First Week 08/26/2013 Area: Manassas Park, VA

Oh how time flies. I seriously cant believe the time can go by this fast. I would love to share all the experiences I have had here, but honestly that just isn't possible. I mean one day could fill up an entire letter. So I will just kinda go over the highlights and the good stuff. :)

The day I arrived we got to go to Lincoln Memorial, and the reflecting pool, and see the Washington Monument. It is all so cool. I haven't gotten to see Arlington, but I will probably go next P-day. But the coolest thing is, that isn't even what I am excited for. I mean I just want to get out there and talk to people. I mean my job is to talk to people, provide service, and bring people the gospel. My job rocks!! Then again it is a lot of work. I mean, first off, my Spanish...might have been the best in the MTC but out here...well the people speak a lot faster, and they have some thick accents, especially those from El Salvador. (which means "The Savior" in Spanish). But I think it is so cool. I mean two days ago I was just in the ghetto, (like an area where we don't go in after dark because people die ghetto) And I just talked with this African American who had a very interesting view on the gospel, and how he says: People just think to much. I told him: Your probably right, but sometimes I think people don't think enough. He was doing the timing on his truck, and I was able to use his distributor  and his ignition timing as an analogy about how you have to have the right balance, not too early and not too late.

That isn't even the best story, yesterday we received a referral to this house, and when we knocked, this lady just greets us, and without even knowing who we are, or what we do, just lets us in, and takes us to her back porch  its her and her family cooking a legit El Salvadorian Barbeque, with Churizo, and all the delicious meat. Well we begin to teach, and of course my companions take the lead because...Well his Spanish exceeds mine...by A LOT!! And we just begin talking, and I couldn't believe it. They were so open and loving, they asked us such good questions, and wanted to read, wanted to hear more. We asked if they wanted us to head out so they could eat their food, and the next thing we know we have a HUGE plate of meat, and rice and they are feeding us. I mean I could literally not eat that much food, BUT I DID!! And it was so good!! But yes they said they had began to read the bible, because they just wanted to know the truth, they invited us back this Wednesday and Sunday to talk more about the church. I am so excited.

It is amazing all the little and simple miracles we see everyday. Honestly it is so wonderful, and I am so blessed. Another thing I wanted to talk about is familys, I have always come from such a tight family, A family where we love each other, and I come here and I am so surprised at how the media, and mainstream is out there to destroy the family, destroy the need for marraige, and the need for unity in the family, it seems like NOBODY cares anymore. Well I am here to say that family is not just a Utah thing, it is amazing that as we talk about the gospel, and how much it blesses familys, and helps familys is THAT is what people want to hear. They want their family to be closer, and have more love. And the gospel is what can bring it. I love it!

 I have two companions one is a native uraguaian. and the from sandy utah. Both have been out in the field for 21 months, so in their terms I am the trainee that will KILL them. (killing just means I am the last person the will be training before they leave.) When you arrive in the mission you are "Born" when you leave, you "die". Its funny. But I love my companions, and I have learned a lot. So happy to be here.

Love,

Elder Mason Paul Reid

Last MTC letter 08/20/2013

Well everyone it has been a crazy week. But also a great week! Last tuesday we got to hear a talk from Richard G. Scott, it was so amazingly awesome, he talked about prayer, and how to understand revelation. It was really inspiring. He also gave two different blessings over the pulpit. Using in his words "Apostolic authority" he blessed us with the gift of tongues according to our faith, and a strong bond of trust with the people we meet. While walking to the marriot center there was a man (I think he was homeless) But he shouted some pretty insane stuff, some of it I cant repeat. But all in all I thought it was actually pretty funny. He had some pretty insane things to say. 

We had the oppurtunity to teach a student from BYU, he was really cool, we met him on the bus and we got to talk to him for a couple of nights in a row. He is going to Alabama Burmingham mission. And he is a really cool kid. Right before he left to go home (it's end of semester) he gave us each a note, and It meant a lot what he said. He said he was having some doubts and fear about his mission, but talking with us got him so excited, and he said he is extremely ready, and excited to go. It really meant a lot to him. 

Me and my companion are the last ones here, the last ones out of the 14 that got here the same day. But we are pretty much packed, and ready to go. I am so lucky I had him as a companion, We have one of the strongest companionships in the Zone, and I have grown to Love him. He is a great example. And He will be an amazing missionary!

Well family, I think I should get off here, and finish what I need to get done, But I love you all. 

Elder Mason Paul Reid

1 John 2:20 and 27

A story that Michelle shared with me that Mason shared with her.

"Let me tell you a quick story so In spanish the letter "Z" sounds like the letter "S" The verb Cazar meants to hunt, the verb Carsarse, means to marry, (it has the se on the end of the verb cause its reflexive.) Well I was in a lesson and the investigator asked what I lliked to do. I thought I said I like to hunt, but I accidently used the (se) or made it reflexive, and instead of saying I like to hunt, I said I like to marry. So yeah, thats my funny story for you."

If anyone else had stories please send them to me :) 

We have pictures!!

Elder Reid sent home a SD card full of pictures from the MTC. I stole some of the pictures so I could share them. So, here they are! 

Elder Reid and Elder Lowe ran into each other during devotional. I can only imagine the reunion those to crazies had. There has been a lot of speculation of who body slammed who when they saw each other. 

I don't think that he is short on treats... 

Elder Reid's Reassignment

Weeelllll Ladies and Genteeelman, the day has arrived.

I know where I am going, and I am extremely pumped. I leave wednesday at 2;30 in the morning from Wyview, I don't know exactly when my flight takes off, or when I will be at the air port, or all that less important information. But I do know two very important parts 1:Where 2: It is Spanish Speaking.

I know, I know, you are dying to know where I am going. But I think I will make you wait...just a little. So as you guys might now I have five elders still in our district here. One of those elders, my companion will be going to the same mission as me, Elder J. and Elder M. have two very interesting calls, they will be going to the Ogden mission. Yes the Ogden, Utah Mission. Elder M. is from Las Vegas so he is pretty pumped, but Elder J. is from Syracuse Utah, and in case you guys didn't know, Syracuse is in the Ogden mission. We checked the travel desk, and yes it is right, it is where he will be serving. Which is pretty crazy. 

Cleveland, Ohio!!!! Jokes that's not where I am going, That is where Elder G. will be going. He is pretty pumped and excited to go. So now to the part you have all been waiting for. 

I, Elder Mason Paul Reid, will be serving in the Washinton D.C South mission, I am absolutely stoked! And another Elder in a different district is going there as well it is his regular call, and he is going spanish speaking. So YES I will be speaking Spanish.
I love you all
Elder,
Mason Paul Reid

MTC Letter 08/13/2013

A little back story to Mason's Letter... He was supposed to leave the MTC last Friday/Saturday. We got a quick e-mail Thursday saying that he was staying in the MTC for another week. That's all he said. 

Beinvenidos!!

This week has been a little crazy for me, I mean a lot of mixed emotions, the biggest one is with me staying in the MTC for another week at first I will be honest I was a little upset, but luckily I have learned here at the MTC, that the lord knows whats good for me, and the lord knows where I need to be. I am on the Lords time, I have been set apart, and the next two years of my life are not my life, they are for the lord, and he wants me hear. I have decided to go through this week and find the purpose, find the reason for me being here. Maybe it is to help someone, maybe it is to be an example to the new district, Maybe I need to learn something special. But no matter what I want to have an open heart and mind, so that I don't just waste the next two week here. That doesn't mean its easy though, it's rough to watch the other 9 out of the 14 that started here together leave. I never knew how quick 14 Guys could grow together and in six weeks become brothers, I will miss these men that I have come to love and respect. I have learned a lot in the MTC so far, but I do want to share one thing right now, and that is the power of Prayer.

 

We are taught here that before we do anything, personal study, plan, plan a lesson, teach a lesson, go to bed, eat a meal, we need to pray. Concecrate ourselves and our performance to the lord, this is not only an act of faith, but it opens the way for the lord to bless us. I can remember a specific lesson where me and my companion were giving the lesson, and the spirit just wasnt there, I wasnt feeling it, my companion wasnt feeling it, and I knew the investigator wasnt feeling it, so I did the only thing I could do, I prayed. I asked the lord to help me, bless me with the spirit, help me know what this person needs to hear, and how I can open this room up to the spirit, as I closed the prayer I recieved an answer to my prayer I was given exactly what I needed to say, and I was blessed with the spirit. It turned out to be one the blest lessons we had ever given. I have had many other faith strengtheners, but this is one that I will always remember. My challenge for all of you that read this is simple: Pray! Its simple, it really is. If you need help doing anything, in that moment say a prayer, pray for exactly what you need, and the lord will help you. I have gained such a strong testimony of that. I love you all.

Love,

Elder Mason Paul Reid

 

Moses 6:36

D&C 100:4-5

Another note from JaNae, I wrote Mason and told him that I was going to beat him up if he didn't start writing in his group e-mails about how he has been doing and talking about himself. I also threatened him and told him that if he didn't start writing about himself then I was going to have everyone he writes to give me updates that they think is blog worthy like the fact that he is a district leader, he ripped his suit, and sprained his ankle. This was his response. 

JaNae!! Hey, absolutely if you see other things that I send to others as something that needs to go on the blog by all means do it!! I don't have a lot of time to put everything I want into the blog email, so if I miss something it's totally cool, just add that right in. I trust you.

That being said, if you or someone you know gets a letter or e-mail or picture or anything that you think people should know please send it to me, either via text, e-mail, facebook, phone call, knock on  my door anything. :) If you wonder if it is questionable let me know and I'll make that call. If you have any questions let me know!

-JaNae

MTC 08/06/2013

I have to keep this a little short, but I have a lot to say in this short Email.

First off as I was laying in bed a thought hit me:

"I dont think it is a lack of faith that stops us from having miracles happen, I think it is that we are scared it might require some work on our part."

During a devotional on tuesday the speaker said some stuff that really hit me hard. As missionarys we are fighting Satan. And we are fighting for souls. And thats not an exageration, thats a literal statement. Then the speaker says that we need to be the best we can be, because we arent sent to hold the line, we are sent to charge at the enemy. When I heard that I thought about braveheart when I saw it on TV (so it wasnt rated R). How much passion, and motivation did William wallace had with his painted face, and his sword as he charged screaming freedom. I think we as missionarys need to have that same motivation, that same drive, that same power that he had. Except instead of our faces painted we have Name Badges, and instead of a sword we have sciptures. But we need to have that same drive because we are fighting the devil, and the price of losing is souls.

I love you all,

Elder Mason Paul Reid

Mosiah 18:3