Family!

Today…HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!! Sorry I can`t be there for you big day, but I love you and I’ll see you soon! I hope you got the card I sent a few weeks ago. 

This week was great! Hermana Weller and I worked our bootys off. It was so much fun! We talked to a ton of people, and really spent time getting to know and teaching the people we love here in Chivay. Apparently there is more to be done because we are staying here for my last few weeks.  President isn`t going to close our area yet, and we are so stoked because we know there is still work to be done! This week I felt and learned more about my purpose as a full-time missionary than I have in a while. As I’m sure you understand by now…the work that we do here in Chivay is a lot different than the work of other missionaries throughout the word…we are the same in purpose as we “Invite others unto Christ” but running the entire church, and branch up here has been the hardest part of my whole mission. Sister Weller and I have talked a bunch about what we need to be doing up here and President called us on Monday and told us exactly what we have been feeling so strongly the last few weeks.  He said… “Your main focus in Chivay is strengthening the members. You can continue teaching investigators and preparing them for baptism, but I don`t feel like that is the reason you were sent up there.”  We focused a lot this week on visiting all the members…less active or active, and teaching them, and testifying to them of the beauty of this restored gospel as we helped remind them what they know to be true.

On Friday and Saturday a bunch of youth from the last ward where I served in Arequipa came up to Chivay, and we took them out in groups contacting and teaching them how to share the gospel…we were also in charge of all their food… (Joys of being a ward leader and a missionary.) It was QUITE the task…let me tell you, I`m ready for my whole party planning career. Haha.

Friday night after being out all day working, we set up Karaoke for the youth…I`m sure you can all guess what happened. YES! Hermana Weller and I were the only ones singing. Typical.

Sunday was the greatest! We had two people visiting from Arequipa…this cute old couple, who both stood up to bare their testimonies. First, the wife stood up and spoke and then she sat down and told very ill, old husband to share his as well…keep in mind this man can barely stand up on his own.  During his 25 MINUTE testimony (no joke)…two cell phones went off, one woman answered right outside the door, and started yelling into the phone, a little boy was upstairs playing with the TV and somehow “Frozen” came on BLASTING in English, the old man asked the entire congregation the name of the church book that Joseph Smith translated, and then shared Moroni 10:4 three times.  Oh I wish you could have all been there. It was great!

Sister Weller and I taught gospel principles yesterday about the scriptures and it was so cool.  As we sat and testified to the members of our small branch up here of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon together with the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of great price, and the teachings of the modern day prophets, the spirit filled my heart so strongly.  I know that these books are true. I know that if any person desires to know for themselves, that they can. I testify that as we put in our part, and ask God with a sincere heart, we will ALWAYS receive our answers. I do not doubt that for one second.

I can`t wait to continue serving the people of Chivay who I love SO much as I finish this perfect mission here in the Peru Arequipa Mission.  I know that this is where I am needed. I understand more than ever before WHY I`m here, and what the Lord requires of me. I know that as I seek his guidance, I can and will receive his will for me each day.

Have a great week. Happy birthday daddio!

 

Anticucho…love me some alpaca steak

 

Hermana Julia gave us our very own Peruvian skirts to bring home.

 

“Alpacita…”

 

Peanut pealing gone terribly wrong….

 

Looks like someone missed the bowl.

 

Grass time is the best time…rare occasion in Perù.

 

Youth from the last ward I served in visiting from Arequipa.

Enjoying the Peruvian sun. Hey…I love my companion!

All the good, bad, happy, sad, spiritual lovely missionary work.

Familia!

First off…Happy independence day to this beloved country…Land of the free, home of the brave? Tal vez…love you Perù! Haha.

This week was probably one of the most difficult I can remember…seems like that happens as my time here draws to a close, but boy am I grateful for hard weeks on the mission!  I have learned more in these last 3 months of my mission about the Atonement than the last 20 years of my life.  I thank Heavenly Father for trials each day, because I know that without them I would never fully understand the absolute JOY that this beautiful gospel brings… “God be thanks for the matchless gift of His divine son.”

This week we were in Arequipa for a few days. Sunday night we went so we could be there for a Pday with our zone, and then we got home on Monday night.  On Tuesday we had to go back for a few things, our bus broke down on the way in the middle of the Peruvian dessert, we hitch-hiked 2 hours to Arequipa, and finally got there.  Wednesday we bought tickets to leave back to Chivay at 10:45am, and then left with the mission chauffeur (our best friend) to run a few errands for the mission, and got stuck in traffic on the way back to the terminal, and missed our bus. Haha. We finally made it back to Chivay Wednesday night.

Thursday I was sick…again. I think I’ve been sick more in Chivay than my whole life. Satan loves to put obstacles in our way…let me tell you.

Friday-Sunday was filled with good old missionary work…all the good, bad, happy, sad, spiritual lovely missionary work.

Yesterday God gave me the wonderful blessing of speaking for my last time in church.  I was reminded multiple times of the power of my sacred calling, and am so beyond grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary. I spoke on the talk by Elder Scott from April Conference called “I have given you an example.” He teaches us of the importance of sincere love when we share the gospel.  One part I love says, “God’s purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” That is fundamental to all we do. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things that we find fascinating or become so consumed by mundane responsibilities that we lose sight of God’s objectives. As you consistently focus your life on the most basic principles, you will gain an understanding of what you are to do, and you will produce more fruit for the Lord and more happiness for yourself.”

I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and I love so much my Father in Heaven for sending His only begotten son that we, His imperfect children could learn, grow, and return to Him again.

  Off to Arequipa…round 2.

 

A Little bit lost.

 

Birthday pancakes for Elder Jacobson.

  BBQ chicken pizza with Victor!

Of course I lose. Happy Day Perù.

Sprite...

Wow. This week was awesome.
On Monday we had our Christmas P-day, which was super fun! Monday night we had an awesome family night and taught about repentance, and the promise in Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43 that God truly forgives our sins, and remembers them no more. Such an amazing promise from a loving Father in Heaven. 
On Tuesday we saw some AMAZING miracles. It all started when Hermana Weller and I were SUPER thirsty, and all we wanted was a cold sprite...(not easy to find in Chivay.) It was about 8:30pm, so we still had time before we had to get home.  We walked into a pharmacy that almost always has cold sprites...but this time they only had one, and it was expired...so we back-tracked to another store by the plaza that sometimes does too...(this time, they didn't either)...on our way out of the store this man stops us, and asks where the church is Chivay is. Come to find out he´s a member in Arequipa, returned missionary, married in the temple, and was the secretary in the stake, then got a job at the mine, and now is going to be living in Chivay for the next 6 months! On the way home we were so happy and excited about finding this guy that we forgot about how thirsty we were...until we got home. Well...right next to our house is a hotel that sometimes has drinks...we went in to buy sprite, and come to find out the man who works in the hotel is so cool...and he doesn´t understand the catholic church, because they don´t follow the bible, and he is just confused and wants to find the truth...well willy (thats his name...cute huh?) the truth just walked into your hotel looking for a cold sprite. We went back the next day and started teaching him a little bit more. Love this guy.
On Wednesday Victor, our convert tried to interpret some dreams Hermana Weller and I had, and it was the weirdest creepiest thing ever. We taught him about revelation so he could understand a little better, and it ended up being the silliest thing. He told me that he needed to pray about my dreams to understand them better.  Also...let´s take a quick step back...about 3 weeks ago I had a dream I married this guy, and that his sister was one of my bridesmaids. I walked out of the temple and said..."Hey, what´s she doing here?" And everyone said..."You married her brother." and then he walked out right behind me, and I was super confused as to why I married this guy. Turns out this dream means that God requires things of me that I don´t want to do, but that I can´t take anything literally. He asked me, "What color were you wearing? How many people were there? Did anyone make eye contact with you?" Hahaha. We´re probably gonna go back and re-teach revelation.
I am loving every moment of my mission. I am loving every person I meet, and I am loving the gospel that I am so lucky to teach. 
Have a wonderful week all of you!
Xoxoxo
Hermana Carli Stone

 

Family night with some of our favorite people!

 

Ward talent show. Love these ladies.

 

hhahahahaha prettiest companions.

  Cat woman…look who loves animals now.

Well, I don`t have a ton to write today.
Monday Hermana Weller and I thought it would be funny to get onto a
random bus and go wherever it took us…(keep in mind our area is GIANT,
and takes a good 2 hours to leave the limits.) We thought it was a
great plan, but we ended up about 25 minutes from Chivay in some
abandoned town with literally nothing but a Catholic church, and a
bull fighting ring…made for some pretty creative videos. Truth be
told…it was a little snooze and Cruz.
Tuesday we went to Arequipa…received the news about my flight home
from President, and then we had a little meeting with Hermana and
President Zobrist about a Sister`s conference that we`re planning for
August.  Then we all went to TGIFridays with our zone leaders for
dinner.  So good! A little break from Peruvian food is sometimes
necessary.
Wednesday we had a zone conference with our zone, and then went to the
mission office to get a few things done.  Fun to see your faces mommy,
Chandler and Cas! Ha.
Thursday we got back to our area, and back to work.  We had a really
cool lesson with Brenda and her friend Carla.  Both told us they
wanted to be baptized at the end of the month, right now we`re working
with both of them for this goal.
Saturday night we “taught the relief society how to make pancakes”…we
actually just made pancakes while 2 women in the ward sat and chatted,
and then ate pancakes and went home. Haha.
Yesterday Victor blessed the sacrament for the first time, and totally
nailed it! We were so proud of him. I love seeing the progress of
recent coverts. It`s so awesome! We also had two of our less actives
that we`re teaching come to church.  Also…last night we went and made
pancakes again with one of the elder`s investigators. (You would be
shocked at how much they LOVE pancakes here. I think I`m pancaked out
for the next year or so.)
Things are going well…just working, loving the people, and enjoying
every moment.  I`m so very grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost in
this time in my mission, and my life…I have felt him teach me, touch
me, comfort me, and testify through the words I speak.  I know that
our loving Father in Heaven sent us this gift for exactly these
reasons. I encourage you all to study this week about this gift from
God, and learn how the spirit works in you.
Love you all!
Have a great week!

 

Off to Ichupampa.

  Beautiful Arequipa!

 Bull fight

Lovely finds in ichupampa

I LOVE my mission...

Oh my…I LOVE my mission. LOVE IT! The mission is my absolute favorite thing in the world. This week I feel SO much the joy that comes from living the gospel, and from serving others.

We are working with this little boy named Qussayn who is one of the investigators of the Elders that left at the end of last transfer, who we took over teaching.  Turns out he`s the cutest little 10 year old boy who just loves Christ, and wants to be more like Him…an inspiration to us all.  I couldn`t hold back the giggles of joy as he have the sweetest most sincere prayer a 10 year old can give. Mission moments that I love!

Wednesday we had a really wonderful mutual activity about talents where we sang Karaoke and then taught a little lesson about the talents that God gives us, and how we should use them to build up the kingdom of God, and not hide them. Two youth showed up, so Hermana Weller and I got a good exercise in entertaining the two shy little girls who showed up and didn`t want to sing. My romantic Spanish music career is really gonna take off when I get home.

Also…Monday we had THEE best family night of my mission…and possibly my life. Can`t get enough of these Peruvians…I just love them so much! Can`t wait to show you the videos of our lesson with a 75 year old deaf man, and his sweet wife. SO GREAT!

On Friday we threw a legit 4th of July BBQ with the Branch…hamburgers, American flag, red white and blue balloons…AND…surprise musical number/dance to “God Bless the USA” by the sister missionaries. (Another video you won`t want to miss…haha)

I`m having the time of my life, and truly learning and understanding more and more each day the blessings that come from living the gospel.  Nowhere else can you experience such JOY! I`m striving each day to complete my goals, and give all of myself to the incredible work! Get out there and serve, share your testimony, and “be an example of the believers…” I promise you won`t regret it! “When you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, you can reach out and rescue others.” –Thomas S. Monson

Xoxoxo,

Hermana Carli Stone

 Brenda's Birthday celebration.. love that girl.

 Branch Fourth of July celebration BBQ

 Just some patriotic missionaries

 Hes really gonna miss us.. bummer

The Strength to Endure

I am so grateful for this week.  I was given countless opportunities to grow, learn, and change.  When you pray for patience… I promise you will be put into situation where you can practice it.  I feel grateful for the changes the Lord has helped and allowed me to make in my mission, but I don`t want to settle with the changes I've seen up until now…I know there are still many things my Heavenly Father wants to see me do in this time.  This week starts my last transfer.  I was asked to send President Zobrist ten goals for my last transfer and ten for when I get home. (TRONKASO!) I had some cool experiences this week as I prayed to ask God what I should be focusing on for these last moments of my mission.  As I asked my Father in Heaven for help, waited, and listened, He truly answered. I've thought a lot about that quote that dad loves, “Where much is given, much is expected.”  How blessed I have been in my life…and how willing I am to use my talents in the building up of this kingdom.

This week I was studying I came across a conference talk from last October by Elder Richard J. Maynes called “The Strength to Endure”.  It talks about our conversion to the gospel, and how we can prepare for the trials we face. At the end of the talk he says, “The race that is set before us on this earth is an endurance race filled with obstacles. The obstacles in this race are the challenges we wake up to each morning. We are here on earth to run the race, to exercise our moral agency, and to choose between right and wrong. In order to honorably and successfully finish the race and return to our Heavenly Father, we will need to pay the price of dedication, perseverance, and self-discipline. We need to get into spiritual shape. We need to develop spiritual stamina. We need strong testimonies that will lead to true conversion, and as a result we will find within ourselves the inner peace and strength needed to endure whatever challenges we may face.”  Well…I’m here to tell you that conversion never has been, and never will be easy.  Do you really want it bad enough? How important is your exaltation to you? How much do you truly love God? I have seen innumerable amounts of people suffer on my mission and before my mission as well because when obstacles or problems arose…they were not spiritually prepared.

As Hermana Weller and I truly took a step back, and thought about the work we are doing here…we were filled with the desires to get out, work harder, help more people, and turn to God for guidance in all we do.  We had a great week being guided by the spirit as we taught and visited with the people we know here in Chivay.

This week I finished the Book of Mormon in Spanish.  I don`t know if I can fully express how much I love the Book of Mormon…and even more so I Spanish.  As I have read it I have truly felt the power of my missionary calling, and the gift of tongues. I know without a doubt in my mind it is “the most correct of any book on earth.”

Monday in the middle of the night I woke up sick, and I was in bed all day on Tuesday which was such a bummer! It was Elder Boyd`s birthday, and when the elders came in the morning to bring me sprite and pills I was still a little sleepy from being up all night.  I broke down crying and told Elder Boyd how sorry I was that I was sick on his birthday…yikes.

Wednesday for mutual we had a music night. We taught all the youth how to direct music, and the importance of GOOD music in their lives.  We decided to plan a special musical number with all the youth (about 8 kids) since they were all there.  We told them that if they didntt show up to church we would make them sing a solo the next week.  All but one showed up…lucky guy, huh?

On Friday night we had a branch activity where everyone brought their favorite meal to share.  We made pancakes and brownies…huge hit! We had about 25 people show up.

Yesterday church was awesome! We hit a new record in sacrament meeting with 36 people.  Two members who AREN`T missionaries gave talks, and 12 kids showed up to primary class. The 3rd hour the four of us missionaries got all the young men and their parents together to have a little chat.  We received two phone calls this week from crying mothers worried about their sons.  We whipped them into shape. Haha.

Well…sorry for the longest letter ever. I love you all. I know that I`m doing the Lords work, and I can`t wait to see what my last transfer holds for me.

Xoxoxo,

Hermana Carli Stone