Week 39 (12//3/18): "Everything is mucho gusto."

So this week has been crazy! I feel like I say that every week, but it's always true. The biggest news is that we are now in a trio. Sister Walker was Sister Howard's companion before me, so now we have had all the possible combinations of me, Sister Howard, Sister Grammer, and Sister Walker (Sister Grammer and Sister Walker became companions when Sister Howard and I first did, and Sister Howard and Sister Grammer are companions now.) So that's fun. She is a totally different missionary than me, but she brings a whole different dynamic to Chowchilla. It's been good. 

Other big news is that I hit 9 months this week. That was weird. Mom sent me a super sweet (pun not intended) package. Pictures are included below. We used to do this for Father's Day when we were little, so it really meant a lot. 

We were in the Merced Christmas parade, and that was so fun! We took mini candy canes and tied them with ribbon to Light the World cards. We made somewhere around 800. So that was fun! I don't know if we have pictures of the parade or not... But it was fun!

Being a missionary at Christmas is the best! Everyone is willing to talk to you about Jesus Christ! I am so looking forward to the 23rd! Invitation Sunday is going to be amazing! Being able to help others come closer to Jesus Christ is the best thing I could be doing right now. 

Love you, bye!

Sister Cate 

Sister Smith, Sister Walker, and I

Sister Smith and I at the temple for transfer hub

Light the World cards in progress

Package from home

Reheating frozen soup

Week 38 (11/26/18): "It's a snail minefield!"

This week has been a rollercoaster. We got transfer calls, but we got a call from the assistants that we couldn't pick up, and they haven't called us back, so I'll wait to say anything until then. Because who knows what they want. We've seen so many miracles. We have quite a few people who we've met with once who we really think will get baptized, which is amazing! The work here in Chowchilla is picking up, and everyone is feeling it! And our new bishopric is really pushing Invitation Sunday, so that's huge! 

We got a ton of rain, which was amazing! And all the snails came out again, which was fun. But avoiding them at night is a challenge! But it was so good to get rain again. 

I love seeing how Heavenly Father has a plan, and how we are led to those who are prepared to receive the gospel every day! 

Love you, bye! 

Sister Cate

Week 37 (11/19/18): "I don't care if He's purple! He's your Savior!"

This week has been absolutely nuts. Between the smoke from the fires, starting the 5-7pm finding time and getting a new bishopric (which meant losing our ward mission leader) and figuring out how to work with the assigned counselors in the Elders Quorum and Relief Society, it has been a little overwhelming, but also really good. We have seen so many miracles from the 5-7 finding time, including being able to meet with a couple less active part member families for the first time. And we've met lots of amazing people. Everyone here in Chowchilla is feeling that the work is hastening. 

I have learned so much from Sister Smith. Sometimes I feel like she's training me. She is so good at focusing on our purpose, and is so optomistic. We laugh so much, and we work together so well. Can she just stay here in Chowchilla with me forever? 

I can't believe this transfer is already almost over, but I am so grateful to be here in Chowchilla with Sister Smith. This really is the best place ever! 

Sister Cate

Week 35 (11/12/18): "It's a form of mass hysteria."

That quote is kind of a good summary of this week. We had zone conference this week, and SO MANY CHANGES! We're setting aside 5-7pm for finding new people to teach every day from now on, eating dinner from 4-5 in our apartment, and eating with members only on Saturday and Sunday. It's really a higher and holier way of doing missionary work. This was tested in a couple missions, and they saw convert baptisms double!! That's exactly what Chowchilla needs! I am so excited!!! 

In other news, we get a new bishop next week, and my ear infection has progressed to a double ear infection. Good news though is that it's not really hurting as much anymore. And we've been able to do missionary work mostly like normal, so that's what's really important. 

Sister Smith has been so patient with me as I've been in pain. Seriously, I don't handle pain super well. It makes me want to stay in bed and do family history all day, but we've gone about missionary work mostly like normal. And she's been such a source of strength for me. She really helps me better understand our baptismal covenant to bear one another's burdens. She is such an amazing example, and the ward loves her. And so do I. She is so good at extending commitments and helping people to change. I am learning so much from her! 

Anyways, there will be so many miracles to tell you about next week! 

Love you, bye! 

Sister Cate