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

TRANSFERRRREEEEEDDDDD! And God Loves You!

I

September 17, 2014: It's about time, huh? 9 months here in moundies, and I'm finally leaving. I won't know where I'm going or my new companion until tomorrow, but I'm really excited for my new adventure. And I've been called to be a Sister Training Leader. It's kinda like a zone leader.. but the sister version. Basically, the only difference is I will do exchanges with the sisters in my zone, and go to leadership council. It will be awesome. 

but.. I will really miss Sister Jones. She is such an incredible companion. Such a blessing to me. Luckily.. this isn't the end. We've already planned to be companions again in the future. ;) 

Hopefully there will be a better email next week! love you all! 

Sister Carter

p.s. pictures. ME FISHIN!! Me with my lovely companion. She's seriously the best. 

September 8th: The pictures are of me and my friends. One is Mark Twain.. I had to remind him that I'm a missionary. and he's too old. And One is of my companion and Eleanor (our honorary companion.) She was with us helping teach most of Saturday and Sunday. Probably the sweetest person I've ever met. And the other one is of my friends the Williams girls, in the ward. They're so sweet. They're like my sisters. LOVE THEM. 

We had a goooood week. Want to hear more about how there's opposition in all things?? Yesterday, we were looking for a former, and weren't sure where he lived. We both felt prompted about a certain door. We knocked on it. An incredible lovely woman named Sandy came out. We talked to her for about 15 mins about the church. We're going back to teach her. Her son, was playing piano on the other side of the piano. he's Autistic, but a prodigy piano player. I could FEEELLLL the Spirit as he was playing, and i couldn't even see him. I'm really excited about them. Pray for Sandy and Eric. 

OPPOSITION! Next door we knocked on: Creepy older man named Harry, who first hit on us, then got really upset when he found out we're mormons, so he talked AT us for about 10 minutes telling us to reevaluate our faith and how dumb we are that we would follow some crazy man who wrote a crazy book. and lots of other stuff, that I won't repeat. Haha. It's really hard sometimes to not say smart-aleky remarks to people who are doing that.. haha. They contradict themselves..  But we didn't. Just testified and left, like we're supposed to. ha. 

Also, I know God loves me, because....

I have REALLY wanted to go fishing in the pond behind our apt, but i haven't been able to get a fishing pole. This week, some man, probably one of the 3 Nephites walked up to me, and gave me a fishing pole. TO KEEP. Then walked away. Alright, he was actually the maintenance man, but it was sooo sweet. I also got to pet some horses this week. God loves me. And you. Don't forget it.

 Love you all!

Sister Carter

3 Weeks of Emails from Sister Carter

April 14: HEeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllooooooooooooo!!!!! :D

Wow. It has been an awesome week! We had some crazy awesome success. We found 2 families this week, and had  at church, and had 7 baptismal extensions, which ALL accepted! Let me tell you, I feel so grateful and happy.This is the first time on my mission that I set HIGH goals and met and/or exceeded ALL of them.  Sometimes when we have success, I am prideful and attribute it to my own success and hard work. But this time, I can't even try to take credit. Heavenly Father has been good to us. I feel like Ammon in Alma 26 where he glories in the Lord and his brother tells him to stop, beacuse he's boasting ad he says, I'm not boasting! I'm glorifying God! Yep, that's how I feel. So grateful. So happy. 

AND THE BEST NEWS EVER: WE GET TO GO TO THE TEMPLE TOMORROW!!! I haven't been in almost 7 months now. And I'm dying to go. There's just this whole inside me that can't be filled anywhere except the temple. I'm so excited. 

One of the families we are teaching is from the Dominican Republic. You have NO idea how useful Spanish would be. I will be learning it when I get home. She speaks a little bit of English, and I speak a TINY bit of Spanish. I can say things like "Dios es tu Amoroso Padre Celestial" and "La Iglesia de JesuCristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias benedice tu familia." hahah. not much.. and a few other things that aren't real helpful. Luckily, we have Spanish speakers in our ward who are willing to help translate our lessons. :) 

OH. And we did LOTS of service this week. I love service. :D We helped with the Bishop's storehouse deliveries and gardening, and cleaning at a park, and at a farm. SOOOO fun. LOVE love love service!  

except... this week was awesome except... I just found out my uncle is in the hospital and not doing too well. Will you all please say a prayer for Rob Wood and his family? thank you. 

Love you all. Have a good week. Do something COURAGEOUS this week. Give someone a Book of Mormon. :)

April 21st: Okay. So let's just say this has been the crazies, busiest, longest, shortest week ever.

 So.. last Saturday, we got in a little fender bender. Someone backed into us.

Monday: Crazy Awesome Zone Fun day. Capture the Flag in the pouring rain, volleyball, BBQ. Awesome. 

Tuesday: Trip to Columbus for TEMPLE DAYY!!!! :D Best. day. ever! I missed the temple. And I was able to receive some needed inspiration while there. :) BUT opposition in all things: We had a rough evening resulting in ME backing into someone else's car. :( Fender Bender #2. 

Wednesday: We had interviews with our Mission President and received training from our Assistants to the President.  President Nilsen gave me a much needed Priesthood blessing. After being very uplifted and inspired, of course, came more opposition. We had to go to the Emergency Room. BUT It wasn't for ME this time! ha. We thought my companion's appendix were about to explode. But now she's fine. ish. I'm definitely keeping an eye on her. and Ibuprofen in her. 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Crazy busy. Completely jam packed full of things to do. We had some amazing, incredibly powerful lessons though. :) 

Sunday: EASTER! 

So, I think the craziest/hardest part of this week was finding out that my uncle passed away unexpectedly. I felt slightly helpless that I couldn't be there for my family and his. But I received a lot of strength and support from my companion and especially the Spirit. This has been the most meaningful Easter to me, because of what has happened. Because Christ lived again, my uncle will too. The link attached is a video we've been showing to everyone we teach. Take the 2 minutes to watch it. You won't regret it. HAPPY EASTER! Love you all. Hang in there. We can all do this, Because of Him. 

Sister Carter

http://easter.mormon.org/?cid=HPTU041514694

 

April 28th: Hellooooooooo Friends and family!

Well.. I was just about to write "well it has been a crazy week," but then I realized that I think I write that in EVERY weekly email. But it's true. Every week is crazy. Let's define crazy. Amazing things happen, unexpected things happen, more life lessons learned, we're insanely busy, and loving it!  

We had a great week. We had an exchange with our sister training leaders. It was awesome. I have learned so much from them. I love the way every person that is part of our lives is placed there for a specific reason. To teach us a specific lesson. Or many lessons. I LOVE my companion. She has shown me an example of Christ like love.  She is kind to me even if i don't necessarily deserve it. 

Anyways. We also had an emergency training this week. We've been having some complacency, so President had to crack down. But it was VERY inspiring. and out of Love. Some good quotes: "The only things worse than a problem is not realizing there is one." and "Once you've recognized the problem, the job is half way done." 

Do you realize that we can be whatever and whoever we want to be? It just takes work. See a problem in yourself and fix it. It's not comfortable, but "THERE'S NO GROWTH IN THE COMFORT ZONE." Sorry.. "no pain, no gain." Everything worth doing takes work. And becoming more like our Savior, so we can live with him again is worth every ounce of discomfort and pain. He thought so at least. Set a small goal to be better at. It's the best feeling to look back and see self improvement. It's worth it.

Love you all! 

Sister Carter

Two more weeks worth of emails from Sister Carter April 2nd and April 7th

 Getting to sit with Mark Twain.

 Sister Vance from Idaho Falls.

 

This is how they say Newark, Ohio in Ohio. She's got an accent now.

April 2nd:

Well.. we just found out... and the results of transfers are,....... drum roll please...... WE'RE BOTH STAYING! :D Sister Larsen and I will begin our 3rd transfer in Mound Builders this week. :)

BTW, TODAY IS MY 6 MONTH MARK. Not  big deal, or anything. Crazy.. My mission is 1/4 over. I can't believe it. Time is too fast. I'll  be home in a year. Woah. 

Crazy Awesome week. So the first part of the Week I was at "Missionary Boot Camp" where they send new and shy missionaries. haha. No, I definitely don't fit that description, but my companion does, and I asked if i could go to, because I thought it would be fun. AND I WAS RIGHT! I loved it. Every minute. My companion for two days, was Sister Vance from Idaho Falls! We had so much fun together and talked to near 100 people. We got 33 phone numbers for return appointments and handed out 80ish pass along cards? It was so fun. I was so tired. haha. But I loved it. Secretly, I hope I get transferred to OSU someday. haha. LOVED BOOT CAMP!

Then we had a pretty good week here in Moundies also. We went street contacting, and taught a drunk man. That was interesting. First his name was William, then it was Larry. He wants us to come teach him more. We'll see how much he retained when he's sober. ha. 

Then I got sick. Really sick. The first time on my mission I couldn't leave my apartment, because I was so sick. But let me tell you, the CHURCH IS TRUE, and Priesthood blessings work! I feel so much better today! 

The Work is progressing! We have some interesting investigators. We're now teaching a man named James who was a former Hell's Angel and Satanist. BUT he's changed, and he's accepting the gospel. :) 

oh, and.. I"M SO EXCITED FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE! Everyone, WATCH it! :) 

LOVE YOU ALL!

Sister Carter

 

April 7th:

 

CONFERENCE WAS GREAT! Wasn't it? I loved it. So remember that talk where it says to share with your missionary what you're learning in Preach My Gospel?  You ALL now have an assignment. I prefer letter form, but either way, I'll be waiting and I will and "follow up" and Elder Ballard said. ;) 

We had a good week. I was still pretty sick, but had some cool experiences. I was so weak and tired, but when we were teaching, and the Spirit was there, I felt completely healed. It was miraculous. We had some really good lessons. One with P.J. on the Law of Tithing, which we knew would be hard for him to accept. BUT the Spirit was very strong, and he committed to living the law of Tithing. 

I loved Uchtdorf's talk on Gratitude. I think we can all better live a Spirit of Gratitude in every situation. 

 I'm so GRATEFUL for all my wonderful friends and family. Love you all, have a GREAT week! 

Sista C!

P.S. Remember the Ohio accent I mentioned briefly? Well here in Newark, it's a whole new world... I had to take a picture of this sweatshirt. This is really how they pronounce Newark Ohio. Right Along with WaRshington and Idaheau. haha.

 

Two Weeks Worth - March 17th, 2014

Week 1: So.. I CUT MY hair. Yep. The truth is out. I felt a little like Sampson at first, but now, I LOVE it. Here's a picture. The other is me and my companion being crazy. I didn't have any super exciting pictures this week, so I had to improvise. ;)

We had a Good week! I got to sing at zone Conference. It was pretty cool. I sang "I love the Lord" to the tune of "Be Still My soul" and kinda made my own arrangement from 2 other arrangements and added Violin and Piano. :) It was fun to put together. 

We now have 2 investigators that we will be meeting with weekly to have our own addiction recovery meeting! I love that book, and have learned so much from it. I'm excited to help these people with their addictions. 

THE SUN HAS ACTUALLY SHINED (shone?) A FEW TIMES THIS WEEK! :D For the first time in 5 months. haha. Alright, that's an exaggeration, but I do miss the sunshine. We thank Heavenly Father every time it's sunny! Such a tender mercy. 

Something I've really been learning is to DREAM BIG! Set goals, plan, aim high! And you can do anything you put your mind to. I've really been learning that with all the planning we do as missionaries. Some of my favorite quotes: "Shoot for the moon. Then, if you miss, you'll still end up among stars." and "If your goals/dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough!" With Heavenly Father's help, and hard work, you really can achieve anything.  That's a challenge to everyone. Set a goal.  Achieve it! And Let me know how it goes. :) 

Sherry is doing well. Sidney will be baptized this Saturday, possibly next Saturday, P.J. will be on date soon! :) 

Love you all! Have a good week! :)

Week 2: Wow.. So exciting couple weeks. MY FIRST TWO official BAPTISMS! :D On Saturday, I got to go back to Worthington because Sia (someone I taught) got baptized! She asked me to sing at her Baptism, so I sang "Walk Tall, You're a daughter of God." She makes me look like a GIANT. She's probably 4'11'' and she's about 30 years old, but looks about 12. haha. I just love Sia.  It was such a glorious reunion with my last companion and one of my best friends, Tara, and some other people from the Worthington ward. 

Back to the Moundbuilders ward! SID is getting baptized this Saturday. He is so excited! 

P.J. told us this week that he IS going to get baptized. He has some word of wisdom issues to overcome, but he's making GREAT progress with them. I'm amazed at his progress. Hopefully, he will be baptized in April. 

Right now, we are seriously working on FINDING. We've been having some bad luck with that lately.

I also got to do a service project this week that mostly ended up with me brushing horses. BEST SERVICE EVER. My poor companion is very allergic, but i was in heaven. haha. 

We taught 2 different Addiction Recovery Program lessons. They went very well. I am using the 12 steps to overcome some flaws I have as well, and the investigators really like when we are part of the meeting to and openly discuss our challenges as well. Let me tell you what, I have been sufficiently humbled AGAIN. I have a lot to improve on to be more Christ-like. Just improve a little everyday. 

Well I love you all! Have a great week!

 Sia's Baptism

 Sister Carter's new haircut

 Companions being goofy

Service project brushing horses

The Atonement - March 3, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

I learned something about the Atonement this week that I wanted to share.

Our investigator that quit smoking, relapsed after 5 days. She was so ashamed, that she ignored our calls and didn't want to talk to us. We had no idea until we showed up at her house. She said about 10 words and then didn't want to talked to us anymore. Among those 10 words were, "I failed." Of course we assured her she didn't, but seeing her suffering was too much for me. I broke into tears as soon as we left. I sobbed, not because she relapsed, because I care about her so much that it's hard to see her suffer. She suffers from addiction when she's smoking and she suffers from terrible withdrawals when she's not. I was so sad for her. This experience made me realize 2 things: 

1. How Heavenly Father must feel watching us suffer. It's so hard. He just has to watch it. He so badly wants us to "Cast on Him our every Care," and pray so he can help us. I KNOW i can help Sherry. There's only so much I can do, but I know that through Heavenly Father, I can help her get through this. But I can't until she comes to me and asks. 

2. How Christ felt. I understand more now about why He died for us. If I could take this away from Sherry and go through all of it FOR her, so she didn't have to, I WOULD. In a heartbeat. Sometimes, we're so ashamed after we sin, that we do what Sherry did. Ignore the calls, hide our face. But Christ is right there with us, just waiting and begging for us to let him heal us. 

It was a very special experience that has made me want to turn to God and Jesus Christ more for EVERYTHING. I hope you all got something out of it as well. Love you all! Have a great week! :) 

Sista C.

P.S. This is my new haircut....chopped it off short.

 

Today Is The Day - February 3rd, 2014

It has been an AWESOME WEEK! Seriously. Why?

#1. We got a NEW car. 2014 Toyota Corolla. Red. I love it. It had 90 miles on it when we got it. We are so spoiled. 

#2. SHERRY IS QUITTING SMOKING TODAY! :D She had set a date to stop smoking on March 8th, but had a very strong prompting to move it to today. She got a blessing from the Bishop last night, and we're fasting today for her. Everyone say a prayer for Sherry today! She turns 59 today, smoked since she was 11, and last time, she tried to quite, she literally had a mini heart attack. She is so powerful already, and will be even more so very soon. 

We made her spiritual cigarettes. We wrote motivating scriptures and quotes on paper and rolled them up and made them look like cigarettes for when she has the urge to smoke. She said it is the best gift she has ever received. When we left, she gave us her last pack of cigarettes. SHE CAN DO IT! 

#3. Sidney, the over enthusiastic 18 yr old came to church and he's now ON DATE for baptism for the 15 of March. He's awesome. We think he might have aspergers or something similar, but he's awesome and has a strong desire to follow God and Jesus Christ. 

#4. Today I read the Story in Alma 24 about where the Lamanites bury their weapons of war. It's my new favorite story. For right now. It's so inspiring, and of course, i thought of Sherry. Because she knows this Church is true, she is willing to give up something she is so completely dependent on, it literally endangered her life last time she tried to stop. What weapons of war do we have that are keeping us from being closer to God? 

#5. I'm a missionary! It's AWESOME! It makes it all the hard times worth it when I get to hear things like Sherry testifying of how she knows God will help her through this, or Sidney being so excited he can't contain himself, or looking back and seeing how much I myself have changed and improved. THIS IS GOD'S WORK!

love you all. Have a great week!

Devil Cats and Hill Billy Chili 2/3/14

Hello Everyone!

This last week is all kind of a blur.. It's been a pretty good week, not quite as productive as last week, BUT this coming week will be AMAZING. I can feel it. 

We had a ward party a "Hill billy chili cook off." I participated in the pig squealing contest. I didn't win though. :/  ha. 

Sherry, our lovely investigator CAME TO CHURCH! Now all she needs is to stop smoking. Pray for her. She's great. 

We had mission wide winter Olympics today! It was awesome! My competitiveness has not calmed down any.. ha. 

We also had New missionary training that I took  my trainee to! We got to proselyte on OSU campus! It was awesome! :) I did a musical number at the training and sang "I need Thee every Hour." and my companion played the violin. It was great! :) I LOVE it when people ask me to sing. Even if it's the night before. 

Picture #5: 3 generations! My "Mom" and my "Daughter." Yes, everyone. I am a mom now. She's about a month old now. So cute, huh? And.. not sure why my hair looks such a weird color in this picture. I miss sister Hunger SOOoooo bad. 

Picture #4: So... I don't know what it is, but ALL animals here LOVE me. Not my companions, always me. And those who know me know that.. I do NOT like cats. Well we knocked on this door, and had only been inside for a minute or two when this cat CRAWLED up my body and perched itself on my shoulders. It would walk back and forth and of course, I'm super ticklish and we were trying to teach about the gospel. ha. It was hilarious!! Brother Satterfield did always say that cats are from Satan. Now I see why. They distract me from teaching lessons. hahaha. 

Sorry for the short letter! I'm almost out of time! Have a great week!

 These are from The Great Ohio Columbus mission facebook page. Sister Carter is standing next to her mission president. He owns all of the Cafe Rios.

 At a training.

 Getting to sing "I need thee every hour" at the training while her companion plays her violin.

 Cats like her. She doesn't like cats.

 

Her new companion Sister Larsen, Sister Carter, her old companion Sister Hunger

We melt frozen hearts. With the gospel. 1/27/14

Well.. We had an AWESOME week. 5 new investigators. Maybe that doesn't sound like a ton, but each was a miracle.

So.. it has been snowing like CRAZY here. We were at a level 2 snow emergency and close to 3. At 3, everything shuts down. You aren't to leave your house. It's bad. haha. Tomorrow is supposed to be -17 degrees and -40 with wind chill. I'm really grateful I learned to drive in the snow.  :) BUT we helped a few people shovel their driveways and that's how we found one of our investigators. :D 

I also... HELD A 4 AND A HALF FOOT PYTHON! Pictures to come. haha. It was pretty sweet. 

So the other picture is of the SUNRISE when we were getting ready in the morning, just out of our apartment. 

We've seen so many answered prayers and miracles this week. It's been INCREDIBLE. I've never seen my prayers answered so quickly and evidently before. I feel so incredibly blessed. Prayer works. And not just for me, or for missionaries. For everyone. Try it, I dare you. :) 

Have a great week! Love you all!

 Outside their apartment at sunrise.

 

The snow right now in Heath, Ohio.

Share the Gospel with Everyone. Even Gorillas. 1/20/14

 The big neon gorilla that accepted a passalong card.

 Her new companion Sister Larsen from Utah. Sister Carter is a trainer now. She says it is overwhelming.

 Sister Carter finally broke down and bought an Ohio State sweatshirt.

 

This was sent via text by the family they made dinner with one night this week. 

Love those kinds of texts!

 

Dear Family,

 

Everyone needs the gospel! Even neon green Gorillas! We tried to give a Book of Mormon to a man in a gorilla costume. haha! He took a pass a long card instead, he was very nice. Apparently though, he said I talk like I'm from Wisconsin?  

The 3rd picture, I finally bought an OSU sweatshirt. Love it. Maybe I am turning into a Buckeye fan..

Well this week sure went by fast! We're still getting settled in and meeting people here. Holy Cow, we have a fantastic ward. It's great! I don't have a whole ton to report, we've just been trying to find and visiting less actives and former investigators. BUT we have a goal to find 4 new investigators this week. Not just any investigators, awesome ones.

The most difficult thing has been just managing everything on my mind. There's so much to always be thinking and praying about that sometimes I forget the little important things. Example, leaving the keys in the door. Just one example of the many silly things I've done, because my mind is processing so much all the time. Sometimes it's hard to not get really frustrated and down on myself, but that would be letting Satan win, and oh heck no, he's not winning. I've definitely needed the Atonement to help me be better every day. :)

Haha. Maybe Sister Larsen was sent to me to teach me to slow down a little. My mind (and body) moves 100 mph most the time, and her little legs have to run to keep up with me a lot of the time. haha. I just... walk with a purpose! But of course, balance in all things. 

Hope you're all doing well! love you all!

Sister Carter

Mound Builders 1/13/14

Woah. So I am now in an area called Mound Builders. I'm about 45 mins from Columbus, and it's a pretty rural area, but it's AWESOME. I haven't studied it yet for myself, but this area has Mound Builders national park, which apparently is where Moroni formed mounds as fortifications.  I'll get back to you with more details as I learn more. But pretty cool. 

Did you know that Nephi's family had a pet? Yeah, in 1 Nephi is says :"Wherefore, we did take our family and flea into the wilderness." hahah. Someone told us that joke a couple days ago. Alright, maybe it doesn't say exactly that, but it was funny.

Let me tell you what, being whitewashed and training, probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. Luckily, the Lord is extending His mercy and helping me through the Spirit, ward members, and other missionaries. Not to mention, helping me not explode from being overwhelmed. 

So my new companion and trainee is Sister Larsen. She's from Pleasant Grove, Utah. She's awesome. She's 21 and speaks German and a music major that plays violin. I can see some pretty awesome musical numbers in our future. haha. She's also probably the most polite person I've ever met. I don't think I've ever heard "please, thank you, I'm so sorry, You're wonderful," etc. so much in my life. Probably an indicator that I have a lot to learn. 

So we met an investigator last night. Sherry. She's awesome. She shared her testimony of the Book of Mormon. Her 2 daughters just got Baptized 2 months ago, and she knows the church is true.Only hold up? Coffee and Smoking. 

Another funny story: Our first night in the apartment, we were just falling asleep, when we heard a crashing sound downstairs (we have a 2 level apartment). We both shot up, terrified. We were sure someone was breaking into our apartment. I grabbed the phone, ready to dial 911, listened for any more movement, then grabbed an umbrella to arm myself and took the terrifying journey downstairs to face to invader. My knees were shaking. We grabbed kitchen knives as better weapons than the umbrella and started searching for... who knows what. Nothing seemed to be out of place and we didn't find a kidnapper, so we went back to bed. With our big knives next to our beds. I kept waking up scared. ha.  Then next morning, we went into our study room and found our big map had fallen off the wall... wow.... real scary. Pretty embarrassing. But really funny now. hahahaha. 

Well... on a more spiritual note. I really have truly been humbled this week. I have no choice but to rely on God, because I don't know what I'm doing. I've seen so many tender mercies as he extends His merciful love and help to me as a trainer in this new area. It's so hard, but I wouldn't change it. I hope we can all rely on Christ and His mercy a little more, and take full advantage of the enabling power of the Atonement. Love you all! Have a great week! 

Sister Carter

Happy New Year! 1/8/14

Well.. This has probably been the most exciting week out of the 12 weeks on my mission. But first things first. I just found out that I'm getting transferred somewhere and TRAINING a new missionary in a new area. Humbled? yes. Terrified? absolutely.  Heavenly Father has WAY too much confidence in me. Either that, or He's confused me with some other red head who's more prepared. ha! I think I'm feeling just a small portion of the inadequacy Joseph Smith felt as a 14 year old, asked to restore Christ's church. But clearly, the Lord has a plan. He always does.

It's been a really great week! Sia, (from Sierra Leon) accepted Baptism for January 25th. We had an amazing family Home Evening with the Sturtevant family, and the mom gave us a soft yes for baptism. Keep sending prayers their way. Such an incredible family deserves the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Well.. We hit record low temperatures this week! ha. From what we've been told, I believe it was about -15ish degrees and in the -30s and -40s with the wind chill. Add some humidity to that, and you get one really cold Sister Carter! Hand warmers are the greatest! :) 3 school days cancelled. 0 missionary days cancelled! ha. It was great! :)

I sang at another Baptism last week. That was fun. I sang "How Great Thou Art," one of my favorites. If anyone feels the urge to send me the words to "I Love the Lord," (to the tune of Be still my Soul) it would be greatly appreciated! (I already sent the lyrics to her)

In the morning, when we get ready for the day, my wonderful companion (whom I will miss so much, I want to cry) and I listen to her General Conference CDs. Something that really struck me this week was a poem our beloved prophet shared:

Good timber does not grow with ease,

The stronger wind, the stronger trees.
The further sky, the greater length.

The more the storm, the more the strength.

By sun and cold, by rain and snow,

In trees and men, good timbers grow.

We all have our trials. Just remember why we have them. Remember, God wouldn't give them to a flimsy week tree that he knows will just fall over and die. He gives them to those He knows will one day stand tall and strong. Have a good week, everyone! Love you all!

Sister Carter

P.S. HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

Merry Late Christmas! 12/30/13

 Christmas Eve Party! Love the christmas socks and their christmas tree made from lampshades and a green skirt.

 Holding her first guinea pig.

 Dressing up for the holidays.

 Making "Buckeyes." It is an Ohio thing I hear. She sent some home. Peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. Yum!

 Visiting people at the dimensia home. I told her when I want a baby like that when I am old.

She said everyone has ducks in their front yard and they dress them up for game day and holidays.

 

 

I hope you all had a Fantastic Christmas! I know I sure did! It was so great to Skype my family for a little while, but it was also great to be able to visit and uplift so many people on Christmas. There are so many who have to spend it alone, and hopefully a little visit from the missionaries brightened their day!

Christmas Eve, we got to go help out at a home for dimensia patients. It was so fun. I painted a 93 yr old lady's fingernails bright purple. It was the best. They say some pretty funny things, but have such a sweet spirit.

We had Preparation day Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning, so Sister Hunger and I had our own cute little Christmas. It was way fun! We pulled our mattresses into our front room,  with our homemade Christmas tree and had a blast! We finished the Book of Mormon together that night and then read Luke 2.

We spent Christmas day visiting some of our investigators, who asked us to come on Christmas. A member loaned us a guitar, and we got to sing Christmas carols to some people. All in all, it was a Wonderful day.

The Sturtevant family  of 7 came to church this week!! I don't think I've ever been SOOOO nervous in my whole life. It was a really unique 5th Sunday/ end of the year on "Hastening the Work," and we love them so much and just wanted them to love church. AND i had to speak.  For parts of it, I was so nervous, I wasn't sure if I was going to throw up, have an asthma attack, pass out, or all 3 at once. haha. But they said they enjoyed it. Keep praying that they'll want to come back.

I hope everyone is doing well! Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas cards/ packages. It meant so much! Love you all! Remember, If we have a true spirit of Christmas, it will last much longer than Christmas time. Always talk about Christ. What he did was meant much more than to just be recognized one day of the year, but every day our entire lives. LOVE YOU!

Sister Carter