Joyeux noel!

Mom,
Joyeux Noel! Yes I win!!! I feel so accomplished! What was his
release date before? That sounds like a crazy trip! I think my
mission president lived in brussels for a while. Oh that's cool
you'll get to see Montreal! But probably not in it's glory. I did
get my package! Funny story. So we were in Montreal for the temple
(super cool by the way) and we stopped by the Mission office for a
Christmas party for missionaries and we checked and my package wasn't
there. BUT the next day we found out the Zone Leaders in Quebec had
it! I was so happy. I felt so sad the night before because I knew
you spent so much on it. But all is well is Zion! We are thinking
around 3 our time but 1pm ish your time. I think we will just try to
skype you. If there is problems I will try to call you. That's so
amazing with your Christmas party!!! Well, have a great week! see you
soon (literally!)
Elder KC Kimzey

the wind is a killer

Mom!
Bonjour! Ya we got a ton of snow. It hadn't snowed a on until like this weeked. There was a good 10cm in like a day. No big deal. But before that it was -20 but like -28C with wind! That's like -18*F!!
Crazy right? The wind is the killer though. It's 16*F today so not too bad. It's just snowing a ton still! We are suppose to get like 25cm or something. Well, that's what members told us. Ya, I should
be down in Quebec City Friday and if it's not there then I won't get it until later, but that's ok! I don't need a package really. Just to see the whole gang Christmas day! :) That sounds really cool with
the golden tickets. That's really creative. That's so crazy CJ is home!! I feel like he left yesterday...I feel like I left yesterday!
It's Corey's last Christmas out huh? Wow. Home in March. Maybe then I will actually get more that a sentence as a letter! Speaking of which you told me you'd forward his letters to me...but I have yet
gotten his one that he sends to the family or to you or n'importe quoi.
Oh well thank you, I don't feel like a man, but thanks! I don't know why but I realized this week how young I look in my pictures...I don't know why but none of my pictures at home seem like
I'm way young then I take some out here and I look like baby-face!
Anyways, I feel like I've learned a ton! There are things I've learned on my mission that I couldn't have learned any other way. Anyone who is debating on going on a mission need debate no more! I have chosen
for them. They are coming to Quebec- the best mission ever. Did you know the 'stake president' in the hastening the work videos is my mission president? That's why we're the best!
Anyways, I will answer your questions. Sorry if I get sidetracked sometimes. I feel goofier
in emails..I guess because I can say anything really.
#1- Carli and I watched some classic christmas movies today. What is your favorite christmas movie? Favorite x-mas movie...I love them all! Well, not all. Most of them.
#2- Did you have a ward party? How do they celebrate in your branch?Oh yes! And it was amazing! A member invited like 8 young women
and one left with a book of mormon and 2 others want to come back to
church! One got up after and thanked us for such a fun night and that
we made her feel nice and she felt like family here....super cool
right??? It was fun though. Some less-actives came which was nice.
Also, tons of food!
#3-I can see pro's and con's of skype for xmas- what do you think? What is your schedule like on xmas day? What time is better for you? I'm soooooo excited!!!!! How does it work there? do you go to a members home or do we call you on your phone????? I'm thinking Skype. Well, we can do it on the phone if you want.
We will be here because I think Elder Murphy is skyping so might as
well right?? Ummm I don't know exact times sometime after like 11am I
think. I will get back to you on that. Well, actually do you have a
google+ account? Because that's what we have.  Hopefully I can write you before then and
give you more details. We would call from our phone I would think if
we did that. And skype is on the computer at the church.
#4-How is your new companion? How is the language for him?

 My new companion is great! He speaks amazing. We don't get every
word, but for the most part we are good!
#5-Are you going into the mission office to get you package? or how do you get it? I go to Quebec and the Zone Leaders have it.

#6-  Did you know that you are directly above Maine? Yeah, Maine- can't get move east than that and still be on the same continent!

Ya I found that out recently weird right?

#7- How are you doing?

I'm doing great! It's awesome here!

#8-  So, one of the great things about missions that I've heard is that you can learn from each companion. So you learned how to have fun and stay positive from elder heder, so what have you taught, and learned from you new companion? I forgot his name, bad mom! Wait, I'm staying positive like you so strike that! I was confused, you wrote that he has been out for 1 1/2, is that years or months???Ya, I learned a lot from Elder Heder. I wrote it all down actually. That's what I'm going to do with every companion. I have them write in my journal thing I have then I write what I learned.

Well, my new companion I've learned not to be as scared to contact. We hardly ever contacted with Elder Heder, but we aren't as good as him with planning so we have a lot more time now to go contacting. I
really like it now!
Well, have an amazing week!
Elder Kimzey

The Key is to stay warm...

Dear Mom,
Bonjour! How's my favorite mother? I've told a lot of people here it never snows at my home-town...sorry! Oh decorating the Christmas tree is fun! I love seeing all the old ornaments. Especially the ones that we use to make from clay or something like that...do you remember that? That's so crazy that that much snow came! Sounds scary! People here are better at driving in that kind of weather so it's not too bad. That's some good driving skills by hunter. I'm always scared of that with people on motorcycles. That they are going
to fall off and then I'm going to hit them. Today we hit -14*C (about 7*F) So, it's cold, but not as windy as the week-end. Holy cow! The wind makes it 3000% more cold! Especially here there is a lot more wind than Montreal. You and Dad got a bar? This doesn't sound quite bishop-like haha. The backyard looks sweet though (besides the snow)!
It looks like you've done a super good job! How did Skyler and Chelsea get stuck aren't they like snow experts, they live in Cedar! Just kidding.
This sounds pretty serious with roads closing and church cancelling. Ya, we got snow, but really it's kind of an expected thing now for me when I see it snowing. Sad right? No! Awesome! Snow is awesome. It's really fun if you can stay warm, that's the key! Well, this week was pretty same-old same-old, but obviously different just nothing that sticks out to me. I wish you could meet President Fourtina and his wife. They are the most amazing people! He drives 5 and a half hours weekly to preside here and he is
such a powerful man. Everytime he gives a lesson in Priesthood I just think man I am going to go do stuff this week! He is just so motivating! And his wife is so sweet. Well, have a great week!
Elder Kimzey

New Companion

Sister Mom,
Bonjour from the magical land of snow! Ya, I believe it snowed for 3 days or so. It's snowing right now as I type so ya. You really get use to the cold though. I mean I still am cold, but not shivering
to death like I was before! Aw man I feel bad for Ryan all girls that's no fun! He'll just have to party even harder with Corey next year! :) Ryan is super awesome. One of the best! Ya, it's basically
an eternal winter here...it's pretty awesome! It doesn't leave until March ish! Crazy right? I always loved Thanksgiving. The feeling is just fun with family and football and Nanny Jo's food! I hope you
enjoyed it! Ya, I learned that with Elder Heder...he's so positive! It just makes everything feel like it's 'better' but it's the same you just noticed all the good things! Ok, I told Dad about my week so
I'll just answer your questions so I'm not repetitive because I know you read them together haha.


Question #1:New companion? What is his name, where is he from? How are you doing with the change up? How long has he been out?
My new companion is Elder Murphy. He's from California and has been out for about 1 1/2 now.
It's different but he is super awesome and it's fun to learn new things from each other! He gets things done!

Question #2: xmas package- sending it this week. I got the other package back, so I'll include that stuff too. When will you go to the mission office to get it? Any last requests?
I will go sometime this month I believe, so just send it there and I'll get it  sometime this month. No I bet everything Inside is great!

Question #3: I bought maple syrup for our waffles. Is it true they put it on everything?

They don't put it on everything, but they sure like it!

Question #4: Is it true that the sun sets before 4?

Yes, it sets super early and it messes with your body a bit at first because you think 'oh the day is ending' but it's really just beginning!

Question #5: What is a cool christmas tradition there?

Well, they have this dish called cipielle (or something like that...I don't know how to spell it) and it's SUPER good! I would recommend it. It takes a long time to make and it's really what's the word...dense? But well worth it! Other traditions...I can't remember other ones. If I do I will tell you!
Well, mom thanks for all you do! We shared the talk from Elder Christofferson about how mothers have the greatest influence on the world and I know that you have been the biggest influence in my life!
You have been amazing! I know I'm not a perfect child and nor will I ever be, but always know that I love you tons and know that your life has at least changed my life!

Well, have a great week!
Elder Kimzey III :)

I'm not cold!

Cher maman,
Salut! Winter has arrived here too! It hit the negatives the other day! That was exciting. But the cool thing was I wasn't cold! Thermals and good jackets help haha. Oh really it'll get as high as 9? haha Ya it's not that bad. I actually kind of like it. For now. Ask me in a couple of months what I think ha. I love carli's theme! It made me laugh out loud (LOL..? didn't know I'd actually use that in a sentence until now).

 I'm glad you did so many temple sealings! I was afraid
Carli was going to fill the whole house with temple work to do! OH YAA!!! Tell Chelsea happy birthday! I have lost track of what the days were so it's a late happy birthday but happy nonetheless! :) 

 I'm so glad carli did so well!...

Oh I love Elder Maynes talk it was awesome! Oh good I'm glad you're using running quotes. Running and life and pretty similar if I do say so myself. Don't get me started on all my running analogies:) 

 Umm at Christmas we can either call or skype but I'm not quite sure which one to do.   Skype would be cool but it'd be a lot harder! 

 Anyways, my week!! It's Elder Heder's last week with me and so today we go down to Quebec City and tomorrow

he leaves on a bus to go to Montreal and I stay with the Quebec Zone leader for Tuesday then my new companion (Elder Murphy) comes that night! It should be good stuff! I'm sad Elder Heder is leaving though. He really has changed my life. It's hard to really write it in words. You know how I'm really hard on myself? Thanks to him I'm not near as hard and my life just feels that much more positive! He
works hard like no one I've met. He is friendly and just has a way with people. He is just amazing. I hope you can meet him that would be a dream come true! I couldn't have asked for a better trainer!!
This week we had a baptism of S.!!! Oh man I'm so excited! We baptized him in the Cegep (like a college and a high school mixed together) pool which was funny but super cool. A member was going to do it (like it should happen) but cancelled two hours before so Elder Heder did it. That night we also had a Souper (dinner) with the Branch right after and right after that a fireside where President Fourtina talked about how the church works. Then, we had transfer
calls so that was an intense night. Sunday Steeve was confirmed and I had to do it...scary stuff. I did it well I thought. I just tried to follow the Spirit. So he's a member officially now!! He will get the Aaronic Priesthood soon which will be cool. He is an amazing Quebecois man. I hope someday you can meet him! Then most of the rest of our weekend was saying goodbye's for Elder Heder. It was sad,
but cool to see how much he has touched people's lives here. He truely is an amazing person and missionary! Well, let's see what else...I can't think of anything other than the baptism because it was just so great!

 I'm glad to be a missionary! Have a great week!
Elder Kimzey III



Dear father I,
My week was great! It's freezing and I love it! It snowed like crazy this weekend. 

 OHH outback the joys of bread and Aussies. That's too bad BYU lost. I'll have to break the news to Elder Heder. Oh, how's tithing settlement? Oh ya I forgot to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I forgot because we already past it here.

 I love those insights. It's true the last thing you said. President Hinckley once said that the best remedy for things is to turn to help others. It's true. It's funny how that work. God made us that way on purpose I think. That everytime we turn in-ward nothing is fixed and it get worse almost self-inflicted really. But when we turn outward things just seem to work out. I have really found that out on my
mission. Forget myself and go to work. Still a work in progress but it's the journey not the end that counts! We had around 21 people at church with a huge storm so that's really good! Sorry your letter is short but I said a lot more in Mom's letter and I'd figure you'd read it. Dad, thanks a lot.
Elder Heder asked me (in a long car ride back from Quebec City) things I've learned from you that make a good dad. It really opened my eyes and I'm sorry I'm not very grateful all the time for what you've done for me. Your example and  really saved me... You were always there for me and really a great father. Not perfect, but greatness isn't measured by perfection, but by effort and I can say that my dad gives more effort than he is ever given credit! So thanks!
Have a great week! Love you tons!
Elder Kimzey III

I love it here and never wanna leave!

Ma Maman Préférez,
Bonjour! Ya, the temperatures soared this weekend to like 50* F (Ya, that's funny to say haha). There's another Thor movie? Cool!

Well, I'm glad carli did so well! She sounds like a master-runner now. She learned from the best:) Nike is the best!! I can't wait for her to see the atmosphere there and just how fun it is! Tell her not to be a stick in the mud like me and just go crazy at the t-shirt exchange. Tell her also that she has to somehow get either the hat or bag for me from someone (not for coach holt) :)
I love the temple! I get to go to Montréal for that right before
Christmas!!! What a present to the dead souls in spirit prison!! Ok now to respond to your number bullets! 

 1. We got a letter from Elder Heder! You have to tell him how nice that was, and that I'm hoping to make it up for his homecoming...

 He wrote you? Man he pulled a fast one on me I didn't even know! Ya, that'd be really cool! I would love for you to meet him!!
2. I was thinking at the temple- do your youth ever get a chance to go or is it too far?

 Ummm we don't really have youth here. Our only youth are moving. About 70% of our members are 50 or older. But no one really goes a lot but we are making a trip next month which is really fun!!
3. Putting together a xmas package, any request? did you get my envelope?

 No, the address was wrong sorry my bad it's 365 pierre d'anjou number 6. So sorry about that! Ummm I enjoy food, letters, scarfs, warm things, ties, and the works, but most of all I just want to see you have a great time:) Well, I guess hear not really see haha.
4. Tell us about the best lesson you taught this week...

 Best lesson was yesterday with a less-active. We finally got a

member to come with us to go see her another day and then we went a second time with the same member. She really enjoys him being there.
It finally clicked for her that Satan was trying really hard to
confuse her and that when she stopped doing the right things that it was harder not to be confused. She said when she started reading again she just felt it was a lot easier. It was cool to see that finally click!
5. What are you personally studying?

 I'm personally studying PMG, Book of Mormon, and just certain subjects. Today I went through my patriarchal blessing and just sparked into another subject about just forgetting yourself and how when you do everything for others you see the most growth in your life. Also, thank dad for me. I read my setting apart blessing all the time and it really helps me out! So, if it wasn't for him I would have remembered all that and I wouldn't have that great blessing!

Well, that's about it. Sorry it's not WAY long but I wrote more to dad and I still have to write Carli. Time is flying too fast here!
In a couple days it'll be 4 months out. That's crazy talk! I just
realized that. Aw that's not fun to think about. I love it here and never wanna leave! Especially Rimouski! People here are great!
Well, have a great week! -Elder Kimzey

19 months to go!

Dear Awesome Mother,
Ya, weather here is getting cold fast! First bit of snow! Oh no
don't get sick! At least you learned well from whoever this wise one is :) Ya, I heard you made caramel apples and you and dad ate carli's haha. Italy?? Awe man I've always wanted to go there!
Italian is on my top 5 languages to learn! But that'll be fun! Ya, I'm sure you could pick up Corey, but wouldn't you want to go to Italy in the summer not March? Ya, missionary work is a hot topic! It's so cool to see how people are starting to work together more because of this hastening of the work! Well, question answer time! 

#1- did you get a package from the Hall's? they were pretty excited about it.

Yes!!!

Will you tell them thank you and to email me or give me their email so
I can write them all because I don't have their address anymore (I threw away the box before I thought this through). Thanks! 

#2- I sent a very small envelope directly to your apartment this week. Will you let me know if/when it gets there?

I didn't get an envelop...hopefully it gets here soon! Oh by the way use regular mail not FedEx...FedEx is so much more expensive to send here! (Wisdom of Elder Heder) 

 #3- Did you hear about the storm in Philippines? It was really bad, but Mike and Kole Wilstead are fine and Elder Wilstead said that his mission president told all the missionaries that for the remainder of his mission (so at least 7 months) that they were all changing to service missionaries.

Oh ya I saw that on a TV (I wasn't watching just saw a giant storm and caught my attention). What

happened? That's good that they are all ok and that'd be a cool experience to be a missionary there right now!

 #4- Are most of the citizens in Rimouski from Canada? Or are some immigrants?

Some students are immigrants but out here it's mostly Quebecois people. In big cities it's A LOT of immigrants. Elder Heder was saying that he's gotten to

know like 130 different nationalities of people while he served in Montreal area. 

 #5- So I just looked up when Canada's thanksgiving is- October???? What??? I missed it! Do they have Turkey? 

Ya, it's in October. Not really. They don't really even celebrate it. They do that sort of thing mostly for

Christmas! 

 #6- when is the season for Hockey there? Do people really play curling (please say yes!)

Every season is hockey season! Just kidding...sort of. I don't think in the summer, but the season started about when I got here I believe and it's still going so ya. I haven't heard a lot about curling, but I'm sure they play it I just don't hear about it.

#8-When does your companion come home? 

He goes home in the next couple weeks. Sad day! But we still have a while together luckily!

  #10- tell us your favorite story of the week-

well, yesterday we had mission conference and Elder Pieper of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy came to talk with our zone (like 30 missionaries about) and I got to have an interview with him! He was super cool! He answered my one

question I had before I even had a chance to ask! Also, it just
really clicked for me this week that I've been thinking too much about myself and not about others. I worry too much about what I'm going to do or what's going to happen to me instead of how I can help THEM and things like that it was just a cool experience. 

 #11- send mom some pictures? 

I'm going to send some of the snow, but all the cool pictures are on Elder Heder's camera so I will try to get them, but who knows! 

 #12- are you needing a warmer coat? boots? have you seen snow yet?

 No, we bought everything I need here at the Friperie (it's like the DI of Quebec).

And ya snow and it's falling as we speak! Aw man...it's
tuesday...well now this week tuesday is your favorite day! Love you tons,
Elder Kimzey du Quèbec

Out with October, In with November

Bonjour!

Just so you know Bonsoir is one word but that's alright it
sounds the same:) My week was great! Always a challenge but that's the fun of it right? If we didn't progress life would be flat! Yeah it's November!!! Crazy! It came too fast! Anyways, that's so exciting carli got that award! She looks different already! I saw that Halloween picture of her and was like wait..she is different and it's only been like 3 months!! But I know she is going to be like a Senior by the end...that's weird! What was skylers dinner that he had to attend? Outback's the best! She better have ate a ton of bread
for me!
Ramsey eh? Wow. Who knew. We will see if he keeps it up.
I'll answer your questions then throw in whatever other jazz that comes to mind!

1. What are you most thankful for (and I'll add it to the list) I am most thankful for...most thankful for? There are too many things!!! Let's see my companion, Rimouski, my family (hey that's you!), the Scriptures, food (who isn't?), etc. 

2. Do you have the same format for fast and testimony meeting? do a lot of members bear their testimonies? Ummm I can't remember what the format is là-bas mais I think it's the same. The majority of the people get up just because there's not hundreds of us.

So, that's kind of cool.

 3. How many people attend your branch now?Well, this week it was around 16 so that's pretty good considering so many people went to the hospital or are sick this week!

 4.  How long does it take to get to church?It only takes a couple minutes to get to our church. It's on the main road. The problem is parking. Every. Single. Parking Space is reserved parking! Frustrating but that's just how it is here. There are like exceptions to when you can park and stuff so you just have to be aware basically.

 5. Are you mostly in a car?Ya, our area is too big to not have a car. We would be late to everything! It's the big city places that don't really have cars because their area isn't

that big. Our area is huge though and we always use our mileage. 

6.gonna get cold here (like high of 55 degrees casey!) is it starting to get cold there? any snow?

It's 1* C right now but it's been -2* C at times which isn't like

freezing but it's cold! Just wait until it hits -40* F with wind!
But I heard after a while that becomes normal and like -10*C is like balmy haha the fun of Quebec! 

7.  DID YOU GET YOUR PACKAGES????

YES!! Thank you for the package it was super nice! I love the talk you sent. It's a video at the MTC that I loved a lot so that was cool to read again and compare my notes from then. Also, all the food! I may have ate it all too fast but it

was worth it! haha But thanks again! 

8. I heard you have thanksgiving there- is it the same as here?

Yes, it's in October too so it already passed and no it's more just like a day off not really anything special. It was kind of lame but hey I'm not in Kansas anymore...I'm in good ole RIMOUSKI! It's pretty amazing here. The people are interesting and really closed, but that's alright it makes

it that much more special! Let's see...ya that's about it. I may
have forgot something. We are still working with less actives and that has been fun. I have really got to know some of them and they are amazing people! Not a TON of new investigators but hey that's alright we just try our best! I have learned so much. If I could just express my week in words I would but a mission is meant to be lived really. It's an experience beyond words!

Well, I love you
tons!

 Have a good, fun week in good ole St. George!
Elder Kimzey III

Stake Conference

Bonjour!

Comment ça va? Oh vous étiez prôche!(oh you were close) c'est RUH-MOO-SKI alors c'est presque le même!(it's RUH-Moo-ski but the rest is the same!) Anyways, the rest I will do in English :) AWWW they took 3rd! That's the awkward one where they should get a reward but they don't! Well, c'est la vie. But tell Byron congrats and tell him to imagine me freaking out for him! Who did he loose to? Ya they won't win state 2 years in a row...they got too smashed in JV didn't they? Plus we probably won anyways because they just copy us haha. Anyways, none of this negative smack talking what am I doing! I'm sure they worked hard to win it.
Oh they fun of paving! You know my nickname here is the paver? haha It's a long story and really is a you-have-to-be-there moments. Ya, that's one thing you learn here is that every contact is just bringing people one step closer to Christ. They may not be joining the Church lickidy split but they are closer.
C'est sept, huit est 8. (I couldn't remember the word in french for seven- it's Casey's dad's seventh tithing settlement this year)
Questions:
1. When do you go into for packages? I get my packages Wednesday actually! We got a surprise text that we had Zone Conference this week! It is something we just laugh about now. Because we didn't plan for it mileage wise!
2.  What is your favorite new french word that you have learned? mmm...new French word. haha well say je doit admettre que a lot but that's a joke. Umm...Well I'll just say some phrases: Digadoo (I don't know how to spell it it's Quèbecois) is a response to how are you; Ça bouge? Means is it moving?; I don't know how to spell this so I'll give you the phonetics Poppi is like not bad so a response to how are you again. That's all I got off the top of my head.
3. Carli wants to know how you acheived your level of awesomeness (I had to laugh- is that not the best question from carli!) wesomeness...hmmm, constant inner peace, I drink the dew of a bamboo tree daily and laughing is vital to being awesome. haha Sorry I don't know how quite to respond to that!
4. What do you think is the biggest cultural change for you in the great north?well, everyone smokes! And people aren't openly friendly. That was the biggest thing. Saying hi to someone is pretty outrageous here. But that's alright it's the French culture coming out! I love it!
5. What do you love about the people there?  love how nice the members are! They are so awesome! I don't know specifics of why I love the people...I just do! And cool stories...well yesterday we had a fête for my companion and a less-active! That was really fun and we got a lot of teaching opportunities because it's a part-member family and the two sisters there were less-active so that was good! Oh and just relationships with people this week just clicked! That's always fun..people just trust you more and it's better for everyone. Well, I will try to bring one cool story next week because J'ai oublié toutes mes histoires de la semaine!(I forgot all my stories this week!) Bon, passez une très bonne semaine! (Have a good week!) Love you TONS!
Elder Kimzey



DAD,
Hello! Quèbec is great! The language is coming and really I can participate in conversations! I mean I can't do anything complex but I'm learning so many words! That's what I've learned this week. Because I'm like a high performance personality I set unrealistic expectations and just end up failing all the time and really don't feel much achievement. BUT I learned this week just to take baby-steps and really not be afraid to mess-up a little! I mean I don't have to be an expert right from the start! Anyways, that's my lesson for the week personally. We taught 17 lessons this week and before here missionaries were teaching only a couple lessons a week. I guess my setting apart blessing is already being manifested! Crazy! I'm thankful everyday for how busy we are. It's mostly with less-actives but it's still the work of salvation! They are great though! You know how I said I would gain hardly any weight well I lied! Actually I don't even know how much exactly but I've gained about 7 lds or so so far but really winter hasn't even begun and people are feeding us like crazy now! That's alright though because if I hadn't gained any weight thus far I would be freezing! Plus I was so skinny and in shape that it'd be impossible to maintain on my mission! It really doesn't matter just a random tangent I guess! So how are you?
Oh ya Halloween is big here! People are getting ramped up for it! OK it's not like crazy big but it's like home a bit!
I like the temple stories. Temple is such a great place. We are preparing a couple returning members to go to the temple this week so that's cool! We had Stake Conference and an Area Seventy came and he spoke French which was cool but it's been 40 years so he had the most American accent and it was hard for him but it was amazing how much the Spirit helped him to remember! It was cool!
Arsenal is rolling! Well, here is amazing! Weeks fly by like days and days like hours and months seem like a week! It's so true!
Well, have a great week! Love you tons!

Elder Casey Kimzey

Knocking on doors is like a white elephant gift...

Bonjour Bonjour! 

 Comment ça va? Je vais très bien! Well, I would write all in French but then what good would that do? You'd put it into Google Translate and who knows what words it'll put into my mouth! haha Well, it's been a good week. We are really blessed out here in Rimouski! So many amazing things are happening it's ridiculous! Hmmm...ridiculous, old slang phrases...home slice is a classic. Oh, Elder Yan taught me the term "that's fresh" it's like that's cool. That could be easy to use! Oh the useful things you learn on missions haha:) Oh ya they should come down more often because then they actually write me! haha Just kidding. It was nice hearing from them though. So, how are you? Oh, I understand completely. If they want Texas Roadhouse they gotta put their shoulders to the wheelbarrow! How did the varsity boys do? I'm guessing they didn't win considering you didn't mention it. I'm glad Jason did well! He will be really good in track I can feel it! Tell him hi for me and thanks for all the good laughs in the car! Oh well tell James hi too :) Ya missions are super fun! You just meet all sorts of people and you really just understand people better! The fun thing is when you knock a door it's like a white elephant gift...you don't know what to expect! I've had some doors that just made me laugh and others send me into shock. But mostly laugh. I haven't laughed this much in a long time! It's just...fun! I've learned to just be the happy me that doesn't worry as much about what people are going to think of me. Still working on it because it's a weakness but hey c'est la vie! En tout cas, I know Dallin. Great guy! He'll do great! He was good at basketball. He's in your ward? I like President Utchdorfs talks. I can't find one that I don't like! (Ok I like all of the Apostles talks) Ya, you can't ever force people to do anything. Sad but true. You put the food down but you can't force them to eat just have a face full of food. My clothes are great! Maybe another sweater probably black. I enjoy black. Ya, it's like America. We shop at this cheap food store. It's a good place to buy fruits and stuff because they are really cheap. But everything else here is more European based. Like the apartment style of houses. They aren't like what you think would be in Metropolitan areas like Paris but other parts. He has around 1 month left...AHH don't scare me! I don't know what I'm going to do without him! Ya he's going back and playing football for them. But don't tell him I told you that. He doesn't like to talk about it because he wants to focus on his mission. So we say he has two years left haha:)

 Crazy! Of course Arsenal is going to win the one year I don't watch in like 6 years...but good for them! Who scores the most for them? Anyways, back to the more important stuff in life. Speaking is going well. I can understand most of what people say (basically everything) but then responding is harder right now. I'm in that awkward phase of understanding but not being able to speak well. It comes and goes though. Some rendez-vous I just have it and others I just can't say "comment ça va?" But that's the mission for ya! I am less anxious to talk to people yes. I still fight the feeling of just wanting to talk to members or less-actives. En tout cas, hmmm no not any funny language stories...not yet. I probably will have one this week because I'm going to speak more so I'll tell you next week! Well, my learning experience has been...oh man I have a ton...I learned that renewing our testimonies is the most important thing we can do because that's how we strengthen them. If our bases our weak, the Lord won't give us more. So, it's praying to know the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. I think we often think that once we got one answer it stays with us, but oh how easily that fades in our minds (sadly). So ya that's what I've learned! Wow, that was a long letter. Have a good week.

 Love you tons mom!
Elder Kimzey (Quebecois version)

t's starting to get cold! Next month, November, I think it will really start to drop! It's only going to get as cold as 0* C but that isn't too bad. That's like 33* F so not too frigid but the high's are like in the 40's F soo ya not toasty but Bienvenue à Quebec! Is BYU doing pretty well? I feel as if I need to root for them more now because my companions plays for them haha. Man, you've been a Bishop forever! So much sacrifice, but also so much blessings! Only 3 more years to go :) just kidding. Ya, it's amazing what people will just tell you just because they feel that your representatives of Jesus Christ. Missions are just...everything! They are fun, hard, tiring, comical (some things are just too funny that I just have to laugh afterwards), and DEFINITELY spiritual! But you can go on a mission and not be a missionary. So, I think being a missionary is key to really making it a difference. People here are basically like anyone you would meet in France. When you say just a friendly 'Bonjour comment ça va?' they look at you funny, but hey I like it...it's them! That's one thing I've learned on my mission from Elder Heder. Somethings are just...you! So love you! Ya, change if you have to but don't freak out because it's just you! How's Uncle Kyle and hunter doing by the way? You mentioned Uncle Kyle and it just made me think of them! It's really just amazing here. If I could tell you all the things I felt and have seen it would be awesome! But it's true what they always say. You can't ever express what a mission has meant to you in words. If you try they seem a lot less...amazing than they were no matter how eloquent of language you use! Oh man. Quebec...Rimouski! Good stuff! Oh we had thanksgiving here last week. It's not as big of a deal here. Basically just a day off of school and work for some. Not as fun, but everyone is getting ready for Halloween which is fun! Well, hope you have an amazing week dad! You're the best!


Love, Elder Kimzey of Rimouski! (I wonder how all of you pronounce that sometimes...haha)

Adventures in teaching

Bonjour!

 Non oui c'est bon votre français! (no, your french is right) C'est 'je suis fatiguée'!(I am tired..) You'll be fluent in no time :) Oh, they were adventurous let me tell you! We decided one night just to stop by a less-actives apartment that we hadn't seen yet and as soon as we got out we met this young man who was interested in our English class and really was quite open to things. He had a friend who had a broken hand. He told us he had a decision between hitting his friend or a trash can and he chose they trash can. Good choice haha. Then, we knock on the door and say hi and things and we ask him, the less active, if he has the priesthood then he goes off about how he does and how he hadn't drank in 5 months and how we'd see him at church Sunday, but he was all pumped about it! We were just thinking after, 'what just happened??' It was awesome though! Then, right after we met the nicest man in the world and we are teaching him right now! This was all in the span of like 30 minutes and the whole day people had been canceling or weren't there so it was just crazy, but in an amazing way! Anyways, that's one of them. It's hard to describe how awesome it was! 

I love that quote you gave me. I am going to write it down in my planner! 

Anyways question answer time! (Pretend I made up some awesome jingle to that statement) 

Question #1: 1,000 brownie points for pictures- I loved each of them. I looks so gorgeous where you are! Have the leaves started to turn?

 Oui, but they are falling now :( It's super pretty! If only you could see the sunsets! WOW! Really the pictures aren't even close to the real deal!

 Question #2: Tried to look up your address, but I don't have the full address. Could you send it again?

 I don't have the full full address either. Well not with me here. I will send it next week! Oh wait! I have it right here! It's 365 Rue D'Anjou Rimouski, QC G5L 5A4. There you go! Question #3: Do you get to attend the temple on your mission?

No not until the end basically. Sad day but hey we got other work to do! 

Question #4:Tell us about a great teaching moment this week...

 Oh teaching S.., our investigator who is getting baptized, was amazing teaching experience! We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Preserverance jusqu'a la fin) and he was just SO excited about knowing it finally! (the 5 different parts to the Gospel that is) and he was so excited about getting the lesson manuel for Priesthood and you could tell something was changed in him. He was happier and he wanted to pray and he had this light in his eyes. It was awesome!

 Question #5: Do you mostly teach inactives? Do you teach gospel essentials on sunday?

Ya we are strengthening the member here because there are a lot of less-actives and the actives are still a little new in their testimonies. We haven't taught yet on Sunday, but I'm sure we will because we are practically the Branch Presidents councilors so ya.

 Question #6: What did you do today for pday?

We haven't done much yet. We are going to play tennis if they weather gets better but probably not. Most Preparation Days we just shop, clean and then relax for a while. Soon we will have to do something super fun though because we are running out of time to see the sights! 

Question #7: My lesson next week is on service, any missionary stories that I could use? Do you do service for member/non members there?We had this cool experience with doing service for a part-member family. They live out in the wilderness, but we went out to help move logs for the husband, who is the non-member, and we just worked really hard and made some jokes and just showed him that we really cared and we really worked hard. You could tell that it built our relationship with him and that he sees us as friendly and helpful. I'm positive it will either help us to teach him or someone in the future I can just feel it! Well, have a good week! 

Love you tons! 

Elder Kimzey the Younger 

Dear Dad,

It's going great here! It's not actually THAT cold but I get cold sometimes because I am skinny and from sunny St. George but it's really nice most of the time! I can't wait for the winter...sort of. It's a love-hate relationship because I'm excited for  the season and the snow, but I'm conflicted about the temperature. Umm because 

 I love those parables! Today I studied more in the 4 Gospels. Just kind of jumping around and reading cool things Jesus did and how he helped people and all those good things and I forgot how amazing it is! We focus so much on the Book of Mormon, which we should because it's the most correct and contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel, but we neglect the New Testament a little bit. Well, at least I do in my studies. It's been really fun! Like today I was reading the story at the end of John with Peter and some other Apostles going fishing after Christs' death (the one Elder Holland made reference to in a conference a little bit ago). It's interesting that when Jesus tells them "Children...cast your net on the right side of the ship" the Apostles humbly followed (or maybe with a tiny bit of reluctance in their hearts) and they saw all the fish in the net that they weren't able to draw it up. Then they were able to realize that it was Jesus talking to them. I think it applies to us. Although Christ calls and invites us to change or do something, such as a calling, we just need to do it. Then we shall see the fruits, or in this case fishes, of our following him. Then, after we do His will we shall see Him for who He is with more clarity. If that makes any sense. I'm still working out the bugs of describing it well but c'est la vie! I'm excited for all those senior boys to get their calls! It's an exciting time and it will be even more exciting when they arrive in their mission! I've been out one whole transfer in the field now! Crazy how fast that goes. I have one more transfer left with Elder Heder which is really sad and scary because then I could be training and I have to do all the talking! Yikes! But I bet I could do it. It'd be hard but I would learn SO much faster! This week has been really good! I've been super tired some days, but that's a good thing! I like being tired it means I have been working at least semi-hard! Things are amazing in Rimouski and I hope I never have to leave! People just cross the street here wherever and whenever. I think they have a death wish. I'm starting to get use to the smell of smoke, because it's like France here, but...not it's Quebec! Oh and I thought I'd tell you because I was told this, I don't serve in Canada I serve in Quebec. There is a HUGE difference. People are different here than your stereo-typical Canadian. It's awesome! You hardly ever see a Canadian flag being waved (unless a government building) they are just the Quebec flag! It's awesome! We still do a lot of less-active work and it's fun. We are strengthening the core then working our way out. I love our Branch President! He carries with him his authority and it's awesome. He is originally from France (more south I can't remember what part) but he travels 5 hours or more each weekend just to do his duty and he doesn't just do it but does everything he can! It's amazing! His wife is awesome too! Well, have a great week.

 Love you tons and think you're the best dad I could ask for!

Elder Casey Kimzey

Conference

Dear Mom,

I'm doing great!  No I didn't get your package and I'm sorry!  I feel bad you spent more to get it to me by Thursday!  That's alright though I will just appreciate it more when I get it!  Oh, I didn't go to Montreal I went to Quebec City for Zone Conference.  It was amazing!  Took about 4 hours to get there but it was SO worth it!  So much inspiration and guidance AND I got to talk one-on-one with my Mission President and he gave me some super cool advice!  He is an amazing person really.  I was in the MTC with his daughter actually...I was here Zone Leader...weird.  Carli is hauling!  I never thought she'd be so fast!  Well, I thought she could but now she is!  3rd on JV already??  Well, she might as well go for varsity at this point!  Ya, who was our next runner?  I think it'll be good for them.  It will kick them into gear.  Hopefully!  I wanna see pictures of a state winning team!  Just because I know they work so hard.   But tell her it's one of my bigger regrets with running.  Don't make the same mistake!  I could've been so much better and she can too.  
Ya, I was thinking that 'oh man dad will be by himself this conference' but then I thought, 'wait he only has to be only for one because Corey will be there...weird!'  So, that's really cool he will be there!  Too bad for him though I bet he wished his mission would never end! 

 Ya, conference was awesome.  I felt like almost every talk had something just for me.  And you know I gained a special love for conference before my mission because I listened to so many talks and I just felt like each time I found one it was directed at me somehow.  I liked the one by Elder Utchdorf in Priesthood and Elder Soares talk.  Both really were amazing for me personally.  I like the semi quote ( I won't say it's a quote because it might not be word for word) "Our destiny is not determined by how many times we fall, but how many times we rise up." It was really cool!  Oh ya, Elder/ Brother Dube's talk was awesome!  I liked when he quoted from Elder Holland "The past is to be learned FROM, not lived IN." 
 Ya, time flies when you're having fun! or at least working until you drop dead on your bed and fall asleep in you white shirt and tie...yes that happened to me haha.  I have to be able to train in like 7 weeks (not that I am going to train but I have to be able to) so that's scary, but I think I can do it if I put my hand to the plow and never look back!  Not much has been different other than Zone Conference, my interview with Pres. Patrick, and Conference, but those are all amazing!  Well, love you tons!
Elder CASEY Kimzey

Dear Dad,

    It was such a cool conference!  And really people tell you that time flies on your mission and you believe them but you don't even understand!  It's gone by SO fast!  But I've met some of the greatest people in the world in the process!  That's too bad about PVXC boys varsity.  But sometimes you got to get kicked in the rear to get going so maybe it will be good for them!  Carli did amazing though!  I can't believe how fast she is!  .... Sometimes I'm too short sighted to see that trials are a good thing in the long run!  Well, his mom doesn't need to be touched by what I said but what the Lord said!  I had no idea what I was saying in that blessing I just trusted the Lord to put the words in my mind and he did!  I will try but it's harder for me to remember specifics like that.  

I'm going to start memorizing more scriptures and things to help that.  Apparently, pres. Monson once promised some missionaries that if they memorized one scripture a day that they would have photographic memory by the end of their mission!  Oh how I could use that!  I know it might've been just a specific promise for them but it still would help me I think either way.  Ya, thoughts are hard for me, but I'm working day by day to fix them!  I'm just working on focusing on the good all around me, because as soon as I get stuck on the bad that's all I'm going to see.  I didn't get your package :( aw man now I feel bad you spent more!  I will just have to cherish it more when I get it next month!  It's been really great here.  There's the up and there's the downs but the ups are way bigger than the downs!  We are still working on finding less-actives and such so that's our focus here.  We have met some cool people, but they think we are Jehovah's Witnesses most of the time so they don't give us a chance.  Apparently Quebec has a lot of Jehovah's Witnesses!  So that's a bummer sometimes.  But it's still great!  People here are funny and unique and that's what makes it awesome!  It reminds me of what I would think Europe would be like, but with more twang to it haha.  Oh and they have milk in bags...weird, but hey doesn't matter to me!  Oh, I ate some ice cream yesterday and survived! (casey+milk= usually a bad combo so blessing of a mission, right?) I'm excited!  My companions great, the people are great, the Lord is great, life is great! 

Well, love you dad!  You're the best!  Keep up the hard work!  As 17 miracles girl says, "It'll all be worth it!"

Rimouski

Salut! (funny...literally mean salvation but it's hi) I'm sending more pictures today!!  A lot more.  I was frustrated last time.     I think the key to people is just showing them that you care and like taking the time for them.  Be patient and be in it for the long run. it was always those people that just loved me and spent the time to talk and joke around and just be a great friend/example were the ones that really changed my life.  

Carli is hauling this year!  Crazy!  haha Funny thing is it's going to get way colder than that here in Rimouski...oh dear!  I love testimonies..I have learned that over the summer and now here they're more powerful than anything. 

 My favorite attribute of Christ is Charity.  How he turns outward always and just thinks of others.  That's tough stuff!  But I know that when I forget myself I progress more and I just feel better.  But really that's only because I know I'm affecting someones life.  That's what I'm working on.  Like complimented my companion...oh man is that uncomfortable for me but it'll be a great tool for later and really make him feel better!  

Answering questions

 1.(loved your picture at the marina.  Is it at a lake? ocean?  looks really pretty...)

It's at a marina by the ocean/river.  We are in what's called the "Gaspé" or near it I think and so it opens to the ocean eventually it's soooo pretty out here I wish you could see the change of leaf color and the sunsets...oh man this is the place we NEED to visit plus I want to see the whales and I can't do it until I'm done because you have to go on a boat :( but that's too far away to think about because I'm never getting off my mission :) just kidding. 
 2.  (How is the language study?  Just try to understand a little more each day, right?)  Language is super good.  I need to just speak a tiny bit more in like casual conversation but baby steps!  By small and simple things are great things brought to pass!  

Poutine- fries, gravy, cheese curds, meat.

3.  (What is your favorite canadian thing to eat?)  Hmmm I haven't had a lot of poutine and that's the only Quebec thing I've eaten really, but it's pretty good!  You feel a little overwhelmed after but during it's amazing!  They have soooo many flavors it's crazy!  I want to try them ALL by the end :) 
 

 4.  (How is the weather?  Is it cold enough for a suit jacket?  coat?)  Weather is actually perfect.  It's not cold right now.  It was a little at the beginning of the week when it was raining constantly but now it's amazing...calm before the storm!  So, I actually wear short sleeves.  
5.  (Going to send a package this month...  any requests???)  I sent all my request to dad.  But send it soon because I won't get it for a long time if you don't...because all packages go to the mission home (send stuff there because I don't know if it'll come here or if it's the right address). And so we get that monthly.  But I'll be there thursday but who knows if you can or want to get it there by then..if you can't DON'T STRESS!  I'll get it next month :)  

Well, this week has been good.  I've gotten over my fear (almost all the way I mean there's a tiny tiny bit left) of talking to people and going door to door but we don't do that a ton anyways.  People here are amazing!  Love you tons!

Elder Kimzey III

Hey Dad!  
Thanks for news about Arsenal!  1-0 to the Arsenal!  (Just a saying)  Of course they are winning when I leave after 6 years of supporting!  Oh well.  That's good that they are doing well.  I personally didn't have a meeting but I believe our branch president did.  I like those quotes.  President Bangerter is an amazing man.  Almost as cool as my dad, but not quite there.  Is things as a bishop going well?  Probably stressful and tiring as usual.  Can't even imagine.  Well, thanks for all you've taught me!  It was always cool to know that I have a dad that's willing to do all you do like wake up at the wee hours of the morning just to study scriptures and teachings of prophets and things.  That was always something cool to me because you got home so late sometimes.  That takes a lot of discipline!  Pergola digging is hard!  It's not still scorching hot is it?  Because that made it harder!  Is the grass looking good?  Well, this week has been just amazing!  Just full of good memories.  The branch is growing stronger and stronger each week and I'm just SO excited to see it!  Their testimonies are young but their hearts are as pure as gold!  My Branch President is amazing.  He just gets things done and has so much of an authority when he is present!  Oh good I'm glad PV won.  Are they good this year?  Anyways, I'll be sending some cool pictures of the area and (wait for it) picture of just one of the DAILY AMAZING sunsets!

  Ah man I love Rimouski.  It's small but big enough!  L'oceanic is the local hockey team here and every game here the street is lined with cars that go to the game.  Local pride!  

Ya, I wasn't too rebellious.  I don't think that is me anyways.  Well, ya I had an attitude sometimes (forgive me haha) but I never felt like 'fighting the system' the system was there for a reason because it helps!  Anyways thanks for being amazing.  I know balancing work and church and family together is super hard but I'm glad you're my dad.  Wouldn't change it for anyone else.  Have an amazing week!  -Elder Kimzey 

Week #3 with PICTURES!!!

Dear Mother, 
 Well, your week sounds like it was jam packed with Kimzey madness! Do you like Kaylee's husband? I bet you do because he seemed really nice for the like few times I saw him. Oh I say things don't worry! I'm not like a blabber-mouth but that's not me anyways! I usually just like to listen. I think that's something important in life, because people aren't willing to listen if you aren't. I could spend all day saying my beliefs but I've noticed from past things in my life that when I've done that people just shut off. So I'm working on just asking good questions which is hard because I don't know exactly what they say back but that's alright I'm learning!

 One thing that I've learned here the best is how to take babysteps! Also, how to stay positive about myself! I've just learned that negativity and self-doubt aren't from God and really just focus on the gifts you have because like the scriptures say if you can't receive a gift why would God give you more gifts? Anyways, that's what I've learned. I've grown a lot, but it's definitely been something painful in a way more like emotionally and spiritually. I think Elder Heder and I have discussed that really well it's almost like if we weren't going through a trial or something that's hard it'd be more worrying because then we aren't progressing. So now, oddly enough, I thank heavenly father for all of my trials. ANYWAYS, sorry for the tangent, I've heard from Corey. But really short as usual. Ya, I'd love his letters! Umm well we have like 2 or 3 investigators and none showed up to church  :( I don't know why one of them usual shows up every week! Hopefully he is alright. We call them amis de l'eglise.(friends of the church)  The language is actual really good for how long I've been here. Ya, I'm not like fluent but who would be after 2 1/2 weeks! The food is good. Like I told carli we have moose meat now and are going to try it! We don't eat much with members because it's hard to talk about missionary work or invite the spirit when you are eating. But I have plenty to eat no worries! Hmmm...spiritual had to be with Dominique. He is returning and Pres. Fortina came with us to see him and we gave him a blessing and it was really spiritual! I didn't understand much but that's alright. Some days I just understand a ton and others everything goes over my head! That's alright as long as I'm progressing. I'm studying the Spirit and Doctrine and Covenants (I have a goal to finish it while I'm here). They are really cool! Anyways, have a good week! 
Love, Elder Kimzey III

Hey Dad!  Oh I didn't know they were having that!(there was a big bike race in Quebec this last week)  I live like 3 hours from Quebec City so I wouldn't have heard or seen anything.  I like that quote from Elder Bednar!  So true.  I don't think I comprehend the enabling power.  I mean I've seen it but sometimes I don't show enough faith it!  Bro. Taylor is always really good with history is that because his mother was into it?  That's too bad she died though, but she was in so much pain that I'm sure she is in a better place!  The Plan of Salvation is such a unique and cool thing to teach people.   That's too bad all the cool teams lost!  I will probably hear about BYU loosing from Elder Heder.  After all, he plays for them!  But really he tries not to talk about it so he can focus on missionary work.  I respect him for that!  Really only 12 days?  She must know a lot of Spanish!  That's funny that that is your advice because that's exactly what I've learned this week!  I'm obviously still perfecting it but, as I told mom, I really have learned to love life and myself more which is awesome!  Still working on it but ya!  I know it's hard for me to do the things but I do them anyways because I know that's how I will grow!  Elder Heder tells me that the fear of knocking doors never really goes away, it's still there a little, but you learn just to do it.  I think that's so true about life.  So often we want trials to go away, but really it's in learning to overcome again and again is how we progress, because opposition is always there so we just have to learn how to deal with it!  It's really funny though here because people are so to themselves especially when we are around on the streets, but at the doors people are SO funny!  Like this one ladies' first words when she opened it was 'don't I look beautiful?!"  Because she had been painting and was in like a raggy t-shirt and shorts.  It was funny!  We are going to see her again which hopefully will go well!  I've learned the power of being positive.  Ya I had heard it but being grateful I think is one of the most powerful tools we have to lighten our days especially when we are grateful to God!  Elder Heder said he is excited to meet you and mom and the family because I brag about you guys a lot.  But it's been a good week.  Hard as usual but I like it that way! Hardest part is waking up I think!  But I slept deep enough last night that I'm ready to go!  I hope all is well in Israel!  Well, that is, the Ward!  Have a great week Dad!

Elder Kimzey III

Week #2

Bonjour!
 Your week sounds busy but fun! I was going to say you mentioned you were going to Atlanta last week but you didn't say why. That's really cool though. I don't know why the Italians made a drink like that..gross! I'm glad Jacob's wedding went well. Thanks for the great quote.
Speaking of baptism, one of our investigators agreed to be baptized! How we found him (more like he found us...in a way) was when we went to visit a less-active he was there because he was her friend. It has been really cool. He is a super good man who has been through a lot lately. He got in an accident that he is recovering from, and both his parents died within 6 months of each other but I know it has prepared him for the gospel! It has been a hard week but I think I will get more use to it. I just feel timid here, but hopefully I can get over that. I feel like once I do I can really be myself here. For some reason I just am scared to talk to people which is frustrating because I don't want to be! My comprehension of French is accelerating really fast! But my speaking needs some work. It's hard because I know what they are saying I just can't respond. So we are trying to get me more involved with lessons. The work here is booming,well more than it was before we came. We are working with the less-actives and really trying to strengthen them. We have been working with a man who is returning to church after falling away for a while. He is super cool and you can tell he just wants to change. Door to door and street contacting aren't really affective. It can take up time but really we want to be effective not busy. Of course, we sometimes tract but only when we don't have something else. We have had a lot of lessons here which is really good. Elder Heder does most of the talking but I am learning. We had FHE with a family returning to church and they are super strong. The dad leaves for 8 weeks for work, comes back for 2 days then leaves again. Crazy! The mother is so strong it's ridiculous. I'm going to answer mom's questions through you. Sorry haha.
 1. How is your companion? My companion is good. He seems positive. 
 2. How is the weather? The weather is good. It's starting to get colder...oh no! I bought a score of a jacket at the Fripperie the other day (it's like a DI sort of). We do service there also by just loading clothes going to the needy. It's super cool and fun! 
3. Do most people in your area speak french only? Ya, there is one lady that is fluent in English. The rest want to learn English for work and because it's useful so they try speaking it sometimes because I don't know what they are saying sometimes. But ya no worries I have PLENTY of opportunities to hear only french!
 4. Do you serve in a branch or a ward? Is it small or big? I serve in a branch of 76 with around 25 attending so it's small. The branches boundaries are huge. The Branch President travels 5 hours every other weekend for church! Crazy!
 5. If we wanted to write a "real" letter, do we send it to the mission home? No, you send it to my address s 365 rue Pierre D'anjou QC, Canada. Hopefully that works. 
6. Did you get to teach a lot this week? We teach a lot of cool less-actives! Most of them came to church this week which was cool to see. We are really trying to take care of the sheep we have so that the Lord can trust us with new sheep. So, we taught Soeur Woods (the Engish fluent) and she is really nice she gave us food! Her husband actually sat in on the lesson for the first time either ever or for a long time crazy! Then, we taught Soeur Bujold, super nice lady who wants to go to the temple and get endowed. Also, we taught the others I've mentioned. OH, Chantalle and Yvan Plourde! Nicest family who has been through a lot. Yvan has a smoking problem but is a great father. Chantalle is super nice and super strong. She just loves the gospel! Hmmm...I'm sure there is more but I can't remember. Oh Steve! (see next question). Oh and we taught some Jehovah's Witnesses...they were super nice but weren't too open to the gospel..just kept throwing scriptures at us before we could finish talking! But hopefully they got something out of our meeting. 
7. what is the best story of the week? Well, I invited steve to be baptized and he said yes! He seems SO excited! He speaks super fast and has the most Quebecois accent ever but he super nice. 
Well, Thanks for the letter! This is response to both mom and dad!
 Thanks/Love, Elder Kimzey III

email to carli (elder kimzey's younger sis)

Bonjour!  I'm doing great!  Ya my week was pretty fun, really tiring!  I was so tired that one night I fell asleep in my white shirt and tie.  Elder Heder tried to wake me up but apparently I didn't.  I woke up in the middle of the night really confused because I didn't remember falling asleep and I was still in my missionary clothes.   It's just fun here.  The members are super funny and nice.  I liked michigans they are fun...ish.  What are 1/1's?  That's good that you're improving!  Sometimes improving is better than being the best because you have something to strive for where as being the best is kind of empty because your journey is over.  Joy is in the journey!  Oh man now you're going to get even better at Family History!  My companions name is Elder Heder...I thought I told you last week haha.  My mission president is President Patrick.  He seems really cool and smart.  I only talked with him a little bit.  He likes to give hugs...everyone here does (well Elders and Elders of course).  It was weird at first but I got use to it.  Ummm ya I've had some.  Steve (an investigator) accepted our invitation to be baptized and asked for a blessing which was super cool!  Ummm on Preparation Day I like to read to be honest.  Sounds lame but it's super fun to me.  Just to relax and read.   Well, hope you have a good week! 
Love,
Elder Kimzey III