Welcome to Sister Carlee Ann Painter's Mission Blog

This blog is for those who would like to keep updated with Carlee while she is serving her mission in Cincinnati. Her mom will be posting her letters and pictures.

For her address or any other information contact LaDawn at ladawn79@hotmail.com.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS!
She'll love to read them when she gets home!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Returning With Honor!


Good Morning Family and Friends. . .

Well this will be Carlee's Last Email!!!!!

She is coming home on Friday afternoon. We are so excited to get her home. I just wanted to thank everyone for your support during the last 18 months while she has been gone.

She has appreciated all the letters, packages, and notes of encouragement. A mission has been a wonderful experience for her and our family. I think we will certainly miss our Monday Morning Emails from her, but a hug in person will take care of that.

Just a reminder that her Homecoming is this Sunday, December 12th, at 9:00 am.

We are in the Sherwood Hills Ward. It is on the corner of Foothill Drive and Canyon Road in Provo. The address is: 4525 North Canyon Road (345 East).

The easiest way to get there is get on Center Street in OREM (Center Street Turns into Foothill Drive) and follow it all the way East until you get to Canyon Road (about five miles from I-15).

We will be having lunch at our home after the meeting if you would like to come up and visit with Carlee, she would love to see you.

Our home address is 798 Redford Drive, Provo, UT. . .#801-224-1502 if you have any questions. (Just follow Foothill Drive up the hill after you pass Canyon Road and we are the 3rd Street on the Right).

Again, Thank's for your support.

Love, LaDawn



Dear Family:

I am so full of mixed up emotions. ha ha… what do I say?

Let’s see, I’m on the brink of breaking down in tears in front of this computer screen. Scratch that, they've already started flowing. Mom, you started it! That email was way too mushy. And no worries, I’ll need a few more Monday emails to wean me off too. :)

Mom and Dad, thank you. Last Conference Elder Holland set a powerful example of gratitude to his parents for the help they gave him while he was on his mission. I wish I was as eloquent, unfortunately I’m not. And to be honest words really can’t describe the depth of gratitude and love I have for you right now. So in all of its understated simplicity, thank you for everything.

Alright, time to lighten the mood. Guess what! I tried crab this week. That’s right. Crab! I hope you’re proud. We even got a picture documentary because I knew you wouldn’t believe me. The picture is a good illustration of how I thought it tasted. Eck. Jen was a sweetheart and took us out to the Chinese Buffet. I love that lady!

We had a fabulous week! Complete with lots of snow! I heard you laughing when Jen called you to ask you to overnight my coat… but believe me… it was worth it! It’s been freezing! Welcome to December! We keep sharing our favorite winter tracting stories with Sister Lytle. I hope she’s excited. I love winter tracting! I’m not exaggerating! I really do. Ha ha.

Since the roads have been so bad, we’ve had to start saying our good-byes to people who live farther away from Wilmington. It has just about broke my heart. I had to say good-bye to Hilary Osbourn. It’s been really hard for her since she was diagnosed with breast cancer so she hasn’t made it to church for the last few weeks. While we were there, she kept thanking us and calling us “her angels” for coming when we did and helping her feel the peace of the gospel. I cried like a baby the 30 minute drive back to Wilmington. The great blessing of my mission, and I now realize this applies to life too, is the people I’ve met and relationships I’ve built. I love them!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve a full time proselyting mission. It has been such a blessing! Sign me up for the next one! Sister Sunderland and I are ready to open China! I love this work! I love this gospel. I love bearing witness of Jesus Christ and showing people the way of the gospel.

President Jensen had the mission memorize this quote by Elder Bednar (I may have already quoted it to you). Every morning we repeat this together in our companionship:

You and I, today and always, are to bless all peoples in all the nations of the Earth. You and I, today and always, are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the Restoration. You and I,today and always are to invite all to receive the ordinances of salvation. Proclaiming the gospel is not a part-time priesthood obligation. It is not simply an activity in which we engage for a limited time or an assignment we must complete, rather, missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage. We were foreordained in the pre-mortal existence and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham. We are here upon the earth, at this time, to magnify the priesthood and to preach the gospel. That is who we are and that is why we are here, today and always.

You and I. Today and Always. That’s my goal.

I love you family! Lots and lots and lots!
Crazy enough… I’ll see you soon!

Sister Painter


Monday, November 29, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!




I have a broken heart. I heard the news yesterday at church. BYU lost. Good thing the gospel heals broken hearts… even football ones. How can I face my relatives? Sid and Jaxon already rubbed it in the Utah State win…ah well… such is life.

Hello Family!

How are you this week! We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving Week! (Well except for the stomach flu that struck Friday night… eck that was bad news!) We have so much to be thankful for! I love this branch! I love my companions! I love being a missionary. I just love this time in my life!

I promised pictures and I finally got my card-reader back! So I’ll send some we took at the temple, Sisters Conference, with the Coleman family, our district, morning studies and the picture with Mary Halpin and Elizabeth! I am SO excited Mary called you! Two of my favorite people talking on the phone! And now she’s getting baptized on Christmas Day! She has been up against a lot since I left Fairfield but her faith in trust in the Lord is inspirational. I hope I can become half the woman she is!

The gospel changes lives. It really does. I have seen it happen. I’ve felt it happen. I am so grateful to know that He works! Just know, when God does something, he does it well! :)

Sorry this is short this week. Lot’s to do… little time to do it. Oh and just so you know, Sister Sunderland has a 4 hour layover in Salt Lake before her flight to Pocatello. I invited her to come to lunch with our family. Ha ha… Okay? (I was thinking Hires would be great! And then maybe a quick walk through temple square.)

I love you family! Thanks for all you do!

Sister Painter

P.S. I’m still waiting on your “thankful” list!



Monday, November 22, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving Week!


Dear Family:

Happy Thanksgiving Week family! Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday! I love it! I love the food and I love the feeling. And since President Monson has counseled us to be more grateful here are some things I’m grateful for this week:

-Going to the temple on Tuesday! It was amazing!

-Parents who write me letters and emails! I love you!

-Sister Sunderland and Sister Lytle keeping me sane and who keep me laughing!

-The Spirit testifying of the Plan of Salvation to Homer and David! (two teenage boys we’re teaching!)

-Meeting Jeremy who just moved in from New Jersey. The Elders helped him pack his things and left him a Book of Mormon. He is so excited to read it!

-Of course, the Book of Mormon! It really is the pure word of God! I’m in one of those phases right now where I just can’t put it down. I love it! I’m grateful for the peace and understanding it brings me.

-President and Sister Jensen! They are wonderful! We had a leadership training with President Jensen and he made me think of Christ-like attributes in a whole different way.

-Wilmington Branch! I was sitting in church during Sacrament Meeting reflecting on how much I LOVE this branch and how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve here.

-I am especially grateful for covenants. God gives us covenants because the point us in the direction of real, lasting happiness!

I love this gospel! It makes me smile… all of the time… even when I feel miserable I always have something to smile about! This is your challenge for the week: come up with a list of all the things you are grateful for then make one copy and post it in the house somewhere and make another copy to send to me! Gratitude brings the Spirit, and the Spirit brings peace and contentment, and peace and contentment make for a happy home!

Lots of love!
Sister Painter

P.S. How funny is that, that Taylor was Sister Lytle’s zone leader in the MTC!
P.P.S. Elder Upton still has my card reader. I'll send ya pictures next week.

Monday, November 15, 2010

I Love Being A Missionary!


Hi everyone:

Well, I think winter has finally arrived here in Provo. We woke up to snow this morning. I guess we should just be grateful for the moisture we are receiving. It is the season to remember just how thankful we are for all we have and we are so blessed.

I had a few of you ask for the address to our chapel for Carlee's homecoming. It is on the corner of Foothill Drive and Canyon Road in Provo. The address is: 4525 North Canyon Road (345 East). The easiest way to get there is get on Center Street in OREM and follow it all the way East until you get to Canyon Road. (about five miles from I-15). We are in the Sherwood Hills Ward. We will be at our home after the meeting if you would like to come up and visit with Carlee, she would love to see you.

Our home address is 798 Redford Drive, Provo, UT. . .#801-224-1502 if you have any questions. (Just follow Foothill Drive up the hill after you pass Canyon Road and we are the 3rd Street on the Right).

Just a reminder that her Homecoming talk is on Sunday, December 12th at 9:00 am.

Have a great week and thanks for all the support.

LaDawn





Dear Family:

I LOVE being a missionary! I love the flow of knowledge that has come into my life over the last 18 months. I think I can officially say I’m addicted to learning! It has been such an amazing experience.

I don’t have a lot of time but I have to at least give you the highlights of the week. On Monday we took a trip with Jen down to Jungle Jims. It’s the huge international grocery store that happens to be… in Fairfield! It was crazy to be driving through my first area again. And completely unexpectedly we ran into the Fairfield Elders. Missionary party in Jungle Jims!

Of course, I asked them how Mary was doing since I hadn’t heard from her in a while and guess what! They gave me permission to go see her! It was the best day of my life! She was shocked when we knocked at her door. Ha ha. But it was wonderful to see her again! She’s doing so well! She is on her third time reading the Book of Mormon and she wants to be baptized so bad. Unfortunately, since I left she’s been in and out of the hospital and when she told her son and her brother about her intentions to get baptized they completely disowned her. So she is coping with that, but is determined to get baptized soon. I love her so much! I love the light of the gospel that just glows from her. It’s amazing to the changes of people over time! It was a very unique and special experience for me. I love that woman! I have a picture but our district leader is borrowing my card reader so I’ll be sure to include it next week.

The other highlight of the week would have to be SISTER’S CONFERENCE! We were finally able to have one! We have 23 sisters in the mission right now which is more than we’ve ever seen! It was wonderful to be able to meet some of them that we’ve heard all about and get to know them. Sister Jensen hosted it at the mission home so we all carpooled to Columbus and spent the night there. For two days we listened to presentations from each companionship and learned from each other. The Spirit was amazing! I am going to miss the fellowship of these sisters so much! Good thing for the Relief Society program. It is definitely inspired!

The other highlight, we are the defending champions of the Golden Plates Award. We won it again this month… take that Elders!

Like I said, I love being a missionary! I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.

Lots of love! I wish you the best keeping up with your busy schedules (Don’t forget Pres. Uchtdorf’s counsel from last conference J).

Sister Painter

Monday, November 8, 2010

Golden Plates Award!


Dear Family:

Guess what! We got a call from President Jensen this week… and we’re training!!! Surprise! Ha ha. It was completely out of the blue since transfers were a couple of weeks ago. President told us that she just flew in and to come pick her up. So we did! Needless to say it’s been a crazy week since we didn’t anticipate her coming but we are so excited! Her name is Sister Lytle and she is the cutest thing in the world! All 4 feet and 11 inches of her! ha ha. Sister Sunderland and I look like giants now! She got delayed in the MTC because she broke her arm (she’ll have to tell you how one day…he he he). But the Spirit she has brought with her has been incredible and we are so grateful to have her here! We thought it was a dirty rotten trick for Sister Sunderland and I to stay together knowing we were leaving at the same time but now we have hope! Wahoo!

So that has been our crazy adventure for the week. It reminds me of the days in West Chester with Sister Thacker and I training Sister Gunderson. Good times. I have been blessed with WONDERFUL companions! I have loved them all, especially for the patience they have demonstrated while I’ve worked out some personality quirks. I love them all for that.

Other good news this week:

Mary told us that she finally talked to Jim and they are getting married and baptized before the end of the year! Wahoo! Since she had already been taught everything several times (we call that an eternal investigator…or an eternigator) we have been concentrating on the Atonement and the role of the Savior in our lives and it has had a powerful impact. It’s been a miracle! It just goes to show that the “enabling power of the atonement” is real! And it is a gift given to all of us if we would just accept it and do our part.

We also were able to see Judy finally, after several weeks of trying. We were able to have a heart to heart with her and she opened up about the trials she’s been facing over the last ten years in her marriage with Shawn. It was heartbreaking to hear the things she has gone through and now they are planning on getting a divorce, but it is encouraging to see her faith in the Lord and her determination to overcome it. She is a wonderful woman! She could use plenty of prayers right now though.

Oh oh oh… other good news… our car won the Ohio Columbus Mission Golden Plates award(picture included!). The way it works is they take all of the “cleanest car awards” in all of the zones and then take the top miles per gallon and award the “golden plates.” Grandpa Jim, I hope you’re proud that your granddaughter can at least wax a car. :) That better make Grandpa Boyd happy too! Ha ha.

I love you so much! And I love this work! And remember… It’s never too late to send letters! :)

Sister Painter

P.S. The other picture included is the three of us... Sister Sunderland and I are squatting. ha ha.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Sacrament Meeting Talks


November 1, 2010

Mom, you are inspired! Thanks for sending those excerpts of that article. That exact thing has been on my mind a lot lately. Actually, I had an epiphany in the shower this morning (I know… odd place) that we, as missionaries, are all called to specific places to serve for specific reasons. In hindsight I realized I might be here for a different reason than I originally thought. But just like it said, “Have you dedicated your work and your mission to the Lord yet? If you have, then stop fretting. This is His work, not yours. He knows what He is doing even when you can not see the results. You put in the time, energy, belief and study and leave the results up to Him who knows and sees all.” That is something I need to do more of: just do my best and trust Him with the rest.

Oh and oddly enough, what you learned in Sacrament had the same theme of the talk I gave in Sacrament here, yesterday. Crazy huh! We got a call early in the week from the branch president who was desperate for some last minute speaking replacements for Sacrament meeting. Our assignment was to pick a general conference talk that stood out to us but to speak on how we are applying it in our lives.

Surprisingly, it was actually a tough assignment! Since there was absolutely no way I could choose just one talk I ended up with three of my favorites: Bishop Edgley’s Faith-The Choice is Yours, Elder Scott’s The Transforming Power of Faith and Character, and President Eyring’s Trust God, Then Go and Do. What powerful talks! I would highly recommend a thorough study of them.

The theme I found was the power and purpose of faith and how we need to choose to act in faith, especially when we experience trials challenging our testimonies. That is something I’ve come to realize during the duration of my mission that when my testimony gets challenged the best thing I can do is open the Book of Mormon with a prayer in my heart and read until I receive another witness of the Spirit that its true, and likewise that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet. There is so much I wish I had time to tell you but all I can do is invite you to study those talks again! They are amazing.

Mom, you are so cool. Thanks for all of your insights. And Dad, thanks for your letters. I love them! You’ll have to get your missionary journal typed up.
I love you lots!

Sister Painter

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

STILL Here In Wilmington!

Dear Family:

Hello from the Ohio! This is going to be a short one today, but there are two items of importance I have to address!

First of course, Happy 26th Anniversary to the best two people in the world!!! You both have been such a blessing! So I just have to tell you how much I love you and how grateful I am for the best parents in the world! I was thinking about you a lot yesterday since our Gospel Principles class was on Eternal Marriage and our Relief Society lesson was on Elder Ballard’s “Mothers and Daughters” talk. I think the Lord is reminding me how much I have to be grateful for! Like you two!

Second, transfers came and went and Sister Sunderland and I are STILL here in Wilmington! We really didn’t expect that since we both go home at the end of this transfer. Crazy huh! We’ll take it though! We are both really happy about it. Actually nobody in our district changed which was a first for all of us...ha ha. Good thing its one of the best districts ever! So it’s Sister Sunderland and I to the end!

This week we’ve been working with a lot of the less-actives in the area. There are so many wonderful people here who just need an extra push and lots of extra love. Honestly, I wasn’t the best visiting teacher before my mission but I have definitely repented and committed to be the most dedicated visiting teacher I can muster! There are so many people right now who are hurting and just need to feel the Spirit reassure them that Heavenly Father is still aware of them and loves them. I think the best part of having an official call as a representative of the Savior is to be able to so freely feel the love He has for His all of His children. That feeling has been the greatest experience of my whole mission… quite possibly of my whole life!

Thanks again Mom and Dad for emulating the Savior and striving to have that perfect love for everyone. I’ve had the best Christ-like examples right in my own home. How many kids can say that?

Lots and lots of love!
Sister Painter II

-ha ha… has Brittany told you how she signs all of her letters Sister Painter III?

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Fall In Ohio. . .

Fall in Ohio is

BREATH-TAKING. . .





News from the Ohio!

Dear Family:

News from the Ohio:

Corn mazes, Outhouses, Dancing at the lake. . .





Cleanest Car Award in our zone (10+) and highest Miles per Gallon in the whole mission! Besides Pres. Jensen-you can see on the chart his is the highest, we're the next highest... wahoo! We worked hard for those... ha ha.




It's been a good week. Plus, the gospel is true! What is more glorious news than that?!?! (That is why we were dancing at the lake!)

It looks like you had a fun vacation.

Thanks for being so great. It’s a transfer week so anything you send probably ought to go to the mission office to be safe.

I love this mission, I love this work, and I love you!

Sister Painter

Friday, October 15, 2010

This week was one big tender mercy for me!





Dear Family:

Oh man! This week was one big tender mercy for me! It was amazing! We have a loving and merciful Heavenly Father! I love Him so much!

Earlier in week we had the neatest experience! We were headed down to Blanchester, a little town south of Wilmington, to contact some referrals we had received. On our way down there we decided we would try and knock on Sister Cunningham’s door. We hadn’t seen her since April so we knew that it was a long shot, but we thought we would anyway. We knocked… and she opened! It was a miracle. She invited us in and we started talking.

She really is the sweetest thing in the world! While we were there she told us that we had been talking to one of her friends. We asked who that was and she told us it was Tracy, well Tracy was one of the media referrals we were headed to contact! We explained that it was probably missionaries at the call center who had been talking to her and we just got the message that she wanted to see us and we were headed over there right after we saw Sister Cunningham. Who would have thought! So Sister Cunningham called Tracy and told her that she was bringing the Sister Missionaries over with her. How cool is that!

That’s not the end of the story! Sister Cunningham came to Ohio because she was engaged to a man; however, he passed away before they were married. The connection is that Tracy is his sister. Sister Cunningham had explained that to us and one of the first questions Tracy asked us when we got there was what happens to us after we die. We started from the beginning, that we lived with God before we came here, and as soon as she understood what we were reading from the scriptures she gasped and told us she had “no idea, but it made perfect sense.”

I wish I could describe to you the powerful spirit that was there while we answered her question. It was one of the most powerful lessons I have ever had! When we explained to her where her brother is and that God’s whole plan is for us to live with Him and with our families forever she burst into tears. She was so happy! She had known her whole life there were more answers than her mother and pastors had given her and these were it!

I love this gospel! I think so often we take for granted the beautiful truths that we know. I love the Plan of Salvation. I know that it really is the perfect plan! And I am so grateful for the Savior! He is, after all, the one who made the whole plan possible.

During our zone meeting this week, the zone leaders asked if each of us would answer the questions: 1) why we came on a mission and 2) how we want to feel when we go home. What a powerful activity! I was really grateful for the opportunity to reflect on those questions. I came on a mission out of gratitude for what the Savior did for me. With my experience with Major Depression I learned in much more depth the meaning and purpose of the Atonement. I had to come share that message. And when I return home and take off my tag I just want to be able to feel that I was a proper representative of my Savior. That although I’m not perfect I did my best doing what He would have done if He were here. And I want to set that goal for the rest of my life!

We had the best exchanges this week! Sister Sunderland went to Greenfield and Sister Cash came to work with me in Wilmington. It was super fun because Sister Cash has only been out for three weeks! (And she is already an amazing missionary!) I told her though that I would trade her places in a heartbeat! I wish I still had 18 months left in my mission! I really do! I love this work! I am so grateful to be apart of it!

Thanks for sending all the pictures of Florida! I’ve heard all about the new Harry Potter theme at Islands of Adventure! It looks like fun! Just remember, I get to be apart of the real magic! Ha ha!

Love you lots!
Sister Painter

Pictures: Exchanges! Sisters: Cash, Ferrin, Painter, Sunderland
Leaf fight with Lonnie and Morgan Watson!

Monday, October 4, 2010

I’m pretty sure General Conference was directed right to ME!


Dear Family:

I don’t know how they do it every time but I’m pretty sure General Conference was directed right to ME! (haha… and the rest of the world of course) It was AMAZING! We (my companion and I) needed those words so badly. It was a really tough week. Unfortunately Shawn has decided to trust the anti websites more than us and it’s really been heartbreaking. But I am SO grateful for the wisdom and counsel given to us by prophets, seers, and revelators! It brings so much comfort!

As for Shawn, Elder Anderson was right on when he said that “the road of discipleship is not for the spiritually weak in heart.” It really does require everything we are and everything we have to give. I am grateful how Elder Anderson reassured us that “the doubt of others does not have to impede the spiritual progress of the rest of us.” And how Elder Edgely taught, ‘If your testimony is insecure- CHOOSE to experiment… let faith bridge that gap.” My mission has really taught me that living the gospel takes everything you have. If at anytime I feel like it’s easy and I’m just getting it down I realize I’m not doing something right. :) I have also become very aware that there are always doubters and more often than not their doubts are logical. But we can “choose faith over doubt, faith over fear” and faith to try. When it comes right down to it (quoting Sister Gunderson… she would always say that) faith is a choice. So one day, I have complete confidence Shawn will realize that.

I love this gospel. I really, really, really do. I loved President Monson’s talk on gratitude and I loved how Elder Holland demonstrated that in his talk! Wasn’t that the sweetest thing in the world!

Mom and Dad… I am so grateful for your incredible support over the last few years. I am grateful Mom for your trust in the inspiration and revelation the Lord gives you. That example has meant so much to me! Thank you for always being there to encourage and uplift, not just me, but everyone I see you with. That is one quality I admire so much about you! Dad, thanks for putting up with me… ha ha… and for always pushing me to be the best I can AND reminding me to be patient and kind with myself. (I’ve had to do your spider graphs several times on my mission… ha ha) I couldn’t have been blessed with better parents! I am grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made to take care of our family, and I am especially grateful for the Christ-like examples you’ve set. I love you both dearly!

Have fun in Florida! Tell Riley I still love him even though we lost to Utah State! Lots of Love!

Sister Painter

Monday, September 27, 2010

The Spirit has been amazing!



Here is Carlee's current address! She only has two months left and would still love to hear from any of you.

Sister Carlee Painter
30 Farquhar Drive, #7
Wilmington, OH 45177

Have a GREAT DAY!

LaDawn


Hello Family!

It sounds like you had a busy week! Brandon, Mom sent the picture of your football game. You look so good in your uniform. You’re taller than everyone but Grandpa Jim! So unfair. I guess I have to find a new wrestling buddy. There is no way I’m going to try and wrestle you!

So the Wilmington update: The adversary makes me so mad sometimes. Grrrrrr. Shawn had a pretty tough week. We had to postpone their date, but sweet Judy is as optimistic as ever. She knows she received an answer from the Lord and no one can take that away. So we are still working and praying.

Although it’s been a tough week the Spirit has been amazing! We had an inspired zone conference with the three Cincinnati zones on Wednesday. I love gathering with other missionaries because the Spirit is always so powerful! And then the Relief Society Broadcast on Saturday was incredible! Were you able to go to that Mom? My very favorite line was when Sister Allred said, “All [the Lord] asks is your best. He needs every one of us.” That thought has stuck with me all through the weekend. One of my greatest struggles has been thinking my effort isn’t enough, but I’m starting to understand that the Lord really is happy with any effort we make to grow closer to Him and to serve His children. So your right Mom, all you have to do is try hard. :)

I am so excited for general conference this weekend! I can’t believe its time for it again! I know that what we hear from the speakers is what the Lord wants us, His children, to know right now so that we can prepare ourselves physically and spiritually. And I know that when will really study and follow the counsel given we are blessed! What an amazing time to be alive! I know Saturdays are busy but will you make it a point to listen to all of general conference this weekend! (Even if you have to record that Saturday sessions) And just think, I’ll be right here in Ohio watching it with you. :)

I love you! And I really, really, really love this gospel! Miracles happen when we live what we’ve been taught!

Sister Painter

P.S. Sister Sunderland and I are still watching for the mail. :)

Monday, September 20, 2010

I Am SO Happy To Be a Missionary!

Dear Family:

Transfers have come and gone and Sister Sunderland and I are still in our happy little country town of Wilmington, OH. Ha ha. I don’t know if you saw the picture Hermana Blackham sent of the view of Santiago… I showed Sister Sunderland and we both laughed. It is amazing the different places we are in the world! Santiago is huge and busy! Wilmington is small and quiet. The real amazing thing is that it’s the same gospel here as it is in Chile. I am SO grateful for the Restoration and for a gospel that is applicable to EVERYONE. Heavenly Father really does love us. (He especially loves me since he sent me to an English-speaking, American-eating, fun loving people!) ha ha.

Anyway, I am happy to be here and I am SO happy to be a missionary. I love it. Will you send me Taylor’s, I mean Elder Stephenson’s, mission office address. I wish I was in the MTC again. I love that place!

So the update. Shawn has pneumonia. Can you believe it. Right in time for their baptism on Sunday. I swear Satan stops at nothing. Sometimes I’d like to give the devil a swift kick in the pants. Grrrr. Pneumonia. I am so grateful for Shawn and Judy though, they have weathered a lot the last few weeks and I admire their example so much.

So what are some of the missionary experiences you’ve had lately? I want to know.  Sister Sunderland and I had a really neat experience just waiting outside for the library to open today. We decided to be a here early (because we always end up waiting forever for a computer) and we were able to strike up a conversation with the group of people that were waiting. We met a woman who met with the missionaries 15 years ago in Nebraska! How cool is that. We would have never known had we not just started talking to her. Often the hardest part is just opening our mouths. :) Mom, you are so friendly! Have you been able to have any gospel quality conversations lately? Will you try this week! Maybe even get a referral for the missionaries! I want to hear how it goes for the whole family! :) Pray for opportunities. You can even practice. Like Brandon… you could be talking to someone about your new trombone (which is awesome by the way!) and say:

“Yeah, I love playing the trombone because I’m learning to develop some of my talents Heavenly Father has given me. Did you know that Heavenly Father loves you and has given YOU talents too? You should meet with the missionaries and they could teach you how much Heavenly Father loves you!”

See! Easy huh! Ha ha. Brandon don’t roll your eyes. Will you all try this week? In family prayer, ask Heavenly Father to give you the courage. I don’t think Brittany will have a problem. There are so many people, even in Utah, that need the gospel! (And who need a friend!)

I love you family! Thanks for being so great! Remember not to let Satan stop you from doing the important things!

Sister Painter

Here is the picture's of Carlee's very good friend, Sister Blackham in Santiago, Chile. It is a large city, much different from the small area that Carlee is in.


Monday, September 13, 2010

Hello from the Ohio!


Hello from the Ohio!

GUESS WHAT! I have the BEST news! Ha ha. This week we got a letter from Sister Jensen that had the new requirements and pictures for the dress code put out by the Church (remember the pictures that came in my mission packet that were awful!). Well these new pictures were so cute and modern and even better… we aren’t required to wear nylons!!! *doing a little dance* ha ha. I was so excited I danced in our kitchen for ten minutes, Sister Sunderland as my witness. I just had to share my excitement!

Besides just no more nylons, what a wonderful time to be alive! Seriously! We have so many blessings! Sometimes I really can’t count them they are so many! Blessings like the Book of Mormon! I love the Book of Mormon! Every time I read it my testimony of the Restoration is strengthened.

And modern day prophet and apostles! Who we get to hear from in a few weeks! I am so excited! General Conference is my favorite time of the year. Can you believe it has almost been six months since the last conference? Times goes so fast! I’m just finally figuring out how to apply the last set of general conference talks! ha ha.

And the priesthood! I think one of the greatest experiences of my mission has been to really learn how the priesthood works and to watch the insider scoop of the priesthood leadership in each unit I serve in. It has been a wonderful learning experience.

And missions! This experience over the last year has blessed my life in so many ways. I can’t even count them! I am just so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who let me have this opportunity. Tell Anna to hang in there. From my experience it is WAY harder to send someone off then to be the one going. Ha ha. Leaving was a piece of cake (no offense). Taylor will be an amazing missionary! He’s got it in him. And this is one of the greatest times to serve a mission. What a lucky duck!

Sister Sunderland and I have had a really good week. We had a zone meeting and interviews with President Jensen that was wonderful… like always. Our meeting was about personal conversion and how we must be truly converted to our God. It was a really good opportunity to take a personal inventory of whether everything I do is done “with an eye single to the glory of God” or if sometimes I “aspire to the honors of men.” I would encourage you to do the same and then make appropriate goals to refocus on the Lord and His work. We can be doing the right things, but without the right intentions they mean nothing.

Can I share something I’ve been learning a lot about lately? Prayer. Pray is amazing! I know ya’ll know that, but what I’m learning is how powerful prayer can be! And we can have those powerful experiences on a regular basis!!! It’s so cool. What I’m finally starting to understand is the preparation that we should be putting into our prayers. It helps me a lot when I visualize the Lord sitting there with me, listening and talking with me. When the time comes that I go into the presence of the Lord physically I definitely want to be prepared! I want to be clean and pure and reverent and ready. So when I’m going into the Lord’s presence spiritually shouldn’t I do the same? I love prayer. I am so grateful for it. And I’m grateful for the answers that come. I got to give a last minute talk yesterday on the Holy Ghost at Anicka Taylor’s baptism (good thing I’ve had lots of practice with baptism talks… thanks Brandon and Brittany… haha) but I loved being able to testify of the power of the Holy Ghost! It truly is one of our greatest gifts! I know that God answers our prayers by the power of the Holy Ghost because I’ve felt it over and over again.

Anyway, just some thoughts for the week. I love you lots and lots and lots! You don’t even know how much I love you! Next time the mission office calls you should tell them that I actually want to fly into Russia, or France. Ha ha. Why not? You can meet me there!

Sister Painter

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

We Have Had The Most Amazing Week!



Hello family!

We have had the most amazing week! I don’t even know where to begin!

First off, I’m writing a little bit later because we were in Amish Country with Sister Taylor this morning (pictures included… don’t covet our treats from the bakery). The country out here is beautiful! We definitely need to come visit next summer! I’m glad Brother Taylor made it. He called for directions and I had to think for awhile and all I could say was, “Uh... I can’t remember anymore!” ha ha. So I’m glad he made it. The Taylors are wonderful!

So guess what! Shawn is getting baptized with Judy! Wahoo! We are so excited! He said he knew that it just felt right. Both of them have been nervous because they think they need to be perfect before their baptized. Not at all! Baptism is just the beginning. We just have to be willing to commit the rest of our lives to the Savior AND we have to be willing to make mistakes (something my perfectionist complex forgets sometimes). The Atonement works we just have to have faith in that. They are so amazing! I love these two so much!

Judy was telling us how badly she wishes she had the gospel earlier in her life (she’s in her 60s) but I remember hearing a friend quote one of the apostles saying some of us need the church early in our lives to help us “become,” but others will be able to “become” without the church and will eventually just need the ordinances of salvation. Judy and Shawn have definitely had lifetimes of becoming. They just need those saving ordinances available through the priesthood. (I, on the other hand, had to have the gospel from the very beginning!)

Oh! It has just been a great week. It was probably because we got to go to the temple on Tuesday. I know… temple, temple, temple. But I just can’t get enough of it! We went up with some of the sisters in the branch and it was wonderful. And then we got to hear from President Christensen (temple president) at Stake Conference this weekend. It was definitely a spiritual feast.

Besides the temple we’ve had tons of tender mercies this week. One quick story: Earlier in the week we had an appointment with the Fahey family who have been less-active since they moved here three years ago. They are the neatest family, they just weren’t coming to church. I happened to call Sister Geyer that morning and she was able to come with us last minute. During our time there we read the story of the First Vision and invited them to return to the temple. There was definitely a special spirit in their home and Sister Fahey told us how badly she wanted to but then admitted there was one thing she needed first and then broke into sobs. Sister Sunderland and I were super concerned, but in between sobs she explained that she has been in the branch for three years and she “just needed a friend.” My heart about broke in two. I was SO grateful for Sister Geyer who stood up, walked across the room, took Sister Fahey in her arms and reassured her that she would be that friend. Heavenly Father knew what Sister Fahey needed to return to the temple and he provided a way for her to accomplish it.

But in all honesty I have been dwelling on that experience all week. All she needed was a friend. How often have I over-looked people who needed the same? So family, I really want to encourage you to look around (not just at church) and befriend someone who needs you. I was so paranoid about it that before Stake Conference I invited one of the ladies who was sitting alone to come up and sit with us. We are all brothers and sisters and our goal isn’t just to return to our Father’s presence, but it is to get as many of our brothers and sisters there with us.

I love you so much! I am so grateful for the examples you have given me of reaching out and helping others. I think I have the #1 family for that!

Have a good week! We definitely will!

Sister Painter



Tuesday, August 24, 2010

I'm So Excited For All These Babies!

Dear Family:

I am so excited for all of these babies! Ha ha. Congrats Cindy and Kelly! He is a cute little thing! I so call him for the whole Christmas Party! Haha.

So I just read Hermana Blackhams letter to her family and she was mentioning the changes the First Presidency is making and the resulting changes in her mission. I have to agree 100% with her. There is a new spirit in this mission with the missions merging and with the changes the church is making. And just like she said, part of me wishes that these changes had been made earlier in my mission but the other part of me is grateful because of the perspective I have now. It’s just a testimony to me that we are always learning and growing and it really is amazing! I am really grateful that I have the opportunity to be here, now. I am learning so much! I love every day I have!

We have had so many miracles this week. My favorite thing about my missionary service has been watching how the Lord works in our lives. It is incredible! Have I told you about “Uncle Francis,” one of our investigators? He is Frank and Linda Craig’s uncle who is living with them now. We were slowly teaching him the lessons but he can’t hardly hear or see. We invited him to be baptized but he said he wanted to get all of his surgeries out of the way first. He had ten surgeries in the last week! Crazy huh! But we had the sweetest experience with him.

The day after he came home we went to visit; he sat down with us and said “Sisters. I’ve had a lot of time to think and pray lately. I really want to be baptized. It just feels good.” It was so tender. Here he was all bandaged up and all he wanted was to get baptized. I know he felt the comfort of the Lord during his surgeries and he just knew that baptism was the right thing to do. AND Frank Craig will have the priesthood by then and will be able to baptize him. Wahoo! Miracles.

Judy is coming along great. Shawn has still been a little standoffish about baptism because of his previous experience. But we strongly feel like he could be ready to be baptized with Judy. We invited him to pray about it and reassured him that we know he could be ready. He could use lots of prayers right now. They are an amazing couple. You have to meet them one day!

I love this gospel so much! It is the best thing ever! My body is a little sore from chopping wood for four hours on Saturday. Ha ha. But my spirit couldn’t be happier!

I love you lots!

Sister Painter

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Look for opportunities this week to be the Lord’s hands!

Hello family!

From the pictures it looks like its been a great week for you too! When I saw the email that said Whitney visited I couldn’t figure out who Whitney was. Ha ha. Then I saw her picture! Sister Ehlers! I’m glad she was able to visit. She and I laughed when we realized she worked for Prosper, knew Ethan and Randy, and worked upstairs from Dad. It’s a small world.

Dad! Those pictures you took of the Salt Lake Temple were amazing! You should print some of them and frame them. Speaking of temples… guess what! I get to go again since Sister Sunderland hasn’t been yet this quarter. (Tender mercies!) I love the temple! (I’m sure you’ve figured that out by now.)

We had the neatest experience earlier this week! During a specialized training President Christensen of the Columbus Temple came and taught us some powerful things about the temple and missionary work! It was amazing! I wish I could transcribe all my notes right now and send them to you. His message was about how the temple truly is the center of everything we do in the church and how we need to make our focus as missionaries on getting everyone we teach to the temple. My companion and I ate it up! We’ve readjusted a lot of what we’ve been doing to make sure the temple is our focus and the Spirit that has followed has been amazing! Did you get a chance to go a few weeks ago when you said you would?

As far as the work this week, it has been great! We were at a less-active member’s home and he (without being prompted) invited his whole family to be baptized! It’s true! So we are starting to teach his daughter-in-law and his wife. Also, the branch is starting to pick up and our effectiveness is definitely starting to increase! I am so grateful for the Brethren who are inspired in their counsel to local priesthood leaders. They really do know what they are talking about! We just have to trust them and work to accomplish the goals they’ve set.

I don’t know if you remember when in 1999 President Hinckley challenged the church to double the number of convert baptisms we get in a year? The programs that have followed from the church (i.e. Preach My Gospel) have been in response to that challenge. It is definitely something that has been on President Jensen’s mind and we are doing everything we can in this mission to meet that challenge. It has been incredible to watch.

We also had the best scripture study class ever! Have you listened to the Reflections of Christ CD? If not, you should get a copy. They came out with a second one Reflections of Christ: Another Testament. You should definitely get that one! There is a song on there that talks about the Savior coming to the Americas. It is a powerful song! So we centered our class around that song and read the prophecies of the Savior’s coming and the events that led up to it. I love the Book of Mormon! What a powerful book! We listened to the song and discussed what it will be like to see Him again. There were some powerful insights. Anyway, the point of me telling you the story is you need to go find that CD! It’s amazing!

Will you look for opportunities this week to be the Lord’s hands?! It is the best feeling in the world! I promise all it takes is our desire; the Lord will provide the opportunities!

I love you lots and lots!

Sister Painter

Monday, August 9, 2010

I love this work! And I love being a missionary!


Dear Family:

Guess what! Judy finally accepted a baptism date! Wahoo! She is amazing! Sister Cahoon’s last day she extended the challenge! We are so excited for her. September 25! Keep her in your prayers!

Oh and more good news! I’m staying in Wilmington! I didn’t get transferred. Wahoo! I love it out here! Sister Sunderland is my new companion. She is from Rupert, ID. (Yay for Idaho!) She is originally a Columbus Missionary so we’ve had an adventure the last few days figuring out all the things our missions did differently. ha ha. It’s been good though. She is wonderful! I expect many good things to happen.

So I was having a conversation with Sister Druck yesterday that made me laugh. She is a return missionary so we like to talk “mission stories” together… ha ha. She was saying how she recently reread the letters she wrote home and she had to laugh because they were so “sickly spiritual.” I laughed and laughed because I know mine probably sound like that too. But I hope you know they are 100% sincere! I love this work! And I love being a missionary!

We had a fun experience this week that I have to share. Our branch covers more than a county of these teeny tiny little towns (which we are lost in frequently). One of those little towns was hosting an “Old Fashion Fair” and the Taylor family invited us to go with them. It was so much fun! Besides all the homemade treats, we challenged each of the Taylors (kids included) to pass out a pass-along card. They were little contacting machines! It was a beautiful sight. It just goes to show how easy it is to share the gospel! Steven (9 yrs old) wouldn’t go alone so I went with him. He picked the police officer and as soon as we walked up to him he froze! Ha ha… he wouldn’t speak! So I got to give the card to the police officer. Good thing he was a nice cop! Oh the things we do to share the gospel.

Thanks for all the pictures Dad! I hope they can figure something out for Ryan. Poor kid.

I love our family. I love, love, love our family! Thanks for all you do… and thanks for who you are!

I’m expecting some letters soon! :)

Sister Painter

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

I’m addicted to the Spirit that attends this work.


Dear Family:

Yeah for babies! Congrats Russ and Lezlie-Anne! He is SO cute! I can’t imagine the Spirit he has brought into your home! I’m going to have to make up for lost time in December!

There isn’t too much to say this week. I’m just as happy as can be. In all honesty, I’m addicted to the Spirit that attends this work. I really am. It is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. I think Jen nailed it when she said that the first time she felt the Spirit (although she didn’t know what it was) she just wanted to climb to the rooftops and shout “It’s true! It’s really true!” I love that girl so much! And she is right! When you feel that all you want to do is shout from the rooftops “It’s true! It’s really true!”

We aren’t teaching very many people right now but the people we are teaching are some of the elect of the elect. I love them dearly! Can I tell you what I really love? I love the better understanding I have now of my relationship to my Heavenly Father. That is the most precious doctrine I’ve learned on my mission. Although, it’s been so tough. When people say you have to “cultivate the Spirit” in your life they mean it. You have to get your shovel and start digging, diligently and tediously going through row by row just like you would a garden. It’s tough and it’s dirty because Satan does everything he can to distract, discourage, and deceive you. That basically sums up my last few months… ha ha. But the Spirit that follows makes it totally worth it!

Ironically, I had this quote close by that says it perfectly! (Thanks Jordyn for sending it!) Sister Hinckley always knows how to say it just right!

“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”

I love you! Thanks for being such good examples! I’ll talk to you next week (hopefully from Wilmington…ha ha).

Sister Painter

P.S. Dad, your San Diego sunset is pretty good, but it doesn't compete with my Ohio sunset! haha



Sunset her dad sent her from San Diego this week. . .

Monday, July 26, 2010

I love, love, love family history!


Dear Family:

Ah! You met the Robbins! Aren’t they amazing! I’ll tell you what… every time he gave some kind of instruction or training from the scriptures it blew my mind! He knows the gospel and he knows how to teach… and I love them both! I am so glad you got to meet them.

So we have had a fabulous week! First off, I have to talk about the temple of course. It has had a lasting impact on me, my companion, and Judy! Oh it is so cute! Judy told us this week that she is planning on driving the hour and a half up there again sometime next week just so she can sit and think. I love, love, love her! AND…

I love, love, love family history! Ha ha. A bit random I know, but seriously it’s amazing! I think everyone we are teaching has caught the family history bug! Jennifer, a recent convert (and one of the most amazing people in the world!), started it and now our whole gospel principles class can’t wait to share what they’ve found during the week with the rest of the class. Ha ha. The Spirit of Elijah is powerful! Sister Glaser has been so helpful and the new family search is sweet! We have been so blessed with technology I can hardly believe it. I have to admit when we are at the family history center we all sound like a bunch of squealing 13 year old girls. Ha ha. We just keep finding all of these miracles. It’s a blast! Mom, I’m super excited to come work on Grandpa’s line with you. I have to encourage anyone reading this to start finding your family! It is incredible addictive, I think it’s because when we feel the Spirit we can’t ever get enough of it.

So yeah, temples and family history. Just do it.

Oh I have to tell you about Mary! Mary Greene is our only other progressing investigator right now, but she has the best little family! Her 8 year old son accept the invitation to be baptized last winter so he got baptized and is just waiting for the rest of his family to follow. Mary is like the big sister I never had. Ha ha. I love her lots! Jim is a truck driver so we don’t see him very often, but he did make it to church yesterday! Wahoo! Mary said he was ready to go before she was (miracle)! We just have to work on wedding plans with the two of them.

I think the best thing about a mission is watching the change that comes into individual’s lives when they choose to follow the Savior. It is a tender experience to be able to witness that. And not just in individual lives, but in families too.

I sure love our family! We’ve been so blessed with each other and the gospel! Thanks for everything you do! Thanks for all the pictures Dad. It looked like Scout Camp was fun. Brandon is SO tall! Ah! I’m pretty sure I’ll never win another wrestling match ever again. Ha ha.

I love you!

Sister Painter

P.S. Tell Grandma Zoma thanks for the treat money. We had pizza delivered for our scripture study class! They all say thanks too! :)

P.P.S. The pictures are of 1) Sister Cahoon and I when we were lost in "the middle of nowhere." ha ha
2) Judy and I in the church garden
3) Mary, Sister Cahoon, and Jimmy (8yr old)




This is Sister Robbin's at their homecoming yesterday. Tom, Brandon, Brittany and I all went to Kearns to hear their report. It was a wonderful meeting and we enjoyed getting to meet them and hear how wonderful Sister Painter is doing.

Monday, July 19, 2010

…and I love the Temple!


Dear Family:

Can I just tell you, if coveting wasn’t against the commandments I would totally covet Hermana Blackham being able to have lessons at the Santiago Chile Temple so regularly! ha ha.

We had to make a day of it with Shawn and Judy on Saturday. (Thankfully, our mission president gave us permission to go way out of our area to take them.) It was amazing! They didn’t know you could go if you weren’t a member and they were really excited when we told them they could walk the grounds and even go inside and sit in the waiting room. They were counting down the days until our mission merged with Columbus so we could go with them. It was so tender!

So finally on Saturday we made it! We had a lesson outside the temple, and then went inside to look for a minute. And who should be waiting in the waiting room but one of the counselors in the temple presidency! It was perfect! He got to know them and talked with them for a few minutes about what they thought and how they felt. I am so grateful Heavenly Father knows what He’s doing.

Judy is just so in tune with the Spirit! I love that about her. She explained perfectly how the temple feels when she said your mind is clearer and you feel so peaceful. We had a good conversation about how Satan has no influence within those walls so that is why our minds feel clearer and our hearts feel so much peace. I just love her and Shawn…

…and I love the temple!

Going twice this week is just what I needed to fill my soul! ha ha. Seriously! I have to tell you our other temple miracle. So I know I confused you, we went to do a temple session on Thursday not Monday. I just wasn’t sure if I could email on Monday because we had to change our p-day to Thursday.

Anyway, our little temple miracle: We were driving up to the temple with the Walls family. Bobbi was going to do a session with us while Dale watched the kids outside. Well, we were supposed to leave at 9am, 9:30 at the latest. So we got to their house a little before 9:00, waiting for Dale to get back from H&R Block because of a “tax emergency” that came up. 9:30 came and went so Bobbi called them and found out he hadn’t left yet and he was still on hold with the IRS. She hung up, told us the story, and quickly gathered the family and us in the living room. We knelt down and asked Heavenly Father to help us get to the temple on time so we could do a session. During her prayer I felt so much peace. No worries, we’d be fine.

After we prayed, no joke, 12 minutes later Dale walked in. That means literally he had to have talked to the IRS right when we prayed, got in the car and drive home with NO traffic (which never happens because Wilmington is being overrun with construction). It was our temple miracle. We pulled up to the temple at 10:55 for our 11:00 initiatory session (another miracle that we chose to do initiatory first and not an endowment session).

I love the gospel! Satan will do all he can to thwart righteousness, but in the end God is always more powerful. He’ll provide a way, even deal with the IRS for you. ha ha

Being in the temple after so long was a very powerful experience. It felt incredible! One of the cool things was how real these principles and doctrines have become for me. I’ve always known they were true, but they aren’t just teachings any more they are reality. I love that feeling. I decided going to the temple is like going on a hike (work with me here).

It makes me think of one of the hikes I took in Costa Rica- on the way to the submit you get very few limited glimpses of your altitude. They are just too many trees, you can’t see through them. But finally you climb to the submit, emerging from the trees and you are able to see the beautiful vistas and the climb you made. It’s just like the temple, in life we get those few glimpses of perspective through all the trees, but in the temple we can see beyond all the trees in a perfect, limitless perspective. Sure, you need an experienced guide to point out the things you are looking at – but even without it you can appreciate the beauty of the breathtaking view. Ah! I love the temple.

I’m sorry, any of our investigators could tell you that when I get excited I talk a lot. Ha ha. I do that in my emails all of the time. Thanks for being patient with me.

To answer your questions Mom, the changes with the new mission aren’t too bad. President and Sister Jensen are wonderful! They have really been a blessing to my companion and I. Sister Cahoon has been pretty stressed about going home, but gratefully we’ve seen so many tender mercies along the way.

OH! Heather and Jared are engaged! Wahoo! I am so excited for them! Marriages and babies, marriages and babies. I thought that life at home was supposed to stop while I was out here. Ha ha. Guess not. Will you let Russ know that I expect pictures pronto when that baby is born! Otherwise I might have to disown him as my cousin.

Sorry I talk so much! Ha ha. I love you lots and lots and lots. And I love this work lots and lots and lots!

Thank you for all you do!

Sister Painter

I live in one of the prettiest places in the country!

July 12, 2010

Dear Family:

I live in one of the prettiest places in the country! Get this… last night we were driving through the beautiful fields and trees right after the sun had set. It’s always beautiful, but last night they were sparkling with thousands of fireflies! It was like a fairytale! Glitter everywhere! ha ha. It was amazing! We HAVE to come back next summer for our family vacation so you can see it! I think the west side of the country got jipped. We should import some fireflies. :)

I was hoping I would get an email about a new addition to the family this week. I guess I have to wait until next week. I’m just not that patient! I’m glad you had fun at the reunion. I’ve forgotten what its like without sky-high humidity. I’m seriously looking forward to the dry dessert air. It’s been hot and muggy here. Of course, I wouldn’t trade it in for all the riches of the world. I love being a missionary!

We had a really good week… stressful… but good. Actually, the Church of Christ marquee across the street says it all, “God promises a safe landing, but He never said it would be a smooth ride.” ha ha. It’s true. That is one thing I really enjoy about Ohio, all the church marquees. The Baptist usually have the best ones like “Stop, drop and roll doesn’t work in Hell,” or “No Parking, Violators will be Baptized.” Ha ha. They are usually good conversation pieces. In all honesty, I was shocked when I came here because there are so many churches! There are hundreds of them and they come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from little one-room brick buildings to huge elaborate church complexes.

Seriously! I have a better understanding now of Joseph Smith’s predicament finding the right church. The upside to so many churches is that most people here are good God-fearing people, the downside is they all are happy with their churches. But the truly incredible part is that God still prepares people to receive the fullness of the gospel… no matter what church they go to.

I really love being a missionary. It brings so much joy… and so much growth. I’ve been out over a year but still have to step out of my comfort zone on a regular basis. You know that quote: Who God calls, He qualifies. That has been ringing in my head the last few weeks. He qualifies us by making us grow and reach for it… and that can be a painful process. Smooth landing, rough ride. Smooth landing, rough ride. ha ha.

All of our investigators are doing great. We just got permission to drive up to the temple with Shawn and Judy on Saturday! Wahoo! Crazy. I haven’t been to the temple in a year but I get to go twice in one week! This is going to be a great week! I’m definitely looking forward to it. So we are doing a session on Thursday and driving up again on Saturday. I love the temple! Please, please, please don’t take it for granted. Our family has been extra blessed because it’s only a two minute drive from our house! Mom, Dad, will you find time to go this week? Actually anyone reading this email, will YOU find time to go this week? We definitely need the power of the temple in our family and in our lives. And I know that power is REAL!

So… lots of rambling. Sorry… I just get talking and get excited. I love you! I hope you have a good week and a good trip to the temple! Ha ha…

Happy Birthday Mom! You are the best! And I mean that! Thanks for the package!

Sister Painter

Monday, July 12, 2010

Columbus Ohio Temple. . .



"At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can 'see' things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known."

Boyd K. Packer


Carlee is off on a trip to the Columbus Ohio Temple for the first time today. She is so excited and could hardly wait for this trip. I am sure she will have a wonderful day and have a wonderuful experience she will never forget.

She told us last week because of the time it took to go to Columbus, she would not be sending a letter this week. So as a charge from Sister Painter, she wants everyone that can to attend the Temple this week to make an effort to go.






Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."

D&C 88:119