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Tuesday, January 24, 2017

First Day in Tucson

Hi I just wanted to let you know I made it safely to my first area. I am serving in the Tuscon South East area. We have two wards: Rita Ranch, and Desert Willow. My companions name is Sister Drown, she has been out for 8 months and is from Kearns UT. 
Yesterday right after we got off the plane we went to visit the Mormon Battalion sight in downtown Tucson. We parked about half a mile away. At this point it was me and the 10 Elders that I flew here with, the 3 ap's, and the mission president. It's a tradition to have each new comer grab a Book of Mormon and run to the monument. Did I mention that it was half a mile, up a hill!? Picture me as the only Sister running with these Elders up this hill! And better yet, in a dress!! I am laughing at myself thinking about it:) 

After we went to the mission office- where all packages have to be sent. We ate lunch, talked a lot about the mission and then drove by the temple. It's so pretty! It is right by the mission home where we stayed the night. 

I love you and hope you are doing well. Thank you for all the support. 


Love Sister Carter  

Arrival at the Tucson airport with 10 elders!












Wednesday, January 18, 2017

MTC - Week 2

Mom and Dad, MTC four square is more intense than any game of wacky 6 we have ever played. Wednesday's ice cream bar is very coveted. And I have yet to walk into the bathroom in our building and not hear someone singing. 

This week instead of having Canadian Elders we have Asian Elders! 
How doing everyone? 

I HAVE THE BEST FAMILY IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!
Much thanks to Mom, Dad, Brad, Chelsey, Auntie Carrie, and Aunt Rose for the packages!! I am so grateful to have so many people supporting me and influencing  me for the better. I love you all dearly. 

If I thought my first week was a whirl wind, I couldn't have been more wrong! Granted this week our days have been far more structured, I feel like I am doing 1 million things in each 16 hour day ahhhhhh but I love every. single. moment. We have hammered down in our studies, TRC's, and teaching skills. Needless to say the treats everyone sent me kept me alive so thank you! They are also contributing nicely to the celestial celulite:)

Elder Niel L. Anderson:

Last week's Tuesday devotional we were blessed to have Elder Anderson speak to us. He taught 
1. Only with time can you see the full benefits of missionary services
2. Look for mid-teens and mid-twenties who are spiritually seeking
3. As we testify of the Savior, He will confess us before our Father
Much counsel went into these three main points and how they can help us expand our calling as missionaries. A favorite quote of mine from the devotional is "If you don't know what to say, speak of the Savior". Every day we should be seeking to learn more about the Savior. As we learn more about him we will find comfort in testifying of his life and his teachings. This overwhelming love we fell for our Savior will provide the means for others to come unto Him. Thus exemplifying the entire purpose I have as missionary! 


PEET:

Her full name is Phathinne Rojanasarot but her English name is Peet for our sake:) Last Saturday was the last day we will ever teach her. She is the most uplifting person I have ever met. She has this deep desire to be the most humble, charitable, endearing person. Every day she dedicates so much time to studying the Book of Mormon and the things we teach her. The questions she asks are intense and heart felt. I often feel inadequate teaching her, but she is so patient with us. And Dad, my Thai is coming along nicely!! Every lesson we have with her she teaches us something in Thai in return. I was so sad to leave her. We gave her our emails incase she has any questions for us and she has already been email us. It has been amazing to have this opportunity to be surrounded by someone who is so ready for the Gospel and filled with so much light. 



This week my Companion taught me: "If you want to talk to God, pray. If you want God to talk to you, read the Book of Mormon."


Lesson with Leah:

This week I had the chance to be on the other side of missionary work. One of the Sister Denison and Sister Hogge's investigators asked if we would be willing to let her teach us a lesson during our personal study time. The Investigators name is Leah. She is about 35 years old and suffers from sever Roomatory Arthritis. Her personality is infectious, but her self doubt often overshadows that.  Leah has an absolutely amazing voice, using it to sing many many disney songs and religious songs (you should hear her sing Amazing Grace- Amazing doesn't quite fit). This is her 3rd year working at the MTC as an investigator. Certain circumstances have lead her to have PTSD from Mormons, so it has taken quite a while for her to warm up to anyone, let alone trust us. She has read almost every and any religious book yet still doesn't quite believe in the Book of Mormon nor the Bible. In spite of this, she has a burning testimony of Christ's love for her! Sister Denison and Sister Hogge have gotten along with her really well during their lessons and invited her to sit with us at meals. This is where I first met her! 

Walking into her room, I wanted nothing more than to help take away her pain. She is so sweet and doesn't deserve to have such terrible circumstances in her life. Regardless of how she was feeling, she sat up and taught us an passionate lesson. As she began telling us about all the pain and hurt she has been through, she pulled something out of her pocket. Her words transformed from hurt and pain to warmth, comfort, and peace. In her hand she held a little nail that was bent. Continuing her lesson, she testified to us of Christ's love for her. She told us that we had come into her life at a time she was really frustrated with all missionaries, she felt so alone, and she was doubing any love from anyone. She told us she could feel some of God's love through us. Following this was a unique statement that I have never heard before:

"If we are created in the image of God, then we all have a piece of God in ourselves". 

God-like traits are found in each and every one of us. We have this growing potentential inside ourselves just waiting to be shared. I have been reviewing my patriarchale blessing lately trying to find traits I have been promised with. If these are God-given and God-like I want to learn how to share them and use them to help others come unto Christ. I also have been able to notice those Godly traits in those around me. As our district is with one another for over 9 hours a day this is really helping me practice my patience and love for everyone around me:)) 

The other things Leah shared with us was this thought that we have been teaching her as an individual, not a lesson. The advice she gave for the rest of our missions is to

"Minister unto their hearts"

Don't teach off of a manuscript or an outline. Teach from your hearts in a way that the message will be received into their hearts. 

Getting back to the main point in her lesson...(: 
She pulled out this bent nail and told us this nail represents herself. She is bent from trials, tribulations, and pain. When we force our beliefs into her head, we are essentially pounding in a bent nail. 

Having the background in construction I hope all of the Roberts family understands this!! 

What happens when you try to hammer in a bent nail? It becomes more bent. When we force our beliefs on others, it does not help them come unto Christ. 

The beauty of it all is that when we pat each other on the backs or tap the bent part in the nail, the nail becomes straight again. Instead of forcing our beliefs, we have to encourage the learning, listening, and developing testimony of Christ. 

How can we build the Kingdom of God? Certainly not with bent nails. 

I am so grateful to get to know Leah. I have really learned the importance of the views of investigators. I have to learn to listen, understand, and befriend investigators if I want them to trust me. 
And trust leads to the highest level of Love. 

Missionary Purpose:

The Lord can answer questions if we as missionaries can provide the opportunity. 
The 2 scriptures provide explanations of this: 

2 Nephi 31:3- 3 For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.


John 14:26- 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

In John we learn that the Holy Ghost brings ALL things to remembrance. How much is all? 100%. In Nephi we learn that we as missionaries teach with the intent for others to understand. People are truly taught by the Spirit. They know, feel, and act in direction of the Spirit. My role as a missionary is to help strengthen understanding of God's teachings. 


Funeral potatoes:

Okay. So apparently missionaries are like elephants. And funeral potatoes are like a watering hole. Our district sits with Leah in the very back corner of the dinning area near the left overs. During the duration of our meal we watched the cafeteria employees bring out ELEVEN trays of funeral potatoes. We sat in awe as Elders and Sisters would flock to the potatoes and fill PLATES full of them. It was absolutely absurd. A real life watering hole. haha The best was when the usual customers would come back and they recognized we were watching them and just smiled at us. By far the most entertainment I have experienced in the last 2 weeks:) 


Only 6 more days left here at the MTC, I can't believe how fast time really does fly, but I am more eager than ever to get out and start teaching! 

Love,

Sister Carter 




Sister Carter and her investigator!

Sunday, January 15, 2017

MTC - Week 1

Welcome to the Antarctica north mission!! Also known as the provo missionary training center :) 
Or.....


Mom's Tonight Cry
Missionary Torture Center 
Mormon Tabernacle Choir 
Moving Towards Christ 
Make Time Count
Make The Change 
Meet The Christ 

I LOVE those last meanings of MTC. That's a huge reason why were are all here right? To Meet The Christ and to use that to Make The Change in ourselves. I can tell you right now that this missing so far has changed me. Yes it has been exhausting, exhilarating, strenuous, and non stop, but I love being so busy! 

and I LOVE HAVING THE NAME OF SISTER CARTER!! I cannot believe that I have this privilege of wearing a badge titled with that name and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on it. I love calling people by the names of Sister and Elder. It brings such a unique spirit. 


6 days!?!? 2 months?? Or 3 hours? I cannot tell time this week has been so crazy with so many ups and downs

A little about my life here at the MTC: 

First off my district is so awesome!!!! The Elders often act like 15 year old boys, making nasty food combinations and trying to get us Sisters to eat them. They all love to talk like Canadians even though no one is going to Canada? I can't even tell you the number of times I hear eh. haha 

THE SISTERS I AM WITH ARE  AMAZING 

Sister Haskins: (Tucson) My most adorable comp! She is from Las Vegas, the oldest of 5 girls and loves cats. Can't say we agree there:) but she has so many qualities about her that are really helping me to Make The Change. And she makes sure I am on time to everything- God knew I needed her as a companion! 
Sister Yabarra: (Dallas) Sassiest, sweetest, most genuine soul. She is from Washington and converted about 2 years ago. Her family really doesn't like the church and she told them that's too bad she is serving a mission any was. She is so strong and teaches me so much about confidence. Her investigators here have been really tough, yet she has stayed so strong. 
Sister Lowry: (Dallas) Tough biker, soccer, chick. She is so strong willed and has a way of speaking. Anyone who talks to her believes anything she says because she has such a burning testimony. She is also hilarious. 
Sister Denison: (Bakersfield)  giggles like no one I know. She makes us laugh basically all the time. The elders love to tease here just so they can hear here laugh. She loves to write notes and serves in little ways every day. 
Sister Hogge: (Bakersfield) Most loving, encouraging Sister here in the whole MTC. A year ago she got called to Bakersfield, CA and turned it down. This last year she decided again that a mission was something she really needed. Once again she was called to Bakersfield. There's no coincidence in that. She is having a tough time and I know she could use your prayers! 

My comp and 2 elders are to Arizona we are already such good friends. One of the elders that is coming to AZ with me is from Wisconsin. He plays sports and eats so freaking much and says his T like D'S. Imagine ever time he says let's read dis or we have so many dings to do... hahaaha, he is the best entertainment we get each day!! He reminds me a lot of Mckay:))) 

The elders had a 30 minute discussion on eyebrows yesterday? They are crazy. All. The . Time. 

None of the Sisters in my room snore, and we all are able to sleep so well:)))


I won't bore everyone with the little details but I have had so many learning experiences. Classes are so inspiring. The teacher here are truly being guided by the spirit. Our investigators are so ready for this gospel. 

One investigator in particular is named Peet. She is from Thailand and moved to Utah last year in hopes of perfecting her English. This week was her first week being a TRC investigator, and she came full of questions. My companion and I were blown away at here curiosity and tenacity to learn. She is really busy and overwhelmed as she tries to balance all of her studies and learning about a new religion. I think we kind of blew her mind with the restoration lesson:) One of my friends taught me a neat lesson before I left that we were able to share with Peet. He told me to have the investigator take 10 seconds to follow the directions you tell them to look (ie. up, down. left, right). At the end of the 10 seconds help the individual realize that they forgot to breathe during that time. This is similar to forgetting the essential things in life (like breathing), or God and happiness. Similar in life, if we forget to focus on God or take the time to do things that we can find peace in we will not be successful. Peet is so sweet and genuine and I know that she trusts us. I just hope that I can be the messenger she needs to invite here into the gospel. 


Sister missionaries are crazy and love to sing in the shower. Sister Lowry gets SO angry. Starting at about 6:30 we can hear an echo from the shower in our room. Once a sister reaches a part in her song that she doesn't know, she just repeats the same line over and over and over again. Most often Sister Lowry will tell people to save the hymns for the choir:) Of which we joined this week:) And I do not sing but its okay because everyone around me sounds like angels:))) 

Quote from my Branch President: "If sins had a smell, no one would go to Church." 

Beeze & Kari Ann tell your boys thank you so much for the video you sent me before I left!! My whole district knows it by heart! hahaha every tine we are felling overloaded or stressed someone will ask if we can watch the video. Tell your boys they are famous here at the MTC!! 

A little about the things i have learned: 

One of my favorite things that I have learned is to BE BOLD. Teach with power and love and find the balance to be bold. My teacher Sister Mitchell gave me and my companion a little lesson on how to help investigators by speaking with the power of the Spirit by being bold. I would rather make sure investigators are always comfortable and constantly reassured, but no learning occurs when you are in your comfort zone. She shared this quote by Elder M. Russell Ballard that i want to share with you, "True conversion comes through the power of the Spirit. When the Spirit touches the heart, hearts are changed. When individuals … feel the Spirit working with them, or when they see the evidence of the Lord’s love and mercy in their lives, they are edified and strengthened spiritually and their faith in Him increases. These experiences with the Spirit follow naturally when a person is willing to experiment upon the word. This is how we come to feel the gospel is true."

Often before I begin note taking in class I like to start off by writing the phrase Let God Teach Me. There is no way I can do any of this on my own. It is only through God and by the Holy Ghost that I will be able to meet any of my goals and share a message. The same thing goes for nearly every thing in our lives. This week I want you to think about how you can humble your selves for a minute and take the time to let God teach you. We have so much to learn and the ability to learn is at our finger tips, we just have to make room for it.
John 8:29 
1 Nephi 3:7 
Elder James J. Hamula said, :"While it may be expected that we achieve the "fulness of Christ," we simply cannot do so on our own." 


I truly have the best support system in the world! I am so grateful for the emails, letters, packages and prayers. 

Also sorry this email is all over I feel like a crazy person trying to accomplish so much in one little day:) 


With all my love, 
Sister Carter 


Be confident. Be powerful. Be bold. Be taught. 


Pictures include:

1. The sisters and I the temple for the first time in the MTC. 
2. Me and my cute comp!



Sister Missionaries at the temple.

Sister Carter and her cute comp!


Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Day 1 - MTC Arrival

Hello Friends and Family! We just wanted to give a few highlights of Sister Carters first full day as missionary! 
Here's a few pictures of departure at the MTC and a little surprise a few hours after we had dropped her off. He said she was smiling from ear to ear! 


Tuesday, January 3, 2017

contact



MTC mailing address

Sister Emily Elizabeth Carter
Arizona Tucson Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 n. 900 East
Provo, UT 84602



Mission Home address

939 West Capala Drive
Tucson, Arizona
85704-4516



emily.carter@myldsmail.net