October 22nd - 28th: Phi 4:13

Hey everyone!

Happy Halloween this week. I hope it's fun for everyone.

Everything is good here. Opening an area and building a teaching pool is hard, but necessary and worth it! 

The diversity here is CRAZY. I love it though. We've met and/or taught people from Bangladesh, South Africa, Peru, Ghana, Mexico, Nepal, Italy, England, Dominican Republic, and MORE. I think Heavenly Father knew how much I love different cultures, and people and languages, so rather than sending me out of the country, He sent out of the country to ME. :D

Ohio is incredibly beautiful this time of year. So many trees and so many colors! Ahh.. I love it! The weather is a bit crazy though. We've had it all this week. From wind to rain to snow to sun to hail. BUT it's good. People are nicer and feel bad for you if you're all wet and cold. haha. 

Neatest Experience: We street contacted a man named Gdiowye (Joway) from Africa, late 20s, who only talked to us, because he was surprised we would say hi to him and he wanted to know about our name tags. He was interested in the church and we were able to go back to his house and teach him. And Holy cow, was he prepared to hear the gospel. His expression after us teaching the Restoration and hearing that Joseph Smith saw God an Jesus Christ was priceless. He said he'd read the Book of Mormon and pray to know the truth. We are giving him a chapel tour this week. He is the nicest guy, who already has an incredible relationship with God. He has strengthened my faith. When we said Book of Mormon, he said "I've Always wanted to go to Utah so i can learn more about Mormons and and their lifestyle! I've always wanted a Book of Mormon!" It was awesome. 

I got sick this week with a cold. My voice sounds like a smoker man, and I've had some crazy coughing fits, but I can't even complain! My sickness has made me way more humble.  It's made me turn every day over to God. I don't even mind being sick at all. Really, it's a strength. AND I've had another week with basically NO asthma problems. Such a blessing and miracle.

Everything is good. It's so hard, but so worth it. One of my favorite quotes is "A ship in the Harbor is safe, but that's not what ships were made for." I wasn't made to sit at home and only think about myself. I wasn't made to have no struggles. I wasn't given the blessings of the gospel to keep them to myself. I was made to be challenged and stretched and strengthened and fulfill my purpose by strengthening others along the way. I hope we can all stretch a little farther and be a little braver this week. Love you all!

Sister Carter

 Columbus in the Fall

 Sister Carter and her companion Sister Hunger

October 14th - 21st: OHIO!!

Wow.. So much to say, so little time.

A lot of you have emailed me back, and I so wish I could respond, but don't have the time. Write me! I have more time to send letters than email.
19 Clariedan Dr.
Powell, OH
49065 

or for the next 5 weeks, it will get to me faster at this address:

614 Worthington Forrest Place

Columbus, OH
43229

Well.. Last week was eventful. My last day in the MTC, I ended up in the ER because of asthma. It wasn't too serious, they just wanted me to go there so I could hopefully resolve problems in the MTC. I've been doing GREAT since then. Miracles do happen. Then.. I went back and sang my solo in departing devo, even though the nurse suggested that I didn't. Oops. It went well though, big day. 

So I flew to Ohio. and.. was the only person who lost ALL of their luggage. A few other people lost a bag or two, but all 3 of mine were left in the other airport. haha. Even my carry-on had to be checked because they didn't have room and that was left too. Luckily, I got it all later that night. :)

So.. I was assigned to my first area and companion. We were "doubled in" or in other words "white washed." We opened a new area. AND we're both new. She had only been out 2 transfers and now she's training me and we're both opening a new area? The Lord must have something in mind, because.. that just sounds a little crazy to me. BUT it's awesome! She's a great trainer. My companions name is Sister Allison Hunger from Kaysville Utah. She's really great!

A little about the area: 

I'm in Worthington, just outside of Columbus. It's a pretty small area compared to most. We split a ward with the A.P. Elders (Assistants to President). The weather is kinda crazy here. The day I got here was so perfect. It was about 75 degrees, sunny, very slight breeze. I thought I'd stepped into heaven. Two days later, I was wearing tights, leggings, boots, 2 shirts, sweater, coat, and was still cold. And it was pouring rain! haha. It was very interesting. It's rained and been cold every day since i got here. I think my first day here put a whole new meaning to the phrase "Warm Welcome." haha. Maybe Heavenly Father thought if it wasn't, i wouldn't have gotten off the plane! haha. But I would have. Just kinda funny.

More about the area: 

There are some incredible houses here. It's so cool! Other than that, different things i've noticed: There are squirrels EVERYWHERE! and Black squirrels, didn't know they existed. And lots of raccoons too. We have a pet raccoon that lives in our huge garbage bin outside our apartment. haha. 

About the people in the area:

There's a lot of diversity. We've met a hindu lady, a lot of African American people, a lot of hispanic people (some we couldn't teach because no habla Ingles), some from Iran, etc. I LOVE it! The African Americans we've met are SO kind. As far as the rest of the people a few things I've noticed: There IS an Ohio accent. It's fairly subtle, but it's there. It's like a combination of southern with like a Chicago Illinois accent. Pretty funny, and I already have caught myself talking that way.. ha. Interesting. I think generally too, people are less healthy here. It's harder to find healthy food at even the big grocery stores, there's a lot more smoking, and a lot less teeth brushing. haha. We've  noticed that people seem to go to bed earlier here. It's EXTRA hard to get into houses at any time of day, but especially at 7 or 8 at night. People do NOT like to open their doors. It's kinda funny, we'll know they're home, and can hear them, or see their TV on, but they won't open the door. But.. It is a kinda sketchy area, so I can kinda understand why. There's one place in our area where the Elders said we shouldn't go because it's a little unsafe. Turns out we'd already been there a lot and that's where we had found the most interest in the gospel. haha. But don't worry, we'll be cautious. :)

Also remember that impression we both got that I'd need to help somone with an addiction?? Well.. I found her. She's a convert of about 2 months? She's early 20s. smoked since she was 12. And quit for 3 months, but just started again. She wants to quit, but it's hard. She has an incredible testimony though. She agreed to let me help her overcome it and bring her the ARP book i packed. Pretty neat, right? Any suggestions for her would be great!

There's so much more I want to tell about, but only have a few minutes. We've had some incredible experiences where the Spirit guided us. One time, we didn't have the room number, but knew which apartment, and we were guided by the Spirit and the very first door we knocked on was the right one. We're working really hard right now to find those whom the Lord has prepared. But, the Church really is true. The Holy Ghost guides, if you ask. And Christ's atonement comforts and saves. Hope you're all doing well.

Love you all, 

SIster Carter

This is Allison Hunger - Challis' new companion from Kaysville, Utah

Ohio Bound - October 12, 2012

 Challis and her cousin Baylee together at the MTC.

 Challis and her companion Kimber Wagstaff both going to Columbus, Ohio together.

 "The District."

 Sister Carter and Sister Wagstaff getting to be hosts for the day. So proud.

 Companions studying together.

 The district's pet snail "Gary."

The district goofing off.

Hello everyone! 

I leave for the travel office at 2:30 am on Monday morning and will be flying to Ohio that day. I'm so excited! 

I have a joke for all of you.

 Who is the best woman banker in the Bible?

Answer: Pharoh's daughter, because she went down to the bank of the Nile and pulled out a little prophet!

hahah. I hope you all enjoyed that.

This week has been full of so many amazing things! How did everyone like conference? It was incredible, right? We also got the privilege to hear a fireside put on my vocal point on Sunday night. It was so inspiring. 

So.. a wise friend (Taylor) once told me to write down everything I learn at the MTC. And.. let's just say that is impossible. But I have been trying to write down everything the Spirit has testified to me and  things that will help me be a better missionary. My journal is half way used up already... Woah. But it's all such good info. I will cherish this journal forever. You know when it's the Spirit talking and not you when you learn from your own words. 

So even though we're missionaries and study and learn basically ALL day, there is time every once in a while to be ourselves and have fun! Sometimes people forget that behind the diligent, dedicated missionary is a 19 yr old girl or boy.  We have scheduled gym time and personal time where I get to play volleyball and do other things. It's a BLAST. Our district has a class pet named Gary. It's a snail we found outside that lives in a water bottle cap. It IS possible to have fun and be yourself as a missionary as long as you do it within the bounds the mission and Lord has set. :)

I also got the incredible experience this week of being a host missionary for the newcomers on Wednesday. It's rare that stateside missionaries speaking English get this opportunity, because we're only here 12 days. But somehow we got lucky. I met some neat sisters and got to help them have a better first day. I loved it! 

I've never been so tired in my whole life. But I don't think it's the schedule. If you read in JSH, Joseph Smith is exhausted after his encounter with the angel. He loses his strength entirely. I think it's just the effect of feeling the Spirit so often. It's amazing. 

Another awesome thing, I auditioned for a solo special musical number!. Apparently, you were supposed to have an entire piece completely performance ready and memorized when you auditioned. I thought you sung and then found a song and accompanist if you passed. Luckily, there was an Elder who was there that was a great accompanist, so we slipped into another room and figured out a song and I still auditioned. The group of Elders before me kinda... nicely were torn apart when the  music lady critiqued them. For example, they couldn't sing unless they got haircuts and she worked on their tone and other things. haha. It's really strict. I was nervous. It felt like State Solo all over again. But I sung "Come Thou Fount." You're not allowed to use music, and I didn't have it memorized, but I had a sincere desire to share the powerful words in that song. So.... my companion sat in the back of the room and mouthed the words to  me... Not one of my proudest moments, but it worked! She loved my voice and I am assigned to sing in the departing devotional on Sunday night for ALL the Elders and Sisters leaving on that day. Do you know how many people that is?!?! me neither.. .but a lot! Probably 500ish? I can do it! :) Pray for me to remember the words, please. I am SO grateful for the chance to share the inspired words written in that song though and to sing again!

I hope you're all doing well! I'd better have some letters waiting for me in Ohio! ;)

Sister Challis Carter
19 Clariedan Dr.
Powell, OH
43065

Love you all! Hope you're doing well. :) 

Sister Carter

P.S. Here are a few pics. The first is my district. Second, my cousin Baylee, who entered the MTC the same day as me, going to Florida, the 3rd is my companion and I. 

First P-Day 10/5/13

Mom,

Hope you enjoyed my last email. I'll have another Pday Saturday. I'd better have some letters to reply to. ;) Oh also.. We got our flight itinerary. We leave for the travel office NEXT Monday (like...9 DAYS FROM NOW) at 2:30 AM!!!! what??? So.. I think I'll get to call home then, but if I do, It will probably be 4 or 5 in the morning. Do you guys even want to talk to me that early? haha. it's up to you. haha. Love you mom. Thanks for everything. 

Dear Everyone,

I think the last 3 days have been the longest, but BEST days of my life! Let me share with you the things I've learned.

Lessons for Sister Carter:

Day One:
1. The happiest place on Earth is NOT Disneyland, it's the MTC. But, I'm guessing I'll think that about Ohio too.
2. If someone told me "WELCOME TO THE MTC!" One more time, they might not live through it. ;)
3. The Spirit of the Lord really is present here.
4. It was a big blessing to enter the MTC the same day as my cousin. We ate lunch together right before, and it's been great seeing her here too!
5. Even though "It's a small world after all,"  the MTC is still better than Disneyland. I have the best companion ever. Sister Wagstaff from Nyssa Oregon. She's been in my Bowen Grandparent's church ward her whole life, which  means we've probably met a few times before. I've seen SO many people I've known. Lot of friends from college and Idaho Falls. Who knew? I wondered where all my friends went.. ;)  My companion and I get along really well. We've been able to have unity and the spirit in our teaching already, yet we've been sufficiently humbled in one of our lessons too. We have a lot in common and I have no doubt it was the hand of the Lord that put us together.

Day Two:
1. 4+ hours of personal study  in one day is quite a lot. I think I've been reduced to the attention span of a 4 year old over the summer.
2. "I can do all things through Christ, which stregtheneth me." Phil 4:13. Even overcome my 4 year old attention span. :D And sometimes it seems like the study time isn't nearly long enough.
3. Don't be in a comfortable position when you pray before your personal study.. You may end up only studying the back of your eyelids for a while and "praying" for much longer than you intended. haha. AKA... sleeping. Lesson learned. Maybe that's why kneeling is advised.. haha.
4. "Teach people, not lessons." It's a remarkable thing when you can catch a glimpse of God's love for one of His children as you are teaching them. Even if they're not a "REAL" investigator. It makes all the difference to teach people with the prayer that you can view them as Children of God, and not just investigators. Aren't we all investigators?

Day Three:

1. Down time.. is NO fun when you really want to learn. and dangerous for Elders. I have a picture of the Elders in my district "rowing" up and down the hall in their wheely chairs. Oh boy.. There was a mix up and we were supposed to have teachers and didn't.
2. It's hard to not be competitive when playing volleyball with your district. BUT, it was really fun, and I am overcoming my intensely over-the-top competitive nature. But a little recreation is a good break, so you can start again and give your studies your full attention. 

3. You can get SO much done when you wake up at 6 a.m. Why have I not been doing that? haha.

Day Four:
1. You can't upload pictures if you don't bring your camera cord with you. Sorry... I'll send pictures next week!

It really has been great! I feel so at home and I know I've felt the peace and "at home" feeling I've been lacking for a long time. It's because this is where I'm supposed to be. God has answered my prayers and confirmed to me that 'this is the place.' I have felt the Spirit way more than any other time in my life. I don't think I knew I was capable of having such a direct communication line between me and God. It's incredible. I can't even describe how blessed I feel too. I love it here. I've been blessed with a really easy transition to the mission life. You all are awesome! Thanks for listening. The Church is True! 

Sister Carter

First email home - October 3rd, 2013

I don't have a lot of time to do this. I am allowed to email you only because of the complications for my immunizations. As soon as possible, can you please send a record of my immunizations? They want you to fax it to 801-422-0860. So whether that means you make copies of my immunization booklet in my room or probably what will need to happen is you get the actual records from District 7 health. or both? I'm  not sure. I just need them asap. I had to get the flu shot today, so I'll be sending you a bill that you can send to DMBA. 

My P-day is Saturday, so I should be able to write and email, but we're not sure because of conference. I have a short letter on the way. Just know that I'm doing AMAZING. REALLY. I am so happy and everything is going fantastic. I finally feel that peace and sense of belonging I've been waiting for. I don't care what people say about how hard the first few days are or how it's like a prison. I LOVE it here. I get to learn ALL DAY!!! It's the best thing EVER! The Spirit is ALL around me.  I'm so excited to be a missionary. Love you mom! Send my love to the fam. Watch for a letter. I put it in the mail today. 

Sister Carter

Entering the MTC on October 2nd, 2013

 Challis got to go into the MTC on the same day as her cousin Baylee.

 At the dreaded curbside of the MTC.

 Dad and daughter.

And away she goes for 18 months.

One year ago when President Monson announced that young women could serve missions now at age 19, Challis said, "Well, I better think about that." By the end of conference weekend October 2012, she knew she was going. She got her call on May 9th to Columbus, Ohio. From that time until now, she has been tested to the max! She had doubts. She had health problems. But she also had many experiences preparing her for her mission. She weighed it all out and decided to go forth in faith.