What up fam!!!
Well, I am sure that you all are wondering if I am getting transfered??? I think I will let that wait till a little later on in the letter:) haha Dang, was conference good or what?!!! I loved it! We actually went to a members' home for all of it and yesterday the member fed us an awesome breakfast! Not good on my diet, but it was super good!! Wow the talks were unreal this time! I love conference! As a missionary things have a lot different light than when I was at home. It means so much more to me because there is just a different meaning to everything out here. I know that may not really make sense, but I guess it is just something you will all have to experience when you go on missions later on in life. Or for the grand kids when you turn 18 and 19. I have reflected a ton on my mission experience these past couple of days and I have changed tremendously. As part of Elder Frost's twelve week training program we had to watch the district videos and they were all sharing their testimonies of how they came to know it was true and it really made me reflect. Then with Elder Hollands talk about how we really just need to believe and all will be well. The fact that I just need to hold my ground on what I do know and then the rest will come.
I also really like how they talked about obeying God's commandments. I have been studying up on that a ton lately. That Eternal Law talk that I always reference is all about obedience to God's commandments. Or in other words His law, and the Law as we all know is super strict on our missions. The reason that is, is because this is our only shot to learn to become like Christ. I mean yes, we can learn it in other ways, but for me there was no other way. I had to come out here and live this strict lifestyle because I couldn't learn this any other way. I am way too stubborn. haha I am learning a ton and the Lord has gone way out of His way to bless me.
I guess I could tell you if I got a transfer call or not now. haha I am actually going to be leaving my son, Elder Frost:( sad day!! I love that kid so much and we have become really good friends. I think I even have him convinced to come up to BYU-Idaho in a couple of years to chill with his Dad. which by the way is mission slang. He is my "son." I am his "dad." Elder Cunningham is my "dad"... I can explain genealogy later on in life. But I am leaving and I am going to be covering a Samoan Ward!! How stinking awesome is that!? So, yes I will be getting a Samoan name tag and I will probably be able to pick up on some of the language while I am there because the ward speaks only that during sacrament meetings. Who would have thought in Las Vegas, huh?? But the even cooler part of all of that is my ward covers the whole entire valley! So the whole city just became my area. It is going to be pretty sweet because we will get to go out of the mission and stuff to meet with members and investigators. I will also be covering the Goldcrest ward, which is an English ward. That will be a lot of fun, too. As for my address, I really don't know it right now. I do know that my apartment is going to be right across from the mission office so if you just send everything there then I will be able to get it the same day. As for now, just send everything there until I can get you the exact address. I am super excited and I am going to be with Elder Peacock. I know a little bit about him. He is super, super funny. I am not sure who I could compare him to right now, but I let you know when I get the chance.
So as for everything else, things in our area are going awesome! I am kind of sad to have to leave at such a good point in my mission where Elder Frost and I had been having some serious success! But that is ok, because Elder Frost is a dang good missionary and he will take over and dominate! I am not worried at all and his new companion is coming from a different zone, so he is pretty excited as well.
I did have to buy a new belt today. My last one was hammered. It had come apart. As for the brand Q belts from Ferrells... I am not totally sold. But, that is ok. Other than that, everything is holding up really well. I am not super excited to have to move again, but it is good for me and change is never a bad thing.
To finish up, I was thinking about the talks and everything that happened over the weekend with conference and the one that really stuck out to me was the Catch the Wave talk. I can't really remember who gave that, but I am sure that you know which I am talking about. For everyone missionary work is part of our calling. We just need to go out and share the Gospel! As we say here in the mission, "It is only awkward if you make it awkward." :) haha Yeah, sometimes it is weird bringing that stuff up. Don't ever pass up the opportunity. With our recent convert, Max the 7 foot guy. I am not sure if I have told you this story, but how we found him was tracting! One night we were trying to visit a less active and when we got there she wasn't home. Max and his sister were across the sidewalk in their home cooking up dinner. They awkwardly looked at Elder Frost and I and so more than anything I wanted to just walk away, go get in the car and continue on with our night. As we walked toward the car I just couldn't do it. So I turned to Elder Frost and said, "Let's go see if they are interested." AWKWARD? Yes, but we had too! Christ would do it so why shouldn't I?? So we did. We knocked his door and little did we know that 3 weeks later Max would be getting baptized. I know that this is Jesus Christ's church here on the earth today. I know that if we will not let our fears get in the way, miracles do and will happen here today with missionary work. I can promise you that if you will just go out of your way to try, the Lord will bless you and the Joy that you will feel will be indescribable. I can't even type this without tears of joy coming to my eyes! Helping someone find our Savior is so much more rewarding than anything I have ever done in my whole life. I hope that by doing this, blessings are coming at home as well. I love you all so much and thank you for your continued letters and support. It means a ton!! And Tell Rachel Howard good luck and thanks for the letter and the Bracelet she sent me. It meant a lot!! And Grandma and Grandpa, thanks for your continued support! You mean so much to me! Keep going strong!!
The only way I can describe how I feel right now is by a quote I shared in my farewell talk... "The BEST thing I ever did was give up what I love most... For the God I love More." I love you all so much and I will talk to you soon! Please remember me in your prayers as I am sure this upcoming week will be a bit of an adjustment for me with the new calling I have received!
Love,
Your son, Brother, Uncle, Friend
Thursday, June 13, 2013
April 1, 2013 Easter Sunday Excitement
What up fam!!
Well, I hate to ruin your fun, but you guys are still freezing cold... it has been in the upper 70's and low 80's. haha. I will say I miss the Idaho weather and the people that come with Idaho. But Las Vegas is a good place and I have been so so so blessed with good companions and really, really good wards. Our ward right now is doing really well, other than everyone seemed to go "home" for the Easter holiday! Stinking young married couples!! Things are really picking up in our area. We just last night got a new investigator and is name is Jamon... YEAH BUDDY:) I love the people! They are so much nicer and so much more receptive. There is always a flip side to that. I have had a few of them really chew my butt. Like last night - we were walking back to our car and Elder Frost saw some guys outside of their garage. They were definitely super drunk but he asked if we should go talk to them. I obviously couldn't tell him no. So we went by and started to talk to them. They told us that they weren't interested and wanted to know if we were women because if we weren't he didn't want to talk to me. I tried to be cool and just laugh and make a casual conversation but the one dude got super ticked and told us that we needed to leave and get off his property. I was like ok sorry, but as we were leaving they just kept laughing and saying crude stuff. Haha Elder Frost was ticked he wanted to whoop some head! Haha But I figured 3 big dudes against two missionaries..... it was probably best we just left.
Other than those kinds of stories, things are going awesome! Max was baptized Saturday and he is now a new member of the church. Our ward is dominating with the fellowship of him and yesterday they pretty much just took him under their wing. He even went and had dinner at a members' home last night. He is a really cool dude but SUPER tall! He is about 6 foot 9 or so. It was definitely a good thing that i didn't baptize him. He actually got on his knees to be baptized it was awesome! President also showed up to that baptism, which was cool. It was really good to see him. The work in our stake is going nuts! We had 5 baptisms just in our stake last weekend. It was super cool. I attribute that to the hard work the Zone leaders have put in. They are super good guys. One is from Canada and the other from Texas. I am really close to the one from Canada. His name is Elder Werner. He was my district leader the first transfer I was here, so he and I are pretty familiar with each other.
I must say though, I remember when I was with Elder Cunningham. He told me that Leadership is loneliness and boy, is that true. I always get the opportunity to be the bad guy and try and help correct people, which in return sometimes ends me up alone. Luckily I have a super cool companion right now and he is always there for me. The Zone Leaders are always supportive. I just have one companionship that doesn't seem to be doing a ton. That always gets interesting. It is teaching me a lot and is helping me learn a lot about how our Savior feels about us. He just wants us to do what is right and then we just don't do it! I don't get it, why do we so easily forget?? I am speaking for myself here, by the way. I am working on being the best missionary I can be, though. Hopefully through more experiences I will be able to learn a little more about how to be a leader and what my role is here as a missionary.
As I said last week, we have transfers next Monday, which could be interesting. I have no idea what is going to happen to me! I think I am going to be moving, though and that is an ok thing I guess. I kind of feel like I was supposed to be here to help Elder Frost get to a point where he can take over and run the area. I think he is definitely there, he is a stud missionary and has changed so much since he got here. It is awesome! I am definitely hoping we stay together one more transfer. I think that would be sweet! He and I really like each other and we have enjoyed the time we have together. I have felt like I did when I was with my trainer, just having fun and living the awesome missionary life!!
Yesterday was a super good Easter Sunday. One of the members in our ward made us a little Easter basket and that was good. Then we came home and worked and had a really good dinner with the Starnes family. They also let us color some eggs with them and do some of the traditions with them that they do as a family. Then we ended out the night with a lesson, which is where we found that new investigator, Jamon. Then we met those drunk guys. So all in all it was a super good Easter Sunday.
I hope you guys are doing well and that you have a super good conference weekend! I am so pumped for it I can't even wait! It seriously is like Super Bowl Sunday to us. I just want to hear what our Prophet says about the day that we are in. I was reading in Helaman chapter 5 this morning and, wow is that a good chapter! One thing that really stuck out to me was Lehi and Nephi. It talks about how Helaman named them that so that they would remember their forefathers and try to be like them. It got me thinking about my last name and what that means to me. Like what kind of a name am I giving the Crapo name. My thoughts for some reason were turned to Grandpa Crapo and the man everyone said that he was and just the legacy he left for all of us. Thinking about that made me want so bad to just be a good man. I know the mission is super important and I think the reason is, is because it is teaching me how to be a man like that. It is just cool how your mind is so open to being here and always being engulfed in the Gospel. It is AWESOME!!
Sounds like you guys have a super fun trip planned for the weekend. I am way excited for you guys! Don't have to much fun on those razers! Jump it a couple times for me, dad:) Just enjoy the life. It is kind of funny how my priorities have changed and how the thought process is changing while I am on my mission. The longer I am out, the more it seems to change. I wish there was a way for you all to be here and do the same thing I am. It is so awesome. You basically live in a totally different world where you are always surrounded by the gospel and it is great! I love you all so much and thanks for the Easter package. I did get it:) I hope that everyone had a good weekend and that you enjoy the Conference weekend!! I love you all so much and I will talk to you soon!!
Love,
Elder Crapo
Well, I hate to ruin your fun, but you guys are still freezing cold... it has been in the upper 70's and low 80's. haha. I will say I miss the Idaho weather and the people that come with Idaho. But Las Vegas is a good place and I have been so so so blessed with good companions and really, really good wards. Our ward right now is doing really well, other than everyone seemed to go "home" for the Easter holiday! Stinking young married couples!! Things are really picking up in our area. We just last night got a new investigator and is name is Jamon... YEAH BUDDY:) I love the people! They are so much nicer and so much more receptive. There is always a flip side to that. I have had a few of them really chew my butt. Like last night - we were walking back to our car and Elder Frost saw some guys outside of their garage. They were definitely super drunk but he asked if we should go talk to them. I obviously couldn't tell him no. So we went by and started to talk to them. They told us that they weren't interested and wanted to know if we were women because if we weren't he didn't want to talk to me. I tried to be cool and just laugh and make a casual conversation but the one dude got super ticked and told us that we needed to leave and get off his property. I was like ok sorry, but as we were leaving they just kept laughing and saying crude stuff. Haha Elder Frost was ticked he wanted to whoop some head! Haha But I figured 3 big dudes against two missionaries..... it was probably best we just left.
Other than those kinds of stories, things are going awesome! Max was baptized Saturday and he is now a new member of the church. Our ward is dominating with the fellowship of him and yesterday they pretty much just took him under their wing. He even went and had dinner at a members' home last night. He is a really cool dude but SUPER tall! He is about 6 foot 9 or so. It was definitely a good thing that i didn't baptize him. He actually got on his knees to be baptized it was awesome! President also showed up to that baptism, which was cool. It was really good to see him. The work in our stake is going nuts! We had 5 baptisms just in our stake last weekend. It was super cool. I attribute that to the hard work the Zone leaders have put in. They are super good guys. One is from Canada and the other from Texas. I am really close to the one from Canada. His name is Elder Werner. He was my district leader the first transfer I was here, so he and I are pretty familiar with each other.
I must say though, I remember when I was with Elder Cunningham. He told me that Leadership is loneliness and boy, is that true. I always get the opportunity to be the bad guy and try and help correct people, which in return sometimes ends me up alone. Luckily I have a super cool companion right now and he is always there for me. The Zone Leaders are always supportive. I just have one companionship that doesn't seem to be doing a ton. That always gets interesting. It is teaching me a lot and is helping me learn a lot about how our Savior feels about us. He just wants us to do what is right and then we just don't do it! I don't get it, why do we so easily forget?? I am speaking for myself here, by the way. I am working on being the best missionary I can be, though. Hopefully through more experiences I will be able to learn a little more about how to be a leader and what my role is here as a missionary.
As I said last week, we have transfers next Monday, which could be interesting. I have no idea what is going to happen to me! I think I am going to be moving, though and that is an ok thing I guess. I kind of feel like I was supposed to be here to help Elder Frost get to a point where he can take over and run the area. I think he is definitely there, he is a stud missionary and has changed so much since he got here. It is awesome! I am definitely hoping we stay together one more transfer. I think that would be sweet! He and I really like each other and we have enjoyed the time we have together. I have felt like I did when I was with my trainer, just having fun and living the awesome missionary life!!
Yesterday was a super good Easter Sunday. One of the members in our ward made us a little Easter basket and that was good. Then we came home and worked and had a really good dinner with the Starnes family. They also let us color some eggs with them and do some of the traditions with them that they do as a family. Then we ended out the night with a lesson, which is where we found that new investigator, Jamon. Then we met those drunk guys. So all in all it was a super good Easter Sunday.
I hope you guys are doing well and that you have a super good conference weekend! I am so pumped for it I can't even wait! It seriously is like Super Bowl Sunday to us. I just want to hear what our Prophet says about the day that we are in. I was reading in Helaman chapter 5 this morning and, wow is that a good chapter! One thing that really stuck out to me was Lehi and Nephi. It talks about how Helaman named them that so that they would remember their forefathers and try to be like them. It got me thinking about my last name and what that means to me. Like what kind of a name am I giving the Crapo name. My thoughts for some reason were turned to Grandpa Crapo and the man everyone said that he was and just the legacy he left for all of us. Thinking about that made me want so bad to just be a good man. I know the mission is super important and I think the reason is, is because it is teaching me how to be a man like that. It is just cool how your mind is so open to being here and always being engulfed in the Gospel. It is AWESOME!!
Sounds like you guys have a super fun trip planned for the weekend. I am way excited for you guys! Don't have to much fun on those razers! Jump it a couple times for me, dad:) Just enjoy the life. It is kind of funny how my priorities have changed and how the thought process is changing while I am on my mission. The longer I am out, the more it seems to change. I wish there was a way for you all to be here and do the same thing I am. It is so awesome. You basically live in a totally different world where you are always surrounded by the gospel and it is great! I love you all so much and thanks for the Easter package. I did get it:) I hope that everyone had a good weekend and that you enjoy the Conference weekend!! I love you all so much and I will talk to you soon!!
Love,
Elder Crapo
Monday, April 15, 2013
March 25, 2013
What up fam!!!
Well, this week is going pretty good. Elder Frost and I are just continuing to work hard and enjoying the time that we have together as companions. And yep, Dad we will be having transfers here pretty soon, which has been kind of interesting for me this time. Our zone leaders set up a meeting where me and the other district leader got to go and talk about each and everyone in our districts. We got tell them where we think they should go in the mission. It was tough for me because I really didn't want to say some of the things that I ended up having to say. In the end, the Lord knows where we all need to go. Elder Frost is doing awesome and is a stud missionary so I don't have much doubt that he will be training next transfer... I could be wrong, but I think he is ready, which means I have a chance I will be leaving. That isn't for a few more weeks. If I had the choice, I think I would stay. At the same time, I kind of like moving around to see what else is out there in this good old city. But no worries about that for now. I still have a few weeks left and Elder Frost and I have some really high hopes for that.
I guess that you heard all about the baptism that we had Saturday. It was awesome! Her name is Jennie. It looks like Sister Stone sent it to you. I guess that the lady we baptized- her sister in law is Lawrence Stone's in laws. So that was pretty sweet to have some connection there. I was able to confirm her and then Paul, Jennie's Brother in law baptized her. It was great!! It was really unexpected but we have been having some really hard struggles with that family and at one point we just completely dropped them! But they just seemed to pop back up! It was really fun and very, very stressful. I am really glad that we got to have at least one baptism where it was Elder Frost and I there.
We also have another baptism this weekend coming up and I am so PUMPED for this one. The kid's name is Max. He is 20 years old and just moved here from good old Idaho!! Yeah buddy!! And the coolest part of it all we tracted into him to find him! It has been a really cool experience and he has made some really good friends here in the ward. I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be a part of that it has been a huge testimony builder for me.
Sounds like Judd is doing awesome! That is so good to hear and that trial and the way our family has faced it has been used a couple times in teaching situations. So Judd is also doing missionary work! I hope and pray for him everyday and I know if we will all continue to keep him in our prayers he will be able to make it through. We just have to be faithful. This week I have been reading a lot about faith and why we need it because I have been preparing a district meeting. It is through faith we can accomplish anything. If we just trust in the Lord, He will always come through for us.
Let Kaden know I am thinking of him and I hope that he is doing ok. If there is anything that I can do for him, please let me know. Tell him to write me. I really would like to hear from him and see how he has been. I wrote him a while back, but I am sure that he got busy and forgot. Make sure that he has my address and I will write him.
As for everything else, things are going really well. The time seems to be flying by and I can't believe that it is almost April! We will have transfers not next week, but the next. To think that I have been with Elder Frost for 10 weeks already is nuts! This past week we have come in every night just completely drained and wake up every morning feeling like we have been hit with a truck. But the work must go on!! I have a quote written in each of my planners. In this planner I wrote a quote that Sister Ann Dibb said. She said "We must do the Work". I wasn't really sure why that stuck out to me and now I kind of understand. This transfer has been a transfer full of work! I just hope that when I leave here that the area is better than when I found it.
If I had any advice for all of the people in our stake that are just headed out on missions I would say two things first: Talking to everyone + Obedience =HAPPINESS
And second is whenever things start to look like they are really hard and nothing is going on in the area, pray hard and go to work. I have a quote in my scripture that says, "Pray as if everything depended on the Lord and then work as if everything depended on you." No matter what if you will just go to work you can do it. Even if you aren't a good teacher or a good missionary skill wise, work can make up for it. If you're willing to work then the Lord has something He can work with and He can make you the missionary He needs you to be. He can mold you into the teacher He needs you to be.
Lastly, just prepare. Go in there being humble and teachable and don't think that because a missionary has been out longer than you that they are a better missionary. We are all trying to learn the same thing. None of us really know what we are doing. The Lord is guiding us. I guess this is where I am so thankful for my family and the way I was brought up. Thank you all so much!
I was reading through a letter the other day that Dad wrote me a few years ago when I was about to graduate seminary. In the letter he said something to the affect of "if you will develop a good work ethic it can carry you throughout your life." I have seen in other missionaries and myself how when we are working hard, it can carry us. Now I am definitely not perfect at all of this, but this is just one thing that has really been sticking out the past couple of weeks. We just have to work through everything! Just keep on keeping on:)
I love you guys so much! Keep on keepin' on and being the awesome family you are! I am so glad that I was raised in such a good place and a place where the people helped mold me into the boy I am today and hopefully someday the man the Lord wants me to be! I still have a little ways before I reach that:) I will always be a kid! I will send you a pic of my kiddish ways. Last week we had a kickball game for the zone and I thought that it would be a good idea to slide into second base with shorts on... Well, my leg has been hurting all week, but it's all good!! And yes, I was safe:) I know mom, proud moment right??
I am going to get going. Thank you for all the support and everything you do for me. I love you guys so much!! Have a good Easter Weekend and whenever things get tough, do as President Eyring does and REMEBER HIM!! I love my Savior and know that He lives and love us all. If we will turn to Him, He will carry those burdens of pain.
Love,
Elder Crapo
Well, this week is going pretty good. Elder Frost and I are just continuing to work hard and enjoying the time that we have together as companions. And yep, Dad we will be having transfers here pretty soon, which has been kind of interesting for me this time. Our zone leaders set up a meeting where me and the other district leader got to go and talk about each and everyone in our districts. We got tell them where we think they should go in the mission. It was tough for me because I really didn't want to say some of the things that I ended up having to say. In the end, the Lord knows where we all need to go. Elder Frost is doing awesome and is a stud missionary so I don't have much doubt that he will be training next transfer... I could be wrong, but I think he is ready, which means I have a chance I will be leaving. That isn't for a few more weeks. If I had the choice, I think I would stay. At the same time, I kind of like moving around to see what else is out there in this good old city. But no worries about that for now. I still have a few weeks left and Elder Frost and I have some really high hopes for that.
I guess that you heard all about the baptism that we had Saturday. It was awesome! Her name is Jennie. It looks like Sister Stone sent it to you. I guess that the lady we baptized- her sister in law is Lawrence Stone's in laws. So that was pretty sweet to have some connection there. I was able to confirm her and then Paul, Jennie's Brother in law baptized her. It was great!! It was really unexpected but we have been having some really hard struggles with that family and at one point we just completely dropped them! But they just seemed to pop back up! It was really fun and very, very stressful. I am really glad that we got to have at least one baptism where it was Elder Frost and I there.
We also have another baptism this weekend coming up and I am so PUMPED for this one. The kid's name is Max. He is 20 years old and just moved here from good old Idaho!! Yeah buddy!! And the coolest part of it all we tracted into him to find him! It has been a really cool experience and he has made some really good friends here in the ward. I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be a part of that it has been a huge testimony builder for me.
Sounds like Judd is doing awesome! That is so good to hear and that trial and the way our family has faced it has been used a couple times in teaching situations. So Judd is also doing missionary work! I hope and pray for him everyday and I know if we will all continue to keep him in our prayers he will be able to make it through. We just have to be faithful. This week I have been reading a lot about faith and why we need it because I have been preparing a district meeting. It is through faith we can accomplish anything. If we just trust in the Lord, He will always come through for us.
Let Kaden know I am thinking of him and I hope that he is doing ok. If there is anything that I can do for him, please let me know. Tell him to write me. I really would like to hear from him and see how he has been. I wrote him a while back, but I am sure that he got busy and forgot. Make sure that he has my address and I will write him.
As for everything else, things are going really well. The time seems to be flying by and I can't believe that it is almost April! We will have transfers not next week, but the next. To think that I have been with Elder Frost for 10 weeks already is nuts! This past week we have come in every night just completely drained and wake up every morning feeling like we have been hit with a truck. But the work must go on!! I have a quote written in each of my planners. In this planner I wrote a quote that Sister Ann Dibb said. She said "We must do the Work". I wasn't really sure why that stuck out to me and now I kind of understand. This transfer has been a transfer full of work! I just hope that when I leave here that the area is better than when I found it.
If I had any advice for all of the people in our stake that are just headed out on missions I would say two things first: Talking to everyone + Obedience =HAPPINESS
And second is whenever things start to look like they are really hard and nothing is going on in the area, pray hard and go to work. I have a quote in my scripture that says, "Pray as if everything depended on the Lord and then work as if everything depended on you." No matter what if you will just go to work you can do it. Even if you aren't a good teacher or a good missionary skill wise, work can make up for it. If you're willing to work then the Lord has something He can work with and He can make you the missionary He needs you to be. He can mold you into the teacher He needs you to be.
Lastly, just prepare. Go in there being humble and teachable and don't think that because a missionary has been out longer than you that they are a better missionary. We are all trying to learn the same thing. None of us really know what we are doing. The Lord is guiding us. I guess this is where I am so thankful for my family and the way I was brought up. Thank you all so much!
I was reading through a letter the other day that Dad wrote me a few years ago when I was about to graduate seminary. In the letter he said something to the affect of "if you will develop a good work ethic it can carry you throughout your life." I have seen in other missionaries and myself how when we are working hard, it can carry us. Now I am definitely not perfect at all of this, but this is just one thing that has really been sticking out the past couple of weeks. We just have to work through everything! Just keep on keeping on:)
I love you guys so much! Keep on keepin' on and being the awesome family you are! I am so glad that I was raised in such a good place and a place where the people helped mold me into the boy I am today and hopefully someday the man the Lord wants me to be! I still have a little ways before I reach that:) I will always be a kid! I will send you a pic of my kiddish ways. Last week we had a kickball game for the zone and I thought that it would be a good idea to slide into second base with shorts on... Well, my leg has been hurting all week, but it's all good!! And yes, I was safe:) I know mom, proud moment right??
I am going to get going. Thank you for all the support and everything you do for me. I love you guys so much!! Have a good Easter Weekend and whenever things get tough, do as President Eyring does and REMEBER HIM!! I love my Savior and know that He lives and love us all. If we will turn to Him, He will carry those burdens of pain.
Love,
Elder Crapo
March 18, 2013
What up fam!!! Dang, things are going good here and sounds like things are starting to pick up at home, too!! Spring is definitely in the air here in good old Vegas! It has been in the 80's a little and we are about to head into the heat of things! It has been a very stress filled week for me, but it has been a good week and a dang fast week!! Holy cow! I can't even believe that I am on the computer right now emailing you guys. Things here in our area are booming right now! The Lord has helped Elder Frost and I so much, it is crazy! We are teaching a ton of lessons and we are doing good.
This week I had to give a training in District meeting and while I was in the Library, Elder Lee, one of the Elders in my district came in and said, "So are you ready to give your training to President??" I was like WHAT??? Sure enough, President Black was there and he sat in on our district meeting. It was good and it was fun to see him. The district meeting went well. We have been showing a lot of the Bible videos that are on lds.org in our trainings and we are really putting a focus on the life of our Savior. How are things going as far as missionary work there at home? You said that you have been having meetings with the missionaries. How are the missionaries doing and what are some of their ideas to get the wards involved?? I am always up for new ideas!!
As for our area right now, the Lord has really helped us out a ton!!! Just a few weeks ago I had hit my lowest low for teaching in my whole entire mission. We had two weeks in a row where we didn't teach one member present lesson all week... Let's just say that it was pretty tough. But now we are teaching around 20 lessons a week and the work is just Booming! We are hoping and praying for 4 baptisms this month and then at least that many in April. We have had to do a ton of our own finding efforts, but that is always a good thing. It really shows the members that we are doing all that we can. And yesterday we had 7 investigators at church!! Crazy day for us, that's all I can say! It was super fun and it is weeks like these that make me look back and wonder, where did the week go?????
I was sitting in church yesterday as we helped to pass the sacrament and I looked out over the congregation and I saw 6 investigators. As I continued to look, I saw the 7th and I immediately just began to beam with excitement!! I was so happy! As I sat down I began to think about what I would compare my mission too. What would I tell the grandkids about a mission? The first thing that came to my mind was a horse race. I thought a lot a bout the Kentucky Derby and how the horses were right before the race. They were prancing and nervous and couldn't wait to get running. I am sure a little anxious about the race but they still they just wanted to start. That's how I was at the beginning. I just wanted to go. I couldn't wait for the gates to open up!!! And then finally, the gates open! You're in the MTC and you run as hard and as fast as you can. You just seem to be on top of the world. You hit your first area. I was double transferred in, so Elder Cunningham and I both just hit it running as hard as we could. Then the next thing you know it is raining and the mud is all around and you just can't seem to keep the pace and the race gets super, super tough. But you push through and the next thing you know you're making the first corner and you can't believe that you are already that far. I feel like the Lord has just given me a second wind. I am running as hard as I can so that hopefully I can leave this area a much better place then when I found it.
We had a really good exchange with President Black this week, as well. After our district meeting he came up and asked me if he could come and go on an exchange with Elder Frost and I. I said, "Of course!" But, I won't lie - I was super nervous!! When he got to our apartment, he just made me really nervous. So to be completely honest I didn't do as well as I had wanted to and I have been struggling through that all week because I feel like I let him down - like he saw the bad part of me. But if there was one thing that I learned from basketball and coach Jessop it was that there is no excuse. I had a job to do and I just didn't do it as well as I wanted to. But you pick up and you MOVE on, which has always been one of my biggest struggles on my mission. I hate making mistakes. It really stinks, but you just have to learn to take them in stride and live it up because you are going to make mistakes and there really isn't much you can do about it!
I learned so much from that exchange though, and that was a super humbling experience. I learned that I am, for one pretty hard on myself. And for two, he gave me some super good advice that I have been using and it has helped me a ton as I have met with less actives. We were planning to meet with a family that is less active and I asked President, "What do I do? Should we start with a spiritual thought or should I do something to ease into the question of why aren't you coming to church?" He said, "no just ask them." At first I was like, what?? Then he said just ask them. Obviously, do it in a loving way, but just ask them how come you haven't been making it to church?? So I started applying that, and guess what? We have been able to get people to tell us their real concern as to why they aren't coming to church! I won't lie- I thought of you, Mandi just telling everyone exactly how it is and that is a trait you should be proud of. Really, that's how it should be. Don't beat around the bush, just ask it. So that was something I learned from President and also that I just need to relax! I am doing all that I can and if that really isn't good enough, then I am sure President will let me know. I was so nervous and tense that I ended up making more mistakes in my teaching and I just didn't feel too good about it all. So basically, I am hoping that I can work on those things and someday President will come on exchanges with us again!!
The only thing is, I think after this transfer I will once again be moving. I think Elder Frost will stay here and I will go to a new area. But who knows! All I can do is work hard here and try and make the best out of this ward while I am here. I know that the Lord has me here for a reason and I am so grateful that I get to be here and serve with Elder Frost. I love that kid! He is awesome. We really are becoming good friends!
I am going to get going. If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. Also, do you have an address I can send a letter to Susan or Linda or any of the fam?? I want to let them know I am thinking of Judd and that I hope he gets better soon! I am praying for him all the time and I know if we will just keep praying and trust in the Lord everything will work out! Let them know I love them and I hope he gets better soon!
Thanks for all you have done and for all the letters you have sent. I miss you guys and hope that your week goes well!! Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you out. I love you so much!!
Love,
Elder Crapo
This week I had to give a training in District meeting and while I was in the Library, Elder Lee, one of the Elders in my district came in and said, "So are you ready to give your training to President??" I was like WHAT??? Sure enough, President Black was there and he sat in on our district meeting. It was good and it was fun to see him. The district meeting went well. We have been showing a lot of the Bible videos that are on lds.org in our trainings and we are really putting a focus on the life of our Savior. How are things going as far as missionary work there at home? You said that you have been having meetings with the missionaries. How are the missionaries doing and what are some of their ideas to get the wards involved?? I am always up for new ideas!!
As for our area right now, the Lord has really helped us out a ton!!! Just a few weeks ago I had hit my lowest low for teaching in my whole entire mission. We had two weeks in a row where we didn't teach one member present lesson all week... Let's just say that it was pretty tough. But now we are teaching around 20 lessons a week and the work is just Booming! We are hoping and praying for 4 baptisms this month and then at least that many in April. We have had to do a ton of our own finding efforts, but that is always a good thing. It really shows the members that we are doing all that we can. And yesterday we had 7 investigators at church!! Crazy day for us, that's all I can say! It was super fun and it is weeks like these that make me look back and wonder, where did the week go?????
I was sitting in church yesterday as we helped to pass the sacrament and I looked out over the congregation and I saw 6 investigators. As I continued to look, I saw the 7th and I immediately just began to beam with excitement!! I was so happy! As I sat down I began to think about what I would compare my mission too. What would I tell the grandkids about a mission? The first thing that came to my mind was a horse race. I thought a lot a bout the Kentucky Derby and how the horses were right before the race. They were prancing and nervous and couldn't wait to get running. I am sure a little anxious about the race but they still they just wanted to start. That's how I was at the beginning. I just wanted to go. I couldn't wait for the gates to open up!!! And then finally, the gates open! You're in the MTC and you run as hard and as fast as you can. You just seem to be on top of the world. You hit your first area. I was double transferred in, so Elder Cunningham and I both just hit it running as hard as we could. Then the next thing you know it is raining and the mud is all around and you just can't seem to keep the pace and the race gets super, super tough. But you push through and the next thing you know you're making the first corner and you can't believe that you are already that far. I feel like the Lord has just given me a second wind. I am running as hard as I can so that hopefully I can leave this area a much better place then when I found it.
We had a really good exchange with President Black this week, as well. After our district meeting he came up and asked me if he could come and go on an exchange with Elder Frost and I. I said, "Of course!" But, I won't lie - I was super nervous!! When he got to our apartment, he just made me really nervous. So to be completely honest I didn't do as well as I had wanted to and I have been struggling through that all week because I feel like I let him down - like he saw the bad part of me. But if there was one thing that I learned from basketball and coach Jessop it was that there is no excuse. I had a job to do and I just didn't do it as well as I wanted to. But you pick up and you MOVE on, which has always been one of my biggest struggles on my mission. I hate making mistakes. It really stinks, but you just have to learn to take them in stride and live it up because you are going to make mistakes and there really isn't much you can do about it!
I learned so much from that exchange though, and that was a super humbling experience. I learned that I am, for one pretty hard on myself. And for two, he gave me some super good advice that I have been using and it has helped me a ton as I have met with less actives. We were planning to meet with a family that is less active and I asked President, "What do I do? Should we start with a spiritual thought or should I do something to ease into the question of why aren't you coming to church?" He said, "no just ask them." At first I was like, what?? Then he said just ask them. Obviously, do it in a loving way, but just ask them how come you haven't been making it to church?? So I started applying that, and guess what? We have been able to get people to tell us their real concern as to why they aren't coming to church! I won't lie- I thought of you, Mandi just telling everyone exactly how it is and that is a trait you should be proud of. Really, that's how it should be. Don't beat around the bush, just ask it. So that was something I learned from President and also that I just need to relax! I am doing all that I can and if that really isn't good enough, then I am sure President will let me know. I was so nervous and tense that I ended up making more mistakes in my teaching and I just didn't feel too good about it all. So basically, I am hoping that I can work on those things and someday President will come on exchanges with us again!!
The only thing is, I think after this transfer I will once again be moving. I think Elder Frost will stay here and I will go to a new area. But who knows! All I can do is work hard here and try and make the best out of this ward while I am here. I know that the Lord has me here for a reason and I am so grateful that I get to be here and serve with Elder Frost. I love that kid! He is awesome. We really are becoming good friends!
I am going to get going. If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. Also, do you have an address I can send a letter to Susan or Linda or any of the fam?? I want to let them know I am thinking of Judd and that I hope he gets better soon! I am praying for him all the time and I know if we will just keep praying and trust in the Lord everything will work out! Let them know I love them and I hope he gets better soon!
Thanks for all you have done and for all the letters you have sent. I miss you guys and hope that your week goes well!! Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you out. I love you so much!!
Love,
Elder Crapo
March 11, 2013
Hey Fam!!
It is so good to hear from everyone! This week has been a crazy week for me. It has been so fun and so busy!! We taught more lessons this week than I have ever taught in my whole mission. It was pretty dang crazy, but so fun! The Lord has really really blessed me this week. Why, I am not totally sure, because I am sure that I do not deserve it. But He really has done so much to help this area. I finally feel like we have made the corner with the ward members and we really are almost to a point where I feel good about the work. Now I think the next step the Lord wants us to take is to be doing splits every night and teaching twice as many lessons a week. But with time we are really hoping that will happen. The ward has gone from not involved in missionary work to SUPER involved. It has been awesome! I must say I have to give some credit to the Elders Quorum President. He has been doing some really good work- getting people out and doing their home teaching. When I got here our home teaching was 5 % and now we are up to 34% which to be honest is a huge jump! I know that that number is still horrid, but hopefully this next month we can hit the 50% mark!
With Judd, that makes me so sad. I talked to Houston on here last week and it sounded like he was taking it pretty tough. I guess I didn't understand how serious it really was. I have prayed for him and the family everyday. One thing that I have noticed is that sometimes we get these trials to build us up. I wish more than anything we could just change the situation. I can't even imagine the struggles that they are going through. Please let them know that I am thinking about them and that I love them all. If there is anything that I can do for them or the family I will do my best to do it.
Happy birthday to Hali and Mandi this past week. That is awesome you're one year older;) haha No worries, I will be too. Hopefully you got my cards I sent you. Hali, I know yours was late. I am really sorry. I kept it because I wanted to send it so you would get it on Saturday but it didn't end up working out that way. I got super busy and totally forgot to get it in the mail... I know I am a really bad brother. haha Hopefully you can forgive me.
These responsibilities of a district leader really do consume all of my time now. Elder Frost and I are super super busy with the things that are going on just in our area. Then on top of that we are going on exchanges almost twice a week. It has given he and I some really good opportunities to grow. It is awesome. Elder Frost is a Stud and has done some really good work. We are finally at a point that even if one of us is gone, the work is going to move forward no matter what. Definitely blessings from the Lord. It is crazy how much He has His hand in all of this. I can rattle on for hours of stories and experiences that I have had where the Lord has guided me or my companion to find new people. For example, this last week we find this new random little development that we had never been in before. So we began to tract there a few days later. We had tracted about half way down the street and this lady let us in. SUPER surprising. We hardly ever get let in. Well, we soon realized that she was a member of the church. But she was like, "ok, so are you looking for people to baptize??" And we were both like heck yeah we are!! She said, "well my daughter and my son and my husband aren't baptized. Could you come back and teach them??" haha Well, needless to say we went back and we are teaching them now. We also tracted into a kid from Pocatello who had just moved here. He had been taking the lessons in Idaho and attending church there and is SOLID. We had him at church yesterday and he was giving answers and everything. It was super legit! We also are teaching a family that are really close to getting baptized. It will probably happen next weekend. So really, the work is just going crazy!! To think that they weren't sure if there was going to be enough work for us haha The Lord was preparing tons of people and still is. Now we just need to find them!!!!!! We are working on it, though. It is kinda hard to find enough time to balance everything out, but we will be lead and guided as to how we should go about that.
How is the work going at home? Has the stake had any baptisms this past little while?? Anyone coming back to church that hasn't gone in the past?? How can I help there? Anyone who is getting close that can use a letter or something of encouragement?? I am sure with all the new missionaries in our stake the work is going crazy!! Tell them to work hard. There are a ton of people who are prepared at home. It is just getting the right missionary who can teach them and connect.
How is good old Reggie?? Engaged yet?? What about Jake? Has anyone heard from him?? I am just curious how everyone is doing. Tell Amber and Blake, Sheila and Cliff, Patrice and Shawn, Max and Joy that I say hi! I could go on and on... let them all know I think of them from time to time.
Cole and I were emailing last week and he said, "Man, could you imagine if we hadn't come on our missions?" And that was kind of a crazy thought. The thought that I almost didn't come out here. We both kind of came to the conclusion that no- this is not the funnest thing we have ever done. But I haven't ever learned more in my whole entire life! This is amazing! So for all you grandkids- prepare now and get ready to go! Time flies out here. So if you can enter into the MTC ready and knowledgeable, it will be so much easier than it was for me! I am so grateful to you guys and all of my friends' parents and everyone who helped guide me in the direction of a mission. This is awesome and I wouldn't trade it for anything. If nothing else, I am closer to my Father in Heaven than I have ever been. I know He lives. I know He is aware of each of our situations and I know He knows each and everyone of our wants and needs. He has allowed me to be tried a lot these past couple months, but when we are accomplishing the most good we have the most adversity.
Thanks so much for the package, mom. I got it in plenty of time. And we did get the dinner calender around and it is completely full. We just had to get it sent around to all the auxiliaries, not just the relief society. But all is well and I will be back to gaining some more weight in no time- don't worry:) I love you all so much and hope that you have a good week. Let me know if I can help out in anyway possible. Tell Susan and their family I am praying for them and I think about them often. I'll talk to you soon!!
Love,
Elder Crapo
It is so good to hear from everyone! This week has been a crazy week for me. It has been so fun and so busy!! We taught more lessons this week than I have ever taught in my whole mission. It was pretty dang crazy, but so fun! The Lord has really really blessed me this week. Why, I am not totally sure, because I am sure that I do not deserve it. But He really has done so much to help this area. I finally feel like we have made the corner with the ward members and we really are almost to a point where I feel good about the work. Now I think the next step the Lord wants us to take is to be doing splits every night and teaching twice as many lessons a week. But with time we are really hoping that will happen. The ward has gone from not involved in missionary work to SUPER involved. It has been awesome! I must say I have to give some credit to the Elders Quorum President. He has been doing some really good work- getting people out and doing their home teaching. When I got here our home teaching was 5 % and now we are up to 34% which to be honest is a huge jump! I know that that number is still horrid, but hopefully this next month we can hit the 50% mark!
With Judd, that makes me so sad. I talked to Houston on here last week and it sounded like he was taking it pretty tough. I guess I didn't understand how serious it really was. I have prayed for him and the family everyday. One thing that I have noticed is that sometimes we get these trials to build us up. I wish more than anything we could just change the situation. I can't even imagine the struggles that they are going through. Please let them know that I am thinking about them and that I love them all. If there is anything that I can do for them or the family I will do my best to do it.
Happy birthday to Hali and Mandi this past week. That is awesome you're one year older;) haha No worries, I will be too. Hopefully you got my cards I sent you. Hali, I know yours was late. I am really sorry. I kept it because I wanted to send it so you would get it on Saturday but it didn't end up working out that way. I got super busy and totally forgot to get it in the mail... I know I am a really bad brother. haha Hopefully you can forgive me.
These responsibilities of a district leader really do consume all of my time now. Elder Frost and I are super super busy with the things that are going on just in our area. Then on top of that we are going on exchanges almost twice a week. It has given he and I some really good opportunities to grow. It is awesome. Elder Frost is a Stud and has done some really good work. We are finally at a point that even if one of us is gone, the work is going to move forward no matter what. Definitely blessings from the Lord. It is crazy how much He has His hand in all of this. I can rattle on for hours of stories and experiences that I have had where the Lord has guided me or my companion to find new people. For example, this last week we find this new random little development that we had never been in before. So we began to tract there a few days later. We had tracted about half way down the street and this lady let us in. SUPER surprising. We hardly ever get let in. Well, we soon realized that she was a member of the church. But she was like, "ok, so are you looking for people to baptize??" And we were both like heck yeah we are!! She said, "well my daughter and my son and my husband aren't baptized. Could you come back and teach them??" haha Well, needless to say we went back and we are teaching them now. We also tracted into a kid from Pocatello who had just moved here. He had been taking the lessons in Idaho and attending church there and is SOLID. We had him at church yesterday and he was giving answers and everything. It was super legit! We also are teaching a family that are really close to getting baptized. It will probably happen next weekend. So really, the work is just going crazy!! To think that they weren't sure if there was going to be enough work for us haha The Lord was preparing tons of people and still is. Now we just need to find them!!!!!! We are working on it, though. It is kinda hard to find enough time to balance everything out, but we will be lead and guided as to how we should go about that.
How is the work going at home? Has the stake had any baptisms this past little while?? Anyone coming back to church that hasn't gone in the past?? How can I help there? Anyone who is getting close that can use a letter or something of encouragement?? I am sure with all the new missionaries in our stake the work is going crazy!! Tell them to work hard. There are a ton of people who are prepared at home. It is just getting the right missionary who can teach them and connect.
How is good old Reggie?? Engaged yet?? What about Jake? Has anyone heard from him?? I am just curious how everyone is doing. Tell Amber and Blake, Sheila and Cliff, Patrice and Shawn, Max and Joy that I say hi! I could go on and on... let them all know I think of them from time to time.
Cole and I were emailing last week and he said, "Man, could you imagine if we hadn't come on our missions?" And that was kind of a crazy thought. The thought that I almost didn't come out here. We both kind of came to the conclusion that no- this is not the funnest thing we have ever done. But I haven't ever learned more in my whole entire life! This is amazing! So for all you grandkids- prepare now and get ready to go! Time flies out here. So if you can enter into the MTC ready and knowledgeable, it will be so much easier than it was for me! I am so grateful to you guys and all of my friends' parents and everyone who helped guide me in the direction of a mission. This is awesome and I wouldn't trade it for anything. If nothing else, I am closer to my Father in Heaven than I have ever been. I know He lives. I know He is aware of each of our situations and I know He knows each and everyone of our wants and needs. He has allowed me to be tried a lot these past couple months, but when we are accomplishing the most good we have the most adversity.
Thanks so much for the package, mom. I got it in plenty of time. And we did get the dinner calender around and it is completely full. We just had to get it sent around to all the auxiliaries, not just the relief society. But all is well and I will be back to gaining some more weight in no time- don't worry:) I love you all so much and hope that you have a good week. Let me know if I can help out in anyway possible. Tell Susan and their family I am praying for them and I think about them often. I'll talk to you soon!!
Love,
Elder Crapo
Monday, April 8, 2013
March 4, 2013
Dear fam.....
I really need a new beginning to my emails. This one is getting old. haha. Sounds like we are having quite an eventful week in Idaho. That is not good and makes me super nervous. I hope that Judd is ok and that he can pull through. I will definitely keep him in my prayers and if there is anything I can do let me know. I know I am not much help from here and there isn't a ton that I really can do. But I want to help all I can. Keep me posted on how he is doing and let Uncle George, Aunt Linda, and Susan know that I am thinking of them.
Mom, I am with you. I can't even believe that it is seriously MARCH! The time is flying by and things are going really well. I will say this whole mission thing is sweet! We have been listening to a talk that my trainer, Elder Cunningham- I mean Brother Cunningham left me. This thing has really shed new light on my missionary work. I am going to try and make some copies and send it home to you guys. It is so good. You have to listen to it! Kinda funny how talks become more like the Super Bowl when you are on your mission.
I am really beginning to love my new ward. It is kind of funny how there is an adjustment period in each ward, but I think we are finally all hitting the ground together instead of running at different RPMs. Only one problem - my ward mission leader kind of didn't do so hot of a job with passing the dinner calender around so I am going to be eating a lot of PB&J this week!! Oh yay, right?? haha I am definitely learning to live cheap, which is good:)
This week we had some pretty cool stuff happen. One day we were out working, by working I mean tracting. And we came across this kid who had just moved here last week and had been attending church with some of his friends where he moved from. And guess where he is from?... Pocatello!! Idaho is EVERYWHERE over here. I can find a connection with pretty much anyone. It is kind of weird. But it is really quite fun. We have a lesson with that guy tomorrow night and we are pretty stoked about that. Then just 15 minutes later we were getting out of the car and this girl walked by. She was talking on the phone to someone and she was talking about trying to find the right church.... Well, lets talk!! So I yelled at her, even though she was on the phone. Kinda awkward - I know, but it was important. She came back and turns out she is a preacher's daughter. We tried to get her info so we could go talk to her, but she didn't think that was too good of an idea... But she took the Book of Mormon and when we passed her she was reading from it!! So that was exciting. Then like 10 minutes after that we had a guy ask us if we had a Book of Mormon he could study while we were street contacting!! Something about Elder Frost - this kid is a stud! I love him! We are definitely having fun!
Then last week, as I think I told you, was transfers. Kind of a sad day for me, because Elder Lopez, one of my good mission friends went home:( He really wanted to stay. He was such a stud and he worked dang hard right to the bitter end! They said at his departing testimony that we give before we leave the mission that he just broke down into tears and had a hard time getting it all out. It is really cool to see the love that everyone develops as we work here. I know I can see how it is really changing me and making me love it. This place is awesome! Especially because it was 70 degrees yesterday:) (Just thought I would throw that in there. haha)
Oh and I am going to be needing some new shoe insoles before long. These ones are pretty dang shot. Any ideas?? I am hoping to make these shoes last all two years but I am not totally sure if they are going to make it. haha They are pretty hashed right now. I have worn them everyday, which probably isn't too good for shoes either.
Alright, I have to end with a funny story for you. Now this is a true story, but no names will be given to protect the innocent. (except for Elder Frost) So yesterday was a tie trade in the Elders Quorum. We saw that our ward mission leader had some pretty dang ugly, but sweet ties. So we had our ward mission meeting and he told Elder Frost that he could look through his ties and have one. Well, he just brought the whole drawer down and the first thing he picked up was what elder Frost thought was a bow tie..... HAHAHAHA Yeah, it was pretty awesome. Super, super funny! It was all I could do not to just bust up laughing. I think we laughed for like an hour after we left his house. The worst part was, then we had to go back to dinner at his house an hour later... AWKWARD!
I hope that everyone is doing good. I miss you all a ton! I love you guys and hope that you have a good week. I am doing well and I will do all I can to keep up the good work. Oh, and one last thing before I go - Our new address is:
7545 Oso Blanca Apt# 1081
Las Vegas, NV 89149
Let me know if there is anything I can do for anyone! And I will keep Judd in my prayers. Thanks for all you have done for me and the continued support that I get. It means a ton and really helps me out.
Love,
Elder Crapo
I really need a new beginning to my emails. This one is getting old. haha. Sounds like we are having quite an eventful week in Idaho. That is not good and makes me super nervous. I hope that Judd is ok and that he can pull through. I will definitely keep him in my prayers and if there is anything I can do let me know. I know I am not much help from here and there isn't a ton that I really can do. But I want to help all I can. Keep me posted on how he is doing and let Uncle George, Aunt Linda, and Susan know that I am thinking of them.
Mom, I am with you. I can't even believe that it is seriously MARCH! The time is flying by and things are going really well. I will say this whole mission thing is sweet! We have been listening to a talk that my trainer, Elder Cunningham- I mean Brother Cunningham left me. This thing has really shed new light on my missionary work. I am going to try and make some copies and send it home to you guys. It is so good. You have to listen to it! Kinda funny how talks become more like the Super Bowl when you are on your mission.
I am really beginning to love my new ward. It is kind of funny how there is an adjustment period in each ward, but I think we are finally all hitting the ground together instead of running at different RPMs. Only one problem - my ward mission leader kind of didn't do so hot of a job with passing the dinner calender around so I am going to be eating a lot of PB&J this week!! Oh yay, right?? haha I am definitely learning to live cheap, which is good:)
This week we had some pretty cool stuff happen. One day we were out working, by working I mean tracting. And we came across this kid who had just moved here last week and had been attending church with some of his friends where he moved from. And guess where he is from?... Pocatello!! Idaho is EVERYWHERE over here. I can find a connection with pretty much anyone. It is kind of weird. But it is really quite fun. We have a lesson with that guy tomorrow night and we are pretty stoked about that. Then just 15 minutes later we were getting out of the car and this girl walked by. She was talking on the phone to someone and she was talking about trying to find the right church.... Well, lets talk!! So I yelled at her, even though she was on the phone. Kinda awkward - I know, but it was important. She came back and turns out she is a preacher's daughter. We tried to get her info so we could go talk to her, but she didn't think that was too good of an idea... But she took the Book of Mormon and when we passed her she was reading from it!! So that was exciting. Then like 10 minutes after that we had a guy ask us if we had a Book of Mormon he could study while we were street contacting!! Something about Elder Frost - this kid is a stud! I love him! We are definitely having fun!
Then last week, as I think I told you, was transfers. Kind of a sad day for me, because Elder Lopez, one of my good mission friends went home:( He really wanted to stay. He was such a stud and he worked dang hard right to the bitter end! They said at his departing testimony that we give before we leave the mission that he just broke down into tears and had a hard time getting it all out. It is really cool to see the love that everyone develops as we work here. I know I can see how it is really changing me and making me love it. This place is awesome! Especially because it was 70 degrees yesterday:) (Just thought I would throw that in there. haha)
Oh and I am going to be needing some new shoe insoles before long. These ones are pretty dang shot. Any ideas?? I am hoping to make these shoes last all two years but I am not totally sure if they are going to make it. haha They are pretty hashed right now. I have worn them everyday, which probably isn't too good for shoes either.
Alright, I have to end with a funny story for you. Now this is a true story, but no names will be given to protect the innocent. (except for Elder Frost) So yesterday was a tie trade in the Elders Quorum. We saw that our ward mission leader had some pretty dang ugly, but sweet ties. So we had our ward mission meeting and he told Elder Frost that he could look through his ties and have one. Well, he just brought the whole drawer down and the first thing he picked up was what elder Frost thought was a bow tie..... HAHAHAHA Yeah, it was pretty awesome. Super, super funny! It was all I could do not to just bust up laughing. I think we laughed for like an hour after we left his house. The worst part was, then we had to go back to dinner at his house an hour later... AWKWARD!
I hope that everyone is doing good. I miss you all a ton! I love you guys and hope that you have a good week. I am doing well and I will do all I can to keep up the good work. Oh, and one last thing before I go - Our new address is:
7545 Oso Blanca Apt# 1081
Las Vegas, NV 89149
Let me know if there is anything I can do for anyone! And I will keep Judd in my prayers. Thanks for all you have done for me and the continued support that I get. It means a ton and really helps me out.
Love,
Elder Crapo
Monday, April 1, 2013
February 26, 2013
What up fam!!!
Things here are going really well and I am still alive! No worries about the whole shooting thing. I always feel safe and as for Coy and Emilee driving by my apartment - go for it! haha Because I am getting moved again... But it is all good because I am still with my comp, Elder Frost and we are still covering my area. Things are going pretty solid. I saw the new mission president thing for our mission, but I really don't know who he is. You'll have to look. He is from Orem, I think. He looks like he is pretty dang cool! I am about sick of moving, though. It will all be good. I just know that when I come home I want to live in the same house forever!! Keep dreaming, right?? We are having some really good success and we are going to have a baptism here within the next couple weeks. His name is Jordan and he is 12 years old. He is really solid. Kinda has a tough home life, but his mom is a member and we are having a ton of fun with him.
Being district leader has been very stressful this past week, I scheduled 2 exchanges this past week and I went with the other senor companians in their area and got to work with them. One's name is Elder Bruce. He is super cool and is also from Mesa, Arizona. Then there's Elder Paz and he is straight from Mexico City, Mexico. So he has a really sweet accent. The apartments that we moved into are pretty nice and they are cool, but the only downfall is that our gym doesn't open until 7. So I am just going to have to pick up running again and run in the mornings which is going to stink! I really like running with lifting in between but I guess the Lord thinks that running will be good for me haha. Our apartments have like 4 other companianships in them, which is going to be awesome!! I am really close with a couple of them and our district is staying pretty much the same other than just a few of the missionaries that are going to be added to the district - which means more exchanges. The new elder that is coming in and training is super awesome and a ton of people thought that he was going to be AP, so he can train me to be a better district leader! I have felt at times that I am not quite where I need to be, so having someone with a little more experience will help. Now as for my new address I am not sure what it is right now becuse it is in my other planner. Just send everything to the mission office it will just come a day later, but it won't be a big deal. Then next week I will get you my actual address. If you ever question the adress to give to like friends or anything like that just always give them the 4455 Allen lane becasue I have a feeling that my address will be changing in about 6 weeks again - but who knows?
That is so awesome that they are creating more missions in Idaho! That means that you are really going to have to start doing a lot of missoinary work. Pray about people we know that we can help. The Lord is hastening His work for a reason. He wants all of His children to hear the gospel! I am so greatful that I have this wonderful oppurtunity to be here and to serve around these people. I am really learning a lot. I do have some days that are rough, but thats what the mission is all about!! Just keep living the dream and working hard. I am sad that President Black is going to be leaving in July. It is super crazy how fast that is coming- only 3 more transfers!!! I look at the time and I really can't even believe that I have been here as long as I have and met all of these awesome people.
I have met so many people with connections here in the last week, it is nuts! It seems like everyone around here knows someone in the Rexburg area. It is really funny! We just seem to be all over Las Vegas!!! It really is fun to be able to talk to people and be like, heck yeah- I know them!! We met this girl the other night that knew Riley and Bryson and all of those guys I met at college. It was really cool- kinda weird, but cool. As for everone coming to Vegas- it is crazy everyone who writes me is like yeah, we are coming down to Vegas this weeekend or next week. What the heck??? No one came here before my mission and now this is all anyone does is come to Vegas! It is because it is a super sweet city. I just laugh. We are so close, yet so far away. But resist- haha please. I don't want to be seeing my family stalking my apartments. That would be weird. If anything, go and see my old area. Go over to Bass Pro Shops. See that legit store and then go and hit up In and Out Burger and then go drive through Southern Highlands. Then you can feel like you have been close enough to me and if you see any of the missionaries in there you can tell them hi - just not me haha.
Today is going to be kind of a weird day for me. We are going to transfers because we are getting a different car and changing apartments which is going to be really cool. One of the missionaries, Elder Lopez, the one that I got really really close to, is going to be going home!! It is a bitter sweet moment -but he was a stud missionary! He taught me a ton and really showed me some things that made me want to be a better missionary. Also a ton of the guys that I came out with from the MTC are training. It is going to be so cool to see them again. When I see them it is like seeing family that you haven't seen in a while. It is super fun. They are all such cool guys and I really respect them. I am hoping that before too long I will get to serve around some of them.
We are teaching a family from Iraq and a Family from Iran. It is pretty cool. They speak English and they are actually some of the nicest people here in the area. It is super cool. We got them a book of Mormon in Aribic and it is SUPER CRAZY! It's really cool to see. I hope that everyone at home is doing well and just because I am curious - when do I get a super cool THE ZONE shirt?? Just throwing that out there, haha but no worries I will patiently be awaiting it:) Coy, congrats on being old. Let's take a moment here to reflect... So around 20ish years ago Coy was writing a letter home and probably just finding out that he was soon going to be having the BEST little brother in the world. What a super lucky guy, right?? hahah I just wanted to show that Coy is getting a little older;) Just kidding, bro. You know I love you and I hope you got your super awesome birthday post card:) I hope that the snow is awesome and that you can ride the crap out of it. Things here are still looking pretty brown. I love you guys so much and can't wait to hear from you. Hope that your having a good week and I will talk to you next week!! If there is anything I can do for you guys let me know!
Love,
Elder Crapo
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