Hello Crafts,
This week as you know is transfers and just like I did not expect to happen we got a call from President Clements this morning to inform us that we would both be staying in Eden Prairie. It was kind of strange because you usually do not get a call unless you are transferring. After he informed us we were staying he cleared up some confusion on the purpose behind his call. He told me that I will now be responsible of one of the largest districts in the mission as the new District Leader here. It was a surprise to me to find out that we had one of the largest districts and to be called as the District Leader again. Elder Caldwell the old district leader is going down to Rochester to be a Zone Leader down there. I'm excited about the new responsibility again. What makes it even better is that Elder Bennett and Sister Daniel were in the last district I was District Leader over, so they get a little bit of Elder Craft round 2. haha I'm really excited to still be here in Eden Prairie and to continue to serve with Elder Parry. We have some good things going on and are excited for the next few weeks the following transfer will bring.
This past week we found 2 new investigators from tracting. The woman we talked to told us we could come back in a couple days only because her daughter met and had this best friend when she went out to college who was a member from Wyoming that is now on his mission in Russia. When we went for the lesson though her son who's a sophomore at Chaska High wanted to sit in and listen because he knew a couple of the youth from the ward here. The lesson went really well and the spirit was really strong as we taught and testified about Christ's church anciently and the restoration of it now. The power of the Book of Mormon was evident as we read through the introduction and testified to them about the truthfulness of it and how it would bless their lives. They both committed to read before we come back later this next week, and she even said hopefully her husband will be sitting in joining us this next week. We're pretty excited to be working with them and know that these are who we are here in Eden Prairie to find. Thanks for all you prayers because the blessings have really been pouring out upon us! We are also going to start teaching the son of a recent convert in the ward and are really excited to be working with him. The work as you all know has been a little slow going but because of the hard work of the spirit within people and the Lord because of the prayers in our behalf we are starting to reap the benefits of it. The other investigator that I had mentioned a couple weeks ago working toward being baptized on the 17th might not make it on that day because there are a couple other changes and commitments that need to be made and met so that it is all according to the standards and qualifications that the Lord has commanded of His children. We're still working hard and the ward is a great support to him. He's encountered a couple bumps along the way already with the short road he's traveled in a couple weeks, but the spirit is helping to strengthen his testimony and help him to see the truth of what he's learning and feeling. It's always an incredible and humbling experience to watch and be a part of.
I'm glad that you got the pictures from Sister Neilson. She was such a great blessing to us to not only drive 4 of us missionaries to the temple but then want to go through with us and take us back home. It made coordinating rides much easier. When she was taking pictures on all our cameras too she told us to wait there as she took a couple on her iPhone. She said she was going to send them to my mom because she would love that. I agreed and told here she also got a sweet new wallpaper for her phone from that one picture. It was a win win for everyone even though I'm not too sure she wanted a picture of us as her back round haha. ;) They are a great family who we have dinner with again this next Sunday. This ward is just great though and like I said earlier I'm just glad to still be working here for the next 6 weeks. Especially since Elder Parry told me that when he talked with President this morning he said that he was initially going to move me, but was strongly corrected by the Lord saying that I needed to be in Eden Prairie. That in and of itself puts enough pressure on knowing that there's something the Lord knows I specifically need to to be here for and accomplish this next 6 weeks. We'll be working hard to find out what that is in the short time that we have to do it in.
Well I'm glad to hear that Brady seems to be surviving and recovering from his ordeal with the oral surgeon fairly well. Thanks for sending the fairly gruesome pictures along with your email haha. I can't wait to hear how it goes these next few weeks as you finalize everything to send in so you can find out where in South America you'll be headed. I'm going to just go ahead and call that right now. haha
I'm also glad to hear that everyone else seems to be doing fairly well or at least recovering towards that. Thanks for all the support and prayers again! I know the Lord listens to prayers and grants us those worthy desires of our hearts! I love you and can't wait to hear from you again.
Love, Elder Craft
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Isn't There Suppossed to be Snow Here?
Hey Everyone,
Thanks for the emails and letters this past week. Sorry to leave you hanging for a few days. We went to the temple as a district today. I forgot to mention in the email on Thanksgiving that my next P-Day wouldn't be until today. Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. To answer some of your questions yes it was a little nerve racking having dinner with Elder Payne and President Clements. With so many people being there it was kind of a more casual thing though. Sitting with President and Sister Clements at our table was pretty cool though because we got to just sit and talk with them outside of an interview setting and get to know each other a little better. There really wasn't anything too different for dinner at all or anything too amazing I guess.
This past week didn't have anything too crazy here in the Garden of Eden. There still hasn't been any snow yet, but from what I hear that will be coming tomorrow. I'm not complaining by any means. We went until December without snow. That has to be some sort of miracle for Minnesota. Everybody's surprised by it. There must be some very faith filled bike missionaries here that have been praying for the snow to hold off. We have been able to set up a few more appointments for the next couple days with potentials and people we've tracted into, so hopefully the work continues to pick up. Thanks for all the prayers. I know that's what's helping and providing the miracles for us here.
It's crazy to think that next Monday (which should be my normal P-Day again by the way) is transfer call day! 6 weeks has gone by already. I think in a sense now that it has been a year everyone's right that it is picking up and I'm not really sure what it is that causes it. Even President Clements talked about that in an interview that Elder Parry and I had with him this last week. He gave me an analogy that I've heard as I'm sure many of you have that missions are like a roller coaster, for more reasons than one haha. It seems to just drag as it's chugging up the first part of the hill until it gets to the top. Then it kind of pauses for a second. After that it just flies by with nothing you've really changed or that you can do about it, and the closer you get to the bottom the faster it's going. I've seen that in sense I guess now looking back, but I'm just looking forward to what's going to happen here in Eden Prairie the next couple weeks and to experience the great things that I know are coming.
It sounds like Natalie had a good birthday. Surprise surprise that there was honey sesame chicken to eat haha. It sounds like everyone there seemed to make it a party too haha. I hope that she was able to get the package that I sent. Crazy to think that in 6 months now she can get here learners permit! What it that all about? Lucky for her the cavalier might just be available without any one to even drive it. That's probably exactly what Mom and Dad did not want to hear haha, but we have to face the facts sometime.
To answer a question that I figure is going to be coming from some of you here soon I have no idea what I need or want for Christmas. I definitely do not need food like I got last year haha. I have plenty of t-shirts along with warm winter clothes too. I asked for music before but getting it approved is kind of a hassle if it's not within the qualifications and standards already. I've gotten books and stuff before but I never have time to read them or space to really pack them around. I know I had mentioned to Mom and Dad about a GPS too but as of now I can navigate my way around the area just fine and with the maps we have it's easy enough that I never really get lost, so I don't think that will be a necessity like I thought before. Sorry to not really help out at all and I kind of made it a little more difficult, but I figured I'd try to tell you somewhat early haha. You guys are so great I just can't think of anything I need. You take care of me too well ;). haha
Sorry this is kind of short too and there's not too much exciting in it. I hope that you are all doing well. Thanks for your prayers and support. I'm always praying for you guys! I can't wait to talk to you again hopefully with news of me staying in Eden Prairie haha.
Love, Elder Craft
Thanks for the emails and letters this past week. Sorry to leave you hanging for a few days. We went to the temple as a district today. I forgot to mention in the email on Thanksgiving that my next P-Day wouldn't be until today. Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. To answer some of your questions yes it was a little nerve racking having dinner with Elder Payne and President Clements. With so many people being there it was kind of a more casual thing though. Sitting with President and Sister Clements at our table was pretty cool though because we got to just sit and talk with them outside of an interview setting and get to know each other a little better. There really wasn't anything too different for dinner at all or anything too amazing I guess.
This past week didn't have anything too crazy here in the Garden of Eden. There still hasn't been any snow yet, but from what I hear that will be coming tomorrow. I'm not complaining by any means. We went until December without snow. That has to be some sort of miracle for Minnesota. Everybody's surprised by it. There must be some very faith filled bike missionaries here that have been praying for the snow to hold off. We have been able to set up a few more appointments for the next couple days with potentials and people we've tracted into, so hopefully the work continues to pick up. Thanks for all the prayers. I know that's what's helping and providing the miracles for us here.
It's crazy to think that next Monday (which should be my normal P-Day again by the way) is transfer call day! 6 weeks has gone by already. I think in a sense now that it has been a year everyone's right that it is picking up and I'm not really sure what it is that causes it. Even President Clements talked about that in an interview that Elder Parry and I had with him this last week. He gave me an analogy that I've heard as I'm sure many of you have that missions are like a roller coaster, for more reasons than one haha. It seems to just drag as it's chugging up the first part of the hill until it gets to the top. Then it kind of pauses for a second. After that it just flies by with nothing you've really changed or that you can do about it, and the closer you get to the bottom the faster it's going. I've seen that in sense I guess now looking back, but I'm just looking forward to what's going to happen here in Eden Prairie the next couple weeks and to experience the great things that I know are coming.
It sounds like Natalie had a good birthday. Surprise surprise that there was honey sesame chicken to eat haha. It sounds like everyone there seemed to make it a party too haha. I hope that she was able to get the package that I sent. Crazy to think that in 6 months now she can get here learners permit! What it that all about? Lucky for her the cavalier might just be available without any one to even drive it. That's probably exactly what Mom and Dad did not want to hear haha, but we have to face the facts sometime.
To answer a question that I figure is going to be coming from some of you here soon I have no idea what I need or want for Christmas. I definitely do not need food like I got last year haha. I have plenty of t-shirts along with warm winter clothes too. I asked for music before but getting it approved is kind of a hassle if it's not within the qualifications and standards already. I've gotten books and stuff before but I never have time to read them or space to really pack them around. I know I had mentioned to Mom and Dad about a GPS too but as of now I can navigate my way around the area just fine and with the maps we have it's easy enough that I never really get lost, so I don't think that will be a necessity like I thought before. Sorry to not really help out at all and I kind of made it a little more difficult, but I figured I'd try to tell you somewhat early haha. You guys are so great I just can't think of anything I need. You take care of me too well ;). haha
Sorry this is kind of short too and there's not too much exciting in it. I hope that you are all doing well. Thanks for your prayers and support. I'm always praying for you guys! I can't wait to talk to you again hopefully with news of me staying in Eden Prairie haha.
Love, Elder Craft
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving Craft Family!
Sorry that you had to wait until today to get my weekly update. The Murrays' house ,our Ward Mission Leader and his family, to email and sending this from his office. It's weird to think that this is now my second Thanksgiving away from all you guys. Much like the weather you are all having the blessing of we are having 60 degree weather today too. It's a little different than the about 10 degrees I had last year spending it in Colfax, Wisconsin.
I can't remember if I mentioned it last week that our ward was having a big "Turkey Bowl" this year, but somehow Kat knew about it haha. It is true though we had a huge gathering of our Priesthood members in the ward at Cloverfield Elementary to play. They had 4 games of about 7-8 players per team going. That's how many showed up. I don't know what the guys in charge were thinking but they decided to put a few priests, a couple members of the Elders Quorum, and us on a team, and stacked a couple of the other teams with almost all High Priests. Needless to say my team went undefeated in our quest to 2 Hand Touch Football glory haha. We didn't have anyone to really play quarterback, so I ended up playing because the priest who originally was decided it would be a good idea to try and run it almost every time. That doesn't exactly work in 2 Hand Touch. I was also designated kicker after the first touch back I kicked. Some of the members came up afterwards and asked if I'd played football in High School. When I said soccer that explained the kicking for them. A couple of the Boise State fans in the ward said I need to go play for the Broncos and I'd do better than the kicker they have now haha. I think that just goes to show the caliber of players we had out here I think haha. Regardless it was a lot of fun and the weather like I talked about earlier was perfect for it.
We had "dinner" at 1 this afternoon for a couple hours haha. I think that's just how Thanksgiving Dinner also goes. We ate at the Payne's, or I guess the clubhouse of their townhome complex. There were a lot of people there including President and Sister Clements because Elder Payne is the area authority for the Seventy here. Our ward has a few people like him that are a pretty big deal. What can I say? It was a pretty fun be able to eat and really just talk with President and Sister Clements at our table. They got to know us a little better and the food was great! I probably gained a few good pounds today haha.
From what I hear from everyone else it seems relatively quiet for Thanksgiving this year. Except for the no internet dilemma in Idaho it sounds like it was pretty good too. I'm assuming that everyone else in Idaho (minus Camie and Brock) went to Grandma's too? I just figured with our family heading up they might be over there. It's too bad that you and Tom have to work Kat, but I agree with what you said next Thanksgiving will be even better to have work off. Thanks for the happy Turkey and Football wishes haha.
As for the other 10 days since the last time that I wrote you it's been pretty good for us here in E. P.. We had what's known as Mission Tour last week on Friday. A General Authority will come and have an all day conference with us and give some training and stuff. We had Elder Zwick from the First Quorum of the Seventy come with his wife and speak to us. It was just amazing the training and advice that we were given to help apply to our missionary efforts. I wish I could put all the events and feelings from that day into writing but there's just not enough time with only an hour of P-Day left haha. There were 4 zones that were at our meeting with him down in Lakeville, Minnesota. As I was standing in the chapel talking to a couple of other missionaries waiting for the meeting to start in a few minutes I heard someone walk up behind me and say in a strangely familiar somewhat monotone voice, "Elder Craft". That when I turned around to look at the name badge entitled Elder Mead! It was so crazy and so cool to see him! We sat and talked for the rest of the time before the meeting, and then we even got to sit at the same table during lunch. It was great to see and hear from him about how he's doing. We talked a little bit about Brady and going to lunch with him. He told me the story of the desperate attempt to make it to his farewell on time and being late to work after. He just said, "Brady's a good friend". I told him the Brady was just working on his medical stuff for his papers now and that he would be sending those in soon. He was really excited and I'm really looking forward to an update on that or maybe someone's wisdom teeth here soon. I heard there's a story behind that and that it needs to come from you Brady, so if you could get on that that would be great. haha
Other than that there isn't much else exciting that is happening here at this moment. We are teaching a man that we're trying to work with towards baptism. He came to church last week and loved it. He told us he's looking forward to coming again. He's committed to be baptized on December 17th, so we're working hard for that. There's still alot we need to teach and that he needs to do so that we can be ready when the 17th comes. I can't believe that now since it's basically after Thanksgiving I can say it's almost Christmas! Crazy stuff. In the Spirit of Thanksgiving I just want to end by saying how thankful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who gives us trials and allows us to learn and grow on our own to become His children with the potential that he knows we can be. I'm thankful for His amazing plan of happiness that He has blessed us with a knowledge of, and for His son Jesus Christ who came and suffered the greatest and infinite sacrifice that He did to be our Lord and Savior, the Redeemer of all mankind and the way that we can return home once again. I'm thankful for the scriptures and the wealth of knowledge that is given to us within them. I'm thankful for the power of prayer and the true communication and effect that it can be in our lives. I'm thankful for a loving family that I have here to spend this life and the next with. I'm truly thankful for all of you who help inspire and uplift me to be the person that I am today. I'm thankful for your love, support, and prayers on my behalf that I get to feel everyday. I'm thankful for my mission and the opportunity that I have to serve at this time and be a representative of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I better end there so we can get a few other things that we have planned done tonight and get onto tracting to find more people to teach. I love and miss all of you. I'm grateful for all that you do for me and look forward to hearing from you again next week. I hope for everyone traveling that you do so safely!
Love, Elder Craft
Sorry that you had to wait until today to get my weekly update. The Murrays' house ,our Ward Mission Leader and his family, to email and sending this from his office. It's weird to think that this is now my second Thanksgiving away from all you guys. Much like the weather you are all having the blessing of we are having 60 degree weather today too. It's a little different than the about 10 degrees I had last year spending it in Colfax, Wisconsin.
I can't remember if I mentioned it last week that our ward was having a big "Turkey Bowl" this year, but somehow Kat knew about it haha. It is true though we had a huge gathering of our Priesthood members in the ward at Cloverfield Elementary to play. They had 4 games of about 7-8 players per team going. That's how many showed up. I don't know what the guys in charge were thinking but they decided to put a few priests, a couple members of the Elders Quorum, and us on a team, and stacked a couple of the other teams with almost all High Priests. Needless to say my team went undefeated in our quest to 2 Hand Touch Football glory haha. We didn't have anyone to really play quarterback, so I ended up playing because the priest who originally was decided it would be a good idea to try and run it almost every time. That doesn't exactly work in 2 Hand Touch. I was also designated kicker after the first touch back I kicked. Some of the members came up afterwards and asked if I'd played football in High School. When I said soccer that explained the kicking for them. A couple of the Boise State fans in the ward said I need to go play for the Broncos and I'd do better than the kicker they have now haha. I think that just goes to show the caliber of players we had out here I think haha. Regardless it was a lot of fun and the weather like I talked about earlier was perfect for it.
We had "dinner" at 1 this afternoon for a couple hours haha. I think that's just how Thanksgiving Dinner also goes. We ate at the Payne's, or I guess the clubhouse of their townhome complex. There were a lot of people there including President and Sister Clements because Elder Payne is the area authority for the Seventy here. Our ward has a few people like him that are a pretty big deal. What can I say? It was a pretty fun be able to eat and really just talk with President and Sister Clements at our table. They got to know us a little better and the food was great! I probably gained a few good pounds today haha.
From what I hear from everyone else it seems relatively quiet for Thanksgiving this year. Except for the no internet dilemma in Idaho it sounds like it was pretty good too. I'm assuming that everyone else in Idaho (minus Camie and Brock) went to Grandma's too? I just figured with our family heading up they might be over there. It's too bad that you and Tom have to work Kat, but I agree with what you said next Thanksgiving will be even better to have work off. Thanks for the happy Turkey and Football wishes haha.
As for the other 10 days since the last time that I wrote you it's been pretty good for us here in E. P.. We had what's known as Mission Tour last week on Friday. A General Authority will come and have an all day conference with us and give some training and stuff. We had Elder Zwick from the First Quorum of the Seventy come with his wife and speak to us. It was just amazing the training and advice that we were given to help apply to our missionary efforts. I wish I could put all the events and feelings from that day into writing but there's just not enough time with only an hour of P-Day left haha. There were 4 zones that were at our meeting with him down in Lakeville, Minnesota. As I was standing in the chapel talking to a couple of other missionaries waiting for the meeting to start in a few minutes I heard someone walk up behind me and say in a strangely familiar somewhat monotone voice, "Elder Craft". That when I turned around to look at the name badge entitled Elder Mead! It was so crazy and so cool to see him! We sat and talked for the rest of the time before the meeting, and then we even got to sit at the same table during lunch. It was great to see and hear from him about how he's doing. We talked a little bit about Brady and going to lunch with him. He told me the story of the desperate attempt to make it to his farewell on time and being late to work after. He just said, "Brady's a good friend". I told him the Brady was just working on his medical stuff for his papers now and that he would be sending those in soon. He was really excited and I'm really looking forward to an update on that or maybe someone's wisdom teeth here soon. I heard there's a story behind that and that it needs to come from you Brady, so if you could get on that that would be great. haha
Other than that there isn't much else exciting that is happening here at this moment. We are teaching a man that we're trying to work with towards baptism. He came to church last week and loved it. He told us he's looking forward to coming again. He's committed to be baptized on December 17th, so we're working hard for that. There's still alot we need to teach and that he needs to do so that we can be ready when the 17th comes. I can't believe that now since it's basically after Thanksgiving I can say it's almost Christmas! Crazy stuff. In the Spirit of Thanksgiving I just want to end by saying how thankful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who gives us trials and allows us to learn and grow on our own to become His children with the potential that he knows we can be. I'm thankful for His amazing plan of happiness that He has blessed us with a knowledge of, and for His son Jesus Christ who came and suffered the greatest and infinite sacrifice that He did to be our Lord and Savior, the Redeemer of all mankind and the way that we can return home once again. I'm thankful for the scriptures and the wealth of knowledge that is given to us within them. I'm thankful for the power of prayer and the true communication and effect that it can be in our lives. I'm thankful for a loving family that I have here to spend this life and the next with. I'm truly thankful for all of you who help inspire and uplift me to be the person that I am today. I'm thankful for your love, support, and prayers on my behalf that I get to feel everyday. I'm thankful for my mission and the opportunity that I have to serve at this time and be a representative of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I better end there so we can get a few other things that we have planned done tonight and get onto tracting to find more people to teach. I love and miss all of you. I'm grateful for all that you do for me and look forward to hearing from you again next week. I hope for everyone traveling that you do so safely!
Love, Elder Craft
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Welcome to Minnesota
Dear Family,
I was really glad to be able to talk to you too! It was good to hear everyone's voice! Sorry i couldn't talk to everyone. I am kinda tired still cause i can't really catch up on sleep and i feel a little overwhelmed but oh well. . .the Lord's work never ends.
It's so weird and surreal to think I'm actually here now! In the land of my people! :) haha jk The whole way over on the plane ride I sat by Sister Daniel from my district and we talked about how weird it was to actually be headed out! The flight was only about 2 hours and I got to see all the water and lakes as we came in! President Howell was telling us on the way to the mission home that they have over 10,000 lakes 5 acres or bigger and over 20,000 lakes 3 acres or bigger! Our mission is one of the largest in the world. Land size and number of missionaries. We have 200 missionaries and that's the cut off for all missions. None of them have over that many. We have Elders and Sisters speaking first of all English, Mong, Spanish, and a few like D. P. from the first ward that speak Karan I think that's how you spell it. It's a crazy Asian language and they're the only Elders in the world learning it cause there's such a large population of those people here. I got my first experience in the airport with the weird accent they all have here! Most of the people we've talked to do it too haha I really hope I don't pick that up.
The work started as soon as we left the mission home with planning for the next day. We went to look for some winter stuff a little during the afternoon when we had some free time but couldn't really find much that's good for a good price so we'll try to get it before that storm hits us. I'm assigned in my new area of Monomonie, Wisconsin, so for at least this first transfer I'm not even in Minnesota. Kinda ironic. It's a smaller town about 2 hours East of Minneapolis and we have one branch here with about 85 members in a pretty huge area.
We tracted for 2 hrs yesterday and had some really good conversations with a bunch of cool people. Most of them are willing to listen to you and see what you have to say, but they're almost all Lutheran too and just say that they aren't interested and love their religion. My actual first door approach was a fluke no one even answered and I was so nervous! So I just knocked the next door cause it was a duplex and right as the guy answered the door he said, "Oh. . you guys are the. . .yeah I'm not interested at all!" and he just shut the door. It was pretty funny to me actually. I just laughed and was like wow that actually happened. I still felt love for him and everyone that wouldn't listen because even though they say they're happy with their religion and life right now I know that we have the truth that will bring them complete happiness and a fullness of life that they've never known!
We talk to everyone we see or pass and are always bearing testimony! It's way cool but i definitely need the Lord's spirit to get me through this next chapter of my life. So I'm trying to do the same as you Dad and realize that none of these people that won't listen will ever see me again and at least I know I tried to offer them the gospel and they'll be accountable for not listening. Oh well i guess. Their loss.
My companion- trainer is Elder Blume from American Fork, Utah ironically enough because everyone always assumes the missionaries are from Utah and for us it's true haha He's way cool and upbeat, really funny, and pretty random too. I guess he had a companion that called him Captain Tangent because that's what he was best at. He got transfered new into the area with me.
In case you were wondering about the weather it's not too bad now. No Brady not everything that's made of liquids frozen and the plane didn't have spiked tires to land. Not many of the lakes are frozen over yet but everyone says it will be in a few weeks. I guess they had an ice storm last weekend that was the worst it's been in 5 years! I'm sure Dad and Tom know all about those. Luckily for me it's staying right around 32 degrees but it snowed on us the whole hour we tracted last night which got me pretty wet but not too cold, and the hour we did earlier it was a lot colder because of the wind. Windchill dropped it down to probably in the teens during that hour so just like i expected. I have my coat and ear warmers from the MTC but not too much yet. We'll be getting that soon because the next couple weeks is suppose to get pretty nasty.
We had an appointment that we taught at yesterday and it was so cool that these were actual investigators thinking about joining the church! Not just the mock investigators from the TRC I told you about! So it was kinda nerve racking to make sure to say it all right because what we say is what they believe. That's why the spirit is so important! Their names are M. and A. and they have 2 little kids named J. -4 and S. -2. It really was so awesome to be in their home and teach them and answer their questions. I felt strong love and concern for them and that they understood what all we were saying. M. has a problem with smoking and occasionally they'll drink but that's the only thing they struggle with. They've read through 1,2 Nephi almost twice now and part of Alma, and they had us stop by again for hot chocolate after they saw us tracting their neighbor hood for that hour in the morning and he'd read the reading we left him in Mosiah and 3 Nephi already. They're really solid investigators and I can't wait to see their progress!
We've had dinner with members each night so far. The first night we ate at the member's house that picked us up from the mission home and the house we have our basement apartment in The G.'s. They live right in Monomonie and it's a nice little place they've got for us. Last night we ate at a Less Active family the W.s and today we have 2 Thanksgiving Dinner appointments. The first one here at the May's home where they're letting us use their computer to email. The best part is there's no stupid 30 minute timer in the corner flashing at me to give me an anxiety attack. We ironically enough have our next appointment at the house right next door The C.'s. We're kinda nervous to go there because no lie the son actually moved here with his wife and child to get off the grid and live off the land. They have no bathroom in there house and he loves to hunt and eat Squirrel!! I'm not even kidding! Luckily it's his mother's house we're eating at so we might get out of that.
Well Brady just keep your head up cause I know how stressed you are now but I made it through it so can you. Yes I have my bike but I haven't used it yet. We will though for tracting when we're out of miles. My first thoughts when I stepped off the plane were: "Holy crap I'm here! And for 2 years!", "It's not that cold", and "I wonder what President Howell's like?" He's very nice by the way and greeted us all with a big hug! He and his wife love and care about us very much! I can't wait to serve under them.
Thanks for the package Mom and family! I love all the food but I didn't open it till we got home, so if the fudge is still good by next Tuesday when we go back to the mission home for training then I'll give it to them.
Good luck with these new positions Dad! I'll be praying for you still. Let me know what I can do for you at home.
Natalie did you get my card I sent you? If not Happy early birthday because I won't write again until my actual P-day on monday.
We got a P-day today because of the holiday but we're still going tracting later don't you worry. For anyone hand-writing letters just send them to the mission home for now until i figure out my address I'm at. They're pretty good about forwarding it quick. Just be sure to put Elder Alex Craft or Alexander even A. Craft makes it easier on the lady doing that. I'm not exactly sure for Christmas just maybe like some granola bars or packaged stuff like you sent that i can carry with me along with some of the Gold Toe black socks if you find any. Also, what I told you on the phone's good. Sorry I sound so needy.
Grandma, thanks so much for the letter. That was really cool! Thanks for thinking to write me. How are you doing?
Anyone just let me know if there's anything I can do and any questions I might have missed. I love and miss everyone so so so much!!! It's gonna be tough but i know it'll bless my life and yours! I get to call in a month too!! :) I can't wait to hear from you and email Monday!! I'll keep praying and thinking about all of you!
Love,
Elder Alex Craft
I was really glad to be able to talk to you too! It was good to hear everyone's voice! Sorry i couldn't talk to everyone. I am kinda tired still cause i can't really catch up on sleep and i feel a little overwhelmed but oh well. . .the Lord's work never ends.
It's so weird and surreal to think I'm actually here now! In the land of my people! :) haha jk The whole way over on the plane ride I sat by Sister Daniel from my district and we talked about how weird it was to actually be headed out! The flight was only about 2 hours and I got to see all the water and lakes as we came in! President Howell was telling us on the way to the mission home that they have over 10,000 lakes 5 acres or bigger and over 20,000 lakes 3 acres or bigger! Our mission is one of the largest in the world. Land size and number of missionaries. We have 200 missionaries and that's the cut off for all missions. None of them have over that many. We have Elders and Sisters speaking first of all English, Mong, Spanish, and a few like D. P. from the first ward that speak Karan I think that's how you spell it. It's a crazy Asian language and they're the only Elders in the world learning it cause there's such a large population of those people here. I got my first experience in the airport with the weird accent they all have here! Most of the people we've talked to do it too haha I really hope I don't pick that up.
The work started as soon as we left the mission home with planning for the next day. We went to look for some winter stuff a little during the afternoon when we had some free time but couldn't really find much that's good for a good price so we'll try to get it before that storm hits us. I'm assigned in my new area of Monomonie, Wisconsin, so for at least this first transfer I'm not even in Minnesota. Kinda ironic. It's a smaller town about 2 hours East of Minneapolis and we have one branch here with about 85 members in a pretty huge area.
We tracted for 2 hrs yesterday and had some really good conversations with a bunch of cool people. Most of them are willing to listen to you and see what you have to say, but they're almost all Lutheran too and just say that they aren't interested and love their religion. My actual first door approach was a fluke no one even answered and I was so nervous! So I just knocked the next door cause it was a duplex and right as the guy answered the door he said, "Oh. . you guys are the. . .yeah I'm not interested at all!" and he just shut the door. It was pretty funny to me actually. I just laughed and was like wow that actually happened. I still felt love for him and everyone that wouldn't listen because even though they say they're happy with their religion and life right now I know that we have the truth that will bring them complete happiness and a fullness of life that they've never known!
We talk to everyone we see or pass and are always bearing testimony! It's way cool but i definitely need the Lord's spirit to get me through this next chapter of my life. So I'm trying to do the same as you Dad and realize that none of these people that won't listen will ever see me again and at least I know I tried to offer them the gospel and they'll be accountable for not listening. Oh well i guess. Their loss.
My companion- trainer is Elder Blume from American Fork, Utah ironically enough because everyone always assumes the missionaries are from Utah and for us it's true haha He's way cool and upbeat, really funny, and pretty random too. I guess he had a companion that called him Captain Tangent because that's what he was best at. He got transfered new into the area with me.
In case you were wondering about the weather it's not too bad now. No Brady not everything that's made of liquids frozen and the plane didn't have spiked tires to land. Not many of the lakes are frozen over yet but everyone says it will be in a few weeks. I guess they had an ice storm last weekend that was the worst it's been in 5 years! I'm sure Dad and Tom know all about those. Luckily for me it's staying right around 32 degrees but it snowed on us the whole hour we tracted last night which got me pretty wet but not too cold, and the hour we did earlier it was a lot colder because of the wind. Windchill dropped it down to probably in the teens during that hour so just like i expected. I have my coat and ear warmers from the MTC but not too much yet. We'll be getting that soon because the next couple weeks is suppose to get pretty nasty.
We had an appointment that we taught at yesterday and it was so cool that these were actual investigators thinking about joining the church! Not just the mock investigators from the TRC I told you about! So it was kinda nerve racking to make sure to say it all right because what we say is what they believe. That's why the spirit is so important! Their names are M. and A. and they have 2 little kids named J. -4 and S. -2. It really was so awesome to be in their home and teach them and answer their questions. I felt strong love and concern for them and that they understood what all we were saying. M. has a problem with smoking and occasionally they'll drink but that's the only thing they struggle with. They've read through 1,2 Nephi almost twice now and part of Alma, and they had us stop by again for hot chocolate after they saw us tracting their neighbor hood for that hour in the morning and he'd read the reading we left him in Mosiah and 3 Nephi already. They're really solid investigators and I can't wait to see their progress!
We've had dinner with members each night so far. The first night we ate at the member's house that picked us up from the mission home and the house we have our basement apartment in The G.'s. They live right in Monomonie and it's a nice little place they've got for us. Last night we ate at a Less Active family the W.s and today we have 2 Thanksgiving Dinner appointments. The first one here at the May's home where they're letting us use their computer to email. The best part is there's no stupid 30 minute timer in the corner flashing at me to give me an anxiety attack. We ironically enough have our next appointment at the house right next door The C.'s. We're kinda nervous to go there because no lie the son actually moved here with his wife and child to get off the grid and live off the land. They have no bathroom in there house and he loves to hunt and eat Squirrel!! I'm not even kidding! Luckily it's his mother's house we're eating at so we might get out of that.
Well Brady just keep your head up cause I know how stressed you are now but I made it through it so can you. Yes I have my bike but I haven't used it yet. We will though for tracting when we're out of miles. My first thoughts when I stepped off the plane were: "Holy crap I'm here! And for 2 years!", "It's not that cold", and "I wonder what President Howell's like?" He's very nice by the way and greeted us all with a big hug! He and his wife love and care about us very much! I can't wait to serve under them.
Thanks for the package Mom and family! I love all the food but I didn't open it till we got home, so if the fudge is still good by next Tuesday when we go back to the mission home for training then I'll give it to them.
Good luck with these new positions Dad! I'll be praying for you still. Let me know what I can do for you at home.
Natalie did you get my card I sent you? If not Happy early birthday because I won't write again until my actual P-day on monday.
We got a P-day today because of the holiday but we're still going tracting later don't you worry. For anyone hand-writing letters just send them to the mission home for now until i figure out my address I'm at. They're pretty good about forwarding it quick. Just be sure to put Elder Alex Craft or Alexander even A. Craft makes it easier on the lady doing that. I'm not exactly sure for Christmas just maybe like some granola bars or packaged stuff like you sent that i can carry with me along with some of the Gold Toe black socks if you find any. Also, what I told you on the phone's good. Sorry I sound so needy.
Grandma, thanks so much for the letter. That was really cool! Thanks for thinking to write me. How are you doing?
Anyone just let me know if there's anything I can do and any questions I might have missed. I love and miss everyone so so so much!!! It's gonna be tough but i know it'll bless my life and yours! I get to call in a month too!! :) I can't wait to hear from you and email Monday!! I'll keep praying and thinking about all of you!
Love,
Elder Alex Craft
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