12/26/13 Christmas Letter

This was a handwritten letter from Sister Carter:

My dear Family,

     I need to make this quick, I'm already out of time, but I wanted to write a Christmas letter.

     First, I want you to know how much I love and miss each of you. I never would have imagined it to be this hard to be away from you on Christmas. I already dread waking up Christmas morning, not being with you, but there's two things that will get me through. 1. I will get to talk to you on the phone soon.  2. There is nowhere else I'd rather be. I'm supposed to be here, representing my Savior, serving God's children. I am SO privileged to get to do this on the day we commemorate Christ's birth.

     Sometimes, when I think of how uncomfortable, difficult, and frustrating, and exhausting missionary work can be, I'm reminded of Jesus Christ. I left my comfortable home and family, just like Christ left his comfortable heavenly home. He established His church, performed miracles, then suffered and died for me, for us. Now I'm lucky enough to represent Him, to wear His name on a black shiny badge and be a witness of the wonderful things he did for us. Yes, it's hard, extremely hard sometimes, but was it easy for Christ? Is our salvation and the good news of the gospel a small thing? No! Perhaps I'm only telling you this to remind myself of why I have to be away from you this Christmas, but I hope you all know the importance of what I'm doing and keep in mind on the day we celebrate Christ's birth, that the greatest gift we can give is of infinite value - to share His restored gospel.

     I love you all so much, and I'd better hear soon about what you all did and what you got! You know what I want for Christmas? Letters! All winter long! Love you, Sister Carter

December 9th - 16th: Brrrrrrr!

Hello everyone!

It's been an extremely cold week here in Ohio. When people told me it's a different kind of cold, I thought "What? Cold is cold, ya weirdo." but.. really. It's a different cold. The humidity makes it feel like 40 degrees colder at times.  This week, I've been wearing about 6 sometimes 7 layers, BEFORE my coats, hat, and gloves. The cold just goes straight through them. It sometimes feels like jumping into a frozen lake when you walk outside. ha! But it doesn't stop us! The Lord will take care of us and bless our efforts! and.. on the plus side, people feel bad for us and let us in their houses and then we can teach them! :D

One exciting thing, I GOT TO SEE a POSSUM for the first time! Up close. They're cute! I didn't even know what they looked like. They're alot bigger than I imagined.

Another interesting note, i've been catching myself this week talking like an Ohioan. It's Sooooo weird. There's really no way to describe it, but you might notice it when I come home. ha!

Our lesson with the Sturtevant family this week went really well. They're the family of 7 we just started teaching. They just happened to mention casually that they don't let their kids date till they are 16 and they don't believe in pre-marrital sex, and they told us about their high standard of modesty they hold their girls too. It was incredible! Basically. they're already Mormon and just don't know it yet! The mom is really excited to read the Book of Mormon. We have another lesson tomorrow, and I'd appreciate greatly if all of you prayed for them.

Diawoye seems to be avoiding us. It's quite sad, but we KNOW that Lord has a plan for him and we're just waiting on His timing. He'll come around. He's way too prepared from something to not happen.

I want to encourage all of you to take some time to recognize the Lord's hand in your lives. He loves to bless us and give us little "treats" daily, and the more we recognize those, the more He gives them.

And what kind of missionary would I be if I didn't say something about Christmas? This season is an incredible opportunity to GIVE. Not typical gifts, but just kindnesses. Give yourself. Smile, Serve, Share the gospel, Spread the joy and the Love. You have no idea how many people's lives you can change.

Love you all! Merry Christmas!

Sister Carter

 The church Sister Carter goes too.

Sister Carter by her apartment waiting for the mail. She is begging for letters.

 What she brought home to eat.

 Her wall of pictures that keep her from getting homesick.

 How beautiful the trees are there.

 A service project painting for an investigator.

 She says she misses everyone so much! She said it is harder than she tough it would be.

Below is Sister Carter and her companion Sister Hunger. They will be together for another 6 weeks. They kinda like each other.

December 2nd - 9th: Miracles

Hello Everyone!

First, I want to tell you all about a miracle that happened to us this week. We were driving home at night and in the right lane. There was someone in the left lane and we were in their blind spot. Suddenly, without a blinker or any warning, they decided to switch into our lane. We didn't have enough warning to brake or honk. We couldn't have swerved out of the way either. I screamed and suddenly everything was like slow motion. I waiting to hear the crashing sound of them hitting us, but somehow it never came. Watching it was like watching their car go through the corner of our car and we were left with no damage at all. My companion who was driving said she felt like there was a force field protecting us. We both sat in shock wondering how our car didn't get hit. And logically, there is no way. It really was a miracle. God protects His missionaries.

In other news, we found 6 new awesome investigators this week! We're so excited! It's so incredible how the Lord places people in our path who are prepared.

This week was unique because we also had the Ohio Columbus Missionary Christmas devotional and an exchange with our sister training leaders. The devotional was FANTASTIC. I wish you could all feel the spirit present when there's nearly 250 missionaries in one room. The exchange was also great. I learned a lot and got to meet some awesome people.

Well this week was great. I hope you all had a fantastic week too! :)

Love, Sister Carter

November 12th - 18th

Wow.. what a busy week! First, maybe I should tell you all I'm safe, despite the Tornadoes last night. I don't know the whole story, but I guess there was one in Illinois that killed a few people and lots of homes, and it was moving fast toward my area. Next thing I knew, the tornado sirens were sounding all around us, and we were told to find a basement! I guess the sirens mean there has been a funnel formed close by, and you need to take cover now. Woah..! But we're fine, and there was no tornado. That was the 2nd time since I've been here that we've had serious tornado warnings. Pretty exciting!

It really was a busy week! We had a sister specialized training on Thursday in the mission home. 70 sisters at that house at once!! woah. It was awesome though. Then my companion and I had an exchange and we went to Powell, where the mission president lives and were there for a day. Quite the learning experience. Then also Stake Conference, which was incredible! The adult session was all about member missionary work, and it was SO powerful!

Our area is coming along nicely. We have some investigators with GREAT potential. Funny story, we knocked on the door of a girl we'd talked to previously, but a man answered this time. We had barely said anything and he said, "Yeah, I know who you are. I'm actually reading the Book of Mormon right now, just out of curiosity." Woah.. Best news we'd heard all day! So he went on to explain that he's Baptist, but has some Mormon friends and such, so he downloaded the Book of Mormon onto his phone, so he could read it. He then asked probably 692 questions about missionaries and doctrine and such. It was awesome.

My new goal is reflected in a quote we heard at Sister's specialized training that was something said about Eliza R. Snow: "She walked not in the borrowed light of others, but faced the morning unafraid and invincible." Wow! What a goal to work toward! Since then, I have felt a renewed sense of strength and confidence knowing that I AM INVICIBLE, but only when I turn everything I have over to God and let Christ carry me. I love being a missionary and representing Christ. Have a good week Everyone!

Sister Carter

 70 Sister missionaries at the mission home for training.

Brother and Sister Bodily from Iona who went to a baptism in Ohio and saw Challis there. They sent an email with this picture and said "she is sooooo happy!" She looks it.

November 4th - 11th: Lost Sheep, Dogs, Solos, and Gratitude

Hello All,

It's been a good week! My personal lesson for the week was to find ALL lost sheep. We've been having a hard time getting our investigators to come to church, but we've had some great success with less actives. We've found 2 less actives that because we visited them, they recommitted to come to church and are working toward the temple again and cleaning up their lives. At first, I thought these were small, unimportant things, because they are not nonmembers needing to be baptized. I then remembered my purpose as a missionary. It is "to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end." Strengthening less actives and being a catalyst for them to  remember the importance of enduring to the end is every bit as important as baptism. They are STILL Christ's lost sheep. He hasn't given up on them, neither should we. I hope all of you will reach out to someone this week. Member, nonmember, active, less-active, we are ALL God's children.

On a different note... I had an interesting experience this week. We were in a recent convert's house, and their dog really likes us. He got so excited that... HE PEED ON MY LEG. It was sooo gross. I screamed and then laughed.  Luckily, I was wearing tights and I could take them off. But seriously, gross.

Also, I am singing a solo at Stake Conference this week. NO big deal, just a few hundred people all staring at me. haha. Pretty excited though, and maybe a little scared. Mostly just SO grateful that I have opportunities to share the talent I have been blessed with AND maybe it also helps to use to get investigators to church. haha. But it's SO nice to sing again.

In our area, we have a couple places that are lower-income. Many are from different countries. We know quite a few people who are being kicked out of their homes because they can't pay rent and so many don't even have cars. I feel so bad for them. I've never felt so grateful for all the blessings I have. My family and I are so blessed. Not only do do we have enough for our temporal needs, we were given the gospel. I've never been so grateful for all my blessings. There's one family who can't pay rent and are getting kicked out. They have health problems, financial problems, family problems, you name it. Yet, they are the kindest most giving people ever. They can barely feed their family, yet they have fed us twice. They can barely afford gas for their car, yet they drive all the way to church every week. They would drop everything to help everyone. This family has been the greatest example to me and I will always remember them. I hope all of us during this upcoming holiday season can reevaluate and be truly grateful for what we have and be willing to give to others.

Love you all!

Sister Carter

 These are pictures I stole from a facebook page called, "The Great Ohio Columbus Mission."

 "Team Building" day. She looks tall!

 Love that skirt!

 Challis arriving in Ohio on "Transfer day."

Is she the cutest thing or what?

October 29th - November 4th

Hey everyone!

So exciting news, My companion and I are 1 of 4 sets of missionaries participating in an experiment. For the next 2 weeks, we are not allowed to tract/proselyte AT ALL. NONE. or.. we get our car taken away. P.s. Have I told you about our car? It's super nice. It's a Chevy Cruze 2014. It had 55 miles on it when we drove it for the first time. Yes, we're spoiled. Anyways... So we are supposed to just work with our members, referrals, and our lists (less actives, potential priesthood, potential investigators, unbaptized children, former investigators, etc). Honestly, it's not too different than what we've been doing. Tracting just isn't as effective. Pretty cool though, in 2 weeks, we'll report to the mission what we've found.

We also had zone conference this week, which was awesome! Loved it. We just had a bunch of workshops about how to be better missionaries.

Yesterday, was the best/worst day. Church was rough because all our investigators backed out of coming last second. We felt empty-handed. BUT one girl we reactivated last week bore her testimony, and it was awesome!

 Then, the BEST part. The Torres family Baptism. (They're from Peru.) So no, technically it wasn't our baptism, it was the Elders. BUT we have gotten really close with that family the last couple weeks with serving them and visiting them and eating with them and answering questions. Juan Jose, Carla, Melissa, and Emilio Torres will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart and their baptism was incredible. The Spirit was so strong, and they were SO happy.  Words cannot express the beauty of that ceremony. I was lucky enough to get to sing in it. I sang "Lord, I would follow thee." It is Carla's favorite and had a significant part in her conversion. She cried the whole time I was singing and I couldn't look at her, so I could keep it together. haha. My mission President came to the baptism and made me promise that to at every opportunity and everywhere I go because "you have a gift." It was very kind and reassuring. I felt blessed to be part of that baptism.

So we had a chapel tour with Joway this week. Oh, he is SO prepared by the Lord. We showed him the Baptismal font. The Spirit was SO strong, and we asked him to be baptized. He wants to, but needs to know for sure if that's the direction he wants to go. He's thinking about it. We're pretty sure he'll make the right choice. I've never seen someone so prepared for the gospel. When we asked him what Baptism meant to him, he gave a PERFECT definition. Better than I could do. The Lord is talking to him, it's awesome!

On a different note, we've met some interesting people. I love all the different cultures we're experiencing. So far, I've tried Peruvian and Nigerian food. so good. We've had a lot of questions about polygammy and the TV show Sister wives... I've never seen it. But if anyone has any good responses to why we had Polygamy, and why blacks couldn't have the Priesthood, they should tell me their standpoints. All I can do it testify of what I know to be true, which is fine, but I'd like to hear from some of you what you think.

Also... WE WON THE CLEAN CAR AWARD. For those of you who know my competitive side.. I don't like losing. As soon as my companion told me it was a competition, oh boy, I knew we'd win. haha. and we did. Partly because our car is new. But they're all pretty new.

Before I end this email, I just want to share my testimony of the church. It's true. It just is. Do everything you can to cultivate your faith and strengthen your testimony. I feel like a new person. Every day is the Lord's. I am His. It's the best feeling, and I hope you all are striving to be better. One way to do this is through the Book of Mormon. As a mission, we all just started reading 10 pages of the Book of Mormon every day. I want to extend a challenge to everyone I know to do the same. Whether you do it in your families or personally, see the difference it makes. You will have it finished before the end of the year. I promise it will make your life better. If we as missionaries can do it on top of 3 hours of additional study and with our schedules FILLED every second, I know you can make time to do it too. We read in the car and every other spare second. The time is worth it, I promise. Anyone who is willing to do this with me, please email or write me so I know who I am doing it with and so I can hear of your blessings and experiences.

Love you all. Thanks for the support and prayers!

Sister Carter

P.s. Picture explanation. The first two are funny door mats we've found. The next is a picture with our Clean Car award key chain.

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.