I Did it...

Well family and friends due to the fact that next Monday will be spent all day with our beloved President Dalton and all 29 missionaries from my group (biggest group in the mission-world) and Tuesday will be spent all day in Santiago (Capital of Chile, Southern Chile, Green, not ugly) and Wednesday will consist of seeing you all, this will be my last letter as a full time Missionary De La Iglesia De Jesucristo De Los Santos De Los Últimos Días. Wow what a ride its been...

I'm gonna keep this short and first of all want you all to know, Don't get too excited to see me. I'm the same lame, short tempered, loves to be alone, every once in a while likes to laugh at himself, Mason Paxman. The difference now is I can grow a beard... I think.. I'm still not sure about that yet. I have changed Un Montón here on the mission but don´t expect a complete new Mason. I still have a week left to give it all I got. This last week of my mission we will be having Stake Conference and will be accompanied by 2 General Authorities from the quorum of the 70, Elder Jimenez and Elder Walter Gonzales. What a blessing to be able to bring my investigators to this last wonderful spirit filled Stake Conference and to finish it off, be able to finish my very last hour here in the Mission Field, Sunday Night, right before I get on the bus to Antofagasta be able to see my Convert Andrés be set apart as a missionary.... Be in the same building, be able to hug, a convert who as well will be a Missionary... I can´t express what that means to me... SO incredible will be this upcoming Sunday.. The last day here in the Mission...

I'm happy. Everyone is asking me how I feel, I just keep telling them I still have a week left to be a missionary. But I am super calm with what's happening.. I'm enjoying my last moments to be Elder Paxman, Not thinking too much about home, but yes the temptation is stronger than ever. But I feel very pleased with how I have been able to control myself. 

I was able to eat with My Previous Mamita and Papito from Arica from when I served in Pukarani over a year and a half ago. I can´t explain the emotions I have to be able to share a lunch- Be able to talk to them in real Spanish haha and Enjoy my last PDay with people I love. I could try to Explain all this in words but it just doesn´t work, The memories, feelings, everything are unique... My Mission is MY mission no one else had the same mission as me. I love my Savior for that reason and many many more.

This week we found and found and found. New people. Talking to everyone. Bearing my testimony. My companion-son is amazing, I am so blessed. I loved my mission. Now it's time for the next stage of my life. Which scares me a bit, but I know with the faithfullness to my calling to never stop being a missionary, That will keep me rolling. I'm on that grind to exaltation. With a smile on my Face I can honestly say I loved my mission. I am a changed person I just hope to show it and not say it. I appreciate the letters weekly, the packages, the pictures... It was all needed and with much Gratitude I thank you all. I will see you all in the airport on March 11th. 

My Last PDay spent on the Morro (Historic Rock thing here overlooking Arica) 

I saw a Pillar of Light...

Elder Paxman 

 

 

Quest for my Eternal Friends

First... After reading all those great emails of yours, Quiero Que Sepan (I want yal to know) as the family Mangum counciled their son, I am in no rush to come home... I know the time will come, but I have never been so calm in my life about the thought of what will happen in these next few weeks, I am worried for only a few reasons, 1.These people in Arica, Chile need what I have, and 2. I have no more toothpaste so I need to buy some more at the store today.... That's all. My only 2 worries in my life right now :)  I know I won´t be saying that a few weeks from now. But for now, I´m still Elder Paxman, and Im still happy to say that :) It's a calming that I have that overtakes my body, Obviously its the Spirit that is fighting stronger than the adversary to keep me focused. Even if the adversary sometimes uses your weekly emails to get into my mind ;) God always wins when I let him. I know God won today... 

With that being said, the work goes on, It's marching... This past week will be remembered forever for being the hardest week to enter houses... Lots of time in the street under the sun, Praying under my breath for someone... Just anyone... I get emotional thinking about it, I teared up a bit during church sitting next to my companion and not next to any investigators... One of the worst feelings for sure that obviously happens to everyone in their mission, but with only a few more chances to bring souls to the gospel... It hurts. The work is not easy, But I can also say after this week, that I gave it my all. Which gives a reassurance to my heart, that it was meant to be and a lesson was learned that was more important... I hope... 

This ward needs more interaction with the work. They need our help, Is revelation my companion and I realized while doing our companionship study yesterday... They need our help. We have been focused on that aspect, just now, in other forms. The Week ended on a good note with finding a great New Investigator, Paula. I have Faith in her. The Next lesson will have her Hermanador to help her through the process. Its whats needed. I Get it. 

Crossing the roads and walking in Zig Zags to walk under a post for a milisecond of shade... Or finding a tree to walk under.. Its killer. But I Love it. 

I bought Oakley and Ray Ban glasses today for 7 dollars each. Super Fake, Thank you Perú, They are dope. We ate Roly´s today, famous restaurant here in Arica, I ate 3/4 of the sandwhich. My companion is awesome, keeping me working hard and focused. Still on my quest for my eternal friends. Love you family and friends. I found the Rav 4 here in Arica!

Elder Paxman

Las Acacias Got Talent

First of all.... HACE CUALQUIER CALOR ACÁ. It's so dang hot, The Valle (Valley) Lluta and Azapa that surround the City of Arica have been receiving a lot of rain apparently which brings in an immense Humidity to the City, I thought the Dry heat of Copiapó was hot last year, I couldn`t tell you what one is hotter, but I love it hahah it brings a fun edge to leaving the apartment at 4 in the afternoon ready for a hard day of work. Not too many are in the streets due to the hottness but for the ones that are... Fresh meat... We have been talking and talking and talking to everyone... I usually start off saying to the people in the street Hace frío o no? (Its pretty cold huh?) I get a chuckle then we start talkin bout Arica, The Good Ol USA, Sports, Lo que sea and then we are best friends and they invite us back another day... Some of them are even so nice to give us a cup of water, most of the time its water from the Tap, But I accept it with love and chug it down. I love Ariceños, Good people. I`ve been applying a tactic, that my good Friend taught me on an Intercambio one time, Looking for WHATEVER to talk about with the people, whether it be a painting of 2 old people on the wall;) or hearing Spanish music and knocking their door explaining I'm a gringo and I love Latin music, just ways to get the conversation going... We are seeing really good success with this. The Number of lessons we are teaching weekly is going up and up and up. the amount of people progressing is going up and up and up, the amount of Baptismal Fechas we have is now at 5, a family of 4, The familia Barraza Jaime all accepted to be baptized on the 18th of April, Marraige is still needed for that reason, its a little far away but still. Goals, Metas, They are critical. My Companion was so happy after that Cita we had with them... Those are the moments why I love being a missionary so much.. A hard day of work and being able to have such a spiritual lesson on the Gospel Of Jesus Christ Lesson 3, and having it click in their minds, having the spirit talk to them, realizing they need this to be saved... That's why I love being a missionary, no better feeling. Other than being in that Font.

It truly is a miracle seeing how fast we can gain the confidence of a person or ward with the calling we have, I know that's part of me being set apart as a missionary, that ability. No sé si me explico.. 

This was a true quote I heard more than 5 times this week. ´Lets tell everyone that it starts at 7:30, so we can actually start at 8:30´.... I still cant understand that..... Like I said last week we have a goal of doing an activity once per week, in charge of the Missionary work, This week we had a talent show... It was supposed to start at 7:30 but we ended up starting at about 9:00.. But that's something I don't wanna talk about... Anyways in the end the Talent show turned out really good, people actually showed up, people enjoyed themselves, people left content. Us 4 missionaries did a sketch, of what people think we do as missionaries and what really happens... Its was really funny, I will have to show you the video someday, even though its in Spanish, it's still funny. The members and Investigators loved it. We had some other great talents from some Investigators and members as well, about 50 or so people showed up... Activities are what keep the Ward active. They are needed. It was a success this week. I have a future in Acting. hahah. 

One thing that I don't think many people from the US or Utah will ever understand is the sacrifice and true faith some of these members have in order to visit the temple.... Its something Unexplainable but Seeing the plans needed and the resources as well really is amazing to see what these members go through... I have so much Respect and love for these faithful members who give basically everything to make the trip just to go to the temple, I always heard these stories but never thought they were real... They are real... I love faithful members. It kills me to say I have a temple 5 minutes from my house knowing before the mission I didn't take advantage of that luxury... truly amazing these people. Our ward is planning on making the trip in April to Cochabamba Bolivia. 

I don't want to go into big details about this last thing but, lets just say, being exactly obedient doesn't always mean being best friends with everyone. Bad habits some members have had with previous missionaries are very hard to break without being put on the bad list, or the lame Elder list, or the Cuatico missionary list, as they say here. But I'm here to be obedient and I try to explain in a loving manner why, and I can say I am not the most loved missionary for that... But I'm happy cause my son understands the importance of Obedience and receiving the blessings from heaven. That's all. 

I remember When I started the mission the old old missionaries on the verge of going home, would always tell me `When you have our time Elder Paxman, you'll understand why we do what we do` I cant explain to you how happy and blessed I am to not be saying those words to the new younger missionaries, That's not what the gospel is about. I'm so blessed to have understood, I thank my Mission President, previous companions, previous Zone Leaders, and the Lord for this sensation of knowing who I need to be. I'm a happy Missionary, Giving every last drop in the heat of the Arica sun. I know who I am.

Elder Mason C. Paxman

 

Elder Ngatai from Utah and I bought matching Colo Colo Jersies from Peru, Blessings that members can go and we are so close, the jersies cost 5 mil, about 8 Dollars.

Being able to see My Convert Andres Vera today was a highlight I will never forget, Surprising him at his door step, He is leaving on his mission the Day I finish my Mission, Such a great bond we have together. Here's a pic with him, we both are still as skinny as we were a year and a half ago.

These are about half the Ties we have in Giant Bags in the back of our pension, Literally thousands of Ties.... Insane, Missionaries are always coming over to check them out.

 

Queridos Familia y Amigos,

What a week, I can honestly truly say, I have never been so tired... We are working so hard, I have all the desire in my soul to leave this sector healthy, (as we say here in the MCA) Progressing families, members animated to help us, a good stock of Future Investigators, Fechas Bautimales, ETC.... That is the desire of my heart right now... I just want to give it all to this sector. Leave it all on the court, Leave it all in Arica. I am on the right path for that...

At the Start of the week, as we were having a rough day getting into houses, we were walking in the dusty streets of the North of Chile, my mind started wandering to my sector in Iquique, the one I just left, Thinking of all the Progressing families we had, Future Baptisms, The Success We were having, And then I got a slap in the Face and basically told myself... No Ya Pasò (Its over with) This is where you are needed. After the few seconds of Reflecting I look up and Saw a Señora (a women) Sitting on her doorstep playing with her 3 kids. Without even thinking My Comp followed me to go talk to her.... It was an Experience very difficult to explain in words. The Holy Ghost needs to testify to you all the things I was feeling while speaking to this women, It was revelation just basically telling me... Forget about your past, I need you and your Talents here in this Area now... It was an experience I wont forget, The contact was good, the Women has lots of Intrest, but I know that wasn`t why we needed to talk to her, A lesson learned... I don`t know if that made sense but It changed my perspective on things, Cachai. 

The ward is improving we have an Hermana who is in charge of doing an activity a week with the missionary work in charge, How awesome is that. This past week we did a type of Get to know you activity, No time to explain, but it was a great success, and 2 of our progressing Investigators were able to come. Next week, the theme is valentines day with a small talent show. Activities are key!!!

There are some Young Women in our ward who are preparing to serve missions, they go around and touch doors (Knock) to find people for us to teach hahaha How sick is that hahah. Amazing, Seriously, We are being blessed with some great new people thanks to them. Go find some people in your neighborhoods for the missionaries to teach. 

My Son calls me his Maestro (teacher) or Papito, hahah I can`t help to love that but I correct him and tell to just call me Elder Paxman while laughing, I love him. I want to see him have success. He is such a good Elder hahah. 

I have never seen the Importance of Talking with Everyone in the streets until now. If we don`t talk with people in the streets, we don`t get into houses.... I am learning so much. 

So real quick. My ward in Antofagasta, Las Arenas that I was in for 6 months had a family, Claudia Torres and her 2 sons they have been active members their whole life, her husband isn`t a member. She is on vacation for a few months here in Arica and it just so happens to turn out she is in my ward here, the coincidence, my first Sunday she comes up to me and explains that her son turned 8 the day before and he wants to get baptized at once and not wait til the end of his vacation, and she doesn`t know anyone here, or doesn`t have family worthy to baptize so she asked me, because we were so close with her family in Antofa... So I was pleased to baptize Little Benjamin. Smartest most mature 8 year old I`ve met, Future missionary and Bishop. It was a great experience. 

I have more to write but Its time to get back to work, Until next week. Love you Family and Friends.

I was able to visit some past friends here in Arica from when I was here a year and a half ago, nothing like coming in contact with Your Eternal friends again, My Convert Andres wasn`t in his house:( but next week hopefully.

Elder Paxman

 

 

Arica Siempre Arica

Well, I made it. I'm up here at the very top of Chile in one of my most favorite cities in my mission. Arica. My Son is awesome. I spent the first few days of the week in Iquique waiting for Wednesday night to head to Antofagasta to have a meeting with all the trainers and New missionaries. Its incredible seeing the Excitement from all the new missionaries. Thursday was the day, to find out who are new companions were. 14 or so New missionaries with all the Trainers in a circle with a Chair in the middle, The Newbie read their First Sector, zone, and who their Papito is. Then everyone claps and crap.... its a  cool experience trust me haha. My son was the last one to read his letter, so he read it along with someone else, The other trainers name is Elder Palmer and both the Newbies said our names at the same time haha so We had to guess hahah Palmer and Paxman sound similar, I´ll show yal the video in 2 years.. But MEET MY COMPANION Elder Cutipa (Pronounced for you White people Coo. Tee. Puh.)  He is from the Capital of Perú, Lima. For all you noobs who don´t know where Perú is, its the country directly above Chile. There are a ton of Peruvians here in the North Of Chile. He is my second Peruvian compañero. He is a recent Convert of only a year and 10 months...... I´ll put this into context for you all. When I started my Mission on March 27th 2013 My companion hadn´t ever talked with the missionaries in his life. And now about 2 years later he is now a representative of Jesus Christ. Wow.... The Testimony and Faith that must take huh.. We have only been together a few days but I can already see something special in him. Having a kid in the mission im sure is very similar to having a kid in real life... Question after question after question, Which is a good thing. He is sooo hungry to learn, He wasn´t able to go out with the missionaries due to work issues before his mission so he is starting literally from Nothing, Which is really cool. I love him. He has a glow to him. He is 24 years old, He was Baptised 22 years old, He is the ONLY member of his family and his parents were completely against him going on a mission, He worked to earn his own money for the past 2 years and has paid for literally everything he has, which isn´t much. He is a happy Peruvian. At times I need to step back and realize how fragile he is. What I do, he does. What a great oppourtunity I have to be a good Papito (Father) to Elder Cutipa.

Opening a sector is not easy. My Companion and I have been walking and walking getting to know the Street names, The Few Investigators the Elders before us were working with and also passing by all the Members houses trying to regain their confidence for the missionary work. Members, Especially in South America, See the Animo of the Missionaries and then follow it. I can honestly say these past 4 days I have never said so many prayers in such a small period of time. Literally having No one to visit, Being lost in the street, My comps Feet full of Blisters. I am fully trusting on the Lord right now, I´ve never felt like this before... Its something special, but very difficult at the same time haha... Its been a rough few days, but I´m learning so much to lean on the Lord, and Follow his Promptings... I have learned sooo much these past few days and only hope to leave this sector 100 Times better than how we found it.

Our Mamita (member who cooks for us, and washes our clothes) is amazing, she is sooo focused on this work, she is the New Relief Society President and has the Petal to the Metal, She has givin us soo many References to visit, and thats what we are basically depending on, The Animo of our mamita... The first time in my mission as well where I get to see something green on my plate everyday for Lunch... She is very worried about the health of the missionaries so she gives us Salad everyday... How happy is my body? Very!!! The Sector hasn´t seen a Baptism in about a year and 7 months... A looong time this area hasn´t seen a Baptism but We have all the Energy to help this ward. What a great challange to finish my mission. Like I said, Giving every last drop of knowledge to my kid and helping him start his mission like he needs. Lots of pressure, but also lots of Confidence. Im giving it all... 

Being able to recieve letters from Recent Converts and Emails from missionaries Wards I have served in, seeing Investigators My comps and I found and now seeing them get Baptised. Hugo Jaime, In Antofagasta, Juan Dias in Tierra Amarilla, Willians in Antofagasta.... No greater feelings than these. Im focused... and Hungry to finish strong. Love you Family, I feel your Prayers, I feel your Love. I know My savior lives, I wouldn´t be who I am today If that weren´t true.

One of the Pictures I'm sending home is of El Morro, A famous Rock thingy here in Arica... Beautiful, I love Arica.

Shining the Shoes of my son, to show the Service I will be giving him as a Papito

George (Gray Jacket 1) One of my best friends In Iquique, Gringo from California, I can´t explain the feelings I have for him.

Onward and Upward;) 

Elder Paxman

I'm Pregnant with my Second Son!!!

What a humbling phone call receiving my last transfer call from the assistants letting me know I will be finishing my mission opening a sector (Going to a sector where my companion and I don`t know anyone-streets-nothing) and training a new missionary, My Mission President wrote me saying ¨Thanks so much! Training a new missionary is a great opportunity to leave your legacy in someone else, become immortal as a missionary!¨ And Elder Mangum writing me saying ¨Enjoy training dude! I am so pumped for you. You guys are going to tear it up up there. Just remember, give it everything you got, every last drop. It will all be worth it. Enjoy every day! Your hijito is lucky to have you. I love you elder.¨ Im shaking of excitement and humbled with the trust the lord and president Dalton have showed in me. Having a missionary start off on the right foot, understanding how to be a real disciple of Christ, is necessary, Their first companion and first few months is something that will change the course of their whole mission-life... The responsibility of the Papito (Dad, or first companion of a new missionary) is vital. I can`t really put into words the excitement I have to finish my last 6 weeks with my second son, Giving it every last drop like Elder Mangum counseled me. I`m focused family, Even though I received about 15 Emails all telling me how excited they are to see me cause you received my itinerary, after a quick slap in the face and the thought of the new responsibility of my Hijito (son) I wouldn't want to be anywhere else these last 6 weeks.

I will be heading back up to Arica, which is a City at the VERY top of Chile. Right below Perú, I was there about 18 months ago, when I was just a young lad in the mission. I can`t explain how excited I am to see my convert Andrés who will be going on a mission to Perú on March 10th, along with seeing members and old Investigators in my Sector of Pukarani.

 I will be staying here in Iquique until Tomorrow night at about 2 in the morning, so technically Wednesday to head down to Antofagasta to have a great meeting- Presentation with all 18 new Missionaries coming in and 18 Trainers. to find out who will be companions with who. Its an experience that you never forget, I still can remember to this day the exact conversations I had exactly a year ago when I trained for the first time. With Elder Malan. Unforgettable. I will arrive to my Sector in Arica at 6:30 in the morning on Thursday and will get right to work getting to know the area, the bishop, the members, the Investigators, and finding new Investigators, along with my new companion. 6 weeks seems like such little time to do everything I want there. I have no time to waste. LETS GET TO WORK BABYYYYY BOO! I`m gonna work my kid to death, but a good type of Death don`t worry.... 

Its never easy saying goodbye, In such a short period of 3 months I have gained so many eternal friends here in Iquique, one of the most impactful sectors of my whole mission. The Converts, the Members, the Investigator, once again, impossible for me to describe my true feelings. Goodbyes stink.... (I was gonna write suck but then I thought that wasn`t a missionary word) I love these people, I love the mission. I am leaving so many great friends, but awaiting even more in Arica.

I dry cleaned my suit for the first time since the MTC, about 21 months... hahaha I`m so funny.... 

Well on that Note I will talk to you all Next week, letting you know how the sector is in Arica, who my son is, and more miracles that are bound to happen... This upcoming transfer will teach my son and I how to really trust in the lord. 

With lots and lots of Amor

Elder Papito Paxman

Pica

Family and Friends.

 

First of all, what a great P Day today. Go look up ¨The Oasis of Pica¨ on google Images. Its about a 2 hour drive into the middle of the Desert from Iquique. Its a small... Oasis hahah gorgeous... We had a good time. There is too much to visit without a car but we were able to enjoy the calm Green town of Pica. Unforgettable memories. I want yal to go there someday, its an 8th wonder of the world.

A revelation that came to me this week was something I saw a ton, With all the investigators that just don`t see the importance of completing the committments we leave them they always come to us the next visit apologizing, and telling us why they couldn`t but really it came to me after hearing the same excuse-reason for the 4th time in the same day of why they couldnt read the Book of Mormon I came out and stopped them and explained that its not a committment with us... They shouldn't feel bad one little bit with us when they dont complete, we as well shouldnt feel bad knowing we gave them all the oppurtunities to complete. It's a committment between the investigators and the Lord. We are the tolos, I am a servant. I would like to see more people complete though...

The sector is getting better and better everyday. We had a lot of investigators but now the quality and quantity of investigators is going up, its truely a miracle. A new investigator this past week that bore his whole heart to us Alvaro (18 years old) is my life long friend and I`ve only seen him twice. Such a prepared heart wanting peace. He gave me a yellow card (cards used in soccer) signed by his favorite referee. That's friendship right there. So many other great things happening in the sector.  

If you ask me how to describe my Chilean Experience in 3 words it would be

Rice and Chicken.. Every meal... wow...

Elder Cloward (Roomate) was walking down the Street and found 2 baseball mits for 2 Mil each (about $3.50).... Oh the Miracle.... We played catch for our excersie one morning... I can`t say much more than that without getting too teary eyed.

If anyone needs help on getting legal here in Chile, Elder Paxman knows the whole process of making it happen... So many hours spent in the government building. It's a fun service really, I like it...

It really has been a blessing having my bestfriend here in the mission with me... Especially cause he lives only 20 minutes away I`m able to see and talk with him oft... Shoutout to my Boy Elder Sargent.

Here in Iquique in the middle of the summer you see a whole ton of tourists... The cool thing is lots of Gringos (White Homies) are here on vacations... Something that I have came to realice while talking to them in English is that a mission in the states and a mission in South America would be compleeeetly different.... I have never been rejected so hard in my life tan with these Gringos hahaha so direct when talking about Religión... Respect to the Missionaries in the states. But its still fun talking to them and asking where they are from. Like I have said before Iquique is like a mini Miami.... You find everything.... I love it.   

Preach my Gospel along with the Scriptures have been my focus in my personal and companionship study these past few weeks. I`m getting better... I`m learing... I`m changing I hope... I love that fact of being able to change through these inspired books. Dilligence is a necessity.

I feel like I say the same things week after week, I hope you aren`t bored of my emails yet.