Dear Craft Family,
Es freut mich dass Brady zu Deutshland im April gehen!! Ich hoffe er kannt Elder Chambers sehen order habt ihm fuer seiner mitarbeiter!!! (Don't try and put that in Google Translator or something because it will probably come out with something way different that what I meant to say in my broken 5 year old German haha). Man Brady that is so awesome!! I am so super pumped for you! From what I hear, because you're right everyone and their mother knows someone that served a mission somewhere in Germany, it's going to be legit! The ward mission leader in the Eden Prairie ward served there along with 4-5 other members of the ward. I've known at least one person in every area that has served there. President Clements was in Switzerland but it's basically the same sort of area haha. I'll bet the Chambers were way pumped. I told Elder Mead at transfers Wednesday that you should have gotten your call that day, so he'll be excited to hear it too. I'm way excited for you to learn how to speak and then help tutor me while I try to continue to learn it. My guess was way off though for somewhere in South America. haha When you talk to Herr Jackson tell him I said Hi. Wouldn't it be crazy if Elder Chambers got to train you or was your Zone Leader? That'd be so cool. April 4th's going to come up quick! You can get your passport picture at the Post Office in Ogden just by the Newgate Mall. That's where I got mine. I'm telling you right now read the scriptures, study your Preach My Gospel, and learn the Doctrines of the Gospel while you can because you are not going to have the time or means to be able to do that in the MTC trying to learn a foreign language in 9 weeks. You might want to start drinking carbonated water too cause that's all the people give you for water over there. haha That's one of the first things Elder Chambers told me in the MTC when I saw him drinking it is that he had to try and get used to it. It really isn't that bad though. I'm just pumped for all the experiences and joy that you're going to get. Not only out of just going to Germany, but going to teach the Gospel to all our brothers and sisters there. It's going to be one of the most joyful experiences of your life, and the most difficult. Just remember that because it's not going to be easy but it's going to be worth it. I can promise you that.
I guess I should have just started that off Dear Brady and Craft Family haha. This week for me was awesome! It flew by! We were really busy getting all the things taken care of for transfers and then actually doing the transfers themselves. Picking up the new missionaries was a lot of fun. Elder Lo, President and Sister Clements, and me all went to the airport to get them and then to the U of M campus (known as Dinkytown) near downtown Minneapolis to do some street contacting. Elder Frasure went with me from Pocatello, ID and loved it. We had a great time together. We got some food, took some pictures to send to their families, and did the training meetings we had to before the day was over. There were only 3 missionaries that came this transfer so nothing too crazy at all. Two of them, Elder Frasure and Elder Ouimette, had to spend the night with us at our apartment so we could take them to the Greyhound station in the morning because they got transferred up to Thunder Bay Canada to be trained. We haven't gone up there yet Mom. The closest we'll get is to Duluth for their Zone Conference in a couple of weeks. Unless President asks us to we don't really have a reason to head up there. Next transfer might not be as quiet. We're expected to get 17 new missionaries, so that should be a lot of fun. I'm working hard trying to learn all the ins and outs of who's where serving with who and everything else I need to know about the mission. It's a ton of fun and we're working hard to meet with our investigators as well. Many of them weren't able to meet with us this week, but we get to spend a lot of time proselyting this week and are confident we should be able to teach many of them.
This last Saturday was J.'s baptism out in Eden Prairie. He's the 16 year old I was working with out there and he is so awesome! I didn't get to go because it was too far away, but I called him and talked to him Saturday before it all went down and he was super excited. President Clements went out for the baptism and said it was a great service with a lot of people there to support him. When I talked to J. I told him I might not be able to be there for the baptism, but I look forward to hearing about when he gets the priesthood, when he goes through the temple and is sealed to his Dad and Sister, when he gets his mission call, and all the other things throughout his life. I'm so excited for that guy and the great things he's going to continue to do throughout his life. It's so amazing to me the people I am blessed with being able to work with and grow to love while I'm here in Minnesota. Having the opportunity to watch people change their lives and see the spirit work within them like it did with J. is something I couldn't or wouldn't experience anywhere else. Like I had mentioned to Brady it's one of the hardest things I have ever done but also the most rewarding. The Lord knows and expects our sacrifice, but in return he gives us more than we could ever work for.
Well sorry there's not much more to report on from here. I'm glad my package and my brick made it safe and sound haha. I did get my new card thanks Mom. It sounds like I pretty good exciting week for you. I'm glad to hear all is well and hope to talk to you all again soon. I love you and appreciate all that you do for me! Auf Wiedersehen!
Love, Elder Craft
Showing posts with label baptism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baptism. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, August 1, 2011
A Little Stability
Hey Everyone,
I'm glad to hear that everyone at home is doing well. This week for us was great. Transfer calls were this morning and for the first transfer of my mission I am keeping the same companion. Elder Haupt and I already knew that though because this new training out line is 12 weeks long. It wasn't any real surprise to us not getting a call this morning, but we are excited to keep up the hard work and seeing the blessings of the Lord here in The Hood haha. I did get one change this morning with transfers. There's now a set of Sister missionaries in our district. So now instead of just us four Elders we have two Sisters as well. It will be pretty cool I think. I haven't been in a district with Sisters yet on my mission. What's cool too is that all three of us companionships here consist of a trainer and trainee. Plus, Sister Daniel is the Sister that came out with me from my MTC district. That's basically all the news I have for now though at least about changes with transfers haha.
I told you all about a couple new investigators last week Russ and Pierre, so I figured I'd give you a little update on them from this week. Russ is still doing great and he came to church again yesterday. He has a lot of questions that we're trying hard to answer for him as he's trying to learn. He's great and always really excited to see us. He was asked a couple funny questions yesterday to the interpreter about us. One was if we were the prophets which really isn't too crazy for him to think because he's learning all about what a prophet even is. The next one that made us laugh was why we weren't married yet. haha He's just a funny guy. As for Pierre. . .man he was one interesting character. We met with him 4 times total last week that probably combined was 9 hrs total. What started last week as a lot of questions turned into a quiz on our scriptural references each time we went. He wanted answers and we'd give them to him, most with a Bible reference in fact, but nothing sufficed. He wanted firm evidence about our relationship with God and Jesus Christ, the origin of The Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith's First Vision. Things that can't all be provided and proved through just Bible reference. That makes the entire definition of Faith obsolete. We even had a lesson at the mission home with President Clements on Friday so that he could help teach and see what we were talking about first hand. We were so excited about Pierre, but by the end of the week we realized that it might not be the best investment of time to continue to work with him. I'm glad that I got to know and meet him. He's a great guy and it was a great experience both for my testimony and knowledge to grow in. Next time I run into another Evangelical type personality I'll know what to expect.
We had an amazing miracle on Wednesday. Micheal, who I've mentioned before, text us and said that he had decided on a date and wants to be baptized on the 20th of August! We were amazed because we haven't been pushing or really meeting with him to much, but the Lord and the Spirit can work wonders within people. We met with him Friday and his whole countenance has changed. He was so happy talking about being excited to be baptized! It was nothing short of a miracle that came as an answer to much fasting and many prayers. Thanks everyone for the prayers and support because we were able to see the fruits of that labor this past week.
We're really excited to continue in the work and miracles that we've seen here. They're all around us and August is going to be ab amazing month! What is kind of weird for me is that this Wednesday Elder Blume, my trainer, will be going home. He's the first companion of mine to go home and it's weird to think that he'll be headed back to Utah. He's a great missionary that taught me alot. If you ever run into a Joshua Blume from American Fork that's him haha. Elder Pilcher is going home this Wednesday too so the MMM will only have one Hooperite for a little while. That is until Elder Mead comes on up to the land of 10,000 lakes, windchill, and extreme heat index haha.
I love you all so much and once again thank you for all the love, support, and prayers given on my behalf. You guys are great! I'm glad to hear about the good news for you Kat! Congratulations!! And I look forward to more good news from Camie and Brock here in a few weeks. I can't wait to hear from you all again. Sorry it's not too long, but there will be more miracles to report on next week :).
Love, Elder Craft
Monday, June 13, 2011
From 0 to 130 in Less Than 90 Days!
Dear Crafts,
I'm so glad to hear that everything's going well with all you guys! This week for me has been a little crazy but very good as well.
To start it off we had a training from President and Sister Howell this past Tuesday mostly talking about the transition of mission presidents and finishing strong and continuing the success for President Clemens. Basically the same stuff that they've been talking about for the past few weeks. It's crazy in 2 weeks they'll be getting all the stuff ready to go back to Utah. I think if I remember right Dad or Mom had mentioned something about going to their homecoming. So after the training when they were talking to all of us I mentioned that to them and they said that they look forward to meeting you if you end up making it down there. That's pretty weird for me to think about that you could be meeting my mission president that I've spent the past 7 months with. The training was good but we had a real shock come after. Like usual Elder Hatch and I rode our bikes there but it was early in the morning so there was nothing out of the ordinary. When we walked outside afterwards it felt like going into an oven! It was 103 degrees out with 98% humidity all day! The breeze that was blowing was just hot air and the ride from the church to our apartment just drenched me in sweat. It was pretty gross. It seriously felt like we were cooking the whole rest of the day riding around. Apparently that was a record day for the Twin Cities. It hasn't been that hot in like 25 years here let alone this early into the summer. We not only set that record but the Twin Cities was also the hottest spot in the country for that day! I don't ever really wish for the winter but that day I was just amazed that at one point a few months ago I was almost 130 degrees colder! Minnesota's just crazy!
The baptism we had Saturday was amazing! Tony was the one who ended up getting baptized. He was so ready! He's going to be an amazing disciple of Jesus Christ and member of the church for the rest of his life. He wanted a member, our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Doolittle to baptize him. It was a really great baptismal service and his mom even came. Hopefully we'll get to talk with her about that soon and see what questions she might have. They even had me to the chorister for the baptism. Luckily for me "How Firm a Foundation" is in 4/4 and "Come Follow Me" in 3/4 so I didn't have too much trouble haha. Yesterday I had the honor of confirming Tony a member of the church and bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost upon him. I was a little nervous but it went over really well I thought. I don't remember much of what was said but I do know that it was longer than 5 seconds so the Lord put the thoughts and words in my mind of what to say. It was a busy day at church for me though because not only did I get to confirm Tony, but I was also asked to give a 10-15 minute talk on The Plan of Salvation in sacrament meeting. It was a little stressful trying to cover all the points and things that there are in that without leaving any one event out or short changing anything. Every point is just so important I felt like I was rambling on pretty fast connecting the different points and scriptures like crazy. All in all it went well and was a great day at church that we don't get to experience every week.
It's transfer time again next Monday, so we'll see what happens. Who knows it could be companion #6 haha. I don't have any predictions because all the times I have I've been wrong haha. It will be interesting to find out for sure.
Today's only going to be a 1/2 P-Day for me because our district is scheduled to get to go to the temple Thursday! I'm so excited! It's been so long and we actually have the opportunity to go here in this mission, so we decided to take advantage of it. The day we go to the temple becomes our P-Day for the week. Only problem is that we're out of groceries and our laundry needs to be done so we can have clothes the rest of the week haha. Plus I figured if Mom didn't get an email until later on Thursday the mission office would be getting a call haha.
I guess I'll just start to answer some questions people asked and things they said from the emails I got.
Mom: I did hear about Cassie!! That's so crazy! I didn't know it was Bryce Cooke though! I got a letter that told me about 4 girls I graduated with that are married and 3 including Cassie that are engaged! That's just to nuts to me. All I have to say is that most of them didn't surprise me. I'm just hoping that Cassie sends me an invitation at least haha.
Camie: That's so good that this year it's going better for you with this little girl. Don't worry about not writing me. I just like the letters here and there. I hope Brock got the package I sent and it wasn't damaged. I'll bet Brandt looks adorable almost crawling around with all his teeth in that snaggle tooth smile of his haha.
Brady: Thank you for the letter! That's so funny you have the exact same job as Scott and Shae. Did Sidne hook you up with that? Do you ever see her there? I'm so glad that you're starting to experience this new thing in your life known in the real world as responsibility ;) hahahaha. I'm so glad that you loved youth conference and gained such a great testimony from that! That's what happens every time you go to firesides and study from the scriptures and Preach My Gospel like you talked about. That's why I told you you need to do all that now to help prepare for that mission. It's not that far away and once you get out here into the field too all you have is your testimony to rely on. There's a line in PMG that's so true and says something to the effect of "every man in life is backed up to the wall of his faith and it's there that he must make his stand". You can have all the knowledge in the world but it's your testimony that will stay firm and be all that you have to stand on at times. So yeah you are doing a good things dating around, but my advice would be don't focus on that part before your mission. Focus on learning and growing on your testimony to prepare all that you can spiritually to come out and serve the Lord. Girls will come and go and there will probably be new ones to date by the time you get home, but a mission is only 2 years that you get to spend once in your life serving the Lord. Focus on that and the Lord will bless you from your service the rest of your life. I know you probably know that and are doing that already, but I just felt like I should give you any advice to help you that I can. And if you're worried about Leah and those other girls being all lonely before you get home just remember I'll be home about 8 months after you leave, so they can survive until then. I'll be here to help out with that ;) hahaha jk.
Well I hope that everyone's doing great and that I get to hear from you guys soon! I look forward to getting your letters this week. I love and miss you all and will continue to pray for you.
Love, Elder Alex Craft
I'm so glad to hear that everything's going well with all you guys! This week for me has been a little crazy but very good as well.
To start it off we had a training from President and Sister Howell this past Tuesday mostly talking about the transition of mission presidents and finishing strong and continuing the success for President Clemens. Basically the same stuff that they've been talking about for the past few weeks. It's crazy in 2 weeks they'll be getting all the stuff ready to go back to Utah. I think if I remember right Dad or Mom had mentioned something about going to their homecoming. So after the training when they were talking to all of us I mentioned that to them and they said that they look forward to meeting you if you end up making it down there. That's pretty weird for me to think about that you could be meeting my mission president that I've spent the past 7 months with. The training was good but we had a real shock come after. Like usual Elder Hatch and I rode our bikes there but it was early in the morning so there was nothing out of the ordinary. When we walked outside afterwards it felt like going into an oven! It was 103 degrees out with 98% humidity all day! The breeze that was blowing was just hot air and the ride from the church to our apartment just drenched me in sweat. It was pretty gross. It seriously felt like we were cooking the whole rest of the day riding around. Apparently that was a record day for the Twin Cities. It hasn't been that hot in like 25 years here let alone this early into the summer. We not only set that record but the Twin Cities was also the hottest spot in the country for that day! I don't ever really wish for the winter but that day I was just amazed that at one point a few months ago I was almost 130 degrees colder! Minnesota's just crazy!
The baptism we had Saturday was amazing! Tony was the one who ended up getting baptized. He was so ready! He's going to be an amazing disciple of Jesus Christ and member of the church for the rest of his life. He wanted a member, our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Doolittle to baptize him. It was a really great baptismal service and his mom even came. Hopefully we'll get to talk with her about that soon and see what questions she might have. They even had me to the chorister for the baptism. Luckily for me "How Firm a Foundation" is in 4/4 and "Come Follow Me" in 3/4 so I didn't have too much trouble haha. Yesterday I had the honor of confirming Tony a member of the church and bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost upon him. I was a little nervous but it went over really well I thought. I don't remember much of what was said but I do know that it was longer than 5 seconds so the Lord put the thoughts and words in my mind of what to say. It was a busy day at church for me though because not only did I get to confirm Tony, but I was also asked to give a 10-15 minute talk on The Plan of Salvation in sacrament meeting. It was a little stressful trying to cover all the points and things that there are in that without leaving any one event out or short changing anything. Every point is just so important I felt like I was rambling on pretty fast connecting the different points and scriptures like crazy. All in all it went well and was a great day at church that we don't get to experience every week.
It's transfer time again next Monday, so we'll see what happens. Who knows it could be companion #6 haha. I don't have any predictions because all the times I have I've been wrong haha. It will be interesting to find out for sure.
Today's only going to be a 1/2 P-Day for me because our district is scheduled to get to go to the temple Thursday! I'm so excited! It's been so long and we actually have the opportunity to go here in this mission, so we decided to take advantage of it. The day we go to the temple becomes our P-Day for the week. Only problem is that we're out of groceries and our laundry needs to be done so we can have clothes the rest of the week haha. Plus I figured if Mom didn't get an email until later on Thursday the mission office would be getting a call haha.
I guess I'll just start to answer some questions people asked and things they said from the emails I got.
Mom: I did hear about Cassie!! That's so crazy! I didn't know it was Bryce Cooke though! I got a letter that told me about 4 girls I graduated with that are married and 3 including Cassie that are engaged! That's just to nuts to me. All I have to say is that most of them didn't surprise me. I'm just hoping that Cassie sends me an invitation at least haha.
Camie: That's so good that this year it's going better for you with this little girl. Don't worry about not writing me. I just like the letters here and there. I hope Brock got the package I sent and it wasn't damaged. I'll bet Brandt looks adorable almost crawling around with all his teeth in that snaggle tooth smile of his haha.
Brady: Thank you for the letter! That's so funny you have the exact same job as Scott and Shae. Did Sidne hook you up with that? Do you ever see her there? I'm so glad that you're starting to experience this new thing in your life known in the real world as responsibility ;) hahahaha. I'm so glad that you loved youth conference and gained such a great testimony from that! That's what happens every time you go to firesides and study from the scriptures and Preach My Gospel like you talked about. That's why I told you you need to do all that now to help prepare for that mission. It's not that far away and once you get out here into the field too all you have is your testimony to rely on. There's a line in PMG that's so true and says something to the effect of "every man in life is backed up to the wall of his faith and it's there that he must make his stand". You can have all the knowledge in the world but it's your testimony that will stay firm and be all that you have to stand on at times. So yeah you are doing a good things dating around, but my advice would be don't focus on that part before your mission. Focus on learning and growing on your testimony to prepare all that you can spiritually to come out and serve the Lord. Girls will come and go and there will probably be new ones to date by the time you get home, but a mission is only 2 years that you get to spend once in your life serving the Lord. Focus on that and the Lord will bless you from your service the rest of your life. I know you probably know that and are doing that already, but I just felt like I should give you any advice to help you that I can. And if you're worried about Leah and those other girls being all lonely before you get home just remember I'll be home about 8 months after you leave, so they can survive until then. I'll be here to help out with that ;) hahaha jk.
Well I hope that everyone's doing great and that I get to hear from you guys soon! I look forward to getting your letters this week. I love and miss you all and will continue to pray for you.
Love, Elder Alex Craft
Monday, March 7, 2011
"In the Rock We're a Little Boulder"
Hi Everybody! haha
I hope everyone's doing great! As for the missionary in South Eastern Minnesota, I'm doing great. It's still a struggle but I think that that's just part of the territory. Zone Conference that I talked about last week was so good. Our Zone Leaders told us that this zone (The Rochester Zone) is known as "The Rock". So they tried to institute that for us and get us all motivated about being in the Rock. There were plenty of puns in their training and they even gave each companionship a rock that they painted "In the Rock we're a Little Boulder" on it. It was kinda funny and a little over the top, but it was a good training that really got the message across to us to be a little more bold in our contacting and teaching. As a result Elder Russell and I decided to try and be "A Little Boulder" this last week. We have one investigator named Eddy that we've only really been teaching since I've been here. He's a really cool guy and we decided we were going to be more bold with him, so we decided that we should invite him to be baptized last Tuesday when we met with him. We did just that and invited him, and the best part is that he said, "yeah that'd be good". It's was a great miracle that he said yes and is working toward that! We were so pumped! The only problem is that he can't really come to church because he works in shipping and receiving at a warehouse from 5 a.m.- 2 p.m. every day but Saturday. We were praying hard to try and figure out how we could help to get him to church this past week, and man did the Lord pull through. Yesterday when we went to see him we got to see an answer to that prayer first hand. He told us that he got a call Friday not to come into work and that they weren't going to need to schedule him to work anymore weekends. I was so thankful and really had my testimony strengthened about the power and answers of prayer. The Lord is so aware of all that we need and blesses us accordingly. It was great for him too because he was telling us about how exhausted he's been working these long hours and not having time to do anything else around his house. That was just a couple of the miracles that we saw this week. We're just really hoping to continue to help Eddy progress and work at being baptized.
Sorry I can't write anything to each of you like I usually do, but there's not much to say either. haha Like I said I hope that everyone's doing great and I hope to hear from you soon. Sorry this ones so short, but that's what happens when the library only has 4 computers. You don't get much time to spend on one. haha I miss you and love you all!
Love, Alex
I hope everyone's doing great! As for the missionary in South Eastern Minnesota, I'm doing great. It's still a struggle but I think that that's just part of the territory. Zone Conference that I talked about last week was so good. Our Zone Leaders told us that this zone (The Rochester Zone) is known as "The Rock". So they tried to institute that for us and get us all motivated about being in the Rock. There were plenty of puns in their training and they even gave each companionship a rock that they painted "In the Rock we're a Little Boulder" on it. It was kinda funny and a little over the top, but it was a good training that really got the message across to us to be a little more bold in our contacting and teaching. As a result Elder Russell and I decided to try and be "A Little Boulder" this last week. We have one investigator named Eddy that we've only really been teaching since I've been here. He's a really cool guy and we decided we were going to be more bold with him, so we decided that we should invite him to be baptized last Tuesday when we met with him. We did just that and invited him, and the best part is that he said, "yeah that'd be good". It's was a great miracle that he said yes and is working toward that! We were so pumped! The only problem is that he can't really come to church because he works in shipping and receiving at a warehouse from 5 a.m.- 2 p.m. every day but Saturday. We were praying hard to try and figure out how we could help to get him to church this past week, and man did the Lord pull through. Yesterday when we went to see him we got to see an answer to that prayer first hand. He told us that he got a call Friday not to come into work and that they weren't going to need to schedule him to work anymore weekends. I was so thankful and really had my testimony strengthened about the power and answers of prayer. The Lord is so aware of all that we need and blesses us accordingly. It was great for him too because he was telling us about how exhausted he's been working these long hours and not having time to do anything else around his house. That was just a couple of the miracles that we saw this week. We're just really hoping to continue to help Eddy progress and work at being baptized.
Sorry I can't write anything to each of you like I usually do, but there's not much to say either. haha Like I said I hope that everyone's doing great and I hope to hear from you soon. Sorry this ones so short, but that's what happens when the library only has 4 computers. You don't get much time to spend on one. haha I miss you and love you all!
Love, Alex
Monday, January 17, 2011
L. Family Baptism
What up Crafts?
Haha jk I just try to think of new ways to start the emails and that's all I could come up with. I would just to start off with something a lot of you had questions about. The Baptism was amazing! Their names are M. and A. L. I don't know if I already told you that but I figured it won't hurt to say again. It was a great program. I got to baptize M. and Elder Katoa baptized A. It was such an amazing feeling to know I was part of that huge step in their lives. It was very humbling and M. kept saying, "that was so cool" over and over again. I also felt super stupid after the baptism. It's an embarassing story but I figure that all the family that's been on a mission will think it's even more hillarious. So like I said I baptized M. and I thought it was really good. I did have to do it twice because his foot floated up when he was under, so they just wanted to do it again to be sure. That wasn't the embarassing part. I even said the whole prayer right. The problem was that I was so super nervous I somehow forgot that it was just that, a prayer. I didn't even close my eyes! Because I didn't M. didn't either, so he was looking right at me. It was awkward with him 2 feet away staring so I looked back at him about half way through. Elder Katoa was behind us at the door and saw it all unfold. The reason he thought it was so funny was that he said it looked like we were "gazing into each other's eyes". I just started laughing really hard and realized how dumb I really am when he told me this that night. In my defense the last baptism I was at was Natalie's or one of the cousins and so I just had my eyes open anyway. I didn't have to worry about doing anything there. I'm not too worried about it though. The ordinance was done right and with the priesthood, so how dumb I looked and felt's a different story. I just thought you'd all enjoy being apart of my embarassing story.
Other than that the baptism was really great! The program went really well. Our branch here's very supportive of the missionaries. We get fed basically every night. Our ward mission leader, Bro. S. is the man. We just didn't have many people there bacause it was on a Saturday afternoon I think. Everyone was talking to them and congratulating them on Sunday when they got confirmed. I was s nervous about baptizing M., but I was twicw as nervous Sunday because A. wanted me to confirm her and give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That was way spiritually nerve racking! I actually closed my eyes on that one and did it without any problems. haha We had another mamber's son baptized after church yesterday too. I told Elder Katoa I wish that we had a weekend like this every week. Always having to fill up the font.
We got some really cool news from Bro. S. this week. He told us that they found out last week his neice, from the Green Bay area on his wife's side, is going to be on this season of Survivor airing in a couple weeks. Her name's A. B. He told us even though we can't watch any of it, but I thought that was pretty cool and that if any of you happen to catch some of the season you could think of that.
Other than that I'm doing pretty good. It ius still cold and will be for another 3 months, so maybe I won't even notice by then. The work here is still going great with alot of miracle each and every day. It really is amazing being a missionary and I love it. I just hopoe that we can continue to see success and find solid people like M. and A. throughout the rest of my mission. I know everyone's always asking what I need, but I'm doing fine. I feel bad asking for stuff, but I just can't get it here. If you could send just another notebook of the paper with the prophets I've been writing my letters on, or any other cool staionary like that I would really appreciate it. That way I can keep writing all those letters I know you love so much! ;)
Grandma: You are a great missionary! Doing all those names and helping to spread the gospel to everyone you talk to. That's so cool. How did your talk go in Relief Society? I wish we could go to the temple each week. We're trying hard to be able to go this transfer sometime. I hope you're doing well and in your callings.
Dad: I don't know if I was allowed to but I saw that video of the 12 year old kid. MAn that brings back memories of when I was 12. . . haha I wish! That was incredible! I can't really take any pictures in my new coat because I don't have one. I use the one from Mr. Mac that Kat and aTom got me and it works fine. For now at least so we'll see how it goes and if I end up getting a new one. As for a picture on my bike I don't use it yet and so I will when I bring it out.
Kat and Tom: First of all I'm not going to make a comment even about L. and what you said. But I agree Tom is the best! He really is such a blessing to our family! What's Brady's GPA at now? That sounds like a good deal for both of them. Especially since Brady will get a tux, the ticket in the dance, and the group picture for free.
Tati and Nick: Don't worry about not writing Tati. I totally understand. I'm glad to hear that you're having a good time with your mom and to know you can relate to how I feel. The mission really is the perfect place for me to be. I know I'm suppose to be here now. Don't worry about sending a package either. I'm doing fine.
Mom: It would be so awesome to be there when M. and A. get sealed, but they're thinking about maybe making a trip out of it to Utah. They've never had a honeymoon either he said so it would giv them an excuse. I hope that maybe I can. I did hear about Cody finally. He emailed me. That's so crazy! That's a long time to wait too. I feel like I'm missing something here. . . .how do I feel about being an uncle again? I'm not sure if this is what I think it is but I need some info ASAP. I haven't gotten a letter from Grandma or Grandpa Burke, but tell them I do love them and miss them. I'm looking forward to that scarf too because I know I'm going to love it no matter what. Thank you so much! I hope it gets here this week!
Thanks again everyone for all the letters and support that you give me. The prayers are really helping me I know it. I pray and think about all of you all the time. I miss and love you all! See you next week same time same place.
Haha jk I just try to think of new ways to start the emails and that's all I could come up with. I would just to start off with something a lot of you had questions about. The Baptism was amazing! Their names are M. and A. L. I don't know if I already told you that but I figured it won't hurt to say again. It was a great program. I got to baptize M. and Elder Katoa baptized A. It was such an amazing feeling to know I was part of that huge step in their lives. It was very humbling and M. kept saying, "that was so cool" over and over again. I also felt super stupid after the baptism. It's an embarassing story but I figure that all the family that's been on a mission will think it's even more hillarious. So like I said I baptized M. and I thought it was really good. I did have to do it twice because his foot floated up when he was under, so they just wanted to do it again to be sure. That wasn't the embarassing part. I even said the whole prayer right. The problem was that I was so super nervous I somehow forgot that it was just that, a prayer. I didn't even close my eyes! Because I didn't M. didn't either, so he was looking right at me. It was awkward with him 2 feet away staring so I looked back at him about half way through. Elder Katoa was behind us at the door and saw it all unfold. The reason he thought it was so funny was that he said it looked like we were "gazing into each other's eyes". I just started laughing really hard and realized how dumb I really am when he told me this that night. In my defense the last baptism I was at was Natalie's or one of the cousins and so I just had my eyes open anyway. I didn't have to worry about doing anything there. I'm not too worried about it though. The ordinance was done right and with the priesthood, so how dumb I looked and felt's a different story. I just thought you'd all enjoy being apart of my embarassing story.
Other than that the baptism was really great! The program went really well. Our branch here's very supportive of the missionaries. We get fed basically every night. Our ward mission leader, Bro. S. is the man. We just didn't have many people there bacause it was on a Saturday afternoon I think. Everyone was talking to them and congratulating them on Sunday when they got confirmed. I was s nervous about baptizing M., but I was twicw as nervous Sunday because A. wanted me to confirm her and give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That was way spiritually nerve racking! I actually closed my eyes on that one and did it without any problems. haha We had another mamber's son baptized after church yesterday too. I told Elder Katoa I wish that we had a weekend like this every week. Always having to fill up the font.
We got some really cool news from Bro. S. this week. He told us that they found out last week his neice, from the Green Bay area on his wife's side, is going to be on this season of Survivor airing in a couple weeks. Her name's A. B. He told us even though we can't watch any of it, but I thought that was pretty cool and that if any of you happen to catch some of the season you could think of that.
Other than that I'm doing pretty good. It ius still cold and will be for another 3 months, so maybe I won't even notice by then. The work here is still going great with alot of miracle each and every day. It really is amazing being a missionary and I love it. I just hopoe that we can continue to see success and find solid people like M. and A. throughout the rest of my mission. I know everyone's always asking what I need, but I'm doing fine. I feel bad asking for stuff, but I just can't get it here. If you could send just another notebook of the paper with the prophets I've been writing my letters on, or any other cool staionary like that I would really appreciate it. That way I can keep writing all those letters I know you love so much! ;)
Grandma: You are a great missionary! Doing all those names and helping to spread the gospel to everyone you talk to. That's so cool. How did your talk go in Relief Society? I wish we could go to the temple each week. We're trying hard to be able to go this transfer sometime. I hope you're doing well and in your callings.
Dad: I don't know if I was allowed to but I saw that video of the 12 year old kid. MAn that brings back memories of when I was 12. . . haha I wish! That was incredible! I can't really take any pictures in my new coat because I don't have one. I use the one from Mr. Mac that Kat and aTom got me and it works fine. For now at least so we'll see how it goes and if I end up getting a new one. As for a picture on my bike I don't use it yet and so I will when I bring it out.
Kat and Tom: First of all I'm not going to make a comment even about L. and what you said. But I agree Tom is the best! He really is such a blessing to our family! What's Brady's GPA at now? That sounds like a good deal for both of them. Especially since Brady will get a tux, the ticket in the dance, and the group picture for free.
Tati and Nick: Don't worry about not writing Tati. I totally understand. I'm glad to hear that you're having a good time with your mom and to know you can relate to how I feel. The mission really is the perfect place for me to be. I know I'm suppose to be here now. Don't worry about sending a package either. I'm doing fine.
Mom: It would be so awesome to be there when M. and A. get sealed, but they're thinking about maybe making a trip out of it to Utah. They've never had a honeymoon either he said so it would giv them an excuse. I hope that maybe I can. I did hear about Cody finally. He emailed me. That's so crazy! That's a long time to wait too. I feel like I'm missing something here. . . .how do I feel about being an uncle again? I'm not sure if this is what I think it is but I need some info ASAP. I haven't gotten a letter from Grandma or Grandpa Burke, but tell them I do love them and miss them. I'm looking forward to that scarf too because I know I'm going to love it no matter what. Thank you so much! I hope it gets here this week!
Thanks again everyone for all the letters and support that you give me. The prayers are really helping me I know it. I pray and think about all of you all the time. I miss and love you all! See you next week same time same place.
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Companion
Dear Crafts One and All,
I hope everyone is doing well. I can't remember all that I told you about my new companion Elder Katoa and the transfer situation so I'll just tell you all again anyway. His name's Elder Sam Katoa from American Fork Utah too. How ironic is that? He grew up in the Dallas Ft. Worth area where his Dad was a cop until about 4 years ago when they moved to Utah. His Dad's Samoan so he pretty big. He's an inch or 2 shorter then me but about 70 lbs heavier. He's such a cool missionary. I'm really looking forward to the time we're going to serve together. His testimony's so strong. I guess he's gone down kind of an Alma the Younger route, but from what he's told me the change in him is amazing and I haven't even known him that long. He's got some crazy stories that are for another day. He's been out a little over 6 months now, so technically he's the senior companion here. Funny thing is that I do all the planning and driving because I took over the area so I should know the drill here. Good news is, like I said, I am driving. I called the guy in the mission office the day before Elder Blume left and explained my whole license situation too him and he said I'd be fine. I could have actually driven all 6 weeks of the first transfer, but oh well I guess I just got really good at backing and directing the driver of a car for that time. The last area Elder Katoa was in was the ghetto. North Minneapolis. Brooklyn Center/ Brooklyn Park Area's what it's called. It's been quite the change for him coming over to Menomonie. Even though he lived in American Fork he's not a BYU or a Utes fan really. He signed to play D end of Outside Linebacker for Snow, but he's looking to play anywhere when he gets back. That's a little about my new companion. I hope that answers any questions you guys had.
Taking over the area has been kind of stressful for me though, because like I said I'm suppose to be the one knowing where to go and what to do. That's not always the case though, so planning takes a little while most nights of looking through the Area Book to find out who Elder Blume and I haven't already seen or are teaching. I'm just trying to keep the day full of people to teach, or go see, and areas to do some finding. That way we're consistently busy throughout the whole day being the most effective missionaries we can. There's just so many miracles the Lord's providing here I'm just trying to keep them coming and not get in the way of what He has planned at all.
I'm glad you all liked the pictures. Sorry there's not any this week, but there will be for the next one because I'm actually baptizing a couple this week that we've been teaching from my very first morning in the area!!! I'm so excited for them!! There names are M. and A. and they're being baptized Saturday at 4 p.m.. I'm nervous but very honored that they want me to be the one to baptize them. Mark said that he actually dibsed me awhile ago, so that was really cool when he told me. They also told me on Thursday when we saw them last that they were talking about Elder Blume and I and the other missionaries they've met and decided that I'm the one that's going to be the best dad. That caught me off guard but really made me feel good. I told them it's because I have the greatest example and I've just tried to live up to what he's always taught me. They have 2 little kids, J. who's 4 and S. who's 2, and they told me that I'm the best one with their kids. They said that J. used to always say, " The Guys are here! The Guys are here!" whenever he'd see us coming up to the door for our appointments. J. also loves to draw, so now M. said that ever since recently when I drew J. a picture to keep him focused and calm while Elder Blume prepared them for the baptismal interview, he says, "Elder Craft and the guys are here!" whenever we show up. That really made me feel so good to really see the impact that I have been able to have on their lives. I know that they are people I was meant to meet and I love that whole family. I can't wait to get the pictures for you so you can see them too.
J. H.???!!! Are you kidding me?! This is ridiculous! haha You at least gave her my address right mom? I mean come on that should have been the first thing you talked to her about! ;) That really is so cool though! Sounds like we'll be having a lot more dinners over in West Haven in a couple years.
I have a question you can ask Bishop about that I was just wondering: Was I suppose to give him a scripture or something for a missionary plaque? I can't remember if they're not doing that anymore or what. All the Elders out here have just mentioned something about their scriptures they used so I was wondering.
Kathleen asked about this but I guess it's more for all of you too. She wanted to know if there's anything I still need that I didn't get for Christmas. The answer is kind of I guess. haha I do need a scarf. Just like a good warm scarf I can wear around because even though they said to get that stuff out here I haven't really been able to find it, so that would be awesome. It just has to be dark or conservative in color. The next things are kind of just wants from the family. The first one is a calendar. One that I can hang on the wall of like Greg Olsen paintings or something like that from Seagull Book. The reason I have to ask is because they don't any store like that or anywhere that would sell it out here. I saw a Taylor Swift one at Wal-Mart but I decided one of the Savior would be a little better. Slowly but surely I' maturing in my old age. ;) The last want is some music. I have my MP3 player but I can't hook it up in our car, and the only CD that I have is one that President gave us for Christmas. So if you could just burn some of Josh Groban, The Tab Choir, T-Minus 5, or groups like that that sing songs about the Savior should be fine. I'll just have to get it approved but that's not hard at all. The gospel song "Down to the River to Pray" by Allison Krauss, that Brady and Dad like so much is approved so it just has to be things like that. I would really appreciate that though! Thanks!
Now for the individual parts:
Camie, Brock, and Brandt: Thank you so much for the letter and picture! I loved it! Brandt's a little stud in that picture. As for the pictures of course there's a Wal-Mart here. It's the life blood for all the Wisconsinites Packer gear and beer. So it's just here in Menomonie if you can send them there. You'll just have to email me to pick them up and I'll get them when I go get groceries after I email you guys. I look forward to them!
Mom: I knew you'd be impressed with that letter. I just want to know how many mistakes were on those 120+ wpm sheets? I think that's really what matters, so my 4 mistakes to 40 wpm ratio is basically as good as 120 with a page full or mistakes. haha No I haven't heard where Cody's going yet and it's driving me crazy cause I have a feeling it's somewhere crazy! Like I could see England for some reason, so I'll just have to wait until he writes me back. I did get your letter and that was on Friday the 7th. I think it took a lot longer because the Post Office and Mission Office was closed for New Years, and the Mission Office was holding all mail until after transfers so they'd know where we all ended up. I have plenty of money too for food and everything. Don't worry I'm not starving. I'm not home that much to cook and I only have15-20 minutes for breakfast in the mornings but I probably will make French Toast on a Sunday when I have more time thanks for the ideas. :)
Brady: I'm just glad you wrote the letter. Thanks for taking the time to do it. That's a good idea not to have A girlfriend a few of them is always better! haha JK ;) Seriously though, dating around is the only way to do it man.
Nick: That sounds like a sweet job right next to the White House for you. I forget sometimes that you live right next to all of those monuments and everything sweet like that. Did you recognize or know any of the missionaries' names I gave you in the area?
Well that's it for this week. I hope everything's going well for you. I'm going after we get done shopping to play basketball with the Branch Mission Leader at the University gym because he's Lt. Col. over the ROTC and he teaches here he can get us in to play. So all the mornings at the gym will hopefully pay off so Elder Katoa and I can "put the hurt on him" and his cadets, as he'd say. I love you all and miss you very much! I look forward to hearing from you!
Love, Elder Alex Craft
I hope everyone is doing well. I can't remember all that I told you about my new companion Elder Katoa and the transfer situation so I'll just tell you all again anyway. His name's Elder Sam Katoa from American Fork Utah too. How ironic is that? He grew up in the Dallas Ft. Worth area where his Dad was a cop until about 4 years ago when they moved to Utah. His Dad's Samoan so he pretty big. He's an inch or 2 shorter then me but about 70 lbs heavier. He's such a cool missionary. I'm really looking forward to the time we're going to serve together. His testimony's so strong. I guess he's gone down kind of an Alma the Younger route, but from what he's told me the change in him is amazing and I haven't even known him that long. He's got some crazy stories that are for another day. He's been out a little over 6 months now, so technically he's the senior companion here. Funny thing is that I do all the planning and driving because I took over the area so I should know the drill here. Good news is, like I said, I am driving. I called the guy in the mission office the day before Elder Blume left and explained my whole license situation too him and he said I'd be fine. I could have actually driven all 6 weeks of the first transfer, but oh well I guess I just got really good at backing and directing the driver of a car for that time. The last area Elder Katoa was in was the ghetto. North Minneapolis. Brooklyn Center/ Brooklyn Park Area's what it's called. It's been quite the change for him coming over to Menomonie. Even though he lived in American Fork he's not a BYU or a Utes fan really. He signed to play D end of Outside Linebacker for Snow, but he's looking to play anywhere when he gets back. That's a little about my new companion. I hope that answers any questions you guys had.
Taking over the area has been kind of stressful for me though, because like I said I'm suppose to be the one knowing where to go and what to do. That's not always the case though, so planning takes a little while most nights of looking through the Area Book to find out who Elder Blume and I haven't already seen or are teaching. I'm just trying to keep the day full of people to teach, or go see, and areas to do some finding. That way we're consistently busy throughout the whole day being the most effective missionaries we can. There's just so many miracles the Lord's providing here I'm just trying to keep them coming and not get in the way of what He has planned at all.
I'm glad you all liked the pictures. Sorry there's not any this week, but there will be for the next one because I'm actually baptizing a couple this week that we've been teaching from my very first morning in the area!!! I'm so excited for them!! There names are M. and A. and they're being baptized Saturday at 4 p.m.. I'm nervous but very honored that they want me to be the one to baptize them. Mark said that he actually dibsed me awhile ago, so that was really cool when he told me. They also told me on Thursday when we saw them last that they were talking about Elder Blume and I and the other missionaries they've met and decided that I'm the one that's going to be the best dad. That caught me off guard but really made me feel good. I told them it's because I have the greatest example and I've just tried to live up to what he's always taught me. They have 2 little kids, J. who's 4 and S. who's 2, and they told me that I'm the best one with their kids. They said that J. used to always say, " The Guys are here! The Guys are here!" whenever he'd see us coming up to the door for our appointments. J. also loves to draw, so now M. said that ever since recently when I drew J. a picture to keep him focused and calm while Elder Blume prepared them for the baptismal interview, he says, "Elder Craft and the guys are here!" whenever we show up. That really made me feel so good to really see the impact that I have been able to have on their lives. I know that they are people I was meant to meet and I love that whole family. I can't wait to get the pictures for you so you can see them too.
J. H.???!!! Are you kidding me?! This is ridiculous! haha You at least gave her my address right mom? I mean come on that should have been the first thing you talked to her about! ;) That really is so cool though! Sounds like we'll be having a lot more dinners over in West Haven in a couple years.
I have a question you can ask Bishop about that I was just wondering: Was I suppose to give him a scripture or something for a missionary plaque? I can't remember if they're not doing that anymore or what. All the Elders out here have just mentioned something about their scriptures they used so I was wondering.
Kathleen asked about this but I guess it's more for all of you too. She wanted to know if there's anything I still need that I didn't get for Christmas. The answer is kind of I guess. haha I do need a scarf. Just like a good warm scarf I can wear around because even though they said to get that stuff out here I haven't really been able to find it, so that would be awesome. It just has to be dark or conservative in color. The next things are kind of just wants from the family. The first one is a calendar. One that I can hang on the wall of like Greg Olsen paintings or something like that from Seagull Book. The reason I have to ask is because they don't any store like that or anywhere that would sell it out here. I saw a Taylor Swift one at Wal-Mart but I decided one of the Savior would be a little better. Slowly but surely I' maturing in my old age. ;) The last want is some music. I have my MP3 player but I can't hook it up in our car, and the only CD that I have is one that President gave us for Christmas. So if you could just burn some of Josh Groban, The Tab Choir, T-Minus 5, or groups like that that sing songs about the Savior should be fine. I'll just have to get it approved but that's not hard at all. The gospel song "Down to the River to Pray" by Allison Krauss, that Brady and Dad like so much is approved so it just has to be things like that. I would really appreciate that though! Thanks!
Now for the individual parts:
Camie, Brock, and Brandt: Thank you so much for the letter and picture! I loved it! Brandt's a little stud in that picture. As for the pictures of course there's a Wal-Mart here. It's the life blood for all the Wisconsinites Packer gear and beer. So it's just here in Menomonie if you can send them there. You'll just have to email me to pick them up and I'll get them when I go get groceries after I email you guys. I look forward to them!
Mom: I knew you'd be impressed with that letter. I just want to know how many mistakes were on those 120+ wpm sheets? I think that's really what matters, so my 4 mistakes to 40 wpm ratio is basically as good as 120 with a page full or mistakes. haha No I haven't heard where Cody's going yet and it's driving me crazy cause I have a feeling it's somewhere crazy! Like I could see England for some reason, so I'll just have to wait until he writes me back. I did get your letter and that was on Friday the 7th. I think it took a lot longer because the Post Office and Mission Office was closed for New Years, and the Mission Office was holding all mail until after transfers so they'd know where we all ended up. I have plenty of money too for food and everything. Don't worry I'm not starving. I'm not home that much to cook and I only have15-20 minutes for breakfast in the mornings but I probably will make French Toast on a Sunday when I have more time thanks for the ideas. :)
Brady: I'm just glad you wrote the letter. Thanks for taking the time to do it. That's a good idea not to have A girlfriend a few of them is always better! haha JK ;) Seriously though, dating around is the only way to do it man.
Nick: That sounds like a sweet job right next to the White House for you. I forget sometimes that you live right next to all of those monuments and everything sweet like that. Did you recognize or know any of the missionaries' names I gave you in the area?
Well that's it for this week. I hope everything's going well for you. I'm going after we get done shopping to play basketball with the Branch Mission Leader at the University gym because he's Lt. Col. over the ROTC and he teaches here he can get us in to play. So all the mornings at the gym will hopefully pay off so Elder Katoa and I can "put the hurt on him" and his cadets, as he'd say. I love you all and miss you very much! I look forward to hearing from you!
Love, Elder Alex Craft
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)