I'm Going On A Mission!!!

I write you all to let you know how much I appreciate your letters, your prayers, and your excitement. You have all been an important part of these last two years. You have sustained me and given me strength to PERSEVERE!  

Now, as I go on another mission, I hope that we can continue working together to bring the Gospel to others by ministering in the Savior’s way. Wherever you are, YOU ARE A MISSIONARY. Remember to live as a missionary lives and to teach by your example. You will be the key to changing lives one by one. 

On Tuesday, we will get started!

Love, 

Elder Carson

Year 3, Week 1

I realized today that I’m an oldie - they wouldn’t give me the Mexican discount in Chichen-Itza because my green card expired on the 10th of October.... oops. 

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I was reflecting a little on the adjustments made in General Conference, and out of curiosity I searched out the formal "purpose of the church" as described in the administrative Manual 2: The Church provides the organization and means for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to all of God’s children. It provides the priesthood authority to administer the ordinances of salvation and exaltation to all who are worthy and willing to accept them. 

With this definition, we can easily see that the "meat" of our worship takes place OUTSIDE the church building. What is that meat? Ministering. Teaching the Gospel. Sharing our talents and gifts. Inspiring. Lifting the poor. Blessing. The church simply organizes us. We do the work. The work is a fundamental part of all aspects of our life. I love this quote from Gérald Caussé: "Sometimes we talk about going to church. But the Church is more than a building or a particular place. It is just as real and alive in the humblest of dwellings in the most remote areas of the world as it is here at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City."

I invite all you to take the "church" out of the buildings we have and into the world. YOU are a representative of the church. I promise that as you strive to become like the Savior, the Lord will use you as means to bring His children into the fold.

----------------------

We had a GREAT week!! The first half, we were working in our area, finding for November. We already have several investigators who will be getting baptized next month.

On Thursday, we headed out to Valladolid to help out the missionaries. I got to work all evening with Elder Astrada (the Argentine elder that accompanied me a few weeks ago). Then we stayed the night with the zone leaders, who were very hospitable and challenged us to arm-wrestling. Elder Mendieta (from Bolivia) ALMOST beat me - we tied with the left arm, but I beat him with the right. 

On Friday, on a special assignment from President, we surprised Elder Jensen by bringing him to the Ek Balam ruins!! He had never been, and President wanted him to have the chance. The funniest part is that he thought we were going to work in a close-by village. When we passed the village, I saw the confused look on his face and almost laughed out loud.

Today, we toured Chichen-Itza (also for Elder Jensen), and had a great time together. I practiced some business skills talking down the local artesan-salesmen. Turns out, one can get a lot lower prices by speaking to them in Maya!!

That’s all for this week, folks. I love hearing from you - your excitement is contagious!! I hope you have an excelent week.

Love,

Elder Carson

-----------------------------------

Summitting Ek Balan with the bros!

X´chanché cenote!!!

This is an ancient Mayan "basket-ball" court.

Basket? Basilisk? Who knows where the TP goes...

Two Years!

WOAH. I know I’m breaking the rules, but I like being out for more than two years!! Like in the old days!! Why not go for three?? ;) 

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: UNITE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST!!

Remember last week, when I invited you all to consider how to study and apply the General Conference talks?? One that has repeatedly impressed me is that given by Elder David A. Bednar. He talks of how all aspects of our church worship are united in Christ. He promised that as we connect all our practices to the Savior, we will receive perspective, purpose, and power.

I echo the testimony of elder Bednar. I know that the Savior is central to God’s plan of happiness. I have felt the promised blessings this week as I draw connections between my study themes and Christ. This week, I invite you to "always remember Him" in all that you do. Remember that we are only living our stressful, complicated life for one small, simple reason, and do not let the little struggles get in your way of achieving all you are meant to achieve.

------------

We had an excellent lesson with an investigator family following the adjournment of the last session of General Conference. Sister Dolores was able to receive an answer to her prayers as she listened to the prophet’s voice. Together with her boyfriend, they decided to be married on the 9th of November. I told them to send me photos! :)

I was able to do exchanges with an elder-buddy of mine who I met last year in Playa del Carmen. I was profoundly impressed by the way the Lord has shaped him into a successful and powerful missionary since his training. We were also able to talk on a more personal note, and I discovered that, like me, he is a writing nerd. Just imagine when we started talking about Harry Potter and Ender’s Game!

I’ve been trying to apply my own council from last week. As part of my plan to "digest" better the messages from General Conference, I downloaded all the talks in audio, and one-by-one I have listened to and scrutinized them in the mornings at 6:00am. The small sacrifice of sleep fills me with joy! How cool is it that we have living prophets??

I hope that you are all doing well! To all the many who have asked if I’m trunky, I say, "if you mean I’m ready to go to Valladolid next week in the trunk of President’s minivan to work my shoes off, YES!!"

Love you!

Elder Carson

Year 2, Week 50

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I don’t have a lot to say that the living prophets can’t tell you right now. I invite all of you who have not seen today’s sessions of General Conference to watch them here: https://www.lds.org. I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord’s only true church on the face of the Earth, and that Russell M. Nelson is a prophet of God.

To those who did participate in today’s spiritual banquet, I invite you to join me in recording your thoughts and impressions. Tomorrow, at the conclusion of the last session of General Conference, I will also draft a six-month plan of how to implement these vital teachings in my life until next April’s conference. Consider doing the same. Performance is improved when measured, and it is exponentially improved when measured AND reported.

I love you all, and hope we can take advantage of the privilege of hearing a prophets voice!!

--------------

Elder Vega and I went to Chetumal with President and Sister Reynoso this week. It was the first time I have made the six-hour journey with President. We enjoyed checking in with the new missionaries, interviewing, doing exchanges, attending a Zone Conference, and going to a parrillada to eat local tacos. In the car, we joked around with President and talked about the needs of the mission. It’s incredible to learn from such a spiritual man chosen by God to preside over this part of the world in its convert baptisms.

After two years of faithful service, a robbery, a miraculous recovery, and a fracturing, my watch stopped working. RIP watch tan-line.

..... I would love to continue, but... there’s no time!! Have a wonderful week!!

--------------------

I LOVE THESE GUYS!!! #twinningplaid

Year 2, Week 49

Saludos cordiales a todos mis amados del distrito 9D que ya están de regreso. Espero que la vida en casa les trate bien. Recuerden que no son J.A.S. - son misioneros RETORNADOS! Compórtense como tal!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I had a cool experience that I forgot to tell you guys about last week. When I was returning to Valladolid from Cancun, Elder Astrada and I missed the bus.... yeah. They said "last call" over the intercom, and we went straight to the gate, but the ticket-man informed us that our ride had already departed. Sigh. I may have complained silently in my head, but I had yet to see what the Lord had in store.

As we passed by the sales window to buy new tickets, Elder Jensen called my phone. "Hey, Elder Carson," he said. "I think you stole our house keys!!!" I reached in my pocket, and to my surprise, I had indeed been guilty of accidental theft. Missing the bus gave us enough time to meet up with the elders and give them the keys before travelling to Valladolid and causing a bigger problem. The best part: when we went to buy new tickets, the kind salesman transferred our old tickets for free!! Turns out, he is a member of the church!!! MIRACLES!!!

--------------------

This week has been exciting. We finalized transfer details, welcomed new missionaries (including two from Brazil who arrived speaking Portugués), and said goodbye to our old friends in the Last Supper with President Reynoso. Of all the "last suppers" I’ve attended, it was definitely the strangest to witness (for obvious reasons that I need not name).

Now, I’m working hard in Nichupté - AGAIN! It’s so great to see all my friends from this great ward. There are truly faithful and generous members here who fight to build the kingdom of God. I’m humbled by the faith I have observed in them.

The best part is that I’m working with TWO stellar missionaries!! Elder Jensen AND Elder Vega!! Both have been great friends to me during my two years as a missionary, and we are ready to give EVERY LAST DROP of soul-power in us to teach, baptize, and train these next five weeks!

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Prepare yourselves with good questions to listen and DISCERN the Spirit of the Lord during General Conference next Saturday. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts regarding the talks, so if you’d shoot me a mail between sessions, I would greatly appreciate it!!

Love,

Elder Carson

---------------------------

Dynamic Trio!!!

Year 2, Week 48

Okay, okay, it IS a little awkward thinking that this would’ve been the last e-mail I send to you all, BUT in the end, what does it really matter? I mean, the service continues for all my life!! THESE ARE THE FIRST TWO YEARS, NOT THE BEST ONES. 

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I obtained a renewed witness of the reality of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling this week. I was reading 2 Peter chapter 2, and discovered what characteristics the false prophets have. As I read, I thought of thousands of times when I had heard accusations against the Prophet of the Restoration. Did Joseph Smith deny the Christ? No. Did Joseph Smith sow shadowy, destructive heresies amongst the believers? No. Did he speak evil of the greater powers? No. What behavior, then, inspires his accusers? It can only be disbelief. Unfounded disbelief.

I invite ALL of you to search the scriptures, earnestly pray, and fast for a spiritual witness that we are, indeed, living in the Latter-Days - that Christ, indeed, has restored His church, and that we do, in fact, have priesthood authority in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you do, revelation will rain from heaven, and you will reach a well-founded surety of this great truth.

---------------------------------

I moved around a lot this week!! Elder Chamberlain and I went to Cancun on Wednesday, where we ate some pizza with the elders of Nichupté and started working on the plans for transfers.

TURNS OUT, I’LL BE GOING BACK!!!! President received the revelation that I should be in Nichupté again. That means that I’ll be finishing my mission with Elder Jensen, a great buddy o’ mine, and Elder Vega, an elder that worked together with me and Elder Coello in Palmas (wooo! a long time ago!) Though I would have loved to finish with my MTC companion, dear Elder Chamberlain, I know that the Lord would have me stay six more weeks, and who am I to say otherwise??

Right now, I’m in Valladolid teaching the area to a new trainer, Elder Astrada. He’s from Argentina (cool accent, bro!) and when I leave on Sunday, he’ll receive a NEWBIE to train and prepare for these next two transfers. HOW EXCITING!! Fun fact - he was companions with my chan.hijo, Elder Coello, this last transfer.

That will be all, folks! I love hearing from you with all your love and support!! Keep making good, destiny-shaping decisions!!!

Love,

Elder Carson

---------------------

My rocker companion from Argentina!!! I love this elder!!!!

Year 2, Week 47

Hey, friends!!! How are you guys?? 

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: A leader projects his qualities and attributes upon his stewardship. During a visit to a certain branch of the church pertaining to the mission, I found myself speaking with several members of the church with a seemingly negative outlook for the future of the branch. I thought, "How strange! Why does this line of thinking so commonly exist in a branch that is growing steadily? I would be celebrating!" 

I discovered the answer a few hours later in a branch council meeting. Unfortunately, the presiding leader possessed the same attitude I had witnessed in the members. Now, it all made sense. President Reynoso’s voice rang in my head: "I look at you and I already know how your zone is." The truth is, our stewardship gradually takes the form we give it. That’s called example. Is it any wonder that God, who is steward over our universe, must be perfect in order to lead us to that same perfection? 

While you strive to lead in your own spheres, be worthy. Cultivate the same traits that characterize the Savior. Repent of any and all wanderings from the straight and narrow path. I promise that the blessings will come, and they will be much greater than we can now comprehend.  

-----------------------------------------

This week, we travelled to Chetumal and Carrillo Puerto (again). Seems like we’re always going down there, right? BUT it was even more fun this time, because we didn’t stay in any one place for more than a day at a time! It was a lot of fast-paced action and LOTS of miracles to tell of. 

When we returned to Valladolid, we went directly to work and prepared for one of our investigators (named Honorio) to be baptized. What a cool experience it was to seem him be baptized with his son!! I’ll send you guys photos when I can because I forgot my camara that day and a sister missionary had to help us out with her camara. 

We also held our second embroidery class with the sisters of the ward. We didn’t have a TON of turn-out, but there were plenty of sisters excited to learn, so we gave them fabric, needles, and string to practice with! Next week we’ll have even MORE participation (and we hope to bring investigators, too!!). 

That’s all, folks!! Thanks for your words of excitement, frequent updates, and memes!!! haha. 

Love, 

Elder Carson

----------------------------------------

Buddies in Carrillo Puerto!

Dramatic look off into the middle-distance... we're explorers, what can I say??

Looking out on ancient Mayan cityscapes.

Year 2, Week 46

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Work with your head, not just your feet. 

It’s something that President Reynoso always tells us. Why walk around all day in the sun if there’s a more intelligent way to find people to teach? 

Turns out, the same applies to moving fallen ceder trees. The bishop called us two days ago at 8:00pm and asked us to come to his house and lend a hand. We arrived, only to discover that he had toppled a giant ceder with a hand-axe, knocking out his rock fence and that of his neighbor. His goal was to move giant chunks of wood onto his property between the three of us. I was a little bit like Laman, thinking "how do you plan to do that, genius?" Well the bishop showed me. He took out a giant wooden pole and applied the principles of newtonian physics to relocate the trunk of that giant tree. I was impressed by the faith and the smarts that he demonstrated. 

I hereby commit myself to (1) work with my head more than my feet, and (2) not doubt when there’s work to do. I invite you all to do the same. 

-----------------------------

Not much time today, but here’s a photo of life in Tizimin X)

Love you all!!!

Elder Carson

Year 2, Week 45

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA:

In a talk given to BYU students some ten years ago, Elder Bednar touched on spiritual gifts, and one in particular - the gift of being quick to observe. As it describes in Mormon 1:2, the prophet Mormon was considered "quick to observe" from a young age. This gift enabled him to compile the Book of Mormon in an impactful harmony of doctrine, principles, and history.

So what is the gift of being quick to observe? As Elder Bednar states, it is noticing or discerning, and then acting. As we seek to extract eternal lessons from everyday experiences, we are noticing. Then, as we apply those observed principles to our own lives, obeying the promptings of the spirit, we gain a testimony of their truthfulness and enable ourselves to receive more knowledge in the future.

Just imagine using this formula over and over again during a lifetime - how many truths could you discover? How many mysteries of God could you understand? How would your life change? I invite all of you to look for meaning in the everyday things. Listen closely to the Spirit to hear God’s will for you. Then, study 1 Nephi 11-14 to learn better how the Spirit teaches us. 

------------------------------ 

• I got a new companion this week! He looks a little familiar to me! (see photo) 
• We visited missionaries in Tulum and Puerto Aventuras, who surprised us with their many talents. It’s a great privilege to learn from them!!Arriving from our two-day trip, we were blessed to find a new family to teach in Kanchoc - a small village about 20 minutes driving distance from Valladolid. David, Daniel, Arsenio, Aurely, and her two daughters who didn’t want to tell us their name, were so willing to accept the baptismal invitation, following the example of Jesus Christ. We are hoping to see them tomorrow at church!!!
• Another miracle - the Zone Leaders helped us cover an appointment while we were out. Our objective: obtain the parent-signature so that Pablo, our 15-year-old investigator. They arrived and nobody was home, so they promptly left. They were just about to get in a taxi when they noticed Pablo’s mom enter and went to contact her. SIGNATURE OBTAINED!!!! :D 

That’s all for now, folks. Thanks for your encouraging words!!!!

Love, Elder Carson

----------------------------

THE BUDDIES ARE BACK TOGETHER!!! 

Year 2, Week 44

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Don’t count your chickens until they hatch!!! 

Now, I’m not trunky. But it definitely changes the mentality and perspective of a man when he knows the two best years to-date are a month from their finish. One ponders his goals, plans, and hopes for what lies ahead, even as he fulfills the responsibility at hand. A rush of emotions - SADNESS, fear, and even a little excitement begin to gnaw at the fabric of consciousness. 

BUT. The Lord has the last word. And sometimes, as I learned on Monday night, His will differs from our plans. 

I am pleased to announce that the Lord has reconsidered my return date, and now, instead of returning the 25th of September, I will now be getting home on the 6th of November. 

I love you all, and will greatly enjoy seeing you when I return. For now, however, it’s time for WORK, WORK, WORK, and I could not be happier!!! :) 

------------------------------

This week, Elder Godina and I went on exchanges with Tizimin Zone. That involved a lot of taxi-rides to little villages, speaking Maya (bix a beel, sucuum?) and one-on-one time with lots of different elders. It’s honestly my favorite kind of service. 

I discovered that the Mayan people are very talented with embroidery! There’s a sister in our ward who’s going to embroider a tie of mine for only $100mx. i’ll be sure to show you guys as soon as she finishes!! 

We had our Zone Conference this week with President Reynoso. The only thing that didn’t go well was President’s hotel reservation - after we went to make the reservation, they CHANGED the room to another located on the THIRD floor WITHOUT an elevator... sigh. Everything else was EXCELLENT, and I left super inspired!!! :D

Tomorrow is Stake Conference in Tizimin. We’re going to take our investigators on a bus trip!! Woohoo!!! Hope you all have as much fun as we will! 

Love, 

Elder Carson

-----------------------------

DAVID GOT BAPTIZED!!! The kid´s a future mission president - real story.

Year 2, Week 43

This week was a BLUR! We weren’t even home until yesterday night. 

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: The most effective way to minister is one by one. Have you ever noticed that people respond differently when you give them your time and care? That is how Jesus served. 

Having been taught this important lesson by our mission president, Elder Godina and I took a different approach to our monthly trip to Chetumal. Instead of zipping from area to area trying to secure baptisms and raise the zone’s stats, we implemented three new ideas: 

• A special council meeting just for the district leaders.
• Companionship trainings (arriving at the house of one companionship to study together a specific topic and strengthen them with practices)
• One on one interviews with the missionaries who haven’t seen much progress in their missions.

Doing this, we felt a renewed strength and energy in the zone and even saw some miracles with the investigators. 

I know that when we choose to focus on the INDIVIDUALS around us, we open up channels through which the Spirit can strengthen and bless them. I saw this principle in action! I hope this week we can all commit to be instruments in the hands of the Lord to minister to the ONE!

------------------------------------

We had another arrival of new missionaries! This time, it was our turn to go to the airport. We made arrangements so as to enter the parking lot with the shuttle-van and not have to pass security, but after waiting for the missionaries a while, we discovered that they left the airport on the OTHER side of the fence, where we normally go... Sigh.

After giving the new missionaries a big welcome conference that lasted all morning, we headed off to the mission home with the departing missionaries to have a farewell dinner. MAMÁ REYNOSO MAKES THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD EVER!!

It’s honestly a little crazy to go from place to place without seeing home-sweet-home in Valladolid! I love it, and at the same time I miss my member friends in Yucatán! Every month, the mission gives us a travel budget, which also serves for food and taxis throughout our trips. In order to save on long-distance travel, we go in combi instead of bus. It’s a little more cramped, but... I’m still young. X) 

We got home last night because of a little miracle - normally we travel from Chetumal to Carrillo Puerto and then to Valladolid, but when we got to Carrillo, there were no trips to Valladolid! The vans normally don’t leave very late, and it was already 6:30pm. By providence, we were able to find one van on the other side of town that still hadn’t left for Valladolid and had space for the two of us. 

That’s all, folks! Thanks for tuning in! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love, 

Elder Carson

Year 2, Week 42

The answer to life, the universe and everything.... It’s week 42!!!! 

LECCIÒN DE LA SEMANA: Don’t steady the ark!! I was talking with Elder Jensen yesterday, and we had a very enlightening, doctrinal conversation about how we sometimes step outside our stewardship as missionaries. It’s a similitude of the ark of the covenant in 1 Chronicles 13:

9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

Sometimes, we, too, want to fulfill responsabilites that aren’t ours to fulfill, and we end up impeding the spiritual growth of others. Some examples: 

• We want to reprimand fellow members of the church when really that is the bishop’s responsability.
• We want to council someone who should really be seeking the advice of his quorum leaders.
• We want to discipline other children so that they behave better when that job belongs to his parents.
• We judge others when the only one capable of understanding them perfectly is God Himself.

Don’t steady the ark. Magnify YOUR CALLING in the church and in the community. Demonstrate trust and let others do their job, even when they have weaknesses. If you do, I promise that you will see progress and unity in your wards and stakes. The Lord’s work advances when we all pitch in.

---------------------------------------------

This week was half and half - half in Valladolid and half in Cancun. We spent the first few days finding in our area, and we saw lots of miracles. The people in Yucatàn are very humble and willing to listen to the teachings of Jesus Christ. We committed the father of our recent convert, Romel, to go to church and accept a baptismal date - now it’s only a matter of his choices to follow through. 

We had a Zone Party for baptizing more than the other zones!!! (pride is bad, people). President showed us some fun Family-Home-Evening-style games and he took us out to eat smoked meat tacos. Elder Del Toro ate the most (about three entire plates of pure meat) and I came in second with ten tacos. 

ANGEL GOT BAPTIZED LAST WEEK! He was happy to be cleaned of sin and overcome his fear of water. 

Now in Cancùn, we’ve been busy doing the planning for transfers. Turns out, I´ll be staying in Valladolid with Elder Godina for my last transfer!!!! Together, Elder Marquez, Jensen, Godina, and I came up with a Henry Ford assembly-line-style system to finish the logistics in half the time. We planned, wrote, corrected, and typed about 50 movements in less than 4 hours!! WOOHOO!!! What´s gonna work? TEAMWORK!!!

Now, we´re enjoying PDay in the mission offices. Great stuff.

Hope you enjoy the photos :) 

Elder Carson

------------------------------------------

ANGEL!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER SANTIAGO!!!! (her companion is behind the camera :) )

20 BAPTISMS IN TIZIMIN!!!! (hashtag zone pride)

Year 2, Week 41

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Your companionship is an invaluable investment. The other day, I had a sit-down talk with a dear friend of mine in the mission. He counciled me to think less about myself and "invest" more in my companion. I thought, "what could that mean? We’re working hard, aren’t we? We’re baptizing, aren’t we?"

Here are some things I WASN’T doing very well before:

• Taking time to talk with my companionship and get to know him beyond superficial missionary-work things.
• Paying attention to make sure his needs (physical, emotional, spiritual) are fulfilled.
• Making sure there was a positive (not just neutral) spirit between us BEFORE leaving the house to work.

It’s very easy to obsess over good things. Every virtue, when taken to an extreme, can become a vice (Deiter F. Uchtdorf). Being a great teacher of the Gospel is ineffective if the spirit does not exist between companions.

My invitation for all of the friends, brothers, sons, daughters, friends, spouses, and parents out there is to take time to MINISTER to those close to you. Don’t take their company for granted. Even a good relationship can become better when you add time and heart. And that investment has a VERY good interest rate.

-------------------------------------------

This week was another week planning and executing the leadership council. Elder Marquez, Jensen, Godina, and I all focused on OBEDIENCE, because President has been worried about the observance of the mission rules lately. It was a stay-up-late-making-powerpoints-and-practicing-the-activity type adventure X) The great part is that Elder Jensen is always very generous with the food in their house (and cooks a mean breakfast)!

Elder Godina and I have been rushing to find the "chosen ones" for August in the little time we have in our area. MIRACLES ARE REAL! We found the friend of one member who has gone to church a lot and who’s willing to be baptized THIS WEEK! WOOHOO!! Yesterday he had his baptismal interview and passed with flying colors!

This next week, we’ll be finalizing transfers with President Reynoso - always a delightful process. It just hit me - after this next week, I will be on my LAST TRANSFER... :O

Several of you have commented your excitement for this FACT-THAT-SHALL-NOT-BE-NAMED; let me remind you that six weeks is practically a lifetime and that I can sleep sound at night knowing that I am a natural-born Yucateco Mexican boy... (right?)

Love you all! Have a wonderful week!

Elder Carson

Year 2, Week 40

ANOTHER DIEZ WEEKS CUMPLIDAS!! How rápido the tiempo flies (spanglish level experto).

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Our faith is a part of everything we do. This week, we had an EXCELLENT show in Chetumal by the American Rhythm Folk Ensemble. As they sang and danced traditional american numbers, they also shared an important message: that whether we are worshipping, working, or having fun, we reflect our faith. It’s true! I remember many times in my high-school years when others said, "there goes the mormon!" or "show us your mormon super-powers!!" People observed me (and are observing you, too) to determine what to believe about the church. I invite you all to consider this fact, and then take advantage of the many opportunities to share a positive message about Jesus Christ in the way you live. If you do, I can assure you that God will make you instruments in His hands to bring this message to other people.

----------------------------

We were in Chetumal almost all week. It was such a great experience being with the missionaries, learning from them, seeking miracles and finding them! I also got to see some of my old friends from Jardines Ward.

The show was a blast - we were zipping from place to place trying to invite all of Chetumal, and it was a success! We filled the stake center with spectators, about 70 of which were investigators, and 30 of which were new referrals!! What a boost of missionary energy!!!

We got home yesterday evening just in time to eat and rush over to the chapel. Our investigator, José Cruz, was baptized that day at 7:30. Because he’s a little bit older, my friend Jorgito and I both got in the baptismal font to help him perform the ordinance. Today, we’ll also be having Mari’s baptism!! We’re so happy for her and her willingness to follow the Lord Jesus Christ!

In other news, I’m trying to learn how to make rice in a microwave and have already mastered the art of french toast.

That’s it for today!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Elder Carson

---------------------------

Chichen-Itza: one of the wonders of the world.

The other wonder of the world (but the eye-roll, "I WONDER why he took that goofy selfie" type of wonder XD)

HERMANO CRUZ!!!! READY FOR ACTION!!!

Imel and Kerona had their baptismal interviews!!! They´re from Belize, so I had to speak in English with them! Very cool!! And the Will Smith look-alike is also a hip-hop dancer.

Year 2, Week 39

Hey, amigos! What a great week we had!!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Don’t be afraid of admitting you don’t know something!!! 

In these tumultuous times, members of the LDS church will face a growing force of criticism and antagonism towards their faith. We have already seen it in the world - rumors about church history, open condemning of church practices, and even synical references in TV shows.

While we can feel attacked by this type of language, retaliation only makes things worse. If you face a question that you cannot immediately answer, don’t fight - say "I don’t know" and share your testimony of what you DO know! That doesn’t make you foolish - it makes you faithful. Then, later, search for answers through fasting, prayer, and diligent scripture study. I can promise you that when you apply this simple principle of peacemaking and sincerity, you will be an example for those around you. Others will take notice and desire the strength of faith that you possess. I can also promise that through your diligent study and prayer, you will discover many of the mysteries of God and will have the answers to many common questions about the LDS church. 

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/gospel-solutions-for-families/how-to-answer-questions-about-church-history

SHOUT-OUT TO BROTHER HARPER!!! WAY TO REPRESENT!! 

------------------------

We were in Cancun for the first two days of the week. There was a great and present need to train the District Leaders of the mission, so we brought them to home base and taught them principles of leadership. It was a lot of fun! We used dynamics and practicing to strengthen their ability to hold a baptismal interview, delegate, communicate, and "forge new leaders" of the missionaries in their districts. 

We had a frightening experience in which a missionary transformed into a Korihor! I’ll leave it to you as homework. But we resolved it with love and patience.  

We’re preparing for a dance-event that will bring investigators to church! An American Folk dance team (headed by a returned sister-missionary from our mission) will be coming to Cancun, Carrillo Puerto, and Chetumal this next week to perform!! FUN!

SHAROMA GOT BAPTIZED!!! 

That’s it for now!! LOVE YOU ALL!!

Elder Carson

Year 2, Week 38

Hola, mis compatriotas!!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: The most effective teaching always occurs in the home.

During a companionship study, Elder Godina and I were memorizing some scriptures, and I realized something: despite all the efforts I’ve made to learn, study, memorize, and recite scriptures in my mission, the scriptures that I have engraved most deeply in my mind are the following:

·         Mosíah 3:19

·         Matthew 5:14-16

·         Matthew 6:24

·         John 14:15

·         Helaman 5:12

What makes these scriptures special, you might ask?? These are the scriptures that I learned, studied, memorized, and recited with my family during Family Home Evening (even when I didn’t want to). PARENTS: don’t take your supernatural powers for granted. Teach what should be taught. Drill your kids with truth so that they develop a resistance to falsehood. If you do, I promise that the day will come in which they thank you and acknowledge the blessings they have received for your efforts.

Thanks, Mom and Dad :D

-------------------------------

In church, we were blessed to see new faces. Our investigators, Mari and Leidy, accompanied us and enjoyed everything but the air-conditioning (it was pretty cold). We were also thrilled to see that Fredi, a recently-baptized member, brought his non-member father, Cruz, to enjoy Sacrament Meeting. All three are progressing towards their baptism at the end of this month!!! Lots of prayers for them!!!

This was the trip we took:

Day 1: We went travelling to Carrillo Puerto (again), and we worked with the missionaries to find and teach new investigators.

Day 2: We travelled to Puerto Aventuras to help the missionaries keep strong despite the difficulties that they face in their area. We worked with members to find referrals, and even enjoyed chinese food from the plaza!

During a branch-home-evening, the branch president (who I knew since I worked in Playa) called his sister-in-law (my convert) and handed me the phone. It was so special to hear how Rubí has progressed since I last saw her!!

Day 3: Lots of time in bus and combi getting back to hax-Valladolid.

Well, that’s it for now. I’m a happy elder. I hope you can all see the miracles that occur when we’re engaged in the work of the Lord. Find ways to be anxiously engaged in the work wherever you are, and you, too, will see miracles!!!

Love you guys,

Elder Carson

--------------------------------

Cenote Za´ci - a natural beauty!!!

​The view from the cave on the other side...

Year 2, Week 37

In 1 Samuel 18, we learn about David, who was praised for his power, influence, and bravery. King Saul was envious of David’s reputation amongst the people of his kingdom, and was visited by that "evil spirit" which tempted him to kill David with a javelin. 

When we harbor feelings of envy, we become vulnerable to the same evil spirit that visited King Saul. We may not be tempted to kill, but we may gossip, slander, punish, ignore, and otherwise injure the person who we envy. 

I suggest the following to any person struggling with envy: METACOGNITION. THINK ABOUT YOUR THINKING. Analyze the time you spend comparing yourself with others. When you open your mouth, do you talk about others who aren’t present in the conversation? How can you change your focus? 

Kneel down. Pray for a witness that you are a precious son or daughter of God, and that He wouldn’t replace you with anyone. I testify that He will come to you and will say as he did to Ammon: "‘Be comforted.’ And they were comforted."

---------------------

Lots of fun happenings this week! We held the leadership conference, which was an incredible opportunity to hear the talents of our mission leaders. 

Elder Godina and I had our first week working together! These past days, we have been SPOILED with miracles - we have found three new families to teach, one of which is composed of Mom, Dad, and TEN CHILDREN. Talk about future Mormons... 

Our new Zone Leader gave a great presentation in which he datailed the goals and plans we have for this month to give more than last month!! Our goal is 212 baptisms, and if we have more than 107, we’ll break our record for the THIRD TIME IN A ROW! 

I’m so happy to be here in the field, even if I have less than three months left! Next week, we’ll be travelling to Felipe Carrillo Puerto to help out the missionaries. SO EXCITED!

Love you guys!

Elder Carson

----------------------------

Saying goodbye to three of my companions now returning home!! Tears!!!!! X´)

Professional photography, as always.... NEW COMPANION, ELDER GODINA!!!

Leaving behind Elder Marquez in the mission offices... it´s your turn!!!!

Year 2, Week 36

HELLO MY FRIENDS!!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: The central theme of my studies during the last several days has been "the Lord’s promises". I searched through the standard works in order to discover more about the nature and the extent of His promises. 

The Lord has said, "Yo, el Señor, estoy obligado cuando hacéis lo que os digo; mas cuando no hacéis lo que os digo, ninguna promesa tenéis" (D&C 58:31-32). If we keep the commandments and live virtuous lives, the Lord will ALWAYS fulfill the promises He makes us, be it through the scriptures, through His holy prophets, or through a patriarchal blessing. 

I thank the Lord for sharing with me the precious promises He made with ancient prophets. I also thank Him for the personal consideration He has given me through my patriarchal blessing. It brings me peace to know that I can count on Him through the uncertainties of life. 

I invite all of you to BECOME FAMILIAR WITH the promises of the Lord through diligent scripture study. As you do, you will feel the same peace that I have felt, and you will be filled with a sense of purpose in your life. 

-----------------------------

This week has been nuts!!! Everything from bus-tickets to PowerPoint presentations has been the essence of our work. A lot of good erasers were spent in the logistical planning of the transfers. 

We had a few days before coming to Cancun to work in our area. We enjoyed Sacrament Meeting in Valladolid, and were blessed to find lots of new investigators that evening! Our dear district leader, knowing our situation, offered to do divisions to better take advantage of the time we had. We also found Fidel’s family! This good man has been busy - at about 40 years old, he already has 10 CHILLUNS. That’s a lot of diapers. They accepted baptismal dates, and referred us to their cousins (who happen to be their next door neighbors) - another large family that accepted a baptismal date. Our next lesson with them will probably have to be in the local auditorium (so that they all fit).

WE HAVE 102 BAPTISMS THIS MONTH, AND MORE TODAY!!! We’re all celebrating the new record, but we’re also conscious that the devil will be working hard to distract us from the coming month! Now that we broke the record, we’ve got to buckle down and focus in on July!!! President promised to buy pizzas for the Leadership Council next week as a book-end to the festivities. 

That’s all for this week! This next transfer, I’ll be working in Valladolid with Elder Godina! Expect photos next week!! 

Love, 

Elder Carson

----------------------------

Surprise selfie with Elder Jensen in the offices!!!

A kind sister let us pick from her coin-collection! I liked this Mexican coin because it depicts Quetzalcoatl - a Mayan god.

The guayas are my new addiction... O.O But they´re healthy, don´t worry.

Year 2, Week 35

We went on tour again this week!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Don’t get frustrated for things that are outside your control.

Yesterday, we travelled to Tulum to help out the sister missionaries, annnnnnd after two hours, nobody showed up like we had planned. Then, after returning to Carrillo Puerto, we ate quickly and went to see an investigator who was..... not home. Haha. THEN, after packing our things to go to Valladolid, we got to the bus station only to discover that the last van had already left! There was one taxi available, but there weren’t enough passengers to make a profit, so the driver politely declined service.

Sigh.

My companion and I had a conversation about how things sometimes don’t go as planned. We came to the conclusion that all these things would be for our good (D&C 122:7) and that we should look for the opportunity that God was giving to us.

I can promise you all that as you strive to have a good attitude about the unexpected changes in your plans, you will see the hand of the Lord protecting and guiding you. You may not always understand at first the nature or purpose of your trial, but you will enjoy life more DESPITE those trials.

----------------------------

This week passed faster than a startled iguana. I somewhat remember ending up in Bacalar and almost entering a Menonite colony by accident. I remember finding a miracle in Jardines Ward (where i served before) with a young sister who desperately needed the Gospel in order to continue on as a mom of her infant children. I remember challenging a new missionary to give a District Meeting in the absence of the normal District Leader and being impressed by his confidence.

It is honestly a great blessing to be able to serve with these incredible missionaries. I am constantly blown away by there efforts and acheivement. It looks like we’re going to break last month’s record of baptisms.

This week’s going to be calmer - we’ll be in our area the first half, and then it’s off to Cancun to help the office-workers organize transfers.

I LOVE LIFE!!! :D

May you all have lots of good food and miracles this week!

Love,

Elder Carson

-------------------------

My friend Isidrio from Jardines!!

Right now in the ciber-café. 

If I go into photography, food-photography will be my only option, because this sandwichón still looks delicious.