Year 2, Week 21

What an eventful week!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Our motives have a lot to do with the success we have. Can a tree with corrupted roots give good fruit? And, on the contrary, won’t a healthy tree with strong roots always produce as it should?

In 2 Nephi 26, the Lord clarifies what types of motives He expects of each of us worker-bees in Zion:

29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.

31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.

So, do you want to make a difference in the world? Do you want to prosper? This scripture teaches that you should avoid two poisonous motives: personal recognition and wealth. GET RID OF THEM! IN THE GARBAGE BIN! You will be a more powerful instrument in the hands of God as you focus yourself on the "WHY" behind your actions. Do the right thing. Always. If you do, you will enjoy the abundance of the earth, and with that abundance you will give to the poor and give the glory to God.

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We did splits with the elders of Chac Mool (where I was born), and we were able to find one of my old investigators from 15 months ago and place a baptismal date with him! Talk about planting seeds.... one of my favorite members from that ward got called as bishop. It was great to see him after so much time. 

Today, we ran into a sister from Playa in Walmart that I knew from Peten. She said her son still does the voice of Stitch (because I taught it to him). 

As I finish writing you guys, I’ll be getting in my baptismal clothes, because there’s a kid that the sister-missionaries from our ward are teaching, and he asked me to baptize him!! So happy!!

A quick note: I was asked how I feel about having six months left in the mission. (1) I’ve got a LITTLE more than that (pathetic tear).  (2)   I’m excited, actually. Lots of people would say that’s "trunky", but it’s not that. I LOVE the mission and would extend 3 years if I could. BUT considering that that’s not an option, I look forward to the next opportunities (although perhaps I’ll be able to extend one month). Like I’ve always said, these two years aren’t "The Best Two Years," as the movie-title indicates. They’re the FIRST two years of service. BUT FOR NOW I’M HAPPY PRETENDING THAT THIS WILL NEVER END!!

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Pday study sessions... ??? (posed)

Hna. Chayito gave us WAY too much delicious food....

Year 2, Week 20

We’re already on week 20 of year 2?? WHAT???

HACE UN AÑO.... I was in Palmas, enjoying life and feeling the Spirit of Paola and Samantha’s baptisms!! I haven’t heard anything from them, but for the record, THEY’RE IN MY PRAYERS!!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: President counciled us privately this week about "pressure" and "love" in leadership. He told us that many missionaries had called him because leaders were asking for too many reports too often.

There’s a balance here, he said. As a unified organization, we have certain duties that we must fulfill. Passing weekly results is one of them. Every individual should understand and be converted to the Lord’s established way of performing these responsibilities. BUT. As leaders, we must constantly strive to unify LOVE and "PRESSURE" in our minds and hearts so that others can feel it in the way we ask things of them. We should have their best interest in mind AND understand that their best interest will only be achieved doing the will of the Lord. We must LOVE and INVITE.

I believe that this principle is universal. It has nothing to do with a business culture or motivational strategy. It transcends all "telestial" tasks, because it has to do with our celestial potential to become as our Heavenly Father is.

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We had two missionaries go home this week, and as a result of the changes, our District Leader ended up in a trio with us! It has been absolutely great to have this Park City elder with us. Elder Prior is super positive and teaches with a power that stuns investigators and leads them to repentance! 

What else...? We did a lot of divisions (because it’s super convenient with three missionaries - you just have to find one available brother to help out). We set lots of baptismal dates. I felt the Lord’s hand guiding me in the way I taught; HE helped me find several miracles while working with a few young men from the ward. I feel like the little successes were more for them - to help them be excited and ready to serve when they reach the required missionary age. One of the young men promised an investigator that he would keep coming to visit on his own time, just to keep the guy company.

That’s about it. Not a lot of NEW things, but everything we did was happy!! :D Until next week my friends!!!

Love,

Elder Carson

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The Nichupte-Kohunlich squad.

Annnnnnd selfie-version! Good angles with Elder Prior´s long arms.

Year 2, Week 19

HELLO! 

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I was thinking about the nature of repentence this week. In 2 Nephi 4, Nephi laments his mortal follies, but then reaches a compelling conclusion: "O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?"

It IS necessary that we feel bad for the things we done, but we must always be sure that our own lamenting does not impede our progress. Repentence, if used in this way, becomes a condemnation. With the very same spiritual might that we muster to humble ourselves and face our weaknesses, let us also raise ourselves up to the new bar.  Our negative feelings should motivate us to change our behavior, committ ourselves with God to be more worthy, and recognize the saving role of Jesus Christ in our lives. 

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What a great week we had! We were able to spend Sunday on Isla Mujeres, due to some last-minute miracles that we were busy securing. It was so great to see the excitement on the faces of the converts and of the missionaries as we put together a baptismal program on Half-Moon Beach.

My companion and I were able to find some miracles in our own area, as well. We invited one non-member sister to read the Book of Mormon and pray every day so that God helps her have a day-off on Sunday. SHE DID! And what do you know? Two of her senior work-mates resigned from their positions, leaving her as the worker with most experience (and with most flexibility privileges!)

Our bishop gave us a referral of a family member that he brought to the Jeopardy-themed ward missionary activity this week. The young man was excited as we quickly taught him the basics, and later we were able to meet his family, too! Our goal is that they can be baptized at the end of this month.

I’ve got to write a few letters right now to some stake presidents, so that’ll be all for now, but just know that I’m happy and well-fed!!! LOVE YOU ALL!

Saludos cordiales.

Elder Carson

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Wind, waves, and washing of sins!! Happy w-words.

On the ferry to Isla Mujeres! 7:00am!!

Cartoon-colored water!