This week was full of so pretty gnarly twists and turns so make sure you keep your hands, feet, and heads inside the ride at all time.
It started off as a pretty basic week, we had a few lessons, did some service, saw some members but on Wednesday we had exchanges!!! I was able to go with the woman, the myth, the legend, Sister Lloyd. During our exchanges we did a little of everything ranging from Service, to finding a new person. We met with a guy named Jim who they had tried to teach but weren't able to get him as a technically new person. We went into his home with a member from 2nd ward and he has some mental and physical challenges that make it nearly impossible for him to leave his home expect for doctors appointments, and even then, they have to have 5 firemen carry him down the stairs. He currently has cancer in his eye and I was able to connect with him about my dad having cancer. I told him how my Dad at one point was getting 15-20 shots in his legs every other week and the only way he got through it was turning towards Christ and building upon that relationship. The spirit was so strong as I testified of how Christ is in our lives, has lived our life, and has felt our life. He knows exactly every moment we have lived. I could tell he felt the spirit and wanted to build that relationship with Christ. It was cool to see how even though I wasn't in my assigned area, I could still receive revelation for it.
Later that day we got to go to their Halloween party where.... if you could guess by the title... Sister Lloyd and I dressed up as Missionary Elders. It was epic. Everyone thought it was absolutely hilarious. The funniest part of it all was that all of the Elders kept asking us if we knew how to tie a tie, to which I responded, of course my Dad taught me well. Like NO JOKE every single Elder we told we dress up as Elders asked us that, pssh I bet I could tie a tie before they could!! One of the Elders even said that he didn't even learn until a few days before going into the Missionary Training Center..... so I for sure knew how to tie a tie wayyyy before him. Honestly, being Elders was the absolute highlight of the week.
Then comes the saddest part of it all.... Jonnetta dropped us this week. She invited us over for a sit down dinner and after it was all said and done, in tears, she said that she tried her very hardest to believe but she just couldn't. So we said our goodbyes and they gave us a ton of food and promise to keep in touch. Sister Johnson and I talked about it and we knew that right now just isn't the right time for her to be baptized. She is living with someone who is very against the church, and he being baptized would cause a huge rift in the family. We both agreed that after he passes away she will move in with her daughter who was recently baptized, and we are sure she will be baptized as well. I'm already making plans to be there when she is. Now is just not the right timing for her, but we are glad that we could play a small part in her eventual conversion, even if it didn't lead to baptism right now.
Also I found out something really sad but also extremely exciting news this week.... Sister Johnson got her visa!! Which means, next week she will be flying halfway across the Earth to Australia.... yea I'm extremely excited for her but also sad, she's going to do so so so amazing in Australia I know it but I can't help but wish I could keep her forever. I started comparing it to being an actual mom and when she got her Visa it was like she was graduating from High School and the next week or so I'm with her is the summer before I take her to college and let her blossom... what a tender moment it will be... ahhhh sad but exciting times.
I hit my 6 months in the mission this week!! That means I only have 1 year left! It's so strange because I feel like a baby missionary but I'm a 3rd of the way done!! I feel like if I blink too hard I will be home trying to navigate dating, Netflix, and college all over again. I'm so blessed to be able to learn and grow in ways that are only possible on a mission. God has blessed me in so many ways that I have been able to notice on my mission. I have learned to be grateful for my trials, excited about the future, and strengthened in my testimony. 6 months has honestly flown by and I can't imagine what the next year will hold but I do know one thing, God has my back 1000%.
Love you all!! Transfers are next week so stay tuned to find out where I'm headed for the next 6 weeks (or if I'm staying but that's less exciting)!! Keep living life the best way you can with God in your heart always!!
Love,
Sister Carter
