Family History

 These are all picures of a training leaders conference at the mission home.

 Love the fall colors and all these kids!

How do I always have no time?

This week:

1. I LOVE FAMILY HISTORY! We had zone conference tuesday where we found out we're allowed 3 hours/week to do family history, so we can use it as a proselyting tool. You have no idea how thankful I am! I've  been wanting to do that since the MTC! So then on Saturday (divine timing), our stake had a family History activity, and I did my first indexing, EVER! Got on Family Tree for the first time. And let me tell you. IT"S SO FUN. Really, it's like a game. You get points and there are rules, but here's the best part, YOU'RE HELPING PEOPLE IN THE SPIRIT WORLD! Much more productive than any game. So this week we'll be going to Martha's so she can help us do more. I'm SO excited! Super excited. I love it. 

2. Singing: I got to sing at zone conference "my kindness shall not depart from thee" and I got to sing to a lady in a nursing home, and at another hospital to a sister missionary who is in there sick and  her roommate and her son. and this week, I got asked to sing at the Christmas devotional! Super excited. I love singing. So privileged that people ask me to do what I love. 

3. Sandi. So she prayed about when to be baptized and decided on a date all on her own. She's so prepared! But.. she decided on... Easter. :/ But I think she'll move it up. How can you wait to be baptized?!? 

4. We tracted into a sweet lady named Lisa with the most adorable little son named Kingston. We're going back wednesday. Pray that it will be good! 

5. THANKSGIVING IS THIS WEEK! Can I just tell you? I LOVE that we have a holiday about Gratitude. I'm thankful for thankfulness. It's just the best. Here's a quote: To live with Gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." I can testify of that. It's been an incredible tool for me recently. and do you know what i'm most thankful for? The gospel of Jesus Christ, and my family. Without a doubt. Those two. And then also.. for my mission. So I can help others have what I have.

love you all! :) happy thanksgiving!

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

November 17th:  

HELLO! :) umm.. is it completely white and cold in Idaho too?

Why was it a good week? Top 8 reasons.
1. Stake Conference! It was so good. The adult session was all on missionary work. and it re-reminded me why I have the BEST job in the world. Be jealous.
2. Sandi (Martha's Sister-in-law) called us 2 days ago and said she'd been reading the Book of Mormon that morning and decided that she wants us to keep teaching her. She said she won't be as quick as Martha (who is? she was found, taught, and baptized in 6 weeks!) but that she has been thirsting in the desert for a long time and she thinks she has found what she's been searching for. MIRACLES! :)
3. I've been reading the New Testament. I'm almost done with Mark, and I LOVE IT. The feeling when you really read Christ's words is indescribable. That same feeling is what told me the Book of Mormon was true, and how I found for myself that this is God's true church. It's not an overwhelming feeling for me.  Just a peaceful bliss. That's the Spirit.
4. We found 2 awesome couples who want to know more about the church Brad&Valerie were just missionary contacts. Patti& Matt are the parents of a girl who just joined at OSU. They want to know what their daughter is getting into and why the church has such incredible morals. We're teaching them tonight.
5. I get to sing. ALL the time. I am so blessed. We sing in lessons a few times/week. Just a capella, or with the guitar! :)  But I have been singing at a lot of missionary things too. Trainings, Baptisms, etc. I feel so blessed. Tomorrow, I will be singing "My kindness Shall not depart from Thee" at zone conference. I'm so thankful for opportunities to share.
6. An incredible exchange. I went with a sister who is now one of my heroes. I wrote about her a month ago. She was really struggling and new. She defined herself my her speech impediment, her reading challenges, and other weaknesses. I prayerfully asked how I could help her and I was blessed with the chance to see a small portion of how Christ sees her. That was a month ago. NOW, she's doing amazing. I got to teach with her, and she was POWERFUL!. Confident, radiant, helpful, happy. A new person, really. In a lesson, she bore the sweetest, purest testimony of Christ and how we can be perfected in Him. I will always remember her example. I feel so blessed to have these exchanges and attempt to help these sisters, but really in the process I am helped MORE. So grateful. 

7. And we got to rake leaves! It's almost as therapeutic as pulling weeds! I love it! 

8. We went to THE TEMPLE with Martha and Sandi. Only the waiting room, because Sandi isn't a member yet.

Funny Stories:

Well.. We had a zone activity last Pday. We played ultimate Frisbee (my favorite) and soccer out on the playing fields at OSU in the beautiful 65 degree weather. I even got some sun. Contrast that with the completely white 20-30 degree weather we're having today. ha. Love it! but while we were playing, I went to go catch a Frisbee, it was a long shot, I ran, dove, rolled, caught the frisbee, landed on my feet and immediately tossed the frisbee to my next teammate. It was pretty impressive. but a couple minutes later, I felt a slight breeze and looked down and realized... i'd ripped my pants! Ahh! Elders! Hide your eyes! You can't see my.. Knee! Yeah, It was just a whole in the knee. But funny nonetheless.

Also.. I want you to know, I now either hold or am 1st runner up to the girl's title for the Sloopy's Challenge! Sloopy's is  a restaurant on campus. And the "Sloopy's Challenge" is to eat 3 Sloopy's pancakes, timed. They're covered in peanut butter and chocolate, and are HUGE. Like probably each a foot in diameter. I downed them in 9 minutes 53 seconds. Really.. It's nothing to be proud of. ha. But.. I am a little competitive. and my own first born child, Sister Larsen holds the record. haha. 

 

AND two of my very best friends came back to Idaho this last week. On the same day. Nov. 12th. Welcome HOME to Taylor and Tara! :)

Well.. I think that's about it. and it better be. I'm outa time!  But I love you all. As said in Stake Conference yesterday, "The Book is Blue, and the Church is true!" Peace out!

Sista C.

November 10th:  Heyyyyyy!

Wow.. What a week! Such a good week. Let me tell you why:

Events: Caitlyn got baptized! Whoo hooo! Derek is thinking about moving his date up to next weekend! Only ONE exchange this week, but we had Missionary Leadership Council all day on Tuesday, but it was really good!

Funny Quotes of the week: 

Me To my companion S. Vance at random while we were driving. "Sister Vance, I've been thinking came to the realization that you.... You are like a petry dish!" She was shocked and confused, but I went on to explain that I'm so grateful that she is like a petry dish, because she allows the perfect conditions for me to grow and learn. hahha. I'm grateful for my awesome companion who is accepting and loving and compassionate! and.. awesome.

This adorable little African Boy, Sia's (who I taught and got baptized from last time I was in Worthington) 5 yr old son,
Little Mo: "Why... ARE YOU WHITE?!"

me: because my parents are white?

Little Mo: And whyyy and IIIIiii BLACK?! 

me: because... your parents are black? 

Little mo: oh.

Stories from this week:
So my companion and I LOVE Christmas. We've been listening to Christmas music since September, and last Monday, I felt the urge to not only rearrange our apartment, but to decorate for Christmas. Luckily there were lots left over from when I was in this apartment last Christmas. We put up 2 sets of lights, Stockings, reindeer antlers, a snowman, and Christmas candles.

 I BURNED 4 things this week. 1. a plate I left on the stove. 2. Cookies I forgot about in the oven. 3. My tongue on tea. and 4. A cloth rice bag that I left in the microwave 2 minutes.  TWO minutes! that not only burnt to a crisp, but left our apartment with the pleasant aroma of burnt Christmas Trees (thanks to our new candle) and result of the crispy rice bag.

As a Sister Training Leader, I was able to be led by the spirit to help a sister that was struggling. The spirit led me to exactly what the REAL problem was and how I could guide her to overcome it, and then also apply it to my own life. 

Life Lessons Learned this week:

First lesson learned, on PRAYER. And how God really answers them. 

Funny Story: In Sunday School, there was this tiny, but REALLY annoying little gnat. flying around my face. I was trying tohave a Spiritual experience and church, and here's this tiny fly bothering me. I automatically prayed in my head to ask God to make it...no more. I felt silly for even thinking to pray for that. So I moved on, trying to be more patient when not even a minute later, I went to close my journal, and the tiny little fly flew inside as I was closing it.. and was.. no more.  hahahaha. Wow.. 3 lessons to be learned from this 1. God HEARS and answers prayers. 2. He cares about the little things. Like annoying flies. 3. He has a good sense of humor. That tiny gnat is squished in my journal somewhere, probably for me to find at a time where I need to pray. haha. LOve it! 

Also, I've been working on trying to align my will with God and planning according to where HE would have us be and WHAT HE would have us be doing. Many times, we've stopped in the middle of the street, in the middle of planning, in the middle of the sidewalk, to ask God to help us know what HE wants us to be doing.

Also, the lesson of how through Christ we can BECOME. Peter, Joseph Smith, and others went from being a simple, normal person, but when accepting Christ's invitations to ACT became much more than they could have on their own. If Christ can feed 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, then why wouldn't He help ME spiritually feed thousands when I accept His invitations and ACT. And same with you.

I love you all! :) 

pics: Cailtyn is the blonde one, and the girl next to her is her friend, Lyric.  and just a portion of the beauty of our Christmas apartment!

Isn't She The Sweetest Thing?

 This is Elder Blanchard! He grew up in St. Anthony with me and He's Taylor's cousin.

 Me, Sister Vance at the temple.

  Me and Martha. Isn't she the sweetest?! 

  Me and TARA! This was my last time with her before she moved to Idaho. And she sang with me at Martha's baptism! Awesome!

Me, Sister Vance, Martha, Bro. Kron. 

Dear Everyone,

What a wonderful week! Martha Got baptized! It was the sweetest thing I think I've ever seen. I wish I could better convey how sweet and beautiful and simple and peaceful it really was. Watching this little 82 year old woman make a sincere covenant with God, was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had! She bore the purest and simplest testimony afterwards. Ahh.. I just feel the Spirit, just thinking about it!

I'm just so grateful today! Heavenly Father let me stay another transfer in Worthington, to get to see Martha baptized and next week Caitlyn and in a few weeks Derek. I FEEL SO BLESSED! Really.. I didn't do anything, these people were handed to us to teach, and we did our best, but really it's their journey with God. Miraculous. All of them! I'm so grateful to even be a witness of it. It's such a testament of God's love and power.

I'll just testify, GOD IS MINDFUL of YOU.  He has an individualized plan for each of us, and allows hard things and agency so we can grow and learn, and ultimately, because He wants us to live joyfully with Him forever. I KNOW this is true.

Picture #1. Me, Sister Vance, Martha, Bro. Kron. 

Picture #2. Me and Martha. Isn't she the sweetest?! 

Picture #3. Me and TARA! This was my last time with her before she moved to Idaho. And she sang with me at Martha's baptism! Awesome!

Love you all! Have a great week!

October 27, 2014 - Transfers Already?

Sorry Friends, I don't have much time today! But.. We had a great week! We find out Wednesday if we're staying. I think we both are, but you never know. They're having another STL in our zone, so we'll have 3 less sets of sisters to take care of. It's bitter-sweet. I LOVE all our sisters, and They're taking out OSU, so I won't get to be on campus anymore.. :( But I'll be less stressed for sure! haha.

MARTHA is doing great! baptism in T minus 5 days. Oh, she's my hero. 82, and just taking life my the horns! 

Caitlyn is on track for The 8th. :) So cute. 

Derek hasn't picked a date still, but it will be soon! 

Have I told you about Eric? He doesn't know if he believes in God, but.. He keeps all his commitments and wants to learn more. what?!

SHOUT OUT TO TARA!! It's her REbirthday today. A year ago, TODAY, Tara got baptized. SO cool that I was here in Worthington during her baptism, and now.. I'm here again, and it's her one year mark, and she's moving to Idaho SOON! what..!?!? Crazy. Look out Idaho, here comes the bestie!

ALSO! the temple was AWESOME! I gained some revelation. I NEED to study my scriptures  more. That was the main take home message. So I am. ha.

Sorry this one is so bland. Love you all.

Whoa Betsy! 3 Weeks of Emails

10/20/14

Hello All!

This week was fun! We had 2 exchanges, and another today! Busy, busy, BUSY!

Saturday was David's baptism, and i got to sing the song I wrote. Then we had the ward halloween party/chili cook off/trunk or treat! Super fun. Martha came to both, and is still excited to get baptized in 2 weeks!

Derek came to church again and he and his wife are praying about what day he should get baptized on. :) It's always a good sign when they keep their commitments, but also go ABOVE and BEYOND. Derek and Melony are so humble. Love them!

We got BACK into contact with a bunch of people that kinda had fallen off. Kathy, Patricia, Louisa, Gentle, and Beth. But they're all doing great, and ready to learn more again! Exciting!

Did I mention we have an awesome week ahead? 2 exchanges, Interviews with President, District meeting, TEMPLE, and who knows what else? haha. 

I'm trying to figure out how to not get too stressed. So many exchanges where I'm supposed to help them and their area and set a good example, but then come back and maintain my own area and own companionship is definitely a CHALLENGE! but Challenge Accepted! and.. I still know "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." And I've DEFINITELY SEEN THAT. Man, what would I do without His strength?  But any advice for a stressful soul? :)

I love you all! Remember, The church is true. The Hope of God's light is real, and Christ is the Prince of Peace. 

Sista C.

10/13/14

Dear family and friends,

Well.. Where to begin? It's been an incredible week. So many emotions. I've never been so exhausted.. but felt so fulfilled. Things are going great!

Some highlights:
 Martha: (the adorable 82 yr old) came to church! she's on date to be baptized Nov. 1st. She's my hero. I wish you could all meet her. 

Caitlyn: (the adorable 9 yr old) is on date for Nov. 8th. 

David: who was being taught last time I was here is getting baptized this saturday, and I GET TO SING AT IT! :) I'm so lucky.
Also, I wrote a song, and my companion asked me to sing it with the guitar at Zone Training Meeting. It went really well.
Kathy.. is not on date anymore.. She's still smoking. BUT we're hopeful. We're stepping back. She needs to make more effort and KNOW this is what she wants. Pray for her? 

Derek: showed up at church yesterday by himself. We'd never met him. He said looked up online when and where our meeting was and just showed up and he wants to get baptized.. umm... MIRACLE! How often does that happen? We're teaching him and his wife tomorrow. :)

ME: I'm doing awesome. I had some unique challenges this week, but each challenge precedes a miracle and each one brings me closer to my Savior. Missions are NOT easy. They're really very difficult, in fact. Life isn't easy either. It always ebs and flows. But it's important for us to remember, that no matter HOW bad things are, they WILL get better. It's the promise given as we embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The promise of Progression. The privilege of Improvement. and the safety given from the Prince of Peace. Free to all. Embrace it.

Love you all! 

Sister Carter

MIRACLES, miracles. We're seeing them all over the place.

10/6/14

Incredible week. So exhausted. Let me tell you why. Because in just a short 2 weeks, I was in 6 different areas, with 6 different companions, packed and unpacked 4 different times, and met hundreds of new people. I think the craziness has settled a little. ha. It's been fun.

We had a specialized training where our whole mission got to watch "Meet the Mormons!" If you haven't heard of it, go watch the trailers. It's awesome. I cried.

Wasn't conference amazing? I loved all of it. One of the highlights standing out to me was Elder Ballard talking about Christ as the Prince of Peace. We invite others to come unto him as our whole purpose. We are just inviting them to have more peace. As we accept Christ, we accept peace.

We had a couple amazing miracles this week. Beginning with.. I dropped our phone in a puddle.. No. That's not the miracle. But it stopped working. completely. We did all we could do, put it in rice, cleaned it out with cotton swabs, and LOTS of praying. THEN it miraculously turned on. THE VERY SECOND it turned on, a member called us and invited us and our investigators to watch conference with them. " Just before conference. We hadn't made arrangements, because our phone wasnt working. "It is by grace we are saved after all we can do. MIRACLE. But.. don't stop reading now, it gets better. THEN we went out to work before conference started, and decided to visit someone other sister briefly met, but I never had. When we got near his apt, he called out the window, "I'll be right down!" He had been WAITING for us to come. When we asked him about it, he said "I just knew you'd come this morning, so I've been waiting." I asked him how he met missionaries. He said, "I saw you walking one day, and I KNEW there was something different about you." So he walked up to those sisters and asked them! He is straight from Ghana, Africa and while there met missionaries. His excitement was incredible. We taught him a little and had a soft baptism extension. He said yes, and said he'd read the Book of Mormon. MIRACLE.

It's been a great week.  Whatever it is you're struggling with right now, remember that God is a God of miracles, and he extends His Grace and mercy after all we can do.

Love you all!

Sister Carter

Celebrating 1 Year!

Wow.. What a week! Last monday seems like a month ago. But you know why it seems so long? Because we got SO much done! I was able to spend two days of this week in other areas, with other sisters, doing exchanges. I went to Delaware (the town) and OSU! It was a blast!

We also had a Leadership training by some "high up" missionary MTC trainers. It was GREAT! I gained so much insight and revelation on how to be a better missionary. One of the main points is simplicity. I'm going to be simplifying my teaching and.. life. I've been tricked by the adversary for too long in making things TOO complex. It's time to simplify. :)

We experienced a miracle in finding a woman named Martha. She's 82, and incredible. I want to be like her when I grow up. We taught the Plan of Salvation, SO POWERFUL. and the Spirit was incredible. She said "So you believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost? So this really good feeling I'm feeling right now, is that the Holy Ghost?" YES!!! Best. question. ever! She's great! Pray for her. :)

Also.. SHOUT OUT to my bestie TARRRAAAA! I get to see her all the time now, because.. she's in my ward again! Also, you should know, she's one of the most giving people I've ever met. Her life is work, and helping the missionaries! She's such a blessing. God loves us. 

I'll send more pictures soon, I need to get a SD card reader.. oops. This one isn't the best, but it's me and my 2nd daughter, who I had to leave. So sad! DId i mention I cut my hair.. AGAIN?

Love you all! Remember who you are! 

Sister Carter

P.S. I apologize for my emails generally being quite short and not very spiritual. To use an expression from my dad, they have the depth of a puddle in a parking lot. I wish I had time to convey the love I have for this work, and each evidence and miracle I witness daily. I'll do my best to make it more of a priority. 

GUESS WHAT?!

So... this has probably been one of the craziest weeks of my mission. Crazy GOOD. Crazy awesome. So.. transfer meeting. Nervous excited to see where I would go. There are 120 areas. And where did I get called?!? WORTHINGTON. So here's a brief summary of my mission thus far.

Oct-Dec 2013 WORTHINGTON 

Jan-Sept NEWARK

Sept-??? WORTHINGTON

Yup. Is that crazy or what? I'll hit my year mark where I started my mission. and I've still only had 2 areas. I could potentially spend Halloween, thanksgiving, and Christmas in the same area. twice. Mind. blown.

I couldn't be happier though. I love it here. It's so nice to get a second chance.  Also, the Sturtevants family of 7 we found when I was here.... still. aren't. baptized.. Maybe that's why i need to be here. To finish the job. haha. Pray for them, please?

Next crazy thing. My COMPANION. It's Sister Cassi Vance! From Idaho Falls! and did you know I had a twin? We have lots of similarities. Same towel, alarm clock, blanket,  favorite color, entered the MTC and ohio date, sing all the time, love for Christmas music, same first aid kit, and more. haha. It's so fun. AND she is so inspiring. Very good and pure and Christ-like. Ah. I just love her!  

and guess what else? God loves ME! and you. perfectly.

Love you all!

Sista C.

New Address

Sister Challis Carter
641 Worthington Forest Place 
Columbus OH 43229