#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!