Elder Cardon

Dear Family,

         Wow. I don't even know where to start. I'm just going to break it down for you and say... life doesn't get ANY better than being a missionary in the California Roseville Mission. Sorry. There is just no way around it. I LOVE MY MISSION! This week we have seen a lot of changes in our Ward Council Members and have gotten to spend time with a lot of new members of the ward. We had a mini-missionary come to stay with us for a few days. (Someone who is thinking about going on a mission and wants to see what it’s like) That was a blast and we saw so many miracles while she was here. We had a SUPER packed day and only about 15 minutes spare time to find people. It was Arizona hot that day and

one of the last things I wanted to do was walk around in that heat and watch my makeup melt off my face. But we had set a goal to find one new investigator and we weren't going to stop until we did. We tracted for what felt like forever! We kept getting doors slammed in our face

and it was hard, having the mini missionary with us, because I wanted her to see what an incredible experience serving a mission truly could be. By the look on her face by door number 5 or 6 I was thinking she wanted to get back in the car and drive home. But literally, at the VERY LAST DOOR.... there he was. In his early 20s. Walked right out onto the porch. Leaned up against the wall and before we said anything just said, "it’s hot out here so whatever you’ve got to say must be really important." We talked about his life. He grew up very strict Pentecostal and in his teenage years had left the church. From some of the experiences he has had, I could see how it would be easy for him to be angry or bitter. But he is, by far, one of the most moral and Christ-like people I have ever met. We have had the first lesson with him already and it’s incredible how much he already knows about the gospel. And I don't mean he "knows" things like he has studied vigorously. I mean... he

"knows" in his heart what is right. He feels it. He just thinks and ponders and reflects a lot. It’s truly a blessing to meet people like this. We have another lesson with him in 30 minutes and I can't wait to get out of this stinkin' library and go see him! What a wonderful opportunity to be here. To talk with people. To look into their eyes and to promise them that the pain and guilt they now feel can be gone from them and replaced with a feeling of fullness and lasting peace.

         Everything else is going GREAT! Sister Rupp is, hands down, my favorite companion. I feel so humbled to have the opportunity to learn from her. She is such a good teacher and doesn't even know how incredible she is. Last night we had a private meeting with Elder

Cardon. Just the Zone Leaders and the Exchanges Sisters went and wow. There was nothing cooler than that. He is from Mesa Arizona and went to ASU. We talked for a while afterwards. He wouldn't fess up if he was a wildcat fan or a sun devil. But I know in my heart he is a wildcat fan... But in all seriousness, I felt the spirit so strong as he talked to us. He was bold. He told us that he was going to tell us something that would affect EVERY aspect of our future, our families, our church callings. Then he paused. He waited for a while and said. "This mission will lift no higher than the people in this room." I felt like I got hit in the face. I know my call. I know what I am here to do and if I don't give absolutely everything I have... I have failed Him. I have some work to be doing. Not that I haven't been working... I am just constantly made aware of truly how much faith this work requires. Not just now... but in all things. In our families. In our callings. In our jobs. We must CONSTANTLY lift and

never justify why we didn't reach a goal and the reasons why we fell short. We must face our flaws, lean on his grace, and move onward with faith. I love you guys. Sorry I always go on random rants in my emails. I'm sure all the other missionaries write normal emails... but

I've never been normal. Sorry! I love you guys so much!

Love,

Sister Mitchell!!!!!!!!!!