Amber Was in Virginia: Nags Head

Monday, May 5, 2014

Nag's Head, NC, Monday, May 5, 2014

So I finally understand what Cinco de Mayo is! It's today! The fifth of May! I understand this because we serve with Hermanas in Nags Head. They are great, and I already feel a little bit more fluent in Spanish. :) Maybe I'll end my mission as an Hermana. Just kidding... Not that fluent.

This really great thing happened this week.

Elder Bednar came and we had a combined mission meeting with the Richmond, VA mission. It was wonderful! I got to drive through Richmond again, for probably the last time, and I saw almost everyone from the MTC there. Sister Vance gave me a great big smile! She just has the most beautiful spirit! I love her!

We were asked not to discuss Elder Bednar coming outside of missionaries, so that's why I'm telling you after it already happened.

It made me scream and cry when I found out he was coming.

It was the best. day. ever!

We were given 3 talks to diligently study

Ask in Faith

Converted Unto the Lord

Seek Learning by Faith

We spent 2 hours discussing the things that we had learned and and asking him questions. He was so open and frank with us, which I really appreciated, I learned so much from listening for the patterns in his teaching, and I hope to be able to apply it better in my own proselyting here in Nags Head with Sister Petrie.

He gave 2 guidelines for asking him questions. 1) Don't write down everything he said. We don't receive revelation for copying down his talk. He compared it to writing on small plates, and writing on large plates. We have to write down what the spirit teaches us on small plates. 2) don't show off.

I thought those were great. I wish I could say it the same what that he did, but I have limited time, and didn't write on large plates. ;)

I don't really know that much about how the work is in Nags Head yet. We spent my first 3 days driving a lot. It took 8 hours on transfer day, and we got home well, after dark. Friday we had District Mtg. an hour away, and then we drove to New Kent to stay the night which took 3.5 hours so that we could stay the night with the Sisters and Hermanas there and carpool to Richmond Saturday. Then we drove back home..... So I'm tired of driving a little bit. :)

All I know is that there was a spider in my purse the first night here, and I had to squish it's guts on the inside of my purse so it didn't get on my scriptures. It was terrible. Is there anyway that I can make sure that I sleep with my mouth closed? I'm petrified of swallowing "...a spider who wriggled, and jiggled and tickled insider her...." literally.....

Good news! I've received a letter from President Baker, and he says that there is a hurricane plan in place, and that I wont have to die on Nags Head the sandbar. So that's reassuring. I think the work here will be good after all. :)

That's all I got for today!

Sister Garvin

Monday, April 28, 2014

I'm being Transferred to Nags Head, North Carolina. My "Ode" to Rocky Mount.

Dear Everyone,

So I got my transfer call. I am going to Nags Head, North Carolina. I will be companions with Sister Petrie. She arrived to the mission with Sister Felt. Sister Quiroz will be taking my place in Rocky Mount.

"Selfie' - from a members Ipad. :)

I keep crying. And everytime I think that I'm all run out of tears there seems to be a back-up supply come from somewhere.
Bodies.... they are so funny.

I don't remember if I wrote an Ode to Jamestown, but I'm definetly writing an Ode to Rocky Mount. Humor is the only way I know how to cope with heartbreak. (Insert HUGE sigh here)

Ode to Rocky Mount:
(To the tune of "You can Make the Pathway Bright")

In this land called Rocky Mount,
I have learned to smile not pout.

With my Southern family(ies)

Even in the darkest days
there were brightly beaming rays

as we searched diligently.

CHORUS:

For the people who God loves.

We found them here, and there.

They were placed everywhere.

And I know that He is pleased.

With the work of the Sisters here.

I have learned to love a lot,

and the Spirit's in my heart,

I have worked so mightily.

There is still much to be done,

by another one,

and I pray she'll arrive safely.

CHORUS:

For the people who God loves.
We found them here, and there.
They were placed everywhere.
And I know that He is pleased.
With the work of the Sisters here.

Through some small and simple things

I have grown stronger wings
and I know that I'm not done

There is yet some sky to fly

Under Heaven's watchful eye,

it will shape a greater destiny.

CHORUS:

For the people who God loves.
We found them here, and there.
They were placed everywhere.
And I know that He is pleased.
With the work of the Sisters here.

I know this chorus is silly,

but it's true enough to me,

I know that I am loved.

This journey has been long,

but I have become more

than I ever could've been before.

CHORUS 2:
And I know that there is need

for my service here and there,

I will go to anywhere.
(even the ocean where I might be killed my a hurricane or tsunami or eaten by a Kitty Hawk, or lost in the city of Roanoke, or fall off the sand bar, or see a jellyfish, or a beached whale, or stub my leg on hidden pirate booty, or whatever else bad can happen.....)

The Lord has promised me,
that if I follow him I will succeed.

So this is humorous, and serious. But it's all true.

I wish anyone the opportunity to be on the Lord's errand in this blessed place.

I love it!

I love you!

Goodbye until next week!

Love,

Sister Amber Garvin

(The following photos are from my Mom so that you can all see the area where I'll be serving next. My Mom got these online and hope that they are representative of the area.) :)