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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

  

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Year 2, Week 14

I know, I know, IT’S EARLY! 

BUT... I didn’t know I was gonna have PDay on Saturday this time. I thought for sure that I was going to stay in Kukulcan Ward and that Elder Walk was going to leave me, but President called to announce my transfer to......

The mission offices!

I’ll have Saturday PDay as long as I stay here, so adjust your calendars, phone alarms, refrigerator-door-reminders, etc. (That’s a joke).

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

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: A goal, if it is to be effective, has to be a revelatory process in which God shows one his potential, and the individual chooses to triumph. Love is the only leadership style that can inspire this in a person.

I was listening to Elder Uchtdorf’s talk about using fear to manipulate people, and I realized that the way I was trying to motivate the elders of my zone was, at least in part, based on their fear that I would not trust them if they failed to produce better results.

After repenting and using other methods, such as sharing relevant scriptures and insights with the District Leaders to help them arrive at their solutions, we saw a BIG leap in success finding investigators. They had heard our Zone-goals many times, but only after leading with love did they choose to APPLY those goals through prayer and personal revelation.

With which do you choose to lead? Fear, or love? 

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

My new companion is Elder Vergara, a 25-year-old from Chile. He’s an International Business graduate, and he’ll be attending BYU after finishing the mission in May.

We’re buds.

Highlights from our first week together:

·         We picked up the new missionaries from the airport.

·         We attended the farewell dinner for the dying missionaries in the (super fancy) mission home.

·         We planned and executed a Leadership Conference for the Zone Leaders in the mission.

·         We had a baptism!! :D It’s a guy named Ulisses who has a small business bringing a trampoline to the park and letting the littluns jump for 10 pesos. He reminds me of Willy Wonka.

·         We had a planning meeting with President Reynoso. President is a really, REALLY good and funny human behind the scenes XD

·         We bought cake for the secretaries. 

Elder Vergara calls me Elder Spongebob because I’m an innocent square (-_- ayy...jaja) and I call him Elder Druggy because he hauls his personal pharmacy around for his headaches X) I love the guy.

Anyway, we’re working hard to make sure the mission baptizes!! I hope all of you are having joy, satisfaction, and success in your daily affairs. Until next Saturday!!

Love,

Elder Carson

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

When President says "Get in the trunk!" because there´s not room for us and the returning missionaries. (feat. Elder Spongebob)

Elder Druggy in his corner of the trunk.

Year 2, Week 13

Happy half-week!! Once again, I forgot to remind you all about the Saturday PDay. Ni modo!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: I would like to re-emphasize the need to make valiant decisions BEFORE seeing a sign from God that it was the right choice. 

In Alma 56:44-46, the army of Helaman demonstrated great courage in choosing to face their enemies and defend their country. It was only AFTER making the decision, back-tracking a fair distance, and entering combat with the lamanites that God showed them a sign. In verse 50, we see that Antipus and his army was about to fall be the sword - Helaman’s 2000 stripling warriors arrived just in time to defend their brothers and win the battle. 

I’ve heard from many of you who are making valiant decisions in your lives, whether it be in your studies, personal lives, or in the choice to serve a mission. The funny thing is, in the mission, time is like a movie in fast-forward, and it gives me such joy to watch as the Lord blesses you for your faith and courage. 

Keep consulting with the Lord in all things! 

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

I still haven’t received the news about transfers, so that will be a surprise for next time! I imagine that I’m staying here. President told me that the original plan was for me to come to Kabah in January, but I came early because of special circumstances with the previous zone leader.

This week, I had plenty of adventures. We peacefully defended the faith against a rather contentious Bible-basher (hint - we didn’t Bible-bash). We chose to obey a rather "trivial" rule even in the face of scorn from members and were later blessed by finding a WHOLE family that accepted a baptismal date in February. We fixed some behavioral problems in the zone, and it total, the missionaries of Kabah found 30 people to baptize next month! 

I believe that our success can be attributed to our focus in responding to first promptings of the Spirit. I can’t tell you how many times this week I thought "that guy’s busy, I’ll leave him alone", only to follow the Spirit and discover that (1) he was taught by the missionaries before, (2) had attended church before, or (3) is a less-active member that just moved in. God really does know better than we do WHO He puts in our path. 

And, our house is very clean, and it makes me happy :D

Love, 

Elder Carson

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

Brother Berry (Hno. Mora) and his family!!

Exchanges with the beloved (and incredible) District Leader, Elder Cuautle! Once again, I´m offering professional photography services XP haha.

Year 2, Week 12

Hello my friends!!

LECCIÓN DE LA SEMANA: Continuing on the theme of "FRUIT", this week I was pondering how we can give good fruit in our lives. I found a good example of when Moroni makes the Title of Liberty. 

1) Alma 46:11 – Moroni feels the need to defend the church. BUT he doesn’t stop with his feelings. 

2) Alma 46:12 – Moroni makes a PLAN to solve an important problem. 

3) Alma 46:13,16 – Moroni prays and begs God to consecrate his plan. 

4) Alma 46:19 – Moroni EXECUTES his plan with complete faith, not doubting the power of God. 

5) Alma 46:20 – Moroni leads by inviting others intrepidly to follow the Lord and make COVENANTS. In this way, he wins their loyalty.

As we face problems and challenges in our lives, let’s avoid begging God to solve everything. Instead, let’s follow the example of Moroni and BRING our dreams to fruitfulness!!  

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

I don’t have much time, but I’d like to let you all know that I’m HAPPIER THAN EVER here in Cancún! 

We’re teaching the grandkids of an active sister, who range from 12 to 15 years old. They have been taught many times, but Elder Walk and I were determined to give them a special impression. We planned a game to play with them that involved shouting like a Mariachi to explain the importance of following the prophet, and we EXECUTED the plan, trying not to doubt the power of God at all. The result was AWESOME - not only did the kids have a blast, but we attracted neighborhood kids with our Mariachi screams!!! 

Apparently it’s funny when a white guy screams VIVA MEXICO!!! 

I also had time this week to reflect on the life of President Monson. It is impressive to me how much loyalty the members here feel towards the deceased prophet. I saw many tears and heard many tender feelings expressed during Fast and Testimony meeting. 

Anyway... that’s all for this episode! Stay tuned, and READ YOUR SCRIPTURES!

Love, 

Elder Carson