Dear Family,
Well it was good to hear your voices yesterday. Although, I say this with as much love as I can muster, I hope I never talk to you again on the phone until I'm home. :) I was thinking the other day about all the many things that have happened to our family in the last 13 months... its insane. Yet, every single time the Lord has taken care of us one at a time, and all has been in His loving hand. Today's been an okay day. I'm just REALLY really tired. We went out to do our morning exercise and I walked two blocks down the road and came back and slept for two hours straight :) (Good things its our Preparation Day). I'm hoping with the added rest that today will help me get back up to full health. I still have the occasional convulsion but luckily I have a great companion who knows what to do and how to help me. So I'm on the mend. Slowly but surely, I am going to be able to finish my mission the way I want it to.
I'll just share with you a lot of what I learned this week about people, and about my Heavenly Father. This has probably been one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me and it was just because I wasn't in control of anything that my body was doing. When the paramedics came to get me at the Joseph Smith Farm, I was fairly out of it but I knew enough to know that I was at the mercy of these two men who were putting me onto a gurney and that there was something that was seriously wrong with my body. When they stuck me in the back of the ambulance they tied my arms and legs down, and were pricking things into me, and yelling out code words to each other. It all started to become really frightening. I was looking around for anyone I knew, I couldn't find my companion, (Sister Chatterton was already sitting in the front), and Sister Nielsen (the Senior Couple) wasn't there, Mom wasn't anywhere. I just wanted someone to be there to hold my hand. So as I lay there, my body shaking uncontrollably, the only name I could utter, underneath my oxygen mask, was "God?" Right when His name slipped out of my mouth He was there. I'm pretty sure He was there before I even said His name out loud but it was as if He slipped in right beside me and grabbed my hand so I wouldn't be afraid. It helped the fear subside to a degree. And I don't mean to tell that story to make Mom sad (because I know she probably wishes she could have been there), I tell you all that story because I know there is a Heavenly Father that is out there that cares about us. It was amazing to just feel Him slip so easily and naturally into His role as parent. I know He wanted that time alone in the back of the ambulance together, so He could remind me of how much He loved me. I could just feel Him treasuring the time to just take care of one of His children in need. He loves us, it was so evident to me in that hour ride to the hospital. Even after we arrived at Strong Memorial Hospital His spirit never left, He sent His other children to act as angels for me. The whole rest of the day and night there wasn't a moment where someone else wasn't holding my hand. It was never free :).
So, like I usually end most of my emails, all is well. All of these experiences are just to bring us closer to our eternal Father and His loving Son. My body's pretty sore and tired. I'm able to sleep a lot though which is good. I just hope that all my strength can come back soon. Thank you for your prayers, thank everyone for their prayers. I have sure felt sustained through them. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow in the afternoon, but I'm sure they probably won't have much to say to me, just like every other doctor. Pseudo-seizures are normal right? :) The convulsions have gone down drastically though, I have more strength over my body now. Its just taking it one step at a time.
I love you family. I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. Please don't worry about me, I'm doing fine.
Love always,
Sister Carter
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
"No Faith is Ever in Vain"
Dear Family,
I'm glad that you had so much fun on your vacation!!! It sounds like such a blast. Wish I could have been there. I'm excited to get to do all of our fun traditions together when I get home.
Sorry this update is going to be a little bit shorter, I ran out of time faster today. All is going well here in New York. The work is still slow. We don't have much time in our area between sites, referral calling, morning studies, and travel time. There was one day, this week, that Sister Chatterton and I were working at the Hill Cumorah Visitor Center and kinda feeling discouraged that we haven't been able to find any new investigators. After we came back from our lunch break a man in a tie walked into the Visitor Center and started looking around at the displays that we have. I went over to talk to him and help explain what the displays were. As we were talking he told me that he was a non-member and that he was from Maryland and had always wanted to stop by here and see what it was all about. He told me about the job that brought him out here, and that he was living in Rochester for about a year to finish the work he had here. Where in Rochester? WEBSTER!!!! My jaw about hit the floor!!!!! So we talked about religion and what his background was and what he knew about the church. When I asked him if he would like to learn a little bit more he gave a resounding, "No". That made my heart drop. I still showed him around though and offered to show him some videos about Joseph Smith's life, which he accepted. So I took him into a theater and he watched the movie. When he came back out he started talking about good times for Sister Chatterton to come over.... Wait? What? He then gave me his address. And said that he would like to look around more at the other sites. Oh.... So when you say "no" you actually mean YES!!!!!!!??? I'm guessing the spirit worked on him as he went about his time in the Visitor Center, because his heart was softened more and more. WHAT A MIRACLE!!!! When he left Sister Chatterton and I had a dancing party around the Visitor center. The Lord is so mindful of us! So hopefully all can work out with this man. I found this quote that I stuck on this next transfer's planner that says, "I believe God will always make a way where there is no way". This was Example A.
Another cool thing we got to do this week was go on a grove tour. I've been on one before but because Sister Chatterton just got here I got to go on another one. Bob Parrot, took us around again to show us everything there is to know about the Smith property and taking care of the Grove. It is amazing because Bob isn't a member but I have never been so spiritually instructed before! He goes around the grove and teaches us principles from the trees and from nature that we can apply into our lives. It was amazing to walk in that hallowed ground all morning and to be taught by the spirit. Such a sacred place.
Well the work is true. I love it. Its hard at times and it seems like it may not be going according to plan, but as one member said to me a couple weeks ago, "No faith is ever in vain". I love being a missionary. Its the best. I love all of you. Sorry I couldn't write to more of you this week! Until the next one...
Love always,
Sister Carter
I'm glad that you had so much fun on your vacation!!! It sounds like such a blast. Wish I could have been there. I'm excited to get to do all of our fun traditions together when I get home.
Sorry this update is going to be a little bit shorter, I ran out of time faster today. All is going well here in New York. The work is still slow. We don't have much time in our area between sites, referral calling, morning studies, and travel time. There was one day, this week, that Sister Chatterton and I were working at the Hill Cumorah Visitor Center and kinda feeling discouraged that we haven't been able to find any new investigators. After we came back from our lunch break a man in a tie walked into the Visitor Center and started looking around at the displays that we have. I went over to talk to him and help explain what the displays were. As we were talking he told me that he was a non-member and that he was from Maryland and had always wanted to stop by here and see what it was all about. He told me about the job that brought him out here, and that he was living in Rochester for about a year to finish the work he had here. Where in Rochester? WEBSTER!!!! My jaw about hit the floor!!!!! So we talked about religion and what his background was and what he knew about the church. When I asked him if he would like to learn a little bit more he gave a resounding, "No". That made my heart drop. I still showed him around though and offered to show him some videos about Joseph Smith's life, which he accepted. So I took him into a theater and he watched the movie. When he came back out he started talking about good times for Sister Chatterton to come over.... Wait? What? He then gave me his address. And said that he would like to look around more at the other sites. Oh.... So when you say "no" you actually mean YES!!!!!!!??? I'm guessing the spirit worked on him as he went about his time in the Visitor Center, because his heart was softened more and more. WHAT A MIRACLE!!!! When he left Sister Chatterton and I had a dancing party around the Visitor center. The Lord is so mindful of us! So hopefully all can work out with this man. I found this quote that I stuck on this next transfer's planner that says, "I believe God will always make a way where there is no way". This was Example A.
Another cool thing we got to do this week was go on a grove tour. I've been on one before but because Sister Chatterton just got here I got to go on another one. Bob Parrot, took us around again to show us everything there is to know about the Smith property and taking care of the Grove. It is amazing because Bob isn't a member but I have never been so spiritually instructed before! He goes around the grove and teaches us principles from the trees and from nature that we can apply into our lives. It was amazing to walk in that hallowed ground all morning and to be taught by the spirit. Such a sacred place.
Well the work is true. I love it. Its hard at times and it seems like it may not be going according to plan, but as one member said to me a couple weeks ago, "No faith is ever in vain". I love being a missionary. Its the best. I love all of you. Sorry I couldn't write to more of you this week! Until the next one...
Love always,
Sister Carter
Monday, August 8, 2011
Another baptism!
Dear Family,
We had a great week this week! Tanya was BAPTIZED!!! YAY!!!!!! We were so happy for her. We all weren't sure if this day would come because of some of the things that she has been going through but it came, and how ever grateful we were. The font was filled, the programs made, the desserts brought in, and the members came. It actually ended up being one of the most spiritual meetings I've ever been to. Sister Chatterton and I were able to perform "Never a better Hero" (who knew that listening to all of that 80s church music would come in handy someday parents :)), and President Christianson actually came to perform the baptism. It was such a special experience because President's Dad actually passed away that morning, but at the end of the meeting he got up and just declared that he would rather be no where else then with Tanya on her baptism day. That this is our purpose, and no matter what, everything is in the hands of the Lord. It was such a great day. I feel so privileged to be a missionary and to get to see some of God's children enter into the strait and narrow gate to start their journey back to our Heavenly Father again.
It has been a little more discouraging in our new area. I find it hard sometimes to be serving RIGHT next to my old area, Irondequoit. Serving in the same ward even, and seeing all of the success that the Irondequoit sisters have in an area that I tried to work so hard in. Its just hard when the area we serve in now is having a hard time getting up and moving. I've had some very tender experiences with the spirit these last couple of days, though, that have taught me that Sister Chatterton and I are in the exact place that we are needed. Yesterday, we were dropped off in our area (11 miles away from our apartment), on foot when it began to POUR with rain. Both of us, being the geniuses that we are (and not having our mothers to remind us), didn't bring any kind of waterproof anything or any umbrella. So we took cover under a tree and got stuck underneath it for quite some time. The only thing we had to keep us dry was a waterproof map. So we sat under this tree with a laminated map on top of our head :). We looked great. As the rain continued to poor my sweet companion decided it was time to activate our faith and ask the Lord to stop the storm so that we could continue on in His work. So as we prayed under this tree, as the storm blew around us, we just asked simply to let His will be done but we were going to press forward to do all that we could to help invite others to come to Christ. When we were done we stood up and walked out into the storm. Not two minutes later (just enough to get us soaked to the bone :)), the rains stopped. And they didn't start again for the rest of the day. Wow!! I keep telling my little "baby" that she cast away a storm!!! We had miracles the rest of the day, we weren't able to get any new investigators but we were able to tell many people the truth. One man in particular that we talked to, had a question about why he was here and when we shared a scripture about it, from the Book of Mormon, his heart was touched. So... I'm slowly learning that numbers don't matter. At the end of the day, if you looked at our numbers we wouldn't have been successful, but when we laid down to sleep last night I knew our Heavenly Father was so proud of us and so happy that He could answer the prayer of two of His daughters.
So all, things are slow but good (story of my life every day). I'm glad that you all are doing well at home. I miss you all every day! You mean everything to me. I hope to report back next week and the many more miracles that we are going to be able to witness. Love you all!!
Love always, Sister Carter
We had a great week this week! Tanya was BAPTIZED!!! YAY!!!!!! We were so happy for her. We all weren't sure if this day would come because of some of the things that she has been going through but it came, and how ever grateful we were. The font was filled, the programs made, the desserts brought in, and the members came. It actually ended up being one of the most spiritual meetings I've ever been to. Sister Chatterton and I were able to perform "Never a better Hero" (who knew that listening to all of that 80s church music would come in handy someday parents :)), and President Christianson actually came to perform the baptism. It was such a special experience because President's Dad actually passed away that morning, but at the end of the meeting he got up and just declared that he would rather be no where else then with Tanya on her baptism day. That this is our purpose, and no matter what, everything is in the hands of the Lord. It was such a great day. I feel so privileged to be a missionary and to get to see some of God's children enter into the strait and narrow gate to start their journey back to our Heavenly Father again.
It has been a little more discouraging in our new area. I find it hard sometimes to be serving RIGHT next to my old area, Irondequoit. Serving in the same ward even, and seeing all of the success that the Irondequoit sisters have in an area that I tried to work so hard in. Its just hard when the area we serve in now is having a hard time getting up and moving. I've had some very tender experiences with the spirit these last couple of days, though, that have taught me that Sister Chatterton and I are in the exact place that we are needed. Yesterday, we were dropped off in our area (11 miles away from our apartment), on foot when it began to POUR with rain. Both of us, being the geniuses that we are (and not having our mothers to remind us), didn't bring any kind of waterproof anything or any umbrella. So we took cover under a tree and got stuck underneath it for quite some time. The only thing we had to keep us dry was a waterproof map. So we sat under this tree with a laminated map on top of our head :). We looked great. As the rain continued to poor my sweet companion decided it was time to activate our faith and ask the Lord to stop the storm so that we could continue on in His work. So as we prayed under this tree, as the storm blew around us, we just asked simply to let His will be done but we were going to press forward to do all that we could to help invite others to come to Christ. When we were done we stood up and walked out into the storm. Not two minutes later (just enough to get us soaked to the bone :)), the rains stopped. And they didn't start again for the rest of the day. Wow!! I keep telling my little "baby" that she cast away a storm!!! We had miracles the rest of the day, we weren't able to get any new investigators but we were able to tell many people the truth. One man in particular that we talked to, had a question about why he was here and when we shared a scripture about it, from the Book of Mormon, his heart was touched. So... I'm slowly learning that numbers don't matter. At the end of the day, if you looked at our numbers we wouldn't have been successful, but when we laid down to sleep last night I knew our Heavenly Father was so proud of us and so happy that He could answer the prayer of two of His daughters.
So all, things are slow but good (story of my life every day). I'm glad that you all are doing well at home. I miss you all every day! You mean everything to me. I hope to report back next week and the many more miracles that we are going to be able to witness. Love you all!!
Love always, Sister Carter
Monday, August 1, 2011
"However Long and Hard the Road"
Birthday at Latchworth Park
Birthday with the Ross Family
New companion, Sister Chatterton
Biking Sisters
Dear Family,
Hmmm... where to begin? It has been another wonderful week. I'm glad that you were able to get my camera card, sometimes when I'm having a bad day I look at my pictures and remember all the joy that I have experienced. I think that will kinda be how the mission goes when its all done and over with. You will know that you went through hard times but hopefully you can just treasure the special memories that you were able to create. I'm glad that everyone is doing well at home. Kyle sounds like he's doing great in the MTC. I'm sorry that you aren't feeling too up to par, Mom. I think that when I heard you were in remission that that would mean you would be completely healthy and back on the move again. Patience is a virtue that I struggle with....:). Just know how much I love you and think about you. One of the things I'm looking forward to the most when I get home is being able to just sit and talk to all of you in the living room, and sitting out in the pool reading a book.
Well, I'm tired. Its been a good week, it went by really fast its just been a harder week. Its okay for hard weeks to come because it makes you appreciate the not-so-hard weeks but its hard learning to just take things one step at a time. Sister Chatterton and I have been praying for miracles in our area, and we've been able to see many. We've been able to get some new investigators and teach some lessons. We had one of those hard days yesterday where every appointment we had fell through but we still tried. I've never been more physically exhausted in all my life. Lots of biking and walking. It feels good to be physically tired. I feel like the mission is such a "wrestle". It is a wrestle in both mind and spirit. Your spirit wants you to go one way while your "natural man" wants to take you another. We were able to feel a little bit of peace this week when we got to the temple.... Sigh. Oh how I love the temple (can you imagine me saying that after my first experience there? :)). I find myself wishing that they could just bunk beds in the Celestial room. Wouldn't that be nice?! I wouldn't mind living there forever. Its way clean! :). There is so much peace found in its walls and I never feel closer to my Savior then when I am there.
So the work progresses forward, slowly but surely. My mind keeps reverting to that talk that you gave me Dad, "However long and hard the road" by Elder Holland (one of the best things that I've ever read), and when Elder Holland talks about Coriantumr from the Book of Mormon, when he would fight and fight and then he would get tired "and rest for a time", then he would get up and fight again. I think it is the getting up part that is the hardest :). Sister Chatterton is awesome, we have a lot of fun together and she teaches me so much about faith and obedience. I'm lucky to have her. I love being a missionary. There is no where else I'd rather be. I love the Lord, I am so ever grateful for His ultimate and infinite atoning sacrifice on behalf of me and those that I love. How in debt I am to Him! Yet, how grateful I am that we can choose Him above all else in this world.
Thanks for sending Grandpa's funeral. It has brought a lot of tears as well as a lot of closure. I feel him near, all the time. Mom, you got all of my companions hometown's right, Sister Gines goes home at the end of this month so if you're up in Logan I'm sure she'd love to meet you. Thanks for the tip on freezing bananas, Dad :). I find myself talking about you a lot these days, and how you loved me so much you learned how to braid hair :).
I love all of you! Thanks for your prayers...
Love always, Sister Carter
Birthday with the Ross Family
New companion, Sister Chatterton
Biking Sisters
Dear Family,
Hmmm... where to begin? It has been another wonderful week. I'm glad that you were able to get my camera card, sometimes when I'm having a bad day I look at my pictures and remember all the joy that I have experienced. I think that will kinda be how the mission goes when its all done and over with. You will know that you went through hard times but hopefully you can just treasure the special memories that you were able to create. I'm glad that everyone is doing well at home. Kyle sounds like he's doing great in the MTC. I'm sorry that you aren't feeling too up to par, Mom. I think that when I heard you were in remission that that would mean you would be completely healthy and back on the move again. Patience is a virtue that I struggle with....:). Just know how much I love you and think about you. One of the things I'm looking forward to the most when I get home is being able to just sit and talk to all of you in the living room, and sitting out in the pool reading a book.
Well, I'm tired. Its been a good week, it went by really fast its just been a harder week. Its okay for hard weeks to come because it makes you appreciate the not-so-hard weeks but its hard learning to just take things one step at a time. Sister Chatterton and I have been praying for miracles in our area, and we've been able to see many. We've been able to get some new investigators and teach some lessons. We had one of those hard days yesterday where every appointment we had fell through but we still tried. I've never been more physically exhausted in all my life. Lots of biking and walking. It feels good to be physically tired. I feel like the mission is such a "wrestle". It is a wrestle in both mind and spirit. Your spirit wants you to go one way while your "natural man" wants to take you another. We were able to feel a little bit of peace this week when we got to the temple.... Sigh. Oh how I love the temple (can you imagine me saying that after my first experience there? :)). I find myself wishing that they could just bunk beds in the Celestial room. Wouldn't that be nice?! I wouldn't mind living there forever. Its way clean! :). There is so much peace found in its walls and I never feel closer to my Savior then when I am there.
So the work progresses forward, slowly but surely. My mind keeps reverting to that talk that you gave me Dad, "However long and hard the road" by Elder Holland (one of the best things that I've ever read), and when Elder Holland talks about Coriantumr from the Book of Mormon, when he would fight and fight and then he would get tired "and rest for a time", then he would get up and fight again. I think it is the getting up part that is the hardest :). Sister Chatterton is awesome, we have a lot of fun together and she teaches me so much about faith and obedience. I'm lucky to have her. I love being a missionary. There is no where else I'd rather be. I love the Lord, I am so ever grateful for His ultimate and infinite atoning sacrifice on behalf of me and those that I love. How in debt I am to Him! Yet, how grateful I am that we can choose Him above all else in this world.
Thanks for sending Grandpa's funeral. It has brought a lot of tears as well as a lot of closure. I feel him near, all the time. Mom, you got all of my companions hometown's right, Sister Gines goes home at the end of this month so if you're up in Logan I'm sure she'd love to meet you. Thanks for the tip on freezing bananas, Dad :). I find myself talking about you a lot these days, and how you loved me so much you learned how to braid hair :).
I love all of you! Thanks for your prayers...
Love always, Sister Carter
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