June 13, 2016 - Transfers! "I knew at that moment that heavenly father truly does watch over his missionaries." "Sometimes Heavenly Father doesn't instantly bless us because he wants to test our faith. He wants to make sure that no matter what you will always have faith in Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. At no point will he ever truly leave us alone but he allows us to be tried and tested to test our obedience and our faith and as we continue to be diligent and persevere despite our hard circumstances he will bless us with the strength that we need to accomplish any task." Sylvains, Love Elder Nilson and other missionaries, culture is different,

 Birthday Surprise!

One of my favorite Missionaries! Elder Oswald this is at the end of exchanges.

The sky here is always beautiful!

Sometimes missionary work can be tiring..

 Birthday surprise!

Area: Ottawa Ontario Stake, Champlain Ward
Comp: Elder Jared Nilson (Kaysville, UT)
Zone Leader

1. How is your week different because of transfers?

2. What was the best part of your week?

3. Any Spiritual experiences or tender mercies that stand out?

4. Tell me about your comp and your favorite missionaries

5. Tell me something that is different about Canada than the US

6. How much do you get on your support card each month?

7. What advice would you tell to a missionary that was having a hard time?

8. Tell me anything!

I AM SO GREAT! As always haha. 

1- haha.. well the anticipation of transfer calls is pretty crazy! More so than normal because we dont get a call telling us where we are going but we make the calls and we also get to see where we are going. but nothing too different we usually just do a tim tam slam.. It is a CMM mission thing, and make the calls. figuring out where everyone is going can take some time though as well. As zone leaders we are in charge of helping them figure out public transportation. so that can be somewhat time consuming but there was basically noone that got transfered this last transfer so it didnt take any time at all.

2- what wasn't the best part of my week?  But I think my truly favorite part of this week was when we got to confirm Sylvain on sunday! I got to stand in the circle and of course it was very special and a wonderful blessing was given It really helped me see the fruits of missionary work and It felt really amazing watching someone truly accept the gospel in their life. 

3- I think Sylvains ordination was probably the biggest one. Other than that.. I was reading a talk I had watched my 1st week in the MTC. I wasn't struggling or having too hard of a time per say when I watched this talk but as every missionary does I had my own concerns and problems. I distinctly remember though that as I watched this talk the overwhelming feeling that I was where I was supposed to be and that everything would be alright. I remember feeling peace and comfort. So many things! I remember some of the things that I heard through the spirit from the talk and I wrote them down. It was quite miraculous to see though that as I reread this talk and looked over its contents that everything that I had written down was not in the talk at all. It reminded me of a quote that says " If I speak by the spirit and you listen by the spirit you will hear more than everything that I have to say" Or soething a long those lines but I was able to truly recognize that I had listened through spiritual ears and that the spirit had told me things that I was ready to here and I wouldnt have heard unless I was truly listening. I knew at that moment that heavenly father truly does watch over his missionaries. I felt the love of my savior. 

4- I love Elder Nilson! We have had so much fun together he is hard working easy going, so easy to get a long with, he has great teeth BTW. He is an amazing teacher and he speaks french extremely well he is from Kaysville Utah he loves golf, singing, sports events! He is seriously just the coolest classiest guy you will ever meet! I love being with him so much! My favorite missionaries? That is a hard one! Do you remember Elder Lund? he was one of my favorite missionaries he went home this week! It was super weird to because he only had like 2 more transfers than I have now when I came in. So that is a scary thought! He was the AP that you talked on the phone with actually. There is so many missionaries I love.. Elder Baldabinos - He is the man! I came in with him and if and when we serve together we are going to gt so much done! He is a powerhouse and really just one of my favorite! Of course Elder Vanaquer! Came in with me French what is not to love? Elder Buck Also came in with me! from Idaho reminds me a lot of my friends back home! Super nice super funny! Elder Gentillon! going home this transfer.. Super sad but I love him so much and he is super funny! There is definitely so many more but I dont have time to name them all! Elder Udave as well I have to throw him in there! he is the man I love him so much! As well as Elder Dalmasi  - was is not to love about him! 

5- Haha well the culture is definitely different it depends on where you are but specifically quebec i feel that they are Very European. The food is a little bit different I feel that there is not as much fast food here. More Nicer restaurants. A lot more Maple everything though. They have like no Mexican food at all though.. There is like 6 tacos bells total I have eaten at 2 of them though and well.. they were both really disappointing haha. Not even the same as america! But I really do love it here. I think I could live in Ottawa it is a very homely city is is very clean super green! Always has nice weather it seems like a perfect city! 

6- I get about 160 dollars in American I get 200 in canadian in each month so whatever the exchange rate is to give me 200 canadian dollars is what I get each month. When you live in a 4 man it is a lot easier to conserve money.  

7- I think I would just want him to know that he is in the right place. that he has been called of God and that at all time he has the right to call upon the powers of Heaven to help him because he is on the Lords errand. Heavenly Father not only wants him to succeed but expects it. He is not alone. He has the hosts of heaven on his side and if presses forward in faith everything will be alright. Sometimes Heavenly Father doesn't instantly bless us because he wants to test our faith. He wants to make sure that no matter what you will always have faith in Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. At no point will he ever truly leave us alone but he allows us to be tried and tested to test our obedience and our faith and as we continue to be diligent and persevere despite our hard circumstances he will bless us with the strength that we need to accomplish any task. 

8- I dont think there is too much more to tell. Things are about to go crazy and I am excited! There will be like 30 missionaries going home this tranfer and like 24 coming in so lots of trainers as well as president patrick will be going home in like 17 days! So much is happening it will be AWESOME!  

Love you Have a great week! 

-Elder Massé

June 6, 2016- " I got to conduct and the spirit was so strong everyone was edified in the end. Sometimes I wish that these wonderful missionaries parents could be at these things. they wouldn't even recognize their children I am sure that all those parents would be so proud to see their children making such mature and serious decisions.", defining characteristics of Masse's,

Area: Ottawa Ontario Stake, Champlain Ward
Comp: Elder Jared Nilson (Kaysville, UT)
Zone Leader


Bonjour ma mère je suis ici!

1.   How did your baptism go?

2.   Have you heard about transfers yet?

3.   Was anything hard about this week?

4.   Did anything unusual or out of the ordinary happen?

5.   Do you sing with the French hymnal at church… or are you singing in English now?

6.   What was your favorite day this week and why

7.   What’s something you love about being a Masse?

8.   Tell me something in French!

1- It WAS AWESOME! I told you the story about their family already right? how the mother was less active and only one of their 4 children were baptized and Since the time elder nilson has been here he reactiveated the Mother and has baptized the other 3 children and we just baptized the father! How cool is that! AHH! It was amazing and in a couple weeks we will be taking them to the temple to do baptisms for the dead so it will be pretty amazing!

2- Yup! haha because I gave them! I will be staying and... KILLING ELDER NILSON! He has been a zone leader for 7 transfers can you believe that! That is soooo long! I am glad that I will get to be with him until the end! Did I tell you as well that this transfer we will be getting a new mission president? If I didnt sorry.. haha! But we will so I will probably be a zone leader for another like 3 transfers with all the adjustments etc. 

3- haha Well we had an emergency zone training after we realized that we needed to have one before the final one at the end of June so we had no time to prepare because of how busy we are. But in the end we really followed the spirit and it was amazing! I got to conduct and the spirit was so strong everyone was edified in the end. Sometimes I wish that these wonderful missionaries parents could be at these things. they wouldn't even recognize their children I am sure that all those parents would be so proud to see their children making such mature and serious decisions. Planning and talking about the salvation of souls. It is truly amazing. 

4- This week? haha.. I dont think so.. Or not that I can recall. It was just a busy week with a lot of running around and driving! Standard but busy. Sorry there isnt more to add to that one.

5- We sing with English now soo.. a little sad but we still sing in the french hymnal everyday because of companion study so all is well! Why do you ask? 

6- I think this saturday was pretty amazing! It was a difficult day elder nilson has been here so long and with the impending doom of transfers calls we were pretty distracted thoughout the day but despite those distractions we were able to find a new investigator and get a lot of stuff done and at the end of the day! He stayed and I am so happy! What more could I ask for? 

7- I think the defining characteristics of us Massé's is that we all have our different talents and abilities, but because we were raised of goodly parents and we were raised to stand by one another we have been able to accomplish anything! We were raised to work hard and be diligent and honestly I think this has been the most important lesson that I have learned in all aspects of my life is how to work. Because I was taught how to work quickly effectively and to be diligent and always finish what I have started it has brought me so much success! Especially in the mission field. So simply I love that I was taught to work hard. To love those around me. To have charity for all people. I love that people have high expectations for us, it makes me accountable and it pushes me to work hard. I couldnt ask for a better family.

8- ma mère! Maintenant je ne sais pas si mon francais sera meuiller parce que j'ai pas beacoup de temps a practiquer mais je vais fair mon mieux. cette semaine c'est bien passé. J'ai realisé que a la fin de la prochaine tranfer j'aurai passé ma mark d'anneé c'est bien fou! ca me donne peur.. Mais je vais continuer de travailler dur et bien representer mon seigneur Jesus Christ. Je T'aime beacoup ma mère passez une bonne semaine! 

-Elder Massé

May 30, 2016- Pics! MLC, "accidently made the power go out.. " "Elder Nilson is my best friend!", "The blessings are endless!"

Area: Ottawa Ontario Stake, Champlain Ward
Comp: Elder Jared Nilson (Kaysville, UT)
Zone Leader

 I love our elders! this is Elder Buck!

1, What are the details of you being in the hospital ?!?!  

2. Spiritual experiences that stand out?

3. Who did you visit this week?  Where did you go?

4. What made you laugh?

5. Tell me something about your apartment and something about your comp!

6. What’s one reason you’re thankful to be a missionary?

7. What do you see everyday outside - when you leave your apartment?  

1- haha.. a Mother love never dies! It was nothing I was just having problems swallowing because of bad it hurt.. so eating and drinking was yeah.. and I was coughing a lot I had a fever and a loooooot of Mucus so I finally went to the hospital and they said I had some kind of infection thingy.. They were really unspecific and they used big doctor words that I haven't learned yet so bascially I got drugs and left haha. All is well now though so no worries! 

2- I think one thing in particiular that has been amazing so far in the time that I have spent here is the progression that I have seen in our area since I have gotten here. I know that this tranfers specifically in our zone was really inspired and there are so many amazing missionaries in our zone. It is reflected through calls as well as key indicators. In our area specifically when I showed up there were 0 people with baptismal dates but then within 2 weeks Elder Nilson and I went super hard and we had 5 people on date by the end of the second week. I have never had more than 2 people on date at a time so this was a prettu big deal. They were all progressing as well and the 1st one that we put on date  ( my second day here ) will be baptized this friday which is super cool! It will be the first one on my mission so I am looking forward to it! 

3- So this week was pretty crazy.. we Had MLC  ( missionary leadership council ) in Montreal so we had 6 hours worth of driving WHOO! and exchanges with the Assistants so yeahhhhh.. .Things were crazy! It was amazing to see Montreal again and driving for 6 hours was fun as well. So  much MOTAB.. but exchanges were super fun and I got to see Elder Udave and Elder Smith at MLC! 3 of my 4 companions were there and it was so amazing! Other than that we just visited our normal people. One Specifically that was cool was Brother lloyd who is a very old man now but he is the sweetest and cutest old man that you will ever see! He cant read anymore and we have been working really hard with him and now he is finally going to get the Melchizedek priesthood this sunday then we will get to take him to the temple! We are soooo excited! 

4- haha this one gets me everytime I never know what to say because we are just laughing all the time.. I think one of the hardest times that we laughed was when we accidently made the power go out.. When you are running a million fans and an air conditioner and the fridge.. it happens. But It was all fine until someone tried microwaving a burrito.. that was the funniest part. but in the end The burrito was heated up so it is okay!

5- Hmm. well our apartment is a 4 and a half I believe ( I am like 37% sure of what that means.. ) it is extremely hot! Because it is very humid and it has been in the 90's the past couple days so that has been fun but it is really nice! We have a smaller kitchen and bathroom but totally big enough for 4 missionaries and it meets all of out needs I will have to send you some pictures of what it looks like next week! If I can send you a 1 minutes video that I have i will you will get to see us celebrating the Elders Birthdays! Elder Nilson is my best friend! It is like having john with me it is so great! we mess with each other all the time and just have so much fun! but at the same time we are super effective as well he really is one of the best he knows how to hasten the work and be a great missionary. I am learning so much from him and it has been the best! I love my area and him so much!

6- I think one thing specifically is the knowledge that I attain. My greatest desire all the time is to learn and well.. that is what I do everyday! I learn how to manage everything! groceries, cars, apartments, schedules, time,  I know how to study, I know what to study, I know when I need a break, I know how to talk to people, how to fulfill callings, I have say in stake councils, in Pec, Mlc, ward council. Everything I just learn so much everyday and all these experiences would not be possible if I was not a missionary. It is like having  a limited free trial in life and then going back to the real world with everything that you have learned and becoming even better! The blessings are endless! 

7- GREEN! It is so green here.. Like sometimes I think it might compete with Oregon.. It is crazy! I will have to show you some pictures so you understand I am starting to forget how green oregon is though so i might be totally crazy but compared to all my other areas this is by far the most beautiful it is a perfect city! I could totally live here. No joke. but there is always amazing weather here the clouds are spectacular! I cant even describe them! Better than I have ever seen! Other than that.. roads and lots of cars! There are a million parks here as well as rivers it is like a little Oasis and the big city you can see for miles around. It is a very peaceful place by far my favorite area so far.

I will try and send pictures more consistently because well I realized that pictures are basically the best part of emails so I will try and return the favor!  ( you are the best) 

anyways I think that is all for this week! I love you so much! 

-Elder Massé

May 24, 2016 -"I am super grateful for the missionaries in my apartment and for my companion. For the weather and the clouds. There is amazing weather here. The clouds and sunsets are beautiful! I am grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and for my strong testimony in Jesus Christ and everything that he did for us. I have a long list of things to be grateful for. I could name so many things. I owe so much to the people around me, my family, to my Heavenly Father. He has given me so much. My everything! My eternity." Aristotle: "You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor."- Letters from Dad and Grandma

Area: Ottawa Ontario Stake, Champlain Ward
Comp: Elder Jared Nilson (Kaysville, UT)
Zone Leader

Dinner at Brother Rob Grahams's house!!

1. HOW ARE YOU??

2. What did you do this week??

3. What is Victoria Day and how do you celebrate that in Canada??

4. What made you laugh?

5. What are some things you were grateful for this week?

6. Is there anything you need from me?  Anything I can do?

7. Tell me anything!!

8. Tell Elder Nilsen hi from the Masse family!!  

 (mom's side note:  All during high school when Tate needed me or was calling me... he would always say "Ma mère" instead of mom- I miss hearing him call me that and so it is very endearing when he starts his letters that way!) 

Ma mère 

Bonjour ma mere! Je suis ici! Comment ca-va! Quoi de neuf?? 

1- I am super good as always! I got sick and had to go to the clinic this week.. go figure haha had to happen at least once on my mission I got some kind of sinus infection and that put me out for like a day.. But, aint nobody got time for that so I recovered quickly and just got back to work haha. Nothing can stop me! haha but I am doing super well! I am very happy as always and like is super!

2- this week! Well.. Besides going to the hospital.. I shoveled 18 tons of gravel with a shovel and wheel barrel in the sun for 6 hours! I got pretty tan haha. It felt really good to work hard again. I miss doing that more often! It was really rewarding and it was for someone who wasnt a member so we got invited back for dinner and who knows we could end up teaching them which would be great! Other than that.. ! OH we celebrated the birthdays of Elder Gentillon and Elder Nilson in our apartment and it was super fun! As you know I always go pretty hard with birthdays so it was really fun we went on exchanges that day and so we decorated the whole apartment and made a cake and bought them presents it was super fun! I ate more cake this week than my entire mission haha.. that 18 tons of gravel probably leveled off what I ate haha.

3- It is to celebrate something with queen victoria.. I have no idea what and. I think they just wanted a holliday so they made it up haha.. I dont think anyone really did anything to celebrate. BUT! There is a giant tulip festival but I dont think it was because of queen victoria day specifically but I am not sure. I dont know my canadian history haha..

4- What didn't we laugh about! I think some of the funniest moments were during the celebrations of the other elders birthdays. We ate soo much cake and we bought them a bunch of gifts from the dollar store and then we ended up just tackling them and tickling them and wrestling. It was pretty funny! I am failing on my memory right now. Sorry! It was a long week! 

5- I am super grateful for the missionaries in my apartment and for my companion. For the weather and the clouds. There is amazing weather here. The clouds and sunsets are beautiful! I am grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and for my strong testimony in Jesus Christ and everything that he did for us. I have a long list of things to be grateful for. I could name so many things. I owe so much to the people around me, my family, to my Heavenly Father. He has given me so much. My everything! My eternity.

6- I have everything I need :D! Because of you! 

7-I am going to the tulip festival today which should be pretty fun!

8- Okay haha he says hi back! 

Love you have an amazing week! 

-Elder Massé

-------------------------------------------------

Note from Dad:

Hi Son,

I hope your doing great!

I know you are busy so I'll keep it brief. A lot going on here.  We've had some long days.  I'm reminded that there are times when your just climbing uphill, with a heavy pack, sun beating down and every part of you is saying: stop this sucks, this is too hard, just head back down, it would be so easy.

But then you keep going and your friends lift your spirits and make that part of the journey bearable. And then you finally get to the ridge and the view is amazing, and the hike downhill feels great and you can finally rest, and the cool water is a gift and the food is amazing (who knew beef stroganoff in a bag could be so amazing).

And the camp fire, chair, and evening of talking and playing games makes it all worth.

But yeah. That uphill part just seems so hard.

So there it is. It's really not more complicated than that, unless you try to make the trip alone or your on the wrong path.   Life isn't really much more than that.

I love you and pray for you.

Love,

Dad

---------------------------------

Note from Grandma Judy:

Dear Elder Masse'

     Grampa and I are full of gratitude that we are home safe...     It was a grand tender mercy to get to see you on Mother's Day.I am thrilled that you are so happy. It is well have you have noticed increased patience in yourself and better organization.Those characteristics will serve you well when you get to college.

     The quote for the day is from Aristotle: "You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor."

     To repeat myself: Thank you for the blessings your good humor, obedience, hard work, good example, faith and diligence sends our way.

     Continuez votra bon travail avec diligence inebrantable.

Love,

Gramma

From Elder Masse: 
Well after 9 months a way from home I can understand and appreciate that quite a bit. ... I try my best and the lord makes up the rest. I really like that quote! Did you know I have a quote book and I always write all these quotes in it? Well just know I love every single one and I appreciate everything that you do grandma! You inspire all your grand children to be greater and you truly make the world a brighter place have an amazing week! 

-Avec amour Elder Massé

May 16, 2016- " my vision of the purpose of this life has really been defined. I have simply just grown a foot or 2..." 3 people on date, exchanges, opportunities to serve!

Area: Ottawa Ontario Stake, Champlain Ward
Comp: Elder Jared Nilson (Kaysville, UT)
Zone Leader

1. How are you???  You seem so crazy busy which is great!!

2. This week is my birthday....  send me some pics!! 

3. Any Spiritual experiences or tender mercies that stand out?

4. What made you laugh?

5. What's the best part of being a zone leader? /Some of your responsibilities?

6. What have you learned about yourself the last two transfers?


1- I am sooo crazy busy haha.. all the time! sometimes I dont even get studies because I am on the phone with the District leaders or the assistants.. Life is so crazy all the time! But it is all worth it! Everything I do is rewarding and I feel so accomplished when I go to sleep at night! This is truly the best time of my whole life!

2- I will;) and did you think I would forget! You will have some treats coming soon :D! I just need to find a box There is a member actually who goes to the United States so I might be able to get you a flat rate box soon! 

3- I think something amazing this week was the fact that we put 3 people on date! 3 Solid people that are totally ready to receive the blessings of the gospel they are so prepared and perfect and I am so happy that I get the opportunity to teach them! They are just wonderful people and all I want for them is the best. I have really seen what it means to love someone and want them to have the same blessings that you have seen. It was quite an amazing experience which has never happened on my mission! 

4- umm.. I think the funniest thing this week probably happened during our exchanged! We had 6 missionaries in our apartment and we were playing a game.. Let me tell you haha. It was quite the night! It just reminds me of the good old times with the 3 musketeers! But really I laugh and smile all the time with the elder I am with! They are a blast to be around! 

5- Honestly I think it is just all the opportunities that I have had to serve. That is really the defining feature of what I have seen so far from being a zone leader. Every day I am just given more opportunities to serve! There are so many people looking up to me and in need of my help and I get the opportunity to do everything in my power to make sure that they are successful and have all the tools that they need to accomplish their callings! It is so amazing! It is quite the opportunity and I love it so much! I love being able to help solve problems and motivate people and give them advice on what they can do to improve! It is so amazing. 

6- haha.. Ah too many things. I think I have just matured honestly. I have just been thinking in a different way I have calmed down a lot and I am very patient and I think things out a lot more. I try to come up with the best solutions that benefit everyone. I have become a million times more organized. My mind has cleared it seems as well. I know more of what the future will look like and my vision of the purpose of this life has really been defined. I have simply just grown a foot or 2. I have progressed a little bit and I am ready to progress a little bit more! 

You are the best love you!   

-Love Elder Massé

May 9, 2016 - Bonjour ma mere! Day after skyping for Mother's Day!

Area: Ottawa Ontario Stake, Champlain Ward
Comp: Elder Jared Nilson (Kaysville, UT)
Zone Leader

Bonjour ma mere!

okay... so this week is going to be like no email because.. we started p -day late and in the middle of emailing we had to go run an errand with a phone.. soo I think this may be all you get for this week and I am so sorry! I will get you all your pictures next week and I will write a lot! I love you have a good week! 

-Love elder Massé

May 4, 2016 - Transfers to Ottawa!!!! New Comp!! Zone Leader!! Picture of Member who knows Finn from Oregon!

Area: Ottawa Ontario Stake, Champlain Ward
Comp: Elder Jared Nilson (Kaysville, UT)
Zone Leader

"Ottawa, Canada’s southeastern capital, sits in Ontario at the border of Québec. A cosmopolitan city on the Ottawa River, it has at its centre Parliament Hill, with grand Victorian architecture and renowned museums such as the glass-and-granite National Gallery, with noted collections from Canadian and Indigenous artists. The park-lined Rideau Canal is filled with boats in summer and ice-skaters in winter.  
Population:

883,391 (2011)

• Area code:
  Area codes 613 and 343
• Area:
  1,073 mi²"

1. What are the details on you skyping us???  

2. What ward and stake are you in?  How was the reception you received?

3. Who is your new comp??  His first and last name and where he's from???  What do you love about him?

4. How did transfers go?? 

5. Tell me stuff about your new apartment.. how is it different from your last two areas? How is it speaking English?  lol

6. What made you laugh??  What was wonderful?

7. Tender Mercies?  

8. How are you feeling about things/your mission?

1- I will be skyping you this sunday between 3-5.. Well before 5 i think and after 3.. So really descriptive but, that is all I got right now sorry! haha

2- I am in the Champlain ward and the Ottawa Ontario stake. IT WAS AMAZING! this ward puts me right at home! It helps that it is in English too. They are so awesome! It is one of the biggest in the mission and they have amazing leaders! I have already met the stake president! I got to talk etc. so many wonferful things! 

3- HE IS THE BEST! I have had so many great companions! and Elder Nilson is another one of those! he is seriously so kind and patient! He is super loving! super talented! Great leader and singer! I love him so much! His name is Jared Nilson and he is from Kaysville Utah. I think i spelled that right. I dont think I could tell you everything I love about him. he is just the best! he is like my twin! We are so effective and we have so much fun together! 

4- transfers were super easy! I took a Metro to Montreal then I got onto a greyhound bus and just headed to ottawa and that was it haha.. Saying goodbye was alright the ward was acutally really sad to see me go! but they understood that it was from the Lord and it was my time to leave! So I was well loved on both ends! The bus ride took about 2 and a half hours and I was greeted by the other wonderful missionaries of my apartment! Except elder buck because he was coming from super far away and so his bus came in later then.. He ended up missing one of his connecting buses because the 1st one was late and well.. we eventually found him haha after lke an hour.. It was a pretty funny experience! he had to call us from someone elses phone. 

5- Speaking Enlgish.. is weird and sometimes I forget words actually it is kinda sad especially praying because I always say my prayers in french and now I have to say some in English and it trips me up,, When I can though I say them in French, because of where we are located I actually still live in Quebec and my area is but the other half is in a different province haha. So I get plenty of French in still. Our apartment is really nice still! I honestly have been blessed with some of the nicest apartments in the mission. the only difference is this one doesnt have a washer and dryer and we have to pay but that is no big deal at all I am still blessed beyond belief! 

6- Well the even in losing Elder Gentillons companion for like an hour and a half was pretty funny.. He had called and left a voicemail that was pretty funny. Saying " hey I am in Ottawa.. I missed my bus... Ummm i am next to this building on this street.. Good luck and well I hope to see you soon.. Do what you can with that. " it was pretty memorable but here was cheerful and bubbly as ever after all was said and done! It was hilarious! other than that we laugh everyday over the smallest of things! I dont think I can name all of them! 

7- Well here is a cool one. So when we travel we travel along of course and so I had said goodbye to the other elders and I had gotten all my stuff on the Metro ( that was a miracle in and of itself haha ) I have a lot of stuff. But I just sat there with my 3 bags and I waited for my stop and I waited.. and waited  it was a pretty long ride and well I got to a stop and I was sure it wasn't mine but I couldnt see exactly what it was and I had a strong impression to ask someone close by which one it was and well.. It turned out it was the one I needed to get off at! SO I like sprinted off the metro as it was closing with all my stuff.. it was a super close call! If i had not asked that man I would have missed my stop been late, missed my bus and would have had no way to contact anyone.. SO! That was a giant tender mercy. I was able to reflect on that later. It was quite the little miracle.

8- I LOVE EVERYTHING HERE! It is so perfect I think I might like the city of Ottawa more than montreal whihc is saying somethings. It is a lot more beautiful and clean it is so wonderful! We must visit both when you come. I am just as happy as could be! I dont think I have been happier my whole mission! I am loving it so much. It scared me that this will end eventually. It is just a part of my life now and I cannot imagine life any other way.. SO with that I am trying to make the best of it! 

Well I think that is all I have to report on this week.. I dont think there is really anything else! Love you have an amazing week! 

-Elder Massé

April 25, 2016 - HAPPY 19TH ELDER MASSE!!! Temple, transfers, birthday presents, talk in church,

Comp: Elder Udave (Elder Navaret & Elder Shumway)

Area: Laval, Quebec

French & Spanish Speaking

1.  Did you have a happy birthday?? 2. Did you like your presents? And packages?  What did you like best?
3. What did you do? How did you celebrate? Did you have cake and ice cream?
4. Transfers??
5. When will we hear from you on Mothers Day & skyping!??
6. What made you smile?
7.  Where did you go this week? Meet any interesting people?
8.  Are you sending me pics?

alright I poorly balanced my time so i will try to do this as fast and thorough as I can! I love you mom!

1- I cant even tell you how amazing my week was! I still cant believe that I am 19 and I am just happy beyond belief! My presents were AMAZING! THEY were exactly what I needed! My oil vial had just broken and Elder Navarrete has just lost his so it worked out perfectly! THAT TIE! Oh my gosh I loved it so much I think it is my new favorite tie it is sooo cool! Whoever picked that out has good taste. I mean I liked it all you are going to make me pick haha? The protein of course is always a plus. Natalies stuff was amazing Grandma and Grandpas was amazing! sister millers was amazing! It was the best birthday every! I cant thank you enough! It was exactly what I needed! 

2- So check this haha.. So I actually got to give a talk on my birthday in church in french! and the night before we received transfer calls! Elder Udave and I are both leaving.. He is becoming a zone leader in Montreal and I am changing provinces and languages and going to Ottowa in English! So we didnt tell anyone we were leaving and during my talk in sacrament meeting I told everyone and It was pretty legendary haha.. Everyone was actually really sad to see us go. This ward was seriously the best! Everyone came up afterwards and gave us hugs and took pictures and everyone was sad to see us go. But besides this for my birthday! I woke up and opened presents I was so surprised! Then After churhc I came home and Elder Navarrete and elder Shumway had made me a CAKE! and they had made my favorite food! SO I had a super good lunch and for dinner we went over to my Favorite members house and their family stuffed us.. I thought I was going to die! they are Haitian it was so fun! She gave me a present and she wanted to give me a hug super bad! It was the best day ever! 

3- See the beggining of 2. 

4- I have no idea haha.. I havent thought that far ahead. We havent started planning yet.. I will tell you soon though! 

5- What didnt make me smile! We got to play pool today for p-day and we were having so much fun! It was at a members house not at a bar or anything so its okay haha. But definitely opening my presents and just messing around with the other elders in the apartment on my birthday! They made my day! They made me a super amazing card as well with all my favorite elders on it! they got elder Vanauer to sign it! How cool is that! OH! I almost forgot I also got to go to the temple this week for the first time in a little while and that was also spiritual beyond belief Life is just so perfect! 

6- I went to Montreal the temple Longeuil, Lasalle, You name it haha I was all over the place this week for some reason. I Wrote some letters and they will be coming in a package that explains this week more clearly! 

7- I dont think I have time this week I am sorry! They are coming though dont worry! 

ANyway well my week was pretty crazy especially transfer calls but all is well and I am excited for what is to come I will tell you more about it next week! I love you have a great week! 

-Elder Massé

April 18, 2016 - splits, viral infection, love Laval!, " It is truly wonderful to see the powers of heaven manifest to all people regardless of their differences. The priesthood power is for all people. It doesn't matter what ethnicity, what language it's in. God loves all his children equally and he provides for all of them regardless of circumstances. It was amazing to see this manifest this week as I got to participate in countless acts of the priesthood.", "I am right next to montreal so I get all the culture and I can go there whenever I want! There are so many things I love about it! It is a french area and there is plenty of culture here the ward is amazing and super supportive! It is just like I am home again! what more could I ask for? "

Comp: Elder Udave (Elder Navaret & Elder Shumway)

Area: Laval, Quebec

French & Spanish Speaking

1. What are the highlights of your week?

2. Do you have any questions for me?

3. How are you feeling?  Have you heard anything about transfers?

4. What made you laugh?

5. Tell me something in French!

6. What do you love about being a missionary in Laval?

7. What's one way you've changed from your last birthday?

8. Spiritual experiences or tender mercies?

1- This week! This week was pretty good! It was very interesting haha I got a viral infection of some kind so i have gone in between sleeping, and missionary work basically haha. But despite all that we were still able to find new people to teach and give blessings and just be of service! I participated in like 5 blessings this week it was crazy! So many people asked for blessings so this was really special giving and helping give blessings in french and once in spanish! We has stake conference and we had a member of the 70 come so that was very cool! He did not speak French so it was cool seeing someone translate everything for him. Other than that it was a pretty normal week transfers are coming up and elder Navarrete will be going home soon so everything has been kinda crazy/sad/exciting. But all is well! 

2- questions! haha.. Well I guess there are always questions.. What is the weather like? how is school going for te boys? friends? Changes that have happened in your lives? How is the new house? ect. Anything crazy happened in the world lately? 

3- We will get transfer calls this saturday and for sure something will happen to the apartment because elder Navarrete is leaving but we will see! Elder Udave should stay with me because it has only been 3 transfers since he got here and well I have only been here for 1 so I should be fine! But who knows what will happen. We are also moving in like 2 weeks so the new missionary will get to this aparment then help move all of our stuff to the new one haha. I feel as amazing as I can with a viral infection hahaha. I have a cold of sorts and I am a little tired and weak but all is well. I will be better by the end of the week probably! So no worries! 

4- OH! I forgot we also had splits with the zone leaders this week so we got to go to their apartment. They live in a 4 man so in the end there was 6 missionaries sleeping there. Sounds like trouble haha. It was so fun though! We played pinochle and just laughed the whole day away we were effective! I accidently melted a plastic spatula because I was frying potatoes and I couldn't find a metal one so well.. plastic... hot oil.. Yeah it was pretty funny! The fire alarm went off haha. and I got to meet Elder Dalmasi! He emailed me while he was in the MTC because he found my blog and I emailed him back and I told him that I would see him one day and he was in the apartment with the zone leaders! He is one of the funniest people I have ever met and take off the dal in his name and our names are very similar sounding! Anyways not the best description but it was just one of those you had to be there moments. 

5- ma mère! qu'est-ce que je dois dire.. je veux que tu sais que je suis vraiment reconnaissant pour toutes les choses que tu as fait pour moi. chaque jour je regardes au tour de moi et je vois les benedictions qui vienne de toi. je t'aime beaucoup ma mère spécialement pour les cadeaux que j'ai recu cette semaine! Merci!   

6- What's not to love? I think I have described our area quite a bit but it really is quite ideal the situation that I am in. My companion is the district leader so I get all the perks of going on a bunch of splits! I am in an apartment with 2 missionaries that arent in my zone or district so when they go on splits I get to see even more missionaries! I am right next to montreal so I get all the culture and I can go there whenever I want! There are so many things I love about it! It is a french area and there is plenty of culture here the ward is amazing and super supportive! It is just like I am home again! what more could I ask for? 

7- It has felt like an eternity since my last birthday.. I remember it very well too! I was in hawaii smiling the days away with Devin and Natalie! I didn't think it could possibly get any better and in many ways I was right Life was perfect and I was with 2 of my favorite people in the world! Those memories seem so far away though. I feel like I have aged a lifetime since then but I also realize how young I still am! My desires have changed. My whole life has turned around. My perspective has broadened and I feel like I know what I want with my life now more than ever. The list goes on and on but overall I am just happier! I am more patient and kind. I have just become more of the person that I want to be when I grow up.

8- I think one thing in particular this week was just all the blessings I was able to participate in. As well as a baptism that happened this weekend as well for the Chomedy elders. It is truly wonderful to see the powers of heaven manifest to all people regardless of their differences. The priesthood power is for all people. It doesn't matter what ethnicity, what language it's in. God loves all his children equally and he provides for all of them regardless of circumstances. It was amazing to see this manifest this week as I got to participate in countless acts of the priesthood.

Well I dont think there is too much else to report on.. Birthday is coming up and I am excited as ever! I got a little sick but I am recovering! all is well and I am as happy as could be! love you so much!

-Elder Massé 

April 11, 2016 - Metro Pics! " I love the rain and how green it is. It reminds me of home and who I am. I love the snow and the crowded european like streets full head to toe with french speakers. I love the people. They come from all over the world and I get to talk to all of them. I love cold here. What more can I ask for? it is one of my favorite things in the world I love the culture and how I can find anything and everything in the world here."

Metro!

Comp: Elder Udave (Elder Navaret & Elder Shumway)
Area: Laval, Quebec
French & Spanish Speaking

1- I am fantastic! this week was good I think the biggest thing was zone conference which lasted like 8 hours.. It was all good though I was very inspired. I sang savior redeemer of my soul which if you know goes very high.. I practiced it a million times haha but I guess it was too early in the morning cause when I hit the very first high note my voice like half cracked haha.. But luckily I recovered and all was well then went on to a great finish with the 2 sisters and my comp that was singing with me. It was kinda embarassing but I laughed about it so all is well. other than that I went on exchanges with elder carr ( who i went to EFY with by the way pretty cool eh;)? ) So that was super fun! Going back to a 2 man was kinda sad There are a lot of perks of having 4 missionaries in an apartment. But life is good and it was a pretty average week! 

2- Well besides my voice cracking in front of my mission president and zone.. haha teasing. What can I even say? I just love being with other missionaries I think I laughed the most at zone conference when I got to see some people I hadn't seen in a long time like Elder Rosenlof! I got a call from Elder Smith ( his birthday is the 21st of april as well. ) Because he got the flight plans call.. That is pretty crazy! Just a bunch of miscelanious stuff I dont think I could name something specifically. 

3- Another transfer with ELDER UDAVE! I hope more than anything we can have atleast another transfer with him I would totally kill him ( meaning last companion if I could ) We love eachother so much and I have fear for transfer calls in 2 weeks. I do keep looking forward to the future though. I am excited for what it will bring and to see how i will change.

4- ma mère.. tu m'aime beaucoup. je pense que la plus grande chose que je peu te dire c'est que je t'aime plus que le monde. Tu es ma mère aimant. tu m'as donné plus que le monde et je sais que tu as sacrifié beaucoup pour tes enfants. Sois toi ma mère et continue a aimer tout le monde. je t'aime beaucoup. -- Ton fils.  

5/6- 

1- I love the rain and how green it is. It reminds me of home and who I am.

2- I love the snow and the crowded european like streets full head to toe with french speakers. 

3- I love the people. They come from all over the world and I get to talk to all of them.

4- I love cold here. What more can I ask for? it is one of my favorite things in the world

5- I love the culture and how I can find anything and everything in the world here. 

7- i always take my satchel with me wherever I go and it has 2 copies of each pamphlet in french it has pass a long cards a book of mormon a triptic a bible and I always carry around picture of Jesus. I almost always where the waterproof jacket that I bought at buffalo exchange. It is thick enough to keep me warm and dry. It is perfect. Other than that just my brain and my testimony! I always wear my waterproof hush puppies I wear my other pair of shoes only when I go to church of missionary meetings. 

8- So we havent had the chance to meet with here again! So I dont know too much but she is so excited! She always takes the time to talk to me everysunday and she shows me pictures and there are people that look like me it is kinda crazy.. haha but I still have to meet with here again and find out her information etc. 

Well life is good here HAPPY BIRTHDAY GORDON! birthday is coming up.. .Well other than that life if perfect here! love you  have a great week!

-Elder Massé

1. How are you?  What did you do this week?

2. What made you laugh?

3. What are you looking forward to? 

4. Tell  me something in French! 

5. What are 5 things you love about Quebec?

6. What is something that helps you remember who you are are and why you're there?

7. What things do you take with you most often?

8. Tell me more about Sister Masse from St Hyacinthe

April 4, 2016- Pictures!! Montreal!! Masse street sign!! Met Sister Masse from St Hyacinthe, Old district & New District! Gen Conf,

Comp: Elder Udave (Elder Navaret & Elder Shumway)
Area: Laval, Quebec
French & Spanish Speaking



last district selfie haha

 look how small this little guy is!

 Massé street sign!!

 New District

The other Crew. me, Vanaquer, Navarrette, Huckabee, Udave, Shumway


Found this little guy in our backyard.. I think he ate too much McDonalds..

 The Crew

This is what happens when you play with razors..

1. What was memorable this week?

2. What is something you love about your new area?

3. What made you laugh?

4. Where do you shop for food and do you take turns cooking with your roommates?  How often are members feeding you?

5. What message have you received in training lately; when did you last see your mission president?  What kinds of things do you tell him in your weekly letter?

6. Tell me about the Masse's you met!

7. Tell me about going to Montréal and spending the whole day with elder vanaquer and your last district!

8. Where did you watch conference?  What was your favorite talk?

It is called the island of Jesus haha Dont know if you knew that. It will be very fun just you wait!

1- this week.. Well general conference as a missionary is always memorable. As a missionary I just see it through knew eyes. I have set questions I am looking for certain revelation Everything just speaks to me more and I take so much more out of it. Other than that. Montreal is always memorable I cant tell you how awesome it is. It is like being in france all over again. The streets the people the culture! I love it so much. Eating baguettes and nuttella haha  Sorry I am using a french keyboard so again things may be spelled weird watch out!

2- I love the ward so much! We have a bunch of solid members. The area is much more industrial than my other area but it make up for it with the different culture that comes with it. Nothing can compensate for the 3 other elders I live with either they are the best and I love them so much! I can't tell you how much fun we have all the time. Everyday is just energetic and excited and full of laughter.

3- Well seeing Elder Vanaquer this last week was pretty memorable! so the 2 other elders in our apartment are not even in our district or zone haha. So they have a whole different set of missionaries so I figured out that elder vanaquer was in their district and that he would be coming over so I told him to not tell him that I was here. But I finally got to see him when he came to the apartment and we just talked and played games the whole night and morning we laughed and sang together and we talked about how we had changed. It was fun just as it was memorable.

4- I shop at........ Walmart haha. So exotic right? We also have a costco in our area so we are debating trying to shop there we are not sure which one will be cheaper in the long run. We buy all our groceries together and we also cook together. It makes it a lot easier! We have 4 hands cooking and we get it done super fast and we have pretty extravaguant meals! We get fed by our members pretty regularly! no worries there!

5- training.. Well the last training I had was over a month ago haha. But it talked about being more concecrated to missionary work. Our next training is this week actually so I could tell you more next week. The last time I saw president was... like 2 months ago? I think.. I think a little less than that. more like 1 month. haha i tell him how our area is doing, how our companionship is doing and how I am doing and they are always postive.

6- So I met sister massé this last week! She has ancestors that also come from St Hyacinthe but she was having problems with here account so we werent able to get much progress done to see where our lines connect. I will be able to tell you more information this next week but, we met with her father who is not a member and he is like 80 years old and we have a return appointment so there is a lot to come in the future! I will be able to tell you more next week.

7- I will have to send you the pictures I took but it was so fun! We just ran around Montreal and took a bunch of pictures we bought stuff we laughed I got this super cool bible in french!! It was just so fun! We ate we laughed, we didnt quite cry when we left though we knew we would see eachother again. So all is well!

8- We watched it at our church! I dont know there was a lot.. I might have to pick one of the ones that elder Uchtdorf gave though because both of them were pretty amazing. The one sunday and the priesthood session one. What did cam and dad do for that? Well I will get to your photos!

Other than that I dont think there is too much else that happened this week it was just amazing with conference and I came out of it very enlighted.

Well love you mom have a great week!

-Elder Massé