ELDER DREW CARSON: Week 11 in the Field!

WOO We`re gonna type this one at LIGHT SPEED - I hope you`re all buckled in.

LECCION DE LA SEMANA: After all we can do, the Lord still gives agency to those around us. We went to the max this week in our efforts. We made bunches of calls in advance. We talked to people in the street (although not as many because we were rushin house to house). We ate EVERYTHING that the members gave us, and that`s hard to do. But, come Sunday, we had a grand total of ZERO investigators attend church. It surprised me that not even Marvel came - she`s potente - but, like it does, I`m sure life happened and she decided to stay home last minute.

The point is certainly not to discourage, but to lend thought to the concept. This ability to make decisions is something sacred that we all have. It is the only thing we have to give in return for what our Heavenly Father gives us, and even when we truly give it, the blessings we receive are so much greater than the sacrifice. This week, my investigators used their agency to stay home. But this week, I used my agency to serve the Lord and His children. What did you use your agency for?

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We had a generation reunion! It was such a blast! I walked into the stake center and saw Elder Chamberlain for the first time in while, and we practically jumped into a grand bro hug. Then he stole my nametag. The bum. But it was great. I was equally excited to see my big sister Hna. Flores, although the reunion was obviously a little different. We shared fotos, ate food, and listened to some wise counsels from President Reynoso.

We had a baptism in the ward! Angel, the 18-year-old son of our ward mission leader, finally decided that he was ready to take the dunk. The Spirit was super strong during the service, and at the end, Angel, himself, bore a powerful testimony. We and the other elders in the ward sang a himn. One of our investigators, the partner (unmarried) of Hna. Dulce, was there. It was AWEEEESOME.

We had to leave Abel, which was a little sad :( He had finals in soccer this Sunday, so he didn´t come. The good news is, those games are over, so we expect that he`ll come to church next week.

Both Cristina`s family and the non-member husband of an hermana in the ward rejected the baptismal invitation! Woohoo! Failure! My dad always told me to fail fast and learn. We`re making sure to do pleeeenty of that!! I feel sad for them, but were gonna echarle ganas more than ever this coming week to help them!

I started a Book of Mormon challenge from Presidente! I`m gonna read the whole thing before next month, highlighting in red all the names of Christ, and in blue doctrines and principles. So far, I`m getting done with 2 Nephi!

I LOVE FAST SUNDAYS HERE!! Everyone - including the kids and the tired moms - get up to share their testimonies. Some are short and some are long, but they`re all - for the most part - true and edifying. :)

GUYS. Next Pday (actually, every last Pday of every transfer) is this Saturday. That means there are two pdays this week and NONE the following! Just so ya know.

That`s all for today folks! It`s been good hearing and learning from you. Dedicate yourselves to serving those around you this week. There exists no situation in which love cannot heal, mend, fortify, and connect. Lose your life in Christ, and He will give you life to your fullest potential.

Love,

Elder Carson

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Arely (8-year-old sister of Abel) demonstrates simplicity and ultimate sophistication in her depiction of her family and the local missionaries singing a himn. Also, I`m the one with red pants.