September 25, 2017

Hi, everyone!

My goodness has it been a hard week! It's been good for growing and learning personally, but the area hasn't progressed a ton since being in a trio. I guess that's just what happens in trios!

But I do love Sister Holland and Sister Gainer. They are both wonderful people, and they're very very different. It's been great to work with each other and learn empathy, patience, and flexibility.

I feel so blessed to be on a mission. I think about how much the Lord trusts us, his imperfect children, to do this work. "After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel." -Joseph Smith. We have the responsibility to bring our brothers and sisters unto Christ. It's our job to invite them to repent and to lead them to the straight and narrow path. Heavenly Father could do this all Himself - He is all powerful. But he allows us to. He gives us the opportunity to preach the gospel. He knows that we will benefit from this, and He gives us that chance to grow and change (sometimes at the risk of other souls). I am truly humbled by this thought, and I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives us these opportunities. He wants us to progress and feel joy. I have a firm testimony of this. I know Heavenly Father loves me and all of you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

On a side note, there was a baptism in the sister's area, we hit a bird with our car, and General Women's Conference (especially Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk) was the highlight of my week.

Have a wonderful week, everyone!
Sister Carlson

P.S. - Mom, could you please start sending out warm clothes? It's been really cold, and I don't have anything lol. Cardigans, light coats, and my kitty hat would be appreciated :)