Elder Andrew McCarty

From Canadas flag to you Red white but no blue! 2-06-08‏

2010-12-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

A glorious day in Rocky Mountain House! Yes indeed I'm here at least until the second week or so in March (so it's safe to send those packages I know you've been preparing!) ha haWell I'm in a terrific mood today! I just went on exchanges with an Elder Rimer. He's from Olds (yes it's the only other city in our district.) Now Elder Rimer is a good man. He's not the most socially inclined person. He tries and for that I give him credit. I was a little nervous to go on exchanges since Elder Frost slightly compared his exchanges with Elder Rimer like torture, because of the awkwardness silence bares when you're with Elder Rimer. Nevertheless I approached it as best I could with the Idea that I would get some good out of the exchange! There's a little saying in the mission "miracles happen on exchanges." Now you may have a little pity for me at this point or maybe you're saying "Elder McCarty stop being so RUDE," but I'll politely remind you thus far I've told you only what I had been told concerning Elder Rimer. On our exchanges I was taught a lesson in true humility! Elder Rimer is from a family with 10 children. His upbringing was a little crude and his fathers work scattered. While he may not be the "coolest" by the standard of some of the Elders I've heard from, the man Elder Rimer is indeed the epitome of humble. The kind of humility he has is the type that sends a rippling effect through those sensible to it. I learned in that 24 hour period a lot about how I can be more humble. For this I greatly respect that Elder Rimer and the lesson in humility perhaps was at a time when I needed it. What a miracle that was!We tracted for about an hour to begin exchanges. Elder Rimer suddenly got excited when we came to the end of the street. "I know who we can try!" He said. We rushed back to the apartment and he grabbed his previous transfers planner. We returned to the suburbs and he parked the car. He told me they had tracted into a woman three or four weeks back and that he had forgotten about her. He said that he suddenly had the overwhelming idea that we NEEDED to visit her.Danitza is a woman from Chile. She's probably in her early 30's and we talked for about 20 minutes. While in Chile she was a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We got her a spanish Book of Mormon and just before leaving she said in her spanish accent "Yes in Chile I was very active, Who knows... Perhaps I will be re-activated." How exciting! She wants to learn more about the church and Elders Rimer and Sandstrom will be the men to teach her. Elder Rimer was incredibly excited and it oozed out of him for the rest of the day. You could simply feel his excitement. I felt it too but for some reason I didn't show it as much as Elder Rimer did.The lesson I wish to convey in my talking about Elder Rimer is that indeed "Every man [or woman[ I meet is indeed, in some way, my superior." I hope to remember that I have much to learn from every individual God has me come in contact with. Next time when the flesh is weak and the reputation of someone isn't the greatest I'm making it my goal to with renewed zeal say "I have much to learn from this individual."I'm so grateful for YOUR support. I mean your support in whatever way you show it! If that support is only shown in your reading these newsletters that is a blessing to me! May God keep you in the hallow of His ever protecting hand. Elder McCarty

John said it well‏ 10-14-09

2009-10-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T18:59:00.000-07:00


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

2009-09-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

(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

2009-09-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-20T20:07:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

Love love LOVE all ya need is love 27 May 2009‏

2009-06-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-07T10:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

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."

April 8, 2009

2009-04-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Oh my brothers and sisters. Today is a wonderful day! The sun is starting to break through the clouds again and the snow is all but gone (nearly.) I'm enjoying the blessings from God. I've truly felt His aid as we in the mission have sought to establish Zion within us to invoke the powers of heaven.

This week I went on Exchanges with Elder Michael Price. He went to Northridge high school (but theres still forgiveness) and is an amazing missionary. He was trained by one of the best. Now he is carrying forward the great work of the Lord in the "black hole" of the mission. I have been taught that the success God expects in this work is going to happen. When we commit ourselves to doing His work in His way we are bound to see His desired results. It's so simple and the application so powerful. Travis and Shvonne are a couple from Newfoundland. They're extremely kind and have been clearly prepared by God. We contacted them two weeks ago and Shvonnes questions began. Since that time they've been unceasing. It's been wonderful! One of her questions was " do you do baby blessings? I don't want Avery (their daughter) baptized until she can make that decision."We explained the priesthood blessing that is available for infants. When we told her about the restoration of the priesthood and that we can trace our authority back to Jesus Christ she said "I have goosebumps but... it's good." and "I want her blessed by that authority."Since then they have invited us for a traditional Jigs dinner which was an enjoyable time.I'm so excited to meet with them.

There are SO very many children that angels truly have prepared!I love you all. God bless and prosper you.

Eldre McCarty

Here's the pictures Explanations:

Good Brother Fernando. I decided to give the tie to him since he was already so close to looking like a missionary!

Walters Cafe! Est. 1908! This is in a tiny town called Legal. We were meeting to go on exchanges and decided to stop at Walters for a quick bite.

I've never shot from this part of the basketball court. You'll be pleased to know that I made it!

53 Elder Kilifi is THE MAN! He's my current companion and this is Zoey palmer. She and Elder Kilifi had a bit of a debate as to who's got the real ballerina skills. Though she ran I think the pink dress and tiara let her win!

Brother Warnakoulasooria Johan Fernando conducting the music at his own baptism!! What an amazing man. He's the one from Sri Lanka.

What a beautiful week! 3-25-09

2009-03-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Last week we joined Fort Mcmurray for a time and I was able to see Ashley Oneil who is doing fabulous! I'm so pleased with her strength and determination to live the gospel. She is the one recent convert from the days I served in Fort Mac.

Saturday at 4 oclock we had the baptism for the three amigos. My soul loves them! I can feel such a strong bond that transcends the language barrier. Elizabeth Hernandez asked me to baptize her. It was touching for me because the only real communication we've been able to have were smiles. She has such light in her eyes. As I pronounced the baptismal prayer in spanish I felt the peaceful assurance and rememberance the spirit brings. Upon Confirming her husband a member of the church I felt once again the words come to my mind even with the difficulty of having a translator.

We taught a woman named linda for the first time last night. She needs a change. Elder Kilifi and I each testified to her and at the same time felt prompted that she needs to know she is a daughter of God. Her current living situation is with an older man who makes it difficult for her to read the book of mormon or do what is right. He abuses her verbally from what she told us.To be able to testify to her of her importance and the specific and perfect plan God has for her was an experience upon which no price can be placed. We helped her last night to understand how much God desires her happiness and that she will be able to see her loved brother who committed suicide three years ago.

This work is amazing. I feel near tears as I reflect on what has happened in the short time I've been serving. I anticipate that much will yet happen that will fill my soul with joy!

Thank you all for everything you do. Please pardon the lack of pictures again. I will do my best to send some next week! I saw evidence of Gods hand every where I turned. I'll praise His name forever.
God bless you all!
Love, Eldre McCarty

Sheesh! Life is good 18 March 2009‏

2009-03-23T16:03:00.001-07:00

Last night we met with our three amigos Sergio Elizabeth and Omar. They are converted! The spirit has such great power.When we met the showed us an article in the news that had the horoscopes on it. They informed us that both Sergio and Elizabeth are Virgo. It just so happens that this papers horoscope read thusly, "An Elder will comfort you, a compassionate man will calm your fears." Or something similar.ELDERS we are! They were so excited. I took a picture of the horoscope and then a picture with them. Unfortunately my camera card reader is not here! I forgot it. MY apologies.

Then in the course of last night they also informed us that they were not married by anyone with authority. According to the Laws of Mexico however and according to their hearts and thoughts they are married. We explained marriage and that they may need to be married before baptism. We thought the day was going to be postponed.Calling president Rhodes we discovered that if they are lawfully wed according to mexicos laws we ought not force them to be married just to have it on paper.The baptism is on! I love Heavenly Father and His wisdom.Johan is on track for the week to come and seems solid and committed. A missionary nearly was sent home last week. His situation was serious. The First Presidency had to make the final decision.I have a great love and respect for this Elder. I knew he didn't want what happened to happen.I knelt down and pleaded with God that our dear prophet and his beloved counsellors would feel the earnest prayer of insignificant little Elder McCarty. I prayed that Gods will be done and that if possible my dear friend would be allowed to complete his mission in dedicated service.Later that day we recieved a phone call that says my prayer was answered and in a quite direct way. The prophet instructed that God wants this Elder to stay.I feel deep and powerful love for those I am serving and serving with. The people and land of Canada has become beatiful to me in the same way the people of Alma found the land and waters of mormon to be beautiful in mosiah 18:30.I know Gods hand is in our lives. We ought to and can trust in His almighty arm. Our paths He prepares and when we choose to be happy by our actions, the blessings of heaven and eternity are ours.My prayer for EVERY soul reading my words from afar is that happiness will be yours.

I love you. Thank you and may God continue to bless you.

Eldre McCarty

Yee haw! 11 March 2009‏

2009-03-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Picture Description!

I don't know which number is which but here are the descriptions for the photos.

Elder Kilifi and I with Elder Richards and Elder Marble eat good! See all the fruits. It's actually a fruit store not even just the section in superstore! YEAH Pretty sweet. It's not too shabby the way we eat I promise. That lady started asking me questions about the church because I told her I needed to take a picture because I'm far away from my family and they need to know I'm eating well!

Another one is of me trying out brother Laubmans crazy back fixing machine. I don't think it worked. It went up and down and moved my legs but I wasn't sure what it accomplished! ha ha

Lastly is a picture of our district minus the sisters and plus the Elders serving in whitecourt. This was the last time I have seen Elder Wright. He's an amazing man and has been through a lot to be here.

This week we had marvelous miracles.You may remember our good friend Johan Fernando! He bailed a little while back to Sri Lanka and some of his last words to me were that he had lost faith and couldn't understand why God would keep his family away from him. I bore my testimony to him to no avail that night. I feel a love for Johan that is strong. After hanging up the phone with him a prayed for around 30 minutes in tears pleading for a second chance with him and that his fail would be restored.Last week, Elder Kilifi answered the phone. The voice on it sounded familiar though I couldn't decipher and words. When Elder Kilifi asked "Who's joan?" I sprung from my chair to the phone.I will share with you that the joy I then felt is amazing! I feel strongly that Johan will be baptized and that his love for God is going to carry him. Heavenly Father is so merciful to his little Elder McCarty.In other news The three amigos (Sergio, Elizabeth, and Omar) are on for baptism in a week and one half. Elder Kyler McCarty wrote me this week telling me how to testify for him to them that they will feel many things and one word he used, Tranquility. Last night when asked how she felt when she prayed about the book of mormon and joseph smith she replied "tranquilo." The spirit knows no country lines and apparently is fearless towards the extreme weathers of paraguay and canada. The promise came after the fulfillment but it is no less a testimony to me that all things are done in the capable hands of our merciful creator.I am doing better at writing in my journal these days. I hope I can create a record that will be a testament to my family of the beauty and simplicity of the gospel and the way in which it blesses our lives.I love and miss you all. Thank you for your letters this week they were all marvelous and have helped me to feel full of love.I am grateful for your support and prayers!

Love,Eldre McCarty
P.S. Things at bullies barber didn't end up happening but Elder Kilifi gave me an african man hair cut. He calls it a fade! Unfortunately dad it's too short for corn rows. And Elder Kilifi said he doesn't know how to do a lightning bolt.:D Life is good.I love you

Weeks roll on! 2009-04-03 (march 4)‏

2009-03-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

Canadians write their date strangely! I think that's right but I may have gotten confused so I clarified. This week has been a good week. Elder Kilifi and I are getting along. The biggest differences we find are that he is Tongan and brown and that I am pasty and something else. Today we're going down into the slums on 118th avenue (where many of our investigators live) to get our hairs cut in an all african barber shop. I honestly think I may be the first white guy to darken their doorway! ha ha It should be interesting to see what happens. Hopefully they don't pull some joke and buzz a lightning bolt into the back of my head. I could see it happening. President Rhodes would have a word or two I'm sure. On the other hand were I a super hero I think such a haircut may be manditory.Throughout our efforts we have seen miracles left and right. The disappointments seem nearly par in frequency of occurrance. I am learning a new level of love for the people. Elder Kilifi is teaching me how I must know the investigators very deeply and God is showing me that I can Love them with or without that! Our mexican investigators are amazing! I feel a strong love toward them and the desire to share what I know to be true with them. They speak very little english so our communication runs far more shallow than our respect and adoration. I'm thankful for your prayers! Thank you for your support and encouragement by your words and deeds!
Love,Eldre McCarty

What week don't the miracles come? 25-02-09‏

2009-02-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

WOW! The gospel of Jesus Christ and the spirit by which it's communicated know no bounds. This week in our labors we've been blessed with 6 investigators who have agreed to be baptized and confirmed on a specific date. By the looks we ought to increase by at least two more today! The Lord does His work and FAST.
This week I have participated in french and spanish lessons in which the investigators have agreed to be baptized when they know the truth of the book of Mormon. Glorious! I testified in probably horrible spanish and assisted in the translation of our lesson into french. Also this last week we met with Nynetu Dorway who is a man from Liberia. He has great faith and tells us he feels so much like he has learned the plan of salvation before that he's convinced other churches teach it. We explained the reason it rings so true is because it IS and also because he has been taught it before this life.
Julius Tago a recent convert blessed the sacrament this week while another recent convert Banbi Mulatu passed the sacrament. The truth of those ordinances and the confirmation of the spirit came to me with power. Such joy filled my heart as I witnessed fresh testimonies and able sons of our God participate in bringing to me a remission of my sins. I truly feel blessed to see how we are, even after all our labors, yet unprofitable servants.
I never before understood how much faith can get us through such real and physical situations. On exchanges I was in the passenger seat of a Georgia driver driving in a canadian blizzard. Though we found the curb a few times I felt at least a douzen times the tires grip where they shouldn't have and I would not doubt that angels helped as I prayed fervantly. It's quite a sight to imagine and humorous as it is there is no way we made it through our exchange without help from above.
I miss and love you all!
May God bless and prosper you.

Thank you for your prayers and your support.
Love,Eldre McCarty

(Here in canada almost everything ending in ER is switched to RE so I decided I ought to conform my name too.) Ex. Centre, Theatre, etc...

2/18/09 No mass email but a few comments from his letter to MOM

2009-02-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you mom.
The insights you shared exhibit faith, hope and charity. Sounds like you're firmly rooted upon the three legged stool of christianity and therefore built on the rock of Jesus Christ. You may have heard it before but those three virtues are often referred to as the three legs that hold up the stool of christianity. Moroni 7 is such a phenomenal chapter on how those three interact.
I love you for all that you teach me.
The fact that whatever happens in the eternities will be taken care of as we take care of keeping the commandments of God is SO true.
The current Card that I keep with my camera doesn't have ALL of my pictures on it but it has some. I actually keep my camera in my pocket to be certain It's available when there is a kodak moment. ha ha I will keep it in mind though. I had a scare this morning that I thought I lost my full SD card. my heart jumped a few times.
Speaking of pictures and also the weekly email I haven't done them yet. I hope to be able to but I'm afraid I may not have time. I decided that it is far more important to write to my diligent mother to remind her how much I love and appreciate her than to write everyone at once. You may say that you think I should have writted everyone but I feel strongly that I made a good choice.
You deserve all the good I and your other two sons can give you. We are who we are because you chose to be who you are.
Thank you thank you thank you.
We all love you and are happy to support you in any way possible!
Love,
Elder McCarty

How sweet it is! 11 FEB 2009‏

2009-02-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

Kyler's mission and my own seem so alike despite the fact that he's in Paraguay and I'm in the frozen baren canadian tundra (slight exaggeration in hopes of increased the number of packages filled with deliciousness.)Transfers this week happened also in Londonderry. My companion Elder Kipp got moved to a Young Single Adult ward in Millwoods stake. He is awesome and I'll miss him. I wonder how he will do in a YSA since he is the ladies man type and his mission is winding down! ha ha We gave him a hard time.My new companion is Elder Kilifi! He is THE MAN. A big bold Tongan from south cali and presently rooted in seattle. He's a rugby player who has full ride scholarships at BYU and Cal state. Needless to say... I beat him up all the time. (the trouble comes when he wakes up.)Actually we're getting along pretty well. I feel similar to my South American Brother. He had transfers this last week also and has a new companion. The reputation Kyler mentioned having is no less than I expected and such a great one to have!Since we've been working together Elder Kilifi and I have been SO blessed by the Lord. I don't know how he is so merciful to us but despite the difficulty we find in keeping up with the new investegators He's given us we still are blessed with more! We're finding lots of people who are SO elect.Today I have a forged testimony of Faith. When I was told who my companion was to be I heard a lot of things from the missionaries around us in the city. I decisively kept my mind open and gave Elder Kilifi every benefit of the doubt. Rightfully so! I was a little afraid but I prayed for faith and recieved that marvelous gift and to my pleasant discovery Elder Kilifi is amazing.The work is progressing and exploding. I testify that powers far greater than ourselves are pushing this work along. Truly the spirit of God like a fire is burning! I love you each and miss you! Keep your pursuits steadfast and your sights raised.Keep yourselves in the tender care of our Father in Heaven.

Love,Elder Drew McCarty

Pictures:

ALRIGHT!

Top picture is of Elder Kilifi and I here at emails! I literally took it just NOW.

2nd picture is at the first baptism I've been privelaged to perform. Her name is marina Hewko and despite her family's disproval they still supported her and consented to her baptism. She's solid.

3rd picture is of me with My australian friends cool specs on! They look far better on him but I thought I'd get a picture. He got transfered down to greenfield so my guitar lessons are finished.

Last one is one of Elder Kipp and I with the Onzias! They are an amazing family from Sudan that were in Refugee camps and all sorts of stuff. They were baptized shortly before I came into the area. They're amazing!

Love, Elder McCarty

What a week! 04 Feb 2009

2009-02-05T08:06:00.001-08:00

For those who don't make it all the way through my letters awake, I want to testify that the purposes of God SHALL be accomplished. When we work with Him it is ourselves that are blessed!
What a glorious week in weather and also in what we recieved from God.
First Miracle for this e-mail is Jason White:
Walking to the library late for our coordination meeting Sunday morning Elder Kipp asked "is there a phone in the library?" I replied "I don't think so."
Upon entering we discovered that there is in fact a phone. Also equally important it was ringing.
Elder Kipp answered and spoke while I was making copies for our meeting. When I finished he did also. Looking up with the excitement that compared only to my brother Kyler and I when we opened our Nintendo 64 Christmas morning he said "Jason White is amazing."
He than explained that Jason is a man who found our number in the phone book. After calling a few churches we were the first to pick up the phone. Jason wanted to come to church and was willing to walk for one hour to get there. He's had a rough life and wants to repent and be happy the way God wants him to be happy.
He came to church and despite his two smoking breaks had a very good experience. At the end we gave him a book of mormon and he told us that he was excited to read it. We told him more about the lesson we had in priesthood which was conveniently on the priesthood. We explained the importance of the restoration and that through it we are able to gain more faith, repent, be baptized by proper authority, be confirmed to recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end.
Short story shorter, He set a baptismal date for February 21st! AMAZING. The purposes of God were accomplished.
Miracle number two is Ramona Bighead:
Ramona is a member of the church who is seeking to return to activity. She came to church sunday and asked us to meet with her monday night. We of course agreed.
We happened to be on exchanges and Elder Chappel came with me to her appointment. Despite opposition we made it there with only ten minutes to spare before our next appointment.
Ramona has a boyfriend who is not a member of the church. He wants to learn more and read the book of mormon. They explained that they wanted to turn to God and get married. She asked for a priesthood blessing after bearing to us her testimony. She's had many trials in her life and it was our privelage to give her such a blessing.
The purposes of God, in these two experiences particularly, in fact accomplished themselves! What an amazing thing to witness these things. How blessed are we to labor!
This is the most amazing place to be! I love my Holy Heavenly Father! I love my Savior. I'm forever in their debt for my dear family and goodly parents, as well as each of you as my friends and loved ones!
God bless you!
Elder McCarty
(From the north)

28 Jan. 2009 Gooday‏

2009-01-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

Elder Richard K. Melchin is the area authority here in alberta. He is such a wise man and gave us a number of opportunities to learn, ask questions and become enlightened by the wisdom with which he's been blessed.His ability to respond to the spirit has always been amazing to me. As we shook hands with him he held onto mine for a little longer than I expected. I had begun to walk away because I had said my thanks to him and as with the rest of the missionaries I anticipated that he would smile and let go.I stepped back to squarely face him. Still smiling he said to me "Elder you are a great missionary the light shines through your eyes." My heart felt nearly on fire. I anticipated nothing more than a simple hello and your welcome.Though my companion and others mocked me a little for the compliment it still pierced through my heart and made me feel like Heavenly Father spoke through him to me to help me know I'm doin alright.I love the experience a mission is. There is an unlimited supply of joy available to all who are willing to thrust their sickles in and with determination serve the lord to the end.Along with the Joy we have this week has also been amazing for having fun!On exchanges in Spruce Grove our first order of business was to go meet a man who is less active. We talked with him and he let me play his epiphone guitar. We felt a deep friendship and love for them and learned through course of conversation that his wife is not a member.They mentioned that missionaries in the past had visited them but never really taught her. We taught briefly the import of the Book of Mormon and testified the blessings it would bring. She consented to take the lessons and I am confident that she will progress! How great the miracles of our God.While there we also had played a short board game and while I lost horrible once I took the cake in round two! It was kind of like tic tac toe.We found a treadmill on its side in the church parking lot and decided to try and take it for a spin.My companion and I came up with a killer work-out so that we can be more in shape now than we ever have been!I've learned to play 2 new songs (partially) and am appauled at how quickly I'm learning!
I love you all and miss you! Take care
Elder McCarty
See new pictures below in the following post!

2009-01-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

This is me on the treadmill I told you about! It was actually in the parking lot of the stake center that shares a lot with the temple! Neat times!

Another is me with a giant sombraro and an authentic mexican guitar. I did my best to tune it but the wooden keys were a little sketchy!

Here's one of myself and the new Fort Mcmurray Crew! There are again four Elders up there and we got to go on exchanges again. That was THE most beautiful day! It got warm enough to melt snow! Oh we were soaking up the sun and it was amazing.

Last picture is one of me with a sign entering a sweet town with a righteous name! The snow out there was literally knee deep and this day was not as warm.... The sacrifices I make to be a model! ha ha I own this town. They also have a huge mallard duck that I tried to migrate with but I have no time to add that picture too.

I love you and miss you all! Enjoy!

Elder McCarty

Heyo 01/21/09

2009-01-22T15:50:00.001-08:00

Well today is a beautiful day! Four days this week we've been above 0 C! The sun feels amazing and helps with missionary work. Lots more people are out and about. It's such an amazing place out here.
It's tremendous how often things can eb and flow.
Last week we were driving home from a meeting and planned to go home and pack. Suddenly while we was driving we had a distinct thought about one of the potential investegators we had never met. Her name is Aminata so I knew I didn't come up with the name in my head on my own. We would shortly be home and her house was a 5 minute detour but we decided to go and see her.
We knocked on the door once and no answer came. Knowing we felt impressed to go to so we knocked once more, this time a little louder.
We heard a frightened voice on the other side of the door say "Who is it?!" We replied "The Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ." She hesitated, asked again, and we replied the same way. She opened the door and invited us in.
She was on the telephone but there stood Aminata. We discussed religion with her briefly and she told us she was Muslim but also a little christian.
We bore testimony of the Book of Mormon and gave her a free copy. She told us she and her son would be willing to meet with us the following Sunday.
We returned and taught them. Near the end I felt impressed to extend a baptism committment. Aminata replied "I would like to set that goal to be baptized."
My heart jumped! What a tremendous miracle. I have lately been working to follow the spirit more fully and this experience was a testament to me that we were following the promptings from a higher source.
Since that meeting she has informed us that her husband who is in London told her not to believe the book. She replied to him "you don't know anything about the book of mormon!" Their verdict in discussing it was that when he comes here they will learn together.
Though the date for baptism will not work I have faith that they will accept the gospel at a future day!
I love the joy I feel when we see miracles like this!
I miss you all very much and apologize that once again there are no pictures but maybe I will just have to buy an SD card reader.
I love you!
Elder McCarty

No photos today. Sorry mates - 14 Jan 2009

2009-01-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

The aussi in our district accidently forgot his SD card reader today so unfortunately the pictures I wanted to send are stuck in my camera and they can't get out. Tragic I know.
Do me a favor though and don't show up to his house with a pitchfork and torch because it was an honest mistake and I told him that he gets three strikes. I'll give you the signal when he messes up twice more!
Actually I love Elder Mckay! He's a stud muffin and is giving me the low down on music theory.
Honestly family and friends there are so many amazing people here! It's hard to believe that I'm as far gone in the mission as I am. I'm sure I don't need to explain the mix of emotions again but I feel it often.
The day is cold and snowy. There's been lots of snow lately actually! It's crazy I LITERALLY was up to my knees in snow yesterday. That's pretty funny because Kyler down in paraguay told me the Paraguayans love it when he tells them Utah had snow like that (even though it rarely does.) I'm living his tall tale up here!
I got some sweet pictures in a little town called ANDREW! ha ha yeah It's pretty neat. There's a picture of me trying to fly south for the winter (<- a joke that won't land until I can sent the picture) and some other sweet ones so look forward with anticipation to those!
President Rhodes spoke on Joy last week. I want to recapitulate some of his thoughts! (how many bonus points for the ridiculous word?) I actually am not sure if I used it correctly but I heard it on a talk by Truman G. Madsen so I hope it's good.
President Rhodes emphasized how important Joy is. Said he "I don't think the Plan of Happiness would be attractive to me were it a plan for anything else [but happiness.]"
This life as well as our eternal existence is calculated for eternal life which is a fulness of Joy. I feel now certain that Joy is what we ought to aim for. However we mustn't mistake Joy for satans imposter feeling of temporal pleasure or "fun." We find in Talmage's Jesus The Christ a reference and quote on happiness and inferior pleasure.
I know by the power of the spirit of our Almighty God that joy is available! We oft find that misery must be part of this life but one of that feelings objects is to sweeten our JOY!
Do you seek it? Do you desire it? I know if I had not been informed my question would be "How do I obtain it?" I will tell you, the straight and narrow way is our formula for joy. We must have faith, repent, be baptized (by water and the spirit,) recieve the priesthoods (if male,) be endowed with power from on high, and sealed for eternity in the covenant of marriage by choice and the holy spirit of promise. I tell you in testimony THIS is the straight and narrow way (matt 7:14) THIS is how we nourish with all diligence the seed which we plant within us (alma 32:41.) I bear sacred witness as a representative of our Savior if ye shall keep these sayings and do them "Ye SHALL have eternal life."
This is joy.
I love you. I miss you. I pray for you and I thank you for your prayers and your support.
If you can do one thing for me it would be this BE TRULY HAPPY. This is where I feel happy.
Love,
Elder McCarty

Hi Hi! 1-07-08 with pictures!

2009-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

Family and Friends! I love you.

Thank you for everything. After reading some of Kylers blog that my mom Emails to me I decided I needed to try harder to attach pictures and found out I CAN! I have tried in the past and failed but today it works. Yahoo!

525 Is a Picture with Julius Tago! The only way this man could have been more prepared is if we had found him already dressed in white and standing in a Font. He was baptized on the 27th and confirmed the following day!

524 Is of Myself and companion Elder Kipp at the Onzias home for christmas! They're an amazing family of recent converts.

533 This is on preparation day when the whole zone came to our house and we made food for them. It was on New years eve day! We had a lot of fun.

520 Elder Kipp and I in our Christmas Card picture! We've been passing these out to all the members who had us over.

I realize that pictures make a big difference! I hope they'll make a big enough difference because they also take time.
This week I've been truly edified by charity and enlightened by the knowledge I've been given. We're still working hard to find teach baptize and retain and the Lord is blessing us tremendously.
I proclaim with my brother that God lives and loves us. Jesus Christ will succor (or run to in time of need) all of us if we turn to Him.
Joy is the object of our existance and this plan of salvation.
Keep your head high and your eyes fixed. May God be with you!
Love,
Elder McCarty

Happy New Year 12-31-08

2009-01-01T12:17:00.001-08:00

Good day my friends. 
First of all MIRACLE! Julius Tago is a name that may be familiar for you! He is THE MAN. He is from Kenya originally and a referral we recieved from Patrick Keys (a member in central Edmonton.) WE recieved a phone call from Julius on Friday Dec 26th. His baptismal date was set for the 27th. He said, "Elder? We need to meet today I have to be baptized tomorrow." In reply we were nearly jumping up and down! 
An hour later we taught Julius lessons 1-4. He had already attended church 2 times and was prepared by angels to recieve baptism! What an amazing weekend. He was confirmed in sacrament meeting and is going to be a strong member of the church.
It's experiences like these that make me feel like all we can do in this work is rely upon God. It is He who provided all that was necessary for this miracle. I love this area!
Transfer calls have come and gone again. Elder Kipp and I are staying but the zone and district in which we serve have changed dramatically. I see great things in the future! 
It's odd to see missionaries leave. Elder Boulton is likely on a plan to Orange County right now. President Rhodes announced that as of yesterday, one third of our mission has been in the field under 7 weeks! That is a young mission. 
Though we are all in all young President Rhodes said, "there is no missionary that has been in the field that is any more capable than you that are now coming in. Yes we appreciate and respect the wisdom and experience of those that have been serving for longer. However, you have each been called, commissioned, ordained, endowed and set apart. You are ready to succeed."
He went on to explain that Charity, the pure love of Christ is what will get us where we need to be so that we may accomplish the "perfect will of God."
There are big things ahead for us all. If we will but pray with all the energy of heart we may obtain this Love that will lift our burdens, strengthen our arms and raise us onward to eternal life.
I love this work and my Savior. I love you and I'm so grateful for you!
Thank you,
Love,
Elder McCarty
(in the cold white north)

Time comes at a price! 12-17-08‏

2008-12-17T19:44:00.001-08:00

Today I have returned to my previous method of writing. I'll today begin with my newsletter so I have more time to write all the miracles that are happening. The trouble is, as a result I may not be able to respond to as many personally as I would like. Let me know if this is a good exchange or not!Julius Tago is a new investegator this past week. He was referred to us by a man named Patrick Keys. He's not in our ward but is a member in southern edmonton. Julius was eager to meet with us and told us in the first 5 minutes "since speaking with Patrick I've begun to understand why some people change religion." Now I know it took some superhuman perception but for me that was a small hint to how ready and prepared Julius tago is.As we began with prayer and started into the lesson Julius looked intensely at the Book of Mormon we presented him with. The look in his eyes was full with gratitude and praise and he was clearly listening to every word we spoke. After teaching him about the Godhead and that God is his loving Heavenly Father, Julius stopped us. He said " my brothers, I want to learn about the basic principles but I have only five minutes left tonight. I want to know what I need to DO."Here once again my superhuman radar went off saying, Julius has been prepared by God. We showed him Moroni 10:3-5, a scripture based on how "by the power of the Holy Ghost [we] may know the truth of all things." He drank in the concept and loved it.Next we told him that in order to show real intent which is one of the requirements in verse 4 of Moroni chapter 10 we wanted him to set a baptismal date! He was eager and willing. December 27, 2008 is the day he has set. Julius said he would not be able to come to church the following day because he wanted to bid farewell to the baptist congregation he had been attending. We explained that he must be to church 2 times before baptism so he would either have to come for sacrament meeting or postpone his baptism. "I will be there" was his simple and dedicated reply. Sure enough he was at church.I am SO excited about the miracles that God has and is blessing us with.Johan Fernando is from Sri Lanka. I've mentioned him in the past. His family has applied for visas and are waiting a reply from the Canadian embassy. We've fasted with Johan for his family and we are excited to meet them. We're keeping as much faith as we can that they will be here for Christmas. Johan still plans for baptism on December 27th also.Zephaniah and Tapiwa with their daughter Sharon have postponed their baptism. They're not yet prepared to come to church and experience those blessings. We'll be meeting with them on Sunday.Marina is a 17 year old young woman. She came to the missionaries two weeks before I was in Edmonton again and said "I'm ready to be baptized." Elder Kipp and Elder smith said "ok." ha ha (That's usually our response to remarks like this one.) She is eating up all she can of the pamphlets her friend in the church has given her. Finally her father (who opposes the church) gave her permission to be taught and baptized.There is the run down on the 7 baptismal dates that are set in Londonderry. MIRACLES I tell you.I love the Lord. I am learning more fully how I can submit myself to Christ. In submission we are empowered. The only way to understand this concept is to experience it. Do you have the faith? It only takes a mustard seed. Pray mightily, work mightily, live by the spirit, have faith, and give the glory to Him who deserves it. THIS is the formula we've been given to submit to Christ. I promise you in the spirit of my calling as a humble servant of Jesus Christ, submission to Him is where happiness eternally lies."Prove me now herewith." (Malachi 3:10)I love you all! Smile and feel the spirit of Christ in this season.Elder McCarty(Canadian one)

WOW 12-10-08‏

2008-12-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know where time flies but it seems to come and go again and again with each blink of my eyes and each breath I take. Impossible must be the task to catch up to time and to subdue it so that we can accomplish all we wish to.Today has been good. We went to west edmonton mall as a district. It's a big mall. I think it's second largest in the world. I'm not a big shopper or anything and didn't buy anything but it was a good time building friendships.We've seen so many miracles!Our Mission President has challenged us to get one extra new investigator each week. This week we had 9 new investegators! That's more than I ever imagined. I'm so excited to see the way the Lord will make possible the 12 that we'll be required to get shortly. This Sunday my companion and I had a goal of 5 total baptismal dates for the week. Early in the week we had already gotten two. Sunday came and that is the end of the Key indicator week. Church came and went. We met with Johan (who is still set for baptism on Dec 27) and a few of our appointments fell through. The Cardinals were one that we hoped to set a date with. No luck. They all were sick and could not have us.We met with Zeph and Tapiwa with their two small children. The spirit was strong and I felt the spirit prompting me to be bold. We committed this seventh day adventist family to baptism after the first time we met with them! They declined. He said "When I know THEN I will set the goal to be baptized. We shared Ether 12:6 and told him "Zeph you must show fait if you truly want to know." He then accepted!Oh how the Lord blesses us. I love this work and I love all of you! Thank you for your support and love.
I look forward to seeing you all again!
Love,Elder McCarty

Not enough time in the day... or emails! 12-03-08‏

2008-12-03T12:15:00.001-08:00

Wow! I'm so sorry I can't give everything I want to give but time is super short.This last saturday morning Ashley Oneil in Fort Mcmurray was baptized! I was able to be there and it was a powerful spiritual experience. Also while visiting on exchanges miracles happened and we were able to contact an investegator who had disappeared but recognized me and came to say hello! Also we caught the Keyworths who are an amazing family on their way back to church. I am filled with hope. I now have a better view upon what that means. Reading Hope in Preach my Gospel chapter six I learned that the major lessons I'm developing tie in perfectly with this christlike attribute.In life setting goals is extremely important. President Rhodes asked "could it be that becoming like Christ starts on Preach My Gospel page 146?" That is a page on setting goals. Lately I've come to understand that prayerfully setting goals means that we set the goals God wants us to set rather than what we thing we're capable of. When we do this we can "believe and expect" (PMG Ch6 headline HOPE) the miracles that enable those goals to be accomplished!I have a firm and ever strengthening testimony. Jesus is the Christ. He and our Eternal Father invite ALL men, women, and children, to come unto them! Moroni 10 talks about the covenant of the father. The basis of that covenant is to make us holy! Jesus shall make us holy if we do as He has pled us. The spirit will guide. My question and invitation this day is "How might you more fully come unto Christ? Will you prayerfully set goals and expect and believe the shall be accomplished?"
I love you. I miss you all.
Thank you for EVERYTHING.
Love,Elder McCarty

Beautiful day! 11-26-08‏

2008-11-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

Today is truly a gorgeous day! The temperature is a mild -1 C and there is STILL no snow to speak of here in Edmonton. The blizzards had begun when I was in Fort Mcmurray but winter hasn't yet caught up to me. I'm afraid that the lead I've gained will be short lived.We had an amazing meeting with our Mission President. He invited President Holt who is the temple president to com speak with us. He taught us what it means to be endowed with power from on high. WOW. My mind was sent for a spin and I now more understand the calling I have and the power our Father offers us when we act in faith and righteousness.Sunday we met with Johan! Talk about an amazing man. He is from Shrie lanka (if you know how to spell it please correct me.) It's an island off the coast of india. The majority of the population are buddhist and hindu. He is from the catholic church. 5000 men rose up to commit genocide to the people with christian belief.The bishop of his church told him to turn the other cheek but he said "If their cause was just I would turn the other cheek, but because it is not I will stand and fight." We expained that although Jesus submitted when he needed to he also cleansed the temple! Johan has a wife and kids that are still stuck in the country of persecution. They're working on getting them to come here but are having difficulty. The faith he has is evident in his expression that his family will join him for Christmas in Canada. As we taught him his concern was that his family is right now his priority. We taught the Plan of Salvation. Near the end we committed him to baptism and he continued that his family needed to remain top priority. We explained that his baptism is FOR his family. We talked about his family being eternal IF they go to the celestial kingdom. The catholic doctrine contradicts eternal families. As you may imagine his distance from his dear family makes being with them eternally quite a sweet thought. We bore testimony that the gate of baptism leads him and his family to being together forever and living in the presence of our exalted heavenly father!He accepted and will be baptized on Dec 27th 2008. I am SO excited for the miracles that have and DO happen each day. I love the fact that as Johan does we can and ought to all have faith to make changes to help us return with our God and our Families as is explained in Helaman 3:30 "to go no more out."Also some exciting things, I get to go up to Fort Mcmurray to see Ashleys baptism this weekend! I'm so stoked. She is an amazing girl and has faith to be like a lion even through her nature to be lamb-like. She's a great example also. Her family doesn't particularly support her but they don't oppose her either. She's acting with a lot of faith and I'm so excited for her to be blessed!I love this work. It is of God. Thomas S. Monson is a prophet OF GOD. We often accept ownership and say he is our prophet but let us not forget that primarily he is God's prophet ordained, sent and set apart from evil for you and I and all our brothers and sisters.I love and miss you. Take the best of care of yourself.Elder McCartyof canada

Nice marnin dis marnin‏ 11-19-08

2008-11-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

But it mightn't be sa nice a marnin nex marnin.
Yes It's true the newfy language still lingers.Big news! Transfer calls came and I am now down in Londenderry. It's in the same Zone/stake as Fort Mac but it's in Edmonton.
I'm now covering one of the family wards that comprises the singles ward I served in before Fort Mac! Pretty spiffy.
This is a fantastic area. The Elders that have previously been here are hard working and obedient. In fact the reputation is so high for Londenderry that it has been the contributor this year to around 1/7th of the baptisms for the whole mission. That's some quick in the head not specific math but I think it's pretty close. Out of 130 Missionaries it's significant that an area with only two would be so high!
Elder Sean Mitchell Kipp and I are seeking earnestly to maintain and press further the work here. It's a big Job but the Lord wills it and we will do all in our power.
MIRACLE: As I walked in to the bedroom this morning to get socks on (yes it's getting chilly up here) the phone rang. I ran to pick it up and the voice asked for some organization. I explained who we were and she was confused. I elaborated that sometimes people call us "The mormons." She gasped! "Oh I've been trying to contact you for so long. The only mormon I know moved to calgary and we lost contact but I need the Lord in my life so badly. Can you come and give me some of your materials?".... I said "yes."
Barb is going through a hard time. Her ex husband struggles with drugs and alcohol and the divorce is taking it's toll on her. She said she will be at church and we'll be attempting to contact her immediately after we email!
Angels have gone forth and prepared Gods children to recieve this message. I encourage each of you to pray and consider who you know that needs peace, consolation, strength, and love in their life. Decide today that you will be a servant worthy of being called an angel who prepares the way for future or present missionaries. Today is the day.
I love you all and my soul is rejuvenated. I'm eager and ready to serve even through my fears and weaknesses. Take the best of care and have a happy thanksgiving down in the good ol' U. S. of Eh?
Love,Elder McCarty
P.s. the address that is best to send packages is now:
Elder Andrew McCarty
Canada Edmonton Mission Office
8925 51st Avenue Suite 305
Edmonton, AB T6E 5J3
Canada
The office wanted us to warn you all that in will take a minimum of 3-4 weeks for packages from home to arrive. Please send me lots of letters! :D
I love you!

LIfe is great! 11-12-08‏ (and pictures too!)

2008-11-12T15:36:00.000-08:00

Well it's now week six. That means it's the end of the road for Elder David Woodruff Hill! He'll be flying home one week from today. Mom and Glen or Dad and Patti, You'll have to have him over for supper and he can share with you a lot of the experiences we're having that I never think of when I'm finally sitting down at the computer. Trust me he'll need to have some people cooking for him when he get's down there. I'll get you his information probably next week. I gave him yours too but who knows how soon he'll contact you!As for me I'm not sure what's going to happen. Logic says I'll probably be stickin around in Fort Mac but logic submits to revelation.

Who knows what's on the plans?Last Thursday we met with Ashley again! She's getting baptized on November 29th. I'm so excited for her! She's absolutely golden. She was so worried about the fact that her parents weren't interested and apologized profusely. We told her that her example of faith and willingness to submit to Gods will would inspire her family. When she broke the news to her Mum that she's planning to be baptized her mom decided that she is more interested in learning and should be at our next meeting! How amazing. I have adoration for the valiant souls God has prepared and that are willing to act without stubbornness of heart. I'm extremely encouraged.

My hair is getting long! I know Dad you'll never believe that I now consider the length at which my hair is now to be long but it's true. I need to get a hair cut. I'll hopefully attach some pictures this week of a lot of the folks we've been meeting with!I want you all to know that I Love the Lord. I also love truth. It's simplicity and power motivates me. I so look forward to each day when I get to learn more about the truths that we've been given. I also look forward to each opportunity to open the eyes of our brothers and sisters to see the salvation of God.

I've been realizing more and more the kind of love I've gained for so many families and individuals here in Fort Mcmurray. It's a great place to be.I have a testimony of the active role of our Heavenly Father in our lives. He is near. He loves you! Happiness is a gift from him available to all who will draw nearer and nearer unto Him. I so pray that this will be all of our determination. Love, Elder McCarty

Pictures Explanations:

This Is Bruce. He is The King of the Newfs. We think it's a conspiracy but our stradegy is if we can teach and baptize Bruce than all of the Newfoundlanders will follow! He's a great man and has been the source of the Newfy meals the salvation army has cooked for us. If you ever meet him think twice before you speak with him. He's hard to understand with a mile a minute mumble!

This is the Davis Family. These are some of the greatest people! I love the whole family. Steve is next to me with Iaasac on his back. Steves wife is Laurel with Elijah in her lap. Their neice is visiting from Calgary with her soon to be missionary boyfriend. Elder hill is on the left. The had us over for Elder hills last supper with them. Supper was Abel Skivers! They were delicious and completely a mystery to me.

The date on the picture is goofy. I thought I was setting it for 10-17-2008 but it ended differently. This was my anniversery of the day I entered the MTC. Hence the tie on head with the belt as a sash and the half tucked shirt. My tie got in the cake frosting so I had to get it off somehow. Notice the single candle! ha ha I call this my mid life crisis.

418 Pierette Coomb and Marsha Fay Pittman are far left. They're the two newfy girls who work at the hospital where we do weekly service. Alaina King is between Elder Hill and I (not recommended for a close companionship.) They're a fun bunch to be with. Only Marsha has been interested in the gospel and struggles with living arrangements. She had a baptismal date but it fell through on account of her still living with her boyfriend.

Ok I love you all! Take care of yourselves!

Note: You can turn off the music

2008-11-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

Just scroll down to the ipod icon and press the pause button to stop the music for this viewing session. Then you can heard the sound on the videos.

Familia and Friends! 11-05-08

2008-11-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Well hello there!
This week has been super.
Upon my mind and soul lately has been impressed the peace available when we do our best.
Sunday November 2nd we met with Ashley O'neil. We now have her phone number so we no longer rely upon Ben Galenzoski a great young man in our ward. I have great respect for him but he's not getting a career in careful diligent planning just yet. That's a huge thing my mission has done for me and I'm certain it will do the same for him.
We told Ashley that we wanted to meet with her whole family. Don (dad) Nikki (mom) Dana (sister) and Ashley all were prepared to watch a movie with us. We sat down and introduced in by teaching the first principles of lesson one.
As we watched the movie the spirit was strong. I felt impressed that after we should challenge them to prayerfully discuss as a family if the will investegate. This evening was based more around our friendship with the family than their interest in the gospel. So we hoped to get them learning and eager.
As we talked about the movie and committed them they turned down our offer to take the lessons. We still managed to commit them to talk and pray about it. I was disappointed but less downspirited as I expected. I bore my testimony to them and told them of a few of the blessings they would recieve from the restored gospel. We closed with prayer and left.
Ashley walked us to the door. At the landing while we were putting on our shoes she said with a tremor in her voice and tears in her eyes "I still want to learn." I smiled and told her we still want to teach her. I could see the emotion as she expressed her desire to continue in the lessons.
Walking to the truck I looked up in the night sky. Just as our Father aligns planets, stars and galaxies, He aligns His children. If we act in obedience to His will harmony is the inevitable result. I felt that I had done our Fathers will and that Ashley will progress and be a brightly lit example to her family and perhaps after years, the O'neil family will accept the gospel.
I love God. I know the living Christ and His living Father have their living church. I rejoice in the glory of our great and eternal head. I know, in part, the blessings that come to us from obedience.
May you be blessed and lifted up. I pray for your spiritual experiences.
Love,
Elder McCarty
Mom (Becky) with the Elder McCarty Standup earlier this year

Humbled and made bold 10-29-08‏

2008-10-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

I read Elder McCarty's (Kyler's) letters and am thrilled with the messages he bares. I love the pictures he sends and I am going to be better at taking more to send with my weekly letter. I hope the spirit is with my email in the same way I feel the spirit when I read his.It's a beautiful week. Zone Conference always lifts me up. As an added bonus we are allowed to attend the temple. I get exhausted when I feel so much of the spirit. It's always amazing to me how much revelation is available to us. So many impressions have been made on my mind and my heart. I learned a lot about the covenant of our father. It's so concisely stated in Moroni 10:32-33. This is the Abrahamic Covenant. What a tremendous thought that through it we shall become holy! Could you imagine how that might feel? I think we get a taste of it each time we feel the peace the atonement offers us. That peace overpowers doubt, fear, inadequacy, sin, darkness, and all other weapons the adversary uses.While in Edmonton we were able to visit our investegator Ashley Oneil. She is in the Hospital and is a very sick girl. Her stomach is basically paralyzed. They have her living off an IV and pumps. We taught about priesthood blessings but she didn't ask for one. I want her to have the peace and strength that comes from it. She amazes me with the cheerful attitude she maintains and the way she conducts herself through such trying afflictions.I have thought much lately upon the subject of prayer. I have been reading through 1 nephi. Nephi's searching question to his elder brothers in Chapter 15:8 "Have ye inquired of the Lord?" penetrated my heart. I wonder if we can ever as mortals truly grasp and experience the true power prayer offers. As we do all we can to understand what God would have for us tremendous blessings pour out. The will of God is manifest and our souls are brought nearer to Him. Let us pray a little bit more, maybe a little more sincere, and perhaps with ever increasing conviction and understanding.So many great things are happening. Fort Mcmurray is progressing. I look forward to seeing all that God has in store for us!I love you all and am ever grateful for your prayers and support.Elder McCarty

Wonder of wonder MIRACLES of MIRACLES! 10-22-08

2008-10-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

I borrow a line from the beloved (and long passed) Mr. Rogers, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood." Word on the street is back in Utah fluffy white came falling recently. We got a super slushy rain a little bit back but nothing stuck. I think Utah wins the race this year. Pretty impressive.We've been blessed so very much this week. I begin with the story of last Preparation day.As usual we left emails (taking more time than we planned... also as usual.) Lucky for us we don't have a limit on how long we email just as long as we have time for our other Preparation activities. We left to visit the greyhound. Elder Hill goes home in one month and wants to send a box home so his luggage is lighter and he can fly in peace. As we walked through the glass doors two African women looked at us and their eyes lit up! Surprised at such a reception we began talking with them. "That's our church!" They exclaimed pointing at our name tags. "We just bussed in from Montreal and tried to contact someone from the church but haven't been able to. We still have no place to sleep and we need a place to stay so that we can work and get a place of our own" Said Kereng.These two sisters in fact are not members. They are investegators who could find only minimal work in Montreal since they speak no french. They came to Fort Mcmurray looking for a better life but planned poorly and found themselves in a tight situation.We sought help from all sources we could and though many wished to help there was little that could be done. They have been staying in a shelter and are beginning work. Both Kereng and Jenet told us of their love for the Book of Mormon. They told us of the faith that has sustained them and the assurance they had that things would improve.What a marvelous miracle that God led us to them and that we now are able to teach them and bring them into the fold of God. I see them in white even though they have not yet committed to baptism.On sunday an unexpected visitor named Yvonne joined us. She is amazing! She accompanied the relief society president sister Sharlene Graves. We set up a time to meet with her.As we met last night we sought to teach with simplicity and to testify boldly concluding that we wished to challenge her to prepare for baptism. As we did these things I felt a powerful measure of the spirit. I know that she felt it also because she committed to it! Her uncle (an active member) bore testimony of the truth and how it had impacted his life since converting. Her Baptismal date is November 15th 2008. We are SO excited for her.I love this work. My hunger for others salvation is on the increase. My frustration pertaining to my inability is decreasing and the powers of God are being manifest on every hand. I KNOW that peace and comfort are available to us. I know that our loving Father in Heaven answers our prayers because I have been fervantly praying for someone with whom we could accomplish the purpose God has given us and they have truly come.I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and support. I'm forever in your debt for the blessings I receive.
Love,Elder McCarty

Holy Moley. October 15, 2008

2008-10-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well everybody I'm out numbered. My companion is on his missions last leg, four Elders just returned from their missions into the wards we serve in, my Mom, my friends, even my sub conscious are all teamed up against me. I haven't found myself feeling "Trunky" as missionaries call it. Recently however I have been longing some for home. I miss all of you so much. It seems like only yesterday that I was receiving my call and it felt like forever away. I can't believe how long it's now been. Yes I admit, it's my 12 month mark on Friday.As I look back on the 12 months I've thus far had I see a lot of good experiences. I see many things that I've learned. I recognize a few people upon whom I feel my testimony has impacted. I know it has by no means been a waste. However, I also see the need for improvement. As President Monson has spoken of I recognize I must "learn from the past, prepare for the future and live in the present."Today is the day. Doctrine and Covenants 64:25 (23-25) talks about today. "Wherefore, if ye believe in [Christ,] ye will labor while it is called today." Well I do. So I am and will continue to. Step by step I will lay my foundation upon the rock of our Redeemer. In this section is one of my favorite scriptures. Verse 33 states "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."Brick by brick I'll lay the foundation. The mortar I will use will be of the finest blend. Held together by the atonement of a Superior Savior this foundation cannot fail.I have a living testimony of the living God, and His living Son. The Holy Spirit is offered to all willing to recieve it and I know first hand the blessings that come from so doing. The fruits far out weigh the labor required. There is no better return on an investment than to give that which is temporal, which entails fleeting pleasure for that which is eternal, bound to everlasting happiness. It's a small price for an infinite reward.I love you each and rejoice that some day we will again meet. See that you take good care of yourself. Let us labor while it is called today.
Elder McCarty

Transfers Yesterday! Any guesses? 10-08-08

2008-10-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yep it's true calls came. The meeting was yesterday and new companions were assigned. Again starts the commotion of learning, loving, living and pressing on. I loved the way Elder McCarty (Kyler) explained the peruvian response to "How are you?" As they say, "I'm fighting."Truth be told No call came and no meeting was attended. I remain in Fort Mcmurray. Elder Hill has the big transfer in the sky in under 6 weeks. He's ready but I don't think he's quite steady. It's a frightening thing that the mission could come to an end. Luckily he remains sure and has the strong determination to continue in the work. We're working hard and the fruits of our labors are there. Not always are the fruits measured but the are always noticable.General Conference was amazing. I was blown away by the spirit in each session. Without a doubt I know that those great men speak by the power of the Holy Ghost.My personal favoritewas by Elder Andersen I believe. The man is in one of the seventy and he spoke on how we "know enough." The story of hadly who boldy bore testimony and took comfort in the atonement of Jesus Christ pierced my heart, The missionary who wanted to return home because he didn't think he knew God loved him, and the stern, loving reply "You do know God loves you," all to me brought whisperings from the holy spirit and peace to my soul.Well I apologize for the shortness of this email but I have to go. I love you all very much and miss you! I look forward to the day at which we will once again meet and rejoice that our love for each other has not been diminished by time. As was taught in the MTC to me, "absence is to love as wind is to fire. It diminishes the weak while enraging the strong." I have faith that it will so be.With strong love,Elder McCartyP.s. I will be making a more diligent effort to write hand letters to all that I can. If you want one the safest way to ensure it is by sending one to me! ha ha :
D116 Romar Street
Fort Mcmurray, AB
T9h 2V9 Canada

Muslim Witness and Catholic fever! 10-01-08

2008-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! We've had some cool experiences this last week! I never thought I would know how much I now know about so many different churches. It always seems to draw me back and appreciate the blessings I and we recieve in and from the church.September 27th (last Saturday) we had an appointment with an investegator of ours. Badran is his name. He is from the middle east. You may have decided by now but he is Muslim. What a kind man he is. When we set the evening and time for our appointment he let us know that there would be two priests from the muslim faith at his home for supper. One of those priests came to Fort Mcmurray all the way from Jordan!In any case we anticipated it to be a quiet evening with just the 6 of us (we brought a member of the ward.) As we knocked on the door an unfamiliar man answered. He gestured for us to enter and we did. He walked down the stairs. We followed.Turning at the mid landing of the stairs in this townhouse I noticed 5 muslim men in my view sitting on the floor. We finally entered the unfinished basement and there were 13 men sitting in a large oval. Some looked muslim and some only dressed like they were muslim but all of them were muslim.They cleared some space on the floor and we sat. Badran then came down and explained to us the feast that lay before us. Lamb and rice, soups, salads, fruit, deserts all in traditional middle eastern fashion. He told us we MUST try some. We gladly consented even though we had all eaten previously.This evening was the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month long fast that muslims carry on each year. All hours of daylight are fasted but in the evenings they eat all they desire. In any case they were having the month end feast. None of it was super exotic but all of it was new for me. We ate our fill. Then we ate some more. Finally the time came that many of them had to go to the mosk to lead in the evening prayer they do each day. The priests each shook our hands and invited us to come to the mosk any time we want. Around half of the people left and we realized the time. It was almost 9:00 so we had to get moving along. Before leaving I asked if we could get a picture and here-in you'll have that attached.What a neat experience that I didn't ever quite anticipate having here in Fort Mcmurray canada. We had the opportunity that night to explain some of the basic doctrines of our religion and to clear misconception between their thoughts on the book of mormon.

As for the witness experience of the week it is less exciting. Bryan Barry our investegator informed us he was no longer interested in reading and praying about the book of mormon. He offered to continue meeting. We informed him that since we're not here to convince or persuade we could no longer meet with him unless he would read and pray. It was a hard decision to make and it felt like pulling out my heart but it had to happen. I will keep in touch with him because he is a really good man!

Finally the Catholic experience. Carla Saunders is a aboriginal woman who was victim to some of the unfortunate abuse that occurred in some of the catholic schools. She decided she would never again return to a church. We have talked a few times. She is busy as an electrician instructor at the college here.About a month ago she told us her office number and to stop by from time to time. While we were going about our business on monday we had some spare time. Once I realized this immediately there came into my mind the impression to visit Carla. She wasn't planned nor was she particularly on the way but we decided to follow it.Carla was excited to see us. She took us on a walk to return some equipment she had borrowed and we talked as we went. She explained she had read a talk we had given her on overcoming abuse. She said the story about the holocaust victim being able to forgive the criminal conduct against her family. Carla told us "It was a nice story and I'm glad she was able to forgive but it made me sad and angry because I don't feel like I CAN forgive." I shared with her some of my thoughts on weakness and a scripture in Ether 12:27. She read it and pondered on it. I bore her my witness that weak things truly shall become strong as we exercise faith and humility.She said she will be at church. There was no maybe about it.

It has been a good week. Lots of things are happening and I'm still learning rapidly. I love the work and the Lord.To each of you I express my love and appreciation for your support. Know that happiness is found in and through our Holy Redeemer. I know it.Press on.Elder McCarty

Here is the picture of Elder Hill and I with our Muslim buddies. Two of them are Mohammeds and one is Ali. You figure it out. Sounds like a dangerous boxing combination.
Badran is on the far left in the sweet pullover thing. Comfort has got to be one thing he's got going for him.

9/24/08

2008-09-25T12:00:00.001-07:00

Hello family and friends! Well today i'm in kind of a loopy mood. My head is a little bit light for some reason! ha ha I'm not sure why. In fact it hasn't been this way most of the morning but no all of a sudden it hits!We had a great experience last saturday with one of our investegators! Brian is a fantastic guy. He's our only investegator from the Jehovahs witness faith. He announced to us last saturday that he is starting his investegation over. He feels like he needs to go from an entirely unbiased viewpoint. I'm SO excited for him. He has been trying to bring the two beliefs together which ultimately would have resulted in him giving up and likely going back to what he was used to. He's reading and praying! He was supposed to be at church on sunday. Unfortunately he didn't make it. In any case it's the open and diligent investegator that really finds him or herself recieving a testimony.We have had a pretty slow week actually so far. It's a little frustrating because there is so much that needs to be done and it just feels like we're running on a treadmill some days.I've lately pondered a lot on the importance of submission. In mosiah 3:19 there is a scripture about the natural man. It also talks about becoming "submissive as a child." I think it's important that we recognize the submission of our will is the only real thing we have to give. We either give it to the Lord and find ourselves increasing in happiness and understanding or by default submit ourselves to he who would destroy us. In either case our will becomes increasingly like that of whomever we submit to. In either case we continue to have some resistance. The key difference is the end result. THAT is which we must focus upon. It is not so much the means by which we get there but the place we end up! In Doctrine and covenants 14:7 we learn that Eternal life is the greatest gift we can attain!I know that God lives and desires happiness for us. It is available and I have the hope and faith that it will come to those who diligently seek it!
Love,Elder McCarty

So much sitting! 09-17-08

2008-09-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true. We happened to sit a lot this last weekend. On thursday we drove down to Edmonton. Friday we sat in our Zone Conference and saturday we had Dan's baptism and then drove back! Sunday we went to our 8 hours of church! My back is just about recovered though so don't worry! I'll tell you right now it was all worth it!
Zone conference is always powerful. It's a time when I'm able to reflect on how I can improve learn SO much! We talked a lot about our personal relationship with our heavenly father and I felt the spirit confirm again and again how well my Father in Heaven knows and loves me and you! Dan was baptized and confirmed this last week. He is so excited and knows that his baptism was right! He is excited to share the gift he has recieved from the atonement. It's powerful to see the light in his eyes. The picture attached is right after he was baptized. Elder Hill is next to me and Elder Boulton performed the baptism. What a good day that was!
We returned to Fort Mcmurray and had one of our investegators come to church. Barb Moberly is her name and she is really starting to seem promising. The down side is that she is all out busy all the time. We almost had another appointment with her but she had to cancel because she got a ton of homework. She's got 2 kids and is divorced and wants to have a better relationship with God and is well on the path.
Ashley was unable to come to church because she was sick. We'll be visiting her today with Ben her fellowshipper. She is in the hospital because she's malnourished. She has a rare condition where her stomach has been half paralyzed. We'll be teaching her about the priesthood and letting her know the availability of a priesthood blessing. I still have extremely high hopes for her. She will progress quickly. Her sickness is constant and it flares up from time to time, but there is no real danger that it will be fatal. She's a great girl and I look forward to being able to meet with her again.
Marsha Pittman is a little Newfy girl. She's got a thick accent and is one of the kindest people ever. We met with her at the church and gave her a tour. We taught the plan of salvation and she committed to prepare for baptism on october 25th. She's still nervous and a little hesitant but we informed her that if the day comes and she isn't prepared that we'll adjust. In the same breath we promised her that if she comes to church, reads the scriptures and prays about what we teach that she will be prepared. She's a great investegator and despite her shyness we have come to be pretty good friends with her.
My week has been stellar! I have felt day in and day out that this work is SO marvelous. I'm seeking to learn and improve and I feel it coming. Thank you all for your support and your love!
Love,
Elder Drew McCarty

Maids and bais! 09-10-08

2008-09-10T20:00:00.001-07:00

Well it's week three of the transfer which means ZONE CONFERENCE! Yes that usually means that Wednesday isn't my email day but this transfer is different. They had to scoot the Z

one Conference until Friday so we head down tomorrow. As an added bonus to that we'll be able to go to Dan Hugets baptism! He's all set and ready to go. We went over the Baptismal Interview Questions with him and he's done the preparation to be baptized. He's going to be such a solid member!Ashley O'neil is still progressing quickly. She wasn't able to make it to church last week since she had to work and do homework. We may have to pull some strings and get Sundays off for her. The owner of the Pizza Hut she is a manager at happens to be a member. In general the owner is very kind to us even though she happens to be a less active member. Ashley and now possibly her mother and sister will progress quickly. We met Nicole who is her Mother last night. She's very nice to us and seemed semi interested and said that she would know before long what Ashley is being taught.I want to talk breifly about the importance of Charity. I think I've written on it before but it is SO important. In Moroni 4:47-48 we are told that if we obtain charity "we shall be like him." What a promise!!In the book of 3 Nephi we are able to read the account of Jesus Christ as our risen Lord ministering to some of his "other sheep" (john 10:16 cross referenced with 3 Nephi 15:21.)In chapter 12 of 3 Nephi there is a powerful scripture. It is our Savior directly quoting his own sermon on the Mount to a whole new audience.Therefore we can read the same scripture in Matthew 6. The verses that strikes me are 43-45. THIS is the higher law! Love EVERYONE, not only our friends, "for [God] maketh His sun (or maybe Son?) to rise on the evil and on the good." How POWERFUL! Consider the comparison of our testimony to a seed. Any and all who plant that seed SHALL see it grow (so long as the seed is good or the testimony is in a good principle) as they water and nourish it.I bear my testimony to you we will partake of the fruit that Lehi tasted, that Nephi witnessed, and that all our holy fathers from everlasting to everlasting have and will continue to partake of. Brothers and Sisters, that fruit is Life Everlasting.I love you all. I think it's evident but I'll still point out, I am growing. I'm learning. The Lord is helping me to be worthy of his hire.Thanks for the emails you've sent! I love to read them and when the pictures come through the bless my soul! I hope that you have spiritual experiences and I know they are available to you! Seek them (matthew 7:7+8)Love,Elder McCarty

Hey all! 09-03-08

2008-09-03T19:01:00.001-07:00

Shalom! So this week has been good. My neck is starting to relax. Stress was really getting to me last transfer. We're still only two Elders in the booming city of Fort Mcmurray but we're finding better ways to cope with stress. We had a girl come to church on sunday. She really seemed to enjoy it but is not yet investegating. She is interested and I think she'll likely progress quickly but the young man who brought her to church is a little hesitant I think. We're supposed to hear from him today to find out if we'll be meeting tonight. We've got another appointment, this one is with with Barb Moberly. She's a little bit older lady who is divorced and has two kids. She's a nice lady and seems pretty sincere. I think there is a lot of potential with her.There is a man up here named Brother Jeff Fitzner. He is the CEO of Casman construction. They are currently developing 30 percent of the new construction in Fort Mcmurray and currently have built about 20 percent of the city. He's an extremely rich man. Filling out a survey he was unable to fill out his salary because there weren't enough boxes! It was a neat experience to have him take us around for an hour or so and learn from him. We were in the ghetto of the town and he didn't seem at all uncomfortable. I looked back as we walked and noticed him bend over to pick up a shiny penny. I told him I thought it was Ironic.In retrospect I really appreciated this display of humility. His house isn't outrageous and his attitude is fantastic.During our time together our appointment was delayed. Walking away from talking to our investegator there was a man coming around the corner. I had a spare book of mormon and decided to talk to the guy. He seemed interested and said to come back another time. It was a testimony to me that God has all things planned. We just have to step up and open the doors He's unlocked.I love Jesus Christ and I know He is the way the truth and the light. When His light graces us we find more holiness and strength.I pray for you all!

With all my love,Elder McCarty

Happy Birthday to Me? August 27,2008

2008-08-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

Yes yes I know that was a little while ago. So what if I like to let my birthday turn to birthmonth? I'm on a mission I can celebrate how I please in the small amount of self time we seem to find! :D In actuality that's not the case.I got some VERY special packages from home the past few weeks. I'm SO grateful for the time and effort that all who did, put into it. I LOVE the things you sent. Elder Hill loves the Candy especially. Don't you worry I'm pretty good at sharing (despite the fact that I might hide the Cheese its!) Today the picture attached is of my requested, nevertheless unpleasant, rendition of the popular song... Happy Birthday... to me. Elder Hill helped. Yes those are 20 mini muffins. Yes i'm old. No I don't need a walker yet. Maybe I'll attach another picture too... let us see... hmmm...OK, so the other picture (they should be easily discernable when you open them) is of me assisting (unnecessarily) Elder Stewart with an extremely heavy box in the basement of the salvation army where we give service. This is the room they stockpile all the out of season clothes. Elder Stewart is built like a stripling warrior so he clearly doesn't need any help from my boyish muscles. In whatever case I lended my assistance after strategically placing the camera and accidentily (or purposefully) setting the timer and pushing the button. If you zoom in beware. I think my face is a bit of a mixture between smiling and looking like I'm struggling with the weight of the box. If you have a weak stomach I don't recommend zooming in. :D Oh side note, Elder Stewart is down in Edmonton now a days. He's the man! I told him he was going to train a new missionary about 2 weeks before the call came telling him he indeed was! I have it documented in my little spiritual whispers book. It was cool.Transfer calls came monday. Any guesses? Ok I'm sure the suspense is killing you! I don't know why I pause when I mean for the reader to pause but I always do. Yes Indeed I'm staying in Fort Mcmurray. It's likely I'll be here a bare minimum of another three months. I'm really liking it here and I'm learning a lot. Elder Hill and I are the only two up here still so the work load can be heavy.OH! Last night we met with Dan Huget. He was a former investegator. He's a super bright fella. He reminds me a lot of my macho big brother (sorry josiah not this time) named Kyler. Well I guess he's kind of like Josiah too. Anyhow, Dan wants to get baptized! He'll be entering those sacred waters on September 13th. What a solid guy he is. It doesn't count for Fort Mcmurray since he'll technically be in the Kingsway ward. (yes the very same that I served in previously... Ironic?) No matter to us though because he is a stellar fellar. Lately Elder Hill and I have been talking with a bit of a southern accent and I think it's starting to sneak its way into my usual speech. It's kind of strange. I'm getting more and more comments like "You must be american." How strange that I would go north and obtain a southern accent! You figure it out because I sure can't. I think we should try the British accent more often because that one I'd love to have! I'm McCarty... Elder Mccarty. (lame James bond joke?)Well family and friends I love you all very much.Spiritual thought of the week:Preach my gospel in chapter 6 states "Obedience is the first law of heaven." Why? Obedience shows supreme trust. When we obey God and his commands we submit our agency. Our agency is the only thing in this life we can freely give. Far better to submit freely to Gods will than to ,by default, submit ourselves to the will of our foe down under. (not australia)In Helaman 12:7-17 there's an interesting comparison. Man vs. Dust. Think of the exact obedience that the earth renders. If God desires to flatten mountains or raise valleys it is done by His command. He can even part a sea if He wants to (which you may recall has happened.) Verse 17 ends simply and powerfully, "Behold, it is done." Is that our attitude? Our loving Heavenly Father will lead us ever into greener pastures. He will forever desire that which is best for us. His command to us is an act of supreme love. His chastisement unto us is the same. These two acts from God are ALWAYS out of the most pure motives. How great the wisdom and the love of that Eternal Heavenly Being who seeks ever for our immortality and eternal life. Indulge His will and all that is good about existance can and WILL be yours.Exact and simple obedience is a gateway to finding the happiness this gospel proffers us.I love you all and I pray for you. I feel the prayers from you each day bearing me up. The prayers of faith and love, I am certain, reach far deeper with far greater power than either I or you may realize in this life. May you be blessed!With tidings of peace,Elder McCarty (jr)

Hiya. 08-20-2008

2008-08-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, the time has once again come. I hope all is going well for ya'll.This week has been LOADED with stress. It seems that we go literally from appointment to appointment. It's hard to see how many of those appointments don't happen. I wish I could help people realize immediately how important this gospel is. Far too many take it as a side note and recognize it only as (and limit it by so believing) religious discussion. They simply don't understand the power that the Book of Mormon has. Helaman 3:29-30 really jumped out to me this last week. How powerful is the Book of Mormon? Read those scriptures and you'll see.As for our foremost investegators:Matthew had a baptismal date for August 30. Well we are quite close to being there and he still hasn't been to church. We've met with him twice. The first time was when we talked with him and he expressed the desire to be baptized. I don't think He sees how different and truly significant this baptism is. He talks about "the last time [he] was baptized." We set his date for later and told him that if we can't meet with him more than he can't be baptized. His desires are good but his understanding is limited by the fact that he's always working and busy. Luckily this is the true meaning of the gospel. All men no matter their circumstance can be elevated. New heights are attainable through the peace and joy and strength of Jesus Christ's atonement. Matthew can and will learn and grow as long as he acts on his righteous desires.Gordon has been flaky lately. His baptismal date was for August 23. As you may recognize that is in three days. We had to drop his date since we haven't been able to meet with him. Regardless of his commitments to come to church and to meet with us he hasn't shown since the first time we met with him.It's hard to see people plant the best seed they can deep in their heart and when it starts to grow they simply walk away. We must always remember and never forget that Almas parable of the seed includes work and nourishment. (see alma 32)Well we have much to do today and 3 hours before we need to be on the road to edmonton. Elder Jones is speaking to us on Thursday. As an added bonus we also get the truck back! Woot.The work is hard but I cling to the fact that there is no effort wasted. I'll press my shoulder to the wheel until I can no longer. With the strength God offers that day will NEVER come. I will be able through His might to press forward.I love you!Elder McCarty (Jr)P.s. Elder McCarty (the paraguay one) is now in the MTC and writing weekly. If any of you would like to read this letter we'd love to add you to the list. If you get the chance go to DearElder.com and shoot a quick email to my Brother! He'd love it I promise. They'll print it out and give it to him in the MTC How cool would it be if he suddenly got 70 letters? Do it. It won't take long. :D

Picture commentary by Drew:
Alrighty! So description!
1- This is Elder Ford (my previous companion) and myself on a little dirt road. This is why we need a truck. Now a days we have a car but later today we're supposed to be given the truck. During winter cars don't survive long enough to get out of the driveway here. Yes I think I'm doing the Fans pose.
2-This is dear old Elder Winn. He's now home and goes by the alias Bryan. He's a good man. It was my last time seeing him before he took the big transfer in the sky! The mission has been built on the shoulders of fellas like that one!
3- No your eyes don't deceive you. No it wasn't an accident. This is a dog. Ya It's standing on top of the fence. It's got a leash on and everything but it was just hanging out up there! We parked across the street and noticed him. It was about an hour later that we returned to the car to find that... HE WAS STILL THERE! I think he's protesting something. Maybe he's sick of getting only the bones rather than the ribs! Hey don't be so quick to presume that just because he has no signs to march around with it makes him an ineffective protester. Have you ever tried holding a poorly crafted sign without apposable thumbs? I reckon it'd be difficult.Wow I sound kind of like the cheezy and not really funny talk show host on Americas Funniest home videos. Cue laughter.Love you all!Elder McCarty (jr)

Short time, Elder Hill awaits 08-13-08

2008-08-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well everybody I'm very pleased! It's bittersweet with emails this week! I have a lot of them. I really have enjoyed reading and responding! Please forgive me that I've struggled to answer all the questions and such I am trying my best! Don't let any of that stop you from writing. I look forward to and always enjoy the emails I get even if they're a sentence or two! Thank you!This last week has been a pretty stressful one. We've got a lot on our plate. All things will be sorted out in time.Matthew and Gordon, our investegators with baptismal dates are nowhere to be found. We can't seem to track them down. It's possible that they've just been busy and that's why our appointments fell through but I can't help but wonder if something has happened.We met an interesting fella at the "Best Canadian Hotel" this last sunday. We were looking to meet with Matthew who works and stays there.As we walked up to the hotel there was a man sitting on the curb. His hair was long, I'd say 3 inches past his shoulders. Hair covered most of his face and he was looking down as we passed. I noticed a tattoo on his arm and proceeded to say "Hey how are you doing?" I'm afraid before my mission I wouldn't have done the same. At first he was uninterested. After we found Matthew wasn't around this long haired man came back down stairs and said, "Tell me your story." We talked for about 20 minutes and he told us the story of his tattoo. He has had a rough life and said he felt like a jerk blowing us off. Kurt took a book of mormon and we set up a return appointment.It was a profound lesson to me that I need to let no outside appearence regulate my tendancies. I do alright and not judging people by their looks but sometimes it's hard to not be affected by some of the extreme people there are. It's interesting to see how nice even some of the most scary people are.It's true that people are a very interesting creation of God. I started thinking about that from Patti she mentioned it in her email.Well I need to be going.I love you all and hope the best for you!Elder McCartyP.s. I'm attaching a picture... we'll see which one it ends up being.

WOW! Wonder Of wonder Aug 06, 2008

2008-08-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Miracles of Miracles!This week has been very neat.Last Thursday as we walked to the car from emails we passed a man. He was leaning against the with his ear to a phone. As usual on the College campus we didn't attempt proselyting. As we passed however I looked up, smiled and said "Hello!"He returned the classic head nod (very suave for those looking to impress.) We continued walking and five or six steps later heard "Hey! Are you guys Christians?"Matthew is a 25 year old software engineer. He was borne in Tofield Alberta and moved to Fort Mcmurray to get away from his families money. He says he was spoiled all his life. Now he is technically homeless. He got hired after being in town for 2 weeks with Suncore. He's been given a supervising position which will bring him plenty of money. Matthews father is a Christian of another faith. He said that he felt there were some falsehoods that needed correcting. We talked, or rather listened, for twenty minutes or so. We set an appointment for the next day in the courtyard of the school.We taught The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I had previously (upon meeting him) felt the impression to extend a baptismal date. I missed the opportunity on Thursday but by doing so the following evening we made up for it. August 30, 2008. Matthew now says he feels like we've come to save him. He says he's now feeling converted to Christianity. ONE MEETING! TWO DAYS! How amazing that he is preparing now to recieve baptism.NEXT MIRACLEGordon Mcammond is a young man who recently came home to Fort Mcmurray. He's now living with his mother. He lives a block from the church and came last sunday! We taught him at church and set an appointment which we had last night. He has almost as many dinner appointments in the ward as we do! How marvelous that the ward is already pulling together.As we taught the restoration I felt the spirit in the room. We asked "How do these things make you feel Gordon?" He replied "Well... I can feel truth." Unsure how else to describe it he said, "I think more people need to read the Book of Mormon."... I was near speechless. We committed him to baptism on August 23. He turned it down at first. We told him we are only committing him to prepare for baptism by that day. After resolving concerns he accepted the date."THE FIELD IS WHITE, ALREADY TO HARVEST." That is SO true. Family, Friends, the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it restored in it's fulness is PRECISELY what this world needs. It is what people the world over are knowingly or unknowingly crying out for. They need help. Help Christ can give.I am a fireball of excitement and enthusiasm and I hope you catch some of my happiness. Our lives are or can be tremendously blessed by the principles of the Gospel. Let us entrench ourselves in it, and as Moroni did in Alma 49 defend against the forces of evil. Then let us take it to every needy soul.I know that Christ LIVES. God speaks to man today.I love you all and I want you to know I'm being taken good care of.Best wishes and kindest farewells,Elder McCarty (JR.)

Thursday Emails! July 31, 2008

2008-07-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well It's another beautiful day in Fort Mcmurray! It's quite overcast in fact, but that just means it's less hot! Monday through Wednesday we went to our Zone Conference. It was a long drive each way but it seems to feel shorter every time. It's about 6 hours down and six more on the way back. I consider it practice for Lake Powell trips in the future! ha ha A good friend of mine named Elder Matthew Asay is one of our Zone Leaders. He has two weeks left in the mission. I'm gonna miss the guy. He's been a really good example to me of what kind of missionary I hope to become. He is such a kind person. He in fact gave me the guitar that he was given on his mission. It's a pretty guitar with nice sound. It's nothing too extravagent but It beats my Ukalehle sized guitar! ha ha It's far more fun to learn the hymns on.An interesting experience we had last week occurred last wednesday. We met with an investegator who and one time had a baptismal date. He spoke about many things he has been reading lately. He is a bright man who prides himself in his quest for nobility and spirituality. He knows the Book of Mormon is true. It hurts to see someone who knows fail to commit. He says he's simply not ready to confine himself. We told him that there is no confinement but that in fact any truth he will find in Daoism or some of his other spiritual investegations will be traced back to God and God has proclaimed that the FULNESS of His Gospel is contained in the Book of Mormon. It's a sorrowful thing to see someone that is unable to act on the faith.Family and friends, find the faith, and ACT. I know not all who recieve these emails are members but what I DO know is that any individual in existance requires faith. Faith is deeply rooted into our every step (literally and figuratively.) When faith brings action we can also find ourselves calling upon the powers of heaven to aid us in our righteous endeavors. I know it's a true principle. I live it every day. When my faith or acting upon it faulter I find myself less happy and less successful. It applies. I love you all! You're the greatest and I hope that the lessons I'm learning show. I'm trying to do and be the best I can.Love,Elder McCarty

Here is a video of Drew narrating the ice on the river. VERY CUTE!!

Ladies and gentlemen! July 23, 2008

2008-07-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today is another packed preparation day! One of the members in the Timberlee ward wants to take us golfing so we got ourselves some wicked cool golfing polos and we're gonna go see how terrible we really are. It'll be fun I'm sure :DLast week I realize my email was a little boring... I wrote myself a note or two so that I will be better this week at writing some good experiences I've been having!There's a woman named Daniella down in Edmonton. She's a very kind french girl. She has a baby girl (4 months or so) and a boyfriend. Elder Winn (my companion before last) and I tracted into her. We continued trying her and finally the last sunday before I got transferred to Fort Mcmurray she came to church and we set up an appointment with her! She really loved church and told us she would be coming back regularly.That's all I knew about it until just recently. I was told by our Zone Leader that Daniella has a baptismal date! That's the first one in the Clareview ward for some time now.

I was so excited when I heard! She's dedicated to it. The day is August 30th. She needs time to either move out from her boyfriends house or marry him (she's fine with either.) I'm sure she'd prefer to marry him. That was VERY fun for me to hear so I'm sharing it.Also Bobby Lasseter from the Kingsway ward (which I served in also with Elder Winn) recently was baptized. We worked with him and he told us he was ready for baptism after our second appointment. He was most certainly humbled. We were in the process of helping him prepare for baptism just before I left and now he's a member! It's neat to see the success going around! It's especially fun to hear about the people that I actually taught and found.This last week we had a humerous/sad experience. It's funny by nature but sad because of what it really means. Let me explain by telling you the story.Elder Hill and I walked up to Krista's house to see if she was home. We heard from across the street where there sat 6 or so young people some snickers. Along with the giggles came questions I don't think they knew we could hear like "Who are they?" and as we opened Kristas gate "What are they doing?"We continued to discover that Krista was indeed not home. Now due to the nature of combining the wards it has become easier to convince ourselves that we have to be to the people we planned and so we sometimes pass by people on the streets. It's something I'm committed to distinguishing! It's important to talk to EVERYONE.This particular incident as we started to walk away we heard more giggles. Now there's some sense as a missionary that I've gained when it seems we just know when people are giggling about us. What added to our suspicion were the repeated, slightly hushed, calls "I wanna be saved." Well I seem to have a voice inside of me whenever mocking is afoot that says "GO." So I spun around and said Elder Hill we need to go talk to those people. He spun around also and we walked up their sidewalk."Hey" came the shout from the porch, "sorry about my friends, they're a little drunk." The man speaking we later found is named Alex. Alex wasn't exaggerating by any means. His friends were indeed intoxicated. I think it's safe to say he had at that point had a beer or two also. Well they invited us up to the porch to talk. Happily we did so. They asked us a few questions about who we were. We answered but decided we would let them steer the conversation. They offered us each a beer with a smile that said "I know you won't take it," and we didn't.A slight pause ensued and we stood smiling a little. They asked... "Ok what are you here for?" We told them all about the restoration and the remarkable experience Joseph Smith had. We explained we were Christian.Here comes the comment from Alex's friend that is funny and a little saddening. "Hey man, I'm cool with being a catholic. I go to church on Easter and for Christmas. Maybe you can answer a question for me... What is the difference between being catholic and being christian?"Well we answered him and told him that in fact Catholics believe in Christ. We discussed a few differences between his beliefs and ours.We set a return appointment (to which they didn't show) and said our farewells. On the walk back to the car I pondered on what this man had said. How is it that a person can say "I am happy with my beliefs and then in the same breath ask us what those beliefs are."How truly sad it is that Satan binds the children of God by complacency and neglect. I think these people have great potential to learn more and to grow. I hope we can get our schedule in line with theirs. I desire so much to see the soothing power of the atonement applied to the hurt souls that know not where to turn.The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God. That includes these mis directed people we met. It includes each person on this plentiful earth. AND equally important... it includes me and it includes YOU. No matter who you are. Let's rise up and be happy for the kingdom of God is indeed at hand.I love you all and pray for you to have amazing experiences! Elder McCarty (JR)

Here is a little of the local entertainment !

Hey ya'll July 16, 2008 Read this one!

2008-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

This week came transfer calls! Unusually President Rhodes had to speak to all four of the missionaries that were in Fort Mcmurray. Elder Ford and Elder Steward have been transferred throughout the mission. Elder Hill and I are left here to work in both wards. It's a similar set up to the time Elder Beer came into Elder Winn and my companionship. This time there'll will only be two of us. There's lots of work to do up here and we're setting ambitious but attainable goals. We aim to see things happen here that have been nothing but a dream in the past.Elder David Woodruff Hill is from Bountiful Utah. He's a great guy and a splendid missionary. He's been in the mission for 20 months and so he knows what we're doing. We get along well and I think the next six weeks will be fun and effective! I'm feeling a little ill today. I'm not a big fan of that! ha ha Hewan met with us and we talked for a good little while. She's the one that was the miracle find! She is hung up on the great apostasy. While that is true she is still willing to sincerely read and pray. We will teach more fully focused on the Restoration since the apostasy took the focus last night. She's going out of town until Aug 1st. We lost the truck we've been driving! It's a bit of a sad day in that aspect. The car should be able to get us around but we're on the downhill of summer. Once winter comes... the Truck sometimes is out of commission when lots of snow comes up here! Well last week I sent a picture of the sweet shirt I got and somehow a few people were disappointed to see that I wasn't in it! I didn't even consider that before I sent it. I'm sorry! I'll send one with me in it this time!Well I have to be running but I love you all!Elder McCarty

Ok... SO I forgot to add the picture! Beware some people are telling me I look different! I took this one because Elder stewart tried to pull me around by my tie and it happened to shape itself into a TRIPLE DIMPLE! Yowsa... I'm not sure what that means. Neato! Take care!

Yowsa! July 9, 2008

2008-07-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

I believe in Miracles! Yesterday we were preparing to go back out into the world for the day and we prayed before we left (it's a general missionary custom.) In the prayer we prayed for something that I didn't really expect. I said "Please bless us with one new investegator." Now that's a great thing to pray for but so specific. In the past I never had the faith to expect that I could pray about something like that and see it happen.We were trying a former investegator. We thought it was the house but it was the wrong address. We talked with Hewan for about 15 minutes and she seems excited for us to come back!Doug is SO solid. He's probably early 40's or late 30's. He's from Newfoundland and works here. His wife and kids are back home so he goes home for 1 week out of each month and the company flies him to and from. Our lesson last week went awesome! WE missed out on the lesson two days ago because he had to go to Newfoundland early for "Family issues." We pray all is well with him and he seems to have been prepared! He knows churches are missing things and hasn't ever been baptized because of it. I'm excited to see where it goes!Kim has fallen off the face of the earth and we haven't been able to find her. Tromblay apparently doesn't live in the same house so that is a good sign. The house she lives in is provided for a bunch of people by the company they work for so if she doesn't answer the door whoever is there usually says she's busy or not around.Oh! This last monday we did some more service and Sally Annes (the salvation army.) I found a sweet olympic canadian jacket that is going to be one of my best souvineers and I also got a sweet t-shirt. I've attached the picture of it with the email. I'm gonna start trying to send one picture with each mass email because I'm a slacker and haven't send home my SD card yet. Bad Elder McCarty I'll be sure to slap my knuckles with a yard stick. The shirt is cool because it says FT. Mcmurray, NFNLD... Now Newfoundland is a good ways away from Alberta... which is where Ft. Mcmurray is. They claim it's the second largest city of Newfoundland since there are TONS of Newfs here. The flag above it is of course Newfoundland. I'm excited to wear it to service somewhere! ha ha It'll be a good souvineer too.I love you all! The church is so true.Elder McCarty

Rollercoaster weeks July 02, 2008

2008-07-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yowser!Today is my companiero's birthday. He's now 20 years old! It's been so far a good day. This last week at district meeting I had a super powerful experience bearing my testimony of God's love for us all. It struck me to the core and I felt the spirit very strong.We've got 3 new investegators this past week and I think they've got real potential. Kim and Tromblay have an appointment with us tonight and then Doug will be a second appointment next monday. Doug is an awesome guy! He's here for work (like everyone else) and he's from Newfounland. He's a christian and he studied the bible all his life. He agrees with most of what we taught and said he will pray to know about Joseph Smith. He even committed his friend Beaker to read and pray before we had committed him! It was cool.I'm learning a lot and stumbling my way to become the best missionary I can be! I'll get there with the Lords help.Elder McCartyWith all my love!

This is it! 6/25/08

2008-06-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

So... You see, this week has been enlightening. Some of you more than others, know that this transfer has been a bit difficult on me. I recognize it as a trial through which I grow but that doesn't make the light at the end any less sweet! I can see it. I'm not yet there but I catch glimpses of it here and there. I know there are more tunnels ahead and I'll prepare myself for them, but I must do as President Monson directs "Learn from the past, prepare for the future, LIVE IN THE PRESENT."Elder Asay and Elder Smith are Zone Leaders from Edmonton. I have experience with two particular Elders who have everlastingly impacted me. Elder Biesinger and Elder Asay are probably the top two. They're examples of the type of missionary I am seeking to become. Don't think I'm making small of Elder Smith or Elder Jones (who are Elder Asay and Elder Biesingers companions) they are great too, but I've had a very impressive connection with the two Sons of thunder! Oo I like that. I may have to keep that for them. That's the surname given to two of the apostles by Jesus in the New testament. I think the actual surname is Zebedee or something similar.Having Elder Asay here I've learned first hand SO much about how to lead and still have tons of fun! I am trying to learn all I can about the Elders who leave soon so that I can be a better person and missionary. I don't want the lessons they've learned to die with them (in the mission going home is sometimes called dying.)All in all my testimony is reinforced. I can without hesitation declare that this plain and pure gospel is truth. God Loves us. If we don't see it we may have to pray for our eyes to be opened. No person on this earth can be justified in the thought that Gods love for us is anything less than infinite. He loves you. He loves each random person walking, sitting, jogging, paragliding... the point is made! We are blessed to be the hands with which God shows that love. Go out today and answer someones prayers by following the spirit. Mine have been answered often by the works of the faithful.In conclusion I want to give credit to someone who I've unknowingly quoted in the past. I mentioned in one email that Elder Asay has written above his desk "if you're not happy you're not living the plan of happiness." I thought it was a quote he had recieved but in actuality it's a quote he concieved. It is true! Throw on a smile, cast of satans chains, and we will all become more strong and more Christlike.I love you all! Many of you have aided in bringing me to the point in which I stand. I thank you for it. I am grateful beyond my power to express that I am where I am, growing how I'm growing because of things you've done for me.With ever deepening love, respect and gratitude,Elder McCarty (JR)

Wow! 06-19-08

2008-06-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true, Today is thursday! We were in Edmonton for Monday through Wednesday. It's about a 5 hour drive each way so our P-day is majorly absolved in travel. As such we're given permission to email the following thursday.Zone Conference was amazing! President Rhodes sat the district down and had a powerful discussion with us on obeying the prophets and apostles (including the White Handbook and Preach my Gospel.) I was impacted deeply by it. I hope that it's effects run deep within this district. I had marvelous experiences with interviews and the trainings we expereienced. I'm growing a lot day by day and learning how I can be a leader that LEADS. Too many leaders here choose to do otherwise. I'm finding greater charity and ability to approach all things in love and I'm becoming more like the leader I want to be.Still I haven't met the vast majority of our investegators and I wonder what more I can do. I'm striving to organize things in a way that we can really start picking up the work. Things are coming together and I'm recieving help from the spirit.I'm growing stronger. That means I'm also a bit in the furnace of difficulty. I see how those two are so often connected. It's a blessing that the Lord is helping me to rise to the occasion because I'm finding myself saying and doing things beyond my past experience.I am growing deepening love for God, Jesus Christ, and the sons and daughters of our Heavenly father. This charity is nothing short of a gift. It has an immense impact on the work and the fruit of my efforts.I don't have particular experiences to share this week but know that I'm having lots of spiritual ones and I continue to pray that you are too!LoveElder McCarty (Jr)

06-11-08 Time has come!‏

2008-06-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well one more week has gone by. It's been fast and slow. Very few things feel that way but it makes sense to those who've experienced it!The work in Beacon hill (Fort Mcmurray) is coming along slowly. We're working to help it progress in the Lords time. I'm doing my very best to follow the spirit in all things.Soloman is the only investegator of ours I have met. We had a lesson with him and answered some of his questions. His sight is on material things so spiritual benefits from our afflictions took some explanation. We challenged him at the end to offer a prayer. He asked in that prayer if the Book of Mormon is true. We knelt as we had planned for a few minutes afterward. He said he didn't feel any different. The answer will come with time. Perhaps he has some molding and understanding to break through before his witness from the spirit. I don't know if he's prepared to act on any answer he will recieve, so that could be holding him back. God won't answer if we'll do nothing with the answer.The church is true. I've got a heart full of faith that Christ is our Savior. I have felt the spirit often. I have seen miracles great and small. I can say with certainty that I believe in Christ. This is his church.I love you all! Thanks for everything you do! I appreciate your prayers and I pray often that you'll have spiritual experiences! Let me know if you feel those prayers being answered, I'd be excited to hear about it!
Love
Elder McCarty (jr)

My head is still spinnin'! 06-04-08‏

2008-06-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Well Family! Transfer calls were supposed to come monday morning! I got NO call! I was excited to spend some more time with Elder Winn and to see Andrew Legaspi baptized this Friday. Bobby is out of jail and hitting church hard. He's working very diligently to overcome his problems and prepare for baptism! The Lord had some special plans for me though. I'm nervous and a bit overwhelmed but coming to see that the Lord does indeed qualify those whom he calls.
Let me tell you the story of when President phoned me. I was settling in to personal study, reading in Words of Mormon, when the phone rang. I thought to myself "It must be Frank again" (a very nice but also slightly mentally challenged less active member.) He frequently calls when we're studying. I decided to check the phone anyway. To my surprise it was 990-4711. A number that isn't programmed into our phone but is etched in my skull... President. Initially I was scared, then thought "today is transfer meeting, he probably wants us to shuttle luggage." I answered the phone.
Me: Hello this is Elder McCarty
President: Hello Elder McCarty... This is President Rhodes. How are you today?
Me: I'm doin' well thanks. How are you?
Presdident: Elder McCarty I'm doing just fine. I have a special assignment for you.
Me: What can I do for you president?
President: I've heard good things about you, are you obeying with exactness?
Me: President I do everything I can to make that true.
President: Good. I'll need you to pack your bags. You'll be transferring to Fort McMurray. You'll be replacing Elder Boulten as District Leader without any training. Will you accept this call?
Me: Well... If it's what you're feeling inspired to do, I will. <-- At this point my hands started shaking... a lot.
President: It is. You'll be taking a bus at 12:45.
The conversation continued and he breifed me on what he wanted from me.Through the shaky hands I packed all that I could into the two suitcases we're allowed on the greyhound. The 5 hour bus ride became a 6 hour bus ride which was delayed 1 hour before beginning! So we pulled into Fort Mcmurray at 8:00 last night.
Elder Ford is my companion and he's a nice guy. We've got some work to do as far as shaping the way the areas are run but I'm feeling a lot of direction as far as where to begin.
Elder Stewart and Elder Hill are living in our quarters as well and the four of us constitutes the Fort Mcmurray district. I'm still in the same zone but as far away as possible from the center of it.
I've met no investegators so far since today is day 1 and happens to be Preparation day.Our address is:116 Romar St.Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 2V9CanadaWell not tons else to report. Clareview and Kingsway split so I would have been serving exclusively in the family ward. My head is still spinning.All that being said I have the utmost confidence that God knows the reason I'm here and will help me to come to the same understanding. I'm feeling new power and confidence. I'm becoming more of a leader and taking more charge. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store.The gospel of Jesus Christ IS true. It's everything. Cling to it and you'll be truly happy. I am seeing that more and more each day.
I love you all and I appreciate the love, support and prayers I recieve from you! Take care
Elder McCarty
P.s. I drive a truck now! Chevy Colorado. Vroom.

Family friends and Whomever else! 05-28-08‏

2008-05-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! This week has been an interesting one!Last night we got done with Exchanges with the Castledowns area. Apparently while I was in Castledowns there was an interesting scenario that occured. Bobby Lasseter (one of our investegators progressing to baptism) phoned to cancel an appointment. Usually an investegator has an excuse (sometimes real, sometimes fake) but usually they're not very good either way. He was phoning from Jail. He used his ONE phone call to call us, and cancel his appointment. He said to Elder Winn "I did something stupid." It's unfortunate and very sad to see someone with such good desires (at least when we are around) lose A LOT of potential from a slip up. I hope things shape up for him. He's had a rough life. That's a statement not an excuse. I've met many people who have had rough lives and overcame it. There's got to be something in his life that will turn him around into bursting the chains that bind him. We all have chains. If all of our shortcomings had repercussions like Bobby's we'd have a lot fewer people around. BUT there is great need for us to overcome the transgressions of Christ's higher law . These can only be done through the Atonement.Christ healed the lepers. Spiritual lepresy abounds all over the place in the form of selfishness, bitterness, uncleanliness and pride. THAT is exactly what is so amazing about the atonement. Mosiah 4 verses 6-8 talk a lot about the atonement. It is THE ONLY way whereby salvation cometh. Christ has paid the price. He's ransomed us. His hand is stretched out all the day long and He will not withdraw it. I am grateful for that. I'm learning each day how I can more become the person I desire to be. I don't have the power to change all that. I'm simply a man, but Christ is the Son of God. The power can be very real. I sound a little bitter. I'm not. I really love this gospel and it hurts me to see people who have the potential to be molded in Christs hands, turn away from it. The contrast is great between the purity and blessings we can recieve and the lack thereof.I didn't want to use my whole email for that! The work is going great. When one door is closed there are always others to open. We've been really enjoying the nice weather. It's beautiful out here!Elder Winn and I are working hard and the fruits are coming. They're not always fast, but they are exactly when we need them!I do love this gospel. I am SO grateful for all the blessings we have. Thank you for your support.
Love,Elder McCarty (JR.)
Soon Kyler will be Elder McCarty Sr. I may have to get used to it! :D

WHOO! Short time again. 5-21-08‏

2008-05-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

The work is amazing! We're finding more and more that there are people everywhere who are being prepared. Lately we've had more opportunity to talk to EVERYONE in sight. It's not easy, and it's often a little awkward feeling BUT it's not without reward. We've had over 30 other lessons in the last two days. That's almost as many as we got all of last week! The potentials are piling up and we're finding many promising new investegators. Missionary work is hard. There's an awesome talk by Jeffery R. Holland that I want to get on CD somehow that talks about that. He asks the question... "Why isn't missionary work easier? Why aren't people flocking to the waters of baptism? Why isn't the only danger of missionary work that of pnemonia? Just baptizing all day and night!"Then he said something extremely powerful. He said "Missionary work is not easy, because salvation is NOT a cheap experience." Think on that. He then goes on to explain from the perspective think of our Savior. Why should we expect our work to be easy when His life was never, EVER easy. He speaks so poetically and powerfully. Look into it if you can! He says Surely we are privelaged to spend a few hours in gethsemane, a few steps on the path to calvary. Oh I wish I had memorized it. Look it up though! The only quote I'm sure of is the one about salvation is not a cheap experience. If you go to LDS.org I'm sure searching those words will find the talk I'm thinking of. You'll not regret it.I love the Lord. I love this work. I'm grateful for all of your kindness and support. I'm growing and learning and wouldn't trade these days for anything in the world. The world simply can't give the things I'm recieving from God. My testimony is sure. God lives. He's in my life, He's in your life. The more we let Him by our obedience, He is EAGER to bless us. It's our job to open the windows of heaven and God will not hesitate to pour out those blessings.Take care.
I hope all is well.
Elder McCarty

Hey all! Not tons of time. 05-14-08‏

2008-05-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hi there family and friends! Life is going awesome. I'm finding increase in efficiency and a lot of pleasure in hard work. I've been sleeping better and finding more rest.Bobby Lasseter's baptismal date is May 31. He's a great guy. Grew up in a family of drugs, gangs and lots of other bad things. He's got John 3:16 tattooed on his arm from his first christian bout of interest. He has a good heart. He's working towards overcoming smoking! He officially quit on sunday! Three days are at his back. I'm happy for him.Andrew Legaspi is working towards MAy 24th. His family is still giving him trouble but we invited him to ask them to meet with us so they can ask us their questions rather than trying to tear down Andrews upcoming testimony. He's solid and once that block is down he'll be entirely prepared.WE tracted lots this week and have been finding people more receptive. A lot of our tracting has been in the Abbotsfield area. Often it's considered the slums. We've been told that we're crazy for going in that area dressed like we do. One investegator was surprised when our car was still there after our appointment! ha ha The people are humble and like to learn more.Fausten and Pamela are a couple from Africa. Kongo I believe is the country. They say that if the Book of Mormon goes right along with the bible they have no trouble believing it! They're great people and hard workers. I'm excited to see where they'll go!Juan Ignasio (I think is his last name) is a great man. He's from Nicaragua and very humble. He's a mechanic and we tracted into him. Elder Winn stopped randomly and said we need to tract here. We only knocked 4 houses and Juan was in number 2. The real surprise was on monday when the Morraz family informed us that THEY were the reason Juan cancelled our last appointment! He had told us he had family coming over! That's right. He'll be marrying into their family soon. What a miracle! The Lord inspired Elder Winn. Juan is on the path to where he needs to be and he's already got the support.Gods hand is everywhere! Recognize it and be grateful. The more we treat our blessings with gratitude and as the treasures they are, the more God will desire to give us.I love you all and hope you're doing amazing at the busy lives I know you have!
Take care.
Elder McCarty

Oh boy! 05-07-08‏

2008-05-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Family friends and wiggidy hip and happenin people! Yes it's me, Elder McCarty. The work is amazing. New investegators have been poppin up! Most aren't super promising but they're all seeds planted. I see their eyes soften and the flicker of the Light in their eyes when we talk with them. I want to talk about our blessed baptismal dates. Andrew Legaspi, Robert Lasseter, Cyrille Chwampka are our lucky three. They're in order of most promising to more difficult. We'll start with Cyrille. He's from Zimbabwe and a real stud. His friend back there who was a star rugby player never would play on sundays (because he's LDS.) Good ol' Cyrille never said anything to him but he always admired his friends faith. When he saw the add on the TV he phoned it. He's eager to learn and progress when we're in our meetings but very difficult to contact between them. We've been out of contact for a week and one half. We keep trying and exercising faith. The Lord will provide if it is His will. Robert (bobby as he prefers) Lasseter is a good man. He's had a rough life. Growing up in a family of gansters and dealers it's what he's always known. He's soft hearted and feels the need for change. His addictions hold him back mostly. He's eager to be baptized and we hope and pray that he will have the fortitude to prepare himself. Lastly Andrew (the rock) Legaspi. He's a member referral from Craig Nelson. Craig isn't in our ward but a stellar missionary. We have taught him four or five times. Every time we were impressed to commit him to baptism. He had held off. The time before last that we met with him he told us why. It's his family. They're good Catholic people but he was afraid of what they would say or do if he were to change religion. We consoled him explaining that as Nephi did a hard thing (getting the plates) he relied on the Lord and the spirit. He was successful and the Lord was pleased. We likened it to him. His date is currently the 24th of may but we hope to press it up slightly. He's solid. His testimony is growing and his comprehension is ascending.As for me, I'm growing tired. Not tired of the work. Not tired of seeing the mighty miracles wrought with faith. My exhaustion is physical. Yet through that, as I force myself to roll out of bed and pray for strength (even if it's semi-consciously) I recieve it. It's been and continues to be a miracle. The Lord qualifies whom he calls. It's a great opportunity to see his power when we are insufficient and yet in his service. Ammon did it with the lamanite servants of king Lamoni, I'm feeling the same power through my service. It's a tremendous blessing!OH! The family will mostly be interested in this one. Elder Smoot is out here. I don't know if it's Casey Smoot but he's got reddish hair. We talk whenever we see eachother. He recognizes me and I recognize him but I'm not sure which one he is! I thought that was pretty neat.OK all, I should be sending a CD with my pictures on it home. IT'll likely go to Mom and I think she'd be happy to send them to you via E-mail or something. I figure there will only be one or two of you who actually want them. There will be tons though!Ok I'm gonna roll on to other things. I'm loving life! It's grand. My missionary commision is amazing. Check it out it's by Bruce R. Mckonkie and it's labeled "My missionary Commission." He's so eloquent and inspired!LOVE YOU!
Elder McCarty

Whoo! Short time with so much to say! 04-30-08‏

2008-04-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

WOW! This past week we've set 3 baptismal dates. One is more solid than the other two but still! They're all desirous to know that this is THE church of Jesus Christ. It's absolutely exciting to see the transformation from some of the most hopeless and sorrowful people, into those trying to be disciples. It's so much fun! Andrew Legaspi, Cyrille Chwampka, and Robert Lasseter are our baptismal dates.This last week there was one miracle in particular. Our teaching pool is growing rapidly. We're busy as can be! As we were driving from one appointment to another a bus stopped in front of us. It was a bluebird school bus. The little kids got off and crossed the street as usual. A man on the left side of us hollared to us. Luckily our windows were down because it's finally warming up! He asked what we were selling. Elder Winn responded "We're not, we're handing out free copies of the Book of Mormon." The guy nearly sprinted to us! I got out and Elder Winn pulled the car over. I discussed breifly what the Book is. He was SO excited to take one. He gave us his information and we're pretty sure there's lots of potential there. What a miracle the Lord worked!Moral of this story is... ride with your windows down and you never know what neat things may happen! ha haHonestly though, the Lord blesses us all in our respective callings. He's eager to enable us. We're all called ultimately to live worthy to return to our Father. The way we do that is faith in the Lord, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end! We can all do it. It takes some effort and some diligence but the reward is Eternal life which we learn in D+C 14:7 (<- Kylie Taylor ring any bells?) is the greatest of all the gifts of God!I love you all. If I can do anything from another country for you I will try as long as It's in line with Gods will! :D
I hope the best for each of you.
Take care of yourselves and I miss you each.
Love,Elder McCarty
P.s. the rains are coming and I'm loving it! Elder Keaton says each raindrop makes your wife more beatiful!

Another week! What a relief. 04-23-08‏

2008-04-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Whoo! It's been an intense week! Last Thursday we got our transfer call! I'm staying in Kingsway and Clareview. Elder Beer went back to Castledowns and got a new companion named Elder Skousen (related to Cleon Skousen for those who know of him.) Elder Winn is still my companion. They're keeping me under the watchful eye of someone in authority! ha ha He's District Leader and I'm constantly learning tons from serving with him. We have a sneaking suspicion I may be his last companion. He only has this transfer and one more left! Intense (like camping.) Ok bad joke. In tents, Intense? Anyhow it should be an amazing 6 more weeks we're just about guaranteed to be serving together. We get along well and work fairly unified. Serving with a group of three really helped us each appreciate the simplicity that a companionship gives rather than a tripanionship. The work is definately rolling forward.MONDAY. Elder Russell M. Nelson from the Quorum of the Twelve came to visit. AMAZING. When he walked in we all stood. President Rhodes led the way and we followed suit. (<-another bad pun maybe?) It was amazing to see a man I respect so very much (President Rhodes) interact with a man we all respect so much (Elder Nelson.) When he spoke my pen could not fly fast enough. I studied up on 2 of the scriptures he mentioned this morning and it took me nearly 1 hour. It was amazing. He's a brilliant man. Much more though he is an Apostle of the Lord. We all felt that as we shook his hand and heard him speak.The work is progressing. We're able to fill more time with finding and appointments with members now. For the past 3 weeks we had to drive all over the city, and we had tons of appointments. It was good, and busy, BUT it's good to go back.Today I feel a strong testimony of the gospel. I wish I could carry to each one of you the feelings I recieve when I pray to know the truth of it all. Ultimately though, I cannot. HOWEVER, you (each and every one of you) can allow the Holy Ghost to carry it to you. Live the gospel, seek to understand it and then, pray for a spiritual witness. It will be there. I've seen it in my life. I've had the pleasure of seeing it in the lives of investegators. I desire the pleasure of each of you seeing it in your lives, even if it isn't the first time. We can never have too many witnesses from the Holy Ghost.Well family and friends I best move on to my other e-mails. I hope all is going well for each of you. Remember a quote that one of my Zone Leaders has hanging on his wall. "If you're not happy, you're not living the plan of happiness." It's there for us all. Christ's hand is extended, will you take it?I know we can.Take care, stay safe, and roll on (mormon 8:22)
Love,Elder McCarty

Good DAY! 04-16-08‏

2008-04-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Canada is nuts! It snowed the other day! It was nuts. I can't believe it. It's been positive 20 degrees! Man this country is nuts.The work is amazing! Andrew Legaspi is probably the most rapidly advancing. We taught him last night and he knelt and prayed afterward. We asked him to give the spirit a few seconds to answer his prayer. The spirit was in the room. He knelt and after struggling to find the words to ask about the truth he just kept his eyes closed. Elder Winn and I were praying hard in our minds that God would send him the spirit. When Andrew opened his eyes and said "I feel really good" we were blown away. I can see his seed of faith sprouting. It's going to be fantastic. He's committed to be baptized when he knows.Apparently he has a bit of a Smoking problem. Almost everyone in Canada does. He's got a great heart and sincere desire.The tripanionship is going well. Our teaching is slightly disarrayed. The point gets across but if it werent for the spirit I think people would be confused sometimes. God is with us. I'm loving this work. I can't believe how much time has gone by already. Yesterday I was told that it's all down hill from here. I can't believe that! I need more time! Ha ha I'm just soaking it all in.
Love,Elder McCarty
P.s. Kiley! I know you ladies didn't get the chance to see the priesthood session but I was asking because I figured one of you could ask him for me.

To whom it may concern! 04-09-08‏

2008-04-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today is a pretty good day! The tripanionship as we call them is going well. I'm getting along with both my companions and we work hard all the time! Word on the street is that President may leave us in this threesome for a while. Obviously it all happens with revelation and we can't really predict it. People a lot of the time just like to pretend they know what's happening to get a rise out of people. I'm fine with whatever the Lord inspires the president to do!The work is progressing tons! We got 3 new investegators the other day. Two came from tracting and one was a referral. We have 3 investegators that have agreed to be baptized when they recieve their answer that the Book of Mormon is true. We will soon find out if they are keeping commitments because whether or not they get their answer all depends on that! There are many humble and kind people here. Tracting is much more fruitful. Those we find are not always golden and they rarely have a support system so they're more difficult to work with. Ultimately though it's what we must do when we don't have referrals.Conference was absolutely amazing! I would have to say Jeffrey R. Holland's talk on christianity was definately among the favourites (<- that's how they spell it here) for me! I also loved priesthood session! I think I saw Jace in the choir. Amy, Sarah, Courtney, Lindsey or Kiley, maybe you know whether or not my eyes were playing tricks on me. It was a choir from the ogden and logan institutes so I figured it was definately possible.I'm loving the hard work. We've got a lot of promising people here and soon I expect to see some of the fruits of the labors that have been going on here for so much longer than I've been here. I'm learning to be increasingly bold with as much charity in my heart that I can muster. Even with the hardest of hearts and the most stubborn of wills there is a glimmer of hope in their eyes when I stand up for what they often try to trample under foot.For instance, Denise is a woman likely in her 60's. Now often those who have been around a while are those most stubborn. We were talking with her and mentioned Joseph Smith. She (almost cursingly) said "Pff, Joseph Smith!" I stood as tall as I could and I said in essence "Denise, you can tell us you think we're wrong as much as you want, you can insult us and you can even try to shake our testimonies. We KNOW in our souls that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and we'll not stay here if you chose to talk of him in that way." Her eyes softened. I proceeded to tell her how the restoration can affect her life NOW and for a moment I could see in her she felt the truth. Quickly she realized what had happened and returned to the offense to tell us that the bible (of which she doesn't read and has no copy) is the only word of God. She's a nice woman but is caught in a state of blind faith. I loved the talk given on blind faith this last conference and how we do not believe it to be beneficial. We don't practice it. Our faith is rooted in the Lord. We only trust so purely in Thomas S. Monson because we have seen that he is indeed Gods mouth piece.I do love this gospel and the work is as marvelous as Doctrine and Covenants says!Stay strong, Trust God, Don't worry.
Love,Elder McCarty

I'm exhausted but I'd have it no other way! 04-02-08‏

2008-04-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well this Preparation day is more relaxed! We are starting to get into the swing of things again and I'm really enjoying the work. We're three Elders covering three areas. There's a lot to be done. It's a literal juggling act to get everyone in. For now Elder Beer is the Senior companion for Castledowns and Elder Winn is in charge of Kingsway and Clareview. We usually have appointments all day. The people around here have been very fun to work with and I hope I'll stick around for a good while.We're teaching a man named Daniel Blanco. He speaks minimal english and just came up from mexico. He met missionaries in Calgary and they referred him to us! He's a very humble man, Catholic in religious background. He's eager to learn (english and religion) and we're eager to teach. We've got a translator in the ward named Sister Marez. She's very kind hearted and does well. Tonight we have another appointment with him and we hope to show him the restoration video. We taught the restoration to him last week and he seemed to understand. I look forward to working more with him. Sister Marez being available was an absolute miracle. WE didn't get a hold of her until 10 minutes before we were supposed to meet there and she made it! She was having a headache so she had planned to stay home. She decided doing the Lords will would help her headache and by the end of the lesson her head was soothed.Cyrille Chwampka is a man from Zimbabwe! He's worked for around 6 years to be able to bring his sisters to Canada and be reunited with his mother. He's extremely humble and eager to learn as well. WE teach him as much as we can and he is looking to find work in Fort MCmurray which is bad news. The climate up there is not cultivating for religion at all. The Lord will provide.The list goes on and on! I love the people here! Not all of them are as humble but I'm growing an appreciation for the kind people of Edmonton.I'm loving the work and we're ever busy! This is my first preparation day that I get to do much preparation! We even got to play some basketball. I had some really lucky games so it was double fun!Elder Melchin (I believe of the 70) came and had a question and answer session with the whole zone. He's a brilliant man. His answers left no room for doubt and I took notes feverishly! I couldn't write fast enough. I'm SO excited for general conference! WOO!I hope all of you at home are loving life! I know that the Lord will guide us and lift us up when we cannot for ourselves! I love you all! Elder McCarty

Ok everyone 10 minutes... I'm so busy! 03-26-08‏

2008-03-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I ought to write this email first from now on. I think I will because that's the reason last week it didn't work. The server was down and we luckily got in breifly but it kicked me out as soon as I wanted to send! So last weeks email got erased.Elder Winn is my new companion. He's from Taylorsville Ut. The hood. ha ha I love the man he's teaching me rapidly and we're working very VERY hard. We always have a million things to do. I've yet to take a preparation day which I actually have time to play basketball. Maybe next week because today that won't happen.We cover two wards. Kingsway and Clareview. Now we cover 3. Elder Croft was in our district and will be going home tomorrow for medical leave. His companion is in CAstledowns and will now be converted to our companionship. For the rest of this transfer (about 3 1/2 weeks) we'll be covering three areas. Today we drive down into the heart of edmonton to pick up Elder Beer (our new companion) and swap our car. Today is going to be a very hard and busy one. Worst of all we may find it hard to get much missionary work done. Hopefully next wednesday we'll get to have some time for basketball and laundry and everything we should be doing.The work here is absolutely amazing. The members generally are not crazy about missionary work but we have been finding a lot of people through street contacting and tracting. I've given out at least 20 copies of the Book of Mormon in the short time I've been here. Our teaching pool is growing and we're likely to see some serious progress.Cyrille has got to be our most promising new investegator. He had a friend back in Zimbabwe that was a member and refused to play rugby on sundays. He admired that faith and it always stuck with him. Since then he's worked very hard to bring his family back to live with their mom in Canada. They're very humble and hard working. They love Jesus Christ and are not afraid to commit to any religion. Our first lesson with him will be this friday! He'll likely become a member.In my last area I've been told that Dan Jahraus is being baptised. They don't have a date but he has committed! Life is amazing. The weather is warm and I'm loving this work. I'm learning rapidly and am increasingly motivated. Time is flying very fast and we're accomplishing as much as possible. We're constantly exhausted but I wouldn't like it any other way!My new address is Elder McCartyC 208 14511 77th st.Edmonton AB T5C 1E7Canada I love you all and hope that you have the best experiences. I've got under 2 minutes left and I don't want this to erase so I'll wrap up.I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve and the love that I'm being shown. Continue to be examples of righteousness and God will bless you. Keep in mind what is really important.Love,Elder McCarty1:00 left! Love you all!

AH! Time is short! I'll hurry though 03-12-08‏

2008-03-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ok family and friends we've got about 15 minutes so I'll try to make this good! Transfers have indeed come! I am serving in the big city of Edmonton! The area is called Kinsway and Clarview. We cover 2 wards (one is a young single adult the other is a regular ward.)My new companion is Elder Winn. He's an absolute stud muffin and I've really enjoyed the time we've been together (currently grand totalling less than 24 hours.) He's a very smart Elder and has told me he likes to work hard. I'm excited for that. I expect we will do very well together. We get along superbly.Saying goodbye in Rocky Mtn. House was difficult. We survived it but It was pretty heart wrenching. It's almost like leaving home again because I was starting to feel very much at home there. Nevertheless the Lord has called me here. 1 Nephi 17:9 is during the story of Nephi building the ship. He inquires of the Lord where he must go to make ORE for TOOLS. Now Often as missionaries we're referred to as tools in the Lords hands. This was the last scripture I read before getting the phone call from President Rhodes informing me of the transfer.Family and friends I want you to know that I'm now finding that ore. I'm being made into the tool that our Father in heaven would have me be. I'm excited, uplifted and very much eager to get out and do the Lords sacred work.I'm in the Edmonton North zone and about 20 minutes from the mission office. For now send things there. Next week I'll be sure to get our home address so that I'll be prepared to recieve some letters ;DI've had a lot of good first impressions up here and I think I'll really enjoy the time I'm going to spend here. I'm shorter on time now that we're at a different library but I'll be trying to alternate who I am replying to so I'm getting to each of you. Have the best day you can!Elder McCarty

Sweetly sings the brooklet by! Brighter Beams the azure sky. 03-05-08‏

2008-03-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

Here I am once again writing the newsletter to let you all know that (as of yet) I've not been frozen. In fact even if I had been I would now be thawing! It's pretty warm outside and the sun is out and shining almost all the time! The occasional flurries of snow melt off usually before noon each day.This week has been, in majority, a calm one. We had our District meeting this monday. We traveled to Red Deer and met the Olds Elders along with our Zone Leaders.To my surprise (and joy) as we pulled into the parking lot Elder Sandstrom picked up two pretty large boxes and set them on the hood of the car. In sharpie was written "bless this missionary," "We love you so much," and many other very kind phrases. I want to right now thank my family very VERY much! My companion does too. I named my teddy bear Francios pronounced France-wah. I wanted to get a canadian name but somehow none seemed to fit him. So I gave him the first name that seemed to fit! Elder Frost and I engaged in a bubble war with the pack of bubbles. One of the bottles smells exactly like a candle that used to be in the living room of Dad and Patti's house. Floods of memories bombarded me with that smell.The great harvest bread was thoughtful and delicious of course! I appreciate all the thought and effort that was put into all the things in the package. I literally had to go to my knees in thanks since I couldn't at the moment thank any one of you individually! So here is my chance. THANK YOU! As a missionary few things get me as excited as a package from home.District meeting was amazing! There was an outpouring of the spirit mingled with the good humor of the Elders that was extremely tangible. I had the opportunity to give the doctrinal discussion and I learned a lot! Our Zone Leaders spoke and sent chills down my spine and throughout my scalp. I don't know that I've ever felt the spirit as concretely as I have on my mission. I hope you all get the opportunity to experience that sweet feeling (whether it be on or off a mission.)I am loving this work. I am adoring the weather (even if the whole city is now brown) the sky is clear most days and the sun casts warmth all around. The "brooklet" I mentioned in my subject line is more of a river. It's beginning to melt and it's a beautiful sight!I pray that each of you will be blessed in the best ways God has in mind for you! Love,Elder McCarty

To all You yankees! Well... Most of you at least. 02-27-08‏

2008-02-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

It's ok! I'm a yankee too. Just a canadian one for a little while. Today has been a brilliant one. Yes indeed the sun is shining. The snow is melting and that brings some interesting effects.During the winter there are trucks that basically just go out and drop dirt on the roads for increased traction on the snow that gets so packed during winter. As a result as the snow melts there is mud everywhere! Brown is now the dominant color here in Rocky but I can tell things will get beautiful.I may not get the chance to see that change! Zone Conference was this week! AMAZING experience. We had our interviews with President and afterward Elder Frost (my trainer + companion since I've been in Canada) turned to me and said "One of us is getting transfered." I asked "What makes you say that?" I was curious because he had been convinced one of us was being transfered before. This time he seemed more certain.He said "I told President that I can't teach you anything more."Shocked may be a good word to explain how that made me feel. So there it is. It's quite likely I'll be transfered. I would say it's nearly a 50 percent chance! Pretty intense eh? Zone Conference though was so good! President stands at about 5' 5". When he speaks though, he feels like a giant. His voice is not loud or tumultuous. It's much like I imagine the voice in 3 nephi 11:3 sounded. As he bore solemn testimony in words I had heard thousands of times before, my heart was pierced.My family and friends the spirit can do wonders in our lives! I am blessed with the opportunity to find that on my mission but I have faith that the lessons I'm being taught do not apply strictly for the next 20 months. They're ETERNAL principles. Doctrine and Covenants section 130 in verses 20 and 21 (I believe) talks about a law irrevocably decreed before the foundations of the earth upon which all blessings are predicated. If any man recieves a blessing from God it is by obedience to the law upon which it is founded. That's vaguely paraphrased but pretty close. If the law is from before the foundations of the earth I submit it follows in the eternities to come.This past week a kind lady named Sister Kay Mckenzie let us borrow her hymns book. It has in it written all the chords necessary to play the songs! How much fun do you think I've been having with that? If you guessed as much as I have time to give it You're right on! It's amazing to learn to play the songs that have always been dear to my heart along with a few I'm only a little familiar with.The work here is progressing. I think there is a lot of potential here and I hope to soon be able to unleash some of it. I have still not had hardly any chances to really teach the lessons to investegators. All the experience I have is from the MTC and the role playing we do occasionally in the mission.I have hope for each of you that you'll be able to feel many of the feelings I am so blessed to feel. I have a testimony of the truth of this gospel. I have witnessed miracles by faith.There is a member in our ward named Sister Laidler. Her husband Bob is a carpenter and has never been interested in the church. We came by their house to have supper with them and he was in his big lush chair eyes clenched closed in pain. His hand was wrapped and on a large pillow with Ice on the top of it. Through the course of dinner we discovered he had fallen from a ladder and broken it. The doctors said there were chips from the bone. By the end of the night his breathing grew heavy and he literally began to writhe in pain. Bob is a big man and a very tough person. He looks similar to a biker and to see him near tears was hard for me.As we gave the lesson on faith I had the impression to ask him if he wanted a blessing. Certain he would decline I waited to see if the prompting would come again. It did. I was nervous. We ended the lesson and prayed before preparing to leave. As we put on our shoes I said to him "Now Bob, I know you're not a member of our church, but faith in Jesus Christ can bring miracles. We have authority given to us to act in Gods name. Would you like a priesthood blessing?" I then explained that the results of the blessing would be according to his faith. He said "I believe."That was enough for me. Bob asked me to anoint him and to have Elder Frost pronounce the blessing. In short the blessing was that he would be healed and recover quickly.We left and I continued praying that I would be able to have faith to add upon the power of the blessing. Two or three days later we were driving by the Grocery store. I'm certain it was Bob Laidler I saw walking with a large cup in his hand (that had him less than a week before in near tears.)The healing power of Christ extends from the physical aspects to the most spiritual injuries we can have. Let's have the faith to be healed. With love,Elder McCarty

It's a major meltdown up here! 02-20-08‏

2008-02-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

Ok! So not long ago we had another of Canadas cold spells! Here in the more southern part of Alberta the wind is the real topper. The weather can be at a decent -15 degrees (which isn't terribly cold) but the wind can drop that dramatically to the point we're advised to stay inside!After about three days of that wind the next day the temperature shot to around -5 with minimal wind. We went and shoveled snow for 4 hours! We call it service tracting and it made a ton of progress for us. Ok I'm gonna tell the story... We had noticed that the Millards hadn't shoveled their walk all winter. They're a small family Dianne (mother) Ron (Father) and James their adopted 4 year old son. James is a riot! He talks more than most adults and always has a million questions. Sister and Brother Millard are very kind and always eager to have us over for supper. We've grown pretty close with this family since they make it a point to fill in our dinner calender whenever there is a vacancy! Yes that means sometimes we eat there three nights in a row!We had talked earlier about doing service tracting. Basically the plan was to walk down the street and shovel walks for strangers. We decided we would start at the Milliards and do their street! Now Sister Millard had warned us that they have Jehovahs Witnesses on both neighboring sides of their Duplex. I have nothing against Jehovahs witnesses I have in general found them very nice to us. BUT they are extremely devout and very VERY rarely receptive to the missionaries. Nearly every single house on that block had someone come out and thank us for shoveling their walk. One family had had a baby the past week another had been ill.Then we came to Brents house. Elder Frost started on it while I finished one of the houses near it. Brents wife came out and said "Thank you so much It's very VERY appreciated." She bundled up her children and left the house in her car. We continued shoveling. The driveway was packed solid and about 5 inches thick. We were only planning on doing a walkway for them but then came out Brent.Brent is about 22 years old. He smokes and is a pretty nice guy. That being said he never would have given us a second thought had we tracted that street. He came out and sat on the porch and lit up his Cigarrette. He Said (explatives removed) " I feel pretty guilty sitting in there watching you boys work your tails off." We assured him it was no problem and that we were happy to do it. Brent told me that he had that morning lost the person most dear to him. I made sure not to be pushy and asked a few questions. He told me it was his uncle who had raised him. He suffered a massive heart attack and simply slumped over in his chair. This uncle had a wife and children still at home.I asked "Do you have a belief in God?" He answered "well I never really was religious but I more believe in positive energy." I explained our beliefs on God. I expounded on the plan of salvation and that Brent very well could see his uncle again one day. He asked "What do you believe happens to people not in your church?" I told him they recieve a fair chance to accept the gospel. His ride had arrived and he picked up his bag. I asked his name and if we could come back sometime. He said this upon leaving "I'm not much of a religious man. What you had to say was a nice comfort to me. You boys can come back any time if I'm home and we can talk about the history of your church."This email is extremely long but look at that! A man that I feel very confident in saying would have given no second thought to us knocking doors accepted a lesson and said we could come back! What a major step in his life. I have a testimony of service! I heard a talk the other day about the second mile. Jesus taught a sermon where he mentioned (paraphrased) "he that would have you take his burden one mile, go ye with him a second."He was referring to the Roman decree that the Israelites were obligated to carry a Roman soldiers load for one mile. This indeed was a lesson in service. I have seen truly the softening ability service can have! Imagine how great the world would be if each one of us made it a point to do something kind that someone else cannot do for themselves each day!Life here in Canada is good! This past week has been as regular as missionary work gets. I hope at home you're each recieving the blessings you need. Love, Brother, Son, Cousin, Nephew, Friend
Elder McCarty

"The month of love!" 02-13-08‏

2008-02-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

Good morning, afternoon or night!The first week of this month our relief society president Sister Valstar stood up for testimony meeting. She's a rather outspoken and often very opinionated woman. Her voice is not quiet and her willingness to speak far from scarce. She's a good woman. I must admit I laughed a little when her first words were "It's the month of Love!"Anyhow that's the only real backing for my Subject line. She then proceeded to talk about how the "ol' Foagies" (<-I don't know how to spell that) were getting shown up by all these "young people." Directly after her testimony Matt age 12 stood up and bore his testimony. All in all there were total of 3 adults who bore testimony that meeting. It was powerful to see the youth of our ward stand up in strength and with conviction pronounce their firm beliefs and faith in our mutual Savior.This past week has been a trying and rewarding one. Interesting to me that those two adjectives can so often follow each other. I had exchanges with Elder Biesinger. He's large in stature (due to the body building he did back home) and a spiritual giant! He's one of my zone leaders. I learned so much from him. I must say that exchanges are some of the most miraculous times we ever have!We tracted into a Jehovah's Witness. He answered the door and contention immediately flowed from his increasingly raised voice. Elder Biesinger was very skilled at settling his concerns without contending with them. I bore my testimony and as the conversation went on the mans countenance changed. We could see that some of our questions and statements truely made him think. His voice grew softer and softer (his conviction remained firm.) We asked if we could return even though he did not want a Book of Mormon. He declined saying he was awefully busy. We pressed a little more saying we don't need much time, but still he turned us away.Now think on this a little bit. That man was ready to slam his door initially but he let us talk a little bit. It's amazing how soft words turn away the contentious heart. Remember that, and use it. It brings a smile to my face to know that when someone raises contention (and thus attempts to drive the spirit away) by solemn testimony and sincere questions the spirit remains. The heart of the contentious man softens (even if only a little) and we're allowed to proceed with the things the Lord asks of us.I know that this work is real. The spirit (when we can keep it with us) is tangible. As I saw the demeanor change of that man I know that the power of the spirit can do great and marvelous things!You have no need to take my word for it. Go and test it. The scriptures state "prove me herewith." An invitation and perhaps even a challenge that is from God saying if you want to know do as I do (or teach) and you will discover truth.I'm so grateful to you for your support and I hope that the things that I learn here can take a place in your heart. I love this work and I am grateful for this gospel. Love,Elder McCarty

01-30-08

2008-01-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

I'm definately in Canada! The past three days it's been in the -40's! Ya that's pretty brisk! We're mostly encouraged not to go outside if it's -30 C but today it warmed up to a scorching -28! ha ha The snow is far different from home. It's very powdery and when it packs it is slick! On exchanges a little while ago with Elder Sandstrom in Olds we were getting into the car. We each set our backpacks on the back seat and closed the doors. I turned and saw a truck with it's wheels turned to their max. The driver (a woman maybe in her 30's) was screaming some things that I won't write but suffice it to say she was distressed. Her wheels locked up. The dog in the passenger seat looked at us without the slightest bit of knowing what was going on. Now I'm surprised at what I did and what Elder Sandstrom did but we were a little shocked. For about 8 seconds (that in retrospect feel like 5 minutes) we stood just looking back at the truck. She was going about 30 miles per hour when we noticed her. She had been trying to turn into her neighbors driveway when it locked up. She came within 6 inches of our rear bumper. She apologized profusely and we told her it was fine and that it happens sometimes. Elder Sandstrom mentioned that we weren't the type to get angry even if the collision had happened. She climbed back into the car and drove over to her near house. I have the distinct feeling we were protected that day. It seemed to me that she should have plowed through the car and her truck was an older ford model. It was the type that had a solid metal bumper and the whole body was made very solidly. Our malibu would've stood no chance to say the least. Lately our balchony doors have been frozen shut. Here in Canada they put two doors on so that the outer door can freeze but the inner door can be more insulating. BOTH doors have been frozen shut and I have been making my handprint in the outer one from the inside layer of ice.Transfers were monday and the verdict came in, Elder Frost and I are both staying in Rocky. The president says that he recieved a letter from the higher authorities instructing us to stay in our companionships for longer. There are two elders in Red Deer who don't get a long at all. This transfer will mark 6 months together for them! What a lesson to me that I need to quickly learn to get along with all my companions!Well It's been another blessed week and I hope home has been the same! Congratulations to Amy and Jake for their wedding coming up quickly! I love you all and miss you but I'm out here working in the Lords vineyard and what a blessing that is! :DHave a phenomenal day! Elder McCarty

Weekly News and whatever else comes to mind :D 1-23-08‏

2008-01-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning, afternoon or evening!A 0 Today is a glorious day in the town of Rocky Mountain House. Elder Frost is through E-mailing and we've got to travel to Red Deer this morning for a Zone Preparation day. Because of that this email is likely to be relatively short in comparison to the others. Perhaps that comes as a relief to many of you. ha haI've been blessed greatly this week. I'm so grateful for your many emails. I'm thankful for the patience you all have with me and my weekly attempts to reitterate the feelings this mission is stirring within my soul.We've been making a greater effort to contact more of our investegators and set up definate appointments with them this week. We've had minimal success. Elder Frost was unfortunately sick for three or so of the days of this past week. That was a large contribution to the minimal success we've had. 0 I 7m enjoying my guitar and the lessons Brother Wolfs is giving me. He doesn't realize how much I already know but it's great that he's teaching me many of the basics I didn't know before. I'm learning about how to figure out songs by using different Keys and such. As a result I have a few hymns I can now play. My favorite is a neat acoustic rendition of "There is a green hill far away" that Elder Frost has on an EFY CD. I figured it out by ear mostly but the Key and relative progressions that brother Wolfs is teaching me helped a lot!I want to stress to each of you the importance our role as members is in this gospel. Moses 1:39 says that Gods work and His glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Missionary work essentially. I thought before my mission that I would serve two years and that would be it. As I've been out here I realize that the members and their roles in our work is so much more important than I ever before realized. Alma the younger was a missionary nearly every day of his life after he realized the error of his previous ways. I am making it my goal to be more like him in that respect. I would challenge each of you to be a missionary. Don't worry about being pushy because that's not what missionary work is about. Simply invite. As we invite we are not being over forceful we're simply opening that door and helping our friends to recognize that it's there. There's a saying "nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Nobody understands how much we as missionaries care about there souls when we're tracting. Do your friends know how much you care? Help them to understand the importance this gospel is. You WILL be blessed. More importantly your friends will be blessed.May God protect you and give you the capacities necessary to live in this world and do your part in this great latter day work that is Missionary work.My love to you,Elder McCarty P.s. I am sending this for the first time to many on the list Please forgive me for not being able to send individual emails every week! I try really hard but they only allow us half of an hour to be here emailing. Lindsey Court and Sarah I hope you'll forgive me and I'll do my best to send you emails but today I have no time. I'm terribly sorry.

1-16-08

2008-01-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

Family and friends, It seems this week I've been caught on a spiritual peak. It's days like this that the air seems a little fresher, the weather less severe, and the blessings from God so tangible. I'm deeply grateful for the e-mails I recieved in response to last weeks letter. I feel very blessed that so many people take interest in how I'm doing. Thank you for your support.This has been an inspiring week. Zone conference seems to have that effect. President Rhodes came down from Edmonton. In our interview I asked him a question about what I can do to be better at missionary work. He closed his eyes for one of those moments that seems like an eternity. When he opened them they seemed peircing. He simply said, "Elder McCarty, thank you for asking such a profound question... I will seek a more definate answer for you." .... I believe that President Rhodes is a man of God. I feel an unquestionable respect for him each time we meet. It's the kind of respect that commands reverence and integrity. We had a recent convert from one of the missionaries ward come and talk to us about her story. She was a simple person. The words she used were not extravagent but, when she bore testimony in words I had heard and spoken more times than I can count, my soul stirred. I felt the holy ghost with great power. She told us in words that are all too often spoken as memorized segments. Yet her sincerity shined through with unmistakable eloquence. It was a marvelous experience.Lately my perception of prayer has been changed. I now seek to have conversations with heavenly father. As I've done such my life is more rich. Everything seems purposeful and my faith has increased. Prayer is no longer a task but a pleasure. I was asked to close the Zone Conference with prayer. We all knelt down and I prayed with all the thought I could muster. I have sought to become more mighty in prayer since that adjective almost always accompanies description of the prayers of men I wish to be like.Sister Rhodes (the wife to President and mother of the mission) came to me afterward. She said to me "Elder McCarty that was a very spiritually oriented prayer, thank you." That compliment was a great strength to my faith that as we aspire to improve we can do so!I want to challenge each person that reads this letter to pray to God. Speak with him as you would with someone you greatly love and respect. Give him time to respond. Please do not rush through because if you fall victim to this (like I have for so many years) there's no end to the blessings you may be missing!Dan Jarhaus came to church yet again. He's a very soft spoken man. He asked a question geared towards Reincarnation while we were speaking of Resurrection. We explained that although reincarnation is a popular belief among some religions modern revelation has revealed that in fact reincarnation is not valid. He seemed a little confused. We asked him after class if he would like to hear more and if we could set up an appointment with him. He replied "not right now, I'm really busy." I was a little discouraged but I think over time he will make the time.It's my solemn testimony that this is Christ's church. That includes the facts that I know Joseph Smith is Gods prophet, that he passed those keys vicariously to Gordon B. Hinckley who I know recieves revelation for you and I. How powerful those truths are.I love you all and I enjoy hearing about how your lives are going. Please If you would like a personal response just mention it in your emails because I cannot always respond to all who I'd like to. I will do my best though! Thank you for your support, for your time, and for all you teach me. Love,Elder McCarty If you have any questions or comments I love to hear them! If you feel the overwhelming desire (ha ha which I'm sure you do) to send me mail my current address is:Elder McCarty5212 53 St. 403BRocky Mountain HouseAlberta T4T 1R6Canada

Weely Letter 01-09-08

2008-01-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

Dearest Family and Friends, This past week has been a spectacular one! I have enjoyed so many blessings. I hope that you can feel some of what I feel as I'm recieving so much! Since last week fast sunday was a very powerful experience for me. About a month ago I began a new tradition for myself. I decided I wanted to focus more on what the sacrament means when I go to church so I read Hymn 29 "A Poor Wayfairing Man of Greif" while the sacrament is being passed. In the spirit of fasting and prayer when I read the words in the 6th and 7th verses (especially the end of the 6th) I had one of the most special spiritual experiences I've ever been blessed with. Recently Sister Plowman in our ward (daughter to and living with the Judds) had supper with us at her house. We discussed the empty sixth seat with set plate. Her friend Dan Jahraus is a farmer. I think they're dating but they always call eachother (in introductions) friends such as, "This is my friend Dan." He attended "The Forgotten Carols" play and noticed there were many who were dressed in the customary white shirt and tie. He asked for some for Christmas! Now being a farmer, we pondered, why would he need white shirts and ties. He never showed up to that supper (being out late hauling hay) but our question was answered much how we anticipated and there he was at church the next day! We taught him about The Restoration in our investigator class. That was all very exciting but the real surprise came on the 6th of January. Sister Plowman was ill. She didn't come to church, yet, there was Dan, bible in hand and just as calm and silent as the week previous. We theorized "Maybe Dan was asked to drive the Judds" they're elderly and it certainly was possible. Elder Frost asked "Dan did you drive the Judds today?", when we met them on the way to class. Brother Judd has one glass eye and a walking cane so we thought it more than possible he could not drive. He squared his shoulders stood tall and said "I may be old and half blind but it only takes one eye to drive." We were shocked! Dan came out of no obligation. He came because he wanted to. He did not even have Sister Plowman there to influence him and yet he came! Now this may seem a little less significant but I want you all to know I hadn't had any progress with any person out here since we opened the area. I was thrilled that he's interested in the gospel. We're going to (through Sister Plowman) set up a lesson and he'll officially be considered a progressing investigator. Monday of this week was the beginning of an exchange. For those unaware an exchange happens when the leader (in our case Elder Frost is the District Leader) splits off with another companionship. The purpose is mostly to establish the status of the missionaries so that any troubles can be solved and corrected. I had the privelage to go with Elder Sandstrom! He's a big guy from Salt Lake. We talked up a storm (no play on his name intended... ha.) I enjoyed the time we spent. One experience we had stands out in my mind. We went by a store that Brother Mike Tucker owns and operates. He was on the phone with Ellen from Washington (another "Friend" I presume.) Her daughter Jessica (age7 1/2) had a question which they warned us she had stumped their missionaries with. She got on the phone while we were on speaker phone and asked this question. "If God has no beginning and no end where did WE begin?" .... Ya... I know. How would you answer it? Well we did it like this. We explained to her about the fact that we're spiritual beings having a physical experience. We told here we are here for two purposes. In no particular order 1 To gain a body like our Heavenly Fathers and 2 to be tested according to our agency. We explained it in detail that a seven year old can understand. We told her that in order for us to be tested we have to be kept from really remembering before this life. Next we explained that someday we will understand those things when we are ready. What a humbling experience it was! Also what a smart young girl. It was hard at first. We struggled to find out what to teach. She understood and accepted our answer nevertheless. It was a great experience. This Email is long. I apologize! This week also Brother Herman Wolfs let me borrow his guitar! It was his first. Made in 1952 in Germany this guitar is a work of art! It's red and black with violin style acoustic grooves on the sides of the string. He's also teaching me how I can determine what key songs are in and I'm grasping a better understanding of how to teach myself songs that I know. I already have come up with the chords for "Silent Night", "Frosty the Snowman" (Elder Frost loves when I sing that one to him ha ha) and many more simple but fun songs! I hope soon to be able to teach myself whichever hymns I want! The mission life is amazing. The church is true. If there is doubt in your mind I invite you to read Moroni 10:3-5 and follow his instruction. Especially focus on the 3 qualifications given that are prerequisite to his promise. God bless you.Love,Elder McCarty

Weekly Gazzette 1-02-08

2008-01-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

My apologies for last week! I didn't get the opportunity to check my mail because the Library was closed! Christmas, ladies and gentlemen, was absolutely outstanding! It's incredible how different it was than what I have had! We had three Christmas' in fact! The members of this ward are so kind and they only increase their kindness as time continues. I grand totalled 26 pair of socks! I love new socks so I'm very happy with that! We did a number of nativities and had lots of treats (many of which were sent home with us.) We played some pool on the worlds largest table (exaggerating of course.) I think it was 12 feet long and 6 feet across! I may not be remembering right but it's massive that's for sure. The dinners were great and surprisingly we didn't have one single christmas turkey! All three of the families said their family decided they'd had enough turkey and so we had all kinds of different things! Lots of good came from the season of Christmas. People in general have more open hearts and when you show up talking about Christ they listen just a bit more and I've been blessed to notice the Light of Christ reaching starting to glimmer in their eyes. Unfortunately many have kept that light dormant for so long that they cover it up just as quickly as it shows. New years was a blast! Pat and Mandy Christensen had us over to their home and we played lots of games and things! Their kids are a lot of fun and we got to have a pretty impressive bonfire! I had an amazing experience at District meeting this last week! Our zone leaders (Elders Jones and Beisinger) came and it was my assignment to do the doctrinal discussion. This group of elders (only 6 of us) generally have a lot of fun. We commenced as usual and then I led the discussion. The spirit came into that room so powerfully and silence swept the Elders. I read a powerful story and bore testimony. As I came closer to the Lord I feel I was directed in my discussion. Afterward the silence seemed so profound the Zone Leaders whispered rather that spoke "Can I get a copy of that?" My heart was full from the outpouring of spirit and I'm so grateful that we are not alone in this work! I've been humbled as to my abilities and my confidence has waxed exponentially stronger in the power of God. Family, friends, ultimately Brothers and Sisters of God, I want you each individually to know that I know the truth of this Gospel. There is a promise in all scripture that any who ask shall recieve. The Holy Ghost can manifest truth in any form to you and I. President Eyring once said when he was an apostle "this morning after praying to know the Book of Mormon is true" he was cut short. A man asked how he could possibly be an apostle if he had to pray to know the truth of the book that is the cornerstone of our religion. He replied with authority "I already knew the book was true... I just wanted to remember how it feels." Whether it be the first or ten thousandth time I promise that according to our faith, sincerity and intent we can recieve an answer to the truth of this gospel. Thanks so much for your prayers, concern, and support.
May God bless you all.
Love,
Elder McCarty

Christmas Pictures

2007-12-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

Deck the halls?

Drew as a king in a nativity play Dec 2007

My Christmas eve was great. We spent it with the younger Eklund family. They have 6 children and the oldest is 12. We did a nativity and listened to christmas music. It was much like home and made me think a lot about it. We had the same experience christmas day with the Eklunds parents and a lot more kids! As you can imagine the group of lots of people was just like home! They're so kind here.

Christmas Time 12-19-07

2007-12-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

This week has been good! I got a little sick (yes that's the second time on my mission!) Ridiculous I know. My trainer Elder Frost thinks it's funny. It's official I'm staying in Rocky Mountain House for another six weeks at least. Our time lately has been consumed by Mr. Kreugers Christmas. The stake president of Red Deer bought 2,000 of these DVD's and sent 1,000 out to less active members. The other thousand he's asked members to refer names to the missionaries to have us deliver them with a treat or personal gift from the members doing the referring. It's a good Idea I think. We're instructed to do NO proselyting on the door step. People are far more friendly to us as delivery boys than to us as missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. It for the most part has put the rest of our work on hold. I don't know if it's worth it but I suppose that may be why I'm not stake president! ha ha I have confidence the Lord knows what he's doing.It's been much warmer up here lately! Instead of - 18 degrees Celsius we've been hovering at a pretty constant -4! It's amazing the difference that makes. The snow stays forever and is 100% powder! As Christmas approaches I just want to add my testimony to so many others concering the true meaning Christmas holds. In 1 Nephi 11:16 Nephi seeks the Lord. He has a revelation. The angel asks him "Knowest thou the condescension of God?" I've read this at least 5 or 6 times before. It never caused a second thought in my head. President Edwards gave a presentation on this verse and the subsequent verses. Christ (under direction from God) created Earth and the Heavens. Such a powerful display. We all gain physical bodies to step up and gain a perception of physical law. Christ very clearly has and had before His mortal life a mastery over physical laws. In Abraham 3 Abraham sees a vision of the Premortal life. In verse 24 it says "there stood one among them (the noble and great spirits) that was like unto God." Christ wasn't as powerful as God but his Glory was like unto that of our Heavenly father. Now picture a premortal Christ. Picture the majestic, great spirit Abraham saw. Our Savior in all his power and glory, submitted to his fathers will. As we think of a baby it is near the most helpless thing on earth. Our elder brother Jesus the Christ condescended from his position of power authority and majesty. Not only taking on the form of a babe but in such humble circumstances as a manger! This is the love our God in heaven and Redeemer have for us. I know Christ came to the earth for us. I've heard it said he would go through every thing he did again if only for the sake of one of us. If the Savior had to go through Gethsemane again for only you... He would. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Love,Elder McCarty

12-12-07

2007-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon! This is my newly committed weekly (or aspiring to be so) newsletter for any who might want it. Let me know if you've got some other email addresses for me to send it to if there's someone you think might enjoy it! This week has been amazing! Last Saturday Mandy Christensen took Elder Frost and I to go find Christmas trees! We got ourselves a 6 footer so that it fits in our small Pad. Her father is not a member and her mother is a recent convert. It was amazing to have so much hospitality. The same Sister Christensen bought me a blanket since I hadn't yet purchased one when I was in the field for less than a week! We were at dinner with her and her children (her husband works on the oil fields and is away often so we can't be in her home without the presence of another adult man.) We were eating in the cafeteria of the local grocery store. Elder frost (my training companion) mentioned it was no bother that we were eating at the cafeteria since we were going to buy me a blanket that day and we were going to do it while we were there. She seemingly paid no mind to it. We continued with our dinner talking about all sorts of things and when we had all finished she looked at her sons and daughter and said "well are we ready to go pick out Elder McCarty a blanket?" I was a little stunned and said that it was too much for her to do and that I would buy the blanket. She persisted saying that if her husband were there he wouldn't let me buy it! So don't worry about me back home! Every sister in the ward has been kind and hospitable to me! Also I'm ultimately in the Lord's hands! We still are struggling to build up a teaching pool since we're opening this area. We tract often and find many people kind but not the least interested in our faith. The other churches around town preach against "The Mormons" and so many have false ideas about us. I'm learning tons and soon we'll get things picking up! We plant seeds every week and just like the parable of the vineyard even the most infertile patch of ground can yeild good fruit. I hope all is well back home! I've been asked by a few what I want for Christmas. I don't really need much. Your prayers are enough for me! But if prayer isn't enough for you to give I'm looking for some good music. Anything that invites the spirit of Christ and is in accordance with the guidelines set apart in the missionary handbook under music. If you find some good stuff that I might like (especially Acoustic guitar) I'd appreciate it very much if you could let me know or if you're near my family see if you can sneak it in one of their packages! I'm grateful for all of your support and pray for you all daily that you'll feel of the Lords love and find his blessings! Elder McCarty

Another Week 11-28-07

2007-11-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah that week was pretty good. I found out recently that both of those new investegators dropped the Innasfail elders. A bit of a downer but hopefully soon I'll get some people to teach.I love my companion. Sometimes I have to bend over backwards so that I don't have to make him compromise but it's usually not very bad. He's smart and knows a lot. Sometimes I disagree with him but that's always going to be there. Sage told me he's going to brazil in march! Exciting stuff. My thanksgiving was good. A member couple fed us for the American one since I wasn't here for the Canadian one. As for the pouch my companion says he doesn't know of anything like that so I'm not sure what the status is. Maybe only senior missionaries have them? He said that the MTC may send your package back and tell you to send it up here.
I'm starting to feel really sick to my stomach for some reason. I don't what it is. The food up here is mostly the same as America. We get fed just about every night by members but breakfast and lunch we're on our own.
Thank you for your prayers and I'm sorry I can't answer all of the questions you have I'm not thinking very straight today and the feeling sick thing isn't helping. I'm sure I'll be fine shortly so don't let yourself worry about it at all.I
love you!
Elder McCarty

2007-11-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

The librarians took mercy on us and gave me another 1/2 hour. I needed to write at least a little more. That last email was far too abrupt. I'll send some pictures hopefully next week. It surprisingly hasn't yet dropped a blizzard on us here in rocky mountain house. Oh! My address!! Send it to everyone if you can. I'll definately be here for the first 6 weeks and maybe longer. 5212 53 Street 403B Rocky Mountain HouseAlberta T4T 1R6CANADA Time is running short yet again. Ridiculous! This week I've been reading a lot from a book called Prophecies of Joseph Smith by Crowther. What a book!! It's a fun book that is also building my testimony daily! There are so many good books on doctrine of the church! I'm undertaking a challenge President Rhodes (my mission president) has extended. He gave us (the greenies of the transfer) fresh books of mormon. We are to read 12 pages a day and within 6 weeks we'll have it complete. I circle all nouns referencing the Savior and underline in red everything he says. Then I also underline in another color all the gospel principles we teach in our lessons. I'm gaining an all new appreciation for the story line for the Book of Mormon.

Winter activties - Canada mission

2007-11-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Ice fishing?________________Chopping wood