Elder Junk's Washington DC South Mission Blog: 12-11-2017

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