“Goats, Bunny ears, and rollercoasters: Called to Serve”

Hey y’all! Sister Carter here🙂

Over 15 years ago, my grandparents on my Mama’s side, Nana (Nancy) and Grandpa (Bernie) were called to service as mission presidents of the Kentucky, Louisville Mission. My 2 sisters and I would visit them once or twice a year during their 3 year mission. The Experiences and warm feelings I felt while visiting transformed my heart and I knew, from a very young age, that I wanted to serve God and his people with all my might, mind, and strength.

I distinctly remember the first time I had the feeling of the spirit testifying this to me-though I didn’t know what it was at the time-I was probably around 9 years old. I remember going to what I now know as zone and district conferences, where we would always start out by Nana passing out natural valley granola bars, water bottles, and bananas. Then, Grandpa would get serious and talk church stuff.

This particular time (zone conference I believe it was), I remember gathering in the church gym and singing loudly and proclaiming “Called to Serve.” I think I even cried. I felt amazing and warm Inside and I just knew I wanted to feel that way every moment for the rest of my life. As I said earlier, now I know it was the spirit testifying to me of God’s love and that his work is going forth boldly to all the nations. I wanted to be a part of that.

And now I am. ❤️

These last two weeks have been a blast! Sometimes I feel like I don’t have enough photos for a post, but this time, I’ve got plenty to post! 👏🏼

Monday (10th and 17th) : The Kemsleys canceled. I really miss them and hope to see them next Monday.

Tuesday (16th): Assisted living! Orange essential oil, Valentine’s trivia, and Dr. Dolittle 2 Movie!

Wednesday (12th): Assisted Living! We celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s birthday! We did trivia, read the Gettysburg address, and watched a Documentary.

Wednesday (17th): Assisted Living! Mardi gras masks for next week’s party!

Thursday (13th): Wunderlich Farms! I started my new assignment and I looooove it!! I decided to start out this assignment with goats. Y’all, I love the goats. they’re actually pretty fascinating! So, Basically I now know a lot of random facts about goats, so if you wanna know, just ask.😜

But seriously! I will never forget my first day. Sister Ellis wanted to come up on my first day to take some pictures. (she’s such a mama 🐦 ) I was so excited when I saw her, but I stayed in character. Anyway

So, at a certain point in the tour, I always invite students into the pen, but before letting them in, I warn them that if they are scared, do NOT come in! Well, I guess on this particular tour, a few girls didn’t understand what I said. Instead of deciding BEFORE they got to the gate, they waited until they were halfway inside to start contemplating whether they should go all the way in, or go back. Wellllllll, while they were trying to decide to go in or go back out, William the goat, decided that he was going out!! Of course, William is the largest goat. He’s about the height of a Great Dane...but fatter😆. Anyways, so here I am trying to wrangle a goat and kids are laughing and going all nutzo (You know, like when the lights go out at school). Until all of a sudden, I feel someone helping me! I think, ‘thank goodness’ and look up and low and behold, if it wasn’t President Ellis himself!!😆 I flashed a big grin and thought, ‘well, this assignment sure was fun while it lasted!’ Haha! We talked on the phone later that day, and we were all just laughing! It’s a mission story we will alll remember! 🤪🤣

So, in case you’re wondering, I do get to continue at Wunderlich, yay!!

Here’s a few pictures with my fellow ‘kids’.

Holly (back left), Ivy (front left), William (big one), and Flynn Ryder (chocolate- he reminds me of Oliver☺️).

Martha (crescent moon fur) and Sandy...literally photobombing🤦🏼‍♀️

Ohhhhh Sandy (name that tune;)

Thursday (18th): canceled due to weather :(

Friday (14th) : Distribution Center! Boy, do I need to learn Spanish! S.O.S. Duolingo, I’m coming for yah!

The Carter Family members that could make it went to the temple that night on Valentine’s! ❤️❤️

“...and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.”- 2Nephi 1:15

We had 3 special guests at this month’s gathering! Elder Douglas (Area 70), Elder Aulliad (member of 70), and Elder Stevenson (apostle). The spirit was so strong as we listened to these 3 men testify of Jesus Christ and God’s love for us.

Elder Stevenson and Elder Douglas. (Elder Alliaud didn’t make it in time for photos.)

HTSM and East

p.s. I almost gave the apostle bunny ears, but decided against it😆.

President and Sister Ellis, and Mimi

While it was very special to have members of the General Presidency join us, Mimi was my favorite guest❤️. Things I’m grateful for: smuggled bananas and chocolate kisses, wrangling goat escapees, free firewood, cookie cake shenanigans with Lo, companion studies with Sister. Marchese at Kroger, power of prayers and understanding, cha cha slide, bunny ears, apostolic blessings, hogs and kisses, “Called to Serve”, and Mimi Carter❤️.

Hogs and kisses, Sister Carter🥰