Simi Valley, Elder King, riding a bike, update on Kyle Dory and my testimony of Jesus Christ.....

February 12th

Transferred to Simi Valley, Sequoia Ward, with Elder King

Elder King, Elder Carter

February 18th

Mom: "How are you adjusting to your new area and to riding a bike?"

Elder Carter: "I am doing good. My butt is finally past the sore stage and now I am used to the bike. Hopefully I can get some good leg muscles now. Me and Elder King are getting along super good too. We are staying busy with teaching and we have member visits almost every night. We do have dinners every weekend though so that is nice."

Having dinner with a member on the weekend

Riding a bike with Elder King

March 4th

Mom: "Are you getting enough to eat now that you're not eating with the members during the week?"

Elder Carter: "Providing our own meals has been good. We eat a lot of simple easy stuff and fast food a couple times a week. It’s not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm taking care of myself don’t worry. Haha."

Mom: "How do you like being senior companion?
Elder Carter: "Being senior companion is good. Doesn't feel too different but feels good."

March 11th
Update on Kyle Dory. Kris Dory: "Hi! Just thought I would give you an update on Kyle. So he had 16 rounds of radiation to his head and spine. He tolerated it pretty well this time. He did lose all of his hair in 3 days too! But he is doing well. He has been super busy with all sorts of things. He was able to share his journey of faith at 3 zone conferences. One in Longmont, one in Greeley, and one in Cheyenne. Each in the morning and then we headed for treatment. He spoke in one of our western wards, the adult session of Stake conference, and also in a second session of Stake conference in Rawlins on Sunday. So he spoke a total of 6 times in a week! But each time I just watched his testimony and confidence grow stronger. He has started some things on his bucket list, first one to get a mountain lion. He was able to accomplish this last Friday. (I will send you a picture). Right now we are in Arlington Texas! He was invited to a roping clinic down here. He started the day being an impromptu speaker and shared his testimony of how important Christ is in his life. He was then treated to a one on one lesson with a world champion roper. It has been quite the journey so far. I am seeing more each day the hand of the Lord in our lives and what journey we need to be on now. His patriarchal blessing talks about how he will bring others to Christ. I am seeing this come to pass. Many more adventures await I am sure. Just enjoying each moment of each day to the fullest!! Thanks for all the many thoughts and prayers!"

Kyle Dory with his mountain lion

Elder Carter: "That is super good to hear about him. Please keep me updated on him too. A few weeks ago when I first heard about his story I put his name on the back of my tag so ever time I put it on I remember him and he is with me. Every time I see it I remember that I am so blessed and need to appreciate every single second of life. Send my love to them please."

The back of Elder Carter's missionary name tag

Kris Dory: "Tell Laine that I appreciate that so much and I am honored that he would do that for Kyle. I will keep sending updates as well too."

Rhonda to Kris: "Our boys are both serving their missions!"

Kris Dory: "Yes. He had another opportunity to testify of Christ this weekend to those not of our faith spur of the moment. I am realizing more each day that this is his mission."

Mom: "I'm speaking in Sacrament meeting on the 17th of March and I've been asked to share how we have been blessed by your service and how you have been blessed by serving a mission."

Elder Carter: "The one thing that stands out to me more than anything on my mission is my love for the Savior and all he did for me personally and each of us. Without him there would be no point to life. No matter what hardships and trials and rejection we go through we are not alone. That's one of the biggest things."