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

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