October 2014 General Conference

 Sister Isaksen got to patiently meet some of my best friends and family who came to sessions of October General Conference. It was a busy weekend, but I was so happy to see familiar faces. 

Sky Wolfe

Denise Burnett

Andrea Nelson

Front row from left, Andrea Nelson, me, Daniel Nelson, Michael Nelson
Back row from left, Uncle Jared Nelson, Uncle Roland Nelson, Spencer Nelson, Jared Nelson

Elder John Delong and Denise Burnett

Brig and Laurissa Memmott came to Temple Square last week

When You Look, God is Everywhere. 10-2-2014

There is so much to tell ya.  This week has been incredible. 
It's amazing how, when you look, God is everywhere. 
I'll just tell you a few quick 'lil stories about this week!

Monday, Sister Isaksen and I got a call to take a Norwegian tour. When we got to the place we were meeting the people, it was one of our investigators! Sister Isaksen has been teaching Iselin for the last couple of months because she came here as an exchange student and started going to church because her host family was LDS. But she lives 6 hours away from a church building in Norway so we've been talking to her over the phone. We had no idea she was going to be here!! Her little sister was with her too and it was so amazing to be able to take them to the Christus and we showed them the movie God's plan for families. It was such a good way to start our week.

Then Tuesday, we were just at one of the desks on the Square and this lady asked us to take a picture of her. So we did. Then we started talking to her and found out she's from California and then we started talking to her more about the Church. She just kept saying over and over how she felt like God led her here, like she needed to be here for some reason (obviously it was perfect because we were like uhh, we know why you needed to be here!!) So we got all her info and taught her about the Restoration. Come to find out her ex-husband was a member. She's amazing. Her name's Cynthia.

Then, right after Cynthia, this couple walked in the door and said: "We have to tell you two our story!" They both joined the church a year ago, December, and the whole reason they joined the church is because the woman heard Elder Uchtdorf and President Monson's talks on the Saturday morning session of last October Conference. She said she heard them speak at her friend's house on TV and went home that night, talked to her husband, and they were baptized 2 weeks later. But, she said lately they've been really struggling. At first she said everyone was so welcoming and friendly but now that they've been members for a while, people have kind of forgotten about them (member missionary work is VITAL!) but here's where her story gets CRAZY. So, her and her husband came to the Square and were walking around and decided that they wanted to watch "God's Plan for Families." They were in the North Visitor's Center, told their background story to the sisters that were going to play the movie for them (how Elder Uchtdorf's talk is why they converted), and then went upstairs to watch the movie. Two minutes later (right as the movie was
starting), a sister runs upstairs and is like: "Elder Uchtdorf is downstairs, he just walked in!!!!" So, the lady (her name was Ellen) got to go downstairs and tell Uchtdorf her story and he hugged her 3 times and it was just amazing. She said she'd been praying and praying to know if this Church really is where she needed to be and she got her answer. No apostles EVER come into the Vistitor Centers so it really was a miracle.

Last story. Yesterday we took the most amazing tour I've ever been a part of. We had these 2 German atheists in it. It was me, Sister Isaksen, and one of my favorite people, Sister Lytle. We were in a trio for a few hours. Anyways, it was the 2 Germans and 2 other couples. I don't really know how to describe the tour other than it was incredible. So, the point of taking tours is to, yes, tell people about the history of Temple Square and all the buildings but really, it's all about the Spirit. We use the facts about the buildings to bridge to Gospel truths that everyone can relate to. Like the Tabernacle for example. When were at the Tabernacle it's a perfect way to talk about how we have a living, modern-day prophet who speaks to us because (obvi) the Tabernacle was the first conference center ever built. 
Back to my story, the last place we took them to on the tour was the Christus. The spirit was so strong. At the end of the tour we said: "You know, if any of you would like a Book of Mormon, we would love to give you one." No one really said anything, so we were just like "thank you so much for coming to Temple Square." THEN the Germans started talking to us and the other people who were a part of the tour walked away and we were just in the middle of chatting about nothing spiritual anymore and one of them was like, "Could I actually maybe get a copy of that book?" We were like YES. 
So we walked downstairs to a desk to get one and one of the couples who were on our tour were at the desk talking to other sisters GETTING A BOOK OF MORMON. Then like 2 minutes later THE OTHER COUPLE comes and asks for a Book of Mormon.
I think what I've learned most this week is that I don't have to know all the facts and every little detail about the church. When you testify of what you know to be true, it's a trillion times more powerful than any logical answer you can give someone.

I just want to share with you my fav scripture. It's Alma 5:7:

 "Behold he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, they were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word."

It goes on, but that's the part I love. The gospel of Jesus Christ changes people's hearts. I feel so blessed and humbled to be a tiny part of God's incredible work here on earth. He changes people's hearts. His Spirit is so strong and I am so happy to be where I am right now.

Love you all and miss you tons.
xoxoxo,
Sister Helton

PS. I really am so happy and loving it here so much. I can barely wait for conference! I'll be at the Sunday morning sesh. I will read Libbie's blog (lifeofaconvert.blogspot.com). It's crazy because I've been thinking about her this week. I put her name on the prayer roll. I got to go the Salt Lake Temple!! It was beautiful. I loved it so much.

The pic is of me in front of the Lion House holding a slip of paper because I passed off on giving tours! I got a free meal. It was goooood. I am now an official missionary on Temple Square - haha. It's been freezing down here!

First TS companion and daily schedule 9-25-2014

Hi!!!
   Here's a pic of my companion, Sister Isaksen from Norway! This morning we had Relief Society at 7:15 a.m. and today's Pday ... soooo there was no point in really getting ready but I thought you would want to see her!

                           I love her so much! 

   Anyways, Dad asked me to tell you what I do everyday. Now I can actually tell you!  We have a schedule that we were given for the next 6 weeks. This was my day yesterday:
   Wake up 6:30 a.m. and work out (we have a work out vid: Jillian Michael's "Get Ripped in 30"... I'll let you know how it goes ... hahaha). Her voice is the most annoying thing in the world, but I actually was a little sore yesterday so that's good.    
   So then we get ready 7-8 a.m., have personal study 8-9 a.m., companion study 9-10 a.m. and then we have Square Time. 
   Square Time you usually just walk around and talk to people. We have phones, so we usually we get texted to go take a tour. Anyone who comes to the Square can go on a tour whenever they want, which is cool. They're supposed to last like 20 minutes and we take them to 3 different places on the Square - usually the Assembly Hall, the Tabernacle and the Christus - but if they want to know more of how our religion got started, we take them to the South Visitor's Center and show them the "Scriptures and Revelation" exhibit with all the wax prophets, etc.
   I love tours. Motorcoaches are the most fun though! It's when groups of like 30 people schedule in advance to have a tour and we get to use the microphone and portable speaker. So that's what Square Time is, taking tours and talking to people! I love it.

   Then we have like 2-3 hours (broken up throughout the day) of TC Time. TC is the Teaching Center where we get to go on the computers and chat with people who go on mormon.org or call the number on either mormon.org or lds.org. We also schedule lessons to teach people over the phone during that time. We have 6 people we are teaching over the phone right now. It's so awesome! 
   I still have SO much to learn but I'm feeling a lot better about my teaching abilities after this first week. I know it'll just take time to adjust. 

   We also are scheduled to be at desks in both of the visitor centers for an hour each day and we also are at this place called West Gate 4 days a week. West Gate is where ALL the texts get sent out. Like if someone comes onto the Square and wants a tour, we text out like "2 guests, English at West Gate." And then sisters call and say they can come take it! We also record every tour taken each day. It's crazy. We are there for 3 hours 4 days a week but it's good because it's so busy time goes by really fast. 
   Next transfer (every six weeks), maybe I'll be scheduled to go to Welfare Square or the Beehive House. This transfer I'm at West Gate though. Hopefully that made sense..it's kind of confusing. But ya! That's my normal day.
It's busy I love it.

   I GOT TO GO IN THE TUNNELS. They do exist. Not as cool as you would think though ... it's just like offices and a practice room where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir goes. They have a vending machine with ice cream and Hot Pockets, though, which is cool. Not that I can have those. I've accepted the fact that I am lactose intolerant. I might go get some of those pills from Costco, though, so I can have a little ice cream now and then. We get it free at Leatherbee's. It's actually probably a good thing I can't have it. haha.   

  We have met some really amazing people on the Square. It's so amazing to see that God really does prepare people and sends them to Temple Square to receive their answers. I love it so much here. 

   It's crazy how many people from literally all over the world come here. We took a Korean tour. Sister Ha (obviously Korean) led the tour and just translated what we said. It was so funny, because they all wanted to take pictures of me because I was from Washington (I think they thought I was from DC because they kept saying "From the capital! Miss USA") and blonde. Asians are the only ones who want pictures with me. hahaha. I will tell you some stories about people we are teaching next week. I am learning so much from those we teach.

Love you all so much!

-Sister Helton
P.S. Did you know you can still use DearElder and they'll send it to my mission? I just learned that.

Please tell everyone I love them.

2nd Day at Temple Square 9-18-2014

Hi!

Oh, wow, this week has been BUSY. 

I can't believe I'm an actual missionary now. 

Temple Square is amazing. I have the best trainer/companion. Her name is Sister Isaksen. She's from Norway. She's seriously the best! I am learning so much from her. She's the Relief Society President, too, over all 200 of the sisters so she go go goes. It's so good for me. 

I prayed so much to have a good trainer. She's better than I could have even hoped for. 

Visitor Center training was amazing too. That's what I did all last week at the MTC. Last Saturday, my teacher told us that we had 20 minutes to prepare a 15 minute lesson for 3 different investigators. She told us to "receive revelation" as to what we should teach. In my head I was like "are you kidding me?! How in the world am I supposed to plan a lesson for 3 people I've never met?!" 

But it was crazy. The Holy Ghost really can guide your thoughts if you listen and you let him. It was one of the most spiritual nights ever. Every scripture we prepared and everything we studied in the 20 minutes was EXACTLY what the investigators needed to hear. It was so cool.

Another thing I learned this week was from Richard G. Scott. He came and talked to us on Tuesday night. He talked about prayer and the reason sometimes we don't get answers to our prayers. It was so inspired. He said sometimes, even if we pray super hard for something we won't get an answer. He said it's because God trusts us. He trusts us enough to make the decision for ourselves. He wants us to be self-reliant and use the incredible mind he's blessed us with. 

Of course, he will never leave us alone and will prompt us to know if the direction were heading in is wrong, but I just loved knowing that God trusts us. I have wondered a lot why sometimes I feel like my prayers aren't answered even when I feel like I'm praying with a sincere desire to get an answer. I love knowing that he trusts me enough to let me figure things out on my own.

Sorry for the lengthy email...I hate when missionaries do that. I never read the whole thing. Love you all so much!! I'll send pictures of Sista Isak next week, I forgot my card reader today. Oh, my PDay is now on Thursday's just btw.

Xoxoxo,

Sista H

P.S. Here's my new address:

Sister Carly Jean Helton

Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission

50 N. West Temple St. BSVC

Salt Lake City, Utah 84150

Note sent with Letter from Mission President 9-17-2014

Hi!
I'm here!
I have my new nametag with the US flag on it...crazy!
It feels so good to be here. I don't have my companion yet, but I know she is going to be amazing. All the sisters here are incredible. The mission president and his wife seem so sweet and easy to talk to. I already feel at home even though I have no idea where my apartment is.
Last night at the MTC we had a devotional and Richard G. Scott spoke. It was the perfect way to end my MTC experience. I still can't believe I'm a real missionary, but it feels so right.
Love you all so much,
Car
P.S. Wednesdays Kneaders gives us free bread ... AWESOME!! Kneaders :)

Pray with an intent to act 9-12-2014

Hi!

So much to tell you!
This week has been awesome. The elders in our zone left on Monday...we were so sad. They were the best. They're in Colorado now and we started our VC (visitor center) training on Wednesday. There's 19 of us going to a VC. Two of the girls are going to Washington DC and two are going to Cleveland. The rest are Temple Square!

I have learned so much from my classes. Something that I LOVED this week that one of my teachers said was pray with an intent to act.
I think that may have been my problem in the past when I feel like I'm not getting an answer to my prayers. Sometimes I think we don't get the answers we want when we pray, so we think our prayer wasn't answered, at least that's happened to me. I've just come to realize that maybe I haven't been praying with an intent to really act and do what God wants me to, I've just been looking for the answer I think I'm supposed to be getting.

Oh! Yesterday we started chatting with investigators on mormon.org. IT WAS CRAZY. People get on with some interesting questions. No matter what they ask though, we are supposed to bring it all back to Christ and help them draw closer to Him so I kind of love chatting.
It's cool, too, because the questions people ask, I would literally have never in a zillion years thought of. Someone got on and was like "what is Kolob?"
Both Sister Lai and I were like "uhhhh one moment please." hahaha. But for those of you who don't know, it's the star closest to where our Father in Heaven lives as well as is symbolic of Christ being close to God, thank you lds.org!

Last thing, Wednesday we got to go to Temple Square and have a tour like we were just normal investigators and tomorrow were going up again but were getting a new companion who's actually serving on Temple Square right now and we get to go talk to people for like 4 hours! I am so excited to almost be done with the MTC and at T. Square. Only 5 more days.

Love you so much! I love getting your letters so much.

Xoxox tons,

Sister Helton

PS. LOOK WHO I RAN INTO AT THE MTC ON MONDAY!!!!! Day made! Love her sooooo much. (BYU-I Bestie Rachel McWhorter from Arkansas, going on a mission to Spain)

Adjusting to Mission Life Sept. 5, 2014

Hi!

Ahh... this week has been so good. I'm finally adjusted to waking up at 6:30 am and going to bed at 10:30! 

It's crazy how much I've been learning. Sunday nights are my favorite. We had the option to either watch "The Testaments" or watch a talk Elder David Bednar gave at the MTC a couple years ago called "The Character of Christ" so we watched “The Character of Christ.” If any of you have an hour and a half in your day, watch it. It literally gave me a new perspective on everything I do. I would think you could find it on LDS.org or maybe even google Youtube but seriously ... watch it. It'll change you.

The MTC is kind of the best because they force us to do so many things that are completely out of your comfort zone. …I am learning a ton!

The thing is, every single person is so different and has their own needs and the most important thing is just to love them.

We had a devotional on Tuesday and it was President Holzapefel (he's a member of the 70) and he said something that has given me so much more perspective and love towards my investigators. He said you aren't teaching them to get them baptized. You are changing their eternities. Every time I get nervous to teach someone, I try to think about how this work is so much bigger than me and it really doesn't matter how I'm feeling because I am here to serve God.

Sister Stevens who's the 1st counselor in the General Relief Society presidency talked to us on Sunday, too, and she said “Breathe in faith and let fear out.” I love that so much!

Love you all tons and tons! Thanks so much for your letters, they make my day!

-Sister Helton

P.S. The pictures are of my district at the Provo Temple. It was super sunny out so everyone is a tad squinty! The first one is of my companion, Sister Lai, from Australia