Ether 12:27- Be Careful What You Ask For

  This past Sunday our branch received and sustained a new Branch President. I can't remember his name, but he and his wife are amazing! They took us up to the Provo temple and they testified of the importance of this work and taught us a little bit about the history of the Provo temple. Did you guys know that the design for the Provo temple was inspired by the cloud by day and the pillar by night that led the Isrealites through the desert?

   Later that night, we had an amazing Sunday night devotional I believe from one of the Seventies. He challenged us to pray for the Lord to help us become more converted to the work and to show us our weaknesses and help them to become strong. So, I decided to do as he asked and that night I prayed to Heavenly Father to show me my weaknesses and to help them to become strong, and to help me become more converted to this work. The next day, it was evident that God answered my prayer. I struggled throughout Monday to get out of bed, Focus in class, and I even felt sick for most of the day. After a long day, I consoled myself with some, ok A LOT, of chocolate; and I realized that I had asked the Lord to show me my weaknesses and he did EXACTLY that. I then thanked him for answering my prayer.

   Tuesday was a stark contrast from the day before. I could feel Heavenly Father helping me every step of the way and qualifying me for what he has called me to do. Our Tuesday night devotional was hosted by the General Primary President, Sister Jones. Her talk was wonderful and was focused on how the world is at a spiritual war and how much we need God's power. 

   Yesterday (Wednesday), was by far my favorite day of this week. First of all, because the MTC was flooded for the first time since I have been there with new Missionaries! It is so much fun being on the other side and being the "Big kids". Sister Rawson and I enjoyed looking for orange stickers throughout the day and welcoming the new Elders and Sisters to the MTC. Our branch also received new missionaries! They are all going to the Belgium, Netherlands mission. They are all so cute! Sister Rawson and I taught 2 "investigator" lessons and 2 TRCs. TRCs are where you talk to RMs from your mission and, in the mission language, get to know them and share a spiritual thought with them. We met 2 Sister RMs that just recently got back from Norway and 1 Brother that is a native Norwegian that served his mission in Scotland. I will never cease to be amazed at how much the spirit is involved in our lessons. We shared a prayerfully prepared spiritual thought with each of them and one of them told us specifically that she needed to hear what we had to say. It was such an amazing experience and made me so much more excited to meet and share the gospel with the people in Norway!

    Thank you for all of your support and Love! Hope you guys have a great week! 

    Love, Sister Starkie

Our district and the new Branch President and his wife on Sunday when we did our temple walk!

My cute collection of cards from my family! I love waking up to it everyday!

Sister Rawson had to get her retainer fixed on Monday so we went on a field trip to the Orthodontist and they gave us slushies!

My crazy district

Our first P-day at the temple

My ADORABLE thanksgiving package from my mum!

Sunset picture with 2 of the Swede sisters

Sister Rawson and I with the Norwegian Flag!

Us with the old Nords before they left for Norway.

Christmas lights at the MTC!