So much to be thankful for

Heya fam!

This week has been super fab! We had lots of adventures, and I GOT THE PACKAGEEE!! thank you SOOO so much for that, and for all the post you all have been sending lately. I literally cannot tell you how happy it makes me! Thank you!!

Valentines day was so great! it never fails, what a good holiday, hey Ethan? haha nah, jokes, but i really do love Valentines day, and plus, IT WAS MY SUGAR DAY!! fyi: i am off sugar until my birthday... So that was amazing. needless to say i stuffed my face, and Sister Flake said it was the best thing ever to see that pure joy! haha oh my days! haha yes, true :) It also was her Half way mark day! So we celebrated a lot! I also may have freaked out a bit too... thats just too crazy! But yes, it was a wonderful day, also thinking about sharing our message of the infinite love that comes from our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. That is what this mission is all about. So it tied in perfectly :)

We are finally starting to build our teaching pool. It is quite tough to have dry spells, especially when they last a long time. We have been finding constantly, me for about the past 3 months, but we are getting appointments, and I am beyond grateful for that. We are teaching Kirsty still, and she is keeping her commitments, and came to church again yesterday- woohoo! what a joy that is! She told us that she prayed and felt an answer to her prayers, and we are going to keep seeing her throughout this week, yayay! We have a few others in the works as well, but I am really seeing the hand of God touching our lives. I have this renewed hope. I know that there are always trials of our faith, and that I need this time to really stretch me, and allow me to rely completely upon the Lord. I cannot do this on my own, and He is allowing miracles to come into our lives. We have gotten a few member referrals recently, and can I just say, that is the most wonderful thing. It is good to know that they trust us enough to have us meet their friends. That is how the work will progress though, when members and missionaries unite. We are all in this together. Thank you fam for being such amazing member missionaries, I am blown away every email i get from yous about how you share the gospel and share some more! keep going!

We had some really funny moments this week, Sister Flake is keeping me laughing, so at least there is some consistency in missionary work ;) but overall I have felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace this week. I know that God lives. He is so aware of each one of us. He wants us to be happy, and He wants us to progress. I also know that happiness comes from within. It is not a quest or a goal to work towards, but it comes from having that desire. We can choose each day to be happy. We can choose to do the best with the opportunities that are presented us, and trust in the Lord to guide our lives. He is guiding mine. Sometimes the path is all sunshiny, sometimes there are some storms, but as we realise that He loves us and we are moving forward on this path, we can be happy no matter what part we are at. I have really seen that this week. We can put our full trust in Him. We can stop comparing ourselves to others. We can stop worrying about the past, and move on. We can be truly and wonderfully happy. This doesn't mean we won't be tired, or sad, or stressed. But amidst it all we can have joy and peace. I know this is true because I have really experienced it this week. Life is good :)

I wish I had some good stories to tell, but my brain is like a siv, and I think most of the funny moments, you had to kinda be there, and also be a missionary.. (our sense of humor is altered dramatically.... if you haven't already noticed!) hah! 

Anyways, that's about it! So be happy, because God loves you!

And I love you!!

Cheers,

Sister Carter xx

pics: some are from a while ago, but enjoy!! 

the ones from the bus stop are from today because it is warm enough to not wear a coat, WHAT!?? XD

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hi fam!!!
Ok, so today was our "time out for sisters" and it literally took
alllll day, but was super fun! Sadly it once again leaves me with zero
time to write a proper email to you all!!
Just know that I am happy and healthy and that things in Chorley are
finally picking up!! Woohoo!!! I'll fill ya in more next week!!
Have a fab Valentine's Day!!
I love you all!!
Sister Carter
Xx

Changes in Chorley!

Fam,

I literally cannot believe it is February! How on earth is time going SO FAST!!?? Aw, but i have a really good feeling about this month, it is going to be uhh mazing. yes!

So basically, to update you, yes! Transfers happened! We were at the mission home for Sister Popa's final interview when we got our calls, and because of last minute changes, they didn't come in until about 7! i was... ready to get that call hahaha aw but yes, I am still here in Chorley, and I am so excited to be serving with sweet Sister Flake, she is so cute! I love her so much :) More on that in one minute. Just a side story on that evening though. So she had her interview and we had to get back to Altrincham to catch a tram back into manchester to catch our train into chorley. Basically it was going to be a crazy night as is, but then we missed our tram. Bless Sister Ulrich, she gave us a lift to the tram station, but we had to wait a few minutes for the next one. Got to piccadilly, and the train had come and gone, and the next one was over at victoria station... in an hour! -side note, sister Popa and I both LOVE manchester- So we were not too upset about having an hour to walk around the city until our next train ;) we got to bolton, and it was way late, but we called the ZL's to let them know we weren't going to be in on time. They asked where we were, and we told them we were just getting onto a rail replacement coach. like we were sitting on the bus while talking to them. they told us that they were going to call the ap's to get permission to bring a member and come get us, so waiting for them to call back , we were like..... ahhhh hurry upppp.... this bus is going to leave any SECOND!! dahhhh! haha and then, the doors close, and then next second, they call! I jump up and say "wait driver, can we get off?!!" haha he was so confused, bless him, and yeah, they were so kind to come get us, saved us a half hour of much needed rest. #blessed :)

It was hard to say bye to her, it all hit me as we were sat in the transfer meeting, of course they have the departing missionaries all bare their testimonies, and I was like... wait, i am not ready. so emotional! She is my sister, rip Shanae! aw. But I am so grateful for this time to be serving with Sister Flake :)

Intro to my new companion: Sister Flake is from Utahhhh!! and she is the oldest of 5, and she also goes to BYU, YESS!!! haha She is super sweet, and just what Chorley, and I, need right now. I love her so much already :) She has been out about 8 months, and has served that whole time in one area, so second area, adjustment, lets go!!

Yay ethan for graduating and getting your papers in! That's what I am TALKING about!! haha enjoy this time- it is so precious, and it goes SO FAST... no lies.

We have found a good few people to teach, and we are really excited- also we have some appointments with members this week that I haven't had any with previously, so I am really excited about all that this transfer will bring. We are already seeing miracles :) Life is good! So full of changes, and that's why it is so amazing.

I hope that you all have a wonderful week! 

Thank you for all of your love and support!

Love,

Sister Carter

ps I totally forgot my camera at home, bummer, but I will be sure to send a pic of us asap :)

Lots of changes, not much time

Hiya fam!
I wish I had more time to tell you all the crazy things that happened
this week, all the spiritual experiences I have had, etc etc, but I
will have to keep this brief as it is transfers!! Yay!
I will not lie, it was super hard to say bye to Sister Popa. I love
that girl so much, and I am so excited for her. But I am going to miss
her like crazy.
I am staying here in Chorley again, and serving with a sister Flake! I
can tell this is going to be a great transfer, and loads of changes.
Not just for me, but for the whole mission! We shall see...
I will update you more on next week!!
I love you all
Sister Carter
Xx

It's like deja vu all over again

Fam!

It literally feels like yesterday that I was thinking, oh wow, it's Dad's Birthday this week.... WHATTT!!??? Why is time going so fast?! haha Happy Birthday Dad :D You are the best!

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support for our goal of the 28th. As it looks for right now, we probably won't have anyone for that day, but I have a strong testimony that the Lord works in mysterious ways. This goal has helped Sister Popa and I to work harder than ever for these past few weeks. We have had such purpose and drive, and it is exactly what we both need right now. Baptism or no, I know that Heavenly Father is blessing us so incredibly much. I fully trust Him, His will, and His timing.

This week has been great though. We had some funny moments, some inspiring moments, and frustrating moments. I love my mission so much because it is always changing. Always exciting. Some things don't really change, but it the chaos among the calm that I am so grateful for.

one funny thing that happened was on Tuesday. we had our district meeting, and so Sis P and i traveled up to blackburn ( a 2.5 hour journey by bus) and as we walk up to the church, there are no lights on... hmmm... maybe they are late? We call the District Leader to find out where everyone is. " oh sisters, so sorry we totally spaced. District meeting is at Chorley today......" DAH!! haha oh wow, so we were able to get someone who came with the Zone Leaders to come pick us up. And it all worked out. 

While we were heading to our street display on Saturday, a woman walked out of a shop right next to us. We kinda all were looking at each other, and I thought maybe she was a member (she looked like she could have been one, ya know what I mean), and she definitely recognised us. She goes, " hey! I recognise you two!" before we could even say anything! and then it clicks- we met her like my first week here, we had knocked on her door! She had scheduled an appointment with us, but her baby had gotten sick, and we hadn't been able to reschedule with her. She was so sweek and we chatted with her for a while. She told us to come by her home this week! It was so sweet to run into her, and I know that it wasn't a coincidence :)

We had interviews with President this week, and it was my favourite one so far. I had really prepared before hand with questions in mind, and as I asked them, i was able to get answers and inspired counsel from him and also from the spirit. I know that God truly qualifies those whom he calls. I can see it in President, in myself, and in so many others. He trusts us so much, and allows us to learn and grow through experience. He molds and shapes us. He gives us stewardships and responsibilities so that we can be humbled and refined. Most of all, I know that Heavenly Father and our Saviour Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost each love me, and you perfectly. The know each of us by name, and they want us to be happy. Ether 12:4 says :"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." As we feel His love for us, and strive to show our love for Him, we can have that sure anchor in our lives. We can have that Hope and we can be happy. If we believe in God and trust Him, and show that through doing what is right, all will work together for our good. I know He is real. I know He lives. I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all! by for now :)

Love,

Sister Carter

Here's my week!

Hiya, yallright?

It is great to hear you all had a fab week! It has been a great one for us here as well. Also, something that Sis Popa and I just found out!! Our new Mission President has been announced on lds.org!!! WHAT!? I am in the same transfer as the Ulrich's, but crazy still!! 

Ok, so let me see... lots of miracles have happened this week, and I firmly believe that it is due to our diligence. We have not gotten on a single bus that we haven't spoken to someone on! We have been finding ways to not only be effective, but also efficient with our time. But we are still kinda adjusting to our new schedule. It is basically a lot more flexibility, planning is now in the MORNING!! and Companionship study is only 30 min, sometime during the day that works best for us. It is so nice though, because we have time to really unwind and focus our energy. For those speaking a foreign language, language study is during a different time of day as well, so we are ALL out by 10, but honestly, it hasn't been too much of a change for Sis P and I... still! Crazy huh? 

also, it snowed this week.... the day before it did though... I have never been so cold. I was wearing like every layer I owned, plus my vadar boots. yes. And I wonder why people do the missionary dodge ;) hahaha jk

Here's a few stories from this week: 

We were waiting for a bus on Monday evening so that we could get in on time, and as we stood there, a woman passed by us. We stopped her and began talking to her, and as we told her that we share messages of hope that are centered on Jesus Christ, she went, "Oh how wonderful! that sounds like a great message!" haha it was amazing! And she accepted a return appointment, and we have her phone number, and it was a miracle! She is lovely, and we are seeing her again tonight. 

Another miracle that we saw this week was when we got a text from a member letting us know that they were inviting their less active niece and her non member boyfriend over for tea, and that He had some questions to ask us. It was amazing to see that this family trusted us enough to answer his questions. And they also were so involved in helping him to understand more about what we believe. It felt like the first step for us in really helping the members get on board with the missionary work, especially in ward 2 :)

And last miracle I wanted to share was being invited into a home while we were tracting! This wonderful woman, Diane, answered her door, and as we spoke to her about who we are and what we do, she invited us to come in and tell her more. We were both SO EXCITED!!! As we spoke and taught her, and testified of the Book of Mormon, the spirit was sweet and real. I know that God is allowing these amazing miracles to occur in our lives because we are going forward, full steam ahead, with faith in Christ.

Otherwise though, we are still striving our hardest to reach our 28th of January goal, and I truly believe that it can happen. I trust though, that whatever the Lord's will is, will be. I trust His timing. 

Not loads happened this week, it were one of those odd and rare ones where the days are fast, but the weeks lasts for ages. But we are powering through!! YAY!!!

Thanks for all of your wonderful and encouraging notes- hope you know how much I appreciate each one. I love you all so very much!

Love,

Sister Carter

xx

pic:Throwback because Acer got BAPTISED!!

Back at it

Hiya

Here we go! The holiday festivities have come to an end, BACK TO WORK YALL! haha it is so good though, it is so good to have this feeling inside of me that I want the norm. You are so right Dad, I have found my groove. I don't like for it to change too much, and when it does, I enjoy it, but still thrive off of the missionary schedule and being able to earn my pillow each day.

This week has been great for us, we had some great miracles. Goes to show that even amid the trials, we can choose to be happy. Basically in England, we can get a lot of rejection. And this week was no exception. BUT Sister Popa and I have been re awakened to a new sense of all we can accomplish for the rest of this transfer. We had a vision meeting as the North Zones (Chorley, Ashton, Preston, and Liverpool zones) and it was Intensely spiritual. Probably the most powerful meetings I have been in  to date. They announced a new daily schedule and pday schedule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I KNOWWWWW!!!!!! it will go worldwide soon, but we are piloting it, by the time Ethan goes, it'll be in full swing! Sorry E, ya won't get what we are all used to, but it is SO GOOD!! aw man, i was sat there thinking, WOW the signs of the times, of the harvest, of the gathering is RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES!!!! Literally, during my short mission so far, there have seen SO MANY CHANGES. Also, we have been "using" the area book app (which includes the planner on it), (i say using because we have all been bouncing between our paper planners and the ipads), and they told us all to throw them away! Wow. That was hard. I won't get my final few planners, but the area book app is sooooo incredible. and they were right, we just had to cut it off. We teach it all the time, but perhaps we are all a bit addicted to our planners... haha No it's the best thing ever, and we are really using the technology that we have been blessed with. So yes. Back to the vision meeting! So they talked about how things were going to really change in the way we approach missionary work. We want to all rise to a new level of consecration, and to really give all that we have to the Lord. (Something that really struck my is that true humility isn't just thinking less of myself, or more of others, it is 100% trusting the Lord. In fact it isn't even about me at all. It is realising that all i have all i desire, all that  happens is thanks to Him.) As we do all we do in Christ's name, we are endowed with power and authority. I know that He is waiting for me to ask Him. To allow Him to do His work, and I am simply the instrument. I must allow Him to move me, to work through me. It was such a powerful meeting, and I can't say half the things we discussed, but just know it was great. 

Last night was the missionary fireside, only this time it was here in Chorley as opposed to man south, and it was  a musical fireside! of "our story goes on"..... It is like this British pageant type thing, about the plan of Salvation. It was brilliant! We all loved it so much! 

One of the miracles happened on Saturday. Sister Popa and I set a goal to baptise someone on the 28th of January. (if you also want to pray with us to accomplish that, feel free). We went out with certain things we were going to improve upon to do all within our power to do so. One of these being bus contacting, quite an interesting way of finding, but we do is loads here in la englatera. Yes. SO we went throughout the day, and talked to literally EVERY PERSON. and nothing. then at the very end of the day, we get on the bus to head home. Done for the day. ( Background: President always tell us that we have to stay so diligent all day, that miracles happen between 8:30 and 9pm). We are riding along, and there is the man sat behind Sister Popa. I didn't know if she would turn to talk to him, but I felt that we needed to speak to him. We keep going along, and then finally she does turn around, and immediately he is way interested. He must have recognised us, because he goes, "oh my uncle joined your church a while back, and it really changed his life!" Turns out our new friend, Darren, has had a tough year, and the changes he saw in his uncles life are what he wants and needs in his own right now!!! WOW!!! What a huge answer to prayer! we were just scribbling down his information as we pressed the button to get off! haha it was amazing, and I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. 

I know that He lives. He loves us. Truly He wants what is best for us, and even if we have to go through the Fiery furnace to get there, we always come out better for it. I know that as we strive with all our might to do His will, He can magnify our efforts, and allow miracles to happen in our behalf. He is only a prayer away and He listens to every one we say. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,

Sister Carter