John said it well‏ 10-14-09

I must have played something right because this year looks like a whole lot of thanksgiving! Bring on the turkey.Sunday we had one thanksgiving dinner, Then monday the ACTUAL thanksgiving we had another. It was all delicious and I even played a member on his ping pong table! He was pretty good and started with "I've never been beat on my own table!" That game was ON. I'm a bit rusty but I held my own. I'm all warmed up for the inter-brother championship!

Vanny Wang is converted. She is the 50 something chinese woman we've been sharing english with. She read all Gospel Principles manual in Chinese and attended a baptism last week. She told us "I want to be baptized after coming back from china."Magdi Abbas is a muslim man who sincerely desires baptism. He has lots of questions (most from Islam do.) We will tonight find out if there is any danger to his life if he converts.Achol Amon is amother of 4 kids who is studying with us and has also decided for baptism. They are great and came to church! They also met President Rhodes at a baptism.Conversion is SWEET and the joy is full.

I love and appreciate all of you! Please inform everyone that Sunday October 25th is NOT my homecoming. There were some difficulties with the booking and a primary program flew under the radar a little. We hope to hold a gathering before the homecoming talk to see you all but the sunday meeting will be November 29th 8:30AM. 3 John 1:13-14

I had many things to write but I will not with [keyboard] or [pixels] write unto thee.

But I trust I shall Shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

My best regards!

Elder A. A. McCArty

0529 October Snow

My last picture to you! Elder Christensen, Van Dyke, me and Elder Judd.

Surreal 7 October 2009‏

A few weeks ago I wrote explaining that I was feeling impressed to write a poem. Finally it's to a point I feel comfortable sending it. I felt inspired for such because I have witnessed so many heroes battling daily with a lack of deserved recognition.

Hero?

In life's careful web of refined tapestry my mind molds an image of what I want me to be.

Shaped by perception it's become quite a dream

yet made truly a goal by my lifes constant theme.

Ironman, Batman, Superman are a few of my childhood heroes by the world brought to view.

Perhaps more to they the title hero belongs,

who in limelightless silence have endured all along.

Whether home with children or battling at a desk let's reform in our minds what makes heroes Hero-esque.

Neither glamour nor fame can truly define

what makes out of you a hero of mine.

To a fair virgin maiden a baby was born. Grown into a perfect man yet the object of scorn.

By his wounds we're healed and in armor we're shod,

yea, He is the only begotten Son of God.

None more worthy the title of hero than he,but they judged him as naught by their iniquity.

Redeemer of all, accepted by some

yet limlight or not, he bids all men come.

My lifes greatest model superheroes are not. By the course of experience I have been taught,

Heroes are found where I offer you my plea,

They come unto the carpenter who walked Galilee.

This week has been full.Vanny Wang a chinese woman we teach english has become enthralled with the gospel truths contained in the book Gospel Principles. She has told us she will join the church but not this year. She has been taught relatively little but has read almost the entire book of Gospel Principles!We anticipate her conversion will deepen as she learns and grows.

We visited with a sister named Ella Pittman. Ella is 84 years old and as frail as a piece of straw. She's a sweet old lady who told us many stories. It was outrageous how funny she is but a sure blessing to spend some time with her! Elder Judd and I are still laughing about how funny she is.

I love the work and Lifes been good to me!

Love you!

Eldre McCarty

I hope you all got my moms email about the 25th!

0522 This is Elder Judd, Van Dyke, Christensen and I. SO NEAT. Since Elder Judd is from Arizona we went and climbed in a freeze chamber at a local Clothing store and the fans bring it down to -25 degrees celsius. We decided to take pictures :D

Time is a figment of imagination 30 Sep 2009‏

Well this week was great. Have you heard that for almost two years straight?! Well you know I have the responsibility to reassure ENDLESSLY my dear mom!There will be a few baptisms coming soon and I'm pleased to see the conversion process happening. It's wonderful to be in the work of the Lord.

Update: Sacrament meeting starts at 8:30 AM in Kaysville. I'm finding myself trying to decide what to do for our gathering. Do we wait until after the classes? It would make me feel much more comfortable! Maybe it's a small thing but the last 1 percent of obedience may just be the last 25 percent of the spirit! Tell me would YOU be willing to come and either attend the classes or wait for me to get to the house? I treasure each of you and want to be able to enjoy our reunion but I would like to know how you feel. If you are able to notify me it would be nice to be made aware of what you each feel.

After the week of a great deal of effort poured into the work we had nights of unconsciousness. You could call it sleep but I think our bodies and spirits collapsed. This week we've been able to keep up mostly. The ward is mobilizing and starting to work on helping more! I'm excited to see what will be once they do because they'll do wonders!

GENERAL CONFERENCE HERE WE COME! This is like the superbowl for the amateur but TOTALLY committed football players. Here come the all-stars of what we love to do! Let's soak it in and feast!

I love and miss you all

Eldre McCarty

505 Elder Judd, Elder McCarty and AKOBA! He's a great fella. 6 years old and a break dancing maniac. He just needs some lessons to go with his enthusiasm and effort! I got video of his dancing though so it's all good! :D

The windows of Heaven 24 September 2009

0503 These are the Rentaria, Trejo and Vazquez Family. I am adopting them as part of my family! I love them all.

We preach Heavenly Father. The true nature of He and His Beloved have been revealed. Yesterday I experienced the windows of heaven pouring out and I testify there was "not... room enough to recieve it" (Malachi 3).

Things that must be written by constraint of the spirit and things that may never leave the cavity of my mind came to pass. My cup runs over. The truth restored was born witness again to me.
Last Thursday at a chili cook-off two families came unanounced. These dear families were led by the hand of the Lord (through their GPS) to the church with perfect timing! They were trying to get to the Menonite center for new comers but the GPS brought them to us.
The spirit spoke to me and told me we needed to speak to them. We did and found they were poor in spirit. They are a delightful family originally from mexico.
The Vazquez family (also from mexico) invited the Rentarias and Trejos to come to their home and be taught and fed. As we taught the spirit directed that we commit them to baptism. They will be baptized on the day I entered the MTC 2 years ago.
I rejoice in the great things the Lord has prepared for us. A simple question can't do justice but HOW MERCIFUL IS HE?
I am finding that coming unto Christ I can walk on water. I'm witnessing others doing likewise! (matthew 14:26-31).
I love you.
Eldre McCarty

Home away from all of you! ... 16 September 2009‏

(sigh) First of all it's hard to imagine that 23 months ago I was getting packed to go to the MTC. Time is a liar sometimes I think... ok maybe not really.

Last night I had what I subject lined home away from all of you. Sister Suzanna Bezooyen and her kids Sariah, Benjamin, Daniel, and Joseph Raymant are in the picture I sent. First of all Sister Bezooyen resembles some my Mom. That's something that makes it really nice to see them often. The Boys are the same that last week I wrote about my companion wrestling with. They're like brothers and the family really feels like the adopt us.

Last night we had supper there. My companion and one of their boys quoted pages of the script for The princess bride. Roaring with laughter for the entirety of our supper appointment our side aches eventually set in and the time for the message had come.

It was powerful to me to witness the spirit flood into our hearts despite and perhaps encouraged by the joy we had in our more secular discussions over the meal. I think that a spirit of brotherhood came from the secular discussion and a spirit of God complimented nicely to it as we taught and testified of the gospel and church. We taught about revelation and the importance of our prayers. I could see in each of the childrens eyes the real desire to know the way we explained. Sister Bezooyen reminded me again of my mom as she looked at my companion and I with deep gratitude for the impact the spirit had on her children.

One experience like a drop in the ocean of my mission. I would if I had the power and time pour into each of you the Love and Joy that entertwines this great work.

I miss and love you but the day will come soon enough that we'll greet.

love,

Eldre McCarty

483 Bezooyen/Raymant family pre- Elder Judd. Elder Williamsen and Myself.

Dan Jones 9 September 2009‏

Irony is threaded throughout the fresh beginning of the dying transfer. Yes it's true, believe it or not (and sometimes I do not) this is the last of my transfers as a full time missionary in my youth. Elder Williamsen has been called to other pastures and is now serving in Red Deer 1st ward. He'll be good for the area and his new companion.

This very transfer brought about Elder Samuel Judd from Mesa Arizona. He's a great missionary full testimony and the fire which we now endearingly call "Dan jones Fire." Greenie is no longer a word here in the CEM (canada edmonton mission.) Herein lies the Irony and the genius of Heavenly Fathers plan. Elder Judd Flew into the mission monday and came to River Valley ward yesterday. Amazing that in order for there to be NO winding down as a reminder and assistance I'm now serving with someone for whom I have partial responsibility to WIND UP.

I'm thrilled about the opportunity and humbled by the task. The Lord will make it happen.

President Rhodes gave a profound reminder tuesday at the Trainer meeting. He called a young Elder up who had just arrived. He asked him some questions. "Who's hands were laid on your head prior your mission? What very special place did you go to prepare you to come? Probably your Fathers but what happened when someone laid their hands upon your head to ordain you?" The answer to these is simple and almost directed. HOWEVER the point is profound.EVERY missionary has been SET APART, ENDOWED, and males ORDAINED to the holy priesthood. How than could anyone reasonably say a more experienced missionary is in any way more capable of doing the Lords will than the "dan jones's" that arrived this week.Dan Jones.... He was a man in the early days of the church. Considered and proclaimed one of the greatest missionaries of this dispensation. The night before the prophet Joseph Smith was martyred Dan Jones was informed by the prophet "You will yet see Wales." Wales was in part where he thrusted in the sickle and laid up great things in store. THOUSANDS of people were converted by his preaching.

This is the way I am viewing Elder Judd. He's a pretty humble guy and a little quiet but he will be Dan Jones.

This week things have been great. I wrestled (very briefly) with a young man in the ward. He wanted to wrestle to submission.

I saw Ryan Moore a young man from Rocky Mountain House (my first area) who is now waiting on a Visa to go to Utah for the MTC and eventually to California to serve his full time mission! It was AMAZING to see him in our trainers meeting. He'll be serving with Elder Wright until he is able to cross the border.

Leerena is coming along. She's a single mother and has a lot on her plate. As we rode the bus to go to an appointment with her we saw a young woman and a young man that seemed familiar on the bus. They were kissing about every 5 seconds and so I found it a little strange. In any case we paid as little attention to it as we could. We hopped off the bus and walked to our bikes from which we rode to Leerenas home. We walked in and started talking with her and a knock came at the door. Ironically it was Leerena's little sister and her sisters boyfriend! ha ha we had the opportunity to testify and teach a little despite that Leerena's sister doesn't believe in and is mad at God. Yes... She said both of those things in the same breath too. ha ha I asked how can you be mad at someone you don't believe in? A bit of a smart alic remark but I was really confused. I then apologized for my rude question and testified that he's there and loves her. Yep missionaries still make silly mistakes but the atonement is still there!

I love the Lord and the work.

Eldre McCarty

90 This is Elder Judd and I playing a little game this afternoon while we waited for the churches email server to get back online.

91 Here's Elder Sandstrom and I for the last time together doing our translation pose. In Red Deer when we were both brand new everyone teased us about how much we wanted to be obedient and work hard so they said we were going to be taken up like the city of enoch so we decided this is the pose we'd be in if we ever did! He's home as of today!

Meek 2 September 2009‏

In Zone Conference recently President Rhodes taught "Most of what you call deep doctrine really isn't. It's side speculation. If you want deep find the answer to 'how can I be meek like the Father is?' that's doctrine worth knowing."Meekness is part of a wide array of Christ-like attributes that we as missionaries need to obtain.When persecutions rage, when mobs combine, when armies assemble and calumny defames meekness yet triumphs.When the guy at the door is not interested, when weekly planning seems to hit a wall, when someone turns down a commitment meekness keeps us going.When the car doesn't start, when the economy flops, the structure of society seems collapsing, meekness will unify us to our Lord of Hosts.So what does it mean to be meek? I think true meekness flourishes from a condition of the heart. If our whole soul is full of charity we must needs be meek.This week we've had blessings which overflow. The Lord provided the way for Sa ada to be baptized despite a language obstacle.A woman married to a member of the church agreed to investigate again.The Dugarte family (a family from venazuela) came to church. Our district and another got together for a combined district meeting at which a RM spake helping us to desire to light within us something more.I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the fact that happiness is the Plan.

I miss you all.

Eldre McCarty

0475 Here's our combined district meeting! We ALL put our cameras on a car and pushed the timer. Surprisingly the picture turned out pretty nice. In the back row Elder Saunderson is experiencing what we call the pocket puke. Perfect timing for the picture!

The temple and life. 26 August 2009‏

Last week was once again our temple trip. I adore the time they provide for us to spend there. The inscription on each of the temples worldwide speaks volumes in few words. Holiness to the Lord The house of the Lord.In Doctrine and Covenants 121:45-46 the importance of temple covenants is layed out. "Let thy bowels also be full of charity... and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly" proceeding we find the ever important "THEN shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God." I testify that in temples that's exactly where we are! "And the doctrines of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion and thy scepter shall be an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion and without compulsory means in shall flow unto thee forever and ever."This is the temple and I've felt it this week! What awe stricking promises! We've been asked to do some small things differently in our missionary work. They will take great effort but we're eager to do them. President Rhodes said this week in the last 1 to 2 percent of obedience lies 25% of the blessings. Sa ada is to be baptized this week. She's a wonderful woman and we look forward to it. Nychcheing Reath is doing well and is a great fellowshipper for Sa ada despite both of them being new at english.We're working on using our time more effectively. I'm really happy! I'm finding it a pleasure to consciously BE OF GOOD CHEER. We most definately have reason so to be!

Love,Elder McCarty

Here's a picture just sporting the classy threads I was sent in a package! THANKS!

Limelightless Heroes 19 August 2009‏

Revalatory experiences are common as a representative of Jesus Christ. This week there have been many. Perhaps foremost in my mind today is the epiphany of the unsung hero. We met with Sa^ada Magarsa sunday. Sa^ada is from Ethiopia. We knew relatively little about she and her background before sunday because she speaks limited english. However we can tell she feels the spirit when we teach and she clearly has shown desire to be baptized. Sunday we had an appointment for the first time with a translator present. My heart ached as we learned about her story.Fleeing the upheaval in Ethiopia Sa^ada had gone to Somalia. There her husband left her to come to canada. He eventually was able to provide a way to bring her and her two sons to a land of freedom. As they continued here her husband told her she was not allowed to leave home. He went to extremes which she explained and as she did I wanted to weep for her. It suffices me to say that she was severely mal-treated.He told her "I brought you from somalia to be my servant and to take care of the children." She had desires to go to school and to learn. She went against his demands.This man turned to anger and his anger turned from her to their children. The police were called and delivered sa^ada from him. THIS is the time we met her.The government provided a way after about 2 months living in a shelter, for her to have a place to live. She was moving in when we met her and offered to help move her in. She didn't have much but we did what we could.Eventually the Lord provided a way for us to finally get to her the book she had told us she would like. We gave her a bus map and circled the route, time, and place she would need to get on and then get off to come to church. We wrote the time of our meetings and she has since then been to church EVERY week. She told us that she feels comforted when we share the scriptures with her and wants to be baptized. She answered the baptismal interview questions to us and we taught everything we needed to to prepare her for her baptism.This woman is alone in a world where she's defied the evil that would have held her captive and now is on her own to provide, to learn, to battle through the fallen world and she is finding added faith and strength through the gospel light!I love Sa^ada for the valiant daughter of God she is. Her story led me to realize that each of us fight battles. Some small some great but NO MATTER WHAT, let's each choose to be a hero in our life whether we're sung or unsung for after all each may recieve the same reward of hearing the blessed words "Enter into my rest ye beloved."I love and miss you all! The work is marvelous and the ward is starting to realize how hard we're working. The people here are phenomenal and I count myself blessed of the Lord to be where I am doing what I am.

Thank you

Eldre McCarty

p.s. For the first time in a long time I felt moved by the thought of unsung heroes to the point I'm writing a poem that I'd like to make into a song on the piano or guitar. I'll send the poem when it's complete.

0450 Sunday afternoons! Someday I'll be able to do the same. Believe it or not I'm posing. Unlike when I was young I can no longer sleep in crazy positions like this... Brother davidson however is quite asleep. :D I'm going to print it out and put it on their fridge this afternoon. This is the family we live with! They're wonderful.

0441 Peter and I. Peter is a biking maniac. He wears Harley davidson pajama bottoms (Which is why my glance was takin from the camera) With a skull belt buckle (you're correct in thinking "wait pajama bottoms have no belt loops") and a fantastic smile! What a great man. He gave us some pretty nice cards he made himself!

Andrew Allan McCarty Happy Birthday 8-11-09

No mass letter from Eldre McCarty this week. So, I posted a poem I wrote for him. He sent letters directly to those who wished him a happy birthday. He felt touched by all the love!

A Mother's Baby

By Becky Lane Warner

A mother’s baby is a very sweet thing

Last of her own lullabies she will sing

In her heart, as a child, he will always stay

With no new baby to pull her away.
She cuddles and holds him until he’s too old.

She spoils a bit and rarely will scold.

You’d think he’d be awful, expecting his way

And thoughtless of others he meets each day.

Yet watching him grow has been quite a surprise

Her baby grows up right before her eyes.

His gentle concern for others all around

His inherent wisdom keeping him ground.
Humble and patient, still he raises the bar

He sets his sights high, and strides out a far.

He bolsters his strength when he feels beaten down

Honest and open, his wisdom renown.

Friends seek his counsel and his comfort as well

A spirit about him that casts a spell.

He chooses a mission to far distant lands.

People of Canada’s fate in his hands

His influence leaving a spark that burns bright .

Peoples lives change from the darkness of night;

Into the bright sunlight of hope, faith and truth;

Sparked by his joy and the humor of youth.
I still want to hold him and cuddle him near

Dry away teardrops and drive away fear

As Samuel was offered to God, for to mold,

This mother is waiting, her baby to hold.

All my love,

Mom

for a view of the poem with the pictures see if at :

http://mcwarnerfamilies.blogspot.com/

Woot! 5 August 2009‏

Separation anxiety a little bit from my australian. Yes it's true Elder Mckay went to grand prarie far far away. I've learned a lot from him and once again can feel the tearing of transfers.Here stayed I with Elder Williamsen for at least six more weeks. Life is wonderful and miracles frequent.An investigator expressed the desire last night to be baptized! None other than Leerena St. Louis. She's a nice girl and married (maybe) to a less active that we found through her! ha ha very neat.My companion and a member were there since we were on splits and they were teaching when she mentioned "I want my children baptized." Brother Woodruff inquired and then taught that children are saved by the grace of christ. She lit up and asked to be baptized! Amazing the way the spirit works.Nyacheing and Yual Reath along with Nyacheings husband Simon are now working to go to the temple one year from this last weekend! They're a wonderful and beautiful family that my heart has become knit to. I have a heart full of love for the wonderful people here!

Life is wonderful and I miss and love you all!

Don't forget about me!Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Eldre McCarty


75 Macaroni and cheese Top of Roman? NAY This is a delicious meal of a breaded chicken sandwich and grilled ham and cheese on perogies! I eat pretty well and I'm still down to 170 lbs! I'm withering away!

76 Heritage days! 80 cultures gather together and sell food and souvineers from their countries. We saw lots of neat things and enjoyed serving the food bank collecting donations and handing out maps! Really neat experience!

77 Always wanted a picture like this one! This is just before heritage days! How else was I to fit in the frame?

78 Seng Sup Shin! One of the cutest little boys I've ever seen. He's like a teddy bear but he climbs on everything! I had his older brother snap a shot!

Loving Kindness 29 July 2009‏

It's a wonderous summer morning in the south west side of Edmonton. The sun is shining and it seems more common lately that our summer mornings are much like spring mornings in Utah.The work is moving forward by the hand of God at an amazing rate. His matchless power is undoubtedly pulling this great work along. This week we've been blessed by many powerful and some humorous expiriences.

I'd like to start by writing to you an entry in my study journal. Our mission is focusing on Chapter 6 Christlike attributes this transfer (oh by the way it's a new transfer and we're staying the same.) I decided to focus on a different attribute for each week. To bring that focus I've decided to memorize one scripture each week for the attribute I'm focusing on. This week is Charity.

Here begins the entry:

July 28, 2009 was a day I hope to retain in rememberance. Attending the transfer meeting (of which we had no part except permission from President Rhodes to attend,) very profound things were said. [I asked permission from President Rhodes to go so we might say farewell to the departing missionaries especially past companions Elder Sean Kipp and Elder Olive Kilifi.]

A sweet crisp breeze lightly blew carrying upon it's wings the tender feelings of reuniting comrads. Old friends whom we've poured out our spirits and hearts with and for in the great cause of redemption for the fallen world in which we live.

Shortly we were ushered into the chapel where the meeting began.President Rhodes expressed in his remarks some extremely tender feelings and we had a powerful experience with the powers of heaven. The time came for each new missionary to matched to their trainers and the spirit remained. After, each departing missionary [all of which are friends some of which my heart is knitted to] bore testimony and taught one principle. The spirit flooded my heart and I truly felt Loving kindness for all that were in the room.

As our day unfolded the buffetting of beelzebub turned onto our path. While seeking our Zone Leaders at their apartment they didn't answer the front buzzer. We decided we could tap on their window from the back. As we tried to get their attention a woman three floors up began to say some things to us. We told her we were simply trying to contact our friends and that they didn't answer the buzz though we were certain they were home. She told us we had to leave the premises because we were trespassing private property. I fought my carnal self which wanted to explain to her our situation and decided she didn't care. I bowed my head as we prepared to ride our bicycles away and after sincerely apologizing to her we left.

This was a hurdle for me. I worried, have I learned anything on my mission if I can't respond more meekly to such a situation? We fought murmuring and the feelings so disturbingly opposite to those blessed emotions only hours previous.

July 29,2009 [this morning] I was reflecting upon my goal to be more charitable this week. The experience of the previous day didn't cross my mind. Studying and seeking a scripture to memorize one stood out 1 Nephi 19:9. Reading and pondering I recalled the incident and one of my thoughts I distinctly remember having "how can I be like Jesus, perfectly loving and meek, when it's so un-just the way I'm being treated?" I had even defened my feelings with the scripture 1 Timothy 4:12 "let no man despise thy youth."1 Nephi 19:9 "And the world because of their iniquity shall judge him as a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it, and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yeah they spit upon him and he suffereth it because of his loving kindness and his longsuffering towards the children of men."I felt the loving kindness towards the woman realizing that the way she treated us (obviously not as severe as the way Christ was treated) was out of iniquity which is misery. I felt the distress and the urgency of her need for peace and felt the peace as I repented of my iniquity in feeling such unrighteous feelings toward her.

I praise the name of our merciful Lord forever. The life of a missionary is great and I love what I am learning. I miss you all and pray that each of us may come to further our charity towards the children of men.

Love,

Eldre McCarty

Pictures:55 This is Elder Sean Kipp. He's home now! I love him and learned a lot from him. We're past companions, present friends and future wake boarding buddies! :D

53 Elder Olive Onelani Kilifi. Not rare among the people of the polynesian islands Elder Kilifi is a man of tremendous heart. I hope we'll stay in touch and I look forward to the great things he'll do for this world!

Miracles!‏ July 22

Why do I ever think I'll have enough time to write at the end? There's never enough time.This week Nychang Reath and Ban Reath committed to be baptized and comfirmed. It was amazing to me that the answer to their 5 year investigation was as simple as answered by my last email! The temple. As soon as we made clear that their family will be eternal as the attend the temple which they can do 366 days after Nychangs and Bans (her son) baptism! Simon (the father) is beginning to show his true colors of a righteous priesthood holder and holding family prayers each day! They're a wonderful family from Sudan and next week I hope to be able to send some pictures of them! I'm SO pleased with what's happening. It's amazing that truly in this work all we have to do is SHOW UP. Sometimes we don't do that well enough or with enough heart and mind but when we do, the powers of heaven distill upon our souls and upon the souls of those we teach. I love you all and I can't believe how close you are!Love,Elder McCarty

I've got a picture of Shawn dunnington a Less Active who has come back in the last few months. He fed us at the church and gave us porkupines! Dun dun DUN!?It was good. Lots and lots of meat! It was a new dish for us.
(picture 30)And the second was a picture of me today. My poor camera is failing. I figured out a tricky way to make it shoot but the quality is poor. I'll be getting a new one soon so that will be healed!

Life is like a box of chocolates... 15 July 2009‏

Except this box of chocolates is full of the really really delicious kind! So you know EXACTLY what you're going to get.I love life.It's so wonderful that through the RESTORED gospel of Jesus Christ there can be such a practical and thorough application like that of simply finding JOY through life's stumbles.Yes truly life can be full of scabbed knees, scuffed shoes, torn sleeves and tripping on stumbling blocks. BUT, the beauty of a modern Church calculated to equate our happiness is that we can smile and press forward through our trips, stumbles, and rolls on the pathway toward perfection.Last week in the temple the spirit witnessed to me that as we follow the example of the people of King Benjamin and pitch our tents with the doors toward the temple our purpose in life and as missionaries becomes rich.Don't all rush out and camp temple square I of course mean recognize the eternal implications of the daily menial chores. If you're a factory worker who stands with a stamp in hand and stamps all day, think of the importance of that job in bringing you to your eternal destiny as a son or daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. If it's not... Set goals to make it so!Happiness there lies.This week My companion and I had several wonderful experiences.Firstly we went to eat sushi and a local place called Banzai. It's a Japanese cuisine that serves a lot sushi. I in my cultured past have never tried wasabi OR sushi. I ate the different sushi's with no problem and actually quite enjoyed it (yes it's true mom and dad I'm no longer afraid of new foods.)Next I endeavored (with some encouragement from Elder Mckay) to try a dab of wasabi on my sushi. It tasted good! My dab was a tiny one but it still added to the flavor and I was glad I tried it.After we had all finished there was about 2 teaspoons of wasabi on my plate and a tablespoon of strips of ginger which I learned are meant to clear your pallet between sushis.We rock paper scissor tournamented to find who got eat the whole tablespoon of ginger. Elder Richards was the lucky man and put it in his mouth!... chewed..... chewed again leaned forward and left it in a napkin.As Elders do many of the missionaries gave him a hard time. I just patted his back. Next the missionaries turned to the wasabi. This time however we started with a number guessing game. Momma you raised a furious rock paper scissor fighter but a lousy number guesser. Yes it's true the lot fell to me. To my surprise I actually ate the teaspoon of wasabi and I'm still alive!Now either I was a victim of peer pressure or i'm growing in that I'm no longer afraid of trying crazy foods.The other day Elder Williamsen and I found ourselves in a first appointment with a french family from the Kongo. They're extremely kind and we had a great talk.Noah, the head of the house, stated "I've met with many missionaries from your church in the past. I agree with EVERYTHING except joseph smith."Beginning with prayer we taught and testified. We used scripture and testified some more. He agreed to read from the Book of Mormon with an open heart and pray according to Moroni chapter 10 verses 3-5 to know the truth of the prophet Joseph Smith.Nearing the end he revealed to us that he was once a Jehovahs Witness and now is a Pentacostal PREACHER. He thanked us for our commitment and several time told us God would bless us. He explained he has never read from the Book of Mormon and that he's going to begin a serious study of it.His heart seemed softer than at first and his demeanor seemed altered by the spirit that has that power. I'm grateful to be a part of this work and that simple lesson.Another quick experience. Kyla is a young woman that falls on the opposing side of the scale. She was raised going to Catholic school and doesn't remember much of what she learned.We showed up on her porch last night and she said she had half of one hour. We began having a discussion outside her townhouse porch where all her neighbors could see. She told us she has a lot of things she needs to change in her life.We bore testimony of Mosiah 5:2 and told her that the changes she wants in her LIFE will come because of the change the spirit will wrought in her HEART.She has committed to read the Book of Mormon and watch the Restoration DVD. We'll be taking her on a church tour Saturday!There are many experiences like these that all bear witness to me that the hand of God is what drives this work. For the secular and spiritual growth (that really isn't so easily separable) that I have experienced undoubtedly testify that there is greater power than man in this work of saving souls.I love you all and bear my witness that the temple is the house of the Lord. I testify the church of Jesus Christ is restored and I praise eternally His name for it.
Love,Eldre McCarty
P.s. No pictures again. It turns out my camera is broken

How much can be done? 8 July 2009‏

How much can be done?To my mortal mind such a question seems impossible to answer. However the Lord in His wisdom is showing me the answer each day. Last week as we toiled there was little accomplished up until Friday-Sunday. The Lord somehow provided that we were given 5 investigators with appointments that came to the appointments within the three day time span. On top of that He provided members of the church to accompany us! That was an awesome experience for me to see. 4 days of the week we worked and had 0 of those lessons and in the final 3 days the Lord simply provided.So far this week has begun with similar experiences as last week. The Lord simply provides everything.We've seen such great things this week. We met once again with the Vercella family from Haiti. They are GOLD. The member who came speaks fluent haitian creol and in fact knows their cousin and brother from Haiti on his mission! The small world the church becomes is amazing and these investigators are suddenly super excited about the church. I've come again to the conclusion if I have daughters I'm going to be in trouble because the Vercellas girls are SO cute that I don't know if I could ever say no! (Josiah and Adam I don't know how you do it!)Today we get to go to the temple and our District leader arranged Monday for the Temple President to train us on how to use the endowment more in our missionary work and the significance of it! My mind was spinning with amazing thoughts and I'm extremely excited to go and feel the spirit of the Lord and recieve revelation!
I love and miss you all! I look forward to the someday I'll see you again!
Eldre McCarty
(No pictures sorry, I for some reason took ZERO this week!)

Exhaustion! 2 July 2009‏

Yes it's true I'm writing a day late but it's by Presidents orders since yesterday the libraries of canada were closed due to CANADA DAY! Dun dun DUN. It was a nice day. We really had a good time but I'm feeling exhausted! We played several games of Rugby with a bunch of people along with some Ultimate frisby pretty well all day yesterday until supper at six at which point the mission asked us all to stay in!

The day previous we biked for the better part of 2 hours. There were some pretty rough hills but we had a good time.

To add upon it all this morning we were moving a sister in our ward and there was a good bit of food storage!

WHEW no time better than now for "my life [to be] like my shoes... to be worn out in service! -President Hinckley

I had the awesome opportunity the other day to speak french with a four year old girl! We found this family as we walked by and they turned their heads so we started speaking with them. They're from Haiti and are a wonderful family! Creol is pretty much french but twisted. They speak french and creol though.

It's hard to go back to french after being so used to spanish lately but I had the chance to try a few sentences as four year old Joyce fed me imaginary soup with a plate and a fork! She's a very cute little girl and the family actually turns out to be related to a very well known stake president from Haiti whom a few of the members of the ward knew from serving their missions there! Heavenly fathers plan is intricate and perfect and I love it!

I love and miss you all!

Eldre McCarty

P.s. my mom will be seeing some members from our ward soon so if you happen to have anything wonderful to send me feel invited to talk to my mom! Her Email address is: beckylanewarner2006@hotmail.com

614 FOUR! Just brushing up on the golf skills I've never really had! It was a lot of fun to hit a whole bucket of balls! By the end I was doing pretty alright for an ametuer! Look out Dad and Josiah! ha ha

615 Cinderita is a wonderful woman who is raising two kids in a wonderful way despite the declining society that so many of her people fall into. She's determined to be a key player in their redemption and says she feels the church is the only way her people will be redeemed! Yeah she needs to be a member.:D Love you long time!

The power of Conversion! 24 June 2009‏

Welcome to this weeks edition of "Me trying to help you get a taste of how PHENOMENAL my experiences are!"Last week as we walked away from the not-as-rare-as-they-should-be dodged appointment (where the investigator doesn't show) we spied a woman sitting on her porch.

I turned to my companion and whispered "have you ever spoken with her?" he shook his head. We approached her and for the next 20 minutes discussed with her the plan of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the eternal truths that have graced our lives!

Leerena St. Louis has known members of the church for YEARS. As it turns out her childrens Father is a member who is "non-practicing." We taught, invited and bore solemn witness that happiness will come into her life through our Savior.

We set up an appointment and agreed to meet at her home. When we arrived she was dressed in her sunday best, children in stroller ready to roll. We apparently were in for a trip to the church just across the highway overpass and a few streets!

How did we respond? As if we EXPECTED it of course! The tour was good and she had loads of questions. She agreed to come to church and followed through! Last night we had appointment numero 2. As we taught and testified of the Restoration she intensely paid attention (for the most part) and said that her praying with us at the end was "negotiable." Well we may have lost that negotiation but she promised to pray with us next time and committed that she'll pray on her own about what we taught!

On top of these many miracles she committed to set a goal and pray about baptism on July 25th. We're thrilled with her decision and faith and anticipate with faith that she will shortly realize the wise choice she's made. Thus is the power of conversion.

Last Saturday night I was on the phone for 2 hours sorting out a ride for one investigator to go to a church on the other side of town in order to have an Amaharic speaker! I'll tell you this moment that two years ago if you had asked me to spend two hours speaking on the phone to get one person to church I may have looked at you as if you were mad! Now I can say that I have experienced the power of conversion.

Sa-ada was picked up and taken to church way up on the north side of Edmonton where she spoke with Banbi Mulatu (yes Elder Asay THE Bambi!) and as they discussed she became very excited and explained to him her desire to come into the fold of God and be baptized! Could it be that this too is the power of conversion?

A mighty change of heart, the blessing which only the spirit of God can bring. Truly that power can wrought within us a change for the better to rise up to the stature that measures our eternal potential! I have felt this conversion, my companion has, many of those whom I adore and respect have also. I testify to you that TRUE conversion only comes through God and His matchless power. It is the power that caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the leper to be made WHOLE. As Christ did all of those things in His earthly ministry, so He will do in the ETERNITIES for all those who come unto Christ. I love the experiences and perfect plan of the Almighty.

I love you. I miss you. In a coming day we'll meet again. Not yet.

Till we again greet!

Eldre McCarty

599.JPG This was the day that we parted ways with Andrea Casca. She has become thoroughly converted to the gospel and is in every way desirous to act on her conversion. Her situation is such that she is not able to. She's a strong woman and I felt the spirit testify to me as I told her that she will have the opportunity someday to become a member of the church of Jesus Christ. She's a wonderful girl.

600.JPG It's me on a train! Yeah I know I was impressed too! I think that's pretty clear by the picture! Choo choo

:D Tracting Fun! 17 June 2009‏

Knocking door to door yesterday we came across a nice looking home. We approached the door and knocked. After waiting for a small time we heard a bellowing "NO!!! IT's the mormons AGAIN!"She opened the door (alcohol in hand) and repeated her expression. "Oh no not the mormons " I said with a big smile. "Hello ma'am how are you today?"She continued to explain to us, In Italy, germany, brasil, she met the Mormons! She said "Well, it's going to be a hard sale boys. If we've seen that many mormon Elders what do you think it means that we're STILL not mormons?

"Before I thought it all the way through I said suprisingly quick "That the Lord is persistant!" They erupted in laughter (her husband had joined her at the door) and said "You're good guys!"They were extremely kind to us. We taught and testified of the reality of God and that he is their Loving heavenly Father. They told us they were aethiest but than explained their situation to be more agnostic. We told her we are eager to share with her our message and invited her to learn more.They kindly declined and we parted ways.The people of Canada in vast majority are SO kind and considerate! There are also many who are less kind and considerate but how merciful the Lord is to be so persistant with that woman! I hope she'll consider what we talked about and be able to remember some of it through the haze of alcohol.

To match my brothers story (he went to the Paraguayan ZOO!) We went to Fort Edmonton Park! I'll attach pictures shortly.It's a huge park where they have a train, and original houses and fort walls! They hav lots of employees who dress in all kinds of clothing to match the years that their houses were built in and even to represent some of the specific settlers of Edmonton in the Fort days.We had SO much fun. We taught at the Church, stormed the methodist chapel, attacked the fort, sat indian legged in a Teepee, climbed (only a little) the watch towers, rode the train, played badmitton, learned loads about the Masons, and had a wonderful time! I could continue but I'll just throw in the pictures.
Life is good. I'm being well taken care of.
:D
I love you all and look forward to the someday we'll meet again.
Elder McCarty

593 Spread the word! ha ha Someday this sign will apply but not yet! What a cool place Fort Edmonton is if they've got a sign like this! 594 Get the methodists! They need the book of mormon! What an action shot!

595 Here we are with some badmitton and some OLD style people. I think they were the 50's or something. Nice folks. Some were far better actors than others!

Life as a missionary 10 June 2009‏

Do you really want to know what it's like? Life as a missionary that is. You don't have to be full time to find out! :DI'll tell you what it's like! Miracles, Love, JOY, Peace, Power, Unity, and Eternal Progression.

This week Andrea Casca had her birthday. She is from Mexico and far from family and loved ones. I saw the hand of God intricately and precisely come into play in her life.I imagine her situation. If I were far from home, with few family members near and not much support, my birthday would have potential to crumble my spirits. Though in some ways our situations are alike, as a missionary I've been trained in the ways of leaning upon the only true support and in such a way my birthdays come and go as the flicker of a candle in the wind. Lidia and David Vasquez, along with their sons Davisito and Carlos, are members of the ward here. They are converts of about 7 years and are some of the most SOLID members I know. They've come more to know Andrea through the course of her teaching and care for her.Sunday they invited Andrea, Lalo (her Fiancee), Hector and Lisabeth (lalos sister and her husband) to come for an authentic mexican meal.At first all were present but Lidia. Then Davisito and his magic hands sat at the piano and began to play.Lidia came from the back room with a giant cake Andrea could nearly fit in with candles lit as we all sang Happy Birthday to you.
19 Year old Andrea's eyes filled with tears and she hugged the Vazquez's and her fiance. The Lord provides peace and comfort to the lonely soul and rest and energy to the weary one. He does it for me daily and when I seek him correctly I have ABSOLUTE faith that all things will work together for our good!
I love and miss you all!
Eldre McCarty
S7300530 Delaina and Valentia were baptized! Miracles! I was so pleased to attend.

S7300531 Out enjoying the sun and some ultimate frisby across from the temple! Some sisters from our old district were going to the temple and came over to see what we were up to. Admire the short shorts! They're my rugby shorts.

S7300532 Do you really want my mailbox to have to see this every day? ha ha Exchanges with Elder Grant. I have always wanted to take a picture like this one!

Hallelujah to ya! 03 June 2009‏

Delaina Francis Nowlan in the Londonderry ward was baptized and confirmed this weekend and I was allowed to be a part of it! I love that family! Her daughter Valentia was also baptized. We both gave the Londonderry Elders a heart attack (Elder kilifi can handle it because he's tough.) My companion and I were about 20 minutes late and Delaina was about 30 minutes late! YOWSER! The spirit was strong and despite Valentia wanting to swim around in the water everything went VERY well.

Zone Conference was revelatory. What meeting in the church is meant to be anything less? President Rhodes doctrinally trained us on Valiance in the testimony of Jesus. Consider what the phrase means to you. "When we are valiant and united we are unstoppable." -President Rhodes. Why not give it a try. Consider who you can share the gospel with. Set some goals and ask the missionaries or someone else to follow up with you to make sure it gets done! I can promise that as you do you'll have more of the spirit with you. What greater Joy can you desire in this life?

In interviews with President and Sister Rhodes we had some great talks. I recieved some of the most kind compliments from them both that I thought they only gave to the extraordinary missionaries. Either Heavenly Father has worked mighty miracles with me or President and Sister Rhodes have lowered their standard of requirements for awesome compliments. I think our Father in Heaven has worked miracles indeed.

I want you all to know that now is the moment in the time-table of the Lord for the gospel to roll forward like it never has before. Lets have the faith and be valiantly united in the cause. As the members of the church do the finding the Joy God offers will spread at an unprecedented rate. I can see it happening.
I love you all and miss you!
We'll see each other soon enough.
Eldre McCarty
7300499 Here we find a wild Eldre McCarty in his natural habitat. Upon preparing to do his species daily ritual of STUDY he discovered that President Thomas S. Monson has a similar taste in ties!
7300500 Elder Williamsen and I! We finished Zone conference and sat together on the grounds of The House of the Lord to discuss and plan what things we'll do to improve from the meeting we attended. 7300502 The boys. Elder Kipp, Moi, Elder Wright, Elder Mckay and Elder Mauglinau [in the back (forgive the spelling massacre.)] Just trying to look good is all.

GLORY GLORY HALLELUJAH 6-3-09

Love love LOVE all ya need is love 27 May 2009‏

Conversion brings forth love. I can feel it in my heart. I'm finding how to be more patient with myself. I realized the other day that our loving Father in Heaven wants me to treat His children with, faith, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, diligence, and all other good qualities. SO THAT INCLUDES ME. I'm trying to treat myself with those attributes rather than the impatient demanding I have in the past often felt toward myself in my learning and growth.

This week we're working on helping lots of people progress. Olive Mcdavid is a 60 something year old woman from Barbados. She is such a dear lady and is in search for truth. Her husband is atheist and yelled at us "don't try to convert my wife." She told us "don't mind him he'll be just fine."She reminds me of my dear grandmothers with her sweet and gentle love and strong faith. She'll soon be progressing. This last week she didn't make it to church due to her current church needing a pianist. It was interesting for me to see the power that a responsibility has even if it's in another church. She assured us she'll come soon.

Delaina is on for baptism this week. I'm praying for her that she'll find strength to make it happen. She's a strong woman and is making some significant changes in her life.

This week OMAR ARIZABALO emailed me. What an amazing man. He is one of the three amigos of Londonderry. He wrote an awesome email in his limited english. I felt the spirit though and was reminded how important this work is.The sun is shining and Canada is turning green. I am perpetually grateful for the blessings our Fathers careful plan brings to us daily. It truly is the Plan of Happiness. I'm grateful for being taught how to live that plan and truly have that happiness. It is not fleeting. I love and miss you all. I had the realization today that fearing going home would be like fearing death. How can I truly consider myself a devoted faithful disciple if I haven't the simple faith that no matter where I'll be I'm in Gods hands. He's in our lives.

I'm consciously rearranging my thoughts on coming home. I'll not fear it or count down to it. As was told Joseph Smith in revalation "Thy days are numbered and they shall not be less." So it is with my full time mission.

I look forward to the day I'll see you again and I feel that is a foretaste of the way I look forward to seeing our Father in Heaven again. BUT that day is not today so I'll press on in the work of the Lord.

Love,Eldre McCArty

PICTURES S7300447.JPG The part I didn't tell you about the mothers day phone call! Ok maybe this is our Preparation day trip to Jasper. However the last week it did snow! BOOOOO... ha ha it is warm again now and beautiful.

S7300448.JPG DUAL RAINBOW!!! This was just outside the church. On if you spun around from where I was standing you would see rain and nastiness weather. This is the pleasantville side! Yay for beauty. That's our Chevy Malibu in the bottom left. She's a beaut.

Cultures galore! 20 May 2009‏

Reflecting on this last week I have learned SO many things about this world we live in. Cultures I've experienced: Middle east, East Indian, North American Indian, Ethiopian, Sudanese (dinka and neur), Ghana, Mediteranean, Mexican, Japanese, Tongan, Samoan, and of course ALBERTAN.

President Brigham Young said "If you go on your mission with lightness and frivolity looking for this and that and to learn the things of the world you will go and return in vain." I can assure you family and friends I've not served with lightness and frivolity. I WILL not return in vain. Yet as I've thrusted in my sickle I now realize that I have become more, EVEN SECULARLY, than I would have in two years without my mission. AND IT DOES NOT END THERE. That is perhaps the least of what I have learned and become. My conversion and gospel knowledge is SO much more advanced than it would be. I can testify the Jesus IS the Christ.

He is the annointed Savior of the world. Can money buy such? No. This is the best experience and group of experiences I could have. Thank you for supporting me (even if all you do is read my words.) I'm grateful for the prayers! I'm forever in debt to our Father in Heaven and as I seek to serve Him for that debt it will only increase. Thus is His plan of happiness. Eternal life in exchange for our feible struggle to do the small things he asks. Life is amazing.

The investigators are progressing and God is building us.

Love,

Eldre McCarty

Dun dun dun DUN! This is Elder Williamsen and I! Yes it's true most days we're bus jockeys. It's good to learn the bus systems. He's a good man and I'm learning from him!

19 Ye ol' District! The Londonderry district of the Ed north Zone! I miss them but I'm glad to be where I am! My noggin almost blocked Elder Kilifi. This is my last day with those missionaries and we all gathered to say our goodbyes during lunch.

20 Elder Richards and I skipping along with Tin man. He's friendly and apparently wanted to join us to our appointment. Elder Richards is amazing and we will be friends long after the mission. He's still up in the neighbor to my last area. YAY mission!

Wednesday 13 May, 2009‏

Today I'm inclined to proclaim that I feel as did Lehi when he partook of the fruit of the Tree of Life which is the Love of God. As that man must have traveled by the Iron Rod that is God's word through the narrowness and straitness of that possibly treacherous path he arrived as we may also at the glorious Tree of Life. Partaking of the fruit he discovered that it FILLED his soul.

By the Love of God MY soul is filled. My dear brother in Paraguay has artfully written a masterpiece on our Mom. Though I may not write as beautifully I am also forever indebted to the Angel that is our Mom. In a world where the attack upon the family is ever more severe, our mother has been strong. Perhaps as with Christmas, Easter, and many other reverenced Holidays, the spirit of Mothers day ought to be carried through the year. The spirit of Thanks for these tremendous Gifts. First of course is our Savior, "for God so loved the world that he GAVE his only begotten Son." I believe that God so loves each of us that he has blessed us with mothers. The hand that rocks the cradle does SO MUCH MORE than rule the world. I love and miss you Mom. Each person to whom I write, YOU deserve praise also but lets be certain that we don't forget our mothers.

This week has been a tremendous one! We've met with many investigators. The work is picking up substantially. With a little more organization our planning is better. The Lord is bringing to us the understanding of how we ought to represent him better here in River Valley.Elder Preston Williamsen is my companion and one I'm glad to serve with. As he testifies I KNOW the spirit bears witness because this very morning in words plainly spoken that I have heard countless times, I LEARNED a principle of the gospel that has stared me in the face for YEARS. Though he didn't teach it, the spirit did and that is FAR more important than if he had taught me all things!

Delaina Nowlan in Londonderry will be baptized on Sunday. She and Valentia are doing amazing! I've been asked to baptize Delaina. I'm so pleased with her and excited for her! Andrea is our mexican investigator. She is reading from El Libro De Mormon. She is drawn to it and is looking to know why. How marvelous that the spirit is making up for our language barrier by helping her see the importance of this book that is the keystone of our religion.

Preston and Cinderita are a couple with two children. Though they are busy we were able to catch them breifly last night. As we continue to teach them I feel strongly that shortly they will set the goal to be baptized and confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As we focus on these covenants we are more able to BLESS those we serve.I love you! Miss you all. Don't forget to pray!Pictures follow next week.

Eldre McCarty

Transfer day! 6 May 2009‏

Yes indeed it's true my dear ones. I'm now serving in River Valley! THAT is the temple area. How cool. I get to see the temple all the time. It also makes giving people directions to church super easy. All I have to say is the word whitemud, and temple. It's THE BOMB.

My personal studies are already reaping the benefits of not worrying about a lot of the things I have been.The truth will remain that I miss Londonderry and the people there. NEVERTHELESS I know I am called to labor here. I will hopefully be able to go to the baptisms of our investigators in Londonderry. Delaina is STILL awesome. She will be baptized a week from saturday. We've had to push it back a few times due to illness and other obstacles but she is set and determined to make it happen. She's an extremely choice daughter of God. I'm grateful to get to know her.
The Aquinos are the Phillipino family we were teaching. They have as a family decided that they will be able to each attend church 3 times by June 20 and therefore that is the date they will be baptized. It's tricky because they all work so much but they're FABULOUS. The daughter bore testimony to help the Mom decide to be baptized.
I'm now serving with Elder Preston Williamsen. He hails from.... get this, Kaysville Utah. We're seeing a lot of ways we crossed paths but it never so happened that we actually knew each other. He's a great Elder. His confidence level is down a little bit but I can see it increasing.

The area of River Valley seems to be a great one. President Rhodes told me the two things he wants me to do here are to help Elder Williamsen develop, and to be a tool to bring to pass a standard of monthly baptisms in River Valley. I'm humbled at the call and EXCITED about the opportunity. I can feel Gods help already. We're on buss and foot here for now. We're pulling some strings to see if we can't get some combustion and wheels. My money is on getting us Vespa scooters! ha ha I'd settle for a standard Malibu. :D

I love and miss you all. I want you to know how important my mission has been for me. All those that have helped me be who I am and be placed where I am Thank You kindly. I'm forever in Gods debt.
Love,Eldre McCarty
I love the work of God.

Jasper National 30 April 2009‏

WOW! Sorry this is a day late but I hope it's not figuratively a buck short!

Yesterday was a very full day for us. Mid way through last week our district decided that we were going to Jasper which is a national park with lots of animals and MOUNTAINS. It had been roughly 14 months since I saw anything close to being called a mountain and as a result I was super excited to see the first one we saw! (see picture 378 for proof)

We woke up at 3:30 in the morning to pile into the suburban and GO. I don't think I've ever been awake for a longer period of time! We drove for 4 hours to get to Jasper. While we were there we saw caribou, elk, coyote, and wild jumping missionaries (Picture 376.)The trip was a ton of fun! The bishop of Clareview drove us. What a kind man he is. We eventually got to a river with a neat water fall. All the pictures of the waterfall don't have anyone in them because apparently jumping tarzan style from the rocks into the waterfall pool is discouraged. Luckily I have Elder Kilifi to hold me back.

But picture 375 is of us just above the fall! It's so beautiful to be in the majesty of the peaks and rivers.Lastly after visiting a giant glacier we went on a tram ride to the top of Whistlers mountain. It was a thrilling view. I now have a deeper appreciation for the rockies and how amazing they are.

Picture 379 is a picture at the top in the lodge where they sell 9 dollar rubberband guns and 3 dollar rubberbands. I didn't buy any souvineers there.

The trip was amazing and I indeed stand all amazed and the things the Lord has done for us!This week as far as missionary work has been the bomb. Delaina Nowlan is sharing the gospel almost full time. Her baptism is May 9, 2009. She is super converted and excited to help others be. What a strong woman she is to go through what she's been through and have such a fixed determination to choose the right.

The Aquinos family is progressing a little. The father and his youngest came to stake conference last week. They also watched the baptism after and said they really liked it. We're meeting with them tonight to hopefully set a baptismal date with their mother and help them all understand the importance of church attendance.

We had 2 moves to juggle this week and in a few hours they'll both be done. The Lord has lined several people up that are soon to commit to be baptized. He's working mighty works here.I love the gospel.

I love you all!

God bless and prosper you.

Elder McCarty

Good day! 22 april 2009‏

Life here in the nice Canadian spring is heavenly. The missions transformation from little faith to a little more faith has been extremely evident. It hit me as I spoke with some younger missionaries today that in fact the mission has turned into a purpose driven baptizing and retaining mission. The Lord is working a mighty change in our hearts and progressively the mission is turning to His will. I want to more fully trust Him so that I can serve Him better.We visited the beautiful city of Fort Mcmurray Alberta last week. I love that place. I felt the great attitude of the missionaries there and I am excited for the fruits of their labors to follow them.



While visiting the Galenzoski family was kind enough to invite us for supper. What an amazing family they are! Along with that family we were able to enjoy the company of one Ashley O'neil. She is the one recent convert in Fort Mcmurray and Elder Hill and I discovered she had been found by one of the Galenzoski boys and hounded him until we got to teach her. She is phenomenal and I wish I could write to her but as a missionary I've been told it's best if I don't. I'm so excited that the seeds we plant WILL bear fruit. Ashley is evidence of it. The gospel is a good seed. On those whos hearts are fair soil there will be plentiful buds springing up to eternally sweet fruits of life everlasting! Thrilling to be a small part of it.

Although we were in Fort Mac the Lord blessed us that He was able to accomplish His purposes in the first few days of the week. There are several children of our Father in Heaven who are preparing for baptism.Delaina Nowland and Valentia her daughter are two that I feel a great love for. They are seeing improvement in their lives and feeling the happiness God promises. Despite financial crisis their hearts are being cheered by the good news we're blessed to bear.The mexican recent converts have moved into a new home that is far more suitable for habitation! They say they're going to have us over for Cinqo de Mayo. (I don't spell in spanish if you couldn't tell.)I have indeed realized this week that the Lord commissions all His servants for success and He backs them to grant success in the Labors he expects.

The reason it came to mind is that a young missionary on exchanges dispensed great wisdom to me. I found myself burdened with stress and he reminded me and taught me, exhorting me as we might an investigator, to rise up and trust in God.How great and glorious! I testify that God lives. I know it.I love and miss you all!

til next week,

Eldre McCarty

85 This is lil ol me atop our driving range in abasand Fort Mcmurray. That place is extra beautiful in summer time!

84 Perhaps THE most ridiculous spoiler ever? That's Fort Mac

83 This is a Fort Mac picture with Elder Rowley and I. He's from St. George and is a good man. We're very different but I like to be with him and learn with him.

82 Fort Mcmurray! this is an outlook where we used to drive Golf balls on preparation day! What an amazing place it is. It'll get greener and be even more beatiful. One of the neat things is that there are 3 cars that have been driven off the ledge somehow! Oh Fort Mcmurray!

Life is good. 15 April 2009‏

This week has been a enjoyable mix of hysterical fun and reverencing miracles. We'll start with the former!

HYSTERICAL FUN

On monday of this week a mini-missionary (someone not set apart but that serves as a missionary for a short time) named sister Keunzli went back down to red deer. While speaking on the phone with her for the last time Elder Kilifi gave her his email address because she wants to write him. We're both pretty certain that she thinks they'll get married. As they talked the phone was on speaker. I heard her go on a random tangent for about ten minutes and Elder Kilifi got the look on his face that says "I'm bored and no longer listening." Then he put his thumb over the reciever and screamed high pitched, shrilling and a little bit frightening. He didn't say any words he just screamed.As soon as he did the ridiculousness of the situation immediately hit me and I was on the floor ROLLING with laughter. I had suspected that rolling on the floor with laughter was always a figure of speech but it turns out it happens! To my added joy their conversation went on as Sister Keunzli laughed hysterically and asked "what was that." Despite covering the reciever she very much heard him scream.It was a funny time and my ribs hurt, my eyes watered and I had a great laugh!

Last night Elder Kilifi and I went on splits with some members of the ward. Despite both of the members that had initially volunteered to go not showing up, we found two brethren to take along. Elder Kilifi left to go to Gregorsh our polish investigator and the Brother I was to go with went to the washroom. (that's like restroom or bathroom in the states.) When He came back we headed to Gregorsh as well! Unfortunately my brain escaped me and even though we parked NEXT to their car we buzzed into the apartment and didn't realize why Gregorsh sounded so confused until we appeared at his door!There sat Elder Kilifi and Brother Hoag and Gregorsh welcomed us in anyhow (though he was still perplexed.) I'm sure my face turned red as I confessed to Gregorsh that my mind was elsewhere and that we actually couldn't stay! Oy... Sometimes I feel like my mind is at maximum capacity.

REVERINCING MIRACLES

Yesterday afternoon we recieved a phone call. Delaina Nolan is an amazing woman whom we are teaching. She explained to us that she was feeling ill and would need to cancel our 3:00 appointment. We offered our help and asked if we could re-schedule. She said she might be feeling better that evening so we planned to put her in the slot at 8:00 since our other appointment for our splits had cancelled. She agreed and hung up the phone.Roughly five minutes later she called back, this time in tears. She said "Elder McCarty... I need to ask you for... This is so hard. We don't have enough food do you know where we can get some groceries?"My heart nearly broke. This incredibly strong woman who is used to providing as a single mother for her two sweet girls found a way to humble herself and ask for help. We called our ward secretary and set up a time for her to meet with the bishop so he could assist. We than called the missionaries in the surrounding wards. We asked them if they had any food that we could donate to her. They all gathered food. It was missionary food but that's better than nothing at all. To add to their generousity they gave candy from packages Mothers had sent, cookies, and a slew of random foods. We had about 8 grocery bags full and we brought them to her.Tears swelling in her eyes she invited us in. We placed the food on her table and she thanked us a thousand times or so. We told her we are eager to help and that we appreciated her asking because we know it's not easy. She gave us each hugs. I know that as missionaries we ought not but I saw a daughter of God that needed a hug and so I wasn't about to throw a stiff arm to keep her back.As we taught her last night she told us about how thirsty she is for the gospel and how nothing in her life has quenched that thirst since she was a little girl. We told her she would have that again.

She is to be baptized on May 2, 2009. Her motives are pure and her heart sincere. She is a wonderful example of the elect Doctrine and Covenants 29:7 speaks of. I love that we get to help God in this work.Meanwhile Elder Kilifi met with a Philipino family of 6. This was our second lesson with them and they told him how true the Plan of Salvation is. They ALL committed to be baptized and confirmed on May 23, 2009.The good Lord is SO merciful and is plentifully blessing us!

This mission is transforming from the attitude of "maybe you'll see a baptism or two" (something my trainer told me at my missions start) to the attitude of "The field is white already to harvest." The Lords promises are fulfilled and I am humbled to be a servant in the vineyard gathering in the Children of God.

Love,Eldre McCarty

Pictures:

60 This is our district having a last district meal at Pancakes N Steaks. Good times!

61 Here's Elder McCarty's first Sushi! Made by Sister Klein who is from Japan and her cooking proves it! Delicious.

62 This is while we were teaching our Mexican friends at their home. They are all amazing and I love them even though all I can communicate is Hola!

63 The three amigos at their baptism. I was blessed with the privelage of being a part of it! I baptized Elisabeth who is always willing to give me a smile and a compassionate look that speaks "You have no idea what is going on but that's ok."