Elder Crapo and Elder Weekes
Looks like Elder Crapo really looked up to Elder Lee.....literally.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
20th Birthday Pix
Mom sent Braxton a cake mix and some candles for his birthday so he could make a birthday cake. Looks like he succeeded! Mom and Dad no longer have any teenage children.....but there are plenty of teenage grandchildren to keep them up at night!
So maybe it's not as gourmet as the one mom would make him, but I'm sure it tasted good just knowing he was serving the Lord on his birthday!
Sacrament Meeting Talk: "The Trail to the Gate"
ELDER
BRAXTON CRAPO TALK
MAY 2013
“THE TRAIL TO THE GATE”
Every year at the end of March in
small town Parker, Idaho, the snow begins to melt and green once again begins
to appear. All the farmers and ranchers
anxiously watch the calendar and can’t wait to be back in the fields
again. Our cattle spend all winter in
the corrals protected from the dangers of the harsh winters and fed good
rations to keep them warm. We spend
countless hours all winter long checking cows and helping them give birth to
the new crop of calves. When early May
comes along we are ready to get them out to pastures. They spend a few short weeks at a pasture
near our home and the time comes to head them toward the mountain. I’ll never forget those days and the lessons
I have learned from cows. When the time
comes to head for the mountain, we load our horses and dogs up, and prepare for
the long 3 day cattle drive.
The first day we spend much of our
time trying to get the cows to trail out.
Some will see the horses and go; others need to be pushed by the trained
cow dogs and hard working cowboys. The
hardest part is just convincing them to even begin the journey. Once they get going, they have to decide
which direction to take.
Then comes day 2. When
you hit day 2 you are sore and boy, are you tired. But likely this is the
shortest day of the drive. You push the
cattle and by now, they, for the most part get the point. But some never want to take the easy
road. So here again come the cow
dogs. As directed by the cowboys, they
go after the wandering cattle and try to bring them back to the road so the
journey can be easier. Another struggle
you have on day 1 and day 2 is sometimes cows turn back; they make a break for
the old home on the desert, not knowing what really lies ahead. And sometimes, try as you might, even the
cowboy with the best horse and the best dog can’t get them to come, so we make
a choice and leave the cow behind. We
hope she will realize her mistake, turn around, and make the journey on her
own.
Now day 3, the last and long final push. By this time everyone is tired, but there is
work to be done and the wonderful green pasture is just over the hill. As the cattle take one last look at the desert
and begin the 12 mile climb up the Hamilton Hill, I am sure they wonder if this
is really right. Do these cowboys know
what they are doing? But with a nice
reminder fro the cowboy, they continue forward hoping for greener and better
pasture. They struggle and so do the
cowboys to just continue on. It seems as
though the hill you thought was the last hill, really was only one hill closer
to the end. Finally you come around a
small hill and there lies the gate.
Through the gate lies the most beautiful mountain pasture you’ll ever
see. Trees, ponds, grass 3 feet tall,
everything a cow could ever want. The
journey really has paid off.
Now think of the cowboy, the one who knew all along the end
result and then to finally see his prize cattle hit the range and be safe and
happy. I can tell you from experience,
this joy is overwhelming, and sense of accomplishment is indescribable. You know and you can feel you have done a
hard thing.
Brothers and Sisters, as I look back at those long days and the
good times, I have thought a lot about how this journey can really relate to
our missionary work as well as our own journey to the gate. I see the members as the cowboys, hard
working, and you know the direction the work needs to go. You are busy, just as the cowboy, and you
know how to get the cattle headed in the right direction. You also know the people around you who may
not quite know the way yet. You spend
hours being an example and trying to show them the way. You are determined and focused, just as the
cowboy, to help others find their way to the gate.
Now with anything in life, there are great cowboys like I
described. And then sometimes on day 2
or even half way through day 1, we begin to see what I would like to call the
“back seat cowboy”. I am sure you all
know what I am referring to. This is the
cowboy who doesn’t bring his rope or his good horse because he is just along
for the ride. Or it could be that he
hasn’t quite understood why his Dad would make him go on such a long 3 day cattle
drive when he could be out having fun. I
can promise you, I have been there. Not
only literally, but also in relation to my member missionary work at home, I
think we will all be there at some point.
But Brothers and Sisters, once you feel that joy of seeing someone enter
the gate you will crave that long and hard journey. We as members of the church, have the
greatest knowledge anyone could ever want.
We truly know where the gate is and how to help someone get there. That gate and the greener pasture is the
knowledge and testimony of the Restoration.
In a talk by Elder Russell M. Nelson, he said, “I cannot speak of the
restoration in tempered tones. This fact
of history is absolutely stunning! It is
incredible! It is breathtaking!” What a wonderful gift we have to share with
the world.
Now let’s go back to the cowboy. Back home I have 2 dogs, Jay and Duke. Jay is a hard working machine. He loves his job and all he thinks about is
moving cattle. He is obedient and will
do anything my Dad tells him to do. He
does make mistakes, and he is still a dog, but he really is a huge asset to our
operation. And then we have Duke; he is
a happy, loving dog, who doesn’t do much but look up at you. Brothers and Sisters, I see this as the
missionaries. Some are like Jay and some
are like Duke. We are only focused on
missionary work and that is all we do all day every day. We eat, sleep, and breathe it. But one thing
about it, you can have a great cow dog, but without a good cowboy, he is
nothing. But I know one thing if you
have one good cowboy and 2 good cow dogs, you can move hundreds of cattle
quickly and efficiently. The cowboy can
see the cattle from far away; he knows where they hang out, and how to find
them. And then once you are there the
cow dog helps you get the cattle headed in the right direction. As stated by Elder Nelson, “Together members
and missionaries invite all to learn of God, of Jesus Christ, and of his
gospel.” I know that together we can all
experience joy that is indescribable. In
2 Nephi 2:25, it tells us our purpose is to have joy, and in D&C 18:15-16,
it tells us how to accomplish that. Just
as the cattle drive, this work is very hard, and we won’t be able to help
everyone come to the knowledge. (Sabrina
story)
We spend all summer back riding and getting phone calls about
cattle we missed or are out of the boundaries.
We must do the same. We must
continually be searching for those who are being prepared to start their
journey. “Meanwhile, your exemplary
lives will attract the interest of your friends and neighbors. Be ready to give an answer to those who ask
why we live as we do.” (Elder Nelson)
Be ready to help them begin their long journey, and remember,
sometimes that first day is the hardest.
Sometimes getting people to understand that the journey is worth it is
tough. In D&C 88:104, it states;
“For everyone shall hear it and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess.”
Brothers and Sisters, I testify that this is God’s work. As we try to do God’s work together as a
team, we will help bring many souls to that great and wonderful knowledge of
the restored gospel. The joy we will
feel will be overwhelming. I know the
trail can be long and hard, but always remember that the gate is just over the
hill. Don’t allow yourself to give up
when trials arrive. When you hit that
last and final long haul on your trail to conversion, push forward. Be steadfast and enjoy the ride. I know the knowledge of the gospel is worth
every price that must be paid. I know
God lives, Jesus is the Christ, and he wants more than anyone for EVERYONE to
find the gate. Let’s go forth cheerfully
doing his work.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
May 20, 2013 Last letter from 19 year old Elder Crapo. Happy Birthday! Baptisms, Sick Day
Talofa fam!!!
Well, mom you are so right! My hours as a teenager are few in number now!! I was laying in bed last night and I looked up and I was like, "what the heck is going on????? Feels like just yesterday I was the one graduating or waiting to finally get out of school so I could go to work and cut some hay." I won't lie, Dad..... cutting hay wasn't the funnest. But like I have said before, I do miss the farm work. It is so ingrained in me, I can't get it out of me and I love that! I think it drives Elder Peacock nuts because we are definitely opposites. He is always dropping names of actors and actresses and I am like, who the heck is that?? Haha But none the less, we are doing well and getting along pretty good. It is our transfers this week and Elder Peacock and I will be together one more transfer. Sadly, this will be President Black's last transfer. It is pretty crazy to think that he is going to be going home!! There are several missionaries going home this transfer, which will be really weird because several of them I have come to know really well.
This past week was a pretty dang good week, though. We had a pretty eventful weekend! We had 3 baptisms, which is the most I have ever seen on my mission in a weekend!! That was a really neat experience. We had one in the Samoan Ward and then 2 in the Goldcrest Ward. This is a super good area and is definitely keeping us busy!! The Samoan Baptism was all in Samoan, so we didn't understand too much. But the spirit was very, very strong. It was super interesting because when we got to the chapel to get everything ready we opened the building and we were supposed to be meeting a lady there at 3 so that she could practice her musical number and so that we could fill the font. But one thing we have learned about Samoans is that they take Mormon Standard time to a new level! They are always at least 30 minutes late to everything! We got things started just a few minutes late and we were able to have a few of the "small' refreshments before we left. I say "small" because they had a full on meal. But when Sister Fui came in, she said that it was nothing too big - just a light refreshment. It was hilarious.
Then we had to go straight back to our English ward so that we could help Brother Thaker, our ward mission leader finish preparing the baptismal font and everything for the other baptism we had. That was also very good. It all went smoothly. I will have to send you some pics of everything that happened.
I do have some sad news though... Elder Peacock and I are losing our van... But then there is good news! It is so that we can get a newer one that is blue instead of white! haha With all the new missionaries, we are getting a few more cars and more and more changes are happening. It is crazy.
Our zone is going to be getting 4 new missionaries today, so we are super excited to see all of the new young blood come into the zone and give us all a new jump in our step!! Also I forgot to tell you, but Bishop Stephens before I came out told me to look for his cousin or nephew. His name is Elder Walker and he is actually in my zone! He is going to be training tonight and is doing really well! Tell Bishop I said hi as well!
So as for my fun story for today. I guess you could say that the most eventful thing that happened to me all week was on Thursday afternoon. We got a call from the Assistants asking if they could take our van so that they could haul a bunch of missionaries who are going home on their departing temple trip. This meant that we would be getting the assistants pickup for the day!! I was super stoked! I mean, of course, we would drive the truck! That is right up my alley!! Well, we went to bed that night. When I got up on Friday we went to the gym and when I went to get on the treadmill I was not feeling so hot. So Elder Peacock and I went back up to the apartment. I was really feeling sick at that point. So I laid down during studies and I couldn't decide if I was just thinking I was sick or what. I didn't want to fall asleep, as you know....because I have made it ten months without naps! I cant do it today!! Well, I think the Lord wanted to humble me a little because a few minutes later I got really sick. I was throwing up the rest of the day. Yes, I crashed out for quite a while. Luckily I was able to sleep it off and Saturday I felt much better and I was able to go to the baptisms. The saddest part of the whole thing was that the pickup sat in our parking lot all DAY:( haha But there was an upside. It made me lose like 6 pounds! Obviously almost all water weight, but I was super happy about that!!
Now as for everyone finishing school, I feel like I am getting old! All of these guys that I have known since I have been on my mission are getting ready to go home and all of the kids are getting into high school! People I knew are graduating. I am so surprised at how fast time really does go!! I feel like I just got to Vegas and yet I really have been here for a little while! And to think that Mataia is going to be a Senior and Peytan a Sophomore!!!!!!!!! What the heck is happening?? You will have to send me a bunch of pics so that I can keep up with everyone because I probably won't recognize the kids by the time I see ya'll again! But it is exciting and I am so glad that everyone is doing good! That is the most important part. I hope that everyone has a good week and let me know if there is anything I can do for you! I love you all and hope to talk to you soon!!
Love
Elder Crapo
P.S. How do you all feel? You just got the last letter ever from 19 year old Elder Crapo:) hahahaha Just had to throw that out there.
Well, mom you are so right! My hours as a teenager are few in number now!! I was laying in bed last night and I looked up and I was like, "what the heck is going on????? Feels like just yesterday I was the one graduating or waiting to finally get out of school so I could go to work and cut some hay." I won't lie, Dad..... cutting hay wasn't the funnest. But like I have said before, I do miss the farm work. It is so ingrained in me, I can't get it out of me and I love that! I think it drives Elder Peacock nuts because we are definitely opposites. He is always dropping names of actors and actresses and I am like, who the heck is that?? Haha But none the less, we are doing well and getting along pretty good. It is our transfers this week and Elder Peacock and I will be together one more transfer. Sadly, this will be President Black's last transfer. It is pretty crazy to think that he is going to be going home!! There are several missionaries going home this transfer, which will be really weird because several of them I have come to know really well.
This past week was a pretty dang good week, though. We had a pretty eventful weekend! We had 3 baptisms, which is the most I have ever seen on my mission in a weekend!! That was a really neat experience. We had one in the Samoan Ward and then 2 in the Goldcrest Ward. This is a super good area and is definitely keeping us busy!! The Samoan Baptism was all in Samoan, so we didn't understand too much. But the spirit was very, very strong. It was super interesting because when we got to the chapel to get everything ready we opened the building and we were supposed to be meeting a lady there at 3 so that she could practice her musical number and so that we could fill the font. But one thing we have learned about Samoans is that they take Mormon Standard time to a new level! They are always at least 30 minutes late to everything! We got things started just a few minutes late and we were able to have a few of the "small' refreshments before we left. I say "small" because they had a full on meal. But when Sister Fui came in, she said that it was nothing too big - just a light refreshment. It was hilarious.
Then we had to go straight back to our English ward so that we could help Brother Thaker, our ward mission leader finish preparing the baptismal font and everything for the other baptism we had. That was also very good. It all went smoothly. I will have to send you some pics of everything that happened.
I do have some sad news though... Elder Peacock and I are losing our van... But then there is good news! It is so that we can get a newer one that is blue instead of white! haha With all the new missionaries, we are getting a few more cars and more and more changes are happening. It is crazy.
Our zone is going to be getting 4 new missionaries today, so we are super excited to see all of the new young blood come into the zone and give us all a new jump in our step!! Also I forgot to tell you, but Bishop Stephens before I came out told me to look for his cousin or nephew. His name is Elder Walker and he is actually in my zone! He is going to be training tonight and is doing really well! Tell Bishop I said hi as well!
So as for my fun story for today. I guess you could say that the most eventful thing that happened to me all week was on Thursday afternoon. We got a call from the Assistants asking if they could take our van so that they could haul a bunch of missionaries who are going home on their departing temple trip. This meant that we would be getting the assistants pickup for the day!! I was super stoked! I mean, of course, we would drive the truck! That is right up my alley!! Well, we went to bed that night. When I got up on Friday we went to the gym and when I went to get on the treadmill I was not feeling so hot. So Elder Peacock and I went back up to the apartment. I was really feeling sick at that point. So I laid down during studies and I couldn't decide if I was just thinking I was sick or what. I didn't want to fall asleep, as you know....because I have made it ten months without naps! I cant do it today!! Well, I think the Lord wanted to humble me a little because a few minutes later I got really sick. I was throwing up the rest of the day. Yes, I crashed out for quite a while. Luckily I was able to sleep it off and Saturday I felt much better and I was able to go to the baptisms. The saddest part of the whole thing was that the pickup sat in our parking lot all DAY:( haha But there was an upside. It made me lose like 6 pounds! Obviously almost all water weight, but I was super happy about that!!
Now as for everyone finishing school, I feel like I am getting old! All of these guys that I have known since I have been on my mission are getting ready to go home and all of the kids are getting into high school! People I knew are graduating. I am so surprised at how fast time really does go!! I feel like I just got to Vegas and yet I really have been here for a little while! And to think that Mataia is going to be a Senior and Peytan a Sophomore!!!!!!!!! What the heck is happening?? You will have to send me a bunch of pics so that I can keep up with everyone because I probably won't recognize the kids by the time I see ya'll again! But it is exciting and I am so glad that everyone is doing good! That is the most important part. I hope that everyone has a good week and let me know if there is anything I can do for you! I love you all and hope to talk to you soon!!
Love
Elder Crapo
P.S. How do you all feel? You just got the last letter ever from 19 year old Elder Crapo:) hahahaha Just had to throw that out there.
May 13, 2013 Mother's Day Visit, Elder Crapo's B-day, The Atonement changes lives!
Talofa Fam!!!
It was good to see everyone and hear everyone's voices! I had a really good time seeing you guys and talking about the mission stories. Brett, I can tell we are going to have some good Ghetto stories to share. The kids have gotten huge! Foster has definitely changed the most. You look good, man!! And I am not sure I heard right, but did Mataia go to prom?? Dang, I really feel old! And Kallie Jo, Happy Birthday!! All of the kids really looked a lot more grown up. It was kind of weird. I can't even imagine that Peytan and Morgan are going to be going to drivers ed this summer. That is nuts!
As for your dream of 20 grandkids, mom. Keep dreamin! Unless Mindy and Brett decide to start pitching in again and throw like 4 more kids into that mix, you have a good ten years till that happens. The whole Lake Powell idea Brett and Mindy are throwing around, I think would probably be the best thing ever!! (Talk to them for details) It was so good to see everyone. I am glad that I got to Skype. Oh, and to answer your question, Dad..... I was at my Ward Mission Leader's house. He is a super cool dude and is actually from India. He is a cool guy and speaks Hindi.
As for my b-day, I really don't need much. I feel like you guys have already done way too much for me already. I honestly have the best family ever! I looked out and saw all of you guys together last night and I couldn't hold back the tears. I am a wuss, that is for sure. One thing about it, though the mission definitely tears your heart apart. I love this place so much and I love you guys so much! I guess my heart is now in two places! The only suggestions I have though for b-day is maybe a tie or two, gift card, a new wallet would be cool, too (like the one I got dad last year from Vickers. I am sure Dad could find a sweet one for me. I really like the one that I have now, it just has a rip in it) Honestly, if you don't have time to get it, no worries. Like I said, you have done so much for me already. I really don't need more. Just not too much candy. haha I can't ever eat it all and the members give us a ton! Maybe some multi-vitamins would be sweet:) Mandi, stop laughing! I need to stay healthy and not get fat!
Lastly, I have to tell you a story about some less active members we are teaching. Last week we went over to their house on Monday night to teach them and we had an AWESOME dinner to start off. Then we were having our lesson and it went really well. It came time for the end and someone had to say prayer. Now Brother Hawk has been trying to get the husband to say the prayer ever since we started teaching them about a month ago. On Monday they asked him if he would do it. Well, he actually said yes! At first I thought he was joking, because if you knew this guy it wouldn't seem like he would ever give in. But when he bowed his head and said that prayer... I honestly haven't ever felt the Spirit so strong in my whole life! I get choked up just thinking about it. It was so powerful and so humble coming from him. This is a man who hadn't really ever prayed in his whole life. And if there is a rock bottom, well he and his wife have hit it. They can't see their kids. They are back with their parents, have been in rehab and now they are really coming around. It isn't because of a rehab center or some doctor - it is because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is so amazing to get to be here to see these miracles take place. When he said his prayer and then ended, we all looked up and everyone was just in tears, but his wife was just sobbing. They are just so happy and yet they have nothing. They are awesome people, and they are just like Idaho people. They actually live in Vernal, UT but the Hawk family is from Wyoming so they are my kind of people:)
I am going to get going. I am sure that you are sick of hearing from me this week! I will try and slow it down a little;) I love you guys so much and hope that you are doing good. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know! I miss you all and love you! Thanks again for everything you have and continue to do for me! You're awesome!
Malo Le Soifua!!
Elder Crapo
It was good to see everyone and hear everyone's voices! I had a really good time seeing you guys and talking about the mission stories. Brett, I can tell we are going to have some good Ghetto stories to share. The kids have gotten huge! Foster has definitely changed the most. You look good, man!! And I am not sure I heard right, but did Mataia go to prom?? Dang, I really feel old! And Kallie Jo, Happy Birthday!! All of the kids really looked a lot more grown up. It was kind of weird. I can't even imagine that Peytan and Morgan are going to be going to drivers ed this summer. That is nuts!
As for your dream of 20 grandkids, mom. Keep dreamin! Unless Mindy and Brett decide to start pitching in again and throw like 4 more kids into that mix, you have a good ten years till that happens. The whole Lake Powell idea Brett and Mindy are throwing around, I think would probably be the best thing ever!! (Talk to them for details) It was so good to see everyone. I am glad that I got to Skype. Oh, and to answer your question, Dad..... I was at my Ward Mission Leader's house. He is a super cool dude and is actually from India. He is a cool guy and speaks Hindi.
As for my b-day, I really don't need much. I feel like you guys have already done way too much for me already. I honestly have the best family ever! I looked out and saw all of you guys together last night and I couldn't hold back the tears. I am a wuss, that is for sure. One thing about it, though the mission definitely tears your heart apart. I love this place so much and I love you guys so much! I guess my heart is now in two places! The only suggestions I have though for b-day is maybe a tie or two, gift card, a new wallet would be cool, too (like the one I got dad last year from Vickers. I am sure Dad could find a sweet one for me. I really like the one that I have now, it just has a rip in it) Honestly, if you don't have time to get it, no worries. Like I said, you have done so much for me already. I really don't need more. Just not too much candy. haha I can't ever eat it all and the members give us a ton! Maybe some multi-vitamins would be sweet:) Mandi, stop laughing! I need to stay healthy and not get fat!
Lastly, I have to tell you a story about some less active members we are teaching. Last week we went over to their house on Monday night to teach them and we had an AWESOME dinner to start off. Then we were having our lesson and it went really well. It came time for the end and someone had to say prayer. Now Brother Hawk has been trying to get the husband to say the prayer ever since we started teaching them about a month ago. On Monday they asked him if he would do it. Well, he actually said yes! At first I thought he was joking, because if you knew this guy it wouldn't seem like he would ever give in. But when he bowed his head and said that prayer... I honestly haven't ever felt the Spirit so strong in my whole life! I get choked up just thinking about it. It was so powerful and so humble coming from him. This is a man who hadn't really ever prayed in his whole life. And if there is a rock bottom, well he and his wife have hit it. They can't see their kids. They are back with their parents, have been in rehab and now they are really coming around. It isn't because of a rehab center or some doctor - it is because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is so amazing to get to be here to see these miracles take place. When he said his prayer and then ended, we all looked up and everyone was just in tears, but his wife was just sobbing. They are just so happy and yet they have nothing. They are awesome people, and they are just like Idaho people. They actually live in Vernal, UT but the Hawk family is from Wyoming so they are my kind of people:)
I am going to get going. I am sure that you are sick of hearing from me this week! I will try and slow it down a little;) I love you guys so much and hope that you are doing good. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know! I miss you all and love you! Thanks again for everything you have and continue to do for me! You're awesome!
Malo Le Soifua!!
Elder Crapo
May 6, 2013 The work is busy! Almost Mother's Day.
Talofa fam!!
It is good to hear from you guys! This week has been a pretty crazy week! I can't even believe that it is almost Mother's day! That is going to be so good to hear from you guys that day. Unfortunately, 5:00pm won't work for me. I have a time set up to go to a member's at 6:30, my time which would be 7:30pm your time. If it is too late, that is fine. I can just call home too, either way works for me!! Just let me know what you think.
All is going well here!! We have had a super busy week and we have met with a ton of people. It is so cool to see the work that is going on here, as well as at home. I liked your comment Dad. Yes, I think it is the last push!! We just have to be faithful no matter what and keep being the missionaries that we are right now!! You should see the work here in Vegas! Our mission has a goal of 113 baptisms this month, which is a really really high goal. It is definitely possible!! Last month we only had like 47 or something like that, so really all we can do now is go up!!
I am not sure if Sister Black put this up on the mission blog, but we did have our first ever mission leadership council where the sister Exchange leaders were invited to come and talk at zone leader council. That was a really cool experience, but definitely different!! President and the Assistants gave some good trainings on how to correct improper conduct of a missionary and how we can become better leaders. So I really liked that.
As for the farm work, I won't lie, I miss that like crazy!! I miss just getting out and doing the dirty work and being in the field. The city life has been a huge change for me, but don't get me wrong I love this place! Tons of good people and I wouldn't ever change where I came on my mission. The experiences I have been having have really changed me so much. I look back and I want to cry. It seems like time has just flown by!! Austin has almost been out a year and Matt and Cole and Kelton.... I am just like what the heck is going on????? We say the work is progressing, but I don't think any of us have any idea where this really is going to go. It seems like the missionaries are really stepping up their game. Just in the Stake that I serve in every ward has a set of missionaries and it seems like every single one is having success. Everyone is teaching and the ward members are fellowshipping. It is going crazy!! Please, please be a help to the missionaries!! We need people to just be friends to those around us. And if they need help for a lesson go with them!! That seems to be one of our biggest struggles is getting members to come to lessons with us.
I guess a few months ago President Black went to a mission President's Seminar and they were having a question and answer session with all of the mission presidents and Elder Anderson, I believe. But anyway, he said someone asked a question about what all of these missionaries are going to do. How are they going to keep them all busy? Is there anyway that we can lower our compliment number?? And I guess Elder Anderson just said, "President that isn't even a valid concern. Tell your Elders to get creative and go to work!" Talk about BOLD!! I honestly believe that to be true. I know without a doubt that the Lord is preparing people to be taught! I can promise you that because I am out here living it every single day. I know people are being prepared to receive the gospel. Just keep praying and be faithful and the Lord will take care of the rest. He is going to give us the work to do, even if it means we have to tract all the doors in our areas. I know in my last two areas I probably knocked almost every door in the area and Elder Frost found 4 new people last week. Goes to show we can't tract out an area.
I live in a 4 man apartment with other missionaries and they ate with a family, the Mays?? They claimed they knew our family? Any idea who they are? I guess they are getting ready to go on a mission, but they used to live in Saint Anthony. They want me to go and meet them. Oh, and I did have a question....how is Duke my good old cow dog? Is he still alive?? I am doing good and I love you guys!! I hope that you have an awesome week and tell everyone I love them!! I can't wait to hear from you on Sunday. It is going to be awesome!! I am going to get going, but I will talk to you Sunday. Just write me a letter and let me know if 3:30 your time or 7:30 your time would be better or if I should try and work something else out! I love you guys!!
Malo Le Soifua!!
Elder Crapo
It is good to hear from you guys! This week has been a pretty crazy week! I can't even believe that it is almost Mother's day! That is going to be so good to hear from you guys that day. Unfortunately, 5:00pm won't work for me. I have a time set up to go to a member's at 6:30, my time which would be 7:30pm your time. If it is too late, that is fine. I can just call home too, either way works for me!! Just let me know what you think.
All is going well here!! We have had a super busy week and we have met with a ton of people. It is so cool to see the work that is going on here, as well as at home. I liked your comment Dad. Yes, I think it is the last push!! We just have to be faithful no matter what and keep being the missionaries that we are right now!! You should see the work here in Vegas! Our mission has a goal of 113 baptisms this month, which is a really really high goal. It is definitely possible!! Last month we only had like 47 or something like that, so really all we can do now is go up!!
I am not sure if Sister Black put this up on the mission blog, but we did have our first ever mission leadership council where the sister Exchange leaders were invited to come and talk at zone leader council. That was a really cool experience, but definitely different!! President and the Assistants gave some good trainings on how to correct improper conduct of a missionary and how we can become better leaders. So I really liked that.
As for the farm work, I won't lie, I miss that like crazy!! I miss just getting out and doing the dirty work and being in the field. The city life has been a huge change for me, but don't get me wrong I love this place! Tons of good people and I wouldn't ever change where I came on my mission. The experiences I have been having have really changed me so much. I look back and I want to cry. It seems like time has just flown by!! Austin has almost been out a year and Matt and Cole and Kelton.... I am just like what the heck is going on????? We say the work is progressing, but I don't think any of us have any idea where this really is going to go. It seems like the missionaries are really stepping up their game. Just in the Stake that I serve in every ward has a set of missionaries and it seems like every single one is having success. Everyone is teaching and the ward members are fellowshipping. It is going crazy!! Please, please be a help to the missionaries!! We need people to just be friends to those around us. And if they need help for a lesson go with them!! That seems to be one of our biggest struggles is getting members to come to lessons with us.
I guess a few months ago President Black went to a mission President's Seminar and they were having a question and answer session with all of the mission presidents and Elder Anderson, I believe. But anyway, he said someone asked a question about what all of these missionaries are going to do. How are they going to keep them all busy? Is there anyway that we can lower our compliment number?? And I guess Elder Anderson just said, "President that isn't even a valid concern. Tell your Elders to get creative and go to work!" Talk about BOLD!! I honestly believe that to be true. I know without a doubt that the Lord is preparing people to be taught! I can promise you that because I am out here living it every single day. I know people are being prepared to receive the gospel. Just keep praying and be faithful and the Lord will take care of the rest. He is going to give us the work to do, even if it means we have to tract all the doors in our areas. I know in my last two areas I probably knocked almost every door in the area and Elder Frost found 4 new people last week. Goes to show we can't tract out an area.
I live in a 4 man apartment with other missionaries and they ate with a family, the Mays?? They claimed they knew our family? Any idea who they are? I guess they are getting ready to go on a mission, but they used to live in Saint Anthony. They want me to go and meet them. Oh, and I did have a question....how is Duke my good old cow dog? Is he still alive?? I am doing good and I love you guys!! I hope that you have an awesome week and tell everyone I love them!! I can't wait to hear from you on Sunday. It is going to be awesome!! I am going to get going, but I will talk to you Sunday. Just write me a letter and let me know if 3:30 your time or 7:30 your time would be better or if I should try and work something else out! I love you guys!!
Malo Le Soifua!!
Elder Crapo
April 29, 2013 Last Interview with President Black before he goes home
Malo Le Soifua!!
Things here in Vegas are going really well!! It sounds like you are all going to be enjoying the 60 mph winds and I will be here enjoying the 95 degree weather today. I am so not excited. We are going to be having a bi-zone activity playing football, so I have to go out and enjoy right??
It's crazy that you are almost done planting grain!! I can't hardly believe that, but that will be awesome for you to have a little less stress going on in the life. Sounds like everyone is doing awesome and having a good week.
This past week here in Las Vegas we have had a pretty crazy week. We had some pretty good experiences, too. To start off, we had interviews with President Black and that was a pretty bitter sweet moment for him, I think. It will be the last time that he will interview all of us. It was a pretty crazy interview for me because of some of the things that he said and asked me. He started off by telling me that he was super sad that he wouldn't be able to do my departing interview. Then he went into what my plans are for when I go home... I was like, what they heck?? I think that he thought I have been out longer than I really have haha. I wanted to remind him that I have only been here 8 months!! But it was good and I really enjoyed talking to him.
It also has been a really crazy week for the Samoan Ward. We finally got a few investigators in that ward and one that is SUPER solid. She will be getting baptized on May 18. So that will be really interesting to see what a Samoan baptism is like. Here is the crazy part... she doesn't speak any English!! So we have to take a translator with us so that we can teach her. It has been a really cool experience. I really really want to learn the language so that I can teach her. I just feel like if I am going to serve here then I better learn how to talk to them, which I know might be literally impossible with all of the other things going on in my life right now. We are up every morning at 6:15 and I am hurrying to hit the pillow at 10:30 when we are supposed to.
President Black also asked me a really interesting question in his interview. He asked what has been the hardest part of my mission. Well, I am sure the whole family can guess this one. Of course it has been trying to get my ideas and views, and my companions ideas and views to match. This has been a real struggle, but it has taught me a pretty good lesson. I am learning a really good lesson right now as to how to try and accomplish that.
My companion and I are getting along well. He is a super good dude and he knows how to do missionary work. There are some things I don't agree with that he does, but I also am learning how to adjust my style and take some of the things that I like and change the things that I don't like. That is one thing I am noticing about older missionaries. They aren't willing to adjust. I just hope that the whole time that I am a missionary I am willing to adjust to the different circumstances and really push my missionary efforts forward.
Yesterday in the Tropical Breeze ward we had a returned missionary speak. He had just come home from New Zealand, which was a pretty cool deal. I can see how weird we as missionaries are as he tried to talk to people like he was normal. We are all weird, but I love it. Being a missionary is such a cool thing. One thing about it, I have learned that what everyone says is true. It is dang tough, not really physically, but mentally. Holy cow!! I have done some real soul searching since I have been out here and done some really long self evaluations. It has been fun and good for me to actually be able to see the changes that I am making and see them take place. One thing I know, without a doubt is that the Gospel is the ONLY way to have true happiness. We just started teaching a young couple who recently had to move back in with their parents because they got into a lot of trouble. They have 3 kids and their kids were taken away. Now they are really trying to change their lives. We meet with them every Monday and then stop by during the week just to check in on them. My heart just wrenches every time I see him. I can tell that he isn't really sure if he is even worth it, if he even should try to change his life. I really think he is just like, what is the point now? I see that and I can remember sometimes wondering that myself. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that you can!! Don't ever ever give up like that, because if you do, you're doing an injustice to what our Savior did for us!! He didn't go through all that he did so that we would just make a mistake and then throw the towel in and think, "dang it I messed up. Looks like he doesn't love me anymore I have a couple black marks in heaven now." He did it because he knew we would make mistakes. He knew that we wouldn't be strong enough to be perfect. He did it so when we did make those mistakes that we could change!! I am not totally sure why I just went on that tangent. I just know that the Atonement is so very real if we will allow it to change us. He wants to help us we just have to let him in.
Now on to the good stuff for the week! With my Samoan ward we get to cover the whole valley, like I have said before, which is pretty legit. But it does take us to some really shady parts of town. Haha Mom you would love to see some of these places:) I am not sure if you have been down there, but it is in the letter streets like, "D street: and things like that. It is super GHETTO!! But it's so dang fun. I hope I get to serve there full time. It might scare mom, but I would love it so much. Last week we were headed back to our car after trying to visit a member of the ward and this little black kid walks up. He says, "hey are you givind out free bibles??" And we were like, "yeah we can give you a free Bible! But we will do you one better and give you this book the Book of Mormon!!" It was pretty sweet! So cool to be in that place because people.... well some people....are much friendlier.
To end this letter, we did have a sweet baptism this weekend! The work here in Vegas is going crazy!! Last weekend in our stake we had 6 baptisms, and we are hoping to have another one here before to long. The zone here is doing awesome and we are having tons of fun! I am really enjoying getting to work with all of the members of the zone and sharing experiences with them. Our baptism was a pretty cool one. I kind of came in on the end of her teaching, but she is still a super sweet lady. Her name is Debbie and she was a lady who was just in the apartment complex and Elder Lee, an elder who served here about 6 months ago, just talked to her and she decided to just meet one time... Well, one time turned into a lot of times and then she was baptized. So it was really neat to be a part of that!
All in all things here in Vegas are going good!! I hope that you guys have an awesome week and I am looking forward to Skyping you in a few weeks!! Is everyone going to be there?? And what time is going to be good for you guys to do it? Just let me know in a letter this week or sometime. I will talk to my Ward mission Leader and set up a time to do it. I love you all so much and I will talk to you soon!!
Tofa Soifua!!
Elder Crapo
Things here in Vegas are going really well!! It sounds like you are all going to be enjoying the 60 mph winds and I will be here enjoying the 95 degree weather today. I am so not excited. We are going to be having a bi-zone activity playing football, so I have to go out and enjoy right??
It's crazy that you are almost done planting grain!! I can't hardly believe that, but that will be awesome for you to have a little less stress going on in the life. Sounds like everyone is doing awesome and having a good week.
This past week here in Las Vegas we have had a pretty crazy week. We had some pretty good experiences, too. To start off, we had interviews with President Black and that was a pretty bitter sweet moment for him, I think. It will be the last time that he will interview all of us. It was a pretty crazy interview for me because of some of the things that he said and asked me. He started off by telling me that he was super sad that he wouldn't be able to do my departing interview. Then he went into what my plans are for when I go home... I was like, what they heck?? I think that he thought I have been out longer than I really have haha. I wanted to remind him that I have only been here 8 months!! But it was good and I really enjoyed talking to him.
It also has been a really crazy week for the Samoan Ward. We finally got a few investigators in that ward and one that is SUPER solid. She will be getting baptized on May 18. So that will be really interesting to see what a Samoan baptism is like. Here is the crazy part... she doesn't speak any English!! So we have to take a translator with us so that we can teach her. It has been a really cool experience. I really really want to learn the language so that I can teach her. I just feel like if I am going to serve here then I better learn how to talk to them, which I know might be literally impossible with all of the other things going on in my life right now. We are up every morning at 6:15 and I am hurrying to hit the pillow at 10:30 when we are supposed to.
President Black also asked me a really interesting question in his interview. He asked what has been the hardest part of my mission. Well, I am sure the whole family can guess this one. Of course it has been trying to get my ideas and views, and my companions ideas and views to match. This has been a real struggle, but it has taught me a pretty good lesson. I am learning a really good lesson right now as to how to try and accomplish that.
My companion and I are getting along well. He is a super good dude and he knows how to do missionary work. There are some things I don't agree with that he does, but I also am learning how to adjust my style and take some of the things that I like and change the things that I don't like. That is one thing I am noticing about older missionaries. They aren't willing to adjust. I just hope that the whole time that I am a missionary I am willing to adjust to the different circumstances and really push my missionary efforts forward.
Yesterday in the Tropical Breeze ward we had a returned missionary speak. He had just come home from New Zealand, which was a pretty cool deal. I can see how weird we as missionaries are as he tried to talk to people like he was normal. We are all weird, but I love it. Being a missionary is such a cool thing. One thing about it, I have learned that what everyone says is true. It is dang tough, not really physically, but mentally. Holy cow!! I have done some real soul searching since I have been out here and done some really long self evaluations. It has been fun and good for me to actually be able to see the changes that I am making and see them take place. One thing I know, without a doubt is that the Gospel is the ONLY way to have true happiness. We just started teaching a young couple who recently had to move back in with their parents because they got into a lot of trouble. They have 3 kids and their kids were taken away. Now they are really trying to change their lives. We meet with them every Monday and then stop by during the week just to check in on them. My heart just wrenches every time I see him. I can tell that he isn't really sure if he is even worth it, if he even should try to change his life. I really think he is just like, what is the point now? I see that and I can remember sometimes wondering that myself. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that you can!! Don't ever ever give up like that, because if you do, you're doing an injustice to what our Savior did for us!! He didn't go through all that he did so that we would just make a mistake and then throw the towel in and think, "dang it I messed up. Looks like he doesn't love me anymore I have a couple black marks in heaven now." He did it because he knew we would make mistakes. He knew that we wouldn't be strong enough to be perfect. He did it so when we did make those mistakes that we could change!! I am not totally sure why I just went on that tangent. I just know that the Atonement is so very real if we will allow it to change us. He wants to help us we just have to let him in.
Now on to the good stuff for the week! With my Samoan ward we get to cover the whole valley, like I have said before, which is pretty legit. But it does take us to some really shady parts of town. Haha Mom you would love to see some of these places:) I am not sure if you have been down there, but it is in the letter streets like, "D street: and things like that. It is super GHETTO!! But it's so dang fun. I hope I get to serve there full time. It might scare mom, but I would love it so much. Last week we were headed back to our car after trying to visit a member of the ward and this little black kid walks up. He says, "hey are you givind out free bibles??" And we were like, "yeah we can give you a free Bible! But we will do you one better and give you this book the Book of Mormon!!" It was pretty sweet! So cool to be in that place because people.... well some people....are much friendlier.
To end this letter, we did have a sweet baptism this weekend! The work here in Vegas is going crazy!! Last weekend in our stake we had 6 baptisms, and we are hoping to have another one here before to long. The zone here is doing awesome and we are having tons of fun! I am really enjoying getting to work with all of the members of the zone and sharing experiences with them. Our baptism was a pretty cool one. I kind of came in on the end of her teaching, but she is still a super sweet lady. Her name is Debbie and she was a lady who was just in the apartment complex and Elder Lee, an elder who served here about 6 months ago, just talked to her and she decided to just meet one time... Well, one time turned into a lot of times and then she was baptized. So it was really neat to be a part of that!
All in all things here in Vegas are going good!! I hope that you guys have an awesome week and I am looking forward to Skyping you in a few weeks!! Is everyone going to be there?? And what time is going to be good for you guys to do it? Just let me know in a letter this week or sometime. I will talk to my Ward mission Leader and set up a time to do it. I love you all so much and I will talk to you soon!!
Tofa Soifua!!
Elder Crapo
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