MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thanks so much to all who sent cards, letters, and goodies to us this Christmas. We truly experienced an outpouring of love from the members here and at home, our families, and especially our Father in Heaven.

We had many miracles this week as we found several people who have truly been prepared by the Lord to accept our message. We have come across so many humble, soft-hearted people.

Exciting things are happening in our mission this year as we open up more Spanish branches and the first two all-Spanish zones in the mission. We still don't have a Spanish group in Richland, and we got a referral for a Spanish speaking family last week (we have an appointment with them today). So today I used my personal study to learn to teach a very simple restoration lesson in Spanish. This will help me a lot tracting anyway. Luckily, one of our Spanish speaking sisters is finishing her mission this week, so we are going to have her companion with us for the next couple of days. We will have a grand time teaching the family in Spanish. If they want to come to church, we will have to invite someone to translate for them.

I am so excited for a new transfer. Sister Lindmeir and I are staying here together for another 6 weeks. We have great plans, and we know that The Lord has great things in store for us.

Christmas was super fun. We had some really great experiences where people who had never let us in before let us in (the power of cookies and carols is amazing) and we met great people as well, like I said.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior. He leads and guides the church today. His Spirit is real and it testifies of truth to all those who honestly seek answers. I love watching people find answers by the spirit as they read the scriptures and receive a spiritual witness that they are true. I love watching the Spirit fill hearts and lives and homes as people embrace the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and live His gospel by faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. I am so humbled to be His missionary at this time of year when so many people are ready to learn and listen.

Thanks for all of the prayers and support. I love you all. Keep marching forward.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

Side Note from Caroline's sister Lisa:

We had a great visit with Caroline on Christmas. She is very busy. This is Sister Lindmeir's last transfer, so she will get a new companion for sure in 6 weeks.We hope you all are praying for the people she's teaching, and for her in general.

Thank you all and Happy New Year.

Born to Give Them Second Birth

Born to Give Them Second Birth

Being a missionary on Christmas is the best thing ever. People's hearts are so soft. We get in with people who would never otherwise let us in. I'm not homesick at all.

This morning, for companionship study we watched Elder Holland's Talk Safety for the Soul.

It's a really powerful talk. I really appreciated his testimony of the Book of Mormon and why it is important.

Another cool video is Scriptures Legacy.
We watched this today while we exercised. That was fun. I got to run from Lamanites with Moroni.

We've been talking a lot about what we are giving Christ for Christmas. My goal is to memorize The Living Christ by Christmas. I want to give the Savior my testimony of His power and divinity for Christmas.

So many blessings have been poured out upon our heads this week. So many members gave us their love and support, and sometimes food or gifts. I was really humbled by their kindness. The Lord has helped us to find some really great people to teach. I love this area and these people so much.

This is my planner for this transfer. 

And this is us on exchanges. Sister Lindmeir and I have both been companions with Sister Allred, and on exchanges I got to know Sister Steen- who's a real gem.

I know that Jesus Christ was born to allow us to be born again and return to our Father in Heaven. I know that He can heal our hearts and overcome our weaknesses.

I am thankful to be His missionary at this time.

I love you all, and thanks to all who have sent letters and packages- as well as those who pray for us and other missionaries. We love and appreciate you so much.

Merry Christmas!!!

Love,

Sister Faulkner

Miracles!

I really apologize for not writing. Things have been so crazy with our temple trip and preparations for Christmas. We've had so much to do on P-Day.

I have a few wonderful miracles to share.

This week has been one of the best in the last year. We found so many amazing, humble people this week. We found someone on Friday, and someone on Saturday that really needed a message of hope. They both came to church (given rides by members of the ward) and had really good experiences there. I've found that attending church does wonders for a person's testimony. They feel a great spirit there. We also found a family of 7 on Sunday night right before we headed home. They are really great, humble people. I love how the Lord leads us to people who will receive us. We really felt led this week by the spirit. There were so many times that people were placed in our path or we were directed to theirs.

I think our temple trip last week really helped us. I think that having the spirit of the temple in our hearts and on our minds helps us do God's will. We are working really hard to do our best, but I know that our efforts have very little to do with what we accomplish. Christ waits for us to show faith, and then it is His infinite power that gets the work done. We see miracles because of His Grace.

Another miracle was that a couple of my aunts sent me information regarding my grandparents’ conversion here in the late 1950s. I was moved by their recorded testimonies and experiences. I was glad to see that both sets of grandparents met missionaries who were tracting. (Though my Mom's parents were actually taught by missionaries, whereas my dad's parents were taught by stake missionaries – AKA older members called to be missionaries in their own area.)

I hit my year mark since I've written. I was at Mission Leadership Council on the 4th. That was a pretty special day. MLC is a great meeting where we discuss the needs of the mission and council together on how to serve the other missionaries. I saw Sister Reyes there, and some people I've known in past areas. It's weird to have been out a year. It doesn't feel like it's been that long. It feels strange to be having another Christmas in the field. I have more time to think about it and prepare now. I know the area and people we are teaching now. We have had a chance to share Christmas messages with several families. Especially He is the Gift. We have been sharing that with everybody.

We see a lot of hearts soften as we share about Christmas. We always tell people that our message is about Christ, but I think when it's about Christmas people are a little bit more open.

Here's a picture of Sister Lindmeir and me at the temple, and then one of Sister Owens and Sister Standing (I trained Sister Owens and Sister Lindmeir trained Sister Standing. They are currently companions) at the conference that happened in November.

Another thing that happened – I sang a solo at Christmas Zone Conference. One of the elders in our Zone is a concert pianist, and he wrote his own spectacular arrangement of "Oh Come all ye Faithful." I got to sing along and it went really well. Sister Lindmeir shared her testimony at Zone Conference because it's the last one that she'll have on her mission. She gave a really moving testimony. She's on fire.

I am so grateful for this time that I have to serve the Lord at this Christmas Season. I love you all. I am praying for you. I know that our Father in Heaven is watching over you.

Merry Christmas,

Love

Sister Caroline Faulkner

STeaLing Joy

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Remember to give thanks in all times and in all circumstances- that's a pretty difficult thing to do (but so worth it).

My new assignment as a Sister Training Leader isn't as scary as I thought it would be – mostly because my new companion Sister Lindmeir is really dedicated. She is the hardest working missionary I have ever met. She actually trained Sister Allred (remember how we got doubled into Yakima?) and she's pretty great. We have a blast. She's just really bold and loving – also we are both quick-to-offend, slow-to-be-offended kind of people – so nothing I say bothers her and nothing she does ever bothers me. That's the best.

My post was late this week because we had a conference. In our church we have a priesthood position called "Seventy" (see Numbers chapter 11). One of the Seventy came and visited our mission and P-Day had to be rescheduled (but it was SO worth it). I learned so much. I came away with a determination to work harder, be better, and love more. I also got to see Sister Donnelly and Sister Owens again. Sister Owens is at 7.5 months now and it's great to see her doing so well (still in Zillah). I put her name in my scriptures next to Alma 17:3. I felt it quite applicable to our situation. I don't think there is a missionary in the field who loves her greenie as much as I love Sister Owens. I just want her to have the best mission ever and spend her whole life so dedicated to Christ.

At this Thanksgiving season, I am so grateful for the friends and family who support me. I am grateful for my companion, and the scriptures. I am grateful for my Savior most of all, and for a loving Father in Heaven who loves me no matter what.

I also think about what I was doing this time last year. I was getting ready to come out here and serve. I remember how different I was and how nervous I was and I remember all of the silly things I cared about then. I am grateful for everything that has changed in my life and I am grateful for all that the Lord has done to take care of my family at home – He does a better job than I ever could anyway.

I want you all to check out this video at:

Christmas.mormon.org

​It's really great. It's there to remind us what all of this Christmas spirit is supposed to be about. I love the Christmas season. I love the decorations and the humble hearts.

Let's go work for Him.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

Transfers

This week we saw lots of great miracles. We had a bunch of people in church. Probably the best-attended sacrament meetings (as far as investigators go) that I've seen in the 11.5 months I've been out.

Then there were the great moments where the Lord led us exactly where we needed to go, and helped us find people who needed our message.

Another miracle is the fact that it didn't snow. Even though everyone said that it would.

It did snow in Tri-Cities – which is where I am going on Wednesday. I'm sad to be transferring away from Sister Donnelly. We were going to hit our year mark together, and then have Thanksgiving and Christmas here. I'm sure that my new area will be just as cool. I've been asked to be a Sister Training Leader – which just means that I go on exchanges with the other Sisters in Richland and Kennewick and I help take care of their emotional needs. I'm sad, because it means that I probably won't get to train a new missionary again, but the Lord knows what I need to do to grow. He knows better than me where I am needed.

Today as I studied I learned that the Lord can only give us answers as often as we are obedient. He waits for us to show that we are listening to the council that He has already given us before He gives us more. I think that's really important. We have to be willing to listen. I am praying for you. Let us be thankful for what our Father has already given us.

Be strong and of a good courage!

Love,

Sister Faulkner

Roots

Autumn is here like I've never seen it before. Last week almost all of the trees were bright orange, yellow and red. This week most of those leaves are now on the ground. The cold is starting to threaten us, and it's getting dark before 5 PM.

Many people have taken out their gardens, and now they are starting to talk about snow. This is what fall actually feels like, I guess. It's windier than I expected.

My companion, Sister Donnelly, had to go to the dentist this week. The poor thing narrowly avoided a root canal. That's why we don't let cavities go unchecked. She was a real trooper, though. She had more courage than I usually show when presented with Novocain shots and dentist's drills.

I am still on the lookout for relatives around here. I keep hearing about them, but I can't find them. Once again I really wish I knew my grandparent's conversion story. All I know is that they met missionaries in Toppenish and that my grandfather was a branch president in Zillah for a while. Then they moved to the other side of the state.

I think I really am going gray. I found another gray hair this week. Missionary work can be stressful- though maybe that means I am doing it wrong. I'm working on that. I know that I have to rely on Christ. He carries us through. I couldn't have gotten through the MTC without Him. I'm determining the Pros and cons of going gray at 22:

Pro- I'll look more mature/wise.

Con-I'm not really any more mature/wise.

Pro- I may be offered senior discounts by mistake.

Pro- It would look really cool to have a gray streak in my hair.

Con- It may one day seriously impede my dating life.

Pro- I won't have to worry about dating anymore. ;)

As you can see- this list is mostly positive. This is clearly going to be a good thing.

The most important thing to remember is to root our lives in Christ and His Atonement. If we repent every day we don't have to be afraid of what the world might throw at us. We will rise each time we fall. This week I did a really fun study where I found all 12 steps of the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program in Mosiah 27-28, Alma 17, 26, and 36. That was a great study. It is so important that we truly have a change of heart each time we repent and that we replace our negative behaviors with positive ones. I know that Christ can help us.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

He Comes to You

I learned something this week about the Sacrament.

When you are in Sacrament meeting, you don't go up and get the bread and water from where it is being blessed, it is brought to you, and you have to take it individually. We pass the Sacrament one by one. In a similar way, we do not make it back to Heaven, or perfect ourselves and then ask for forgiveness for what we've done wrong. We aren't capable of making that trip by ourselves. When we make the effort to come to the building (ie ask for help, do our best, repent), Christ comes to us at whatever point we are at on the road and carries us the rest of the way.

He will not take our will away. He can help me only as long as I want to go His way. He won't carry me back to my Father in Heaven if I am determined to go the other way. But if I am trying, He will do whatever it takes to make the way possible for me.

Christ can heal hearts, lighten loads, carry sorrows, and forgive our sins because He experienced what we've experienced. When He suffered for us, He took my pains, weaknesses, and sins upon Himself. Because of that, He is able to rescue me wherever I am and no matter what I've done, because He has descended below all things.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:6

He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;

I am grateful to know that me Savior knows me so well, and that He doesn't wait for me to be good enough. He loves me where I am at and helps me to be better.

This week was Halloween, and we had to go in at 6 PM for safety reasons. We had fun though. We carved pumpkins, ate candy and treats, and planned our lessons.

Here are some pictures.

Angel Moroni Pumpkin:

My companion’s ghost:

Teaching "Speedy" the Turtle:

This crazy large fake spider in our apartment complex parking lot:

Displaying my love for spiders:

I hope that all of you had a great Halloween. Thanks for your love, your support, and your prayers.

Happy November.

Be strong.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

Happy Halloween

This is the only Autumn that I get on my mission. I get 2 winters and 2 springs, but really only one Summer and Autumn. I'm enjoying the colors, the apples, and the weather. One of our wards had an apple press and we got to take home some apple cider. We were warned that we need to drink it quickly because it might ferment. But it's great, so that won't be a problem.

I got a package from my mom this week with some of our traditional Halloween sugar cookies that remind me of my childhood. I look forward to those every year. I feel bad that Mom has to make them herself this year. Usually somebody else is there to help her. They look like Jack-o-lanterns with their orange frosting and faces made of Candy corn and chocolate chips.

We don't get to go to the Trunk-or-Treat because we have to be in at 6 on Halloween night. That's okay though. We will have fun planning our lessons and carving pumpkins inside.

Yakima has a lot of people who really get into the Halloween spirit with their decorations- but most of the people in our little community claim that they don't get many Trick-or-Treaters. We are considering giving out candy to the people we talk to on Halloween just for fun.

Sister Donnelly and I enjoyed another primary program yesterday. Those little children are so innocent. They bring the spirit with their simple testimonies. Their songs are so sweet. It made me think of what the Savior said "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Also, I learned to drive in the mud. We had a rainstorm and I got to drive up a hill on a dirt road in the rain. I was so scared. The Lord comforted me as I prayed for help. I know that He guides us and that He cares even about the little things.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

The Spirit of the Scriptures

Something that I've noticed as I talk to people and as I share the Book of Mormon with them is that the Spirit follows the word of God and that people notice. As people read the Book of Mormon they find that they have more peace in their homes. They want to keep reading. They have a desire to have more of God's word in their lives.

The hardest part of conversion is always beginning. Whether we are repenting and learning to trust God for the first time, or coming back after a long period of diminished faith – Satan fights against our righteous desires. Picking up the scriptures seems impossible and totally unappealing. Coming to church seems daunting. Repentance seems beyond our capacity to endure. My promise is that the first step is the hardest, and that the blessings that you will receive will be far greater than any sacrifice that you make in an effort to serve the Lord.

As you try your hardest, Christ makes it possible. I promise that you can have a better life and more peace. You can feel closer to your Father in Heaven.

I am grateful that I have the scriptures in my life. I am grateful for the spirit that the Book of Mormon brings. I invite you to find out for yourself what blessings they can bring to your life. That is how you stay rooted in Christ and how you maintain a desire to repent and follow Christ's example.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

Eternal Truth

I learned something yesterday. I learned that Satan pushes you the hardest at the most pivotal moments. He doesn't want you to win and he wants you to give up. I know that when we are faithful in the hardest times we can have access to the greatest blessings.

By our faithfulness we show the Lord what we really want. I get to show the Lord by my actions if I want to have His blessings, or Satan's deceptions. Helaman37:35

Being a missionary, I've learned to look at people for their potential. I see how if they are faithful, they can be filled with the power and strength that comes from our Father in Heaven and they can, through Him, become mighty, pure, and full of light. The Savior died for us because He could see what we could become and He knew that we couldn't do it alone. Our potential is valuable to Him.

I've been sick this week- so has the entire town. I lost my voice. That was fun because everyone we talked to brought it up. That's okay though. I sound mostly normal again.

I have a new companion. Her name is Sister Caitlin Donnelly. She entered the MTC when I did. We have a lot of fun.

I got to see Sister Owens at transfers. I missed her, she's a gem. It was a great moment of reunion.

Sister Allred was really sad to leave. Things were just starting to pick up here. It was so hard when we got here. I think that happens a lot when you get doubled-in. It takes time to get things moving. She loved this area so much. I know that the Lord needed her somewhere else, though.

We are starting to see really great things happen here. I love this area so much. We will continue to see miracles, I know it.

We had a baptism on Sunday. The young lady being baptized has waited for years. Now that she's 18, she can. She is so happy. It is a privilege to be able to be there for that moment in someone's conversion. Just another joyous step closer to our Father in Heaven. It's the first covenant that we make, the way that we show that we want to follow Christ.

Another eternal truth I've learned is that those things that last the longest are the most important. That means nothing should be able to get in the way of my relationship with God or my family.

Lastly – all stake centers have confusing layouts. But that is okay. We find our way around anyway.

Be strong. Keep fighting for the truth.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

The Transfer of Miracles

October conference was this last weekend, and if you haven't seen it. you should check it out at LDS.org.

We also got transfer calls on Sunday, and I am losing Sister Allred. One thing I really appreciate about her is her faith and desire to be obedient to the Lord. We saw so many miracles this transfer!

When we got to this area, it was a little bit tough. We felt that the people were not very receptive, though the members here are full of zeal. We had a hard time finding people to teach, but after witnessing the Lord's hand in a consistent outpouring of miracles, we saw a great change in the work here and in our own hearts.

One funny miracle we noticed was that whenever Sister Allred was craving some kind of food, the members would feed it to us. This happened not once, but many times. These include Pumpkin Pie, Rolls, fried bread with raspberries, chicken noodle soup, garden-fresh Vegetables, and Peanut butter fingers.

Then there were all the times we knocked into the people that we didn't know the Elders had been teaching.

Or the times when we saw miraculous, unexpected changes of heart in the people we were teaching – they were motivated by the Spirit.

We were instructed in a method of weekly planning that takes more time, but demands that we plan more thoroughly and prioritize better. We saw great miracles. We were better able to include the members and we saw the people we taught feel the spirit and experience changes of heart.

I am so sad to be losing Sister Allred, but I know that she will love her new area. I know that it won't be me looking after this area in her absence, but the spirit.

I know that the Lord needed us here at this time. I know that we will continue to see great things happen here. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Expect miracles. Lead with your faith. Live the gospel of Jesus Christ by repenting every day with a sincere desire to give your heart to Christ.

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

Support and Love

This week I discovered that I can see Mt Rainier from our area if you go out in the sticks – which is exactly where we were this week. I got some great pictures. It's especially cool because my Mom was hiking around the base of the mountain this week, so she walked through our stake boundaries. I like to imagine that she's in this picture. Just WAAAAAY too small to see.

I've been thinking a lot this week about all of the people I have at home supporting me. My mom have been a huge help, not only financially (though that contribution has been significant) but also emotionally. I remember that she was on a boat almost the entire time that I was in the MTC, but I still got 3 letters from her there. She sends me packages, she writes me frequently and I know she prays for each of her children every day. I know that missionary moms go through a lot.

My Sister, Lisa, has also been a huge help. She has emailed me more faithfully than anyone else, I think. And she updates my blog every week. Even with three kids (one a new baby) and preschool and responsibilities. She's been great.

I am so grateful for the letters I get from friends at home and family members. It means a lot to us when we get mail. It also means a lot to know that you are praying for us. I know it makes a difference.

I am grateful for all of the people who have contributed to my personal conversion. Their example is part of my testimony, in a way, that I can share with people.

This week is a great opportunity to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Please take advantage of this opportunity to be uplifted and to help others are we here from living Apostles and Prophets in General conference. The Women's broadcast is this Saturday evening, and the other sessions are next weekend.

Don't miss it.

Thank you all for all that you do!

Love,

Sister Caroline Faulkner

"You can do it now!"

The Elders left us conference CDs from last October. We found them in the car, and we have been listening to the talks in the car this week.

I was particularly touched by one form the Priesthood Session by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf called "You can do it now!"

In this Talk, President Uchtdorf reminds us that "our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off, and move forward."

I love that, because sometimes we think that we are too fallen to be saved, too filthy to be made clean, and too lost to be found. Such thoughts of self-doubt cast doubt on the Savior's ability to heal us. Remember how important that faith is.

We have to have the faith. The first step is to believe that through Christ we can be cleansed from all sin.

We got to go to the temple today. That was a great blessing. I always find peace and strength in the temple.I come away with a renewed desire to follow my Savior and do my best as His messenger.

Being a missionary is the coolest, because we get to go out and remind people that they can get up again. We get to encourage people to rely on Christ and let them know just how much He wants to heal them.

The members continue to give us the names of their well loved friends to go and visit, which is nice because people appreciate our message a lot more when it comes from a person of who's love for them they are already sure. The members also continue to give us food. We got a cantaloupe, some tomatoes, a sweet pepper, an eggplant, and new drinking glasses this week.

I tell you, people love sister missionaries. It's really not fair how kind they are to us, not that I'm complaining. It's pretty nice.

I have to include a shout out to my brother and sister-in-law- who just had an anniversary. Congratulations!

Also, I am going to have some pictures soon because my wonderful father is sending me a camera. I am so spoiled.

I cannot express my gratitude to all of the people who've given me such support and so many prayers, and such love that my cup runneth over with blessings. Thanks to all who take such good care of me. Know that I thank my Heavenly Father for you and I ask Him to watch over you.

We are looking forward to a beautiful Autumn season here in the Yakima Valley. Be strong. Go read that talk, it's great.

Yakkity Yak (Don't talk back!)

Welcome to Yakima, land of the fruit, home of the goats.

We love Yakima. Once again, I've been doubled-in to an area that's had Elders for a considerable amount of time. This are hasn't had Sisters for 15 years. The ward is so excited to have us here! And, we are so excited to be here.The weather is just starting to have a tinge of that beautiful crispness that tells us Autumn is on its way. With Autumn will come Apples, Halloween, Colorful leaves, and shorter days. I love Autumn so much. 

The people here have been exceptionally kind to us. The members here have been really good about sharing the restored gospel with their friends, and they are excited to invite us to meet their loved ones. We are so grateful for the effort and courage on their part. There are few things that can make me as happy as a person anxious to share the gospel with his/her friends and family. 

People here have also been kind enough to give us pears, plums, apples, and peaches. Blessings have been poured out upon us here. We get to eat with members every night, which brings joy to my soul, because we get to come into their homes, meet them and feel of their spirits and encourage them as they participate in this great work of salvation.

We have probably received more mail this transfer than any other apartment in the mission- all thanks to you wonderful people who are so kind to us. It helps that Sister Allred and I both had birthdays. I promise to try to write to the people who wrote to me, be patient with me, please!

Speaking of Birthdays, I would be highly remiss if I did not mention that my oldest Nephew Carter had a birthday very recently, and that I hope that it was full of greatness.

One of the packages we received this week contained DVDs of Mormon Messages- which makes me so glad because I rediscovered this video that made me cry tears of joy. (And if you know me, you know that I don't cry too often... I'm a tough girl)

My message this week is that there are indeed good things to come. I know that. If we keep pressing forward and refuse to give up, then there is help and kindness waiting around the bend. 

Sometimes our Heavenly Father asks us to wait and be patient for a little while until we are humble enough or the circumstances are right for the blessing. Sometimes we didn't know it, but the trial was a blessing. I have seen that so much being doubled in. When we have no idea what we are doing, and we feel so inadequate, we learn to rely on Christ. We learn that we don't have to be good enough because He is good enough. Sometimes we get so frustrated with ourselves because repentance and learning and healing take time and we want them to be immediate, or we become depressed because we wonder "If help hasn't come yet, who's to say that things will ever get any better" I testify that help and healing and confidence and answers come in time. Ether 12:6 tells us that a witness comes only after the trial of our faith. 

That is the way it HAS to work. We can't have all of the answers now, or it wouldn't be a real test. It's kind of like when I knock on somebody's door and they refuse the Book of Mormon because they don't want to add to the Bible. We could talk scriptures and logic and history forever but the real answer that has to come first is the one that the spirit gives when you read for yourself. Conversion comes first, then answers. Not the other way around. You have to have faith first, then things work out. If you try to switch up the order you will not find yourself becoming what God wants you to be. 

I promise that there are good things to come. Until then I remain your devoted friend,

Sister Caroline Faulkner