D&C 18:14-16 kind of week

Speechless.

Literally I am speechless. Weak in writing. At a loss for words. My heart and soul are just overflowing with joy and gratitude! :)

This week was just a week of miracles and goodness and light.

Then Tuesday night we had a (mostly) great lesson with Michi! Great, because it was totally focused on HER needs. We told her to come with questions to ask, and we would just have a Q&A session. Well, the first question she asks is, "Why does God want us to know him?"

ah.

This girl is a deep thinker.

Threw us off guard for a bit, but we ended up talking about the plan of salvation!

And this is where the "Mostly" part of the lesson comes in. . .

ya see, Michi's mom is out of town, visiting family in Chile for 3 weeks. so her little brother, Drake, also came to the lesson.... and at first, he was quiet.

But then, he just kept asking us about OUTER DARKNESS.

-_-

Seriously?

hahahaha we didn't even know what to do. Because it wasn't just once. but at least a dozen times, that he asked the same questions about it. even though we answered it once!

Thank heavens for Julia Simmons (Sis. Simmons' recently returned missionary daughter) she was a huge help to us in staying on track.. haha

Mostly, we just had to laugh the whole situation off!

Thursday we had our LAST lesson with Summer before her baptism! And we talked all about priesthood, and temples and family history. The spirit was incredibly strong when we were talking about why we have temples. And Sister Stewart and I both felt impressed that Summer has a whole support system of family members on the other side, cheering her on! The Spirit testified to me that they were SO excited for Summer to be baptized! And when we told this to her, she just lit up like a christmas tree:) She's so adorable:)

But unfortunately, Satan was working REALLY hard against her.

Friday afternoon, the day before her baptism, she was out in the woods, playing "Hunger Games" with her sister... and she got POISON IVY ALL OVER HER! :( and all over her face. poor poor girl. she was having a rough time.

So Saturday morning, we went over with the elders, and they gave her a blessing. She felt lots better after it!

Then that afternoon....

Sis Stewart and I were running around like chickens with our heads cut off! There was still SO much to do before the baptism. And we were behind schedule. We went to fill up the font, and it was disgusting! There were dead stinkbugs, and cobwebs, and spiders, and grime everywhere! so we had to clean that out.

Then, when our WML went to print the program, it was incorrect. so he had to run and go get that fixed.

We had to set up chairs and tables and table cloths all by ourselves.

Oh, and we had to change our spiritual thought, because we were afraid of offending Summer's aunt.

Also, the font water was FREEZING.

Things were crazy.

But it all turned out for the best, and in the end, none of the silly little things mattered because..... :

Summer followed the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by immersion on March 21, 2015!!!!!!! WOOOHOO! :) It was truly so awesome. The program was beautiful, and the Spirit there was overwhelming. The young women sang, "I know that My Redeemer lives" and the tears were just flowing down my face.

I realized in that moment, how much my Savior loves me.

I know that Jesus Lives. And I now understand more fully the reason WHY he lives. He lives for me. He lives to grant me rich supply. He lives to lead me to every happiness. He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to hear my souls complaint.

He lives for US. To help us. To Love us. To listen. I know that, and have experienced his divine love multiple times on my mission. I am beyond grateful for my Savior. :)

Sunday, Summer was confirmed in sacrament meeting! It was amazing! Also, it was another sister's homecoming. She just came home from... some mission I can't remember in Brazil. She's adorable. Also, you can tell that she was a consecrated missionary, and we are really excited to have her come on splits with us!

Then that night..... the moment we have ALL been anticipating for the last 5 months....

CYNTHIA WAS BAPTIZED!!

And the best part was, Rick was able to baptize her! Honestly, for the past few months I had been so bummed that they were waiting on him.. because she was ready in November! But ya know what? This experience taught me to truly trust in the Lord's timing. His plan for us, is far better than our plan for ourselves! I know things all worked out the way they were supposed to, and I am so excited for Cynthia and Richard to be able to support each other over this next year, as they prepare to enter the Lord's Temple, and be sealed for eternity! That's truly why we are baptized. It's just preparation for more covenants, and a grander vision of eternal families:)

Unfortunately, they will get sealed after I come home.... hmmm I guess i'll just have to come back out to D.C next March! ;)

I was able to see lots of members of the Centreville 2nd ward! I missed them sooo much! Right when I walked through the doors, I was welcomed by so many warm hugs and "I love you's". Cynthia hugged me at least a dozen times probably and said how much she had missed me and Sister Chandler. She was just beaming! :) Also, It's always a good time when I get to spend time with Sister Kailey Chandler! Plus, the old Centreville gang was there! :)

Man this weekend was seriously too good to be true. So many spirit-filled meetings....

Oh!

Speaking of which, I almost forgot!

Friday, we had a special training allllll day long! Because of the new ipads, and the online training stuff, President and Sister Riggs had special permission to go around and do trainings. So it was kind of like a multi-zone conference. The focus was on planning, flooding the mission with the Book of Mormon, and the 'why' of ipads and online proselyting!

I have been looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this all week long.

So why do we have the ipads?

Is it to help hasten the work?

Is it to make reaching every nation, kindred, tongue and people more convenient?

Is it to help us have more effective studies?

Is it to keep up with the world?

the answer to these questions is NO.

Let me tell you why the Brethren of the Church, why our Latter-day Prophet, have distributed ipads to missionaries... or in essence, why the Lord is pushing for this adjustment in the work:

It is simply to Create a Righteous generation of people who know how to use technology appropriately.

Are you as shocked as I was?

Today, we are facing and dealing with problems that will NOT go away until the second coming. In fact, they will probably only get worse.

Elder David F. Evans said this,

"For many, this is the BEST and for some the FINAL chance to develop righteous technology habits."

wow wow wow! Crazy stuff!

We all know about the dangers and the advantages of the internet. Pornography is a real issue, and it's never going to go away. We aren't going to be able to stop it, but we WILL, with divine aid, be able to withstand the temptations of the adversary. That's a real promise, and I have full faith in it!

The Prophet and Apostles can see things that we cannot see.... and I know that all this is for a wise purpose! They are trying to fight against this evil, and they ARE going to succeed.

Think about it. The age lowering? The introduction of technology to the work? God has a plan.

I had the strongest impression during the meeting that I was sent to this mission, at this exact time, for the purpose of providing a better future. Heavenly Father is trying to build up stronger families! And He's preparing me for parenthood, in a day and age when the tares are becoming ever more prevalent among the wheat!

During the meeting, President Riggs turned to us few sisters there, and through tears expressed to us that the Spirit had just spoken strongly to him that WE would be like the mothers of the Sons of Helaman. We have a strong effect on the coming generation, and would have the responsibility of raising our sons and daughters firm in the Faith of Christ.

That someday, because of our learning self-discipline, we would raise a string of sin-resistant souls, who would one day echo the words, "We do not doubt our mothers knew it."

So basically.

This week was just the best week ever.

I love this Gospel, and I am grateful for our Prophet Thomas S. Monson! I feel so blessed to be a missionary at this time. I am learning so much, and truly feel that the Lord is refining me. I'm so excited for conference that is JUST around the corner!

I am happy.

I am well.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and loves me.

I know this Gospel is true.

I testify to you that Jesus Christ IS the WAY. It is only by him, and through Him, that we will receive Eternal Life. I look forward with a brightness of hope to that day when all the faithful will return to our Father in Heaven, to live in a state of NEVER-ENDING HAPPINESS.

:)

Love,

Sister Carly Lewis

p.s.

SHOUT OUT to my other half, my bff-jill, my twin, Amy Alysse Dymock for submitting your mission papers! what! I am SO excited for you! Even though that means 3-ish years without seeing you..... ;(

 I know You'll rock it where ever the Lord sends you, and will be a light and marvelous influence to many:)

Pictures:

Summer

Cynthia!  also sister chandler:)

The two Coolest elders in the mission

most of the Centreville district!

The Walter Family! :)

 

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

 

I'll give my whole heart to Him

Where the HECK did the last 6 weeks go?

I feel like the last transfer just slipped through my fingers... it's crazy. Time needs to take a break, and SLOW DOWN. haha

Anyway, I survived another transfer, and Sister Stewart and I are staying together in Leesburg! Good thing too--- because things are really going places, and this transfer WILL be one of miracles!

 

This week just seemed to zip by as well! And it was so full of lots of awesome things.....

Monday, we had a sweet FHE planned with a member in the ward, that they had invited friends over, BUT it snowed lots that night. And we weren't allowed to be out driving. So we weren't able to go :( #BUMMER

but they turned out to have a great night without us!

 

Tuesday after district meetings, we had our Zone party to celebrate reaching our goal! And for this party, I had been asked to bring a baked good... So on Monday, I made these scrumptious cookies called $250 cookies. Pretty much, they are melt in your mouth, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. We made them with our WMLs wife a week ago, and I had decided to make some for the zone! Only problem is, it called for 2&1/2c blended oats, and 1 c. grated choc. chips.... but WE DIDN'T HAVE A BLENDER.

And we were grounded from driving our cars.

So. What did I do? I chopped those oats by hand, and took the chocolate chips and a cheese grater and grated them one.by.one.

It took f o r e v e r

I felt like a pioneer.

hahahahaha

but hey, those cookies were a real hit! Every body LOVED them, and were begging for more.

It's probably because I put a few special ingredients in there.... aka. blood, sweat, and tears. also LOVE. ;)

 

Moving on now.

We met with Michi that night and let me tell you.... my mouth is still gaping open from that lesson! The Spirit was so strong, it was almost overwhelming. We had planned on teaching her the plan of salvation... but ended up teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ! And then we pulled out Mosiah 18, and posed the question, "What have ye against being baptized?"

We told Michi that we love her SO much. We really do, and we will always love her no matter what. We pointed out how she is so amazing to us, because she is already living the life of a member of the church... she's just missing out on the blessings of having the Gift of the Holy Ghost! God has all these blessings he wants to POUR out upon her, and the way to receive them, is through baptism!

I can't remember the exact details and events... but I do remember that for the first time, she didn't cringe at the thought of baptism. And for the FIRST time, she opened up and shared some really deep, personal experiences.

Then she told us this, "You know, before we started doing.. this, when it came to God, I was like 'ehhhh'... but now, I'm all the way there."

 

WOW!

This girl went from not even believing in God as a being... she just believed you could find good and truth all around us.. in spiritual things. She prayed to the universe... and now, 5-6ish weeks later, she has faith in God! That, is a miracle. The Spirit has been working hard on her! :)

The lesson went on, and we discovered that her real concern now, is with Jesus Christ. So now, we are just trying to help her find faith in Christ, and come to know for herself, that he is the Savior of the world.

 

So lots of good things happening there!

 

Wednesday, we went to a lady in the ward, Sister Kowalski. She lives out in the boonies in a big farm house. She broke her foot 3 months ago, and it still hasn't healed, and now she's home in this huge house on a farm... alone. So we went to do some service for her... And you know what she had us do?

COOK.

haha. She had us put together big freezer dinners like casseroles and soup that she could just put in the freezer and give to families in the ward when they need them. It was sweet, because she is professional at cooking, so I learned a few neat tricks! [[mom-- wanna know an EASY way to shred cooked chicken? Just put it in a big bowl, and take the egg beaters to it!]]

 

Thursday we had another great lesson with Summer! We taught the Restoration using our Apostasy cup lesson. Once again, she loved every bit of it. We asked her how she knows that God loves her and she told us "Oh, because he guides me every day and grants me peace."

 

Ah.

Of course. Because that's how every 11 year old would answer that question. ;)

She is SO ready to accept this gospel! It is really just a matter of teaching her all the lessons!

 

Thursday night we dropped by a member's home, The Jones family, to give a sweet, short message. I love being in their home! They were one of the first families I met here, and I just love them to death. It's a family of all boys (even their dog is a boy) and then Sister Jones... and she LOVES us! haha she was like, "You know, we usually have the Elders over, and whenever they are over it's SO rowdy here.... But it's so peaceful when you come! You bring such a lovely spirit!"

Anyway. not sure why I'm telling you this. Just know, I love that family. And every time I go there, the night is filled with genuine laughter and I leave happier than I came! #tendermercies

 

Now, for the Highlight of the week....

Ya'll Ready For This?!

 

SATURDAY WAS A BLIZZARD!

Literally.

We got at least a foot of snow here.

Maybe more.

And we weren't allowed to drive our cars.... so we walked everywhere! and I LOVED it! It was so peaceful. Nobody was out. Just two sister missionaries, owning the town. haha

We were able to help push cars up a snowy hill, because Virginians don't know how to drive in the snow....

And when we went tracting, the Spirit led us to this home... and the guy let us in! His name is Aaron . and turns out, he met with Elders last summer! But they mysteriously stopped coming over... (turns out, it wasn't a mystery. those Elders just never kept a teaching record for Aaron, so he fell through the cracks.) He's an older guy. Retired. And now he's the drummer in a band. He's kinda crazy... but he's read the BoM and marked it up clear to Mosiah, and we got a return appointment! So, we will take what we can get!

 

Sunday.... church was ALMOST cancelled, because of the snow. (even though the roads were clear by then. and it was 50* yesterday) so they only held sacrament meeting... but only the youth speaker showed... So they did a special meeting. A "Hymn-a-mony" Where people could go up to the pulpit, and bear brief testimony on their favorite hymn, and then we would sing that hymn. I WISH THAT HAPPENED MORE OFTEN.

It was really touching to me..... that is when I wasn't being distracted by a 3 year old! haha. We sat by our Ward Mission Leader and his family... and his little girl, Hailey, is a handful. She reminds me of Piper. She thinks she's a dog. Also, she just randomly kissed both me and S. Stewart on the cheeks during the meeting! It was adorable! haha

 

There's so many other great things that happened this week..... Sister Stewart and I laughed lots, we met and found lots of cool people, a 90 yr old woman kept asking me why I'm not dating anyone and then giving me marriage advice, and my testimony was strengthened immensely.

I spent lots of time reading a CES Devotional from this January by Randall L. Ridd. I highly recommend it. It's all about the importance of REAL INTENT. And I realized that I need to work on my real intent!

I'm really going to focus, from now until the end of my mission, on turning my Will over to the Lord.

Missionary work is not about what I want, it's about what God wants.

As soon as I stop seeking to do the things I feel are important, or I want to do, and start having an attitude of "Thy will be done" I KNOW I will find true happiness in the work! And I'm starting by developing an attitude of gratitude. :) So this will be a journey!

This week I was flipping through the Book of Mormon, and came across Alma 27:27-28, 30.

That scripture changed my week.

I want to be like the sons of Mosiah... That even in strugglings and despairs, and suffering through ALL manners of afflictions, that I still give it my all in the hopes of maybe, possibly, saving SOME SOUL.

 

I Know that The Lord will NEVER leave us comfortless, but He will always fulfill his promise, "I will come to you"

He came to me when my heart was depressed, and I am forever grateful for that. The Lord is my Light! Then why should I fear? He IS my Salvation from sorrow and sin, His blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring!

 God has sent us here for a purpose, and he WILL help us find, and accomplish that purpose. He will always come to us in our time of need.

 

Wherever you may be at on your journey of becoming like our Savior, I encourage you to not give up hope. He is forever watching over you, and will not let you stray too far. God will not let you fail. So never give up. Never surrender. Never let despair overcome your spirit. Even in your darkest hour, hang on a little longer.... Pray with all the energy of your heart for deliverance, and just like Joseph Smith, suddenly, a Light will descend upon you. Christ will come.

 

I love you all and pray for you! Keep doing what you're doing! :)

 

Love, Sister Carly Lewis

 

pics:

Zone!

Blizzard

God is Good.

This week was a week of miracles!!!!

Ya'll already know about Laura... She's just so wonderful!
She wasn't able to come to church on Sunday, but that's okay! Because
Summer came to church! And Michi was there for all of Sacrament
meeting!

Also, there's a less active man, Brother Wood, and we have
invited him to church for the past three weeks! He's told us he will
come, but then he never comes. We go to his house, he talks to us on
the porch, makes some joke about us being out in the cold, we invite
him, he commits, then doesn't come.... But this last week, it was
FREEZING when we went... And he let us right on in! Brother Wood is
one of my favorites. He's one of those people that I just felt a
connection with right off the bat. We both have the same kind of humor
(aka he's just as sarcastic as I am) and turns out we have more in
common than that! He did theater and music all growing up! He played
Nathan Detroit in 'Guys and Dolls' and Professor Harold Hill in 'The Music
Man', so it was cool for us to connect on that:) When I told him my
decided major, he was really interested in it. And when I invited him
to church to hear me sing, he looked me straight in the eyes and
promised he would be there.... AND HE CAME,!!!! He sat right in the
middle, in the back of the chapel, and beamed up at me when I got up
to sing! I prayed really hard that the words of "I Stand All Amazed"
would touch his heart..... He came up to me after and thanked me. Said
he really needed that, and that it uplifted him. I love Brother Wood:)
he's a good guy, who's just seen a lot of hurt. We also gave him a
rock that says "pray daily" on it, because he collects rocks! Haha I
think he really was touched by that.

Remember how I talked about our zone goal of finding 20 people this
week? Well on Friday night from 6-9 (the coldest part of the entire
week) we went out finding as a zone... And MIRACLES HAPPENED. As a
zone, over this last week, we found a total of 30 prepared
individuals! And lots of those found were actually families! It was
really exciting. The saying "where there's a will, there's a way" is
soooo true. Also, the Lord will use those who are ready and truly
desire to help, in the hastening of His work! It's pretty neat! :)
Sister Stewart and I didn't actually find anybody on Friday night
though.... Why? Well let me tell you.
We happened upon this cute little farm house in the outskirts of
Leesburg,,, and knocked on the door..., and turns out, an Islam family
lives there. So the father talked to us on the porch for a good 15
minutes in the dark, freezing cold.... And then his son came out and
was like "you gonna invite them in?" So... We followed this man into
his house.

We ended up spending like an hour and a half there,,,, (whoops) trying to share
a message... But not succeeding...... So. We now know everything there is to know about the
Islamic faith! Haha
I would say that it was a waste of our time there... But it wasn't
really because the more they tried to tell us and convince us of their
ways, the more the spirit spoke to me and testified of the truth of
the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I KNOW this church is the one true, living church of God here on the earth.
Our beliefs are so simple.
Young children and the unlearned can understand it.
It's simple, yet it covers everything. It makes sense that a Savior
was sent to the earth. It makes sense that we are all children of God,
and because he is our Father, he blesses us immensely. God is not some
all-powerful being that we can't understand.
He is our Father.
He knows all.
He sees all.
And he loves us.
I just want everybody and their dog to understand this!!! Gahhh

Anyway.
Also.
They gave us tea. And even though we told them about the Word of
Wisdom and they assured us it was herbal... I'm pretty sure it had
black tea leaves.... Yikes. Good thing repentance is real!

Last night we met with Summer and let me tell you. She should've been
born into the gospel! Her spirit just searches after the truth! She
told us how she did some different bible studies growing up, and that
she'd been around places... But that she never felt the Spirit there.
But she felt it at our church! This girl is only 11 years old and she
is already soooo wise! We love teaching her! It truly is such a
blessing to us.... And she gets so excited about it! Cool story:

We taught her the gospel of Jesus Christ, and when we told her about
the atonement, and how the icky feelings of guilt, worthlessness,
sadness, and loneliness can all be taken away and replaced with joy,
peace and comfort, because of Jesus Christ... She responded excitedly,
"really?!"
Yes:)
Really:)
She told us that she ALWAYS wants that peace to be with her.

She's a blessing. Keep Summer in your prayers:)

Hmmmm lets see... What else...,
Oh, we got to play with horses today for p-day!:) it was AWESOME!
And like 4 members gave us doughnuts for Valentine's Day.... Haha
The weather this week is supposed to be in the single digits....
YIKES. And we are supposed to get like 6-8 inches of snow tonight....
The storms are pretty bad here in Leesburg!

Well... That's all I have to say! This week was miraculous and I am
just so so so grateful for the blessings that are raining down on us.
The work is hastening and I'm struggling to keep up! Love you all!
Have a wonderful week, and seek out spiritual experiences!

Love,
Sister Carly Lewis.

p.s.
I just found out that they emergency transferred the Centreville
sisters on Friday... So.... Keep Sister Chandler in your prayers! And
Cynthia too! They are both in shock!

Pictures:
Me with horses!
Matchy matchy Valentine's pajamas!
#valentineswag

Edified and Uplifted

Today is just a really great day.

The sun is shining bright. It think it's like 60* outside. My belly is full of yummy tomato bisque soup from costco, and... oh yeah! I almost forgot!

WE FOUND SOMEONE TO TEACH!

okay.

we didn't really FIND her.

It's Laura, Sister Simmons friend. :)

We were finally able to  meet with her, and the lesson was a miracle. Really. Laura is SO prepared and ready to receive the fullness of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love it. The lesson was kinda all over the place.... but it was directed by the Spirit. She is just so very amazing, and she was just soaking up every little bit of what we had to share!

At the end she said, "Ya know, when I got here today, I was... I was just really not in a good place.... But now, I feel edified, and uplifted. I feel like this big weight has been lifted from me. I know that God had this meeting in his plans for me. I am really grateful to have been here today!"

Wow. Did she just use the words edified and uplifted?? I think she did! She described exactly the role of the Spirit in conversion. #GOLDEN

She was really excited to keep meeting with us, and we set up a time to meet with her next Tuesday! She also however, had some head trauma accident some years ago... so that affects her health. So keep her in your prayers, that the Lord will bless her with strength!

I also invited her to church at the end of the lesson, because I'm singing in sacrament meeting on Sunday, and she said she had plans... but that she was definitely going to try and arrange something, so that she could make it! Gah. This is the miracle we have been waiting for!

Missionary Work is awesome.

Another miracle of the week, is that a couple weeks ago, a lady in the ward, came up to us and said her daughter has a friend, Summer, who really loves coming to church and activities and wants to learn more about the gospel. The only problem is that Summer is 12, so we would need permission from her mother in order to teach her.

Well, after weeks of waiting, Sister Larsen got back to us and told us about the conversation she had with Summer's mom!

Her mom was all for Summer taking the discussions. She wasn't interested in it for herself (she's not ready or wanting to change her lifestyle.) but she recognizes that Summer is more spiritual, and she loves the people in our church, and she said she would love for Summer to be baptized if that is what Summer chose!

WHAT!

Things like this never happen.

Ever.

It was a miracle.

And so we have a lesson set up on Sunday night at 7, to teach Summer the restoration:)

The members of the Leesburg ward are seriously on FIRE with member referrals! It is SO exciting to be a missionary, and it is so much easier to do the work of the Lord, when we are on the same page as the members! I really want to point out, that both these miracles would not have even come if it wasn't for the missionary work that the members are doing.

It is SO easy to share the gospel!

I honestly cannot express that enough.

If a little 9 year old girl, can explain to her friend (Summer) at activity days, that the warm fuzzy feeling she gets from doing service, is in actuality, the Holy Ghost, then certainly, we ALL can do something to share a gospel truth with somebody in need.

And if you think about it...

Everyone around you is in need of SOMETHING.

So pray for opportunities to share what you know to be true! Then be on the look out for when those opportunities present themselves! :)

"God WILL put prepared people in the way of his prepared servants who WANT to share the gospel." - Henry B. Eyring

Test that promise out this week.

I Think you will be surprised at what happens! :)

Alright... so.... other exciting things that happened this past week......

--I got my hair cut. And turns out, that the lady who cut my hair is related to the Fredrickson family in our stake!  I went to school with her little brother, Matthew. He's a year older than me. And he played tennis for Orem High... soo we were pretty good friends!

--Saturday was Sister Stewart's birthday and it was a WAY awesome day! :) WE were able to go to the Temple visitors Center with Michi, Nikki and Sister Simmons to watch the Joseph Smith movie... it moved everyone to tears.

Michi was genuinely touched by it. She especially admired the character of Emma. So on the car ride home, we talked a lot about that. I shared my testimony on how I know that Joseph was a prophet of God, and how I also feel with surety that Emma knew he was too. She had to have known God as well as Joseph did in order to have endured all the trials and persecution they went through... and How I admired that she came to know the truth of the Book of Mormon for herself. Michi whole-heartedly agreed with that.

Michi is a very independent, do it her own way, gal. She is very strong too. In fact, she is a lot like Emma Smith.  And I just feel it deep inside, that she WILL come to know this gospel is true. In her own time. And for herself.

Anyway that was a great night.

--We had exchanges this week with our sister training leaders and that was MUCH needed. for all 4 of us.

. Whenever we have exchanges, the sisters give us a little mini "training". Mostly, it just feels like a therapy session to me. And I love them. It's a time to reflect and learn and look inside yourself. And this time, It was such a spiritual experience for me!! I was reminded of lessons that I have learned on my mission, that I had somehow forgotten... many tears were shed. I was just touched by the Spirit. Reminded that I am NOT alone, and that I don't need to feel that way. I know that God is aware of me, and what I'm going through, and I am going through these things for a reason.

I had a mini change of heart that day. Realized, that it's time to stop asking, "Why me? why this? why now?"

And start acknowledging that what I am going through is for my own good, and I need to ask, "What am I to learn from this?"

So I was reminded of the importance of being grateful IN EVERY circumstance!

-- I wrote Sister Stewart a song for her birthday. On the spot. It's pretty darn funny. I'll send a snippet of it!

-- I had the worst head ache of my life. Ever. I thought I was going to die. And I was confined to my room for the day. It was the worst. But I'm alive and well now:)

--I got the valentines package you sent! We love it! Sister Stewart says THANK YOU! :)

-- As a zone we made it a transfer goal to find 70 new investigators... well, as of yesterday we are at 50 new. So that means we have 7 days to find 20 new investigators... So we had a discussion on how we were to accomplish this, and if it was possible.... And I really wish I was better with words. But I am poor in writing. The gist of the story is that the Spirit was SO STRONG in that meeting yesterday, and we are going to find 20 prepared people this week. It isn't  going to be an individual effort either, but the effort of all of us together. TEAM WORK! being ALL in! :) Sister Stewart and I already found 2! woot woot! So here's to a week of miracles!

This week has been just so busy and full and all over the place.

I love being a full-time servant of the Lord.

There is just a wonderful Joy that comes from doing the will of the Lord, and standing as a witness of God at ALL times, and in ALL things and in ALL places!

And guess what?

You can do it TOO!

So get off your butts and go do some missionary work! ;) [[I say that with much love]]

Have a wonderful week!

Love you!

Sister Carly Lewis

Pics

Dinner with Sue!

Temple Visitors Center!

I forgot to wear a hat... and Sue hates it when we don't wear hats... so she gave me this to wear. She's great.