8/9/10

Hey!

How is everyone doing? Im doing great here! I was transferred to Ocala which is about 30 min south of Gainesville. Its at the southern border of the mission. Heres my new address:

3240 SW 34th St. Apt. 103
Ocala, FL 34474

There are so many things to talk about! Theyre all good things though so dont worry. Im not sure where to start. My new comp is Elder Toney. We were white washed into the area but this is actually where he started his mission so he already knows the members and the area which is good. I have to drive everywhere because he was in an accident a couple months ago and got a ticket for it so hes not allowed to drive the rest of his mission. He was supposed to serve with the missionary from Miami who doesnt have a license because he doesnt have papers, but Salt Lake called and told Elder Toney he cant drive now so they had to switch the other guy and i so that someone could drive the car here. I was really sad to leave because I made so many close friendships there and we have so many sweet investigators there. I am really excited about this new area though. I thought we werent going to baptize anyone last transfer but... Miracle!!! This lady Betty that we have been teaching forever finally started coming to church for the last month. She lives with her boyfriend and 2 kids and with her sister in law who is a member. The husband was always lame and would always avoid us and wouldnt get married or support her baptism. Then last Sunday Betty was at church and someone was bearing their testimony about baptism and she leaned over and said, "I really want that but i cant because im not married." She felt the Spirit very strong and was crying. Then this week her and her boyfriend Manuel got in a fight and then the next day he had a complete change of heart and told her that he has been thinking and that he wants to be married and start taking the lessons with the missionaries. My old comp Elder Williams just happens to be in town for the week and Betty called him and asked him to baptized her. So yesterday we found a ride back to Orange Park and She was married at the church and then baptized. It was amazing. The Spirit was so strong there and it was wonderful to watch their family become more united as they decide to follow Christ. I really felt like they will eventually go to the temple to be sealed. They already have 3 children. He will hopefully be baptized in a few weeks.

Pres Barry was at the baptism and i had an interview to renew my temple recommend because it expires this month. This one will last until April. I talked to him about my release date and he gave me a few dates of when other missionaries are going home cause he wants me to go with a small group at least so they dont have to make as many trips to the airport. I was hoping to be able to make it home for Christmas but i dont think ill be able to. The options are Dec. 29, Jan. 5, 14, or 19. Let me know what you think or if any of those dates would be better or worse than others. If it doesnt matter to you guys ill just pray about it and let you know.

This area seems great! They just got a new apt here and its really nice. Probably one of the nicest in the mission. There are trails and sidewalks to run on around several ponds, a decent weight room, 2 computers in the clubhouse that we can email on. Its sweet! The members here are great too. They have a dinner calendar and we get fed almost every night! Ocala is a a mix of a small city and the country. Its really spread out and very green. There are a lot of horse and cow ranches on the outskirts but a mall and a couple Walmarts. I am really excited about everything. Every pday they play soccer here with a few recently graduated guys and the missionaries. It was really fun to play again. Just got your email! You can send one in the mail if you want cause i probably wont get on again this week. Take care!

Love,
Elder Carty