Elder Junk's Washington DC South Mission Blog: 1-15-2018

Prayers for my boy please - he is struggling! Kathy

From: Carson Lewis Junk [mailto:carson.junk@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2018 10:33 AM
To: Kathy Junk
Subject: Honesty (Group Email)

Hello, everyone! It has been a tough but really good week here in Sterling, Virginia. I am serving in the Algonkian Ward. Algonkian is named after the Algonkian parkway which is a really big road way that runs through our area. Sterling is in Loudoun County which is supposedly the richest county in The United States. It is pretty crazy. It's a lot different from Woodbridge but it's a great experience! My companion is Elder Jacobs and he is from Bloomfield, New Mexico (A small town right near the 4 corners area). He has been out three months. He is an awesome missionary. He is very obedient and works really hard. He is really into theater and acting. We listened to a lot of the same music and we sing to each other a lot, mostly just John Mayer hahaha. He has helped me a lot throughout this week with all of the big changes that have come my way.

Algonkian has a lot of investigators that have been meeting with the missionaries for quite some time. The work is flourishing but there is a lot of work to be done here in the area. Many investigators need help progressing as they are at a standstill. I really look forward to working with the less-actives. Our Ward is over 50% less-active, so there is a lot of work to be done. The members here are very supportive and so awesome. They all reached out to me yesterday and introduced themselves to me making me feel right at home. It has stayed pretty cold this week and biking has been brutal. This area covers a lot of different ground. Woodbridge was based upon the main highway and only covered one side of the East, whereas Algonkian covers more of a circle area and you cross different highways and intersections all of the time.

This week has been really tough. As a lot of you know, I have dealt with anxiety, stress, and homesickness pretty much my whole life. I am even on medication and have been for two years to help me through my stress and anxiety. The past two weeks have been really tough for me and I've been pushing through and relying on the Savior more than I ever have in my life. I have been doing my best to stay diligent in my endeavors and working hard focusing on the work. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were really rough and the medication just hasn't been working. I eventually had to talk to President Huntsman. My mind just wasn't there and I couldn't focus whatsoever. My depression took over and I just felt very alone. President came over and decided we are going to get me in to the doctor's office and talk to a counselor to help me out as soon as possible.

1 Nephi 3:7 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

This is a tough time for me but I want you all to know how much I love this gospel and know it to be true. I love my mission so much and I would never be the same without it. I know that the Lord will prepare a way in order for me to be successful and stay strong. I ask for all of your prayers, love, and support as I meet with a Doctor and counselor to help me through this tough time. I love you all so much and am so thankful for everything. Have a great week and know that THIS gospel is the way to happiness.

Love,

Elder Junk