THE FROZEN FLOOD!

People in Idaho always talk about the crazy weather here and for a while I just thought they exaggerated.  But weird things happen.

Last Monday I mentioned it was warming up and raining so the snow was melting.  Well, there was a lot of snow to melt.  This turned into flood warnings, and yes, many people's basements flooded a lot.  By Thursday it dropped back below freezing again and has stayed that way.  This means that the flooding stopped, or at least paused because everything is solid ICE now! ICE is everywhere! The fields looked like lakes before but now they are all ice rinks. haha It's all so crazy! I love Idaho. :)

Now I just want to jump to the highlight of the whole week/month/transfer...

JACKIE AND BRITTNIE WERE BAPTIZED! The whole program was wonderful.  There were 58 people who attended, including the mission president and his wife.  Sister Fitt and I each spoke.  Then the awaited moment arrived! They were both so nervous, excited, and anxious for it to happen.  As we stood on the side of the font watching them be immersed into the water, I could feel my cheeks so tight with a smile on my face, I couldn't wipe it off--that was the same with Jackie and Brittnie.  When they both finish they embraced and my heart almost exploded with joy!  To see them have this joy filled me with joy! It was just as wonderful on Sunday, too, when they were confirmed.  I LOVE THE HOLY GHOST!  Such marvelous feelings!  It has been a blessing for me to share this experience with the Ashby family.  They truly are different people from when we first knocked on their door.  The gospel has changed who they are.

I've re-realized this week how much I love people here--Not only the people we teach, but members in the ward as well.  They are amazing.  I'm so grateful to be serving here.  It's amazing.  I said it before and I'll say it again.  We just got transfer calls and I am staying another transfer with Sister Fitt! :)  I said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE IDAHO!

Ponderize: 2 Nephi 31:3

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.

This made me think of what President Uchtdorf said: "This beautiful gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime--even an eternity--of study and discovery to fully understand it."

God will continue to give us light for our understanding.  We've only taught Jackie and Brittnie for a couple months.  They don't know everything, but they do know the gospel brings joy.  And that is enough.

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

PS.  If anyone is curious, my count for potato dinners on my mission is 125.

 Sliding on a field of ice!!

Brittnie and Jackie's baptism!!! <3mis