Dear Everyone,
This week has been amazing! Sorry there won't be much time to report today in the midst of transfers. We've been doing calls this morning, so I'm finding some time to write in our shifts of calling the teams haha. We had some meetings with President Clements this week just about transfers and other things that we needed to get done. So this last week and the next few days are going to be a little hectic. No matter what happens though I know that my hand won't be cold because of the package of hand warmers you all sent me. Thank you so much for that package! It means a lot that you guys were thinking of me and my hands. I really appreciate all your love and support you constantly give to me! Beside the transfer stuff we had a really good proselyting week. We were able to pick up 5 new investigator. There's a couple new people that have family members that are members of the church we are working with now and are really excited about. We found an amazing new family of 3 tracting this last week that we were able to go back and teach. The night that we tracted into them the father was super nice to us and the son was actually watching a cartoon of the miracles of Christ's life on TV. They are basically members of the church already haha. They have Greg Olsen's painting of the Savior with the child on his lap and that one of Christ you told me about, Mom, and sent me those stamps of from when you were in primary framed and hanging on their walls. They were some of the nicest people I've met and been able to teach. They called us the 3 wise men when we showed up and had bought us each a package of Lindor chocolates! Something all you chocolate fans can appreciate and understand how awesome they are just for that fact alone. haha ;) We're really excited to teach them and expect some great things to happen here in our ward.
Transfers are today for the whole mission, but Elder Crepeau and Elder Lo got their transfer calls on Friday. Elder Crepeau is going back to central Minneapolis Spanish and Elder Lo is going to the Minneapolis Hmong area for the last 2 transfers of my mission. It's sad that they are leaving. We had such a great transfer together and were constantly laughing. It's hard to believe that it's already been a whole transfer almost here with them. We weren't sure who my new companion would be, but President called him on Friday and we picked him up last night. His name is Elder Dalrymple from Orem, Ut. He's been serving in Lakeville as a Zone Leader for the past few transfers. He played basketball for Snow College back in Utah so he's probably my only other companion that I've had that can dunk or touch the rim even. He's a great missionary that I'm really excited to work with! Even though we don't have Zone Conferences this transfer we have a bunch of specialized trainings we'll need to do. Normally in this ward we are the West missionaries that cover the West half of the ward, and there's a set of missionaries that cover the East part. Pretty self explanatory I know, but the reason I say that is because this transfer President has decided to close East Bloomington so Elder Dalrymple and I will cover the whole ward now. It's going to be a lot more to cover and a lot more work but that will bring a lot more success and a lot more of the miracles that we've seen. There's going to be a lot of exciting things happening here and I'm excited to be apart of it all. We have 10 missionaries going home and 17 coming in all on Wednesday that we get to pick up and drop off. In the group of 17 there's 8 new Sisters coming out. It should be a lot of fun haha.
Sorry there's not much more to say. I hope all is well. Just know that I love and pray for you always. Thanks for all that you do for me!
Love, Elder Craft
Showing posts with label cold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cold. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, September 19, 2011
Settling In
Dear Crafts,
I almost feel like after that story Dad sent me and what I heard about the game from members at church yesterday that we all need to take a moment of silence for all those grieving cougar fans out there. . . . HAHA!!! That's so funny! I was glad to hear about that. Especially since Elder White's a BYU fan haha.
Back on the subject of missionary work. Things in Eden Prairie are going well. Elder White and I get along great and are working really hard to try and build up the teaching pool here. It's taking a little time but there's amazing potential and people here. We just have to get and work to find them. This ward is great and really missionary minded. We're blessed to be serving in a ward like this. Hopefully we will have more exciting things to report on for next week.
The Bishop gave us the opportunity to bare our testimonies and for me to stand
and introduce myself yesterday. It was good to kind of make an appearance and share our testimonies with the whole ward and show them we're here to work. There an uncanny amount of people that came up to me after with question about people I know that live in Hooper. One member, Sister Ward, is the great aunt of Braxton Willie and then as Mom got to find out Sister Neilson, who we had dinner with last Sunday, grew up right across the street from Blakeley Charlesworth's mom. So that was weird when they asked where I was from and said they knew someone out near Hooper. The world within the church really is very small. Especially here where everyone seems to be from Utah or knows someone from there haha.
That's great Kevin did so well yesterday. That is kind of early to have his farewell but with Stacie coming home now too it makes sense. Lots of crazy things going on back in Hooper. It's too bad that Brady make it and then that you missed Elder Dillon Pilcher speak on the amazing MMM. Hopefully you'll get to talk to him soon about it. Maybe they'll have him speak again haha. The Assistants were asking me about "this Elder coming out from Hooper next transfer". It's so cool to think about where he'll be trained and who will train him. I'm excited to find out! He's going to love it. Especially since the temperature just dropped like 20 degrees this last week. Winter's just around the corner. Time to build some character haha.
That's so exciting for you Kat and Tom! I wish I could be there to support you, but I'm just glad to know that it's still going through. I know we weren't sure if all the documentation would be ready for awhile so I've just been praying for you, and those prayers were answered. Just know that I'll be thinking about you guys tomorrow! I can't wait to see the pictures. I'm sure it's going to be great with what I've heard about it!
So I'm hoping today to attach some pictures from Shingle Creek for you and I'll probably print some to send as well. There's only a couple from here that I could put on and one is of the Temple of Ekenkar! The people at this church are completely insane!! The one and only "Temple of Ek" is here in Chanhassen and it's their world headquarters. These people in the simplest terms I can describe it are just nuts! They believe in basically everything which means they believe in nothing. They're not Christian and they read from a book that their leaders wrote in 1965 as their scripture known as the Seriyat. They're know for their spiritual exercises that they do. They chant to word "HU" over and over and over. They call it a spiritual exercise that each member does everyday for up to 20 minutes. They do it to soothe and they chant to word "HU" because "it's the sacred, ancient name for God and the vibrations you feel on your throat as you do it are because it's sacred". I want you guys to try it just take a nice deep breathe. . and chant "HU" in a nice soothing voice for 20 seconds while touching your index and middle finger to the side of your throat and repeat as need for up to 20 minutes. Their claim is that it's a "love song to God that will soothe both of you and bring you closer to Him". When they meet to "worship" they all do this chant as a group and it's called a "HU Song" . They're led by their "Temple Masters" and their "prophet" as they referred to him is "The Ek Master". The best part is that I'm not even having to make up any of these names or titles and I was told all of this by one of the followers when we tracted into him. You could probably Google it to find out more. I can't even tell it all that well over an email. There were plenty of things we came up with after talking to him about the Grinch hating the "HU"s and their "HU song" that's why he stole Christmas. We're just waiting for a rapper to now come out with the name "Master EK". I can totally see it haha. They're really nice people just a little on the blasphemous, apostasy side of things haha. I'll just have to remember to tell that story in person. haha
Well I hope that everyone is doing well and I can't wait to hear from you all again. I love and appreciate all that you do for me and I hope to have more stories about investigators and the true Gospel of our Heavenly Father and maybe not so much about the Ekites next week haha.
Love, Elder Craft
I almost feel like after that story Dad sent me and what I heard about the game from members at church yesterday that we all need to take a moment of silence for all those grieving cougar fans out there. . . . HAHA!!! That's so funny! I was glad to hear about that. Especially since Elder White's a BYU fan haha.
Back on the subject of missionary work. Things in Eden Prairie are going well. Elder White and I get along great and are working really hard to try and build up the teaching pool here. It's taking a little time but there's amazing potential and people here. We just have to get and work to find them. This ward is great and really missionary minded. We're blessed to be serving in a ward like this. Hopefully we will have more exciting things to report on for next week.
The Bishop gave us the opportunity to bare our testimonies and for me to stand
and introduce myself yesterday. It was good to kind of make an appearance and share our testimonies with the whole ward and show them we're here to work. There an uncanny amount of people that came up to me after with question about people I know that live in Hooper. One member, Sister Ward, is the great aunt of Braxton Willie and then as Mom got to find out Sister Neilson, who we had dinner with last Sunday, grew up right across the street from Blakeley Charlesworth's mom. So that was weird when they asked where I was from and said they knew someone out near Hooper. The world within the church really is very small. Especially here where everyone seems to be from Utah or knows someone from there haha.
That's great Kevin did so well yesterday. That is kind of early to have his farewell but with Stacie coming home now too it makes sense. Lots of crazy things going on back in Hooper. It's too bad that Brady make it and then that you missed Elder Dillon Pilcher speak on the amazing MMM. Hopefully you'll get to talk to him soon about it. Maybe they'll have him speak again haha. The Assistants were asking me about "this Elder coming out from Hooper next transfer". It's so cool to think about where he'll be trained and who will train him. I'm excited to find out! He's going to love it. Especially since the temperature just dropped like 20 degrees this last week. Winter's just around the corner. Time to build some character haha.
That's so exciting for you Kat and Tom! I wish I could be there to support you, but I'm just glad to know that it's still going through. I know we weren't sure if all the documentation would be ready for awhile so I've just been praying for you, and those prayers were answered. Just know that I'll be thinking about you guys tomorrow! I can't wait to see the pictures. I'm sure it's going to be great with what I've heard about it!
So I'm hoping today to attach some pictures from Shingle Creek for you and I'll probably print some to send as well. There's only a couple from here that I could put on and one is of the Temple of Ekenkar! The people at this church are completely insane!! The one and only "Temple of Ek" is here in Chanhassen and it's their world headquarters. These people in the simplest terms I can describe it are just nuts! They believe in basically everything which means they believe in nothing. They're not Christian and they read from a book that their leaders wrote in 1965 as their scripture known as the Seriyat. They're know for their spiritual exercises that they do. They chant to word "HU" over and over and over. They call it a spiritual exercise that each member does everyday for up to 20 minutes. They do it to soothe and they chant to word "HU" because "it's the sacred, ancient name for God and the vibrations you feel on your throat as you do it are because it's sacred". I want you guys to try it just take a nice deep breathe. . and chant "HU" in a nice soothing voice for 20 seconds while touching your index and middle finger to the side of your throat and repeat as need for up to 20 minutes. Their claim is that it's a "love song to God that will soothe both of you and bring you closer to Him". When they meet to "worship" they all do this chant as a group and it's called a "HU Song" . They're led by their "Temple Masters" and their "prophet" as they referred to him is "The Ek Master". The best part is that I'm not even having to make up any of these names or titles and I was told all of this by one of the followers when we tracted into him. You could probably Google it to find out more. I can't even tell it all that well over an email. There were plenty of things we came up with after talking to him about the Grinch hating the "HU"s and their "HU song" that's why he stole Christmas. We're just waiting for a rapper to now come out with the name "Master EK". I can totally see it haha. They're really nice people just a little on the blasphemous, apostasy side of things haha. I'll just have to remember to tell that story in person. haha
Well I hope that everyone is doing well and I can't wait to hear from you all again. I love and appreciate all that you do for me and I hope to have more stories about investigators and the true Gospel of our Heavenly Father and maybe not so much about the Ekites next week haha.
Love, Elder Craft
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Working in Kasson
Craft Family!
Hey everyone! So first of all I'd just like to apologize for not getting to write you yesterday. We actually had Zone Conference in Rochester and so our P-Day got moved to today. I warned President Howell that the mission home might be getting a call because my family didn't hear from me and he just laughed and said, " I hope so because then at least we know they still care about you". It kinda made me laugh too. haha
So my first question I guess is did Brady get his present form me? Nick wrote me and said that he did,but I haven't heard yet so I'm not sure with Brady.haha The birthday party sounds like a normal Craft family gathering. Full of laughing, sarcasm, and some comments from Brady. haha Jk I'm gald that you're at least trying to fill in for me there. The funny part is that as I read the part that Kathleen wrote me with all the quotes and story about Natalie's phone I could totally picture that whole scenario in my head and it just made me laugh. I'm surprised that Natalie let her phone out of site at all. I thought that that thing would be completely attached to her by now haha.
As far as this the area of Kasson is concerned. I'm still trying to motivate and keep looking at the positive each and everyday. We've been trying to point out miracles everyday that we see. Even if they may be small. Things like the fact that that last house we knocked on didn't slam the door in our face even though they weren't interested. I've talked to the mission president about the attitudes and situations there and we talked about the people of Ammon when they were enslaved with heavy burdens on their back the Lord didn't remove those burdens. Instead he strengthened their backs to be able to carry them. That's what President Howell said he's seen with me and has full confidence and faith in me. That really helped me to feel good knowing that he called me to this area because he trusted in me to be able to be the catalyst to change the way things are. That's something I talked with Elder Russell my first couple days out about. I told him that this is a land of miracles just waiting to happen and we could be the ones to make it happen. He told me that tracting was ineffective and that this area has never had a baptism from tracting. My reply was, "then how amazing will it be when we are the first ones to do that?". That's what my attitude about it here has been all along and I know it's from the strength that the Lord is giving me to carry my burdens. Your prayers are such a blessing and they help so much each and every day. The great thing also is that we had a good exchange with our Zone Leader last week and Zone Conference yesterday so Elder Russell was able to talk to both of them about his concerns and I was able to talk to them too. Ever since those his attitude has been improving incredibly. We working on a couple that have some potential now that we're teaching and so I'm really hoping with his new attitude we can see the success and changes I've been praying so hard for and that I know can happen here! The only negative thing about this area so far isn't so much about the area as it is this climate. I am just getting so sick and tired of cold and snow now! Over the couple weeks I've been here we've gotten a total of 8-10 new inches of snow. We've had a couple more days of below 0 tracting too. Even though I tell myself these experience will help me and it builds character I'm pretty sure that I've built up enough of that character in the last 4 months. haha I'm looking forward to the experiences that come with the myth of warm weather I hear everyone talk about. haha
I hope that everyone else is doing great! It really is so good to get all your emails and letters. Even if the letters might take almost a week to get here I appreciate them so much! They really help me out.
Brady: I hope you did get my present cause it was sweet! haha I hope eveything's going great with school. Good luck with tryouts. Let me know how they go and how Fremont's doing in State. I have one piece of advice that I want you to do sometime this week. If you guys have the Ensign for March already I would HIGHLY suggest to you that you read the talk on page 22 about missionaries and preparing for a mission. It has so much good information that could really help you. So just read it and let me know what you think unless you already have.
Nick and Tati: Happy Anniversary this week! I know it's early but I can't remember if it's the 2nd or 3rd. I'm glad you know all about XMI. That makes me feel better like it's not just some junk tie from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. haha Thank you so much for the long email and the advice. It really did help and I'm trying to improve this area and Elder Russell as much as I can.
Kat and Tom: I'm praying for you in school and it sounds like you need it with all the tests back to back to back! That's crazy! I'm glad you seem to be doing well though. The way you described the party was awesome. It really made me look forward to when we can all be home again and have them together! I agree with you Tom is pretty awesome! I hope everything's going good with him and your guys' temple prep. That's exciting! I'm so happy for you guys!
Grandma Craft: Thank you so much for the email and the write up. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures and letters. I look forward to getting you letter this week!
Mom: Thanks for the advice that you gave me! It really helped me too. I know that I can do all things with the Lord and like I said I feel the blessings I'm receiving from your prayers! How long did my letter take to get to you? It seems like mail takes a really long time to get here or that maybe I'm just not as loved as I think haha. I'm hoping to get your letters soon.
Dad: I'm praying for you with this new job, but I know that you can handle it with no problem. I'm glad to hear the Tyler decided he didn't want to be gay and play for Davis. He'll be a good addition for them along with Parker, Jordan's little brother. They're both really good, so I'm interested to see how tryouts go.
Camie and Brock: I liked to little faces on the email. It really helped to describe your emotions. haha That really is too bad about all those shots for 26 weeks! But the only thing I have to say is. . . . .Karma. haha I'm just kidding. That really is no fun,but then again neither is early labor and bed rest. I guess you'll just have to take your pick. I'm glad to hear that Brandt's doing well and staying healthy, and that you're whole little family's just doing great! :) God luck with school. I'll be praying for you.
Well I think that that's about it until next week. Thanks again so much for all the love, prayer, and support you guys give me! I miss you all a lot! I love you and can't wait to hear about the new exciting adventures next week.
Love, Alex
Hey everyone! So first of all I'd just like to apologize for not getting to write you yesterday. We actually had Zone Conference in Rochester and so our P-Day got moved to today. I warned President Howell that the mission home might be getting a call because my family didn't hear from me and he just laughed and said, " I hope so because then at least we know they still care about you". It kinda made me laugh too. haha
So my first question I guess is did Brady get his present form me? Nick wrote me and said that he did,but I haven't heard yet so I'm not sure with Brady.haha The birthday party sounds like a normal Craft family gathering. Full of laughing, sarcasm, and some comments from Brady. haha Jk I'm gald that you're at least trying to fill in for me there. The funny part is that as I read the part that Kathleen wrote me with all the quotes and story about Natalie's phone I could totally picture that whole scenario in my head and it just made me laugh. I'm surprised that Natalie let her phone out of site at all. I thought that that thing would be completely attached to her by now haha.
As far as this the area of Kasson is concerned. I'm still trying to motivate and keep looking at the positive each and everyday. We've been trying to point out miracles everyday that we see. Even if they may be small. Things like the fact that that last house we knocked on didn't slam the door in our face even though they weren't interested. I've talked to the mission president about the attitudes and situations there and we talked about the people of Ammon when they were enslaved with heavy burdens on their back the Lord didn't remove those burdens. Instead he strengthened their backs to be able to carry them. That's what President Howell said he's seen with me and has full confidence and faith in me. That really helped me to feel good knowing that he called me to this area because he trusted in me to be able to be the catalyst to change the way things are. That's something I talked with Elder Russell my first couple days out about. I told him that this is a land of miracles just waiting to happen and we could be the ones to make it happen. He told me that tracting was ineffective and that this area has never had a baptism from tracting. My reply was, "then how amazing will it be when we are the first ones to do that?". That's what my attitude about it here has been all along and I know it's from the strength that the Lord is giving me to carry my burdens. Your prayers are such a blessing and they help so much each and every day. The great thing also is that we had a good exchange with our Zone Leader last week and Zone Conference yesterday so Elder Russell was able to talk to both of them about his concerns and I was able to talk to them too. Ever since those his attitude has been improving incredibly. We working on a couple that have some potential now that we're teaching and so I'm really hoping with his new attitude we can see the success and changes I've been praying so hard for and that I know can happen here! The only negative thing about this area so far isn't so much about the area as it is this climate. I am just getting so sick and tired of cold and snow now! Over the couple weeks I've been here we've gotten a total of 8-10 new inches of snow. We've had a couple more days of below 0 tracting too. Even though I tell myself these experience will help me and it builds character I'm pretty sure that I've built up enough of that character in the last 4 months. haha I'm looking forward to the experiences that come with the myth of warm weather I hear everyone talk about. haha
I hope that everyone else is doing great! It really is so good to get all your emails and letters. Even if the letters might take almost a week to get here I appreciate them so much! They really help me out.
Brady: I hope you did get my present cause it was sweet! haha I hope eveything's going great with school. Good luck with tryouts. Let me know how they go and how Fremont's doing in State. I have one piece of advice that I want you to do sometime this week. If you guys have the Ensign for March already I would HIGHLY suggest to you that you read the talk on page 22 about missionaries and preparing for a mission. It has so much good information that could really help you. So just read it and let me know what you think unless you already have.
Nick and Tati: Happy Anniversary this week! I know it's early but I can't remember if it's the 2nd or 3rd. I'm glad you know all about XMI. That makes me feel better like it's not just some junk tie from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. haha Thank you so much for the long email and the advice. It really did help and I'm trying to improve this area and Elder Russell as much as I can.
Kat and Tom: I'm praying for you in school and it sounds like you need it with all the tests back to back to back! That's crazy! I'm glad you seem to be doing well though. The way you described the party was awesome. It really made me look forward to when we can all be home again and have them together! I agree with you Tom is pretty awesome! I hope everything's going good with him and your guys' temple prep. That's exciting! I'm so happy for you guys!
Grandma Craft: Thank you so much for the email and the write up. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures and letters. I look forward to getting you letter this week!
Mom: Thanks for the advice that you gave me! It really helped me too. I know that I can do all things with the Lord and like I said I feel the blessings I'm receiving from your prayers! How long did my letter take to get to you? It seems like mail takes a really long time to get here or that maybe I'm just not as loved as I think haha. I'm hoping to get your letters soon.
Dad: I'm praying for you with this new job, but I know that you can handle it with no problem. I'm glad to hear the Tyler decided he didn't want to be gay and play for Davis. He'll be a good addition for them along with Parker, Jordan's little brother. They're both really good, so I'm interested to see how tryouts go.
Camie and Brock: I liked to little faces on the email. It really helped to describe your emotions. haha That really is too bad about all those shots for 26 weeks! But the only thing I have to say is. . . . .Karma. haha I'm just kidding. That really is no fun,but then again neither is early labor and bed rest. I guess you'll just have to take your pick. I'm glad to hear that Brandt's doing well and staying healthy, and that you're whole little family's just doing great! :) God luck with school. I'll be praying for you.
Well I think that that's about it until next week. Thanks again so much for all the love, prayer, and support you guys give me! I miss you all a lot! I love you and can't wait to hear about the new exciting adventures next week.
Love, Alex
Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Bowl
Hello Crafts,
To start off with how bout them Packers huh?! haha Even though I'm not a Packers fan it still was pretty cool being here in Packers country when that whole thing was happening. Yesterday was kind of a bust day because of the Super Bowl. At least for us as missionaries. We had an early lunch with our new branch mission leader and his wife that just moved out from BYU. They're way funny, but we had to go there early because they were going to another member's house for the Super Bowl. So from the hours of 4:30ish- 9 we knew that 1- no members would want to talk to us, 2- our investigators would all be watching the game too, and 3- any door we knocked on would not be a very welcoming interruption. Packers football is religion here. That's what made it difficult for us, but instead of just sitting inside for those 4 1/2 hrs we went and walked around EVERYWHERE to try and talk to anyone that might be out or people that weren't watching the game. We walked a total of a little over 8 miles round trip and it took almost 4 hrs. Too bad for us there were only a handful of people out and about to talk to. It was cool to know that we were at least out trying to work and still be missionaries even though it's something I might not wan to do again. haha What made it nice is the fact that it was in the high 20s so we weren't even cold walking that long. It sounds like the weather there's just too much for everyone to handle being 50 degrees and all. Man you guys are lucky! I can't wait for this myth I keep hearing about called Warm Weather that supposedly happens around here. Even though like I said I am out here in Packer country it still has been really funny for us to see all the Fair Weather Fans come out from hiding. Yesterday everyone and their dog was sporting Packers something. Either actually on them or their car and if not there on their house. Plus people were painting "GO PACK" and stuff like that all in the snow mounds on the side of the road. We passed a college house that had a huge group of people out on on the snow they'd piled up and painted all in their Packers gear with a keg and big sign that said, "you honk we drink!". It kinda made me laugh at how ridiculous it was and how many car horns we heard go off for that whole tailgating party. haha
It was warmer yesterday but it has been back down in the negatives most mornings again. Nothing too bad but just enough to make me think that Spring really is a myth that I'll never get to witness. Luckily for me I have a scarf the size of a hammock that I can wrap around me and not have to worry about being cold! :) The one thing that's not so cool recently is everyone we talk to keeps asking our ages, and because it was Elder Katoa's birthday last week he told them 20. They all thought he was at least 24-25 and the thing that's not so cool is everyone's guess for me has been 17 to maybe 19! I was like what the heck is this? I thought I deserved a little credit, but it is what it is. There's one way legit kid we contacted on campus that we're teaching now named R. that thought I was 24 he said, so needless to say I like going to teach him. haha jk Our campus contacting has seen alot of miracles. Not only R., but there were two girls that came to check out Sacrament from the college that we taught in our Gospel Principles class. They were there for a project we found out but they were still really interested and asking questions after we answered the ones for the project. We called them to set up an appointment so we could teach them again and they said they were really interested. In fact they invited us to come to their Non-Denominational Christian group meeting on Wednesday night. We were way excited and went to the meeting Wednesday hoping for the best and expecting the worst just to be prepared. It went so so well!! There were 10 students there that were all interested and asking sincere questions about what we taught. The spirit was so strong and Elder Katoa and I remembered our training and bore testimony very frequently throughout the whole lesson. It was a very powerful experience to be able to testify the truth of what I know to them and to feel that they were understanding. The miracle of it was that they all want us to come back this Wednesday to teach them again and bring the Books of Mormon that we had talked and testified so much about. We were blessed enough to get 8 new investigators that night! It was a miracle I could not believe and helped build my testimony of hard work and obedience bringing miracles to our lives. It was such a cool experience and not one that missionaries get to have very often. Our mission's standards of excellence goals are at least 4 new investigators/ week and so this week being able to get 9 is something I don't know that can happen again. This is we I've been calling Menomonie the land of miracles!
Well here's the response for Mom and Dad. Sorry I don't have one for each of you.
Mom: I can't wait to hear where Tavan's going. That's gonna be pretty intense! -40 is the temperature that they tell the mission that we need to stay in. That's -40 with windchill too,so that doesn't really happen here when we are usually out. So basically there's never a time when they tell us to stay in. haha It's just helping to make us tougher. This tile sounds pretty cool. I can't wait to see the pictures. I had no idea you were even doing that. Leave it to Brock to do that for us too. He's the man! Brandt sounds like he's right in the funnest stage. I can imagine him laughing and smiling at everyone, and the thing that makes me laugh and smile is the fact that Camie's going to have him on one hip and the new little one on the other. It hasn't really hit me that she's pregnant again, but everytime I think about it I just laugh. Not cause I'm doubting her as a Mom or anything but just at the fun she's going to have. haha
Dad: I'm happy to hear about the garage. :) haha I'll continue to pray for you guys and the job hunts for everyone. Where would you go back to school at? Weber State? I would love if everyone could write me a letter tonight. I'm looking forward to that and the package! You guys don't have to do that though. If you send it this week though I'd just send it here to Menomonie because transfers are next Monday and they could hold it at the mission home for a little longer until that's all over in case I do leave.
Well I miss you all and I can't wait to hear from you! You're all in my prayers and I hope all is well. OFA LAHI ATU!! (Elder Katoa's been teaching me some Tongan. Some of it like that I can repeat to you. haha)
Love, Elder Alex Craft
To start off with how bout them Packers huh?! haha Even though I'm not a Packers fan it still was pretty cool being here in Packers country when that whole thing was happening. Yesterday was kind of a bust day because of the Super Bowl. At least for us as missionaries. We had an early lunch with our new branch mission leader and his wife that just moved out from BYU. They're way funny, but we had to go there early because they were going to another member's house for the Super Bowl. So from the hours of 4:30ish- 9 we knew that 1- no members would want to talk to us, 2- our investigators would all be watching the game too, and 3- any door we knocked on would not be a very welcoming interruption. Packers football is religion here. That's what made it difficult for us, but instead of just sitting inside for those 4 1/2 hrs we went and walked around EVERYWHERE to try and talk to anyone that might be out or people that weren't watching the game. We walked a total of a little over 8 miles round trip and it took almost 4 hrs. Too bad for us there were only a handful of people out and about to talk to. It was cool to know that we were at least out trying to work and still be missionaries even though it's something I might not wan to do again. haha What made it nice is the fact that it was in the high 20s so we weren't even cold walking that long. It sounds like the weather there's just too much for everyone to handle being 50 degrees and all. Man you guys are lucky! I can't wait for this myth I keep hearing about called Warm Weather that supposedly happens around here. Even though like I said I am out here in Packer country it still has been really funny for us to see all the Fair Weather Fans come out from hiding. Yesterday everyone and their dog was sporting Packers something. Either actually on them or their car and if not there on their house. Plus people were painting "GO PACK" and stuff like that all in the snow mounds on the side of the road. We passed a college house that had a huge group of people out on on the snow they'd piled up and painted all in their Packers gear with a keg and big sign that said, "you honk we drink!". It kinda made me laugh at how ridiculous it was and how many car horns we heard go off for that whole tailgating party. haha
It was warmer yesterday but it has been back down in the negatives most mornings again. Nothing too bad but just enough to make me think that Spring really is a myth that I'll never get to witness. Luckily for me I have a scarf the size of a hammock that I can wrap around me and not have to worry about being cold! :) The one thing that's not so cool recently is everyone we talk to keeps asking our ages, and because it was Elder Katoa's birthday last week he told them 20. They all thought he was at least 24-25 and the thing that's not so cool is everyone's guess for me has been 17 to maybe 19! I was like what the heck is this? I thought I deserved a little credit, but it is what it is. There's one way legit kid we contacted on campus that we're teaching now named R. that thought I was 24 he said, so needless to say I like going to teach him. haha jk Our campus contacting has seen alot of miracles. Not only R., but there were two girls that came to check out Sacrament from the college that we taught in our Gospel Principles class. They were there for a project we found out but they were still really interested and asking questions after we answered the ones for the project. We called them to set up an appointment so we could teach them again and they said they were really interested. In fact they invited us to come to their Non-Denominational Christian group meeting on Wednesday night. We were way excited and went to the meeting Wednesday hoping for the best and expecting the worst just to be prepared. It went so so well!! There were 10 students there that were all interested and asking sincere questions about what we taught. The spirit was so strong and Elder Katoa and I remembered our training and bore testimony very frequently throughout the whole lesson. It was a very powerful experience to be able to testify the truth of what I know to them and to feel that they were understanding. The miracle of it was that they all want us to come back this Wednesday to teach them again and bring the Books of Mormon that we had talked and testified so much about. We were blessed enough to get 8 new investigators that night! It was a miracle I could not believe and helped build my testimony of hard work and obedience bringing miracles to our lives. It was such a cool experience and not one that missionaries get to have very often. Our mission's standards of excellence goals are at least 4 new investigators/ week and so this week being able to get 9 is something I don't know that can happen again. This is we I've been calling Menomonie the land of miracles!
Well here's the response for Mom and Dad. Sorry I don't have one for each of you.
Mom: I can't wait to hear where Tavan's going. That's gonna be pretty intense! -40 is the temperature that they tell the mission that we need to stay in. That's -40 with windchill too,so that doesn't really happen here when we are usually out. So basically there's never a time when they tell us to stay in. haha It's just helping to make us tougher. This tile sounds pretty cool. I can't wait to see the pictures. I had no idea you were even doing that. Leave it to Brock to do that for us too. He's the man! Brandt sounds like he's right in the funnest stage. I can imagine him laughing and smiling at everyone, and the thing that makes me laugh and smile is the fact that Camie's going to have him on one hip and the new little one on the other. It hasn't really hit me that she's pregnant again, but everytime I think about it I just laugh. Not cause I'm doubting her as a Mom or anything but just at the fun she's going to have. haha
Dad: I'm happy to hear about the garage. :) haha I'll continue to pray for you guys and the job hunts for everyone. Where would you go back to school at? Weber State? I would love if everyone could write me a letter tonight. I'm looking forward to that and the package! You guys don't have to do that though. If you send it this week though I'd just send it here to Menomonie because transfers are next Monday and they could hold it at the mission home for a little longer until that's all over in case I do leave.
Well I miss you all and I can't wait to hear from you! You're all in my prayers and I hope all is well. OFA LAHI ATU!! (Elder Katoa's been teaching me some Tongan. Some of it like that I can repeat to you. haha)
Love, Elder Alex Craft
Monday, January 31, 2011
January 31, 2011
Hey Family,
What's up everyone? Well not too much new with me that's all that crazy this week. I'm glad to hear Cevering did so well at his farewell. I knew he would and that he's going to be an amazing missionary. He's gonna tear it up in Chile! I think Weav's farewell should be next week or the week after cause he's leaving pretty soon too. I'm glad to hear my friends all still remember me and are thinking of me while I freeze here. I think if you tell them the best way to find out how I'm doing would be to actually write me a freaking letter it would be for the best! haha jk It works just as good to have you guys keep the entourage informed. ;)
So last week wasn't actually too cold for most of it. We had some crazy "heat wave" for a couple days that we got up in the high 20's almost to 30 degrees. I didn't know what to do with myself. I almost pulled out the short sleeved dress shirts, but I figured all good things must come to an end, and I was right because today it's back down 15-20 degrees colder and snowing. But hey at least we're on the positive side of 0. haha When we had those warm temperatures we got a bunch of freezing mist that was a giant pain in the butt though. It just covered our car and everything else in this thin layer of ice that made walking and driving in some places a bit treacherous. It was weird because it hung in the air too. We'd just be walking and feel it hit your face and we could see what looked like glitter just hanging there. It was pretty weird, but we survived.
Here in Menomonie we have a lake called Lake Menomin that's right by Main St. and the highway coming into town. Cars have been driving out there to ice fish since December, so that's no big deal. On Saturday there was a whole little village set up out there with probably 100+ cars. We could hear snowmobiles out there too. They were having snowmobile drag races out across the lake. It was kinda cool to just watch them for a second. They had two plowed lanes that they would just scream down, and to think that it was all on top of the water was way cool. It's gotta be some pretty thick ice to support everyone out there, and it's something they do every year too. I just don't know if I'd have enough faith to try and drive out there. Elder Katoa and I thought about it but then we figured, not only is it against the rules, but sinking a car that was provided by other members of the Church might not be the greatest thing to try and deal with let alone explain to President Howell.
The other cool thing about being here in Wisconsin now is the fact that the Packers made it to the Super Bowl! The bad part is that we hear the Steelers are a really good team, so we'll see what happens next week. There's going to be no point in tracting during the game because no one will even answer the door. I just hope that they win so that we have a lot of really really happy Wisconsinites to talk to. If they lose it might not be such a great day to go around and try to talk to everyone about Jesus Christ and how His Gospel can bless them in their lives. Strangely enough I don't think they'll wanna hear it. We figure either way, win or lose, they'll all be intoxicated and we might get to talk to them because of that. haha
I don't really have anything else to write about that's cool or exciting. I haven't had any new animals that I've gotten to eat yet in case you all were wondering. As far as I can tell I don't have any new parasites living inside me from what I've already had either.
Kat and Tom: Good luck with the test! I hope all goes well and you pass so that you can handle any other thing thrown at you like you said. haha I like the pictures you attached. Brandt looks way cute! I think not only Mom but Camie and Natalie are going to kill you for posting those pictures on the internet. I was afraid for anyone looking at my screen here at the library that might think I was raised in the circus with the clowns.
Grandma Craft: I hope they organize temple trips for you too because it is such a blessing to be able to go. I wish that we could go more than quarterly here as missionaries, but I look forward to when I can even more because of it.
Mom: I did get your letter that you wrote at 5 a.m. but I haven't gotten one from anyone else yet. I feel bad that I can't write all of you a letter each week. I just don't have the time. I did send Sidne a letter though! I don't know what she's talking about because it was sent with those other ones and was like 2 pages long front and back. It took forever! I think I sent it to her house address, but I can't remember. I could have sent it to her apartment at Utah State, so if you could just let her know that I did send it I just don't know which address she needs to check that's be great.
Nick and Tati: Thanks for giving me your address. You were the only sibling that I didn't have an address for. Congratulations Dr. Craft! I'll keep praying for you so you can have the job opportunites come up. I can't believe you guys drove 1mph through that snow storm! That is terrible!! I guess it would be bad for people though if they've never driven in it. Especially 5 inches.
Well sorry this is kinda short but I hope that everyone's just doing amazing!! Like I said I'm sorry I can't write all of you individually each week like I'd like to. I do feel bad. I hope to hear from you all again soon! I love you, miss you, and pray for you all each night! Thank you for your prayers they really do help.
What's up everyone? Well not too much new with me that's all that crazy this week. I'm glad to hear Cevering did so well at his farewell. I knew he would and that he's going to be an amazing missionary. He's gonna tear it up in Chile! I think Weav's farewell should be next week or the week after cause he's leaving pretty soon too. I'm glad to hear my friends all still remember me and are thinking of me while I freeze here. I think if you tell them the best way to find out how I'm doing would be to actually write me a freaking letter it would be for the best! haha jk It works just as good to have you guys keep the entourage informed. ;)
So last week wasn't actually too cold for most of it. We had some crazy "heat wave" for a couple days that we got up in the high 20's almost to 30 degrees. I didn't know what to do with myself. I almost pulled out the short sleeved dress shirts, but I figured all good things must come to an end, and I was right because today it's back down 15-20 degrees colder and snowing. But hey at least we're on the positive side of 0. haha When we had those warm temperatures we got a bunch of freezing mist that was a giant pain in the butt though. It just covered our car and everything else in this thin layer of ice that made walking and driving in some places a bit treacherous. It was weird because it hung in the air too. We'd just be walking and feel it hit your face and we could see what looked like glitter just hanging there. It was pretty weird, but we survived.
Here in Menomonie we have a lake called Lake Menomin that's right by Main St. and the highway coming into town. Cars have been driving out there to ice fish since December, so that's no big deal. On Saturday there was a whole little village set up out there with probably 100+ cars. We could hear snowmobiles out there too. They were having snowmobile drag races out across the lake. It was kinda cool to just watch them for a second. They had two plowed lanes that they would just scream down, and to think that it was all on top of the water was way cool. It's gotta be some pretty thick ice to support everyone out there, and it's something they do every year too. I just don't know if I'd have enough faith to try and drive out there. Elder Katoa and I thought about it but then we figured, not only is it against the rules, but sinking a car that was provided by other members of the Church might not be the greatest thing to try and deal with let alone explain to President Howell.
The other cool thing about being here in Wisconsin now is the fact that the Packers made it to the Super Bowl! The bad part is that we hear the Steelers are a really good team, so we'll see what happens next week. There's going to be no point in tracting during the game because no one will even answer the door. I just hope that they win so that we have a lot of really really happy Wisconsinites to talk to. If they lose it might not be such a great day to go around and try to talk to everyone about Jesus Christ and how His Gospel can bless them in their lives. Strangely enough I don't think they'll wanna hear it. We figure either way, win or lose, they'll all be intoxicated and we might get to talk to them because of that. haha
I don't really have anything else to write about that's cool or exciting. I haven't had any new animals that I've gotten to eat yet in case you all were wondering. As far as I can tell I don't have any new parasites living inside me from what I've already had either.
Kat and Tom: Good luck with the test! I hope all goes well and you pass so that you can handle any other thing thrown at you like you said. haha I like the pictures you attached. Brandt looks way cute! I think not only Mom but Camie and Natalie are going to kill you for posting those pictures on the internet. I was afraid for anyone looking at my screen here at the library that might think I was raised in the circus with the clowns.
Grandma Craft: I hope they organize temple trips for you too because it is such a blessing to be able to go. I wish that we could go more than quarterly here as missionaries, but I look forward to when I can even more because of it.
Mom: I did get your letter that you wrote at 5 a.m. but I haven't gotten one from anyone else yet. I feel bad that I can't write all of you a letter each week. I just don't have the time. I did send Sidne a letter though! I don't know what she's talking about because it was sent with those other ones and was like 2 pages long front and back. It took forever! I think I sent it to her house address, but I can't remember. I could have sent it to her apartment at Utah State, so if you could just let her know that I did send it I just don't know which address she needs to check that's be great.
Nick and Tati: Thanks for giving me your address. You were the only sibling that I didn't have an address for. Congratulations Dr. Craft! I'll keep praying for you so you can have the job opportunites come up. I can't believe you guys drove 1mph through that snow storm! That is terrible!! I guess it would be bad for people though if they've never driven in it. Especially 5 inches.
Well sorry this is kinda short but I hope that everyone's just doing amazing!! Like I said I'm sorry I can't write all of you individually each week like I'd like to. I do feel bad. I hope to hear from you all again soon! I love you, miss you, and pray for you all each night! Thank you for your prayers they really do help.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Can't Wait for the Cold to End
Hello Crafts,
Sorry everyone that I don't have any crazy funny stories for this week. So far we've avoided that raccoon stew again. It can only go on so long though before I finally have to eat it. haha I can't believe that Hooper is in the 40s! What is this garbage? All last week the warmest it got was in the teens! We got a few more inches of snow during that 2 day "heat wave too". I can't wait for it to warm up, but that's not going to happen until maybe March or April. Luckily I think that I can survive one more month of it. Thursday night/ Friday morning was the coldest it's been here by far. I went out to move the car for Brother G. at about 8 a.m. and the thermometer in the dash said that it was -15 out side without windchill. We called the weather report on our phone to see what the windchill was and it said that it was -30 with windchill that morning. The cool part is that now I've spent so much time out in it that I don't even really start to notice the sold until it's below 0. I figured out a test to know when it -5 or colder. I just go out and breathe through my nose and if it freezes inside then I know it's that cold. I'm becoming my own thermometer and a real man at the same time so it's a win win for everyone! haha At the members house we ate at Friday night too he told us that the night before had been -40 without windchill and windchill dropped it to -60!! That's insane! I wish that I would have known though so I could have gone out and taking a picture in my basketball shorts of it like I want to. That would have been sweet to send home right Mom? ;) haha
I did get the package last monday when we got home from shopping, so thank you everyone! That was sweet! I really like the CDs Brady and the NERF hoop and shaving kit Camie apparently I should be using that here pretty soon is the sign I'm getting, so I'll try my hardest. haha :) You weren't kidding about that scarf either Mom, but I love it!! It's so warm and if ever I need somewhere to sleep I'm wearing a hammock around my neck, so I'm always prepared! :) Seriously though thanks it means a lot that you spent the time on it that you did. Some of the women in the branch told me to tell you that you did a very nice job on it. It's some of the best crocheting that they've seen. So the people of Menomonie were able to see what real fine "Craft"smanship is. haha Nice job!
Sorry it's not very long and I don't have much to say other than I'm super excited to be an uncle again! That's gonna be fun for you 2, Camie and Brock, but I'm excited anyway. I'll have 2 nephews at least by the time I get home.
Dad: That would be way cool if you got the job in Holladay. I hope you do too. I've been praying for you so let me know how it goes.
Mom: I heard about L. from Kat. That's still crazy though. Maybe it will have to be L. That's too bad about A. J. How's the family handling it? And it sounds like J.'s going to be having a rough time for the next little while.
Nick and Tati: I just have a couple questions for you what's the ward and stake you are in and your address? You're the only ones I don't have an address for. Any news on the internship too?
Kat and Tom: I hope everything's going well with school and work. I can't wait to hear from you guys.
Camie and Brock: The package really was so good! Thanks for that! I was excited to get all of it and the fact that they were wrapped so I had legit presents to open too were sweet! I got your letter too so I'll try writing you back today.
Brady: Basketball games just sound stupid now. What's up with that? Mr. L. is kind of a push over though so it doesn't sur[rise me that he just didn't want any contention. Just push through these next few weeks and get your project done. You'll be happy that you do!
Natalie: How's the 8th grade going still? I don't really know what else to ask you about haha. Are you still going to the temple? I hope to hear from you soon.
Grandma: How's the family history missionary work and your calling going? I tell everyone what a professional you are at new family search out here so they know that they can always so more to help out their ancestors.
Like I said before sorry that it's so short and that I didn't have that much to talk about. I look forward to hearing from you guys and hope that all is well. I'm staying warm and still faithfully and diligently serving. I miss you and love you very much.
Love, Elder Alex Craft
Sorry everyone that I don't have any crazy funny stories for this week. So far we've avoided that raccoon stew again. It can only go on so long though before I finally have to eat it. haha I can't believe that Hooper is in the 40s! What is this garbage? All last week the warmest it got was in the teens! We got a few more inches of snow during that 2 day "heat wave too". I can't wait for it to warm up, but that's not going to happen until maybe March or April. Luckily I think that I can survive one more month of it. Thursday night/ Friday morning was the coldest it's been here by far. I went out to move the car for Brother G. at about 8 a.m. and the thermometer in the dash said that it was -15 out side without windchill. We called the weather report on our phone to see what the windchill was and it said that it was -30 with windchill that morning. The cool part is that now I've spent so much time out in it that I don't even really start to notice the sold until it's below 0. I figured out a test to know when it -5 or colder. I just go out and breathe through my nose and if it freezes inside then I know it's that cold. I'm becoming my own thermometer and a real man at the same time so it's a win win for everyone! haha At the members house we ate at Friday night too he told us that the night before had been -40 without windchill and windchill dropped it to -60!! That's insane! I wish that I would have known though so I could have gone out and taking a picture in my basketball shorts of it like I want to. That would have been sweet to send home right Mom? ;) haha
I did get the package last monday when we got home from shopping, so thank you everyone! That was sweet! I really like the CDs Brady and the NERF hoop and shaving kit Camie apparently I should be using that here pretty soon is the sign I'm getting, so I'll try my hardest. haha :) You weren't kidding about that scarf either Mom, but I love it!! It's so warm and if ever I need somewhere to sleep I'm wearing a hammock around my neck, so I'm always prepared! :) Seriously though thanks it means a lot that you spent the time on it that you did. Some of the women in the branch told me to tell you that you did a very nice job on it. It's some of the best crocheting that they've seen. So the people of Menomonie were able to see what real fine "Craft"smanship is. haha Nice job!
Sorry it's not very long and I don't have much to say other than I'm super excited to be an uncle again! That's gonna be fun for you 2, Camie and Brock, but I'm excited anyway. I'll have 2 nephews at least by the time I get home.
Dad: That would be way cool if you got the job in Holladay. I hope you do too. I've been praying for you so let me know how it goes.
Mom: I heard about L. from Kat. That's still crazy though. Maybe it will have to be L. That's too bad about A. J. How's the family handling it? And it sounds like J.'s going to be having a rough time for the next little while.
Nick and Tati: I just have a couple questions for you what's the ward and stake you are in and your address? You're the only ones I don't have an address for. Any news on the internship too?
Kat and Tom: I hope everything's going well with school and work. I can't wait to hear from you guys.
Camie and Brock: The package really was so good! Thanks for that! I was excited to get all of it and the fact that they were wrapped so I had legit presents to open too were sweet! I got your letter too so I'll try writing you back today.
Brady: Basketball games just sound stupid now. What's up with that? Mr. L. is kind of a push over though so it doesn't sur[rise me that he just didn't want any contention. Just push through these next few weeks and get your project done. You'll be happy that you do!
Natalie: How's the 8th grade going still? I don't really know what else to ask you about haha. Are you still going to the temple? I hope to hear from you soon.
Grandma: How's the family history missionary work and your calling going? I tell everyone what a professional you are at new family search out here so they know that they can always so more to help out their ancestors.
Like I said before sorry that it's so short and that I didn't have that much to talk about. I look forward to hearing from you guys and hope that all is well. I'm staying warm and still faithfully and diligently serving. I miss you and love you very much.
Love, Elder Alex Craft
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