They Say that Leaving Is a Part of Letting Go #jerichoroad

Why, hello! How are you all? Good? Enjoying life without me? I can tell. There's so much good energy flowing through the streets of Provo right now and I'm not a part of it! Boo. No worries, I'll be back before you know it. I hope everyone is taking it easy and rocking their scene! I certainly am. This week I got hit on by ten year olds. It. Was. AWESOME! I'm a cougar, eh? Hee hee. That was pervy. I'm sorry. No, we just laughed ourselves to death because a week before my favorite Native Canadian member was sitting in a lesson with us in all of her serene, Native Canadian wisdom, and suddenly she looks deep into our souls and says... "I'm a cougar, eh?" Ha ha! Best line of my mission. And it's true, she is a cougar. But that's a way different story. So we actually had the chance to legitimately use that line in a conversation this week after the incident with the ten year olds. So I'm rocking my scene, to say the least!

This week was absolutely tragic. Absolutely. Tragic. Transfer calls were on Saturday, and guess who has bad news. Yep. The party's over! Sister Orozco is leaving for Lavalle, abandoning me up here in the greatest of the Great White North. And guess what Sister Cutler will be doing. TRAINING!!! For the zillionth time! Gosh, they keep giving me missionaries to ruin until I learn how to get it right! I'm beyond sad to be losing Sister Orozco (like, beyond sad. Tears and Oreo binges type of sad. I know, we're pathetic...).  But! It will be fun to train a new little fledgling. My goodness. If the mission is any indicator of what my future life will be like, I'm going to be birthing babies left and right when I get home! Crayzay. Anyway, that's the bittersweet news of the week. Let's get on to my adventures!

This week really was insanity. I did something incredibly stupid that I never, EVER in my wildest dreams thought would happen to me. So Sister Orozco and I hopped in our car to go to Walmart to buy some groceries for our little old investigator Lucie one fine morning here in Quebec City. And I'm just cruising along in my beautiful red car, thinking about how apt and amazing I am as a missionary. We're driving up an incredibly steep hill, when suddenly I'm pushing on the gas pedal and NOTHING is happening. To make a longer story less long, I ran the car completely, COMPLETELY out of gas. Ha ha whoops! We sat there for a good five minutes in panic, calling the zone leaders to rescue us, but to no avail. There you have an anglophone and a spanglophone in the middle of the road, on a hill, with no sense between the two of them to get themselves out of a pickle. And the whole time I kept thinking, "How do I say, 'I'm stupid and I ran out of gas!' in French?" But, since we're missionaries, we said a prayer and then our brains started working again. For a time. Then I spilled gas all over everyone and everything and my skirt went flying up Marilyn Monroe style at the side of the road. That was a pleasant sight! Ha ha I am so incredibly embarrassed. All is well now, though! Thought you might enjoy that little slice of drama.

Another slice of awkward for ya. For district study this week we had a mock negotiation, some jeu de role cooked up by Harvard. Like a mock debate. I was the environmentalist, and (bragging moment!) needless to say I kicked everyone's trash. Those elders be IMPRESSED! Ha ha I'm the world's worst missionary, but hey, FINALLY everyone was able to see that I'm not a complete yo-yo. But anyway, that's not the story. After I dominated the meeting and kept those greedy money mongers from destroying the delicate ecology of the east coast, we had our traditional district lunch. Now, little something about our D-Study lunches. Elders are AWKWARD. Like, beyond awkward. Our district lunches average about two awkward silences per minute. So Sister Orozco and I cooked up this idea to get the elders talking about SOMETHING with us. The plan would have worked flawlessly, but Sister Orozco soooo did not have my back. Sister Orozco starts with her usual, "So... (cricket chirps..) any good jokes? ...(more cricket chirps...)." And then I followed up with what I thought was the best conversation starter on the planet. "...No? (cricket... cricket...)..Well then.... (chirp... chirp....)... Any good first kiss stories?" SHUT. DOWN. I kid you not, I have never seen such a mass exodus from the table! Elders were avoiding the awkwardness left and right, getting up, walking to the kitchen for no reason, going to the drinking fountain, you name it. ANYTHING to avoid my completely inappropriate and scandalous question. Aaah! Ridiculous. I felt like such a harlot for even bringing up such a topic. I am honestly at a loss. How on earth are these elders ever going to get married when they get back? If you ask me, I'm doing them a favor. They just don't know it yet. I will keep trying, but gosh. SOMEONE has to thing of a conversation starter for me that won't offend these little 18 year old boys!

The rest of the week was a riot, as always. Just an average week with Dora (me) and the map (Sister Orozco) and Swiper (the Zone Leaders, for swiping all of our clicks). On Sundaywe went to visit our favorite investigator Guy in the hospital. He has had surgery after surgery, which prevents him from being baptized. But gosh, this guy is so solid! It gave us the chance to go down to Old Quebec, so we got to teach a lesson by two large windows overlooking the most glorious view of Vieux Quebec. It was perfection. The cathedral bells were all chiming in unison and everything. I seriously LOVE this place! Such a dream. This afternoon we're going back to Old Quebec for Sister Orozco's last P-Day here, and we'll probably bring Guy some Tim Horton's while we're there. Last night we had dinner with our favorite, favorite family in the ward (The Rodhains). Aaaah. So, so sad. Sister Orozco and I just sat there crying as Frere Rodhain talked about how much we had both helped each other change in the last six weeks. Sister Orozco really is an amazing companion. I'm going to miss her more than I can even describe! On the way home we drove through the mountains under a beautiful full moon, belting a Jericho Road song about a missionary leaving his girlfriend at the top of our lungs. I'm telling you, we're the most pathetic bunch on the planet! But it was a good way to end the week. We built our last fort of the transfer, only to have it collapse on us completely in the middle of the night. I literally almost died. But we were laughing so hard that we couldn't move, so we just laughed ourselves back to sleep and slept in the rubble. 

Well, I'll keep y'all updated about next week and my new greenie! I'm excited to be training again. Also, BIG SHOUT OUT to Grandma Nelson for sending me the most delightful lotion from Bath and Body Works! Midnight Pomegranate is my next fave, so perfect choice! Dark Kiss was probably too inappropriate for a sista anyway. BUT THANK YOU! I LOVE IT!!! And also, SHOUT OUT to my mommy for the wonderful 4th of July package! It takes FOREVER for me to receive my mail up here! But we were in heaven! And we are sooooo fat now! I think we consumed everything the night of transfer calls. Whoops! Ha ha anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful week! I love you and miss you all more than words can describe. Peace and blessings to you all! BISES!!!!

Love,

Soeur Cutler

My Feet Took a Swim

How are all of my favorite people in the world doing? Wow! It sounds like everyone is just having the most amazing summer. STOP IT! Save all of your partying for next August when I step off that plane. Ha ha blagues. Now that I'm a seester I feel happy when others are happy. It's just... not normal. But missionaries are not normal, of that you can be sure. So I embrace it! Anyway, this week was great! So much to tell. Buckle up!

Last Monday we did things RIGHT! There is a FABULOUS family in our ward that invited us to go on a picnic with them. And we thought, sure, we'll go on a picnic. Sounds nice enough. Oh my. This wasn't just any old picnic though. FIRST they took us to see one of the most gorgeous waterfalls! Sister Orozco and I are nature girls, so we were in heaven. But this wasn't all. Oh no, not with these members. This was only the beginning of our excursion. For the next HOUR they drive us out to the middle of nowhere. I'm thinking, "Hmm... am I even in the mission boundaries right now?" (Don't worry! I was!) But I didn't care, because the scenery was flawless. We drove through miles and miles of forests and farm fields. The sun was low in the horizon, the sky was a perfect blue, and there was green EVERYWHERE! Someone better wake me up from this dream. The Quebec mission is UNREAL! I know I will be saying VERY different things in the winter, but this summer has been one of the most glorious seasons of my life. Anyway. FINALLY we get to this tiny village with a church and a few houses, and I'm thinking, okay, we need to probably have our picnic now if we want to get home before dawn. They then take us up to this place called "La Domaine de l'Heritage." LOOK IT UP! It was insane! It's a huge garden in the middle of nowhere on the outskirts of Quebec City/Riv Sud/wherever the heck I was. We ate underneath a little gazebo and a glorious sunset, taking in a magnificent view of the tiny village and miles of fields stretching into the beautiful horizon. Sheer PERFECTION! We had a fabulous time. And on top of that, they invited nonmembers for our lesson, so we even got something done! Ha! Holla. That's how we do it.

Along with the P-day excursion, the rest of our week was just delightful! (Minus one day that I was so sick that I don't even remember what happened. But don't worry, I'm fully recovered.) On Friday we spent a lovely evening with the world's most cherished investigator in Sister Cutler's book. (In other words, yes, I did find a feminist to teach.) She invited us to swim in her pool, but since I would look like a bleached and beached whale if I put on a bathing suit, and since I have this little tag on for L'Eglise de Jesus-Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours, we decided to cool our heels in the water instead. Ahhhh! Such a perfect summer evening full of gospel discussions, answering her questions and having a fabulous night with her and her rocker husband. At the end of the night she gave us each a long-stemmed rose that she had purchased for us. Is that precious or what? I seriously am in heaven up here. The people are incredible! 

On Sunday I had to give a talk. IN FRENCH. Gosh, it was TERRIFYING! I gave a talk on teaching by the spirit, and you best believe I had to have the spirit with me to communicate ANYTHING without passing out on the spot. It went surprisingly well though! And my fave feminist investigator even came to church for the first time to support me! So I would say it was a success. :) Some members told me they can hardly even detect an accent with my French. LIARS!!! Such fatty liars. But my self-esteem is through the roof now! Really, this week was fab. Can't complain. We made a fort again last night and watched a million video clips about church history. I had dreams about being a polygamist, but I'm slowly recovering. Ha! :)

OKAY. Now. The most important part of this email. The world's BIGGEST SHOUT OUT and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my shining star and best, best, best, best, best, best, friend VANESSA!!!!!!! Vanessa, I love you to the moon and back and I am SO happy to have you in my life! Make 20 the best year of your life, lover! SMOOCHES! I hope it's a great day. Tara or someone who actually reads this, please pass the message on to her. :)

Anyway, I love you all so very, very much! Missing my clique in P-town like crazy! Keep on keepin on and have a fabulous week! We're off to Old Quebec today. Should be fun! Don't get to jealous now! Peace and blessings. BISES!

Love,

Soeurster Cutler

Hello from Paradise

July 8, 2013

Hello from Paradise

Bonjour familiaaaa and amigas (because let's be honest, all of my male compadres are on missions or non-existent)! I hope everyone had a FAB 4th of July! It sounds like you all had WAY too much fun without me. Oh well, all is forgiven. We are just living it up here in the QC! Seriously, this place is a dream. I cannot even contain my happiness some days! I hope everyone is doing just as great in my little old P-town! I sure do miss you all. Sending love and sunshine and rainbows your way!

Alright, so let me brag about how awesome Sister Cutler and the CMM are. Last V-Day we had a grand adventure with all of the sisters in the zone. Oh my, let me tell you. PAR-TAY! Our new mission president was coming in the next day, so we had a gang of girls sleep over at the house. So much fun, as always! So here in Quebec City there is this little place called Montmorency Falls. And let me tell you, it is gorgeous! Not quite the grandeur of Niagra Falls (although Quebeckers will claim that it is taller than Niagra Falls...lies, probably...) but it was SPECTACULAR! We got to go on a gorgeous hike (which I desperately needed) and then bask in the mist on the way down. We were DRENCHED! But it was the closest to swimming I'm every going to get, so I'll take it. Afterward we went to this little slice of heaven called Chocolat Favoris, which is just a recipe for disaster if you're a sister missionary who wants to look like something other than the Michelin Man when she gets back. BUT! It was worth it, of course. Belgian chocolate-dipped cones. BE JEALOUS! It was divine.

The next day we finally met the new mission president and his wife! Oh yes, and six of their eight children. SOOOOO PRECIOUS! Their family is adorable. I'm really looking forward to my time with them. They have a 9-year-old daughter that reminded me of my sweet Lily, so I was getting a little trunky... (ha ha... what's new?) but seriously, it is SUCH a delight to have kids in the mission! She went up to me and asked, "Are you related to Elder Cutler?" and I said, "I guess you could say that. Actually, Elder Cutler and I are secretly married. Don't tell your dad." HA HA LOLZZZZ! I crack myself up. Elder Cutler was not amused. But I LOOOOOVE to make elders blush, so it was worth it. Ha ha little kids are fun to tease. As well as elders. I need to reign myself in! But I can't help it if I'm letting my light shine.

The rest of the week was just wonderful! We were invited to have dinner with my favorite family again (the Rodhains) which meant we got to take a beautiful Sunday drive through the mountains. Seriously, my favorite. This couple is incredible. They came with us to two lessons this week, and my goodness do they bring the spirit. After our dinner they drove all the way out to an appointment with us, and it was one of the best lessons I've ever had on my mission. Seriously, I can't get enough of these two. So many miracles out here! I am feeling light and love and warmth radiating all around me. Another favorite family in the ward invited us over for dinner this week as well, and they found out that I love poetry... and that I've been feeling deprived of poetry... (Preach My Gospel is sooooo edifying and inspiring, but I need some Keats in my life right now). So we sat together on a beautiful summer evening and they read me French poetry. Such a delight! I'm living the life of leisure out here. ;)

Anyway, I hope you all had a great week! If I think of any other adventures I'll let you know. We built a fort again and watched Legacy last night. Mmmmm.... that's as close to romance as I can get on the mission. I'll take it! That David Walker is a dream boat! Ha ha well, I hope you are all enjoying yourselves on your vacations and parties and whatever else you're doing without me. I'll get over it. Just be PUMPED for when I get back! We will be partying for DAYS! Well, take care, my loves! I miss you and love you all! Big hugs from Hermana Cutler! Bye bye for now!

Love,

S-Cut

Ohhhh Canada

Sweet land of liberty! How are you, my loves? It's P-Day again, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the poutine's a sizzlin! Happy Canada Day, everybody! Ha. Blagues. We don't celebrate Canada Day here in the divine country of Quebec. In fact, I have seen ONE Canadian flag since my arrival in Quebec City. Vive la  France of Canada, I say! But on to more important things. Happy 4th of July to my fellow 'mericans in les Etats-Unis! Gosh, you have no IDEA how homesick I'm going to be this week on the 4th. The 4th is right up there with Christmas and Halloween in my book. So carve a watermelon and fire up a sparkler in my honor! Just try not to have too much fun without me, eh? :(

Alright, so this week was FULL of adventures! I seriously cannot get over how gosh darn beautiful this place is. For last week's P-Day adventure Sister Orozco and I decided to dress up like babes and take a Twilight-esque photo shoot in the forest by our house. Well, that was all fine and good until we were SWARMED by mosquitos. But, beauty is pain, so we got our Twilight on anyway. It was all just dandy until I remembered that I am quite allergic to mosquitos, so I was swollen and itchy and oozy the rest of the week, but we made the most of it. Later that night we were invited to have dinner with the Rodhain family, which meant that we got to take a 30 minute drive up into the mountains. Magnifico! Oh. My. FLIP! It was soooo beautiful! We drove past a gorgeous river and forests that stretched for miles into a beautiful summer evening. I was in sheer heaven. 

This week we had an unplanned act of service that led to me going into a liquor store for the first time in my life. PARTAYYYYY! So Sister Orozco and I were walking up the road looking for people to accost on the street... I mean... looking for people to share the gospel with... when suddenly out of the blue this elder woman appears. She turns around, smiles at us, and in the most bizarre dialect of Greek and Quebecois I've ever heard she asks us if we would help her cross the street. The wind was blowing like crazy and that woman probably weighed no more than 60 pounds, so we readily agreed. So we walk and talk with her a ways, understanding absolutely nothing that comes out of her mouth, but she was charming as all get out so it was a delightful experience. Anyway, we take her across the street to her destination. Then we thought, "Well, we should probably helped her walk home when she's done. These winds are just waaaay too fierce." So she invites us to do her shopping with her. We walk into the store. My eyes BULGE out of my sockets. We were surrounded by wine and booze and rrrrum and all kinds of delicious alcoholic beverages. Yes, I did go into my first liquor store as a missionary. But it was in the name of service, I tell you! Don't judge me. :) Ha ha I wish we would have taken a picture, but I didn't want evidence of us being there. So I quickly purchased my rum (mmm... rrrum...) and got out. HA! I tease! I tease! No beer for me. I may be legal here but as an American citizen I still have a couple months to go before I'm 21. Anyway, after we walked her back to her Residence Home she took us on a tour! My goodness. I would NOT mind living in a palace like that when I'm elderly. We stayed awhile and chatted with the elderly people, then went on our way. It was a pleasant experience, and she is thrilled to have us come back anytime. So yes, unplanned acts of service lead to unplanned happiness and a couple nice bottles of Brandy. :)

I'm keeping things relatively short this week (ha...) because we're going to Montmorency Waterfall for SISTER'S P-DAY!!! Can't wait! But really, things are going SO well here. My companion and I are without a doubt the coolest missionaries on the block. Last night we built a fort in the living room and stayed up aaaalll night watching the Joseph Smith movie and talking about all of our romantic escapades. Good times here in the CMM, let me tell ya! And oh yes, BIG SHOUT OUT to Aunt Shannon for sending us Nutella to go! We munched on Nutella in our little fort and had a grand time. So thank you. :)

Well, I will let you all get back to your lives! Just know how much Sister Cutler loves each and every one of you, or almost each and every one of you. Not naming names. HA! I kid, I kid. I'm a sister missionary. I love EVERYONE! ...True story. Anyway, I hope you all have an amazing 4th of July! LET FREEDOM RING! I love you all and miss you so much. \

Until next time,

Sis Cut