Weather is cooling, and also some of our investigators.....

A lady who just moved from the ward sent me this picture today.

This has kind of been a really, extremely "off" week for this Sister so this blog post is not going to be too exciting. I didn't even take a single picture this week soooooo..... my apologies. I am going to do my best to make this week and "on" week full of great adventures! :)

Thankfully the weather cooled down. In fact last night it was downright cold. It was about 12C, and for us "Yankees" as some Canadians like to call us Americans, it was about 54F (I was very proud the day I learned how to do the approximate conversion of temperatures - haha) It has rained off and on and all I know is that I am thankful that I can finally wear a cardigan again and that the serious humidity has gone away.

This week was hard because the people that we had been teaching just kind of disappeared. It is rough when you teach these people, see them progress, and then they use their agency to make choices that you wish they wouldn't make... :(  But I guess it is all part of the process and their progress. We are just here to invite and in the end these people are able to make the ultimate choice. I know that is how it is and will always be, but that still doesn't make it easy. In fact it kind of hurts! But... just have to keep moving on and planting the seeds because one of these days it is going to work out! 

This week makes Week 5 for this transfer. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Days are so packed full of things, but then when I think back on it, it always feels like Monday. Just trying to make the most of it! Rain or shine, people to teach or no people to teach. It is all for my growth and learning and I gotta be honest, I am learning A LOT! :)

Busy......Hot.....Storms......Faith

This week was a pretty busy week, if feels like a lot has happened. Monday we got together with the zone to play some games at the church. If you want to see something funny all you have to do is get about 12 companionship's of Elders and Sisters together to play chair soccer. Actually, none of you would probably think it is funny but... I think it is pretty funny. :)

Elder Palmer and Karly
P-Day with the Zone

We had our Skills and Interviews with President Scott. That was really nice. It is always nice to be able to talk to him and Sister Scott. They really know how to make you feel like a million bucks.

It has been wicked hot. I don't think I have ever drank so much water in my life. Tracting is not the most fun thing in the heat but, we do it anyway. haha  We had a sisters exchange on Friday and it went really, really well. Sister Tofa came to Hamilton with me and we spent the entire day finding. We had set a goal to find 3 new investigators and what did we do?.... well we found 3 new investigators! We talked to a bunch of awesome people and 3 were really interested. We were able to get return appointments and Sister Puruganan and I will go back this week and teach them. One of the guys was really grateful. We talked to him about the Book of Mormon and he said that he has been through a lot and he is willing to try anything if he thinks it will bring him happiness. He gave Sister Tofa and I pins of Jesus Christ. It was super nice. He was a really great guy.

The day was extremely hot and then out of nowhere a storm rolled in. We got a call from the Zone Leaders saying that we all needed to go inside because there had been some tornado warnings. So we went inside and the storm hit. There was a ton of lightening and rain. The storm let up so we decided that we would be ok to drive to Oakville to exchange with the Sisters again. That was probably not the best idea because just as we were getting on the highway is started raining so much. I could barely see and cars were pulling over.

It was pretty scary. Thankfully it let up. But.... after the exchange when we were driving towards Hamilton there was a ton of lightening. I don't think I have ever seen lightening like that before. It got really dark, started to rain, and once again there I was driving down the highway and couldn't see a thing. Thankfully we made it home safe. The power was out and I am fairly convinced we almost got struck by lightening but, all in all a successful day! Thankfully it has started cooling off. Hopefully this will be an easier week because it won't be so hot!

And on a more serious note...... This week I have been thinking a lot about Faith. My faith, the faith of my investigators, the faith of the members around me. This whole mission experience just feels like one big trial of my faith. It is rough! It would be a whole lot easier if Heavenly Father didn't love us so much that He gives us trials to make us better, stronger people. This week I have read this talk multiple times and would encourage everyone to watch it. When I heard this during conference I feel like it was a big changing point in my mission. It helped me a lot and continues to help me to this day. Because let's face it, sometimes our faith is shaken. But what I do know is that the Church is true and that all the other little trials that come my way won't get me down if I hold on to what I do know to be true. Of course Elder Holland says it much better than I can, so watch the talk and if anyone is struggling with their faith (or maybe I am the only one.. :) think about what he says. I know that it really helps me!   Have a great week!

I have killed at least 10 of these nasty critters since living here. If anyone could identify the make and model of this stupid thing that would be great. THEY ARE GROSS!

5 months - already?

Well I guess this has been a pretty exciting week! I have been gone 5 months as of last Saturday, I finished another journal and... I got a cold to top things off! :) Being sick as a missionary is really no fun at all because we have no time to rest and get better. Oh well, I think I am on the up and up. I shouldn't complain either considering this is the first time I have gotten sick in those 5 months.

I am feeling lazy about writing this today so I am just going to number off some different things that happened this week.

1. I ate squid.... yup, it was gross. Sister Puruganan has been having a hard time adjusting to the food we eat here and so a member took us out to some Filipino place. And when I saw what the food looks like that Sister Puruganan has been missing I about died! Because let's be honest.... a big ole pile of black squid does not look appetizing to this sister! But... she ate it, loved it, and I tried some just for the experience of course. :)

Squid  - SO GROSS

2. We taught a lesson to two of our investigators and before we started one of the girls said, "When I read The Book of Mormon and pray about it I get this piercing feeling in my heart. I don't know how to describe it, but it is a good feeling." Uh... can you say best day ever?? I know I have shared experiences like this before but it never gets old when someone tells you that they have felt the Spirit and they are coming to know that the things we are sharing with them are true. Once again my favorite thing is to testify with the Spirit and know that the people we are teaching are feeling it!

3. We went to visit some members and the husband asked me if I "Did my hair with a blender this morning??" Ha I guess that is what I get for wearing my curly hair on top of my head. It is just too hot and humid to do it any other way! :)

The day I "did my hair with a blender" :)

4. Apparently there was some serious flooding in Toronto.... I can't look it up and read more about it but all of you can so that may be interesting to check out.

5. Everyone has been going to the Hill Cumorah Pageant and I am SO jealous. It is so close to us, yet so far away!

6. We went out to some members in Cayuga, Ontario last night and it was the best! They are in our ward but are about a 45 minute drive and they live out in a place that reminds me of home! I should have taken some pictures because it was so beautiful.

Hopefully this coming week is a bit more exciting! We have got some good plans so it should be good. Have a good week! Oh and shout out to my girl Katelyn Nicholes who goes into the MTC Wednesday. She is going to be the best missionary Edmonton has ever seen! :)

Good Week ~ Absolutely loving it ~ Never been happier !

Another good week! A lot of really awesome things have been happening. When the Assistants told me that I needed to expect miracles with having a brand new missionary, they were totally right. There is just something different about this transfer and I am loving it... absolutely loving it! :) 

Sister Puruganan, a "brand new missionary" and Karly

We got 2 new investigators this week which was awesome. The first girl we found while walking down the street. We started talking to her, she said that she has been thinking about becoming a Christian  We taught her, bore some testimony and then said a prayer right there on the side of the road. We said that we would meet her at a park near where we were on Saturday. So fast forward to Saturday. We go to the park and this girl had brought her sister with her. Both grew up with a Muslim father but haven't really practiced religion. The girl we met on the street went home and told her older sister about the girls that she met on the street and that we were the nicest people she had ever met. Like she couldn't believe how nice we were. haha So that caught the older sisters interest, so she came with her. The older girl said that she is Buddhist, yet she believes in God and doesn't really follow all of the teachings so... she just doesn't really know what she is. We taught the restoration and the girl who is Buddhist asked a TON of questions. It was good, though. I like questions :) The lesson went well, but at the end I was thinking, "Ok, this girl is lacking in some faith, she has questioned everything we said, and she probably isn't going to want to learn more." So you can imagine my surprise when I asked her if they would like to continue learning and she said yes she would because, "When you were talking about Joseph Smith and what he saw, I got goosebumps.." and then the quieter sister piped up and said that she had gotten goosebumps as well as I recited the First Vision.... I WAS SO PUMPED! Then we just bore testimony that what they had felt was the Spirit and it is that feeling that is going to let them know that what we tell them is true! There is no better feeling than helping people to feel the Spirit. 

Now let us discuss the family that we are teaching. Yesterday in Sacrament Meeting I was already emotional because I was just so happy that we have a family at church and they are loving it.  I get up there, start crying, obviously, and felt like a fool, but it is probably the most sincere testimony I have ever bore.... so it was totally worth it. haha   And then after that I taught the Gospel Principles class about prayer.  Being a missionary really is the best. :)  It really pays off when you follow the Spirit! :) Best Sunday ever! :)

Ok now that I have successfully admitted to the fact that I am turning into one of those weird missionaries I guess I will be done for the day. haha This just really is the Lord's work and I am learning that more and more every single day. Oh and here is something that Erin Harper sent to me the other day and I really loved it so I wanted to share it with everyone.. :)

"Have you ever thought of the concept of missionary work from the investigators point of view? Think about it- two random girls walk up to your door (randomly) invite themselves into your house and into your hearts. Then as weeks go on those "random girls dressed in skirts" become a staple into that persons life, visiting multiple times a week, asking for the person to share their deepest concerns and problems and with the sweetest most sincere smiles, figure out ways for the person to completely turn their life around and be ready for baptism as soon as possible. -really. This work is definitely led by the Lord. How else would that concept work?!" 

I just thought that was perfect, because that is exactly what I am experiencing. Especially with the family that we are teaching right now. Loving being a missionary, I don't think I have ever been happier! :)

Staying in Hamilton - as a Trainer !

Well for the first time in my mission I didn't have to pack up and move at transfers! I am staying in Hamilton and I am training a new Sister! Her name is Sister Puruganan and she is from the Philippines. (and I don't even know how to attempt to tell you all how to say her last name, I am having a hard time remembering it. haha Hopefully I get it in a few days!)

Sister Puruganan and Karly

Transfer calls came Sunday night at about 10 pm. They start making the calls at 8:45,  so Sister Taylor and I thought that we would both be staying so we started getting ready for bed and then the phone rang. Usually it is a call from the Assistants, but this time the phone said President Scott! And when President calls it only means one thing..... that someone is training! So I was pretty pumped!

Monday was Canada Day so the whole weekend, there were fireworks that we could see from our apartment. Sister Taylor packed Monday, and then we went to visit our investigators and members so she could say bye to them. It is always hard to say bye, so I am thankful that this time it wasn't me saying the goodbyes. She moved to an area that is about an hour from here, so Monday night we drove and switched companions with another set of sisters that was in our District.  Sister Taylor is now serving with Sister Colvin (my MTC companion) and then Sister Wester was my companion for Monday night before we went to the trainer's meeting on Tuesday morning bright and early!

Sister Wester and Karly - one day together

The new missionaries and trainers

We went to the Brampton Stake Center Tuesday morning.  We had to be there at 8am,  and then the meeting started at 9. (I always love transfers and being able to see a bunch of other missionaries!) The meeting was really good, but it kind of made me nervous because I started to realize that being a trainer can be a lot of pressure! It was stressing me out, but after that meeting we got to meet our companions and things were all good from there. I relaxed and started to realize that it won't be too bad. I know how to be a missionary, so I just have to do my thing and show someone else how!

I am loving Sister Puruganan so much already! I am really excited for this transfer. I think it will go really well and I know that I am going to learn SO much! I spoke in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and it went really well, at least I think it did. :) I don't know why I wasted so much of my life not knowing that I liked speaking in Sacrament Meeting. I should have gotten over that fear a long time ago!

Oh! Here is another good story... on Friday night, last week, the fire alarm went off at 2:15 in the morning so we had to evacuate the building. Someone had just pulled the fire alarm so at least there wasn't a real fire, but it was really hard to sleep after that whole adventure.

Things are good, being a missionary is great. And now I must go help my companion find some clothes and good food to buy! They eat way better in the Philippines than they do in North America so... no chance that I will get fat this transfer! haha  I'll email on Monday! Have a good couple of days! :)

The Work of Salvation

Selfie Sunday! Do you miss my cute face?!?!?! ;)

First things first..... if you haven't watched The Work of Salvation, yet... go watch it right now. Here, I will even do you a favor and post you the link so it won't take any effort.. :)  It was SO good! Every member needs to watch it and see how they can help missionaries! And some of the videos they show on there are so good.... the one where they do a missionary medley and have videos with it of like each stage of life for a missionary most definitely made me cry! It just brings back SO many memories of when I was set apart and then dropped off at the MTC by my parents. Seriously so good. :)  The whole Sunday broadcast just got me more pumped on missionary work and helped me to be more grateful for this opportunity I have to be set apart as a full time missionary. For all you pre-missionaries reading this or to anyone who is thinking about going on a mission, get pumped because you are in for the time of your life. Yeah some days suck, a lot! But..... it is worth it... it is SO worth it because this work is life changing. ok I will be done now #preach :)

Becky, Sister Norell, and Karly

Last Monday we were able to go to Niagara Falls. It was a ton of fun! The experience from the Canada side is probably way different than it would be on the American side. I must admit that it made me a little bit homesick to see America. haha Sometimes I just miss it, and the good grocery stores. (Seriously be grateful for the stores in the states. It is just not the same here!)

Karly holding a picture of her Grandma, Great-Grandma, and Mom.  The picture was taken in 1989 when THEY visited the  falls, before Karly was born. 

After the Falls we went to a place called Niagara on the Lake. It is a beautiful little town that has a ton of cute shops and places to eat.

We have started teaching a family that has 4 little girls. Twins that are 4, a 6 year old and a 9 year old. They are so cute! When we taught them last week I had them help me say the closing prayer and it was the sweetest thing ever. I would say the first words and then they would copy me and it was honestly the best prayer I have ever been a part of! The whole family came to church yesterday and really loved it. All the little girls showed up with the Book of Mormons we gave them and instantly fell in love with all of it!

The ward fed us after church yesterday... it looks like we are on a date huh? I laughed. haha Me, Elder Palmer, Elder Jones, and Sister Taylor

It has been really humid the past few days... I don't think I will ever get used to it. I guess I should be thankful that it hasn't been humid the entire month of June and is just starting now. Which, by the way, I can't actually believe that June is almost over and so is this transfer. Transfer calls are on Sunday. I am really hoping I stay, but with my track record we all know the chances of that are highly unlikely. haha Oh well, just have to remember, "I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord!" 

Well P-day is on Wednesday next week due to Canada Day on Monday and transfers! I hope everyone has an awesome week and seriously... go watch The Work of Salvation. You won't regret it! :)

 P.S. -  I volunteered to speak in Sacrament Meeting next Sunday. Yeah.... the girl who hadn't spoken in Sacrament until her farewell talk just volunteered to speak in Sacrament Meeting. Can someone tell me what happened to the old Karly Prescott? haha

Had to ......:)

Picture Perfect

Just pictures this week  -  it was an Awesome week.  I am going to Niagara Falls and  will write more next Monday !

The part of Hamilton that I wish we could be in always.
Some members live out here and it is beautiful!

This is in front of Becky's house. We helped her clean and fix up her room this week. She is so great

We ripped the carpet up and threw it out the window.
Funniest thing ever!

The squirrels are black around here and this one is dead.
Related... I hit a squirrel on the way to church last Sunday

Elder Sommerfeldt and Elder Marshall. The Assistants to the President. Mat Roundy (From Morgan) trained Elder Marshall. Elder Sommerfeldt goes home at the end of this transfer in two weeks. (They both think I am THE funniest person around. haha People in this mission just love us people from Morgan, Utah)

Elder Vanderstel and Elder Campbell at Zone Conference.
They were in my last zone

I hit rock bottom this week and resorted to eating "Kraft Dinner" Not my proudest moment

Sister Tebbs and I at Zone Conference. It was SO good to see her. The most joyous reunion I've ever had in my life. haha

Basic Missionary Grind

Niagara Falls ended up being a no go for today because it is raining, but we rescheduled for next Monday so let's all cross our fingers the weather will be BEAUTIFUL! :)

This week was full of your basic missionary grind. We did a lot of finding that was not the most successful ever, but we were able to find a few people who are interested. We ran into a couple of people this week who were interested in talking to us until they found out what church we were from.... haha When I said, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" They looked like they had seen a ghost or something and quickly shut their doors.

Apparently someone has told these people some lies about us Mormons, because I don't feel like a couple of girls walking around in skirts talking about the truth is very threatening.. ;)

Sister Taylor and I with Becky - She comes teaching with us, and she is THE BEST, funniest girl ever !

One of the members took Sister Taylor and I to the Mandarin and let's just say the Mandarin is the best and they need to get them in the States. It is an all you can eat Chinese buffet and it is just really, really good. The member started talking to one of the managers before we left and the guy was really nice. He ended up giving us all these hard back books with the history of the Mandarin. Not sure what I am going to do with that souvenir but... it is still cool. haha

This is Crystal-Lynn - she is awaiting her mission call.
She comes out teaching and tracting with us. 

We had an investigator at church yesterday which is always a good sign! He says he is looking for something and wants to keep learning so we will keep teaching him. He asks a lot of great questions and so he is really fun to teach!

Studying 

Kind of a boring week, but things were good. It rained and was super cold one day. Not what the weather is typically like here, but I am thankful for it because I do not enjoy the really hot and humid days.

Well, sorry so boring... Niagara next week! So one of these Mondays the blog post will be exciting and full of pictures from Niagara Falls! 

You Pay - "Up there"

This week was LONG... like really, really long. A lot of really great stuff happened, though! Sometimes I can't believe how much can happen in one week. I guess that's what happens when you wake up at 6:30, 7 days a week and go go go until 10:30 at night.

A little bit of a miracle happened this week in the form of a great dentist. 2 weeks ago I had found a spot in one of my teeth that looked like a cavity and it hurt. I was SO bummed because I had gotten all of my dental work done before I left and I did not want to deal with or pay for tooth problems while on my mission. I knew I needed to fix it, because I didn't want it to get worse so I ended up calling the Relief Society President, Sister Norell, to see if she could recommend me to a good dentist.  She did some checking around and found a place that a ward member goes to that does a lot of work for people who don't have dental insurance. Before I knew it, Sister Norell was picking us up and taking me to the dentist, and from that point on it was just one good thing after another.

We get there, Sister Norell tells them who referred us, tells them I am a missionary and that I am a long ways from home and that I don't have dental insurance. They tell me that they just had a cancellation and ask if I would like to meet with the dentist today. Of course I said yes, the sooner the better! So I fill out some paperwork and in about 10 minutes I go back and am in the dental chair. The assistant took and x-ray of my tooth and all I can think is, "Oh great, what is this going to cost me?" Then the dentist came in, said that he couldn't see a cavity, but that he would take a look anyway. He asked me what I was doing in Canada, and implied that I must be under some abnormal amount of stress because is looks like a grind or clench my teeth which probably caused my problem. Then he tells me that I have a hole in my tooth because one of my fillings must have cracked and that he would fix it. It took him maybe 10 minutes to fix it and then we were on our way. When I got out of the chair I thanked him and asked if I just, "Pay out there?" pointing toward the front desk. Instead of saying yes he says, "No, you pay up there." and pointed toward heaven and just kept walking toward the front desk. He talked to the receptionist, told her, "No charge" and then walked around the wall to meet another patient almost before I could get a thank you out. I could not believe it and honestly wanted to cry. That was a serious answer to prayers and I know that Heavenly Father really does look out for His missionaries. Even in something as small as not having to pay for dental work. There really is no such thing as coincidence. Everything happens for a reason!

Ryan Gosling - born in Hamilton Canada

Now on a less serious more funny note. Sister Norell informed us this week that Ryan Gosling (good looking actor from the Notebook) grew up in Hamilton! She said that he was a part of the Hamilton 2nd Ward which eventually was combined to be the ward that I am serving in now. She also said that when she was the chorister in Primary he was in Primary. Pretty cool right? Apparently his mom lives near here but isn't in this ward. So.... I am practically famous, serving in Ryan Gosling's old ward, right?! haha

We were able to find three new investigators this week! It is about time. :) I hate telling the stories of everything because it seems like when I do I jinx it and they end up not investigating the church anymore. haha  So I will just say that it started with us talking to two guys on the street, which lead to us meeting a third guy and they are all interested and none of them said no to being baptized so that is a good sign. One of the guys said to me yesterday after we taught him, "God brought you to us, you have changed the environment in our home." It is THE BEST feeling when you KNOW that the people you are teaching have felt the Spirit because they say things like this. The same guy kept mentioning the way he felt when we first prayed with him as well. It is people like that, that you know will have a greater potential to progress because they are learning things by the Spirit and not by what I say to them.

Yesterday's teaching appointment was probably one of the most powerful ones I have had since being on my mission. And... it must have went well because afterwards they fed us and the member we brought with us -  Goat Curry.

Karly's new baby goats in Morgan, Utah

(yeah I know -  I was surprised that I would allow myself to eat goat especially with my new baby goats that are at home,  but.... let's be honest, it was GOOD!) Jamaicans sure know how to cook. 

Sister Tofa and Karly

I also did an exchange this week with one of the Sister Training Leaders (that is the new leadership that was put in place with so many sisters coming out.) Her name is Sister Tofa and she is THE BEST. Probably the funnest day I have had on my mission in awhile. We got a lot done, worked hard, and spent the entire day laughing. She is from Australia (now I have another place to visit post mission, better start saving up some money dad... ;) All in all, a really great week.

It is getting pretty hot and a few of the days were completely miserable to walk around in but I will live. Oh,     we also didn't have the car for a few days because it was in the shop. Someone must have ran into us because there was some weird damage that was done. Anyway.... things I took away from this week...

1. All things happen for a reason, no such thing as coincidence!

2. In Australia people carry around Machetes because you never know, "When a kangaroo will attack your car" 

3. The Spirit is what does the teaching/converting in this missionary business 

4. Goat is good!! 

Well that was a long one! Hopefully it will make up for the short email that I will send next week. Sister Norell is taking us to Niagara Falls next Monday and I. am. PUMPED. :) Have a great week! :)

The view from our apartment

Our Apartment - Hamilton

Hamilton is Great

I hear my blog is becoming pretty popular with my readers so I will try not to disappoint... ;)

I am still loving being in Hamilton. I am beginning to think that part of the reason I am here is for the awesome members and for all of the things that they are teaching me. Their life experiences are things that they have shared with us, that I know I will be able to look back on and use in my future. They are such amazing people and I really am so thankful for all the things that I have learned from them this week.

I have had to spend every spare moment writing in my journal so that I can remember all of the great things that they have shared with me.

Sister Taylor (new companion) and Karly

In my last email I got from President Scott, he said that he felt very strongly that this would be a good move for me and I think he is exactly right.

Our teaching was a little slow this week, a lot of people wouldn't answer our calls or call us back, but the more we get familiar with the area and the people I know it will improve. Thankfully that is all that Heavenly Father asks of us is to constantly improve and be better today than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we are today. That is something that I try to focus on so that I don't get down on myself when we don't have the best of days. :)

This ward truly is incredible! They are so giving and want to help us out in any way they possibly can... I am crossing my fingers that maybe, just maybe, I will be able to spend more than just 6 weeks in this area. :)

Well I am about out of time. One exciting thing that happened this week is that the fire alarm went off in our building. There were fire trucks and everything! Thankfully nothing was actually burning, but it was some added excitement on the day.

Ok, I promise that next week will be much more exciting (I probably say that every week, huh?)

Just know that I am great and that Hamilton is great! :)

Transferred Again !

This week I learned that God and my mission President must REALLY trust me! And that is because I got transferred, again......... I am white-washing, again.......... and....... drum roll please............ I. AM. TRAINING!!! Let's just all keep in mind this is only my 3rd transfer and most of the time I don't actually know what I am doing.. haha "Fake it til ya make it",  is what I like to call it. :) It has served me well this far in my life!

Anyway... the call came from the Assistants Sunday and I thought for sure that I would be staying but... they had other plans for me! They called, told me and then Elder Sommerfeldt goes, "You're ticked aren't you?!" (and then he just laughs) And let's be honest, I was a little ticked and/or scared out of my mind!! I asked him why I had to be *white-washing AGAIN and he goes, "Because you're good at it!" Uh.... yeah right. haha
*Whitewashing means that they took 2 missionaries out of an area, and will be putting 2 new ones back in that same area. 

So I cried, and then I found out my District Leader would be Elder Palmer, so I stopped crying, and then I cried some more that night while I was packing, and then Tuesday morning when I had to say bye to Sister Tebbs I cried... but fast forward to today and I can't get the smile off of my face!

I am in Hamilton, I am with Sister Taylor, and I am LOVING IT! The members here... Awesome.. the people here... awesome! I know it is only day two but... I am feeling really good about this place! :) And my testimony of prayer has increased 10 fold because let's be honest, at some point prayer is all I've got going for me! :) I'm really excited to be here and truly thankful that God knows better than I do and put me right where I need to be. :)

Monday was crazy having to say goodbye to members and investigators. It was sad to leave my investigators, but I know they are in good hands with Sister Tebbs and her new companion.

I'm the only one that was transferred !
Karly with Sister Tebbs, and Elders Wilson and Skirvin

Another cool thing that happened this week is that Sunday, the 1st Counselors from the General Relief Society Presidency, the General Young Women Presidency,  and the General Primary Presidency were at our church so I got to meet them all! They were so awesome and gave Sister Tebbs and I hugs. This whole mission thing has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of pretty big people in the church! :) Now I just need President Monson to come and visit! haha

Click the names below to get to know more about each of them:

Sister Carole M. Stephens, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency

Sister Carol F. McConkie, First Counselor in the General Young Women Presidency

Sister Jean A. Stevens, First Counselor in the General Primary Presidency

 This week has been crazy but so so so great! Excited to be here in Hamilton and to see what new adventures await me here! :) Thanks for all your love, prayers, and support! I'll write again Monday!

Random Fact: Monday was Victoria Day and Victoria Day is a big thing around here... Want to know how I knew it was a big deal? Well that is because Walmart was closed... Walmart NEVER closes. haha

Karly with Elder Prochnow and Elder Amorim

Three month mark, and Mother's Day call

Three months ago today I got dropped off at the MTC! Sometimes I seriously can't believe it has been that long. (Even though in the grand scheme of things 3 months doesn't seem too long. haha)

Anyway.. This week marks week 6 of this transfer so transfer calls will come Sunday. I don't think I will get transferred (or maybe that is just me hoping I won't get transferred) but I guess we shall see! Either way the Lord knows where I need to be and if that means I stay here I will stay and if not I will go.

This week was good! We found a few new people to teach and had some good lessons. Shelmith, who we have been teaching for about 4 weeks now, should be getting baptized either this Sunday or the next Sunday and I am really excited about that. She is an amazing woman and I am grateful that she found us.

It went from being really hot to really cold this week and I am hoping that is goes back to the hot end of things this week.

So with yesterday being Mothers day I was able to call home! 

It was the best! 

Thank goodness for modern technology! Really how great is it that I was able to Skype my family and then talk to Blake over the phone through Skype.  I think it is pretty cool! Calling home was good but... I can see why we only get to do it twice a year. I haven't been homesick or really cried since being on my mission but all of the above happened Saturday when I got to call my mom to set up our time to Skype for Sunday. haha oh well....  Back to the regular missionary grind today.. no time for homesickness!

The members here are so awesome! This week we were invited to a farewell party for one of the members and got to be with like 10 families all at once. Now that is an effective way to do some missionary work and be involved with members. haha Weeks are starting to feel like blurs.. I wish that I had more to say but... I think that is all for today! I will try and make next week's email much, much, better. :)

Random pics !

Elder Randon Prochnow and Sister Karly Prescott
Both from Morgan Utah !

Ketchup Chips - Pretty good :)

Longest week of the Mission

This has literally been the longest week of my mission! And not that it was bad, there were just a lot of things that happened.

Tuesday after I emailed home, Sister Tebbs and I went with the Elders and got Poutine for the first time since being in Canada. Poutine, for those of you who don't know, is fries, topped with cheese and gravy.... yeah real healthy. The place we went to get the Poutine is a bbq place, so ours had bbq pork on it which was good but... in the end a 6 pound plate of Poutine called "the mammoth" is just no good for anyone. It'll probably be a few months before I try that again.

Elder Snow,  Karly, Elder Skirvin, Elder Wilson, Sister Tebbs, Elder Palmer

So I knew that I had the best district ever, but this week I discovered how great they really are! I had been a little bit grumpy and just having a rough day or two and the Elders totally caught on...we call that the gift of discernment :) And they were able to give me a blessing and even bought me a nice drink. Really... such good guys! And I am SO thankful for the power of the Priesthood! This is something I think I may have taken for granted, but I am so thankful that these young Elders are worthy and willing to help when I needed it. And it has made all the difference. I have felt SO much better in every aspect of my mission since that night.

The day after that we had a Zone training which was great. We were able to set some goals that we are going to work to achieve as a Zone, and Elder Prochnow and I were able to talk about some Morgan gossip so all and all a great day! haha But even after that it got better. For I think the first time since being out, I was able to go out, talk to everyone, knock on some doors, and just feel super happy. So.... finally figuring out this whole mission thing. :) Bout time, eh?

And the other really, really awesome thing that happened this week is that I almost met Alex Boye! (He is a pretty famous LDS singer who is in the Motab, Everyone should Youtube the video I will Rise by Alex Boye and watch it.) Anyway, somehow someone in another ward knows Alex and had him come to do a fireside. It was really awesome. He shared some great experiences, his powerful testimony and of course sang. :) Unfortunately, all of us missionaries had to leave early so we could be home on time. (Exact obedience brings miracles! haha) But our investigator was there and she was able to meet and talk with him and it was a REALLY awesome experience for her so I am happy. Since we weren't able to get a picture with him Sister Tebbs and I took our own picture with the flyer they gave out. haha Just know that I really did sit in the same chapel as Alex Boye.. yeah, I am kinda a big deal. :)

Sunday we were able to attend a baptismal service so that our investigator, Shelmith, could see a baptism. It was awesome. There is always such a strong Spirit at baptisms, so we were grateful that she was able to go. Oh and one of the baptisms was Elder Prochnow's. Shout out to him. haha

Elder Prochnow and Karly

Oh and let's talk about how I am turning into such a missionary. We have a family here that always says if we don't have a meal just to tell them and we could go over. Well... this is a nice sentiment but I never actually thought that I would do it. Well... yesterday I did it!  I just straight up asked them if we could come over for dinner. Of course they said yes, but who am I becoming!? haha

I am almost out of time, but the week was great! There were some definite ups and downs but all and all there were some great turning points for me and my growth as a missionary! Now I will quote Alex Boye here when I say, "All of the power that we get comes from the Book of Mormon and we need to read it over, and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. :)" Have a great week!