Monday, November 25th, 2013, Rocky Mount, North Carolina

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

This week was filled with many different opportunities and miracles.  Let me tell you something that is a good principle that I learned:

 

One time (last Thursday...) we were setting many goals.  These goals were SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and timely) EXCEPT: there was one.

 

There was one goal with which we have been not a SMART about.  Namely, finding new investigators. 

 

I will just say that I'm still learning ways that we can do that.

 

BUT!  We devised a plan.

 

Instead of setting a low SMART goal as we had been previously we would set a HIGH SMART goal knowing that it probably wouldn't happen, but knowing that it would be a high number and that we would be forced to think about it throughout the week.

 

Let me tell you something.  I think it was a major 'lightbulb' moment because....

 

We reached our goal.

 

And we did it while doing all the same things that we have been doing in the last 6 weeks.

 

So I learned that Heavenly Father makes it possible for us to accomplish great things in the midst of our everyday activities.  You don't have to do something outstandingly different to make a difference, just be willing.

 

I think that as far as members of the church go, sometimes we think that finding people who might be interested in the gospel is independant of what we do in our lives already-- it's a different activity.

 

It's not!

 

I can say it as a member, and as a missionary. 

 

All that we are asked to do is be commited to doing what the Lord has asked.

 

If we are commited, TRULY committed, and we set an insired goal, He will make it possible for us to accomplish that goal in a way that we may not have thought it would happen, and in a way that suits our personal strengths and our personal lives.

 

So, everybody:

Christmas is coming fast.  Are you commited to finding a person with whom you can help feel of God's love?  Are you really committed?  If you are, I can promise you that the Lord will trust you enough to place somebody in your path that is ready and needs to feel of that love.  It may be in an unexpected way, but it will happen.

 

Epiphany:  Miracles do not come from casual commitment.  I just thought of that just barely as I was typing this to you.

 

Now you know my thought processes. :)

 

I hope that each of you will commit to finding that "one" and loving that "one" in the same way that the Savior would love them.  Will you do that? It will bless not only them, but you. I KNOW that as we have Christlike love for others, we feel of Christ's love for us because I have learned for myself through service, and through that love that He loves me.

 

I know that this is a season and time in the gospel as well as year to reach out in love to others and help them, and invite them to feel of the love that Heavenly Father and the Savior have for them!

 

I LOVE YOU!!!! And I hope that you know it every time that you feel "low".  I am one of the three people that loves you a million much!!!!! :)

 

Talk to y'all nest week!

 

Love,

Sister Starvin (for a Thanksgivin' feast) Garvin

Monday, November 18, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, LDS Sister Missionaries

Dear Family,

I was going to start of my letter by saying something funny about how I hadn't received a letter in a week, and then call you all to repentance, but then I found out about how your computer crashed, and other things that are happening in your lives, so I think I will just start out by being grateful. :)

(Also, Thanksgiving is nigh upon us, so twill be fitting!)

I'm so grateful.  I'm grateful for miracles, I'm grateful for love, and I'm grateful for you.

I know I have said it before, but I often wonder if anything I have done has been for the bettering of anyone besides myself.  It's so easy to see all the things that I'm not doing well, or not doing right, and wonder-- what on earth drove me to make a decision that would cause as much of an emotional roller-coaster as serving a mission.

I woke up thinking this exact thing this morning.

Why on earth did I decide to serve a mission? 

Well it's a miracle! And I remember why a little bit more since emailing you today.

As a part of one of the miracles which I have seen as of late:

I just received news that an investigator that we were working with in Jamestown has decided to be baptized!  Yay!  (I don't really know how to describe it any better. :)

I didn't come out here for worldly gratification, but it does make a difference to know that something I have done mattered. 

So in a summation of all the things that I could continue to say today I just want to end with this.  Thank you for making it possible for me to matter.

I know that you each are dealing with things in your own lives that are challenging to you specifically, but you have made a difference for me, and you matter to me.  So remember that!  Remember that to at least one other person in the universe (besides Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father) you have made a lasting impression on the person that I am and the person that I will continue to become.

My invitation to all that read this letter this week is this:  Tell everyone that you run into this week that had made a positive impression or influence in your life that they matter.  It's not awkward. 

To Andrew:  (everytime I type your name I miss the w and type an s so your name is almost always Andres. ;)

I love you!  You matter to me!  And you are a miracle in my life!  I'm so grateful to have the best brother in the whole world!  You are amazing!  And I know that you make a BIG HUGE difference to so many people! (ya done good kid!)

To Ashley:  (haha!  Just typed you as Ashlet.)

I love you!  You matter to me!  Way to go on the GED!  I know that you leave an imprint of joy, and delight on every life you touch!  

Every time I see the photo of Winnie-the-Pooh that you drew me, I remember that joy, and delight!  Thank you for being my delightful best sister, and for making me happier! :)

To Mom: 

You hear from me more than anyone else.  I wish that I could tell you all the things that have made you matter to me.  But I think that unconditional love and support would be the best that I can type up short. Thank you for always making me important. :)  And I love you!

To Steve:

I have lots of nice things to say about you, and to you!  But in short: Thank you for being willing to help, and for sharing as much love as you do, and for making a difference in my life! You are thoughtful, and reach for the kindness within yourself to serve others who may be in need.  You matter!

To Brock:

You matter to me because you always sacrifice for my benefit.  You always do everything within your power to make things for me better, and easier.  You also are probably the most honest and hard working person that I have ever met, and I look up to you for that.  I hope it is an attribute(s) that I have inherited. :)  

I love you all so much, and I don't know if you'll all read this, but now you can know that you matter, and that I'm grateful for each of you, and the impression that you have made on my life.

P.S.

I would go through all the people that I know, but I only have 15 minutes left and I know that if I forget someone in my extended family and friends that would defeat the purpose of this being an uplifting email. Sooooooo......

One big I LOVE EVERYBODY!

Thank you very much, that's the nicest thing anyone's ever dun for me.....

Love forever,

Sister Garvin

Monday, November 11, 2013, Sister Garvin in 'North Carolina'

Missionaries: Goldsboro Zone

So transfer calls were yesterday (which I can hardly believe....).  I've been here for 6 weeks already, and I get to stay at least another 5!

We are having a 5 week transfer next time because otherwise the new missionaries would be coming in on Christmas day.  Also it's no good to spend the entire week of Christmas getting ready to leave all the people that you love.  Now we get to spend the week before doing that.  Which is still no good, but it's better than the worst, and I can be content-ish with that.

Anyway.... I'll know if I'm leaving Rocky Mount on December 16.  Then I can tell you. :)

This week was adventurous.

On Saturday at exactly 5:00 AM our fire alarm started chirping every single minute.  The battery was low, and it was awful! We tried to take the battery out, but it was still attached to the ceiling, and had a back up power source, so it still chirped. We turned all the lights on, and I stood on my companion's bed to try to do something about it.  I just wanted my extra 1.5 hours of sleep left! 

We reached the conclusion that we were just going to have to sleep with ear plugs, but we said a little prayer over the battery, and put it back in.

Guess what?..... It worked, and the alarm stopped chirping!

Whether by miracle or happenstance it matters not, because I believe that it was an answered prayer.  Especially since at 6:30, as soon as my alarm went off it started chirping again.

We woke up and it was 61 degrees in our house.

We went to the store and got a battery at 6:45 a.m., as soon as we had put on skirts, and brushed our hair.

It was a long day, but I learned that as many bad things that there are in one day there are at least as many good things too.  There is always enough good to combat the bad.  It's just really hard to shift your perspective.

Oh P.S.   It was my 7 month birthday yesterday.

I'm growing up so fast!  In January I'll be half way done!

I read some good missionary (and life) talks this week-- both by Elder Bednar.

The First "That We Might Not 'Shrink",which I may have made mention of before.  It's great.  Everyone should read it.  It helps with the whole perspective business.

The second "Becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary."

They helped me this week. :)

I don't really know how to end this week.  I've run out of things to say that are inspiring today.  Except rhymes.... If you're inspired by rhymes.... Then I am still full of inspiration.

add, bad, cad, dad, fad, gad, had, lad, mad, pad, rad, sad, tad, wad, zad, orange, grape, artichoke.

Haha.  I really make myself laugh.

I'm so weird, I hope that you still like me when I get home, and have no social skills.  All I'll know how to do is bear my testimony. 

Oh, Ash!  The member that we live with-- Brother Holloman had a 'hippie van' that had red white and blue, with American flag curtains on it.  You would really, really like him. :)     

(note from Amber's mom:  Amber's younger sister, Ashley, LOVES 'hippie vans' and wants one 'really bad'.)  :)

I hope you can meet (by Skype) at Christmas!

Love always, and forever!  even when its colder than 60 degrees.

Buenos Nachos! ;)

-Sister Garvin

Hakki! AKA: 'Hello' Via Ashley.

November 4, 2013 - Amber in North Carolina

I didn't monitor my time wisely this week: Thus the really short update.

It's November.  In case anyone missed that Memo.

I AM SOOOOO GRATEFUL for Daylight savings.

It seriously changed my life on Sunday.  I had an extra hour of sleep.  It was great.

Beautiful Scene - North Carolina 

This week we drove to Portsmouth for a Sisters Conference.  It was fun.  President Baker taught the difference between being light-hearted and light-minded.  And he had me laughing so hard that I cried.  It was great.

I'm grateful for laughter.

I'm also focusing on 2 things this month that I know will make a difference not only in my mission, but in my life.  Patience, and Prayer. 

I just barely realized how interconnected those two words are. 

I thought I was patient, but then I came on a mission and it was all tried, then it ran out.  So I'm restoring my reserves of patience.

I thought I'd let you know. ;)

The leaves are finally starting to change color, and it is beautiful!  I like it!

I'm grateful for seasons. (And that cold here only lasts from Nov-Mar.) 

I'm grateful that I have a companion.  Literally, and spiritually with the Holy Ghost.

NC has lots of Cotton Fields that glow in the Sunset Sunshine.

Missionary work would be devastatingly hard if I had to do it all my myself.

Also, I'm grateful that right now I feel like I have enough stamina to do this for 11 more months. 

Can you believe that? 

I know I say it every week, but it really blows my mind!

These 18 months are a speck in eternity, and it determines so much. 

Wow.

I wish I had time for more, but most of all I'm grateful for you. 

You are my most treasured everybody!

Love Forever,

Sister Amber Garvin

Ward 'Trunk or Treat"- we shared treats and 'pass along' cards

Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 - Rocky Mount, North Carolina

This week marks the first week of some intense holiday-ing.

We are also doing something spectacular.  We are making a missionary truck for the ward trunk-or-treat.  There will be candy.  There will be Copies of the Book of Mormon.  There will be pass-along cards.  There will be The Gospel, and IT WILL BE GOOD.

I'm pretty pleased with this idea, and feel that it is inspired. :)

Also, President Baker was there for this inspired decision, and I think was inspired to inspire the mission.  So there is a whole lot of inspiration going on all over the place.  Isn't a living church wonderful? :) (AKA modern revelation...otherwise it sounds kind of like I have no idea.... but less understandable than modern revelation. )

That ties into some of the great thoughts that I had during personal study this morning. 

Cross Reference Docrine and Covenants 109:37 with Acts 2:2

The Spirit is referred to as a "mighty rushing wind".

I think that is really neat!  And I had deep thoughts about it, but I also had a faithful thought about it:  You can't see the wind, you can't see the Spirit, BUT you can FEEL the wind, and you can FEEL the Spirit.

Yeah, I know that your minds were just addled.

(I learned that word from our assistant ward mission leader last week, and wanted to try using it in a sentence. Success?)

Using unusual words helps me gain confidence in speech.  I'm going to invest in a dictionary at some point. :)

So...

Last week I got a horrible cold.  I thought that my head was literally going to EXPLODE.  I don't know if I've ever had sinus pressure so bad in my entire life.

I have a greater appreciation for bodies though!  It's amazing that bodies have a natural way diffusing nasal bombs.

I tried to think of a more grosser way to say that, but I thought the first way it came out was a gem..... Sorry. 

That's gross, but also, it made me laugh.

Bodies are amazing.  I'm glad that I have one.  And I'm glad that it heals itself.  It's a good one.  I need to take better care of it.

Last night I couldn't sleep--on my bed, on the couch, or on the floor. 

So that why this letter is so on topic, and serious.

It'll be better next week.

Guess what?!

I come home in Less than a year.....

Just let that sink in.

Yes, it hit my like a freight train too.  I can't hardly bahleve it.... Mind again, addled.

I think that's all for this week.  Miracles are happening everyday, and we are living in a time more important than we even recognize.

It wont last forever. 

Recognize the importance of a second chance now.  It's better to take it now, rather than wait until you almost miss the boat, or do miss the boat entirely.

I love you always!

Love,

The One and Only,

Old and Wise,

(I'm almost 7!)

Sister (almost Trunky, but not quite there) Garvin

Hello Whole World - From North Carolina, Monday, Oct. 21, 2013

Hello whole world.

Sister Garvin and Sister Friend from High School

Sister Garvin here, with news from the North Carolina front.  Or west-east, I don't really know.

Anyway, there is this thing called the sun, and I pretty sure that the world revolves around it, and it just so happened that today it is shining.  So it's a good day.

I keep thinking and saying that one quote from Finding Nemo--"The sun is shining the tank is clean, and we are getti... AHHHH the tank is clean!"

That's basically a metaphor for life.

Preparation Day is tank cleaning day.  And nap time. 

It means a lot.

This week was a little bit overwhelming, but great too.  We met with lots of people and had some of the highest key indicators in a couple of areas that I've ever had, so I'm thrilled to know that it's possible, that it's happening, and that I'm a part of it.

We worked really hard to stay busy all week, and there was so much going on.  So many new people, so many appointments, and just so many manys.

I have the need to nap so that I can process information.

Something that I have learned from this area is that I have not had it as bad as I sometimes think, in terms of life and experiences.

People have real struggles, and the movies are more accurate than I thought. 

I love them so much for their desires to find something better, and to be better, and my knowledge of this one fact has increased: God doesn't create a no-good anything or anybody.

We all have goodness within us, it is who we are.  And I think that is one of the reasons that we look for happiness.  Happiness is a good thing, and two good make an even better.

Yes, we fall short, and sometimes we look for good, and for happiness in the wrong areas, but we are doing the best we can with what we know and with our current capacities.  And life is a hard thing.

We were listening to a talk tape this week by Mary Ellen Edmunds, and she said something that struck my thoughts at the time "Happiness never was misery." and "Happiness doesn't mean a lack of sorrow."

There is great wisdom in that.

These are scrambled thoughts, but the I hope you get the gist.

Also words of wisdom from me:

1) Look for happiness in the right places!  The Lord has provided the correct and good resources for us to find those right places.

2) Endure to the end!  There will be sad times, but next year you probably wont remember them.

I know that I'll look back on my mission and I wont remember the times that were hard--which is at least 80%.  I'll remember the joys, and the happinesses.

So, yeah.

I still love you as much as I have always if not more!

Love, 

Sister Amber

Our 'District"

Sister Garvin, Sister Watt, Yolanda

Rocky Mount, North Carolina, October 14, 2013

I hit something remarkable.  And no, it did not damage the car.

I hit my 6 month mark!

Do you know what that means?

It means that I'm a third done, and now I can't turn back.

Good Gravy.

Well, at least if I know that I made it this far, and it didn't feel like that long of a time, I know that I can make it a little bit longer.  Meaning I can finish this race.  I'm just going to need some fuel to get me there (and a wheelchair at the finish line, because my little 3' legs are going to fall off when I get there... probably.  SO embarrassing.)

Anyway.  I don't really know what is going on, but I think that there is a hurricane that is coming off the coast, and I haven't seen the sun for LITERALLY an entire week.  It's been really overcast.

I don't remember what the sky looks like blue!

I've never experienced this before, but we're far enough in-land that we'll only get rain (I think)

Mama didn't raise no hurricane experienced sista!

I'm prepared for blizzards, and earthquakes, not all that wet stuff and tornadoes.

This is a very new experience.

I've decided to love and appreciate the sunshine more.

I don't have a TON to say this week because I'm running out of typing steam, but I do have to say wonderful things about the people here.

THEY. ARE. WONDERFUL.

I love them.  There is a very frank and open demeanor with the people/culture here, and nobody is afraid to share with you the things that are going on in their minds/ hearts.

That is very good for growing boldness in a Sister. :)

My new companion is Sister Watt from Boise, Idaho.  She's 20.  I don't know why I keep getting companions that are older than me!  There is probably a lesson there....

She is very open, and loves the people here.  I'm excited to learn here.

I fully recognize that I'm not as humble or reliant as I ought to be on the Lord.  I have the distinct impression that I'm going to be learning a lot about that in the next few weeks.  I'm hoping that I'm prepared enough to learn the lessons on humility and reliance that I need to because those are the hard ones. (Lessons I mean.)

So that's what's next!

Look forward to more exciting lessons and stories all the way from the East coast!

Oh, I accidently drove part way down a one way street the wrong way before I realized that we were a little off.  The sign was so small that I didn't notice it!  And we didn't die, and got things on track relatively quick.  I think that's a goot metaphor for the Holy Ghost.

Sometimes we miss the sign that says that we are off track, but if we pay attention and listen we'll always have the Holy Ghost to remind us of the sign we missed.

I'm grateful for the U-turns of the Atonement. :)

Love from North Carolina!

Sister Garvin

P.S. Mom.   I think that it's time for winter clothes.  Would you put something together with my leather gloves, coat, and brown boots?  Maybe some of my other winter head gear and stuff?  I don't remember what I put in the pile. :) Thanks!!!!  

Rocky Mount, North Carolina - LDS Sister Missionaries

It's official.  I've been banished from my homeland of Virginia.  3 hours banished.  Sent to the most farthest parts of the boonies.  Over 100 miles away from my birthplace of Jamestown, and let me tell you something.

Nothing is the same.

The trees are nowhere near the same.

There are cotton fields. (which I may possibly be allergic to......)

The sky is even a different color.

And it's 90 degrees again.

You think I'm being dramatic, but let me tell you in all honesty.

I'm neither poetic nor dramatic.  

North Carolina, and Virginia are not the same.

Except for Walmart, Target, and Chick-fil-a.  Those are generally universally the same.

This is not to say that North Carolina is bad, in fact, quite the contrary.  We received the warmest, most genuine welcome--more than I could have ever hoped for.  We have a BEAUTIFUL new car which I feel blessed an privileged to drive every day.  It's beautiful, (NC, and the car.)

And I know that I'm supposed to be here.

I'm praying REALLY REALLY hard that I'll find out why sooner rather than later, because it's hard.

Opening an area is like making a cake from scratch (also, it seems that I've forgotten everything that I've ever learned...).  We have all these ingredients spread out all over the house, and a recipe in one of the 47 cookbooks laying around, and there is so much to do that I might get over stressed and explode.  

We have all the ingredients or resources, but we have to find the right recipe so we can actually make cookies.

The great thing is that the Lord has prepared many hands in this part of the vineyard to gather in all the resources, and the Master has the recipe memorized.

So I feel like I have to do everything, but really it's all psychological.  I'm my biggest obstacle right now.

So now that I've made it through that thought process.... Thanks family for being an anchor to me.  I feel like my letters home are just compilations of my journal entries, only better because I've thought them through a little bit, and my brain has had time to process the emotional roller-coaster of the past week.  (This is a really long way of me saying that I'm grateful that you validate my fire-hose explosion of words each week.)

The vibes from this email are probably easy to dis-cypher.  It's been hard this week.  It's probably going to be hard this week too, and probably longer than that.

But I can hear the North Carolina rain beating on the roof of the library.
I have a GPS that tells me how to find home.

The Spirit witnessed to me that Rocky Mount is exactly where I'm supposed to be,

I know that if I wasn't supposed to be here I wouldn't be.

There is a team here, of angels and of inspired members of the church that have answered the Lord's call to come labor in His vineyard.

I know that I'm never as alone as I feel.

I know how to find Walmart, and the church, and the golf-course.

Even though I really question my own abilities, I know that the Lord is limitless.  I know that I want to get somewhere, sometime, and I know that quitting or giving-up wont get me either of those places. :)

So this is probably a little bit of a self-pitiful rant, but there it is.  

This is my life for the next year.  I hit 6 months this week (Gracious Agnes.)

So next October everybody!  I'm coming home full speed, and will probably run down the escalator strait into the people that I love mostest in the entire world, and then into my sweatpants for an entire day.  I think I can work a year for that. ;)

Love you always,

Sister Amber in: thebestmissioninthewholeworldbecausethisiswheretheLordsentme--VirginiaChesapeakeMissionForever!!(exclamation point!)

Here is my new address:

Sister Amber Garvin

3717 Winchester Road

Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Amber in Virginia - September 30, 2013 - Transferring to North Carolina

So I didn't have a chance to respond to all the emails I wanted to this week, so here is my public apology. :)  Thank you all for writing to me though!  I love to hear from you!

I'm being transferred this week.  I don't really know where I'm going geographically, but I'm going to be opening an area where sisters have never been, and I'll be training a new missionary.  (see links at end of post for more info. on where Amber will be serving; Rocky Mount, North Carolina.) 

I'm so so excited!  I'm also so so sad!

I have grown in Jamestown, and I'm going to always have a part of my heart reserved for this place.  I wouldn't be the person I am right now if I hadn't been here.  So it is sad to be leaving, and I'm sad that I wont see any of the immediate results of some of the things that I tried to do here, but I am SO THRILLED for Sister Newbold!  She will begin the harvest, and I am so glad that she will have the opportunity to train and grow here!

Well, mixed feelings.

I was so sad to hear about the passing of my friend Adam this week.  I had a hard few days, but I prayed and said that I needed 3 days to mourn, and then asked for a blessing.

I have learned a lot.  I loved that kid, but I know that things will be okay, and I'm so glad and grateful that he can be in a place with no pain, only love joy, and beauty.  I know that he is happy there.  

There is a scripture in Nehemiah 6:3 "...I'm am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down..."

I know that he is in a better place, and he is doing a great work, and I am so happy to be connected to people that aren't here in person through this wonderful Work of Salvation.

I can stand (write) before you, and say with full conviction and testimony that I KNOW that The Plan of Salvation is Heavenly Father's plan of happiness for us, and I know that it is true, and I know that it is really more than what I know of it.

It's truth though, and I can stand by that.

I don't know everything that is in store for me in the next year, but I do know that Heavenly Father has a place for me in His plan, and that His plan includes my happiness.

I'm so grateful for the experiences that I have had here, and I know that I wouldn't be able to fully become who God designed me to be without this opportunity to serve.

Thank you to those who have helped provide it, and who have been a part of it.

I cherish you!

Sorry this is so rushed!

It's cram-everything-that-you-have-to-do-and-pack-day along with grocery shopping and appointments!

I love you for eternity!

Love,

Sister Amber in North Carolina (soon)

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

City of Rocky Mount

Photos of Rocky Mount

Map of Rocky Mount

Our 'District' - Jamestown

Amber in Virginia - Monday, Sept. 23, 2013

So apparently when I try to type really fast my brain spells the wrong version of words that I am thinking of like four instead of for.  Well, that's embarassing..... Oops!

Guess what I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited for?!

You probably will take to long to guess so I will just tell you.

General Conference is (not this weekend) NEXT WEEKEND!

Guess why this is momentous?! 

Because it will mark 1 year since the age change for missionaries (which changed many peoples worlds--including mine.)

Also, I get to spend 10 hours sitting-- which is way more than I have done in 2 days in the last 5 months. :)  So that will be great.

This week I have been thinking a lot about being successful, and becoming, and other deep thoughts like that.

I have reached a really wonderful conclusions (thanks again to my lovely mother, and also my great mission president) 

Wise words "all we have to show for this is what we have become."

So then the question is: What would have to happen for me to feel like I had served a successful mission?

Would it be 'X' number of baptisms, or 'Y' number of miracles?

You are right if your brain just thought "NO!"

Go you!

While my realizations may not be accurate for all other missionaries around the world, they are for me, and on the slight chance they may benefit somebody I am willing to share.

If (super metaphorically) I came home tomorrow, or next week, or next month, would I be satisfied with who I had become?  The answer: yes. Why you ask?  What is the point, or what do you have to show for it?

Well, my answer is simply that I have become more.

I know that it sounds weird. But it's true.  I haven't become a completely different person (I still think I'm SO funny!)  but I have become more, and maybe even more important than that is that I LOVE the people here.

I could come home tomorrow and feel like I had been successful simply because I opened my heart up again, and I learned to love the people.

I can show for all this that I loved. And that I served out of love.

That's good enough for me, and I feel that it is good enough for the Lord.

I know that He called me on a mission so that he could teach me about this really miraculous, and minor-ly comprehendable thing called love.

And that's that.

Also,

Well, not also, 

But! 

(as always)

You are in my prayers, and 

I love you forever.

Love,

Sister Amber

From:  Mission Conference in July - (Photo posted by my Mom)  

(Amber is on third row back, kneeling 5th from left, red top.  :)

Missionaries in Virginia, Chesapeake Mission, 2013

September 23, 2013. Willamsburg, Virginia. -- Starfish Story.

Muddy 'Crocs'  :)

Dearest Loved ones, whom I love,  

I don't remember what week it happened or if I sent a picture, but I made my companion walk through the mud.  It was an accident, but it happened.  This is what happened to the new Crocs that I bought at TJMaxx for $8 (stellar deal.)

We've also been working with this sweet hispanic woman named Maria - to help her with her English, and in reading the Book of Mormon. We aren't going to be meeting with her anymore because she is going to the Spanish Branch, and the Hermanas (spanish-speaking sisters) are going to be meeting with her from now on, but she is so sweet. :)

I don't know if I have many words of wisdom this week, but I can say this:

I'm 10 pages away from the end of the Book of Mormon, and it's still true.

It was true when I started it, it was true when I got half way through it, and it is still true as I approach the end.

So, it's kind of like the best thing.

Everyone should read it.  Every day.  Or more.

We had Zone Conference this week.  Our ward (church congregation) fed all the missionaries, for which we were all grateful.  I love Relief Society, and being part of something.  They were wonderful to us.  

It was great to hear from President Baker, and his wife, and to refresh and refine the vision of missionary work that they have for this mission.  I appreciated so many things that they said.

This week I'm not as fiery-sounding as I have been inprevious weeks.  It must be the weather. :)  Or the change in season. (There is an entire yellow-leaved tree by our house!) But I'm just as fiery in testimony.

To quote the words of a very wise woman-- namely mom-- who changed my life today.

"There are so many things like that that just don't seem fair and...I know that you know that and have dealt with a lot of them in your life.  And, yet, like the starfish, you have made a difference - one person at a time....
"Sometimes we don't think we are - but, we are watched and...everything we do - makes a difference.  Even if we don't know it. "

"It made a difference for that one."

Mommy, thank you for helping me be a starfish. We are a family of starfish.

Probably somehow the entire eco-system would crash without starfish.  I don't know all that scienc-y stuff, but that's just my idea.

So yeah.

It's weird, but thank you for being my starfish family.

You're basically the best-- more than anything else ever.  And you're mine, which is even better.

Love for eternity, "AND BEYOND!"

Sister Garvin AKA Amber

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The Starfish Story

A young man is walking along the ocean and sees a beach on which thousands and thousands of starfish have washed ashore. Further along he sees an old man, walking slowly and stooping often, picking up one starfish after another and tossing each one gently into the ocean.

“Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?,” he asks.

“Because the sun is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them further in they will die.”

“But, old man, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it! You can’t possibly save them all, you can’t even save one-tenth of them. In fact, even if you work all day, your efforts won’t even make a difference .”

The old man listened calmly and then bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the sea. “It made a difference for that one.”

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