Hey Fam!
How is the cold weather treating you in Idaho?!:) All I can say is that the weather is finally nice here! 75 to 85 degrees during the day and then high 60's at night. It is awesome!! I am actually beginning to fall in love with this place. It is a little weird. The people here are way too good to us. So as you all are wondering if transfers are coming - the answer is yes. In two weeks. So I will have a new companion, but it does sound like I should be in the same area, which is great! But if I were to predict it, I will be here one more transfer- possibly two, depending on my next companion and what President Black wants with me. But he knows what needs to happen, so no need to try and out guess the Lord! This week has been packed full of experiences! I wish I had time enough to tell you about all of them. You're only going to get a few because of time constraints and all that, but it really has been a good week!
First thing that happened was Elder Cunningham hit his two year mark last Saturday! On Monday we met up with one of the families we've been teaching and we burned his suit!!!!! It was so cool and the kids loved it! It is so good to see them progress and the kids really, really want to get baptized. We are just waiting for the Dad to give the OK. They are going to be asking him if they can sometime this week and we have been praying and fasting like crazy. So I know that one way or the other, the Lord will pull through. The kids are awesome! Elder Cunningham and I had to give them all a tie because they wanted one. So it has been a good week for them. It is crazy how people here start becoming family after a while.
As for Sabrina she is doing awesome! She has been having some struggles, so we are going to move her baptismal date back to November 27, but we know it is going to happen that day! She is really excited and can't wait. She just really isn't feeling very good. So we are going to get her over the sickness and then she will be prepared to enter into Baptism:) Her mom is being baptized tonight, so we are going to end P-day a little early. President Foote, our awesome Elders Quorom President is going to drive us to Redrock so that we can be there for that. I have to give the prayer which will be good! We have a very busy day, so not too many hand written letters will be coming this week. Sorry!
The other night we were getting ready for bed and I heard the phone ring. Not really wanting to get it, I pulled myself up and went to answer it. Well, I missed the call and it was from a lady, Corla who we had met in the grocery store several weeks ago. We haven't been able to get a hold of her for a long time! She has been taught by missionaries in the past and told us we could come by, but she just disappeared. Now she was calling us at 10:20 at night?! I really didn't want to call back, so I laid the phone down... Then the impression came, "you need to call her back." I was like, "oh, no. I don't have time. Bed time is 10:30 I'll call her tomorrow." Then it came again. I thought, "well I'll let Elder Cunningham do it." I couldn't get him to wake up, which was weird because I was yelling his name and hitting him. haha. So finally I couldn't go any longer and I got on the phone. Turns out she really, really needed to talk to us. We were able to go by there yesterday and give her a blessing. We also have another appointment to go back on Wednesday and meet with her, so that will be great! I was able to talk to her on the phone for about 20 minutes and help her out a little, and get her calmed down to where hopefully, she went to sleep. I guess Mindy's experience of following the promptings of the Spirit are helping more than just her:)
We also had Stake Conference yesterday. Man, was it good! They had a ton of speakers, but we were able to listen to our wonderful, inspired mission president and his wife. They did awesome and the whole conference was just sweet. Also our kind of recent convert, Brother Ford spoke and he totally DOMINATED!!! He is so smart and he does an awesome job speaking and teaching. I will have to get a pic with him and send it to you all.
We also were able to get in contact with another recent convert, named Jason. While we were visiting, I noticed a picture hanging on his wall and calmly I looked at him and I was like, "Jason, do you race mortorcyles? He was like, "yeah, I used to race in the AMA." I was so pumped and he is a total STUD! We talked the rest of the time about bikes and his racing days and people he knew and wanted to introduce me to and stuff. It was so cool. He raced with Jeremy McGrath and Carey Hart is one of his best friends. For those who don't know, Cary Hart was the first man to ever land a back flip in competition. Yeah, Jason and I are going to be real close- I can already tell! haha
One last story real quick. We went on exchanges this last week and I was in another area. I was able to meet a guy named Trey. Trey has had a dang rough life. About two weeks ago, he had been praying that the Lord would give him some answers to what church was true. Well, Elder Wilcock and Elder Stewart just happened to be going to try and see a less active member across the street from his house. Trey was walking to a friends house. Of course, the Elders saw him and went and tried to talk to him and sure enough- the Lord answered his prayers! But get this- Trey is a 6 foot 8 inch basketball playing fool! He played for Michigan State and was better than Jason Richardson until he was in a tragic accident that ended his ball career. He was able to recover and play for a year or two over in the Philippines, but his injuries were just too bad to play ball every day. But he is a stud, and he loved me! We ended up talking basketball and he is getting me floor tickets to the Lakers game in two years because I told him that I had seen Lebron James play, but only on TV. He was like, "bro you haven't seen Lebron James play till you have seen him COURT SIDE!" haha It was awesome and he wants me to come back and go to a game with him. So I wasn't going to argue that! Hahah we will see if he even remembers me in two years. But he is way cool and I have pictures of him and me together that I will send within the next couple of weeks!
Things here really are going well. I am doing good and I know this is where I need to be. I love hearing from you all and hearing how much good stuff is happening to the family! Thanks for all of the letters and gifts and treats and everything. It is so helpful to hear from everyone. I love you all so much and hope you have an awesome week dominating at sports and whatever else you're doing! Keep digging hard and don't have to much fun in the tractor without me! Oh, and Coy, I want your email address so i can email you and give you crap while you sit in the tractor:) I love you all! Have a great week!!!
P.S. Thanks so much for the pics! Mindy your story helped a lot. I actually ate with John last night and things are going well. I will call his mom sometime this week!
Love,
Elder Crapo
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Conference! 10/8/12
Conference!!
Talk about one of the best weekends of the mission so far! This whole week has been good and I am super glad that everything is well at home. The package was awesome and I was stoked to put up my Idaho flag and give Elder Cunningham his first Crapo Trucking hat:) As for things in the mission world, they are GREAT! We actually didn't get to watch the first session of conference... I don't know if you remember the letter where I talked about the lady who yelled at Elder Cunningham in the parking lot of an apartment complex? Well, like two weeks ago she had been yelling at us telling us she couldn't wait for December to come so that she could just die.... Well, I need to be more Christ like, but anywho...:) She had asked for the ward to help move her at ten o'clock Saturday morning. So we went and were going to watch the first part of conference with Brother Finau and then walk over to help her move! But we couldn't find the BYU channel until after President Monson had made the announcement! So we had no idea what was even going on and then when it was time for us to leave. We went over and started to help with the move. Sister Scharmann, the Relief Society president, was like, "So what did you think of the new mission age?" Elder Cunningham and I looked at each other and we were like, "what do you mean?" So she told us and it was like we had just won the Super Bowl! We were pumped!! My first thought went to my nieces and nephews and how much that would impact their lives! I am so so so excited for you kids and how much it will help you. I guess I just thought about Mataia and how close she was and hopefully she just decides to go;) I want the kids to know that this experience is nothing like what you will ever in a million years experience before the mission. High school has absolutely no comparison. Set your standards HIGH. Don't ever play down to someone elses level. It is like in all the sports you're playing. Some games when you play bad teams, you just don't play as good- because they aren't as good. But then when you play a good team you play much better. You need to be the good team! Make the other kids around you play up to your standards. Never lower the bar for any friends. It is no longer good enough to just get over the bar. The church is setting new heights and is really leaning on the youth to start that change. There was a talk that said our youth as a whole is stronger now than it ever has been. What I have found though is that you can't be fence sitters. Swaying a little both ways no longer works. As I have met with members here it is amazing to see the strength of them and how hard they are willing to work to be close to our Father in Heaven. I am just so proud of the kids because I know that my nieces and nephews are definitely up to par in that case. I also had a way cool experience just with conference in general because this past week has been a little tougher. I'm not sure why, but it has. The things that were said in conference really lifted my spirits and have shown me how the Atonement can work in my life. As you kids begin to get to high school and you wonder what it is you should be learning or what you can do to be better missionaries than I ever could dream of being- really focus on Seminary. Don't be like me and look for every excuse to miss. That class has more value than Math or Science. It is everything you need to know. I know I am really focusing this letter on the kids. Sorry parents, but I just can't get them out of my mind and how Stoked I am for them!!!! Take advantage of what the Lord is giving us- especially the girls! I almost feel as though girls shouldn't put off the mission anymore because they will be back in plenty of time to get married! The mission trains you. I feel like the Lord is totally preparing me for life. Through this experience I am learning skills that, no offense to Idaho, simply can not be learned there. At least not for me, because learning missionary work is hard! It is a mental game. I work everyday to keep my thoughts where they need to be and study as hard as I can and I always fall short... But that is ok. The Atonement is there because Heavenly Father knew that I was not going to be perfect! Thank Heaven, too:) I read in the Ensign the other day that the most important thing you can do in your youth is learn how to use the Atonement in your life. It is much, much more than just asking for forgiveness. It is a change of a view because our view as human beings is off. Heavenly Father does not look at us in terms of today and tomorrow. He sees us in terms of Eternity!!!!:) I wish I could take all I am learning and just give it to all the kids! I guess with all this, I just want you all to know I love you and conference made me think of you:) It was an awesome weekend and I really wanted to see Hali and Jeff on the TV but it just didn't quite see you guys.
Now that I am off my soap box and the kids think that their Uncle is CRAZY! I will tell you all the fun stuff that is going on in my mission life:) Today we are playing a little football... SOUTH ZONE VS SPRING MOUNTAIN ZONE! Just so you know, you want SPRING MOUNTAIN to win! No, we are all representatives of Jesus Christ but still its going to be awesome!! This is just a warm up game for the Turkey bowl when Thanksgiving rolls around. Oh, and we just found out today that Elder Echo Hawk, the guy who spoke in, I believe the second session on Saturday will be here touring the best mission in the world sometime in November. So that will be pretty sweet! Last night we had another awesome lesson with a less active family. They are so cool and are preparing to go to the temple and be sealed together for time and all eternity. And they invited us back to watch the second half of the session that we missed. So that will be good a little later on in the week. Also Sabrina is doing awesome and she is going to be baptized on October 20:) And her mom is going to be baptized in another stake on October 15, so we get to go and watch that! We are way excited. As for the Finau's they are doing OK, but yes, they have some major health problems. Brother Finau has been on Dialysis for 11 years now and is still just the happiest man in the world. I love him to death. Sister Finau is having some health problems, too. But talk to her - she is awesome! She is always on Facebook it sounds like. She would love to chat about pretty much anything.
August 6 marked Elder Cunnigham's 2 years, so his time is quickly coming to an end. I am going to be pretty down when he leaves. He is a stud and has taught me so much! I love working here with him. You will have to go and listen to his homecoming when he is done here. Things in our area are kind of slow, so we have spent a lot of time knocking on doors this last week. Hopefully we will be able to see some fruits from that labor. It is so tiring to just knock and knock and knock, but it feels way good to go home at night and just CRASH! I think about my calling and how sacred it really is. The other day we got yelled at by some dude because we were tracting in a gated community. We told him we were representatives of Jesus Christ going around sharing a very special message and he kind of mocked us saying, "Oh, your Representatives of Jesus Christ, huh?!" Which is so frustrating, because we truly are! Think about that concept kids, representing Jesus Christ! That is what I get the wonderful opportunity of doing each and everyday! And you will get to do that too soon!:) An Elder in my district said the best part about our mission is we are the closest thing that anyone can have to having Jesus Christ in their home. Now that isn't to say that we are that good, because we aren't. It is to say that Jesus Christ is that good. He can make up the marks that we have or the downfalls we have because He knows better than I do that we aren't perfect. But He helps us everyday and it is cool to see the work that is going on here.
I want to leave with you all my testimony of the things that the Prophets taught this last week are true! If you will study and apply what they have taught you, it can change our behaviors that are not in line with his teachings. There is a saying that I have been thinking of each day that came to mind, The lord asks for your very best.... not perfection. That has been a hard lesson for me to learn because making mistakes really stinks. But you have to continue on. It is like Brother Ford says, "Quit feeling sorry for yourself, dummy! There is Work to be Done!!!" haha Even though that was not directed at me, it applies. I want you all to know I know that the church is true and the principles it teaches can change our lives:) In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Have an awesome week and keep digging those spuds!!! Enjoy the weather because you could be here, where there are no seasons;) I love you all and can't wait to hear from you! Thanks so much for the packages by the way. They are way fun to get and they put a smile on my face every time:) Good luck in all your games this week and all the work!! Hope you all stay safe and have fun!
Love,
Elder Crapo
Talk about one of the best weekends of the mission so far! This whole week has been good and I am super glad that everything is well at home. The package was awesome and I was stoked to put up my Idaho flag and give Elder Cunningham his first Crapo Trucking hat:) As for things in the mission world, they are GREAT! We actually didn't get to watch the first session of conference... I don't know if you remember the letter where I talked about the lady who yelled at Elder Cunningham in the parking lot of an apartment complex? Well, like two weeks ago she had been yelling at us telling us she couldn't wait for December to come so that she could just die.... Well, I need to be more Christ like, but anywho...:) She had asked for the ward to help move her at ten o'clock Saturday morning. So we went and were going to watch the first part of conference with Brother Finau and then walk over to help her move! But we couldn't find the BYU channel until after President Monson had made the announcement! So we had no idea what was even going on and then when it was time for us to leave. We went over and started to help with the move. Sister Scharmann, the Relief Society president, was like, "So what did you think of the new mission age?" Elder Cunningham and I looked at each other and we were like, "what do you mean?" So she told us and it was like we had just won the Super Bowl! We were pumped!! My first thought went to my nieces and nephews and how much that would impact their lives! I am so so so excited for you kids and how much it will help you. I guess I just thought about Mataia and how close she was and hopefully she just decides to go;) I want the kids to know that this experience is nothing like what you will ever in a million years experience before the mission. High school has absolutely no comparison. Set your standards HIGH. Don't ever play down to someone elses level. It is like in all the sports you're playing. Some games when you play bad teams, you just don't play as good- because they aren't as good. But then when you play a good team you play much better. You need to be the good team! Make the other kids around you play up to your standards. Never lower the bar for any friends. It is no longer good enough to just get over the bar. The church is setting new heights and is really leaning on the youth to start that change. There was a talk that said our youth as a whole is stronger now than it ever has been. What I have found though is that you can't be fence sitters. Swaying a little both ways no longer works. As I have met with members here it is amazing to see the strength of them and how hard they are willing to work to be close to our Father in Heaven. I am just so proud of the kids because I know that my nieces and nephews are definitely up to par in that case. I also had a way cool experience just with conference in general because this past week has been a little tougher. I'm not sure why, but it has. The things that were said in conference really lifted my spirits and have shown me how the Atonement can work in my life. As you kids begin to get to high school and you wonder what it is you should be learning or what you can do to be better missionaries than I ever could dream of being- really focus on Seminary. Don't be like me and look for every excuse to miss. That class has more value than Math or Science. It is everything you need to know. I know I am really focusing this letter on the kids. Sorry parents, but I just can't get them out of my mind and how Stoked I am for them!!!! Take advantage of what the Lord is giving us- especially the girls! I almost feel as though girls shouldn't put off the mission anymore because they will be back in plenty of time to get married! The mission trains you. I feel like the Lord is totally preparing me for life. Through this experience I am learning skills that, no offense to Idaho, simply can not be learned there. At least not for me, because learning missionary work is hard! It is a mental game. I work everyday to keep my thoughts where they need to be and study as hard as I can and I always fall short... But that is ok. The Atonement is there because Heavenly Father knew that I was not going to be perfect! Thank Heaven, too:) I read in the Ensign the other day that the most important thing you can do in your youth is learn how to use the Atonement in your life. It is much, much more than just asking for forgiveness. It is a change of a view because our view as human beings is off. Heavenly Father does not look at us in terms of today and tomorrow. He sees us in terms of Eternity!!!!:) I wish I could take all I am learning and just give it to all the kids! I guess with all this, I just want you all to know I love you and conference made me think of you:) It was an awesome weekend and I really wanted to see Hali and Jeff on the TV but it just didn't quite see you guys.
Now that I am off my soap box and the kids think that their Uncle is CRAZY! I will tell you all the fun stuff that is going on in my mission life:) Today we are playing a little football... SOUTH ZONE VS SPRING MOUNTAIN ZONE! Just so you know, you want SPRING MOUNTAIN to win! No, we are all representatives of Jesus Christ but still its going to be awesome!! This is just a warm up game for the Turkey bowl when Thanksgiving rolls around. Oh, and we just found out today that Elder Echo Hawk, the guy who spoke in, I believe the second session on Saturday will be here touring the best mission in the world sometime in November. So that will be pretty sweet! Last night we had another awesome lesson with a less active family. They are so cool and are preparing to go to the temple and be sealed together for time and all eternity. And they invited us back to watch the second half of the session that we missed. So that will be good a little later on in the week. Also Sabrina is doing awesome and she is going to be baptized on October 20:) And her mom is going to be baptized in another stake on October 15, so we get to go and watch that! We are way excited. As for the Finau's they are doing OK, but yes, they have some major health problems. Brother Finau has been on Dialysis for 11 years now and is still just the happiest man in the world. I love him to death. Sister Finau is having some health problems, too. But talk to her - she is awesome! She is always on Facebook it sounds like. She would love to chat about pretty much anything.
August 6 marked Elder Cunnigham's 2 years, so his time is quickly coming to an end. I am going to be pretty down when he leaves. He is a stud and has taught me so much! I love working here with him. You will have to go and listen to his homecoming when he is done here. Things in our area are kind of slow, so we have spent a lot of time knocking on doors this last week. Hopefully we will be able to see some fruits from that labor. It is so tiring to just knock and knock and knock, but it feels way good to go home at night and just CRASH! I think about my calling and how sacred it really is. The other day we got yelled at by some dude because we were tracting in a gated community. We told him we were representatives of Jesus Christ going around sharing a very special message and he kind of mocked us saying, "Oh, your Representatives of Jesus Christ, huh?!" Which is so frustrating, because we truly are! Think about that concept kids, representing Jesus Christ! That is what I get the wonderful opportunity of doing each and everyday! And you will get to do that too soon!:) An Elder in my district said the best part about our mission is we are the closest thing that anyone can have to having Jesus Christ in their home. Now that isn't to say that we are that good, because we aren't. It is to say that Jesus Christ is that good. He can make up the marks that we have or the downfalls we have because He knows better than I do that we aren't perfect. But He helps us everyday and it is cool to see the work that is going on here.
I want to leave with you all my testimony of the things that the Prophets taught this last week are true! If you will study and apply what they have taught you, it can change our behaviors that are not in line with his teachings. There is a saying that I have been thinking of each day that came to mind, The lord asks for your very best.... not perfection. That has been a hard lesson for me to learn because making mistakes really stinks. But you have to continue on. It is like Brother Ford says, "Quit feeling sorry for yourself, dummy! There is Work to be Done!!!" haha Even though that was not directed at me, it applies. I want you all to know I know that the church is true and the principles it teaches can change our lives:) In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Have an awesome week and keep digging those spuds!!! Enjoy the weather because you could be here, where there are no seasons;) I love you all and can't wait to hear from you! Thanks so much for the packages by the way. They are way fun to get and they put a smile on my face every time:) Good luck in all your games this week and all the work!! Hope you all stay safe and have fun!
Love,
Elder Crapo
Friday, October 5, 2012
Letter to the Rodericks 10/5/12
Dear Family,
How is everyone? Sounds like you are super busy and as for missionary work in the Southern Highlands- it's good, too! My wards are awesome and people here are great. I do miss beautiful Idaho and the great people there, but Vegas is pretty good, too. The heat still tries to linger around and give us issues. When I am on a bike at 98 degrees, it does stink! But you find ways to have fun with it. We are finally beginning to have member trust. Now we just really need people to teach. But as I become better as a missionary and we talk to everyone, it will come.
I am not sure why, but today has been a sick day! I am loving it. I love the work. I love the trials and I love how much the Lord is here for me. My life is changing dramatically. I have a testimony I didn't think I would ever have and yes, there are dang hard days. But the Lord blesses us as we work hard and are diligent. I hope mom made ya'll a copy of that Book of Mormon marking deal. If she didn't, ask her about it and please do it. I know it will strengthen your family.
I love you all so much. Send me some sweet action pics of my stud nephews and my awesome nieces! Also, tell Yi-Lin hello from Elder Crapo. I guess I hope the whole family reads this because I want you all to know that I know that this church is true. Without it we would have no hope in life. I know that Joseph Smith did see God, the Father and Jesus Christ and through him the gospel was restored to the earth today. I would challenge each of you to get on your knees and ask our Heavenly Father if it is true. And if you do that he will answer your prayers - I promise. And I know that us as missionaries, we are called of God. I get the opportunity to say one of the most profound things anyone can say, "I am a representative of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." How cool is that?! I represent Jesus Christ himself. He sent Elder Cunningham and I here to teach the people in the southern Highlands. But guess what?! You also represent Him. Do you remember what the sacrament prayer says? "To take upon them the name of they Son." We all represent Him because we are members of His church! So always remember that. Even when you're playing sports and that kid makes you mad, remember that you represent Jesus Christ and do what He would do. :) Thank heaven for the atonement, though because I never did that perfect! But have a good week! I love you guys so much!
Elder Crapo
How is everyone? Sounds like you are super busy and as for missionary work in the Southern Highlands- it's good, too! My wards are awesome and people here are great. I do miss beautiful Idaho and the great people there, but Vegas is pretty good, too. The heat still tries to linger around and give us issues. When I am on a bike at 98 degrees, it does stink! But you find ways to have fun with it. We are finally beginning to have member trust. Now we just really need people to teach. But as I become better as a missionary and we talk to everyone, it will come.
I am not sure why, but today has been a sick day! I am loving it. I love the work. I love the trials and I love how much the Lord is here for me. My life is changing dramatically. I have a testimony I didn't think I would ever have and yes, there are dang hard days. But the Lord blesses us as we work hard and are diligent. I hope mom made ya'll a copy of that Book of Mormon marking deal. If she didn't, ask her about it and please do it. I know it will strengthen your family.
I love you all so much. Send me some sweet action pics of my stud nephews and my awesome nieces! Also, tell Yi-Lin hello from Elder Crapo. I guess I hope the whole family reads this because I want you all to know that I know that this church is true. Without it we would have no hope in life. I know that Joseph Smith did see God, the Father and Jesus Christ and through him the gospel was restored to the earth today. I would challenge each of you to get on your knees and ask our Heavenly Father if it is true. And if you do that he will answer your prayers - I promise. And I know that us as missionaries, we are called of God. I get the opportunity to say one of the most profound things anyone can say, "I am a representative of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." How cool is that?! I represent Jesus Christ himself. He sent Elder Cunningham and I here to teach the people in the southern Highlands. But guess what?! You also represent Him. Do you remember what the sacrament prayer says? "To take upon them the name of they Son." We all represent Him because we are members of His church! So always remember that. Even when you're playing sports and that kid makes you mad, remember that you represent Jesus Christ and do what He would do. :) Thank heaven for the atonement, though because I never did that perfect! But have a good week! I love you guys so much!
Elder Crapo
Letter from 10/1/12
Hey fam!
Man, its good to hear from everyone! I am living it up here in Vegas. It is just starting to get kind of nice here. Still 90 to 95 during the day, but evenings are amazing! So the heat, I think, for the most part is behind us. Members here are awesome keeping us fed and treating us well. We are doing awesome and having fun. Work is kind of slow, but that is sort of how our area is, which stinks. But it is good. It keeps me and Elder Cunningham on our toes. We are starting to teach together well and our investigators are doing really good. This past week the Frye's (the people we live next too) went to the Cook Islands so we had our ward mission leader living next to us while he babysat their kids. That was dang fun because he is a total stud!!! His name is Brother Whiting and he and his wife are from Rupert, Idaho so you know he is a good guy just because of where he is from!:)
We fasted yesterday for the kids of one of our investigators so that they can be baptized and that their dad's heart will be softened in allowing them to do so. It's so cool to see the change in that family because the one boy, Grayson said all he wanted for his birthday that is coming up is to be baptized. Hopefully with lots of prayer and fasting his father's heart will be softened. As for our other family- they are doing awesome in becoming reactivated. It is unreal what member trust can do and it puts a ton of pressure on Elder Cunningham and I. They told us last night that when they wanted us to come by the husband James was like, "oh, no we don't want missionaries to come by because the Elder's before he hadn't really liked." But now I guess we just got real lucky and he clicks with us!! So we took that as a huge compliment and hopefully we can keep up the good reputation the rest of the transfer, as well as keep the members on all the missionaries sides throughout the rest of my mission. With our mission being so young, which by the way it is rediculously young, everyone except for the AP's and Zone leaders are training!
Not much else is happening here in Vegas. They are building some pretty big ferris wheels over on the strip that I can see. They look pretty sweet, so when you all drive through here to go to Disney Land you should hop on those if they are done!! But no really this place is pretty sweet. The desert is definitely not as good looking as good old Idaho, but there are so many cool people. We are finding more and more work everyday. So hopefully by the time that we are done here the area can be a productive one instead of a dead one!
Dang I gotta be honest, I miss Spud Harvest! I want pics so bad! Everyone here is amazed that we get a week out of school just to work. It is definitely a different lifestyle here.
Lastly, Elder Cunningham and I go talk to a man named Brother Ford every week on Thursdays at 3 and he is super super super SMART!!! I swear he wrote the dictionary or something. He is ridiculous and he knows the Bible backwards and forwards and he is reading the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. He was just baptized a year ago, but his testimony is SO strong. It's awesome. I'll get some pics of him. He is my Black Brother and he calls me a Mexican because he says I work like one? hahahah But anywho, he was talking about kings back in the day and how they had to write the Torha and they would be judged out of that book. Well, Elder Cunningham got the idea we should copy the Book of Mormon down in our own writing. Well, a few days later we pulled out the notebook and began. And holy crap that is freaking Hard! We just finished 1 Nephi 1 and it took us like 45 minutes! Crazy! But such a testimony builder for me, because I now without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith could not have translated that book unless our Father in Heaven helped him. I also know that there is no possible way that he made the story up because it is just too difficult to write and understand so quickly as to write it in 2 or 3 months! That book is such an amazing Book and I love it with all my heart. It has changed my life and made me who I am today. I know that if you will read from it everyday it will change your lives as well. I know sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the world and forget about the Book of Mormon but the power in that book is unreal and it is TRUE. I love you all so much have fun in the spuds without me!!! I wish I could be there running the Digger! But give me a few years, I'll be back:) I love you all and can't wait to hear from you!
Love,
Elder Crapo
P.S Thanks so much for the packages and the letters they make the weeks go by much quicker! I love you all talk to you soon!
Man, its good to hear from everyone! I am living it up here in Vegas. It is just starting to get kind of nice here. Still 90 to 95 during the day, but evenings are amazing! So the heat, I think, for the most part is behind us. Members here are awesome keeping us fed and treating us well. We are doing awesome and having fun. Work is kind of slow, but that is sort of how our area is, which stinks. But it is good. It keeps me and Elder Cunningham on our toes. We are starting to teach together well and our investigators are doing really good. This past week the Frye's (the people we live next too) went to the Cook Islands so we had our ward mission leader living next to us while he babysat their kids. That was dang fun because he is a total stud!!! His name is Brother Whiting and he and his wife are from Rupert, Idaho so you know he is a good guy just because of where he is from!:)
We fasted yesterday for the kids of one of our investigators so that they can be baptized and that their dad's heart will be softened in allowing them to do so. It's so cool to see the change in that family because the one boy, Grayson said all he wanted for his birthday that is coming up is to be baptized. Hopefully with lots of prayer and fasting his father's heart will be softened. As for our other family- they are doing awesome in becoming reactivated. It is unreal what member trust can do and it puts a ton of pressure on Elder Cunningham and I. They told us last night that when they wanted us to come by the husband James was like, "oh, no we don't want missionaries to come by because the Elder's before he hadn't really liked." But now I guess we just got real lucky and he clicks with us!! So we took that as a huge compliment and hopefully we can keep up the good reputation the rest of the transfer, as well as keep the members on all the missionaries sides throughout the rest of my mission. With our mission being so young, which by the way it is rediculously young, everyone except for the AP's and Zone leaders are training!
Not much else is happening here in Vegas. They are building some pretty big ferris wheels over on the strip that I can see. They look pretty sweet, so when you all drive through here to go to Disney Land you should hop on those if they are done!! But no really this place is pretty sweet. The desert is definitely not as good looking as good old Idaho, but there are so many cool people. We are finding more and more work everyday. So hopefully by the time that we are done here the area can be a productive one instead of a dead one!
Dang I gotta be honest, I miss Spud Harvest! I want pics so bad! Everyone here is amazed that we get a week out of school just to work. It is definitely a different lifestyle here.
Lastly, Elder Cunningham and I go talk to a man named Brother Ford every week on Thursdays at 3 and he is super super super SMART!!! I swear he wrote the dictionary or something. He is ridiculous and he knows the Bible backwards and forwards and he is reading the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. He was just baptized a year ago, but his testimony is SO strong. It's awesome. I'll get some pics of him. He is my Black Brother and he calls me a Mexican because he says I work like one? hahahah But anywho, he was talking about kings back in the day and how they had to write the Torha and they would be judged out of that book. Well, Elder Cunningham got the idea we should copy the Book of Mormon down in our own writing. Well, a few days later we pulled out the notebook and began. And holy crap that is freaking Hard! We just finished 1 Nephi 1 and it took us like 45 minutes! Crazy! But such a testimony builder for me, because I now without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith could not have translated that book unless our Father in Heaven helped him. I also know that there is no possible way that he made the story up because it is just too difficult to write and understand so quickly as to write it in 2 or 3 months! That book is such an amazing Book and I love it with all my heart. It has changed my life and made me who I am today. I know that if you will read from it everyday it will change your lives as well. I know sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the world and forget about the Book of Mormon but the power in that book is unreal and it is TRUE. I love you all so much have fun in the spuds without me!!! I wish I could be there running the Digger! But give me a few years, I'll be back:) I love you all and can't wait to hear from you!
Love,
Elder Crapo
P.S Thanks so much for the packages and the letters they make the weeks go by much quicker! I love you all talk to you soon!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Letter from 9/24/12
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
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
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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