L. DURSEAN is now 21!!!~ ~ and was TRANSFERRED last Tuesday!

¡feliz cumpleaños, mijo!

~

How fun for you to be in BOTHEL in the Lake Washington Ward again... same as you were last Christmas! We can't wait to chat in 5 more days and hear the details, and get your current address so we can update this blog... so so glad the Monroe Elders were prompt in getting your bday/Christmas mail transferred.

Meanwhile, loved ones and blog followers, use the mission office PO Box address - Bothel is only a stone's throw away from Millcreek.

21 shots of SEAN

IN REPLY TO A POSTCARD FROM MOM & PAPA ON THEIR VACATION TO SAN FRANCISCO

Dear Mom, (and Papá)

Well, I've got a little sliver of time right now for "lunch" but I wanted to take the opportunity to write you back! Based on the postmarked date it only took two days for your letter to arrive, so hopefully this will come Wednesday or so.

It's so good to hear you and Papá have been able to get away for a while and have 5 minutes peace. I'm sure Calvin won't mind taking care of the younger ones to give you a moment to relax.

One thing I really miss about normal life is the chance to relax on Sundays. It seemed so weird to me at first, to be working every day of the week except Thursday. But I've since come to recognize that I can still feel the same Spirit on Sundays, while busily engaged in the Lord's work.

Having been out almost a year now, and being mostly familiar with the way things work, I'm starting to look at it all in different ways.; I'm beginning to recognize how much happiness and joy can be found in this great work of the Lord. Lots of times it seems we do our work each day so that we can get to the time when we can do the things that "really" make us happy or that are "really" fun.

Today I had somewhat of an epiphany as a cool couple with their new-born baby were following us down to Bothell to the Spanish ward. I found I was stressing out, worrying about how church was going to be; if we'd be early, etc. That's when I realized that such a wonderful thing as their coming to church should be something that brings me joy to see! After all, they were my brothers and sister, and they were doing the things that would bring them joy int his life and fullness of joy in the next. Why wasn't I feeling happy? And then, I did! I was rather surprised the lasting kind of happiness I suddenly felt in that moment. It was very satisfying, and an incredible "break-through" so-to-speak. I know as I continue to look for the promised joy that missionary work brings, I'll have an even greater desire to share it.

Anyway, that was my cool moment for the past couple days :). I love those learning experiences. They always help me to know that the Lord is continually mindful of me and all his children.
The snail mail is really fun for me now. I really had a hard time with it at first, but I'm used to the slower pace now. It was just hard getting used to waiting a week or so before getting a reply. :) But have no worries. At least from this end, you too have become a lot better and following through with the mail process. Not just for you, but the kids too! So don't feel too bad; you're making a lot of progress. :)

That's cool to hear your Red Iguana story. Hey! Recado! That's what it's called! I've had mole a bunch of times and really like it! I remember hearing that it had cocoa in it, like the sauce you put in chuchos, but I could never remember what it was called! Wow, it's amazing to me how different the Guatemalan & the Mexican cultures are! I always assumed they'd be a lot alike, but up to now, it seems the language is the closest thing. And even then there are many differences! Have you ever had posole? We eat that all the time too!

Wpw, you slept in?! 'Till 11:00!?! Jeez! You must have really needed the break! It's good to hear you're making the most of all of it, even if it isn't in Italy.

There are plenty of tiendas all over the areas I've served. There's a taco truck called "Tacos Pihuamos" that makes great tacos de carnitas. I've even gotten a burrito de lengua that was great too! Still haven't done the Ducales thing though. But we get "paid" on Wednesday, so I'll be sure to grab some on P-day.

Hey, how come we (as kids) never heard about all that getting married stuff between you and Papá? All I remember is Papá not getting a ticket, but instead being escorted back to school (or work?) by a policeman after speeding down I-15 from a date with you! But that's okay, I love you anyway!

Con gran amor,

Elder Sean

P.S. Give my love to Brig and Tara, and tell them thanks again for the shirts! Oh, and I liked the "Ord Brothers" Logo. :D

18 SEP 2008

Oh my family,

Thank you as always for the letters! I received Olivia's and Papá's today. Perfect timing. :)

I've always thought the more centered I am on the work, the less I think about the mail. And not only that, when a letter comes, it's even more of a pleasant surprise! The letters i've been getting lately have been most enjoyable. Therefore, I'm on the right track. :D

The past week has been great. The transfer is winding down and there's been a relief of pressure. We've still been working hard and this past Sunday it really payed off! We had 4 Spanish-speaking investigators at the Spanish ward!


Sunday morning was particularly stressful. We drove from house to house, making the final follow-up on those who had committed to church. (The "Sunday Morning Roundup", as its sometimes called.)

The biggest challenge we have when it comes to Spanish investigators is getting them to the Spanish ward 20 min. away. Just imagine finding and teaching people in Provo, but having them attend church in American Fork. On top of that, not many are able to spend the money on gas so we usually set up rides for them with members.

One of the great Spanish ward members, Hno. Sotello lives here in Monroe, so usually we ask him to give rides. The problem is he likes to be at church about 15 minutes early and those who need a ride have to be ready early too.

Well, Sunday morning at 10:20, we stopped by a potential investigator's house to see if he was planning on coming. The week before we'd stopped by at the same time and he wasn't there, but he said later that he was planning on us coming at 10:30. "Ri-i-i-ight," we'd thought.

So we stopped by and knocked on his door at 10:20 last Sunday to find that again he had ditched us. We decided to wait and see if he'd be there at 10:30, but in the meantime, Hno Sotello was leaving so the investigator (José) wouldn't have a ride anyway!

I started stressing out when an older woman came out of José's apartment telling us she had him on the phone and he said he'd be there (to his apt.) in 10 minutes! Where were we going to find a ride for him now?

In that situation, some would say, "well, throw him in the back of your car and get him to church! You tried to get him a ride but it didn't work out. It's for the greater good!"

Suddenly it became a huge trial of my faith. Could the Lord provide a way for us to obey the rule of not providing non-member rides and still get José to church?

I've always maintained the belief that there is always a way to accomplish what we've been commanded to do (help people repent by coming to church for example.) And still keep the rules that have been given to us by prophets and apostles. Now, it seemed, I was being proven to see if I practice what I preach.

From certain other experiences I've had throughout my mission, I'd witnessed this principle in action, and seen the Lord pull through every time. But of course, we must do everything we can first. "Have I done everything I can to find him a ride?" It thought, "No."

I was praying hard as I called an RM form our English ward, making a last-ditch effort to get the ride. I had to promise him blessings, but he eventually agreed to leave Sunday School and help us out.

It was a tense moment waiting for the both of them to show up, but at almost the same time, they both pulled in and I knew that we were home-free. I knew, and so did my companions, that the Lord helped us out. Calling the RM was totally a shot in the dark, but it all worked out way too well to have not been divinely prepared. José even brought a friend!

In retelling the story, it seems a lot less cool than it really was, but in the moment, it felt like taking a step onto water trying to be fully confident you would not fall in. It's one of the coolest feelings I've had out here, but takes a lot of work. It's in those moments that I've learned what faith really is.

And speaking of cool feelings, another awesome experience happened on Tuesday. A 10 yr old girl named Raeven was baptized! The coolest part was that I played a crucial role in the process, even though she was taught and baptized in the Zone Leader's area.

(Okay, let's see if I can make this short...)

My comps and I were playing soccer with some Hispanic kids on a field right by the ZL's apartment. While kicking the ball around I was talking to Chris, a boy the ZLs were teaching who was going to be baptized soon.

Raeven was standing nearby and heard us talking about the baptism. "What's baptism?" she asked. I took the advantage of the teaching opportunity and told her about how baptism was something Jesus Christ told us we needed to do. It was something that could make us happier! We could have all the bad things we've done washed away because Jesus Christ died for us.

I basically taught her a really simple 3rd lesson when I could have just answered her question. Honestly, I was surprised by her interest and excited to tell her about that oh-so important aspect of the Gospel.

After a minute of my explanation she said, "I want to be baptized!" It was so cool! Whether she ended up actually being baptized or not, I thought it was the coolest thing that she would be so teachable and willing.

After talking a little more I pretty much handed her over to the Zone Leaders.

I was sitting there at her baptism that night when an intense feeling of gratitude came over me. It was such a great blessing to me to have been able to see the fruit come of the seed that was planted. I can't really say I planted the seed--it's the Spirit that does the real teaching, right? :)

So the moral of the story is, it doesn't take much! Who knows how many people we know that are "only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." Or how many people we don't know, like neighbors, etc. ;)

----

Hey, now it's Saturday, and time to get this in the mail. I'm at the church, waiting for the font to fill! melody's baptism is in an hour! it's a great day. I hope life is not too crazy managing school/work schedules back home and that you still have time for "good times" moments!

LOVE, ELDER SEAN
P.S. So there are lots of cool web-spinning spiders this time of year in Washington. And lots of these dinosaur-sized mosquitoes that are actually "Mosquito-Hawks" because they eat mosquitoes. Anyway, I've had lots of fun catching the Mosquito-Hawks and watching the spiders do their thing: Bite it, wrap it, and wait for its innards to dissolve! So cool!

IN OUR MAILBOX TUES, SEP 17

Dearest Family,

THANK YOU THANK YOU for the package and most of all--the letters! I've been doing a lot better lately. I'm very happy and having fun. It's still challenging, of course, but I like the challenge. I've always preferred it that way--but sometimes it gets me into trouble. I bite off more than I can chew. :) Story of my life.

Anyway, as the story goes I was transferred here to Monroe. It's been nice so far. It's slowly growing on me. Admittedly, I haven't been with the area but I have no reason to dislike it.

My companions have been great. Elder Ainscough, (who was midnighted a week into the transfer), is from Denver, CO. He's a transfer older than me in the mission. He's a hard worker and we get along well. We have different styles of missionary work, but it's been good. I've already learned quite a bit. Elder Guillan has been lots of fun and we've had a great time. He's from Highland and spent lots of time in Provo so we're able to relate a bit. He knows a lot of the Provo Podcast people and spent lots of time at Velour and Gray Whale. He's been out three transfers or so, so about 5 mo. together, we make a pretty good team.

The work is going well too. We're teaching an older woman named Melody. (I think I may have mentioned her already.) Her baptismal date is Sep. 20. She's been doing well and the ward has been doing a fantastic job fellowhipping her! We're excited for her, and for the much-needed blessings she will receive for the good choices she's making. Aside from her, we've been teaching several Mexicans and tracting only in Spanish, looking for those elegidos who have been prepared to embrace the message. And most importantly (and difficultly,) come to church. We take our spanish-speaking investigators down to the Spanish ward in Bothell. It has been so cool and so much fun to see all the warm familiar faces! And to see recent converts still firm and active in the faith! One family and I talked about all the time in my Bothell days was Aymara and Victor. They needed to be married before they could be baptized, but Aymara needed a divorce from her ex-husband in Mexico. Well, though they still haven't been able to get it all worked out, they've still been coming to church each week! Their oldest son will be turning 8 soon and being baptized! I'm so happy for them and maintain the faith that the Lord will provide a way for them to accomplish the commandment to be baptized that he has given them. :0 (1 ne. 3:7)

Being a district leader has become a lot more fun lately, as I get the hang of the routine. I'm excited for this next transfer and the opportunity I'll have to help (in a greater capacity.) the Dlders in my district, especially the brand new ones.

So that's the current status on me, familia! The Lord has been blessing me in ways I never imagined. I am constantly humbled by the love and mercy he has for all his children. It is amazing how filling and satisfying it is to be feeling the Spirit so strongly so many times each day. I hope youa ll are continuing to invite that sustaining power into your lives on a daily basis also. I don't know how I ever survived on the spiritual equivalent of a pop-tart each day. I'm sure it was the constant nourishment I received from the love you all showed me, and I thank you for it. I wish those letters could communicate more of the love I have for you, but if they could, I don't think I could fit them in the envelope. :)

CON CARIÑO, ELDER SEAN

AUG 28

Family that I love:

This past week has been filled with cool experiences as well as the typical trials.

But here's a quick taste of what's been going on:

Whenever we tract or street contact, we almost always hand out one of the pamphlets on one of the lessons. We always put our contact info on the back, and up until about a week ago, I'd never had anyone actually end up calling us. We were in the church building making some photocopies when we got a phone call form a woman named Melody. She informed us that she had been talking to other missionaries (or that she'd gotten a pamphlet from them,) and she had a question about something in it! We met with her and found out she was a former investigator. In fact, she had investigated about three times before but she had never gone (or had been able to go) to church. She told us a story about how she got in a fight with her daughter, who she lives with and had been threatened to be kicked out. She felt she needed help, and more spiritual strength. So she was reading her Bible, and it kept on saying she needed to be baptized! She found one of the pamphlets the missionaries had given her, and called us up to see if we could help her out! She told us that she didn't have a job anymore, so she would now be able to come to church and that she wanted to be baptized! To make an already long story shorter, she's now come to church, she got a ride from a member, she has a baptismal date for Sept 7, she's committed to stop smoking, and she reads the chapters we assign her in the Book of Mormon! I'm so excited for her and it's been so cool to see someone who really HAS been prepared by the Lord to receive his gospel and enjoy the eternal blessings of baptism and confirmation. It's been amazing to see it change her life too! She's seemed so much happier ever since she's started making the changes in her life that bring about repentance.

I learned something cool the other day as I was preparing my district meeting. In the scriptures it says all over the place that the Elders/missionaries of the church are to cry repentance. I've never completely understood that, but as I was reading about the importance of commitments I learned that extending those commitments is how we cry repentance, because as our investigators keep their commitments they bring about repentance in their own lives. So if we don't "cry repentance" by inviting them to make and keep commitments, we aren't fulfilling our purpose.

As you, (family,) invite people to church or to read/pray about the Book of Mormon, you are helping (or inviting) them to make changes in their life that bring about repentance and make their lives happier. Cool eh? :D

Anyway, Monday we fasted to find new investigators. So we payed extra special attention to those guiding promptings of the Spirit. And we ended up finding 5 new investigators as well as just having an amazing day spiritually speaking.

It's been amazing to me to recognize how much better the lessons are as well as the reaction of those we're teaching as we feel the spirit really driving a lesson, as opposed to just saying words at somebody. When the Spirit is there and when it's not is beginning to become bery clear to me.

Well, I hope you all are enjoying this end of summer as much as I am. Though the sun is out less often, it's beginning to smell like fall. And for some reason, it reminds me of spring-ish time in Provo. Anyway, this place is great. I'm still getting used to Monroe, but it won't be too long. If I thought time was moving fast before, it's gone in a second now. I hardly have time to think before a week has gone by. I'm almost a year old! That's weird...!

Well, I love you all as much as youlove me. And you love me a lot. ;D Be happy and have fun!

LOVE, ELDER SEAN.

POSTMARKED 22 AUG

Family:

Wow, so this "district leader" thing has been crazy. But I've been having a lot of fun. It's been a very humbling experience, which I'm grateful for. As I've relied more on the Lord, I've seen his hand more in the work.The only downside is that there are 3 elders "dying" this transfer (in my district) and one that dies next transfer! needless to say, I've got a pretty trunky district. Still, It's going great so far, and if I stay here in Monroe, (which it looks like I will,) there's a pretty good chance I'll have a bunch of younger missionaries in my district who I'll be able to help and influence a bit more.

So this "three-pack" thing is GREAT. But it doesn't look like it'll last very long. This past Monday, one of the companions was "midnighted" (so basically President called him up at 3:00 in the afternoon on Sunday and told him he was going to be transfered the next morning) It was done so another spanish Elder, a new one who was going to go home, could be able to be with a companion who could help him more. So now I have a new companion named Elder Ainscough. He's hitting his year mark today! It's weird seeing all the older missionaries go home and slowly becoming one of the older one's in the mission. But it's all part of this progression towards eventually going home. But I gotta say, I've been loving it. - but about the three-pack: Like I said, We've been having a great time. It's a lot more interesting as well as helpful when you've got a third person to talk, share experiences and testify. It really comes in handy having Elder Guillen as a native speaker. Though he isn't quite as fluent as some of the other spanish elders. He learned all his gospel Spanish in the MTC. Either way, I couldn't be happier with the current companion situation.

Monroe isn't a bad place either. It's not quite as rural as Mt. Vernon, but not as city as Bothell. It seems like Monroe and some of the neighboring towns were once mining towns. In the parking lot of a Gocery Outlet store there's a huge smokestack coming out of the middle of the parking lot. So this is an interesting place, but not quite as interesting as Mt. Vernon. Or maybe it's just because I don't know Monroe as well. I was really excited to train last transfer, and now i'm not as much. I guess I really liked the idea of being able to train in Mt. V, but probably because I knew it so well. But I'm not too worried that I won't know Monroe just as well by the time I train. Which looks like it will be coming up here in November. The big turnover of the mission will be happening in the next little while as groups of about 20 missionaries go home and 20 or so new one's come out. I'm kind of excited for it, because it'll give us a chance to more easily guide the mission in the right direction and fix the general trunky attitude of the mission. :)

Anyway, thank you all for your letters along with the tie! I hope all is still well over there in Provo. Let me know how everything goes with Olivia's reception! It's comforting to know you're able to see the blessings in some form or another of my service. The Lord's definitely taking care of you! When does school start? Wow, it's weird to think the school cycle is starting all over again! The days are slowly cooling down over here and it won't be too long before the leaves start falling. Crazy... Anyway, love you all!

ELDER SEAN

POSTMARKED: 15 AUG 2008

Querida familia:
So it finally happened! They transfered me! I really thought I was going to be staying in Mt. Vernon for a while, but when I got the phone call from President informing me that I'd be a district leader instead of training, it soon became clear Monroe would be my destination. With the six or so new missionaries coming out this transfer, (at least that will be speaking spanish,) the older spanish elders needed to be placed in certain areas where it would be easy to move out the jr. companions.

The LAST thing I thought I'd be doing this transfer was be a district leader. It TOTALLY took me off guard. Her I was, so sure I'd be training but if the Lord wants me to be here, so be it. I was looking forward to some added responsibility, but not THIS much! I feel very incapable, but it's comforting to know that I'm entitled to the extra measure of assistance that I need from the Lord, that I need to fulfill my duties. That's probably the only thing that has been keeping me from stressing out--knowing that as long as I do my best, stay humble and ask for help, He'll make up for what I lack.

I'm sure in a transfer I'll be loving the call, but until then it looks like I'll be doing a ton of praying. I'm glad to know that I'm trusted enough to be a god example to those in my district, but I sure hope I can fulfill the other half of a leader's responsibilities and "lift, encourage, inspire, and bless."

--3 DAYS LATER
"I tell you what, wow!" This is turning out to be really nothing like I imagined. After three days I'm starting to really appreciate the flexibility and leadership of previous district leaders I've had. i'm so used to just focusing on and taking care of the work in my area, but now I have to keep tabs on everyone else's area too! I have to be available for whenever I'm needed by the elders in my district. And then, still, my area is supposed to be the model, example area for my district. So basically, I'm not used to having so little freedom of time to work with investigators, members, ward leaders, etc. I'm finding it rather annoying, mostly because it's a change in the manner and style I work. But it's good! It's a fun challenge for me right now. I have to revise the way I work -- remove as much dead time as I can and be as efficient and effective as possible. Do the same amount of work in less time.

So I'm in a "three-pack" right now with Elder Guillen and Elder Martin. One of the new spanish elders, Elder Cordada, is going home in a couple of days (I'm not sure why, he just wants to go home.) So Elder Martin will probably be "midnighted" tonight or tomorrow. It's been really fun though while we've been together.

BACK TO ORIGINAL DAY OF WRITING?
P-day was pretty fun though. We went hiking up to a huge waterfall! It was the first hike I've been on since I've been here in Washington. I think I figured there'd be more hikes to go on if I was serving a mission in Washington. Anyway, they say that's pretty much all there is to do here in the Snohomish zone. :)

I'm excited to be somewhere new again and to have the chance to get to know a new companion. And to see all the spanish ward members I knew.

How are things at home? Already getting ready for the start of a new school year? Are Olivia and Ben back yet? How's the bike-riding to work going? Any more new additions to the house? :) How was everyone's summer? Were there any family reunions this year?

Well, I hope you all are doing as good as I am and are being excellent to each other. I'll be sending a package home soon with the shirt I promised Calvin along with another late birthday surprise. Just FYI.

LOVE, ELDER JUAREZ

AUG 7-9ish

FAMILIA:

Today was a great day. So it's about time I properly updated you and brought you up to speed. The transfer's winding down again and there's talk among the Spanish Elders about who's moving where.

I've been oddly excited about training since about four weeks ago. It was rather random at the time but slowly the idea has become more and more likely. One new Spanish Elder is coming this next transfer (Aug 12). He'll be the first one to have spent the 8 weeks in the MTC learning Spanish. I'm one of two elders that could train. The others either have trained in Spanish already, or don't quite know enough Spanish to train effectively. So I've been going through the past week or two anticipating getting a greenie. However I still know anything could happen. It wouldn't be the first time I've been surprised with how they work it out.

The of course this past week has been quite the reality check. The closer we get to transfers the more I'm sure it'll be NOTHING like I'm expecting. Maybe that's what excites me the most. :) I've realized I don't feel completely ready to train, but if I did, it wouldn't be a challenge. i suppose I'm mostly ready for the change. I'm ready for the increase in responsibility. I'm ready for a rude-awakening to the sense of my duty. Elder Herrin and I have become very good friends and work well together. But as a result, we've become lax in our work. Thankfully, having to speak Spanish has kept us uncomfortable and humble enough to remember we still need a lot of help from the Lord.

We were pleasantly surprised about two weeks ago during a zone mtg. while "training-modeling" a lesson plan for the second lesson. We practiced teaching two other elders two principles from the Plan of Salvation. Though we felt our model was decent, we were generously complemented by our zone leaders, the assistants, and President Showalter on the effective way we taught. It was comforting to us to know that though we did a great job from the "outside" we still felt there was a lot we could work on. It was evidence that we had actually been making a lot more progress than we realized. But of course, "no good deed goes unpunished" and we were called on in Zone Conference this past Monday to training model the WHOLE lesson in front of half the mission AND Elder Richard G. Hinckley who had come to do a mission tour! Of course we felt even WORSE about how we did (compared to before,) but we felt the Spirit as we taught and testified. And to our surprise, more comments were made about what we did well than what we could work on. Personally, I was satisfied with the fact that I felt the Spirit while teaching, but to know that my other teaching skills were at a level stable enough to ALLOW me to focus on inviting the Spirit was MOST comforting. There is still much we can do to improve, but in the meantime, we're doing a lot of things right.

With only two months left to the half-way point, I've been doing a lot of "looking back." Am I where I wanted to be by now? Am I living up to my original expectations? Though the entire process is stressful, (because I've still got a long way to go before my year-mark deadline,) It has been really fun and humbling to see how far I've come.

I can approach almost anyone in Spanish without worrying first what I'm going to say. I can have a simple conversation without having to translate it first into English in my head. I gather about 90% of what is said in what WAS "really fast Spanish" six months ago. I recently fumbled reciting Joseph Smith's First Vision (in English) because I couldn't translate it fast enough from the SPANISH version I was reciting in my head! I'm more comfortable street-contacting in Spanish than in English. It's hard for me to believe Elder Cole and I taught and baptized so many without even knowing how to correctly conjugate in the PRESENT tense! "El evangelio bendicir familias. Yo se mi familia recibir bendiciones en pasado, y usteds son recibiendo mes bendiciones tambien!" (Literally: "The gospel bless families. I know my family recieve blessings in past and you are receiving more blessings too!) It's further testimony that it is the SPIRIT that does the teaching. Like Preach My Gospel says, (quoting Ezra Taft Benson): "The Spirit is the most important single element in this work. With the Spirit magnifying your call, you can do miracles for the Lord in the mission field. Without the Spirit, you will never succeed regardless of your talent and ability."

I don't struggle to relate to others anymore, and walking around with my hands out of my pockets doesn't feel weird. Small talk comes easily, though it still has its fair share of awkward silences. I have a nice bank of scriptures to use and draw from, but somehow they rarely seem to be the ones I need. :) I can call anyone (whether I know them or not) without feeling anxious about what I'm going to say. I can smoothly extend a "will you" commitment, though I'm not as disappointed as I should be when those commitments aren't kept.

Though I've come far, it seems there's so much left to learn and so little time. But there is nothing else I'd rather be doing. I am having so much fun and I am in love with my mission. :)

It's good to hear everything's going well at home, too. Whatever happened to that Spanish-speaking family you fellowshipped that lives kitty-corner to our house?

Anyway, so it is.
LOVE YOU TONS!
-ELDER SEAN

TRANSFER TIME

Goodbye beloved MT VERNON ~

Hello mighty MONROE...

New address:
Elder Sean Marco Juárez
610 W Elizabeth Street #7
Monroe, WA 98272


Bless you for finding a moment to send a "hello" and making Sean's day!

Go ahead and Google Monroe...


http://maps.google.com/maps?q=610+W+Elizabeth+Street+Monroe,+WA+98272


The stunning photo of Sean and Aiden was captured by Sister Wendy Engle (Aiden's mom - surrogate MOM to Elders - and wonderful email lifeline to Provo MOM)!! What will Elder Juárez and Cherie do without her in Monroe???

Dig that polyester suit from the missionfield "Segunda"*

* (Mexican Spanish for thrift store)

Querida familia,

Well, first, apologies for the lack of news the past three weeks or so. I have a few letters started that need to get finished. Mom would know what I’m talking about. ;) So, in order to guarantee completion, and a speedy delivery, Wendy Engel offered her services on my behalf. I’d speak, she’d type, and you’d know I’m still alive and well. :)

TRANSFER 7

Elder Herrin and I were excited but surprised to hear we’d be staying another transfer. The recent trend has been a max of three transfers in one area, so we assumed one of us would be leaving and another Elder coming in to learn the ropes for this area. Since we’re both staying, (making three transfers here in Mt. Vernon for the both of us,) we instead assume one of us will be here for four transfers, (= 6 months) which seems like a long time to be in one place—a quarter of your mission! But, it’s just what the President told us he would do— keep us in areas for 6-8 months. So, how do I feel about it? Fantastic! I’ve loved it here. It’s been hard to believe that Elder Herrin and I got here back at the beginning of April! It’s almost scary how quickly time has been moving; already another transfer gone, with seemingly not much accomplished.

I received a letter from Elder Yeo recently that reminded me a lot of the “vision” I had in the MTC of the missionary I wanted to be. I could tell he was “living the life,” (in my opinion,) or embracing the unique opportunity we have on a mission to forget worrying about ourselves and to get lost in the service of others. It was exactly where I wanted to be and I took it as the Lord’s way of reminding me where I could be, (spiritually speaking,) and what I could be doing if I simply chose to. I realized if Elder Herrin and I didn’t pick up the ball that I would wake up one morning with six months left, realizing my mission had just passed me by. I don’t want to feel that it all just happened to me. So, Elder Herrin and I have donned our white shirts and cool ties and decided to really put our shoulders to the wheel. Unfortunately, we are still far from actually giving it our all, but we’re getting better! :) We’re definitely being blessed for our renewed commitment and have had amazing success! We have 3 with a baptismal date already, and one of them is the mom of a family we hope to baptize this transfer! There’s SO much work to be done here, so many people with so much potential. All we really need to do is start teaching—not even finding! The field is already there, all ready to harvest.

Elder Herrin and I are getting along fantastically, we’re able to speak to each other in Spanish, and we are unified in working hard—the situation couldn’t be more perfect. It is SO fun to see the Lord provide as we show we have “a desire to serve God,” and his children. Life is beautiful.

9 MONTHS

The recent changes in the district included an Elder Ellingson (who came out with me, but was in a different MTC district,) being made our district leader. So, it’s been fun reminiscing with him. He’s also training, which has only increased how much we’ve reflected on how we were way back then, but not that long ago! Por ejemplo, we remembered how, as a greenie, we’d count down the hours to the end of each day. You’d think “okay, only 2 hours until dinner…” or “it’s 7:00, just two hours, I can make it two hours…” :) It seemed so grueling back then, but now it’s no big deal at all!

I think the 9 month reality hit me hardest the other day when I realized I’d been speaking and learning Spanish not just for 6 months, which for some reason, I was used to saying, but I’d been speaking it 9 months! That’s a good long time. I should be pretty good right now. Y ya puedo hablar el español muy fácilmente, sin pensando mucho, pero si hablo muy rápido, todavía lo sale de mi boca un poco embarrado. No he estudiado con la misma intensidad como el principio, cuando vine aquí a Mt. Vernon. Pronto continuaré estudiando, “resolviendo las torceduras,” y corrigiendo los errorcitos pequeñitos en mis estudios. Estoy contento con el cuanto ya sé, y mi progreso hasta ahora. También sé que no estoy fluente. ¡Gracias por la información sobre vos! Pensaba que me hayan decido que no era diferencia de conjugar entre vos y tú.

NOTETOFAM: Interestingly enough, I guess we weren’t given the TALL book. I assumed it was the red Spanish Phrases and Grammar book. Para que sepan, I was given the standard works in Spanish, the yellowish textbook, the handy-dandy red book, and a Bantam Spanish Dictionary, (the same, in fact, that I received from you in the package. :) I was referring to the Langenscheidt Spanish Dictionary that’s thicker than the bantam one, as opposed to the pocket-sized version. My comp. has the pocket-sized one, I was using the larger one checked out from the library.) I’ll be putting in the request for that TALL book, though.

I’m so glad to hear you’re all doing well at home! Though I can’t really do much for you here, (except simply be here,) I want you to know that I am very much grateful for what you’ve been doing for me, be it letters, drawings, photos, or prayers! :)

¡Les quiero mucho!

Love, Elder Sean.

9 MONTH MILESTONE TODAY!

We miss you badly, Elder Sean-Boy... but we're pleased beyond measure with the joy you've found in serving.

This picture was taken a week ago at CJ's baptism, and sent to me by email from precious Wendy Engle of Mount Vernon, WA ("Foster" Mom to CJ - friend and caretaker of the missionaries!) Bless you WENDY.

Carry on, carry on, carry ON!

PART I: THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

HEY YOU GUYS!! I think I've finally gotten a taste of the emotional roller coaster this mission can be. This past week has been so much fun! I learned once again I don't have to let myself get caught up in someone else's choice of feelings.

I was on exchanges with Elder Farris, our district leader on Saturday. We were talking as we drove to contact a few refferrals and he was sharing some practical wisdom with me. "Some missionaries just get so cuaght up in things that they don't have fun. They let it get to them so much that they get so down and depressed about it. Some of us just need a reality check. Yeah, it's hard, but life is hard. Just pick yourself up and keep going. Don't stress about it if you don't have to." I don't know what part of what he said was what hit me like a ton of bricks, but suddenly I realized some of the challenges Elder Herrin has are just because of how he is. I've been stressing and worrying about so much, I've been drowning in not only my problems, but everone else's too. Elder Farris pulled me up out of the water and suddenly I could breathe again.

The next day was so calm inside my head. It was such a good day. Despite a bad day Elder Herrin might have been having or whatever might have been going on around me, I was happy and was happy to these around me. If something went wrong, no sweat, just roll with it, make the most of it and move on.

I had to adjust my attitude to accommodate and work with Elder Herrin's attitude. It was no big deal, I just should have done it a long time ago. It goes along with something else Elder Farris said: "If there's anything I've learned on my mission, it's that peope are SO different." I've come to realize the same thing. Thus, just because the way I did things worked with Elder Mose, doesn't mean they'll work with every companion. So, I've finally been able to adjust and find what works with Elder Herrin. It's cool to see how much I've learned about getting along with different types of people. Though it may seem like they are the ones who need to change for you to get along with them. There's actually a way to be happy no matter who you're wokring around by adjusting yourself.

...

PART II: THE SUMMER CONFERENCE

This past Wednesday (June 18) was our mission's "Summer Conference". All 7 zones got together for lunch and a sports tournament-type thing. Each zone had two teams that played the other zones' teams at ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and kick ball.

Every year, each zone makes shirts for their teams. I ended up being the one to design them and figure out a cheap way to produce 17 for the whole zone. They told me they wanted to play off the "M" of the logo for Monster Energy drinks. (Some background: Energy drinks like Monster, Rockstar, Red bull, etc. have been popular among most athletic of missionaries since I was with Elder Cole. They've never really appealed to me, but apparently they became so popular that it came to our President's attention. In the last Zone Conference, he asked the mission to stay away from them as much as possible, though, he didn't ban all caffeine/energy drinks, but advised us to be respectful if it is something that would offend other members/investigators.)

With permission, I ended up working on them for a "couple 3" (Washingtonian for "a couple" or "3") days. The design was no sweat--figuring out how to put it on the shirts, was.

We first tried a stencil and spray paint, but it didn't adhere at all. The member at whose house we worked was an artist, so we tried some acrylic paints he had and successfully produced a bright green Monster "M".

The whole process was so much fun for me, it was like being at home again designing wedding announcements, except the whole time I was dying to hage the Mac with all its time-saving programs. Instead, I did it the old-fashioned way and went with Microsoft Paint/freehand. They came out looking fantastic. The stencil/painting process was a pain in the neck, (literally), because it involved pinning down and dabbing paint onto 17 shirts, so it was also time-consuming. BUT, they looked awesome and the zone loved them.

At summer conference the senior couples ended up voting on their favorite shirt, and our zone won! I was very satisfied with myself and at the same time was extremely grateful that I'd been given that talent from the Lord, for the blessing of others' lives.

The rest of Summer Conference was really fun. I said hi to Elder Cole and his new greenie, Elder Cordada. Our team went undefeated too! We were 5-0, but two other teams were 4-0, (when it came down to the championships.) The two 4-0 teams played each other and we played the winning team. It was the first team we'd played and had beaten before 7-3. Somehow, they ended up killing us in the finals 1-5. It was pretty disappointing, but I went home happy, 'cause even if we didn't play the best, we sure looked the best! :)

PART III: BEN WANTED TO BURN THE BOOK OF MORMON

I had a cool experience last night. We met with Ben again, for the fourth time or so. In the last appointment, he'd explained to us that it was funny that we were trying to convert him, because he was trying to convert us! We had only ever answered his questions or defended the faith (instead of teaching lessons) as we'd met with him, so we decided unless he was willing to make and keep commitments, that we were going to drop[ him. We really loved the kid, and wanted to clarify the misconceptions about the church, but we were also wasting the time we could be spending teaching someone who was ready to learn.

We said a prayer in the car (he excused himself the second time we met with him, when we asked if we could say a prayer) and met him on his front porch again. He showed us the new book he'd gotten from the Christian bookstore (The Facts on Mormonism or algo así,) and how it had references for all the quotes, etc.

He then asked to see my BoM, (he wanted to read some verse that proved it wasn't true.) As I handed ti to him, I asked what happened to the copy we gave him. He kind of smiled but ashamedly stammered "W-well, the real reason I wanted the Book of Mormon is so that I could burn it." He apologized and said he didn't want to offend us but he didn't want to lie either. At first I was really hurt - or wanted to be - but I wasn't, (or I didn't let it show that I was.) I calmly told him that was fine, he had the right to do whatever he wanted with it, it was a free country and he could do as he chose.

I calmly and honestly asked him why he did it. He explained that he hated the devil and that he hated anything that was meant to draw people away from the true word of God, or in other words, he hated all cults (anything that is not part of the orthodox Christian church.) He hated the Koran, he hated the Watchtower, etc. But he just ended up ripping up the Book of Mormon. Still, he apologized, telling us that he didn't hate us, he just hated those false doctrines.

We proceeded and mostly just sat there as he read quotes in the books he had about how Joseph Smith was an occultist and had revelations by looking at a seer stone inside of a hat (quoted by "Dr. Whitmer"); how we are polytheistic because we believe that "God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are all Gods" (-McKonkie); how we believe we can become gods, how we don't believe in the creation of matter from nothing, how Joseph Smith was a polygamist (even though we explained to him that David and Solomon were too,) how we believe the Bible is "unreliable," (I quoted the 8th Article of Faith) and on and on. In all of it we occasionally would explain how things the book said were not true, but mostly we said, "Well, I know Joseph Smith was a prophet from the witness I received from God." He simply couldn't grasp how we could believe that when there was all this evidence in his hands to the contrary. He hadn't read the BoM, but all these scholars had, and they had so much proof that it wasn't true. I told him I'd take God's word over a man's any day. If God told me he was a prophet, he was a prophet. I went back to what I'd said before. The comforter of Holy Ghost was sent to teach us all things, and in Galatians it said the fruits of the spirit were love, joy, peace, etc. The same feelings I felt when I prayed about the BoM. He tried to explain what the real meaning of that scripture was. I explained it was what it was. We know through our feelings. He told me we shouldn't trust our feelings becaue we can lust after a woman and feel good, even though it was a sin. I told him it was a physical feeling, not a spiritual one.

We honestly and sincerely tried to explain it to him, not in a contentious way. He told us he wasn't trying to say we were wrong, but that the doctrine of the Mormon church was wrong. I pulled out my ministerial certificate and explained to him that I was a representative of that church, called by a living prophet of God and given power and authority to teach what really was the doctrine of our church, the true doctrine of Jesus Christ.

I finally said to him, "Ben, we really appreciate everything you've done to try and help us. We're glad that you're seeking the truth, but everything you've said hasn't changed the way we feel or the things we know. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we have a living prophet on the earth today. I know that you can also know these things for yourself if you go and ask God. I know he will tell you through the spirit, just as he told me. I know I have more authority to say that than any of these scholars. I know that even though you may have not converted us and saved us, I know he is happy with your efforts to choose the right and to help us. I also know you should at least read the Book of Mormon for yourself, because you will be held accountable for the things that are in it. Our time is valuable and we'd love to keep visiting you, but there are others who want to listen."

He looked like we'd just told him he failed some test. I knew he really was trying to help us, but he'd been blinded by the "craftiness of men". As I testified to him it came with such clarity and power as I'd never felt before. The words came out on their own. I wasn't even thinking about what I was saying or what I was going to say. I didn't have any doubts that what I was saying was true. I didn't have to double check, "wait, is this right?" Though I felt bad that Ben hadn't listened to the Spirit that I know was there when Elder Herrin and I tetified, we had done what we were called to do. We had reaised a warning voice.

It was an amazing experience. I realized there are a lot of pretty good arguments against our church. I don't know them all, I don't know all the answers to them, but I know I received an answer back when I prayed about the BoM. I knew I probably would have been shaken pretty badly if it weren't for the trust in God that I have, and the continual witness of the Holy Ghost that these things are true. I knew all the facts, reasons and explanations in the world wouldn't have been enough to convince Ben the Church was true. The only way he could know for himself would be by going to the source--asking God in prayer. Until he could humble himself enough to do that, he would never truly know.

So my beloved brothers, sisters and parents: If you ever wonder or have any doubts or questions, ask and you shall receive. And it doesn't matter how weak we may think we are, when it comes to preaching the gospel, the Lord will make up for what you lack.

Hopefully this helps oneof you. :) Either way, I love you, "the church is true, the book is blue, and God is a Mormon". ;)

LOVE, ELDER SEAN

!FELIZ DIA DE PAPAS! (PADRES?)

Wow, it's been a crazy week. This transfer in particular has been quite the growing period of my mission. Almost like going through my greenie transfer again. It's kind of like I've been going through the fundamental, foundational (?) skills one by one and revising them-or checking them for accuracy. It's been a proving ground. The biggest impurities are being removed. Yet I'm not exactly sure what recent events cause me to feel that way--it's weird. I guess you'd have to be inside my head to understand :).

I had a great week! It was my turn at senior companion again. I've been working on goals. (I'm not sure if I mentioned in the last letter,) and using them as motivatino. For the most part, when we set goals they're mostly empty numbers. We decide during our nightly planning sessions - how many of each key indicator we can get the next day. But we never, (or I never), look at them again the next day. So I've been trying to go about the days saying to myself "okay, we gotta get two lessons with a member present." Then, if plans fall through, by loking, praying and having faith, teach a lesson with a member present somewhere else. ?Comprende? It was fun, and better yet, we had the best numbers we've had in a long time! It was cool.

Now, this week, (Mon-Sun) It's been a lot harder. We have a District Leader that goes home in two weeks, so he and his companion will come over and hang out at our apartment. It ends up being one of those situations where we jr. comps sit there, talking, wondering when we're going to leave for exchanges, almost killing time. You can drop hints and come out and ask "when are we leaving?" but we're at his mercy. (To a point) It stinks 'cause he's a fun guy and was a fantastic missionary, but he's opting for being "dead" his last transfer. His comp and my comp are 18 mo. and 15 mo. so they don't mind a break. It's just a new set of challenges for me to superar. :)

I'm still having a great time. I LOVE Mt. Vernon. We have more and more Spanish work! In the midst of some fo the gloom, there will be a ray of light! Nothing will be happening and then suddenly we'll find someone who will almost be expecting us. There are really cool experiences that'll happen every once in a while.

The other day Elder Farris (the district leader) showed us some people we could talk to that he had taught. I went with him to talk to one of them. It turned out they had moved, but the lady that lived there turned out to be a nurse at a dementia hospital. One of her patients was LDS and would always get frustrated while reading the Ensign. So this woman would explain to her (the patient) what was going on. So she told Elder Farris & I that she wanted to be able to explain things more clearly and had some questions of her own. She asked if we could please come back, though, since she had just gotten off work and had some things to do. Elder Farris and I walked away both with a strong Spiritual confirmation that we were in the right place at the right time.

CJ, who we've been working with is super-solid. His baptism was postponed though so his sister could come. We're excited for him though, because we know the gospel will have a big impact on his family. During the lesson we put him on-date, Elder Herrin later told me he "saw" his parents being baptized in the future! It was powerful.

Lots of our recent new investigators seem really promising too! I'm really excited. And we're only going to be working harder. If there's anything this recent adversity has caused, it's a greater desire in Elder Herrin & I to work harder.

My favorite thing has been maintaining a 'cheery countenance' no matter what the situation. It's fun, but harder than I thought--especially to really mean it. :) I think of Jessica Barry's effervecense, and try to emulate. :)

SPANISH: it's coming along, slow & steady. Speaking comes without too much effort. I don't have to think in English first, as much. Whenever I read though, I find myself feeling like I'm looking at a blurry picture. In order to get all the depth and clarity, I ahve to translate it in my head. It's the verb tenses that get me. Even when understanding someone else. When I speak, I can say it in the right tense, no problem. Subjunctive is still a challenge to work into my speech, but pase a paso, no?

One other thing (with Spanish)... well, I'll include it on a sticky.*

Meanwhile, THE GREAT ROOM LOOKS AMAZING! So do the new stove & fridge! I LOVE it! It's going to be fun to see in all its real-life glory. :) MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS FOR THE FOTOS!

Well, best-beloveds, I hope you're enjoying a relaxing summer. Please keep filling me in on the happenings at home, and I promise I'll have lots more to tell you proxima semana.

WITH LOVE AND SOME WASHINGTON RAIN (IN JUNE!),

ELDER SEAN

So I noticed in letters from Mom & Melinda a different way of accenting commands than I'm used to. I was wondering if it was a Guatemala thing or just a principle/rule I haven't learned yet.

*EXAMPLES:
Cuidate------Cuidate
hacelo------hacelo
dejalos------dejalos
no te preocupes------...preocupes
asegurate------asegurate
segui------sigue
They keep popping up so I assumed it wasn't a mistake. But I'm confused, so if you could, ayudame (ayudame?) Thanks!

3 WEEKS IN 1: FROM 15 MAY TO 24 MAY TO 5 JUNE

--15 MAY--

HOME: I'm pretty sure this is the first time I haven't written you. Wait-so last week I didn't send the letter, but I did write it! Sorry to leave you in the dark for a bit there. I figured with the Mother's Day call, it would make up for it.

I LOVED hearing from you! So it was different from the other calls, (in a good way) but still fantastic! You seemed just a block away, instead of two states. But that's pretty much a block.

I was surprised how much everyone sounded just the same as always! I'm surprised I expected everyone to have changed a lot! :) It was so cool to hear everyone so happy! I think I called at the perfect time.

I guess the reason I thought everyone had changed was because I feel I've changed so much! This learning process. So much has internally re-arranged. Few things are more satisfying than recognizing the careful pruning I've received from the Master of the Vineyard. It has been such a refining process, but I LOVE knowing I'm becoming better because of it!

I love practicing and improving upon my Christlike attributes and so many other aspects of life! I love having the TIME to even THINK about it! Whether its listening carefully to spiritual whispers, or just trying to maintain a "cheery countenance;" listening for and using the subjunctive tense in my Spanish or knowing the scriptures well enough to find the right one in a time of need.

I'm continually grateful to the Lord and to Mom & Papa that I can even recognize what a sweet experience this is. I wish more Elders out here could find the happiness in all the possibilities. Though I have to thank them for helping me to finally see it.

I think it's tough to see how much our labors benefit those we help onto the path to Eternal Life. We leave before we get to see the difference it makes in their lives. We plant so many seeds that we often never see sprout. Yet, we come across healthy trees that aer the result of other missionaries, and it helps add some hope to the faith. I've personally had a fantastic time seeing a family of recent converts

--24 MAY--

...grow in their knowledge and understanding of the gospel, as well as grow in the LDS culture. i laugh at how different it really is (or seems), and never have I been able to see that difference so distinctly until now--as they discover it. (It's the Engel family by the way. Those I mentioned on the sticky from last letter.)

Well, to quickly wrap up (since it IS Saturday), yesterday I'm pretty sure the Lord took some pity on Elder Herrin & I, because the prayer I'd offered at the close of our uncharacteristically energy-draining weekly planning session was totally answered before we came in at 9:00pm.

I asked the Lord to help us get excited about doing the work in this area (not because the area's bad, but simply because we didn't have much going on, and we were getting really lazy and sloppy.) I couldn't figure out WHAT it was that was getting me down so much, but I had decided I was going to endure it patiently and ride it out. I was having NO fun, and was on empty as far as my desire went.

So, we left and decided to go hit up some referrals. It had been a GREAT mail day (two for E. Herrin, two for me-both from Olivia-and NO junk mail!) and two media referrals had come in the mail as well--both English.

The first guy wasn't home, but it was fun joking about how Elder Herrin would have to do all the talking, since when I teach in English it gets awkward.

The SECOND guy, however, ended up being right next door to a strong member family. We started to conjecture, (as we sat in the car deciding our plan of attack), if maybe the members were playing a joke on us. We walked down the long driveway to the door, and as soon as we knocked, three boys came around the corner of the house, all about 13 years old. One we recognized as a member from the family next door. They asked what we were doing.

"Uh, we're looking for Andrew Day?" I asked.
"Huh? No one lives here named Andrew..."

Dang it, we thought, someone IS tricking us...

--5 JUNE--

So we drove off, got a couple of blocks away and decided to call them. Someone answered and said he WAS Andrew. We confirmed the address and it was the same place that we had just been! We pulled up again and walked toward the house. This time a boy came out the front door to meet us. He apologized, and told us his name was really Ben, (an 18 yr. old) , he just didn't like giving his real name out like that.

We began talking on his front porch and he explained that was doing some kind of research for a project he was doing, and wanted to ask us some questions about our faith. He then proceeded to question us on a few random parts of the gospel, things I had never even CONSIDERED someone would be interested in. Elder Herrin & I skillfully and simply did our best to answer his questions (which I had thought he was being very honest and sincere about), and continually bore testimony. He definitely knew the basic doctrines (as he had been taught and had read about in the Bible.) He was a non-denominational Christian, or so he said. But it was amazing how the Spirit would bring up new insights etc. AS we were talking. He wasn't really wanting to bash either, so we were able to talk and discuss without contention.

We left without having taught a lesson, mostly just having answered his questions, but we were recharged with the spirit from almost defending our faith. Not to mention we'd also set up a return appointment. I couldn't have been more happy afterwards though, for the renewed excitement to be a missionary. Once again, our prayers had been answered!

(sorry for the crappy ending to the story. I just found this letter & wanted to quickly finish it off, so I rushed through what was once terribly exciting, and it kind of lost it's umph in the transition.)

--STILL 5 JUNE--

So, this past week... The compromise that I worked out with President has been working marvelously. It's now back to me and I've felt a TON less stress.

This past Saturday we got a chance to hear Elder Ballard speak! It was our mission, the Tacoma mission, and the Seattle mission PLUS every ward's Ward Mission Leaders and bishops. So, unfortunately it was not as intimate as the time Elder Scott came. And his comments were mostly directed towards the ward leadership. But it was still really cool.

THANK YOU much for the recent package! The pictures hit the spot! Not to mention the photo album was PRICELESS! The great room looks SO good! How long ago was it that you replaced the TV?! Did Papa finally get his wish?

Wow... so, I feel kind of out of things to say... but I KNOW there's a TON of stuff that's happened... Oh! I finished another journal a few days ago! I'm on to my FOURTH for my mission! Thankfully, I brought lots of unfinished journals, so I got that base covered.

FYI: random letters from a long time ago showed up a week or two ago. One from Olivia postmarked 10 April (lots of monkeys & animal stickers), that arrived with another from Olivia that WASN'T postmarked, that she dated May 20 (with sacred grove picture) Also, an AMAZING one from Calvin that he dated May 6. (It arrived sometime after Mother's Day.) I also got the one from Unufe/Price. (And one from the Sunbeams!)

Meanwhile, it's cloudy and rainy today. In JUNE! But we've had some good days too. I can't believe its already June. OLIVIA & BEN GET MARRIED TOMORROW! That's nuts! CONGRATULATIONS by the way!

We have a baptism this Saturday! He's a really cool kid named CJ, 15 years old. (Have I mentioned him?) He's been the most golden investigator I've had so far! It's been SO cool working with him. He's had a tough life, but he's overcoming it now, and the gospel is playing a bigger part than he realizes.

SO, there you have it. I'm pulling myself back into the routine. I've stopped complaining to myself about the problems I've been having and I'm DOING something about them. But of course, the same struggles I've always had, begin to arrive as the to-do pile stacks up. In an effort to clean/organize my desk, I forget to finish this letter. While tidying up my closet, I misplace my last black Sarasa.

But seriously, if there's anything I've learned the past week, it's that I really have nothing to complain about. I wake up in the morning, read my scriptures, jump in a car that isn't mine, with gas I don't have to buy, drive around town and talk to people! No worrying about job, school, bills, food (most of the time), relationships, etc. So of course, I should forget about myself, go out and work. I came here to serve, not to be served.

So family, if you want to be happy, lose yourself in the service of others! (See quote by Hinckley, PMG p. 168)

LOVE, ELDER JUAREZ

THE CLOUDS OPENED UP AND GOD SAID, "I TOLD YOU SO"

FAMILY: Oh man! It's been a good week! I just had to be patient, endure, and accept the Lord's timing. He's working hard behind the scenes.

We had our interviews with President Showalter this past week, and with his help we came up with a quick fix. We're going to try it and see what happens.

I've had some trouble this past transfer adapting to the new style of work. Elder Herrin's had a bit of trouble figuring out exactly what his role should be as a jr. companion. He found he was stressing about a baptism we had, because he didn't understand how I was planning on doing the many things that need to be done for us to be prepared properly. Basically, after the baptism, he was annoyed with himself because he had been stressing over things he didn't need to be stressing about, or things that weren't necessarily his "job". 'Then, what was his job?', he thought. He went into an odd funk, where he kind of decided not to care, so that he didn't stress about anything. The problem for me, then, was that I felt I had to make all the decisions, and make sure everything got done. It's amazing the difference in the feeling of the load when your Jr. comp will say, "I think we should do..." when his opinion is asked, or "I want to do this...". Even simply, "I can do that" or "I'll call them" or "we should probably..." or "let's say a prayer." Instead, I was getting, "I don't care", "It's whatever", "It's your decision", "It's not on my head", "It doesn't matter", or "it's whatever you want." It became very frustrating. Then, because he was trying not to think about the work so that he didn't overstep his bounds, he thought a lot about his many friend-girls.

Though it was tough for me, I understood his dilemma. I tried to explain I wouldn't yell or be annoyed with him if something he suggested didn't work out. Plus it must be tough becoming a sr. comp, a district leader, a trainer, and then going to jr. comp to Elders that got ticked if you made suggestions. Then me, who only knew one style of doing missionary work.

His perpetual wishy-washy-ness (which is not his personality normally) was bumming me out. I was exhausted all the time and finding it difficult to be excited about the work for the both of us. We began staying up later, sleeping in, and missing the morning studies, which was sucking the life out of us. The disobedience was subconsciously stressing us out because of the guilt. Not to mention we weren't entitled to the same portion of the Spirit, so we weren't as happy. We had just enough work to fool us into thinking that despite our faults we were being good missionaries. We were quickly forgetting the Lord.

After some prayer the night before, I finally decided I should just make Elder Herrin the sr. for a while, so I could take a break from the load. maybe many other things could be resolved that way too. I'd understand what he was used to expecting from a sr. comp, and I could show him how he could support and advise as a jr. comp. Then hopefully we could reach the ideal (to me) of an equilibrium in work.

When I told him he was going to be sr. comp, he laughed. "Thanks, but I'm going to have to decline! I would if I could drive. That's your job!" It was metaphorically a punch to the gut.

Then, there was hope!

I sat down with President this past Monday and explained. He asked some questions, like what I thought Elder Herrin would like (in the situation), then proposed he and I switch off week by week, being sr. comp AND driver. Then the clouds opened up and God said, "I told you so."

So far, it's working! Suddenly, if nothing gets done, it falls on him, so he feels the responsibility, as well as the ability to control (without worry) the situation.

As for me? I can rejoice in his successes, support him how I'd like him to support me, and sit in the passenger's seat writing letters! I can learn from him by watching him do it. And I can anticipate having to pick up where he leaves off this Monday, & vice versa! Personally, I feel it will be better for the both of us.

Looking back on it, it seems like another Brother of Jared experience. I went to the Lord for help, devised a solution, then went to the President, and with the power and authority he's been given by the Lord, he lit up my white stones.

So family, when something's wrong, maintain your faith and prayers, but in the meantime, do everything you can to fix the problem. And finally, be patient! You'll never be faced with a challenge greater than you can bear. AND, be obedient, so you can be spared from worrying your suffering is because of disobedience. Obviously, it's easy (it seems) to be obedient to the big commandments, but remember that what Mom & Papa ask of you are commandments as well. It's tough, but try it, you'll love it. :) (CALVIN & HOBBES...)

Thanks for all you do. You're continued prayers are much appreciated. Sorry for the rambling. :)

How are you all at home? Big plans for summer? Wedding prep. getting crazy?

LOVE,
ELDER SEAN

HARD BUT GOOD

It's been a while since I missed a week. I wrote the letters, but they never made it to the mailbox, so now you get three!

TRANSFER 6:

And it starts all over again. With mixed feelings. It's been a great, but odd transfer, so there's no telling what'll happen this transfer. This past week we had two baptisms: Jason and Kthy. They were by far the hardest baptisms I've ever done. I'm not used to working with an English ward, and it's throwing off my groove. With the Spanish ward, I knew who could speak, how long it took to fill the font, where we could print baptismal programs, etc.

At Jason' s baptism, there wasn't a member of the bishopric there until 30 min after it was supposed to start. Then, the water was cold for him so it took 10 min for him to get into the water.

Because Kathy's grandma didn't understand that Kathy's baptism was just for her, we had to drive around the neighborhood for 45 minutes looking for her! It was the most stressful baptism ever. Thankfully, Sis. Engel,* (I called from her house on Mom's Day) fed us some hotdogs afterwards and I was able to relax a bit. I 've still felt pretty shaken up about it, and I'm not so excited for Sunday.

Honestly, I've been having a hard time. I need to tighten the screws in so many areas. I'm constantly worried about whether things are good between Elder Herrin & I. But the beginning of a new transfer is like New Year's It's an opportunity to start off brand new, and resolve to do better.

Entonces, familia, though it is hard now, and difficult, I am grateful (;D HA HA) No, really, all of this will only make me a better missionary and a better person. That's the beauty of trials; we will always be better (if we put our trust in the Lord), after they're through. And it's the coolest when that happens!

I MISS YOU ALL, BUT LOVE YOU ENOUGH TO WAIT SOME MORE MONTHS TO SEE YOU (AKA CHRISTMAS, WHEN WE'LL WEBCAM TALK!)

*Sis. Engel, and the Engel family, are some of the coolest members ever. They've been super helpful, and are always there if we need anything. She reminds me a lot of you, Mom! It's kind of creep sometimes. :) Her husband is in Iraq, and she has two kids, Diana & Aidan. They're from Canada! Definitely one of the points on the itinerary if you come to pick me up. (Or when we come back to visit.) We'll see how it works out. We've still got a while!

TO OLIVE

Excerpts from a letter to Olivia:

Ashton, he's the one I think will have changed the most when I get back. So much fun to hear him on the phone! That's amazing that he'll sit so still listening to Maya's reading! And that the two aren't opting for recordings of The Suite Life. Does this happen often?

Soccer...we don't play it enough out here. Today it was ultimate frisbee & football. Not my top fav.'s, but FUN in the SUN!

Book of Mormon-I love it. I can't quite get my fill! I definitely will miss all the peace that we have to ponder & reflect. It's amazing how much more I pick up (or have picked up) on my current read-through. We're currently doing a BoM read as a mission! Oh! I started doing that activity! Only on ch. 11 of 1st Nephi!

Boy, I miss the design. I was way into the paisley thing. I tried to get Calvin to join in, but he doesn't share quite the same enthusiasm. I've been seriously debating switching majors, though I don't think I've got quite the talent for design. We'll see.

As for me... I think I'm finally getting very used to the system. Being Sr. is no fun. Especially when my Jr. is older than me in the mission. There have been no power struggles, but he makes little to no suggestions. His last two comps didn't like hearing his opinion, I have to force it out of him!

Being obedient is tough. I've been currently trying to purge the justified things, (like "P-day music" aka regular music.) Of course, it doesn't improve the companionship unity much when I ask him to just put in MoTab. I like MoTab. Elder Herrin isn't necessarily used to more strict obedience Then again, neither am I. But he grew up under the other president, who didn't care much what you did as long as you baptized. The new president is all about obedience, and I am no fan of a guilty conscience. BUT I don't want to become an obedience Nazi either. Advice? Experience?

SEAN SAYS: KEEP A JOURNAL!

This one we just had to give you in its original form. Please enjoy the mini illustrations along the way... (Click any image to enlarge!)

HE REJOICES WHEN I OBEY

FAMILY:

Oh boy...
The news from Mt. Vernon... Well, there's not too much so far. The town is very laid back. I find myself approaching each day in a similar manner. Though I love the lack of tension and stress, I find myself going about the day more sluggishly. I believe another factor is the lack of lessons we've seemed to have. It hkind of bums me out. Few things are more motivating to me than the spirit that remains and uplifts me after a lesson--successful or not. Thats when you know you're doing something.

I'm still trying to plant both feet on solid ground here in the area. We have an abundance of people we could tract. The amount of work is not bad at all. But there are so many other factors I have to keep in mind still - where we're going, who they are what there background is again, what we know about them, how to make my way in they're general direction. The roads, etc. So it's very hard to just focus on the people.

Sorry, by the way, I don't mean to sound less cheery, but I know that's kind of how it sounds. Inside I am surprised how happy I really am and very much at peace. I owe much of that peace-of-mind to my continued devotion to obedience. It's become hard, I won't lie! So many seemingly pointless or insignificant rules that many just pass over. It is always easy and justifiable to disobey those rules here and there but I have come to realize how the cake can look so delicious, I always feel sick afterwards and I wonder why it does, but I know all those little things matter to Him whom I love and serve. He rejoices when I obey. I can take the time for those little things, and I know I won't loose my reward.

So there is your spiritual thought.

I love you ALL, more than I can tell you. Every day brings more valuable and priceless memories. And like James Berry said, quoted by Thomas S. Monson two Conferences ago, "God gave us memories that we might have June Roses in the December of our lives."

Thank you for so many good memories!

If you think of any good ones, let me know!

Con mucho Cariño

Elder Juárez

P.S. Speaking of Flowers, The tulip festival is coming-up here! Someone Wikipedia "Mount Vernon."

MT. VERNON, WA

Thursday, 10 April 2008

He heh... wait... okay, no it's probably been two days by now. Anyway, yesterday went great! We met more of the ward leadership yesterday, printed and copied the papers we usually stable to the backs of the pamphlets.

You should check out this area on Google Earth again. It's such a smaller town than the "city"-like area I was in before. It reminds me of the part of Provo around Timpanogos Old, small houses. I think I'll really end up liking the area. It's weird to be constricted to such a small area. ☻ Thankfully, because the city is small, the Value Village, Wal-Mart, and Safeway are all really close to each other!

So, here's the current breakdown of Spanish elders: There's quite a bit now!



Two more were called to speak Spanish, E. Herrin (my comp) and E. Ainscough. The dotted green are those that were called a transfer ago.

Wow! I just got back from P-day! It's a lot different up here landscape-wise. It's not really mountainous (I don't think Mt. Vernon is named after a Mt. Vernon around here.) It seems much more laid back and casual. I like it a lot. We played dodgeball today, then went out to "the rope swing". It was a huge (or long) rope swing in front of a member's house. We had to drive 15 min or so to get there, on a Provo-canyon-like road (though flat.) But it was the kind of stuff they just didn't have down in "Rothland" (the name of my old zone: Redmond, bOTHell, kirkLAND) It was tons o' fun.

We just came back from some outlets they have up here, we just stopped at a Vans outlet and I picked up a pair of new shoes! My poor Pumas had taken a beating and were very much worn out. They match my towel/bed spread. ☺ Oh! If you could actually send that comforter cover back, I would much appreciate it!

So that's all I have for now. My Spanish is better than I've really taken the tie to realize! Though, I know I can't slack off now. I know there are things I'm still doing wrong, but that are small enough to slip through the cracks. I want to be speaking as correctly as I can, though it's hard when I'm vomfortable enough to speak freely without much trouble. I feel very blessed to be able to speak as well as I can!

So querida familia, I am very happy, I am very happy! Much of the burden and stress of before seems lifted, and I am eager to work! Though I loved "the South" I don't think it will be long before I love it up here too!

¡SER EXCELENTE EL UNO AL OTRO!
WHOLE HEAPS OF LOVE,
ELDER SEAN!