Now before you get concerned thinking I've has been taken by the Corona Virus and my fingers are gone, I'm 100 percent alright. Don't freak out, grab a paper bag or something and breathe into it. I'm alright. This is your absolute favorite missionary in the Colorado Fort Collins mission, the one and only, Sister Carter.
I don't really even know where to begin so i thought I'd update y'all on how the virus is doing over here. We've received numerous emails from our Mission President and the Missionary Department for our area and they've been doing a super great job with keeping us all updated on everything. The virus so far hasn't caused too much trouble over here except for if you feel sick even a little, they're having us stay in our apartments up to 48 hours or 2 weeks.. I know CRAZY!!
But enough about me. Let me tell you about the inner workings of the mission now that the Covid19 virus epidemic is going crazy. The biggest news, which I'm sure you all are fully aware of is that Church has been cancelled *gasp* what a weird adjustment it has been. Missionaries were told to turn to the ward for the Sacrament and that in order for someone to be baptized they have to go to a members home for Sacrament 3 times and they are good to go. Which honestly is a plus for those with social anxiety. There is also no more proxy work in the temple *mad bummer* but living ordinances in most of the temples still continue! (Yay people can still get married!!) Just yesterday they also said that once Elders reach their 21 month mark they have been asked to return home early.... like literally they are going home in 2 days. Crazy things have happened. I'm still in shock. Missions around the world are shutting down and telling missionaries to stay inside. As of now we are only allowed to meet with people we know, and we aren't allowed to tract at all. (That last part was big for me because I'm a HUGE advocate of no tracting at all) Honestly that was a lot of information in one paragraph so let's all take a 3 second mental break
...
...
...
Nice
This week was also the much awaited Transfers!!
I am
*drum roll please*
*pause for dramatic effect*
STAYING
I personally feel blessed to be staying in Fort Collins because I get to be around all my favorite people for another 6 weeks!! (Maybe more if the whole world just shuts down for like 5.67 months)
Here is my spiritual thought for all of you:
Right now my favorite phrase from the scriptures is, "By small and simple things do great things come to pass" which is found throughout the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and referenced in the Bible. You might not all know me, but if you did you would realize one very important thing about me, I am very loud, and extremely outgoing. In all honestly the last phrase I would use to describe myself is "small and simple" okay, I am small (5'5") but simple? Not at all. I am, to quote my mother, "A lot" but even with all my "a lotness" I am very small in terms of the world. I can't reach many people, I can't help many people, I can't do many things. I think about my work as a missionary, and even throughout my life, and how I will only be about to touch a handful of people. I may never be something great, but it brings me so much comfort to know that I can be the "small thing" which can bring to pass great things. You can be that too. Our world is hectic right now. There are people panicked about their health and the health of those they love. They are searching, grasping, and begging for and anchor to secure themselves to. That anchor is Christ. How blessed are we to be able to hold onto that anchor? It is now our job to beckon those who are drowning in sorrow and the craziness of the world to come and grab onto the anchor with us. Christ will always and has always held us when the whirlwinds of life come. Today is not any different. He loves us. Help others to feel of that love too.
Thank you all for joining me on this little adventure. If you have any questions, comments, or advice for me feel free to email me. Or if you are stuck inside for the next few weeks and you are bored out of your mind, shoot me an email. I'll get back to you within the next 1-2 Preparation Days.
I have no doubts that the Lord knew of this coming virus and the impact it would have on the world. I believe that our prophet’s recent implementation of the home-based, church-supported study was partly revealed in preparation for this event which is literally *epic* ! I know we can expect more difficultly and confusion in the days ahead as we witness additional signs of the Savior’s 2nd coming, but don't freak out because I'm doing enough of that for all of you ;)
I love you all *even if I have never met you*
Remember God is in the Details!
Sister Carter
