The last melon...

So...before I begin. my keyboard is lamesauce and the left shift doesn't work. Nor does the exclamation point, or the tab key. Gotta love internet cafes. 

This week was really hard. I don't know if God just wants me to come home all polished and shiny from all of this refiner's fire business...but we've worked every day, all day, and had almost no lessons. Well, compared to the number of lessons we normally have. It's been pretty hard, and we were kind of discouraged, but there's really only one thing a missionar can do in this kind of situation. "Endure it well." It's not just enduring...you have to endure it well. Give everything you've got, and if that's not enough, then just trust that the Lord is in control, and if things don't go the way we want them to, at least we know we've been diligent and obedient. 

We are still working with Elsa and the other married couple, Carlos and Monica. They've all got a baptismal date for the 22nd of June. hopefully my companion doesn't get transferred, so he can be there and send me pictures. They're all really prepared people. Ready and willing to make and keep commitments and covenants with God. 

I honestly can't believe my mission is coming to a close. Y'all are probably bored of always hearing something in my emails about how time goes by so fast. I just don't feel like 2 years have already come and gone. but here we are. 2 years later. I can honestly say that i'm a completely different person than when I came out here. Yeah, i guess some things are still the same, but i've learned more than I ever thought i could in 2 years. it's a great blessing, being able to serve a mission. i wouldn't trade these 2 years of missionary service for anything in the world.

This church is true. i don't have any doubt in my mind that God and jesus Christ appeared to joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, that spring morning in 1820. i wasn't there to see it, but I believe it will all my heart.

Thank you, family, for everything. All of your love and support. i honest to goodnessly couldn't have done this without you. :)

Elder Cannon.

P.S. A llama?? He's supposed to be dead!!!

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Joey is coming home!

Joey is coming home! He will return Saturday, June 15. He will be
speaking in church on Sunday, June 23 at 1pm. We'll have a lunch
afterwards as well.

Sunday, June 23, 1:00 PM
56 East 600 North
LINDON, UTAH 84042

'Nother picture.

I think only one picture got through. Here's the other one. 

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June...

That reminds me of a Jonny Depp movie. Benny and June. It's a good one. 

This week was amazing. We found some incredible investigators, and they are progressing so fast, we can hardly keep up with them. Elsa is one. She was a referral from some members in the ward. She came to church, and absolutely loved it. Before our first appointment, she had already read the first half of the gospel principles book, and after the first and before the second, she read the introduction and the 2 chapters of the Book of Mormon we left her, plus the pamphlet of the restoration. We invited her to be baptized, and she almost didn't let my companion finish the sentence before she had accepted. Haha. :) She's amazing. One of those "No assembly required" kinds of investigators. :) 

We had the baptism of our amazing investigator, José Jaramillo. He has a daughter that lives in Salt Lake, and has been a member for a while, and he finally made the decision to be baptized himself. :) I'll be sure to send pictures. 

Speaking of pictures. After 6 months of being in Bogota (plus 5 months last year) I finally went to Monserrate! It's basically just a really big hill where you can see almost all of Bogotá. And there's a church on top. We took a ton of awesomely epic pictures, so I'll attach some. If my computer lets me. 

...I don't know if that worked. Hope so. 

Anyway, life is great. :) Just paddling the old knew. :) 

Love y'all. :)

Elder Cannon

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You never think this song is gonna end, but it is. In 3...2...1...

Who knows what that's from? I'll give a cookie to anyone who can guess. Haha. 

So, this week was fun. It was my first week in my new zone and with my new companion. He's a great Elder. A hard worker, and an obedient missionary as well. 

I don't think I really have much to say...we've working with a lot of awesome investigators. Just teaching and getting them all ready for baptism. Not much else to report. I feel kinf of lame that this is so short...but I don't really have much to say. My companion was sick for a few days this week, because we got wet a couple of days with the terrible rain. I didn't get sick, but I think it's probably because I've already been sick like 4 times this year, so I'm a little more immune. 

Yay. 

Then we had interviews with President. Only he didn't interview me, because he had already interviewed me in Dorado. 

This is just getting more and more exciting. I think I'm just going to quit while I'm behind. 

The work is going awesome. We're just working our tails off, finding, teaching, baptizing. That's what this work is all about. :) 

Anyway. Love you all. :) Take care. Happy Memorial Day.

Love,

Elder Cannon

P.D. My computer is being lame again, so I can't send pictures. Lo siento. 

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Psych!!!

Hey everyone. 

So...remember how I was all excited that they didn't transfer me for my last transfer in the mission? Well...they did. 

This weekend there were several Colombian Elders in the mission that got their visa to Argentina, and they had to adjust the mission a little. So I only had 2 weeks with Elder Zapata, and now I'm with Elder Meneses, from Ecuador! :) Chévere. 

So...not much else to report. Some of the members were really confused and sad that they transferred us, but that's how transfers always are. They told us today at 2 in the afternoon, and at 4:30, I was already here. My companion is on his way to Yopal. 

Most of all, I know that if I'm here in this ward, then here is exactly where the Lord needs me. It's a comforting thought, really. I'm just ready to hit the ground running and work as hard as I can. 

I'm out of time, because we had to buy groceries and only have a few minutes to write. 

I love you all! Hope you have a great week. :) 

Elder Cannon

P.S. Not sure why, but my email won't let me attach a picture. Only put it here. Hope it sends. It's of me and Elder Zapata today in the bus terminal. 

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Happy Mother's Day!!! ...again. :)

Yesterday I got to talk to my wonderful mother and the rest of my amazing family! :) Qué bien. It was so good to see all of you. Even though I hardly recognize any of you. Haha. You've all changed a lot. But you're all still as amazing and wonderful as ever. Obviously. You're related to me. Hehe...

That was almost funny. In a sarcastic, (not at all prideful) kind of a way. 

Moving on. It was kind of cool to be able to skype from am iPhone. Definitely a first. Even though a lot of Colombians are pretty high-tech these days, technology is still pretty expensive here. If it's not the phone itself, it's the data plan or the internet, etc... But our ward is pretty cool that way. There are always people with their smart phone or their tablet at church, reading the scriptures or giving a talk from there. Kinda fun. :) Just makes me laugh that I used to think Colombia was a 3rd world country. Nada que ver. It's like in that one movie where they show a jungle, and the little title at the bottom "Bogotá, Colombia." Hahaha. Bogotá is a city with 8 million people. Más o menos. ...nice try.

Anyway, tangent. Sorry. En fin, it was just wonderful to see and talk to all you guys. :) 

I don't know if I told you much about my new comp. He's from Argentina. Buenos Aires. But not the city. He's from the province. He's been on the mission for a little less than a year, and is a hard worker. We're going to start tomorrow (I hate saying that. But we really can't today...), contacting everyone and their dog. We'll probably end up contacting more dogs than people, but hey. Maybe at least some will listen to us. ;) My companion says he's afraid to contact. We'll fix that real quick. :) Haha. The only way to get rid of a fear is to confront it. As in, we're going to be contacting all day tomorrow. Hahaha. ;) Well, until 6pm, because we can't tract after 6. 

The mission is going really well. I love it so much. And am going to miss it. Así que, voy a aprovechar mientras todavía estoy aquí. 

It's also been really cool to have the Assistants living with us. They're two really hard workers, and have inspired me to work even harder and take my obedience one step farther. :) Also it's cool because one is Elder Guajardo, who was in my district in Tunja, and the other is Elder Raines, the other Elder that I came down to Colombia with. Basically awesome. It's also awesome because they wash their dishes, and clean up after themselves, etc. Couldn't ask for better house-mates. 

Anyway, thanks for all your prayers and support. This week, we're going to focus on having 10 new investigators. That's the mission goal that President set, so we're going to do our best to reach that goal. "Do or do not. There is no try."

Love y'all. :) 

Elder Cannon

P.S. Here's a foto of some tea we found for sale this week. It's made of cocain. Cool, right? Hehe...

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This week is Mother's Day! :D

Happy Mother's Day, mom! Even though...I'll talk to you Sunday. How exciting. :) 

This week was pretty good. I'm all better from my sickness, and they didn't transfer me. So I'm doing good. :) They did transfer my companion, however, and I am now with my first Argentine companion. His name is Elder Zapata. I'll send you a picture when I...take one. 

Today we went to the center of Bogota, and bought some cool souvenirs. I won't tell you what they are. You'll just have to wait. We were going to go to Monserrate, because I still haven't ever gone. It's basically this cool place where you take the teleférico (like a...cable car...tram line...thing. English doesn't like me) up to a really high place, and you can see all of Bogota and take pictures. 

So, that would've been cool. If we had gone. I think maybe we'll go next week, because it's a festivo. Holiday. 

Apart from that...que más les cuento...? Oh. We're going to have 2 more missionaries living in our apartment. But...they're the assistants. So...it'll be like they're only kind of living in our apartment, because they travel a lot, and are always in meetings with President and the Secretaries and the Zone leaders, etc. It'll be interesting. 

Have I ever told y'all that I've had dreams about the transfers, and then the dreams come true? It's happened to me 3 or 4 times already. Yesterday was one of those times. I dreamed that my companion left and that I stayed here with another Elder. Dicho y hecho. Here we are. 

So. That's about all I have to say. It's still raining goats and llamas here. That's not really news. Just hoping my paraguas holds out until the end of winter. 

Anyway, I'll see you all on Sunday! Love y'all!. :)

Elder Cannon

P.S. "And do you know what else? I never liked your spinach puffs! Never!!"

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I just bought a scarf.

They always say there's a first for everything, right? 

Like that one time I slept on the roof. Or when I ate a worm. Or when I ran a marathon. ...I guess some firsts are cooler than others.

So, there's this sister in the ward who's a recent convert. And she keeps telling me I need to take better care of myself and drink ginger water and take vitamin c and bundle up more when I go outside. I'd usually just tell her that I'll be fine. That I take care of myself, and that I don't ever really get sick anyway. 

But...then I got sick. It wasn't terrible, but it was bad enough to not be able to work for a day (the most boring day of my life, btw's). So I decided that she was right, and that I should bundle up more, and take better care of myself. After all, it has been really cold and rainy lately. So I bought a scarf. Which is weird. I've always been the type that takes the trash out in the snow barefoot, or goes out and plays in the rain just for fun. But while I'm working...I decided it's better not to risk it. I can't feed sheep if I'm sick in bed.

Anyway. This week was pretty good. We're getting better, number-wise, but investigator-wise...we haven't had many changes. It's honestly been pretty tough, because they've made a new rule that we can't tract after 6pm. And in the afternoon, we almost always have appointments. So...it's kind of been hard to find new investigators. We have received a few refferals, but none that are incredibly solid. We need to pray for more referrals, and then just ask everyone and their dog if they know anyone we could teach.

We'll keep working at it. Nothing is impossible, right? Especially with the Lord on our side. And all of your prayers as well. :)

We have been working with a former investigator who had told us that she didn't want to get baptized. Her name is Patricia. She came to General Conference and told one of the sisters in our ward that she did want to get baptized. I think she still may have some concerns, but she did accept a baptismal date. So we're working with her lots to strengthen her faith and get rid of her doubts and fears before her baptismal date. 

So. That's about all I have to say. Oh, I guess I should explain. I'm writing today, because we changed our Pday to go to the temple. Then I was still feeling a little sickish, so we didn't go. Hopefully we can go another day this week. 

Love y'all! 

-Elder Cannon

P.S. "We stole the Time Square Jumbotron! That's what I'm talking ´bout!"

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Hey y'all.

So, I can't believe another week has gone by. Every time I turn around, it's Monday again. This week was pretty eventful. :) Because...it was my BIRTHDAY!!! 

On Tuesday, we had an almost mission-wide sports activity, and they gave me my birthday package. Awesome. :)Then on Wednesday, we had an FHE with Gloria and Santiago and Lizeth. We got there and everything was decorated with tissue paper flowers and ribbons and such. We ate a delish cheesecake that they had made me (at my request), and then they gave me the coolest present ever! It was a huge poster of the family the day we got sealed. But they put it in front of the Salt Lake Temple. I'll show you pics. Don't worry. It was amazing. :) So now it's hanging in my room. :) 

Then we had our FHE. I gave the lesson. It was about President Uchtdorf's talk this conference called "La Esperanza de la Luz de Dios." The hope of the light of God? It was a good lesson. Well, I thought it went alright, anyway. Haha. :) 

Anyway, then there were the games and the strawberries in the chocolate fountain, etc. Oh, and I can't forget the ayacas. Yes, we're still in Colombia. ;) 

21st birthday? Success.

We talked yesterday with Sebastian and his mom, Marcela. We hadn't talked to them for a loooong time. He's a good kid, but he's only 12, so until his mom accepts the gospel...it'll be hard for him to do so. I mean, it's not like he can just get up on Sunday and walk a mile alone to church. Marcela is really receptive, and always understands really well and asks really good questions, but for some reason, doesn't want to join the church. I think she's just worried about "all the rules." We explained to her that we're not monks. We're normal people. We have parties, we dance, we enjoy life...just, without the alcohol and tabaco. I think it went well. I saw some progress. She just needs to come to church. I really hope she does. Because she would be an amazing member of the church. She already acts like one. Except for maybe a few Word of Wisdom problems. So we're praying lots that she'll soften her heart, and have the courage and faith to join the church. :) 

She'll come around. :) 

Isabel still isn't married. We're still hoping to do it this week or next week...but it's been hard. The truth of it is, she already has all the papers she needs, and the ward members have offered to help out with the cost of the notary. She just needs to make the decision. 

Operation: Contact Everyone went pretty well. We didn't contact everyone... but we got pretty close. We actually found a member from Barranquilla that's been here in Bogota 6 years and just didn't know where the church was. So we're going to visit her tomorrow with the Releif Society President. It'd be awesome if her family also joined the church. :) 

Well family, thanks for everything. I enjoyed reading all your birthday letters on my birthday! Haha. I love you all so much. :) What would I do without you? 

-Elder Cannon

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It's your birthday? I didn't know it was your birthday!!!

Ah, good old Kronk. 

It's not my birthday yet, but it is tomorrow. Thanks everyone for all your wonderful birthday wishes. :)  I still can't believe I'm turning 21. I still feel 18. Well, 19, because I'm a missionary. But 21? Ni modo. 

Life here is pretty good. I'm writing today instead of yesterday because President Andelin changed our Pday to have a sports activity with all the missionaries in Bogota, Duitama and Yopal. More than half the mission! It was great. I played ultimate frisby for the first time in 2 years, and we also played sand volleyball. :) It was a blast. 

I also got my birthday package!!! Happy day. I'll be opening it tomorrow. :)

Elder Coronel already went home, so I'm just here with Elder Sanford. We've already started "Operación: Contactar a todos." Contact everyone, and teach anyone that'll listen to us. :) 

I love being a missionary. I feel kind of old. I'm the oldest missionary in my zone (according to time on the mission...not age). It's just weird. But life is wonderful. 

Isabel has said that she¡s planning on getting married at the end of this month. Please, if you can pray for her, and her husband Armando so that everything will work out, and they will have the desire as well as the means to get married. :) She's amazing. 

Santiago is doing alright. We had a charla franca with him yesterday, and worked some things out. We read Mosiah 27 the other day with Gloria. I don't know if we need an angel to appear to him and strike him dumb...but we do need to figure out some way for him to really feel the spirit and have that change of heart. He's a really great kid, he just needs to feel the influence of the spirit in his life. 

Other than that, we're looking for lots and lots of new investigators. We have a goal to find 11 new investigators this week. I know we can do it. The best thing about righteous goals is that Heavenly Father will always help us complete them. 

Anyway, thanks again for everything! I love y'all. :) 

Elder Joey

P.S. Happy Birthday, Jorge! Te quiero muchísimo! 

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April showers bring May...showers.

I'm basically the biggest fan of April on earth. Except maybe Brother Bringhurst (?) from Eagle Mountain. He used to give me a candy every week in church, just because my birthday was in April. Haha. 

Here, April basically just means rain. And more rain, and more rain. What fun. Luckily, I have a new umbrella, because my old one died. I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did, with how much I use it. I bought it almost a year ago in Tunja. Anyway, I'm set and ready to go for this "winter" season. 

This week was pretty good. We're doing pretty well working with our new converts. Now we just need to find more people to convert, and then work with them too. 

Isabel still isn't married. I don't know what's holding her back. She has all the desire in the world. I think she's just worried about what her husband thinks. He wants to get married too, but I guess he's worried about the whole money thing. Marriage has some expensive traditions, like gold rings and parties and cakes and dresses, etc. We're trying to convince them that what really matters is the ceremony itself. Hopefully they'll agree... We're still praying lots and lots for them. 

Our converts are doing great. Please add Santago to your prayers. He's been a little...desjuiciado lately, and hasn't wanted to do much. Gloria and Lizeth, on the other hand, are doing great. Lizeth got her temple recommend, and is going to give a talk next Sunday. :) She's scared to death. Haha. But we'll help her out. I'm sure she'll do great. 

Anyway, Hope life is good for all y'all. Oh! I forgot to talk about Confernece! I loved it SO MUCH!!! And received lots of answers to prayers and questions I had. Some of my favorite talks were President Monson's on Sunday Morning, and Elder Scott's. Elder Hales' in the Priesthood session was good too. Honestly, I just loved all of it. It made me laught how much they talked about turning off our electronic devices. And like when Elder Scott said that if we read a scripture as much as we read our text messages, we'd have them all memorized. Haha. :) They also talked a LOT about missionaries. It's so amazing that we went from 57,000 last year, to 65,000 this year. God knew what he was doing when He inspired President Monson to change the age limit. I've heard lots of people say that they're going to change the mission for men to 18 months, but that would completely defeat the purpose of having more missionaries. This work is just going forward. Like the stone cut out of the mountain without hands. They talked about that several times too. 

I'm so grateful to have Prophets and Apostles on the earth today. This church is so true. I love it. :) 

Love y'all. Happy April. :) 

-Elder Joey

P.S. "Tell me where the talking llama is, and we'll burn your house to the ground." "Um, don't you mean, or?" "Fine. Tell me where the talking llama is, OR we'll burn your house to the ground!" "...that's kind of a crucial conjunction."

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Otra foto. :)

I forgot! Camila came to Bogota this week from Cucuta! I was hoping they were going to get sealed this week, but they didn't. But they did come to church with us on Sunday! :) She's 3 months pregnant, and they're thinking of coming to be sealed after the baby is born. Sadly, I won't be here. I'll have to save my pennies to come down for the sealing. :)

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Happy Easters!

That reminds me of a quote from Nacho Libre. Hahahaha...

This week was good. Actually, it was an okay week. Semana Santa
basically means that everyone either goes on vacation for an entire
week, or they sleep all day every day, and maybe go out to wash the
car. And then on Friday they don't eat any meat besides fish.

What fun.

Isabel was one who went on vacation for the whole week, so we haven't
talked to her since last Sunday. I hope she's doing well. Even more, I
hope she has ganas de casarse. Because all the papers and stuff that
we went all over the place to find are going to expire soon. We're
hoping and praying that everything goes well.

My new companion is awesome. He's the first American comp I've had. It
actually almost never happens here. The Gringos are always with a
latino. So it's kind of cool. He's a hard worker. He's from Arizona.
idk if I've told y'all already.

Elder Coronel, my other companion, is going home in a week and a half.
Crazy. He still can't believe he's done. I can't believe it either.

So, this week is General Conference! And it falls on April 6th. Cool,
eh? I'm actually really excited. It'll be interesting to hear the
number of missionaries serving. Although they'll be the numbers from
December last year. But I'm sure it'll be lots more than last year.
This next transfer we're getting 37 new missionaries! And there are
only 4 leaving. That's 2 entire zones of missionaries! "El estandarte
de la verdad se a izado. Ninguna mano impía puede detener el progreso
de la obra..."

I love this work.

Thanks for everything, y'all. Take care. Stay in school. Don't do
drugs. You know. Sean juiciosos.

Love,
Elder Joey

P.S. The pictures are of when we painted the ceiling at Gloria's
house. I also made a delish peach crumb pie to eat. Yum!


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Cambios.

So. Last night they informed us about the transfers. I was really worried they were going to transfer me. I'm usually not so worried, but I have a lot of good friends here in the ward (especially converts) and this next transfer is my birthday, and you know. Spending your birthday with a new companion and a new ward would be lamesauce. So. I'm glad they didn't transfer me. :) 

We're still in the process of getting Isabel married. Her husband has been working a lot (he drives a taxi...all day every day), so it's been tough to get ahold of him. But we're hopefully going to get things all ready to have the wedding this week or next week. 

Our converts are doing well. Any extra prayers for Santiago would be appreciated. He has some friends that are a pretty bad influence on him, and hasn't been very "anxiously engaged" in reading or praying, etc. We've been reading a chapter or two from the Book of Mormon every day, so that's been good. And I know he'll come around, but only with lots of prayer and hard work. 

Oh, and happy Semana Santa! The craziest week in the whole year. Gotta love all those Catholic traditions. Speaking of which, have y'all heard anything about the new pope? Everybody is talking about him here. Apparently he's a good guy. Haha. 

Anyway...that's basically my week. Oh. I forgot to tell you about the transfers. We're staying, but we'll be in trio with another gringo until Elder Coronel goes home (3 weeks...). Elder Sanford is his name. He's from Arizona. 

Anyway. Love y'all. Take care.

Elder Cannon

P.S. I can't wait for General Conference!!!

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Hey y'all.

This week was amazing. Pardon my short/rushed email, but it's late, and we don't have a ton of time. 

Isabel couldn't get married in time for the baptism, so we ended up baptizing her 2 sons, Nicolas and Felipe. As well as Lizeth. It was a wonderful baptismal service. We only started an hour late (1/2 hour mormon standard time, plus 1/2 hour Colombian standard time), so we were actually on time. ;) Haha. The wonderful part was that Isabel's husband came to the baptism, and said basically "we're next." Aah! Awesome. So we're going to get them married, but not running around like crazy, but in its own due time, with lots of patience and love and all that good stuff. I didn't stress as much this week, but it was still a pretty stressful week. 

I can't believe it. The eternal transfer is almost over. we're starting week 8 of this transfer. Crazy. I honestly don't know if they're going to transfer me or not. But I guess I never know...

Anyway, life's good. Today we went to this awesome salt mine, where they had a salt cathedral at 180 meters below the surface. I'll attach some pics. 

So. Love y'all. Take care. Don't do drugs. Stay in school. You know. The works. 

-Elder Cannon

P.S. Yes, my pinky promises! 

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Stress...

So, being in all of this raziness of trying to get Isabel married has made me really grateful to live in a country where it's not so darn difficult. We already have all of the papers we need (thanks so much for all of the prayers), but now we just need to make the reservation and find the money and get everything else ready, etc etc etc. Sigh. I've been a little stressed this week, and I think this week won't be much different. This morning, (Pday) we were looking for her sons' birth certificates, and didn't even get much of a Pday... I guess that's how the saying goes, "No rest for the righteous." I should be called as the mission's wedding secretary, because I'm basically a pro at all this document finding business now. Haha. 

Anyway, we're hoping and praying and fasting (yesterday, because last week was Stake Conference) that everything will go smoothly, and that they'll be able to get married. Any prayers said in our behalf, or in behalf of the notary and all of their rules and schedules and requirements, or in behalf of Isabel and her husband will be greatly appreciated. :)

Other than that, life's pretty average. Tomorrow we have a general authority coming to speak to us in Zone Conference, but they haven't told us who it's going to be. I'm excited. :) Even though it means another day in my oh so querido Transmilenio... yep.

Well, I gots to go. Thanks for everything, fam. Love y'all.

Elder Cannon

P.S. I'd send you pictures, but nothing eventful really happened this week. Next week, if everything goes well, I'll have pictures of all 4 baptisms. Oh, I never talked about Lizeth. She's basically 100% ready. Super-pilas, as they would say here. Always learning and applying and keeping her commitments. :) Okay, now I really am going to go. Chao. 

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More fotos.

We went to the temple with Gloria and Lizeth and Santiago. He was taking the pictures, so you can't see him here. 

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I finally have pictures.

Hey y'all. 

So, this week was awesome. We're getting everything ready for Lizeth's baptism, as well as Isabel and her family. We're still trying to get a birth certificate from Cucuta to be able to get her and her husband married, so any extra prayers would be greatly appreciated. 

But basically everything is going great. We're looking for new investigators, and asking and praying for more referrals. We're really been blessed with referrals, and lots of success in general. In January and February we surpassed the number of baptisms of all of last year. And with these four that are going to get baptized this month, we'll have more than doubled it. 

I guess that would kind of be counting my chickens before they hatch. We're going to be working hard this week and next so that they'll be able to be baptized on the 16th of March. Especially so that Isabel can get married. But the most important thing is that she has a testimony of the church, and absolutely loves it. Her two sons as well (Nicolas and Felipe). So, we're hoping and praying that everything will be turn out well.

I'm feeling kind of old. I mean, as a missionary. Well, and as a person. Only 6 weeks until my birthday. (hint, hint...) Haha. It'll be weird being 21, because I don't even feel 20. I think I still feel like an 18 yr. old. Unless we're talking about my maturity or knowledge. Then I probably feel like I'm 90. 

Haha. Just kidding. Nada que ver. 

Welp. I'd better go. 

Take care, y'all.

Elder Cannon

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Oh yeah!

I forgot!

 

My son, Elder Nuñez left to Costa Rica this week!!! He got his visa, and left Tuesday morning. So now I'm here with Elder Coronel. We're just working hard and seeing lots of miracles all around us. :)

 

Okay, Imma go now.

 

Love y'all.

Elder Cannon

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Hey all. :)

I really don't have a lot of time to write today. I don't even have pictures for y'all. Sorry. But I do have good news! All three of our wonderful baptismal candidates were baptized on Saturday! Yay! Satan always manages to bring up some last minute trial. Jorge was going to have to change his baptismal date to the 16th ofmarch, because he couldn't come to the confirmation on Sunday. But we worked things out, and everything went wonderful. :)

 

So, Gloria, Santiago, and Jorge all got baptized on the 23rd, and confirmed on the 24th. And I'm really sorry I don't have pictures. I'll get them to you next week. But it was amazing. We had so much support from the ward. Over 60 people came to the baptismal service!!! :) It was wonderful. :)

 

So now we're working with Isabel. Trying to get her to talk toher husband about the marriage. I'm pretty sure everything is going to work out, but a wedding has some very expensive traditions attached to it, like the ring, and the reception, and even just paying the notary for the service. So. We're trying to work things out. The best thing is that they're not against it, so the hardest battle is already won. So with a lot of faith and prayer, everything will turn out. Isabel has been telling us that she wants to get baptized with her husband and 2 boys. We told her that would be wonderful.:) They have a baptismal date for the16th of March.

 

We're also working with Lizeth, who lives with Gloria and Santiago. She's progressing really fast, and has absolutely loved learning and attending church. She also has a date for March 16th.

 

Sorry this is so short. Like I said, we're really...apurados. Anyway. Love y'all. Take care.

 

Elder Cannon

 

P.S. "There's only one thing that I know how to do well, and I've often been told that you only can do what you know how to do well, and that's be you..."

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And then there were 3...

So, this week was interesting. In a good way, I guess. 

It started out pretty normal. We've been meeting with a new investigator that lives in the same house as Gloria and Santiago. Her name is Lizeth, and is 17. She's been really interested, and was actually the one that told Gloria that she wanted to listen to us. She had already read 3 or 4 of the pamphlets we had left them. She also said that she would have come to Church last week, but she didn't have a skirt. So this week they bought the fabric, and Gloria made her a couple skirts so she could go yesterday. We always tell our investigators that it's more important that they come than that they're dressed in a white shirt and tie, or a skirt. But sometimes they feel out of place. It does show her desire though, the fact that she wanted a skirt to be able to go to church. :) Awesome. 

On Tuesday, we got a call saying that we had to go to the church office. We went to the Costa Rican (sp?) Embassy, where my companion had an interview for his visa. They told us to come back the next day at 4. So we went back, and they gave him his visa!!! They still haven't told us when he's going to leave, but we'll have to see. He's hoping it's after the baptisms this Saturday. Oh...I ruined the surprise. I'll tell you in a sec.

So, on Wednesday night, I got a call saying that Thursday morning, we had to be in the portal 80 to pick up the newest member or our companionship. Elder Coronel. He's from Bolivia, and is about finished with his mission. I guess we're just going to be in trio until my companion leaves. It's the first time I've been in a trio on the mission. It's kind of cool, because it's one more testimony, and one more person to help out in the conversion process. But...it's hard sometimes. 

Aaaaaaaanyway, now for the fun part. We have 3 baptisms this Saturday!!!!! I'm so excited! Gloria, Santiago, and Jorge are all getting baptized. We were worried about whether Santiago really wanted to, or was prepared to make that decision, But on Saturday night, we had a powerful lesson about the Atonement, and how baptism is the only way to accept the Savior's sacrifice in our lives. We watched a video called "the bridge" about a father who decides to save a train full of people, and let his son die. It was powerful. 

Well. I guess that's about all I have to say at you all. Hope life's good. Don't stop reading or praying or going to church. 

Chao,

Elder Cannon

P.S. I totally owned in "Missionary Manual Chase" in our Zone Meeting this week. Makes me feel old and experienced. Haha...

P.P.S. "You've got to be puuullling on my leg..."

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Mojado...

So, this week, we got WET. With a capital WET. It's been raining like CRAZY! Once I forgot to bring my paraguas, and it was raining goats and llamas, but we had an appointment, so I told my companion, we were going to run to the house, where I would change and then we'd go to the appointment. So, in the 5 blocks from where we were to the house, I got soaked to the bone. More like...to the soul. Haha. First time I get so wet in a suit. It was fun, but I think I'm okay not repeating the experience. Haha. I've been more careful about keeping my umberella with me at all times and in all things and in all places. ;)

 

This week has been AMAZING!!! We've seen so many blessings with referrals from members and from investigators, and everyone else. :) We currently have 5 baptismal dates for the 23rd of February, and 2 or 3 more that we need to invite, but haven't had the chance. It's been amazing. Yesterday we had our first lesson with Jorge, a 16 yr old who was living with his non-member mom, but is now living with his dad, who is a member. In the first lesson, we invited him to be baptized on the 23rd (in less than 2 weeks!), and he said "Sí. De una." Which is basically like saying, "Yeah. At once." Or, right off. For sure. Something like that. Anyway, he's really prepared. He's even been going to seminary every day. :) Gloria is still on track for the 23rd, but her son, Santiago isn't sure. We've been praying a lot to find out what his concern is, or what's holding him back. We'll have to see...

 

We're also still working with Isabel, but we found out this past week that she isn't married, so we're hopefully going to talk about eternal families this week, and invite them to be married. She's been coming every sunday for about a month now, and is really enjoying the church, but is a little unsure about being baptized. Her sons have also enjoyed the church, but we haven't been able to teach them. We haven't met her husband either, so hopefully we'll be able to have a Noche de Hogar this week and teach them all at the same time. :)

 

The work is going really well. We've seen a lot of blessings. The field really is white. There are prepared people out there. We just need to find them. :)

 

So. Say hi to the snow and the cold for me. I'll just be down here...taking all the Vitamin C I can and inviting everyone to come unto Christ. :)

 

Love y'all.

 

Elder Cannon

 

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Hey yall. :)

So, this week went pretty awesome. :)

We visited Gloria and Santiago 4 or 5 times. They've got a baptismal date for the 23rd. They're doing really well. Santiago has some friends already in the ward, and has been really enjoying it. :) 

Isabel and her two sons came to church on Sunday, and we hopefully have an appointment with them tomorrow. The boys usually play futbol on Sundays, but they skipped this week to come to church. :) Hopefully they keep that up. :) 

Sebastian didn't come to church...he slept in, because he stayed up late on Saturday. Next week we're going to go find him, and bring him to church, even if he's in pajamas. Hahaha. Just kidding. The thing is, he does want to come to church, but he just needs a little extra push. We'll probably just tell him we're going to pass by, to make sure he's ready. :) 

Sorry this is really rushed...I don't have a ton of time. I just want y'all to know that I'm doing a lot better. We're seeing some amazing results with referrals and such. It's been a great week. 

I hope everyone is doing great. I love you all. :) 

Elder Joey

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Sick and tired of being sick and tired...

There's a song by...Candle? Or maybe that's the name of the song. "I took a ride on a February morning..." I've been kinda sick this week. I'm all better now, but for a few days there, I wasn't feeling too great. I guess there always has to be an oposition though, right? The good thing is that I wasn't too sick to not work, so we've baptized almost all of Bogota by now. 

Actually we haven't baptized anyone. But we received 5 or 6 amazing referrals this week, and have 3 already comitted to be baptized. Awesome. One is Sebastian. He's the nephew of a member in the ward, and is 12 years old. He's a really awesome kid. His mom, Marcela, is really neat as well, but she has something holding her back. We're not sure what...

The other referrals we've been teaching are Gloria and Santiago. Mother and son. We visited them 4 or 5 times this week. They're awesome. they both accepted the baptismal date, and came to church yesterday, and have really enjoyed learning about the church. Hopefully they keep at it. The only thing every investigator needs is the humility to get on their knees and ask God if the church is true. 

This week, they released our bishop and called a new one. It's the second time that's happened to me on the mission. We're going to miss our bishop, but the new bishop is really excited to get working, and has agreed to accompany us to appointments at least once a week. He's a really great guy. 

Anyway. life's good. Any prayers sent our way will be greatly appreciated. I love you all. Say hi to Utah for me. :) 

Con amor,

Elder Cannon

P.S. "Somebody turn the lights on. Somebody tell me how long..."

P.P.S. Today were cambios. We're staying here. Elder Salazar, my old comp is going to train. And Valenzuela is training AGAIN! I'm going to have 4 grandsons. Haha. :)

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Fwd: Week of awesomeness.

So. This week was basically the greatest week of planning EVER. We made about a bajillion plans to get everyone excited about missionary work and such. We put up a poster in the Church that...well...I'll attach a photo. You'll just have to see for yourselves. Oh...the translation is this: "LET US GIVE YOU A HAND. As full-time missionaries, we are ready, willing and willing (prestos is like willing and ready and available...all in one) to teach the gospel. Please, introduce us to your friends. (See D&C 18:16). 

Everyone was laughing about it. We put it right above our "Caja de referencias" which is an awesome little box we made for people to put referrals' names and information in. Also we made posters for ward FHE's we're going to do, and also for a missionary training we're going to be doing as well. 

So basically we're going to baptize the entire area. ;) This Sunday, we received 4 referrals, and were able to teach every single one of them the same day. We're already starting to see the blessings of good planning and hard work. 

That's basically all you need as a missionary. But one really important thing is the follow up. If you make plans, and then never go through with them, or if you receive a referral from a member and then never contact or teach them, then what's the point? 

There isn't one. 

Ay...la misión, la misión. I love the mish. Lots of hard work, but it's so rewarding. Love it. 

I hope everything is going well back at the ranch. I mean. At home. I just remembered about that book called "Meanwhile, back at the ranch..." Classic. 

Love y'all. Take luck. 

Elder Cannon

P.S. The other foto is of the awesome new tie you got me for christmas, and of Elder Bogdan, my awesome gringo friend that's going home on Friday. He's from Houston. 

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Baptisms are my fav.

So, Wilson got baptized!!! Happy day. 

He really was just super-prepared from day 1. He's an amazing person, and the ward (especially the YSA) has been really good about supporting him and being his friend and taking him to activities and such. :) Awesome. I'll attach pics. 

Today we played futbol again. It's kind of a common thing when the entire zone is just Elders. We love the sisters a lot, but they don't usually like to play futbol, so we have to be more creative about our activities. But when there's just Elders, there's not much else we like to do. Haha. Well, that's not entirely true, it's just a really easy, cheap, and fun activity. We also ate delicious BBQ. Which is...different than in the states, but still delish. 

We're still working with Alvaro, but he got sick and we couldn't get ahold of him all week. So, hopefully he's doing alright. We are praying for him every day, so I think he'll be okay. 

So, life's been really good. I can't complain. It's not too cold, not too hot, until the sun comes out (2600 meters...it burns here). 

I basically love being a missionary. It's the greatest. :) 

So, take care, and I'll talk at you all again next week. :) 

Elder Joey

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Sup?

So, the year's end came and went, and here we are again...with 12 whole months ahead of us to accomplish all of our new year's resolutions. I talked about new year's resolutions in District Mtg. on Wednesday. It went well, I think. There are only 4 of us in our district. 2 companionships, so it's never incredibly exciting, but they're all good elders. Elder Salazar (my last comp) is now part of my district. Jaja. Fun stuff. Along with his companion, Elder Stokes, from Draper, Utah. :)

Anyway, life's been good. Wilson passed his baptismal interview. He's so ready. My companion and I were both talking about the fact that we as missionaries do very little. Our job is basically to just find prepared investigators, invite them to be baptized, and then teach them the doctrines of the Gospel. That's basically all we've done with Wilson. The ward has been really good about fellowshipping him, so he's felt right at home. He's excited to be baptized. :)

Alvaro has still been struggling with the Word of Wisdom...he's had a big alcohol problem, and is having a really hard time. We've been trying to help him, being there for him, and calling him every day just to make sure he's doing okay. We need to find a friend for him. That can be there for him when we can't. That can support him and love him even when he fails... He has a baptismal date for the 19th of this month, so we're working hard so that he can make it to that date. It's gonna take a lot of effort on his part and ours, but I know it's possible. Sin duda.

So, that's basically what we've been doing. We got to go to the temple today, which was wonderful, as always. It's so amazing to have a temple on 2 huge streets in the middle of a city of over 6 million people, and you go inside, and all you can hear is the organ music, softly playing. It's a wonderful place to go and just feel the Spirit and receive answers to prayers. :) It's also wonderful because there's a distribution center, and my journal had about 15 pages left. So I'm good for another while again. And I also bought a DVD of Family Home Evening videos. Videos that I haven't seen in forEVER. The one about the guy that puts the snake in his shirt, and the one about the water pump, and the touch of the master's hand. Those are awesome videos. :)

Well, the fam, I'm about out of time. I love you all tons. Hope y'all have an amazing week. :)

-Elder Cannon

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