Hi!
Soooo much has happened this week.
I guess I'll just start
off with the most embarassing! So this Thursday for Relief Society, we went to
the Relief Society Building to hear from Sister Burton, Sister Stephens and
Sister Reeves (the actual General Relief Society leaders of the church...I had no idea
that's who they were because they all look so much alike I always get confused,
so I just thought I'd clear that up for anyone who doesn't know who they are.)
ANYWAYS, Sister Isaksen and I talked to Sister Poulsen (our mission president's
wife) a few days before Relief Society and she told us we didn't have to do
anything to prepare for Relief Society since we were going to the RS building.
So, we go to the building Thursday morning and take our seats and are just
talking and all of a sudden it gets super quiet and the AP's just look at
Sister Isaksen and I. They are like motioning for us to go up to the front and
conduct the meeting!
We go up and Sister Burton like whispers to us, "What
is the opening hymn?" WE HAD NO IDEA and I'm pretty sure both of our faces
were just completely blank, I felt like time stopped and I couldn't speak at
all. Sister Burton, being so sweet, suggested that we sing "As Sisters in
Zion." We just both nodded. hahaha! I am so glad Sister Isaksen is good at taking
action and doesn't freak out when things don't go according plans. She just
went up and conducted and acted like nothing even happened. She is so good. I
will miss her so much.
Today we had transfer conference. I found out who my new
companion will be!!! Her name is Sister Campelo and she's from Brazil. She's
going into her 5th transfer. I can't wait! She seems so sweet. We only talked
for like 5 minutes this morning, but I know we'll be really good friends. I'll
send a pic next week.
We have had some little baby miracles this week. I love
when they happen. The first one was with our less-active Stephen. We call him
every other week because he's doing really,really well and meets with local
missionaries Tuesdays and Thursdays. Anyways, we weren't really sure what to
teach him when we called but we just really felt in the last minute like we
should go through Christlike attributes in "Preach My Gospel" and invite him to develop one
this month.
When we began talking about Christlike attributes and how we would
like him to develop one, he said, "Right before you both called, I was
praying and praying to know how I can better serve God and what he wants me to
work on."
This really strengthened me because sometimes it is hard for me
to know if I am following the Spirit, or if it's just me coming up with these
things. It was just a really good reassurance that any idea you have to help
someone follow our Savior and come closer to God, is always from God. Trusting
in God and being willing to follow the promptings you receive from the spirit
is so vital. It can be difficult, but trusting in God really is the only way
you can do missionary work.
Another little miracle was the night after Sister Isaksen
was called to Fresno, we had been asking and asking every person we met on the Square for referrals and hadn't gotten one. We had like 30 more minutes left of Square time and ended up talking to this guy and his girlfriend. The guy was
from FRESNO CALI and wouldn't you know it, referred his aunt who isn't a member
to us without us even asking. Sister Isaksen said something that I really loved
she said,
"Things don't always work out the way you planned, but when you
show God that you are willing to work and to do the things he has asked you to
do, he will bless you." It was also just a cool little reassurance for her
to know that Fresno is where God wants to her be right now.
A little mission genealogy: This is me with my "Mom" (because she trained me) Sister Isaksen with her "Mom" and my "Grandma" (because she trained my trainer) Sister Jones |
There have been a few other little things that have really
been incredible this week. One of them is that I realized, I didn't fully
understand why I personally need a living, modern day prophet. Of course I know
that we need one to lead and guide Jesus Christ's church because throughout all
time, that is how his church has been lead, but I just kept thinking and
thinking, why do I, Carly, need a prophet?
In our Zone Training meeting, it was
focused on being taught by the Spirit. I'm obsessed with personal study time on
the mission. It is such a blessing. I 100% know that when we have questions, if
we take the time to study them out and are really searching for answers, God
will direct us to know where and how to find those answers. I used to be scared
to have questions because I didn't want to receive an answer that would
diminish my faith. I really have come to learn though that it is when we have
questions, that our faith is strengthened. When we have questions, that is when
we are able to see God working in our lives and that is how we feel his love.
He will answer our questions I just know it. Maybe not in the time frame we
want, but he really will.
Love you all so much!
-Sister Helton
On the Utah State Capitol steps |
I love Sister Ye. She is one of my favorite missionaries. |
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