Blog Archives - Adventures of Elder Anderson x2

SURPRISE!! Monterrey will have to wait a bit!

9/28/2015

Here is Carson with his district on his last day at the MTC in Mexico City -- he was supposed to fly to Monterrey this morning . . . . BUT. . . because of some problems with his Visa - he went to the Mexico City South Mission for a few weeks until it gets sorted out. He is SO bummed. He CANNOT WAIT to get to Monterrey but is excited that he is able to get to work with the people.
And of course, he got his favorite teacher to "throw up the X" for his Cowboys.

Mexico City South Mission President Mecham and his wife welcoming Carson to his surprise mission today.

A Whole Lotta Cancelled Appointments

9/28/2015

Elder Cody Anderson
SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO MISSION

Hola familia!

It has been a good week. We got a new Elder in our house. His name is Elder Ramos. He is from Ecuador and knows a little English so its fun to just talk with him even though i still don’t understand a lot. I worry a lot that I am behind on the language - I feel like I should be able to understand a summary of what the people are saying by now. But I have noticed all the older American Elders end up learning the language. i just don’t want to be the FIRST ONE that doesn’t get it! haha!!

This week has been tough because almost all of our appointments cancelled and when we contact, no one receives us. The people here either want nothing to do with religion or they don’t want to hear a message unless its from THEIR church. There has to be a family or person in this town that is being prepared for us!!

Since all of our appointments cancelled, we decided to stop by a less active member’s house. We go to her house and she is not there! We see a man down the street sitting outside and decided to go talk to him. His name is Roberto and has a family. He goes to a church but doesn’t believe it is true. he was not interested at first, but as the Holy Spirit testifies, it changes him and softens his heart. He then gets super interested and said he will call us. He then runs inside and gives us so much FOOD to take home with us!! YES!! As we were leaving, I realized Heavenly Father led us to this man. Our original plan was to go see the less active member but in reality, we were supposed to meet this guy that night. It is just so cool how Heavenly Father shows us the way.

The Plan of Salvation is something I have always loved. The fact I can be with my family for eternity. I can have an eternal companion and have eternal children. That has been one of my favorite blessings. I struggle a lot with the thought of being away from my family for 2 years - but then I compare that to eternity.

Thank you so much for the package!. It was so good to get LETTERS from everyone!! Letters really help a lot. The support that I receive from people REALLY helps through the hard times. I love you so much and miss you like crazy.

Elder Cody Anderson

LAST WEEK in the CCM!!

9/23/2015

Elder Carson Anderson
MEXICO MONTERREY WEST MISSION

This week was a good one as usual. We pretty much just do the same exact thing everyday. Here is a picture of a sunrise in Mexico City.

I got to meet with President Call. We got to talk for what seemed like hours. I talked about my family and about what my worries are - and he talked about his family. We just bonded. He said he truly respects me and admires how close I am with my Dad! He said he wishes he was my Monterrey mission president! haha!! He gave me a blessing and it was seriously the most peaceful I have ever felt! The blessing was the longest one I had ever received and the most powerful one. He blessed me with the knowledge of the Gospel and diligence in the work and that I will always have the spirit to be my constant companion. He also blessed me with the knowledge and feeling that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me and that I will find love in this work. He blessed me with knowledge of knowing my family is doing well and we are being blessed. He made my day so much better and I could tell it changed me for the good. After my blessing I sat down and read D&C 31. It was a great experience and I felt so good after reading it... especially verse 5.

I am doing good but I am nervous about the language, but that blessing made me feel so much more confident and happier going into the field! MONTERREY WEST in CINCO DIAS!!

I can’t believe its my last week in the CCM. My companion and I found a teacher here that is from Monterrey west! His name is Hermano Candiani. I asked if he knew Elder Nathan Rapp and he said that he knew him and served in his ward in Monterrey! He told us about how Monterrey is a very nice city and that its growing. He also said the water there is good to drink! I don’t know if I believe that just yet - I’m a little too nervous. He said the people are very prideful with their money and that is usually a problem with conversion. BUT - the best news ever is Monterrey people are OBSESSED with american football and GUESS which team? Oh ya - DALLAS COWBOYS!! Also - Monterrey is known for having the best carne in the continent!! Street tacos here I come!!! He also told me that on fast Sundays the Elders have to drink water all day because it is so hot that they might get heat stroke. I love talking to people who can tell me things about Monterrey - I’m so glad I found that teacher.

The choir sang “A Child’s Prayer” in Spanish. I remember us singing that song at Grandma Beth’s funeral. I will always love that song. The spirit here is amazing - I’ve never felt it so strongly in all my life. I am praying that I will get a good, patient and fun trainer and that I will not get frustrated with myself while trying to speak Spanish - will you pray for that too?

I love you all so so much. I am excited and I feel spiritually ready for Monterrey! Next time you hear from me I will be there!

ELDER CARSON ANDERSON

I love my new scripture case!

Learning to stop and smell the flowers!

9/21/2015

Elder Cody Anderson
SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO MISSION
Hey everyone!!

Just finished my first transfer! I’ve now been out for 3 months! I am staying in Juncos with my companion Elder Canto. My goal is to learn something from every companion - and from him I am learning to stop and smell the flowers. Because he stops and literally smells EVERY FLOWER for a while. Haha!! He is nice though. And great news is my foot is back to 100%. No pain and normal shoes!!

We found a new investigator! His name is Ismael. He is a catholic minister but he believes the church is corrupt. He really understood the Restoration and he believes the Book of Mormon is true. He has a problem with being baptized again but he said he will ask our Heavenly Father for guidance.

Mosiah 28:3 is what helps find confidence in the work. I can't wait until I can speak with people and help them receive this gift through the Holy Spirit. I love the Book of Mormon and how it is the key to conversion. I've noticed in our investigators that if they read and pray about the Book of Mormon, they understand and progress toward baptism much faster!

I am feeling more and more the blessings from serving a mission. It has been so cool to see the people hear about the Restoration. They light up because it makes so much sense. Its like a puzzle with no missing pieces. The fact that I can help the people of Puerto Rico receive the biggest gift on the planet is awesome. Honestly, this life is preparing us for the next life. If you want to have joy and eternal life with your family, follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ!! That’s what leads to real happiness and nothing else matters. I mean Dallas Cowboys are fun to watch - but that does nothing for me or for anyone to receive Exaltation! haha! I cant wait till i can speak with them and help them receive this gift through the Holy Spirit!

I love and miss you so so so much x INFINITY! It will be such an awesome day when I can see you again!

Elder Cody Anderson

P.S. Also, I heard Dr. Dre came out with an awesome Album! If you could please listen to it for me and let me know how it is that would be great! Still a ‘G’

Ammon is my homie!

9/16/2015

Elder Carson Anderson
Mexico Monterrey West Mission

This week has been an eventful week. I have been doing good and have been learning a lot! I am finding that when I am talking in Spanish I am the happiest. It is such a struggle because I feel like I learn a lot but then when it comes time for me to actually speak to someone my mind goes blank. I need to work on my faith - faith that I really will be fluent in this language. I need to be more patient with myself. When I feel this frustration I read Ether 12 and it helps me so much. I have definately found a love for the Book of Mormon, especially the book of Alma! I always say Ammon is my homie!

We watched the Mexico City temple celebration. It was way cool and it was all in Spanish. Some of the Mexicans in the celebrations were pretty funny wearing their SWEET outfits! I told everyone that I'm gonna buy those original Cowboy outfits and wear them on my p-day in Monterrey! Then we were able to attend the dedication of the Mexico City Temple on Sunday! And today I was able to attend the temple. It was wild to be in the temple and everything was in Spanish. The inside looks amazing and the chandelier is the coolest one I’ve ever seen.

I cant believe how time flies! I leave in 12 days to Monterrey! As soon as you can get a package together please send me a couple more t-shirts and my Believing Christ book. I can’t believe dad will actually be in Mexico next week - I would LOVE to see him!! I swear I talk about him all the time. I look back and realize how much fun we have had in our family. Oh ya - and that California trip — Have fun WITHOUT me!! I hope Sydney is doing ok. There is a girl in my district that reminds me of Sydney so much.

HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS!! Who do they play next? I’m still bugged that Utah State lost vs Utah! Me and my companion created a little rivalry over it.

And last, but not least...That Krispy Kreme package was heaven. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I love letters and I love to hear from you all. I love you all so much!!

I'm teaching Jesus! (from Chicago)

9/14/2015

Elder Cody Anderson
San Juan Puerto Rico Mission

Hey Fam!
This has kind of been a rough week. I can’t seem to get over this homesickness!! But I have hope that it will slowly start to stop. I have realized that even though it’s been really rough, I can’t even imagine what Christ went through. I know through Him, I can find strength!

This past week we have been teaching Jesus!! He is from Chicago and speaks English. SWEET - I can finally understand someone! He said he would always go to see Michael Jordan play. He has been really reading the Book of Mormon and he believes it is a true book! He has a baptismal date but just needs to attend church.

Evelyn, the woman that was recently baptized, is really wanting to go to the temple. She is starting to get as much temple work ready for when she goes! She had a daughter that died 3 years ago so she loved the fact that she could be baptized for her!

I love you all SOOOO much!!
Elder Cody Anderson

It is a great book..IN FACT, I have one in Spanish!!

9/10/2015

Elder Carson Anderson
MEXICO MONTERREY WEST MISSION

Hey padres!
This week has been a great one full of spiritual experiences! I had my first opportunity to fast - ya know, REALLY fast. haha I really took it seriously and I felt the blessings of it immediately! After the fast I was feeling down, feeling like I am not teaching with the spirit and how I’m not speaking the language … I was a mess! My maestro Cruz told me that he has felt the spirit so much around me during our discussions without me even saying anything. He also assured me that my Spanish has improved more than anyone! I was shocked!

During our meetings with our “investigators” I have been speaking more and I feel a little more confident. Both of my investigators said they will be baptized! I had the biggest grin on my face.

Today was a very special day for me. First I went to buy El Libro de Mormon with a plan that when I landed in Monterrey I would give it to someone. We all went to Migration today and I had a problem with my paperwork still so I couldn’t do anything but wait for everyone else to be done. I sat down and waited. I left for a second with my bag and when I came back my seat was taken so I sat next to this guy and his wife all by myself! I took out my scriptures and began to read in Alma. He poked me and asked me if I was reading in english! (he said this all in Spanish and I barley understood about 5 percent of what he was saying) I answered back with any Spanish I could remember and said, “Yes, it is a great book... IN FACT I have one in Spanish!” I gave him the one I bought and I had him read the introduction of the Book of Mormon. Then I had him read Moroni 10:3-5. I bore my testimony of this true church and of this book. He was so happy! Then I showed him a picture of our family and he said we are all beautiful! I can't believe this! I had no intent on talking to this man but he had the urge to talk to me. If I had not lost my FFM form and not bought that Book of Mormon this would not have happened. I found out truly that God works in mysterious ways!

Dad - also, I was thinking about you a lot because on the way there I thought we PASSED THE AUTOLIV PLANT and for a second I wondered if you were there. I would have died if I saw you! I CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO ALASKA and fish with you again. Homesickness is real - I miss the mountains and fly fishing and I miss music so so much! haha. I was even reading in the book of Daniel and I couldn’t get Elton John out of my head!! haha!

The camping pictures look so good and I bet it was fun! Please keep sending me letters. It makes my day so much better! The MTC is going by so fast! We do the same thing every single day and I’m definitely not ready with my Spanish but I can’t wait to go to Monterrey and serve the people there.
I love you all SO MUCH!

Elder Carson Anderson

Therefore, hold on!

9/7/2015

Elder Cody Anderson
San Juan Puerto Rico Mission

Hey familia!
This past week has been better. My foot is good and I am back to walking all day which is SO MUCH better than sitting in the house all day!

We have been doing good with our investigators! We are teaching a young family. They have been wanting to follow a church but didn’t know which one was Christ’s church. This is perfect, because Joseph Smith had that same question!! They are really accepting and understanding everything, but haven’t been coming to church because of work. They accepted to be baptized but they need to be married and come to church.

We found another family this past week contacting. We had prayed to find a family in that area and we saw that blessing with this family. The Martinez family were cool and are interested. They see how everything makes sense with Jesus Christ establishing the church, to him ordaining 12 apostles with the Authority of God. And how the Authority left the earth which led to the Apostasy and how that is why we needed a restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. This message is so simple but so powerful!

The people here are pretty hard though too. They really want to talk to us but don’t want to change the way they live. And a lot of people here believe in Aliens being our leaders. What? hahaha

I have still been struggling with homesickness and I am frustrated with the language. I don’t understand anything really and can't say much at all. I am so nervous I am gonna be struggling with this feeling my whole mission. When I feel like this this scripture helps me:

D&C 122 7,9
"All these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good....Therefore hold on!"

I love and miss you so so so so much!!!!!

--Elder Cody Anderson

Carson learning to be more THANKFUL!

9/2/2015

Hey Padres!
This week has been tons better and I am having so much fun! I really love the letters so keep them coming! The one dad sent to me Friday was the best! I was having a hard time and prayed for strength. Your letter saved my butt for the rest of the day!

I have learned to be more thankful for things. It makes me so much happier! Instead of getting down because of my Spanish, I have been thanking my Heavenly Father for how much I have been learning. Don’t get me wrong I still struggle with it terribly! While we are having our fake investigators, me and my companion tried to just take small notes and relied on the spirit to say what we needed to say. It really works out and we feel better after than while we just write a script! I like to think that we are teaching people not lessons.

Days here feel like they're going by so fast. But it still feels like an eternity since I’ve been home. This week was terrible for my companion. The frijoles got him bad and most of our study time has been in the bathroom! Haha!! We call it "Release the Cracken!" I’m so glad i haven’t gotten sick…so far.

I got to see Derrick Scoffield this week! I love that kid and I’m so happy I have Mitchell Causey here too! Its a Box Elder party in the CCM!

I gave my first blessing to my companion! It was really cool! I just relied on the spirit to say what I needed to say. And GUESS WHAT?? A native missionary, Elder Esparza, is from Monterrey west mission area and he gave me his family’s name and Bishop’s name to go baptize his family! He is a convert so he really wants me to go and teach his family. I am going to take this picture to show them that I know their son. That would make my whole mission!! Funny how I got my first referral.

During gym times I go “lights out” on the basketball courts! They call me Elder Jordan because I make every 3-pointer!! Please keep me updated with the Cowboys games and the Jazz games.

I love you all SO MUCH!! Until next week.
P.S. -- PLEASE send Mountain Dew... I dream about Mtn. Dew and Def Leppard. Haha!!

Elder Carson Anderson

Elder Cody W. Anderson
SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO MISSION
cody.anderson@myldsmail.net

Puerto Rico San Juan Mission
Urb. Jardines de Caparra
#500 Calle Marginal Norte
Bayamon PR 00959
Puerto Rico

Elder Carson R Anderson
MEXICO MONTERREY WEST MISSION
carson.anderson@myldsmail.net

Mexico Monterrey West Mission
Calle Chiapas y Concha Espino # 303
Col. Roma Sur
64700 Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
Mexico

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