12-15-2015

Hey all!!!!

So this last week, or two weeks. I didn't write last week. I am sorry.

But this last week was a pretty eventful, and uneventful week. 

So we started off the week normal with a normal day of work on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday we had our Zone conference. It was really nice. It was very much based on repentance, and what it means to be a convert. It was a very very good conference, and It was wonderful to all of the missionaries that I haven't seen in so much time!!!

Then on Thursday I went on divisions with the Zone leaders. That was an alright day. I generally don't really like divisions. They just stress me out, and make me feel like I am being judged the whole day by my leaders. And For those of you who know me really well, I am not generally the kind of person that likes to be lead. The only Five people that I want to lead my life are: God, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, My future wife, and my parents!!! But it was a good day. I learned a lot, and just kind of got back into the groove of things!!!!

So then on Friday and Saturday we were stuck in the house for the whole day. It was kind of a bummer, but it was a nice break. We had a battle with our nerf guns, and played a lot of Magic. It is a cool card game that is pretty big here in the mission. 

Then on Sunday we had the dedication of the Tijuana temple. It was very nice to be able to go to another dedication. It is now officially the 13 active temple in Mexico. Yeah. They don't quite touch the 17 in just Utah, but it is really cool!!! My favorite part of the temple dedications is always when everyone sings "The Spirit of God." The spirit is always so strong in the room, and it just fills my whole body with the spirit!!!

Then yesterday we had our mission Christmas party!!! It was DOPE!!!! So to start out we had a really nice devotional, and a funny talent show!! We then ate, and played games!!! I am not bragging... Okay yeah I am. Me and my comp out of the 4 events won three of them. I won the Hula Hoop and limbo, and my comp won the Joseph Smith stick pull. It was awesome!! We won some flashlights, and a 300 Peso soccer ball. It was pretty awesome!!!     

It was a nice break, and a nice time to see all the elders from the mission. We don't get to see each other very often, and it is always nice to talk with everyone!!!

So that is all I have for the last weeks. It was great, and we have some prospects to find some news this week!!! Hope you all have a wonderful week!!!

Love you all!

Elder Mason Millar

11-30-2015

Hey all!!!

So this last week was pretty good!!! 

Once again not a whole lot happened! 

So the major events for this week. Were that we got to go the visitors center, we had some awesome lessons with some less actives, I at a real style American Hamburger, and my pet spider named Barney Stinson died:(

So this week we got the chance to go to the visitors center with our english class. It was really fun. To be honest none of them really have interest in the church, but it was nice to go out there again. While we were there I had the chance, and moment of embarasment trying to translate for them what was happening. It was a lot more difficult that I thought. I really have forgotten how to speak English. It just doesn't really work anymore!!!  

So this week was thanks giving. But it doesn't really exist down here. They always ask why we have it, and what we do. It is honestly kind of a bummer. I always love how much people always focus on what they are thankful for right before we start into the Christmas season. Here the Day of the Dead happens, and then it is right into Christmas. It is kind of a quick jump, and it is just super super commercialized. It is really dumb! 

So this week my pet spider died:( His name was Barney, and he was an Orb Weaver spider. He was not venomous. I checked. But after they lay their eggs it said that they die. So he died. That was a sad night to get home and see him dead. I am thinking I will look for one that is a little more exciting though. Like a jumping spider of something. That should be fun!!!!

So That is all that really happened this week. We have been struggling to find news, but have several for this week lined up to find, so that should be good!!!

Love you all, and have a great week!!!

Love,

Elder Mason Millar

           

11-23-2015

Hello All,

So yeah, this week was just a little bit off. It was kind of crazy working last Monday, and then having our Pday on Tuesday. It kind of threw us off for the whole week!!! 

But it is whatever! 

So for this week there was not a whole lot that went on. It was kind of a difficult week because we ended up having to drop all of our investigators because they were not progressing like a talked about the last week! So this week we just kind of walked around a little lost. It was hard, but at the same time we got to work with quite a few less active members. 

I have noticed over the last little while, and have talked with my comp several times about the different strengths that missionaries have, and this last week noticed what mine is. For whatever reason I don't know the answer why, but I love working with the less active members, and have for my whole mission had a lot of success working with them. I just love working with them. Helping them re-learn, and re-feel the feeling that they had when they decided to be baptized!!! It is really cool to see them after they have not been to church in a while, and then to see the change in them when they realize what they have been missing in their lives!!! 

Today we also went to Teotihuacan. It was really awesome!!! Those are the pyramids that are there in Mexico City!!! It was a really cool thing, and I got to go with Elder Johnson, and some other elders. It was super fun!!!!

Love you all, And have a great week!!!

Elder Mason Millar

My pictures won't load. I will send them next week!!!!

11-17-2015

Hey all!!!

So this last week was pretty wonderful, but a the same time a little bit of a bummer!!!

So we will start with the bad, and then get to the good!!!

To start off we pretty much had to drop all of out investigators, because they stopped progressing!!! It is always such a bummer to do that, but that is part of the mission. We as missionaries aren't able to force anyone to do anything. We are only here to teach and invite. If they don't want to take the step of faith, we just have to let them be for a while, and try again later.

So now for the cool things!!! 

Starting last week. So you all have heard about my convert Cristian. Well, like 4 weeks ago he got the priesthood, and last Tuesday, he got his temple recommend. So that means that we will be going to do baptisms the end of this month!!!! I am so excited!!!

The next cool thing that happened this week was that we had stake conference. Well it was actually really boring, but I played the piano for the choir. So that was fun!!! It was really good, and we got a new stake president!!!

And the last thing that happened was that today we had the chance to go to the temple, and to the Museum of Anthropology!!! That was fun!!! The temple is such a wonderful place!!! I cant wait to go back in like 3 months!!! Take advantage if you have a temple close!!! Use it. make them close if for cleaning because you are going so much!!! There is so much to be learned in the temples!!!

So that is all. Sorry the letter is short, but my brain is fried!!! I have been up since 5:30, and it is almost 9!!! I am tired!!! 

Love you all!!!

Elder Mason Millar

The one with my comps tie on his face is because we got in a super big water fight with some members on Sunday night!!! It was Epic!!! 

11-09-2105

Howdy Y'all!!!

Yup, I am not from Texas!!!

So this week was a pretty normal week. I don't want to be that boring missionary, but I guess I am going to be!!!

Really the only thing that happened this week was that I went to Polanco to sign my visa for the second time because I hit a year in Mexico on Tuesday. Hoot Hoot. One year in Mexico!!! But we went all the way there, and then I go up to do my fingerprints, and what do you know. My papers don't exist!!! Haha. just kidding. They just weren't ready for me to come in yet so I have to go in this next week again!!!

We have also had the opportunity to start teaching in a clinic for drug addicts, and alcoholics. It is owned by a member, and we have so far taught 2 lessons. They are so awesome!!! So there are 80 people in the group, and we have taught about the atonement and plan of salvation. They are really liking it, and there are several of them that are actually reading The Book of Mormon!!! It is so so cool!!! Not that any of them can come to church or even be baptized at the moment, but they have already asked about how to get in contact with the missionaries after they leave!!

Today we went to Central, and walked through the cathedral. It was really cool, and kind of crazy. It is actually leaning several meters to one side because it is slowly sinking. The ground here is kind of like that it Salt Lake. We are in a valley that used to be a lake. The ground is not very sturdy. But it was really cool. I am sorry. I didn't take any pictures, but it was very cool!!! I will take pictures when I go back again!!!

That is about all that I have for this week. 

I will inform all of you that I will not be writing until next Tuesday, because we will be taking out P day then. We are going to be going to the temple, so we have to change out Pday because it is not open on Mondays. 

So that is about all!!! 

Love you all so so much!!!

Elder Mason Millar

11-04-2015

Hola a todos!!!

So this last week was awesome!!! 

Being in this mission we have gotten absolutely spoiled!!! 

This last week we had the opportunity once again to have a general authority come and visit us. Elder Nielson of the first quorum of the 70 came and talked to us for 3 days. Well, technically he only talked to us for one day, but he was in the mission for three days and talked to different zones. It was so cool!!! He talked to us on Wednesday, and we were with him for 8 hours. It was a long day, but it was awesome!!! 

So firstly he talked about the importance of members, and the way that we should really be looking for new instigators. He talked about us having a gold mine here in Mexico that is just waiting for us, and the way we are going to get to it is through the less active members. I am super excited. I absolutely love working with the less active members. I don't know why, but I just feel that I have a special connection with them. I am just able to connect, and help them to realize the blessing that they could be receiving, and that really they are missing it in their lives!  

We also had a really kind of boring weekend. So it was the weekend of the Day of the Dead. Super huge holiday here in Mexico, and we were stuck inside. But I will admit it was super cool to see all of the preparation, and the beautiful chocolate skulls, and offerings that were prepared for the day!! It is such a beautiful thing to see all the the rich culture that is here in Mexico. I will for sure have to come back after the mission to be able to experience all of the culture. I cant wait. I will have a green card, and will never have to worry about getting back!! I am so happy! 

So other that than, all is well. 

My comp is awesome!!! He is such a blessing, and is such an amazing missionary!!! He is learning really quick, and just wants to be here and work!!!

So that is all that I have to say for this week!!! 

Love you all so much!!! 

Elder Mason Millar

10-27-2015

Hey all, 

So what a wonderful week it was!! I got the opportunity to see several really cool things. 

The first change that we saw was with a less active member who has been on and off with his church attendance for his whole life. We have been visiting with him for about a month now, and just this last week on Saturday night we saw a huge change. We were teaching about in Deuteronomy chapter 7:11-13. I really like these verses because you can use them to talk about any commandment. He reads the scriptures, and prays, but didn't want or feel that he needed to come to church. 

So we were talking about that, and about how if we only follow some of the commandments, we will only see and receive some of the blessing that God has for us. I like to explain it as walking, or looking through a doorway. when we are one step out of the doorway we can only see part of the room, the part that can be seen through the door. But if we put forth our part, and take the first step, then we will be in the doorway, and then are able to see the whole room, (or all the blessings that are waiting for us on the other side), and then can continue to progress forward, and collect, and chase after all of them. It was really cool. He did come to church on Sunday too for the first time in several years!

So the other cool experience that I had actually took place last week, and then continued through to yesterday. So last week I had the chance to give Cristian the Priesthood. He is my convert back from August. He is 13, so he is a Deacon. So he asked me last week if I could do that for him. It was the first time that I had done it, but it was really cool.He got a blessing that he would be an example for his family, and that he should prepare to serve a mission. 

So that is what happened last week, and then yesterday. We got to church, and he was sitting up front waiting to pass the sacrament. And then, while he was passing. he passed it to me. It was a very special experience. Just to be able to see the change that he has made. That was really just a wonderful thing to see!!! 

So as many of you know, there was a hurricane that hit the coast of mexico last weekend. At the beginning of the warnings, we were told that we were going to be getting serious amounts of rain. But at last minute the hurricane turned and hit a mountain range, and died out really quickly. I am not going to lie, I was pretty bummed. I was really looking forward to just a tone of rain, but I guess it is better to be dry, and not have to worry. 

So that was pretty much my week. Pretty normal with a couple of cool experiences. 

Hope you all are well. love you!!! 

Elder Mason Millar

 Yes, those are crickets, and they are really really good!!!  

And that is my desk with my new rose plant on it!!!

10-19-2015

Hey all!!!

So this last week was an absolute joy!!! 

I got my new companion on Tuesday morning. His name is Elder Wolford, and he is from Pleasant Grove Utah. He is 18, and has been in the mission for 3 months because he had visa problems, and was in St. George. He is super excited to be in Mexico though!!!

So in the last week, I have truly had a humbling experience to truly see the difference that has occurred in my life! To see how far I have some in this year that I have been here in the mission. With not only my Spanish, but also with my patience, humility, willingness to learn from others, ability to love. I have truly just enjoyed the last week that I have had. I have learned that the Lord truly does know us, and that he hears and answers our prayers. He gave me a companion that is just perfect for me. 

So other than that we didn't do a whole lot this week. It was just getting him settled in, and getting him started. It was really fun though. We were up until like 11 every night just talking about everything. He is so awesome!!!

Other than that, we found out that we will be getting to go to the temple on the 10th of November. I am so excited!!!! 

I love you all, and can't wait to hear from you all next week!!!

Love, 

Elder Mason Millar

Sorry I don't have any pictures with my comp yet. I will send them next week!

10-12-2015

Hey all,

So tomorrow is the big day!!! I will be getting my kid!!! (otherwise known as the Elder I will be training)

It is hard, I am not going to lie. I am so excited to get my new comp, but at the same time, I don't want my old one to leave. We have had a wonderful three months together, and have enjoyed the last 9 months in the same district. We have grown a lot together, and learned too many wonderful things!!!

So this last week was a pretty uneventful week, I am not going to lie. We had interviews with Pres, I had a meeting for all the new trainers, and then we knew my comp was leaving so we spent quite a bit of time passing with members to say goodbye.

I had a very very strong testimony building experience on Saturday night. 

So my comp and I were asleep, and then at like 4 in the morning we hear a big bang! (No it was not a gun) It sounded like a cabinet or something in our neighbor's house fell. Then about 30 minutes later we heard some yelling, and some pounding on our neighbor's door. The pounding then moved to our door, and he started yelling "Neighbors help me!" I asked my comp what he thought we should do, and he said he was drunk. 

So then I asked if we should say a prayer, and we did. 

Immediately as we started the prayer and asked for protection the banging stopped, and he left the building. 

The Lord answers prayers, if we will ask him with faith. He loves us, and wants us to be safe. Don't ever be afraid to pray and ask for the help that you need!!! 

I love you all, and hope you have a wonderful week!!!

Love,

Elder Mason Millar 

10-05-2015

Hello all,

So this last week was a wonderful week!!!

So honestly this week was not much of a week for working. We worked a full three days!! Not only due to conference, but also because I had the opportunity to go and get my teeth cleaned!

So on Thursday we got the opportunity spend the second half of our day with the President. It is always so wonderful to be with that man!! He has such a wonderful spirit, and loves this work so much. At times I feel bad for him, because I know how hard of a job he has. Two weeks ago he had to send three elders home for doing some things as the First Presidency described as "a little out of the ordinary". 

I don't know how many of you know, but the mission that I am in before President Stutzneggar got here was on the point of being completely shut down for all of the apostasy and bad things that were happening, But President Stutz has come in and turned it around!! It has taken about 15 months, but he is such a wonderful man, and leans so much on the Lord to do his will!!! 

This weekend was also the General Conference. I hope you all got a chance to watch it. It was absolutely wonderful conference. 

One of my favorite talks was by Russel M. Nelson, when he talked about the importance of strong women. Yeah, I know I am like 4 years away from when I would like to be married, but this talk just made my want to make sure to be the greatest husband in the entire world. There honestly is nothing more important to me than finding an eternal companion who is strong in the gospel, dresses modestly, and lives a life centered in our Heavenly Father. I Know I will not be the perfect husband, but I know that if I can find, and somehow trick an incredible young lady to get married with me, even with all of my dorkiness, and quirks. That we will be able to live a wonderful life because we will both be based in the Lord. 

I know my future wife is out there somewhere, and I pray for her safety and protection from the Lord. I pray that I can be prepared to meet her, and that I can be the man I need to be when the time comes!!! 

I invite all of you, if you didn't get the chance to watch conference to do so. You can find it on LDS.org, or any of the sites of the church. You can and will receive answers to prays and questions if you do!!!

I love you all, and hope you all have a wonderful week!!!!

Love Elder Mason Millar

First Picture: We had a funeral for an Elder who leaves on Tuesday this morning!!!

Second Picture: Conference with the whites streaming in English and making waffles.

Third Picture: We made brownie waffles!!! 

09-28-2015

Wow, Never really imagined this week actually being here. So although I have a little less than a year left in the mission because of MTC timing, I will be completing my first year in the mission on Thursday!!!

Do you know what that means??? 

I finally get to open up the second half of the clothes that have been sitting in my suitcases for the last 12 months!!! Yeah, How exciting is that!!! 

Yeah, I know... not really, but as missionaries we have to look forward to the little things in life!!! Once again I will have shirts that are white, socks that don't have holes, and some new garments. Not a whole lot to be so excited about, but enough to make me excited!!! 

So sorry to all of you for not writing last week. 

But the last two weeks were not super eventful. Last week was the week of Mexico's independence, so we were locked inside of our apartments, because it was just a little too dangerous for us to be out on the streets. We ate a ton of Pozole, because in Mexico everyone always makes the same things. It is a soup made with gigantic corn, and then has chili's and all sorts of yummy stuff. It is very good!  

So that was pretty much what happened last week. It was pretty boring, I know. 

This last week was better, but was at the same time a very hard week. 

So, the lesson I learned this week is that we must work and be even stronger when we need the Spirit to be with us, because Satan is going to tempt us even more in those times. We must always search, and pray that we can have his companionship! He is our greatest, and most accessible help that we have in this life! 

As long as we are worthy, and search for his presence, the Lord will bless us with his company! 

I learned and received a much stronger testimony of this over this last week. 

I don't know how many of you were aware that two of our five dogs were put down this last week. (Yes, I know we have a lot of dogs!) It was something I knew that was going to happen while I was gone, but never had fully accepted it. So the last week was a week full of trying to keep my thoughts in the work, and feel the Spirit. The Lord wants us to do his will, and whenever we do, he greatly blesses us. 

I also found that when we are down the greatest thing to do is to focus on others. I knew that helping others through service was a way to help you be happier, but when you just focus on and worry about others, the joy that you receive is incredible! I found this as I was praying for the comfort of my family as they went through this hard time. I knew I wasn't there, but that the Holy Ghost could be, and knowing that was such a comforting feeling!!! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and can work a little bit harder on having the Spirit be your constant companion. I will be working for it right along side of all of you!!

Love you all,

Elder Mason Millar

Sorry this computer wont let me add pictures. I will send them next week!!!

09-11-2015

Buenas Días/Tardes/Noches (Depending on when you read this)

So this week was a really awesome week! 

So to start it out we had a wonderful zone meeting on Monday because it was the first Monday of the month. They talked about the importance of inviting to baptism, and putting baptismal dates. 

It was a very good meeting, and helped us a lot to have success in our area the last week!!! 

So on the other hand of not really working. We had the most incredible opportunity yesterday. 

So for the last 18 months here in Mexico City the temple had been closed. And finally yesterday was the Re dedication. It was so wonderful. My comp and I had the opportunity to assist all three dedications, and the Spirit was so strong in all three of them! The second one had my favorite talk by Elder Holland, but in the third session. The Spirit was so strong. It was just such a strengthening moment for my testimony. I never noticed how big of a difference the temple really made, but yesterday I just realized that it truly is such a blessing that we have! 

I as a missionary will only get the chance to go to the temple every other month. Yeah I know that is more than most, but I have made the goal to go to the temple once a week when I get home. I have truly learned the importance of the temple since I have had this...I guess you could call it Fast. It has been a hard thing, but I have also learned how important the temple is. I have felt that something has been missing for the last 11 months, and after being at the dedication yesterday I realized what it was! 

So, I know I have been giving you a lot of challenges, but that is the way in which we grow, Right? So here is the challenge. It is not a challenge for a week, nor for a month. It is a challenge to change a life long habit.

I invite all of you that can, to make a goal, and work at it. To go to the temple as often as you can. For some that might be a once a week thing, for others once a month. For others who are preparing for missions, I would encourage you to go as many times as you possibly can before you leave, because honestly it is something that I have greatly missed being able to do as a missionary. 

I promise you all, as a representative of Jesus Christ, that if you will "Sacrifice" your time, or money, or whatever you need to sacrifice, that the blessings that you will receive will bear testimony to you that the temple it The House of God, and that they are the most pure places on the face of the earth. The Lord will bless us when we sacrifice. And the more we sacrifice the more we will be blessed!!!

For those of you who can't go, or at the time are unable to. I invite you to get worthy of a temple recommend, or prepare for the day that you will be able to enter. It was honestly the greatest day of my life, and is a day that I will never forget! 

I love you all so so much, and hope you are all safe, and healthy!!

Con todo mi amor,

Elder Mason Millar 

         

09-07-2015

Hey everyone!

So, I am not going to lie! This week was one of the most normal weeks I have had. Maybe a little less than normal. 

In the mission we like to call them Faith testing weeks! (or weeks that no one wants you, and all the lessons you had scheduled fell through!)

So this week the new that happened, was that we got another elder in our ward. His name is Elder Pacheko, and he is from Bolivia, He is 26, and is an Environmental Engineer. That is pretty crazy. So now in our zone, we have an engineer, and our zone leader was a practicing midwife in Chile before the mission. There are really some cool elders in this mission. 

So because I dont have much to talk about I will talk about the Mission Challenge. We have been challenged as a mission by president to read The Book of Mormon in 12 weeks. It is awesome!! I have already read it twice since I have been out, and can testify that it is 100% true. We as missionaries teach that it is the Key Stone to the church. This is because the fact that this book is true means that Joseph Smith really translated it through the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Which means that he was really a prophet, and really saw God and Jesus Christ. It means that everything that happened in the church is true, and that is what my testimony is built on. 

I KNOW THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE, AND NO ONE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO CHANGE MY THOUGHT ON THAT. I  WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY TESTIMONY THAT THIS BOOK IS A BOOK, AND THE WORDS OF GOD!!!

With this, I invite all of you to take the challenge, and read The Book of Mormon, whether you are a member of the church or not. This book can and will change your life, if you will read and pray about it with SINCERE HEART, REAL INTENTION, AND FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Let this book change your life like it has changed mine!!!

Love you all, and have a wonderful week!

Con Mucho Amor, 

Elder Mason Millar 

This was my crew for cleaning, and cutting the grass at the church on Saturday. I can 100% say that my little sisters can do a better job than they can!!! 

Love you girls!

08-31-2015

So this week was a pretty freaking awesome week!!! 

It started out pretty slow, but got really really good really fast!!! 

So as you all heard, last week we had the opportunity to be visited by an Apostle. It was so amazing!!! He came, and had some other people talk, and then he ended, but just let us ask him questions. It was awesome!!! 

The question that had the coolest impact on me was when an Elder asked "How are we to be born of God?" Elder Christofferson then went into this super long and in depth explanation. But in the end was the part that really had the impact on me. He explained that to be born of God is to Be Baptized, Receive the Gift of The Holy Ghost, and then CONTINUALLY repent for our sins. But, he then went on to explain the Plan of Salvation. He explained that we must be bore physically first, that then we are to later be bore of God. So his question was, "what is more important, Physical or Spiritual Birth?" Well he said neither, they are equally important! With one there is not the other. We need them both. 

So the part that struck me was not so much about the whole baptism part, but more so the importance of women in the plan of God. Yes, I knew they were very very important, and that without them we would be nothing, but I don't really know. It just hit me really hard, and made me want to make sure that I am the most awesome kick butt husband and Father when I get there. Because without a wife, or women, the Priesthood that I hold would be 100% absolutely Useless!!! 

So that is what I learned from him. 

Other than that we had a really good week. We found a really awesome family that we have been looking for, for about 2 weeks. They were a reference we received, but have not been home. We found then late on Saturday night, and we able to get to know them. They are a family of 5, but had one of their Daughters pass away about 2 months ago at 10 years old. She is a single mother, and has 3 more small ones at home. Granted they are not that small. They are 15, 14, and 8. But they are just she sweetest people that I have every met. Her name is Abigail, and she is awesome. She has so many questions, but want to learn, and is looking for God in this hard time of her life. 

So the crazy for the week. 

I ate a live worm thing!!! We went over to a family, and they had bot them for who knows what reason. But we went over, and they were like, "you have to eat one, my 7 year old did!!!" ... So what did we do? Well of course we ate them. They were not actually that bad, and didn't really have a taste, they just were weird to think about it. (Hope my future wife doesn't ever find out, because she probably wouldn't kiss me after knowing that!) I will sent the pictures of the bugs! 

So that is about all for this week! I love you all so so much, and pray for all of you! 

Con Mucho Amor, 

Elder Mason Millar

08-24-2015

Hello all,

WOW, was this week awesome!!! 

So I am not going to lie. The first few days of the week were really really rough, but it was a weekend to remember. 

So it all started on Thursday night. It was our trip as a ward to the temple open house. So after 3/4 of the day working we went and got on a bus that the ward rented to take us all there. We got there, and there were so many people!!! It was crazy. We started our tour at about 7:15,and got out at almost 10. It took forever. But it was so wonderful to be in the temple again!!! 

Then on Friday we did divisions, (splits for those white people.) I was in my area with the District Leader, and we started the day with nothing. We didn't have some lesson that was a scheduled lesson, but in the end all went well! We did some contacting, and had some lessons that we planned for the next day, and that was really good!

So then on Saturday we passed for the people we found, and actually we found four news. They are two sets of sisters. Two of them are like 60 something, and the others are 13 and 19. They are all very chosen, and very accepting to the gospel!!! It is awesome!!! 

Saturday night we also had a FHE, with the Familia Olvera, They are pretty much like my family here in Mexico. But we went over and talked about the temple with their cousins because they went to the open house, but are not members, and had a bunch of questions! After I was in charge of making the treat. So what did I make??? MILKSHAKES of course! They had never had them, and they were a big hit! It was awesome! 

Sunday was also a very special day. We had 6 investigators in the church, and then had a really awesome night!!! 

So down here all of the little kids started school today, so yesterday my comp and I took the time, and felt that we should teach this brother to give a Father's Blessing. It is something that both of our Dad's have always done, and something really special for us. So we taught him. He has two little step daughters, and had never given a blessing other than to confirm one of them after she was baptized. So we taught him, and then he gave them their blessings. 

After he was done with the blessings, he just looked at us, and said, "The feeling I have right now is one of the greatest things I have ever felt in my life!" It was so cool to see that, and honestly made me miss the ones I got every year before school, and the night before I left on my mission after I got Set Apart. It was just such a wonderful spirit, and I cant wait to be able to give them to my children!!!

I love you all, and hope you all have a wonderful week!!! 

Con Mucho Amor, 

Elder Mason Millar

08-17-2015

Buenas!!!

So this last week was a pretty good week!!! 

We had a good number of lessons, and were working all week to make sure that Cristian was prepared for his baptism. 

That is most of what happened for the week!!! 

So a little about Cristian. He is 13 years old, and he is the youngest of 2 kids. His parents are separated, and he lives with his mom. We met him the Sunday after we got into this area because he came to church with his Aunt, and had been doing so for 4 weeks. We started teaching him, and because he had been going to church he was able to be baptized really quickly. He really wanted to be baptized, but hadn't had any of the lessons. So we had to pack what are normally 5 or 6 weeks of lessons into 2 and a half weeks! It was a little difficult, but totally worth it!!! He is such a cool kid, and is already such good friends with all the youth at church!!!! 

So on Saturday we had a very busy day!!! 

So we started out early Saturday morning with cutting the grass at the church. The church changed regulations a few years ago, and the members are in charge of the gardening. So on Saturday I went over to help because no one knows how to run what they call the "Mosquito" It is a brush cutting weed wacker. The one with the two handles. So I went over, and taught my comp to use it, and then we cut all the grass!!! It was a pretty epic time!!!!

So after the lawn stuff we ate lunch, and then had to go and fill up the font for the baptism. We then started the baptism like 45 minutes late, because we are in Mexico, and no one is ever on time other than when two white elders are together. It is kind of funny how punctually late everyone is!!! But we had a very very good program for the baptism. Cristian's mom and dad came, and his grandmother who is not a member. The Spirit was so strong, and he was so happy!!!

So that was the absolutely wonderful experience that we had this weekend. And I am looking forward to when Elder Christofferson comes down to talk to us!!! I will be great! 

I love you all, and hope you have  great week!!!!

Con Much Amor,

Elder Mason Millar

Baptism

Real man's tools!!!

 Yup, We made milkshakes!!!!

08-10-2015 An Adventure I will never forget! (Don't trust Google Maps!!!!)

Hello all,

So this week, I am not going to lie was a very, very normal week. 

So finally on Tuesday the other Elders got their house stuff done, and were able to move out. It was a very, very full and busy weekend last weekend, and for those of you who know me I am kind of a neat freak. (Yes mom, I know my room was never clean, but I was never in there!) So honestly after five days of mouse tracks to get around the house I started to get pretty stressed, and threatened to throw their stuff into the street if they did not get moved out. Yeah it wasn't really going to happen, but it did honestly cross my mind!!!!

So the lesson that I learned this week is the importance of references. They are practically the Lord leading you to chosen people!!! So as we are preparing for the temple open house that actually started today we will be receiving tons of references, or so we have been told, so we were asked to go and make sure all of the old ones online were up to date. So we looked, and had 4 from about a year ago that had never been visited. So we got them, and then started to go and look for them. 

So finally on Friday night we were able to find one. His name is Ruben, and he was contacted by the missionaries about a year ago. He is really excited to start the lessons, and learn more!!! It was really a cool experience to see how the Lord is working in people to start them on the path to change their lives!!!!

So for the "Wow we are idiots" Moment that we had today. 

So I had a package show up from Mom, and I had to be the one who signed for it. So I had to go to the UPS store and pick it up. So in the morning we went to the offices, and got the slip for it, and then we looked up the address and Google Maps to find how to get there. Well our problem with this is that we put the wrong starting position into the computer, and got a little confused as to which was the starting position,and what one was the destination. So a trip that should have taken about 25 minutes turned into a tour of the central of Mexico City!!! We went by the Castle of Chapultapec, the Angel of Independence, the Fountain of something, and then got to the UPS store, and they told us it was like 5 minutes from where we had started! Yup, We spend 4 almost 5 hours looking for this stupid store, and walked like 4 miles!. It was really stupid!!! I felt really really dumb, and so did my comp. But Whatever. I got my package, and all is well now!!!!

So today we also found out that Elder D.Todd Christofferson will be coming down to talk to all the missionaries in our mission in two weeks. I am so excited, and it should be really, really cool. I will tell you all about it after he comes!!!! 

So that is about all for this week. 

I love you all, and you all are in my prayers!!!

Love,

Elder Mason Millar

So that is a non alcoholic drink that tasted like garbage because it is made with hot sauce and chilli. 

Those are little  crickets, and were actually really really good.

And that is Elder Hernandez. He was in my area, and is super, super chill!!!

08-03-2015 A Charity Challenge

Hello all,

So this last week was pretty good one. It was pretty busy which made it good, but we also had some really cool lessons. 

So this week we were able to find this family. They are a family of 6, but so far we have only taught 4 of them. They are from the states, so all of their kids speak English, and they are really chill. So we actually met them because they contacted my comp and I one day when we were walking past their house. So we took out a cita, and then went back the next week for our cita. It didn't exactly go as planned because they were painting, so we ran home, and changed. Of course I am going to give service. I never get to do it down here. So we went and painted for about an hour and then helped them move some furniture into their house on the third floor. That was an adventure!!! 

So also this week we had a little bit of a crazy weekend. So the other elders were having problems in their house with their landlord, and animals, and have been looking for a new one. So they found one, but they can't move in until tomorrow. And their landlord was a jerk and told them if they were at their old house on the first of the month that they would have to pay rent. So yes, I know it was not exactly following mission rules, but "The ox was in the mire" so at 8:30PM we got a call that they had to move out, so we went and helped. So by about 10:30 or so we were finally packing all of their things, and had gotten them moved over to our house for the weekend. And man is our house packed. We don't live in a very big house. We have a room so small we have to have bunk beds, and it is too small for us to put a couch in because there is no room with our desks. It is kind of a bummer. But yeah, we have packed two houses into one. And have been like that for the whole weekend. 

So last night was pretty awesome!!! 

So after church we went and taught some lessons, and we finished the night with a NDH or Family Home Evening for those of you who don't speak Spanish! And my comp decided to talk on Charity. It was such a wonderful lesson, and the Spirit was so strong. We just got to talk about a subject that means so so much to me, and that I miss so so much. So charity can be describes as "the true love of Christ." I know I am on the mission, and am serving every day, but I can honestly say that I miss the service that I used to be able to do at home. Here as a missionary everyone notices the service you do, and it is expected that you do it, but back at home, you can do it in secret to just make someone's day a little brighter. 

SO.... Here comes the challenge for all of you!!!! 

For this week I want every single person that reads this letter to do AT LEAST ONE act of kindness or service for someone every day of the week, and then at the end of the week look back, and see the difference that it has made not only in the lives of those you helped, but also in your own lives!!! 

I love you all so much, and will send photos next week!!!

Les Quiero,

Elder Mason Millar

07-27-2015

Hello everyone!!!

So hole wow was the last week an adventure!!! 

So you all knew that I was going to be closing my area, and receiving a new comp, But What I was not expecting was what happened. I became senior companion, and white washed again, but to come out the area was deader that Benjamin Franklin!!!

White washing is when two elders leave an area, and two new ones are put in. It was an  uneventful eventful week. 

So for the week. 

We had 20 lessons, after in my old area finishing with 41. We had 47 contacts, and spent hours on our feet walking street by street knocking the doors of members that we had on a list. This list is about 400 people long, but only about 85 people come to church every week. It is kind of crazy!!!

So When we got to the house it was absolutely disgusting!!! Like I am not kidding. We threw out probably like 2 full garbage cans (The big ones you put on the street) of garbage and old clothes, and who knows what else; people, the elders before us were just gross!!! We have gotten the house cleaned up a lot and are starting to get settled in. We were able to go today to the offices to get the things that we were missing in our house which was nice, but yeah. It is a journey. 

So other than that there is not much that has happened this week. I didn't have that chance to have super spiritual experiences this week. We are just trying to figure out what we are doing.  

So the coolest thing about this area is that we have a Walmart and Sams Club!!! Do you know what that means??? Food imported from America!!!!! I am so so so happy!!! 

But really, our area is awesome, and so full of potential!!! 

Sorry for the short and boring letter, but yeah, I don't have much to talk about!!!

Love you all!!!

Elder Mason Millar

07-20-2015

So the last week was an absolutely incredible week!!! We totally killed it this week!!!

So to start out as a branch this week. (Or the four elders that are here) We had two wedding, five baptisms, and a whole bunch of success!!! It was awesome!! 

So a little bit about the people that got baptized. Their names are Maira, and Miguel. They were the two from our area that got baptized. 

We will start with Maira. She is 22, and a single mother. Her daughter is two years old, and she is super awesome!!! We found her one day trying to get a lesson with a less active member. When we first talked to her she told us that she was just a believer in God, and that was it. She didn't want to be part of any religion, and didn't want to talk to us. So we came back later to find her grandmother, and she sat in on the lesson that we taught, and was very intrigued. We taught her for almost two months, and she has grown so so much. The light that she has in her life is so crazy, and she made a lot of difficult, but needed changes to her life so she could get baptized. The last week before her baptism, she had a whole bunch of family problems come up, and we were scared that she was not going to be able to get baptized. She finally made the decision to move out of her house, and be out on her own. So we were house hunting for several days last week. In the end she is staying with her aunt, and will look for a place in the next couple of months. 

So a little about Miguel. He is about 27 years old, and has a child with a member. They were not married. So he was an old investigator that moved out of the area for work, but then came back about a month ago. So we started teaching him again, and he is really awesome!!! He about 2 years ago had problems with drugs, and alcohol. He was not a very good guy, but started to change his life, and then had a child with a member who lived down the street from him. So after almost two years of being together they finally got married on Friday. It was awesome!!! Then on Saturday he got baptized. Holy wow. He came out of the water, and had such a light in his eyes. He honestly looked like a completely different person. You couldn't notice the tattoos that he has, you could only see the joy that was in his eyes. It was so awesome!!! 

After the baptisms last week we got invited to the talent show of another ward because they wanted us to do a talent and because I am really friends with their ward!!! So for our talent we sang I am a Child of God and my comp played the guitar. It was really awesome. We did half in English and half in Spanish because my comp speaks English!!!

So that was what I did with my weekend. It was very wonderful, and full of the Spirit!!! 

I also found out last night some bad news. They will be closing my area, so both my comp and I have changes. I am very very sad because we just found a whole bunch of new people to teach. One that was going to be very cool, and a very very dedicated member to church. She is 15 and her name is Erandy. She is a Jehovah's Witness, and is very interested in the church. It is a little weird that she is listening to us. Because the JW are generally pretty apposed to us. They are in a way our competition here in the mission. They have lots of member missionaries that are always out knocking doors, but she accepted us, and is really liking it. She came to church yesterday, and has a whole bunch of really really awesome questions.  

But that is about all that is happening. Not a whole lot. But we are just working hard and learning a lot!!!!

I love you all, and am still alive!! 

Elder Mason Millar

07-13-2015

Hey all,

So this last week was a pretty quiet, but busy week. We had an Elder come home from his mission in the branch so there was a lot of prep work in that. 

So Wednesday was a pretty good day. It was the day that Elder Paulino came home, and we had to sing in the Choir. It was really fun but took a lot of work. That night was also a very sad night. I was there with three other elders, and we all had to watch as his parents took off his name tags, and all four of us almost started to cry. Well two of us did cry. 

The rest of the week was pretty quiet. We found out that the new church building will be finished and dedicated next month, so we won't have to travel as far to get home, and we will get to be part of the dedication. We are going to sing again in a choir with the two wards that are going to be using this building when it is dedicated. 

So the story of Hard Work, Patience, and Love comes in yesterday. So we have this less active family that we have been working and visiting with for the last 4 months. There name is the Escoto Family, and they are a family of 5. Their father passed away about 2 years ago, and it was not long after that that they stopped coming to church. We have been working with them to help them to come back, but they never really wanted to. They always had things that they had to do, and excuses for why they couldn't come. We met with them on Friday, and they said that they were going to send their daughter. Roseli who is 12, and that she was going to go with the daughter of the Branch President. But then Sunday morning we received a text about 2 hours before church asking if we could go with them. After 4 months of love, we finally got them to come to church!!!! It was so wonderful to see them there, and watch them renew their covenants that they have been without renewing for 2 years!!! They were so happy, and the Spirit with them was so strong!!!!

So this is the story for the week. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and in his own time!! We are only here to love and be friends with everyone. It does not matter their beliefs, age, or knowledge. We are just to love. 

That is my invitation for all of you this week. That you can just love!!! 

Have a good week, Love you all,

Elder Mason Millar

07-06-2015

Hey all, 

So I know it is two days late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!! 

I can honestly say that I have become so patriotic after being out of my country for 9 months. I was not very patriotic before I left, but I can say that the 4th was a very hard day for all of the elders from the states. We were all feeling a little homesick thinking about all of the things that were being done back at home, But then we went out and worked, and kind of forgot about it. 

So for the last week, There was not much that we did other than preparing for the baptism that we had on Saturday. It was really a good week. 

On Tuesday we finally got into contact with Daniela's mom, and actually started teaching her. She s really really cool. Her name is Sara, and she is from northern Mexico. She has straight teeth too!!! So after our first lesson with her she look at us when we asked her to pray and said that she would, but didn't need to because she already felt, and said it was true. The only problem will be getting her to church because she works on Sundays. 

But we were able to get her to give permission for her daughter to get baptized, and that was good! So after that we spent the majority of the week preparing things for the baptism. Getting her interviews with the zone leaders, and scheduling with the other elders that were baptizing that day. We actually had a baptism with two other companionship and three people got baptized. It was a very good service, and the spirit was really strong. 

Daniela had been waiting for almost 6 months for her baptism, and it was really a sweet thing to see her get the opportunity to do it. She is 9, and is such a sweet little girl. She is the youngest of two children, but lives with just her mom here in D.F. (Distrito Federal) She doesn't have much, but loves going to church, and spending time with the Marques family who are recent converts. 

So those are the events that really happened this week. Not much has happened down here. 

Love you all so so much!!!

Elder Mason Millar

So the photos. 

First photo were kids that came up to us in the street today and just asked us if we could take a picture with them. It was really funny!!!

Second picture, We all went and got our shoes polished together!!!

Third picture, All the americans that had america ties on the 4th!

Fourth, baptism with Daniela and the familia Marques!