my ward, but nervous-excited! I walked in, shaking hands and saying the "Bonjour, ca va?" I responded well because they all thought I was French. Score!
Suddenly realizing that I had no clue where to go inside, I turned around, banking on the fact that the missionaries at least spoke English. I walked back out front and was like, "Do any of you happen to speak English?" #americanmoment Thankfully, they responded in English! We all had a good laugh. I introduced myself, then an Elder explained that they have Relief Society in the chapel first, then Sunday School, then Sacrament meeting. He pointed out the Bishop and said, "I don't even know if he speaks English." Hmmm, great hahaha

I sat in the chapel, two other women were in there already talking with each other. I was all smiles and completely clueless! Eventually the Bishop came to talk to me seeing I was new...no English remember? Awko Taco until he called over an Elder to translate. Basically a "Hello, who are you, where are you from, what are you doing in France, write down your info and I'll transfer your records" kind of deal. Missionaries are a saving grace!

Then as more women filed in, they all said "bonjour" to me and if they spoke English, they introduced themselves! Quite a few did. So thankful for that. I met an American woman named Tova and Jodie, both have lived in France for a while. Jodie, whose English is perfect and sounds 100% American has lived here for 26 years! I was shocked! The Bishop's wife introduced herself and so did the Relief Society President. Her name is Marie Chantilly (?). Super nice lady! And she speaks enough English to understand! As each woman passed, they said, "Oh I've heard about you!" I was in the building for like 30 minutes. Talk must travel fast!

The sister missionaries were directly sent to my aid and introduced themselves and we chatted. All I remember is Soeur Wooley (Sister Wooley). They are both American and super sweet. After first hour, they introduced me to another au pair in the ward! She is my age and just gotten there late since the buses on Sunday are spotty. Her name is Aubrey and she is from Camas, Washington. A third Washingtonian and a third Mormon Washingtonian. Crazy!

My favorite part of the day, though, was the fact that a random French lady greeted me with the "bisous". The french cheek kisses! I was ecstatic inside. Finally, someone who greeted me like a real French person! I've been awkwardly shaking hands and just dying to do the bisous. On a perfect Sunday, of course it finally happened. I just wish I could hold a conversation to greet more French people! But time will help. Our lesson, taught in French and translated by the kind, Tova, a red-headed American, was about genealogy. So perfect! I just got into my genealogy this year and have done quite a lot. I'm so sad that there is no nearby temple :(

Second hour was Sunday school and I stayed in the chapel to attend the English lesson. Brother Flam (sp?) is the teacher. He speaks no French but is totally fine with that, so hey. It's funny because he was the one directing the hymns in sacrament. In French, mind you. Anyways, we talked about 4 points in 1 Corinthians chapters 3 and 4. Really great lesson! There were four of us in the class. Hahahaha

It was fast and testimony meeting today and I opted for the English translation head set. The missionary translating had a hard time and left out quite a bit, but it was very helpful still. I'm so glad I did because I loved hearing these people's testimonies. I'm just amazed every time I travel that the gospel and the church (structure and everything) remains the same around the world. It truly is the same spirit and the true church. Where else can you go that will feel just like home half a world away?

There were 2 old couples who were assigned as missionaries in my ward, one must have been in the stake and one set was at the future temple sight. Both American couples and both very, very sweet. The first lady, I forget her name, had such a familiar vibe about her. I can't quite explain it, but both her and Jodie Jones have seriously crossed my path before. Probably not in this life, but it is like I have known them before. A true testimony to me that I am in the right place.

After church, I planned to meet my family at their International School Picnic down by the Seine. I wandered from random bus stop to bus stop searching for a route to get me home. I was so lost! I wandered up and down streets trying to use my Transportation apps. I was a hopeless cause hahaha
Finally, like an hour later, I ended up on a bus that got me going in the right direction. But amidst this whole day, I chose the WRONG shoes to wear. My cute white sandals tore up the back of my ankles. Bleeding blisters and pain. Lot's of pain. But I had to tough it out for the day, from church to the picnic. I was dying! 
***Graphic picture, beware!

Nonetheless, I have found my ward:) I'm so happy!