Carolyn

Let me tell you a little story.

Last week in Justin's email, he was very excited to say that he had his first baptism scheduled for November 1st. His exact words were, "My investigator, Carolyn, was there with us for all four General Conference sessions she could attend! :)  Annnnnd.....she wrote down that she wants to get baptized on Nov. 1st!!! :)  I told you more in my letter home to you, but yeah!!  Wahoo!!  If I could hi-five the Spirit, I would. :)" He's kinda cute. :) Anyway, he is way excited.

Carolyn is 23 years old and is going to a college really close to where Justin is living. He described her as the older sister he never had. 

Well, last night, I got a Facebook message from Carolyn. Here's what she said:

"Hi! I know this is so weird and please don't mention this to him, but Elder Sumsion talks about you quite a bit (it's a good thing!). I just want to say I totally admire your faith in Christ for you two to be apart for so long. Elder Sumsion teaches me my lessons with his companion. He's an amazing missionary and it's a privilege to be taught by him. I'm converting to the LDS church so I wanted to tell you that his work IS making a huge difference in people's lives. You take care of yourself and I hope you're well. Carolyn"

I couldn't get myself to respond for like 10 minutes because I was so excited and happy and all the emotions. I was literally crying.

She and I continued to talk for about an hour. It was one of the best conversations I have ever had in my life. She talked about how she has always been so unsure about things but she just knew that joining our church was the right thing for her to do and that she wouldn't be joining the church this soon if Justin hadn't been there to teach her. 

Having the opportunity to talk to Carolyn was something that I didn't ever expect to happen. But I'm so glad it did. Not only did it comfort me but it gave me the chance to really see what Justin is doing. I always knew that Justin was going to be an amazing missionary but after talking to Carolyn, it is so obvious that he is doing some amazing things for the people in Canada. It makes me SO proud of him. What he has done for Carolyn is something that she will NEVER forget. He has completely changed her life. 

I totally emailed Justin when she and I finished talking (even though she told me not to...how could I not?!). Anyway, in the email I said, "Someday when we're married (it that's how it works out :) ), can we please go to Canada and meet some of the people you taught? I would love to meet them. Especially Carolyn. :)"

I wish every MG had the opportunity to talk to one of their missionary's investigators. It is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Hearing how much my missionary has helped someone makes it so much easier to be apart from him. I won't get to see Justin for two years but I'm so glad that this is the reason why. I am more than willing to wait while he changes peoples lives.  :)