Birthday Week!

Family, (Note from Mary:  This is from March 1st, 2 days after Elder Cavenee's birthday)

How are you all doing? I hope that things are going better there back at home. It is wonderful to hear how much Jackson is progressing. I feel like everything is going to be okay.

Everything is going great here. This past week was super awesome. On Wednesday we had a special conference with President Morales. We all had to bring someone from our areas to practice with. It was a lot of fun. we practiced all 5 lessons from preach my gospel to members, less actives, and investigators that were brought by the missionaries. We brought a less active sister, and at first she didn't want to come. We convinced her to come, and afterwards, she thanked us a ton. She is going through some trials right now, and during that meeting/practices she found a lot of answers that she was looking for. She said that she really wished her family would have come too. It was a great experience to practice our lessons, but at the same time, feel the Spirit a ton.

After the practices we had a sports activity. We played volleyball with President Morales. It was super fun. We set up three teams and palyed King of the Court. It was so fun to play against President because he gets really competitive. He started making fun of all of us, and when we would score on him, he threatened to transfer us. At the end we played a tournament. It ended up with our team against his, and they beat us. So...we talked him into another game, and we won. He couldn't end like that, so we played another game, and his team won again. It was a lot of fun.

Last week, we had a less active family that came to church and they brought their neighbor with them, Ofelia. On Tuesday we went and taught her with this family, and she accpeted baptism for that Saturday. We worked really hard with her this week, and on Saturday, she was baptized. That was the greatest Birthday Present that I could have, and did receive. It felt really good to baptize again.

Saturday was my Birthday. I'm now 20 years old!!!! That is to crazy to think about. It was a great day. Elder Stoddard, Velazquez and Gonzalez woke me up super early and sang me las Mañanitas (Happy Birthday in Spanish). They bought me a little cake and had me blow out a match:) After the baptism we went to Hermana Niki's house. She bought Pizza, and made me a Nutella cake. It was super good!!! There is a crazy cake tradition here. First they sing to you, then you blow out your candles, and then you have to take a bite of the cake. But when you take a bite, they always shove your face in it. I was prepared though, and Elder Velazquez had to put all his weight on me to smash my face, and he succeeded. Then I learned how to dance Salsa and Bachata (latino dances). Elder Gonzalez, and Adrian (Niki's brother) taught me how. It was super fun. Hermana Niki gave me cologne, and Areli (Niki's sister) made me a scarf. It was a lot of fun.

On Sunday, Ofelia was confirmed. It was really special. We also had another investigator at church. It is the dad of an active family, that just had never accepted the gospel. He came to church on Sunday, and he has a baptismal date for the 12 of March.

At lunch on Sunday, for my birthday, the sisters made Carlote. It is a really good dessert. It is a layer of crackers, then a layer of some creamy yo-gurht type stuff, and then a layer of peaches. It is super good. Then later, we went to another sister's house for more birthday cake:) And yes, I got my face smashed again. I ate a ton of cake, but it was all super good.

Transfers came on Sunday night, and I got a call. I spent all night packing. This morning I got up super early to head into Coatza for transfers. I got transfered to Comoacalco, zone Cardenas. My new companion is Elder de los Cobos from México. He has six months in the mission, and we are the Zone leaders here. It is going to be am awesome area!!! This zone is twice as big as my last zone. I'm so excited.

Anyways, I am doing super good, and just loving life. I Love you all so much and am thankful for all of you. Thanks for all the Birthday wishes:)

Love,

Elder Cavenee

Pictures:

Practicing piano for Leadership Council on Wedesday

Birthday Cake with exploding Candle

Tree Selfie/Speaking in Church

Hey Family, (Note from Mary:  This is from Monday, Feb. 22nd)

I hope that everything is going super awesome for all of you. I am so happy to hear that Jackson opened his eyes! That is amazing. Really it is a miracle that he is recovering so fast. How is he doing now? Has he talked yet?

This week flew by really fast. It's hard to even remember what we did. On Monday after we finished writing we ran to the house to receive a new washing machine that came all the way from México City. Elder Stoddard and I had to lift it up to the third floor of the building using a giant rope. It was super heavy, and we almost dropped it. We finally got it up. It is a really nice washing machine. Now we can wash in the house!!!!

It was a pretty normal week. Not very much happened. We just are working really hard to try and get some people baptized. We are teaching a bunch of people, but none of them are progressing. It's a little diff
icult, but that's okay because the reward is even better at the end.

On Wednesday, I went to Nan-Chital to do divisions. It was really fun. Elder Stoddard went to Las Chuapas to be with Elder Engamenn and Elder Hernandez. I was with Elder Lezama and Elder Augilar. It was super fun. I stayed with them on Wednesday and Thursday. Came back on Thursday night.I like doing divisions and getting to work with other Elders in other areas. I learn a lot every time we do them. Our zone is getting so much better. We are nolonger the worste zone in the mission. We are in like number 9 out of 11. That's not to bad for being the smallest zone in the mission. It is a lot of fun being a zone leader, but stressful as well. I now have the hang of it though...so it is a lot eaiser.

Tuesday night we had a family home evening with a part member family. It was a lot of fun. We ate hamburgers...I made brownies, and we ate them with ice cream. It was great....and the best part is that one of the girls commited to be baptized on my birthday!!! That is the best present that I could get. If every area in the zone can baptize this Saturday.

On Friday, my companion and I decided to check out a part of our area where we have never been. A little pueblo outisde of Agua Dulce. We walked for like 2 hours on a dirt road, and got lost. I guess it was a lot farther than we thought. But we found this really cool tree, so we took some pictures:) We then found our way back. My companions legs were killing him on Saturday:)

On Sunday I gave a talk in church about the Holy Ghost. I shared this experience that we are going through as a family (not with all the details). I shared how the comfort of the Holy Ghost is real, and helps people through hard trials. He brings comfort and helps us to pass through those moments and come out stronger. I shared my testimony of this. Afterwards I had a sister come up to me that hasn't been to church in 2 years. She shared with me that during my talk, she felt the Spirit. She felt something that she had been missing the past two years. I talked to her for like ten minutes about the Holy Ghost and how we can feel it more in our lives through our obedience to God's commandments. Going to church and participating in the sacrament is a Spiritual recharge for every week. It is something that we need in order to function and face the trials of our lives. If we faithfully do everything that we know is right, and repent everyday for our faults, we can feel the Spirit more in our lives. He becomes a real friend, with us in every moment that we need Him. He has become a close friend of mine.

Sunday we had a record of 56 people that came to church. Two less active families that we have been working with came!!!! And....they brought their neighbor. We have a lesson with them tomorrow. Our ward is starting to grow, and members are starting to bring friends and neighbors to church. It is awesome.

Anyways...I love you all and hope that you have an amazing week. Jackson...keep up the good work. I'll be talking to you in a couple weeks:).

Love,

Elder Cavenee

Pictures:

The road that we followed to the little Pueblo

Selfie in a Tree

Love

Hey Guys,

I know that we are all struggling right now....but I know that everything is going to be okay. I want each and one of you to know how much I love you. You guys are the most important people of my life. Close your eyes and pretend that I am giving each and every one of you a big hug. I LOVE you guys.

I know God gives us trials only to help us become stronger. And through those trials, we do become stronger. I know our family has continually been strengthened by all of the things that we have passed through together. After all this is over, we will be even stronger.

Saturday for me was by far, the hardest day of my entire life. As I'm sure it was for you guys as well (or Friday). I think I went into shock...the rest of the day I felt like I was going to wake up from a really bad dream, and that everything was going to be fine and normal. But it didn't, and I've had to face the reality. To make things worse, our baptism fell through. I didn't understand why.

On Tuesday, we went with a member to visit a inactive family. We had a really nice lesson with them teaching them about the Sabbath day, and the blessings that come from participating in the Sacrament every week. It was a very good lesson, and this family of 16 committed to come to church on Sunday. As we were leaving, they all got excited because one of their brothers had just turned nine, and he wasn't baptized yet. They asked us if we could baptize him on Saturday....so we planned everything out and visited them every day to teach him, and make sure that everything was okay. When I talked to you all on Saturday, I was banking on that baptism to lighten me up and give me a boost. I felt like is was a tender mercy set up beforehand by the Lord to help me out that day. On Saturday, when we went to pick up this family, the aunt (she is the one that takes care of the boy) told us no. The entire week she was super excited about his baptism, but that day she would not let him. She wouldn't tell us why....she just said No. I was very confused....and a little angry. I felt like at this point God was just up there making fun of me, while watching me suffer. We went home, and I got on my knees and prayed for almost 2 hours. During that time, I was just filled with peace and love. I was really comforted. After that, my companion and I headed out to work.

On Sunday morning, I woke up and started to remember everything again. I felt alone, and sad, and didn't feel like doing anything. We left the house at 7:00 to go and look for investigators and bring them to church. Once again, trials. Not a single investigator was home or awake, or came to church with us. Once again I was filled with thoughts and feelings of ''Why am I here?'' ''No one want to listen to us.'' But....while I was sitting in Sacrament, I was praying very hard. Thinking about our Savior Jesus Christ. He has felt it all....He knows what is going on in each one of our lives, and He is here. With each and every one of us. I feel Him and His Love. I know He is here to give us the strength that we need. I Love Him.

Now I am doing well. My companion and I have a lot of plans to keep me busy and focused. I feel like I have recieved an extra amount of strength. I will be okay. I am praying for each and every one of you.

Teaching a Lesson

Jackson.....I Love you. You are the best little brother anyone could ever have. Your light and radiance is something special that you have, to help other people. So many people have been touched by you. So many people love you and need you. I need you. You are my example. Whenever I get sad here, I always think of you... and your light. I am praying for you so hard right now. You are going to make it through and when you come back, we will all be there for you. I Love you. I love how you sing. I love how hard it was to wake you up in the morning. I love how you were always there to cheer me up. I love how you are always positive. I love how different you are. I love how you love and care for everyone. I love how you don't judge and you see the best in everyone. I love how pure you are. I love your smile. I love your desire for adventure. I LOVE YOU JACKSON. You are my hero. So many people love you and you have touched the life of so many. Your mission is not done yet...so come back, please. Whatever fight you have left in you...keep pushing. Our Heavenly Father loves you and so does Jesus Christ. Know that and feel it.

For all of you out there that may at times feel alone....remember that you aren't. God and our Savior Jesus Christ are always here with us, to help us. He loves you. He knows you, and he is there to help you. I Love you:) God gives us trials, but if we have faith in Him, and we push through...the blessings that come are unimaginable.

On Tuesday we had interviews with President Morales. It was nice to talk with him for a little bit. At the end he told me something very nice and it made me feel really good. As I was walking out he stop
ped me and said ''Elder Cavenee...I Love you. I know I am not your father, but to me you feel like my son. You look like me (except for the handsome part) and I love you alot. You are going to do a lot of great things. Keep working hard.'' It was really nice to hear him say that. Then again after talking to you guys on Saturday, I talked to him and he told me ''Hang in there my son. Everything will be alright.'' I am recieving a lot of help right now.

We can make it through this. Keep praying and don't give up hope.

Working with members is awesome because they drive you everywhere!

I Love you all so much.

Elder Cavenee

Pictures:

Teaching a lesson

Working with members is awesome because they drive you everywhere

13 Months!!!

Hey Family,

So.....yesterday I hit 13 months!!! Man, time is just flying by. It is crazy to think that a year ago, I was getting ready to head out of the MTC to come here. A lot has happened since then:)

It is great to hear that you are all keeping so busy. It's a good way to stay out of trouble. Just fill all of your time doing good things. Mom....teaching the gospel is the besst thing in the world. Weather it is to youth, or to people that you don't even know. It brings peace to the soul and really strengthens your testimony.

I love music. Every morning I wake up to beautiful music that just helps me prepare for the day. And every night when we get home, we put it on again. It really helps me relax after a hard, and stressful day. I like to listen to it as I am going to bed. It helps me have a clear mind and to sleep well.

This week was awesome, but very stressful at the same time. I felt like a homeless missionary this week. I got to travel a lot. On Tuesday afternoon, my companion and I traveled to Coatza. We worked the afternoon with the Zone Leaders of Puerto, and then stayed the night with them. On Wednesday we got up at 3:30 to take a 4:30 bus to Villahermosa for Mission Leadership Council. We got to go to the Temple!!!! I LOVE the Temple. I was able to get some answers that I was looking for. Personal, and for our zone. We didn't get to spend a whole lot of time in the temple, but in that short time I recei
ved a lot of revelation. We then headed back to the mission offices, and had our council.

We talked a lot about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As missionaries we have improved a lot in teaching repentance and the Atonement to our investigators, but what we talked about is if we are really applying it in our lives. President said ''Right now, we are acting like missionaries just waiting out the rest of our time. What we lack as a mission is repentance''. We talking about how real repentance requires feeling. Are we really feeling for the things that we are lacking every day? Not only focusing on the things that we are doing wrong, but the things that we are only doing half effort. That put me to thinking. A lot of times when I don't meet my daily goals, I think..''Oh well....I'll get it tomorrow''. Instead of really feeling bad that I didn't complete with what the Lord asked of me for the day. I have been applying that, and the atonement has taken a new meaning in my life. It is amazing what you can feel, repenting from something simple like not doing all of my contacts. It really creates a desire to do even better and not fail in the very small things.

During the meeting, Sister Morales asked me to give a special musical number at towards the end. I played my arrangement of ''Sweet hour of Prayer'' on the piano. It was really cool.

I got to see Elder Lopez during the meeting (he is a zone leader now). He is the one I had problems with in Frontera. He came up to me afterwards, and asked forgiveness for the problems that we had together. I also asked for forgiveness from him, and we gave each other a big hug. Really, I've missed him, and I feel like he is going to be a lifelong friend. He is really a great guy.

After council, I stayed in Villa with Elder Thaller (from my generation). We worked with the Assistants. I went out to work with Elder Johnson. He is a really cool guy. He is from Idaho, and only has two transfers more than me. We had a really great time.

"Mexican Parking"

We were out looking for a family that he had an appointment with. That fell through, and so we were just walking around looking for people to teach. We reached a street corner and paused for a minute, when I felt to ask him about some people that we talked with the last time I was with him. It turns out that we were right around the corner from them. We went, and visiting there was another family of four that accepted baptism. It was really cool. Another witness that the Spirit is always watching out for us, and if we listen, will guide us to where we need to be, when we need to be there.

I stayed the night with Elder Thaller in Villa. In the morning, we went to immigration to renew our visas. We have been living illegally for the past month because our visas expired at the beginning of January. We went downtown in a Combie and had to sign a couple papers, and they took our fingerprints. We finished at about noon, and raced to the bus station to try to get back to our areas by nighttime. We were on that bus for six hours! On the bus, Elder Engamann (Elder in my Zone) called me and told me that his investigator that was supposed to get baptized on Saturday didn't want to anymore. So...we got to Coatza, and I jumped on another bus to Las Chuapas. Was on that bus for another hour and a half. It was a long bus day. Almost eight hours traveling on a bus.

On the Bus

When I got to Las Chuapas I went with Elder Engamann to visit his investigator. We had a really cool lesson using the book of Mormon. He felt the Spirit, and then we prayed with him. He asked if he needed to get baptized and he got an answer YES. I did his interview and he got baptized on Saturday. It was awesome. I spent the rest of the night with Elder Engamann, and stayed at his house.

On Friday morning we traveled back to Agua Dulce early to be on time to zone class. I taught zone class and it was really fun. We did several activities to help us in our teaching situations, and we practiced using the Book of Mormon to help our investigators have a converting experience.

Saturday, we found a family with eight kids within the ages of 8 and 14. It is a huge family. Tons of cousins that live together. We had an awesome lesson with them. We will see how they progress.

We are really struggling in our area right now. It is a little frustrating because the other area in Agua Dulce is baptizing every week right now. We are struggling just to find people that will listen to us, and they have people showing up at church asking to be baptized. It is very hard because my companion and I are doing everything we can, and are being obedient, and we aren't having success. While the other Elders aren't being very obedient, and are baptizing like crazy. Last night, I was watching the teaching videos and one came on about patience that I really needed. It talked about how it is very easy to see the fun that others are having, and to give up on the good that you are doing in order to participate with them. But, it is very important to hold strong, because the true happiness comes after the trials. After we have proved that we really want it.

Right now the temptation to slack off has been big, because those that are slacking are baptizing. But after the test, if we hold true, comes the real blessings. My companion and I are really praying for those blessings right now. So....all of you out there that are going through a hard time right now, HOLD ON. Stay true, and have faith in Jesus Christ. Things will get better, and if you hold true, there are a ton of blessings waiting for you. Ether 12:27

Anyways, this week has been super awesome. Lots of revelation and help from my Heavenly Father.

I Love you all and wish you all another awesome week.

Love,

Elder Cavenee

P.S. I would love to get letters from anyone and everyone for my birthday:) Just to hear how you all are:)

Immigration trip in Combie

Mexican Parking:)

It's February!!!!!

Hello Family and Friends,

It's February!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy best month of the year to all of you:) (Note from Mary: his bday is Feb. 27th...so it is the best month!) I can't believe that it is already February. Time is passing really fast:)

How is everyone doing? It's always so great to here how your all doing. Mom and Dad, that is so cool that you got put in charge of Trek.(Note from Mary:  not in charge..but co-chairs.)  I remember doing trek with all of our family. It was super fun. Sounds like you are all keeping busy:)

I want to go to BYU!! It looks like Jessica is having a blast up there:)

I am doing really well....just tired. We are working very hard. This week we have spent several days in other areas of the zone, helping them out. So....when we were in our area, we worked super hard. Every night we take turns calling our Elders so that the other can go to bed early. It is the best though. We are struggling as a zone right now. We only have one companionship that is baptizing right now. It is a little stressful because all the blame lands on my companion and I. So, we are working really close with all of the Elders to watch obedience and to see how they are all working. We are planning to do divisions more, and help everyone out. Hopefully we see some improvment in the next couple weeks. 

Elder Stoddard and I are working really hard right now to get some baptisms, but it has been very difficult. We have a lot of investigators, but they don't want to get baptized. We are working on leaving behind investigators and looking for new ones, but that has been challenging as well. The other day we were out trying to contact people, and no-one wanted to listen to us. It was hot, so we contacted a house thinking that we could just ask for a cup of water, and then contact them. When I asked if they could give us some water, they told us to go down the street to buy some. It was really sad.

Things are getting better though. We have found several other investigators that maybe we can get progressing in the next week. And we are praying to find new people that are prepared to listen to us. I think that it is just a trial of faith and patience.

There is a young man in our ward that is leaving on his mission tomorrow. He is super excited. He is going to Mexico South mission. On Sunday he gave his farewell talk about tithing. The Spirit was so strong. Everyone in the ward was crying as he was sharing his testimony of the blessings of paying tithing. He shared how because his mom always payed tithing faithfully (his dad is inactive) they were able to get everthing that he needed for the mission even though they didn't have the money for it. It was such a great sacrament meeting. The Bishop's counselor spoke about temple covenants and the blessings in our lives. He also was crying as has shared his testimony. It was just a great day.

Anyways...everything is going pretty well here. The members are awesome. We are eating so much food everyday. I think I am starting to gain weight. We seriously eat like six meals a day. We show up to teach investigators, and they have food for us....members invite us almost every night to eat dinner. It is awesome...and I eat two plates at every meal. Have you guys ever tried mole? I am going to learn how to make it, and make it for you all when I get home. It is super delicious. (Note from Mary:  Mole is a chocolate sauce that is savory instead of sweet that they put on chicken, etc..)

Today I got a hair cut....you'll have to wait until next week to see pictures of it. It looks pretty good.

On Wednesday we are going to the Temple before Leadership Council. I'm excited to get to go again:) I have some questions that need answers and I hope that I can get answers for them in the Temple.

I Love you all and hope that you all have an amazing week!!!!

Love,

Elder Cavenee

New Companion!!!

Dear Family and Friends,

It is always super good to hear about all of you guys and how you are doing:)  Sounds like you guys are always keeping busy. That Family Watch thing that you guys did sounds really cool. (Note from Mary:  we sang at a Family Watch forum where 100 United Nations Ambassadors and local government officials met regarding the family, children's rights, etc.)

Congrats Jenna!!! What chair did you make? I loved Regionals so much. It was a highlight of highschool. Sounds like you are really busy right now. That's awesome.  Just remember to enjoy it all while you are in the moment.

How are Grandma and Grandpa doing right now. Are they still holding strong, or has something happened. Do you think they'll make it through the next year? I really want to see them again.

As for Nauvoo...I would love to do it again.  I loved Nauvoo.  It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I think that if I did it again,  I would have a whole new outlook on it. It would be amazing.  I should probably think more about that towards the end of this year.

As for birthday package....I don't really know. I need to buy some new shirts. and a pair of new pants, but those will be better to buy here. Maybe a watch:) One that I can use on Sundays and for meetings (an inexpensive one though).  I don't really know.

Dad...that event sounds super fun. I hope you enjoy it.

So...this week was super awesome. On Monday...Elder Stoddard got here. He is an amazing companion, and we work very well together. He is obedient, and he doesn't have any emotional problems.  He has 16 months in the mission and it is his first time as Zone Leader.  I find that still I am teaching him a lot of things.

We work really hard together. We have put some really high goals for this transfer and we have the faith and are going to put in the action to accomplish them.  He really helps me. We are both Zone Leaders, so we share the responsibility. He does his part completely even though he is still learning. (I had to do the majority of all the Zone Leader work in the past). Anyways....I think he might be my best companion.

On Wednesday, we had a worldwide missionary broadcast called Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts. It was the first worldwide conference for missionaries that they have had in over a decade. It was really good with talks from Elder Anderson, Elder Bednar, and several others. They talked about how important it is to teach repentance to our investigators. As they understand the Atonement, and repentance, their progress accelerates very fast. It helps them to become truly converted. Everything that they talked to us about, goes exactly along with what we have been doing here in the mission. Everything that President has been teaching us and that we have been applying in these past two months. It was awesome. I learned a ton, and I am already seeing a difference in how we teach, and help our investigators progress.

From Mary:  This may have been from the Devotional Ward Activity mentioned last week

This week we found like 20 new investigators. It was awesome. Everywhere we went people accepted us, and we taught them with the Spirit. It was a really good week. Everyday, we were finding new investigators and setting baptismal dates with them. We found a family of 5, another family of 3, and a bunch of other investigators.

One of the investigators that we found this week is Karla. She is 20 years old, and her boyfriend is a member. We taught her lesson one and she accepted baptism. We talked to her boyfriend Lorenzo afterwards, and he shared with us that they were living together without being married, and that he knew it was wrong. So we planned another lesson with them to teach the law of chastity.

On Saturday we taught them the Law of Chastity. That was such a spiritual lesson. Karla opened up to us and shared her personal story. We talked about the commandment, and about temples and eternal families. Afterwards we discussed with them, their options as a couple in order to live the law of chastity. Obviously they need to stop living together. He wanted to stop living together, but she was not so sure. We both shared our testimony about how living the commandments brings us the blessings of God in our lives, and If she would live it, she would have certain blessings that she needed. They promised to talk about it and let us know what they decide. Leaving that lesson my companion and I knew what they were going to decide. We have a lesson with them tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes.

We also found this girl named Jennifer who told us that she has been to the church before. In our first lesson with her, she told us that she new the church was true, has felt the Spirit, and wants to be baptized. It was awesome. The only thing is that she needs permission from her parents. Her dad said yes, but her mom is against it...so all we have to do in convince the mom.

Today we went to a members ranch with a bunch of people and played volleyball, football, and frisbee. It was so much fun, but now I am super sunburnt. I hardly ever get sunburnt here, but it happened today.

The weather here is really weird. During the day it is hot, but at night it has gotten really cold. By cold I mean 60 degrees....but for here, that is so cold. Everyone here....including me....are using sweaters in the mornings and at night. We can see our breath!!!!! This morning we all four woke up at 5:30 because of the cold. It was freezing. I like it though because now we are not always dying of heat. Showers in the mornings have gotten really interesting though. It's like taking a ice cold bath, and then walking into a refrigerator.

Anyways, I am doing super well. I love the mission and everything that I am doing. I love you all and hope that you have an amazing week.

Love you tons,

Elder Cavenee

Transfers

Hello Family and Friends,

How are all of you guys doing? I am super jealous of all of you family right now up there in Lakeside....skiing... I would love to do that right now. But no worries, I love what I am doing right now. It has been a crazy week. Really crazy. That is so cool that Elder Holland came and visited you all!!!!

Last Monday was the birthday of Elder Velaquez. So....after we finished writing, we went and had cake with a member and her family. It was a really good day for him.

Wednesday we milked cows!!!! It reminded me so much of home. Really...I miss it. After he gave us milk, and I am the only one that drinks it. Its not as good as Mona/s....but its better than the milk flavored water that we normally use:) (Note from Mary:  Mona was the name of the cow we had for 4 years.)

This week we spent a lot of time with getting everything prepared for our ward activity that we had on Friday.  Making programs, making the desserts with the relief society,  inviting people, and practicing. It really has been super crazy. Really...al this week feels like one really long day. I cant remember what happened on what day. It is all jumbled together.

On Thursday, during our practice....our ward mission leader showed up with a new pair of shoes for me. That was really cool. He said that he saw me the week before with my broken shoes, and so he bought me a new pair. He is awesome. So now I have two new pairs of shoes.

On Friday morning, Elder Barrientos and I went to Los Chuapas to do a baptismal interview. We ended up getting home at 1:00, went and ate lunch, and then went to the church to set everything up. We had so much to do and so little time to do it. We set up the projector, the seats, and sound system and the contacting table. Then we ran to the house, and showered, and then ran back for a final practice. Everything was going good, until 15 minutes before we started. The sound system went out!  It was very stressful!!!  We finally got everything ready, and really...it all turned out really well.  Not very many people came, but the Spirit was super strong. We had investigators and members crying.  I almost cried at one point.  It was amazing.  Best ward activity I have ever been to.  President wasn't able to come because of an emergency that came up...but it still turned out really well.  A sister in our ward showed up in the last five minutes, but said that entering the room was like getting punched in the face with the Spirit.  That was really cool.

Saturday we had a special conference with President Morales. We talked more about the 12 week program, that I told you all about last week, and then we did some practices. It was really cool. We got to teach an investigator that some sisters brought, and we committed him to be baptized. The Spirit was super strong, with all of those missionaries practicing.  It was awesome.

After the conference, I went and stayed two days with Elder Lezama....an Elder in our Zone, because his companion finished his mission and went home.  I worked in his area until today because he didn't have a companion.  Today, I was in the bus station all day long because of transfers. I was in charge of directing all of the transfers of both the Zones in Coatza. I was there from 7:00 this morning until 5:00 this afternoon. My companion got transferred.  It is a little bitter-sweet. He taught me a lot, but at the same time there were some challenges. 

Now I am with Elder Stoddard.  He is from Idaho, and it is his first time being a zone leader. He has 16 months in the mission, and from what I can see....he is a hard worker. I am very excited for the transfer that we have ahead of us.

Sorry, that my letter is short this week...we just got back from Coatza and we have a lot of work to do. I will write more next week.

I Love you all so much!!! Have wonderful week:)

Love,

Elder Cavenee

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