Year 2, Week 18

Bax Kau’ali’c?? There’s a little Maya for you! It means "what’s up?", or, literally, "what do you say?" NOTE: spelling inferred.

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: My companion gave me some good advice this week. As I struggled, sitting at the computer, to fit all the little details of office life and missionary transfers in my head, I was getting desperate. In that moment of self-criticism, Elder Vergara came up behind me at the computer and said, "stay on your feet, Elder!"

I stood up and stayed up. Within 24 hours, I could see a great change in my ability to capture information. I felt that I was more in tune with what was going on. I felt that the secretaries asked for my help more. I felt involved, not isolated.

From this I learn two important lessons. First: God gives us mentors to help us progress both temporally and spiritually (see "My Plan" program for missionaries, page 8). If we listen to their councils (always discerning with the Spirit) we will slowly but surely reach our potencial. Second, in ALL aspects of life, we can apply the concept of "staying on our feet!" How often do we isolate ourselves when we enter an uncomfortable situation? Couldn’t we instead begin to ask questions, connect with people, and trust that God is putting us where He wants us to be? STAND UP AND STAY UP!

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This week we received a missionary early from the CCM in Argentina. We went to the airport, but our transport arrived late, so he was left waiting for about 20 minutes.... oops... the stories he’ll tell his grandchildren.... We invited him to Chefecitos (a little restaurant in front of the mission offices) to make up for it. "Write it off on the mission credit-card!" as President says.

Elder Vergara and I just got back from a little trip to Puerto Aventuras, where he took his English Test. I must say, it was quite fun to be seated outside waiting for him during five morning hours... ha. I’m sure he did fine - he’s got English down to a science - but prayers would be appreciated for his acceptance to BYU!

After getting back, we were recieved by President Reynoso, who invited us to eat in the Sirloin buffet close to Plaza las Americas. WHAT JOY FILLED MY SOUL. There was great food ranging from sushi to hot wings to pizza. Elder Muñoz, from Minnesota, won the Eating Champion of the Mission Offices with 4 full plates of food (and dessert).

In other news, we placed baptismal dates with several investigators in our own area and saw miracles in our zones. WE’RE SO CLOSE TO REACHING 100 BAPTISMS IN ONE MONTH!! This could be the first time!!!! The whole mission is on-edge to the point that they hardly cared to hear about their transfers when we called them last night.

Speaking of transfers, I’ll be staying with Elder Vergara in Nichupté. SURPRISE! But that’s okay, because the transfer felt about 1/5th as long as usual. AND Elder Vergara and I are buddies, even though he’s still a pharmacy with legs.

That’s a (sushi) wrap, folks! Thanks for tuning in.

Love,

Elder Carson

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Picture sent to us by a wonderful tourist! ~Jason

Another picture sent by a tourist! We love the tourists! ~Jason

Year 2, Week 17

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: There’s a great article by D. Todd Christofferson in the new Liahona that talks about Religious Freedom. As I read, I was contemplating all the times that I’ve felt frustrated because someone rejected me or because our investigator decided not to be baptized.

Later, with these strong feelings in mind, I started reading the Book of Mormon. More than ever, I could identify with the pains of Lehi, a disappointed father, when his oldest sons chose to murmur, accuse, and openly rebel. How strong the current flows when one tries to move in the right direction!! I sympathize with my own parents, who endured me in my ups and downs and still managed to teach me correct principles.

I think of the scripture in 2 Nephi, chapter 2, verse 11: "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things..." Isn’t it GREAT that the people in the street can choose to reject us? Doesn’t that also mean that WE can reject everything that flows contarily to our standards? What a blessing that we are free to worship according to the dictates of our own conscience!

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The trip to Cozumel was not only a blast, but we were able to see miracles in the zone as we did exchanges with the missionaries and helped them find new people to teach. President teased Elder Vergara and I ALL WEEK that we were going on vacation, but hey, I can’t help that I came to the best mission in the world! (see photos).

We also held a conference for future-trainers. It was a little bit R&D because it was our first time trying the idea. We brought missionaries for all over the mission to learn how to be EXCELLENT trainers before the new transfer starts on the 26th. I felt the Lord’s hand in helping me teach my part, even though we had barely an hour-and-a-half to plan. The Spirit is actually really good at everything! True fact!

Little by little, I’m learning what it takes to be detail-oriented. Being in the offices really helps with that; it’s like coming to Mexico to learn Spanish; when everyone around you is talking details and numbers, it’s "learn or die!"

But, that’s been the Lord’s way of teaching me these past 16 months, and to be honest, I enjoy it XD

Hope you all have a miraculous week!

Love,

Elder Carson

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JUAN MY BELOVED!!!

Keep a weather eye on the horizon...

Hello sky, hello beach, hello Caribbean Sea...

Who ever said the mission couldn't be SUPER AWESOME????

Year 2, Week 16

COZUMEL POSTPONED AGAIN, SORRY I DON’T HAVE PICTURES. 

That was just to rip the Band-Aid off - I know you were all waiting... ;D

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: This week, I was able to finish the Book of Mormon again! I had been reading through, from start to finish, in order to highlight the promises and the warnings that the book contains.

One of the most frequently repeated promises that I found is that when we KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS, we will PROSPER.

Before Christ’s ministry, it was promised by King Benjamin that if we keep the commandments, we would be blessed in "all things, both temporally and spiritually".

During Christ’s ministry, the Lord echoed what he taught the people of the Holy Land: "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

In these modern times, the revelation was received that "the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion" (D&C 64:33).

In mission-terms, that means baptisms. In every-day terms, that could mean food, money, work, and many other essential things. I KNOW THAT THIS PROMISE IS TRUE. I have seen miracles in my life as I strive to be obedient. My invitation for you all is to CHOOSE TO PROSPER.

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We’ve had a busy schedule this week, but it hasn’t been busy with travel. As unlikely as it sounds, we had the EXACT SAME SITUATION  as last week. Several missionaries had serious problems, and we had to be present to translate phone calls and write emails. On top of that, President Reynoso got sick and spent part of the weekend in the hospital. After getting out, he was told by the doctor to "take a week off" (as if that phrase existed in the mission field). He wanted to come to the offices, but the area presidency backed up the doctor and told him to stay put in the mission home. SO, we were in frequent contact via cell phone.

We held Leadership Council on Tuesday, which was a strengthening experience. Our focus as a mission is going to be using the Book of Mormon to find, and we’re seeing AWESOME progress in these first few days. This month may be the first time the mission tops 100 baptisms (stay tuned...), in part because we’re putting on the pressure and also because we have INCREDIBLE zone-leaders leading our missionaries. They inspire me every day. 

Q: "Favorite part of being in the mission offices?"

A: Finding out that President Reynoso is actually a big jokester behind the scenes. XD That, and he gives great life advice. A lot.

I hope that this week is a blessing for all of you! Keep reading your scriptures and saying your prayers!

Love,

Elder Carson

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Year 2, Week 15

Short on time!! Again!! :O We’ve been running around in the rain today trying to get the shopping done. 

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: As I read 3 Nephi 17, I was hit by the marvellous blessing that it would have been to see angels descend from the heavens and minister to the children of the nephites. What stood out to me even more was the statement that Jesus makes at the end of chapter 19, when he says that the people of Jerusalem never saw such miracles for lack of faith. 

What miracles do we sometimes miss out on simply because we choose not to believe? It’s so easy to make the choice to believe in Christ and follow Him - like choosing to look towards a brazen serpent to be healed. And if we do so, God will gladly work miracles in our lives. He WANTS to show us great and marvellous things, but He can only do so when we show we are ready. DON’T MISS OUT. CHOOSE TO SEE MIRACLES!

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This week was a little bit more relaxed. President had some Zone Conferences in Chetumal and Playa, and we stayed in Cancún to conduct some trainings for the District Leaders in the city. Lots of study and prayer! This next week, we’ll be giving the same trainings in Playa and Cozumel (yes.... I’ll admit I’m excited for the ferry....). 

We’ve seen lots of miracles in our zone, too. Baptisms coming out of nowhere! I expect that the Lord understands our responsibilities and is willing to provide as long as we keep being obedient and diligent. 

Not much time to write, but I want to wish you all a happy week! Thank you for the continuing support you offer through your emails and (more importantly) your prayers!!

Love, 

Elder Carson

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Office crew in Carls Jr. Happy Birthday Elder Nielsen!!!! :D