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