Hey family,
I AM IN RUSSIA. What a culture shock to be here. When I exited the plane, it was such a shock to me. Russia is way different than America. I have felt so guilty for how much I have taken for granted in my life. The people here live off nothing. They are poor, and often don't have much. I met my companion the second day. Her name is Sister Young. She has been out for about a year now. She is awesome. We are assigned to an area named Penza. It is about an 8 hour train ride from the Mission Home. It is not really clean here. Yesterday, Sister Young and I got trapped in a dust tornadoe! haha. The water comes out foggy and sometimes brown so we are not allowed to drink it. We are suppose to wear water shoes in the showers to avoid getting planter warts. We are not allowed to eat the "fresh" fish here, and we have to clean the produce REALLY well. Things are way different here, but man do I just love it. I have never walked more in my life. I have never rode on so many buses or van like taxi's. It is crazy how much we walk and ride transportation.
My first lesson here was incredible. Sister Young and her past companion found a 21 year old guy named Dema when knocking. They have talked with him several times, but have not officially had a lesson. The day we arrived in Penza was Dema's first real lesson. We talked about the Book of Mormon and I tried to teach him in my broke Russian how to pray. The spirit was stronger than I have ever felt! At the end of the lesson, I asked him to pray. It was incredible to teach him. We have been busy at work! I am grateful for this chance I have to be here to teach these people! They need the gospel. I have been rejected many times, but that doesn't matter because this gospel is true!
I am sorry this email is shorter than usual. I promise I will write more! You are all in my prayers. I am grateful for your love and your example to me! Keep of the hard work!
The language is challenging, but with the help of the Lord, my trainer, and with hard work it will all work out!
I love my Father in Heaven. I am so blessed to be a missionary!!
I love you all,
Sister McCartt (DEVY :))
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
4 more Days!!!!
Hey Everyone!
GUESS WHAT? I leave for Russia in 4 days! I am scheduled to fly out on Monday, April 15th at 5:00 am. The flight over there is crazy. We fly out of SLC at 8:31 am MTN time. I will have time to call you before then. We arrive in at 2:57pm then we quickly rush to our flight to Moscow, Russia which flies out at 4:10pm. We then arrive in Moscow, Russia at 9:55 am (They are 10 hours ahead). That means it will be 2:10 am your time. I have a SUPER long layover. I can call anytime between 2:10 am to 8ish am. (Tell me what time works best for you. I think Sister Walker's parents are getting me a prepaid phone and international card. I will let you know more one Saturday. I don't believe we are going to call on Saturday, but I can email on Saturday so please tell me any concerns you have. I would really like to talk for an hour or so on Monday morning around 830 to 930 your time. What phone number is best?) I FINALLY arrive in Samara at 4:50 pm. That is such a crazy thought to me! Next week, I WILL be in Russia with a new companion meeting my NEW mission presidents in just a week. I will be FORCED to talk ONLY Russian to everyone. I know this will help my learning curve like CRAZY! I cannot tell you how scary, but exciting this feeling is to me. These are my last few days in America for 15 1/2 - 16 months! I am VERY excited to share the gospel with the people of Russia. They are often explained as people with hard shells, but if you just love them, they will do anything for you. I am excited to bring the joy I have because of this gospel into their lives. I love the people of Russia already. I know I am meant to be there. I know that there are people in Russia who will help me grow, and I know there are people in Russia who Heavenly Father needs me to teach. I know that the gospel will bring much peace and happiness in their lives. The people of Russia have had such hard lives because of the war and communism. I am beyond excited to invite them to come unto Christ and give them our burdens.
I heard an incredible story yesterday about Eric Littleton. He was an incredible runner. He ran in the 1924 Olympics He qualified for the 200m race. When he found out that the race was on Sunday; he refused to run. Even though he was not of our faith, he had been raised to keep the Sabbath day holy. He began training for the 400m race. He was afraid he would not qualify, but he worked his butt off to try. He decided he would race in both races, but if he went to the finals for the 200m race; he decided that he would not run. Well he did. He made it to the finals. His country was so angry with him, but he held his ground and he honored what the Lord had commanded him. After all of his training, he also ended up qualifying for the 400m race. They put him on the outer lane, not thinking much of his ability to win. Right before the race began, an american racer handed him a little piece of paper with 1 Sam 2:30 written on it. It reads, " Those who honor me, I will honor." He read it an smiled. He gave his all and ran and ran. He didn't know where the other runners were so he continued to give his all. He not only won the 400m race, but he also broke the world record. What an incredible story. I know that this applies for each of us. As we give our all for the Lord, he will bless us. As we serve him and honor him, he will honor us.
I am sorry this letter isn't so long, but I will write to you on Saturday. I love you lots and lots and lots. I am so thankful for such an amazing family! Keep up the good work! Remember how important it is to study your scriptures and pray sincerely daily! I know the Lord will bless and honor you!
Well I love you lots,
I will talk to you on Monday! I can't wait to hear your voices. Don't forget to let me know what time works best for moscow. The rest of my times are limited in SLC. I would really like to talk to you then as well.
love,
yfld
dev
My lovely Sister friends going to Thailand We were "bathroom friends" for 4 weeks then we decided to learn each others names :) haha
My lovely Sister friends going to Thailand We were "bathroom friends" for 4 weeks then we decided to learn each others names :) haha
We all randomly matched!
I GOT MY TRAVEL PLANS. We leave APRIL 15TH!
so HAPPY
Our last temple trip! CRAZY to think my next temple trip will be with YOU.
12 Days Left!! Week 8
Hello Family!
I cannot tell you enough how awesome it was to hear your voices this week even though the circumstances weren't what I wanted! I have gotten some medicine for my headaches. I am not sure if they have them in Russia, but the doctor will find out tomorrow! I am so grateful for the wonderful family that I have. I feel so much love and support from you all. Thank you for your faith in Christ. Thank you for your love for our Father in Heaven. Daddy, I have really enjoyed reading your letters. It worked out perfectly, I got one on Monday (they don't send Dearelders on Saturdays) and I got one on Tuesday. I feel so blessed to be apart of the McCartt clan!
This week has been such a humbling week for me. I have had to MORE fully put my trust in Heavenly Father's plan, and I had to more fully rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ for strength and comfort! This past week was Easter Sunday. On Friday, which was the day that I found out that my call may need to be changed because of my headaches, was the day almost 2,000 years ago that our Savior atoned for each of our pains, hardships, sorrows, and sins. When our teacher told me this, after a day of burden and stress, I just began to cry, all that stress and burden was just lifted. I was able to turn to my Savior because he already knew how I was feeling. I had been praying to truly feel the Atonement working in my life and at that moment, I truly experienced it. I cannot express in words how much our Brother, Jesus Christ loves us. He wants to help us and he wants us to be happy. ALL we need to do is turn to him. He knows how we are feeling for he has suffered and felt it for us. I love the Russian language because each word has such beautiful meaning. The word for Atonement in Russian is Искупление. In Russian it means "bought out completely". The Savior has suffered for us COMPLETELY. I hope that you never forget this sweet message. We are never alone! He is always there to lift us up and give us strength.
I am glad to be a missionary. It is the hardest, but yet the best work that I have ever done. In order for me to grow closer to my Father in Heaven, I must be willing to have hard moments and go through dark places. God has chosen me to go serve the people of Russia. I must do what my Savior would do if he was here. I am a servant of God. Russia will be challenging, furthering my knowledge of Russian will be challenging, but this message is so important! I need to truly forget myself and do what the Lord needs me to do. I know I will receive the strength that I need to accomplish the work that the Savior needs me to do.
Thank you for your example. Thank you for your love! I feel it even though we are thousands of miles apart! I often picture you kneeling by your beside praying for my behalf, just like I do the same for you. I feel your prayers. Thank you for being so wonderful to me! Thanks you for all of your letters! I don't have much time on the computer, but I will try next week to write each of you a letter before I leave! I will have time to respond when I am in the field! I get my travel plans TOMORROW! holy cow! AND then I leave for RUSSIA in 11 days. My mind is blown! I have so much to learn and so much to do!
I love each one of you and I pray for you multiple times a day! I am sorry this is shorter than usual, but I must get off!
i love you! Love your favorite left-handed daughter,
Devynn!
I cannot tell you enough how awesome it was to hear your voices this week even though the circumstances weren't what I wanted! I have gotten some medicine for my headaches. I am not sure if they have them in Russia, but the doctor will find out tomorrow! I am so grateful for the wonderful family that I have. I feel so much love and support from you all. Thank you for your faith in Christ. Thank you for your love for our Father in Heaven. Daddy, I have really enjoyed reading your letters. It worked out perfectly, I got one on Monday (they don't send Dearelders on Saturdays) and I got one on Tuesday. I feel so blessed to be apart of the McCartt clan!
This week has been such a humbling week for me. I have had to MORE fully put my trust in Heavenly Father's plan, and I had to more fully rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ for strength and comfort! This past week was Easter Sunday. On Friday, which was the day that I found out that my call may need to be changed because of my headaches, was the day almost 2,000 years ago that our Savior atoned for each of our pains, hardships, sorrows, and sins. When our teacher told me this, after a day of burden and stress, I just began to cry, all that stress and burden was just lifted. I was able to turn to my Savior because he already knew how I was feeling. I had been praying to truly feel the Atonement working in my life and at that moment, I truly experienced it. I cannot express in words how much our Brother, Jesus Christ loves us. He wants to help us and he wants us to be happy. ALL we need to do is turn to him. He knows how we are feeling for he has suffered and felt it for us. I love the Russian language because each word has such beautiful meaning. The word for Atonement in Russian is Искупление. In Russian it means "bought out completely". The Savior has suffered for us COMPLETELY. I hope that you never forget this sweet message. We are never alone! He is always there to lift us up and give us strength.
I am glad to be a missionary. It is the hardest, but yet the best work that I have ever done. In order for me to grow closer to my Father in Heaven, I must be willing to have hard moments and go through dark places. God has chosen me to go serve the people of Russia. I must do what my Savior would do if he was here. I am a servant of God. Russia will be challenging, furthering my knowledge of Russian will be challenging, but this message is so important! I need to truly forget myself and do what the Lord needs me to do. I know I will receive the strength that I need to accomplish the work that the Savior needs me to do.
Thank you for your example. Thank you for your love! I feel it even though we are thousands of miles apart! I often picture you kneeling by your beside praying for my behalf, just like I do the same for you. I feel your prayers. Thank you for being so wonderful to me! Thanks you for all of your letters! I don't have much time on the computer, but I will try next week to write each of you a letter before I leave! I will have time to respond when I am in the field! I get my travel plans TOMORROW! holy cow! AND then I leave for RUSSIA in 11 days. My mind is blown! I have so much to learn and so much to do!
I love each one of you and I pray for you multiple times a day! I am sorry this is shorter than usual, but I must get off!
i love you! Love your favorite left-handed daughter,
Devynn!
Sister Jolley and I
At the temple! Elder Jaynes trying to be 5'5 haha
This is Elder Jaynes! He is 6'7! He is SO tall and guess what he is only 19!! SO YOUNG BUT SO TALL
Our Friend Elder Moe! He was our older! He left last Sunday!
YAY, just learning Russian!
ALL OF our older left last week and now it is our turn~! ahhhh, we get travel plans tomorrow :)
ALL OF our older left last week and now it is our turn~! ahhhh, we get travel plans tomorrow :)
Elder Moe and I
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
MTC week 7!
Hello Family!
This week has been a humbling week. Each week that passes by, I see myself changing and becoming who my Father in Heaven wants me to be. I have a lot of improvement still needed, but I know that as I give my all; Heavenly Father WILL in fact help me. A few things that happened this week really helped me to feel my purpose as a missionary. On Sunday, I received a huge tender mercy. I was having a rough day. I am not sure why, but just sometimes in the MTC things get challenging. Anyway, after devotional, I saw a group of our Russians gathering in the front. I remembered that Samara's area Seventy was here visiting so we ran up to talk to him. I never got to talk to him because I started talking to a 16 year old girl names Elizabeth from Saratov, Russia (One of the areas in my mission). She was SO precious. As we talked, I couldn't help but feel so much love for her and the people of Russia. I just couldn't stop smiling. I am so so so excited to serve the people of Russia and just love them! My language will come with time, but my love for them and my desire to help them come unto Christ is already there. I am grateful for the Lord's tender mercies that help me get through the challenging moments here at the MTC. I have received an immense amount of strength and love from my Heavenly Father. My love for my Savior has significantly grown as I more fully apply the Atonement in my life. I am SO grateful for Jesus Christ and His willingness to atone for you and me. Words cannot express my gratitude to Him!
This week I really took the advice of our Branch President, President Harrison. He asked us to really focus on learning more about the Savior each week. I have been striving to start each week with the thought, "What can I do to grow closer to my Savior. And What more can I learn about him this week?" This week I have just really focused on how the Savior reacted when those around him rejected him. I was reading before bed last night when I came across this beautiful verse in 1st Nephi 19:9. The part that really hit home to read "... Wherefore they scourge him, and he sufferth it, and they smite him, and he sufferth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he sufferth it because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men". What a profound verse. Jesus Christ was mocked and spit upon, yet he allowed it and "sufferth" it because of his patience and his love for them. I want to be more charitable. I want to feel the pure love of Christ for those I teach and for those I come in contact with each day. I want to be more like my Savior. I am thankful for his example. I am thankful for his love for me. I am thankful for his atonement. Wow, what a blessing we have to know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we CAN become clean. Through his Atonement, we CAN receive strength and comfort because He knows what we have been through. He knows it because He experienced it and suffered it for you and me. What a powerful message. I can't wait to share this message with Russia!
This week has been a humbling week. Each week that passes by, I see myself changing and becoming who my Father in Heaven wants me to be. I have a lot of improvement still needed, but I know that as I give my all; Heavenly Father WILL in fact help me. A few things that happened this week really helped me to feel my purpose as a missionary. On Sunday, I received a huge tender mercy. I was having a rough day. I am not sure why, but just sometimes in the MTC things get challenging. Anyway, after devotional, I saw a group of our Russians gathering in the front. I remembered that Samara's area Seventy was here visiting so we ran up to talk to him. I never got to talk to him because I started talking to a 16 year old girl names Elizabeth from Saratov, Russia (One of the areas in my mission). She was SO precious. As we talked, I couldn't help but feel so much love for her and the people of Russia. I just couldn't stop smiling. I am so so so excited to serve the people of Russia and just love them! My language will come with time, but my love for them and my desire to help them come unto Christ is already there. I am grateful for the Lord's tender mercies that help me get through the challenging moments here at the MTC. I have received an immense amount of strength and love from my Heavenly Father. My love for my Savior has significantly grown as I more fully apply the Atonement in my life. I am SO grateful for Jesus Christ and His willingness to atone for you and me. Words cannot express my gratitude to Him!
This week I really took the advice of our Branch President, President Harrison. He asked us to really focus on learning more about the Savior each week. I have been striving to start each week with the thought, "What can I do to grow closer to my Savior. And What more can I learn about him this week?" This week I have just really focused on how the Savior reacted when those around him rejected him. I was reading before bed last night when I came across this beautiful verse in 1st Nephi 19:9. The part that really hit home to read "... Wherefore they scourge him, and he sufferth it, and they smite him, and he sufferth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he sufferth it because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men". What a profound verse. Jesus Christ was mocked and spit upon, yet he allowed it and "sufferth" it because of his patience and his love for them. I want to be more charitable. I want to feel the pure love of Christ for those I teach and for those I come in contact with each day. I want to be more like my Savior. I am thankful for his example. I am thankful for his love for me. I am thankful for his atonement. Wow, what a blessing we have to know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we CAN become clean. Through his Atonement, we CAN receive strength and comfort because He knows what we have been through. He knows it because He experienced it and suffered it for you and me. What a powerful message. I can't wait to share this message with Russia!
One of our goals as a companionship is to only speak kind words to one another. I think this has helped us not get offended and it has helped settle many uneasy feelings. It has not been easy, and it still isn't, but I am focused and determined to make it work as best as possible. I am working to focus more on others and serve them more. I want to see every one as Christ sees them! I know with the Savior, I will be able to receive strength and comfort that i need.
This week, I have been working to be more positive. It has helped me smile even when days are challenging.
I am doing all I can to be more in tune with the Spirit. I am working to better hear the promptings of the Spirit and then have the courage to act upon them. I know that Heavenly Father will help me as I remain worthy and diligent to have the Holy Ghost as my companion.
A lot of things happened this week. I had my hard days, but it was amazing to remember the support I had at home. This thought made my hard days, easier days. I am thank you for your support and love, mom and dad. I am thankful for your prayers! I am thankful for the picture book that I received from Shelby, Shea, and Sister McClellan. I love it! I shared it with my companions. It was wonderful to be able to just talk about you all and how much I love you!
This week, I have been working to be more positive. It has helped me smile even when days are challenging.
I am doing all I can to be more in tune with the Spirit. I am working to better hear the promptings of the Spirit and then have the courage to act upon them. I know that Heavenly Father will help me as I remain worthy and diligent to have the Holy Ghost as my companion.
A lot of things happened this week. I had my hard days, but it was amazing to remember the support I had at home. This thought made my hard days, easier days. I am thank you for your support and love, mom and dad. I am thankful for your prayers! I am thankful for the picture book that I received from Shelby, Shea, and Sister McClellan. I love it! I shared it with my companions. It was wonderful to be able to just talk about you all and how much I love you!
I love you family! Never forget that! Never forget that our Heavenly Father loves us!
Love your crazy daughter and sister,
Sister Devynn McCartt
Love your crazy daughter and sister,
Sister Devynn McCartt
My teacher literally drew this in a minute. It is like we are inside a bus!
Another one of my Brazilian friends. She leaves the same day as me!
These signs are on the wall by my bed! Thanks Ryan for your inspiration :)
I meant to send this last week. A Brazilian friend of mine!
Apparently putting toothpaste on blemishes works! SO i decided to experiment.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
MTC Week 6!
Hey family!
Wow, this has been a challenging week for me. Part of me can't even explain why it has been so hard. Many nights and throughout the day, I just cried and cried. I found myself continually on my knees pleading with the Lord to give me strength to continue forward. Each day, He has given me that extra strength I need. Each day, He has given me that desire to work harder so that I am better prepared to serve the people of Russia. This week, Sister Walker and I joined back into a companionship with Sister Jolley. This change has been SO challenging for me. Sister Jolley is a wonderful and loving Sister, but we are way different. We have different personalities and things that she says that wouldn't offend her often times offended Sister Walker and me. Throughout my 5 weeks here, I have been praying to love her more. I have been striving to serve her more often and show her that I do care. I know that we are in the tripanionship for a reason. Instead of worrying why, I have been working to be more patient with the Lords time. I have been working to more fully trust in the Lord and His Plan. Just like PMG teachings in Chapter 6, I am working to do God's will to the best of my ability and accept His timing.
On top of the change in companionship's I have also felt a lot of challenges with the language. It is coming along, but many times it easy to turn to the negative and think things are just impossible to learn. I have been working hard to remember that the Lord has called me to Russia for a reason. I will learn it, I just must be patient with the Lord and with His timing. Even though the language is such a barrier; it is incredible how far we have come. I was speaking to my teacher one on one about my struggles and how I can improve. I was frustrated with myself because the many things I want to say, I can't say. I told him that I felt like I wasn't growing as fast as I would like. I felt like I wasn't able to have personality when I spoke in Russian. He sweetly said to me, "Sister McCartt, you may not be able to see it, BUT I do. You have grown an incredible amount. We must have patience with ourselves and with the Lord." He said, " I promise you that you will learn the language. I promise you that the Lord has a plan. It may takes months to gain that ability to have your personality while speaking Russian, but it will come. He said, "And it may be that you don't need your personality to fulfill what the Lord needs you to do." He told me that as I teach he can fill so much love. He can fill how much I love my Savior and how much I love the investigator. He said, " I know it is hard, but you CAN do it." Tears filled my eyes and I felt the Spirit testifying to me that what he said is in fact true. I will come to better know the language. It will be challenging, but it will come. I am thankful for my inspired teachers. They are incredible. I know that they were specifically chosen to help each of us in the district. There is no doubt in my mind. Whenever I feel discouraged, I have to remind myself that I CAN do it. If I ever feel inadequate, I must remember that I know better. I know that as I work my hardest and keep pressing forward; He WILL fill in the rest. Wow, it is incredible how humble I have become this week. It is incredible how much I have grown from just last week. As I have felt discouraged and alone, I have turned to the Atonement. I have been trying to focus on that with Him I can do all things. This work is difficult. This work is hard, BUT with Him, I can truly help the building of God's Kingdom on earth. I am humbled to think that I am the Lord's instrument This pushes me forward. This is not my time; it is his time. I am striving to keep the positive perspective. One last cool thing another one of my teachers told me this week was, "Sister McCartt. I promise you that you will make an eternal impact on people your first week in Russia. I promise you that. You will be prepared with as much language as you need to teach them." I know Heavenly Father will help me.
The days are long, but the weeks have surely flown by. I have 3 1/2 weeks left in the MTC. I have a ton to do and a ton to learn before then! Thanks for your love and support! It was SO great to hear from you. I hope to get the Dearelders you sent momma!
Tell the family that I love them A LOT.
love you so much
your daughter,
devy
Wow, this has been a challenging week for me. Part of me can't even explain why it has been so hard. Many nights and throughout the day, I just cried and cried. I found myself continually on my knees pleading with the Lord to give me strength to continue forward. Each day, He has given me that extra strength I need. Each day, He has given me that desire to work harder so that I am better prepared to serve the people of Russia. This week, Sister Walker and I joined back into a companionship with Sister Jolley. This change has been SO challenging for me. Sister Jolley is a wonderful and loving Sister, but we are way different. We have different personalities and things that she says that wouldn't offend her often times offended Sister Walker and me. Throughout my 5 weeks here, I have been praying to love her more. I have been striving to serve her more often and show her that I do care. I know that we are in the tripanionship for a reason. Instead of worrying why, I have been working to be more patient with the Lords time. I have been working to more fully trust in the Lord and His Plan. Just like PMG teachings in Chapter 6, I am working to do God's will to the best of my ability and accept His timing.
On top of the change in companionship's I have also felt a lot of challenges with the language. It is coming along, but many times it easy to turn to the negative and think things are just impossible to learn. I have been working hard to remember that the Lord has called me to Russia for a reason. I will learn it, I just must be patient with the Lord and with His timing. Even though the language is such a barrier; it is incredible how far we have come. I was speaking to my teacher one on one about my struggles and how I can improve. I was frustrated with myself because the many things I want to say, I can't say. I told him that I felt like I wasn't growing as fast as I would like. I felt like I wasn't able to have personality when I spoke in Russian. He sweetly said to me, "Sister McCartt, you may not be able to see it, BUT I do. You have grown an incredible amount. We must have patience with ourselves and with the Lord." He said, " I promise you that you will learn the language. I promise you that the Lord has a plan. It may takes months to gain that ability to have your personality while speaking Russian, but it will come. He said, "And it may be that you don't need your personality to fulfill what the Lord needs you to do." He told me that as I teach he can fill so much love. He can fill how much I love my Savior and how much I love the investigator. He said, " I know it is hard, but you CAN do it." Tears filled my eyes and I felt the Spirit testifying to me that what he said is in fact true. I will come to better know the language. It will be challenging, but it will come. I am thankful for my inspired teachers. They are incredible. I know that they were specifically chosen to help each of us in the district. There is no doubt in my mind. Whenever I feel discouraged, I have to remind myself that I CAN do it. If I ever feel inadequate, I must remember that I know better. I know that as I work my hardest and keep pressing forward; He WILL fill in the rest. Wow, it is incredible how humble I have become this week. It is incredible how much I have grown from just last week. As I have felt discouraged and alone, I have turned to the Atonement. I have been trying to focus on that with Him I can do all things. This work is difficult. This work is hard, BUT with Him, I can truly help the building of God's Kingdom on earth. I am humbled to think that I am the Lord's instrument This pushes me forward. This is not my time; it is his time. I am striving to keep the positive perspective. One last cool thing another one of my teachers told me this week was, "Sister McCartt. I promise you that you will make an eternal impact on people your first week in Russia. I promise you that. You will be prepared with as much language as you need to teach them." I know Heavenly Father will help me.
The days are long, but the weeks have surely flown by. I have 3 1/2 weeks left in the MTC. I have a ton to do and a ton to learn before then! Thanks for your love and support! It was SO great to hear from you. I hope to get the Dearelders you sent momma!
Tell the family that I love them A LOT.
love you so much
your daughter,
devy
Temple walk!
Our Portuguese friends who left! They are awesome.
Our Portuguese friends who left! They are awesome.
Elder Jenkins! He is HUGE and guess what he is 19!
Our Portuguese friends that left!
Our Portuguese friends that left!
Our Portuguese friends that left!
We as Russians tried to eat all the cereal! We called it knock out :)
Sunday, March 17, 2013
1 Month Down 17 to Go
This week has been an incredible week as Sister Walker and I have made such amazing progress with our investigators and with our goals. I am so much happier in our companionship. Being with just one sister is much easier than having two companions. I have seen so much growth in myself as I have given all I have to building God's kingdom here on earth. I have seen myself slowly but surely warp into a better, stronger, and a more willing missionary. Life here in the MTC is not easy. The schedule is exhausting, but somehow everyday, I am able to push forward and give Heavenly Father a little more of myself. Each night I "return and report" to Heavenly Father on how my day was, what I did well and what I didn't do so well on. Some days, I am excited to tell him how hard I worked and that I gave everything I had, but other days it is a little harder because I know I could have given just a little bit more (especially when I accidentally fall asleep studying...haha).
Please keep me in your prayers! Holy cow, the Russian language is hard! I feel like I learn and learn so much, but there is still so much left to learn. We finally learned cases last week. This has helped with forming sentences, but it has also made me realize how complicated Russian is. Now I see why Russian Missionaries use to be here for 12 WEEKS. In TRC, we taught a sister that served in Samara. She told us that she was the worst of the worse in speaking Russian, BUT she learned it. She promised us that we would learn the language. So to answer the question: How is learning and speaking Russian? It is coming along. I had a sweet Elder from my district give me a compliment earlier this week. We were asked to teach two missionaries in our district about a specific scripture. Before I taught I warned them that my Russian may be a little sloppy and slow. After the lesson in front of the whole class, he said, " Sister McCartt you speak very well. You said words even I didn't know!" The way he said it at first made it sound like he was surprised that I knew words that he didn't know, but he reassured me saying, "You said your Russian wasn't all that great and that it may come out broken. I was just very surprised how clearly you spoke." Even though I was embarrassed that the whole class heard this, I was also very touched. I definitely have work to do, but sometimes it is harder for us to see our own progression. It was nice to hear that I am making progress.
Our class often gets down on ourselves because of the hard language. I think one day our teacher Brother Hale wasn't happy by our negative attitude...okay, I don't "think", I know he wasn't happy because he gave us this incredible pep-talk. He had asked us to commit another Sister/Elder to baptism in Russian. I was paired with Elder Wride. A lot of us helplessly and begrudgingly said we would after begging for him to let us to teach in English. He said, No. The Lord has called you to speak and preach in Russian so let us practice speaking RUSSIAN. Well needless to say, we taught in Russian. As I taught Elder Wride, I was overwhelmed with the Spirit. The Spirit testified to me that I COULD do it even if it was hard. It wasn't me who taught Elder Wride, it was the Spirit who testified and who taught him. I was only the instrument. He at first rejected my invitation to be baptized (The teacher has told them to so that we could use the Spirit to soften the investigator's heart). After he said "no", I sat there silently letting the Spirit soften his heart and guide his thoughts. He came up with little excuses why he didn't want to be baptized. It was so powerful to feel the Holy Ghost working through me as I bore testimony and shared with him that I knew Heavenly Father would support him. I told him that I know Heavenly Father loves him. As I sat there, tears filled my eyes. I felt so much love for this investigator that I wanted him to know how much his Father in Heaven loves him. I sat there to let him think and to continue to be taught by the Spirit. Tears came to his eyes. I felt the strong need to then ask him again if he would be baptized. He said "yes". After the lesson, Elder Wride told me that it was incredible to feel the Lord softening his heart by the Spirit. He said that by what I said and by what he was taught by the Holy Ghost, he felt that his once excuses were not reasons at all to not be baptized. It was a wonderful feeling to see his heart change.
After the lesson, Brother Hale felt inspired to give us that "talk" I spoke of above and let me tell you---it was amazing. I can't perfectly portray the Spirit that was present or the way he bore his testimony, but I can share some of the things that he said that truly impacted me. He said that our attitude is essential in this work. He said, get rid of the negativity and stop saying you can't learn the language because you CAN. He proclaimed, "YOU have the creator of the universe on your side. He WILL help you. See your potential and who you can be. Go home, ask the Lord to forgive you for your doubt and negativity, and covenant with him that from now on; you will be positive and fully rely on Him." He promised us that we would see a difference. I did what he promised. I have ALREADY seen such an incredible difference. Please continue to write and continue to pray for me!
AH, I almost forgot to mention that I got a fabulous package from Shea this week! Some amazing treats, soda, and a cute little duck! Thanks Shea, I love you. I am writing you a letter!
Momma, I wish I could have talked to you this week. Thanks for all your dear elders. Thanks to dad and you for being so awesome. Share with the family my love, the email i sent, and the pictures. I love you lots!
I look forward to hearing from you,
YFLD,
DEV
Please keep me in your prayers! Holy cow, the Russian language is hard! I feel like I learn and learn so much, but there is still so much left to learn. We finally learned cases last week. This has helped with forming sentences, but it has also made me realize how complicated Russian is. Now I see why Russian Missionaries use to be here for 12 WEEKS. In TRC, we taught a sister that served in Samara. She told us that she was the worst of the worse in speaking Russian, BUT she learned it. She promised us that we would learn the language. So to answer the question: How is learning and speaking Russian? It is coming along. I had a sweet Elder from my district give me a compliment earlier this week. We were asked to teach two missionaries in our district about a specific scripture. Before I taught I warned them that my Russian may be a little sloppy and slow. After the lesson in front of the whole class, he said, " Sister McCartt you speak very well. You said words even I didn't know!" The way he said it at first made it sound like he was surprised that I knew words that he didn't know, but he reassured me saying, "You said your Russian wasn't all that great and that it may come out broken. I was just very surprised how clearly you spoke." Even though I was embarrassed that the whole class heard this, I was also very touched. I definitely have work to do, but sometimes it is harder for us to see our own progression. It was nice to hear that I am making progress.
Our class often gets down on ourselves because of the hard language. I think one day our teacher Brother Hale wasn't happy by our negative attitude...okay, I don't "think", I know he wasn't happy because he gave us this incredible pep-talk. He had asked us to commit another Sister/Elder to baptism in Russian. I was paired with Elder Wride. A lot of us helplessly and begrudgingly said we would after begging for him to let us to teach in English. He said, No. The Lord has called you to speak and preach in Russian so let us practice speaking RUSSIAN. Well needless to say, we taught in Russian. As I taught Elder Wride, I was overwhelmed with the Spirit. The Spirit testified to me that I COULD do it even if it was hard. It wasn't me who taught Elder Wride, it was the Spirit who testified and who taught him. I was only the instrument. He at first rejected my invitation to be baptized (The teacher has told them to so that we could use the Spirit to soften the investigator's heart). After he said "no", I sat there silently letting the Spirit soften his heart and guide his thoughts. He came up with little excuses why he didn't want to be baptized. It was so powerful to feel the Holy Ghost working through me as I bore testimony and shared with him that I knew Heavenly Father would support him. I told him that I know Heavenly Father loves him. As I sat there, tears filled my eyes. I felt so much love for this investigator that I wanted him to know how much his Father in Heaven loves him. I sat there to let him think and to continue to be taught by the Spirit. Tears came to his eyes. I felt the strong need to then ask him again if he would be baptized. He said "yes". After the lesson, Elder Wride told me that it was incredible to feel the Lord softening his heart by the Spirit. He said that by what I said and by what he was taught by the Holy Ghost, he felt that his once excuses were not reasons at all to not be baptized. It was a wonderful feeling to see his heart change.
After the lesson, Brother Hale felt inspired to give us that "talk" I spoke of above and let me tell you---it was amazing. I can't perfectly portray the Spirit that was present or the way he bore his testimony, but I can share some of the things that he said that truly impacted me. He said that our attitude is essential in this work. He said, get rid of the negativity and stop saying you can't learn the language because you CAN. He proclaimed, "YOU have the creator of the universe on your side. He WILL help you. See your potential and who you can be. Go home, ask the Lord to forgive you for your doubt and negativity, and covenant with him that from now on; you will be positive and fully rely on Him." He promised us that we would see a difference. I did what he promised. I have ALREADY seen such an incredible difference. Please continue to write and continue to pray for me!
AH, I almost forgot to mention that I got a fabulous package from Shea this week! Some amazing treats, soda, and a cute little duck! Thanks Shea, I love you. I am writing you a letter!
Momma, I wish I could have talked to you this week. Thanks for all your dear elders. Thanks to dad and you for being so awesome. Share with the family my love, the email i sent, and the pictures. I love you lots!
I look forward to hearing from you,
YFLD,
DEV
Sister Christensen already came and went!
Sister Walker, Sister Holmes (The sister that joined our district for a few weeks), and I on our temple walk.
Sister Ellsworth (my roommate) and I being goofy!
Sister Walker and I
.I found Sister Christensen at Temple Walk!
Sister Walker and I made signs! I love you!
Elder Lleyva and I. We all came into class on Russian's (Women's day) to this heart of candy.
This is Elder Gallo! One of our Porteguese friend's who left Monday.
Our shadows!
. Roommate pictures at the temple!
We all matched randomly haha.
Friday, March 15, 2013
MTC Week 4!!!!
Well Hello!
What a week it has been. My goodness! The days have been flying by. It seems like just a day or so ago, it was my P-day. SO MUCH has happened this week. I have been very blessed. To start off, on Sunday morning our Branch President came into our district classroom telling us Sisters that another sister would be joining our district and so our companionship would be splitting up. My heart stopped. This week I have been really praying for our companionship to have unity. Sister Walker even felt something was amiss in our companionship, but we couldn't put our finger on it. We all get along well, but being in a threesome can be challenging. It is a completely different dynamic then just having one person as your companion. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. SO Sister Walker and I are now companions and Sister Jolley has welcomed the new sister as her companion, Sister Holmes. She is very sweet. She was at the MTC before for 12 weeks, then went into the field for two months so she went home for the past three months. She is here for a refresher. It has truly been such a help to have her! Sister Walker and I have set some high goals as a companionship. I am excited to see our growth together! Sister Holmes ( the new sister) will leave in 2 1/2 weeks. I hope it won't be too difficult to adjust back to a threesome because the dynamics are completely different. I love Sister Walker. She has been such a strength to me. We have been applying the advice that Ryan gave me. Be exactly obedient. Make sure you have 1 hour of personal study, 1 hour of companionship study, and 1 hour of language study. He promised that the Lord will bless us for our exactness. It is incredible how blessed we already have been!
One of those blessings have been with our investigator Ирэк. He is Muslim so he believes that God is our Creator, but not our Father. He believes that Jesus Christ was our Brother, but not our Savior or Redeemer. This really threw us off our first lesson, but going into the second lesson; we were really relying on the Spirit. The day that Sister Walker and I taught him, I felt strongly that I needed to spend my personal study time studying Chapter 5 of Preach My Gospel. It is all about the Book of Mormon. As we were preparing for the lesson in companionship study, we both felt strongly that we should indirectly teach him about Jesus Christ by teaching him about Joseph Smith, the Restoration, and the Book of Mormon. The lesson was amazing. We both felt the spirit directing our thoughts. We asked him to read the last two paragraphs of the Book of Mormon introduction. You could see this touched him. Something about him changed. We promised him that if he would read the Book of Mormon and pray with faith; he would feel peace and he would receive an answer. He committed to pray and read. I sure hope he does. I feel so much love for the people I am teaching even though they are just teachers acting like investigators from their mission. The spirit is real. It truly does touch the hearts of those we teach. I have been directed by the Holy Ghost as I have taught. It is an amazing feeling. As I bore my testimony to Ирэк in Russian, I began to tear up. It was very powerful to hear the Lord working through me and allowing me to speak this beautiful language. The language is challenging, but by golly; it is worth it. We later talked to our teacher about our lesson. He said he was very pleased by our work, and he said he could tell we were following the Spirit. He told us to keep it up. He also told us he could see us applying the different cases (this is what makes Russian so challenging). He said he was very proud of our language :). By golly, that felt good. It is very humbling to know that I could not do all that I am doing without the strength of my Savior. He is my strength. He is my foundation and my rock. I am working to be more like him in all that I do and say. I am working to turn "outward" like Christ does by being more patient, more compassionate, and more loving towards others. If you haven't seen "Characteristics of Christ" WATCH IT. It is incredible.
I am blessed to feel so much love from my family. Thank you all for your letters and notes. You are seriously the best family anyone could ask for. I love you and look forward to hearing from you this week! Ethan keep up the card tricks! Jared, make that arm heal faster! Shelby, write me! Cole, keep that cute and cuddly smile! Shawn, remember that I love you and I am praying for you! Keep being as loving and caring as you are. Shea- write me and thanks for all that you do. you are in my prayers. Kyle- i love you and miss hanging out with you! write me! Mom and dad- you are the best. THANK YOU for teaching me to be the best I can be!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Sister Walker and I at the temple! It was a super chilly and rainy day!
Sister Jolley, Sister Walker, and I during temple walk! There are so many missionaries everywhere.
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