Wed, 13 May 2009

Dear Everybody,

My mom rocks. That's all.

I'm going to use my email to the mission pres to fill out this one--it's just easier, and we've got a lot of waterballoons to deal with today, so I've got to get going soon.> > Oh, and for those of you who are wondering why this email is so late--they cahnged our P-Day to Wednesday. I kind of love it. At first I thought it would be hard, but I really think it's better this way. Somehow makes the week feel shorter. . . Then again, it makes getting our tracting goal harder. . .

So here's the update for the week. . .

"Dear President Beck,

I just wanted to tell you, President, that I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve with Hna. Sepulveda. She is a great companion. If we don't always get along, we are able to work out our differences. [Which, having me as a companion, means she's pretty much a saint. Or just really laid back. . .] I can honestly tell you that we have seen miracles in our companionship in this area. And, as we iron out our exact obedience and really start applying ourselves and putting goals into play, I know we are beginning to see so much success. This has been an awesome couple of transfers, learning a LOT through trial and (definitely) error, [That means I screw up a lot over here.] and seeing changes for the better in myself and in her. I have learned a lot about leadership and also, I have found a true friend. [Michelle, she reminds me a little bit of you.] I hope she feels the same way.

Mother's Day phone call was good--everyone at home seems just the same [which means you're awesomely cool], and my dad is over in Iraq, but he is still safe. [which means you're awesome, but probably not very cool right now. . .]

Maria and her 6 kids all came to church on Sunday. [HOORAY!!!!!] All the children talk about how they will be baptized, [Not kidding--Oscar (12) asked me at our first FHE with them "Are you Catholic?" "No, I'm Mormon." "Oh, cool. I'm going to be Mormon." These guys rock.] and even the oldest--13 and kind of rebellious [not really though. One of the most obedient 13-yr-olds I know]--is very excited to do service with the Young Women and go to Girl's Camp. The boys even want suits now for Sunday! [Oscar told me he asked his mom to buy him a tux for church like his uncle's. (His unlce's a member.)] This family is an amazing miracle. I know the Lord directs this work and, when His children are prepared, He sets things in motion that lead to their eternal progression. He is the Master at this Giant Puzzle we call existence. It is pretty awesome seeing where I fit in.

Thank you so much, President, for always watching out for us and making sure we are safe. I definitely know the things you ask me to do are what I need to in order to be the best missionary. [Can you tell we had interviews last week?] I am SO FAR from perfect, and I have a long way to go, but I think I'm moving forward. I hope you and Sister Beck are having an awesome week. Talk to you again soon!

Sincerely,
Hna. Crowley"

Was that a pretty good update? Oh yeah--and then it was Mother's Day--Estrella had a ward activity Saturday, and Maria and her family all went--including her husband! And Maria even helped with the decorations (she has a business license for selling stuff like flowers and balloons for holidays, and she had a lot of extras from last Mother's Day, so she asked if she could help out. She's amazing!) Anyway, with this family, basically my life as a missionary rocks right now. But now we're looking for investigators for the English ward so we can help them find success and catch the missionary spirit. We're working that one out with the Lord.

All right, I'm outie--like a belly-buttom on a pregnant woman.

Peace.
Love,
Hna Crowley