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