Ofaatu! (meaning hello in Tongan, or at least that is what brother Finau told us!)
Sounds like things back at home are going well!! Things here in Las Vegas are going awesome! We are staying busy and doing good. I have been able to ride the new bike around quite a bit and it is pretty sick! It's a Diamond Back and, no it isn't a road bike. I couldn't bring myself to spend the money and bikes here tend to get stolen on a regular basis. I had to buy a nice U lock and we park them inside the Casida every time we don't ride them. This week has been crazy and I cant believe that it is already over. It seems as though the days are turning into weeks and the weeks into days. I am having experience after experience and it would take 7 journal entries to tell you everything! I am doing better with being focused on the work and how everything is going. Teaching is coming along a lot! I am kinda going weird because I honestly think that my favorite part of the day is my personal study where I get to just read and tear apart my Book of Mormon. I have already finished it once since entering the mission field and I just hit Jacob. So hopefully I can at least finish it one more time before the year ends! Transfers were last week and my Stud of a comp is the new District leader, which means a few more responsibilities for him! I am enjoying the relaxation of being the Jr companion for now because I know that someday soon that will all be gone! Oh and Hali I must apologize for my bad grammar. haha its going to get worse:) But to repay you for all your hard work I know that you have been doing ldsjournal.com. Well yeah- get this I know the CREATOR of that and he told me he would upgrade anyone in my family for free and if you would like to have a book made let me know and he will discount it for you. He is also working on a new website that is called jrnl.com which is going to be even better! But I'm not sure when that is so I'll keep you posted. His name is Nick Jones and he is a member of the Somerset ward, which I am in. If you look at the authors' story on ldsjournal.com he is the one. It's pretty sick! He builds iphone apps and some way cool stuff like that and his wife is awesome. She reminds me a lot of Mindy and Hali. She clogged and they just had their first baby so they take care of us pretty good and make sure that we work hard.
I guess to share some experiences I have had a TON this week. It was almost a little bit weird. I will start with a family- we went over there last Monday night and when we got there the wife was really having a tough time. Her daughter had told her that she didn't want to have her in her life anymore and they were just having a really rough fight because the wife had told her son in law that he was posting some inappropriate stuff on Facebook. She wanted us to give her a blessing and she asked me to do so. I felt honored and I gave her the blessing, during the blessing the spirit was so strong and I really felt the words were not from me. I can't really remember what was said I know that in the blessing I said she would have the gift of discernment to know and understand the needs of her children, and also that she would have patience with them. Well, we left and didn't really think a whole lot about it. Then the next day we were at the bike store helping two of the Elders in our district get their bikes because their car got moved to another area and we got a phone call from the wife and she asked for me. She told me that last night after we left it hadn't been five minutes after we walked out the door and her son in law called. He apologized for everything that was said and asked for forgiveness. Crazy! I couldn't believe it. I am just so thankful that I was worthy and prepared so that I could be there to help her receive those blessings. She has since thanked us both like 10 times and she is awesome! I know she has tried to add you on Facebook mom and she said that she sent you a message? Check your Facebook and make sure you didn't miss it because she wondered if you received it.
Then on Thursday we always meet with my favorite family the Critchlows and they invite a bunch of their non member friends and we just have a dicussion about the church. Well, the first time that we met it was just 3 people then 4 and now 7 and they just keep inviting more and more it is sick!! One guy his name is Jimmy is totally going to get baptized when the time is right. Unfortunately he is out of our area and is being taught by the other elders, but we do get to see him every Thursday which is way sweet!!!
Our lesson with Sabrina dominated this week the Lord really helped us out and we really needed it. It started with Elder Cunningham and I really struggling to find a member to come and go with us. Then the Critchlows name came to mind we called them and they couldn't wait to come. When we got there we had planned to teach lesson 2, the Plan of Salvation, and we were able to accomplish that as well as touch on the word of wisdom- because she is having a Coffee problem. She kept just making excuses and beating around the bush. To be honest, it was frustrating and she was making excuses for why she wanted to drink coffee. Finally, after we all had struggled I told her that I honestly didn't know a lot and I had very few experiences but I did know that I wasn't really sure why God would ask me to go on a mission. It didn't make sense to leave. I had everything I needed and I didn't need to just leave. Sometimes it really doesn't make sense. But sometimes we just have to have faith that it is the right thing and that we need to do it. I told her that my parents could call and offer me all the money that is being spent on my mission to come home and I wouldn't do it because I wanted to be out here helping people like her come closer to Christ because that is where true happiness is. Well, by the time I was done we both were almost in tears! I hate to tell you this crap cuz it sounds like I am just bragging that what I said changed her mind. Trust me, Elder Cunnigham as well as the Critchlows did some tough work, it was just then that the conversation turned from why she couldn't to setting a date for when it would stop. October 1, 2012 Sabrina won't be drinking any more coffee!!!
Elder Cunningham is a stud and I am learning a ton from him. I am so thankful that I got a good Trainer. I am LUCKY! It will hopefully catipult me to the rest of my mission, so that I will be able to continue to work hard. I do miss the work at home though. I want to get in a tractor so bad!! Or even ride a horse! I am super jealous people at home are seeing bears. I want to see a bear bad! We did get to see a coyote running around the golf course where I live.
I wish there was more I could tell you but honestly I am tired of writing! I do love writing you all. I will try and get the Book of Mormon marking system sent to you all so that you can do it for your family home evenings!!
As for questions- my Mission President said that I could vote if I have an absentee ballet so do you know how I could do that? Oh and it is still hot here but it is beginning to cool down. I am going to get going. I love you all so much and really appreciate the support!! Thanks for all you do and all the letters I have been receiving!! Talk to you next week!!
Love,
Elder Crapo
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Sept. 10, 2012
Dear Fam,
How the heck is the world in Idaho!! Things here in Vegas are going well and still staying rather HOT. Everyday is pretty much over 100. But all is well. I am trying to think of what all has happened in the last week! Days are beginning to mesh together and weeks are becoming days. It seems that I am sitting in church one day and then it is a week later and I am doing it again. Every Sunday is one big headache. I just as well fast every week because we have church from 9 to 1. It is hard because I get so so so much out of the first 3 hours and then the last three I am just concentrating on staying awake. And I took kind of a hard goal on myself to not take a nap till like, oh July 2014. So church is a killer! But I figure the Lord has called me to labor here, not to nap here. So I take it as serious as possible. Sounds like Stake Conference went awesome! That is so good I would love a copy of your talks, Dad. I would print them here, but one print is like 50 cents. Would it be cheaper to have you send them to me in the mail? Let me know which is better. And mom....quit worrying about me. (I have to give you some Crap:) yeah there is some crime that has been going on in the area which is not stuff that would happen in Saint Anthony, but not any gun shots yet! Elder Cunningham and I are doing good. We are having fun and working hard. I think the hardest part about what we do here is forgetting home. I'm not really homesick or anything like that, but just forgetting it and losing yourself in the work is tough! This is just one big mental battle, which is good. I think that is how the Lord works us into men to be honest. I won't lie- I left home a little boy scared and not knowing what to do. And now that I am beginning to get into the swing of things and I understand more, it becomes more fun. I talk to people and I'm not afraid to tell them how I feel... well, most of the time.
I want to share a proud moment I had at the door step of this big black dude that we tracted into. We were going door to door and it was my turn. I knock and this big black guy comes out. He was quite nice and actually talked to us, but he told us he had read from the Book of Mormon before and that he wasn't interested. Elder Cunningham was talking to him and I really can't remember all that was said, but the guy was saying he agreed with some of it, but not all. The impression to stop the conversation and open my mouth came to mind. So I did. I just kind of changed paths of where the conversation was going and I said, "Sir the cool thing about the message we come out here to share, is it is either true or it isn't. Joseph Smith either saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ, or he didn't. And the best part is I don't want you to take my word for it. Read from the book again and sincerely ask our Father in Heaven if it is true and he will answer you." Well, he kind of stopped and that was that. No more arguing. Now unfortunately he didn't invite us back, but hey we did get to talk to him!
Now for the SWEET part of the email. We have these two less active members that we are working with. Jen and Kevin. They have been living together for 3 years and they have been less active for years. Jen has 3 unbaptized children who we are working on baptizing. But the sweet part of this whole deal is that Kevin and her one night where reading from the Book of Mormon. The spirit prompted him and her that they needed to do it all right. The next day Kevin moved out and then a few days later, here we come knocking on the door. Now, no we really didn't do much but come over, but the Lord had prepared them! So now we get to meet with them once a week. Last Thursday we went over and they invited a few of their non member friends over. It started out just as a casual hang out for them. And we began eating dinner talking about good old Idaho and where I had come from. And then all of a sudden the mood changed and we were telling them about our message and how we were representatives of Jesus Christ. Before we knew it they were all feeling the Spirit and were just totally zoned in on what we had to say. Kevin and Jen also helped us teach them and we gave them all a Book of Mormon. Tyler, one of the non-members that we gave a Book of Mormon to was stoked and wanted to attend the singles ward this week, which is out of our area. We can't teach them anymore because he lives in Henderson. But get this, on Thursday, Tyler I guess posted on Facebook that he felt like a changed man and he told his girlfriend and Kevin before he left the house the other night that he was going to read the whole Book of Mormon!!! They are going to be meeting with the missionaries in Henderson and I guess that Tyler has read the Book of Mormon everyday since then!! We also have another appointment set up for Wednesday which will be awesome!
So if that tells you anything about how my week has been going- it has been going awesome!
Sabrina is doing great and we had dinner with her and Jimmy the other night. I talked to Jimmy about how I can become a Pro Golfer and whoop my brothers' heads when I get home... So watch Out Coy, Wes, Jeff:) haha But he also committed to listen to the lessons and learn more. But he just doesn't want to answer questions or anything yet.... hahahaha. But we are stoked about them and are having a great time!
Mom, thank you so much for the package. The fruit leather is amazing and the Jam is so awesome! I eat a ton of PB&J. Pretty much everyday and cereal is now my best friend. But it is good! Then we get fed every night by a member:) Boy, were my prayers answered. I love it! I will have Elder Cunningham one more transfer and always send your emails here. Transfers are on the 18th so that will be good. Elder Cunningham and I do not want to be split up. I really like him and we are getting a ton done and I finally feel a little bit comfortable. But I think that that is what the mission is all about... being uncomfortable! I love you all and hope that all is well! Keep me updated on the grand kids and good job to everyone. Sounds like everyone is dominating except for South Fremont! That's ok, though. I bleed red with a splash of blue here and there for my boy Wyatt and Peytan! Keep it up!
I just want you all to know that I love this church and I love the Gospel and the principles it teaches. I wouldn't change this last two months for anything. I know that what I am doing is right and that my Father in Heaven is with me everyday. I wish you could all experience this with me everyday, This morning I was thinking about our community and how many young men are out serving the Lord just from Saint Anthony and there are so many!! It is way cool to think of everyone and how much we can influence the world. I love you all so much and I wish I could write all day! But I have to write President Black and tell him all my stories. So until Next week! Love you all!
Love
Elder Crapo
How the heck is the world in Idaho!! Things here in Vegas are going well and still staying rather HOT. Everyday is pretty much over 100. But all is well. I am trying to think of what all has happened in the last week! Days are beginning to mesh together and weeks are becoming days. It seems that I am sitting in church one day and then it is a week later and I am doing it again. Every Sunday is one big headache. I just as well fast every week because we have church from 9 to 1. It is hard because I get so so so much out of the first 3 hours and then the last three I am just concentrating on staying awake. And I took kind of a hard goal on myself to not take a nap till like, oh July 2014. So church is a killer! But I figure the Lord has called me to labor here, not to nap here. So I take it as serious as possible. Sounds like Stake Conference went awesome! That is so good I would love a copy of your talks, Dad. I would print them here, but one print is like 50 cents. Would it be cheaper to have you send them to me in the mail? Let me know which is better. And mom....quit worrying about me. (I have to give you some Crap:) yeah there is some crime that has been going on in the area which is not stuff that would happen in Saint Anthony, but not any gun shots yet! Elder Cunningham and I are doing good. We are having fun and working hard. I think the hardest part about what we do here is forgetting home. I'm not really homesick or anything like that, but just forgetting it and losing yourself in the work is tough! This is just one big mental battle, which is good. I think that is how the Lord works us into men to be honest. I won't lie- I left home a little boy scared and not knowing what to do. And now that I am beginning to get into the swing of things and I understand more, it becomes more fun. I talk to people and I'm not afraid to tell them how I feel... well, most of the time.
I want to share a proud moment I had at the door step of this big black dude that we tracted into. We were going door to door and it was my turn. I knock and this big black guy comes out. He was quite nice and actually talked to us, but he told us he had read from the Book of Mormon before and that he wasn't interested. Elder Cunningham was talking to him and I really can't remember all that was said, but the guy was saying he agreed with some of it, but not all. The impression to stop the conversation and open my mouth came to mind. So I did. I just kind of changed paths of where the conversation was going and I said, "Sir the cool thing about the message we come out here to share, is it is either true or it isn't. Joseph Smith either saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ, or he didn't. And the best part is I don't want you to take my word for it. Read from the book again and sincerely ask our Father in Heaven if it is true and he will answer you." Well, he kind of stopped and that was that. No more arguing. Now unfortunately he didn't invite us back, but hey we did get to talk to him!
Now for the SWEET part of the email. We have these two less active members that we are working with. Jen and Kevin. They have been living together for 3 years and they have been less active for years. Jen has 3 unbaptized children who we are working on baptizing. But the sweet part of this whole deal is that Kevin and her one night where reading from the Book of Mormon. The spirit prompted him and her that they needed to do it all right. The next day Kevin moved out and then a few days later, here we come knocking on the door. Now, no we really didn't do much but come over, but the Lord had prepared them! So now we get to meet with them once a week. Last Thursday we went over and they invited a few of their non member friends over. It started out just as a casual hang out for them. And we began eating dinner talking about good old Idaho and where I had come from. And then all of a sudden the mood changed and we were telling them about our message and how we were representatives of Jesus Christ. Before we knew it they were all feeling the Spirit and were just totally zoned in on what we had to say. Kevin and Jen also helped us teach them and we gave them all a Book of Mormon. Tyler, one of the non-members that we gave a Book of Mormon to was stoked and wanted to attend the singles ward this week, which is out of our area. We can't teach them anymore because he lives in Henderson. But get this, on Thursday, Tyler I guess posted on Facebook that he felt like a changed man and he told his girlfriend and Kevin before he left the house the other night that he was going to read the whole Book of Mormon!!! They are going to be meeting with the missionaries in Henderson and I guess that Tyler has read the Book of Mormon everyday since then!! We also have another appointment set up for Wednesday which will be awesome!
So if that tells you anything about how my week has been going- it has been going awesome!
Sabrina is doing great and we had dinner with her and Jimmy the other night. I talked to Jimmy about how I can become a Pro Golfer and whoop my brothers' heads when I get home... So watch Out Coy, Wes, Jeff:) haha But he also committed to listen to the lessons and learn more. But he just doesn't want to answer questions or anything yet.... hahahaha. But we are stoked about them and are having a great time!
Mom, thank you so much for the package. The fruit leather is amazing and the Jam is so awesome! I eat a ton of PB&J. Pretty much everyday and cereal is now my best friend. But it is good! Then we get fed every night by a member:) Boy, were my prayers answered. I love it! I will have Elder Cunningham one more transfer and always send your emails here. Transfers are on the 18th so that will be good. Elder Cunningham and I do not want to be split up. I really like him and we are getting a ton done and I finally feel a little bit comfortable. But I think that that is what the mission is all about... being uncomfortable! I love you all and hope that all is well! Keep me updated on the grand kids and good job to everyone. Sounds like everyone is dominating except for South Fremont! That's ok, though. I bleed red with a splash of blue here and there for my boy Wyatt and Peytan! Keep it up!
I just want you all to know that I love this church and I love the Gospel and the principles it teaches. I wouldn't change this last two months for anything. I know that what I am doing is right and that my Father in Heaven is with me everyday. I wish you could all experience this with me everyday, This morning I was thinking about our community and how many young men are out serving the Lord just from Saint Anthony and there are so many!! It is way cool to think of everyone and how much we can influence the world. I love you all so much and I wish I could write all day! But I have to write President Black and tell him all my stories. So until Next week! Love you all!
Love
Elder Crapo
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Letter from September 4
Dear Fam,
Well, this is just my luck!! I had a full letter wrote to you and then it deleted the whole Dang thing!! So to answer all your questions, we email from the local public library which is good because then we can have a good amount of time and we both can be on the computer at the same time. Also sorry about the mix up with P-Day. Next week will be back to normal on Monday which is going to make this week fly by! Plus we have a baptism on Saturday with a 12 year old girl named Charolette she is really cool and had some definite hardships in her life.
As for things here in Vegas they are going great. We are keeping busy trying to have fun as we go along! Our car miles are gone so the bike is now our new best friend but we only have to wait until Saturday to get new ones. It is still dang hot here, though. Yesterday the high I saw was 104 and I am sure that today is around the same. I quit looking. It is just too depressing. We have had some slow and some fast days. I definately like the fast days much better because it seems like you wake up and the next thing you know you're saying prayers for the night. I do find some days kind of tough, but it is just a mental battle. It seems like there are moments everyday that Satan tries to work on you, ecspecially here in Vegas. But thank heaven you can pray all the time! Last week we had our first sit down and actually teach lesson with Sabrina and it was awesome!! The Spirit was so strong and she agreed with everything! And when I asked her if she would be baptized I almost died when she said Yes! She said it so quickly and with such assurance it was crazy! And she came to church and her kids went to primary! Church gets long for me, though By the time 3 rolls around I am ready to get out of there. But I then realize I still have another hour!! But I know that the Lord is blessing me daily.
We got to go to the Temple today and that was a really good refresher. I definitely needed it. I love the spirit there and how good I feel when I leave. It is cool to see all the missionaries there and be all together.
Last saturday Elder Cunningham and one of his old companians got permission to go and see a baptism up in Mesquite. I thought that I would be taken to Elder Gotts companion and I would just follow him around all day. But as Saturday came about I realized that Elder Gotts companion had only been out a week! So I was Senior Companion for the day and I finally got to drive the Car!! First time in like a month! It was fun and I learned so much. We were able to see a lot of families and do a lot of work. We had a good day and I enjoyed being able to teach and have to oppurtunity to make myself step up and be bold in talking to people.
As for my adopted grandparents their names are the Finaus and honestly I really don't know their first names. It's just "brother" and "sister" to me but they are taking really good care of us and making sure that we are watched out for. Our focus right now is getting refferrals from the area because we are really busy and its good to go and see members as well as get to know them. We have one ward- the Somerset ward. It is crazy busy and then the Southern Highlands ward.... it's a rich ward that has 0 investigators. That is never good to show the bishop and our zone leaders don't like showing the Stake President that either. So we are working hard to get a few new investigators there. We do have some part member families that we are working with from that ward but nothing really solid.
I was able to buy an SD card and so i will send it home so you guys have some pictures of my area and Coy and Wes can be jealous of the Golf course i live on. But unfortunately I am not able to golf on! Thanks for all that you have been doing and the letters definitely help. I love getting mail. It is seriously the best part of my day! And I'm not sure what you can send me mom.....just some good food. We are kind of low on that right now. Like chili, chips, salsa? That would be awesome. The fruit snacks were the bomb and Sabrina's little boy loved them. They kept him entertained during class.
We have had some awesome lessons over the last week, but one thing I wanted to share was about goals. There was a talk given in sacrament about goals and how important they were. I have thought long about this and I really love this Acronymn.
S pecific
M easurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
That is one way to help us set goals that are going to help us in our lives. You learn so much on your mission that is going to apply to everyday life it is crazy!! I love it and enjoy doing things that kind of put me on the edge.
And my companians parents are in Rexburg now they are living in Burton his parents are Sheri and Tyron Cunningham. So look them up on Facebook. I love you guys and hope all is well I will talk to you on Monday!!!
Love
Elder Crapo
Well, this is just my luck!! I had a full letter wrote to you and then it deleted the whole Dang thing!! So to answer all your questions, we email from the local public library which is good because then we can have a good amount of time and we both can be on the computer at the same time. Also sorry about the mix up with P-Day. Next week will be back to normal on Monday which is going to make this week fly by! Plus we have a baptism on Saturday with a 12 year old girl named Charolette she is really cool and had some definite hardships in her life.
As for things here in Vegas they are going great. We are keeping busy trying to have fun as we go along! Our car miles are gone so the bike is now our new best friend but we only have to wait until Saturday to get new ones. It is still dang hot here, though. Yesterday the high I saw was 104 and I am sure that today is around the same. I quit looking. It is just too depressing. We have had some slow and some fast days. I definately like the fast days much better because it seems like you wake up and the next thing you know you're saying prayers for the night. I do find some days kind of tough, but it is just a mental battle. It seems like there are moments everyday that Satan tries to work on you, ecspecially here in Vegas. But thank heaven you can pray all the time! Last week we had our first sit down and actually teach lesson with Sabrina and it was awesome!! The Spirit was so strong and she agreed with everything! And when I asked her if she would be baptized I almost died when she said Yes! She said it so quickly and with such assurance it was crazy! And she came to church and her kids went to primary! Church gets long for me, though By the time 3 rolls around I am ready to get out of there. But I then realize I still have another hour!! But I know that the Lord is blessing me daily.
We got to go to the Temple today and that was a really good refresher. I definitely needed it. I love the spirit there and how good I feel when I leave. It is cool to see all the missionaries there and be all together.
Last saturday Elder Cunningham and one of his old companians got permission to go and see a baptism up in Mesquite. I thought that I would be taken to Elder Gotts companion and I would just follow him around all day. But as Saturday came about I realized that Elder Gotts companion had only been out a week! So I was Senior Companion for the day and I finally got to drive the Car!! First time in like a month! It was fun and I learned so much. We were able to see a lot of families and do a lot of work. We had a good day and I enjoyed being able to teach and have to oppurtunity to make myself step up and be bold in talking to people.
As for my adopted grandparents their names are the Finaus and honestly I really don't know their first names. It's just "brother" and "sister" to me but they are taking really good care of us and making sure that we are watched out for. Our focus right now is getting refferrals from the area because we are really busy and its good to go and see members as well as get to know them. We have one ward- the Somerset ward. It is crazy busy and then the Southern Highlands ward.... it's a rich ward that has 0 investigators. That is never good to show the bishop and our zone leaders don't like showing the Stake President that either. So we are working hard to get a few new investigators there. We do have some part member families that we are working with from that ward but nothing really solid.
I was able to buy an SD card and so i will send it home so you guys have some pictures of my area and Coy and Wes can be jealous of the Golf course i live on. But unfortunately I am not able to golf on! Thanks for all that you have been doing and the letters definitely help. I love getting mail. It is seriously the best part of my day! And I'm not sure what you can send me mom.....just some good food. We are kind of low on that right now. Like chili, chips, salsa? That would be awesome. The fruit snacks were the bomb and Sabrina's little boy loved them. They kept him entertained during class.
We have had some awesome lessons over the last week, but one thing I wanted to share was about goals. There was a talk given in sacrament about goals and how important they were. I have thought long about this and I really love this Acronymn.
S pecific
M easurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
That is one way to help us set goals that are going to help us in our lives. You learn so much on your mission that is going to apply to everyday life it is crazy!! I love it and enjoy doing things that kind of put me on the edge.
And my companians parents are in Rexburg now they are living in Burton his parents are Sheri and Tyron Cunningham. So look them up on Facebook. I love you guys and hope all is well I will talk to you on Monday!!!
Love
Elder Crapo
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