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

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

It sure did snow this week, let me tell ya.  We couldn't really do much because it snowed so much!  No one else around here did much either.  School was cancelled.  Some people couldn't get to work.  Even church was cancelled by the area 70!!  That was weird because I have never had church cancelled in my life!

So because Sister Fitt and I couldn't do much or go very far, we decided to make some fun anyhow.  Becuase it is so windy here, it blows the snow in big piles called "drifts."  Well, there was a 3 or 4 foot snow drift outside of our window.  It looked so fluffy and perfect! We decided to jump out of our window.  Yes, it was cold, but it didn't matter because we were having fun! :)

The next 2 days were sunny, but I think it didn't even get above 5 degrees.  Instead  of staying cooped up inside, we got out to shovel driveways! We were layered up pretty well that it didn't even feel very cold.  By that night it was -18 degrees outside!!! Like, wut?  Yeah.  I can't believe I actually experienced that.

Although the snow and cold slowed things down, it didn't stop the work of Salvation.  Jackie and Brittnie had their baptismal interview and are prepared to be baptized this next Friday, the 13th! Lucky day! ;)  Jackie and her husband Woody have gone over a whole week smoke free!! It's going to be an exciting week. :)  We did get to teach some more lessons to investigators that will be prepared for baptism soon! 

That mostly sums up our whole week.  It warmed p enough yesterday and today to rain so lots of the snow is melting, but I'm sure more snow is coming.  Yay!

Here's a random tid bit! Did y'all (YSA peeps) watch the devotional last night?  President and Sister Nelson gave excellent talks.  I recommend you watch them. :)

Ponderize: 2 Nephi 4:15

And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my  heart pondereth the and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.

The Idaho Boise Mission has started a 100 day Book of Mormon challenge.  Each day we learn how we can "get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts."  Nephi is a perfect example of dong that (even though I, personally, have a hard time understanding what he was learning from Isaiah. haha).  We can "profit" from the scriptures as we invest our time.  Like money, the more we invest, the more we will gain a profit. (Thank you Hank Smith:)

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

 The amount of snow in our yard.

 

 I find this picture hilarious.  This is right after I jumped out the window, then a big snow drift hanging off of our roof fell right on my face! I think the picture demonstrates how I felt. HAHA

Shoveling driveways...

Lots of snow drifts in the country!!

2017!

Well folks, it’s been another week and another year. I’ve been in Idaho for more than a year. Woah!

I think the main highlight this week is the Ashby family. Their baptism is in 10 days & they are so ready & excited! I’ve seen the Gospel change them over the past couple months—it’s amazing. During our lessons, Jackie pretty much testifies of how reading, praying & going to church have given her a special strength & power.  When she said that, my heart was bursting with JOY! I felt so HAPPY! Brittnie (15) said the cutest closing prayer: “Thank you for letting time go fast so we can make it to our baptism.” Adorable! These moments are so special to me. 

The last day of 2016 was just another ordinary day as a missionary, but looking back at a year of those “ordinary missionary days” adds up to the best year of my life! 2016 was a year of new things, adventure, growth, learning, drama, joy, success, satisfaction, stress, friends, change, and spiritual experiences. On New Years Eve we had to be home by 6:30pm. With that extra time, we watched Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. I’ve been thinking a lot lately on Joseph Smith, the restoration of the church and the Book of Mormon. The knowledge that we have of Jesus Christ is so ah-mazing, very precious, and most valuable. It fires me up as I bear my personal testimony to those who haven’t had the gospel in their lives. A central, key part of that testimony comes from the Book of Mormon.  What a powerful witness of truth & source of knowledge! Because of the centrality of that book to my testimony, I have made 1 goal for the year of 2017, and hopefully years after that:  Read from the Book of Mormon every day… I encourage ya’ll to do the same. You can even keep me accountable—ask me how my goal is doing!:-)

Ponderize: Moroni 10:4-5

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Read, ask, feel, repeat. No matter how many times you have or haven’t done it, I, along with Moroni, exhort you to find out for yourself and make the Book of Mormon the keystone of your testimony.

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

Sister Fitt and I at the temple this morning! 

Yes, although we don't have our jackets on, it was cold... 

 Sister Fitt and I decorated our Ward Mission Leader's house for their anniversary. :)

Mission President selfie! :) haha

I'm Dreaming of a White & Brown & Windy Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas week.  It was so fun to be sharing the message of our Savior’s birth all week.  We participated in several Christmas activities, but boy was it cold!! Last Monday we went Christmas caroling on a hay ride. I made sure to bundle up real warm. I think I had about 6 layers on. Haha!

A family in our ward anonymously provided Christmas for another family who is struggling.  They asked us to be the deliverers. That is one of my favorite things to do at Christmas. When we got to the house on Christmas Eve that had nothing under their tree, but when we left it was full. That is the Spirit of Christmas—giving to others!!

On Thursday our mission had a Christmas devotional & talent show. Our district did a missionary’s 12 Days of Christmas song. So funny! I also did a piano duet/battle of “chopsticks” with Sister Stone.  We had a lot of fun.:-)

Christmas Eve was nice. We spent most of the day delivering Christmas cookies & sharing a quick Christmas message. We spent the evening with one of my favorite families, the Stockings. We had an entertaining performance of Luke 2.

Christmas was exciting, of course, because we got to Skype home! That was nice. I love my family!!

Oh, reason for the subject: It didn’t snow on Christmas, but it was so SO windy, the snow blew around, combined with dirt. The snow drifts looked like an Egyptian desert because of all the dirt & wind.

Overall this whole week was fabulous. I love being a missionary at Christmas time.

Ponderize: Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

I am sure the innkeeper didn’t know he turned down the Savior of the world, but if he did I would guess he’d make room.  Let us each make room for Him—Let Him in!

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

While Proselyting we had to stop to take pictures with the horses!

Christmas day Picture!

This week is one of the best ALL year! Merry Christmas!

Hello friends & family!

This week's update will be short & sweet!!

I could just say: IT'S COLD HERE and that would sum things up.  Haha.  Although it is cold, we are enjoying our time, none the less.

Highlight #1: We taught the Ashby's, Christian and Jacee the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity this week.  The most exciting part is that the Ashby's are ready, willing and excited to quit smoking! Wahoo!  Baptism here we come!:-)

Highlight #2: We've been door-bell ditching the "12 days of Christmas" gifts for a family.  It's a little different here because there's snow and ice everywhere.  One night Sister Fitt couldn't stop quick enough so the ice got the best of her.  Haha. They didn't catch us though, so it's all good.

Highlight #3: It's cold here! Idaho winter=cold, wind, snow and ice.  We decided to take some pictures for a Christmas card but we chose a day that was windy like no other! I'm pretty sure I've never experienced being so cold in my life because of wind.  We're doin' our best at stayin' warm.

Ponderize: John 3:16

For God so loved the world , that he gave his only begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This week is one of the best ALL year. I believe because we know that God sent His Son for US! What better reason to celebrate!?! Not everyone realizes it, so make sure to share with everyone the reason for the season.

From Idaho to You,

XoXo

Sister Carling

It's freezing here!

Howdy Ya’ll!

How’s the weather?  It’s freezing here.  Like, literally.  It’s 32 degrees outside today.  One night this week it got down to FOUR flippin’ degrees.  This weekend I hear it’s supposed to get down to -2.  Brrr! That’s Idaho for ya.  I think I’m getting acclimated because 32 degrees doesn’t sound or feel very cold to me anymore…Haha!

Because this week was transfers it was a bit crazy & adventurous.

Last Monday our zone participated in the Burley Light Parade!  We just sang Christmas songs & advertised #LIGHTtheWORLD.  It was like 19 degrees outside.  We could see the air coming out of our nostrils.

The rest of the week with Sis. Leach consisted of making visits to investigators, less-actives & members.  We had some awesome lessons.

One morning we walked down to the Snake River (right around the corner from our house) and discovered it was frozen over solid! That was crazy!

Thursday was transfer day and we had to drive to Twin Falls.  It was snowing a lil’ bit on the drive there.  While we were waiting it started snowing a lot more…By the time we left there was probably about 2 or 3 inches of snow that had fallen.  Here’s the scary part—I had to drive back to Burley (45 minute drive) in that snow storm!!  I ain’t never driven in snow, let alone on a highway during a snow storm!! But, we made it back safely.:-)  I’m kinda proud of myself for how well I am doing on the snowy, icy roads.

The rest of the weekend was fun, as Sis. Fitt is getting to know the people and area.  We had a wonderful lesson with Jackie & Brittnie—taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are so ready and excited to be baptized.  Brittnie says nothing is going to stop her—especially Satan! Haha

I still think it’s crazy that I hit my year mark.  I haven’t seen any of ya’ll friends or family for over a year now.  Like, woah! Life has been the best adventure this past year, though!

Ponderize: Alma 38:9

And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.

Anything—ALL things—are possible because of Jesus Christ.  Repentance is the way to access that salvation through Him. It is real. He is real. Let’s be real and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ!

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

Our zone at the Light Parade! 

Me and chickens. Yeah. haha

 

That is the Snake River behind us.  Yes, it is frozen over!

 

Year mark!
 

 

Me and Sister Fitt when we were about to leave Twin Falls!

1 Year Gone!

My weeks seem to be going so slow but at the same time, can you believe I have been gone 1 full year this week?!?!  Crazy!  I can hardly believe that! Man, oh man, what a great year it has been.  I feel like the same person, yet totally different and changed.  I'd say it's a good change.  My testimony has increased with personal stories and experiences to go with my growth of knowledge.  The level of the amount of joy I have felt is indescribable when individuals whom I've come to love feel changed by the Spirit.  The excitement and happiness usually brings me to tears. I just found out someone I taught in Boise is getting baptized and I'm so HAPPY!!  I have learned and felt what the influence of the Holy Ghost can do.  Knowing that I have acted on or spoken by the power of the Holy Ghost are some of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had. My knowledge and appreciation of the Book of Mormon and other scriptures continues to grow as I study and apply them.  My desire to share the knowledge of Salvation burns as I think about what my Savior Jesus Christ did.  And that's what--or who-- this is really all about--Jesus Christ!  He's the center to my testimony and life and that is what I am here to share!

 

We had a few very special moments this week as we taught and testified of Jesus Christ. We were teaching the Plan of Salvation to our investigator Jackie and her 15 year-old daughter Brittany.  In the middle of teaching "Earth-life" Brittany says, "Mom, did you tell them the news?"  Jackie indicated that she had not, then announced "Brittany would like to be baptized." Yay yay yay!!  :D  They were both so happy and we were ecstatic! So, we set a baptism date for January 13th!  That was probably the biggest highlight of the week. 

 

We also were able to set a baptism date for our our 9 year old investigator, Jaycee for January 14th! Exciting stuff.  

 

There were some other bomb.com lesons this week where the Spirit was hulk strong and I wish I could talk about 'em all  But, time is short.

 

Has everyone been participating in #LIGHTtheWORLD??  We've been trying our best out here.  It's such a great way to unite together.

 

Ponderize: 3 Nephi 18:24

Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.

 

Christ said, "I am the light..." Also, "Ye are the light..."  It's interesting we are both the light, but as he says here we are the light as we hold up His light.  We hold it up by doing what He did. )Here's another plug for #LIGHTtheWORLD)  I encourage y'all to participate in the calendar because it is giving us specific ways to hold up that light!

 

Also, we just got transfer results! Sister Leach is going to Boise and I am staying here another transfer with Sister Fitt!!

 

 

 

From Idaho to you,

 

XoXo

 

Sister Carling

 

 

 

 

Exchanges with Sister McOmber!

 

 

 

 

Matching headbands!

 

Zone breakfast this morning