•Hay que terminarlo fuerte!!!...5/28/2012

Buenos Dias!

We've realized here that a week that ends good is a good week. This Saturday we went to the endowment and sealing for the Basurto Family! Although I got to go to the Armendariz one last week, this one was a lot more powerful to me just because of how much I was involved with teaching and baptizing them. They were so prepared and had so much of the ward there to support them and help them through everything. This week, just like last week, the entire sealing room was packed and there were no empty chairs. We got to see Juan get sealed to Maria, and then Oscar get sealed to them afterwards. It was also cool because it was the first time I've ever been to an endowment session in spanish! I was surprised at how comfortable I was in there, just because I had never done it before and wasn't sure I would understand 100% of the terminology. As I was there, I thought of all the people that told me that Spanish is the language they use in heaven, and it was a really special experience to be able to go to the temple with all of the people that I've grown so close to here in Mesa! They had a get together afterwards to celebrate this special day, and we got to meet a bunch of Juan's family, who actually seems to be pretty open and interested!

Another highlight of the week was definitely with Milta and Ricardo! So last Monday we stopped by to visit Milta, and we were just sharing a simple scripture and talking about things like we normally do. Then, out of nowhere she started asking all of these questions about baptism, like what you wear and how it works. We answered them and were pretty surprised, because we talk to her a lot about baptism but she's always told us she doesn't feel like she's gotten an answer yet. Anyway, we asked her if she wanted to get baptized and she said yes! She would have been baptized the very next day if she could have. So we planned on June 5, so it would give us a couple weeks to teach her everything and solidify it all. The next day I brought an english missionary into my area and we took Milta and Ricardo to the Visitor's Center. We watched Finding Faith in Christ and as we discussed it afterwards, Milta asked what they need to know before they get baptized because Ricardo wants to get baptized with her!! That was a total surprise, because she said he was the reason why she wasn't getting baptized. He was sincere and really wants to go through with it, and because of the kind of guy he is he just means business. We've taught them just about every single day this week and as we taught them the Word of Wisdom he talked about how all he would have to give up is coffee. It was funny because as we discussed it and asked him if he would be able to give it up, he said there wasn't a question. It doesn't matter how much he drinks it, if it's a commandment of God there's no other option. Because of the crazy things he's seen on the streets and with his friends, he's definitely seen the results of not following God and he's 100% committing to doing what he needs to do. So they came yesterday to church with her grandson and loved it. So Milta and Ricardo are getting baptized next week!

Other good news is that things are going well with Karen and her daughter Itzel! Karen has been getting re-activated and they've come for a few weeks now to church. She wants to make sure that Itzel knows what she's doing and that she is making the decision for herself. Itzel has actually been wanting to get baptized for a while now, but her mom has just not been ready yet to give her consent. Last night we had a breakthrough as we taught them the Plan of Salvation. Itzel asked us when we thought she should be baptized and I told her it would be cool for me to see it before I leave. Her mom told her that she can get baptized whenever she wants! So hopefully Itzel will be able to get baptized this next week as well! Karen's super awesome, one of those people that you can just talk to straight-up and have fun with. She's going through a rough time because she's in the process of getting divorced and her husband's being ridiculous. She said she was tempted to not go to church yesterday because she felt burnt out, but she knew she needed it and felt a lot better after she came.

So it's been interesting going on so many exchanges lately. We've been going on at least 2 a week and it's crazy being with so many different companions! Everyone does things differently, and especially teaches differently, but the good thing is most skills are universal when it comes to missionary work. We all have the same schedule and are sharing the same message. I went with Elder German this last week (he's served around me a whole lot) in Gilbert and it was unique because their teaching pool is pretty small right now and we had to walk everywhere. He got a concussion a couple weeks ago, so he's not supposed to ride the bike for a couple more weeks. Thus we walked ALL day long in the sun (because there aren't incredible amounts of trees in Arizona) and I felt like a champ at the end of the day (by that I mean I was especially tired). We got to do a lot of tracting and talking, and I like just being able to get to know so many people. When you get out of your area, it's a nice break but you feel an extra desire or urgency to help out the area that you're in. When you leave, you want to have helped and improved it in some way.

Anyway, I am feeling old because I did have my birthday on Wednesday and it was awesome. When we came back from working out we saw that the sisters had decorated our door with streamers and fun sayings and things, and we went to a breakfast with the Arce's (definitely one of my favorite families in the spanish ward). We had waffles and omelets and even had dessert! It was sad because I kept accidentally blowing out the candle but when the time came to actually blow it out it took me two times! It was a blast, just because we always have fun when we go over there. Later on, we went to dinner with the Rappleye's and had some delicious ribs and corn on the cob, with cheesecake of course for dessert. I definitely feel old now... my body pops in places it didn't before, but I'm sure that's just from serving a mission in general. I also got a sweet package from the fam and that was fun! So yeah, that's about it on the birthday. We taught Milta and Ricardo that day, and I had the best birthday you could ask for as a missionary :) I got to do lots of missionary work...

That's it for the week! It's been a good one for sure, and I'm going to make these next two the best of my whole mission!

Thanks for all the support! Love ya!

~ Elder Carlson 

•Guau (wow), ya soy viejo!!!....5/21/2012

Buenos Dias!

It's hard to believe how fast time is cruising by... only 3 weeks left and I'm already turning 21. Goodness, time really doesn't stop for anyone. It's been a super busy week, and I'm just trying to think about where to start. Last night, I went to my last Mission President's Fireside, and Elder Lindquist and I sung a way sweet duet. I had a song all practiced up for it (which I may sing when I come home - it's called "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul", an awesome arrangement) but President Hansen, who was the main speaker, wanted me to do a song that went with the theme of his talk. We ended up singing this song that his wife brought to us and played for us, called "In Quiet Grove" and even though it was way simple, it sounded really good. We only got to run through it a couple times before we performed it, but one thing that I've really learned on my mission is how to do things on the fly (or as some people would say, flying by the seat of your pants). It was a way good fireside, but kind of bittersweet because it was my last one, and the last time I'll see most of the missionaries that were there. It's weird when you get to the time in your mission where you have a lot of "lasts" - last stake president meeting, last fireside, last zone conference, etc. It's so surreal, because it's been my life for SO long! This is all I know, and I can't really imagine anything outside of it.

We also had some excitement, because we did a lot of exchanges in the zone and then had 2 visa waiters with us the past few days. I love going on exchanges, because it really is the best time to train people and really get to know the missionaries in your zone. I learned a lot of things this week, and sadly how a lot of missionaries don't have a testimony of obedience. One of the missionaries I went on exchanges with said he had one of the best personal studies of his entire mission with me because that was one of the only full personal studies he's had his whole mission. It's hard for me to understand sometimes... since when did it become an option to get out of bed at 6:30 or actually have our studies in the morning?? I guess sometimes we just think that it's something that's universal that everyone will know and do. It's good to get people working out in the mornings, actually planning at night time, and just making big improvements in the way that they do missionary work. It's sad that they're not doing those things already, but at least I feel like I'm getting somewhere and making a difference!

The visa waiters that were with us this last weekend were waiting for their visas to go to Monterrey, Mexico, and they finally headed off this morning! It was fun to have them and get to split up a little bit. They were focused and hard-working, but yet totally teachable and loved having fun. It seems like there's just not enough missionaries out there who are willing to listen and change, and be diligent in missionary work. Their names were Elder Larsen and Elder Love, and we just had a blast the whole time they were here. We talked late that first night they were with us, because they wanted a bunch of advice from a dying missionary :) It can be kind of overwhelming at times thinking about all the different things I've learned and the advice I'd give to other missionaries, but when I look back there have just been so many lessons that have taught me so many different things. They talked about all of the things they learned from us in a short amount of time, and I was thinking about how Elder Lindquist and I really are the oldest companionship in the mission... lots of experience between the two of us.

We got to go to the temple a couple times, which was awesome! We went with the zone on Wednesday and did a session, and it was packed! There were so many people there and it was my last temple trip with the zone, so it was kind of a weird feeling. It was surprisingly calming though. I felt good and I felt at ease. There's nothing that compares to the feeling you get in temples. Your mind is enlightened, answers come, you feel the presence of God more real than anywhere else. We also got to go to a sealing on Saturday, which was incredible. That was the first live sealing I've ever been to, and it was cool because it was a family that I've seen from the very beginning when they first met with the missionaries. It was Sergio and Gina Armendariz, who I taught a few times and interviewed for baptism last year, and who I've gotten really close to over the past year. Sergio is so solid in the gospel, an absolute rock, and he's always the most excited stalwart member I've ever met. He was the one who came over from Mexico last year and had absolute miracles happen, one of which was Jesus Christ appearing to him in a vision and telling him to find His church. Anyway, seeing them kneel across the altar and look at each other, it really hit home a little more, how serious and how incredible the blessings of the temple really are. This is for eternity, and it's not something to take lightly. That family is now an eternal family and they will be able to enjoy a fullness of the blessings of the gospel because of missionary work! Goodness, the work is good. The Basurtos will be sealed in the temple this Saturday and I can't wait!!!

We're also looking forward to things happening in the Liahona 5th Ward. We had a long talk with Bishop Merino on Saturday and then taught the entire ward council and bishopric about the Ward Council Process, and we hope to get some things going. We believe all of our investigators who are so close to baptism aren't accepting baptismal dates, partially because the ward wouldn't be able to retain them if they did get baptized. We need the members involved and we need them to take the initiative on some of these things. So many people have been baptized in this ward over the past few years, but hardly any of them still come. We have to make a lasting difference in the ward by solidifying the members and the leaders, and helping us all to be involved in this great work. This week is going to be an important one for getting everyone on-date for baptism so they can get baptized before I leave! It's crunch time!

That's most of what's happened this week - I've got my birthday on Wednesday, so we've got some solid meals set up and hopefully some solid lessons :) Life is good and we're working hard! Love y'all!
~ Elder Carlson

•Ya hablamos hace ratito...‏.5/14/2012

Hey hey hey!

So yesterday was Mother's Day and I got to update the fam on everything that's going on around here and especially all of the exciting things. Some of the highlights this week was that Val Hernandez got baptized and confirmed! She got baptized Saturday morning, and confirmed on Mother's Day, and everything went really smoothly. We had to hurry up and teach her everything she needed to know pretty quickly because she had to get her interview and everything, and she's doing super well. She had her friend Malachi, who basically introduced her to the gospel, baptize her and then Grant Dexter, who is preparing for a mission and just got the Melchizedek Priesthood, confirmed her yesterday. Everything went really well for the whole thing and it seems like her mom is actually pretty okay with the whole thing and maybe even a little bit interested. She told us she thought the whole thing was happening too fast, but when we told her Val was definitely ready and talked to her about the witness from the Holy Ghost, she seemed to perk up a little bit. We also have an awesome Relief Society President (Sis. Dexter) who fellowshipped her the whole time and was even talking to her in Spanish (Val's mom is from Mexico and Sis. Dexter served in Chile) so that she'd be more comfortable. Hopefully we'll see something cool happen soon with the rest of Val's family.

Also some cool things that happened were the Family Home Evening on Monday, english classes on Tuesday, and the huge Mother's Day activity that we had on Saturday. The Family Home Evening we used to do as a ward every single month, but not many people were coming so they haven't really done them for about a year now. We suggested starting them again and got put in charge of doing everything. So we made assignments for the refreshments, the sisters took on the activities, and we did the message. There were only a handful of people at 6:30 when it was supposed to start, and I was afraid that not many people would come. Within 20-30 minutes though, people were flooding in and we had to find chairs! There was barely enough room for everyone to fit! We shared a message about service and ways we can serve, but the most exciting part of the night was definitely the activities. I love how hispanic people just put themselves out there and don't really care how they look as they do different things. We had them do some pretty crazy things (it would take forever to explain in this email, but pictures should be able to explain some of it :) and they absolutely loved it! It was definitely one of the funniest nights of my entire mission... We also taught english classes for the first time, which was fun. As we helped people introduce and talk about themselves, we felt so proud of the people we helped, just like parents with their children.

Saturday we had this huge ward party and there were sooooo many people there. Somehow we got put in charge of the potatoes, so we peeled and mashed potatoes for about three hours on Saturday.... the potatoes were steaming hot, so they were way easy to peel but totally burning our hands. Mexican women have this crazy ability to never burn their hands and we just haven't developed it quite yet. They cook tortillas and all kinds of things on the stove and do everything with their hands and it doesn't faze them. We helped set up everything for the activity and of course it was way unorganized because the guys were in charge. As I was taping butcher paper on one of the tables, the 1st counselor said I'd better hurry up if I want to finish before I get home... haha (by the way I said that with a straight face). The food was good and the dance again was funny because everyone gets up there and dances and it's way entertaining.

Also good news with Milta and Ricardo! They totally came to church today, as well as Javier and Itzel! We finally had all of our solid investigators at church and it just felt so good. Milta had a little break from work finally on Friday so they immediately called us up and wanted to come to the church or something, so we went to the Visitor's Center and got to see God's Plan for Families, as well as have a super good lesson and relate Alma 22 to her (it's way applicable). So they're doing great, and we hope to see things progress with them. They also have incredible fellowship, and are really enjoying everything.

So that's the main weekly update. Life is good - just sprinting as hard as I can to the end (physically and spiritually :)

Love ya!  ~ Elder Carlson

•Reuniones sin fin...‏..5/07/2012

Hola Buenos Dias!

It has been quite the week for meetings...We had all kinds of ward correlations, transfer meeting, stake president meetings, leadership meetings, and any other kind of meeting that exists I'm sure. We didn't hardly have a chance to go outside this week! It was a solid week though, and we saw some good things happen in the zone. It's still "Miracle May" and people are still finding people that are accepting baptismal dates, so that's a plus :)

We totally have a baptism this weekend! Valeria Hernandez, who we just met a week and a half ago, is getting baptized this Saturday and she's so excited about it! She's been really wanting to get baptized and in her prayer yesterday she thanked God for letting her "finally" get baptized. She was super busy this last week with work every single day, so we're having to really condense everything we teach her so she'll be ready for this weekend. I guess she's moving to live with her dad in England for half a year, but there's a church right across the street so she'll be good. She's really put a lot of thought into this and is 100% committed even though she's still learning the basics. Her friend at school will be able to baptize her, so that'll be an awesome experience for him. It's funny - we're actually going to have to do the baptism in the morning because she's going to this Mormon prom that evening (she already found a date and planned on this way before we met her... her date isn't a member either) and she wanted to make sure she had enough time.

This week was a little interesting - we were a random three-some for half the week with some different missionaries. Elder Corbett, who's going home with me, stayed with us Monday and Tuesday (before transfers Wednesday), and we had some fun experiences with Mexicans and spanish work. We actually went to the trailer park to teach this guy named Jacinto, and when we came in his truck was there loaded with these spiny massive leaves and palms and such. We offered to help and they actually let us get dirty and helpe them toss it all into the dumpster. It was fun because we were all up there in there truck and I was shoveling it all off with this pitch fork as they watched us and we taught them a little bit. At the end of the conversation we found out that the guy we were helping wasn't even Jacinto at all! He was his brother, who looked just like him, and had gotten here from Mexico just the day before. We felt pretty silly... It was way fun though.

We also had an elder who's waiting for his visa for the day on Wednesday (he's been in San Luis, right by Yuma for the past couple months), Elder Larson from Alpine Utah, and it was funny to see him in this lesson that we were teaching to Javier Luna. So Javier is an incredibly intelligent guy, who we teach at a level way higher than anybody else. He understands a lot, and has a lot of questions, and that day we taught him the Plan of Salvation thoroughly. I know Preach My Gospel says to not teach people everything you know, but I feel like with that lesson we basically taught him everything we know about the plan. He was hungering for that knowledge and just needed to know. He was way interested in the spirit world and we invited Elder Larson to teach him about it, but he didn't really know what was going on still (it was a pretty deep involved lesson) and didn't even know where to start...so he had to pass on it.

We also have a ray of hope with Mason Walker! He's this black guy we've been teaching whose not-yet wife is an inactive member. We've been really really trying to get him to church but it has just not happened once yet. He seems really sincere and like he wants to change but then he never, ever makes it to church. Apparently there have been 3 weeks in the past month that somebody close has died, and that has prevented him from coming to church. We don't mean to be insensitive (we sympathize with him) but how many more friends are there? Anyway, we stopped by yesterday and found out that his 20-ish year old daughter is staying with them, and she's way legit. She said she knows she's going to get baptized sometime (her grandparents were members) and that she's going to do what it takes to get the family to church! She knows her dad well and I think she'll be key in getting this whole family back to church. So there's definitely some potential there. That's about it for this week. Nothing has been too crazy or out of the ordinary. More than anything, I feel this crazy sense of urgency and want to baptize the whole world before I go home :)

Thanks for all you do - pray for "Miracle May"! Love ya,

~Elder Carlson