Elder Camden Sandberg, Puebla Sur, Mexico

Aunt Liz is more Mexican... even though she is from the "other" tribe, she has serious connections.  A friend of hers told her that if you make friends with the cook at the CCM then he will take a photo with your missionary and send it to you.  Aunt Liz reached out to the cook via instagram and he responded back with this photo.  YAY for photos of my missionary!

The first photo! Feliz Viernes en CCM Today while scrolling through instagram I saw the first photo of Camden in the MTC.  I sent him a "Welcome to the MTC" care package that included a banner, treats and candy.  This really made my day to see that smile on my missionary!  No email today even though it was the first p-day.  Guess I will have to wait until next week.  Elder Sandberg is showing his Laker pride with the tie that Uncle Mark and Aunt Liz gave him.  Always a Laker fan. We are all wondering if this is his companion in the photo.

The Longest Walk The Longest Walk - the first day as a missionary. Adapted from an email I received. As they turn to head into the security line and eventually make their way down the concourse to their gate they leave behind those they love, the place they call home, their hobbies, their jobs, their possessions, their schooling, and every comfort of life. These are the hardest steps they have ever taken. No friends or family will accompany them on this journey. They must do it alone. Nothi ng is scarier. Nothing is more intimidating. Nothing is harder. These young people are, literally and symbolically, turning and walking away from everything and everyone they have ever known. The Longest Walk is the rawest emotional experience of these teenagers’ lives. It takes every ounce of faith they can possibly muster to move their feet and continue to walk. And yet in every step the transformation deepens. The focus on self fades. The dependency on deity grows. The discovery of cour...

Hola de Mexico July 23, 2019 Hi Mom! It is 7 pm here and I just got here. No problems getting on the flight I had one Elder and one Sister on my flight which was nice. VISA went smooth but I did have to go through some extra security because I had 3 bags. I found the representative of the CCM but I guess there were supposed to be 30 missionary's total on my flight. Turns out a flight with 27 missionary's from Salt Lake was delayed 2 hours. So we waited for them for an extra 3 hours in the airport. Anyways we got here and it is beautiful. All is well. Some things to know... I am in branch 8 and district D. My preparation day is on Fridays. So I will probably email this Friday, or next I do not know how it works. Love you so much. Also I forgot to give you the letters so I will send them on pday.  Love,  Elder Sandberg 

Time to say Adios July 23, 2019 Not the morning I was hoping for yet I’m oddly at peace. Woke up 3:15 am. Arrived at Ontario airport just before 4 am. Went to ticket counter to find out flight cancelled and not running all week. Agent helped book a flight for 9:45 LAX direct non stop to Mexico City. Went home for Darren to change for work. Drove to LAX. Its been a long morning. Then I dropped Darren at work in OC Just got home. Fortunately Camden got a hold of church travel and told them what happened. Praying someone is there to pick up my baby from Mexico airport.  Shed some tears but I think the chaos of the morning hasn’t quite hit me yet. But I’m grateful for the for the comfort of the Holy Ghost and I feel my Saviors love right now.  I did get an email from Camden tonight letting me know he had made it safely.  Email in next post.

Sunday, July 21, 2019 Farewell Camden did a wonderful job bearing testimony of the importance of covenants and ordinances in our lives.  Obedience brings blessings from above and allows us to dwell with the Father.  Camden bore testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel Principles he is excited to share with the people of Mexico. We had so many people come to hear him speak, family from Utah, friends from cross country and were so touched by the outpouring of love and support.  After church we had a wonderful luncheon for family and close friends with carnitas, cilantro lime rice, and all of the toppings.  And a Mexican fiesta wouldn't be complete without pina coladas.  Family and friends stayed to mingle, wish Camden well and enjoy time together.   Many friends truly ministered as they "took over the kitchen" by serving and cleaning and preparing which allowed the family to be together.  Just another example of Christ-like love that was shown...

7/21/19, Elder Sandberg set apart as a full time missionary Tonight, Elder Sandberg was set apart by President Daryl Flexman of the Stake Presidency.  President Aragon, the Stake President, was out of town so we made sure to take a photo with him the week before.  Camden asked our good friend Bishop Knoll to be with us at the setting apart.  Elder Sandberg was given a beautiful blessing and testimonies were born and the Holy Ghost touched each person who was there.  How grateful we are for Priesthood authority to act in the name of God.