Church in Toulon France

     We had researched where to attend church and printed out the directions, planning to take a taxi.  We learned at the tourist information center that we could take city bus #1 or we could catch a taxi at Liberty plaza.  As we headed to Liberty plaza several blocks away, feeling a taxi was more reliable, we saw a bus #1.  With some reservation, fearing we might be late for church, we got on the bus.  I studied the map and anxiously watched the time as we made each stop.  We got off at the Pivotte stop wondering which way to go.  Looking ahead we found our street, Av Admiral Krantz, walked three blocks, found the next street Av des Ils d’Or, turned left and saw the church building 15 minutes before Sacrament meeting. 

     We were greeted by a brother who asked how I knew French.  I indicated that I had served a mission in Tahiti, French Polynesia.  He became very excited, greeted me with “Ia ora na” and said they had a missionary serving there from French Polynesia, and a couple who had served there for ten years.  Well, it was marvelous to talk with them.  After the wonderful sacrament meeting on the family, family home evening, family history, and temple work, I talked with these amazing people. 

The French couple were in Tahiti from 1967-1977.  She taught at the Church elementary school (where I had taught 30 minute religion classes to the kindergarten children) and he helped with the building program.  They have 4 children; all born in Tahiti; with Tahitian middle names.

The elder is from Huahine where I served for one year.  There are wards in Fare and Haapu where there were branches.

     An Elder who speaks English, French and German translated for Dave and Ilene

     As we returned to take the bus, we saw a little shop and bought lunch and a chocolate éclair.  The shop closed just as we finished eating in the deserted park across the street.  Glad we bought when we did.  Stores were closed everywhere.  It was a blessing to see that on Sunday and a blessing that we got food when we did. 

     Because the buses ran less frequently and all stores were closed, we took a city bus to the end of its route, took pictures of the bay and returned on the city bus to the wharf.  We had hoped to take the cable car, but realized that the Sunday bus schedule didn’t allow that.  Good we learned that before we boarded the cable car.

     We had beautiful weather and it was a Sunday to remember.