Baptism, Miracles, Forgive, Stay in your own Ward! :)

Happy Birthday Dear Sister Ashley-kins!

This week I wanted to start of my just saying that: We had a baptism.  Yay.  Except that it was in Washington State. So I didn't get to go to it.  But, for the first time in 11 planners, I was able to record that we had a baptism and confirmation.  Go Miracle!

Christ baptized by John

Really though.  I didn't know if that would ever happen. :)

We've been teaching a young woman who wanted to be baptized by her grandfather who is a member of the church in WA state, and so we coordinated her baptism there with the bishop and missionaries of the ward there. 

 

We were so thrilled for her.

She gave us permission to quote what she said to us yesterday after church.

We texted her to ask what she had learned at church that day (in WA). She responded back: "We learned about staying in your ward (congregation) and if there are people you don't like -- just endure and it will end up good."

That made us laugh, but there is also a very true principle contained therein.

I'm pretty sure that no matter what ward anyone ever goes to - there will probably be someone that says something that hurts your feelings, or offends you.  Sometimes, sadly, we are the person that offends or hurts another.  Don't let that get in the way of your salvation.  Frankly, if you do you are not repenting.  If we don't forgive - we are not showing signs of repentance.

This lesson will be learned over and over again for the rest of our lives.  I testify of this principle, because I continue to learn it.  So, here are some wise words of wisdom.... Forgive people. 

Nephi bound by his brothers

Remember in Nephi  (I don't have my scriptures, but I believe it was either when they went back to get the plates of brass, or when he was tied up on the boat.  Maybe I'm wrong about both, but I promise that it is in Nephi)..... Laman and Lemuel were being mean, and then they were chastised, and Nephi "did frankly forgive them".  Here we learn wise words of wisdom from the scriptures.  It's great. (see also 1 Nephi 18:9-16)

 

So that's what I wanted to share today.

Also, we had an excellent zone conference this week, and a 17-hour day.  We had to get up at 5 to make it to zone conference on time.  It was early.  I've spent all week suffering after-effects.

Also, last night in an effort to be home on time we biked about 4 miles in 20 minutes.

I'm being booted off the computer at the library now.

Read this EXCELLENT talk by Elder Bednar.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/04/the-atonement-and-the-journey-of-mortality?lang=eng

I spoke on it in Sacrament Meeting yesterday.

Be an Agent to act this week.

Kay I love you!

byeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Love,

Sister Garvin

Happy Belated Father's Day and....SO MANY MIRACLES!!!

I PROMISE THAT I DIDN'T FORGET FATHER'S DAY!  I JUST FORGOT TO WRITE ABOUT IT, AND I'M REALLY, REALLY, REALLY SORRY.   --  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO BROCK,STEVE, ANDREW, GRANDPA'S, UNCLES, COUSINS, FRIENDS, GOOD INFLUENCES, BISHOPS, AND ALL OTHER FATHER FIGURES THAT HAVE INFLUENCED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO, AND ARE!  FATHER'S ARE A GIFT AND MIRACLE FROM A LOVING FATHER IN HEAVEN. 

LOVE, SISTER AMBER

Now to this week:

This week we saw SO MANY MIRACLES!!!!!

It was miraculous, really.

 

But first I forgot to tell you something last week.

At Stake Conference we had to go up early, and we worked with President Baker so that we wouldn't have to be at the Stake Center (church) with nothing to do-- because that is not purposeful, and we would be bored.  So this great answer to my prayer happened.....

We got to work with the Portsmouth Sisters, and guess who the Portsmouth sisters are?!?!?!  SISTER NEWBOLD!!!!!!!!!! (and she just was called to be a trainer again.  We only had one Sister Missionary enter the mission this transfer-- Sister Smart (who is now famous because she is the 'one') and Sister Newbold is her trainer)

It was an answer to my prayers because I have wanted so badly to see her growth since we parted ways as companions.  I felt the transfers that we were together I didn't teach her the things that she needed to know that that I basically ruined her, but the good news is that she is doing phenomonally well.  I'm so pleased to know and have witnessed her growth as a missionary.

Also miracle #2 and another answered prayer.  WE GOT TO EAT WITH A SENIOR MISSIONARY COUPLE.... My dreams came true.  It was so much fun, and I just love being around the senior couples.  We ate with the Simmons who work in the office.  Elder Simmons blessed me with the lovely car that we drove in Rocky Mount. 

They are great, and so funny!  I learned.

Also, I'm not weird, because we had burritos and Elder Simmons brought out the pickles.  I found a kindred spirit! :)

Okay, so to the miracles of this week.

On Saturday we were rushing to an appointment and we walked outside, and there was a baby bird on the ground.  We weren't able to pick him up because we had to go.  But there had been a huge storm and I think he'd fallen out of his nest.  We prayed that maybe somehow his mom would come back and save his little life.

We came home about 6 hours later and didn't see him, but then we did.  He was under a bush just exhausted.

We called everyone we knew.  And talked to a vet in the ward, and then we got the baby bird some food, and fed it.  And then we gave it to a young man in the ward who works with wildlife birds... He's been taking care of it, and the bird has lived!!!!!!  I'm so happy because if it hadn't lived I probably would have been devastated....  But I'm not, so MIRACLE!

We also went to Chesapeake to go on exchanges with our Sister Training Leaders.  It went well.  It was far away.  We had to drive about 2 hours to get there.  But there were many miracles there as well.  We found a new investigator, and tracted using family history-- but it was really hot, and no one was outside, so we didn't do that long, and mostly 'planted seeds'.

I'm so grateful that I continue to learn things.  Go missions!

This has been more substantial than some of my previous letters home.  For awhile there I just had completely run dry of ideas to write home about.  But I think I got it again.  I just have to keep looking for inspiration that will keep my momentum up.

Summer is here, it's hot.  We almost reached 100 degrees last week, and I had heard that with the humidity there was a heat index of 112 degrees.  But that's just a random fact that I don't really understand.  I only did a semester of college.  ;)

Just know of my love for each of you, and your importance to me.  I remind you each week, but I hope that you feel my love each week.

This sacred time has seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, but the effects of it will influence me and last for eternity.  I hope you will still like me in October. :)

Love forever,

Sister Amber Garvin

Monday, May 12, 2014 - Nag's Head, North Carolina

This week we mostly cleaned.  I understand why I was sent State side on a mission now more that I ever have understood before.  I truly loathe living in uncleanliness and clutter.  I must be my mother's daughter.  :)

I feel so much better when I can just throw stuff away and everything is clean, and it has a place, and then I know exactly where I need to look if bugs get in the house.  And I can get them out.

That's the moral of that story.

We've been killing cockroaches, wasps, and spiders, (and some weird bug that looked like a land shrimp) every day this week.  The member that owns our house set off bug-bombs, and so that was great, but there are still some untouched places, as well as I think that as soon as the bombs went off the little critters tried to run for it, and they all died on our kitchen floor.... Many times.  So the good news is that they are not LIVING in our house, and the bad news is that they are still IN our house, and we continue to live an adventurous life.

We've begun to see miracles though.  Sister Petrie and I are becoming a very unified team.  I feel so honored to serve with missionaries that are still "fresh".  They have so much energy and excitement.  It gives me strength to try something new, and inspires me to continuously be bold.

We went to the beach for the first time since I've been here-- we had to get out of the house for the remainder of our weekly planning.... and it was Sister Petrie's suggestion.  As we were ready to leave we ended up talking with an amazing person about our purpose, and the Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel.  It was a testimony to me that we are all impressed upon by the Spirit in small ways each day.  We knew that was why we Sister Petrie thought to go to the beach.  We are guided in such small ways each day, but those small ways are incredible significant to the course of our eternal destinies.

That was just on of the many small, and simple things that gave me a reassurance this week that no matter where you are sent-- if you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, and relying on the enabling power of Christ you will be used for a great amount of good. :)

It was wonderful to talk with all my family too!  Happy Mother's Day!

It never seems like enough time, but I don't think that it ever would be--- even if we didn't have a time limit.  My heart with always ache to be with my family when I am away from them.  I just know that I don't have to be distracted or dwell on it.  Plus, the time limit just makes the time we have more meaningful.  I was thinking about it this morning, and the time we have to talk with our families is just the same as the time we are supposed to keep our lessons.  40 minutes (45 for lessons).  I have to continue to ponder that, but I think there is great significance there.  I know the times that lessons have gone over 45 minutes for me I start to zone out and feel anxious.  The time is not as meaningful anymore.  We have 45 minutes to teach with great power, and after that its' REALLY hard to maintain focus, and direction.

That's probably not that important to any of you.  But I'm going to try to talk about my missionary life more instead of just assuming that you all know what is going on.  Sometimes I forget that this isn't the same way everyone else in the world is living, and I forget to share details, and important things I'm learning.

Just FYI:  I do really well with a list of questions.  So if you have any burning questions of the soul to ask, you can email those to me, and I'll just send a response of Q&A/FAQ.  The blog probably needs that segment too. ;)

Missionary life is the life.  I'm grateful that I've stuck to it for so long.  It's probably taken longer for me to mentally adjust than most people, but I'm finally to the point where I am thriving.  I know that this is my life right now, and I'm not worried about things afterward anymore--as I was in the beginning.  Man alive!  Wish I'd have known that little piece of wisdom sooner.

Sister Petrie said that I was a fountain of knowledge yesterday.  It was awesome.  

Sometimes I'm a know-it-all, and I think that's okay.  I use it for the benefit and well-being of all man kind.

Kay, Peace out till next Monday.


Also, isn't it funny that missionaries favorite day is Sunday and Monday?  That's so different than high school life when Mondays were dreaded. :)  Things change so quickly.  Life is weird.  The end.

Love,

Sister Amber Garvin

P.S.  I would like to put in a little plug about this substantial letter.  Go me!  (you can send me a gold star and an ice cream cone in the mail.  Thanks.)

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

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.)  :)

 

 

 

Before and After Storm

Hurricane Information and More Photos of Nags Head

More Detailed Map of Nags Head

 

 

 

How did the Town Get it's Name? Read Possible Ideas Here:

First Flight....

Wright Brothers' Memorial

Wright Air Strip

1911 Flight - Wright Brothers

Town of "Kill Devil Hills" where Sister Garvin will be living

Yep, it's a Real Place

Wright Brothers - Sculpture

Wright Brothers etc. - 1911

Monday, March 24, 2014 - Rocky Mount, North Carolina - LDS Sister Missionaries - Sister Amber Garvin

Sister Felt

Sister Garvin

Today is transfer #5 in Rocky Mount.  I'm so grateful that I get to finish training Sister Felt,  I have loved being her companion so much!  But I'm also pretty confident that this will be my last transfer in Rocky Mount.  We'll look back in 5 More Preparation Days and see if I am right. :)  (Also, I think that Sister Felt will stay here and train a new missionary. :)  That is my hunch.  I have no idea about me.  But I've thought that she would be a great trainer since week one. :) 

This week we went to the Urgent Care for Sister Felt's ear. She woke up and couldn't hear anything and the it started to hurt.  So they cleaned it out for her. 

I thought that was funny because I've gone to the Dr. with every one of my companions and 3 of them had their ears cleaned out.  So it's not funny that they had to go to the Dr. but is funny that I've gone with all of them for that purpose.  Did you know that you are supposed to have your ears cleaned every year (or something)  How many people actually do that?  I had no idea.  What a fun job.........…

It's bright, sunny and 40 degrees outside today.  They are forecasting a possible ice storm tonight.  So that's not too great, but we can't control the weather every day.  Only sometimes when it is in alignment with God's will.

Super excited for Becca's new job, and Mike's recent engagement.  Those are both wonderful things!  Pass on my congratulations. :)

I've recently been pondering a lot about myself, and my behaviors.  I know that I cover up a lot of the things that I am feelings with goofy-ness and humor.  I'll be frank to say that it is probably a way of bearing false witness.  Which, I didn't think I had a problem with honesty, but apparently it goes a little bit deeper than that. 

So I have a new resolve to be more honest with myself, as well as with others.  I will be tactful-- I don't mean that I'll be blunt and just say everything that would hurt someones feelings, or that I'll just be a blabber-face. 

I'm trying to not make exceptions or excuse myself from things.

Last week I wrote a talk (for emergencies) on Diligence and Faith.  And how we have to have both to be member missionaries.

There were 2 quotes from Zone Conference that I wanted to share.

"There is no idleness or indecisiveness in faith." -Assistants to the President

"Don't let your weakness dictate your actions.[What you can and cannot do]...God will compensate for your weakness." -President Baker

These are short powerful statements from which I have learned a lot.

Sister Felt, Elder Belisle, Sister Garvin

If we want to be instruments in the Lord's hands in "hastening the Work"  we must tune ourselves to the promptings of the Spirit.  Then act immediately in Faith.  We cannot afford to be idle or indecisive in the promptings that we receive.  If we do not act we miss the opportunity and we get "out of tune".  The revelation we receive is determined by our willingness to act.

Sister Felt, Brother Armstrong, Sister Garvin

Satan will try to convince us that because of our weakness we cannot be helpful in doing the Lord's work or that we are not enough to do His work.

WE ARE ENOUGH!  And it is because of our weakness that we can be made strong.  

Love, 

Sister Amber Garvin

Monday, March 3, 2014, Rocky Mount, NC, LDS Sister Missionaries

Good morning!

A few minutes to e-mail home...

This week seemed to fly by!  Just as fast as the first 2 months of this year.

Does time seem to go faster when you get older, or is it just a mission thing?  I don't know.  But I seem to be going on a really fast train, and I feel like when it's finally time for me to get off I'll have to take a jump, and the fall will be a little rough.  That scares me, but I think that it's the right feeling to have because it means that I'm finally becoming aligned with a greater understanding of my purpose here.

I caught myself thinking for a small moment this week about how totally devastated I would be if I had to leave this area in a few weeks.  I would be thrilled if I could spend the rest of my mission here.  Rocky Mount has become such an amazing miraculous chapter in my life, and I literally cannot see myself in any other place or in any other calling.  So I guess that's another way of Heavenly Father reminding me that I'm in the right place.

I think that I forgot to share the cool news!  Sister Jasperson is serving in an area that borders mine.  :)  She's in the boundaries of the other stake, but it's good to know that we'll at least see each other again. :)

I've definitely gained a new appreciation for her, and for the experiences that we had in Jamestown together.  At the time some of it seemed difficult, but I look back at it now and think (This is how my brain speaks...) "Man!  That was like the easiest time in my whole mission!" 

But I don't really want to go back and do it again, because then I think that it would be the hardest time.  

The point is:  I think that this has turned into a joyous experience becasue I have the reassurance from the Spirit that I will remember the fulfillment, and the joy, and the good things that happened.  So that makes me happy!!!!

IIIII CANNNNNNNNNN BEEEEEEEEEEE SOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

This is a good email.  Not a bad one.  :)

We had a miraculous week, and I've learned that members of the church are awesome.  A small testimony can open a door, and soften a heart.  Christ can change a heart. And "the church is still true contrary to popular belief". :)

Also.  I'm definitely going to cry when I come home.  Definitely..... 

Because I don't want to leave SOOOO bad!!  But I want to be with all of you SOOOOOO bad!  But I love the people SOOOOO much! And I will not know how to be a regular person probably.

This is a really extreme slew of things that I know are going to happen.  I'm not going to dwell on it, but I thought it a little.

Let me just say this!

I add my word to the testimony of Elder Uchtdorf "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."

And when you say you "can't" do something that is a choice.... And it makes it harder on you when you actually CAN do it, and you are fighting the whole way because you are telling yourself that you can't.

Yeah.  I've grown in wisdom.  That's what's up.

I recognize that sometimes I cover up deep stuff with humor, and irony.  I've had extensive talks with my companion(s) about it.  But just know that from the depth of my soul I know that this is Christ's church restored to the earth.  I know that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel as does the Bible.  And I love this church.  I love my Savior.  I know that I am loved by both He, and Heavenly Father.  And I love you.

From the depth of my soul I love you all!  And it doesn't get better than family. :) 

(Except for when we are all a glorified, and exalted family.  Then it might be a little better.)

Sending love from North Carolina! 

(I love it here!  And SPRING IS COMING!  Along with an Easter Egg hunt I hope!)

Love,

Sister Amber in NC.

Had to send this '5,555' miles.  :)

and this…..'big tractor'

Gabby did our hair like hers!  :)

Sister Felt in 'Conetoe'

Also...my favorite City.....pronounced Koe-Nee-Tah.  :)

Monday, February 10, 2014, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, LDS Sister Missionaries

Wow.

 

In all seriousness I haven't felt as much contentment, and joy from just being a missionary as I do sitting here right now, in a very long time. 

 

I just am really content, and happy.  So that's good.  In fact, it's great!

 

Our experience getting to transfer meeting was a little bit crazy.  We had to wake up at 4:30 am to get ready to go, and meet some other sisters so that we could be in Portsmouth by 8:30 in preparation for the trainer's meeting. 

 

I was so glad that I got to go to transfer meeting though!  So many people got moved!  President Baker said that this transfer meeting was the largest.  The first largest was when we had transfers like a week after the mission opened. 

 

Anyway.  We welcomed 18 new missionaries, and I saw, Sisters: Barnes, Newbold, Adamson, and Sister Jasperson (This is her fifth time training-- which is incredible!!!)  Also I saw my old zone leaders, and Elder Snow, and Elder Noble who were in the group that I came out with.

 

I was so glad to see some of my mission friends!!! Things seem to be going well with all of them. 

 

Another sister, Sister Hurley, whom I came out with, was called to be a Sister Training Leader in the Kinston Stake.  She is so great!  She is the first person that I was with when I shared the gospel with someone in the airportthe day we lef tthe MTC.  I just LOVE her!

 

Also, our cousin--who I think may have forgotten is related to me because sometimes I forget to say hello..... is now a zone leader!  That is great! 

 

Sister Felt is my new companion.  She is from Southern California, and is 22.  I don't know if I'm just supposed to be taught maturity or what, but every single one of my companions has been older than me....... And taller.... except for sister Watt.... She was shorter.

 

Okay, so that is a really long-winded bout of information that is probably completely irrelevant to anyone outside of this mission, but it's stuff that I like to know, and now I'm sharing it.

 

I have been really full of inspiring revelatory information the last week or so too.  Being able to talk with Sister Felt has sort of brought it out of me, but I've run out of it today, also time..... Almost out of that.

 

So in the most dignified way possible I'm going to peace out.

 

Oh!

 

10 months.  Today.  Right now.  In this very moment.  (Isn't that incredible?!  Who would have thought I would have made it this far in such a short amount of time.  I'm still going to be 20 years old when I get home, and I feel like I'm 79.  So that's weird. Spiritually I mean.  

Anyways........)

 

Love y'all!

 

-Sister Amber Garvin

Me with my 'Thumbs Up'  :)

New Companion: Sister Felt and I eating the BEST Cheesecake in the World!

I'm Staying: Rocky Mount, North Carolina, December 16, 2013

Well, I'm staying in Rocky Mount with Sister Watt another transfer.

There weren't many transfer calls because ITS CHRISTMAS!  I think that President Baker was sensitive to that.

So we'll be here in Rocky Mount, 'til the first week of February.

I'm grateful to be able to continue to be with this ward.  I have learned so much from serving here, and serving among others who are so willing to reach outside of themselves and serve.  It's really wonderful to be here!

And now you can meet the family that I am living with Via SKYPE!

Next week yo!  Then I'll remember your voices and faces.  It will be good.  I'll even do my hair and wear make-up for you. :)

Map of the area of Rocky Mount, NC

This is short because that was the biggest event for this week.

And I don't really want to type a long email.  By bed is calling me.  I've had the chills today.  And there is a heated blanket on my bed.

I should sound more grateful.

Sorry that it is hard to portray appropriate emotion through email. 

It's sometimes easier to have social skills though.  It has the potential to be a one sided conversation that never ends, and there aren't any awkward silences.  There will probably be some of those when I get home.  I don't remember how to talk to people unless it's about the gospel.

Random thought, but I was thinking about it. :)

Anyway, it will probably get worse over the next 9 months.

I'm going to be half way next month!

Is time fast for you, or slow for you? Or fast-slow?

Love you forever!

Sister Amber

Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 Rocky Mount, North Carolina, LDS Sister Missionaries, 'Mormons'

Today is the second day of the last month of the year.  That's pretty final.  I have to say that I am truly grateful that the world didn't end in 2012-- because now I can be on a mission!  And... I had some great Thanksgiving food.

 

I don't really know the full history of the Thanksgiving, I just know that it is a day that I truly enjoy, and I know that I like food.

 

There is this thing called 'corn pudding' it's like a sweet corn souflet (sue-flay--I thought I'd put a prounounciation just in case I spelled that wrong. :)  And I think that it is one of my new favorite things.  I'll have to make it for you next year.

 

Also, lemme tell ya: casseroles are for the benefit of man.  I would like to know the history of casseroles.  The person that figured those out was on track.  I like whoever it was already. :)

Serving Thanksgiving Meals at Community Center

Sooooo, There are so many miracles!  We have been able to see us beautiful miracles in this area!  The work is truly moving forward!  We had 5 investigators at church yesterday!  We were so excited!  I know that I wrote all about it before, but the Lord TRULY is in the details of His work!  I can see it everyday.  Sometimes I take it for granted and forget to look, but it is definitely there. :)

 

I forget what we did all last week, but it was a holiday, we served on Thanksgiving at a community outreach center, and ate with different members of the ward that gathered together.

 

We took a 30 minute nap.  

 

We taught the Gospel.  (That came before and after the nap. :)

 

We conversed about our blessings and showed thanks by writing in some lovely gratitude journals that a member gave us.

 

--Also, I have reached the end of my first mission journal.  (We picked a good journal mom!)  It has lasted me 8 months!  I don't know how many missionaries have that kind of luck. :)

But I'm excited to start another one!  It's like writing a sequal!--

 

We taught some investigators, and gave some people copies of the Book of Mormon.

 

We bore our testimonies.

 

You know!  Missionary life!  :) 

 

I have just continued to grow in love for the people in Rocky Mount.  This is a chapter of my life that I will never forget.

 

On that note:  We had fast and testimony meeting at church yesterday, and there was a little boy who bore the sweetest testimony and said something very profound that I would like to share this week.  He said: "The present is a gift. You have to enjoy it--otherwise you wont be ready for your future."

 

Isn't that so true?

 

I love it! 

 

I know that I'm far from perfect at enjoying the present.  If you read some of my past letters you probably could attest to that fact.  I sometimes wanted to come home, (still do sometimes) I sometimes wanted to leave an area, or just move on instead of focusing on the things that I could enjoy in each day.

 

It's sometimes hard to end a hard day and look for the good in it.  Sometimes you just say " I'm done, I'll go to sleep and it will be tomorrow, and it will be better. "  I think that I would like to change my attitude to be better in alignment with the principle of enjoying the present.  Saying something like "Well, today wasn't the best, but I know that God's hand was [here] and I am grateful for [this].  I loved today because..." I think that would make us a happier people, and it would make me a happier person.

 

Sorry, sometimes I feel like my letters are just a long jumble of random thoughts, but thank you for reading and growing with me anyway. :)  There is simple truth mixed in with the complete circle of thoughts that I have. :)

 

This week could be the best week of your life, the best day in your year could be tomorrow, but sometimes you have to make it so.  We can't just wait for happiness to fall into our lives day by day.  There are no "I'll be happy if...." happiness is not conditional upon events.   Happiness is only conditional upon our agency.  You are happy if you choose to be.  Let's face it -- we have a responsibility for our personal happiness.

 

That is what I know this week.

 

(also that) I love you SOOOOOOOOOOO much!  (And I wrote you on the card of things that I'm grateful for around the Thanksgiving table. :)

 

Love,

Sister Amber

 

Sorry for the spelling and grammar errors.  Partly because I've forgotten how to be correct, and the computer didn't have automatic spell check . :)

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