Tuesday, May 26, 2014 - Nag's Head, North Carolina

This morning I was looking through some old study notes; some quotes that I wrote down in my quote journal.  I wanted to share them with you today.  I love them. :)
 

"You are doing the best that you can, and that best results in good to yourself and to others. Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure. Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do. Then leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. You will discover that you have accomplished something beyond price." -Gordon B. Hinckley (To the Women of the Church)

 

"...he stood upon his feet and received his strength..." (Alma 22:22)

 

This really hit me today because I went to bed with a terrible headache, then I woke up with a terrible headache, therefore I woke up late.  Well, I was up... I just didn't get out of bed.  Then I felt really bad about it.  And I needed to repent, and thus the story unfolds.  I read these things that uplifted my soul.

 

I believe that I have said before that, often, the smallest things are really big to us.  That is what this week has been full of: Small things.  Some good small things, and some less good small things that have accumulated into some big good things, and some big less good things. 

 

Ahhh.... a mission.

 

People are already talking about transfer calls again - because they are next week.  I can't even figure out how time has flown by so fast.  I want it to stop!  Whew.  It's exhausting.

 

I told Sister Petrie the other day that I feel like I'm living one, really long, continuous day.  I just take an 8-hour nap in the middle.  But I am so asleep at night that I don't even have dreams.  (Except last week I had a dream that Grandpa Allen decided to serve a mission, and he was in the mission office, and I didn't even know that he was there until I saw him there when we had to go do something for our car. I thought it was a funny dream. :)  Anyway... The days are long, but the weeks, and months are short.  Time is going fast/slow.  It's SO WEIRD!  One day, when I'm all knowing, and wise I will understand this time business...

 

So. Yeah.

 

Oh!!!!!!!  We did something fun this week!  We went to Manteo ( the birth place of the first English child, Virginia Dare, born on this continent) a city in our area, and we rode bikes.  I know you never thought that I'd be excited about that, but it was actually really fun.  I enjoyed the entire day!  And I have a GREAT tan-line on my arm from my watch. :)  It was really, fun!

 

That's basically this week.  Still pluggin along "inch by inch, row by row, [helping the Lord's vineyard] grow." (from a jingle I heard on a garden radio show one time in the car....)

 

I love you all,

Sister Amber Garvin

 

P.S.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY MOST DEAREST MOTHER!  (I NEVER FORGET! :)  YOU ARE THE MOST SPECIALIST, WONDERFULLEST MOTHER I'VE EVER HAD!  I LOVE YOU A MILLION TRILLION ZILLION!

 

Bugs and Mice…..and very large church meeting next week…...

I have limited time left today.  But that's alright, because I feel like being brief…..

So I can't email Monday next week because of the holiday.  We are going to email Tuesday instead.  Probably at the usual time.

There isn't a ton to report on this week.  We are still working on our bug problem....and now our mouse problem.

We set out a trap with peanut butter on it.  The next morning we heard the garage open like usual-- when the owner comes to work. (we live on an attachment to a business.) we went out later and couldn't find the trap anywhere.... We asked the member later if he had moved it, and he said no.  So we went searching again.  We found the trap-- not in it's original location.  It had been set off, but there was nothing caught in it.  Also, all the peanut butter was licked off.  So we have a genius mouse... And I don't really know how to resolve that problem.  So I think that we are just going to leave it alone. 

"Everyone does what they can, and what they can't do, they leave alone."

That's that story.

We are having Sacrament in a local Middle School next week because of the holiday.  Our regular ward building cannot accommodate the people that come for Memorial Day weekend.  Because of a YSA activity they do down here we are expecting about 800 people to be at our sacrament meeting.  That's a lot.  Go deacons!!!! ;)

It might overwhelm me.  But I don't have to speak, so that's good.  I'll let you know how it goes next week.

Nags Head is warming up!  We are getting some humidity.  I might melt into a little puddle.  I'll let you know that next week too.

This might be the most boringest email I've ever sent home.... Sorry.

Oh!  I don't know it I mentioned: we are reading the Book of Mormon as a mission with an emphasis on the Atonement, and a Christlike attribute of our choice.  I'm learning so much!  It's great!  I'll expound.... next week. :)

OJ. I love you.  Bye!

Love,

Sister 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

Rocky Mount Farewells......

Sister Garvin and Sister Felt - With Armstrongs!  Family we LOVE!

Sad farewell's but with MUCH love and joy for wonderful friends!

Beautiful Greenery!

Elders and Sister Garvin

So long, farewell......

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, April 21, 2014 - Rocky Mount, North Carolina, LDS Sister Missionaries

Dear all the people that I love and know,

In contrast to last week. This week was ~AWESOME!!!~

We had such amazing miracles happen.  And we saved the life of a snapping turtle that was trying to cross the street!  Yay!  We are doing good in the world around us! :)

We named the turtle Jean Pierre.  He was huge

 

Saving Jean Pierre  :)

So, I felt good about it. :)  I would have been scarred for life if we'd have run it over.  You can't hit a turtle!!!  It's a very tender creature. :(  If you think about it, it's probably the worst thing in the world to hit besides a person.  So, now you can understand my feelings about saving his little turtle life.  It was a special experience.  I know that sounds weird.  I just don't know how to say it any other way.....

We had a really wonderful week.  We worked very hard.

As part of the 12-week training program Sister Felt took the lead in all of our teaching and planning situations for the week. She was a little bit anxious about it at the beginning of the week, but I think that it really boosted her confidence in herself, and taught her that she knows more than she gives herself credit for.   There are many lessons that you have to learn from having experiences, not from people telling you something.  I am proud of her for being diligent in carrying out the plans that she made, and for following the Spirit to lead her in every good thing.

Easter was wonderful.  We sang in the ward choir.  One of the Elders spoke on the Atonement, and gave a great testimony.  It was a powerful talk.  And he used some great scriptures.  

Sometime, I just love being a missionary.  I learn more and more each day, each week, and each transfer what a sacred calling this is.  I am so grateful that the Lord would guide me to the place that I am in now.  As I said before... There are many lessons that you have to learn from having experiences (I'm not sure if it is grammatically correct to quote myself here..... so, Go Mom! ;).  And I am grateful for the lessons that I have learned from the experiences that I have had specifically from serving this mission.  The course of my life will forever be altered for the better.

This is the best life to live!

Isn't that phrase a turn around from the start of my mission, when I was doom, and gloomy?  Repentance is a change of heart to bring our lives in closer harmony with God's teachings... He's changed my heart.  And I don't ever have to live wondering how things would be if I was a different person.  I am different each time I allow the principles of the gospel to change my heart.

What a wonderful gift!

I've thought about it a lot this Easter holiday.

Okay.... The end.

Love,

Sister Amber Garvin

(also, it becomes increasingly weird-er to have a first name.....)

Monday, April 14 - LDS Sister Missionaries, Rocky Mount, North Carolina - Easter

Sister Garvin, Sister Felt

Dear Fambilly,  :) 

Spring is here.  Everything is yellow from the pollen.  We tried to wash our car (I felt like we needed to because it was purchased with sacred funds) and that was a fiasco.  Then we drove home, and the next day the car looked worse than it had the day previously.  So.... I've given up.  I just need a hose to spray it off once in awhile.  

Pollen is EVERYWHERE.

You don't even understand it until you done seen it.  I'll try to get a good picture and send it next week.

In preparation for Easter this week Sister Felt and I wrote our testimonies on the Atonement and printed of segments of the talk "None Were With Him" by Elder Holland.  We are going to (Easter) egg peoples houses with paper Easter-eggs give them our testimonies and the talk. 

I said to Sister Felt. "I've got a great idea!  We should egg peoples houses!" She said, "Okay... that is not a great idea.... what do you really mean?"  I explained and then she was on board. :)  It's like a heart-attack (paper hearts on people's doors), but with Easter eggs!  It's going to be great!  Go inspiration.

Sister Garvin - in the Service of the Lord

I'm sending a separate letter with my testimony, I didn't have time to type it all up, but if you would like to Mom, you are welcome.  I know that you have tons of free time to answer my beckon call. ;)

Just kidding.  It's a hassle, but whatever.

That's basically my update.  I haven't got much time left today, and wanted to send some pictures since I didn't do that last week.

I just am continually reminded of the power of the scriptures. 

We watched a video segment in our last zone conference, and I asked President Baker which talk is was from.  "A Teacher Come of God" By Elder Holland.

I read through it this morning, and there is a powerful message to each member of the church on the role of being a teacher wherever you are currently serving.  Primary, Nursery, Visiting or Home teacher.... Read this powerful message from an apostle of the Lord, and be magnified by the Spirit in your ability to teach simply, and powerfully the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in it's fulness.

Sending love and prayers your way!

All my love,

Sister Amber

Just a little treat...

Helping out.....

6,666 miles.  Just had to share.... :)

Silly Moment - sigh....

Sweet Moment!!!

Sister Garvin, Sister Felt - Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Amber's Report; General Conference and Personal Testimony

This week I am sending a short email home. 

We watched General Conference.  We were really happy because in the Sunday Morning session we had an investigator come to church, and she knew the congregational hymn that we sung in the middle.  So that was a wonderful thing.  The church and it's leaders are led by revelation received through the power of God.  I know it.  There is no other way that all.....this...... could work out.

So it was a wonderful revelatory experience.

I emailed my MTC companion, Sister Vance, this morning.  I can hardly believe that it has been almost a year since I met her, and since I was in the training center.  This journey has seemed long, and difficult, but in now looking back it seems too short.  And looking forward it seems there is not enough time left. It's surreal.

Sister Vance has served in 4 areas in the Richmond mission, and is now blessing the lives of many as a Sister Training Leader.  I'm so grateful for the time that I was able to spend as her companion for 2 weeks.  What a blessing.  I haven't seen her since. :)  But I am so proud to be serving alongside such valiant sisters even in different missions besides mine.

I just know that my weeks in Rock Mount are coming closer to an end.  So sad!  I love our ward SO much!  That has been the greatest blessing of serving here.  Plug for our ward:  If somehow this letter reaches someone that has the opportunity of coming to our blessed mission and serving in the Rocky Mount area, they are serving in the BEST place in the mission.

I am SO privileged.  To be on of the 83,035 some-odd missionaries and serving as one of the 4 in Rocky Mount.  Surely, the Lord's plan is perfect and divine.  Surely He is in the details of His work, and of our lives.  Surely He cares about me enough to send me to such a wonderful place. What a gift.

The next 6 months I KNOW will fly by.  Time is like the moment in Mulan when the little gorilla guy lets go of the rope and Mulan and the horse and Shang all fall off the cliff.  I'm the little guy standing at the top "[Time] slipped right through my fingers...."

But somehow the Lord will shoot me a rope to hold onto again.  That probably doesn't make much sense, but I've sorted through how I'm feeling about it and feel much better.  Also, I thought it was a great analogy! So thanks!  You are the best listeners!
:)

I just love you, and wish you each well!

Love,

Sister Garvin

Sacredness of Missionary Labors

I'm a day late, but I have reason, and permission to be.

Yesterday Sister Felt was throwing up in the Halloween bowl.  Like, probably for a couple of hours.

Is no bueno.  But so far today, she is feeling better!  That's good!

I spent the day watching Mormon Messages that someone gave us to watch, and sewing up my pile of stuff to sew up, eating sour patch bunnies, and writing a pile of substantial letters to a bunch of people that I love. :)  It was good.  The Mormon Message "Lessons I learned as a Boy" by Gordon B. Hinckley made me cry.  What a wonderful spirit in that profound, but simple lesson.  (I'm not going to expound, because it will give you all the chance to watch it. :)

Watch here: http://www.mormonchannel.org/mormon-channel-daily/193?v=911029440001

Also, if you haven't taken the time to watch the new on on bullying please do. It will bring a new perspective, and make you want to be, and do better.

I'm not sure of the direction of this letter this week.  There has been a lot that has happened.

For the first time in my mission we have an investigator with a baptismal date.  We are thrilled about that, but I also wonder if I should feel more thrilled about that?

I am happy because she wants it.  But it has also been re-confirmed that baptism is not my "golden ticket".  It is truly wonderful, but it is really seeing the lives of people change that is my golden ticket.  I love to see the light of the gospel shine in the faces of people that I love, and truly, I love them. I know that I'm going to be so sad to leave Rocky Mount when the time comes, because I know that this has been a place that my efforts have gone to good use in building the Lord's kingdom on earth.

I had a lot of time to ponder yesterday, and I don't know exactly what triggered it, but there was a shift in me.  I was led to pray for something that I hadn't prayed for before.  I said that I was so sorry that I didn't always understand how truly sacred this work is.  I was devastated that it had taken me this long for it to finally click, and I shifted.  I wish I could express the depth of the feelings of my heart in sharing how I feel now.

This work is SO sacred.  It is a privilege and an honor to be a part of it.  Although there are over 80,000 missionaries world wide, I am not an insignificant part of this work.  It cannot be done without my efforts, and I have been a major part of this work in a specific place.  In Rocky Mount No. Carolina, Virginia Chesapeake Mission.  Also, fun fact for you; I am the best Sister Garvin in this whole mission (mostly because I am the only Sister Garvin in our mission. :)

And I continue to thank all of those who have provided me with the means of going on this sacred journey.

I sometimes get caught in wondering how there could possible be room for any more growth, but it is the little things now to put me through the refiners fire over, and over again to get out all the bits of dross.

From the hymn "How Firm A Foundation" it says:

1. 5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
   My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
   The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
   Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,
   Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

I hope that I will trust enough to continually go through this process.

There is so much to hope for in a bright future, and it is oft times easy to lose sight of that when we are passing through the "dark ages" of our lives.

I just know that no matter how dark a trial may seem there will have to come a time when it shall pass.  And through the divine help and strength that provided through the Atonement of Jesus Christ it will be possible to be refined, and not consumed.

(Here's my new thing that I came up with this week. #GarvinSoapbox any time I say something that I know is true I say "Hashtag, Garvin soapbox."  Yes, I'm still funny even when I know profound things)

I love you each so greatly, and I hope that things are home are more refining than consuming. 
Also for A&A:  the youth of this church are prayed for almost as much as the missionaries, you have untapped potential to be a tremendous force for good in this world.

I love you all!

Love,
Sister Amber Garvin

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

Staying in Rocky Mount - Monday March 17, 2014

Today it is with gratitude and thankfulness in my heart that I acknowledge all the other emails that I was unable to respond to this week, and also the fact that I'm not being transferred.  Yay!

I really wasn't sure if I would be.  And I'm grateful that through the knowledge that I am staying in Rocky Mount for another transfer it has been re-confirmed to me that there is still a great work to be done here, and I have a part to play in it.

It is really amazing to be able to say that I have been able to serve here for as long as I have been able to.  To this point, deep in my heart, I have the desire to stay here the rest of my mission.  That will probably not be the case, and by the time is is time for me to leave I'm sure that I may feel differently. :)  Well, actually I will just have a feeling of peace and reassurance that I am done here, and I'm needed someplace else.

Deep thought ya?

Anyway, we had a miraculous week this week.  And Zone Meeting was phenomenal.  I learned SO much and left spiritually filled.

We sang off key.  Did I mention we were going to do that?  Because we did...

And we had excellent training and practices on how we can eliminate "filler words" (like, ummm, and so, etc...) to become more powerful teachers.  I am trying to implement this more into the way that I teach, speak, and write.

Short powerful statements.  That's where it's at. (as the kid's refer to it. :) (haha... I know that I've said it before, but I really think that I'm really funny.... not in the prideful way.... just the way that when I say that to myself it makes me laugh even more.)

I don't remember what the situation was, but sometime last week I told Sister Felt that I would probably be the funniest companion that she would ever have (she said "that's sad." --- but meant it in a positive context.... "that's sad that no one is as funny as you are!")

This is the story.

Also, Let me tell you, Spring season is spider season.  And on the way to zone conference we unrolled the window a little ways and a spider that was hanging on for dear life on the outside of the car zipped right in the unrolled window.  Do you know how hard it is to drive straight when you and your companion are screaming?  Really hard!  (I did it though.)  It was on Sister Felt's side, so every time she screamed I screamed, (and it was on my Birthday so we all screamed for ice cream) And it was a frightening experience.  Good news though.  We were almost there, it climbed into the place between the door and window, and then it had the opportunity to escape while we were spiritually fed inside the church building.  I reminded Sister Felt last night that we hadn't ever found it, so it must not be in the car anymore.

That's the story. :)

We had a wonderful experience on Saturday with inspired planning and the power of prayer. 

We prayed fervantly that none of our plans would fall though, and that we would be able to teach the people we had planned to see according to the direction of the Spirit.  We were able to find opportunities to serve, teach the principles that we had studied, and extend commitments to each person that we came in contact with.  We felt so incredibly blessed to be able to have such a wonderful day.  Especially since the next day was really gloomy, and awful. 

Opposition in all things.

So now I'm out of time because I was emailing nice things to my friend named Sister Newbold.

Missions are awesome.  I will love the people that I have served with FOREVER!.

Yahoooooooooooooooooooooooooo......

Okay,

Bye.

I love you.

Talk to you TTYL. 

Haha.

Told you I'm funny. :)

Alright.

Love to the moon and back!  (or farther.  Like infinity, google, trillion, zillion, eternity.)

Love,

Sister Amber Garvin