Being a Disciple of Christ

This was my update from last week that just didn't make it to my blog until now.

Hey Missionaries,

Sorry I didn't get a letter out last week.  Monday kind of came and left without me knowing.  I gave my Homecoming talk today, so I thought I would share some notes from it with you.  I never really write down my talks. I just write down some scriptures and some experiences that I might want to mention, so I don't have anything that is specific.

I shared some thoughts from Elder Rasband's talk "The Joyful Burden of Discipleship."  I read Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 (I call it the angel verse).  After reading that, I shared an experience from my first area, Wilmington.  I was teaching a man who had had a friend commit suicide that week.  We got to teach the Plan of Salvation, and I shared that my mom could possibly be an angel teaching his friend.  I know that angels surround us as we do the work of the Lord.

I read parts of Alma 26.  And then I shared some miracles that I had written down from my mission:

1/15/14  We set up a return appointment with Stephanie.

4/4/14  We gave a Book of Mormon to Tadarrius.

7/6/14  We got to talk with Rose Price.

9/15/14  Shykelah called us back.

10/25/14 We invited Jacqueline to church.

 I hope you are all doing well.  Keep up the good work. Thanks for all you do.

Go with God,

Cami Turley

Retaking ALP

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, I am getting transferred. I am being transferred to Arizona. Can you believe it?  18 months has come and gone. 

So, I wanted to share something that I have thought.  In Elementary school, I was in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP).  I would miss a few hours of my regular class to go learn in a special class with fewer students.  In junior high school and high school, it was known as 'honors.'  But, the kids in the honors classes tended to care more about school and learning.

On my mission, I have found that my gospel learning and loving has been more dense than before.  I drew a graph once that looked like this to describe it.  X is time.  Y is learning and loving.  The red box is my mission.  The acceleration is much greater than the time before it.  (I don't really think my learning is going to level out like the graph shows, but I wanted to show that there is/has been a difference.)  

As I drew this, I realized that a mission is an accelerated learning program.  ALP!  I am in ALP again.  And, I have found that I am kind of in my ALP/honors bubble.  There are more people that care about learning and loving Jesus Christ.  They want to learn.  It has been fun.  I love being around people who also want to do this.  They want to live the gospel.  It is so great to go to missionary meetings because there is such a wonderful spirit.  Everyone loves each other and wants to help each other.  I am truly going to miss this.  I love being a missionary.  I love being a gospel tutor.  I really get to teach people on an individual basis.  It is so fun.

Thanks for all of the help that you have given.  I am thankful that I have such great support.  I am grateful for a such a wonderful gift to give to others.  I am thankful for this Christmas season.  Christmas seriously is the best--people are thinking about Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for my Savior.  I am thankful for his sacrifice, that we may live again, that we can become more than what we currently are.  I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It is the true church.  I am thankful that I get to continue to share my testimony.  I love you.  I hope you are all doing well.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

The Atonement and Obedience

Dear Family,

I have come to know on my mission that I cannot change in one day.  I simply have weaknesses that I must live with and work on for years and years and years and years and maybe a lot more years.  So, I have learned--especially in the past two weeks--that what is required of me is to be obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And as I do so, the Atonement will have a part in my life.  Jesus Christ can heal me.  It will be slow in my eyes and get frustrated that I am not changing, but without a doubt, I am slowly being changed.

I have also learned that this means that I will be a stumbling block for others in the process.  I will be their trial that helps them change.  I hate this fact, but 'tis truth.  I may not necessarily be doing anything that is rude, low, or malicious, but I will still be a stumbling block.  I have weaknesses, and I make mistakes.  Others are going to have to live with choices that I have made and will make.  They may not like what I do.  So, they will have to make choices based on mine and learn lessons that are in store for them.  This is the uncomfortable and unpleasant truth of mortality: we are weak.

Luckily, God will let us be perfect in the end if we are obedient to His commandments and rely on the Atonement.

"In a world where sorrow

Ever will be known,

Where are found the needy

And the sad and lone,

How much joy and comfort

You can all bestow,

If you scatter sunshine

Ev'rywhere you go.

Scatter the smiles and sunshine all along your way.

Cheer and bless and brighten Ev'ry passing day."

(Scatter Sunshine, LDS Hymnal #230)

We may have weaknesses but we can still scatter sunshine.  Smile--it's good for the soul.

I love all of you.  I want to apologize for being a hurdle sometimes.  I want to thank you for loving me still.  I am thankful that I have a family that is so kind and generous and patient.  I know that the Lord loves you.  I am so thankful for the Atonement.  I am thankful that I can be more than what I currently am.  I am thankful for infinite chances.  I am thankful for commandments.  I love being a missionary.  I love the people of North Carolina.  And, I love my companion even if she doesn't think I do.  I pray for her and her family every night.  I know that God is watching over them.  He loves them and wants them to be happy.  Keep moving forward, for forward is the best and smartest way to go.  I love you (LOTS). 

Go with God,

Sister Turley

I was a missionary this week.

Dear Blog Readers (You really don't have to read if you don't want to.),

What do you want to know about?

I think I have said pretty much everything that I can think of.  I can officially stop writing letters.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

p.s.  We are trying to find people to teach. 

The Book That Changes My Life

Dear Family,

​I got to finish reading the Book of Mormon again this week.  It was a great experience.  My mission president, President Bernhisel, invites us to write our testimony before reading and after.  So, I wrote my testimony.  I just wanted to share that with you this week.

I want to reiterate the words of Joseph Smith from the Introduction: "a man [will] get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."  This is the the Book of Mormon.  And the statement doesn't take away from the fact that the Bible is the word of God.  The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both scripture.

I am happier than I have ever been in my life.  And that could be because I am a missionary and share the gospel every day.  But, I know that reading the Book of Mormon has helped immensely with that.  As I have read, I have come to understand my Savior, Jesus Christ, better.  I have learned more about His Atonement and what it means to me.  I love Alma 36 because it truly shows the affects of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in one man's life. "O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me. . . "  "And oh, what joy, and marvelous light I did behold"

I have learned from the book of Ether that I can see God.  I can have faith to see Him.  God wants us to know Him.  Jesus Christ showed Himself to the Brother of Jared "and all this, that this man might know that he was God."  Jesus Christ promised in Matthew 5, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."  Alma 30:44 says, "all things denote there is a God" and "do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

My eyes have been opened as I have read the Book of Mormon.  I can see God in my life more.  And God is the source of happiness.  Because I see Him, I am happy.  The Book of Mormon has allowed that to happen.  The Book of Mormon is truly God's word.  It truly brings me closer to Him.

I look forward to reading the Book more and coming even closer to Christ.  Below is the invitation and promise from Moroni.  Ask God.  He will tell you the truth.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

A Day in the Life of a Missionary

Dear Family,

Prepare for a story.  Sit down.  Relax.  This is going to be good.  Here is what I wrote in my journal about Tuesday.  I was on exchanges in Durham 1st ward.  Here goes.

On Tuesday, Sister Loftis and I woke up and did the normal morning routine.  Then Facebook and lunch.  Then we went to a woman's home to help her sort through clothes.  So, we went in service clothing. Then we were supposed to have a lesson with one of her neighbors, who I will call Kay.  I needed to use the bathroom, and Sister Loftis and I both needed to change back into proselyting clothes. I asked Sister Loftis if Kay's would be an okay place to change and use the bathroom.  Sister Loftis did not think so.  But, we decided to change in Kay's house anyways.  So, we took our clothes (in our backpacks) into Kay's house.  Here I will describe Kay's house: old, falling apart, stained brown and gray/black, lots of cobwebs, burnt bed from cigarettes, more brown marks, little pieces of who knows what on the floor, open boxes and wrappers of food, and more.  So, we changed in Kay's bedroom, but I kept my backpack between my knees so it wouldn't touch the ground. Oh, I forgot to mention that it reeked with cigarette smoke.  Poor Sister Kay also appeared worn down: greasy and matted hair, gray jacket with maybe throw up on the elbow, other spots of something on her jacket, brown and chipped teeth, brown stuff on her fingers (poop?), poop and pee on her pants, untrimmed nails, and a few other things.

Oh, and did I mention that the woman we were sorting clothes for had bedbugs?

After Kay, we went to the car.  And by this time, my bladder was about to burst.  Sister Loftis was going through her bag to find the car keys.  She didn't find them, so she looked in her backpack: nothing. So, she searched in her other bag.  So, I started walking around trying not to wet myself.  We both looked in the car to see if the keys were inside, but that proved futile.  Then, Sister Loftis resumed searching her purse.  Then, I did the unthinkable.  I peed my skirt!

Just kidding, I asked Sister Loftis about the member of the ward that lived across the street.  (Sister Loftis had mentioned her in Kay's house.)  I asked if her bathroom would be nicer than Kay's.  Turns out it was.  The member let us in and let me use her bathroom.  I was mighty close to wetting my skirt though.  The member, Sister Larson, chatted with us for a little bit.  We told her what we had done so far that day.  And explained why we had T-shirts on with our skirts (because we didn't feel comfortable in Kay's house and with the window's open).  Then Sister Larson helped us find our key.  She made Sister Loftis dump out the contents of her bags.  When we didn't find it, we went back to where the car was parked by Kay's apartment.  We traced our steps looking for the key. Then a man asked us what were looking for.  We told him.  Then he yelled to the members of his crew (who were destroying things in the apartment right next to Kay's) that he knew who the key belonged to.  So, they tossed him the key, and we got on our way.

We went to go contact a referral.  As were walking to the apartment, a twitchy, red-haired woman came up to us.  She asked us for money.  We , as politely as we could, declined.  And she continued to ask, but we still declined

Then she let us be.  We got to contact the referral.  It was a family, so the Durham 1st sisters have three new investigators.  We talked mostly  about the Book of Mormon.  We set up a return appointment and left.  When Sister Loftis and I got to the car, Sister Loftis couldn't find the phone.  So, we were once again digging through bags.  We were laughing pretty hard.  The twitchy woman came to us again.  She told us she had heard quite a bit of laughter.  She proceeded to tell us about a woman who feeds homeless people in the park.  Then she asked us for a dollar.  Once again, we declined.  We tried to tell her that as missionaries, we are not allowed to give money.  She told us that she already saw the dollar, so she was trying to convince us that it was our obligation to give it to her since she already saw it.  We just stood there.  Then she stomped her foot and blurted, "Ah hell (pronounced hay-yull), at least I tried!"  She gave us hugs and walked away.  That was disturbing.  We quickly got in the car and drove away.  We parked at Duke gardens to search once more for the phone.  Luckily, it was in Sister Loftis's bag.

We then drove to an assisted living home to help a woman in the ward sort papers. Her name is Sister S.  Sister Loftis was cleaning out a drawer, and I got to put different papers into a binder.  Sister S once gave me an envelope that had literally nothing on it.  It was supposed to be to send in a magazine subscription.  So, I handed it to Sister Loftis secretly, and she secretly threw it away.

Then Sister Loftis pulled out some toe nail clippers that had brown chunks on it.  Brown and orange chunks.  Sister S exclaimed, "Oh give me!  I've been looking for those!"  Then she grabbed them, saw there was something on them, and handed them back to Sister Loftis to throw away.  Sister Loftis promptly disposed of them.  When we were done and walking back to the car, Sister Loftis asked, "What was on those?!"  All I could reply was that there was a lot of yellow and orange and brown stuff in that drawer.

Then we went to our teaching appointment with the Gaskins.  Then we went to our dinner appointment.  We got ice cream!  Then we hurried home because it was time to exchange back.  And that, my friends, is a day in the life of a missionary.

How did you like it?

I am staying in Durham until December, so I'm looking forward to more adventures.  Being on a mission really opens eyes.  I am so glad that I get to share the message of the Restoration and the Atonement.  It will change to world, one little heart at a time.  I know that we all have work to do.  It may go slow sometimes, but it is work.  The Lord gets it done in His time.  Thanks for all of your support.  Keep moving forward.  I also want to say that I am thankful for hard times because it has really helped me find the good things even if they are small.  I am thankful that I know how to laugh.  I think it bugs my companion sometimes that I laugh so much, but I'd rather laugh that be grumpy all the time.  I am thankful for laughs.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

P.S.

This may not be what my story was about, but we do get to do some of this.  We get to do food orders every other Wednesday.  We get to help people get food when they cannot provide for themselves.

Once upon a time, I ate a hot dog.

Dear Family,

What should I write? 

Well, I was a missionary this week.  I got to try to find some people.  I taught at zone conference about not forgetting any ingredients in your cookies. It had to do with being consecrated missionaries.  When we are consecrated, we aren't missing any ingredients. (It was Sister Judd's epiphany.)  I got to watch "Meet the Mormons."  It was fantastic.

And, our investigator, Sara, came to church.

And we dug in the dirt a lot.  We helped people plant stuff a lot.  And, we cleaned people's houses.  We were in pants a lot this week.  Quite a relief.

And, I am still a missionary.  Always will be.

Oh!  I read about Alma the Younger today.  He was a terrible man.  But, he felt God's love.  He also felt awful bitterness.  I am so thankful that I have the Atonement in my life.  Because of Christ, I get to become more than what I am.  I love the Savior.  (My favorite about Alma the Younger is Alma 36.)

Go with God,

Sister Turley

Christmas music heals the soul.

Dear Family,

Most of my past and present companions don't like Christmas music unless it is Christmas.  So, I have't gotten to listen this year.  But, I finally just played some this week.  It was the best.  Let me repeat: it was the best.  I told Sister Judd that I usually start hearing Christmas music in July, so I have had 3 months of deprivation.  (I especially had to turn it on because the weather is becoming Christmas-like. It has been about 65 degrees the last few mornings when I have woken up.)  My companions have told me it gets them too excited for Christmas.  Then I think, Don't you want to be excited for Christmas? It's when we celebrate Christ's birth.  Plus, shouldn't we celebrate His life and birth all the time anyways?  I have to say that Christmas music is so wonderful.

I am so thankful that I got to watch General Conference this weekend.  It was a spiritual uplift that I desperately needed.

To comment on the area, the work, we are really trying hard to find people to teach.  We still have three reliable members that come out with us multiple times a week, but we are doing our best to meet more members and invite them to come with us.

It's almost Christmas!

Go with God,

Sister Turley

Meetings!

Dear Family,

Well, it is officially the start of meeting month.  I decided to buy a bag of jolly ranchers last Monday to help me get through.  Here is the agenda:

September 26 -- Combined Mission Leadership Council

September 27 -- General Women's Meeting

October 1 -- Zone Training

October 4 -- General Conference

October 5 -- General Conference

October 10 -- Zone Conference (and hopefully watching Meet the Mormons)

October 18 -- Stake Conference

October 19 -- Stake Conference

October 31 -- Mission Leadership Council

I don't think I forgot anything, but there is a high probability that I did.  (I forget everything.) 

I threw up this week. . . in the church building.  I felt amazing after it was out of my system.  I did have to wash my clothes in the bathroom sink though.  It was all over me.  Then, I ran down the hall --yes, I ran in the church--to help Sister Judd clean it up.  I was so sad that I messed up the church and that Sister Judd had to clean it up.  So, I tried to help as much as I could.  Then, I knelt to help out and realized I had forgotten to get the mess off of my shoes.  So, I got it on my skirt again.  So, I had to wash up, again.  But, we got it cleared up.  And then we had coordination meeting.  A few days after, we went to the church and could still smell it.  And on Sunday the smell was gone, but the carpet was a little bit lighter in that area.  I ruined the church.  I am quite upset.  I left nastiness in the building.

Other than that, our week was rather uneventful.  I mean, it was Sister Judd's birthday.  Maybe next year will be better.  I feel bad that I was her companion for her birthday.  I am terrible at being a fantastic birthday happy whatever it is that helps someone have a great birthday.  I didn't know what to do. I was going to hang up a sign, but then the people who check our apartments decided to come that day.  So, there wasn't a sign.  And, I am the worst--I didn't get her anything. We went to the first two meetings listed above.  The first was interesting.  I learned a few things that might help our investigator who doesn't believe that Jesus Christ is her Savior.  Then, I learned a lot about covenants and the temple in the Women's Meeting.  We need to be prepared when we enter and make promises to our God.

I hope you are doing well.  I am so thankful to be a missionary, even though I have so much I need to improve on.  I have hope that this week will make me a better missionary.  Diligence: I need to work on this one.  Happy September!

Go with God,

Sister Turley

I think that I don't have a lot to say this week. I hope you are well.

Dear Everyone,

Two words: rough. week.

Sometimes the Lord lets us struggle.  And it's irritating.  We could not come up with back up plans.  We sat for minutes during daily planning just trying to think of people.  And we would go through all of our potential investigators, former investigators, less active members, etc.  We struggled to pick people to see.  And, this was the week for back ups.  Almost all of our appointments decided not to show.  So, we ran out of back ups and had to just think on the spot of where to go.

On the bright side, during studies this week I thought about honesty.  God is the source of all truth.  He will not lie to us.  It is not in His nature to lie.  So, during my studies I just thought about a phrase that is cliche for women, and this was my reply: "I dare you to ask God if that dress makes you look fat."  And now, I probably will be punished for making light of this subject.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

Instant Gratification--I like it when I get it.

Dear Family,

I was pleasantly surprised with an email from Sister Boucher this morning.  She is still in Dunn with Sister Olive, who she trained.  But, I was so thankful for the note that she sent:

"You will never guess who got baptized this weekend :)))

I hope I follow you to Durham. You plant good seeds." 

It followed with a picture of a boy before his baptism.  The boy baptized is Emanuel.  His mom is a less active member that I had the privilege of teaching.  She was actually visit taught by Dorinda, Grandma Hunt's sister-in-law, a few years ago.  I am so thankful that I get to be a gardener.  I don't get much harvest, but I am thankful to hear when others do.

It was great gratification to me to get this email.  I am a little narcissistic--that's why I shared it.

Oh yeah!  I have a new companion.  Sister Doty successfully arrived in Nevada last week.  So, Sister Judd is here in Durham.  We are already making plans for our being split next transfer.  It isn't because we don't like each other.  It just is that we have talked a lot about what we have hoped to have happen on our missions.  Our predictions involve her training in Durham, and I will open South Boston.  She hasn't trained yet, and she has 3 transfers left. And, I really really really want to go to South Boston.  I know I could do the work of the Lord.  I could plant some really good seeds.  But, I will do what the Lord asks of me.  I don't know what the future has in store, but I know it has to work out.

I wanted to share something that I read in my studies this week.

Moses 7:48  And it came to pass that Enoch looked upon the earth; and he heard a voice from the bowels thereof, saying: Wo, wo is me, the mother of men; I am pained, I am weary, because of the wickedness of my children. When shall I rest, and be cleansed from the filthiness which is gone forth out of me? When will my Creator sanctify me, that I may rest, and righteousness for a season abide upon my face?

I found a lot of similarities to myself in this scripture.  The hardest part about being a missionary is seeing all of my weaknesses.  I am tired of making mistakes.  I see the pain that I put people (mostly companions) through, and I hate it.  I know that is a strong word, but I have strong feelings towards this.  When I am discouraged, it is because I have made so many mistakes.  I realize that I need to fix the problems that I have caused between another person and me, and I end up making it worse.  I get tired of being unintelligent and annoying and rude.  I have been like this for 21 years.  That is too long.  I end up crying to my Heavenly Father wondering why I have to have so many faults and weaknesses.  Why do I have to keep making these mistakes?  Why am I so contentious?  As I read this scripture, I thought about the Earth being put into a fallen state because of the fall of Adam.  It is a curse of the earth to have weaknesses.  It is going to take a really long time (in mortal terms) to be free of my weaknesses and, forgive my language, stupidities.  I cannot wait for the day that I finally become like Christ and am perfect.  This is the hardest part about being a missionary.  I constantly see my weaknesses, and I don't have instant gratification for trying to improve.  It is slow and painful.  But, it is necessary.  I will eventually be a better person.  I am really going to love that day.

On a better note, I really am happy.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is changing my life for good.  The Atonement is real and changes my heart.  The Atonement comforts, strengthens, stretches, and perfects us.  It allows us to be people that we would not otherwise be able to be.  It allows us to make positive changes in the world.  It allows miracles to happen according to our faith.  It is the glue that holds our lives together.  I love the Atonement.  And, I love learning about it.  I am so thankful for the Savior.  I love that He loves me.  I love that He loves my family.  I love my family.  I love Jesus Christ.  I love a lot of things, like oreos.  I love to open mail from family that talk about all the miracles that are happening in their life.  I love to hear about what others are learning.  I am so thankful to be a missionary.  I am thankful that I am changing even though I have a really really really hard time seeing it.  I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  "I know who I am.  I know God's plan.  I'll follow Him in faith." (children's song)  I love all of you.  I love North Carolina.  I love planting seeds.  It's dirty work, but allows others to reap.  It blesses the kingdom of God.  And now, that I have said all of this, my closing testimony, I think I can pass away.  Just kidding!  I probably shouldn't put that, but I have a morbid sense of humor.  Let's see who reads all the way and actually gets to this part.  If I were reading this, I would probably just skim and miss it.  This letter is way too long.  I will probably have two sentences next week.  I love you.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

P.S. Sorry it is so long.  I can just rant sometimes.

Weeding (And Still Planting)

Dear Family,

Guess what!  We actually finished weekly planning on Thursday this week.  It was a miracle.  We usually have to spend a few hours on days other than Thursday to finish.  I was so thankful.  That meant that we had more time to tract.  I think that we are going to do more tracting this next transfer.  We got to find some good potentials.  We also got to find people who were not interested and we are weeding out from the area book the potentials who have moved.  Weeding takes some time, but it will sure help other missionaries who come to the area.  It also gives us the opportunity to plant more seeds.  It is all part of this garden/vineyard we are taking care of.

(This is just a picture from last year.  I thought I would share it due to the planting thoughts.)

It has been an interesting week.  It was Sister Doty's last week in North Carolina, so every member that we talked to would ask her about it.  It was quite the experience.  I somewhat memorized her response.  We think it is hilarious when people ask us how long we have been out on our missions.  I will respond that I have been out for 14 months.  Then members will usually say something about me leaving soon.  Then they ask Sister Doty.  She responds, "18 months."  Then the members just are taken aback.  They say, "Oh! You're already gone!"  It is really funny to hear their responses. 

This week I finally had chicken and waffles.  I also had grits.  They were pretty good.

Well, here is to a new transfer.  Let's see what adventures we can find.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

The Atonement is Exciting

Dear Family,

Our ward mission leader has an earring.  Funny and alarming at the same time.  He calls my companion Sister Duty, or Sister Dirt, or Sister . . . well he has a lot of names for her.  My favorite is Duty.  I don't really have a nickname.  Last time he just called me the girl in the green shirt.  That was nice.

Sister Doty and I taught at mission leadership council this week.  That was quite the event.  I thought that would never happen.  One of the sisters in our zone likes to call me Sister Leader Turley.  I don't really like that.  I think I just would like to be called Sister Turley.

We have slugs in our apartment.  We tossed out three this week.  We haven't seen any more since Tuesday evening, so I hope it is over.  Sister Doty makes me pick up all of them.

I read about the Atonement in Mosiah 16 yesterday.  It is really great.  That is the chapter that we will be teaching on Wednesday in our Book of Mormon class.  Lari said in her email that she watched "Because of Him."  I have been thinking that I want to watch that video on Wednesday in class because I love it so much.  I can't even count how many times I have watched it.  The very first day, Easter, Sister Boucher and I found a new investigator by watching it with him.

I don't know what else to write.  Emmettito is in the MTC!  Tres Turley misionarios!

Go with God,

Sister Turley

What Just Happened?!

Dear Family,

All our investigators didn't want to meet with us this week.  Half of them dropped us.  Well, that pretty much sums it up.

Sister Doty also wanted me to tell you that I found the Elder version of myself.  His name is Elder Johnson.  (He's the third Elder Johnson I have served with.) He's in the picture below.  But, here are a few reasons why Sister Doty thinks Elder Johnson and I are alike.  We both answer questions very concisely.  One- to two-word answers.  Also our prayers.  Here are a few examples.

Mine:  "And we're thankful that we got to see Sister Michael.  And Sister Yeates.  And . . . everyone else that Sister Doty already said."  (I was praying at the end of Daily planning and ended up saying what Sister Doty had said at the beginning of planning.)

Elder Johnson's: "And please bless the Sisters that they will know how to help Isabelle progress.  And please help her be baptized . . . if she isn't already baptized."  (We forgot to tell him she was an investigator when he was accounting with us.)

Mostly just the odd realizations in the middle of our prayers are the similarities.

Left to Right: Elder Lewis, Elder Evans, Elder Johnson, Elder Hardy, Sister Turley, Sister Doty, Sister Graff, Sister Seely

​

Go with God,

Sister Turley

The Side Effects of Being a Missionary

Dear Family,

There are a lot of things that happen when you are a missionary.  A lot.

First, we get bad tan lines.  Sorry, the picture might be a little disturbing, but I had to share my scary feet with everyone.  The tan gets worse on the weeks without the car.

Second, I got attacked by fire ants.  Hence the little red dots on the right foot.  The picture wouldn't have been as bad if I took the picture at the beginning of the week.  We were riding our bikes on Thursday, and we stopped at a red light.  The light turned green, and as soon as I lifted my foot to pedal, my foot itched.  I looked down and had ants all over my foot up to mid -calf.  So, I pulled to the side, hopped off my bike, pulled my shoes off and started whacking my shoes on the ground.  It was so itchy!

Third, we often draw the plan of salvation.  It is so wonderful to know that there is actually purpose to this life.  I don't know what I would do if I didn't have goals.  Which is number 4: we make goals always.  We always have a plan for what we are doing next.  And, if we don't have a plan, we soon come up with one.  We have direction in our life.  We have something to work towards.

Fifth, we learn the scriptures very well.  We are constantly comparing scriptures to ourselves.  This week was 1 Nephi 16.  In the chapter, Laman and Lemuel and parts of Ishmael's family "humble themselves" four times.  I was getting really annoyed when I was reading it.  I was thinking, you just did that!  But, I thought about many people in my life that do that (including myself).  It is a lot easier to be patient with people when you love them.  I haven't yet developed a love for Laman and Lemuel, but I love so many people out here and at home that humble themselves constantly.  They make mistakes and have to repent frequently.  Love is so important in the work of God.  Love makes the work so much easier; we have so much greater desire to see people progress.  I am so thankful for the wonderful example of my loving Heavenly Father and my family here on this earth.  I love all of you.  Thank you.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

"Be Thou an Example"

Dear Family,

It's one of those short letters again.  We went on exchanges (like most weeks).  And, we still visit people in the hospital.  I didn't lie to a policeman this week.  I didn't speak with anyone in Sign Language either.  We did get to ride our bikes though.  We got a door slammed in our face.  We have a new investigator.  We still have a lot to teach him.  But, he does know now that baptism is essential to enter the Celestial Kingdom.  We hope to teach him a lot more in the coming weeks.  His name is Leroy.

Thank you for all that you do.  Thanks for putting up with my sometimes okay and sometimes not okay emails.  Thank you for hastening the work and finding the will of the Lord.  Thank you for all of your sacrifices.  I love being with you.  I love serving the people of North Carolina.  I love being a daughter of God.  I hope you all have a great week.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

Walking on Water

Dear Family and Friends,

Brother Pipkin was baptized!

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Sadly, I did not get to go, but he was baptized nonetheless.  He is so wonderful.  I think I will tell you the story.  I don' t know if I have already, but here goes.

One sunny afternoon, Sister Boucher and I took a little bike ride to the library.  We saw a man sitting on the bench in front of the library.  We walked into the library to do our Facebook.  During the Facebook time, I thought please let the man be there.  We should have talked to him.    Through God's grace, he was still sitting on the bench when we exited the library.  So, we went up to talk to him.  He told us that he had been laid off of his job and had been searching for three years in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina for a job.  We ended up giving him a Book of Mormon and a mormon.org card with the address to the church and our phone number on it.  He asked if we had a church bus, but we don't.  (We get that question all the time.)

Then, we bade him farewell.  We continued in our missionary duties for the next week and didn't hear anything from him.  Then another half week later, he called.  He asked if the offer was still good for a ride to church.  We exclaimed that yes it was still good.  So, we found him a ride.  It was fast and testimony meeting.  He bore his testimony.  He said that he had read from the beginning of the Book of Mormon to 2 Nephi 2.  Then, we taught him the Restoration after church and invited him to be baptized on June 28.  He accepted and made great progress.  He got baptized on the 12th of July.

That is my miracle story.

Also, this week, I have been studying a little more about Peter walking on the water.

I especially have noted the part where the Savior says, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:31)  He just says it so lovingly.  He says it in a way that, to me means " you do have faith. Why do you think that you don't?"  I have really thought of this again as mission leaders once again tell me that if I have enough faith and am an elect missionary, I will have many baptisms.  As missionaries, we walk on water.  We are keeping our sight on the Lord.  Then, we get look around and forget our true purpose (becoming like Christ) and start to sink.  We forget that we do have faith.  We forget that we are walking on water.  Then, we have to turn our sights back to Jesus Christ and cry, "Lord, save me."  (verse 30)

Thank you for all that you do.  I love you.  Keep the faith and know that God is pleased with the faith that you have.  You are walking on water.  Know that you do have faith.  Thanks for all the sacrifices that you make to keep me on a mission.  I am thankful.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

P.S.  Sorry for the novel.  I guess I do have a lot to write sometimes.  It wouldn't seem that way from most of my other letters.

Don't Lie to the Police

Dear Family and Friends,

This week I lied to the police.  He asked if we had been at the church building on Thursday, and I told him that we hadn't.  Then some more questions were asked (also to other people) and we ended up being locked up for a few days until the ward mission leader came to bail us out.  I felt bad for my companion, but then we had a few people to talk to in those fine cells.  We passed out a few mormon.org cards and read 1 Nephi 1-20 with Jared (the policeman who worked at the front desk).  He said he would come to church on Sunday, but he didn't.  I think he will come next week. 

That was the fun of the week.  We also set a baptismal date with Sister Kaye.  She is the nonmember wife of an in active member.  And, we have been teaching her in the hospital.  She has been doing well with reading the Book of Mormon. 

We rode our bikes in the flash flood.  A car splashed us, but it didn't do anything because we were already soaked.  I think I got trench foot.  Seriously, my feet felt tingly and had small rashes on them for the next two days.  Then, I put lotion on them.  Aah!  I know, I know, it is hard to believe that I used lotion.

We had two investigators come to church.  They are great.

Real Story

On Friday, we got to the church and saw that two windows were bashed in.  So, we called the building person (our first counselor in the Bishopric).  He came by and so did the building maintenance man (who just happens to be our ward mission leader).  They called the police, and Sister Doty and I were still waiting there for a member to come pick us up.  So, we were still there when the policeman came.  He asked us if we had been at the church building on Thursday, and I told him that we hadn't.  I had forgotten that we had done Facebook at the church on Thursday morning.  It wasn't a plan that we had, but it was something that we ended up doing.  So, Sister Doty had to tell the policeman that we had.  Then, I racked my brain to try to remember, and I did.  The policeman asked some questions to the other people at the building, and nothing came of my lying to the policeman.  Sister Doty has been joking about it though.  I honestly forgot.  I need a new memory.  

I hope all are doing well.  I love serving the people of North Carolina.  I love being able to see the gospel improve people's lives.  God really does have a plan for us.  Sometimes, I just want to ask what I am supposed to be learning from these things.  Something that is really causing me to grow is being a Sister Leader.  This transfer has been a really trying Sister Leader transfer.  Sister Doty reminds me of what to do before every exchange, but I always forget.  So then I feel bad that I didn't do it.  And, I have to account to President Bernhisel and with the sister I went on exchange with.  I have had to really try hard not to beat myself up for forgetting.  I don't do sister leadering well, so I really have had to just let things go.  I want to cry a lot because I know there are sisters who would do so much better than me.  I want to know why God wants me to do it.  He certainly didn't pick the best.  But, weaknesses make us strong.  Ether 12:27.  If . . . we humble ourselves.  Time to work on pride.  I am going to beat it up.  Don't beat yourselves up either.  We do not all have the same talents.  Don't compare yourself to others.  I know, I sound hypocritical.  This is what I have been working on my whole life.  Missions tend to take a magnifying glass up to weaknesses.  We see them a lot better.  I am not going to beat myself up this week.  And if I do, I give you permission to eat 3 gallons of ice cream.  I will give you the results next Monday.

Thanks!

Go with God,

Sister Turley

Things happen. Do I remember? No.

Dear Family and Friends,

This week went by so fast.  I don't know what happened.  It just disappeared.  Probably because we had the car this week.  But, we get to start riding our bikes again this week.  We switch every other week from car to bike and vice versa. 

I asked my companion what happened this week, and her reply was, " I don't know."

Oh! Exciting.  We did get to go to the temple on Saturday.  One of Sister Doty's recent converts got endowed.  Funny thing, I saw the Hessons there.  They were in the Boulder Creek ward.  Their son was getting married that day.  So, that was really neat.  I also met Arthur Peterson.  He was the officiator for the session.  (I think that is what it would be called.)  He is from Joseph City, so I got to tell him who my family is up there.

I don't know what else.  I get to proselyte and try to find people to teach.  Brother Pipkin might have been baptized in Dunn on Saturday.  I still don't know though.  I hope he did.  It would be nice if someone I found got baptized.  But, it is sad to get transferred and not know what is going on.  

I guess I am still a planter.  Planting the seeds.  But, Heavenly Father has given me infinite seeds.  I need to find more people to plant them with.  This will be a finding week.

Thanks for all you do.

Go with God,

Sister Camille Turley

Everyone is Related!

Dear Family,

Random thoughts today.

We have been riding our bikes almost every day this week.  The hills must be getting smaller because it is getting easier to ride them.  Our favorite is the ride between the church and our apartment.  Heading to the church it is all uphill.  Sister Doty timed us one day.  She said it took about 35 minutes to ride to the church.  Then going home it only took about 10.  We just fly home.  It is so fun.  I got going really fast yesterday.  Sister Doty almost hit a deer a few days ago as we were flying down the hill.  (There are deer everywhere here.)

I have been studying faith this past week.  President and Sister Bernhisel want us to have studied all of the attributes in Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel by our interviews in August.  So this past week was faith.  I was able to incorporate faith into all of my study questions this week.  It was really interesting. Now I will be studying hope until Sunday.  I love what Preach My Gospel says about hope: "When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good."

Oh! The other thing is our member exchanges.  We have a hard time getting anyone to come out with us except our "reliable three."  The three sisters are Sister Yeates, Sister Michael, and Sister Rider.  Speaking of which, I have a question for Sister Cherise Turley and Elder Bloomfield.  Have either of you worked with a Justin of Michael Yeates?

Another question:  How am I related to Richard and Martha Turley?  They used to be in the Durham 2nd ward.

Also, on exchanges with the Chapel Hill 1st sisters, I found out that I am fourth cousins of Sister Oliver.  She went to Highland high as well.  But, I had familysearch.org up and she saw that I had Paynes in my family, so she was intrigued.  Our great great great grandpas are both Harry M Payne.  That was fun.  I have also found some Cluff relatives in this mission.  Sister Doty says that I am related to everyone in the mission.  Oh, and she has a relative who is married to a Turley.  Does anyone know of a Ruth Ethington Turley?

Go With God,

Sister Turley

P.S.  Are you ready for these Sister Missionaries?

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A Sister in our ward gave us a bunch of old clothes.  And we just had a fun time trying on terrible outfits.

Using The Book of Mormon

Dear Family,

Bleh.  Once again,  I sit at the computer trying to think of something to say.  And I think, well, we tried to find people to teach again.  And we didn't have much success.  But, we did find a new investigator yesterday.  We introduced the Book of Mormon to her.  It is really great when we ask what people love about their church, and we read a scripture to them that goes right along with what they say.  Our new investigator is named Kaysha.  She said the thing that she loved about church was fellowshipping and hearing testimonies of Jesus Christ.  So, we pulled up Moroni 6:5-6 (I use this one a lot).  It talks about fellowship and remembering Christ.  Perfect!  Then we set a return appointment.  

Okay, for reals now, I don't know what to say.  We are missionaries.  We share the gospel and know that Christ lives.  He died and bled for us.  Not necessarily in that order.  He loves us.  And, we just build from there.  

We also have some good sized cockroaches.  So far, in all of my companionships, I have been the designated bug smasher.  Sometimes I use only my fist.  Then, I have to wash the bug guts off my hand.  Or lick it.  I did that only once. I don't think I'll do that one again.  I don't know what came over me--it just happened.

I love all of you.  Have a wonderful week.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

In the Durham 2nd ward

Well Everyone,

I am now in Durham.  There is a phrase from one song by Elvis Presley that I have sung many times on my mission, and it only took me two days here to start singing': "In the Ghetto."  But, that is okay.  We are going to have a lot of fun.  We have the car every other week, so we get to ride our bikes and get rides from many members.  This week, we rode down a giant hill.  And, there was a speed bump at the bottom.  I was going pretty fast.  I think I may have gotten a little air as I sped over the speed bump. 

My new companion is actually an old one.  Her name is Sister Doty.  We were companions for about a week in Wilmington.  It was in transfer #4 when I had sent one companion to Norway and waiting for my new companion.

There is a saying that I have said several, many, multiple, a plethora of times, on my mission.  I said it a few times this week.  I say it mostly when we go into peoples' homes and we get to see how their lives have just been turned upside down.   The saying is "Moral of the Story: Keep the commandments."  We really can promise that if they read their scriptures, go to church, and all the other things we teach, they can change their lives.  The message we share can improve the qualities of their lives. I know that if we keep the commandments, we will not get into awful situations.  Our lives will not be unbearably miserable.  No matter what trials we go through, we can be happy as we do the Lord's will.

I love all y'all.  I hope you are doing well.  I am praying for you.  The Lord is preparing us for something wonderful.  That is something else I have thought a lot about.  I have had quite a few adventures on my mission.  I just think, "What is He preparing for me?  What is He preparing me for?"  Be excited that He has such a wonderful plan for you.  I really do love you.  (Or else you probably would not receive a letter.)  I love the Gospel.  I love my Savior.  He is help.  He is the way.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

Teaching the Elect

Sorry. This was last week's letter.

Dear Family,

Brother Pipkin continues to grow and flourish in the Gospel.  He is so ready to be baptized.  He is excited.  Really, the rest of the lessons will only be formalities.  We went over the baptismal interview questions this week, and he is ready.  He believes it all.  He does need to be smoke-free for a little while longer as though.

Also, looks like I am headed to Durham.  Made my way from the most southern tip of the mission to the very north.  Should be fun.

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes.  It has been really great.  Sister Boucher and I have had treats every day for the last two weeks.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

Sprouting Seeds

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, transfers are next week.  There is a pretty good chance that I will be transferring.  So, if you want to send letters, use the mission address.

Well, here was my birthday.  I went to zone training meeting.  President and Sister Bernhisel were there.  So, at the end, Sister Bernhisel and the other sister leaders came up and started singing "Happy Birthday."  So, the whole zone sang to me.  I didn't know what to do.  I just stood there.  Luckily my back was to most of the zone.  Then, Sister Bernhisel gave me a hug.  So, I was pretty uncomfortable for a while.  Singing and hugs--not the best combination if they are not my family members.

Then I went on exchanges.  Lari, I wouldn't have gotten the flowers.  I was in Fayetteville that day.  It must have been the Spirit keeping them from being sent. Thank you for all the packages and cards.  I just opened most of the cards today and Kit's golly.  (My companion doesn't like to check the mail unless it is Preparation day.  And, I am not very assertive.)  My other packages except for one came earlier, so I got to open those.

Brother Pipkin is still on date for the 28th of June.  We get to teach him about 3 times a week.  And, the members have just embraced him.  We had a lesson in a family's home last night.  It has been a hectic and busy week.  We have had a lot of appointments.  I think the many seeds that have been planted in this area are starting to sprout.  Alma 32:37-- "And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us.  And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit."  Brother Pipkin is going to bring forth great fruit!  He has a lot of family he is wanting to teach!  We love the people of North Carolina.

Go with God,

Sister Turley

My aunt sent me the golly.  I made the new sign.

I hope they call me on a mission.

To those known as family and friends:

Well, I turn 21 this week.  You know what that means!  I get to serve a mission.  Oh. Wait. That may have changed a little bit.  I may be a little behind the times.

This past week may have been one of the best weeks of my mission.  On Tuesday, we emailed and then went to the Post Office to pick up a few of my packages.  We got to talk to 6 new people between those two activities.  Then we were able to talk to at least 5 more people throughout the rest of the day.  That was amazing.

On Wednesday, I gave the handbook thought in District meeting. -->side note to myself: devote time and attention combined with dream about dad and Griffin<--  Sorry about that.  I just wanted to remind myself later what it was about.  Then we went on exchange.  We had a great exchange.  We got two new investigators, who have already been to the Clinton Branch, which is the one just south of us. On Thursday, we got a call from a man we had met at the library a few days ago.  His name is Brother Pipkin.  He called to ask for a ride to church on Sunday.  So we called many members and found him a ride.  He came to church and even bore his testimony.  In his testimony, he said that he has already read 1 and 2 Nephi from the Book of Mormon that we gave to him.

After church, we had a lesson with him.  5 members were present even though they came in and out of the lesson due to interviews with the Bishop.  But, we invited him to be baptized on June 28, and he is willing to work towards that. I think Brother Pipkin is the key to gaining a bunch of trust from the members.  They just embraced him.  Everyone who passed him would talk with him and thank him for his testimony.  Brother Pipkin is a miracle.  We have met the elect!  "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts" Doctrine and Covenants 29:7.   You never know--the person sitting outside the library today might just bear his/her testimony in your ward on the next Fast Sunday.

I love all y'all.  Keep moving forward.

Go with God,
Sister Turley

Not Much, Just a Lot of Missionaries

Dear Family and Friends,

This week, Thursday evening, May 22, I got a call from President Bernhisel.  He told me that Emmett got his mission call.  I must be really special!  The President called me personally.  I didn't even have to wait half a week to hear that Emmett had gotten his call.  I don't know how I got so lucky.  He is going to Boston, Massachusetts.  What fun.

I don't know what to write. I don't know what to say.  I guess I should just say what I am thinking.  I am so thankful that we have another missionary in the Spirit World.  I am thankful that I know that Maria only left one mission and was transferred to another.  It was a transfer home. I wish I could offer solace to everyone, but what can one little 20-year old do?  Plus, I know you are all strong, faithful people who love the Lord and already know that it is part of His plan.  You already know that the Lord is there for strength.  You know that you can do anything with His help.  Thank you for being my examples.  Thank you for loving me.  This has been one of my favorite videos in the last five years.  http://www.mormonchannel.org/mormon-channel-daily/213?v=1839005837001

One of my favorite lines is "Thank you for loving me enough to hurt me."  I forget that sometimes.  Maybe sometimes I am showing my love when I hurt people.  Just kidding! That just sounds bad.  Pretend I did not say that.  But, the only way we are going to grow is if we are cut down and given the chance to regrow.  I need to be cut down some more.  I guess I do my companion and injustice when I don't want to offer correction because I know it will hurt her.  Don't worry; I won't go off this week just giving her correction the entire time.  I know that would just be digging up the roots.  Thank you for loving me enough to hurt me.  I love all y'all.  Have a good week.  Have hope.

Voyo con Dios,

Sister Turley

P.S. That is what Grandpa said to me.  He is teaching me Spanish.

The Atonement Works!

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, I finally punched a companion this week.  Surprising?  Not in the least.  I guess I hit rock bottom.  Then we had interviews a few days later.  And, it didn't come up.  I forgot about it.  That was interesting.

We have four investigators.  They are a family and a referral from some members.  We are hoping to have FHE with them in the members' home.  That would be fantastic.

Life is interesting.  The scriptures are great.  And, I forgot my Restoration pamphlet again, so I cannot show the inspiration that I had.  Bummer.  I am sure you are all thinking at this point that I have written an odd letter.  Well, yes.  It looks as though that is the case.  I know the Gospel is true. I am still a missionary.  I forgot my planner though.  I forget everything.  I am the least prepared missionary you will ever meet.  

I love all of you. Thank you for all the support.  Thank you for never giving up on me.  I know that Christ's atonement is here for everyone.  I can be forgiven for punching my companion.  She can be healed.  Well, the Atonement works. And so do we.  We work.  For what?  Happiness.  Eternal Joy.  Work brings happiness.  Work and the Atonement.  I work for Christ.  He is the Atonement.  He is my employer.  I am here to do His work.  I make mistakes, but I can just get up again.  I love Him.  He is a wonderful employer.  I love you.  You are wonderful co-workers.  I love this world.  I love North Carolina.  It is a wonderful workplace.  There is no greater work than this.  Let us hasten it together.

Weird.  I punched someone.  I think that is the first time.  Ever.  Weird.

Go with God,

Sister Turley