June 16, 2014: Where in World is Carmen San Diego?

June 16, 2014

I haven't seen her around here anywhere.

The transfer calls came as a surprise: I'll be leaving on Tuesday, and Elder Pope will have been here for at least 7 months by the time he goes! We were all expecting the exact opposite. These 4 1/2 months have flown by so fast, but I guess time flies when you're having fun.

There are no Elders coming in this time, only lady missionaries. So that's neat. They're slowly taking over the mission.

Last week on p-day we played silly games, like Signs and this one where there's one less bouncy ball than there are people and we all have to go catch one in the gym.


We found a dead bat on our car on Monday. It was gross. We think it came out of the car wash or something. So we left it there for a while so we could show the other missionaries (it's not there any more).
Elder Pope bought a pogo-stick for morning exercise. Here he is being silly.
While biking home one night, we saw the border patrol camera blimp silhouetted against the full moon super awesomely. Too bad none of the pictures turned out. But it was a nice reminder that they're constantly watching.

We went to pick up our car from the shop, and picked up some ties on the way. Elder Shumway got pulled over for speeding, but got off with a warning. Sometimes it's nice to be a missionary. (Just kidding. It's always nice.)

We got Twinkies decorated like little minion-missionaries. Here we are being silly.

And here we have El Santisimo Papa, being majestic. (Pro-tip: "Papa" means "Pope" in Spanish!)
Yes, missionary work won't quite be the same without Elder Pope, but I know wherever I go, it'll be awesome.

We had zone conference this week and it was super duper great. President Maluenda talked all about the story of Christ walking on the water to his Apostles. Here it is if you want to read:

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Christ told his Apostles to be of good cheer, or in Spanish, "Tened ánimo," which is basically like "get pumped up." By looking to Christ, we can always find direction and courage. Even when life's challenges are blowing against us, Focusing our lives on Christ helps us press forward, and even to do the impossible. But, when we get distracted and stop looking toward the Savior, we start to sink. Thankfully He's always waiting to save us and help us along when we look to Him, but He knows we can do all things if we believe.

Well I love you all because you're all awesome. Peace out, Boy and/or Girl Scouts!
~Elder Young