The State Bird of Texas

The "State Bird of Texas" loves me. 

What I am talking about may be a little bit of a shocker to some...and not to others.

The Mosquito.

It loves me. Every evening, get like 2 more bites. Last night, I managed to keep away from them (somehow). I now know what it feels like to have one on your scalp, face, elbow, back of knee, calf, and ankle. The face one is insufferable. Most of them swell to be a circle 2 inches in diameter.

Oh the joys of summer in Texas.

Do you see that big bite?? 
The mosquito's doing. It was HUGE!!!!!!!!

Last Monday, we got to go to Memorial springs and hang out with them :) they are so cute! They are coming over this afternoon to hang out again :) That night we went to the Gorguero's for FHE. We were teaching (by request) about how to be nice to people (Esp to siblings with summer coming up). It was a great lesson. The youngest kid kept making poop jokes. Granted...the kid is 4. We just had to pretend not to laugh.

Tuesday was interested. We biked around to kingdom come and didn't really accomplish anything to big.

Wednesday we made lunch with Sister Rushing!! :) She is teaching us her cooking ways. IT WAS SO GOOD!!! After we went to the family history center with her. I found 2 more names!!! I would call it a really successful day.

Planning Day Thursday. That afternoon we scheduled to go over to Sis Garrison's. When we got there she was making us dinner...at 3:30. We had a dinner appointment at 5. Needless to say we got 2 dinners that night. Both being Mexican food. Later on we met with Brother Fike, our new ward mission leader. I am PUMPED to be able to work with him. We've got some GREAT plans ahead!!

Friday = ZONE CONFERENCE DAY!!!!! THE BEST!!! (right next to interviews!) It was all about fearing man or fearing God. I really needed to hear about this. It gives such a spiritual pump and boost. Here is some of what I learned:

• Love is an enabling emotion.
• The atonement is infinite, but also intimate.
• His hand is stretched out still.
• The spirit teaches truth.
• Look for the little miracles.
• God trusts you. TRUST HIM.
• God believes you. BELIEVE HIM.
• He wants US to rely on HIM.
• There are people cheering for you on both sides of the veil.
• Just be his disciple
• If it weren't for the atonement....

Zone conference is the best. All these statements came from the testimonies of other missionaries. It was so wonderful to listen to them.

Zone Conference - Sister Ostvig, Sister Carling and Elder Anderson

Saturday. We cleaned most of the house as part of a service project. Like deep cleaned it. It feels great. :) That night we visited the Farnsworth's. They are awesome!! We toured their house. The have been everywhere I swear...Norway...Holland...England...Egypt. It was AWESOME to be able to see all the cool artifacts. 

Sunday we had church. I like church. We met with bishop had an awesome talk. I think we scared him a little bit. Our personalities really came out the past week. Went home.  Had dinner at the McLane's. Learned about missionary work. Started coming up with a battle plan. And now...we are working on a plan. Last night was a night that probably changed my life as a missionary. As crazy as Frank McLane is...Between laughs...I was changed as a human being. One moment you're one person...the next you're another. Like *snap* that.

Think of one moment you were changed for the better. 

Think of someone who NEEDS to be changed for the better.

The gospel is that change. It provides the ability to become better, to become like our Father in Heaven.

Have a blessed day y'all!! 

--Sister Carling

Annie Olsen, one of our member's, uses Alphagraphics.

I cannot tell you how happy it made me to see this.