God Cares About the Little Things

Missionary Cousins

I think the every day routine at the CCM is catching up with Elder Pickering.  I remember my days in the MTC and sometimes it felt like everyday was the same.  This makes it difficult to write home and keep it interesting.  The highlight of this week for sure was his cousin Hayden arriving.  I think it is wonderful that these 2 cousins, who have a great relationship, can support and help one another.  It is also awesome for the moms to see a picture of them together.  Even though it is only for 2 weeks, I am sure they will maximize their time.  What a blessing.


Well yet another week came by here at the CCM and it is crazy how things just go by here. There wasn't a whole lot of new things that happened, but Ill try not to give you all a boring email. So my morning teacher who usually teaches us has been gone this week, so we have had a ccm substitute. He is this guy who has been back from his mission for about a year and has some very cool stories. While he was on his mission he got a gun put to his head and the person tried to fire multiple times and the gun didn't go off. Immediately the man aimed the gun to an empty field to the side of them and the gun shot without a problem. The guy was baptized because he recognized that no worldly way could have caused that gun not to go off. If you don't believe in miracles, try and explain that one, God watches out for those that are living right and doing his will. 

Other than that, it has just been another week of teaching in Spanish and learning more. I am now balancing 4 investigators that we teach daily and it sure is hard at times, but it is all made possible and It helps you grow very fast. Also my cousin, Elder Webster, is now here in the CCM as well and I just think God knew how much I would enjoy seeing a familiar face in the mtc these last two weeks. God cares about even the little things that can improve your life, so look daily for the smallest things that God has put in your path because he has unconditional love for every one of his children. I promise if you make an effort of looking for these things, you will see them and feel that love.

So now for any random things that happened here this week.

*I saw just about the fattest Loro (Parrot) that I have ever seen here. It was so gordo that I was able to walk right up to it and pet it, so one step closer to catching one. And then I went for the selfie with the bird right up there in the camera, and it finally remembered how to fly and flew right at my face, so sorry for the lack of selfies this week with a parrot, I truly apologize. 

*Well the water is off for the second time here in our apartment, this time during laundry I guess one of the machines water lines was broke, so when it turned on, water just started spewing out of the grass and flooding the area in front of our apartment. We blame elder Fowles, since it was his laundry, but I guess we can probably find it in our hearts to forgive him for not knowing the line was disconnected. Plus Elder Fowles is my personal trainer now here and takes pride in being my teacher. So the next time you all see me, he described it as in the new Jumanji when the skinny kid turns into the Rock. So just wait for that.

Well that just about sums up another week here at the CCM.

Elder Pickering

Week 4

Ryan seems to be settling in and figuring this mission stuff out.  I would like to share a part of a letter that he wrote his Grandpa Felix this week.  AS a parent, it is so good to hear that your child understands his purpose and why he need to be on a mission.  It will definitely help in the difficult times.

"A mission sure is hard, and lots of people struggle.  The hard thing is when they try to find the source or just feel like its not right for them.  Thankfully I have had the chance to pray and receive my answers and know that this is exactly where I need to be, no matter how hard it could get, or whatever I go through.  This gospel is something that needs to be shared, the peace that comes from knowing God and being able to receive answers from Him is something specific to our church, and that is cool.  God is all knowing and all powerful and would take the time to answer every single one of his children that reach out to him with real intent and desire.  I love this gospel, and I love all the love and support I have received from you all!"

Group Email:


Things here are really starting to get in a groove, and just feel a lot more comfortable. This week has been yet another of language learning, gospel study, and cannons going off from 5 until 6 every morning that shake your dorm. Pday we got to go to the Mexico city temple, and it was very beautiful. As well as the visitor center next to it, had a whole section that they had made to look like you were in the times of the savior and it was the coolest experience. Also in the temple my headset with English didn't work, so I had just took it off and went for it all in Spanish, and since I didn't have a headset, every worker just thought I was already fluent and talked to me and assumed I was, so that was for sure quite the adventure. Also cool story of God answering prayers. I went into the temple with some questions I had and wanted to receive answers on. When I was in the celestial room I felt prompted to open this book of Mormon in front of me, and in the marked chapter was every single thing I needed to hear and feel at that moment. If you put in your part and search and ponder, then you will hear and find what you need. Trust in the Lord, and don't underestimate a thing He would do for you. And no question or concern that you have is too small to receive help or an answer for. Also our MTC had the opportunity to watch a live broadcast of President Ballard, and that was such a cool thing to be part of. It is so apparent that the apostles that have been called are in tune with the spirit and know exactly what to say and their words are from God, so head to them, and know that very well what the are saying could be directly from God to you and whoever else God knows needs to hear that message.

Also it wouldn't be a normal email from me without something crazy or interesting that happened. So I will tell you how I saved the commodore from being burned down. So there is this fancy toaster thing here that you can put your bread in, and it goes through this whole conveyor system and flips it and everything. So someone had the idea to try a sandwich in it, and it got stuck. So I was looking over and I see flames coming directly out of the toaster, and I pretty much was the hero and got that flaming sandwich out of the toaster and on to a plate so it would burn out, so look for me in the news or something soon, the hero of the CCM.

Also the earthquake alarm has been going off very frequently here, so who knows what that means for the future, but I'm sure all will be well in the CCM.  Well everyone, keep on keeping on wherever you are in the world, talk to you all next week!

Bus ride to the temple

Mexico City Temple

Elder Murdoch and Elder Ryan with their sweet ties

Bird catcher

The elusive parrots

Typical evening rain storm

Elder Pickering's Week 3

It was so great to hear from Ryan this week and know that he is settling in and already growing in the Gospel and in his life.  Sometimes things can be expressed in letters that are hard to do in person.   I look forward to learning more about my son over the next  2 years.  I have included a snippet of his personal email to me because it is nice to see his sincerity and the Ryan I know.

"Things here are very very hard and test me daily.  All three of my teachers are native to here in Mexico city and so they speak some fast and difficult Spanish, so its been a trial.  The heat has not been near as bad as I was thinking, but in the afternoons it sure does get very hot and since there is like 0 air conditioning it is rough, and at night it isn't near as cool as I like, but I am surviving.  And no, there are no siestas in the middle of the day, although they really do need to start implementing those because they would save everyone.  Also I completed my life purpose, so that was pretty neat.  I did my very best to talk to him (Esteban) and let him know how you knew about him and how you always wanted me to make taquitos with him.  And the taquitos did not explode! And I still like yours better, because they are very good.  But hey, maybe start using that flour+water paste to hold them together, it works for pinatas too, so hey, multipurpose!!  So p-day was just about the greatest thing getting to talk to everyone again and remember family and friends, because that really is the hardest part about being here.  Everyone is great for the most part, but they are not the people I have spent my life growing to get to know and love." 

Group Email:

This week felt so much faster being only a week rather than a week and a half, yet there are still so many good times that came in this shorter time. So I had my p-day, and man it was weird not having to go to class all day and everything, it felt a little wrong. So we played a lot of volleyball with and against Latinos, and it got pretty crazy, you may have thought we were a bunch of pros out there playing. This was just the beginning of the adventures this day. 

So it is me and Elder Murdoch's personal goal to get a parrot to land on our shoulder or eat from our hand, and today was the first real attempt of that. We got close, but await more updates and a picture of that. So it just so happened, the next morning when Elder Murdoch and I went on splits to go running, we came across an injured bird on our way back, not a parrot, but a start. Now pets aren't allowed on a mission, but we got permission to attempt to nurse it back to health. Its name is Eldér, and we aren't sure yet if it is a baby or normal bird or what, but we have fed it, gave it water, and given it baths. We are bird whisperers. Await updates on our first nurturing attempt. 

And since I write periodically this email through the week, updates have happened already... Eldér did not make it, he is in a better place though. So lesson to be learned kids, don't fly into walls, it doesn't go well for anyone or any bird. But we got a beautiful rainbow around the sun the same day, hopefully I remember to attach pictures this time, but that was a great way to send off Eldér. The creations of God are beautiful. Also we are now the district in our zone that has been here longest, and we are getting a district in our zone for the next two weeks, so that'll be interesting. Also chicken parm here is literally chicken with them putting the parm from the can on it, classic Mexico.

Now I'll get more spiritual. So this week we no longer are teaching Fernando, and are taking on two "investigators" at the same time now. David, who has had experience with the gospel, but has issues because his bishop does bad things and so he doesn't believe in that leadership, and then Ivana who doesn't know and or believe much about the gospel yet. Its crazy, if someone 3 weeks ago told me that now I would be giving 10 or more lessons a week in Spanish, I would not have believed them, but here we are. God gets what he wants done, and he makes it possible through you, you just need to have faith. Here at the CCM there are so many miracles daily, some small and some larger, and one of those for sure is with the language. People of all backgrounds with Spanish are talking in the language and have grown in 2 weeks what might take most 2 years. The gift of tongues, and Gods will align fully here, it just takes your obedience and effort to see the blessings pour in. So whatever you may question in your life, or need help with, first align your life in a way that is in tune and welcomes the spirit, then I can promise you that you will receive the answer and help you need. God will not leave a single one of His children alone, ever.

And my advice for you all preparing to serve a mission, or just needing advice:

*Love your district! They are your family and can really make or break how good your mtc experience is, so make them your family, and get to know each other, you will never regret it.

*You're human, not a robot, so in missionary work, normal work, or whatever you do, take some time to do something that makes you smile. You are human, and a smile will go a million miles in helping yourself, so treat yo self.

*Trust in the Lord. I say it a lot, but he will not steer you astray, so when in doubt, forget yourself and go all in on the Lord, you will always come off on top.

Well I love you all, hope you all enjoy reading about the craziness of the CCM and are enjoying doing all that you are in your lives.

-Elder Pickering

Photos

1. Eldér

2. Eldérs bath

3. Eldér being swaddled

4. The amazing rainbow

5. Just flowers.

I am going to the temple this morning, so await pictures and a lot more of that next week!

This is Elder Pickering's District

Elder

Week 1 and 2

Well we received Ryan's first email and it was so wonderful.  It is just so comforting knowing your son is doing well and feeling the Spirit.  He absolutely loves the Ccm.  It is such a special and beautiful place.  He feels very blessed to have this opportunity to be there and learn in that environment.  Sometimes it is still surreal to see him with his black name tag and realize he is really a missionary and his journey has begun.  It brings us great joy to see him so happy.



Heads up before hand, this is a week and a half email, and the "m" key barely works, so it is all out of order and all over the place, los siento.

Well my mission adventure has started and it has been crazy. On my flight down to the ccm, there was a ton of other missionaries there. That flight felt like a very safe flight that's for sure. I sat by an Elder Pigott from Spanish Fork, we just talked and prepared ourselves for all that was to come. We arrived in Mexico and the heat was immediately present. We all were wearing suits too, so the heat was especially rough. 

The ccm sent two busses to pick up the missionaries arriving around the same time, and it was barely enough to say the least. It was a true Ecuador reminder as we proceeded to fill the isle of the bus up to the headrest level of the bus. Thankfully we were pretty watched out for all being on a bus as missionaries. However, the bus was enough to make you worry anyways. The traffic rules did not exist at all on the bus ride to the ccm, cars would travel in and out of lanes, take stop signs as stop suggestions, and make 3 lanes into 4 or 5 depending on the space. It was insane, but we did make it safely. When we first got here we had a few small intro things, then dinner, and during the 15 minutes of dinner, it began to downpour so hard, if you were outside for more than a few seconds, you got soaked. And that has so far been a pretty usual occurrence in the evenings. My companion is Elder Lund from Mesa Arizona, and so far we have done really well together. He was called as district leader our second day, so we have had many other fun meetings to add to the craziness that is the ccm. Our teachers are both Hermana Rodriguez, so it makes remembering very easy, they have been very good so far, but classes are in all Spanish, they really throw you into the deep end and let you learn how to swim. Our other teacher, Brother Madin has been acting and working with us as an investigator and teaching lessons. We have been praying en espanol since day one, and day 2 gave a lesson (or tried to) in Spanish already. They really do trust you to get the language and let el don de languas do its work. The campus here is so amazing, that I have been very grateful for. The surrounding city is building on building and just crazy, but as soon as you get here it is almost like a paradise. It is very green, and a lot of open space. There are palm trees, and parrots flying around, so it is very cool. And the weather for the most part has been kind, in the afternoon it gets hot, but otherwise the mornings and evenings are like perfect. We have been progressing an "Investigator", and it has been a really cool learning experience, it is our chance to practice the language and the gospel at the same time, multitasking for the win! And all the members and workers here get a kick out of talking in a thick accent Spanish acting like they don't know English, then coming out a few minutes later talking about their English speaking mission to California or Colorado or something.

Anyone that has sent me letters using a ccm website, you are the greatest people, I look forward to everyday after lunch picking up the mail and seeing all of your guys love, you are the greatest.

Also, mi and Estebanava are practically best friends now, he is the cook here at the ccm. He has gotten multiple pictures with me and we attempt to talk the best we can every time I see him. You can follow him on instagram.

We get a daily gym time, and it is good, but man some stuff is out of date. Look forward to seeing a picture of me holding the tennis racquet, it is more square than round. But don't worry, I have made up for not being able to play tennis by creaming the elders in my district in ping pong with some broken balls. Also sand volleyball just wouldnt be complete here without doing it in the rain and just having a blast living in the moment.

4th of July was a party here with the other elders in my dormitorio. We had the most American pride that I have ever seen in such a small group of us. Picture in this email is our decorations that we put up for the 4th of July. The total cost of decorations totaled to 186 American dollars, yes, we went all out. We also sang the national anthem, and that was the first time I have heard all 3 verses, the more you know.

For anyone preparing to serve a mission and/or go to the mexico ccm, here is some advice.

*La tienda es su amigo
*Learn to love salsa
*It will be 20 times harder than what you expect, but it does get better, days start going faster, and you start feeling better about everything
*Befriend your companion, and take a few minutes at times to just talk and remember you are all feeling the same thing, and a break is necessary at times.
*Laugh, as simple as that, it is the greatest blessing.
*Talk to the latinos and people who speak perfect Spanish, you'll both have some laughs, and get to know some fun things.
*There is never a time you cant pray.
*Mark 9:23

P.S. Working very hard to catch a loro con Elder Murdoch, await pictures of that. If you have advice on how to, it would be bien.

That is a lot of Elders heading to the Mexico MTC

The infamous 4th of July decorations

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