12-25-2017 - Baptism/Christmas Photos

Sheca Lovett's Baptism December 23rd, 2017
Happiest day ever. So excited for her. The water was cold but truly an incredible and humbling experience. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to baptize her! 

This is us with the Michaelis family. They were a great help. Brother Michaelis came to us with a lot of the lessons. Sister Michaelis hosted dinner at her place for one of the lessons and we had another member there. Great member missionaries, more importantly amazing and the most caring people ever! Legends. 


Sheca's Confirmation.  Elder Miller did a great job - It was a combined meeting with the Quantico Ward. Lots of people and it was awesome!

Program from the Baptism

We had the wonderful opportunity to spend Christmas eve night with the Brown family. Brother Brown (From South Carolina) wanted to pay us back for the help in his Pathway program. He's the only member in the family right now. This is the member we have been meeting with about two times a week to help him through his religion class. His wife is incredible and is originally from Ghana and an incredible cook! They love the missionaries. Brother Brown had to work for part of Christmas day, so we got to watch the family open presents. Very fun and we were like family!

 Me and THE one and only Brother Byron Sylvester Brown



The Browns gave me and Elder Miller gifts. Very very nice of them it was great being with them.


 Card from the great Brown family 


Christmas Day - PJ's from family



12-18-2017 - "Tis the Season

Hello everyone! This week has been a rough one but always a great one here on the mission. I hope you are all having a great Christmas season and I can't believe that Christmas is only a week away. I hope that we have all continued to do our best by serving others and remembering what Christmas is really about, The Savior! I am going to hopefully keep this one a little bit shorter compared to the others.

I will begin with Sunday/Saturday and work my way backwards rather than starting on last Monday. Unfortunately, on Saturday night, I got hit violently with the classic stomach flu. I am not going to go into detail or anything,  but I hope that with the word "violent" you get the idea. Being sick on the mission is probably the worst thing ever. You can't go anywhere and on top of being physically sick, you get homesick and wish your Mom was here to help you like she always does back home. I wasn't able to go out at all on Sunday except for just laying in bed and being stuck on the couch. Apparently the flu has been going around the mission, as well as in the Ward, and the Virginia area in general. I was told that half of the members weren't at church due to flu-like symptoms and being sick and having the same thing as me. 

I have to brag about my ward and I definitely have the best one in the mission. Everyone reached out to me immediately once they found out I was sick. The 1st Counselor, Brother Gessel, brought me 48 sodas consisting of coke and ginger ale to help me get better Sunday morning. I got text messages from ward members all wishing me the best, as well as from President and Sister Huntsman. The legendary Brother and Sister Michaelis; stopped by and dropped off chicken noodle soup, more soda, and all different food items and medicine to help me get feeling better. Elder Miller also gave me a blessing and was helping me throughout the whole day serving me the best he could. I definitely felt the outpouring of love and support from loved ones in the ward and am very thankful for all of them and for helping me out, Even when everyone else was suffering through the same thing I was. I would also like to point out and thank the Good Lord for allowing me to get sick BEFORE Sheca's baptism this week and before Christmas, so I can be healthy and 100% for those events. That was a big blessing. I am still not feeling great but am doing better. I had to get out of the apartment and write an email real quick before I went too crazy. 

Now, talking about Friday/Thursday. Elder Miller and I this December season, have spent our proselyting time inviting people to our Christmas party and sharing Light The World with them. Many people promised they would be at the party and we were very excited to see them there. The time had come, and we had our Ward Christmas party on Friday. I repped a nice Christmas Sweater Vest I found in the apartment closet, where a missionary before me must have left. At the party, unfortunately, not one person we invited this month showed up. I was pretty bummed after we had been spending our whole month inviting people out, but it was still a great time being with the ward. On Thursday, we had Zone Conference and President Huntsman said exactly what Elder Miller and I needed to hear,  almost as if he had saw into the future. He said, "Often times missionaries become discouraged because they don't always see the good they are doing. We need to understand and appreciate the little things and every thing you do is to help people come unto Christ. What if all you do is help someone feel Heavenly Father's love for them?" President Huntsman's challenge - anytime you think you're not making a difference, STOP! This was incredible counsel. Often times, I feel like we get discouraged because we don't see the fruits of our labors. We have an amazing calling of simply inviting others to come closer to Christ. I really like what he said, what if all we do is share Heavenly Father's love for them? It was tough not having anyone show up, but President Huntsman's counsel was perfect. We helped each of them come closer to Christ and that is all that matters! 

In Conclusion, I would just like to say how thankful I am to be on a mission to be serving my loving Savior. I truly have grown so much spiritually and my love for my Savior and this great Gospel has grown so much. Stepping back for a second, (Each year, our family at Christmas time writes a letter to ourselves to open a year later. I got my letter last week that I wrote a year ago. In my letter, I asked if I had grown to 6'4 like I had always thought I would.) Now, I haven't grown to 6'4.....yet! But...I would like to say my spiritual growth has exceeded 6'4 and I am so thankful for that and that I have been blessed with this great knowledge and love. I love all of you and am so thankful for all that you have done for me. I feel all the prayers and support. I hope you all have a great week and an amazing Christmas!

Love, 
Elder Junk

Christmas tie from Andre and my Christmas letter out of my sock written last year

First day of my 12 Days of Christmas from Mom

Day 2

Day 3

Brother Michaelis who takes such good care of us




12-11-2017 - Stay Humble Kendrick

Mail:
Elder Carson Lewis Junk
Washington DC South Mission
5242 Lyngate Court
Burke, VA 22015

From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2017 8:33 AM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: Stay Humble Kendrick

I remember waiting at a four way stop at about 9:30 pm in Elder Wyatt Holdens Volkswagen Jetta. A car was sitting at the stop sign and it was their turn to go. We honked at this car, signaling for them to go right ahead. They waved their hand or some gesture verifying they were doing something and they were allowing us to go ahead of them. (Clearly they were looking something up on their phone, putting something in to the maps/GPS I suppose.) Now Wyatt and I held our ground and refused to go. They were there FIRST and so we waited for about 5 minutes, we honked off and on for them to pull away from the stop sign, reminding them it was their turn. They continued to motion us forward to go, honking back at us, signifying they were busy. What was 5 minutes turned into 8 minutes. Continuing to honk back and forth, until the other car went first. It finally did. Now I have no idea what this has to do with my email, and it doesn't pertain to anything important, but Ive been thinking about that experience a lot lately and it has popped into my head randomly and has made me laugh out of nowhere uncontrollably this week. That was a funny memory. Anyway, my good friends and family! What a week it has been in the missionary life of Elder Carson Junk! The weeks seem to keep on rolling by. I am loving this Christmas time and season and the missionary days.

Speaking of Christmas, it snowed about 2 inches on Saturday! It made me feel at home. Although knocking doors when it is snowing and very cold on a Saturday night doesn't sound like the most fun, to me it was spent the best way. We even knocked into an awesome family from Brazil and they let us right in. When they opened the door, They said "Come right in". Elder Miller and I both uttered, "Are you sure"? Now if someone opens their door to you, you probably shouldn't say that where they would second guess letting missionaries into the home, but Elder Miller and I were so surprised it caught us off guard haha. They were awesome and we will be going back next week to see how they are doing! Also on Saturday, we were going to the Leasing office to get wifi so we can sync up our tablets and area book. Right as we were heading out, the TV blared "Weber State Football" so I quickly turned my head and saw the end of the Highlights from the day before. Sounded like an awesome game! Despite the loss, still great for them!

Some more updates on our investigator Sheca Lovett. She is doing awesome and is continuing to progress! She is in 2 Nephi of The Book of Mormon and is continuing to make steps necessary to her baptism and confirmation. She loved church and had some really good questions in Gospel Principles about the Spirit World and Plan of Salvation. I have to give a shout out to the legend Brother Michaelis. He has come with us to 4 lessons and has had great insight, spirit, and answers to Sheca's questions. The help of members is so important in our work and he has truly made Elder Miller and I a better companionship and I have learned a lot from him. I am not sure if I mentioned this before but Sister Sheca's mom, brother, cousins, and friends are members of the church. She invited all of then out to the baptism on the 23rd so it will be great to get to know them. Another cool thing about Sheca, is she actually served in The Air Force and has lived in Africa and Europe. Awesome lady and am very happy and proud for her. It has been awesome continuing to be apart of her Journey!

Recently in my studies, I have been focusing a lot on The Book of Mormon and focusing on getting the most out of the topic repentance. The personal revelation I have received and spirit I have felt reading has brought me so much closer to My Savior and Heavenly Father. I love the story in Alma Chapters 60-62. Captain Moroni writes to Paharon The Chief Judge and murmurs against him in anger about the lack of aid and help of his army and troops. Captain Moroni, The man who if everyone was like unto "Behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." An incredible man, HE even makes mistakes. He falsely accuses Paharon of his lack of help when in hindsight, Paharon is having men trying to overthrow him and the government and Moroni has no idea what he is going through. Now Paharon could have been mad at Moroni for falsely accusing him, but instead he writes Moroni back and says, "I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart." Incredible. Now I knew the story before but never has this story hit me so hard. I love Paharon's humbleness and humility. Instead of acting irrationally, Paharon's gently takes love for Moroni and his heart. 


Too many times I think we as humans are too quick to judge or take offense to everything. This definitely includes me. I have a lot to work on and can definitely look at the "Greatness of others hearts" more so than being offended. I think this essential. Often at times, we don't know fully the story to everything and because so, we end up hurting someone or becoming angry. I know that this happens to all of us, but repentance is such a powerful thing. Whether it be something big or small, I invite all of you to turn to your Savior daily and repent. It doesn't always have to be this big thing. I think Paharon show signs of repentance by being humble and maintaining humility towards a brother in need. I love you all and look forward to the next week! Thanks for all that you do and for all the prayers! Stay strong. 

Love, 

Elder Junk


Caught a pic of the Weber State highlights


Saturday - beginning to snow around 11am

ELDER MILLER IS IN HEAVEN

Elder Miller's Spartan "300" mask he constructs during 9-10:30pm.  I'm trying to construct a Halo bask with him but it isn't quite turning out


12-04-2017 - Light The World

Mail:
Elder Carson Lewis Junk
Washington DC South Mission
5242 Lyngate Court
Burke, VA 22015

From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 4, 2017 3:45 PM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: Light The World


Hello Good People! It has been an absolutely amazing week. Last week, I said that it was the best week of the mission... I dare say that this week topped it and this is the best week of the mission. It just keeps getting better and makes me so dang happy. The Lord has truly blessed us and the amazing people in Woodbridge in this work. First off, I hope you are all doing well this wonderful Christmas season. I would invite all of you to look at The #LightTheWorld calender for the month of December and serve others remembering the true meaning of Christmas!

I never know where to begin. The mission is truly incredible. So incredible I wake up and forget I am even on a mission some times. The time has flown by and I am continuing to do my best to enjoy each day. I love it and am so thankful to be a missionary. Its beginning to get to the point where when I look at the grand scheme of things, it is beginning to sound short. All sorts of weird feelings. I love this missionary service. As December 1st came, Elder Miller and I did our best at serving others and just looking for opportunities to serve others. It has been a humble experience and has really made me feel gratitude and helped me remember the true meaning of Christmas. I hope you can all do the same.

An update on our investigator Sheca Lovett! She is doing awesome and is excited for her Baptism on the 23rd of December! She has continued to read The Book of Mormon and has seen the Lord's Hand and light in her life. She said that all of it has made her have a much clearer mind and she is experiencing so much more joy! I am so happy for her! We got to meet her cute children! She has a daughter who is 8 years old and a cute son named DJ who is 3. They all were able to come to church with us on Sunday. They all loved it. Sheca even bore her testimony during Sacrament meeting and it was a humbling experience as she bore powerful testimony of the trials in her life and how the Book of Mormon and this church has brought her closer to Jesus Christ and she has felt the Holy Ghost in her life. She is incredible. I love getting to meet with her and I know that my testimony has grown because of hers.

Sunday was a day of miracles. At church as well as Sheca and her famly, 3 other investigators (from a Less-active family) came to church! I am so thankful for being patient with the Lord and for his blessings helping the work progress here in Woodbridge. I know that it is all on his time. Please continue to pray for Sheca and her children.

I am thankful for all of you and I know that The Savior lives. I know that this is His church and His glory, I would like to invite all of you to serve someone each day. I know that as we serve people each day we will draw closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the true meaning of Christmas. I love all of you and I love this mission and short time serving the Lord. I hope you all have a great week and I thank you all for being great examples to me!

Love,

Elder Carson Junk 

Some service given to our main man Kong, helping him cut his hair for a job interview


Great packages from the best mother out there

The classic Taco Bell

Dinner last night with friends of Mark and Darlene’s – the Worthington’s  

11-27-2017 - The Lord's Hand in the Work

Mail:
Elder Carson Lewis Junk
Washington DC South Mission
5242 Lyngate Court
Burke, VA 22015

From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 2:55 PM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: The Lord's Hand in the Work

Hello everyone! I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving! Mine was super fun, a little different not being home, but a good different! I think it is safe to say that this has been the best week of the mission. The Lord's hand is here in Woodbridge, Virginia. I know that this is His work and His glory. My mom sent a quote to me it says, "You are not called to a place, you are called to serve in place of the Savior." I found that to be true this week. I am here to serve in place of the Savior and this is His glory and work. I am thankful for the great work that has begun here. I am definitely thankful to be a missionary. 

I am not sure where to begin. I guess the best week of the mission began exactly last Monday at around 6 o'clock. We got a call from The Dale City trio saying they got off the line with a woman named Sheca Lovett who wants to meet with missionaries and they set up an appointment for us on Wednesday. We were pumped as they told us this has been something she has been thinking about for a while. Wednesday came and we got to know Sheca. She is incredible. She has truly prepared herself to receive the Gospel. Most importantly, The Lord has prepared her. Sheca has family members, cousins, and friends, who are all LDS. Sheca had told her mom that she wanted to meet with the missionaries, somehow she had Dale City's number than they relayed her over to us! It worked out, she was requesting the missionaries! She had questions as to why they were so happy and felt she was lacking a missing piece in her life. I felt prompted to teach the Plan of Salvation. The Plan of Salvation went wonderful and she had amazing questions. She said it all made sense to her and it just felt right. We were able to schedule her for a baptismal date for December 23rd! We left her with The Book of Mormon and scheduled an appointment on Friday to come back and teach her more.

We had Thanksgiving and our ward did the annual "Turkey Bowl"! It was super awesome and we had 9 on 9 playing. I didn't have cleats so I was sliding all over the place but as it warmed up at 10, I was catching everything and was getting touchdowns (Only 3 haha). I was also going hard at defensive back, but Brother Parker in the ward (who is about 6'5) was giving me a run for my money and caught some incredible balls. Also, about 3/4 of the way through the game, Brother Simms decided to guard me (Played NFL football for The Eagles as a Wide-Receiver ) and I couldn't go anywhere. I think I only caught one on him. There was one where I literally got behind him caught the ball and took a step and somehow he picked it off one handed and took it from me. It was so dang fun. Elder Miller's team and I lost 14 touchdowns to 11. Super fun though! Later, we had dinner with the Jamisons. They are awesome and made some great food. Then we finished the night off with cards and some board games.

Friday, was sealing up the great week! We had the follow-up appointment with Sheca and she read from The Book of Mormon and was very receptive to what she read! We were able to teach a powerful restoration lesson. She loved it! She was asking to come to church! I was so happy. She truly is loving the gospel and the wonderful message we share! Later that day, I went on an exchange with the legend Elder Cottle. He leaves on Wednesday. It was my last exchange with him and his last exchange ever. We had a great time and I am going to miss him! He has taught me so much but I know he is going to do great things and this isn't the end of missionary work for him!

Sunday, had to be the best day on the mission. Elder Miller and I gave a talk at a farewell for a good man Salsabil! Elder Miller began his talk with, "I am the better looking missionary" I was dying and followed him, I stated to the congregation that he was in fact  the better looking one. I also invited Salsabil to do the Robot for his farewell since I had to do it. He didn't accept but it was an awesome meeting. Sheca came to church for all 3 hours and she loved it! In Gospel Principles, we focused on The Atonement. She said that everything said was just what she needed to hear. We knew that was the sprit. She was answering questions and the ward was awesome and really reached out to her! We look forward to involving her husband and children in the lessons too. Another investigator named Akiko came to church for Sacrament meeting. This was the second time on my mission I had investigators at church, it was so great!

I am staying here in Woodbridge for another transfer to finish train Elder Miller. I look forward to serving 1/4 of my mission here in Woodbridge. I am particularly excited that the work is picking up and we have the opportunity to teach Sheca. She truly is incredible and I am thankful again for the Lord's hand in this work. He truly is the head of this church. I am thankful for His atonement and I know that because of Him we are able to learn, grown, and ultimately experience joy and happiness. I love this gospel. I love all of you. Have a great week. Thank you all for everything!

Love,
Elder Junk 

Sweater shrunk on me last week

Thursday at the Turkey Bowl. Only a few of us. Everyone left before getting a picture. Brother Simms is the one next to me on the right 

Shout out to Aunt Jill for sending the legendary El Matador's salsa!

Elder Cottle the legend – finished with the mission. Going to miss him. So many good memories at Taco Bell with him. Long live Taco Bell and I love this guy!



11-20-2017 - Thanksgiving - Count Your Blessings

Mail:
Elder Carson Lewis Junk
Washington DC South Mission
5242 Lyngate Court
Burke, VA 22015


From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2017 3:21 PM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: Thanksgiving - Count Your Blessings

Hello Everyone! Another crazy and amazing week has come and gone.  A lot of great things happened this week although things never seem to go according to plan and that  keeps us on our toes.  We are trying to make as much time for the work as possible! I am proud to say that Woodbridge 1st area is on the rise. I am happy to be a part of the success that is helping this area grow in a positive direction! 

We had a great lesson on Tuesday with John Stevens and his wife Raddyln! We taught them half of the restoration and it was awesome! We are working on getting John back to church more often and introducing Raddyln to the church and the wonderful message we share. She was super into the lesson we taught her. She comes from a Catholic background, is a religious person, and is very interested in learning more! She is also from The Philippines so shout out to Elder Kunzler! We are planning to teach them tonight and look forward to doing so. We have also been teaching a less-active member in our ward named Sam. He is awesome and loves the missionaries and refers often back to his experiences on his mission serving in Arizona. We taught him The Restoration and he gave us feedback on how we can do better and pointed us to the right directions to study in Preach My Gospel. We love all the help we can get!

As I said earlier, the work is progressing. We are beginning to seek more people to teach through referrals from members, less-actives, and part-member families in the ward. I have truly realized the importance of members in missionary work. They are what keeps the work progressing and what makes missionary work thrive! We love going into members homes and sharing a quick message with them and asking if there is anyone in particular they think we should stop by and see. I love the ward so much and they are the best. We have our schedule filled up with meals. Bishop Woolf looks out for us and helps us in all of our efforts! I am very thankful for him and his support as well as all of the love and support from the rest of the Ward.

On Friday, we had the wonderful opportunity to have Elder Mervyn B. Arnold from the Seventy come and give/direct a mission conference for us. Half of the mission had a conference with him on Thursday, the other half of us on Friday. This conference was the most incredible experience ever. I can testify truly that this man has been called of God. The advice and stories he gave to all of us was very inspiring. He quoted Elder Scott - "There are two reasons we have challenges in our lives. 1.  We choose them such as choosing to smoke or drink, or 2. They are given because God loves us and knows that through challenges we will learn and grow. Elder Arnold bore powerful testimony that Heavenly Father knows each of us personally and that He is with us through all of the challenges we experience. We are never alone. I felt the spirit strongly as he bore testimony of Jesus Christ and the reality of the atonement and repentance. 

As I am finishing this e-mail at the leasing office, they just started playing Christmas music. It made me pretty dang happy and I am excited for Thanksgiving this week. I hope we can all count our blessings and realize all of the small things our Heavenly Father has given us. I testify to all of you that he knows you individually and he will never forget you through your challenges. Please count your blessings and and realize Heavenly Father's hand in all of the small blessings day to day. I love all of you and hope you have a great Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for all of you and the amazing support. I'm thankful for this great work and for all of my blessings. Thanks for everyone for reaching out to me! 

Love,
Elder Junk 

 Aunt Jill’s package she sent to get me in the Christmas spirit.  An ugly Indianapolis Colts sweater so I can win the ugliest Christmas sweater competition (I am still a Chargers fan).  A Christmas Story lunchbox full of goodies!  In the other hand is the Thanksgiving package from the family!  Thank you!

 Elder Clark and I after P-day basketball today. We are both matching-- wearing Junk headbands. 


  Elder Miller and I posing at Port Potomac Way

   Bridge above the Potomac with Fall trees and golf course

Saved this snake off the road while biking

The greatest sport ever that I miss!







11-13-2017 - Center of Importance

Mail:
Elder Carson Lewis Junk
Washington DC South Mission
5242 Lyngate Court
Burke, VA 22015

From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 3:09 PM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: RE: The Center of Importance

Friends and Family, how are we all doing this fine Monday? It is great to write you all another Email and catch up on everything that has happened in this eventful, tough, but incredibly spiritual week. I would like to first start off with a goal my companion Elder Miller wrote down for our companionship. The goal was "Enjoy the now." I loved that goal and it really stuck out to me. I can proudly report to all of you that I am doing my best to "Enjoy The Now" and am loving each day on the mission despite hardships or tough times. This mission is truly an incredible experience. Each day I am learning something new and am continuing to improve on the little things. I am growing closer to my Savior and am thankful for Him and everything he has done for all of us. He truly is and should be the Center of Importance in our lives. I can testify to all of you that He is the center and head of this wonderful Church on the Earth today.

This week we have dedicated our days to finding and working through less-active members and part-member families to find investigators and get these Less-active members back to church. We had two great experiences where Elder Miller and I were able to commit two less-active members to receive the missionary discussions. One of those members was John Stevens who we ran into on Halloween shortly after praying to hand out a Book of Mormon. Elder Miller and I are both what people call "rookies" in teaching lessons. So this will be a great experience to not only improve our teaching skills but bringing back the spirit into these members home.

On Wednesday, we had a blitz with Elder Cottle and Elder Richardson. A "Blitz" is where 2 sets of missionaries go on a finding hunt in one missionaries area. They came to our area and we took on the rich part of town up north by the Potomac River and Golf course. Elder Richardson and I took on the street 'course view way.' We missionaries, related the experience to Alma The Younger in the city of Ammonihah. We tracted for 3 hours and got a lot of doors slammed in the face and unfortunately didn't find any new investigators. Okay...It wasn't as bad as the city of Ammonihah. BUT it was a great learning experience. Elder Richardson and I had a great and fun time trying different door approaches. Elder Miller and Elder Cottle talked to some awesome people and we had some return appointments that unfortunately fell through. Continuing to work hard and we are having fun doing it! 

Saturday was incredible. The whole mission had the wonderful opportunity to hear from the apostle Elder Neil L. Andersen. I felt as if  Elder Andersen told me what I specifically needed to hear. I loved his talk and the spirit he brought with him. One thing that really stuck out to me was what he said about Jesus Christ. He told us to all look past everything and asked us specifically to focus on our testimony of Jesus Christ. Is Jesus Christ the center of our testimony? He went on to EXPLAIN Jesus Christ IS the center of all importance. Our testimony should first be centered on Jesus Christ. Your testimony will not fall if you continue to build upon Christ as your foundation. He bore strong testimony of The New Testament and The Book of Mormon. He explained that they are both essential in our works today. The new Testament focuses on the resurrected Christ and the Book of Mormon bears powerful testimony of Jesus Christ's atonement. Elder Andersen was amazing and had a great personality with all the missionaries. We also got to hear from Bishop Causse and Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the 70. I loved Elder Nielsen's remarks. He said it simply. We don't have enough time to just waste on our missions. We only get this once in our earthly life. It was powerful and it stuck me deep! Incredible speakers. 

I love this gospel so much. I Testify to all of you that it is true and Jesus Christ is the reason this church is true. I'd invite you all to look past your doubts and begin to build your testimony on Jesus Christ. Begin with him first because he is the most important. It's been a great week. Big shout out and Thanks to everyone who reaches out to me each week. I love and miss all of you so much. This mission is amazing and there is truly nothing better.  

Love, 

Elder Junk 


Driving for 5 seconds backing out - crazy the rush you get after not being able to drive for 4 months


Me on the couch was when we were tracting in the rich area. Had to sit in it after a long day!

11-6-2017 -Boast of our God

From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 6, 2017 12:49 PM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: Boast of our God

Hey family and friends! The week has been an interesting and crazy one like always. Different plans getting changed and things never going according to plan. It keeps Elder Miller and I on our toes that's for sure! It's crazy to think we are already halfway through this transfer! Some other crazy things happened this week. I hit my 4 month mark yesterday which is insane. I can never figure out if it feels like I have been here way longer than that or haven't been out that long at all. Some mixed and weird emotions. I also had a great 19th birthday on Saturday! It was an awesome day and big thanks to all of you who sent me some nice emails wishing me happy birthday, they made my week! The best present I got was for sure spikeball. We got to play that today after basketball. Elder Miller is a Guru at spikeball and all of the other Elders have played, so we had some great games!

For starters, Halloween was super fun. We had a great District Meeting on setting Goals. I've set some personal goals as well as some companionship goals to keep Elder Miller and I working hard and to keep the work progressing. After District Meeting, with it being Halloween we had to be in by 6. We had a couple hours before 6 and decided to work hard for that time being. Elder Miller and I knelt down in prayer and set a goal to give out 2 Book of Mormons before the end of the day. Literally a miracle happened a couple minutes after leaving our apartment. The first guy we talked to was named John Stevens. Turns out he was baptized in our church and has been meaning to get his records moved over to our ward since he moved from LA. He invited us back to come teach him and his family. He also didn't have a Book of Mormon so we were able to give him one! Awesome guy and awesome experience. We look forward to teaching him. We were also able to give out another Book of Mormon to a super cool guy named Josh. The Lord definitely is looking out for his missionaries and answering our prayers!

Halloween night we got to go over to a Spanish Family's house in the Ward with the Spanish Elders (Elder Cottle and Elder Richardson). We had a great Papusa dinner and saw all the kids dressed up. Elder Miller bought a creepy purge/jester mask last P-day at the "Spirit" store and got to hand out candy and scare the kids. He was in heaven and I have never seen a man more happy on Halloween, it made his comp happy. Halloween was a great day and we finished the night out watching some great "Living Scripture" videos. The next day I got to go on an exchange with Elder Cottle to his area. I love that man. He's going home after this transfer and I am freaking sad. We have become best friends and he has enlightened my mind with his amazing outlook on life, the Gospel, and studies. The 2 exchanges I have been with him, I have felt myself grow as a missionary and have never been the same. Truly an amazing missionary and luckily, I think I will have the opportunity to go on 2 more exchanges with him. 

The Birthday was awesome and crazy to say the least. We had to do an emergency run to the store and buy some much needed cleaning supplies to get rid of some mold that came out of nowhere in our bathroom. Then, I told the Dale City Elders & Elder Gibb to come over for Dinner time and I would make them my favorite Chicken Roll-ups. We spent the hour together and they all watched me open presents and were all jealous, it was an amazing time. We did of course, whip out Spikeball and play one game before it was time to head out for the night. 

The investigators and work has been slow this week and unfortunately we had to drop a lot of great people, who became uninterested or we just weren't ever able to get ahold of. We haven't gotten in contact with Lary Henderson who was incredible and had to drop him after countless times calling and showing up at his house. I guess that's all apart of mission life though. I read one of my favorite scriptures of all time last week. In Alma 26:12 it says, "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

I hope we can all learn to be a little more like Ammon in this scripture. Not boasting of yourself but boasting of our God. It is through our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that blessings and miracles occur. Although a tough week, I will continue to count my blessing and boast of my God and his amazing mercy to all men. I am thankful for this great gospel and am so blessed to be on a mission and to have great friends and family supporting and praying for me. I love this gospel more than anything and I love all of you. I hope we can all count our blessings and stay humble "boasting of our God who in his strength we can do all things". I love my Heavenly Father and our brother Jesus Christ. Have a great week and I look forward to this week of finding.  Love Elder Junk

My amazing birthday gifts!

Cleaning up the bathroom emergency

Elder Miller and I REPPING

The DC South Flag - with Elder Gibb and Elder Clark

The crew on my birthday

REPPING the Junk headband and sweatshirt I got sent to me


Spikeball on P-day today

10-30-17 - Enjoying Each Day

Mail:
Elder Carson Lewis Junk
Washington DC South Mission
5242 Lyngate Court
Burke, VA 22015

From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2017 3:17 PM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: Enjoying each day

Hello Friends and Family! It has been another great week. I am not sure where to begin. It has been eventful and very fun. As a missionary, I have been working a lot on dropping the comparisons and focusing on the Lord's work. It has been tough but I am continuing to do my best and improve on the little things. I love Elder Miller and he is the man! He keeps me in good spirits with his punny puns. Reminds me a lot of Cole Kunzler and keeps me laughing. He's doing well and we have really grown as a companionship in the last week! We've been working hard and enjoying the work while we do it! I love Woodbridge 1st and being here in beautiful Virginia! We got some sweet news this week that Neil L. Andersen (one of the 12 apostles) will be visiting on November 11th! I am pumped to hear from him soon and am grateful for the wonderful mission I am apart of.

In other news, can't believe I am turning 19 on Saturday. As well as creeping up on my 4 month mark out as well. I swear I'm still just a little 5th grader. I mean, I might as well be. I still miss reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, and Goosebumps books. I was talking to a little kid in the ward and he told me a new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book came out, and I about lost it. I question how old I am turning. Anyway, time is a weird concept and I don't feel this old at all. I hope by turning 19 this week, something will change. I hope the people on the streets won't say I look 14 anymore and at least say around 16! Time is flying by here on the mission. My dad gave me some great advice last week and simply told me to "Enjoy each day." That is what I am doing my best to do everyday. This mission life and serving the Lord for 2 years is too short NOT to enjoy each day. Each day moving forward, I plan to have a new mindset of finding the highlight of that day and laughing things off and smiling more. 

We have had a great week with investigators! Our progressing investigator, Kat Rauda is doing awesome. She is an 18 year old girl who we have been meeting with for about 4 weeks now. She loves reading The Book of Mormon and is in chapter 17 of Nephi. She retains what she reads and alway has amazing questions. She comes from a Catholic background and is still praying to know if The Book of Mormon is true. Pleas pray for her! She loves how The Book of Mormon applies to this day and age. Elder Miller and I bore powerful testimony of that and why that is so important in this world today. We love meeting with her. We also had our investigator Akiko, come to the Ward's "Fall Festival" Halloween Party on Saturday night. The ward showed amazing fellowship and she really loved being there. Elder Miller and I dressed up as some ninjas that my mom sent us outfits for! It was a lot of fun and got me in the Halloween spirit.

On Wednesday we got to go on exchanges with the Spanish Elders. Elder Richardson got to come to my area and we biked all over the area. Elder Richardson is the man. He is from Price, Utah and has been out for 6 months. We talked about Better off Dead (The Greatest movie ever) the whole time and knocked a lot of doors. As we were knocking doors, I had a horrifying experiencce. We just finished talking to a lady and walked out of the apartment when I heard, "MRRRRRRRRRRRR JUNKKKKKKK." I knew that voice. It was none other than Pastor Santos, the oompa Loompah himself driving a maintenance golf cart. He said "When are you going to answer the rest of my questions?" I about died laughing and yelled over to him, that I would send the Spanish missionaries over to his house and Elder Richardson would do just fine with him hahha. That was really funny seeing him again and it made my day. 

Our ward here in Woodbridge is awesome. The diversity is really what sets it apart and I love it. I love the members and I love my mission. Bishop Woolf gave us the statistics for people in the ward as far as where they were born/from. I thought this was really cool. Our ward represents 39 different states. It also has people from over 34 different countries in our ward. 24 of those are from different countries in Africa. I am so blessed to be in this wonderful area and learn from other members experiences and testimonies. They love the missionaries. 

I can tell you all that I would not be where I am without a mission and serving my Savior Jesus Christ. There is no other feeling like this. Growing closer to our Heavenly Father each day is such a blessing and I am thankful for being a missionary in the Washington, DC. South mission. I know that this was inspired from God and I have been chosen to serve Jesus Christ and bring others closer to Him in this area. I love and miss all of you so much, Thanks for all the prayers and support. I hope we can all learn what my dad said and continue to  Enjoy each day and find joy in the little things. I love you all and take care.

Love, 
Elder Junk 

Friday, beautiful and perfect Fall, sunny weather.  Notice tree in back and me being cool on my bike

Halloween package I got from the best Mommy out there!

Elder Richardson from Price Utah - We biked and knocked all day and talked about the movie Better off Dead

P-day at Dick's Sporting Goods - Elder Gibb and I got to hit some for free

Ward's Fall Festival - Elder Miller and I - Master Ninja Dragon Warriors - thanks to Mom for the sweet outfits

Last night when we got caught up in a huge rain and wind storm while biking back home.  Had to pose in front of this Blazer because I miss mine!

Trying to be like Andre cause I remember a picture of him on his mission posed like this on a bike