There's always gonna be another mountain

I would like to start out this week, by quoting the inspirational Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog":

"There's been Trials, and Tribulations... you know I've had my share.... But I've climbed the mountain, I've crossed the river and I'm ALMOST THERE!!"

That, is exactly how Sister Stewart and I feel about this week!

She still was not at 100% this week... but it was improvement! We only went to the doctors ONCE! :) hahah so basically, her life has been rough, because everything the doctors said MIGHT happen, but most likely won't, and every POSSIBLE side effect.... took place. what the even heck. her life is a struggle, and the struggle is REAL.

However, good news! Yesterday, we were able to go to all 3 hours of church [[that's the first time in over a month that I've had a full 3 hours of church]] and we did missionary work yesterday! and plan on doing work every day this week, because she's feeling up to it! HALLELUJAH!

But, while she was still stuck at home, recovering, I had the fun opportunity to go on lots of 'mini exchanges'

Not real exchanges, because there was no over night sleepover. But just exchanges for the day, so that I could go out and do the Lords work! And that was a really good experience for me! I used to think that it would be so hard to be a Sister Training Leader, or District Leader or Zone Leader, because you go on exchanges so often, and aren't in your area.... but after this week, I realized what a BLESSING it is!

I seriously learned so much from each of the sisters, just by teaching alongside them! And it was really neat to go to the different areas and meet all the different people investigating the church. I feel like I grew a lot this week:)

It was really great as well to really grow closer to my sister training leaders, (Sister Savage and Sister Anderson). and to get to know them better. However.

BAD NEWS BEARS:

Thursday night, we get a call from them saying that they were being emergency transferred. They had to pack up and leave Ashburn Saturday morning! WHAT?!

That was a shock for all of us.

And it was emotionally draining for them.

So on Friday, after we went and got our brand-spankin-new ipads, we went to their apartment and helped them pack!

I'm really sad to see them go elsewhere, but I know that it's all in the Lord's plans, and it's a good thing for both of them:)

Sunday, Sister Stewart and I taught a lesson to Summer, and she had her baptismal interview, and things are good to go for the BAPTISM ON SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!! woot woot! :) She's SO sassy... hahaha we taught her the Law of Chastity this week, and when we asked her if she would live the Law of Chastity, her inner black girl came out and she was like ,"uhh DUH! psh." hahahha oooohhh Summer....

Also, here's a quote directly from her lips:

"Laman and Lemuel are basically stereotypical teenage boys.. ugh."

hahahah tears. so many tears. this girl kills me!

All is well for her! except, one request, please continue to pray for Summer!

Because her parents are divorced... and things are coming up... Satan isn't attacking Summer, but he is attacking her family, and it's taking a toll on her, and we just, this needs to be a special time for her. So pray for peace to find her:)

Sunday night we met with the Martinez family. Brother Martinez is doing really WELL! :) Tia(his 15 yr old daughter) has been having drama and friend issues at school.... and so we talked a lot about forgiveness last night. It was really beautiful and the Spirit was so strong in their home. And I realized, I've got a lot of forgiving to do, and a lot of seeking forgiveness that needs to be done! When I stand before my Savior at the last day, I don't want to have any ill feelings towards anyone. and I want to feel at peace, knowing that I had done everything I could in this life to make amends with my brothers and sisters.

Hmmm.... let's see... what else.....

Oh today I had a really amazing personal study!

I was reading in Mosiah 26.

And remember how our missions theme for the year is to "Be All In" aka serve the Lord with ALL our heart, might mind and strength? well today I read this scripture:

"And now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do who were over the church, Walking in ALL Diligence, Teaching the word of God in ALL things, suffering ALL manner of afflictions, being persecuted by ALL those who did not belong to the church of God.

And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in ALL things."

So today, while reading that... the word ALL kept standing out to me.

And I realized, that committing to be an "all in" missionary... it's not always going to be pleasant. Obviously, we submit to suffer ALL manner of afflictions, and being persecuted by ALL.... but it doesn't matter, because the reward in the end will far outweigh the trials of being a disciple of Christ.

Also, reading Mosiah 26:21-24, I realized some really cool things about baptismal covenants, vs temple covenants... and how the former prepares us to enter the temple, and take upon ourselves the name of Christ! So... study that and see what you get out of it:)

This coming week is seriously going to be the best week EVER. here is why:

-Sister Stewart is feeling like her normal self again, so we are back to smiles and laughs and work and fun!

- Summer is going to be a member of the church!

-Cynthia is getting baptized on Sunday! :)

-We are getting fed by members EVERY DAY this week

- We just got a new 2015 Chevy Cruze to drive

-We will not be confined to the house

-I'm bound and determined to see miracles this week, and NOTHING can stop me!

I love you so much. And I do miss you lots. It was hard the last couple of weeks, while Sister Stewart was recovering, she got to call her mom every day... and I really wanted to call MY mom :( But, Mothers day is just around the corner, and I'll see you then! :)

Something I've re-learned this week is the importance of prayer. I have slacked off in my prayers... mostly because we haven't been out and about much... and it really took a toll on me! It's spiritually and physically draining to face life without communing with my Heavenly Father! So my invitation to you this week, is to pray to God CONTINUALLY:) Improve your personal prayers. and Journal about the difference you see!

Love,

Sister Carly Lewis

p.s. speaking of mom and how much I love you..... I love you! Thanks for part 1&2 of my adoption story,... can't wait to see how it all ends;) Also, you should DEFINITELY take Sister Chandler's mom up on her offer to get together for lunch or something sometime! :) That would be fuuuun!

pictures:

oh just some random fun and games with Sister Gray and Sister Patten!

Packing the STLs stuff!

Me and Sister Anderson

Me and Sister Savage

somebody call I X II

I can honestly say that this week was the most interesting, exhausting, and challenging week of my entire mission!!!

Where do I even begin?!

Let's start with Tuesday:

During my studies, Sister Stewart exclaims to me, "Sister Lewis I am in a whole lot of pain right now!!" She was lying down, writhing in pain. It was in her right abdomen and back,... Our first thought, where's your appendix? Unfortunately neither one of us knew.... So we called the mission doctor. He said she was probably just constipated, so he put her on a cleanse for the day.... So all day Tuesday, we were out of commission. 

And it was actually just what I needed! 

I ended up studying the scriptures and an article that a dear friend suggested I read called "Seek Learning by Faith" by Elder Bednar.... Little did I know that article, and those hours of studying would be an answer to weeks of prayer! So to that friend, I say THANK YOU. You truly were an angel in my life:) a messenger sent from God. 

Anyway, I learned SO much from that talk, my faith was put into perspective and strengthened, and my testimony grew! I realized that I need to take more action when it comes to faith. My mind reflects on the words from hymn number 169:

                                    

                 "As now our minds review the past, we know we must repent;

                   The way to thee is righteousness---the way thy life was spent.

                   Forgiveness is a gift from thee we seek with pure intent.

                    With hands now PLEDGED to do thy work, we take the sacrament.

                  As now we praise thy name with song, the blessings of this day

                    Will linger in our thankful hearts, and silently we pray

                   For COURAGE to accept Thy will, to listen and obey.

                    We love thee, Lord; our hearts are full. We'll walk thy chosen way."

That's the purpose of life my dear friends! and even more so for me as a full time missionary. I am to align my will with God's will and do ALWAYS those things that please HIM. 

Crazy that it's taken me 8 months to truly let this sink into my heart.... But now I have a formula to living happily and serving God with my ALL! This talk really turned me around and I was more excited to get back on my feet and do the work! 

So Tuesday was a blessing for me:) 

Then Wednesday was interviews with President Riggs, and Sister Stewart was feeling well enough to go! Hooray! This day was,,, well. I'll just tell you.

I go into my interview with President, and we discussed a few 'housekeeping' items... Such as having lunch with someone soon, and I told him to seriously pray about me being companions with Sister Osmond again!;) haha

Then, President looks at me and goes, "Sister Lewis, you look rather melancholy... And that's not like you! What's on your mind?"

Oh boy. That question did it for me. 

Suddenly, the weight I had been carrying for the past 8 weeks, and all the nagging things that I had managed to keep bottled up inside me, came flowing out. I started crying and just couldn't stop the waterworks. Then I started laughing because I felt awkward/embarrassed for breaking down in front of President for no apparent reason.., I expressed to him that I didn't really know how to express myself... Or explain what was wrong.. So he said,

"Sister Lewis! You are amazing! You have been a ROCK your whole mission. You take on instruction and challenges without questioning, and you move forward with it boldly.... Have you ever taken the time to pray and tell Our Father just how hard it is?"    

  Yes. Lots lately! Haha

Then he proceeded to tell me something he told newly called bishops, and missionaries and teachers when he was a Stake President. 

He said that at the beginning of a new calling, the Lord seems to be just carrying you though it all. You have wings. Yes, challenges and hard times come, but you are able to face them with courage and find a way through it without much effort. Revelation comes with ease!

But then, you hit a wall. And it feels like the Lord has "dumped" you. You're on your own. The burden you bear is heavy, and it seems like it takes every effort to seek revelation...... When this happens, it's rough! But it's for our good. It's a humbling experience. A reminder of whose work it is, and the power by which miracles come..., But there is hope, because this period of time doesn't last forever. It is but a small moment. Revelation will again come."

At this point in the interview I'm still crying. And the words from the song, "my kindness shall not depart from thee" pop into my head.... The Savior's words to the Prophet Joseph Smith at liberty jail:

                                  "For a little while, have I forsaken thee.

                                   But with great mercies will I gather thee.

                                  In a little wrath, I hid my face from thee,

                                   For a moment.

                             

                                  But with everlasting kindness will I succor thee.

                                And with mercy shall I take thee 'neath my wings.

                                For the mountains shall depart, and the hills shall be removed,

                                  And the valley shall be lost beneath the sea.

                               But know my child, my Kindness shall NOT depart from thee."    (See also 3ne22:7-8)

President and I talked some more, I told him about the article I read the day before and what I learned, and then out of the blue he asked me,

"When was the last time you received a priesthood blessing?"

"Uhhh.... The beginning of my mission?"

"Well. I felt impressed to ask and offer to give you one now, if you would like it." 

So he gave me a beautiful blessing. I felt God's love for me very strongly and was granted peace that "this too shall pass". To just hold on a little longer. There is help and happiness ahead. I knew that God was very aware of me and my circumstances, I had indeed not been forgotten, and that soon I would be able to join in song with the pioneers of old, "all is well!" :)

So that interview plus the amazing study I had on Tuesday really got me all pumped and ready to go and do as the Lord commands! Nothing could stop me at this point! I was all refreshed. It was like I had pushed my reset button. And it felt GREAT!!!!!

But then the worst thing ever could happen...... My sweet companion was struck again with the horrendous side pain! O.o      

So bad this time that we had to call the Relief Society President to pick us up and at 3:00pm, we entered the ER.

And to make a really really really long story short:

She had appendicitis.

We stayed in the ER, with her on a double dose of morphine, (that's how bad the pain was) for the rest of the evening. President Riggs came with our district leader to give her a blessing. Then, she was taken by ambulance to another hospital, while the Relief Society President, Sister Rands, took me home to pack an overnight bag... And I stayed the night at the hospital with Sis Stewart. 

Thursday at 11am, she had her appendix removed. And I spent the majority of the day by myself because there was another HUGE snow storm, and nobody could drive out to switch me places or sit with me... It was the longest hardest day of my life.... I hadn't eaten since 2 the day before, and I got maybe a total of 3 hours of sleep. I was a hot mess to say the least! Haha

Also, Sis Stewart needed to stay one more night in the hospital......Thankfully, that night, the Bishop's wife came to see us, and President gave me orders to have her take me to spend the night with some other sisters, so that I could sleep in a bed! [[[ huge shout out here to my main man, Tyler Price! Pretty sure you've spent the majority of your life in hospitals, and I don't know how you do it!;) I feel for you.. Haha]]]

Friday morning, we went back to the hospital and stayed there... I went on a 'mini exchange' with Sister Gray so that we could get lunch, and relieve some anxiety. I was able to play lots of beautiful hymn arrangements on the hospital's piano in their lobby, and let the Spirit touch the hearts of those waiting for loved ones. There was this one sweet lady that was so grateful for that. It was a really sweet moment:) we finally left the hospital at 4.... And we stayed home that night. 

Saturday morning we had to go back to the ER because once again, she was in lots of pain.... And she had to get a catheter. :-P poor poor girl! She just can't get a break! 

By this point I'm just going crazy. Itching to do missionary work... And get out of the house! So our sister training leaders came, and I was able to go visit some people with Sister Anderson:) it was too much fun! We laughed lots! 

Then Sunday another exchange so that I could go to church... And then I spent the day working in Ashburn with Sister Savage.... And that was just an awesome night! Also. One lady we visited had chinchillas. And I got to hold them:) 

Also, driving home, we saw A LIVE POSSUM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD PLAYING DEAD!!!!!! 

It was the freakiest thing. 

We screamed bloody murder and then laughed our heads off at our weakness;) haha but in all seriousness, it was gross, looked like the R.O.U.S. from "The Princess Bride". 

Then this morning at 3am, S Stewart again woke in pain and we rushed to the ER to get the catheter removed.... Hallelujah! She's free! And now can heal at a quicker pace! 

Today she is up and walking more and in happier spirits.

Through it all she's been really tough, had a good mood, and kept her head on straight. I'm grateful for her courage, and the example she sets for me every day! And I pray that she will heal soon so that we can get out there together and rock the missionary life! 

Because truth is, it's IMPOSSIBLE to be a missionary by yourself. I tried it this week. Companionships should come in threes; you, your companion, and the Lord. 

So... Yeah. All in all this was a really hard week, and I am so GRATEFUL that it is over! The ward members here have been truly amazing, and there have been many tender mercies sent our way this week! Thank you for all your prayers! We couldn't do this work without all your love and support! :)

Sorry this letter is kind of a hard read. 

All really is well, :) and continuously getting better! I'm happy to be a servant of the Lord at this time! And I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! Love you all!

Love,

Sister Carly Lewis

P.S.

CYNTHIA IS OFFICIALLY GETTING BAPTIZED ON THE 21ST,!!,

PICTURES:

ER visit:( poor Sister Stewart

Hospitals for daaaaaayyyyzzzz

Exchange with Sister Gray. Much needed. Lots of laughs.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: chinchilla!:) 

APRIL FOOLS just kidding

So this week we were having a lesson with a Young married woman in the ward, Bri, and she was just asking us questions about missions and such, and how long we've been out, and she says to me, "So you have 10 months left right?"

I quickly responded with "No! I still have like 13."  #MATHFAIL

I was really sad when I realized:

a) February is OVER

b) I have less than a year left

c) The fact that the majority of my education seems to have gone in one ear, and right out the other!

That was a shock. But other than that, the rest of the week went soooo well! :)

We had a WHOLE mission conference, in which a general authority, Elder Schweitzer, and his assistant, Brother Gonzalez, came and talked to us all about the new age of missionary work!

Basically it was all focused on the internet, and how we are going to learn how to use it for good!

The meeting was actually really spiritual. Brother Gonzalez said that this is a time for us to set our 'reset buttons' and start fresh! We are going to look at the internet in a new way now. Develop self-discipline, and good habits. And they gave a GREAT promise!

Said that when we get on the internet, it will be like grocery shopping; you go to the store, get what you need, you know your purpose and you stick to it! And when you go down the beer/alcohol aisle, you don't even look at it! It's not even an option to buy it!

That's what it will be like for us, and the generations to come, when we use the internet. The goal of the brethren, is to raise up a stronger generation, so that internet safety is just second-nature to us. Satan will not be able to ensnare us that way.

I'm REALLY excited for all of this to take place! :)

We had a couple of really awesome lessons with Summer this week! and guess what?!

SUMMER IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON MARCH 21st!!!!! WOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! :)

It was the CUTEST thing ever when we put her on date! She was SO happy. It was as if she had just been waiting her WHOLE life for someone to ask her if she wants to be baptized!

And we have the full support of both of her parents! When Sister Larson told Summer's mom about the baptism, she was SO excited, and put it in her calendar, and asked to set up an appointment to meet the bishop. Then she started tearing up saying how Summer getting involved with the church has really made an impact on their whole family. Summer has been happier, and her mom said, "So goes Summer, so goes the whole house!"

Sister Larson then explained to her how that is the Spirit touching Summer's heart, and in turn touching theirs. And when she is baptized and confirmed, she will ALWAYS have that gift with her. And apparently, Summer's mom was just overwhelmed with joy at that point!

She may not be ready to commit to, and receive this gospel yet, but I bet that a few years down the road, The whole family will be investigating, and I am SO excited!

Michi is doing well!

So cool thing is that Sister Simmons' daughter, Julia, just returned home from her mission in Mesa Arizona last week, and she sat in on Michi's lesson with us! The Spirit, once again, was unbelievably strong! And guess what? MICHI PRAYED ABOUT BAPTISM!

and she got an answer.... the answer that she honestly isn't ready to commit yet. Because she doesn't have a solid enough foundation. Which is okay. Normally with that answer, I would've been really bummed, but the Spirit whispered peace to my heart that night. And I know, that Michi will come to learn more, and build a firm foundation on her Savior. It will just be in her own time. There's no need to rush. But when she is converted to the Lord, she will be such a solid member!

Also, it's just really cool to have a RM sister missionary to work with us! Julia is so sweet, and is willing to help us with whatever! You can tell that she was a stellar missionary:) I hope to become a missionary like her! Oh. also. She bore her testimony in church, and it was an eye opener. She made a joke about how somebody asked her how she feels, and her answer is, "Oh, like 1500 people aren't praying for me multiple times a day!"

uh.

yikes!

Sometimes I take for granted all the blessings I receive from being a servant of the Lord. I want you all to know that I really love and appreciate all your prayers! I know that our Heavenly Father hears them, and that they ARE answered. You all raise me up through the simple act of prayer! Never doubt the small things in life, because they always make the biggest difference! :)

Hmm... let's see... what else happened this week....

Aaron ? Yeah... we dropped him. He's kinda silly and hard to get through to.... . He's just not ready to receive this gospel.

And about the weather here in Virginia... 'tis still crazy! We had more snow. lots more snow. And then yesterday we have what is called "Freezing Rain."

Basically, when the rain hits the surface of anything, it freezes, turns to ice. Which makes for dangerous traveling... So we were grounded from driving. AGAIN.

However, we walked around lots, and that seemed more dangerous than driving! The roads were salted and ice free... but nobody did anything to the sidewalks! Thank heavens for the years of ballet that I did.... the technique learned prevented me many a time from falling on my face!

Also.

Pretty sure there is a hole in my Right rain boot somewhere... because when we returned home, I had a very soggy sock.

Apparently this is the coldest it has been here in Virginia since the 1800's. So. It's pretty cold. At least that's what I keep hearing from everyone.... But I honestly have felt like Elsa, and had an attitude of "The Cold never bothered me anyway." :)

So this is really embarrassing because I KNOW this week was a week of miracles.. but my memory is failing me. We did a district blitz on Thursday... and didn't have a lot of success. no one was home... but every time people opened the door that day, they let us right in! Nobody accepted the message, but it was a tender mercy to be let in! :)

Oh! We checked up on a referral from a member, and it was the COOLEST thing ever.

The mom, Ali answered, and she let us right in! She was so kind, and was really interested in hearing about what we do as missionaries. Then she said, "I have no Idea why I'm telling this to two strangers but..." and she proceeded to tell us how in the last couple of years, that she has not recognized who it is she sees in the mirror [[[cue "Reflection" Music from Mulan]]] and she had just gotten back from this spiritual seminar thing where it was all about loving you for who you are! When you love you, you can love everyone around you! We shared the first and great commandment with her, and told her about FHE. She was all for that, and asked us to come back over the next week to have an FHE with her family!!

WHAT?!?!?!

That was a miracle.

I'm so excited. but also nervous. We may only have one shot at introducing this family to the gospel... and I really don't want to mess it up! So we have our FHE with the Young family on Wednesday! Any prayers would be much appreciated!

Well, my time is up! But I just want to share my love and testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been reading the gospels, and my eyes are being opened to so many marvelous things. I know that the Lord's plan, and His Gospel is the ONLY way to true happiness. It's a huge test, and requires sacrifice, but it's worth it.

I love the story about Peter walking on water.

As he looked to Christ, and believed in Him, he was able to partake of a miracle! But soon, the boisterous winds, and the raging sea, and the tempest around him distracted his focus. He lost sight of His Savior..... and that is why he began to sink.

It hit me really hard this week that life is all about focus. Where is our focus? Where are our 'treasures'? Because where our treasures are, there will our Heart and Focus be also!  So I encourage you all this week to strive to remember your Savior more often. Don't let the many voices of the world distract you.

 Remember who you are; A CHILD OF GOD. Remember why you are here; TO BE TESTED AND GROW FROM EXPERIENCE. Remember the end goal; CELESTIAL GLORY.

There is power in simply remembering our divine nature, our purpose, and our goal. Hold fast to the rod. Keep your focus on Jesus Christ, and press forward with hope, faith and a cheerful countenance!

And if you falter, you falter! But it doesn't mean the end! Christ is right there, to pick us back up when we sink.

I love this gospel. I know it is true.

I love you all!

Sister Carly Lewis

Pictures:

This is what freezing rain looks like!

 

and this is how it makes me feel