tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62177104444710946312024-03-06T00:06:28.099-08:00Mission To MontrealElder Mosiah A. Castrejonanelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-51924874565630242682014-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T23:35:17.101-07:00July 28, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i> A note from Anelieze Castrejon, Elder Castrejon's sister-in-law: It's almost been a year since we've posted any messages from Elder Castrejon. I slacked off a little but I wanted to start sharing again. This one particularly touched me since Elder Castrejon sounded so wise, much wiser than his 20 years. Enjoy.</i><br />
<br />
<div>
Dear Family and Friends,</div>
<div>
I am always grateful to share with you a piece of what I go through
on my mission. I think to myself, how you must feel, or think about
what I write and how I write it. If there is one thing I would like you to
feel when reading my emails, it would be: to
feel that I have changed, and continue to change every week. Change is
the very nature of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The very core to God's
plan. <b>As my old football coach would tell me: "You're either getting
better or getting worse, there is no in between!".</b>
My coach was right. In this short moment of mortality we call "life" we
are either getting better or worse. Becoming like Our Savior Jesus
Christ or becoming like Mr. you know who.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A question I like to ask myself... and other missionaries on exchanges is: <b><i>Were you better than who you were yesterday?</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think it is a valuable question we can all ask ourselves. In
preach my gospel (the manual for missionary work of the church) states: <i>"Just as vital as what you do, is WHO YOU ARE"</i></div>
<div>
My Mother always used to tell me before I left the home: <b>REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!</b></div>
<div>
I wish I would have remembered... it probably would've saved me a lot of heartache and trouble.</div>
<div>
But who are we?! Do you know who you are?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the scriptures we are taught that we are the very offspring of
God. We are his children! He loves us! AND He loves YOU! If a person
truly understood their identity in God's plan, that person would have a
much easier time understanding the rest of his
plan (and that's why it is the first principle we teach as missionaries).
The opposition will try to deceive us and make us think we are more or
less than who we really are. But in remembering who we are; we can say
as Moses once did: "I am a son of God."</div>
<div>
I would like to write you my testimony that I know God lives. And
that he is very involved in your lives whether you see it or not. He is a
loving Heavenly Father who listens, and responds. Anyone who has faith
in him can access his power and forgiveness.
I am a witness of this. I have not seen God, but I have felt him. He
loves every single living creature and is anxiously engaged in their
lives. He wants me, you, and everyone around us to return to him one
day. I know he keeps his promises, because I've seen
them fulfilled.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
His work is hastening. This is real. Greg just returned home off
his mission and Carmen Castaneyra just got her mission call to Wash. Dc
North in Spanish and will be starting her mission with one of the young
men here in Montreal who got called there as
well (on the same day. Sept. 3). How ironic.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Transfer calls are coming up on Saturday and I have a gut feeling
that I am leaving... We shall see. And in the next 2-3 months. Our
mission will have 53 greenies/new missionaries. The face of our mission
will change completely. Our Mission President has
a lot of faith and knows everything will work out fine but in a week he
has to assign 20 new trainers, 1 new office missionary, 8 new district
leaders, 4 new zone leaders, 1 new assistant, 2 new Sister Training
Leaders. This gives opportunity to a lot of our
missionaries to lead and to grow. It is very exciting! But also a very
delicate situation. We are hoping to keep the culture of our mission and
train these new elders and sisters correctly :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
This past weekend. we had our ward mission activity. The ward had not had an activity in <span style="font-size: medium;">forever</span>!
So the missionaries took charge and with the help of the members we put
together a fun activity at the park and called it: "Bring a friend!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everyone thought it was going to rain that day! BUT with faith, the
missionaries prayed and not one drop of rain fell that evening. It was a
huge success! It surpassed my expectations. We have built a lot of
trust and enthusiasm into the ward in my last
3 months here in the Zarahemla Ward.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Share the gospel! There is nothing more fun!</div>
<div>
Love you all! Have a great week :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
ps. so many good movies have come out lately... it had to be on my mission.........</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-26452571793721074272014-05-12T11:30:00.000-07:002014-07-29T23:38:09.025-07:00Photos May-July 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-88928973377024045932014-05-12T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T23:34:52.683-07:00May 12, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Eddy came back into reactivity. Roberta (lady in purple) just got her
answer about the book of Mormon and knows its true. Caroline (purple
skirt) wants to serve a full time mission. And the old man with the hat
is being prepared to be baptized as well. Through Eddy, his parents, his
siblings and 4 non members have been introduced or re-introduced to the
church.<br clear="all" />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-29907180788245978192014-03-17T17:00:00.000-07:002014-07-30T00:59:29.649-07:00March 17, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We will be hearing from Elder Andersen (Quorum of 12) & His wife,
Gerald Causse (Presiding Bishopric) & His Wife, Elder Donald L.
Hallstrom (First Quorum of 70), and Elder David Homer (Our area 70) ...
and all 200 missionaries and 4 stake presidents will be there as well.
It is going to be sweeeeeeeeeeeeet. I will try my best to set apart as
much time as I can to my letter to you all next week to update you on
its intensity :)<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
This week had a lot of crazy experiences but I'm still alive and going!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
have a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
pic: Caleb's baptism (Had the blessing of interviewing him as well)<br clear="all" />
<div>
<br /></div>
-- <br /><i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-39100858373789669362014-03-03T13:30:00.000-08:002014-07-29T23:43:17.171-07:00March 3, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
IT'S MARCH ALREADY?!?!?!<i>I hope you all realize that on May 1rst. I will be out for 1 full year.</i><br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WHAT THE HECK?</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div>
Anyways, I'll share a cool experience I had this week.</div>
<div>
So my new companion Elder Hardy is a <b>NERD</b>. I love him!</div>
<div>
He
listens to classical music, eats like a pig, has a funny voice, super
intelligent when it comes to the gospel and other smart stuff. Hates
math though. Super creative. Played trombone for the BYU marching band.
Has a problem with contacting people. Makes really sarcastic jokes. And
this week he had a dream that he pee'd himself so he woke up and changed
his pants, then realized it was just a dream.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is going to be an awesome transfer. Hahahahahaaha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways,
like I said... Elder Hardy has a hard time talking to people on the
fly. So we've made goals to talk to more people. So one day, on the bus
home. We sat down in different areas of the bus so we could talk to
people and Elder Hardy started to talk to some "big bearded lady" (he
described her as) ... and I noticed he was contacting her!!! so I said
to myself: "If Elder Hardy is doing it, I gotta do it too!" ... so I
look to the person I'm sitting next to and it is a young Chinese man.</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>FYI: Lately I've been learning how to speak some Mandarin Chinese so that I can contact people and testify.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
So
I decided to practice my Mandarin. I contacted him in Chinese and set
up an appointment with him! (He spoke some fair English as well) He is
what you call a <b>golden investigator.</b></div>
<div>
He expressed to me how all his life he has wanted to "follow God"
and how he liked previous experiences with going to church. He just
moved here for school and needs friends. I'm praying Greg (his name)
will get baptized. I just know it!!!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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</div>
<div>
Anyways, that's my short story! :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
this
is a picture of Simon. I taught him on splits with the Mandarin Elders
and he was baptized 2 weeks ago! This week I did a baptismal interview
for an Islam guy named Arzan and his baptism will be this weekend! So
excited!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a great week!!! </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(oh yeah... I ate pupusas last weeks for the first time on my mission)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-50199542836210708782014-02-24T18:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:56:55.680-07:00February 24, 2014Elder Hardy is hilarious. We're probably the shortest companionship in
the mission. So sorry I forgot my pictures! I left my camera at home.<br />
<div>
The District had another baptism and everything is going well :)</div>
<div>
I don't have much time, but I hope all of you have a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I'll send some good pictures next week!<br clear="all" />
<div>
</div>
<br /><i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-22391825447465694222014-02-17T13:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:55:40.158-07:00February 17, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb7DctqCe7sdKzeTb_b-ZCyJMRnisN_aST0txPsCNYNR2EMVOKBWv6FTtQQBur1KakMbfTJxtFaatao8rlFd89XyYHJtZywqaQA5EapIPiQbvABrm-aKcsPxkJHjQdkRkwGOC88gF1NI/s1600/IMG_1317%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb7DctqCe7sdKzeTb_b-ZCyJMRnisN_aST0txPsCNYNR2EMVOKBWv6FTtQQBur1KakMbfTJxtFaatao8rlFd89XyYHJtZywqaQA5EapIPiQbvABrm-aKcsPxkJHjQdkRkwGOC88gF1NI/s1600/IMG_1317%5B1%5D.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Elder Rock is getting transferred to outer darkness! Haha, just kidding!
But he is getting transferred to the most French area in the mission.
Its called the City Alma. It is the northern area of our mission, and
its boundaries lead all the way up to the north pole. He's super excited
to speak and learn French finally! And he was astonished to know that
his companion was someone he said: "I would hate being that guys
companion" ... I guess The Lord has a sense of Humor, right?<br />
<br />
<div>
Speaking of sense of humor... I am receiving Elder Hardy from
Washington State. He is one transfer younger than me. And I have to be
completely honest, when I heard Elder Hardy was coming to YSA with me, I
was confused. He was the last person I saw replacing Elder Rock. Lets
just say, I question his social skills. I've met him twice and he is a
ball of sunshine though. His attitude is what I love about him. Always
positive and smiling. He just had a baptism last week, so he's coming
with fire power! haha. But as far as I know, he's this nerdy nerdy white
kid. Some sisters say: "You will have to break him out of his shell"
...</div>
<div>
I have no doubt he is an awesome missionary and, I'm just excited
and a little nervous to see how he adapts to YSA in an English area. I
am expecting some fun stories with this companion! I will get him
Wednesday.</div>
<div>
Elder Rangel (the other mexican missionary that I love so much)
is leaving our apartment to Montreal. So we will have 2 new Elders in
our 4 man. Its going to be so so so different. I think it will be good
though... more peace, and less screaming and kicking.</div>
<div>
Everything is going well, just excited to see what lies ahead...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next week!</div>
<div>
(preaching to every creature)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>You should stalk our facebook! We post some funny stuff! Don't add us though... that'd be weird. [DowsLakeElders]</i></b></div>
<br />
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-17754361184744222112014-02-10T14:30:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:02:19.527-07:00February 10, 2014WHAT A WEEK!!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Just for everyone's information: <i>On
your mission, when you have weeks where you feel like everything is
going wrong... that just indicates that a miracle is waiting to happen.</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
World-wide, missionaries are expected to be teaching
a minimum of 20 lessons a week. (yes, for some missions its harder than
others, but the standard of excellence for all missionary team is 20 a
week)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Not to toot my own horn or anything,</b> but this week, we
finally had 22! Never before in my mission have I hit 20. Earlier in
Victoriaville, we hit 18. But they weren't the best of lessons.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I can honestly say, 90% of the lessons we taught this week were
powerful and meaningful. Teaching-wise, this has been the best week of
my whole mission. With some new training we received at Zone Conference,
my companion Elder Rock and I applied the things we were taught to do
by The Mission. We have been time-managing well, and using all the tools
given to us to be successful missionaries. We're going back to the
basics, and doing what preach my gospel simply states. See, when you
grow older in the mission, you start to naturally forget the
fundamentals that The Lord has set out for his work. You start to gain
confidence and trust in yourself and sometimes forget what got you to
that point. Well, I feel like I started to become that way, and I'm
super happy I was reminded of how to really do it right.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I now feel like I'm getting the hang of things. I feel like, I
get it. Like, things just make sense and to always remember as we do
things The Lord's way... we can not fail. My companion has been here for
5 transfers, and its his greenie area, so he will probably be
transferred next week. Elder Rock is kind of sad because he thinks I'm
going to baptize like 523487 people once he leaves. But needless to say,
we have been preparing a lot of people to receive the blessings of
baptism and its awesome!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Hey, if y'all get an email next Monday that says I'm training
again, don't be surprised... all the missionaries out here keep casting
curses on me that I'm going to train another greenie. Training is so
fun... but so energy consuming. I don't know how I feel about that whole
idea. And to be honest, I don't know if I'd want that right now haha. I
guess we'll keep that suspense until next week where we will have our
transfer calls! :)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Singles ward is awesome. Teaching people who are finding their
personal testimonies is awesome. We teach young people who are trying to
find themselves in life, who want real testimony not something they
were born into. We teach people with abstract ideas, and high level of
intelligence. We are challenged by theological, and religious students.
We come across people who simply meet with us to just make a statement.
It's awesome!!!!!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You all know me pretty well, and I'm a person that enjoys logical
conversion. I love making "A Loving Heavenly Father" become logical to
the common atheist, or college student. There is nothing more rewarding
than bringing the gospel into these young lives. And there is nothing
more fun than cracking jokes with people my age and hearing about the
grammy's and justin bieber getting arrested. <i>As you can see, The Lord knows where to put his missionaries. Lol.</i><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Just the other day I taught a less active, who we're
trying to have quit smoking weed. Its funny, because he happens to be a
rapper. I asked him: "why and when do you smoke?" he replied: "Not
often, only when I'm going to rap. It helps me thing freely, and more
words come to my head faster." and I said: "hey, well I can rap pretty
fast, and I don't need that crap".<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I don't know, I thought that was funny.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Things are
going well, just trying to work well with the ward council and kicking
things into shape over here in Dows Lake. Just feeling nervous about a
new companion, and a little stress from responsibilities... but other
than that, I'M DOING AWESOME. Thank you for praying for me, I do feel
them help me and my companion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next time,</div>
<i>Elder Castrejon</i><br />
<br />
<div>
<i>ps. We're having a WHOLE mission conference March 22, with a
member of the quorum of the 12 presiding, a member of the
presiding bishopric, and a 70.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>(When we heard this news... we pooped our pants.)</i></div>
anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-28790456429528139522014-02-03T13:00:00.000-08:002014-07-29T23:57:53.043-07:00February 3, 2014<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bWPf3jQgx129YQQYL7sIItJziaVYKtdPJdHjNCFpzxQ3Jj9CrfYyr_LC-S5EaNiybtNxb-tQcvbrLXUEWAPv96lIgcYsK5ibseM3MyZOsVV4FvWX59jlSq1lMz4oe0qendB7r_0xkdE/s1600/Julia+baptized.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bWPf3jQgx129YQQYL7sIItJziaVYKtdPJdHjNCFpzxQ3Jj9CrfYyr_LC-S5EaNiybtNxb-tQcvbrLXUEWAPv96lIgcYsK5ibseM3MyZOsVV4FvWX59jlSq1lMz4oe0qendB7r_0xkdE/s1600/Julia+baptized.JPG" height="483" width="640" /></a> Julia was baptized and confirmed this weekend, in our district. I had the pleasure of teaching her on splits.<br />
<div>
She is amazing and she is learning English.</div>
<div>
But, her testimony is one I will never forget.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Two people in two weeks who grew up knowing nothing
about their Father in Heaven who loves them. Amazing to see them and
their happiness :)</div>
<br clear="all" /><i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-16944983485714797712014-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:52:33.734-07:00January 27, 2014Hello everyone!<br />
<div>
This week has been a faith testing week.</div>
<div>
8 of our lessons got canceled in a row on us between 2 days.</div>
<div>
Our
investigator with a baptismal date for Feb, 1, 2014 blocked our phone
number and is now hiding from us (let me tell you, this guy is totally
sane, and has a huge testimony of the restored gospel) and we dont know
whats going on!!!</div>
<div>
My companion lost one of his tags... ugh.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, I'll stop naming off all the negative things that happened this week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
POSITIVES! YAYYY.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our district is having another baptism this Saturday!She is Chinese and awesomeeeeeee.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We went
out knocking doors with a member named Paul and basically, we got into a
apartment with 2 young girls from Africa and he testified to them of
his conversion and how the book of Mormon is true and made one cry! Of
this experience the girl said: "I'm so sorry... everything was just
going wrong today, and all my plans were failing... and I was having a
really rough day... <i><b>UNTIL YOU CAME AND KNOCKED ON MY DOOR</b></i>" ... (ahh... the old fashioned favorite words of a missionary)<br clear="all" />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
have a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ps.
in case you're wondering why my emails are getting shorter... its
because I now have to write to the mission president every monday about
the district... and it takes long haha sorry fam!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
LOVE YOU!</div>
<br />
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-83190275900646597442014-01-20T13:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:02:30.938-07:00January 20, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc-Kfv8QGFJ5ktKiBcZIlXvo1TasXSjNs-6zJ0mdY-bjLo2yASKlNSfOIyT5sAR-_av7zllzWXdoOKaiLs_eIztk3u1fhM8zZ2ID-u3E6uKamSifwN34Akk5wBT22NbJHPwae-yFVtYY/s1600/Taylor+baptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc-Kfv8QGFJ5ktKiBcZIlXvo1TasXSjNs-6zJ0mdY-bjLo2yASKlNSfOIyT5sAR-_av7zllzWXdoOKaiLs_eIztk3u1fhM8zZ2ID-u3E6uKamSifwN34Akk5wBT22NbJHPwae-yFVtYY/s1600/Taylor+baptism.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yayyyyyyyyyyyy my district had a baptism!<br />
<div>
Taylor! I was able to be apart of her confirmation. She is awesome :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
So
last week was not very cold. Everyone is freaking out because they are
like: "Why aren't we freezing????" ... BUT, the coldness has come back
as of today... with a vengeance might I add.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our investigator came to church for the first time and he loved it!!!!!!</div>
<div>
His name is BLESSING. Yes.... like what we get from Heavenly Father. lol</div>
<div>
He is awesome.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What else to add?</div>
<div>
I'm eating at IKEA today. yeah like the
furniture... apparently they have food there and its really popular in
Canada? weird. but we're eating meatballs with The Adams (senior couple)
today :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Running out of time as always, but I love you! have a great one!</div>
<br />
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-68009743980988421522014-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:50:48.134-07:00January 13, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear friends and family.<br />
<div>
The mission is ready for blast off. Second
transfer in Dows Lake YSA (Ottawa) has started out awesomeeeee. We got 2
new missionaries in the district which is exciting and we have a couple
baptisms coming up in the district!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have been teaching 15-20 lessons a week and
things are getting back to normal after the holidays. Been working hard
and trying to teach new people. Less actives are coming back and the
work is HASTENING.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The members and the missionaries are finally on the same page, and The Lord's work is being accomplished!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The cold isn't too cold. Except for -40 celcius. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">THAT HURTS.</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
Like seriously.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well something pretty cool that has been happening lately is that my companion Elder Rock and I have set a goal of setting <b>365</b> copies
of The book of Mormon this year in 2014. We have already set about 25.
We don't go back to the apartment at night until we place one in the
nice hands of a soul and testify to them about the restoration. And I
can tell you, we are being blessed for this new years resolution.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I encourage all of you to present your goals to God. He will help you. I promise.<br clear="all" /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways...
the sidewalks are pretty much PURE ICE BLOCKS. We basically ice skate
to our appointments. We have seen people fall SOOOO HARD. Like, they get
injured. The sidewalks are sooooooo slippery. Its kind of fun cause me
and my companion race sometimes back to the apartment and we almost die.
hahaha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So for transfers none of my apartment got
transferred. We're all together still! With the Zone Leaders eating
yummy mexican food every day with Elder Rangel and I teaming up and
cooking haha. I love being in a "4 man apartment". Nothing but laughter
and beating up each other,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>... and of course missionary work.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">I never have enough time to write everything I want but I hope everyone has a great week! see ya later! :)</span></div>
<br />
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-15037769466231294982013-12-30T09:30:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:47:56.847-07:00December 30, 2013So talking to my family felt like a weird dream that never really
happened. It was really weird leaving that skype conversation the other
day as I stepped back into Missionary Life.<br />
<br />
<div>
The past 2 weeks have been really different for us
Singles Ward Elders. Finals week, then Christmas Vacation. It felt as if
though NO ONE could meet with us for lessons. And as if though, NO ONE
were walking the streets. It was probably one of the roughest "teaching
weeks" I have had on the mission as far as teaching actual lessons go.
BUT BUT BUT, we did have many miracles this past week. Joe came back to
church after 7 years of being less active in Peru. And Yicela came back
to church after being less active 7 years from Peru. And they do not
even know each other. Joe is 19, and a potential future missionary and
Yicela is 26 and studying at University of Ottawa. They came back to
church on the same Sunday. it was awesome when they met each other and
started talking in Spanish and saying stuff like: "yeah, I haven't been
to church is 7 years" ... "NO WAY. ME TOO!" ... it was quite a site.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I skyped my family at a less-actives house who's
name is Braedon Murphy. He is 20 and has never thought about a mission
until we started meeting with him. He's super awesome. he's the buff
blonde guy you saw with my companion Elder Rock. Transfers are next week
and it feels like I will be getting another new companion. Everyone is
prophesying that I will train again.... holy moly. I don't know how I
feel about training again. Responsibility responsibility ... blagh. I
don't know haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, Christmas was awesome. Thanks for your
package. I should be getting it in a week :) my companions family sent
me a package as well, so i had some stuff for Christmas and not to
mention the stockings the ward made us haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The missionary work in Dows Lake is very different.
It brings out a different side of me. teaching people my age, and
getting on a personal level with people just like me is so different. I
love it though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being in this area has confirmed to me over and over
and over again that i am supposed to be here with these missionaries
and members and investigators. Oh how I love it here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will be taking awesome pictures of ice sculptures soon when the winter festival down here starts. I'm so excited! :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
anyways, I love every single one of you. I hope you all know that.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Until next week!</div>
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-53646924800723409362013-12-16T14:00:00.001-08:002014-07-30T00:45:46.357-07:00MORE PHOTOS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photo shoot in Ottowa.anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-72853723271399664482013-12-16T14:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:43:49.405-07:00December 16, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
MERRY EARLY CHRISTMAS. Photo shoot in Ottawa.<br />
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-57146481102196004392013-12-09T13:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:40:59.816-07:00December 9, 2013<div>
<em>I don't have much to say, but if you vote for me... all of your wildest dreams will come true.</em></div>
<div>
<em>- Pedro (Napolean Dynamite)</em></div>
<br />
<div>
I think about that quote all the time when I'm starting to write my weekly email home hahaha.</div>
<div>
No but seriously, I don't have much to say but, I will say a couple things.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
My district is performing at the ysa talent show tonight. So that'll be cool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had a photoshoot today with a less active member who is studying to be a photographer.</div>
<div>
So expect super cool pictures of me in the snow and stuff for christmas.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Um, I love all of you. Have a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-39336449905217909002013-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:09:06.573-07:00December 2, 2013I LOVE MY NEW AREA.<br />
<div>
This week I have gone through many experiences
that have confirmed to me, that this is the place where Heavenly Fathers
needs me.</div>
<div>
Ottawa, Ontario in the YSA Dows Lake ward.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So since I am in the young single adults. I am
always working with people my age and always walking around the
universities here. Mostly the University of Ottawa. I don't have a car,
or bikes. So our transportation is our bus passes haha. We take the bus
everywhere and walk everywhere. YES, in the SNOW. I LOVE THE SNOW so
far. But everyone I meet says:</div>
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<div>
"Where you from?"</div>
<i></i><div>
<i>"California!"</i></div>
<div>
<i>"OH. THIS IS YOUR FIRST SNOW!!! HOW YOU LIKING IT!!"</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>hahahahahahaha...</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Its fun.... fun stuff.</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, </div>
<div>
Being
called as a District leader has allowed me to not only serve the
people, but my fellow missionaries. I LOVE IT. More responsibility but,
maybe its good for me. I don't know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways. I don't have much more time because there
are a whole bunch of missionaries at the church waiting for us to get
off the computer so they can email their families as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>But I would like to share a powerful experience with y'all.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we found a less active Edward, through Facebook and he invited us over to his house warmly.</div>
<div>
(yes we use facebook now............)</div>
<div>
When we got there, he was sitting on his couch with his non-member friend Roberta, who he invited as well.</div>
<div>
We met with them both.</div>
<div>
We had a very good visit with him and it was very spiritual and uplifting visit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After we left, apparently Roberta started crying for
about 30 minutes but she didn't know why she was (after we had left)
... She asked Edward "WHY AM I CRYING? WHAT IS THIS?"</div>
<div>
and Edward(less active) testified to her... "that is the spirit".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Edward described it to us that it looked like a woman who stood in the presence of Jesus Christ and did not feel worthy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Edward
then told us, that he knows who we represent and he knows that we
brought the spirit of The Savior into her life and that she was feeling
like she had found what she needed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a beautiful experience to know that a 20 year old & a 18 year old</div>
<div>
(yes I'm serving with Elder Rock, he's 18...) could be representatives of The Lord Jesus Christ.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>There is nothing like the mission.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(oh
yeah, and we got to decorate a christmas tree with Roberta and Edward!
haha so fun! and the 3 other Elders in my apartment surprised me with
another birthday cake!!!)<i> </i></div>
<div>
<i> </i></div>
<div>
<i>Elder Castrejon</i></div>
anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-3114901783607164182013-11-25T14:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:21:22.602-07:00November 25, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i> I'm going to try to write this email without crying...</i><br />
<div>
<i>(yes, I'm a wimp............................... <b>no</b>)</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
Something I didn't realize before my mission but that I always heard throughout my life, has been <b>The Members Prayers for The Missionaries.</b><br />
<div>
There has been nothing more sweet than the true and sincere prayers
from the latter day saints of Quebec. Every time we meet with them,
they pray... not only do they pray, but they pray specifically for The
Missionaries and their families. Before my mission I never really
thought about what that truly means to a missionary but now as a
missionary, I DO.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am truly humbled by the prayers I hear. The responsibility I
have to bring people unto repentance is enormous. I mean, how would you
feel, if at every meal you have with members, they pray and say: "Bless
the missionaries that they may find the people who are ready for the
gospel, bless them and their tongues that they might be able to speak
and that they may do thy work"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
... and then after you might forget and complain
about how tired you are, how COLD it is, how things aren't going well...
blah blah. I am guilty of that. Its not easy dealing with failure or
rejection. <b>AlthoughI have the name of a God on my chest, does not
mean I am one. I am still human and this stuff is still hard.</b></div>
<div>
but the comfort and strength that I receive from these people is<span style="font-size: medium;"> INFINITE. I love them, and cherish them.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
So that brings me to my next point.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
LEAVING.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, this
transfer, The Lord has called me to serve as District Leader in the Dows
Lake, Ottawa, Singles Ward. As you know, in the province of Ontario,
90% of the people speak English. So yes, I will be preaching in English.
Not even Spanish or French (like I had the blessing of doing in
Victoriaville).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have been in Victoriaville for the past 6 months. I
got trained here. I trained here. I had my first baptism here. First
temple trip here. Organized a first activity here. Gave my first
blessing here. My first nasty dinner on the mission here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The members love is the reason it is so hard on me.
I've never gotten so many gifts in my life. Cologne, comic books,
letters, cakes, nesquik chocolate milk. I don't think they are very
excited about me leaving them but I know that The Lord needs me in
Ottawa now so that's where I will be on Tuesday. The progression never
ends... and it was never meant to end. We will keep moving forward until
all eternity.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, that's my little email this week. Love you all. And take care.</div>
<div>
Have a happy thanksgiving (ps. my birthday + Hanuka) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-14887984464747207632013-11-18T15:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:20:59.892-07:00November 18, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So we had the opportunity to be trained by Elder Peiper of the first
quorum of the 70 this week at mission conference. Growing up I used to
think "quorum of the 70? ... that's weak. the 12 apostles is where its
at! ... what do the 70 even do? they're not even famous" ...<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Well shame on me.</div>
<div>
Now I understand the
responsibility and sacred calling these men of the church hold. I now
understand the doctrine behind who they are and what they do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Peiper gave a great training about the Book of Mormon, doctrine and the spirit.</div>
<div>
The
spirit he brought to the conference was apostolic and everything about
what we learned that day was inspired. I am so grateful to have received
his teachings that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have been working hard. Finding more more and more people who are willing to receive us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Transfer calls are this Saturday so I have been warning members that my possibilities are high, to leave the area.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I told a Sister this Sunday that I might leave
soon, she looked at me with the saddest look in her eyes and said to me:
"No, you can't leave. I just got to know you......<b style="font-style: italic;"> we need you.</b>"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
those 3 words pierced my heart.</div>
<div>
"we need you"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
this
sunday was the primary program and our primary sang in Spanish and
French and we had 11 non-members at church! it was great. The members
are doing their missionary work and really hastening the Lords work over
here in victoriaville. Its awesome to teach people who come from the
members efforts!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So this morning I got a call at 6:50am telling my
spanish investigator who doesnt speak french needed a ride to the
hospital for her daughter.</div>
<div>
long story short. We stayed with
them at the hospital from 8-12. 3 hours of waiting. The health care here
is free, and it sure seemed like it.</div>
<div>
So i basically translated the doctors words in french to spanish so
that they could figure out what was wrong with our investigators
daughter. It was stressful knowing that my translation could determine
what the doctors would do with her. pretty intense stuff.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
well, I know these are all random stories... but I hope you liked them!</div>
<br clear="all" />
<div>
love you all!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div>
</div>
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-76595263129612812922013-11-11T13:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:39:18.728-07:00November 11, 2013<div>
Hello family and friends. The SNOWWW IS HERE.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As the work moves forward, and the snow arrives, my testimony grows.</div>
<div>
This week I had the opportunity to speak in church.</div>
<div>
You know growing up I used to look at missionaries give talks and
used to think to myself: "Man that must suck... they can barely speak
Spanish...freak dude, I would hate to do that"</div>
<div>
Well, now I can say, "its not that bad".</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
With 6 months already into the mission my French is at the stage I
was hoping it would be. I know that there are unseen powers that are
helping me speak French, <i>and</i> Spanish. Before my mission, sure, I
could speak Spanish. But I had never before been a full time Spanish
speaking missionary. Sometimes it feels like I'm learning 2 languages
instead of 1. (Not to mention the varieties of accents here.)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Yes. Its hard. But I have never prayed so hard in my life. I think
my companion Elder Noel and I pray about 30 times a day. Every time we
leave the car, and every time we leave the apartment, every time before
an appointment, every time we eat, every time we plan... I'm not
exaggerating when I say 30 times.</div>
I still can't believe the Lord has entrusted me with a new missionary.
He is almost done with his first 12 weeks and it has been such a
blessing to learn from him and see him grow. The responsibility and
pressure of training young, has accelerated my growth as a missionary of
The Lord.<br />
<br />
<div>
I had my interview with the mission president this week and one thing he
asked me was: "So Elder Castrejon, what is the next step for you as a
missionary?" .... I didn't know how to answer but it really made me
reflect on where I am as a servant of The Lord. I love receiving witness
from the holy ghost that I am in the right place doing the right thing
and becoming the right person.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Anyways,transfers are coming up soon and I don't know if
I can leave Victoriaville without tears in my eyes. I hope I stay 5
transfers here but we NEVER know.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The members are excited for
my birthday the 28th, and told me if I leave the 26th on transfers, then
they will still do something for me. haha. They're too sweet.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Tomorrow we have a super rare super special MISSION CONFERENCE with
President Pieper from the 70. Pretty excited about that. So I'm getting
a haircut from a member today. Her haircuts are wayyy better than the
ones I usually give myself.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
hmm... this week I helped chop down a tree! That was cool, and
scary because we really didn't know what we were doing, but we did it
anyway! Fun fun fun!</div>
<div>
Until next time! stay warm! ..... oh wait..... you're all in California....</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
ps. 40 degrees is NOT COLD. Hahahaha.</div>
E<i>lder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-6906673922518790862013-11-04T15:00:00.000-08:002014-07-30T00:20:48.317-07:00November 4, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's November everybody! That's my month! And it has started off with miracles! miracles! miracles!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last
week my companion and had splits with the district leader and his
companion. So I went to Drummondville to split with Elder Losee again
and I worked over there on Halloween. It was very interesting. We
contacted a media referral from the visitors center and we called them
up. The zone leaders advised us to tell them we were friends of "K***L".
So we called her up and she answered. (Elder Losee is a transfer
younger than me but still got scared of the french and handed me the
phone). I then started to talk to her and I told her: "Hey, we were sent
here by "K***L" and we wanted to know if we could visit you, we are
right outside of were you live actually" and she then started to curse
and told me to tell "K***L" stuff... blah blah blah sfsdkhfkdshjfh ....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>SHE WAS NOT HAPPY.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
In
a nutshell... the person that sent us to her house happened to be this
'sexual predator' who keeps harassing her handicap (blind) daughter over
the internet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
... <b>I KNOW. SCARRRRY.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I
ended up figuring out who she was, what her experience has been with
missionaries, what she liked, her family, so on and so forth. And she
happened to be this old lady who was told by her doctor she doesn't have
very much time to live.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I felt prompted to ask if she spoke English.</div>
<div>
<b>she did.</b></div>
<div>
I than spoke to her in English and told her after being denied several times before to visit her: <i>"My'am,
we are the missionaries of Jesus Christ, and we would like to meet you
and shake your hand and tell you how grateful we are for people like you
in this world"</i></div>
<div>
<b>She really appreciated that and let us visit her.</b></div>
<div>
We
spoke with her and her daughter for 20 minutes and talked about the
plan of salvation. She will now be receiving missionary lessons.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
I can't imagine what would've happened if I would have quit
at the sudden awkwardness that came from those first instances on the
phone. Wow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Anyways, the past 3 days have been <span style="font-size: medium;">unbelievable.</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
We keep ending up in the right
places at the right time. I would go into detail but it would probably
take more time than I am permitted.</div>
<div>
In a nutshell... the Holy Spirit is real and it can guide you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My companion and I felt prompted to bear our
testimonies in sacrament meeting. I've never felt prompted to do so
before on my mission. It was so strong and profound I could not resist
(although we are counselled not to go up...) .. We went up.</div>
<div>
As I stood up, the chapel got really quiet. it felt as though even
the crying babies had been silenced. I opened my mouth and I felt like a
French Puppeteer was taking control of me. Somehow I was speaking so
fluently. That afterwards the members came up to me and told me how they
admired the testimony I bared. I felt a reassurance that whatever I had
said was true and that the families in Victoriaville needed to hear
that. It was a nice feeling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
hmm... we also had a very powerful lesson with a
former investigator who came back to church. It so happens, we committed
her to baptism and she knows the church is true. If the Lord allows. We
will have another 2 victoriaville baptisms. It was an intense lesson
filled with tears and spirit. and SPANISH. She only speaks Spanish.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I had Colombian Tamales and they are my new favorite ever.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh and just before my comp and I got to the computers, we thought we would go "thrift store shopping"!! YAYYY!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went up to the thrift store where the door was
locked but the sign said: "ring to open"... we rang and a lady came to
the see through glass door and waved her head in disapproval. She wasn't
going to let us shop at her thrift store. So I pulled out my wallet and
waved money at her. She then opened the door and asked: "what do you
want?" ... I said: "this is a store isn't it?" she answered: "Theres
nothing for you here" (I could clearly see things that men would buy
there) ... I answered: "We just want to look and maybe buy something"
She said: "Your jehova witness" I said: "No, not at all" She answered:
"sure, bye" and closed her business doors on us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The world is rapidly changing friends and family. It
is getting further and further from the Lord. Stay strong, keep your
faith. God lives, Jesus lives.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until next week,</div>
<div>
</div>
<br /><i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-44500083011344304292013-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:002014-07-30T00:25:14.257-07:00October 28, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear family and friends. It is I. Elder Castrejon. I just want to tell
you all, that I love every single one of you. I can not describe the
joy... the pure joy that comes from missionary work. This week I had
many opportunities to serve others. All the way from mowing lawns,
moving a member to their new house, and doing inventory at a IGA
(grocery store) at 5 O'clock in the morning for a youth fund raiser... I
have never counted so many bottles of baby food in my life!!!<br />
<div>
As I go out and experience these things, I come to realize how I am
being used as a tool in The Lords hands. I see the happiness service
brings to these members and it is rewarding on so many different levels.</div>
<div>
<b>Being on a mission has made me realize the divine power of heavenly
father. The love he has for every single one of his children. EVERY
SINGLE ONE OF HIS CHILDREN. HE NEVER FORGETS ONE. NOT ONE.</b></div>
<div>
He puts us missionaries in the places we need to be, at the right time,
with the right people. He puts the right words in our mouths exactly
when we need to say it. I can not deny the power of the spirit.</div>
<div>
This week I felt prompted to visit someone at a certain time. We
had a plan but we decided we would just move away from that plan and
follow the prompting. So we did. We visited our 14 year old
investigator. Her father won't come to her baptism because he is atheist
and thinks it isn't important... but her mom wants her to be baptized
(her mother is an ex-mormon). This was our next baptism, but everything
has just been really crazy lately. That very moment when we followed
that prompting, was the perfect time because she was only there with her
brother. We taught them both and now we are preparing her little
brother for baptism. We testified to them that 2 are better than 1. And
that them together can soften the heart of their father and they can
become members of Jesus Christ's church restored on the earth. It was a
very uplifting experience.</div>
<div>
This week we also had stake conference. It was beautiful. Our
stake has 7 wards and 6 branches. IT IS HUGE. And it covers so much
land.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We had a special stake conference with an area 70.
President Olson. We also had a choir consisting of the missionaries and
the members. The whole stake conference was focused on The Prophets
focus: "NOW IS THE TIME that members and missionaries work together". It
was a great conference. On Sunday we also had a choir of all children.
They sang a medley of I am a child of God in sign language, Spanish,
French, English. I don't know where else I could see children do that.
This is truly a marvelous place.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It was fun after the conference, there was a special new-convert
meeting with the area authority and I got to accompany Claire. My new
convert. It was a great feeling. She is praying about serving a mission.
My friend... <i>my convert....</i> thinking about serving a mission. Wow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh, it should be snowing soon! I bought a nice coat. Kinda scarrryyy...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, until next time! :)</div>
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-23278115571912107662013-10-21T18:30:00.000-07:002014-07-30T00:36:22.982-07:00October 21, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>ITS-GETTING-CHILLY. (just saying)</b><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
You know, I always have these cool "<i>opening the red sea spiritual experiences"</i> but the moment I get in front of the computer, I can't remember them!! Well, let me be random as usual.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yesterday, we contacted a Muslim. He let us in and
fired away. Spirit of contention from the very very start... but of
course Elder Castrejon <b>had</b> to learn more about his beliefs and share some of his, <i>so he did.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We were there for about 20 minutes, just having this Muslim <i>"teach us the truth"</i> and telling us Jesus was only a prophet, NOT the son of God-<i>"Mohammed
wrote the Koran, Thomas S. Monson is not a prophet, blah blah blah, try
to ask me a question I don't have the answer to"</i></div>
<div>
I'd say it was pretty intense. I definitely learned a bunch from
that one conversation, very interesting fella. When we left, we were
sure he felt content and happy about how he "won" his little battle. It
was fun. (all in French of course)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hmmm...</div>
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<br /></div>
Oh, this week, we
decided to take a plate of rice crispies to a potentials house. We had
never met the parents before and we wanted to meet the parents of the
family there. So we gave them treats and told them we would return to
share a message about how families can be together forever and they
accepted! OH THE POWER OF TREATS :)<br clear="all" />
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<br /></div>
<div>
So we have this less active brother, right? And
apparently he used to have this really strong testimony and we've been
working with his family on helping him return to the gospel of Jesus
Christ. But we have never been able to find out the root of his
departure from the church... or in another words, "why he left".</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<i>but this week something very interesting happened.</i></div>
<div>
We contacted into a man who claimed to be his boyfriend.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WOAH.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div>
Yeah, <i>you can say that again... </i>and we are
not even sure his family knows this or if it was a joke or something but
now we are soooo lost. Haha... it was rather interesting. Anyways, we
offered the man to hear a message about eternal happiness and he denied
us... (of course)... but hey, we tried.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
What else what else what else...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So
our branch president really loves ping pong...? For some reason, and he
bought 2 ping pong tables for the branch. So we play with the youth
& non-member youth from time to time, and I feel like I have the
skills of Forest Gump. Elder Noel and I are unbeatable. (Except for
Brother Labbe... brother labbe is thee equivalent to the Olympic China
Ping Pong Team)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Oh... this morning we finally had ICE on our windshields.... YESSSSS.</div>
<div>
Snow should come in the next couple days. YUP, and we ARE NOT READY-AT-ALL.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As for our investigators...</div>
<div>
We are teaching a Spanish family of 3 tonight and we hope to commit them to a baptismal date. Pretty exciting!!!</div>
<div>
There is nothing like the joy we missionaries get from seeing someone grow to know the gospel is restored on the earth today!</div>
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<br /></div>
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NOTHING BETTER!</div>
<div>
Until next time,</div>
<br />
<i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-84884668756990982052013-10-14T15:00:00.000-07:002014-07-30T00:32:55.857-07:00October 14, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sooooooooo... looks like I'm spending 6 months in Victoriaville!! I'm
staying with my greenie for another transfer. Its all good because I
love it here and I could literally serve for longer in this area.<br />
<div>
After a very spiritually uplifting week, Elder Noel and I put our
shoulder to the wheel and started applying what we learned at zone
training, and during general conference. We have been working twice as
hard as before and we are starting to contact door to door a lot more.
I'm not too fond of doing door to door because its not very effective
but with the extra time we do have, we go out and search for those who
are prepared to hear the gospel.</div>
<div>
I went to the Island of Montreal the last P-day with our senior
couple "The Petersons" ... I bought a side bag at Aldo's and got some
sweet grey & blue pants at H&M. Since thee missionary wardrobe
changed, I thought I would get some stuff before the winter. (and we
cant wear backpacks anymore)...</div>
<div>
The Island of Montreal is the equivalent to New York City. Huge
Buildings, Crazy people running around, jam packed, payed parking, whole
bunch of stores, 5347854 languages, and whatever else you can think of.
The Island of Montreal has it. I can't wait to serve there and take the
buses and underground metros.</div>
And actually that day in Montreal, my companion & I just
walked out of an H&M and a African man came up to us and said:
"Elders!! Elders!! blah blah blah blah blah..." (he was speaking so fast
we couldn't understand his french or English....almost everyone in
Montreal is bilingual) but we ended up giving him our number and
apparently he was an investigator of some other missionaries in the
area. Its just cool to think that people "know the Elders" ... love
that. <b>HEY! ITS THE ELDERS!</b><br clear="all" />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would lie to you if I told you my testimony was not
strengthened every single day that I am out here. Every single day I
see the hand of the Lord working in his divine work. I see miracles. I
truly see miracles out here, and it is amazing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am so happy to be in the service of a loving
heavenly father and I am so happy I help people understand that he has a
plan for them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, looks like I'll be
spending my birthday in Victoriaville! Halloween as well! OH AND TODAY
IS Canada Thanksgiving! (its not great though...)</div>
<br /><i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217710444471094631.post-51851756466938079912013-10-07T09:30:00.000-07:002014-07-30T00:29:45.778-07:00October 7, 2013<div>
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<div>
Dear friends and family.</div>
This week has been a week of spiritual uplifting experiences.</div>
I
have never heard such a powerful conference. As a missionary I have the
blessing of receiving revelation for all my investigators and it is a
special and wonderful thing.<br />
</div>
I share my personal testimony, that I know Jesus Christ is at the
head of this church and that it is lead by latter day prophets.</div>
I
testify that the trials we go through in our lives are meant to go
through. As we overcome our trails we must never look back and always
check the sky for rainy days. Always stay prepared as we go our seperate
ways each and every day into a world where the people are getting
farther and moving faster away from The Lord. Stay strong friends, for
you are children of a loving heavenly father. A loving perfect heavenly
father who has a plan for all of us, and to accomplish that plan he
works through us, imperfect beings. We are not perfect, but someone was.
He was the champion, The Son of God, Jesus The Christ. The time is now
friends, for members and missionaries like myself to work together to
hasten the work in the time of The Lord. That time is now.<br />
</div>
I love you all, and I pray for you all.</div>
Take care<br /></div>
Sincerely,<br /><i>Elder Castrejon</i>anelieze castrejonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02172660662862243573noreply@blogger.com0