Crazy Week of Curveballs!

So much happened this week that no one could have expected! 
 

To start with Sister Cox received her visa a week ago, which came as a huge surprise to all of us since we were all expecting her to be here until the end of the summer.  Since it was our p-day when we found out about her visa we made sure to tour the Carthage Jail because it was the only time we could go before Sister Cox left.  I love the spirit that can be felt at the Carthage Jail.  The feeling at the jail is one of mixed emotions.  It is so heartbreaking to know and reflect on the events that took place there, but it is so amazing to have the blessings of the restored gospel in my life and to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called by God to restore the fullness of the gospel back on the earth. 

Sister Thompson, Sister Cox and Sister Call at the Carthage Jail 8 July 2013.

On Thursday we had district meeting in Keokuk which was really neat!  It was our last district meeting before transfers, and Sister Cox's last district meeting in the Iowa Des Moines Mission. Both Sister Cox and I had been asked to train.  I learned so much as I prepared for the training, which was great, so hopefully the district members were able to learn a little bit.  I trained on "we invite, they commit, we follow up" and related it to the story of the apostles at the end of Christ's earthly ministry.  How when Christ was crucified, the apostles were young and inexperienced, so instead of testifying of Christ they went back to fishing.  When Christ came and told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, and they recognized it to be their Savior. They went back to shore and Christ had a meal prepared for them and then asked Peter "Do you love me?"  And so the same should go with each of us as we are asked to do something, or if we extend the invitation for others, each individual needs to ask themselves "Do I love the Savior enough to do what He asks of me?" 

 

Thursday evening was the first time we worked pageant.  We work pageant two nights a week and what we do is go around and talk with people before pageant starts and then see if they have any referrals for the missionaries.  We head back to our apartments after pageant starts, but pageant is such a fun place to be.  Friday night we were able to watch pageant. What an amazing performance!  The spirit is so strong as they testify of the restoration of the gospel.  I haven't seen anyone that I know up at pageant.

At the pageant.

Saturday morning we were having our companionship studies and we thought that since we hadn't heard from President Jensen by that time that Sister Thompson and I would be staying as companions in Carthage.  We were studying about praying with faith when we received a call from President.  He first talked to Sister Thompson and asked if she would train a new sister in Carthage.  Then President asked to talk to me, which threw us all for a loop, because he asked if I would train a new sister and open a new area!  Umm can I just say CURVEBALL!!!!  I had been planning on taking over Carthage since Sister Thompson is finished with her mission at the end of next transfer, so she would have finished my training, but instead I am not even done with my training and will be training a brand new sister.

 

Needless to say ever since Saturday my mind has been racing!  I am trying to cram and learn everything I can from Sister Thompson before transfers which take place on Thursday.  I won't find out where I will be serving until the meeting, so just wait until next week!  We thought it was interesting how we had studied about prayer before this call, because I know with certainty that all of my prayers are going to be so much more sincere with all the help needed.  Anyways after that the next thing we had planned to study talked all about how change is good and that through change we grow so much. 

 

We worked pageant Saturday night as well and  Sunday was fairly normal except for the fact that we dropped off Sister Cox, since she flew out today.  I loved serving with her and am so excited to hear about her adventures in Brazil!

 

Anyways so long Carthage, and next week I will be in a new area!

 

Love you all

 

Sister Call

 

Look at how much the corn has grown since we first arrived

Just a reminder of what the corn fields looked like when they arrived in Carthage :)

 Pageant was great!  We talk with people and see if they would like to fill out a referral card.  The Pageant takes place below the temple by where some of the historical sites are at.  The performance was written based off Preach My gospel, so not even kidding it teaches the full restoration and plan of salvation lessons.  The Spirit is so strong!  I decided that we will have to come out as a family after my mission so everyone can experience it!

Please do not send mail to the Carthage address.  Send it to the mission home because you know how I said most likely I would be here for months?  Well, Mission life is unpredictable and I am transferring Thursday.

Love you,
Sister Call