I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go: #tooearlyforchristmasreferences

Good morning! (Or afternoon, not really sure what time it is right now)

So to start off, this week was not the craziest, most exciting week, so my letter might be a little more boring and short. We spent most of the week in the office just trying to keep our heads above water, we're getting some pretty unrealistic demands right now. So, we're surviving :)

Monday we celebrated Président Babin's Birthday. It was actually last Monday, but he was gone on a trip to Caen for Zone Conferences, so we just waited until he got back. We did cake and candles and everything, it was a blast! I think Soeur Babin recorded it to put on Facebook, but I'm not totally sure. Anyways, afterwards, Président pulled me aside with some less-than-awesome news. So we have two new senior couples coming in within the next 2 weeks. One of them was supposed to replace us in the office, but it was decided a while back that there are bigger needs. What I wasn't informed of until Monday was that I would be asked to find, rent, and stock two new apartments, one of them being in Belgium, before these couples arrive. So that's been my project this week. We've found both apartments and are signing on them (which is a miracle in and of itself, it's usually a month-long process). So, it's been a little stressful. Now with transfers, the AP's said there are some other nasty surprises that will probably come up, but none of us will know for sure what they are until it's kind of too late to prepare for them.

I also got a nasty cold this week. It's so ridiculous. The first year of my mission I didn't get sick a single time, and now I feel like I've spent the past 4 months either sick or injured nonstop ha..ha. So that made office life pretty miserable. The couples all took care of me like I was their grandkid, which was kinda nice ha..ha. One benefit of the office is having 2 sets of grandparents and the "Mission Mom and Dad" surrounding you all the time. I'm starting to get over it a little bit, hopefully I'll keep moving forward on it. It's definitely slowed me down all week.

We got the info two days ago that we also had to exchange two different cars (on different sides of the mission) for one of the new couples. So yesterday we hopped a train to St. Nazaire (on the west coast) then took their car and drove it all the way home. It was definitely an unplanned trip that threw us off super hard on office work, so we're kind of behind. But, we're catching up ha..ha.

Today we decided to go to the Catacombs! Most missionaries never see them, because it's closed on Mondays. Even most office elders don't see it, because it's a super long wait. So, after studies we hopped a train into Paris and spent 3 HOURS in line before we could get in. But, it was so worth it! Definitely one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life. Miles of underground mazes, with the walls all lined with human bones. Kinda creepy, but awesome! We got lots of good pictures and stuff.

For your questions: I can't think of anything right now to have you send with Brother Eaton. I'll keep thinking about Christmas and Birthday stuff, sorry I'm such a pain about it. I'm not good at thinking of wish lists. It'll probably end up being money, but I'll keep thinking. It'll probably be easier to buy a camera here.

For Brother Eaton: We get out of church around 1h00, he can call me right after that. We'll try to figure out the best time and place to meet up, Monday is probably the best day for us, but we'll see. Tell him I'm so excited to see him and treat him to Paris!

I didn't get the package, I'm really hoping I get it on Monday. Cross your fingers!

We haven't seen "Meet the Mormons" but I've heard a couple members talk about it. Elder Sughroue's mom LOVED it, so we heard a little bit from her. Hopefully we'll get to watch it soon!

Anyways, there's our week in a nutshell! Thanks so much for everything, love you!

Love,

Elder Tyler Martin