Missionary Training Center

Week 4

So MORE changes this week! 

Due to visa issues, the missionary travel department discovered that it was impossible for us to fly out a week early. SO we are staying the full time! I was very very excited to get going, but I'm also very very grateful for this week that I have to continue to learn and study! An extra week won't do much, it's going to be a huge shock either way, but I'm sure every extra moment will help. :) 

With all the confusion, there was a lot of worry among all the Italy-bound missionaries. (Our little group - called a Zone - has 21 missionaries in it. 7 elders and 21-7=? sisters... can't do math at 8:30 in the morning.... or ever actually! ;)) This week I have learned a LOT about trusting in the Lord. 

This scripture in Proverbs 3:5-6 came to mind a lot: 

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." 

We don't always know why things happen the way they do, which way to go, or what to do next. But I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows ALL. He is watching over us, and wants the best for us. As we strive to follow His will, we will be led by Him. 

I love this video clip that talks about the will of God:

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-will-of-god-2

So, while I'm a little disappointed to not be headed to Italy on Monday, I know that God has a plan and a reason. 

Other than that, there's not much news this week! Almost everyday we have 6 hours of class, and then about 4 hours of study time. We should be getting travel plans tomorrow though, so maybe this coming week will have more things to share! And then after that.... it's off to Roma! For real this time. ;)

Love you all and grateful for your love and support. 

Love,

Sorella C

Missionary Training Center

Week 2

Good morning!

This week has been awesome! I hope it's been the same for y'all.

It's hard to believe I've already been here for two weeks! Some days seems to last for what feels like eternity, but before I know it, a whole week has gone by. Everyday we practice teaching and working with other people. So everyday we are learning to use Italian, and everyday brings new challenges and successes! We also have devotionals with amazing speakers every Tuesday and Sunday evening. These have been really awesome to go to. 

My companion's name is Sorella Leathern, and we have had a ton of fun working together and getting to know each other more and more every day. It'll be hard to say goodbye at the end of our MTC stay! 

We do a lot of the same things everyday, but hopefully once I'm in Italy, my emails can have more stories and experiences. :)

This week I've learned a lot about prayer. I'm so grateful for prayer in my life and the ways that it has blessed me. I know that prayer is a gift from our Father in Heaven, and that we can communicate with him by using this gift. During the week, I know that I can ask for help, express gratitude, or pray for comfort at any time. And that has been a huge blessing. 

I love this quote from Gordon B. Hinckley: 

"Get on your knees and ask for the blessing of the Lord, then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do."

Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers, and when we follow through with the promptings and inspiration we receive we will be blessed even more. I know this because I've seen this work in my life, and it's my hope that you all will too. 

I love you all and I am grateful for you! 

Love,

Sorella Kaitlin Carver

Sorella Leathern and me

Sorella Leathern and me working hard in class!

My MTC District in the classroom:  these are the awesome Elders and Sisters I spend ALL day with EVERY day!

Missionary Training Center

Week 1

Hello all! 

For those of you who don't know, I'll be at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) for six weeks before I go to Italy. Here I am learning Italian and how to teach. 

It's been a whirlwind of a week but my new favorite phrase is "C'e la fate!" which means "You can do it!" This week has been filled with many new challenges and also many new exciting things. I'm learning so much, but sometimes it is really difficult! But this phrase has helped me keep a good perspective and remember that I really can do this!

I know, however, that we cannot do it alone. During one of our meetings this week we watched this video clip. If you have second, I hope you'll take some time to watch it. 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-10-38-lifting-burdens?lang=eng

I love this quote from Elder David A. Bednar. He said, "We mistakenly believe that we must make the journey from good to better and become a saint all by ourselves, through sheer grit, willpower, and discipline. But the Gospel of the Savior is not simply about avoiding bad in our lives, it is essentially about doing and becoming good. And the Atonement provides help for us to overcome and avoid bad, and to do and become good."

I know that with the help of Jesus Christ and his Atonement, we can have our burdens lifted, we can be comforted when we are discouraged, and we can become who he wants us to be. 

I know that this is true, and knowing this has helped me so much this week! 

I love you all and hope you are doing well. :) 

Ciao, 

Sorella Kaitlin Carver 

MAR14 ITA-ROM

2005 North 900 East

Unit 92

Provo, UT 84602

My MTC Zone (I'm second from left, front row)