June 3, 2012

      My trainer went home May 16th due to illness I was privileged to go to the airport to say goodbye.  It was sad to see her go.  I have been assigned to serve with the Woodridge sisters, Sister Stewart and Sister Weber.   As a three-some there is much to do in serving both areas.   We are teaching 11 people and working with less active church members in the Wooddridge area. The members have been helping me to keep the appointments we had  in the Naperville area before Sister Hatch went home. So much to do and so little time or so it seems.
      Our preparation day was moved to Tuesday this past week because we were given permission to attend  the Cubs Baseball game. We were so excited.  The best part is we get to wear proselyting clothing. Now isn't that a sight to see, missionaries in suits and skirts at a baseball game. It will a great opportunity to get together as missionaries  and still let people know who we are.  Don't worry, I'm not planning to change and  become a Cubs fan.  President Doll indicated  I should be getting a new companion Wednesday, June 6. and should be back in Naperville.
      I love you all!  I'm so grateful to be a missionary and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people around me.  I know this is His Church and that we are all the children of a loving Heavenly Father.  If you don't know yet, I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!

I Love Packages!!

Our District and destinations after the MTC

 Chicago

Reflection Ball in Millennium Park, Chicago

Roommates in the MTC

Well...No explanation necessary

April 15, 2012

This week has been amazing!!

I hope you are all doing well and you enjoyed the beautiful Easter weekend.  As you reflected on the life of the Savior I hope you remembered all that he has done for each of us and how blessed we are as children of God.

  

By the way not all houses are as big as the Farley's.  I have seen normal ones now. We just happened to see a lot of the big ones last week.  It is such a beautiful home area, even the apartments are beautiful and well kept.

I am grateful to Heavenly Father for the many miracles we saw this week both small and larger. I love being a missionary and sharing the great news that the gospel of Jesus Christ is restored! I love my Savior Jesus Christ so much and grateful for his hand in my life and the strength that I receive to be doing His work at this time.  I know it is by the spirit that I am able to teach and thankful for the guidance it gives. 

I love you all and hope to hear from you soon!

 

Love, 
Sister Carlton

  

P.S. to all of you that might have Peeps laying around from Easter you should try Peeps Wars :)  You put a tooth pick in them and put two accross from each other in the microwwave.  Then hit the 30 sec button and watch them expand and joost at each other. We did it for preparation today as a district. It was great.  Simple things make great entertainment.

 

April 8th, 2012

Hello from Naperville, Illinois!

 

Well I have survived my first week in the mission field and I absolutely love being here and serving the Lord.  I arrived on Monday morning before noon with a group of 15 missionaries. As we came down the escalator there was President and Sister Doll, and 3 assistants to the president(one concluded his mission wednesday, that's why we had 3) Elder Swenson and Elder Buckway are the assistants to the president. We got our luggage loaded it up and we were told we were going into the city. They handed us a Book of Mormon and some mormon.org cards and we were off on the "L train".  It was such an amazing experience.  I met a lady named Grace who had all kinds of questions about Jesus Christ. She accepted a Book of Mormon and said that she would read it. We had a good discussion until my stop where we were all getting off to go to lunch with President and his wife. We ate Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Holy cow talk about filling.  I have actually had Chicago Deep Dish 3-4 times this week because I'm new and the members that we ate with got it in honor of me being new :)  After lunch  we explored downtown Chicago. It is so beautiful there. It is kept pretty clean and it was good to see the city.  The day seemed so long, but went by so fast. Being up at 3 in the morning and then gonig to bed at 10:30 at night makes for a long one. I think I'm still trying to recover my sleep.

 

Tuesday was the big day! I met my first companion and trainer for the next 12 weeks.  Sister Hatch from Boise, ID.  She is competely amazing I absoluetly love her! She has been such a support to me and not being afraid to try new things. However, door knocking is still a little intimidating for me, but I'm working on it.  She has such a outgoing personality and illuminates as we share the gospel with those we come in contact with.  Tuesday afternoon we went out and knocked on some doors.  We met a lady who is absolutely great.  She said to come back and teach her after schools out, she's a special education teacher.  We all were crying on her door step as we talked about life after death.  She was truly amazing and I can't wait to teach her.  I also left her with a Book of Mormon for her husband. She said she had one, but I gave her one so both her and her husband can read together.  I hope that she reads and discovers the truth contained.

Wednesday and Thursday we did a little tracking and had dinner with members. Out here it's really hard to track during the day. Nobody is home! The best hours are between 3-6.

 

I hope you all listened to General Conference. If you didn't you better take time to listen or read it from lds.org.  It was so amazing! The Lord knows what we need to hear individually and what we need to hear that may help others.  This conference was so centered on the Doctrine of Christ, our homes/families, the Holy Ghost, and other things.  I love how everything that was taught had an application to it. They aren't just telling us what we need to be doing with our lives, but they are giving us direction on how to impliment it into our lives. They are really called of God. And their purpose is to teach and relay the messages of our Heavenly Father that we may know how to gain salvation.  Take their words to heart and live them!!

Did you see the MTC choir.  I knew missionaries that were singing it was so great! They sounded so amazing and the spirit was so strong when they sang. I love the gift of music in my life and how I am able to learn and feel through it.

 

President and Sister Doll I absolutely love already!  They are both very sweet and care alot about what is happening in the lives of each of their missionaries.  They each took time to talk to us individually as missionaries when we arrived and wanted to know about us and up front what could they do for us. There loving presonalities shine through.  I will actually only have them until July and then we will be getting a new mission president, President and Sister Fenn from Utah. So I'm going to enjoy this time that I have to get to know and work under the direction of President Doll.

The area out here is beautiful and completely green.  The people also have really big houses and I would say probably a lot of money.  I haven't seen a house smaller than the Farley's old house yet. So that's pretty big for me. 

I love you all and hope that you are doing well.  Thank you to those who have writen I have loved hearing from you!  The rest of you I'm asuming you've written, but it's waiting to be mailed, but you keep forgetting to put a stamp on it and put it in the mailbox :) 

I love serving the Lord and being a missionary.  I am his servant and he is using me through various ways to bring the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to this area.  I hope that I can share his message by the spirit that it may touch their lives and go to their heart to know of the truth and all that our Heavenly Father has in store for us individually. I know that this is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and redemer.  As this weekend is Easter I hope that you all reflect on the Life of Jesus Christ and all that he did for you and how it continuely blesses your life.  He came to this earth and lived a life that set the perfect example for us to follow. He came and established his church, just as we have today, with the proper authority to act in his name.  He lived for us, he suffered for us, he died for us, and he rose that we may one day rise again.  How marvelous and grand is the love of Jesus Christ. If you do not know of his love or question that he did any of this for you, please get on your knees and sincerely ask your Heavenly Father to know. He will let you know and you will feel the love of the Savior in your life.  (Read Alma 34in the Book of Mormon) I know that he is my Savior and he knows what I feel and that he is there for me always. I am never alone.  John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." Allow him to be apart of your life and to come into your life that you may have pure joy and a remission of your mistakes/sins/transgressions in life.  His grace and mercy is infinite!

I love you all very much and pray for you.  Thank you for all the prayers in my behalf and all the loving support that you give.

 

Much love,

 

Sister Carlton

 

We made it to Chicago!!!

Well, we haven't heard from Sister Carlton, but President and Sister Doll e-mailed her mom and said all 15 missionaries made it safely and Sister K. Carlton is serving with Sister Hatch (her trainer) in Naperville, Illinios.  The video Sister Doll sent included the missionaries arriving at the airport, getting their baggage, riding the L Train, pizza for lunch and seeing some of the sights in Chicago.   Each missionary was asked why they were serving a mission and what they thought of Chicago. It was then on to the Mission office to get the 411 on car safety, apartments, etc.  At this point they were introduced to their trainer, where they were assigned, and  then "shipped out".  We anxiously await her email/letters for update on how everything is going.

Sister Carlton, Sister Hatch (trainer), President and Sister Doll (Mission President and wife)

Almost through at the MTC

Hello Everyone!

Oh my goodness can you believe it I am almost done at the MTC.  I have had such a wonderful experience and can't wait to go forth and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people.  This is not my work; it is the work of the Lord.  Our Heavenly Father desires that we come back to Him and it is only through the gospel of Jesus Christ that we can.

This week has been full of adventures and change.  On Thursday my companion went home. She wrote to us and let us know that she was doing well at home.   I am now in a tri-companionship.  We have had our challenges as we have been trying to adjust to each other and the differences of companionships.  I think I caught a glimpse of what it will be like when I switch companions.  In class we have been learning a lot and studying a great deal.  As I have been studying the Atonement, it has helped me to renew the important role that our Savior Jesus Christ has in our lives.  Because of the Atonement we can change and return to our Heavenly Father, if we do all that he asks of us.  Quote from Brad Wilcox, "You are saved by grace, but have you been changed by grace." (Probably not exact, but close enough, I don't have it right with me).

Yesterday for MTC Devotional I sang in the MTC Choir.  We sang "Consider the Lilies".  It totally applies to everyone’s life.  NO matter who we are, through Jesus Christ we can be healed, if we trust him, and our hearts can be turned to gold.  It doesn't matter who you are HE LOVES YOU!!!  The other great thing about devotional is.....Elder Dallin H. Oaks (one of the 12 Apostles) spoke.  It was also being broadcasted to other MTC's throughout the world.  He talked about how to receive the spirit and how to keep the spirit.  He mostly related it all to the sacrament.  If we are living our lives in a way that we can always partake of the sacrament we can always be worthy of the spirit to be with us.  It is great that we have the opportunity to repent each day of our lives.  We are not perfect, but we should all be striving to become like Jesus Christ.  Through our efforts and daily repentance He will help us to change and allow for his spirit to be with us.

I really enjoy having gym time, and it will be very different once I get out into the field. I try to get a mile run in every time I go, but there are times I just don't have the energy to run.  However I love playing 4-square and volleyball.  The group that plays together we have a lot of fun and total fun and games. I can see why they say to exercise, it's a great way to release and prepare for the day.

I GOT MY TRAVEL PLANS!! I leave Monday morning, March 26 at 4 AM from the MTC.  I fly out of SLC around 7 and will be in Chicago by noon.  I can't wait to serve the people in the Chicago mission.  Who knows where I will end up, but where ever it is I know it's where the Lord wants me to be.

I Love you all dearly and hope that things are going well with your life and families.

I want you all to know that I know that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. That his true church has once again been established on the earth to bless the lives of his children that they may return to the presence of our Heavenly Father once again. I challenge each of you to read the Book of Mormon and to do as it says in Moroni 10:4.  It doesn't matter how many times you have read it or if you already know it's true.  It is still okay to ask to have the reassurance and to be guided by the spirit to know of the truth continually.  It's not a onetime answer.  I know that through faith all things are possible.  I know that we can't go through this life doing it on our own.  It's hard enough as it is, so come unto Christ.  Rely on him and cast your burdens at his feet.  He will lift your load and help you through all things.  He suffered and died for us that we may.  As Elder Holland said in conference a couple of years ago, “None were with Him."  Don't leave him out of your life.  He needs to be a part of it.

Take care and I hope to hear from some of you soon.  I would like to also know what is going on in your lives.

Love,

Sister Carlton

Mailing update

If you plan to write or send packages to Kjersti at the MTC, remember she will be leaving on Monday, March 26. All mail will be forwarded to her but it will take longer to get to her. It is suggested to mail to the Illinois address beginning Tuesday, March 20th. She LOVES receiving mail!!

Wednesday 3/14/12

To all,

Can you believe I have already been here one week! I have had the most amazing week! And of course it has had its challenges. I feel like I have learned so much, but I have so much more to learn too. My companion Sister Katoa is Tongan and from Salt Lake City. She actually went to elementary school at West Kearns :) I learned so much about the trust that my Heavenly Father has for me. There have been times that are challenging, but through it all I have had so much excitement and joy in my life. Amazing how that works! Today is my preparation day and I am excited to have the time to do those things that are necessary to prepare me for the week to come (wash clothes, write letters and clean dorm room). Things are very fast paced and there isn't always time to do that which is needed during the week. Today started with the best thing ever....going to the temple! LOVE IT!!! It's interesting too, because today was the mark of 2 months from when I went through for the first time.
We are organized in districts. My district is AMAZING. We get along so well and have such a wonderful spirit in our classroom. 3 of the elders are from Utah and the other 2 are from Detroit and Twin Falls. The other 2 sisters are both from Utah. It was been a joy to grow together and learn from one another. I want each of you to know that you have a loving Heavenly Father!! He cares so much about us and wants the best for us that He gave us life and a world to live on. Not only that, He restored the gospel of Jesus Christ here upon this earth that we may know his plan and find joy and happiness in this life and the life to come. If you ever question God's love for you, please kneel down and pray to know. He will be there listening and let you know if you do it with a sincere heart and with real intent to know what you are asking.
I wish I could describe everyday. It feels like each day just runs together. Our teacher asked us if we had learned something and who from and when. We only could remember we had learned it. So much going on but so wonderful. There are several Sisters and Elders(other missionaries) that I have seen or run into that I didn't even know were here. My district keeps telling me I know everyone. I just laugh. I think often how great it is that the Lord has called all of us at the same time to teach His children in various parts of the world. In our residence hall we are getting two new sisters that will be going to Germany. They will arrive today (Wed.). I hope they love it as much as we have loved being here.
I love what I am doing and I know that there is great joy in serving the Lord. He wants his children to come unto him and partake of the blessings that he has for each of us.
I love you all and appreciate the prayers and the support of me. Those of you that I have received mail from, I really appreciate it. Especially the box from Apt. ABC my district likes it too.
I know this is the work of the Lord and he loves each of us very much. He is there waiting with our stretched arms for us to come unto him and feel of his love.

Love,
Sister Carlton

Imagine me, a missionary traveling through the land

March 4, 2012 at Salina Kansas Stake Center
President Sterling Knapp and Sister Carlton after being set apart as a missionary. 

March 5th, 2012 at Carlton Residence
4:30 AM packed and ready to load the car for departure

March 5, 2012 Great Bend Kansas Airport
Jerry Phillips, Ramona Phillips, Travis Youngers, Nancy Douglas, Sister Carlton, Alicia Carlton,  Mom, Brian Carlton
Farewell from the BIG GB Airport

Security=check

The BIG Great Lakes plane with 2 passengers
 (Mom & Sister Carlton)

March 7, 2012 at Provo, Utah MTC field
 Results of jumping in the air, wait....I already landed.

Mom and Sister Carlton before the drive across the street to be dropped off at the curb with LOVE.

Mom, Sister Carlton, and Uncle Ben 

We're next to cross the street to enter the MTC and proceed as directed.

This is it, I made it...peace out Mom.
I love you all and thanks to everyone for helping me get here.

Elders escorting me with my head held high, no tears, being strong,  and realizing this is IT.