Elder Jesse Guy Carter Singing in the Christmas Devotional

The choir, directed by Sister Whetman,  has learned four songs to perform for our Christmas Music Devotional: "Come to the Stable", "O Little Town of Bethlehem", "Still, Still, Still", and "Angel's Carol".

 

Zone Leader Council December 2011

Zone Leader Council December 2011

Seated:  Elders Taylor, Gilbert, Patten, Stenquist, Loli, Graves.  Standing:  Elders Fourr, Jahng, Hill, Wilson, Judd, Ferrin, Watkins, Cottrell, Molinaro, Carter, Jacobberger, Haslem, Matheson, and Hill.  

Torrance North Stake Mini Mission Sunday Nobember 2011

Friday November 11, 2011 Zone Conference - Elder Jesse Guy Carter Zone Leader for the Peninsula Zone - OXO -

Friday, November 11, 2011

Zone Conference November 2011

Before we begin each conference, Sister Mayorga, our mission nurse, speaks to the missionaries.  This month she encouraged each missionary to get a flu shot.  The Center for Disease Control and Missionary Medical both support this objective.  Shots are easily available.  They cost $25 to $35 and are not covered by missionary health insurance.  Elder Olsen, our car czar, emphasized the importance of paying attention when driving and parking.

The theme of our Zone Conference was The Doctrine of Christ.  President Baker introduced the subject by telling The Parable of the Bicycle by Stephen Robinson and teaching about Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  He emphasized that Christ is the light of the world.  He is the only source of peace in troubled times and his way is the only way back to our Father in Heaven.  This is the message we need to understand in our own lives and then share with others.


Sister Baker taught about Repentance and quoted Isaiah 1:18 to help the missionaries understand that there are no "pink people" in Heavenly Father's kingdom.  The Zone Leaders taught in breakout sessions how missionaries can prepare to receive the Holy Ghost through their planning.  The Assistants taught the missionaries how to improve the lines of communication between companions because contention drives away the Holy Ghost.


We asked all the missionaries to prepare a 3 minute talk on "What the Sacrament Means to Me" and we heard from five of them in each of our three sessions.  President Baker finished up by talking about Enduring to the End.  He presented this video and the missionaries discussed why the level of our effort determines our success.  President Baker challenged the missionaries to read the Book of Mormon between now and December 31, looking for references to the Doctrine of Christ.

Elder Jesse Guy Carter having fun at the Turkey Bowl November 2011

California Los Angeles Mission Zone Leader Council - Elder Jesse Guy Carter OXO

With the addition of two more zones, we now have 18 zone leaders plus two assistants.  Seated:  Elders Haslem, Taylor, Gilbert, Fourr, Patten and Graves.  Standing:  Wilson, Hall, Molinaro, Judd, Loli, Jacobberger, Carter, Jahng, Stenquist, Watkins, Ferrin, Hill, Cottrell, and Matheson.

Happy Halloween My "Dear Handsome Elder Jesse Guy Carter"

 Elder Jesse Carter

To Emily Jane Carter

From:	Jesse Carter (jesse.carter@myldsmail.net)
Sent:	Mon 10/31/11 4:36 PM
To:	Emily Jane Carter (emi_3_76@hotmail.com)

Hey Family!!!

It was fantastic to hear from y'all:)  Mom that stinks about your finger:(  I am sorry to hear that that happened.  I hope that it gets better really quickly.  It truely is amazing how the Holy Ghost prompts us to do things, the trick is, is doing exactly what you did which was listen to that prompting and follow it.  It truely is amazing when you can get to the point where you are spiritually enough in tune that you get promptings quite regularly which I am sure you get many promptings.  The scriptures don't lie when they say that the spirit will tell us ALL things that we should do and bring all things into a remembrance in our hour of need.   I am experienced that many times on my mission and it's awesome!  The most important thing is that you can still play the piano with your finger.  I loved the pictures of the cabin!  It was amazing to see some pictures of the mountain and the cabin.  It looks like Kenny G is getting TALL!!!  Dang he is probably going to be taller than me when I return from my journey.  It is crazy to think that this is my last email to you guys being under 1 year out on the mission.  There are times where I wish that I was back home for this or that, but most of the time I am just LOVING it out here.  There are ups and downs, but the good times block out the bad that is for sure.  We had an amazing Halloween party with the ward on friday, and it was Awesome to see all that costumes and all that work that the ward put into making the party a success.  There were over 100 people that came to the party and at the end we ended the party with a lazer show that was put on by one of the members of the ward named Brother Shipp.  He does lazer shows for his profession so it was amazing.  I really love my new comp as well.  His name is Elder Loli and he is from HAWAII!  Yep, he is an islander and he is a really good missionary.  Super loving, and a very good teacher.  We are going to get super tight with the ward.  I hope that we stay together for 2 or 3 transfers.  I am trying to make the most of every minute in this area because I never know when I am going to get toasted like my former comp elder Stenquist.  Things change very quickly out here so I am learning to make the most of every moment.  Than last night we had a ward dinner at Bro and Sis Nocella's house.  And many members of the ward came to that as well.  We had a really cool spiritual thought that Elder Loli came up with.  We had nine books, 3 books in 3 rows all in a square.  Elder Loli left the room and me and the rest of the ward chose 1 book and elder loli had to guess which book it was.  There was 3 different tricks to the game.  The first time he chose the book, when he came out I pointed with my pen at one of the books and asked him yes or no.  The location in which I pointed at the first book secretly told Elder Loli which book was the chosen one.  For example if I pointed at the very middle of the book than he knew that the chosen book was on the second row and was the book in the middle of the 3 books.  The next round, I touched the book again, but this time I touched it with my index finger and when I came upon the chosen book I switched fingers and touched it with my middle finger so he knew that that was the chosen book.  The 3rd time, he went out, we chose another book and one of the kids was the one choosing the book, and I took out my planner and sat on the side and put my finger on my planner where the chosen book was in the set of 9.  haha I don't know if that all made sense, but it was awesome!  The kids and the grown ups liked it.  But this week went really well, I think Elder Loli and I are going to get alot of good work done here in San Pedro.  Dad San Pedro is located at the very southern most part of LA county.  It borders Long Beach.  There is the biggest or at least one of the biggest ports in the USA in the harbor next to my area.  It use to be a naval base.  HUGE ships come in and out every day.  It is really cool to see.  Mom as far as pants and what not, I haven't gotten any thing yet, I think I am just gonna wait it out for now and see what happens.  I am making due for now haha.  No worries though, I will continue to wear pants as I make my way around San Pedro haha, even though alot of people around here choose not to wear pants, or at least barely!  They didn't get the memo that modest is hottest I suppose haha.  But anyways, thank you for all that you do, things are going really well, just continue to chug on through!  Dad I hope that work will pick up soon.  Thank you for all the packages mom, they are the best!

Love, Elder Carter the 5th

My Dearest Handsome Elder,
Well my typing today will be slow and painful as I had an accident and hurt my 3rd finger on my right hand.  On Thursday I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to feed the Missionaries and was planning to feed them Shelynne's delicious recipe called Club Chicken.  This wonderful dish you don't prepare in advance so I was on a time schedule with the Missionaries coming for dinner.  I was planning on Kenny's great expertise in the kitchen and found out that soccer had been changed to an earlier time plus our babies, (the dogs) were out at the Beauty Parlor so they would be ready for the Missionaries.  Kenny left for the Hitch 'n' Post to bring back our Darlings and I was busily working hard and fast in the kitchen when into my mind and heart came a very strong and prodding thought;  I was told in my mind that I needed to stop what I was doing and go and kneel down and pray, I felt like something was going to happen and knew that even with my time schedule if I took the time to pray that Heavenly Father would bless my family and me.  So I went upstairs and knelt by my special rocking chair that faces Jesus and offered a sincere and heart felt prayer and then waited a minute and then went back to work in the kitchen.  Well about 5 minutes later I was using my electric food chopper to chop up the bacon for the club chicken and was just finishing the last of the bacon.  With my chopper you have to put the lid on, lock it into place and then turn the lid and press the back button for it to turn on.  Well the last bit of bacon had some fat on it that I didn't want to chop up so I put my finger down in the machine to get the bad meat out and the food chopper just turned itself on.  I truly believe that one of my Guardian Angels helped me to get my finger out as I really don't think that my reflexes could have moved SOOOO fast.  However the damage had been done and my 3rd finger was bleeding badly.  The food chopper had cut right through my nail and deep into the side of my finger, just one more twirl, one more second and my finger would have looked like the meat with the top gone.  I called Daddie and he came right home from work and took me to the Insta Care and Kenny and Grandma Mom came to my rescue in the kitchen, cooking the food for the Missionaries.  Well the Dr. put 4 shots into my finger to numb it which was extremely painful and then he took off part of my nail that had been battered and sewed up the side of my finger.  I haven't slept for 3 nights and it is excruciatingly painful, it reminds me of the 3 other times when I cut my 2nd finger to the bone.  The 1st time it happened I had to wear a bandage for 5 years and with consciousness determined playing I finally started using my finger to play with the love and coaxing of Daddie saying he would not leave the room until he saw me play with my finger.  Dr. Gharaffari sewed me up the other 2 times and said I was just one of his children.  The 3rd time that he put my finger back together he said that no one else would ever play the piano again with a finger like mine but I would and he knew that I would play like always before.  Well here I am again but I know in my heart that truly I was Blessed beyond words even though I am in a lot of pain and can't play for Primary today.  I know that if I hadn't taken the time to pray as I was promoted that the outcome would have been very different.  I know that I was truly blessed and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO grateful that I headed the prompting to pray and take time for Heavenly Father to come into my life.  In 10 days the Dr. will take the stitches out and then in time my nail will grow back and again I have been reminded of the power of prayer, of listening to the spirit, and of the Great and Wonderful Blessing it is to play the piano so that my inner soul can speak with Heavenly Father.  I am really missing the little Primary children today and the spirit that Primary brings into my life.  I had told Daddie that I was going to record all of my Beautiful Primary preludes while I have them in my hands having just put on the Primary Program.  I am determined to do this now for sure as soon as I can play the piano again.
Well my Darling I sent You a Fun Halloween, Hump package that You will be receiving this week.
Have You been able to shop for a new suit?  I remember how absolutely stunning You looked in your grey Missionary suit and black one too.
It is a Beautiful day, I love how the sun shines through the leaves in our big Maple tree right out the dinning and kitchen window.  The 2 male crab apple trees were just beautiful as the leaves turned and fell and now the Maple tree is taking it's turn which gives me a little more fall time to enjoy.  I just love the crunchy leaves and the beautiful colors that come with fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the joy and wonder of Christmas.
Daddie and Grandma Mom have been helping me to bottle the tomatoes now, can you believe Daddies' garden - he truly has golden hands and there are more tomatoes to come as he has the tomatoes covered with concrete blankets.
Tomorrow will be fun being a "Princess Witch" and handing out candy to all the children.  I am still planning on teaching and dressing up so I will be ready for the fun.  I know that You will have a FUN day being the "BEST" MISSIONARY EVER."
Lindsey and Shawn just have to hold on to their little darling until midnight tomorrow night and then after that she can have the baby any time and the Air force will pay for everything,  Their precious little girl is actually due on the 16th of December but I'm sure she will be born very soon as she is anxious to gain a body and fulfill her Mission here on earth in their family.  Thank you for All Your many prayers for each of us, always know that we pray for you always, many many many times each day.
Daddie and Kenny will be coming home from church and my finger is killing me so I will come back a little later and share my love for Our Handsome Missionary.

"Whistle while You Work"

D&C 84:87,88
Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds and to teach them of a judgment which is to come.
And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

David O. McKay
"Eternal life is the result of knowledge - and knowledge is obtained by doing the will of God."  This "sweet" bookmark was the special gift that I placed in Daddy Warren's hand the last time I saw him.  He had told me that he wanted President David O. McKay placed in his hand and I was guided to this special thought.

Psalm 9:1

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Enjoy your sojourn on earth going forth with the power and the knowledge that You are a Child of God born to an eternal heritage of royalty.

Return with Honor

You Our Amazing Elder have been crowned with intelligence and power being set apart and called of God.

Put your hand in the hand of the Lord.

Miracles require Faith and Righteousness. 

We had a really nice Sunday dinner with Daddies' squash and corn from the garden.  Kenny made Grandma Gaye's Pumpkin Cake and Raspberry muffins.  Ryan, Meagan, and Grandma Mom came for dinner.

You are not going to believe it but I actually cut Kenny's hair - my finger has had it.

I Love You My Darling with All of My Heart.

I know that You are an Amazing Zone leader and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Proud of You!!!

I will close with All My "Sweet" and tender Love,

Mama Mee  OXO

Hi Jesse, It sounds like you are doing wonderful. We are so proud of you and the wonderful work that you are doing. About the most exciting thing I have done lately is go to Salt Lake to the state soccer playoffs. The game Friday was really exciting. There was no points made until the last three minutes then Cedar made a goal. With 1 and 1/2  minutes left to play the other team got 3 free shots and Tara got them all. The next day Cedar lost 1 to 0 so they came in second. That is the first time that Cedar High girls have ever taken region and gone to state and it was fun.
     We have California weather here. It has been beautiful. I can't believe it is the end of Oct and is still shirt sleeve weather. Things have been busy but not much new things have been happening. Grandpa Dale is feeling a little bit better but still doesn't get out. We sure do love you and pray for you all the time. You are awesome. Love Gram


 Jesse,

I hope that you have had a great week with your new calling and new companion!  We have had some really good weather but it supposed to change this week.  The drillers have finally gotten out of our way up to Brian Head so tomorrow (Monday) we are finally going to be able to start on the building.  We still hope to be able to complete the footings and the walls before winter sets in.  There is really very little going on here as far as work so I sure hope that next summer things are starting to turn around.  Bryce called just a few minutes ago so it was really nice to talk with him.  They seem to be doing really good and have settled in to a routine.  When you write tomorrow tell me exactly where this area is that you are working in now.  I have had people ask me and I don't know how to explain it.

Love   Dad

Hey Jesse,

                  Wow that's awesome you're the zone leader now! I can't believe you've been out almost a year now that's crazy. Schools going pretty well, the quarter just ended so it's time to start all over again. I just love my car. It has such a smooth ride and everything. The only thing that sucks is cleaning off all the windows in the morning from all the frost. It's amazing how good of gas mileage it gets. I still haven't had to fill it up since I got it from up north. I'm getting ready for the Halloween party next week. It takes a lot of planning and stuff but I think it will turn out really well. This week in soccer we played a Dixie team and beat them 2-1 keeping us in 1st place in our league:) KC came over this week and played me in mag.  Of course I beat him though. haha but hope everything's going well and I'll talk to you later.

Love Ken G 

News from Our Most Wonderful Elder Jesse Guy Carter From the Sunshine State of Los Angeles California

Our Most Wonderful Handsome Elder Carter OXO

 Elder Jesse Carter

To Emily Carter

From:	Jesse Carter (jesse.carter@myldsmail.net)
Sent:	Mon 10/17/11 4:57 PM
To:	Emily Carter (emi_3_76@hotmail.com)

Hey Family!!!

It was so good to hear from you guys this week!  MEAGAN IS PREGNANT!  Ahhh that is crazy!  More so that I haven't even met her yet haha, but that is awesome!  I am way happy for you guys:)  That will be crazy to think that there is going to be at least 2 nephew's/nieces that I have never met when I return from my journey in the wilderness.  Who knows. . . . . maybe megan will have twins? hahaha.  Would you guys want to have a boy or a girl?  Or would it matter either way?  Mom it sounds like the program for the ward went really well this week!  I don't know what your talking about, you always play perfect:)  I am sure It went really well.  It looks like you guys had alot of fun at the lake!  Those pictures were definately good/sad to see:(  I really miss the lake, but I do know that I am where I need to be.  Today for our PDay activity, we went to THE BIGGEST MANSION I HAVE EVER SEEN!   It was honestly incredible!  It was on top of the biggest hill in my area, possibily in southern california.  So as you can imagine, on top of the hill, just like lay hill, there are some BIG houses!  That's where are the high rollers hang out.  Anyways, we went to a members home by the name of President Chen.  He is the Branch President of the Penninsula Chinese Branch here in LA.  His house is on top of Palos Verdes and he has a tennis court, a swimming pool, a ping pong table, pool table, putting green, movie theatre, hang out pad (kinda like a bar) and last but not least, a bowling allee in his house!  It was awesome.  We went exploring, and we stumbled upon two golden toilets!  I did not feel worthy to sit upon it haha.  I guess he is the owner of SunRider vitamins/supplements and easily has a 200 to 300 million dollar pad!  It was pretty cool.  but yet, It would seem like it would be very hard for that home to be homey like ours is.  They had all kinds of servants cleaning up the yard, and vacumming and dusting and what not, and it would just be really hard to get comfortable there.  But it was a cool experience.  I mainly played tennis and ping pong.  President Chen also gave us pizza and our whole zone was there and ate some pizza.  Good times. . . . . . . . But other than that, this week has been pretty tubeuler.  I did my first fundamental training this last week!  It was in front of 2 zones, both the south bay and penninsula zones.  So in total there was about 60 missionaries there that Elder Stenquist and I trained in front of!  It was really intense, but I loved it after we got going.  It was cool too cause I invited President Baker to come to our training kind of jokingly, and he and sister baker showed up!  I really tried to keep people on there toes by cracking jokes, and keeping it fresh haha.  I even caught President Baker a couple of times laughing about some of the things I said.  But he emailed me today and said that he really enjoyed the training!  I am really beginning to get use to the assignment of zone leader and I am really enjoying it!  At first it felt really overwhelming, but it is amazing how the Lord qualifies those he calls.  I have seen that over and over again throughout my mission.  With each change, the Lord has made it possible for me to accomplish the thing that he has called me to do.  That doesn't mean that it was an easy thing to do, but he made it possible.  Elder Stenquist and I washed 4 more cars this morning for our zone goal!  It went really well, and I think the zone is really appreciative of all that we are doing for them.

      I do have one issue right now. . . . . . And that is with. . . . . . . MY PANTS! haha, My pants are officially getting too small across the waist.  I knew when we were buying my suit pants we should have gotten a plenty large waist because sure enough, they are now uncomfortable to wear, and even to the point that they begin to give me pains in my mid section because of all the pressure that they are causing me to have.  I dont know what you guys reccomend me doing.  I could possibily try and find a suit out here that would work, but I dont know I wanted to get your input.  If I could re do the whole thing, I would have gotten pants like the brown ones that I got that are a stretchy waiste band. So as I expand, they expand with me!  But especially now with all the new meetings that I have to go to, I am wearing my suits ALOT more than I use to.  So I need to try and get something that is going to be comfortable.  But anyways, definately do go out and buy a suit or anything, I just wanted to get your ideas on the issue. 

Anyways, thank you all for all that you do!  Especially serving here in the ghetto, I am realizing more and more just how good I had it back home!  Not taking things for granted is something that I am trying to work on:)  Thank you and have a fantastic week.  bye bye

Love, Elder Carter the 5th

Jerry what's up!  This is Ryan, i know i haven't written you for a while but it sounds like you have been doing great!  Training two guys, being a district leader and now a zone leader all before your year mark is amazing!  It sounds like you are really enjoying your mission.  Keep it up and as you know when your working hard that is when the time flies.  Can you believe that you are already coming up on your year mark?  As for us we are doing great back here at home.  I'm sure that dad has told you that work has been pretty hard lately.  But this last week we have been working up in brian head doing some curb and gutter.  It has been a pretty fun job and luckily the weather has been really nice for us.  We will be up there this week and then well come down and do a small job for the city at the lake by the aquatic center and then we are going to start on the apartments. I'm really excited for the apartments.  I think we have a good floor plan and they will do very well; it will be fun to build them.  Your probably wondering how Meagan and I are doing. We are doing great.  We actually have a little news to tell you....we are pregnant haha!!  We are way excited.  It is a little scary though to think that we will be parents but it will be good.  She is due in the middle of may so when you get home we should have a 5 month old haha.  The funny thing is that you actually called it out that we were pregnant.  we didn't even know that we were pregnant when you last asked if we were cause she was only three weeks and you can't even tell until 4 weeks.  so the next week is when we found out so you obviously are more close to the spirit and knew that we were haha.  But she is going to the doctor for the first time tomorrow and we should be able to find out if it is a boy or girl just before Christmas.  Anyways keep up the good work, i will write to you with updates.  Have fun...love Ryan and Meagan

My Dearest Handsome Elder Jesse,
Well the Primary Program is over...Daddie gave me a beautiful Priesthood Blessing and as You know I have been preparing for this day for 1 year.  Never the less much Faith, work and prayer was accompanied before I played.  My eyes as You know are such a dream as my sight is very bleak and most of the notes are extremely hard to see with all the lines and spaces but I Love Music with All my Heart and will never stop playing the piano and having my special time to talk to Heavenly Father.  Settling into the Prelude music was scary for even going 40 minutes early but once I started playing for the congregation to sing the opening song and then the Sacrament song I was totally calmed and comforted.  Once the Primary program Program began and the beautiful little children started talking and singing all was well.  When I played the Postlude I played perfectly and wish I could have played exactly the same way for the Prelude.  Don't take me wrong I know that I did play with the spirit as many people told me how my music brought the spirit to the Program but as You know I am a perfectionist and if I don't play with perfect touch I am hard on myself even if I play the right note.  However I feel like a BIG weight has been lifted from me even though I just Love, Love, Love Primary-playing in front of people is just not my forte and has always been very difficult for me.  I remember when I was a little girl and would have my recitals I would cry for days before my recital and days after because I always thought that I didn't play very good that is why I have my recitals at Christmas Time and have Santa come so the recital can be FUN!!!
We had a Wonderful dinner with Grandma Mom, Ryan, Meagan, Daddie, Kenny and me and finished with guess what?????????????????  APPLE DONUTS that Kenny made - I will send You some.
This Thursday, Friday and Monday is UEA and so on Thursday night we are planning to go to the cabin for the last time this year and close it down.  I am hoping that everyone can come with us as it is Shawn's 32nd Birthday on Friday.  It's always hard for me to shut down the cabin because I Love the cabin with All my Heart!!!  On Saturday Lindsey is having a baby shower so that will be really fun.
Do You know what I am missing---------------------------Your Wonderful Hot Chocolate that You would always make for me - You always took such Good Care of me.
Well for Halloween I am planning on being a Princess Witch with a Witch purse to match, my purple hat and purple hair, and my purple black stripped stockings.  Right now I am looking at a funny little witch that was made by both Dustin and Ryan - our house looks really FUN!

Today is a GIFT!  Embrace it with joy and anticipation. . . realize the possibilities.  It beckons you towards your destination in life.  Be at peace - you are  exactly where you are meant to be at this moment.  God has carefully chosen the people, events, joys and challenges on you path today.  The things you encounter are stepping stones of what is to come.  Make the most of today.  Focus on the "present" - you will see and appreciate things you might otherwise miss.  Follow your heart - search to find your purpose in life and you will find meaning and happiness.  Use your talents, do your best, contribute.  Make a difference, because you can.  Be passionate about your journey - sing, laugh, and love as you go.  Give praise and Pray.  The promise of tomorrow brings with the endeavors of today.  Do not let the fast-forward pace of the world deprive you from savoring "the now".  Seek things that fill you with love and bring you joy.  Have faith, it fosters hope - it makes the difference.  Believe, with God all things are possible.  Live today, for it is a gift.

Be quick to Forgive.

"Whistle while You Work"

Have Courage to Stand for the Right.

Our Family is a Work of Heart.

God Bless our Stripling Warrior
Alma 57:27
they are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast, and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation, and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all.  Amen.
Mosiah 5:15

My son, give ear to my words; for I swear unto you, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land.
Alma 36:1

And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
Alma 7:23,24

Niki is right by me asleep and of course she is snoring and her poor tummy always rumbles.  Moosey puts himself to bed in the closet at mentioned.
I am going to try to take our pictures off of the camera right now so hopefully I can send you some more pictures my Darling.  The pictures worked, I had to make a CD and then take over 200 pictures off as the computer just can't handle all the pictures.  I will see what I can find that You might like to see.
I Love You With All My Heart and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Proud of YOU!!!
Have a Beautiful Day knowing that You are a Child of God!!!
With all my "Sweet" and tender Love,
Mama Mee  OXO
p.s.  Tomorrow I am going to put all my pear jam in jars and bottle Big Beautiful Tomatoes from Daddies' Garden.

Jesse,
I hope that you have had another good week.  I really appreciated your advice with my new calling.  As you mentioned one of the problems that we have in our ward boundaries is that there are very few non members.  The ones that are here have been friend shipped and fellowshipped for a long time.  We will need to continue to friendship them until they have a change of heart.  With Mitt Romney continuing to stay at the top of the Republican Party nominee there is more and more scrutiny of the LDS religion.  Are you getting questions from people because of the political race?  Anyway Kenny and I were watching the news and they were interviewing some film maker and he was saying how crazy it was that anyone could believe that an angel could have appeared to Joseph Smith.  We both said why is that so hard for people to believe?  In the bible there are many accounts of Heavenly messengers including Jesus's apperance to  Saul who became the Apostle Paul.  The good thing about Romney running for the presidency is that it will create a lot of questions in peoples minds and hopefully the sincere people will be able to find the truth.
The whole family went over to Mom and Dads last Friday and cleared off their garden, tilled the garden, picked their apples and generally cleaned up their yard.  They really appreciated the help and then we had a family dinner.  It was really fun and nice.  Kenny and I worked Saturday morning and was able to get most of our garden cleaned off and tilled.  I still have the tomatoes covered and we haven't picked the beets yet.  We had our Primary Sacrament meeting to day.  It was really good and Momie did a excellent job.  The Bishop specifically thanked her for the great job that she did with the music.
Keep up the good work.  I know that you are making a difference in many peoples lives!
Love,  Dad

Zone Leader Council October 2011 - Elder Jesse Guy Carter -

Elders Jahng, Conlin, Molinaro, Hall, Stenquist, Gilbert, Jones, Haslem, Wilson, Judd, Bennett, Jacobberger, Carter, Hill, Cottrell, Maddox

Elder Jesse Guy Carter is a Zone Leader

• Re: Hi Our Handsome Most Wonderful Elder OXO‏

9/19/11

 Elder Jesse Carter

To Emily Carter

From:	Jesse Carter (jesse.carter@myldsmail.net)
Sent:	Mon 9/19/11 2:31 PM
To:	Emily Carter (emi_3_76@hotmail.com)

Hey Family!!!

Wow it sounds like alot went on this week!  I sure hope Lindsday is doing better now.  What is causing her to have all these complications with the baby?  Well here is the news. . . . . . I GOT TRANSFERED!  I have been shipped off to San Pedro and I am also going to be serving as a. . . . . Zone Leader haha.  It is pretty awesome so far, definately not any easier than district leader.  Actually I really wanted to stay as a district leader for a while longer but for whatever reason the Lord wants me in Penninsula zone right now serving with Elder Stenquist as a Zone Leader.  It is just another way that us as missionaries can grow and develope!  It has been really interesting so far I must say.  Elder Stenquist reminds me alot of Curtis Stevenson haha.  He is a pretty legit missionary.  Curt Dog in the flesh!  I am definately going to miss Redondo Beach:(  It was pretty sad leaving the Smith's especially, but they gave me all of their cell phone numbers if I ever need them haha.  I am really excited for zone leader though.  Elder Stenquist goes home this December so I am going to be with him most likely for 2 transfers.  It is really different being junior companion again, I have gotten so use to training and always having the last say in things it is going to take some getting use to having it the other way around.  San Pedro is definately full of alot of people more on the humble side of things.  It is surrounded by the ocean but not full of beaches and super rich people due to the fact that the harbor is surrounding san pedro.  There is also a U.S. Air force field that is in my area too.  Alot of the members from the ward are in the air force and live on base.  This area is amazing though!  Through out the mission every missionary wants to serve in San Pedro because of how unique it is.  On Saturday Night we went street contacting at 8 at night hahahaha BAD IDEA!  Well not really, it was definately different than redondo beach at 8 at night.  We went on one of the main streets so all of the homeless people/citizens of san pedro were all walking to the clubs/bars and alot of them were already drunk!  There was one guy that started singing and dancing for us, and was like 6 inches from my face trying to tell me a story about how he was a hunchman haha.  Than this lady that was missing her 4 front teeth came up to this homeless guy we were talking to and asked him for a smoke, and he pulled out the cigerate he had in his mouth and gave it to her haha.  It is amazing how these people could find so much happiness in such meger circumstances.  The homeless guy that we were talking to that gave the lady a smoke, was telling us how he found god through writing him a letter, and he said that god appeared to him on the page of paper and started talking to him.  It was pretty intense!  than the other day we were street contacting during the day this time, and this guy that was super tall and skinny, and looked like he had smoked a little too much weed told us that number nine is the perfect number and therefore number nine is god!  haha just super strange/awesome experiences like that make me really excited for the future in San Pedro! 

Mom thank you so much for the Ipod!  I have it plugged in right now charging:)  I have already gotten so music on it from the misison home computer and have been listening to it:)  Thank you so much, and as for the bread and your packages, feel free to start sending them out again.  Because I am a zone leader now I will be picking up mail on thursdays instead of fridays because we pick it up than distribute it to our zone on friday so that will be nice to have it even a day fresher!  That is awesome about the Elk hunt!  ahhh that makes me miss hunting so much:(  How did the archery hunt go this year with ryan, dustin, and micah?  Did they all hunt?  Dad did you draw out for the rifle hunt?  Are you gonna be heading to good ol' BUCKSKIN?!  Ahh  I love bucksin, best place even though all the deer are extinct haha.  Kenny G 18 minutes flat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAA YAAAAAAA!  That is amazing!  It sounds like you are dominating in XC.  Keep it up and keep pushing for varsity.  Who is the number one varsity runner at Cedar?  How is the Car search going?  Dad what job are you bidding on tuesday?  Is there any more work coming up?  How long will the Brian Head job last for do you think?

LANCE IS GOING TO THE PHILLIPEANS!  What the!  That is crazy hahaha.  When I read that, I started freaking out!  Is lance excited about serving there? Has Trevin put in his papers yet?  Lance is going to be an amazing missionary, I hope he is really taking preparing for the mission seriously because the phillipeans is definately going to be quite a different place than America.  Anyways, thank you all for all that you do.  You are always in my prayers!

Love, Elder Carter the 5th

My Dearest Darling Elder,
I Love You!!!
We just returned home from St. George as Daddie Kenny and I went to see Shawn and Lindsey.  Lindsey is in the hospital threatening to have their little precious girl at 27 weeks.  As of right now she is doing ok and the Dr. is hopeful that she will be able to heal and continue to carry the baby.  Lindsey said that the Dr. thought that her baby was about 2 and 1/2 pounds which is so very very very tiny.  Say a little prayer for them and their little angel girl.  I am working on putting all of our names in 19 Temples to help all of us.
Daddie had a fun time with Dustin, Trevy, and Ryan on the once in a lifetime Elk hunt this last weekend - Dustin and Ryan went out again after church, Daddie is bidding a small job on Tuesday and couldn't go.
Kenny is Totally Amazing with his Cross Country and will tell you about everything - I was sad because I wasn't able to watch his race as it was in Murray the same time as the Big Hunt.
Thank you for all your prayers and Love, I am still trying to get better from the infection that has taken over me again.
Tomorrow Daddie is going to pick all the peaches as they are starting to drop-we have some real beauties.
Well did you get transferred?
We are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO proud of You and all that You are doing.
I Love when you come home and the babies greet you at the door and just love and adore you.
You can really feel fall in the air and the leaves are starting to change on our little trees.
We haven't had any t.v. for a week now, our home seems quiet and different.  On Wednesday we are getting a new setup that will save us $100.00 every month.
Tomorrow I am making some more pear jam, my finger is still healing from all the cutting on the last batch of pears but I do Love the jam, I am also making bread.
How are You doing?
Lance received his Mission call and Daddie and I were there when he opened it.  He is going to the Philippines Quezon North Mission and will report to the MTC on February 1st.
Next week we are getting a new Bishopric.  I have just loved Bishop Peterson and will really miss him.
"Whistle while You work."
What would You like for Christmas my Darling?
I have your Missionary book all caught up and I am now getting your scrap book all done.
I have the "sweet" picture of you reading the scriptures in a beautiful frame on the table by all my dried flowers for everyone to see when they walk in.  I have also put your Handsome self in the kitchen and up in the parlor on the Missionary wall.
I have been reading "Believing Christ" by stephen E. Robinson-I really love this book-Bishop Peterson told me to read it.
I just said the prayer with Kenny, Moosey, and Niki.
Daddie has gone up to bed and will be calling me soon-I am really trying hard to go to bed with Daddie and find rest at night.
I continue to practice my 13 page song for Brother Stacey " A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and pray that I will be ready.  I was thinking that it would be fun to play some duets with Kenny with him on the piano and me on the keyboard with a bell sound for Christmas.

Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
3 Nephi 1:16

D&C 6:20
Behold, thou art Oliver, (Jesse) and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart.  Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

Mosiah 2:41
And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.  For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Well my Darling I Love You with All My Heart.
Have a Wonderful week knowing that You are the BEST MISSIONARY EVER!!!
With All My "sweet" and tender Love,
Mama Mee  OXO

Hey Jesse,
                  This week I had a cross country meet up in Murray. We didn't take a bus up which is way stupid. The new school policy is that you can only have one bus trip over 200 miles. So we drove up in cars and didn't stay over night. But the race was still fun. There were about 600 people in the J.V race. During the race it was raining but I actually quite enjoyed it but on one of the sharp turns I slipped and fell, two other people fell on top of me but I was able to get back up and keep running. I finished 16th over 600 runners. My time was 18.00 flat my best time this year! It wasn't a over all P.R. but it was really good. I got a medal and everything since I was in the top 20. Then I also beat 3 of our varsity runners times so more than likely I'll move up to varsity. In soccer this week sadly we lost 3-0 our first loss this season but we should have beat them. The first place team we beat played this team and won like 5-0 so it was just a stupid loss. We had hardly any subs so I think next time we best beat them. But that's pretty much it for this week. I hope all is well.

Love,
           Renka

Jesse,
Did you get transferred?  We have been wondering all week if you have had the transfer or not.  We have received the Notice to proceed for Brian Head but the driller is in our way so we can't start yet.  We are hoping that he will finally finish this week so we can start on the building.  The company that we have subbed the underground work to will start tomorrow.  They are planning on working from daylight to dark every day to try and get their part done this year before winter sets in but it is getting so late in the year it is doubtful they will be able to finish either this year.
I went out with Dustin and Ryan on the elk hunt Friday.  Dustin drew out at Indian Peaks.  A couple of guys that Chris Stevenson knew from Minersville have been helping us find elk in an area west of Minersville.  Anyway on our way out Friday evening we ran into a huge elk (a seven point that would probably have been rated at 350-360 class). It was right in the middle of the road!  Its to bad the hunt didn't start until the next morning!  We got up at six o'clock the next morning and went to where Jed (the guide from Minersville)  thought we would most likely see something.  There are a lot of elk in this area and they were bugling all around us.  Anyway we saw some cow elk in the cedars and there was a huge six pointer with them!  Dustin couldn't get a shot at it in the thick trees so he and Jed took off running to where he thought they would go.  Sure enough down in the bottom of this draw the cows came through with the big boy right behind them.  Dustin was able to get a good shot off but he was so winded from sprinting through the trees that he shot right over the top of him.  That afternoon we went back where we saw that huge seven pointer.  Ryan used his cow call and was able to call in another huge six pointer.  It was really fun.  Ryan would call and the bull elk would bugle in return.  When we started he was at least a mile away.  It took probably 45 minutes but we called him into within 20 yards of where Ryan and I were on the four wheelers.  Dustin could have easily shot him but his front tine on the left side had been broken off in a fight or something.  He decided to wait and see if he could get one that didn't have a broken antler.  Anyway Dustin and Ryan went back out today so that they could hunt Monday.  This area that they are in has more big elk then even the Paunsagot where I shot that five pointer a couple of years ago.
I am excited to hear from you and to find out what has happened this last week.  You are always in our prayers.

Love,  Dad

Hi from Amazing Handsome Elder Jesse Guy Carter OXO

Monday 8/22/11

Re: I Love Sunday's - I Love You Our Handsome Amazing Elder - OXO‏

Hey Family!! Here is the talk that I gave at zone conference:)  I hope you like it!

What Am I Doing To Become A Better Disciple Of Jesus Christ?
By: Elder Jesse Carter, South Bay Zone

        The question proposed in this talk is What Am I Doing To Become A Better Disciple Of Jesus Christ?  The Lord reveals to us exactly what he requires to be a disciple of him in D and C 64:34, "Behold, the Lord requireth the HEART and a WILLING MIND; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of zion in these last days."  If we desire the blessings both seen and unseen, the Lord wishes to bless us with, we must simply have our heart fully in the work, willing to mold our minds to the will of God, and be obedient to the commandments.  For the actions that I am personally making to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ, I am going to focus on what it means to have your Heart in the work, having a willing mind, and being obedient to the commandments.
        What does the Lord truely mean when he says he requires the Heart?  To be one in heart with the Lord, we must be in line with the Lord spiritually.  This would include repenting of our sins, dilligent scripture study, and ultimately, truely and sincerly believing the message of the restored gospel.  For me personally, there are several key indicators that signify whether or not I am serving the Lord with fullness of Heart.  Including the following: Am I able to teach and testify with the spirit?  Am I loving the people, and yes of course the always present, are my feelings towards my companion worthy of being in the christ like attributes section of Preach My Gospel?  We are not becoming better disciples of Jesus Christ until we align our heart, in other words our spirituality with the will of the Lord.
        How through having a willing mind can we become better disciples of Jesus Christ?  To have a willing mind means to allign ourselves with the will of God temporally.  This means to be willing to live according to the rules and commandments we have recieved.  Are we loving the missionary experience or are we merely going through the motions?  Back home I loved listening to the talks of return missionaries in sacrament meeting.  Not only because of their stories of running from dogs, strange food, and interesting companions, but also because of the spirit that they felt when they gave their whole selves to the Lord.  One of my favorite quotes is "Forget yourself and go to work."  Along with the quote found in Preach My Gospel, summarized as the following, "The answer to 95% of the difficulties missionaries face is work!"  Through having a willing mind, we can become better disciples of Jesus Christ.
        And lastly, how through being obedient to the commandments can we become better disciples of Jesus Christ?  When we combine both the heart and a willing mind which would result in believing and living the commandments of God, we are being obedient.  Through the scriptures the Lord has revealed to us that he is all or nothing!  One without the other is not truely magnifying our calling.  In 2 Nephi 27:25 it reads, "For as much as this people draw near unto me with their MOUTH (willing mind), and their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts (spirituality) far from me. . . . ."  To have one and not the other is not sufficient in the eyes of the Lord.  I know that I have alot to improve and work on, but I know as I lean on the Lord and show him that my Heart is in the work, and I have a willing mind, through the spirit he will strengthen me.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Hey Fam:) 

Well this week went really really good!  WE SET A BAPTISMAL DATE YESTERDAY!!!  yayayayayayaya haha We are so happy that we finally have someone set up for baptism.  It isn't the strongest of dates, but it is set for october 22.  That is so weird that when he gets baptized (his name is james) I will almost have been out 1 year!!!  Honestly crazy. . . . But yes, Elder Dudragne is a really good missionary.  It is nice having such a good comp.  It is so weird how the Lord always knows what is going on, and what lessons we need to learn.  My last comp. elder pace NEVER accepted any of my service towards him.  He never allowed me to share with him or anything.  Which actually really played a negative roll in the companionship because he was too prideful to accept my service.  Elder Dudragne on the other hand is always willing to accept my service, and he is always helpin me out as well.  The best way to build companionship unity is for sure by serving them.  It has really helped us work harder and better together and now the work is going better.  We have alot of really good investigators that have alot of potential, we just need to start inviting all of them to baptism.  It sounds like the ceremony for bryce went really well!  That is so awesome that he is going to go to the U of U.  That is an amazing school.  Dad that is a really good idea to start thinking about what I want to do in school when i get home. . . I have been thinking about it a little bit, but I haven't made any decisions yet.  I will start talking to people about there professions to get some feed back.  Today we played basketball for pday:)  That is usually what we do, but it was alot of fun!  I think I am getting taller!!  haha at least I hope so, ward members have been commenting on how I look taller.  so YAY!  Mom thank you for the bread and all the items inside of the package including the cd's.  I am going to be giving those to these two different ladies that hooked me up with this awesome keyboard that I now have!  Elder Dudragne always says that I have the best mother ever haha.  He always wants my bread.  It is really nice having the car as an option now.  Lately we have been biking because we are basically out of miles.  They allot us a certain ammount each month, and we are running low.  But it's nice to drive around for a change.  Being a district leader is fun, more responsibilities and stuff, but I think I like it.  It gives me more of a chance to magnify my calling as a missionary.  It is fun going on splits and what not.  Some pretty sad news though, my 2 old zone leaders that I had last transfer rescently have been sent home because of things that they were doing with girls out here.  One of them lived in santa monica (by the temple) for 8 months before his mission and he knew alot of girls over there.  He had made it 20 months on his mission without hooking up with those girls, but he rescently was turned in by his comp. who met with president and admitted that they were breaking the rules.  It really sucks too cause one of them came out with me but spanish speaking, and the other was my mission hero!  He was an amazing missionary, and everybody respected him alot.  It is really sad, but President must do what he must do.  I guess even the greatest of missionaries can fall!  Especially here in LA we are faced with ALL kinds of temptations.  It is kinda tuff sometimes cause we are supposed to be in the world but not of the world, and it is hard cause we are literally surrounded with the world every moment of the day!  But, the good thing is, is God is on our side.  He doesn't want us to fall so all we have to do is lean on him and we are solid.  Anyways, thank you all for all that you do.  I rescently found out that I haven't been drinking enough water, not even close!  And drinking enough water really has solved alot of the problems I was having.  I may have mentioned this last week but I can't recall.  But yeah, make sure you all are drinking enough water!  It really helps:)  I love yall

Love Elder Carter the 5th.

P.S.  did you recieve the picture CD that I sent you?  And mom, please remember to get the two checks out of it that I want you do cash and put into my account:)  Thank you.  Much much much loves. peace

On Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 11:47

Dearest Handsome Elder Jesse,
I Love You!!!
Well this week-end was Absolutely Fabulous.  Bryce received his White Coat at the University of Utah which truly was an Amazing ceremony - the main theme of the program was "A patient doesn't care how much you know until they know how much you care."  The purpose of the ceremony was to impress upon the incoming Dr.'s the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.  It also encouraged them to accept the obligations inherent in the practice of medicine; to be excellent in science, compassionate, and lead lives of uprightness and honor.  It emphasized the physician's responsibility to take care of patients and to also care for patients.  The message conveyed that physicians should care as well as cure.

The Hippocratic Oath was recited which reads as follows:

I solemnly pledge to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.  I will practice medicine with conscience and dignity.  The health and life of my patient will be my first consideration. 

I will hold in confidence all that my patient confides in me.  I will maintain the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession.  I will give respect and gratitude to my deserving teachers.

My colleagues will be as my family.  I will not permit personal considerations to interfere with my duty to my patients.  I will maintain the utmost respect for human life.

Even under threat, I will not use my knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity.  These promises I make freely and upon my honor.

After the ceremony Shelynne treated us with a fun dinner at the park and a darling cake that she had made of a Dr. with a stethoscope.  We celebrated Bryce's Birthday and he opened his presents with lots of love and pictures from Shelynne's Mom and Dad and Grandma.  Daddie and I drove up to Wolf Creek and enjoyed the Beautiful mountain's and fresh air, it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO fun to walk around hand in hand with heaven surrounding us.  The following morning Bryce and Shelynne cooked up a fun pancake breakfast and with tender hugs we traveled home just in time for Kenny's 1st Soccer game.  Kenny was the "Star" of the team and they won Dixie Fire 5-1.

Truly Heavenly Father was watching over us this week-end.  In my Patriarchal Blessing it says:  Your guardian angel will watch over you and protect you as you go about upon the earth, that you might travel in peace and safety.  When Bishop Peterson blessed me last week he also blessed me with protection as I traveled.  Well on our way up to see Bryce and Shelynne we were driving on some very difficult freeways that were under a lot of road construction.  On one stretch of road we had a huge cement wall next to us and a big semi truck on the other side.  Suddenly for no apparent reason the  semi truck decided to move over into our lane where we were.  Daddie slammed on his brake's  and made a sharp turn which allowed for the semi truck to barely miss us as he took over our lane.  Daddie is an Amazing freeway driver and has saved our lives more then once because of his ability to drive and think ahead.  The following day coming home a car next to us drifted over into our lane and almost hit us, Daddie thought that probably the person driving had fallen asleep and suddenly awakened.  I love my Blessing as through the years it has been a great comfort to me.

Uncle Rex spoke in our ward and of course I took notes that I will be sending this week.  We had a nice Sunday dinner with Ryan, Meagan and Grandma Mom and enjoyed Daddies' wonderful garden food.  I went to take a picture so I could send it to you but the battery had died.  Daddie thinks' that the garden is doing SOOOOO good because of your grass clippings that He and Kenny put out on the garden and tilled in.  But I will take a picture this week so you will be able to see.  Daddie fell asleep so Kenny and I went on a fun bike ride to the college and enjoyed my favorite time of the night - dusk -

Well I am lonely again as Kenny has now started school as you know - it is amazing that he is now a Jr.  I will be teaching more students then ever before and I really do have SOOOOOOOO many projects going, food to cook, music to play and work but still I am lonely.  Just as we returned home from church Ryan Carroll and his darling little wife Aimee came to see us with Ryan's sister Brittany and their new little boy Ammon - he looks exactly like Ryan.  I rocked him to sleep and just loved every minute holding that precious little boy.  Aimee said that Kenny was the cutest boy she has ever met and that she wanted her little sister to marry him when he gets back from his mission.  She wants' to connect our families together.

This last week I had the carpets cleaned again as Moosey has now decided that the downstairs is his backyard - honestly.  Say a little prayer for our "sweet" Moosey - I worry that now I am not his favorite person because I have to keep talking to him in a low voice to be good.

"Whistle while You Work."

"Promise me you'll always Remember:
  You're braver than you believe, and
   stronger than you seem, and
    smarter than you think."
     Christopher Robin to Pooh

Well Kenny is still on the car search, over the week-end he was hoping for a Mazda RX7 that was up for auction - Keith has been helping him but I guess that wasn't the right car.
Daddie is ready for bed and Kenny is now in bed with school starting early. 
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Proud of You, the Wonderful Mission You are having and the Great Missionary that You are.  You truly are Amazing with your love for life, the work, your gift of music and writing.  If you have time Daddie and I would Love to read your letter that was chosen among all the others that you read to all the other Missionaries.  I wish I could have heard you play the "Prayer" - I Love listening to your CD and shed a little tear every time I listen to it.
Have a Wonderful week as you go forth and Serve with Honor.
You Amaze me in every way, I truly look up to You and Love You with All My Heart.
With All My "sweet" and tender Love,
Mama Mee  OXO

Jesse,
It was really fun to hear all that has been going on with you and the mission last week.  You will have to send us a copy of your talk that was chosen.  I would love to read it.  With you and your companion working so hard and working together like you are now I know that you are going to have some great experiences. 
We had a fun time seeing Bryce and Shelynne.  It is a great honor to have been selected to attend U of U medical school.  I am very proud of Bryce and the good decisions that he has made in his life.  Because of these decisions and his hard work starting in High School he has positioned himself to be able to achieve his very high goals.  Because of his hard work he didn't have to settle for something less than what he has dreamed about his whole life.
Out in the mission field you will of course need to be concentrating on the work but you also need to be thinking about what you want to do in school when you get back.  I remember that Bryce did a lot of thinking about this when he was out.  He would talk to the members and the other people that he met.  You also worked very hard in High School and I want you to remember to set your goals as high as you want.  Just remember that you can do anything that you set your mind to achieving.
We have been having Ben, Dustin and Ryan do miscellaneous things around the yard while we wait for the contract at Brian Head.  They have been changing the oil in all the equipment, working on the big trailer, cleaning up the rentals, fixing all the holes in the roofs, etc..  They have also been fabricating the rebar for the building up at Brian Head.  I think for sure we will be able to start this week.

Keep up the good work!
Love Dad   

Zone Conference-Elder Duncan- Missionaries are Building Bridges from investigators to the Savior - Obedience leads to Faith-Goals-

Our Handsome Most Wonderful Elder Carter    8/17/11

Happy Day "Smile" We All Love Elder Carter  OXO

Hey family!!!

Things sound like they are fantastic back home!!!  Mom the blessing the bishop gave you sounded really really good:)  I have had a chance to give 2 blessings this week.  Especially since my comp. is brand new, everyone always chooses me to give the blessing haha, but I really like them.  at the first of my mission I always got super nervous but they have been good lately:)  The brian head job is a go!!!!!!!  That is awesome!  And much needed it sounds like.  that will be good to get started on that.  What has dustin ryan, ben and the other guys been doin with little work situation the past few weeks?  My new comp is really good!  We are getting along really well, and he is a super hard worker.  He always tells everyone we meet that we would love to do service and that he lives for hard work.  We are going to be doing alot of service together which is always good!  It is really nice having the option of a car or bikes.  We are still biking quite alot because we don't want to get out of shape and also we can talk to more people street contacting.  We rescently picked up a couple of new investigators.  Elder Dudragne and I have a goal to talk to every person we see.  Dont' let anyone get by us on our bikes without us talking to them.  It is amazing how much better things go if you have a good comp.  that you have trust in with talking to people and leading the lessons.  That is something I haven't had too much of the past 4.5 months so it is really nice that I have been blessed with elder dudragne.  It is really interesting being a district leader.  I now have to always be conscious that their are missionaries looking up to me to be a good example.  It's amazing how each step in the mission world helps you grow and develope in different ways.  It was zone conference this last tuesday and we worked on the temple this last monday for 5 hours.  That's why I am emailing on wednesday.  Temple service was amazing!!!  I felt like I was back home kinda haha.  I was doing alot of lawn mowing and taring up grass.  They are re seeding all of the grass at the temple because of this crab grass like stuff that has grown in.  It was awesome though, our whole zone was there so it was a blast being with the other missionaries.  I am kind of at a point in my mission right now that is really awesome because I am beginning to have friends everywhere throughout the mission!  It is really important to be really nice to the other missionaries because in alot of ways they are like your family out here.  We all have to lean on each other for help and support.  I now cart around 2 missionaries in the district i am serving in and help them out with their groceries and emailing.  Zone conference was amazing on tuesday!  A general authority from the 70's came and spoke to us for like 6 hours hahahaha.  It was a little long, but It helped re boost me and want to go out there and knock some more doors!!! haha make those knucles bleeed:) ok not really. . . but there were three zones that were there and we all were required to write a talk about 3 minutes long that said what we are DOING to become better disciples of jesus christ.  Elder Duncan recieved these talks 2 weeks prior to coming, and read all of them and chose 2 talks from all three zones. (about 100 missionaries)  AND MY TALK WAS CHOSEN:) haha my talk and a sister in the mission as well.  It was really awesome.  I got up and shared the talk in front of elder duncan, president baker, and the 100 missionaries.  I also played the piano in a homecoming sacrament meeting on sunday!  I played the prayer, and elder dudragne turned my pages.  He did a really good job at it too, perfect timing.  But everyone rushed up to me after the meeting haha.  I was like, don't you want to go talk to the missionary that just got home?  haha it was a little different, but I enjoyed it.  Elder Oslund was who returned home.  He is actually going to be pitching at byu!  He was a freshman all american and the Y.  anyways, this week went really really well!  Thank you for all the support and all the prayers.  The power of prayer is real! 

Love, Elder Carter the 5th

One last thing I forgot to mention familly. . . . .

I am FINAlly sleeping well again!  And I figured out the issue. . . . . I was severly dehydrated!  I have been drinnking water like crazy lately, and now I am sleeping better, my skin is better, and my enjoyment level is better haha.  It is amazing how simple the solution is to alot of problems but I was praying to Heavenly father to help me know what I could do differently to enjoy my mission more and feel better, and that night we had dinner at a members house, and I asked her (she is a nurse) what the cause for light headedness is and dizzyness and she said it was most like lack of sleep, dehydration, and low salt level from sweating it all out.  But anyways, prayers are answered:)  Thank you for all that you do.  Have a fantastic week.  bye bye