Elder Christian Carter South - 2026-2028 Mission

  "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength...but be diligent unto the end" (D&C 10:4). This week, I learned the importance of endurance. Consider a runner: a sprint versus a marathon demands different actions. Both require intense exertion, but an effective sprinter must reach a higher speed. At the same time, a marathon runner maintains a constant speed, breath, and heart rate for a longer period of time. The slower speed of the marathon runner does not imply a lack of effort. Rather, purposeful pacing reflects the forethought and planning that is required to finish the race. It is not in the gospel of the Lord to sprint until our legs give out. But we are commanded to endure to the end. This cannot be done without planning ahead. As a missionary, it is just not possible to read our scriptures all day, run to every appointment, and write down every good thought that comes to our minds. But instead we set goals, make plans, and WORK to carry out those plans...

My first full week is over, and we are living in El Salvador. The heat still kills at a high about 100 degrees every day. But we are seeing miracles every day. I don't have a ton of time to write, but everything is great. Because Elder Wallace and I are new to this area, it has been an adventure learning the geography and meeting all the people. The ward here is so strong. Today we got up at 3:00 am and drove to the beach! Watching the sunrise over the ocean made me really appreciate the beauty of this country. Playing soccer on the sand with the waves crashing at our feet was such a tender mercy. Language learning has been an incredible theme this week for me. Here are three languages I would like to expound on. First, is Spanish. We have had lesson after lesson with members, friends, and new contacts; it has been so fun practicing my Spanish. Although I am nowhere near fluent, I am learning new concepts daily. It is so important that we continue in our efforts to learn our missio...