Week One

Ciao familia! 

I can't believe I have been in the MTC for a week already!! It has gone by so quickly. Everyday the sorelle (sisters) and I would say  "Is this real life". The first day seemed liked a daze and I couldn't believe I was actually in the mtc.

Today we went to the Provo temple which was my first time going to that temple! I t was amazing! I loved it there. I am so grateful I was able to go to this morning with Sorella Bott and Sorella Jarvis.

Companion...

So I have two companions! Lucky me! Sorella Jarvis is from Virginia and took Italian for two years. She helps me all the time by answering my questions about Italian. Sorella Killpack is from Utah and is always smiling or laughing about something. I am so grateful to be in a trio because we learn so much from one another. It is definitely a challenge at times to have three but it is a good learning experience.

The district....

My district is seriously great! I love them all and I barely even know them. My district is only anziani (elders) and sorelle (sisters) going to Milan which is great because we will all be on the plane to Italy together.

Anziano Roe our district leader

Anziano Stewart the poet/artist and is hilarious

Aniziano Leuning is from Canada and is a young 18 year old
Anziano Berg is also from Canada a 18 can can juggle while eating an apple

Sorrella Bott, from utah and is gifted with her many voices
sorella walch, she is a kick in the pants from northern california, can speak gibberish and clap talks and always asks why or how questions. She reminds me of rachel with her rachel with all of her accents ex) why do i love him so much or why do i want to hug him so much

the teacher...
fratello cena! Cena means dinner in Italian. He is very intimidating but he is a great teacher. He is from Milan, Italy. There is so much to learn in only six weeks.

Friday...

was a hard day. I broke down because of the language. I was so frustrated that I couldn't speak Italian. After class I cried my eyes out and talked to my companions which helped out a ton!

I think one of my favorite things is companion inventory because I learn so much about my two sorelle and what we all need to work on.

Sunday...

amazing- we watched 'character of Christ' by Elder Bednar, which was amazing! He talked about how we need to turn outward. He gave the example of the cookie monster "I want cookie NOW!" and said it like the cookie monster, look it up if you can!

We had mission conference Sunday which was amazing. We also had a Sunday Devotional with Chad Lewis who played football at BYU. He told us to look into people's hearts. 

District Meeting---> Next Sunday I am speaking to my district about having faith in learning Italian. I have to speak for 20-30 minutes! Aaahh!! hopefully I can talk for that long.


The Zone/Branch...

Our branch is made of Romanians and Italians. They are all amazing. It's crazy how much you can love people that you don't really know!! I seriously love these Italian/Romanian Elders ^& Sisters.

Patrizia...

Our investigator is so sweet!! We have given about 3 or 4 lessons with her already. The last lesson with her I gave a very very simple testimony basically saying I know Jospeh Smith was a prophet and the chu4ch of Jesus Christ is true. Then she asked "How?" ahh!! haha I was thinking I can't reply back!! I don't know Italian...with the help of Sorella Jarvis, I told Patrizia how I knew it was true.

Mom and dad- thank you soo much for your dear elders they truly lifted my spirits when I had a hard day with Italian. 

Dad- I guess you are going to have to buy more ice at handel's then. ha at first I thought they were really closing and was thinking "NOOOO!!! They can't close!! I love their cinnamon roll sundae too much!!" 

Sandi- Thank you for writing me a dear elder I was so happy to hear from you I hope you like your new haircut! I love you sandi! 

Rachel- Happy Birthday! I'm sorry you were sick. I hope you are feeling better now! 

Brother Larson- Thank you for your dear elder!

Please keep the dear elders coming because they truly help me when I am struggling with Italian! I love it here. It is hard but it challenges me to be better and become better!

Arrivederci for now!

sorella carter 

Friends and Family

My sister Rachel will be uploading all of my letters and picture here while I am on my mission in Italy. You can follow my blog by email if you type in your email address in the "Follow by Email". Once you enter your email you will be able to receive the latest updates on my blog.

I love you all and hope to here from you on my mission!

Sorella Carter

General Conference (Sunday)

These are a few of my favorite talks from the sunday sessions of general conference. I love the theme for conference this year. Some were obedience, having faith, families, and missionary work. I am truly grateful for these great disciples of the Lord and for their inspired messages for each and everyone of us.




We can receive light and hope through God through times of hardship.



I love this one about missionary work! We all can be missionaries and invite those we know and friends to "come and see".



Exact obedience is important in this life. Obedience can protect us throughout this difficult life and teach us as well.


In moments of trial and afflictions we must hold onto what we know and keep true to the faith. We need to not be afraid to ask for help when we feel alone and unsure about life.

General Conference 2013 (Saturday)

Here are a few of my favorite talks from the Saturday sessions of General Conference.

"Satan will try to ruin your goodness by exploiting your weaknesses" -Elder Richard G. Scott



"What-e'er thou art act well thy part"



"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you."



We must anchor ourselves on Jesus Christ and build a sure foundation from the gospel.




"He didn't show us a way, he showed us the way" -Stanley G. Ellis

Happy Easter

Although the Savior was alone when he atoned for all the sins of the world. We do not have to be alone when we are facing trials, pains and afflictions. The Savior suffered for all of the pains of the world because he loved us all so much. He gave his life so we can return to our father in Heaven again someday. This is the greatest gift that we could ever receive. I am so grateful for this gift we have all received. I know that the Savior loves us all and is very aware us. I know the Savior lives.

How can I be?

Today I finished the Book of Mormon. It is a bittersweet feeling because this time that I read it I honestly have felt as if I knew Nephi, Moroni, Ammon, Abinadi, Captain Moroni, Samuel the Lamanite and all the other people in the Book of Mormon. I feel as if I understand their character a little more this time and it makes me want to strive to be bold like them. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have prayed about it so many times and each time I pray about it I receive the same feeling and answer: that it is true. I love the peace that this book brings me each time I read.

I have seen this video many times before but this time it truly made me think "How can I be more like my Savior?". I think it is a good question to have a reality check for ourselves and to show what we personally need to work on to become more like these great people from the Book of Mormon.

Mountains to Climb

No matter what trials we are going through, the Savior Jesus Christ can help to make our burdens light if we have faith in him.