I mean the Bears....

I thought it was the parking lot to the one dollar ice cream. Turns out it was the town of Pine Bushes annual car show. Two Sister Missionaries pulling up front and center in our silver Chevy Malibu. Awesome. And now please excuse me while my companion gets out to back me up, good thing she was Miss Hyrum and she has that smile and wave thing down. 

Oh so much to say, so much to say. Hello! This week was a speedy one because so much seemed to happen. I gotta say I am learning so much about myself and who I am as an individual here in this world and as a daughter of God. It amazes me, but the most amazing part about it is how I can connect with myself and my Father in Heaven when I love and serve these amazing women out here. In the words of a wise mother "... I feel like when I am out in the world with people, I can see my own spirit through theirs.  It's like a mirror for me, I can see myself more clearly when my spirit connects with someone else's..." Whether it's my companion, an Investigator, or a member of the church, watching women strive to make and keep sacred covenants with the Lord is the most empowering thing.

Speaking of covenant women. Who is excited for Women's Conference!? EMMA. CYNTHIA. MEREDITH. VIVIAN. MOM. AMY WHITING. SHA NAY NAY. BARBISHA. MOE. I want a report on what you loved about it and where you went to eat after. ;) Deal? Any other ladies who read this please feel free too as well. 

This past Saturday was the big Hamptonburgh Fall Festival! Wahoo! A women in our Ward is on the committee so she recruited my and Sister Toones skills and had us face paint all day. It was a blast. The day previous we went down and washed probably 100 pumpkins for the pumpkins painting booth and it was freezing. It felt like a Winter festival! ;) Anyways it was a good way for us to be seen and have some good gospel conversations. I was in heaven [mostly because it just felt like I was kickin it at the wasatch fall festival. Good days]

Our dear Investigator Sheryl. She is the nanny of 3 young kids. When we found her we knew right away that someone had been preparing her for a long time to receive the restored gospel. She doesn't have furniture to sit on so we go outside to have our lessons. We plop down on the sidewalk in the middle of the ghetto and talk about Jesus Christ. Let me tell you, I have never felt the spirit so strong as when I am blessed to teacher Sheryl and these three amazing kids. Two days ago my heart was ready to burst with love for this women as she accepted the invitation to be baptized! I am so excited for her and for the light that will continue to come into her life as she makes these sacred covenants. 

We have have met with Danielle a few times this week and she is doing well. Yesterday she really opened up to us and shared some of her past. As I heard these stories come out of her mouth I pleaded with God "what do you want me to say!?" It was then when my father in Heaven invited me to put my faith in him and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned a valuable lesson as I bore testimony to Danielle that through the atonement of Jesus Christ she and the rest of us can be healed. I am constantly amazed by where Danielle has been and now where she is going. :)

Two near death experiences in one week folks. The first happened last Thursday as we were making our long journey home through the twisty roads of upstate New York. I had my brights on to better illuminate the road and my surroundings but as a car came to pass by me on the other side of the road i graciously turned them off as soon as the car passed I turned them back on. As soon as the lights lit up my view again I saw a huge deer in front of me! I slammed on my breaks a swerved to the side as it leaped out of the way. The Elders were driving behind me luckily. I had to pull off because I was shaking so bad and Sister Toone had to take over the wheel. It was nuts. Good thing the Lord is looking out for his missionaries. 

Second experience....Yesterday morning held quite the adventure for Sister Toone and I.... 6:20am the alarm goes off and I crawl into the fetal position to pray. 6:30am we are pulling clothes and shoes on to our zombie bodies. 6:35am pray again before we leave the apartment. 6:40am outside ready to run.... Well maybe not completely... 10 feet into our run I realize I had forgotten to throw on the one important thing, a sports bra. Darn it. I said "Sister? Looks like we are going to have to stick to a brisk walk this morning." About 15 minutes into our "brisk walk" a moment I had been preparing for for my whole life came all at once. I have read books, listen to lectures, a dreamt about this time to shine. I was off in my own little world when Sister Toone grabs my arm and I look into her eyes to see her glance off with sheer terror, just as my eyes leave hers to look at what she is looking at I hear the words "That's a BEAR" slip from her lips. There I see it. A monster of a thing. Big and black. Sister Toone and I stop in our tracks. This would be the time that all the knowledge I have acquired over the years about bear safety would come into action but nope it went all down the drain in an instant and all I could think of was Jim Gaffigans advice to "Cover myself in honey. Climb up on a dinner plate and play dead." We stood there like sitting ducks for what seems like a millennium until a car passing by scared the beast into our direction in a full on sprint! The car rolled down its windows as it passed and some man yelled out to us "RUN!!" It was like I forgot how to run... My clumsy converse shuffled around in the moist grass but before the bear is across the street the fight or flight reflexes kicked in and Sister Toone and I are flying down the slippery slope to our apartments. Just imagine it, a big black bear chasing two white sister missionaries in the hood of upstate. All I can say is, so much for our "brisk walk". Oh the things you see in New York. 

Wowzas this was a long one, but I hope you enjoyed it. I thank God everyday that he has given me to be a missionary out here in New York, it is a glorious calling and it works me real good. All is well with Sister Checketts. I love you. Talk to you next week! XO

Love, Sister Checketts

P.S. I love you Mom & Dad. I love you Layton & Nile. I love you Elder Checketts, Elder Udell, Emma, Winnie, Seth, Meredith, & Vivian.

PRAYER ROLL:

Danielle: strength to change

Tracy: will be able to come to the women's broadcast

Helen: will have to faith to continue to prepare to go to the temple

Abi: will get a job

Sheryl: will get answers to her prayers

SPIDER!

She ran out of the bathroom, still dripping water from her recent
shower. Her hands full of towel that she held across her soapy body. I
watch as her nightmare had just unfolded. She grabs a boot. I know it
must be a spider and it's gotta be a big one because she starts trying
to yank on not only one boot but both of her boots [with wet feet that
is not an easy task]. In later questioning, I asked, "why both boots?"
She replied "what if it started running!?" She could not finish
showering with "that beast!"

Dear.... Whoever reads these,
I will forever live to say there is opposition in all things. This
week was a wonderful week but a hard one at that. Everything seemed to
go wrong the first few days this week but by yesterday I was counting
miracles on my hands and toes!

Tracy started meeting with us again. She practically has the Book of
Mormon memorized! AND she is praying that her "man" will agree to
marriage!! WHAT!? We were blown away when she told us this. It is
seriously the most beautiful thing to watch the heart softening
process play out. I hope one day she will be able to clearly see the
Lords hand in it all as I do. She is making huge progress. Oh! And we
get to do FHE with her and her family [Vinny & Katrina] on Saturday!
Woot.

My other crash boom bang moment this week. Was Danielle wanted to
quit. We got a text from her saying she had lost hope and that life
caught up with her. My heart broke when I watched her forget the
savior and his healing atonement. I cried and cried but Whadda do
after you cry? You pray and you pray hard. Danielle's prayers where
heard as well as my own on her behalf. We are meeting with her tonight
and I hope to help her find that hope again, the only everlasting hope
that you can find through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We had splits this week with the STLs. I stayed here with Sister
Burley [a brand new STL] and we had a grand time. We got to teach a
group of Muslim medical students about the restoration. It was sweet!
We also went to the Philips to do service on their farm. Sister Burley
and I racked leaves in the pouring rain while we belted Disney songs,
and it was the best.

Some of you might have noticed... But I am officially on my own FB
account. I have been very nervous and hesitant about online
proselyting but as I have earnestly prayed about it I feel strongly
that it is what is needed. We had a FB safety meeting last week and it
helped me gain the confidence and enthusiasm I needed to follow the
Lords call extended to Sister Checketts and the rest of the New York
North missionaries. So now this is where you come in! THE LORD NEEDS
YOUR REFERRALS. I am able to teach anyone on FB and I am looking
forward to reaching out to some less active friends that I know and
even some non members but I know you have people in your life that
need to accept or hear again this great gospel. So who is it? Let me
know. Also you are more than welcome to share what I post or comment
and share your insights, as long as it is gospel related. :) Let's do
it! Thanks for your help and support.

Sister Toone reminds me of my Clark aunts... Specifically Courtney. I
Love your Court!

Shout out to Sha Nay Nay! Happy Birthday [this past week] I love you
so darn much.

You are wonderful. You are amazing. You are in my prayers. This work
is hastening and I am so excited to be a part of it. Thank you for all
you do. Stay safe. I love you!
Love, Sister Checketts

PRAYER ROLL
Zuley: she will find strength to endure to the end.
Tracy & Katrina & Vinny: we will be able to met with them as a family
on Saturday .
Danielle: find the hope she needs in the Gospel.
Rudy & Helen: health will improve. Rudy's heart will be softened.
Helen will come to the temple.
Sheryl & Amhad & Mckenzie: see the Lords hand in their lives.
Abi: She will come back to church.
Brother & Sister Haakmester: their hearts will be soften and they will
be able to forgive.

Hope the rain didn't wash ya'll away!

Sometimes I get mini headaches because I smile so much.

Ciao Chillins! I can't get it all in one email but here's what I can
give ya....This has been one LONG week... BUT it's been the best week
I've had on my mission. Yup. I haven't felt this happy and worked this
hard for a while. What a way to start off my third cycle in the
mission. I feel so blessed and I see so many miracles each and
everyday.

My new companion! Sister Toone.... Not Sister Taylor. Last week I told
you all that my new companion was Sister Taylor, well there was a bit
of a mix up. Hahaha for a good 4 days everyone thought a Sister Taylor
was coming up to Middletown but nope! I am blessed to be serving along
side what I now call one of my best friends. Sister Toone opened this
area at the beginning of her mission and so she gets to come back and
finnish off her mission here. It is cool to see what she started and
now where it has come. Beautiful. Sister Toone was a HUGE answer to my
prayers. I am learning so much from her. We work so hard and yet I
still feel like a real person as opposed to a robot. We laugh so hard
[yesterday I almost peed my pants in a parking Lott because we were
laughing so hard] and work well with one another. I still feel a fresh
excitement for these next 2 cycles and it's glorious.

Cat calling happens on a daily basis as we walk down the busy streets
in Middletown. Sometimes as we walk past a building they are all just
sitting at their windows waiting to taunt us. We try to just ignore
the filth but one day a man whistled and yelled out his window "Hey
beautiful ladies! I like your hair!" Sister Toone just about had it
with the disrespect, [after a full day of this kind of stuff it takes
everything in you not to turn around a scream] she looked up to let
them know we won't tolerate anymore of it. Just as her downward locked
eyes left the pavement she ran right into a trash can knocking it over
and her going down with it. We laughed for 15 minutes straight doubled
over as we tried to continue our march. It relieved the stress and we
were able to brush off Satan's belittling attacks for the rest of the
night. Thank you Sister Toone.

Tracy update! After our Law of Chastity lesson with her and Vinny we
couldn't get a hold of her and she wasn't calling us back which was
weird for her and made me quite nervous. We decided to stop by on
Sunday and just check in, she invited us to stay and chat for a bit.
We were able to talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we read my
favorite scripture 2 Nephi 31. She said is not looking to get married
to Vinny anytime soon but she does want to strengthen her faith so we
will start again there and work up. We are going to start teaching her
and the rest of her family together on Saturdays and I am so excited
for that. I know as they work to strengthen their family relationships
the spirit will come into their home and they will grow a stronger
desire to act on their faith.

Danielle update! She is wonderful. Satan is working so hard to keep
this young daughter of God from making and keeping these sacred
covenants but she is enduring to the end. I am excited for her and
feel so blessed to watch her on this journey. [I know I say this every
week... But it's true!!]

Of course there is opposition in all things. Amidst my glory days here
in Middletown this week we did get some more hard news. One of the LAs
that we meet with passed away. Valerie Sorensen. She was 68 years old
and just decided to give up on life and once she made that decision it
was a quick spiral down. The news broke my heart, but I know Sister
Sorensen is in a good place receiving the love and healing she needs.
I will miss her so much. It still amazes me how even a grumpy, old,
sassy lady can take up so much room in my heart. Again I thank my god
for putting these people into my life.

My miracle for the week was Alana Villada. 26 year old college student
studying at the new medical college her in Middletown. She wants to be
a doctor. We received her records back in the beginning of august and
just didn't get around to looking her up. I stubbled across her name,
address and number one day and received a strong impression to look
her up. After a while of walking up and down streets in the humid
summer sun, with no luck, we called it quits. As we got back into the
car I received another strong impression that we could not move this
car until we have made contact with Alana. I whinned to the spirit
"What!? You want us to go back out there and walk up and down the same
streets!? It's pointless, we couldn't find her house!" I then was
invited by the spirit to take a dose of humility pills and then to
immediately call her, "I guess I could do that". Alana picked up and
after I told her who was calling she proceeded to tell me how this was
an answer to her prayers. We immediately set up an appointment with
her and the bishop so she could receive the priesthood blessed she so
desperately needed. This young woman's faith and ability to endure and
endure it well was a testimony to me. I am sorry I didn't call her
sooner but I am grateful for the miracle I witnessed when we did.

Happy Happy Birthday to my momma and my sweet Elder Checketts. I hope
you had a grand day. I love you!

I come home exhausted every night but I can't even tell you how happy
I am to be out here right now. The work is good. I am being so
blessed, I can feel your prayers. Thank you. Thank you. I love you all
so much. Keep working hard and so will I.
Love, Sister Checketts

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience: we are
spiritual beings having a human experience."
-Tielhard De Chardin

PRAYER ROLL:
Zuley: She will get her new apartment.
Tracy & Katrina & Vinny: will meet with all together on Saturday.
Their hearts will be softened.
Danielle: Strength to quit smoking and drinking coffee. Keep coming to church.
Rudy & Helen: Health will improve. Helen will be able to go to the temple soon.
Sheryl & Amhad & Mckenzie: Be allowed to come to church on Sunday.
Alana: Her exams will go well this week. She will feel comfort
throughout the healing power of the atonement. She will be able to
come to church this Sunday.

Golden Leaves

We got our less active to come to church but she showed up missing her
bottoms..... Oh the things you see in New York.

My heart burns with pride for my family. I love you all so much. I
received MANY emails this week that were more than beautiful, they
were inspired, and I am so grateful. Today I said goodbye to my
Trainer, Sister Savannah Astle. Bitter sweet. She is headed back down
to Chinatown and I am staying up here in Middletown! My new companion
is Sister Taylor. I am so excited to get to know her and even more
excited to introduce her to the wonderful people up here in upstate
New York. It's going to be a good cycle.

So the report for this week..... Well upstate has been over taken by
the fall. The lush green trees are starting to turn to gold. The air
is crisp and it is my absolute favorite. It almost makes missionary
work even more exciting. :) The fall reminds me of fond days up at the
U, walking around campus all bundled up watching people pass by and
with each step stirring up a handful of crunchy leaves. Oh I LOVE it.

Okay really here is my report now. Dulce's baptism was this past
Sunday. It went very well. The spirit is so strong as you watch
someone make those covenants for the first time. As I watched her
enter the water it was like I had a little vision of her and her
future family thanking Dulce for the choice she so courageously made
on that day. We went and visited her last night and she is doing well,
she will get confirmed and welcomed into the ward this coming Sunday.
Woot!

Sister James came to church!! Yay! I know it was because of your
prayers, thank you.

Tracy hit a rough patch... We haven't been able to get in contact with
her for the past week and we are trying not to lose faith. Our last
lesson we had with her was the Law of Chastity. It was going really
well until her boyfriend pulled out the alcohol, the spirit could no
longer testify and if felt it quickly leave. Please pray for Tracy,
she needs this gospel just as much as the rest of us.

Louise Green. She is the sassiest 78 year old you'll ever meet and oh
boy do I love her. She threw a going away dinner party for Sister
Astle and Elder Gagnon in her backyard. It was so fun. It reminded me
of something we would do in Utah. We laughed all night as we went
around and chatted with the ward members. I love those kinds of
things, it makes me really happy.

This week I was listening to an old conference talk by Elder Holland,
I can't remember the name of it right now but it was directed to
mothers and he said something along the lines of.... "You are building
up the kingdom of God by being mothers".... Something struck me as he
said that. I fell so much purpose, focus and strength as I strive to
do all I can to help build up the kingdom of God, I know I will have
these similar feelings as I become a wife and a mother. I was thinking
what was my calling before my mission? What gave me purpose, focus and
strength in my teens? I didn't understand what it was and I think
that's when I found myself lost in a Worldly world. SO you young
folks.... What are you doing today to build up the kingdom of God?

Dad! I got your package! I swear it was better than Christmas. I cried
and cried to Sister Astle as I pulled out each of the things that were
so particularly sent for me. Hahaha she just laughed at me. It meant a
lot to me, so thank you Dad and family. You are the best.

Sorry this is a busy email, it's transfers and I hardly have time. I
love you all so much. I am excited for this new transfer. I am happy
and healthy. I love missionary work. I am so blessed and I see that
you are all being blessed too and that it so comforting to me. Keep
praying. I'll talk to you soon. XO
Love, Sister Checketts


PRAYER ROLL:
Tracy will continue to meet with us and progress
Zuley will find direction for her life through her baptismal covenants
Amhad, Sheryl, and Mckenzie will see the truth in our message
Danielle will be able to quit smoking and drinking coffee

 new comp.

#sharegoodness

We drive past fields of horses everyday. Nothing new.... Until I saw
three that had extremely long necks and two huge humps in the small of
their backs! Wait a minute.... Those are CAMELS! Camels in upstate New
York being raised on a farm. I love it.

Aloha familia! I don't have a ton to report on and I don't have oodles
of time so this might be a snappy one.

Friday morning Sister Astle and I woke up real early to get down to
Ossining for Zone Conference with President. It was in the wee hours
of the morning and NY was still asleep, we got a text but that isn't
unusual. The text was from one of our investigators husbands,
informing us that that our dear investigator, Jill Rogan, had passed
away the morning before. I met Jill my very first transfer here. She
was young and had a young son but like a lot of people we meet cancer
was eating her up. Sorrow over came Sister Astle and I. It was really
hard. Death has always thrown me for a loop whether it was someone I
didn't even know or someone I knew. This is when the plan of salvation
comes in and saves me from sinking to low. I have a strong testimony
that Christ loves and because he loves so shall we. Jill has the
opportunity to accept the gospel and I know she will. I know Jill will
be heavenly help for me out here on my mission and her angelic
guidance will touch the lives of the family she left behind. Alma
40:23 Mosiah 16:7 Jill's husband kindly thanked us for giving Jill the
peace she needed to leave this life. I am so blessed to have known
Jill even for the short time I did, I thank God for the opportunity I
had to learn along side her sweet spirit and to feel of her love.

Zone conference was wonderful. The spirit was so strong and I was once
again humbled. I finished my 12 week training only to realize that my
"training" will never be over. :) I have so much to work on, learn and
improve. I am so grateful I am in a safe environment to do so.

Tracy is doin swell. Progressing and changing. She just quit smoking
and drinking coffee this week!! Wahooo! I am so proud of her. Next
step is getting her and her "man" married! This could be the tough
one. Danielle is working hard as well to be ready for her baptismal
date coming up. Dulce is all set for her baptism this Sunday, I am so
excited for her. I see and teach lots of people but these three women
are amazing. They way the recognize truth and their desire to change
is incredible. I love them so much.

Another prayer of mine was answered this week as we found a family to
teach. We found Sheryl and the 3 young kids she nannies [we are
working on softening the heart of the children's mother]. They are the
sweetest things you'll ever see. 3 little black bodies scrambling
around as they climb up our legs to ask us who the picture of Christ
was. They live in a humble home, with their beds on the floor. They
may be poor but there faith is rich. The first day we met them, 6 year
old Mckenzie taught US that we are all family and God is our loving
Heavenly Father. As we left that appointment she came running out with
tears in her eyes and yelled to us down the street "Promise you'll
never forget that we are sisters!?" I cannot even explain to you the
love I felt right then. I know Heavenly Father loves all his children
but he has a sacred spot for the little ones. As a representative of
Jesus Christ I know I only feel a portion of the powerful and eternal
love that he feels for these young spirits but it was the most
desirable feeling I have felt in a long time.

I am turning into my mother. ;) I have to wear sweaters to church
because I get so darn cold! I am now teased for it and called "sweater
Sister".

Saturday is transfer calls! Woot! I will be sad to say goodbye to my
darling Sister Astle but at the same time I am so ready for another
change and another fresh start. This has been a busy cycle, I have
learned so much and have learned that I still have so much more to
learn. :) I am happy, oh so happy. This is hard hard work and
sometimes I just cry but then I am overcome with the love my Savior
and Father in Heaven has for me and I get back to work. He is blessing
me in more ways than I can express.

I am sorry I didn't get a chance to write some of you back this week.
I might have a bit more time later today but right now we are off to a
zone activity at Bear Mountain doin who knows what. Thank you for your
love and support. I love you all. XO

Love, Sister Checketts

PRAYER ROLL:
Jill's family to find truth, peace and comfort.
Tracy will be receptive to the law of Chastity
Danielle will continue to progress
Dulce's baptism will go smoothly
Sister James will be well enough to come to church on Sunday
The Missionaries!

I miss my mountains... so bad

Teaching the Word of Wisdom.... Sister Astle: "As you get older,
Dulce, your friends will try and get you go against the Word of
Wisdom, they will try to get you to drink drugs... Wait... Eat
drugs?..."
Dulce:"I think it's sniff drugs?"
Oh boy. We are far from perfect teachers.

Hi Howdy Hey. This week was speedy! But let's start off with the good
stuff! A week ago i got to go down to the Manhattan temple! Bahhh! It
was an answer to my prayers to be able to go. A huge thanks to my
friend Sister Davis, for taking us. I feel like I belong down in
Manhattan! My time will come. The Manhattan temple is right in the
middle of the busy city world but as soon as you walk in it is sweet
silence. Being inside the temple felt like home, I felt safe and
secure and emotions ran high. :) The temple is such a good reminder to
me of the big picture, it is so easy to get caught up in the little
things in the now but there is so much more to all of this. It was a
wonderful experience and I can't wait to go back.

I walked in to church and Sister Davis ran up to me and yelled
"Congratulations!! You're and aunt!!" I almost cried. If I was
actually hearing this from HUGE news from someone in Middletown before
a family member I would have flipped. Well turns out I am still just a
cousin. Congratulations Brent and Ann on the new babe, he is darling!
:)

Beryl got Baptized!! It was a wonderful service. It was so good to see
her and her family and to feel of the spirit and to see it brighter
than ever in her face. She will actually be moving back to our area so
we will be able to go visit her and give her the new convert lessons.
Woot.

Sister Astle and I went on splits this past week with the STLs. I got
to go up to Poughkeepsie with Sister Mitchell. It was so exhilarating
to go to a new area! So interesting to see how other missionaries work
and to see the people that they love and have come close to as they
invite them to come unto Christ. Splits are also nice for the fact
that it makes you grateful for what you do have. I LOVE MIDDLETOWN!

Guess who has a baptismal date!? Yup, Tracy! I don't think I told you
about her yet because I'll be honest, I didn't think it would happen.
The Lord proved me wrong. :) She has a lot to change before her
baptism on September 21, but we are working hard, she has a desire to
change and we have The Lord on our side so anything is possible. We
have 1. 2. 3!! Baptisms in the next month, it's crazy trying to
balance who we've seen, who we haven't, what has been taught, what
needs to be taught, ect. I know God is blessing this area, because
it's flourishing more than it ever has. I just hope I can keep up with
all of it.

I got a package from one of my "friends" back at Waterford this past
week [8 year old, I would play with at recess]. It was the best
surprise. What was inside? Oh just a clay made Olaf!! Hahaha my
companion and I had a ole good laugh.

Hey just in case you didn't get the memo... Our Church is awesome.
Have you been on LDS.org recently? It is fantastic. You guys! We have
so many wonderful resources and they are just waiting for us to take
advantage of them. This is the new age! If you have a smart phone and
do not have gospel library downloaded on it I would invite you to
repent and then, with haste, download it. ;) We are so blessed, there
are so many things that God provides for his Church that will help
hasten the work and protect us from the world. Find it and use it.
https://www.lds.org/?lang=eng

So... How is your mission going? I love you. I am so grateful for you.
Thank you for your prayers. I'll talk to you next week! XO
Love, Sister Checketts