11:30pm

So, today's beginning was not amusing, however I did embrace my super awesome cousins this evening: Diego, Dante and Dyano. I absolutely love their names!

Even though I am the oldest cousin, we still have tons of fun acting goofy around one another. I love how they live the closest to us; our other family members live thirty minutes away when "D3" live only five minutes away from me.

I just love family so much.

Christmas Eve 2012

Last minute thoughts about you

Dear Elder Castrejon,

It is April 28th, 2013 and you have now been set apart as an LDS missionary. I am so happy for you.
How can I question the fact that Heavenly Father knows all of us personally? There we were: you, me, and Greg Cannon. Three kids, doing what we thought was cool. However, it seemed like I was the branch that broke off from both of you. Yes I had reconnected with Greg after a year, plus we attended Institute later on, but with you... two years... maybe a little more.
I feel like being apart from one another, made our relationship that much stronger. We grew with the paths we chose, filled with trials and blessings, and the final outcome brought you closer to Montreal, Canada and me to Quezon City, Philippines.
The past is the past, a bit redundant but truthful.
The trials we faced head on contained blessings in disguise.

Both you and Greg taught me to shape up and embrace my flaws. These last three years, I've missed the strong friendship you and I once had. My relationship with Greg was strengthened the last six months before I headed to BYU-Idaho, so we were covered.

Ever since the day we stopped talking, I thought about you everyday. I attended every home football game to watch you play. Whenever I ran into your mother or father, I embraced the opportunity to say, "hello". When people asked me about your music, I gladly encouraged them to listen. It felt as though I was bragging about someone I had never physically met before... a bit strange, but I did know you.

Hanging out with you this past month, before your mission, has blessed my life so dearly. It might not have been the same friendship we had back then, but this start was very strong, to me at least. I really have missed our friendship, just so much. Hanging out with you this past month has inspired me even more to embark on my mission.

Mosiah, you are going to be such a great missionary. Your companions will love you, I don't care what you say haha. Your knowledge of the Gospel has increased, your way with words and social skill will compliment the sharing of your testimony. 

I still cannot believe you will be in Provo, first, in a couple days. I cannot wait to email you and send you my first hand-written letter... which will be addressed to you.. haha. Wow I suck at this.

Anyways, I have not cried yet, I mean I am not trying to or waiting to see what will happen, but I just wanted to let you know that I have not cried yet! haha.

Stay strong. DO NOT come home early. Never forget to pray. Love one another.
I love you Mosiah. You are one of a kind.

Elder Mosiah Castrejon

Montreal, Canada Mission
May 2013--May 2015

Mrs. Cynthia Van Buskirk

April 27. 2013
Camarillo Stake Center

(M.I.A. Noa Talili: Part of our BFF trio.)

Yesterday

I had the opportunity to attend one of my best friend's weddings; the wedding of Cynthia Vega, who is now Cynthia Van Buskirk. She was married in the Los Angeles Temple...  I really wanted to be there but I had offered to cover a shift for my good friend Spencer Johnson, because he was getting endowed this same morning.

The wedding reception was held at one of our church buildings, in the basketball gym. I still find it hilarious that almost everything was pink... because Cynthia did not like pink too much while we were growing up... and she definitely knew that I hated pink, with a passion haha! Anyways, my family and I re-acquainted ourselves with familiar and recent faces. The food was perfect, the mariachi band was beautiful, the dancing was a workout, and the entertainment brought loads of tears.

Although I had the chance to watch Cynthia go through these wedding events and take pictures with her, it still has not quite hit me that she is officially married. Maybe it is because she is a few months younger than me? I really have no idea. She looked stunning.

Anyways, our good friend Mosiah Castrejon was also able to show up at the wedding to see her and to see us. He had just returned from his mission farewell party that his family ward had given him. With Mosiah, this would be the last time we would all see him; he reports to the MTC in Provo in a few days. We took crazy pictures... blah blah... and every single time we hugged, I felt an urge to cry either from happiness or a sense of "sorrowful farewells"... if that makes sense at all? -______- asdfghjkl;

What an evening. In one day, one of my best friends gets married and one of my best friends begins to embark on a journey that will take two years for us to meet up again. I am truly blessed with the people who have impacted my life thus far. I love them. I love Cynthia and I love Mosiah. Both have bright futures ahead of them.


(I'll post some pictures :3)

Oh my goodness

So today, the Elders came to my house to teach my good friend Dax. I was very nervous for the lesson, but I knew that Dax was extremely open-minded and kind; if he was going to feel upset about anything during the lesson, he would speak his mind in a calm manner with no intention of contention...haha, seriously.

The lesson lasted about 90min. Dax's answers to the missionary questions were phenomenal. Dax also had plenty of spiritual experiences that has encouraged his faith in God. This was a side of Dax I had never seen before, throughout the years I've known him. Blessings in disguise. The lesson went very well and he agreed to read the Book of Mormon, on his own time of course, as well as agreeing to meet with the missionaries again.

Once the missionaries left, Dax and I talked a bit more about church and the Book of Mormon. He felt extremely overwhelmed with the information he was given, but he very much enjoyed the lesson.

Dax is a gentleman. He is very respectful and has such a great work ethic. He has goals that he is determined to meet, no matter the length of time he is given or gives himself.

I do know that this Gospel, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, will bring Dax happiness and comfort. I know that the Book of Mormon can bring him peace if he reads it little by little, day by day. I am thankful that Dax understands the importance of agency and that God is a loving Father to all; that Heavenly Father desires all of His children to return to Him.

Unexpected.

So, Florence was unable to attend yesterday; perfectly fine (:

The missionaries and I headed to my friend Christina's house (technically appointment number 2). We sat in her backyard because there were no guys in her house, which is one of the missionary rules haha. It was freezing, but we still had a great lesson. Christina is such a sweet heart. She has a great work ethic and she does her very best to maintain the flame of her testimony, no matter the size. She has such a love for her family. Gahh, hopefully she does not have work so that she can attend church this Sunday!

The missionaries also asked me if I had the time to attend their last appointment. Of course I said YES! I met three people: Channing, Brooke and Bryce. These three are so great. We all watched a short version of the Restoration (Joseph Smith growing up and printing the Book of Mormon) and they really seemed to like it. Brooke has such a retentive mind; I need to work five times as hard to remember things! HAHA. Anyways, that lesson was super great as well! I invited them to church also and they said they would definitely come.

This Sunday is "Break the Fast" or "Linger Longer". Usually the first Sunday of every month, we fast at least one meal and give what the price of that meal would be through our tithing. So throughout church, every stomach rumbles with the intensity of one-thousand stampeding elephants, right? After church is over, we have a huge food buffet thing, that the members help organize, we eat together, laugh and have a great time. It is always a super great turn out... who doesn't love food!? HAHA

Anyways, yesterday was super sweet (: I am excited for the missionary appointment I have today as well! My friend Dax will be coming to my house, with the missionaries, for his lesson. 3pm! HOLY MOLY.

Missionary Cake Idea

I thought this was very cute.

Missionary Appointments

Tonight I will be going out with the missionaries, Elder Whited and Elder Johson, to two appointments... well, hopefully two. We have one for sure, but the other one is a bit fuzzy haha. Hakuna Matata! And then tomorrow, one appointment! I was had the opportunity of setting up all three appointments! hehe

The last time I went out with the missionaries... I wanna say it was around a couple months ago with Sister Andersen(Utah) and Sister Wright(Hawaii). I miss them both very much!

Anyways, tonight appointments will definitely get me back into my mission preparation. I am very excited to see these people. Ya, I am a bit nervous; there are times when I hope the missionaries do not ask me to give input... because I feel like I have nothing meaningful to say at that very moment, but I know that if they do call on me, I will be able to answer through the promptings of the Spirit. I just need to relax (:

Very excited (:

p.s. Scripture Study is going very well. I am now in Mosiah! WOO!

Mission Map!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You so much Cortney!!

http://www.etsy.com/search?q=mission%20maps&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

Mormon Propaganda

Please.
If you watch a Youtube video that contains "hidden cameras inside Mormon temples", I ask you to turn off the video and look to real sources for information:

-www.lds.org
-www.mormon.org
-ask the missionaries (yes, they are the ones who ride the bikes as well haha)
-visit one of our church building locations

No hate.
No gossip.
Have the desire to obtain clarity.
If you choose to gossip, at least gossip with real facts.

Thank You

(p.s.- there Are, indeed, many truthful LDS Youtube videos as well...)

Report: 74 days

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have a kick-butt Sunday! (reverent voice) haha

1. At 9am, I played for my great friend Morgann Younce in her Ventura Home Ward and then 1pm in the Oxnard Singles' Ward. She sang How Great Thou Art; it was beautiful!!! I nearly cried both times.

2. During my Singles' Ward (Oxnard), we had four mission farewell talks!!:
Kellen Winslow, Morgann Younce, Bethany Lassen and Mosiah Castrejon
It was such an uplifting sacrament meeting. My nonmember friend also attended...holy moly!
My Temple Prep and Relief Society class went super well. Also, I received my endowment recommend/copy paper for my Stake President to see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. I had a great dinner at my Uncle Roel's house, where we met up with my grandparents who had just returned from their vacation to New Zealand. We all laughed so hard!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scripture Reading: I am now in Jacob chapter 2....never fall behind on scripture reading when you have given yourself a deadline -____- haha. It's not fun xD.

I also would like to thank my Heavenly Father for the many blessings he has given me regarding my job employment. I have now found an additional family to babysit for, as well as a new piano student!! Things are turning up, which means that my trials will become stronger as well.
But I know that I will never be given anything that I am unable to handle. Keep the faith (:

Motivation

These are the mission that my great friends are serving/will be serving very soon!

Currently Serving:
Derek Buckner: Lansing, Michigan
Alan Lauese: Mexico City, Mexico South
James Hart: Manilla, Philippines
Zachary Johnson: St. Louis, Missouri
Omar Macias: Managua, Nicaragua South
Greg Cannon: Washington D.C., South
Kamahao Barrows: Leeds, England
Janina Carrasco: Guatemala City, Guatemala North
Taylor Jackson: Charlotte, North Carolina
Tracy Tavita: San Jose, California
Mitsue Stanfield: Roseville, California
Nia Maa'ke: Everett, Washington
Evan Benson: Washington D.C., South
Aldo Macias: Washington D.C., South
Bethany Lassen: Manchester, New Hampshire

Soon to Serve:
Morgann Younce: Guayaquil, Ecuador
John Liporada: Montevido, Uruguay West
Kellen Winslow: Sofia, Bulgaria
Mosiah Castrejon: Montreal, Canada
Natalia Russell: Argentina
Spencer Johnson: Comayaguela, Honduras
Karen Macias: Peru

For any of you sister missionaries, this amazing lady is making some pretty sweet "mission maps". If you'd like one, just send her your name, mission location, departure date, an email address and where you are from. They are pretty sweet and she has different styles.

check out her blog! 

http://karlieq.blogspot.com/2013/03/missionary-friends.html


Some examples:

Report: 79 days

So things are definitely turning around from last week.

Yesterday for FHE (Family Home Evening), we all watched the Avengers, after having a great spiritual thought of course. I only assume that, since I arrived very late. HAHA. And yes, I know there was a great spiritual thought because I was supposed to give it, but my friend Kellen Winslow desperately wanted to do it (:

He is a super cool guy. When he speaks, the Spirit illuminates the room. So I am definitely NOT making fun of him.

Of course I love the Avengers, so I had a great time. xD

Anyways, My scripture reading has been going smoothly. I am currently in 2 Nephi, chapter 11. I forgot how confusing 2 Nephi can be at times, because it is compared to Isaiah from the Bible. However, the things in which I am able to comprehend are far beyond the phrase "mind-blowing". I feel very confident about my scripture reading; I make sure to do it in the morning because that is when I have the greatest amount of energy that enables me to complete anything in the world... such as building a rocket ship while cooking chicken noodle soup, AT THE SAME TIME.

only in my dreams..zZzzZZZZzzZZ

Temple in Manila, Philippines

GAHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Philippines MTC

I am so excited!

Re-reading the Book of Mormon

You can never read the Book of Mormon too much. I've decided to re-read it before I go on my mission; we are technically encouraged to do so anyways haha!

I decided to do four chapters a day, since I am not leaving until July.
I started April 9th and WILL finish on May 31st (:

Reading my scriptures in the morning has definitely made each day filled with clarity and energy. I love the Book of Mormon so much.

and thank you to my mom who purchased my first Scripture Quad Set and Scripture Case for my mission. One of my favorite birthday presents (: