There have been many good things happening here. Our investigators are moving their baptisms up a week 21 June! They are so great and I love them.
This week I have been learning a lot about charity.
There is a new missionary, a greenie here. We did a role play in district meeting and he just said...''if you're motivated by love they will do what you ask. That's why we are here. Because we love God and Christ, and we love them.'' I've really been working hard to exemplify charity.
I know that Heavenly Father is with me. I received another blessing and it said that Heavenly Father is walking beside me through these trials, that these things will grow me.
I am learning and becoming the person who He needs me to be. I will do as much as I possibly can. I pray that Heavenly Father's will is being done.
I love you all!
Sorella Carlock
Monday, May 26, 2014
Fifty-four: May 15, 2014 Vicenza
We had spoken to Zoe via Skype for Mother's Day, so her email this week was very short. Just this:
Vuole condividere questo video con te:
I love you. Thank you for always being there, -Sorella Carlock
To Every Mother: A tribute to all of the mothers in our lives; those we know, and those who came before. We are who we are largely because of our mothers. Honor your mother by preserving the memories of her on familysearch.org.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1995251664001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzTGO9c4w4WvElLxnNlvLz5p&bclid=0&bctid=3532190422001
Vuole condividere questo video con te:
I love you. Thank you for always being there, -Sorella Carlock
To Every Mother: A tribute to all of the mothers in our lives; those we know, and those who came before. We are who we are largely because of our mothers. Honor your mother by preserving the memories of her on familysearch.org.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1995251664001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzTGO9c4w4WvElLxnNlvLz5p&bclid=0&bctid=3532190422001
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Fifty-three: May 8, 2014 Vicenza
We have had some awesome success this week. We set two baptismal dates with a mom and son. They only speak Spanish, but the mom's sister is a member and she obviously speaks Spanish. It's so beautiful -- we asked them to be baptized (the sister asked actually since she as translating), and the son just starts shaking his head and smiling. So beautiful!! He was so happy!
We are slowly getting more sanctified and pure.
This week I have learned a lot about who I am and what Heavenly Father thinks of me. He sees my changes and my hard work and he knows that I am really trying to do what I can. It's NOT like I have to prove myself and say ''hey don't you see me here? I'm trying my best!''...He already knows.
He knows how much I have changed and given up to serve Him and His children. He sees how much of the natural man I've tried to put off, and He is aware of my constant and daily struggles with still putting it off. He is not only aware, but helping me along the road. He is guiding and strengthening me
He is helping this mission become sacred, more and more every day. I am seeing with different eyes.
This is the most sacred and holy thing I have ever done. I cherish my mission with all of me. This is how we are supposed to be living. I am grateful for the rules and guidelines and the way we live. They allow me to give like Jesus gave, and I am grateful.
One of the things that the 70s talked about is writing everything down. I have a journal that I use, I write in Italian, but that has been kind of difficult because it takes so much time that I haven't been able to write anything. I've decided, whatever the language, I just need to write it down. I cannot forget these things.
Tanner: thank you so much for being such a strength, a beacon of righteousness. You are a shining example. I love you, and I want you to know that I could not be more happy that you are the man in my life. My brother and friend, thank you for being you!
Mommy: you are a solid rock of faith and change and love and hope. You are my mommy...you are my queen. Thank you for raising me in the truth so that I would not be lost. Thank you for not giving up on me; you never gave up. I am realizing how hard that must have been, but you never gave up. Thank you. I love you
Eva: listen, girl, you are strong. You are a star, a light in the darkness. you may feel insignificant and tiny, but I see you all the way from here, and you're still bright to me. You may have to walk alone in physical presence, but you're walking with all those who walked alone before you, including our Saviour. Take this opportunity to reflect on Him in all you do. You are one in a ga-jillion. and I love you!
Georgie: I love you, too. [EDITOR's note: Georgie is Eva's dog.]
Don't forget who you are...never doubt the power of the Atonement. Remember your potential and what you were made to become.
Well, thats all for now. I love you and cherish you. I'm not sorry, but I don't miss you.
I'm completely here. It's hard and I wish I could hug you sometimes, but I can wait.
When I see you again and I can really hug you, it'll be worth every second away.
No tears, ok? Be happy! You are doing great things, every day!!!!!!!!
I love you
Sorella Carlock
We are slowly getting more sanctified and pure.
This week I have learned a lot about who I am and what Heavenly Father thinks of me. He sees my changes and my hard work and he knows that I am really trying to do what I can. It's NOT like I have to prove myself and say ''hey don't you see me here? I'm trying my best!''...He already knows.
He knows how much I have changed and given up to serve Him and His children. He sees how much of the natural man I've tried to put off, and He is aware of my constant and daily struggles with still putting it off. He is not only aware, but helping me along the road. He is guiding and strengthening me
He is helping this mission become sacred, more and more every day. I am seeing with different eyes.
This is the most sacred and holy thing I have ever done. I cherish my mission with all of me. This is how we are supposed to be living. I am grateful for the rules and guidelines and the way we live. They allow me to give like Jesus gave, and I am grateful.
One of the things that the 70s talked about is writing everything down. I have a journal that I use, I write in Italian, but that has been kind of difficult because it takes so much time that I haven't been able to write anything. I've decided, whatever the language, I just need to write it down. I cannot forget these things.
Tanner: thank you so much for being such a strength, a beacon of righteousness. You are a shining example. I love you, and I want you to know that I could not be more happy that you are the man in my life. My brother and friend, thank you for being you!
Mommy: you are a solid rock of faith and change and love and hope. You are my mommy...you are my queen. Thank you for raising me in the truth so that I would not be lost. Thank you for not giving up on me; you never gave up. I am realizing how hard that must have been, but you never gave up. Thank you. I love you
Eva: listen, girl, you are strong. You are a star, a light in the darkness. you may feel insignificant and tiny, but I see you all the way from here, and you're still bright to me. You may have to walk alone in physical presence, but you're walking with all those who walked alone before you, including our Saviour. Take this opportunity to reflect on Him in all you do. You are one in a ga-jillion. and I love you!
Georgie: I love you, too. [EDITOR's note: Georgie is Eva's dog.]
Don't forget who you are...never doubt the power of the Atonement. Remember your potential and what you were made to become.
Well, thats all for now. I love you and cherish you. I'm not sorry, but I don't miss you.
I'm completely here. It's hard and I wish I could hug you sometimes, but I can wait.
When I see you again and I can really hug you, it'll be worth every second away.
No tears, ok? Be happy! You are doing great things, every day!!!!!!!!
I love you
Sorella Carlock
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Fifty-two: April 30, 2014 Vicenza ONE YEAR in ITALIA
Come state?
Come ha passato sta settimana?
Avete fatto qualche cosa di bella?
We had a baptism!!!! WAHOO! It was beautiful and soooo spiritually packed. You could tell that this person had changed his life and was ready to commit. What's better than that?
It was an amazing experience and everything worked out so nicely.
He was confirmed on Sunday and the Spirit was strong. After he hugged everyone in the circle, he walked past us back to his seat and put his hand on my shoulder and said ''thank you''.
I ...what do you say to that? I just cried. I had just barely gotten there, and my companion and I hadn't been teaching him for very long. He has been taking the lessons for months, but he said thank you to us.
It was a powerful manifestation of D&C 18: 15- we might not have done everything, we might have done very little. But it was enough to help him make the final steps. Even if it was miniscule, we supported him in his righteous decisions, and even with that, my joy is full.
I am turning 1year (he he) tomorrow. Kind of crazy.
I was thinking the other day and this panic just hit me, a year? What do I do? I cant leave! I'm not done yet, 6 months left. That's so short. I don't want to go home...etc etc.
It was intense, but then I realized that 6 months is long enough to make this be worth it for eternity. I'm trying to be more diligent and faithful. I want to be a good missionary.
You know, no one will be screaming my name and telling any legends of me..and that's ok. I shouldn't be hoping for that anyway, but I do know that I am going to be able to say. ''You know, Stake President, I did my best and I continuously tried to get better and give my all. I wasn't perfect but I believe I became who I am supposed to be. I love my missionary service.''
I know I shouldn't be thinking about going home a lot and Im trying not to. but thinking about it is semi-motivating me to work harder and to make it all worth it. no giving up, right? I've literally been through almost everything...I can finish because I'm not doing it alone.
Thank you for your support and love. I love PDays because I receive forza spirituale, as my companion says. She's so sweet. When we leave to come here to email, she prays for spiritual strength, and we get it! I want so badly to be a good example for her. I'm trying to get better.
----
Thank you so much for the talks. They have helped me straighten up my beliefs and ideas and they encourage me to STICK TO THE BASICS. no fringe doctrine, that wont save me.
I love all of the things you send me.
I love hearing about Tanney's busy days and good grades. AND Eva's good grades and missionary prep, I love your musical answers Mommy and the adventures you have. It is soo nice to feel closer to you.
Well, this is about it. I'll send some pictures.
I love you all.
I am struggling with some things, but I am happy. No tears, no sadness. Just growth.
I am grateful that Heavenly Father cares enough to mold me, to purify me.
Its interesting. Every Sacrament Meeting, every time I take the Sacrament just gets more and more special and I realize every week how much more I need the Atonement and how much I need to understand it and use it.
I love that God, our Heavenly Father, is infinite in power and wisdom and especially His love for us. He loves us more than we can even understand, comprehend.
I am so grateful for the gift and example of His Perfect Son, Jesus Christ. I know that He is the way and that we just need to follow Him and have faith and we will be ok!
I cherish with all of my heart the presence and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. It offers me knowledge, strength, comfort, and peace.
This time I have as a missionary is short, but man is it special. This is sacred work, eternal work. The work of Salvation! I am a soldier in the army! :)
It's true. I'ts all true. This is real.
I love you all.
More than you know, more than I know
Sorella Carlock
Come ha passato sta settimana?
Avete fatto qualche cosa di bella?
We had a baptism!!!! WAHOO! It was beautiful and soooo spiritually packed. You could tell that this person had changed his life and was ready to commit. What's better than that?
It was an amazing experience and everything worked out so nicely.
He was confirmed on Sunday and the Spirit was strong. After he hugged everyone in the circle, he walked past us back to his seat and put his hand on my shoulder and said ''thank you''.
I ...what do you say to that? I just cried. I had just barely gotten there, and my companion and I hadn't been teaching him for very long. He has been taking the lessons for months, but he said thank you to us.
It was a powerful manifestation of D&C 18: 15- we might not have done everything, we might have done very little. But it was enough to help him make the final steps. Even if it was miniscule, we supported him in his righteous decisions, and even with that, my joy is full.
I am turning 1year (he he) tomorrow. Kind of crazy.
I was thinking the other day and this panic just hit me, a year? What do I do? I cant leave! I'm not done yet, 6 months left. That's so short. I don't want to go home...etc etc.
It was intense, but then I realized that 6 months is long enough to make this be worth it for eternity. I'm trying to be more diligent and faithful. I want to be a good missionary.
You know, no one will be screaming my name and telling any legends of me..and that's ok. I shouldn't be hoping for that anyway, but I do know that I am going to be able to say. ''You know, Stake President, I did my best and I continuously tried to get better and give my all. I wasn't perfect but I believe I became who I am supposed to be. I love my missionary service.''
I know I shouldn't be thinking about going home a lot and Im trying not to. but thinking about it is semi-motivating me to work harder and to make it all worth it. no giving up, right? I've literally been through almost everything...I can finish because I'm not doing it alone.
Thank you for your support and love. I love PDays because I receive forza spirituale, as my companion says. She's so sweet. When we leave to come here to email, she prays for spiritual strength, and we get it! I want so badly to be a good example for her. I'm trying to get better.
----
Thank you so much for the talks. They have helped me straighten up my beliefs and ideas and they encourage me to STICK TO THE BASICS. no fringe doctrine, that wont save me.
I love all of the things you send me.
I love hearing about Tanney's busy days and good grades. AND Eva's good grades and missionary prep, I love your musical answers Mommy and the adventures you have. It is soo nice to feel closer to you.
Well, this is about it. I'll send some pictures.
I love you all.
I am struggling with some things, but I am happy. No tears, no sadness. Just growth.
I am grateful that Heavenly Father cares enough to mold me, to purify me.
Its interesting. Every Sacrament Meeting, every time I take the Sacrament just gets more and more special and I realize every week how much more I need the Atonement and how much I need to understand it and use it.
I love that God, our Heavenly Father, is infinite in power and wisdom and especially His love for us. He loves us more than we can even understand, comprehend.
I am so grateful for the gift and example of His Perfect Son, Jesus Christ. I know that He is the way and that we just need to follow Him and have faith and we will be ok!
I cherish with all of my heart the presence and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. It offers me knowledge, strength, comfort, and peace.
This time I have as a missionary is short, but man is it special. This is sacred work, eternal work. The work of Salvation! I am a soldier in the army! :)
It's true. I'ts all true. This is real.
I love you all.
More than you know, more than I know
Sorella Carlock
Fifty-one: April 23, 2014 Vicenza
Hello dear family
How are you?
How was Easter?
I am so excited this week. We have a baptism!
[Webmaster's note: Yes, that's me, Alisa, Zoe's mother:
Zoe asks me to edit out personal information about baptisms. First, they are too sacred to be spoken about on a blog, and the people being baptized have a right to privacy. So, please understand that, while the focus of her work in Italia is bringing people to the waters of baptism, we edit out details for this forum.]
Its been a great and emotional week....very emotional
Easter was great. We had 1 hour of church and I think it was incredibly appropriate. I loved it. It was a very spiritual Sunday. We then went to pranzare with a member. We had a good lunch and we ate a traditional Easter dessert...la colomba or the dove. Its a cake in the shape of a dove.
We didn't send pictures because I forgot my camera, but it was just a simple lunch with a sweet member.
This is the best part of the email...other than the baptism
So we went to teach English to a young girl and her grandma said goodbye as we went to leaf...We commented on her olive branch/plant in a beautiful vase. She said ''oh yes, its from an olive tree. Its been blessed''. Us: ohh how great. That's very special... her: would you like some? this branch is blessed, but the other olive branch in the other vase is not. here, take the blessed olive branch....
We got a blessed olive branch for Pasqua. Buona Pasqua tutti!
---
Ok for Mother's Day, we can easily find somewhere to go.
What day is it? Sunday the 11th right?
So we can call around 7pm here, 1pm there
sound good?
Other than that, yeah you gotta get on the tickets and plans for the trip in November. I'm sorry you're coming in November because its not going to be nearly as beautiful as it is now-. ma va beh, its still Italy.
I thought of a few places I want you to go, we can do see the Last Supper painting in Milano. we had to order tickets in advance, like a few weeks, but you can look up the website. I'm sure there is a website.
I want you to come here for sure, and of course Genova. I know you will love Italy. Even in November rain, it is beautiful and magical. Maybe the will be selling panettone. yumm
---
It was an incredibly emotional week. I had a hard time just because we had a few hiccups with the baptism preparations, and I was really hard on myself because I thought I had sbagliato, but it all turned out all right and I didnt do anything wrong.
I know that this is the work of Salvation and I am learning every day new ways to love it and to enjoy it. Its hard. Sometimes I worry that its so hard that I'm going to resent serving by the end...but even when I can't go anymore, I manage to be moved forward. I have no idea most of the time how in the world I am still alive, but I know that its not by my power.
Its hard, there is no mistaking that, but its worth it. Every day, every tear, every struggle, every moment of self-doubt, every rejection, every miracle, every scripture, every ounce of faith, every prayer, every lesson, every smile...its all worth it.
This is an eternal work. I am glad to see it unfold.
I know that Jesus the Christ lives. I feel His love and the Spirit testifies to me of this truth. No doubts, no hesitation. I know it. I know.
I love you with my whole heart and soul
Please be good and be happy!
See you soon ;)
Sorella Carlock
How are you?
How was Easter?
I am so excited this week. We have a baptism!
[Webmaster's note: Yes, that's me, Alisa, Zoe's mother:
Zoe asks me to edit out personal information about baptisms. First, they are too sacred to be spoken about on a blog, and the people being baptized have a right to privacy. So, please understand that, while the focus of her work in Italia is bringing people to the waters of baptism, we edit out details for this forum.]
Its been a great and emotional week....very emotional
Easter was great. We had 1 hour of church and I think it was incredibly appropriate. I loved it. It was a very spiritual Sunday. We then went to pranzare with a member. We had a good lunch and we ate a traditional Easter dessert...la colomba or the dove. Its a cake in the shape of a dove.
We didn't send pictures because I forgot my camera, but it was just a simple lunch with a sweet member.
This is the best part of the email...other than the baptism
So we went to teach English to a young girl and her grandma said goodbye as we went to leaf...We commented on her olive branch/plant in a beautiful vase. She said ''oh yes, its from an olive tree. Its been blessed''. Us: ohh how great. That's very special... her: would you like some? this branch is blessed, but the other olive branch in the other vase is not. here, take the blessed olive branch....
We got a blessed olive branch for Pasqua. Buona Pasqua tutti!
---
Ok for Mother's Day, we can easily find somewhere to go.
What day is it? Sunday the 11th right?
So we can call around 7pm here, 1pm there
sound good?
Other than that, yeah you gotta get on the tickets and plans for the trip in November. I'm sorry you're coming in November because its not going to be nearly as beautiful as it is now-. ma va beh, its still Italy.
I thought of a few places I want you to go, we can do see the Last Supper painting in Milano. we had to order tickets in advance, like a few weeks, but you can look up the website. I'm sure there is a website.
I want you to come here for sure, and of course Genova. I know you will love Italy. Even in November rain, it is beautiful and magical. Maybe the will be selling panettone. yumm
---
It was an incredibly emotional week. I had a hard time just because we had a few hiccups with the baptism preparations, and I was really hard on myself because I thought I had sbagliato, but it all turned out all right and I didnt do anything wrong.
I know that this is the work of Salvation and I am learning every day new ways to love it and to enjoy it. Its hard. Sometimes I worry that its so hard that I'm going to resent serving by the end...but even when I can't go anymore, I manage to be moved forward. I have no idea most of the time how in the world I am still alive, but I know that its not by my power.
Its hard, there is no mistaking that, but its worth it. Every day, every tear, every struggle, every moment of self-doubt, every rejection, every miracle, every scripture, every ounce of faith, every prayer, every lesson, every smile...its all worth it.
This is an eternal work. I am glad to see it unfold.
I know that Jesus the Christ lives. I feel His love and the Spirit testifies to me of this truth. No doubts, no hesitation. I know it. I know.
I love you with my whole heart and soul
Please be good and be happy!
See you soon ;)
Sorella Carlock
Fifty: April 16, 2014 Vicenza
Hello dear family
How are you?
Well I am so excited to email this week. I am so happy.
As you know, every transfer I get a blessing to help me know Heavenly Father's will.
This blessing was beautiful. I feel that they get more and more personal as my prayers are more involved.
He just knows me so well.
It said:
I will be blessed with the help to always feel the Spirit
That I will have trials this transfer but I will be able to understand how each one will benefit me
It was just beautiful. All of it.
---
I had a really interesting Thursday last week. I was reading the scriptures and reading I Am a Child of God and it just kind of hit me. I realized a little bit more who I am and who I can be. I guess it was kind of like a 'personal worth day'. I enjoyed it.
---
Mommy, I really appreciate you sending me the lyrics to that song. I think its true and I really liked it. It can only get better too, which is the best part.
Well
I have to explain a little bit about the wards
We have about 150 in the American ward and 100 in the Italian ward
Naturally there are 20 million kids in the American ward
I like it. The American ward is way strong.
-
This Easter, we are spending lunch with an Italian member. I am so excited. Pasqua is ..I think...bigger than Christmas here..or just as big. Its going to be amazing. I am so excited. Italian Pasqua. I'll pick up some tips if I can. and I'll take foto.
I am so excited to be here. I know I am here for a reason and I know that I can do good things. I am so excited.
Its been interesting being with another German companion because I feel more of a culture boundary now. Sorella Hoppe was already used to Americans because she was in the mission for a while. Me and Sorella Warncke have found our own rhythm though. I really enjoy being her companion. She has a lot to share and she teaches so clearly and packed with the spirit.
She's doing a great job and I am so glad that I get to be with her here.
---
I realized something about Conference. It talked a lot about obedience and staying in the MAINSTREAM OF THE CHURCH....I realized that I haven't been always so good at that, but it really stuck with me this time.
I realized that obedience isnt just a commandment, it is an act of love. It is a sign that we want to obey because we love God, not because of obligation. I have already been faced with little fringe-obedience rule-bending-but-not-breaking situations and I have chosen to be exactly obedient because I want to do the right thing. I have already seen the blessings-
They aren't large or grand. I have received no voice saying I'm great or special or anything grand like that...just the simple peace of Heavenly Father's approval. I know that as I continue to strengthen my obedience and desire to be obedient, I will continue to feel His spirit and always have His spirit to be with me...just like my blessing says.
.----
OK, so Vicenza. I'll try to take some pictures today and send them
Its beautiful, flat plains...fields, vineyards. Its small. Cobblestone street....but its clean too. So clean and beautiful. There are fields and fields of Canola plant. We passed by this mansion on a hill the other day with just hills surrounding it of canola and flowers. sooo pretty.
Its so peaceful here. Its a smaller city and it is just so calm and light...I dont know how to explain. I love being here because we have a bigger apartment and that makes me feel less cluttered, and the city is spread out which also helps.
I'm sorry I didn't take pictures. Next week, I really promise.
Jerry emailed me from the MTC! I love him! He is so great. He's going to do great things here.
---
I am doing well. I promise.
This past week was hard....I was being a little prideful and I just prayed a lot and asked for a softened, impenetrable heart...soft so that I was kind and loving, impenetrable so that I wouldn't be so easily offended. I'm really learning to just let go. Its the right way and I am happier now.
Being senior companion is weird, because you don't think its that big of a deal as junior comp but....there is a weight that I feel. not only do I have to be on top of everything for 1 ward but 2! and I have to support my companion and be an example and be willing to do all things that are necessary with a smile.
Its hard...I feel really scatterbrained, because I have gone so long without having to worry...oh my senior comp will take care of it...but no, I have to do it now. I've been struggling with trying to be prepared for everything...like not being prepared for correlation...oops!
But I'm learning and I am enjoying being able to help someone else learn and grow...while having her grow me just as much. This is a great experience for me.
I am trying to do my best, we do some finding every week and we are trying to be diligent. Its hard because we just don't have all that much to do yet because I am still learning the area and we still kind of trying to develop relationships with the members. Its ok...I am not complaining, I am just analyzing. I really do love being here and I am sooo grateful.- I know Heavenly Father is a lot more involved in everything than we can ever imagine. I know He wants this for me.
Sorella Warncke and I are really learning to grow together. We pray together ever morning and night, we laugh and have fun, we snack a lot, but ...sometimes a snack is good... ha ha. We are learning each other and I think we will be a great pair.
I know this Gospel is true. I know that there is only one way and Jesus Christ, the Saviour has already established it. As Easter comes closer, I am studying the end of His life and trying to understand His character more. He loves us and willingly WILLINGLY gave us His life, not just to suffer for us...but He gave up His personal desires to live for us.
I know that Heavenly Father exists and love us. I feel His love soo often. He protects us as we ride around the city, and for that I am so thankful ha ha
Thank you for your emails and your love. Thank you for the peace and strength that you give me. PDay is a sacred day...because I receive inspiration through you.
Find a way, this week, to recognize His love more fully in your life and I can promise the Atonement will become more real.
Have a happy and Christ-filled Easter.
PS- For church on Sunday, we only have an hour...(sorry Mom. but its how it should be right?)
I love you all with my whole heart
Sorella Carlock
How are you?
Well I am so excited to email this week. I am so happy.
As you know, every transfer I get a blessing to help me know Heavenly Father's will.
This blessing was beautiful. I feel that they get more and more personal as my prayers are more involved.
He just knows me so well.
It said:
I will be blessed with the help to always feel the Spirit
That I will have trials this transfer but I will be able to understand how each one will benefit me
It was just beautiful. All of it.
---
I had a really interesting Thursday last week. I was reading the scriptures and reading I Am a Child of God and it just kind of hit me. I realized a little bit more who I am and who I can be. I guess it was kind of like a 'personal worth day'. I enjoyed it.
---
Mommy, I really appreciate you sending me the lyrics to that song. I think its true and I really liked it. It can only get better too, which is the best part.
Well
I have to explain a little bit about the wards
We have about 150 in the American ward and 100 in the Italian ward
Naturally there are 20 million kids in the American ward
I like it. The American ward is way strong.
-
This Easter, we are spending lunch with an Italian member. I am so excited. Pasqua is ..I think...bigger than Christmas here..or just as big. Its going to be amazing. I am so excited. Italian Pasqua. I'll pick up some tips if I can. and I'll take foto.
I am so excited to be here. I know I am here for a reason and I know that I can do good things. I am so excited.
Its been interesting being with another German companion because I feel more of a culture boundary now. Sorella Hoppe was already used to Americans because she was in the mission for a while. Me and Sorella Warncke have found our own rhythm though. I really enjoy being her companion. She has a lot to share and she teaches so clearly and packed with the spirit.
She's doing a great job and I am so glad that I get to be with her here.
---
I realized something about Conference. It talked a lot about obedience and staying in the MAINSTREAM OF THE CHURCH....I realized that I haven't been always so good at that, but it really stuck with me this time.
I realized that obedience isnt just a commandment, it is an act of love. It is a sign that we want to obey because we love God, not because of obligation. I have already been faced with little fringe-obedience rule-bending-but-not-breaking situations and I have chosen to be exactly obedient because I want to do the right thing. I have already seen the blessings-
They aren't large or grand. I have received no voice saying I'm great or special or anything grand like that...just the simple peace of Heavenly Father's approval. I know that as I continue to strengthen my obedience and desire to be obedient, I will continue to feel His spirit and always have His spirit to be with me...just like my blessing says.
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OK, so Vicenza. I'll try to take some pictures today and send them
Its beautiful, flat plains...fields, vineyards. Its small. Cobblestone street....but its clean too. So clean and beautiful. There are fields and fields of Canola plant. We passed by this mansion on a hill the other day with just hills surrounding it of canola and flowers. sooo pretty.
Its so peaceful here. Its a smaller city and it is just so calm and light...I dont know how to explain. I love being here because we have a bigger apartment and that makes me feel less cluttered, and the city is spread out which also helps.
I'm sorry I didn't take pictures. Next week, I really promise.
Jerry emailed me from the MTC! I love him! He is so great. He's going to do great things here.
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I am doing well. I promise.
This past week was hard....I was being a little prideful and I just prayed a lot and asked for a softened, impenetrable heart...soft so that I was kind and loving, impenetrable so that I wouldn't be so easily offended. I'm really learning to just let go. Its the right way and I am happier now.
Being senior companion is weird, because you don't think its that big of a deal as junior comp but....there is a weight that I feel. not only do I have to be on top of everything for 1 ward but 2! and I have to support my companion and be an example and be willing to do all things that are necessary with a smile.
Its hard...I feel really scatterbrained, because I have gone so long without having to worry...oh my senior comp will take care of it...but no, I have to do it now. I've been struggling with trying to be prepared for everything...like not being prepared for correlation...oops!
But I'm learning and I am enjoying being able to help someone else learn and grow...while having her grow me just as much. This is a great experience for me.
I am trying to do my best, we do some finding every week and we are trying to be diligent. Its hard because we just don't have all that much to do yet because I am still learning the area and we still kind of trying to develop relationships with the members. Its ok...I am not complaining, I am just analyzing. I really do love being here and I am sooo grateful.- I know Heavenly Father is a lot more involved in everything than we can ever imagine. I know He wants this for me.
Sorella Warncke and I are really learning to grow together. We pray together ever morning and night, we laugh and have fun, we snack a lot, but ...sometimes a snack is good... ha ha. We are learning each other and I think we will be a great pair.
I know this Gospel is true. I know that there is only one way and Jesus Christ, the Saviour has already established it. As Easter comes closer, I am studying the end of His life and trying to understand His character more. He loves us and willingly WILLINGLY gave us His life, not just to suffer for us...but He gave up His personal desires to live for us.
I know that Heavenly Father exists and love us. I feel His love soo often. He protects us as we ride around the city, and for that I am so thankful ha ha
Thank you for your emails and your love. Thank you for the peace and strength that you give me. PDay is a sacred day...because I receive inspiration through you.
Find a way, this week, to recognize His love more fully in your life and I can promise the Atonement will become more real.
Have a happy and Christ-filled Easter.
PS- For church on Sunday, we only have an hour...(sorry Mom. but its how it should be right?)
I love you all with my whole heart
Sorella Carlock
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