Geddes Mission: What are the Odds?

Unlike young missionaries, when seniors apply for mission service, they are asked to fill out a long questionnaire about their experiences and abilities. Seniors are also asked if they have any particular preferences in mission calls with the caveat that they should be prepared to accept any call that might be extended. Since we indicated that we would prefer a French-speaking assignment, it is probably not a surprise that that is what we received. However, with the many places in the world that have need for French-speaking missionaries (Canada, Europe, French Polynesia, and especially Africa where the demand is so high), the odds of receiving a call to Lyon, one of only two French-speaking missions in Europe, were on the small side. Added to that is the fact that of all the missionaries called to the Lyon mission, we are the only ones who have responsibilities, and therefore the ability to travel, in the Paris mission area as well.

As it has turned out, our mission call came at the precise time of the open house and dedication of the first and only temple in France. In fact, the mid-point of our 18 months here is only a few days from the dedication of the Paris temple. The odds of those two stars aligning are beginning to mount. Added to that, our self-reliance mission assignment has allowed us the flexibility to come and spend the middle three weeks of our mission as guides for the temple open house.

About four years ago when we first heard the announcement about the building of a temple in France, we talked about how great it would be to someday in the future to visit that temple. And now, for the past week and for the two weeks to come, we are here in France serving as guides for the Paris temple open house. What a blessing we have been given, in spite of the odds.