Last Day as a Teenager

November 18, 2013

 

Howdy! I'm 20 tomorrow? Can you say mid-life mid-life crisis? Best mom in the entire world! Oh and I might have burst into tears when I saw the Dimples cupcakes....and THANK YOU SO MUCH SISTER WOODFIELD FOR THE CUPCAKE TOPPERS! Goodness Marie thank you so much to everyone!

 

Confession session: I love S. Dumont oh so much. Like we bought bff necklaces...but they're sister ones...that say "sisters forever." Funny thing, I cry like once a day now. Mother and Aubree, y'all did this to me. Mostly it's because S Dumont and I break down crying telling each other how much we love each other. Elder Tatafu gave us this amazing mix cd and told us that "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2 is our song. Stop and go listen to it now! Think of it in a sister missionary kind of way. We listen to it each night on the way home. Another confession: We love the church movie Together Forever. I cry every time I watch it...which is at least once a day basically. Funny story--we were going to teach someone about the Plan of Salvation and saw the movie in our shelf and thought we should watch it to see if it would work with our lesson...which lead to an hour of watching and bawling our eyes out. We really bonded though and talked about our families and experiences...oh and how much we love each other. She's truly my best friend.

 

Sureee I'll confess some more. Zone Training ride home--both bawled our eyes out. I had a role play with S. Shrader about why I came out on a mission and why I'm still here and she helped me realize that Satan has been getting into my head. Like I always think I'm a terrible teacher and I can't get through to anyone and Satan has been beating me up pretty darn bad. We did another role play and I broke down again. I've been feeling soooo inadequate. I later committed to S Shrader that I would look myself in the mirror and tell myself what I'm good at and then pray to Heavenly Father to feel the love that He has for me. I was really scared to do that because I didn't want to be disappointed if He didn't answer me. He still hasn't yet but I have the faith that He will in His own time. He hold the perfect timing for everything. I did receive in my prayer that as I love others more, I'll feel His love for me. I'm constantly praying during lessons to see other's potential and to love them. I'm working on it. S Dumont said I need to figure out how Heavenly Father speaks to ME. I got a blessing last night too. I know everything will be okay.

 

Oh so I'm living the state side mish lyfe and do nails with investigators. That was fun. Way better than walking through some jungles. Oh and (Hanson Blake, I'm all capsing for you) PRESIDENT WESTON GAVE S DUMONT AND I A S/O IN THE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE CALL AND TOLD EVERYONE WE'RE DOING AMAZING. So I guess we're doing something right..

 

 

One of our investigators prayed like this, "Hey you, it's me, Melissa. Thanks for letting the sister missionaries come chill with me..." I was smiling the whole time.

 

We went to the Trail Center with GJet and her 2 kids. Between Together Forever and the family movie at the Trail Center, I've been thinking about y'all and how much I love my family! I love this gospel and the knowledge that we have that we can truly be together forever after this life. I'm so grateful that y'all, mother dearest and daddy, we're married in the temple and sealed. The mission has helped me see that family really is everything and I wouldn't give that up for the world.

 

I LOVE Y'ALL SO MUCH AND I MISS Y'ALL AND WISH I COULD CELEBRATE THE BIG 2-0 WITH YOU TOMORROW. EAT SOME DOBA FOR ME! XOXOXO

 

Sister Case

Still Kickin'

November 11, 2013

 

Howdy fambam! OH MY HEART HOW WAS THE STATE MEET?! I was praying for you Mandomo! Today I am wearing purple BECAUSE IT IS S. DUMONT'S 1/2 BIRTHDAY SO NATURALLY I HAVE TO WEAR HER FAV COLOR. Oh and it's 30 degrees and currently feels like 15 so the fact that I'm alive right now is a big hollerz to me.

Yes I walk around like this, people judge, it's fine.  At least I have a sheep on my head.

 Elder Petty is home now?! Snaps to him! Mom, the lady who texted you is Kari Spicer and she is my bestie. She's 27, married to her lover, seved her mission in Boston, violin beast...basically perfect. and omh she found out my birthday is next week (eeeeekkkk!) and is having us over to celebrate! How tender is she? Lolz we went over yesterday for S. Dumont's almost 1/2 bday and 4 month mission bday and it was a ball. She's a sorority girl who loves owls and birthdays so naturally we're besties for the (s/o to bevan blake) resties.

 

Randoms of the week:

1. The new way to say you're tired is: "I'm feelin' jiggity!" Or at least that's what a 3 yr old told me

2. Once upon a time there was this thing called transfers and I was called to serve in Comubus with my oh so special companion S. Dumont. On transfer day, we switched cars with some elders and went on our merry way to cute Columbus. Well I had to write the license plate # down for something and GUESS. WHAT. IT. WAS. My car's license is THP. Like how in the world does that happen?! And we got this car when I got here! Out of alllll the letters those 3 just happened to be put together. AND THEY'RE IN GREEN. Initials and favorite color all in one...rage. Heavenly Father thinks he is soooooo funny....

 

3.Apparently everyone in Sioux City always asks, "Where's Sister Y'all?" Too tender or what?

3. I got a letter from one of the young women in Sioux City and it melted my heart! And Sister Gbogbo gave some of her special banana bread  to Sister Vogel  to give to me.  I LOVE MY SIOUX CITY PEEPS.

4. Some random person asked if S Dumont and I were best friends? um DUH. Glad people notice our love fest for each other.

4.The members we live with just got some serious bronchitis...so..um....help.

 

Okay don't freak out. (That's never a good way to start anything....) This past Friday was interesting...? Like I now feel like an official missionary because I had near death experience! Mom, calm down. We were going to an apt with our investigators--lets call them Jennifer and James--and we were supposed to have dinner and teach them the Plan of Salvation with our cute pirate stuff and we called and reminded them Thursday night. We get there and James answers the door..."Is Jennifer here?" "Ya she's upstairs." *hesitant for a moment* "Well come on in and sit down!" (James got super offended last time when we said we couldn't go in because Jen wasn't home and we felt like we shouldn't upset him..) We started talking to James and he's just not being  himself and we thought Jen was going to come down any second. They love us! They call us their kids. He goes "you never talk about your Ma or Pa." So we started pulling out books and telling stories...and then he tells us he's drunk. Alone with a drunk man...greattttt. Then we hear this knock at the door but no one is there. "Come on in Mary!" Oh ps--Mary is Jens dead sister....and later we heard a knock at the door again and James goes "By Mary!" So um drunk people talk to ghosts? Either way you can cue the twilight zone music. We needed to leave but the spirit was telling us to remain calm and not make any sudden movements. He shows us a slide picture of his little sister so we go up to the lamp and look at it. He starts telling us how his sister's husband was murdered a few weeks ago and he's super upset about it. On the way back to the couch I notice this HUGE pocket knife near my foot. like HUGE. James didn't do anything but he told us some stuff and then AGGRESSIVELY PICKS UP THE GUN ON THE COFFEE TABLE AND COCKS IT....SO NOW WE ARE WITH A DRUNK MAN WITH A KNIFE AND A LOADED GUN...and he throws it back on the table. Okay now I'm sweating and my heart is about to pound out of my chest! He keeps talking to us and takes S. Dumont's hand and is just rubbing it and they're just looking at each other and she's telling him that he's a child of God and stuff and I kid you not I had the thought come to me that I would take a bullet for S Dumont because well--that's how intense it was and it felt like he was going to pick up his gun at any moment. Somehow how I muster up the courage and say we have another appt we need to go to and then HE says the prayer and watches us walk to our car. He keeps saying "call your ma and pa and let them know you love them." We get in the car, drive off, and then pull to the side of the street and just bawl for a smidge. I have never said so many prayers than I did during that 40 minute scare fest. I couldn't stop shaking for a solid hour. BUT ALL IS WELL AND WE PROMISE TO NEVER GO THERE EVER AGAIN. Oh is Jen dead?...that thought came to both our of minds...but I was eyeing my pepper spray! EVERYONE SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE PEPPER SPRAY! Anywhooo I love y'all and love every day that I get to breathe and live. So yeehaw to that.

 

  On a funny note--we got hit on by a 70 yr old man. We're trying our hardest to talk to 10 people a day about the gospel and it's HARD. Yesterday we talked to 5 in an hour which we were super proud of. I always think back to when we had that stake mission prep conference,  when I got home and my advisor said "embrace the awkwardness!" So now I just try and think of that whenever I go up to someone. Anywho--we talk to Adolf this old man who's fishing and we ask if we can leave him a Mormon.org card with our number. He said the only way he would call us is if we wanted to have some fun after midnight...sadly our bedtime is at 10:30 so we had to decline...Sorry A!

 

I'm almost out of time but I'll tell you all about our investigators next week and they are true gems. Goodness I love em'!

 

But always been an example and share the gospel with everyone! When trying to talk to 10 people  this week--we met a man who gave us $5 to go buy some hot chocolate. He told us he had Mormon friends growing up that we're great people so he totally respects us missionaries and the work we're doing. He was interested but he respected us and sometimes that's all it takes. So be an example and maybe one day one of your friends might run into some missionaries and who knows! Keep planting seeds everywhere you go!

 

I loovvvveeeee being a missionary! I lovvveeee Nebraska. I lovvveee this gospel. and I lovvveeee y'all!

 

Eat a cupcake for me! xoxoxo

 

Love Always,

 

Sister Case

All is Well

November 4, 2013

 

Howdy ho family-o! How are y'all? I got the pictures and fatty letters so thank you so much! I love being updated on life. When does Elder Petty go home? Isn't it like any day now? I'm so happy you're taking care of them. AND OMH MOM I FREAKED WHEN YOU SAID YOU SAW TREVOR. TREVOR JOHNSON I LOVE YOU. AND I JAM TO COME COME YE SAINTS ON THE DAILY TO HEAR YOUR ANGELIC VOICE. Okay...I got it out of my system...Oh and it's NOVEMBER aka the best month of the year aka my birthday month and therefore I just love life.

 

Random facts (S/o to Bevan Blake) for the week:

-When there is a Husker game, THE WHOLE STATE OF NEBRASKA will be wearing something red or school related. NO joke. I LOVE it. Like stores are completely empty and everyone stops what they're doing. A few weeks ago we were supposed to help this lady move out--because the next day she would be in serious trouble if she wasn't--and she didn't care to do anything until the game was over! And you know how we will sometimes get little flowers on our nails? Ya. NO. People here get N's on their nails. Hahahaha I love love LOVE Nebraska!

-There 22,222 people in Columbus. Like am I meant to be here or am I meant to be here?

-When it's lightening, the whole sky lights up and it's incredible. I could watch it forever and always.

-THERE ARE LEAVES HERE AND I WALK DIRECTLY TO THEM TO HEAR THEM CRUNCH AND IF I COULD RAKE LEAVES ALL THE DAYS OF MY LYFE I WOULD. I LOVE LEAVES.

 

I also love S. Dumont. We're besties for the resties.  I'm 100% myself around her and she's helping me see how to be a better me overall. Like a better version of Carly when it's time to head home. I know I've only been out 2 months and that stuff seems silly to think about, but when I do unfortunately (love ya!) have to come home, I know I'll have a better understanding of how to be Carly and still be a missionary. That probably makes no sense..but hakuana matata I understand it in my noggin.

 

I'm SO thankful that for my 1st area, Sister V and I had to BOTH start fresh and work together to make relationships in the ward. WE were the 1st sisters in Sioux City 2nd either ever or in a verrrryyyyyyy long time so it was a blast getting to know everyone. It's super hard getting to know people when your companion already knows everyone and people are constantly saying "Where's Sister Gomez?" I don't know I would have handled it being brand new. But I'm slowly gaining realationships with our investigators and the ward and this week i'm  going to try my hardest to love the people and be besties with everyone.

 

We had zone conference this week! 7 hours of perfection. Something I've been struggling with is having meaningful prayers and President Weston's training was ALL about that. Goodness I just love him. AND OMH I SAW SISTER HARRIS AND WE BOTH BURST INTO TEARS AT OUR REUNION. Why has the Lord blessed me with best friend status companions? I'm SO lucky.

 

I learned that I need to be more bold! If Heavenly Father puts things into my head, then by golly I need to say them! Steppin up my A+ game this week. I need to #NIKE constantly. I need to trust in the faith that I have and my testimony and go with it. A mission is truly the best thing ever because you're learning and growing and becoming a better YOU!  Like, I AM LIVING MY DREAM RIGHT NOW. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. This is sooo true--"the things I'm learning on my mission would have taken me a lifetime to learn on my own." In this new book we have--Adjusting to Missionary Life--it says, "You will develop the skills, gifts, and strengths, you need MORE QUICKLY. You will feel His help and grow in confidence in your ability to serve the Lord."

 

 Stake conference was the bomb and all about members and missionaries. It was out in Lincoln so roaddddtrippppp. We stayed at the sisters house and THE MEMBERS NAME IS BOB CATS. Like serious s/o to his parents. The whole house was covered in cats and I was dying. But just so you know...the mission has helped me see that all I want is 1 teacup kitty. Like this lady in Sioux City had over 30 cats and was taken out of the house because it wasn't safe or sanitary......so um ya. I guess I won't be toooo crazy of a catlady. Just one little kitty to stay in my frocket all the days of my life.

 

We set 3 people for baptism this week! Ahhhh I'm just so happy for them and the choices that they're making to return to our loving Heavenly Father.

 

I say love sooo much....but it's true. I love this gospel. I love being a missionary. I love y'all!

 

xoxoxo forever and always,

 

Sister Case

I loovvveee tooooo seeee the temple!

October 28, 2013

 

Howdddyyy fambam! Mother Dearest, I got your Halloween package and you're the bee's knees. You are  da besssstttt. Oh and the handy dandy cookbook and pepper spray! You're saving my life really. Best mom award goes to you. Obvi. What's this week's scripture? HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY ZACHARY SIEGRIST AND HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY DADDDDYYY!!!! LOVVVVEEE YOUUUU.

 

 

So I forgot to tell you this...but the week before transfers I FOUND A QDOBA. Did I cry? It's quite possible. Sister V ate her burrito with a knife and fork...I shall be Christlike and not judge her. BUT OMH MY STEAK QUESO BURRITO WAS PERFECTION. The best tender mercy from Heavenly Father.

 

This past week my testimony was a little shaky and being a missionary can be hard because you just see all these flaws that continually get slapped in your face and 18 months isn't even going to fix 1/2 of them...but baby steps, setting goals, and the Atonement all helps. I may or may not have had a "minor" breakdown in the car after a lesson. We were watching "Finding Faith in Christ" and I just felt so far away from my older Brother and that's something I'm really going to work on. I want a better relationship with Him. At the MTC one of my teachers told me that I know OF Christ, but I don't KNOW him. *slap* but I needed to hear that. Jesus Christ and I will be besties before I come home!

 

BEST MOMENT OF MY LYFE. S. Dumont and I couldn't figure out the quote to "Say it...OUTLOUD." And it was KILLING us. So last Monday night in my prayers I jokingly asked Heavenly Father to help me remember where it was from...next thing I know the name of the movie pops into my head! Like whatttttt? It showed me that He was really there listening to me and cares about me and will answer prayers. He is so busy controlling everything yet He still took the time to answer my silly question about a movie. I was in awe! I just blurted out HEAVENLY FATHER YOU'RE THE BEST! Because he truly is! It also made me start wondering about my prayers. He's listening, but is He listening to sincere prayers or random sleepy ones?

 

"You're not going to get a million dollar answer with a ten-cent prayer."

 

I want to give the Lord million dollar prayers because He deserves them and He wants to help me, but first I have to be sincere.

 

My 1st district meeting in Columbus was grand. 3 sets of sisters (one is brand new and one is S. Willis from the MTC) and 3 sets of elders (the 2 in my branch and our zone leaders).  Oh and I love cleaning and organizing now. (It might just be one of those missionary powers mom...don't get too excited) but I love helping and serving others! Plus it's inside service so even bettttteerrrr. I went to a play on Saturday...that was fun. And omh we had dinner with a family and the woman's roommate was from Texas and she hated her and was going crazy on me! It was hilarious...it felt like Uncle Gregory fun. Even her husband was like "I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS SIDE OF YOU BEFORE. TAKE IT EASY."  She's just jealous, that's all.  Oh and Sister. V called yesterday...and I broke down bawling hearing her voice and chatting with her. I guess I'm just in love with her.

 

We met with the Cerna fambam--members--and I just had to cry at their home. (sheeeesh. this week was emotional or was it emotional. just feelin' the spirit. don't mind me.) The spirit is SO strong there. They are very poor and SO humble and yet they fed us and waited until we were done--like they didn't eat with us--and they think missionaries are perfect and treat us like celebs and share everything even when it's all they have. The wife was so happy to talk to us and tell us her problems and find out we were her Visiting Teaching companion. We went to go teach them and instead they taught us. I want to be as humble and loving as the Cerna family. It was a beautiful experience.

 

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. When we were teaching Val I kept praying that as long as I didn't plan out what to say that the Spirit would take the wheel and help guide me. At one point I said, "Even when we feel that our faith is struggling, as long as we continue to endure to the end, then our faith will be reaffirmed." So sometimes ENDURING TO THE END is like the trial of our faith and we will receive answers at the end of the rainbow. Do your best and Heavenly Father will do the rest! It was a great lesson for a bunch of things!

 

Friday we got to go to the temple!!!!!!! Crying tears of joy 5 times basically. Can I just get married in the Omaha temple? Oh and the Nauvoo one? Oh and Salt Lake? Oh and Manti? Oh and am I getting married?  Ya...forgot about that tiny detail. But it was SO good. (so good, so good.) Being in the celestial room FULL of missionaries is the coolest thing ever. Just a room full of 19-21 yr olds all trying their hardest to be like Christ. It was like a recharge for us to want to work harder so everyone can be where we were at that moment. Prez and Sister Weston talked to me and gave me loves and omh I just LOVE THEM. It made me think of my own Mama and Papa Case and going with y'all!  It was tender. I looked in the mirror for a split second and I immediately felt God's love for me and right then and there knew that I was BEAUTIFUL and I was reaffirmed that I am truly a daughter of God and that He loves me. I just love the temple!

 

It was a great week and Sister Dumont and I were THE TOP missionaries out of our whole zone! Rachel Berry gold star for us. Goodness I just love it here. Goooooo Huskersssss!

 

I love y'all sooooo muchhhhh! xoxoxo

 

Sister Case

I love leaves in Columbus.

Halloween with Sister Dumont.

 

We switched name tags so for Halloween I went as "Sister Dumont"

Those crazy Sisters at Trunk or Treat

 

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