GO BIG RED

October 21,

 

This is Carly's letter from last week.  She was having computer issues and  asked that I wait to post this until I received her hand written letter in the mail,  so I could add to it.  She goes into a little more detail when she writes the letter home.  It's longer than usual,   Please read to the end.  It is wonderful! 

 

 

Howdy fambam. I'm stressing. HOLLY HANNAH. I left my camera so I'm singing "I am a Child of God"  so I don't start raging. And I've been out for two months  2 day? LIKE WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE. Please slow down. BUT I'M IN COLUMBUS NEBRASKA SINCE I GOT TRANSFERRRRREDDDD. And I'm loving it! President Weston asked me if I was okay with the new changes coming my way and seriously I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to learn and grow and find ways to be a better missionary. It hasn't even been a week yet and I feel like I've already learned so much. I KNOW that this is going to be one fabulous 6 weeks.

 

 

Goodbye Sioux City, Iowa and helllooo Columbus, NE. Everyone got to stay the same with their companion and everything in my district EXCEPT FOR ME. Hashtag haterz. So that really upset me...but I'M WITH SISTER DUMONT AND COULDN'T BE HAPPIER. In the words of Sister Vogel--I'm the only one qualified to touch the people of Columbus, NE at this time. I have something special to offer--so here I go!

 

In the words of Elder Gray, The RS was DEVASTATED that I was leaving. People were straight up crying! I can't believe I had made such strong relationships in such a short amount of time. I LOVE SIOUX CITY. Grandma Crandell was of course on the list to say 'see ya later' to. (You better believe I didn't say the G word ( goodbye)  to anyone.) When we went over to tell her I was leaving she burst into tears and said it wasn't fair. When we were taking a picture she was squeezing me SO tight and saying she was never letting go and that I needed to stay. She started tearing up again when we were walking out the door. My heart full on broke. Mina, our sassy Hispanic, wasn't too happy either but OMH I love our picture together. She's the best.

 

 

We stopped at the Dean's because they were my mission Mommy and Daddy.  I love them and their willingness to help the missionaries at all times.  Nessa is in the Spanish branch but she's my little bestie and their family loves missionaries.  When I called Sister GboGbo she straight up started yelling on the phone when I said I was getting transferred.  she was NOT happy.  Wahhh I just love everyone there, but all is well.  I'm excited for the adventures headed my way.

 

 

Leaving  Sister Vogel was tender, but since she's my new Sister Training Leader, all is well.  When the Zone Leaders called and told me that SISTER DUMONT was going to be my new companion I started  SCREAMING  on the phone.  Soooo, background story on Sister Dumont... Her companion, Sister Gomez was/is Sister Vogel and I Sister Training Leader and came to Sioux City for exchanges.  For some reason I was terrified about exchanges and stressed and uh it wasn't pretty.  When the four of us were in a companionship, study I kept saying " I can't do this"

(LIKE WHAT??)  But, I was feeling SO discouraged about life and my ability to be a missionary. 

 Randomly during the study/planning session, Sis Dumont handed me her scriptures and had me read  PHILIPPIANS 4:13.  Then she gave me a sticky note that said "Sister Case can do all things through Christ which Strengthen her."

I don't know why, but that helped in SO many ways.   So basically instant besties.  Like Really. Oh and when the two of us were together we got lost ( of course) and she goes " I have this song I want you to hear.   IT WAS, I FEEL MY SAVIOR'S LOVE/ I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES  mash up.  The one Xan and I sang, and I start FREAKING OUT!  We sing it together and it straight up sounds fabulous.  It's on my camera, but it's too long to send. RAGE! So then I basically fell in love.

 

When Sister Gomez called to get our numbers for the week and Sister (Courtney) Dumont ( so now I have to have a companion named Amanda. her last companion was sister Ashley vogel) asked how I was feeling about transfers I jokingly said " If I have anyone but you I'll bawl and be terrified if Sister Vogel and I get changed.

 

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?!   S. Dumont is from Riverton, UT. 21 but acts like a 5 yr old.  and I'm obsessed.  She went to SUU and when she gets home she wants too apply to nursing school.  Mom do you love her, or do you love her?!  OMH I JUST LOVE HER!  She is a spiritual giant, AND  she's a sorority girl!!!  Delta PSI OMEGA.( I'm in love I'm in love and I don't care who know it!)

 

Columbus Nebraska is oh so grand.  I'll have to take a pic of our building.  We're a branch and so it is the tiniest thing I have ever seen in my ENTIRE LIFE!  Like 90 active members?  Relief Society is in a tiny classroom.  Sacrament room is also the party room and everything else.  It's insane.  We're the only Sisters and then there's an English  and Spanish  set of elders. I love 'em to pieces. 

 

I got to Columbus Wednesday and we had a singing performance Thursday. WHAT?!  Our Elders like to Sing?  Elder Tatafu ( from Tonga) plays the Ukulele and S. Dumont plays the piano and it's just a great jam sesh.   So ya -- we sang at 2 nursing homes.  The 6 of us did a Preach My Gospel Restoration performance. So we read the bullet points to each category and sing a song that goes with that.  I love oldies.  I love my Mission.  I LOVE SINGING. I LOVE LOVE LOVE TO SING  and the whole time I sang solos and duets and I wasn't nervous. EVER. I'll probably go off the mission and be nervous.  ( Setting apart powers.. Grrr) but it really made me think of my talents and how I need to share them with others.  Like why hide them?  Heavenly Father gave them to us to make us all special and unique.  Now I'm doing some soul searching to find other talents that I have.  Isn't Heavenly Father just the best?!

 

Funny moments:  I've been called a Singing Nun and a Gangster for God.  Like I won't complain with those nicknames.  and OMH the Elders call me SISTER TANGLED because they say I sound and remind them of Rapunzel.  BEST COMPLIMENT EVA!!!

 

We live with members now.  It's lovely!  Now I don't have to sleep with my letter opener under my pillow. ( Yes, I really did back in Sioux City)  The Peschke's-- They're retired loveies, We live on a lake.  They love Nauvoo and to travel.  Bro. Peschke use to be a photographer so there are pictures and cameras everywhere.  They're Grand!

 

Random-- but during our weekly planning meeting,we now look up Birthdays in the Branch for the upcoming week and call  them on their special day.  I just love it because birthdays are the Bomb, and who doesn't want a Happy Birthday call from the Sister Missionaries?  Less actives let us come over afterwards so YEEHAW!

 

We have 2 investigators that we set for Baptism on Nov. 23rd.  (if it's Nov. it's my b-day, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!)  Bubba (11) and his Grandma Val.  We taught them the Plan of Salvation and it was so good.  I LOVE teaching little kids.  Those two are so prepared.  I LOVE THIS GOSPEL AND THE HAPPINESS IT BRINGS OTHERS!!

 

When President Weston spoke to us about transfers on Wednesday, he said " See how long you can be positive for."  That really stuck with me.  How long can I be positive for?  Now it's like a little game I play with myself-- probably for the rest of my life-- or how long I can last and when I say or think something negative I start over.  There really is something good in every situation. I have sticky notes everywhere of the question and BE POSITIVE,  for helpful reminders.  I challenge each of you to do the same.  It's truly incredible!

 

I love 1 Nephi 19:9 of the Book of Mormon.  "And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it.  Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, BECAUSE OF HIS LOVING KINDNESS AND HIS LONG-SUFFERING TOWARD THE CHILDREN OF MEN.

 

Jesus Christ is AMAZING!  He died for each of us and I'm sure he was still crazy positive with everything happening to Him.  If Christ can, with all the pain he went through, then we can too,  with our silly little problems and annoyances.

 

We went to the Trail Center with a less active named Victoria on Friday.  It was amazing.  She's thinking about going on a mission now.  We took a picture in front of the model of the Salt Lake Temple and she wants us to take a picture in front of the real deal someday! Man that place is great! My testimony grew so much!

 

In our lesson with our new investigator Tayna ( who is so prepared it's insane) I didn't bear my testimony.  Like Sister Case!! HELLLOOOO!  You're on a Mission!  S. Dumont did great and I didn't feel like I had anything to offer but she told me to NEVER SKIP OR MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY! And that is a promise  I plan to keep Forever! 

 

So I just want to bear my testimony to say that I know the Book of Mormon is true.  Each time you read it, pray and ask if it's true.  You don't need to wait until the end.  Each time you read it, Heavenly Father can reaffirm it's truthfulness to you.  Thousands of people across the world dropped their lives and became pioneers all because they gained their own testimony that the words written in the blue book were true.  The Book of Mormon is the Keystone of our religion.  Once you know the Book of Mormon is true, you'll gain a testimony and understanding of so many other things.  The Book of Mormon goes hand in hand with the Bible and with BOTH we have the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 

I may not have had to push a handcart, but my ancestors did, and that makes me want to work even harder as a missionary.  I want them to be proud of me.  I want them to know that their efforts did not go to waste for their future generations. 

 

"It may not be on a mountain height, or over the stormy sea. It may not be on the battle's front my Lord will have need of me.  But if, by a still small voice He calls to paths I do not know, I'll answer dear Lord with my hand in thine:  I'LL GO WHERE YOU WANT ME TO GO."

 

 

 

I would invite everyone who reads this to take the time to read from the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart and ask Heavenly Father if it's true or not.  I didn't come on a mission for 18 months for fun or to meet new or crazy people-- but because I KNOW that the Book of Mormon is true and that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to this earth once again.  We are all children of God.  I know that we can pray to our loving Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere, Always.  I know that Families can be together Forever. 

 

If Heavenly Father wants me in Columbus Nebraska right now, then I'll go where He wants me to go.

I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

Love,

 

Sister Case   

MY 1ST BAPTISM WENT LIKE THIS

October 14, 2013

 

HOWDY. How was y'alls week? How was the Nike meet? Did y'all see Spencer? Tell me stories. Thanks so much for the packages mom! Seeing as how it was 20 degrees last night I busted out that winter stuff. and OMH thanks for the pumpkin bars. We had 2 sisters spend the night on Wednesday for a meeting and she goes, "Did you bring your mom on your mission?" Basically your packages are better than anyone elses and I love you. Transfers are tomorrow! *freaking out* S/O to Bevan Blake. We'll know tomorrow how it goes. I LOVE SISTER VOGEL AND I NEVER WANT TO LEAVE HER.

 

Sioux City layed low this week pretty much. We found 2 new investigators, though! One is 13--Desiree and she's a granddaughter of a less active (promise getting fulfilled again? sure hope so! President Weston is the BEST) and the other is Laria and she is a STRIPPER. She's this African-American girl and the first time we stopped by she goes "I'm hungover...come back another time so I can talk." So we came by again and  she let us in...what? She's open to everything and goes OH GURLLLLL. SHOOOT. OH GURLLL. She's gr8. 

 

I went on the Reservation with the Deans to meet some less actives and had Indian tacos. Wednesday was Zone Training so of course SV and I matched. "On Wednesdays mean girls wear pink and missionaries match."

 

 

Thursday was the Trainer/Trainee meeting down in Omaha and I got to see Sister Weston my bff and SISTER WHIPPLE. We were besties at the MTC and I was totally myself and it felt so gooood. (Long story short, I haven't been my full self because I'm not as loud or spazzy--which might be a good thing--but apparently when Sister Whipple and I were together SV noticed a big change. Like I feel like I've been the quiet Amanda Bynes from What a Girl Wants b/c when I 1st got here SV always  told me to be quiet or I can't do this or that and after seeing me with Sister Whipple she saw that I  wasn't being ME. I've been trying to be this perfect missionary and always happy so that means quiet and reverent and not ME. But it's all good now and we really bonded from it. I'm working on being CARLY and SISTER CASE and putting them together.)

 

 

 

 

  The meeting was incredible! All of us newbies had to role play teaching investigators with President Weston in front of everyone and I thought I was going to die. He's SO intimidating and even Sister Weston was like "Honey, stop. This is too much."  Apparently he's never done role playing with others before and it was HARD. He came up to me because I  was near the end and goes "tell me something I  haven't heard in this room yet."  ummmmm PLAN OF SALVATION. I have no idea how I got the ball rolling but I passed and it went swell and I'm sure I had some serious tacos.

 

I'm getting bold and teaching by the Spirit. We were in a lesson with a less active and her husband who isn't a member (who looks exactly like Tyler Hinckley; it's freaky) and at one point I asked him if the temple was anything that he would consider. SV said it was perfect but she like stopped breathing because I was so direct and out there but it felt SO right asking. Actually after that Holly (the less active) told us some of her trials and broke down crying and it was a tender experience just from my question. WOW I LOVE THIS GOSPEL AND THE HOLY GHOST AND AHHHH I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING.

 

We started deep cleaning our apartment...and I was trying so hard to have charity and love and patience BUT THOSE NASTY ELDERS. Like when we first got to our apartment it was bad...but doable...but this deep cleaning was gross because the last few Elders didn't do anything. Nasty hairs in drawers and the shower...ew. okay well the hair in the drain was ours. fine. but everything else. NO. I just kept thinking of the wonderful service they MUST have been doing while I  scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed the shower. Like helping birth 50 cows or something...obvi.

 

 

 

OUR BAPTISM WAS AMAZING. It was for a 9 almost 10yr old named Willy! Looking back, I have no idea how it started because when we were working with this less active family they didn't even commit to reading the Book of Mormon, but now the whole family is back and omh it's incredible what this gospel can do. It's like the first convert baptism the ward has had in over 2 years! It was a tender experience and I loved every second of it.

 

 

 

 

Share the gospel! #NIKE (Do it!). And don't be afraid that you won't know what to say or that people will reject you. When we doubt ourselves, we're doubting God. Be confident! Trust in yourself the same way that Heavenly Father trusts you and believes in you to bring His children back home. Talk to everyone and don't make your own judgments on whether or not people are prepared. Who are we to decide whether or not people are ready to receive the gospel? I know that I don't want to be at the judgment and when Heavenly Father asks me why I didn't help a certain person it was because I didn't think they were ready or I was afraid of rejection. Christ is the perfect example because many rejected Him, and He still kept trying and wanted to share the most beautiful gift we have to offer.

 

"It's impossible to fail when we try our best and are on the Lord's errand."

 

I LOVE Y'ALL!  XOXOXOX

 

Sister Case

We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet

October 7, 2013

 

The first part of Carly's letter talks about our church's semi-annual General Conference where the president of the church and other leaders speak to members worldwide via satellite broadcast.  If you want to learn more about what Carly is talking about you can find more information here: lds.org

Howdy howdy howdy. Hola. Hi. Howdy!

 

OMH I feel like I'm on some EFY high right now or something. Conference was SO good. (so good. so good.) I LOVE President Thomas S. Monson and I know he's a prophet of God. I'm so thankful for the inspired words that were spoken and the time, dedication, and earnest prayers that went into each talk. One year ago yesterday my life was flipped around, my plans were changed, and I knew that it was my time to serve. The age change announcement has been such a blessing in my life. Sister Vogel and I were so happy to find out that we were a part of the 80,333 missionaries that have answered the call to serve for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love being a missionary!

 

 

Each of us is a child of God and is so dear and special in the Lord's eyes. Talk to everyone! Let them know what you believe. Invite people to church activities and to Family Home Evening with the missionaries. Do your part to help build up the kingdom of God!  I loved the talks for the youth. Why I'm obsessed with the youth program, I don't know, but it's something I found out this week that I deeply love and care for. Hold to the rod CONTINUALLY. I'm learning so much and day by day I'm growing closer to my Savior. I'm helping others learn, but I'm also learning so much for myself on how to be a good missionary and future wife and mother. Christ is my big brother and I'm striving to have Him as my best friend. I want to do my best on my mission and in this life so that He can be proud of me as a little sister. I KNOW this church is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that Christ's church has been restored to the earth and that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of God. I know I say it constantly, but I'll keep saying it until I can't--I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. One of my favorite parts of the day is honestly just putting on my name tag and looking at myself in the mirror and smiling at the reminder that this is real. I keep feeling like I'm going to wake up from this amazing dream. I love being a missionary. We're striving to be examples and be like the perfect example--Christ. I love this gospel and the happiness it brings to everyone that will take the time to listen and learn.

 

 We had interviews with President Weston this week and he really wants us to work with less actives and help them make friends in the ward. He has promised us that with every less active we bring back, we will get a baptism!  And we already are seeing that promise being fulfilled. We have a baptism for a 9 yr old--Willy--because his family is active again and the dad talked to the Bishop and cleared things up so now his dad gets to baptize him! So exciting! We're still working with  the Gbogbo family. Brother G doesn't feel ready to go to the temple still but baby steps will lead him to walking through the temple doors. We watched a session of conference with Michelle, a less active sister and now she wants to come back and wants a calling in  the primary and it's all grand. The Mcardle fambam hasn't been to church in awhile and so we're working with them. The dad is baptized but wants nothing to do with the church and the mom wants to come back and have the family sealed in the Temple.  Even her sister was at the lesson and wants to come back! One of my goals these next 3 months with president is to testify with sincerity. Sister Vogel says I need to dig deep to figure out what I truly love and care about, and bear testimony b/c sometimes I feel like I'm just talking and they're not getting anything from what I'm saying.

Emily is 15 and I'll be honest--was being a complete brat during the lesson. She was saying things under her breath about the church and how it's dumb and she doesn't care about it or Young Women's  and that. was. it.  I don't think she knew I could hear her either. I looked up at her and asked her straight up, "Why are you so negative towards growing closer to Heavenly Father? Why don't you care about the church?" She just crossed her arms, shrugged her shoulders, and gave me a death glare. I started bearing testimony about YW's and how I truly want her to care and love it as much as I do. The lessons taught and the values for that program are incredible and they helped mold me into who I  am today. She's a daughter of God and is so special.  She has so much potential. I am so thankful for YWs and the leaders I  had growing up. I miss standing and saying the theme with my girlies every week! Ashley and Amanda soak it all in b/c the lessons learned in there will be so helpful later on. I still remember different lessons that flash in my my mind when I'm doing things to remind and help me. I LOVE THE YOUNG WOMEN PROGRAM. Anywho...she's like one of the only Mormons at her school and I totally know how that is. I was honest with her about things and at first she didn't like it but it's what she needed to hear and she started opening up to me. We're buds now and I can't wait to see her and her family at church one of these Sundays!

 

Thanks so much for the package mom! Sister Vogel  and I bake cookies or something during weekly planning to give to people but this time we made bars..and mashed potatoes! (S/O to Courtney Nicole Howle. I think of you every week when we make Happy Friday treats! xoxo) We're learning how to cook...now I might actually get married. The decorations are bomb and makes it feel like home. S/O to Sister Gibbons for the best and cutest banner Sioux City has ever seen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We met with Sister Crandell (my new grandma) and learned how to make homemade applesauce! At one point she said "like I say" and I almost died. It made me so happy! She calls me 'little one' and gives us so much food all the time. "Anything for my girls!" She just tickles my heart.

THE TORNADOES WERE CRAYCRAY. Sister Vogel was freaking out and I was like oh whatever...until our Ward Mission Leader called us to tell us that we needed to get inside immediately, 3 were in the area, and one already touched down....so then I actually started caring. 18 hit the ground! Crazy status! We were with an investigator when the first sirens were going off and Sister Vogel  was on the verge of tears. Our Investigator picked up the Book of Mormon and said "Sister! Look what we have in our hands! Have faith!"  best. moment. ever. Of course we went to the Gbogbo's for cover since we live in the upstairs of our duplex.. and we just love that fambam. "No tornado hit my house because of my missionaries."  LOVE SISTER GBOGBO.

 

 

 

It was an amazing week and I love it here. Keep being examples to everyone around you and smile smile SMILE.

 

Love Always,

 

Sister Case

 

 

Hola

September 30, 2013

 

HOLA FAMILIA! ...or something like that...HOW ARE Y'ALL? How was the primary program? Courtney you played the piano? Say whhatttttt? Our ward's was yesterday too and it was precious.

 

Okay mom so are you so excited when you get random texts and such? We have a few mothers in the ward who have daughters on missions too and so they like to take pictures and have us over to feel like they are home with their daughters again. I love our ward! They're really starting to trust us and actually the stake president had Sister V and I over for dinner and brought one of their family friends over for dinner and wanted us to teach them the plan of salvation! It went really well and ahhh I truly love it here.

 

I have now learned how to roll up cigarettes and make your own...right before teaching about eternal families. And watched a cuddle session by our investigators in their bed because they were cold... WHILE teaching the restoration.

 

Both were with our investigator named Rose, who has some SERIOUS chastity problems...yikes...but Rose, her sister, and her cousin came to the Relief Society broadcast on Saturday! That was swell but I'll keep you updated on them...BUT WASN'T IT SO GOOD (so good. so good.) ON SATURDAY! ugh. LOVED it. One thing that really helped was going in with inspired questions! Promise that you'll take the time to think and pray about what you feel you really need answered before General Conference,  and go in with questions and I PROMISE you'll receive answers.

 

Sister V and I went to a Baptist Church last Sunday for a church swap and it was craycray (crazy).  PPPPRRRAAAIISSSEE THE LOORRRDDD. Jumping and clapping and dancing and HALLLLEELLUUHHHAAAA. It was a grand ol' time.

 

Congrats to Alec Rasmussen on his call and to Adrien Lewis for going through the temple. I'm so excited for y'all!

 

Okay so I now have a new grandma named Sister Crandell. She is this old lady who's teaching us how to make applesauce and she LOVES us. She acts like a teenager around us and loves to be silly and she is as cute as a button. Truly kills me. She took us out to lunch and whenever she sees us she's like "Oh my girls! I love my girls!" True gem right there.

 

 

WE HAVE BIKES. I AM LOVING LIFE. Okay so the whole skirt thing is a problem at times and of course my skirt likes to blow up only when cars are coming by, but it's fantastic!

 

 

We're working with less active members a lot because that's most of the ward and people are starting to come back and it's amazing! We're working with this one family, the Gbogbo's who are from Africa (I've made so many African friends it's amazing.  Like straight from Africa.   It's great.) We're trying to help them get sealed in the temple and we're so close but Brother Gbogbo doesn't feel ready yet. Yesterday we got down to business and had some serious heart to hearts and it's getting better. He totally opened up and we sang Families Can be Together Forever and I'm a Child of God and I Need Thee Every Hour as a family and it's amazing how music can bring the spirit in.

 

 

I love this gospel and goodness me it's true. I know it. I love it. Share it with others! It's so special and everyone deserves a chance to hear it.

 

Have a great week and enjoy the sun for me...because I'm DYING. It's fine. I'm smiling through the shivers! I LOVE THE COLD. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

 

Love Always,

 

Sister Case

Grandpa's Favorite

September 23, 2013

 

Howdy Family. Goodness I feel like I was just here yesterday writing y'all! Okay for one--where did the time go?! I left for the mish life a month ago? Stop it. That can't be true.

 

 

 

Nothing too exciting happened this week, it was pretty low key. By the way, everyone and their dog smokes here--like I bet they even let their dogs take a puff. Anyone and everyone smokes. It's nasty.

 

 

LOL to the very first time Sister Vogel and I met.  We were driving around and she told me to never be on Court St. because it's super dangerous and bad. What were we doing at 9 pm on Thursday night? Walking some random old lady home who had no shoes and just left the hospital...and we were on Court St. Is it bad that I never feel scared as a missionary and I feel I can do anything? Probably...but I wasn't scared at all. And it's straight up sketch around here at night. But every night we're out just walking around and I'm fine.

 

So my area covers a reservation and we have people with names like Sister Bear Comes Out (best last name ever. like can I marry into that family? I'd name my daughter Silly or Summer...) and we have a bunch of native Americans. Aka I knew I was Gramp's favorite.

 

I had an amazing missionary experience with Sister Black! She's a less active old lady who's in a certain tribe and she's a gem. She was talking to us about something and I just had this thought come into my head but I didn't really know how to start in on it or say what I was thinking and then the words "trust me" and D&C came in to my head and next thing I know, I just went with it. I'd say something and in my mind I had no idea where I was going with it, but it made sense to her. I'd finish a statement and just blurt out something that totally applied to her that I never thought of. I felt like I needed to read Mosiah 7:33 and the part of delivering out of bondage never was something I thought of but that just hit her SO hard and she broke down crying and talking to us about her life more and how she feels trapped and wants to break free and come back to church and it was such an incredible experience. When we left, Sister Vogel (LOVE HER) was like 'way to go! You did amazing!' and I was just like that was 100% the Spirit. AHHH I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY.

 

 

 

I love it here in Sioux City. I truly do. Sister Vogel and I are like the exact same so that's always fun. She goes to Dixie and wants to major in Dental Hygiene too! There are SO many dentist people in our ward and after talking to someone I'm like obsessed with teeth even more and totally want to go the whole Dentist route and do dental school and go to Iowa for it and ahhh I love teeth. And being a missionary. And the Book of Mormon. and y'all.

 

 

Have a greaaattttttt weeeeeekkkkk and smile at everyone.

 

Love Always,

 

Sister Case

Here's to Perfect Timings,.. Knitting and local stabbing of my dear friend

September 16, 2013

HOWDY TO THE WORLD AND BACK FROM IOWA. Okay so letters are my thing. I have nooo time to email but I can write like all day plus I remember more, so homies out there write letters not emails please and I'll share my love with you.

 

 

So when I get asked to pass out rolls at dinner I die inside because it feels like home. Hashtag lovin life. Oh and this Grandma--Sister Crandell--no really I call her Grandma--is adorable and is teaching us how to make her heaven sent applesauce and is taking us out to lunch on Tuesday and straight up loves girl time. I'm obsessed with her.

 

 Our investigator Cindy came to church and THE LORD IS REAL AND TRUE AND LOVES US because her only problem with the church was that she felt like women were not as important as men and our RS teacher felt like she needed to talk about that and holy Hannah moses Cindy was crying and felt the spirit and i should have died with excitement or something. We're helping her do homework and she's teaching us how to knit,  and lowkey I'm rocking at it all of a sudden and have dreams of doing the right technique. So as of right now when I get home I'll be able to knit, make heavenly applesauce and chocolate chip cookies, and make some dang good African food from Sister Gbogbo.
 

Okay so Friday the 13th is real and I'm writing you the real deal because it was that intense but short story--God has a plan for everything and perfect timings are 100% amazing and we just happened to see a lady named Renee from the soup kitchen at the gas station. She gives us her address and tells us to stop by! Later we go to see Sister Gbogbo and she gives us sooo much food and we take it back  home. We feel like we need to go see Renee so we head over there and start talking to her AND FIND OUT SHE JUST GOT BACK FROM THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE HER EX HUSBAND CAME AND STABBED HER IN BROAD DAYLIGHT ON THE STREET IN THE BACK AND SLIT HER THROAT AND SHE IS ALL STITCHED UP AND HE WAS BAILED OUT THE NEXT DAY SO HE'S OUT AND ABOUT AND LOWKEY WHAT IF HE IS LOOKING FOR HER AGAIN WHEN WE'RE TEACHING HER. eh. oh well. and omh blood everywhere on the ground and she's starving so we sprint to go give her the food we just got and now we're friends with all the drunks and druggies since that's our area and she feels like we're supposed to be in her life for a reason. And then we lost our key and was obviously  locked out and...I know the suspense is killing you. You'll have to wait for my letter. MUHAHAHA.

 

I always have a Book of Mormon with me.  Sister Vogel and I try to talk to EVERYONE and I swear my bag goes Mary Poppins on me sometimes. On Friday I pulled out a Spanish and an English one. I THOUGHT I ONLY HAD ONE. Crazy life.

 

Next week I'll have to tell you about my Micronesians and how the mission life is truly amazing. Perfect timing strikes again.

 

I LOVE WORKING AT THE SOUP KITCHEN. Yes one of the guys is creepy and winks at me all the time but we're besties and I save him a brownie every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. He asked me for my number once so I gave him one of our mormon.org cards with our number...lowkey laughed so hard in my head. Like I LOVE THOSE PEOPLE. I love looking out at everyone and people watching. Even though most of them don't have teeth, a few goiters, and don't ever shower...they're all children of God and I love feeling the love that Heavenly Father has for each of us. Plus they keep me safe when we're on the streets because we're their homies

.

 

GOODNESS MARIE I WISH I COULD TELL YOU MORE BUT I MUST GO. SO LONG. FAREWELL. SOMETHING SOMETHING IN GERMAN.... i think.....

 

Love Always,

 

Sister Case

 

HOOWWDDDYYY!

September 9, 2013

HOOWWDDDYYY.

 

 

 

So Trevor Johnson, gets a shout out because I'm in IOWA--live from Sioux City. So aka I'm at the highest part of my mission I'm pretty sure so,  God is funny because that means it will be the coldest. I'm not crying on the inside or anything. Hakuana Matata, I've already made a goal to never complain about the cold here so hopefully it will all work out. Sister Vogal MY NEW COMPANION loves the cold and just can't wait for winter...like ew what? So when we're studying I'll just quietly go put on a sweatshirt, or sweat pants, or grab my blanket...or all 3. I'm lowkey sad that I won't be in Nebraska for the crazy football season but don't you worry Courtney Anne, I WILL FIND YOU A CORN HAT. There are corn fields everywhere and it's just so cute and looks like the American dream every time you look out the window. We're in the corner so in one day we were in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa. We can't go running in the morning because it's kinda um...dangerous? (Don't freak mom.) Oh and we live like 2 ft away from a mental health clinic...but our apartment is cute.

 

Meeting Sister Vogel.

 

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT SENT ME A LETTER OR PACKAGE OR ANYTHING WHILE AT THE MTC. I don't know what to say other than thank you SO MUCH! I felt sooo loved and y'all honestly made my day. Oh and Mom, the "greenie" package was hilarious. I opened it and almost died from laughing so hard. So adorable. I loved the MTC and learned and grew so much. Granted I was only there 2 weeks...but I sure did love it. I was the Sister Traning Leader Assistant and I loved having a leadership position and having the chance to really get to know my sisters from the other districts and I learned so much. Incredible experience! The only time I was ever truly home sick was when new missionaries came in a week later. I just wanted a hug from mother dearest right then. I drank the OJ and am alive to tell the tale. I mean YOMTCO.  Last Sunday Sister Harris was dying to play the piano so we found her one and she jammed for a bit and I started singing along and it was a wonderful experience. I realized I miss music SO much in my life and a year without it was killer. When I get home I want to start piano lessons or voice or join SOMETHING.

Treats in the MTC

 

 

S/O to Courtney McOmber for her mission call. So happy she will be serving in the great state of Texas! Yehhawwwww

 

Okay so SISTER VOGAL IS THE CUTEST THING ON THIS ENTIRE PLANET AND WE ARE ALREADY BEST FRIENDS AND AHHHH I JUST LOVE HER SO MUCH. Mom--lol that SHE is the girl we insta creeped on. Can you believe it? Funny joke--she was called English speaking, but during her 2nd transfer President Weston asked her to be in the Spanish Branch so she refreshed her skills from high school. When I got here people asked me if I was going to be speaking spanish with her and I freaked out. Like can you even imagaine? ME SPEAKING SPANISH? I'm sure daddy is crying from laughing so hard at that image. No habla espanol? Ya I should just stop while I'm ahead. But she loves teeth and goes to Dixie for dental hygenie, she's been out since may, 19, cute as button, loves fruity pebbles--actually she just loves food in general--and I am learning so much from her.  Prayers were seriously answered.

 

We're brand new to the area so we know no one and the elders before us didn't keep very good...or at all..progress records so we are seriously starting from scratch and I LOVE it. Just starting from the bottom means we can only go up and I don't feel awkward about not knowing people because Sister Vogal doesn't either. We met with our Ward Mission Leader and he was like "um I moved in here in July so I don't really know anyone..." so that was fun. Oh and he tried to card the Clerk's door so we could get the new ward list. Great day really.

 

Sunday was great! Us new missionaries bore our testimony and it was so fun and I just love it here. Like I can't stop saying how much I love being on a mission. I love looking down and seeing that I'm wearing my name tag. It's like my "pinch me I'm dreaming" status. I might  need a personal trainer when I get home.   All is know is that we had 2 dinners last night and we can't run,   and the lady below us thought we were a train from moving around when we tried to work out and I don't want to gain weight. 

 

  Sister Weston ( my mission president's wife) is adorable! ahhhh love her.

President and Sister Weston (middle) with the group that flew to Omaha Sept 4, 2013

 

 

My first real lesson---this guy and his family are outside and we're like okay cute, lets go talk to them. Nope, he goes crazy on us, all of a sudden his wife comes out with Bibles, they start reading things from Peter that make no sense, something about fig leaves when getting buried, she pops out a boob and starts feeding her 4 YEAR OLD SON, and next thing I know we're holding hands and THEY ARE PRAYING OVER US to help us young women to find our way and we are so young and don't know what we're doing and we need guidance and starts rambling about something from the Bible like full on lesson DURING THE PRAYER, and I think my lip is starting to bleed from biting it so hard that i don't laugh or smile....best day of my life. I can't wait to see what other adventures I get to have here!

 

 

My address will forever and always be:

 

Sister Carly Lynn Case

Nebraska Omaha Mission

11027 Martha St.

Omaha, NE 68144-3107

 

because they like to send things to the office and then the office will send it to us.

 

I love y'all so much! Have a great week and never forget to smile!

 

Love Always,

 

Sister Case

 

p.s. GOOOOOO BYU. TAKE THAT UT. (okay I'm done now.)

Oh My Heart!

August 29, 2013

OH. MY. HEART. Is this real life? I've been dreaming about this moment like my whole life and now I'm actually writing my first email. Yes, I'm a noob. Any who  I FINALLY have my notes and have so many stories that I probs will have to tell you of next week. Life here is oh so grand, but really hard. I'm striving to have the spirit with me and make my prayers more sincere. There have honestly been some times where I'm like WHAT IN THE HECK AM I DOING HERE and was the mish right for me? Last night though, I bore my testimony in class on increased faith about my mission papers.  Meeting with the stake president, and how I knew that certain trials I had gone through had led me to that moment when I could confidently say that I was worthy and prepared to serve a mission right then during that meeting. I have been struggling a bit this week but I felt the spirit so strongly and it definitely increased my testimony on many different things. 

1st walkin' in here last Wednesday was so much fun. I was basically jumping off the walls with all the happiness I was feeling. Sister Garth was my host and honestly, any fears that I had totally went away because she reminded me of Lexy sooooo much. It felt like I was just walkin' around the MTC with my best friend and she was just showing me the ropes of life like perfect Alexis Jane Anderson always does.

I LOVE MY COMPANION!   Sister Harris was in the NOM (Nebraska Omaha Mission) facebook group and seeing that she was my companion when I first checked in was an answer to my prayers. We were made for each other. Our teacher told our class that our companions are not chosen by chance. They were prayerfully thought over and I totally believe that. She reminds me a lot of Nikki and actually says some of the same things . Literally, the first conversation we ever had:

"Howdy! Do you want me to sleep across from you or above you on the bunks?"

"Well do you want to be best friends? THEN TOP SISTER!"

 She's always saying, "tell me stories..." like kindred spirits status. We are always laughing and have a great time. We both agree that we love the two other sisters in our zone but if we had to be with them it would be a little bit harder .However,  those two are perfect for each other as well. Our zone has 6 of us going to Omaha (the 4 sisters and 2 Elders) and the other 7 elders are going to San Diego. We're all BEST FRIENDS and 8 million hours in the classroom with them each day really isn't that bad.

 

One thing I'm working really hard on is exact obedience.  President Wenn (our Branch President) has some rules I'm not use to,  and it's a little  hard for me to adapt to them.  But,  exact obedience is what I'm aiming for. I always think of daddy and his great example of not calling his family while on his mission for Christmas.   Even though he could have, he chose  to follow the rules. If daddy can do that, I can work on these things.  Thanks for the great example dad!

I love my teachers--Brother Roberts and Brother Gonzalez. They are incredible and make class that much more wonderful. Sister Harris and I have  investigators that  are interesting and we're trying our hardest to figure out their needs and how to serve them and teach them what they truly need to hear through the spirit

I'm not sure on the calling status but I leave the MTC at 4:30. My flight from Salt Lake leaves at 8:35 and lands in Minneapolis a 12:11. Then that flight leaves at 1:20 and we land in Omaha at 2:29....so ummmmm ya. Dear Elder me which phone to call!

Oh and I need to tell you that my friends really shouldn't come to the temple during my walk on Sunday. I'm on my mission and need to focus...as much as I would LOVE to see my besties though.

Ahhh I wish I had more time! I love being a missionary! I love my name tag and how I am a representative of Christ. I love that when I got set apart I could look around and see people as children of God. I love this gospel!

Have a great day and never forget to smile.

Love Always,

Sister Case