Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Thirty-three: December 18, 2013 Genova
and Happy middle of transfer transfers.
We live with the Sister Training Leaders. They serve in Genova 2, us in Genova 1. One finished today and so President put us in a TRIO. So we are in a trio, covering all of Genova with only 1 Sister Training Leader.
It's just for 3 weeks but what a challenge! I'm excited. I think it'll help me to learn some of the things I've ...unlearned, let's say, or the things I need to improve on. Plus, I like Sorella Durfee a lot and so I think it'll be really cool. We'll have to move all of our beds into one room and adjust some stuff, but this way, we can all spend Christmas together.
There are some things that we are allowed to do for Christmas. We ARE allowed to go to midnight mass if we want....I don't want to. I think it's a contradiction to our calling. And New Jersey and New York are full of catholic churches, I can go when I get home if I want. Also, we are allowed to watch one Disney movie on Christmas....I don't really get the movie thing ha ha, I think it's silly, but if you have any good Disney suggestions, let us know!
For New Years, we have to be in by 5pm!!!! Want to know why?
Because Italians take the phrase ''out with the old, in with the new'' literally. People throw old appliances and furniture out the window into the streets...yeah, we're going to be in at 5pm- for sure ha ha.
---
We had our Christmas Conference on Monday. It was lovely, I liked it a lot. It was a day full of little miracles. Like the Christmas box! Thank you! Like I told Mom, I opened it and took some things out for now, but I'm not going to use some of the things until Christmas, so that I can ''open a present''.
I really like the mug. I was just thinking about buying a mug this week on PDay! But I don't have to!!! And my mug changes design :P . Take that other, non-purchased mug!
I love all of it. I read myself the Christmas story every night, aka since Monday night. But thank you, I love it! It makes me feel really special. We can't light candles, but I placed it on our radiator to kind of ''perfume the air'' so that's nice. :)
We also had an investigator come to the Christmas Devotional and I thought it was lovely. I think she did too. It was a great conference. It was weird because we watched it in Italian, but in the background you can kind of hear them speaking English ha ha.
---
Something silly....so we use the bus mostly...lately, I've been getting bus-sick and it kind of stinks! I don't like to sit down because I feel like that's rude, like someone else should be sitting, I can stand. So I try not to sit down even though I get nauseous because it feels wrong. But whatever. Silly.
I have been reading the Christmas hymns, and it's been really helpful. My favorite is O Little Town of Bethlehem for sure, and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. Those are good. Very spiritual. I think I'll try to write another Christmas song for language study or something. Cool huh? an italian Christmas song, missionary style...eh, we'll see.
---
Could you send me some aardvarks songs that are not too difficult to understand. We teach a woman English and she wants to teach her son. I told her aardvarks stuff would be good, maybe you could send ones that are a little slower paced so she can understand...she understand perfectly but it just can't be too fast. maybe lullabies.
I don't know, just a thought!
Also......I'm sorry, don't hate me for being needy!
I'm almost out of contacts. I'm on my last one for my left eye. They've lasted almost 8 months on a 3 month supply so that's pretty good right? Don't rush about it, It's not an emergency.
----
I'm sorry. This email isn't very spiritual BUT! I do have something good!
That talk that you sent me FOR TIMES OF TROUBLE by Elder Holland
I've read it maybe 4 times since I got it and I share it with everyone.
I've decided in order to fulfill my missionary purpose, I am going to follow some advice that I found in it this last time I read it.
He says
Immerse yourself in the scriptures
Pray and Fast with devotion and ...something
Serve others
Be patient
Have faith
...every day I'm going to just something work on doing those things. I think it will change my view of things, while keep an eternal view on it all.
good adivce from a wise leader of the Church of our Saviour!
----
all is good.
By far, this has been the most blessed, peaceful, spiritual Christmas and time as a missionary. I am a child of a living, active Heavenly Father. He sends His spirit to sustain me. He sent His perfect Son to live, die, and live for us all.
I know that Jesus Christ was a Perfect Son to a Perfect Father- I know that He can save us from our sins if we come unto Him. Our Perfect Example loves us and can heal us.
I know we are eternal. Miracles exist and happen every day. I am a witness of a living Father, a loving God. I am a representative of His Son, Jesus the Christ.
That's all I have to say.
I dont need to see Them to believe. I know. I know it.
I serve the Lord because I love Him. I repent and change because He has made that possible.
My heart strains because I can't fit all of the love I feel for Him in there! Ha ha!
I love my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I can never repay Him for all of the blessings and love and opportunity He has given me.
This is the time where I feel closest to Him. I hope you do, too.
Praise Him!
Merry Christmas to all!
I love you.
Sorella Carlock
We live with the Sister Training Leaders. They serve in Genova 2, us in Genova 1. One finished today and so President put us in a TRIO. So we are in a trio, covering all of Genova with only 1 Sister Training Leader.
It's just for 3 weeks but what a challenge! I'm excited. I think it'll help me to learn some of the things I've ...unlearned, let's say, or the things I need to improve on. Plus, I like Sorella Durfee a lot and so I think it'll be really cool. We'll have to move all of our beds into one room and adjust some stuff, but this way, we can all spend Christmas together.
There are some things that we are allowed to do for Christmas. We ARE allowed to go to midnight mass if we want....I don't want to. I think it's a contradiction to our calling. And New Jersey and New York are full of catholic churches, I can go when I get home if I want. Also, we are allowed to watch one Disney movie on Christmas....I don't really get the movie thing ha ha, I think it's silly, but if you have any good Disney suggestions, let us know!
For New Years, we have to be in by 5pm!!!! Want to know why?
Because Italians take the phrase ''out with the old, in with the new'' literally. People throw old appliances and furniture out the window into the streets...yeah, we're going to be in at 5pm- for sure ha ha.
---
We had our Christmas Conference on Monday. It was lovely, I liked it a lot. It was a day full of little miracles. Like the Christmas box! Thank you! Like I told Mom, I opened it and took some things out for now, but I'm not going to use some of the things until Christmas, so that I can ''open a present''.
I really like the mug. I was just thinking about buying a mug this week on PDay! But I don't have to!!! And my mug changes design :P . Take that other, non-purchased mug!
I love all of it. I read myself the Christmas story every night, aka since Monday night. But thank you, I love it! It makes me feel really special. We can't light candles, but I placed it on our radiator to kind of ''perfume the air'' so that's nice. :)
We also had an investigator come to the Christmas Devotional and I thought it was lovely. I think she did too. It was a great conference. It was weird because we watched it in Italian, but in the background you can kind of hear them speaking English ha ha.
---
Something silly....so we use the bus mostly...lately, I've been getting bus-sick and it kind of stinks! I don't like to sit down because I feel like that's rude, like someone else should be sitting, I can stand. So I try not to sit down even though I get nauseous because it feels wrong. But whatever. Silly.
I have been reading the Christmas hymns, and it's been really helpful. My favorite is O Little Town of Bethlehem for sure, and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. Those are good. Very spiritual. I think I'll try to write another Christmas song for language study or something. Cool huh? an italian Christmas song, missionary style...eh, we'll see.
---
Could you send me some aardvarks songs that are not too difficult to understand. We teach a woman English and she wants to teach her son. I told her aardvarks stuff would be good, maybe you could send ones that are a little slower paced so she can understand...she understand perfectly but it just can't be too fast. maybe lullabies.
I don't know, just a thought!
Also......I'm sorry, don't hate me for being needy!
I'm almost out of contacts. I'm on my last one for my left eye. They've lasted almost 8 months on a 3 month supply so that's pretty good right? Don't rush about it, It's not an emergency.
----
I'm sorry. This email isn't very spiritual BUT! I do have something good!
That talk that you sent me FOR TIMES OF TROUBLE by Elder Holland
I've read it maybe 4 times since I got it and I share it with everyone.
I've decided in order to fulfill my missionary purpose, I am going to follow some advice that I found in it this last time I read it.
He says
Immerse yourself in the scriptures
Pray and Fast with devotion and ...something
Serve others
Be patient
Have faith
...every day I'm going to just something work on doing those things. I think it will change my view of things, while keep an eternal view on it all.
good adivce from a wise leader of the Church of our Saviour!
----
all is good.
By far, this has been the most blessed, peaceful, spiritual Christmas and time as a missionary. I am a child of a living, active Heavenly Father. He sends His spirit to sustain me. He sent His perfect Son to live, die, and live for us all.
I know that Jesus Christ was a Perfect Son to a Perfect Father- I know that He can save us from our sins if we come unto Him. Our Perfect Example loves us and can heal us.
I know we are eternal. Miracles exist and happen every day. I am a witness of a living Father, a loving God. I am a representative of His Son, Jesus the Christ.
That's all I have to say.
I dont need to see Them to believe. I know. I know it.
I serve the Lord because I love Him. I repent and change because He has made that possible.
My heart strains because I can't fit all of the love I feel for Him in there! Ha ha!
I love my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I can never repay Him for all of the blessings and love and opportunity He has given me.
This is the time where I feel closest to Him. I hope you do, too.
Praise Him!
Merry Christmas to all!
I love you.
Sorella Carlock
Thirty-two: December 11, 2013 Genova
I don't even know where to start.
I read all of your email first and then I write back.
JERRY! WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!
I just can't even say anything. It's tooooo good. It's too right, you know?
It's just perfect.
Oh, Jerry, you have no idea! It's going to be great.
I...just don't have anything good! Ha ha
JUST KIDDING!
WE HAD A BAPTISM!
She is sweet.
It was an incredibly spiritual experience. I loved it!
-----
As I normally do, I got another transfer blessing and it ...as usual, was lovely and inspiring. I love blessings because you can tell where they come from and how much you are loved.
It helped me to remember that I still can change and that my change will always be appreciated- I want to not leave anything behind and I'm really trying to turn out. I want people to know how much I love them. I want them to feel God's love. My heart hurts to think of how much love there is to feel in the world. It's just like I want everyone to feel it and to know! Just know the truth!
I want to never be like Lot's wife because I didn't do enough. ya know? Weird example, sorry.
I sent something a few weeks ago from the Bible Dictionary about Faith....
an actual knowledge that you will receive salvation and enter the Kingdom, più o meno
I'm getting there. I am repenting every day and changing, I am doing good things.
I hope you all feel the guidance of the Holy Ghost in your lives.
I thought about something the other day. Of course I'm here to help others to come unto Christ, but also I am here to change my heart
And I was struggling with how difficult all of this CAN seem
I said ''look, I'm trying to change my whole life in a year and a half...give yourself a break.''
I'm serving a mission. I'm changing my life. I've been to the temple. I'm keeping my covenants. I am helping others make them. I see a brighter light and a greater future.
I would say I'm not doing too bad.
As I work to change myself, I am preparing myself to be a better missionary and teacher.
I only have 10 1/2 months left, if we're counting...and I'm not except for this exact moment, and I am going to make this year and a half last for a whole lifetime. I have so many goals for when I come home so that I don't lose a single piece of this time.
I want to be a powerful missionary like Alma.
Joseph, of whose lineage I am from, is one of the best examples of faith and I am going to be more like Him.
I am coming closer to my Saviour, I can feel His love. Being like Him is my ultimate goal. He is the light and the way!
I really want people to know what they are missing out on! HIS GREAT LOVE!
I love you all!
You are my inspiration. Our family is a great source of strength to me!
I'm sending a box....you have to wear what I send on Christmas ok? We can all be matching---
I'm sorry Tanney, I hope it's manly enough for you.
I hope you all like them-
I'll try to send that thing and a nativity and ALL ON TIME! I hope.
I love you!!!!!!! I love you all.
For Christmas, just be all on skype all day so I'll just call you when I'm ready. most likely from 10-1 your time!
ok?
make an account and send me the name so I can get ya!
love you
sorry that this email was kind of crazy and all mixed up
I love you
I love being a missionary
I love Jesus Christ
Sorella Carlock
:)
I read all of your email first and then I write back.
JERRY! WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!
I just can't even say anything. It's tooooo good. It's too right, you know?
It's just perfect.
Oh, Jerry, you have no idea! It's going to be great.
I...just don't have anything good! Ha ha
JUST KIDDING!
WE HAD A BAPTISM!
She is sweet.
It was an incredibly spiritual experience. I loved it!
-----
As I normally do, I got another transfer blessing and it ...as usual, was lovely and inspiring. I love blessings because you can tell where they come from and how much you are loved.
It helped me to remember that I still can change and that my change will always be appreciated- I want to not leave anything behind and I'm really trying to turn out. I want people to know how much I love them. I want them to feel God's love. My heart hurts to think of how much love there is to feel in the world. It's just like I want everyone to feel it and to know! Just know the truth!
I want to never be like Lot's wife because I didn't do enough. ya know? Weird example, sorry.
I sent something a few weeks ago from the Bible Dictionary about Faith....
an actual knowledge that you will receive salvation and enter the Kingdom, più o meno
I'm getting there. I am repenting every day and changing, I am doing good things.
I hope you all feel the guidance of the Holy Ghost in your lives.
I thought about something the other day. Of course I'm here to help others to come unto Christ, but also I am here to change my heart
And I was struggling with how difficult all of this CAN seem
I said ''look, I'm trying to change my whole life in a year and a half...give yourself a break.''
I'm serving a mission. I'm changing my life. I've been to the temple. I'm keeping my covenants. I am helping others make them. I see a brighter light and a greater future.
I would say I'm not doing too bad.
As I work to change myself, I am preparing myself to be a better missionary and teacher.
I only have 10 1/2 months left, if we're counting...and I'm not except for this exact moment, and I am going to make this year and a half last for a whole lifetime. I have so many goals for when I come home so that I don't lose a single piece of this time.
I want to be a powerful missionary like Alma.
Joseph, of whose lineage I am from, is one of the best examples of faith and I am going to be more like Him.
I am coming closer to my Saviour, I can feel His love. Being like Him is my ultimate goal. He is the light and the way!
I really want people to know what they are missing out on! HIS GREAT LOVE!
I love you all!
You are my inspiration. Our family is a great source of strength to me!
I'm sending a box....you have to wear what I send on Christmas ok? We can all be matching---
I'm sorry Tanney, I hope it's manly enough for you.
I hope you all like them-
I'll try to send that thing and a nativity and ALL ON TIME! I hope.
I love you!!!!!!! I love you all.
For Christmas, just be all on skype all day so I'll just call you when I'm ready. most likely from 10-1 your time!
ok?
make an account and send me the name so I can get ya!
love you
sorry that this email was kind of crazy and all mixed up
I love you
I love being a missionary
I love Jesus Christ
Sorella Carlock
:)
Thirty-one: December 4, 2013 Genova
Hello dear Family!
How are you all? How has the week been? Do you have any good stories to tell?
I have something cool...in 2 days, I will have been a missionary for 6 months! November 1st. Then only one more year and that's kind of scary- I wish it was longer. I'm excited to be contuining forward. I'm learning so much and experiencing so many different and great things.
ALSO!
Elder Texeira, our area 70, is coming to Milano next thursday and we're having a conference with him. That's going to be really exciting and enriching. I'm looking forward to that.
-----
I thought of something to share with you so that you can follow the apostles and Prophet together. I have a FHE activity.
Opening Song: Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd
Pray: to receive inspiration fro who is ready for the message of the restoration. pray to be the tool that will help them hear the truth.
Read: Put Your Trust in the Lord (Elder Russell M. Ballard) October 2013
Write: down your thoughts and promptings and a plan to follow the promptings.
Sing: Called to Serve
Pray: to have the courage to act on these promptings that you've received and that those people with accept with message before Christmas-
maybe it'll be helpful
------
Well there isn't much to tell this week.
It's raining a lot here. The seasons are changing again. I went from Milano where raining season had already begun and now I'm in Genova where it is beginning again.
soooo...I might have an ear infection.
Our fridge is broken, so we have to wait some time to get that fixed.
Our toilet seat isn't attached to the toilet
AND LIFE IS STILL SOOOOO GREAT! trials, man, they won't get me down. Ha ha, no but really, these things give us a good laugh.
I really enjoy being with Sorella O'Connor. We have a lot of fun together, and I am sure that we will be friends after. I like her and I appreciate her faith and insights. I hope we get to learn and grow together for a few more transfers. Maybe that's selfish, I don't know ha ha.
----
I hope you are all well, happy, and healthy. I hope you are warm too!
I wish I had taken more pictures but because we aren't allowed to take our cameras during the week, I don't. Today I'll take some good ones. I can send them next week.
Know that I love you all. I pray for you, and I hope you are being blessed.
I am a little sad I'm not there to see the leaves change! That's the best part of New Jersey. I realized something though. After years of being away for holidays and big events...we might not be together for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, but we'll be together for both next year!
You still have to tell me how you want to work out coming to Italy. Do you want to come the summer after I get home or whenever the Rome temple is built, or do you want to come and get me (if that is still allowed).
Also I don't know if you have it at the house, but I would totally suggest reading ''Our Search for Happiness''. Elder Ballard explains the gospel so simply and clearly. I love it! I read it during ''free time'' aka during lunch and after nightly planning.
I love your studies of the scriptures and all the things you are learning.
I think for Halloween, I've decided I'm going to be....I don't have any ideas. Since I know you're all such big fans. What will you be? You should give out restoration pamphlets instead of candy. ma davvero! (translation: but, really)
Also for Christmas, if you send the box early or later it might be better for the office because they will be swamped. if you send it early, I won't open it. promise!
I try not spend a lot of money but I think the souvenirs I'd like to get are scarves and cool things specific to each city, that's really the best kind.
I'm sorry this email is so scatter-brained. It's been a weird week, but my time in Genova has been full of learning and growth and happiness....and probably waaayyy too much laughter. JK not possible.
I love you all...please write me. I love hearing from you!
Be good. Be safe. Be happy.
As Sorella O'Connor said.
''At the top of the hill, there is always a down slope''....never give up!
Love you!
Sorella Carlock
Ciao Carissimi!
Come state?
So it's pretty cold here in Genova. I'm so glad I have my long coat and sturdy rain boots. They are perfect! Thank you so much!
Everything is ok other than that. We'll be having a baptism this weekend. She's 9 and very sweet. The family asked us to teach her, they're members. I remember when the sisters taught me, I remember their little mostra. It was cool.
You mentioned something and so I will give you this reference
The Power of God's Love
John Groberg.
It's a really good talk!
I think you'd like it
-----
Well 21 days until Christmas! When do you want to Skype?? (Just asking to be prepared, we only have 2 maybe 3 more times to discuss it)
We are 6 hrs ahead of you all. We can skype in the morning on later around lunch. preferably before 1, because that would be about 7 here and it would be fairly late.
So anywhere from when you wake up to 1pm is good. We get about 30 minutes to skype so think of stuff you want to talk about now I guess and I'll work on my accent and stuff ha ha
---
Other than that, we have this really great activity coming up. We're going to the center of town and we're going to have a mostra (like a whiteboard demonstration) and we are going to carol and it's going to be great!!!
I've been studying a lot about Christmas and about Jesus in the Bible. I have been trying to really feel that CHRISTmas spirit and I'm getting there. I feel like I kind of lost that for a little bit and was going through the motions, but I know what I need to do now to become a true disciple of Christ.
I also have been trying to make a study plan about light.
In my patriarchal blessing and in a lot of your emails and a lot of the scriptures I've been reading, references to light have been made. I want to study it because I know the contrast between light and dark.
I have lived in darkness, but now I can stand in the light and enjoy. I am clean, worthy, and changing, and I want to study about how light affects others and how it can change people.
I think it will help me maintain the spirit of being a missionary .
----
There is this thing called ''a sacred missionary'' and our district leader reminded us about it. and it's really the kind of missionary and person I would like to be, I want to change and become better. I want to be ....(this is my favorite phrase) .....firm in the faith of Christ.
Like Captain Moroni!
I'm almost done with reading the Book of Mormon again.
I told Tanney this but I'm going to start doing ALL of my studies, everything, in Italian. I just want to do it all in Italian so that I can really really immerse myself in it. I only have 11 months left to really grasp all that I can from the language and the culture and this work AS A MISSIONARY (I can still speak and study after but its not the same), and I really want to get it all.
No more wasting any time. Every second is going to be taken. What more sacred time is there than missionary service.
---
I phrase came into my mind the other day
''celestial posture'' I remember you using it in a specific instance, but it's not just for the way we treat ourselves and others, it's who we believe that we are. How we carry ourselves in every activity, who we know that we can become. I like that. We are daughters and sons of a King, heirs to the kingdom.
Che speciale!
---
I started reading Jesus the Christ in Personal time after daily planning before bed, and during lunch. Right now I'm reading the sections about Christ's birth and Christmas. It's very special.
Sorella Pearce, who is one of our Sister Training Leaders that we live with, gave us a little activity. She is having us read chapters in the bible about Christmas and having us plan to do one thing each day to become more like Christ.
It's our gift to Him.
When Christmas has become something that is worldly, I urge you to remember that it is a celebration of the coming of our Lord and Saviour, that our gifts to each other should be gifts to Him. After all, when we serve the least of these, we serve Him as well.
What will your gift to Christ be this year?
Mine will be stronger faith and a more devoted heart. Mine will be repentance and a renewed commitment to service a mission in the Italy Milan Mission. He will be able to count on me.
What can we each give to each other this year that Christ would give to us if he were here? What can we give to Him?
----
I love you all very much
----
Genova is windy and cold now, but it is beautiful. Lights are up. You can feel a difference.
The Italians as well do Christmas at midnight I think.
I only say that because on my advent calendar (you know the calendar with chocolate inside for each day), there are only 24 days! WHAT! I'm missing one chocolate day! BTW.....I love Chocolate and Tomatoes now, thanks Italy.
Hot Chocolate here is different, It's thick. They make it wit the chocolate and milk, but then they add corn starch and it thickens. then you eat it with a spoon. It's kind of cool. I like it. you should try it.
Also I told you about Panettone and Pandoro. SONO BUONI!
It snowed in Milano the other day. A member emailed me and told me. I'm surprised! It hasnt snowed here in Genova but I'm really ok with that. the cold is enough for now.
All the old ladies are wearing their fur coats now. It's pretty cool if you ask me!
I dont know what else to tell you. Everything is cool. Italy is amazing. When we go to church, we walk by all of these designer stores. There is a Dolce and Gabbana close by. But thats normal because we're in Italy.
There are a lot of really beautiful people
Everyone is in style too. Sometimes its funny because I feel like everyone is in style, but the things that they wear are things that came out like in last year...but they wear it well so it's fine with me.
BTW I guess this is just the worldly part of the letter...ha!
what else??
Well....let's just say you are all going to have to get used to a few food traditions and behavior characteristics that I've definitely picked up. I'll probably be speaking half in Italian and English for the rest of my life.
BY THE WAY!!!
remember the word schivats... that ''gross''
the word is schiffo (skee-foh) ....it's used pretty much every day, everywhere. ha ha
hmmm what else?
I guess that's it.
---
My last admonition I guess is this:
love the scriptures
study them, get into them
make them become a part of your day
I have learned so much in the past 6 weeks from the scriptures.
I've decided I'm going to read the bible all the way through as a missionary. I know I can do it and I know it can help me.
I love you all. I'm sorry I didn't ask very many questions-
Let me know how you all are doing.
I love you and want to hear from you. It really helps me during the week,
Also if I can do something for you, let me know. I will do my best. a prayer, a letter, a scarf. a leather journal. let me know!
Please email me. Let me know when we can skype for Christmas.
Be happy. Follow Christ; love Him. WATCH THE BIBLE VIDEOS biblevideos.lds.org
I love you. ALL of you. Keep praying. Keep fighting the good fight!
My heart is close even though I am not. But my mind is here and I am happy.
This is the best decision of my whole life.
I will never regret it.
Sorella Carlock
How are you all? How has the week been? Do you have any good stories to tell?
I have something cool...in 2 days, I will have been a missionary for 6 months! November 1st. Then only one more year and that's kind of scary- I wish it was longer. I'm excited to be contuining forward. I'm learning so much and experiencing so many different and great things.
ALSO!
Elder Texeira, our area 70, is coming to Milano next thursday and we're having a conference with him. That's going to be really exciting and enriching. I'm looking forward to that.
-----
I thought of something to share with you so that you can follow the apostles and Prophet together. I have a FHE activity.
Opening Song: Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd
Pray: to receive inspiration fro who is ready for the message of the restoration. pray to be the tool that will help them hear the truth.
Read: Put Your Trust in the Lord (Elder Russell M. Ballard) October 2013
Write: down your thoughts and promptings and a plan to follow the promptings.
Sing: Called to Serve
Pray: to have the courage to act on these promptings that you've received and that those people with accept with message before Christmas-
maybe it'll be helpful
------
Well there isn't much to tell this week.
It's raining a lot here. The seasons are changing again. I went from Milano where raining season had already begun and now I'm in Genova where it is beginning again.
soooo...I might have an ear infection.
Our fridge is broken, so we have to wait some time to get that fixed.
Our toilet seat isn't attached to the toilet
AND LIFE IS STILL SOOOOO GREAT! trials, man, they won't get me down. Ha ha, no but really, these things give us a good laugh.
I really enjoy being with Sorella O'Connor. We have a lot of fun together, and I am sure that we will be friends after. I like her and I appreciate her faith and insights. I hope we get to learn and grow together for a few more transfers. Maybe that's selfish, I don't know ha ha.
----
I hope you are all well, happy, and healthy. I hope you are warm too!
I wish I had taken more pictures but because we aren't allowed to take our cameras during the week, I don't. Today I'll take some good ones. I can send them next week.
Know that I love you all. I pray for you, and I hope you are being blessed.
I am a little sad I'm not there to see the leaves change! That's the best part of New Jersey. I realized something though. After years of being away for holidays and big events...we might not be together for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, but we'll be together for both next year!
You still have to tell me how you want to work out coming to Italy. Do you want to come the summer after I get home or whenever the Rome temple is built, or do you want to come and get me (if that is still allowed).
Also I don't know if you have it at the house, but I would totally suggest reading ''Our Search for Happiness''. Elder Ballard explains the gospel so simply and clearly. I love it! I read it during ''free time'' aka during lunch and after nightly planning.
I love your studies of the scriptures and all the things you are learning.
I think for Halloween, I've decided I'm going to be....I don't have any ideas. Since I know you're all such big fans. What will you be? You should give out restoration pamphlets instead of candy. ma davvero! (translation: but, really)
Also for Christmas, if you send the box early or later it might be better for the office because they will be swamped. if you send it early, I won't open it. promise!
I try not spend a lot of money but I think the souvenirs I'd like to get are scarves and cool things specific to each city, that's really the best kind.
I'm sorry this email is so scatter-brained. It's been a weird week, but my time in Genova has been full of learning and growth and happiness....and probably waaayyy too much laughter. JK not possible.
I love you all...please write me. I love hearing from you!
Be good. Be safe. Be happy.
As Sorella O'Connor said.
''At the top of the hill, there is always a down slope''....never give up!
Love you!
Sorella Carlock
Ciao Carissimi!
Come state?
So it's pretty cold here in Genova. I'm so glad I have my long coat and sturdy rain boots. They are perfect! Thank you so much!
Everything is ok other than that. We'll be having a baptism this weekend. She's 9 and very sweet. The family asked us to teach her, they're members. I remember when the sisters taught me, I remember their little mostra. It was cool.
You mentioned something and so I will give you this reference
The Power of God's Love
John Groberg.
It's a really good talk!
I think you'd like it
-----
Well 21 days until Christmas! When do you want to Skype?? (Just asking to be prepared, we only have 2 maybe 3 more times to discuss it)
We are 6 hrs ahead of you all. We can skype in the morning on later around lunch. preferably before 1, because that would be about 7 here and it would be fairly late.
So anywhere from when you wake up to 1pm is good. We get about 30 minutes to skype so think of stuff you want to talk about now I guess and I'll work on my accent and stuff ha ha
---
Other than that, we have this really great activity coming up. We're going to the center of town and we're going to have a mostra (like a whiteboard demonstration) and we are going to carol and it's going to be great!!!
I've been studying a lot about Christmas and about Jesus in the Bible. I have been trying to really feel that CHRISTmas spirit and I'm getting there. I feel like I kind of lost that for a little bit and was going through the motions, but I know what I need to do now to become a true disciple of Christ.
I also have been trying to make a study plan about light.
In my patriarchal blessing and in a lot of your emails and a lot of the scriptures I've been reading, references to light have been made. I want to study it because I know the contrast between light and dark.
I have lived in darkness, but now I can stand in the light and enjoy. I am clean, worthy, and changing, and I want to study about how light affects others and how it can change people.
I think it will help me maintain the spirit of being a missionary .
----
There is this thing called ''a sacred missionary'' and our district leader reminded us about it. and it's really the kind of missionary and person I would like to be, I want to change and become better. I want to be ....(this is my favorite phrase) .....firm in the faith of Christ.
Like Captain Moroni!
I'm almost done with reading the Book of Mormon again.
I told Tanney this but I'm going to start doing ALL of my studies, everything, in Italian. I just want to do it all in Italian so that I can really really immerse myself in it. I only have 11 months left to really grasp all that I can from the language and the culture and this work AS A MISSIONARY (I can still speak and study after but its not the same), and I really want to get it all.
No more wasting any time. Every second is going to be taken. What more sacred time is there than missionary service.
---
I phrase came into my mind the other day
''celestial posture'' I remember you using it in a specific instance, but it's not just for the way we treat ourselves and others, it's who we believe that we are. How we carry ourselves in every activity, who we know that we can become. I like that. We are daughters and sons of a King, heirs to the kingdom.
Che speciale!
---
I started reading Jesus the Christ in Personal time after daily planning before bed, and during lunch. Right now I'm reading the sections about Christ's birth and Christmas. It's very special.
Sorella Pearce, who is one of our Sister Training Leaders that we live with, gave us a little activity. She is having us read chapters in the bible about Christmas and having us plan to do one thing each day to become more like Christ.
It's our gift to Him.
When Christmas has become something that is worldly, I urge you to remember that it is a celebration of the coming of our Lord and Saviour, that our gifts to each other should be gifts to Him. After all, when we serve the least of these, we serve Him as well.
What will your gift to Christ be this year?
Mine will be stronger faith and a more devoted heart. Mine will be repentance and a renewed commitment to service a mission in the Italy Milan Mission. He will be able to count on me.
What can we each give to each other this year that Christ would give to us if he were here? What can we give to Him?
----
I love you all very much
----
Genova is windy and cold now, but it is beautiful. Lights are up. You can feel a difference.
The Italians as well do Christmas at midnight I think.
I only say that because on my advent calendar (you know the calendar with chocolate inside for each day), there are only 24 days! WHAT! I'm missing one chocolate day! BTW.....I love Chocolate and Tomatoes now, thanks Italy.
Hot Chocolate here is different, It's thick. They make it wit the chocolate and milk, but then they add corn starch and it thickens. then you eat it with a spoon. It's kind of cool. I like it. you should try it.
Also I told you about Panettone and Pandoro. SONO BUONI!
It snowed in Milano the other day. A member emailed me and told me. I'm surprised! It hasnt snowed here in Genova but I'm really ok with that. the cold is enough for now.
All the old ladies are wearing their fur coats now. It's pretty cool if you ask me!
I dont know what else to tell you. Everything is cool. Italy is amazing. When we go to church, we walk by all of these designer stores. There is a Dolce and Gabbana close by. But thats normal because we're in Italy.
There are a lot of really beautiful people
Everyone is in style too. Sometimes its funny because I feel like everyone is in style, but the things that they wear are things that came out like in last year...but they wear it well so it's fine with me.
BTW I guess this is just the worldly part of the letter...ha!
what else??
Well....let's just say you are all going to have to get used to a few food traditions and behavior characteristics that I've definitely picked up. I'll probably be speaking half in Italian and English for the rest of my life.
BY THE WAY!!!
remember the word schivats... that ''gross''
the word is schiffo (skee-foh) ....it's used pretty much every day, everywhere. ha ha
hmmm what else?
I guess that's it.
---
My last admonition I guess is this:
love the scriptures
study them, get into them
make them become a part of your day
I have learned so much in the past 6 weeks from the scriptures.
I've decided I'm going to read the bible all the way through as a missionary. I know I can do it and I know it can help me.
I love you all. I'm sorry I didn't ask very many questions-
Let me know how you all are doing.
I love you and want to hear from you. It really helps me during the week,
Also if I can do something for you, let me know. I will do my best. a prayer, a letter, a scarf. a leather journal. let me know!
Please email me. Let me know when we can skype for Christmas.
Be happy. Follow Christ; love Him. WATCH THE BIBLE VIDEOS biblevideos.lds.org
I love you. ALL of you. Keep praying. Keep fighting the good fight!
My heart is close even though I am not. But my mind is here and I am happy.
This is the best decision of my whole life.
I will never regret it.
Sorella Carlock
Thirty: November 27, 2013
How are you?
Are you all cold yet?
I have a lot of things to write today. Bear with me.
First, Eva you'll like this. I told the sisters live with about your personal progress project p p p p p. ha ha sorry... And one of the sisters that I live with has a sister. The sister was Elisabeth Smart's companion when Elisabeth had to come back for the trial and everything. Her last name is Pearce. cool huh?
Also I was reading in the bible dictionary and I found this cool thing about Faith
is says
Faith is:
-an actual knowledge that your life course pleases God,
-reception of blessings available in this life
-assurance of personal salvation
Faith means:
personal testimony
guidance
revelation
spiritual knowledge
Faith brings:
miracles
dreams
visions
healing
all the gifts of God
-----
I liked that. I have really been trying to work on growing my faith. We didn't write down my setting - apart blessing but I remember he talked about faith a lot; how it can be a base for my growth.
For your service as missionaries (Even from you mini-mission, Eva)
How you seen anything that might be able to help me learn and grow in faith?
Are there any things that you have learned to stay motivated to act?
Do you have any suggestions in how I can improve?
I just want to do this the right way, ya' know?
------
So on lds.org Sorella O'Connor found something cool. If you go to the youth section, and go to music, you can download all of these great songs.
My favorite si chiama ''glorious'', Its beautiful.
ohhh Eva did you find that other song?
''storm before the sun''
''the night was worth the day''
that is a good one.
-----
Speaking of Eva, we have a woman in our ward named Eva. She's from Finland I think. She's an outrageous member missionary. It's awesome. Most of our potentials are from her
.---
Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving!!!! tomorrow!
I hope you eat a lot and take a nice nap.
We're going to make a big lunch here, and that will just have to do. I think it'll be good.
Christmas!
Ok....I want to make a Christmas box for you all.
Is there anything in Italy that I can get you- I got a little something already for each of us.
Is there ANYTHING that you would like? Not everything is super expensive...just the shoes. ha!
This past week, well the end of last week, Genova had a bus strike. It lasted 4 days long. It was really tough for us to get a lot of lessons this week because everyone lives up in the mountains. But we managed enough and now its over.
I'm staying her in Genova for Christmas with Sorella O'Connor. I'm excited! I like being her companion and I like Genova too! Its COOOLLLD!!!!! It's gotten so cold in the past few days.
----
Well Christmas is in about a month. We will try to find a family that will have us over for dinner and we will skype from their house. We get about 30-40 minutes I think. Probably only 30. ma va beh, pazienza- pazienza means patience, but its kind of like ''whatever''.
It will be nice to talk to you. I've been trying to improve my accent so that I don't sound so stupid when we talk. We will see!
---
Sorella O'Connor's mom sent a stocking and the General Conference ensign! WAHOO! I've read the session that we missed and I loved it! Elder Nelson's talk is my favorite! good stuff!
Thank you Sorella O'Connor's mom! Best almost Christmas gift!
----
Tanney:
I need your help!
How did you learn Spanish so well?
What did you do to strengthen your accent?
I know I should be speaking Italian much more than I do, but is there anything else I can do?
----
Well I love you all.
I don't have much else to say.
Genova is beautiful. The busses are running. It's getting colder.
Oh this I forgot.
We have a man that is outside our apartment, and walks up and down the street and just yells things. Jibber jabber, pretty much but he's always there. It's really interesting I guess one could say.
...this also. Italian grammar is fairly different from American grammar. It's proper english, in the sense that the way they speak on a normal basis is more elegant.
un esempio:
non si può fare così
one does not do such things...would be a close translation. That's a common phrase.
the use of ''one does not'' is very common.
non si può mangiare così
it's cool. I like it. So hopefully, speaking Italian will improve my English grammar.
.
I love the Christmas study idea.
I guess other things to add would be like the living Christ maybe. I don't know, you tell me. Whatever has to do with the nativity and Jesus coming to the Earth, I'll take it. For now, since we only have a month and I won't hear if you've made adjustments until next week, I'll just start reading what you wrote.
Also, because of the thing I shared about my patriarchal blessing talking about Joseph who was sold into Egypt. I want to make a study plan for that so I can study him, his example, his blessings, and his faith. So I'll work on that: A plan to study about Joseph and then Ephraim. If you could give me pointers, that would be great.
I'm sorry this letter is so clinical. I don't really like writing so early in the morning because I remember all the things I want to write at the end of the day and then I have to wait until the next week to write, but this is how we do it here and that's just how it is.
So please remember to write whatever you will be writing before Wednesday, so Tuesday and before please.
If I can do anything to help you, if you want anything specific here, or if you want me to tell you anything specific about Italy (I'm sorry I keep forgetting some of your particular questions), let me know!
How is your missionary experience, Mom?
Tanney how is EMS and school? Are you doing ok?
How is school Eva? I'm glad about your Italian A's.
I love you all
Whole heart and soul.
We are children of God, our Father
There couldn't be anything better.
Ci sentiamo alla prossima
Sorellina Carlock
Are you all cold yet?
I have a lot of things to write today. Bear with me.
First, Eva you'll like this. I told the sisters live with about your personal progress project p p p p p. ha ha sorry... And one of the sisters that I live with has a sister. The sister was Elisabeth Smart's companion when Elisabeth had to come back for the trial and everything. Her last name is Pearce. cool huh?
Also I was reading in the bible dictionary and I found this cool thing about Faith
is says
Faith is:
-an actual knowledge that your life course pleases God,
-reception of blessings available in this life
-assurance of personal salvation
Faith means:
personal testimony
guidance
revelation
spiritual knowledge
Faith brings:
miracles
dreams
visions
healing
all the gifts of God
-----
I liked that. I have really been trying to work on growing my faith. We didn't write down my setting - apart blessing but I remember he talked about faith a lot; how it can be a base for my growth.
For your service as missionaries (Even from you mini-mission, Eva)
How you seen anything that might be able to help me learn and grow in faith?
Are there any things that you have learned to stay motivated to act?
Do you have any suggestions in how I can improve?
I just want to do this the right way, ya' know?
------
So on lds.org Sorella O'Connor found something cool. If you go to the youth section, and go to music, you can download all of these great songs.
My favorite si chiama ''glorious'', Its beautiful.
ohhh Eva did you find that other song?
''storm before the sun''
''the night was worth the day''
that is a good one.
-----
Speaking of Eva, we have a woman in our ward named Eva. She's from Finland I think. She's an outrageous member missionary. It's awesome. Most of our potentials are from her
.---
Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving!!!! tomorrow!
I hope you eat a lot and take a nice nap.
We're going to make a big lunch here, and that will just have to do. I think it'll be good.
Christmas!
Ok....I want to make a Christmas box for you all.
Is there anything in Italy that I can get you- I got a little something already for each of us.
Is there ANYTHING that you would like? Not everything is super expensive...just the shoes. ha!
This past week, well the end of last week, Genova had a bus strike. It lasted 4 days long. It was really tough for us to get a lot of lessons this week because everyone lives up in the mountains. But we managed enough and now its over.
I'm staying her in Genova for Christmas with Sorella O'Connor. I'm excited! I like being her companion and I like Genova too! Its COOOLLLD!!!!! It's gotten so cold in the past few days.
----
Well Christmas is in about a month. We will try to find a family that will have us over for dinner and we will skype from their house. We get about 30-40 minutes I think. Probably only 30. ma va beh, pazienza- pazienza means patience, but its kind of like ''whatever''.
It will be nice to talk to you. I've been trying to improve my accent so that I don't sound so stupid when we talk. We will see!
---
Sorella O'Connor's mom sent a stocking and the General Conference ensign! WAHOO! I've read the session that we missed and I loved it! Elder Nelson's talk is my favorite! good stuff!
Thank you Sorella O'Connor's mom! Best almost Christmas gift!
----
Tanney:
I need your help!
How did you learn Spanish so well?
What did you do to strengthen your accent?
I know I should be speaking Italian much more than I do, but is there anything else I can do?
----
Well I love you all.
I don't have much else to say.
Genova is beautiful. The busses are running. It's getting colder.
Oh this I forgot.
We have a man that is outside our apartment, and walks up and down the street and just yells things. Jibber jabber, pretty much but he's always there. It's really interesting I guess one could say.
...this also. Italian grammar is fairly different from American grammar. It's proper english, in the sense that the way they speak on a normal basis is more elegant.
un esempio:
non si può fare così
one does not do such things...would be a close translation. That's a common phrase.
the use of ''one does not'' is very common.
non si può mangiare così
it's cool. I like it. So hopefully, speaking Italian will improve my English grammar.
.
I love the Christmas study idea.
I guess other things to add would be like the living Christ maybe. I don't know, you tell me. Whatever has to do with the nativity and Jesus coming to the Earth, I'll take it. For now, since we only have a month and I won't hear if you've made adjustments until next week, I'll just start reading what you wrote.
Also, because of the thing I shared about my patriarchal blessing talking about Joseph who was sold into Egypt. I want to make a study plan for that so I can study him, his example, his blessings, and his faith. So I'll work on that: A plan to study about Joseph and then Ephraim. If you could give me pointers, that would be great.
I'm sorry this letter is so clinical. I don't really like writing so early in the morning because I remember all the things I want to write at the end of the day and then I have to wait until the next week to write, but this is how we do it here and that's just how it is.
So please remember to write whatever you will be writing before Wednesday, so Tuesday and before please.
If I can do anything to help you, if you want anything specific here, or if you want me to tell you anything specific about Italy (I'm sorry I keep forgetting some of your particular questions), let me know!
How is your missionary experience, Mom?
Tanney how is EMS and school? Are you doing ok?
How is school Eva? I'm glad about your Italian A's.
I love you all
Whole heart and soul.
We are children of God, our Father
There couldn't be anything better.
Ci sentiamo alla prossima
Sorellina Carlock
Twenty-nine: Novemeber 20, 2013 Genova
Sorry, I don't have much to write today, but hopefully it'll be good!
Come state?
Yeah, so Christmas stuff is already coming out here in Genova. ma non c'è Thanksgiving so it makes sense.
I have a calling to extend to Eva btw, or a commitment rather:
Eva if you and the family are allowed to come pick me up next year,
will you prepare yourself to be my companion?
if so, you'll have to study up really well!! Preach my Gospel and the scriptures.
-----
What are you all doing lately? Drinking lots of apple cider I hope!
Sooooo....there has been a bus strike for the past 2 days here in Genova. The government is apparently trying to privatize transportation, so everyone is strike. We live on a main street and we are right in the middle of all the action. It's pretty much always noisy anyway, but it's extra exciting in the morning ha ha. I don't mind. It's fun.
This week is Senior comp week, WHICH MEANS...I'm senior companion for the week...it's been interesting so far. I don't think I'm doing a very good job, but I can't improve if I don't practice.
---
We had Zone training this week and there was an elder that is going home at the end of the transfer (next week)...
He said something that just got right to me
''I am so grateful that I have been able to serve my God''
There is a sister that we live with that is going home before Christmas, so I've been thinking a lot about the end results this transfer...It's helping to find better ways to be motivated. I'm going to finish and not look back with regret, but with a heart filled with love and satisfaction. I WILL love every second because it was truly a repenting, learning, changing, serving process.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I love being a missionary
----
It's windy and raining here. My coat is perfect, I just keep having to buy tights, like warm thick ''200 den'' tights. They have those here, it's cool. But now I'm going to start wearing my rainboots every day, and that will keep me warm.
I am all right. I am warm and dry!
------
Your idea for the Christmas study plan is perfect. I love it!!! Let's do it. We're so connected right now!
----
I'd just like to talk a little bit about the girl that was baptized on Saturday.
She is 13 years old. She had never heard the gospel before we taught her. Her mom was less-active because she came to Italy when SHE was 14 and her mom was not a member. Not because she chose to be, but because she could not be active. This young girl studies the scriptures, bears testimony, and prays with a sincere and open heart. She loves Jesus Christ and is learning and growing. She has now opened up her future to all the infinite blessing of eternal progression and happiness. She is my sister and we can now both enter into God's kingdom together.
I love her. She is a shining example to me.
----
I love you all soooo much. I know that Heavenly Father is an active member of our lives. He sincerely listens to prayers with the intent to give us blessings if we are but willing to act! He knows me. He speaks to me, and because of the choices I am making, I can hear Him! I feel His spirit with me and I cannot deny it!
I love my Father in Heaven. I know He loves me. My Saviour, Jesus Christ, is your Saviour. He walks beside us. Not just us missionaries, but He is with all of us, cheering us on ''you can do it! you can do it!''. He is our guide, our example, the light that we can shine forth. (3 nephi 18:24)
----
The people here in Italy are stuck in the rutt of tradition and confusion.- They still suffer the effects of the apostasy. Heavenly Father called me, and all of us misionaries, to bring the light back to the place where a lot of it began. To correct the wrongs of many generations by simply bringing them the light of Christ. I know why I am here. I think I finally understand it. He needed each of us, and our examples, to bring that light!
I say that with all humility. I am so humbled that He has asked me! He has saved me and made me something better than I ever thought I could be. I have been healed by the atoning sacrifice of our Redeemer, and I am clean! Please do not think I am assuming I am something great. I just know who I am. I know I am nothing without Him and for that I will praise Him. forever.
----
I love you all with a love I cannot explain.
I hope you know that.
I'm going to return and you won't be able to rcognize me...I hope. I hope I will be able to become who I am supposed to be and leave all of my flaws behind. nooooo I won't be perfect, but I'll be different.
----
I love you all.
I hope you are doing well.
I hope you enjoy Thanskgiving and eat a lot!!!!
I hope you are happy and warm!
You are my sunshines...get it, the celestial kingdom?
A Prossima
Sorella Carlock
Come state?
Yeah, so Christmas stuff is already coming out here in Genova. ma non c'è Thanksgiving so it makes sense.
I have a calling to extend to Eva btw, or a commitment rather:
Eva if you and the family are allowed to come pick me up next year,
will you prepare yourself to be my companion?
if so, you'll have to study up really well!! Preach my Gospel and the scriptures.
-----
What are you all doing lately? Drinking lots of apple cider I hope!
Sooooo....there has been a bus strike for the past 2 days here in Genova. The government is apparently trying to privatize transportation, so everyone is strike. We live on a main street and we are right in the middle of all the action. It's pretty much always noisy anyway, but it's extra exciting in the morning ha ha. I don't mind. It's fun.
This week is Senior comp week, WHICH MEANS...I'm senior companion for the week...it's been interesting so far. I don't think I'm doing a very good job, but I can't improve if I don't practice.
---
We had Zone training this week and there was an elder that is going home at the end of the transfer (next week)...
He said something that just got right to me
''I am so grateful that I have been able to serve my God''
There is a sister that we live with that is going home before Christmas, so I've been thinking a lot about the end results this transfer...It's helping to find better ways to be motivated. I'm going to finish and not look back with regret, but with a heart filled with love and satisfaction. I WILL love every second because it was truly a repenting, learning, changing, serving process.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I love being a missionary
----
It's windy and raining here. My coat is perfect, I just keep having to buy tights, like warm thick ''200 den'' tights. They have those here, it's cool. But now I'm going to start wearing my rainboots every day, and that will keep me warm.
I am all right. I am warm and dry!
------
Your idea for the Christmas study plan is perfect. I love it!!! Let's do it. We're so connected right now!
----
I'd just like to talk a little bit about the girl that was baptized on Saturday.
She is 13 years old. She had never heard the gospel before we taught her. Her mom was less-active because she came to Italy when SHE was 14 and her mom was not a member. Not because she chose to be, but because she could not be active. This young girl studies the scriptures, bears testimony, and prays with a sincere and open heart. She loves Jesus Christ and is learning and growing. She has now opened up her future to all the infinite blessing of eternal progression and happiness. She is my sister and we can now both enter into God's kingdom together.
I love her. She is a shining example to me.
----
I love you all soooo much. I know that Heavenly Father is an active member of our lives. He sincerely listens to prayers with the intent to give us blessings if we are but willing to act! He knows me. He speaks to me, and because of the choices I am making, I can hear Him! I feel His spirit with me and I cannot deny it!
I love my Father in Heaven. I know He loves me. My Saviour, Jesus Christ, is your Saviour. He walks beside us. Not just us missionaries, but He is with all of us, cheering us on ''you can do it! you can do it!''. He is our guide, our example, the light that we can shine forth. (3 nephi 18:24)
----
The people here in Italy are stuck in the rutt of tradition and confusion.- They still suffer the effects of the apostasy. Heavenly Father called me, and all of us misionaries, to bring the light back to the place where a lot of it began. To correct the wrongs of many generations by simply bringing them the light of Christ. I know why I am here. I think I finally understand it. He needed each of us, and our examples, to bring that light!
I say that with all humility. I am so humbled that He has asked me! He has saved me and made me something better than I ever thought I could be. I have been healed by the atoning sacrifice of our Redeemer, and I am clean! Please do not think I am assuming I am something great. I just know who I am. I know I am nothing without Him and for that I will praise Him. forever.
----
I love you all with a love I cannot explain.
I hope you know that.
I'm going to return and you won't be able to rcognize me...I hope. I hope I will be able to become who I am supposed to be and leave all of my flaws behind. nooooo I won't be perfect, but I'll be different.
----
I love you all.
I hope you are doing well.
I hope you enjoy Thanskgiving and eat a lot!!!!
I hope you are happy and warm!
You are my sunshines...get it, the celestial kingdom?
A Prossima
Sorella Carlock
Twenty-eight: November 13, 2011 Genova
First things first....
The President Texeira conference was amazing! So inspiring, so enriching. He invited us to have 21 investigator lessons as our goals. This week, we're going to have 21 lessons! I'm excited and ready to go.
------
That was Thursday of last week. I also saw Sorella Hoppe. She told me to say ''hi''. I'll attach a picture.
Then! On Monday we had District Meeting and it was incredibly spiritual. I had also asked the Elders to give me a blessing, and .....let me just explain first
Before district meeting I had prayed asking for help, trying to figure out a few things and to try to improve. We go to district meeting and I receive a blessing....
Every single thing that I had just prayed for...answered. All of it. I'm starting to understand a little more who Heavenly Father really is, what kind of relationship I have with Him, and what He's asked of me.
He said to me, ''you were called to this city because there are people being prepared for you.'' and that He ''needs a powerful servant of the Lord to find them''....
well I don't know exactly what that means, but whatever it is, I'm going to be it. I'm going to find them, I just have to. For their sakes and mine. I have to do this for Him.
I have a strong relationship with my Heavenly Father, ...or at least it's being strengthened. He speaks and I'm trying to listen.
He also said, ''keep doing what you are doing''. I'm going to do all I can do be worthy of such a blessing. He's preparing them for me, so I'll prepare me for them. I can't believe how loving He is and trusting...wow.
I just got an email from a woman from Milano..
We taught her daughter, I sent you pictures of her, she's the one who added Eva on Facebook...
She's getting baptized this Saturday.
Heavenly Father lives. Jesus Christ is Our Saviour....that girl, she has changed my life and I cannot wait to see her again, completely clean and new.
If I have ever felt love of the Saviour, it is now.
This is the only church of God. The true and right way.
If we follow Him, nothing else matters. This is eternal life.
----
Well after getting that news, I just cried like a baby in this internet point and I have nothing else to say. My heart is completely full of love and joy.
another sister that I live with got an email from an RM.
she had a little scale or whatever about pride and humility
there were some things written down, its from an apostle talk, and some of the ways we can measure our pride/humility are by what we do regarding these following:
receiving counsel/ correction
what we think of others
giving/withholding gratitude/praise to others
self-centeredness
seeking approval of man
how quickly we take offense
competitiveness
just something to think about. I'm going to be working on my humility a lot.
Thank you for the emails and the love. I feel it.
You are my eternal family and I love you.
We are connected.
I have to go now, but we'll talk again soon!
The President Texeira conference was amazing! So inspiring, so enriching. He invited us to have 21 investigator lessons as our goals. This week, we're going to have 21 lessons! I'm excited and ready to go.
------
That was Thursday of last week. I also saw Sorella Hoppe. She told me to say ''hi''. I'll attach a picture.
Then! On Monday we had District Meeting and it was incredibly spiritual. I had also asked the Elders to give me a blessing, and .....let me just explain first
Before district meeting I had prayed asking for help, trying to figure out a few things and to try to improve. We go to district meeting and I receive a blessing....
Every single thing that I had just prayed for...answered. All of it. I'm starting to understand a little more who Heavenly Father really is, what kind of relationship I have with Him, and what He's asked of me.
He said to me, ''you were called to this city because there are people being prepared for you.'' and that He ''needs a powerful servant of the Lord to find them''....
well I don't know exactly what that means, but whatever it is, I'm going to be it. I'm going to find them, I just have to. For their sakes and mine. I have to do this for Him.
I have a strong relationship with my Heavenly Father, ...or at least it's being strengthened. He speaks and I'm trying to listen.
He also said, ''keep doing what you are doing''. I'm going to do all I can do be worthy of such a blessing. He's preparing them for me, so I'll prepare me for them. I can't believe how loving He is and trusting...wow.
I just got an email from a woman from Milano..
We taught her daughter, I sent you pictures of her, she's the one who added Eva on Facebook...
She's getting baptized this Saturday.
Heavenly Father lives. Jesus Christ is Our Saviour....that girl, she has changed my life and I cannot wait to see her again, completely clean and new.
If I have ever felt love of the Saviour, it is now.
This is the only church of God. The true and right way.
If we follow Him, nothing else matters. This is eternal life.
----
Well after getting that news, I just cried like a baby in this internet point and I have nothing else to say. My heart is completely full of love and joy.
another sister that I live with got an email from an RM.
she had a little scale or whatever about pride and humility
there were some things written down, its from an apostle talk, and some of the ways we can measure our pride/humility are by what we do regarding these following:
receiving counsel/ correction
what we think of others
giving/withholding gratitude/praise to others
self-centeredness
seeking approval of man
how quickly we take offense
competitiveness
just something to think about. I'm going to be working on my humility a lot.
Thank you for the emails and the love. I feel it.
You are my eternal family and I love you.
We are connected.
I have to go now, but we'll talk again soon!
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