Dear Everybody,
Yeah, I got transferred. I am now actually living in Phoenix, very far away from my last area. . . Well, far for me. I'm serving in the Moon Valley ward/group. What is that you ask? Well, we're serving in an English ward that has a mini Spanish ward wrapped up inside it. It's not even big enough to be a branch yet. I guess they wanted a Spanish unit for this stake, and that's all they could muster up . . . lol. Anyway, it's a pretty cool area. We have two baptisms--one this Saturday, one next Saturday, and one who will probably be baptized next Saturday as well. Those are all, however, English. So we have a little bit of work to do if we ever want our little group to become a branch. That's my goal--get it big enough to be a branch.
I stayed with Hna. Walker--we were both pretty excited about that. This is her last transfer, so things are definitely winding down for her. But being in this new area did a lot to rejuvenate her spirits. We teach a lot, and there's a lot of member involvement. So things are looking pretty good for us.
The apartment that we inherited, however, was ridiculous. Those of you out there who have served missions might understand--this apartment had been inhabited by Elders for over five years--that's what I've gathered from the members at least. It was disgusting. We've put a big dent in it now--we've replaced the couches, fabreezed the carpet daily. . . Anyway, it has taken a lot of de-junking to make this place close to something that would have the Spirit dwell in it. I don't know how guys live like that.
The funniest thing is that now it mostly smells normal, but every once in a while an odor wafts around that smells like stinky boy room--as if the apartment is possessed by a ghost. The other night my companion and I actually got a little creeped out because it was so weird how the smell was moving around the apartment.
We don't know anybody in our new zone very well, but the district and zone leaders are fun. Well, we're making them fun. We're breaking them in. Lol.
The work is amazing. We were talking to this guy last night--Larry the "eternal investigator"--and he's a really intelligent guy. He goes to church regularly and has pretty much heard everything the missionaries have to say. But he doesn't really see the importance of being baptized. So we took a minute to discuss authority--why would it even be important to know that Joseph Smith restored the Gospel and the Priesthood? That understanding clearly explains the need to be baptized with Christ's authority. Hna. Walker explained baptism as a two-way promise--that God is bound when we do our part. Then I pointed out--what in our life makes an agreement legally binding? Think about a notary--they have legal authority to make a contract or a statement legally binding. So why would Christ be bound by a baptism that was not done with His authority behind it? God is a God of order. I just wanted to let you know I have a testimony of these things. I like the logical stuff like that.
Anyway, I hope everyone is well. This email is pretty long, but I guess you guys have time to enjoy it. I'll talk to you again next week.
Aunt STOW--Thanks for the update! That's pretty funny. Yeah, I understand your handicap. I'm excited to see these photos you speak of. . . Have I ever told you how much I appreciate your emails? Well, it's a lot.
Sister Rosser: Your letter I owe you will be done today. Transfers. . . Yeah. It'll be a good one.
By the way, we have email on Tuesday again next week because we have zone conference on Wednesday. So yeah, email me for Tuesday PLEASE! Thanks. You're cool.
Love,
Hna. Crowley
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
11 Aug 2009 (again)
Also, this story I thought was pretty cool, someone shared with us the other day. I hope you like it!
Love,
Caryn
THE SILVERSMITH
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:
"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).
One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.
She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"
"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."
-Author Unknown
Love,
Caryn
THE SILVERSMITH
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:
"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).
One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.
She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"
"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."
-Author Unknown
11 Aug 2009
Dear Everybody
Once again, I forgot to tell you it's transfer week, so we're emailing on Tuesday. Well, here I am, email-less, not a bag packed. . . Oh yeah--I'm getting transferred.
It's been a fun three months in the Buckeye/Goodyear zone, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of learning experiences, and a lot of fun. I have really become close to everyone in my zone--which is easy, since there's only 12 of us here, and we're secluded from the rest of the mission. Being here has really solidified my testimony that my Heavenly Father knows where I need to be, when I need to be there. There have been a few people I know I helped, which is pretty cool.
This last week was pretty eventful. We finally had Donna's baptism, we had a mission conference with Elder Costa of the Presidency of the Seventy and I did a musical number with Hna. Matthews on violin and Elder Reading (one of my favorite Elders, we served together in my last area), and played Sardines with our Zone. . . Meh. I never remember what we did. I'm going to copy my email to the Pres because I am dang lazy, as you all know.
"Dear President Beck,
Baptized/Confirmed: 1
Baptismal Date: 0
At Church: 2
Member Present Lessons: 0
New Investigators: 1
Tracting: 0
Lessons: 15
LA/RC Lessons: 1
Man was this last week crazy. The woman who was baptized this Saturday finally moved out of her boyfriend's house and got all of her things ready to move to Alabama. This has been one involved, crazy ride. If this hasn't prepared me to be a relief society president, I don't know what would. Everything seemed to be going wrong--but it was all superficial. I have begun to notice a pattern when we are planning baptisms where a lot of problems pop up to try to distract us--but they are always superficial. So I guess how you handle it depends on how much you allow the immediate problems affect your hope for the future. It was the most spiritual baptism I have been a part of, even though no one was actually assigned to give a talk so we had to ask people on the fly to come up with something. Elder Petrich actually gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, and that was a very powerful message. He is quite a masterful teacher.
Hna. Walker and I got up to share a short first lesson while Donna was getting ready, and I had the chance to talk about Jesus Christ and His earthly ministry. I have been studying "Jesus the Christ" for a couple months now, and it came together as I was speaking. My testimony of my Savior has been fixed--I now know in my heart something that has mostly been just an idea in my head--I know He lives. The reality of that struck me hard as I testified of that to those in attendance.
I have a very strong testimony that the Lord has my life under control. I know that as long as I continue to follow Him and do my best, I will always be in the right place at the right time. I am excited to find out my new assignment tomorrow. I guess I should probably get packing. . .
Thank you for the opportunity to sing for Elder Costa--singing is definitely my favorite and most expressive way of bearing my testimony. That was very special to me.
I will see you tomorrow! Have an awesome day.
Sincerely,
Hna. Crowley"
That's pretty much it, I think. Hna. Walker and I are both getting transferred--we'll find out tomorrow if we're staying together or not, but I think Pres wants to keep us together. We're actually getting a new Spanish Hna. tomorrow too--I know I'm not training because I definitely have not gotten a training call yet. I'm hoping they put us in Flagstaff, but that's highly unlikely. Probably west Phoenix, maybe back in Maryvale (the most dangerous area in our mission, excluding possibly the reservation and the south-west Phoenix area.) Anyway, who knows?
I take comfort in the fact that Heavenly Father has this all under control. I just do my best to do what He asks, and then He'll make sure I'm where I need to be. I know He is taking care of you, so I don't worry about things at home. I do love hearing about you though. It gives me a boost when I'm down.
Well, I guess I'll talk to you all later!
Love,
Hna. Crowley
P.S. my companion has added a few videos on Youtube that are of our time together, and they're hilarious. Well, I think so anyway. If you'd like to check them out, they are here. . .
http://www.youtube.com/user/janellwalker
That's her mom's account, so some are for her family, some are us, etc. Check it out!
Once again, I forgot to tell you it's transfer week, so we're emailing on Tuesday. Well, here I am, email-less, not a bag packed. . . Oh yeah--I'm getting transferred.
It's been a fun three months in the Buckeye/Goodyear zone, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of learning experiences, and a lot of fun. I have really become close to everyone in my zone--which is easy, since there's only 12 of us here, and we're secluded from the rest of the mission. Being here has really solidified my testimony that my Heavenly Father knows where I need to be, when I need to be there. There have been a few people I know I helped, which is pretty cool.
This last week was pretty eventful. We finally had Donna's baptism, we had a mission conference with Elder Costa of the Presidency of the Seventy and I did a musical number with Hna. Matthews on violin and Elder Reading (one of my favorite Elders, we served together in my last area), and played Sardines with our Zone. . . Meh. I never remember what we did. I'm going to copy my email to the Pres because I am dang lazy, as you all know.
"Dear President Beck,
Baptized/Confirmed: 1
Baptismal Date: 0
At Church: 2
Member Present Lessons: 0
New Investigators: 1
Tracting: 0
Lessons: 15
LA/RC Lessons: 1
Man was this last week crazy. The woman who was baptized this Saturday finally moved out of her boyfriend's house and got all of her things ready to move to Alabama. This has been one involved, crazy ride. If this hasn't prepared me to be a relief society president, I don't know what would. Everything seemed to be going wrong--but it was all superficial. I have begun to notice a pattern when we are planning baptisms where a lot of problems pop up to try to distract us--but they are always superficial. So I guess how you handle it depends on how much you allow the immediate problems affect your hope for the future. It was the most spiritual baptism I have been a part of, even though no one was actually assigned to give a talk so we had to ask people on the fly to come up with something. Elder Petrich actually gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, and that was a very powerful message. He is quite a masterful teacher.
Hna. Walker and I got up to share a short first lesson while Donna was getting ready, and I had the chance to talk about Jesus Christ and His earthly ministry. I have been studying "Jesus the Christ" for a couple months now, and it came together as I was speaking. My testimony of my Savior has been fixed--I now know in my heart something that has mostly been just an idea in my head--I know He lives. The reality of that struck me hard as I testified of that to those in attendance.
I have a very strong testimony that the Lord has my life under control. I know that as long as I continue to follow Him and do my best, I will always be in the right place at the right time. I am excited to find out my new assignment tomorrow. I guess I should probably get packing. . .
Thank you for the opportunity to sing for Elder Costa--singing is definitely my favorite and most expressive way of bearing my testimony. That was very special to me.
I will see you tomorrow! Have an awesome day.
Sincerely,
Hna. Crowley"
That's pretty much it, I think. Hna. Walker and I are both getting transferred--we'll find out tomorrow if we're staying together or not, but I think Pres wants to keep us together. We're actually getting a new Spanish Hna. tomorrow too--I know I'm not training because I definitely have not gotten a training call yet. I'm hoping they put us in Flagstaff, but that's highly unlikely. Probably west Phoenix, maybe back in Maryvale (the most dangerous area in our mission, excluding possibly the reservation and the south-west Phoenix area.) Anyway, who knows?
I take comfort in the fact that Heavenly Father has this all under control. I just do my best to do what He asks, and then He'll make sure I'm where I need to be. I know He is taking care of you, so I don't worry about things at home. I do love hearing about you though. It gives me a boost when I'm down.
Well, I guess I'll talk to you all later!
Love,
Hna. Crowley
P.S. my companion has added a few videos on Youtube that are of our time together, and they're hilarious. Well, I think so anyway. If you'd like to check them out, they are here. . .
http://www.youtube.com/user/
That's her mom's account, so some are for her family, some are us, etc. Check it out!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wed, 5 Aug 2009: Yeah, yeah.
Dear everybody,
I'm feeling lazy today, so you can just read my letter to the pres again.
"Dear President Beck,
Baptized/Confirmed: 1
Baptismal Date: 1
At Church: 7
Member Present Lessons: 0
New Investigators: 3
Tracting: 4 h 30 m
Lessons: 24
LA/RC Lessons: 4
This week has been good I think. I am really happy with studying at night--I think it will really help in the long run. I still have to get used to the schedule change though. [I had my morning schedule changed by the way--now I do personal study at night because of my medication, it's easier.]
The baptism went off perfectly--the Goodyear ward is really going to take care of this kid. He's 12, no real family, and they're all coming together to become his family. Someone took him to get school supplies, he has rides to mutual and church. . . It's a beautiful thing. Just so you know, the Goodyear ward is probably the best ward in the mission--my personal opinion. They really know what it's like to be as Zion--of one heart and one mind, dwelling in righteousness and taking care of any poor among them until there is none. This has been an amazing example to me.
President, just so you know, I know that you are called of God and that all the news on changes and things will be determined by revelation. I do hope that Hna. Walker and I get to stay together for her last transfer here in this area, but I understand that the Lord knows better than I do. So I accept whatever call you send us. [we're getting a surprise Hermana coming in this transfer, so everything is up in the air--she wasn't supposed to come til September, but I guess she's too smart to stay in the MTC. . .]
On that note, I have been working to try to rebuild Rio Vista. In our correlation meeting last night I realized that there is a lot of potential brimming right now for investigators and solid baptisms--it's all on the brink! We have a lot of people we have been working with that I feel will be able to continue to baptism. So Rio Vista, I believe, is in a good place.
Thank you for you love and support, I really feel it and appreciate it. This is not an easy life, but I do believe that I can do it.
We'll see you at the mission conference. Say hi to Sister Beck! And to the office staff.
Sincerely,
Hna. Crowley"
That's pretty much it. We had a delicious breakfast with the zone this morning, and went to a goodbye get-together for Hna. Corless--that's right--my momma's going home! Next week! Then Hna. Walker goes home in September, and then the next shift might be me. . . Weird. . . .
Anyway, I'm going to go. The computer makes me tired. Peace out.
Love,
Hna. Crowley.
I'm feeling lazy today, so you can just read my letter to the pres again.
"Dear President Beck,
Baptized/Confirmed: 1
Baptismal Date: 1
At Church: 7
Member Present Lessons: 0
New Investigators: 3
Tracting: 4 h 30 m
Lessons: 24
LA/RC Lessons: 4
This week has been good I think. I am really happy with studying at night--I think it will really help in the long run. I still have to get used to the schedule change though. [I had my morning schedule changed by the way--now I do personal study at night because of my medication, it's easier.]
The baptism went off perfectly--the Goodyear ward is really going to take care of this kid. He's 12, no real family, and they're all coming together to become his family. Someone took him to get school supplies, he has rides to mutual and church. . . It's a beautiful thing. Just so you know, the Goodyear ward is probably the best ward in the mission--my personal opinion. They really know what it's like to be as Zion--of one heart and one mind, dwelling in righteousness and taking care of any poor among them until there is none. This has been an amazing example to me.
President, just so you know, I know that you are called of God and that all the news on changes and things will be determined by revelation. I do hope that Hna. Walker and I get to stay together for her last transfer here in this area, but I understand that the Lord knows better than I do. So I accept whatever call you send us. [we're getting a surprise Hermana coming in this transfer, so everything is up in the air--she wasn't supposed to come til September, but I guess she's too smart to stay in the MTC. . .]
On that note, I have been working to try to rebuild Rio Vista. In our correlation meeting last night I realized that there is a lot of potential brimming right now for investigators and solid baptisms--it's all on the brink! We have a lot of people we have been working with that I feel will be able to continue to baptism. So Rio Vista, I believe, is in a good place.
Thank you for you love and support, I really feel it and appreciate it. This is not an easy life, but I do believe that I can do it.
We'll see you at the mission conference. Say hi to Sister Beck! And to the office staff.
Sincerely,
Hna. Crowley"
That's pretty much it. We had a delicious breakfast with the zone this morning, and went to a goodbye get-together for Hna. Corless--that's right--my momma's going home! Next week! Then Hna. Walker goes home in September, and then the next shift might be me. . . Weird. . . .
Anyway, I'm going to go. The computer makes me tired. Peace out.
Love,
Hna. Crowley.
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