On fire

Hey fam :)

It's been a good one! We're not gonna talk about last Monday or Tuesday cause that was a sad time. My compañera is Hermana Rosario! She is from Puerto Rico and just had her "golden" birthday yesterday! She is awesome and I love her. It was a small group this time, only four people came in; two sisters and two elders.

We had an awesome week full of tender mercies. My favorite was Wednesday, I believe. We were doing a look up to clean out our areabook a bit. We were trying to find this lady who had been taught in the past but not for almost a year and as we were walking up to the door we saw two Hispanic women with two kids coming down the street towards us. I have lost discernment between the Spirit telling me to talk to someone and my own "Hispanic! Let's go talk to them!" gung-ho-ness, but it doesn't matter, I felt like I really wanted to talk to them! No one was answering the door so I started to run down the steps to them as they were saying goodbye and parting ways. Then the door opened! Augh! The lady we were looking for didn't live there so we apologized and looked for where the women had gone. One was walking into a house one way and the other was half way down the block in the other direction.

Sister Rosario looks at me, "can we follow her?" Yeah! We ran down the street after her and caught her just before she was going to leave. #throwbacktoeverydaywithHnaVoss #chasingdownhispanicfamilies #notcreepilyjust...excited 😂 To Spanish people, you can say things like "we're representatives of Jesus Christ" and they believe you and get it. Therefore, if we got up to her and said that we were there looking for this person but then felt we really needed to talk to her (hence running her down #besttwoyears) she would get it and it wouldn't be weird. So that's what we did. We told her that and the Spirit threw out as well that He sent us to her. It was really cool. We told her what we do and she said she would be interested in learning more if we could come back Monday. We're going back tonight :)

At another lookup yesterday we asked a lady we passed in the street if she knew where the address was and then extended a card to her. We told her what we do and she said, "I'd be interested in learning more about that." It was actually really funny cause Hermana Rosario's eyes got all wide and she was like, "you would??" We asked for her address and she wrote down her name, phone number, address, and the whole shabang. We will be seeing her tomorrow! Tender mercies everywhere!

We also taught four new people this week for the first time. We were really blessed this week in finding people. This time around training is such a contrast from the first time as far as the work goes. We went from no "official" lessons the first two weeks with Hna Voss to four new people and double digits in lesson count this round. I have had some really, really hard times on my mission and I think that has helped me see God's hand in the work. My understanding has changed a bit and I truly understand that God is in charge. I've come to accept and understand better His plans and His timing --even though I don't know what they always are. That change has made me incredibly aware of His hand and always grateful when He gives us success.

Life is so much happier when you know how it all turns out and when you live trusting God. We're not perfect, so we will make mistakes and have bumps in the road because of our choices, but we also will have curves come and go that are necessary for our progression and journey. It's hard sometimes to hope for the good on the other side of the curve when we can't see it, but Sister Reynolds always says a curve in the road is only the end of the road if you choose not to take it.

I've learned a lot about positivity and hope; really a lot about faith. Being still and trusting in the Lord. I used to second guess the Lord a lot because I doubted myself but I've learned confidence I didn't really know was possible and I can't believe how freeing it is. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me, for each of us. Jesus Christ is central to that plan, and I find so much joy in that! I don't think we can ever understand fully the joy in store for us. I'm really excited for the rest of the journey cause I see myself taking it bit by bit and tasting more of the joy. Even though I'm experiencing more of the spirit and Their influence in my life, I feel I thirst and hunger for it more. I didn't always understand why thirsting and hungering after righteousness was the way this feeling was described, but now I get it.

If you have a desire to come closer to your Father in Heaven and His Son but don't know how, "ask the missionaries; they can help you"!! :) I love you very much and hope it is a great week! Goodness gracious, I love my mission.
Mucho amor,
Hermana Karra Gourley

Ole!

Easter district

Hola, mi familia :)

¿Como estamos? This has been one crazy week. I cannot believe this transfer is over. How can that even be a thing? We got transfer calls this morning and of our zone Sister Ashford is out, Elder Lammi is out, Elder Snell is out, and Elder Weisler is out. And my compañera is being transferred to Utah ;) Everyone else is the same. Sister Reeve and I will be training. It's so sad that the best transfers always feel so short...

Honestly, it is hard to remember what happened this week because the weeks have gone like days and the days have gone like weeks. We had our branch breakfast for Easter Saturday morning at ten. We got there at nine to hide the eggs for the primary kids and then I went into a little room off where the activity was being held to FaceTime into the new trainer meeting. The meeting ended as the breakfast also ended and then we had Aldo's baptism! That was awesome. We were sitting there and I looked around at such an odd little bunch we were (our branch has members from a good number of countries in Central & South America, Iran, India, all us blanquitos over here, and a few other odds and ends). It is great. We were all there excited for this new member of our congregation and the Spirit was so strong. I had the thought go through my head that only the gospel could bring a bunch together like this. It was really cool actually. The gospel is amazing.

We were invited over to a few families' homes yesterday and finished off with the Pachecos. Analisse and Yohanna are amazing. We made up a game with Analisse as we were attempting to pass a volleyball between the three of us. This game also included crawling through the bushes here and there to retrieve lost balls #wehavenohandeyecoordination #Ole! We got a bunch of pictures after before the goodbyes. Goodbyes are hard. It will be interesting to see what comes with these next few transfers. Now that is a terrifying thought! I only will have one transfer left (most likely, I guess we don't KNOW yet what the plan is...) after I finish training this new companion of mine. I wonder what'll happen there. Maybe we will do three together...? Huh. We shall see :) one thing at a time.

This morning we went on a district "hike" (it's a hill...but a hill of trees nonetheless that they who have never seen Rockies dare to call a hike) and that was super fun! We got some pictures together as a district. I love these people.

We were driving home on Thursday I think and everything kind of hit me. Just that this transfer was over, that so much has happened, where we're at now, where I was 14 months ago...#hitsitinoneweek #what and how much life just goes. It was really really cool actually, because we were singing to music with all the windows down, driving home down an empty road and I just felt full. That is the only way I could even describe it. I felt so full of gratitude, tears, and who knows what else. I couldn't explain that feeling ever, but I think they call it joy. Pure joy. Gratitude for everything that has happened, for all the Lord has allowed me to experience. We felt it together and we were kind of talking about it and Hna Staker said, "this is what Adam and Eve left the garden for." It was really cool.

Sometimes we have hard things and experiences that we really don't understand. It can be hard at times to see the grand scheme of things and where this moment fits in everything. I know we can have the hope for what will come in the moment and try to imagine at times what will maybe come of those experiences, but I don't think I've ever felt the gratitude for those hard times as fully as that moment Thursday night. I've learned because of those trials; I've seen blessings because of them; I've seen personal growth and understanding come because of them; but this was the first time I think I really felt that joy to match my pain. I think about Alma...I was going to paraphrase it but the scriptures say it so much better: "And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea, I say unto you...that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you...that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." <<that. :)

This has been a good week and a good day :) we will be going to the Betetas tonight (our second counselor's family) for our last little goodbye party. It'll be exciting to see what comes in the next couple of days! The Lord is great. I couldn't be happier with where I am and what I'm doing. We are so blessed. I love you very much. Have a fabulous week!! :)

Muchísimo amor,
Hermana Karra Gourley

. Our little Plainview and Westbury clan

Our hike!

With the Rodriguez family

Johanna and Analisse

Dinner with the Pachecos and Hno Chetty

Us doing our "Ole!"

They had lawn fairies playing!

Service

Our favorite sign

Hna Martínez

Eating yogurt with forks

Jade: "You are too sunshine-y!"

Another week gone, but where they all goin??? I cannot believe my companion leaves in one week...I cannot believe I get a new companion in a week...I cannot believe it has already been five weeks. I cannot believe it's already coming to a close. Sometimes change is sad, but that doesn't mean it's not still good.

I am in Rego right now because my companion is going to the temple. Elder Menge goes home at the end of this transfer too (so sad!) so he was here. We were all talking and he looked at me and goes, "you're an old sister." I said, "what?" He pointed to my tag and said it's not as white as, well, anyone else I was standing next to. I don't feel old but I guess maybe in comparison I am a little old for a sister. We have a mass exodus in July and then everyone is gone. Ha. It's gonna be crazy when they all leave. The mission will be so young! It'll be good though. Remember? We like change :)

I had the opportunity to learn a lot this week. We were talking yesterday before interviews (my companion and I) about those moments - I think everyone has them - when you just grow up. Kind of because of something you've just experienced or learned you can literally feel the change and you feel the grown up-ness. I had many of those moments this week. We were driving and talking and I thought of just how unfair life is. I have never become so brutally aware of that fact until my mission. I have served many people --other missionaries, members, investigators, less actives and the like-- who have shown me by their experiences that life just isn't fair. I have hurt for so many of them and only wished it could be, but I began to reflect on all those I had met and how much every experience we have is for our good. I thought about how necessary to our salvation and growth every "growing pain" is. "But it is still so unfair," was my overwhelming thought. I know they are necessary, but really??? This all happened in a moment and right then I felt this almost hug, just comfort and warmth and understanding, as if the Spirit was telling me, "I know. I know it isn't fair. I know, but remember it'll all be okay." I have had my testimony strengthened in so many ways over the last thirteen and a half months but in one thing I am most grateful, and that is hope. The testimony I have of hope. I don't know how; I don't know when exactly; I don't know what will be done; but I know it will all be okay. All the injustices will be taken care of, all the mercy will be extended, and all will be okay.

That experience was had on the way to a lesson. I could not have been more thankful for it or for the perfect timing of such a tender mercy as we went to teach this lady whose son passed away after a horrific battle with cancer. Having the understanding we did, we were able to share the Lord's message of peace with her. It is really amazing how God works in such perfect, perfect ways. He truly knows and loves His children. He will send us as His servants to do His will; are we prepared to go and do? Some of the experiences we have are not only meant to strengthen us, but others as well. Are we pondering on the things we have heard and learned continually that we may be called upon to run His errand in any moment? I would invite all to reflect on what we are doing to always remain on the Lord's errand. In His service lies true joy. :)

And oh my goodness, the TEMPLE. Ah. I cannot even express the love I have for the temple. Are we taking advantage of the opportunity we have to attend the temple?? I can tell you, only going to the temple once every six months is NOT enough. I hope we are making the work of our Father more of a priority in our lives and seeking to serve Him in every capacity possible --which includes temple service. There are people waiting who need us to help them. If you don't have concern for the eternal welfare of those who came before then pray for charity! Pray for charity anyway! Goodness gracious, everyone needs to always pray for charity! Go read some Paul and Moroni then tell me you don't want to go serve in the temple, haha ;) (but really I am totally serious) I. Love. The. Temple. Go. Often. That is all I have to say.

This Sunday was our missionary fireside. We had the most darling experience with one of our recent converts. Haha. (Probably the most memorable moment of my mission.) He doesn't actually speak Spanish but his wife does. He kinda is trying to learn and they will be sealed the end of this month! :) So just before it was to start we received a text from his wife asking if the fireside was outside or inside the chapel. I was a little confused but replied "inside". They arrive, and he is wearing basketball shorts, a hoodie, a baseball cap, and a pair of sunglasses. He says through his professional hockey player toothless grin "I had a very different understanding of what this was."

It has been a pretty awesome transfer. (We went on a hike as a mini district activity last week, that was a ton of fun!) It's been a good run. We had interviews yesterday with President. We love seeing them and it's always a good moment to reflect, see where we're at, then improve. Also...food:  ate some soup last night with one of our returning families. We love them too much :) (a tender mercy cause there was shrimp in it --I've had some not-the-best experiences with shrimp thus far on my mission-- and I remember eating it and not tasting the shrimp! #tendermercies)

Well fam, I think this about wraps this one up. I've got a few other things going that'll get sent along in later emails, but I think we're good here to start :) I love you and hope it is a fabulous week! Don't forget to remember why it's special and what Sunday really should mean. I love my Savior and know He lives. That is the ultimate source of my hope. I know as we strive to focus more on Him in every moment, any time we don't know what we should do or how we should act, if we think of Him the Spirit will bring to our memory His perfect example and if we seek to follow it we will find ourselves evermore becoming as He is. I love you! :)

Mucho amor,
Hermana Karra Gourley

Conference Fangirls and Muscle Cars

Mom preface: I can tell she didn't have a lot of time prior to leaving for the temple...stream of consciousness is a curse for us. We could go on and on and on...haha. Add to that time restraints and this is the result. I can hear her mind running 5000 mph as she tries to get it all out. 😉

Hello hello my wonderful family!

Sorry for the weirdness of yesterday! We didn't realize that the fifth wasn't on Tuesday...usually the temple trips are on Tuesday so... Anyway, this was a great week! Holy cow. Yesterday we had one of the best lessons ever! It was with our investigator. We needed to teach him how to find his own answers to his questions, and it ended up being probably the best lesson we have ever had with him. It was great! The Spirit was so strong and he understood so much better by the end. #yes #lookatthegospelwork

This week we also have been brushing up on our cars :) haha. #turningintoelders I saw a Camaro at the beginning of the week and told my companion I liked muscle cars. She asked what qualified as a muscle car. Odd to think I would be the one explaining this in a companionship. Haha. Ever since then we have been picking out the muscle cars we like and brushing up on makes and models of all the cars we saw. We couldn't remember what "the big shield one" was. While we were on exchanges I got a text from Hna Staker: "Cadillac!! The big shield one! It's a Cadillac!!" Haha :)

Oh yes, exchanges. We went knocking and we found this lady and her daughter who were the coolest people. They are from Dubai. We had one of the best lessons with them and got to show the new video too #PRINCEofPEACE Oh my goodness it is great --watch it if you haven't seen it yet!! (All you have to do is go to Mormon.org or LDS.org and it's right there)

As we all know, this transfer is going faaaar too quickly for comfort, and my companion leaves in two weeks... sad time. Craziness. We are loving every last little moment we have and cannot believe it has already been four weeks! Where does the time go?? We went to DSW on Monday during part of our dinner hour to try on heels because we could. Haha. That was fun. Oh, I almost forgot this! Guess what our district leader did for us?? He made us all Easter baskets! Oh my goodness. These elders. Did not anticipate loving so many people on my mission.

We also started up this service thing again. There is this state preserve over here (or something like that) that we apparently usually go to every week to do service. We went for the first time last week but should be doing it consistently again. We got to cut down a tree --okay, correction: Elder Ramos got to cut down a tree and move said tree by himself (cause he could so why not), but Hna Staker and I got to hold said tree while he cut it so we kinda helped :) it was really nice to get outside and simply do service; haven't had that in a long time.

Goodness gracious, can we talk about conference!? I. Love. Conference. Yes. There was so much said, I cannot even pick one to think about at a time. The thing that keeps coming to mind the most is President Nelson's talk; I loved it. I have been thinking quite a bit the last few weeks about Jesus Christ and what my relationship is with Him and then what I want it to be. I was thinking about who He is and who He is to me personally and that sometimes I think I put too much of a focus on certain aspects of Him --kinda like President Nelson was saying about the Atonement. We focus so much on becoming like Christ - on developing Christlike attributes, on what He did - that sometimes I think we lose HIM. It is Jesus Christ - Jehovah, Emmanuel, the Messiah - who matters. I really loved that talk because it helped put these thoughts I had been having into perspective #thankyouapostles #forthewin

If we seek Him more than His attributes or His gifts to us we will find so much more! I have never thought about it like that. I think some of us focus so much on the Atonement and trying to understand and "use" it that we forget Jesus! It is He who gives us strength and it is He that perfects us. It is interesting to think that no man can know God, save He shall reveal Himself. Likewise, no man can obtain any godly attribute or quality lest He --God-- give it to the man. I am convinced that we will not come to understand, use, or develop the gifts and characteristics of the Lord Jesus Christ until we first understand, appreciate, and adore Him as our God and as our Friend. That has become my first priority, and I cannot express the joy I feel learning about my God. Everything seems to make more sense now. It all clicks just a little bit differently, and I know that is because now I truly am focusing on the center of everything: Jesus Christ.

Aaanyway, five years and seven gospel rants later, here we are :) It has been a good week. We are leaving for the temple probably around ten and will be back around four or five, but should have wifi along the way a bit #subwaysthathavewifi #YESplease #unlessitsnotrunningwell #wearesospoiled #firstworldproblems I love you so much! I hope this week is great :) sorry we were confused about our fechas y días! We will have preparation day next Tuesday, love you lots! Hasta luego :)
Muchísimo amor,
Hermana Karra Gourley

 Elder Ramos called me a "lawn fairy" (soccer player) & then when we were at the store getting some tools for service Elder Nielson saw this and so we had to get a picture.  :)