Wed, 25 Nov 2009: Baptisms Coming out of my ears. . . .

Hey everybody!

We had a baptism last Saturday, plus a wedding, and it was pretty awesome. Elpidio has been going to church for over a year, and has been with Yolanda for over twenty years, and they finally got married and he was able to be baptized. He has waited a long time for that.

This weekend, we're baptizing Justin. He has been amazing to teach. Mom, he used to be Jehova's Witness--that made me think of you. Didn't you teach an ex-Jehova's Witness? It's a weird thing to connect on, but you're right--he is definitely going to be devoted to it. Teaching him was probably to most involved and spiritual experiences I have had yet.

Then we have one of my recent converts from when we first came to this area is getting married to the girlfriend who helped him join the church. That's next Saturday, and we're invited. :D I'm stoked.

Then the Saturday after that, the husband of another recent convert--Diana--is getting baptized. It's crazy. I think Heavenly Father is doing His best to keep me focused to the end. We've got a lot of changes going on around here too--we're muddling through it as best we can.

Once again, I'm going to tell you what I know--this Gospel is from Jesus Christ. What I teach and what we live are the necessary steps to being with our Father in Heaven for eternity. Everyone will have the chance to learn about it and accept it, or not. But there is hope in that. We are not perfect, but we have the tools to become the best of what we are.

I love you all, and I may or may not be counting down the days to when I will see you again. (I don't actually have to. One of the Elders is doing it for me. 20 days.)

Sincerely yours,
Hna. Crowley

Wed, 18 Nov 2009

Dear People of the World,

Time's ticking pretty quickly. Not really sure what I'm doing with it. . .

We had a baptism last Saturday, we're having a wedding Friday and another baptism Saturday, then another baptism the next Saturday. . . And another baptism the 12 of December. That means a baptism every Saturday til I go home, except the 5th, but we're working on a 9-yr-old. I don't know what I did to deserve this, but I'm pretty excited. The Lord is helping me finish strong.

Whitney and Wendy, I think I may just stay home next semester, work and save. Not really sure yet. Not a bad idea to stay with the Rossers, but I've got some reasons to just stay in Utah too. I haven't decided yet.

Not too much going on besides missionary work. Oh yeah, I had my last Zone Conference yesterday, and all departing missionaries share their testimonies--in this group there were three of us. Something that I felt impressed to share with them--first, I will never regret the time I have spent out here. Second, I know Heavenly Father has been so mindful of me in everything that I have been doing. Third, I cannot deny the blessings that have come to my family because of my decision to do this.

Serving a mission has been the best decision of my life.

Anyway, gotta go. We have an appointment in half an hour. I love my life. Lol.

Love Sincerely,
Hna. Crowley

Thu, 12 Nov 2009: Hello in less than 5 weeks

Dear Everybody,

Not much going on out in the old Arizona desert. . . Temperatures still in the 80s, still using the air conditioning, still being a missionary. . .

The temple that will be built near here is running into some difficulties, as far as random protestations from the neighborhood. So, if you would, keep it in your prayers. Nothing will stop the work from going forth, but it will go faster if we put our faith together.

Let's see, what else? Well, we're planning on having a baptism every weekend before I go home. So far so good--one this weekend, one next PLUS a wedding. . . The Lord is keeping me busy my last few weeks.

Just so you know, the Lord is teaching me a lot of things. It kind of feels like this is His last chance to fix some stuff, so He's starting to cram it in. I have the feeling my companions and I will be having a fun time.

And so you know, He is very mindful of us. I was feeling a little weird about a lesson we were teaching, and I asked Heavenly Father to help me get over what was bugging me. A few minutes later, our investigator went and talked about the very thing that was bugging me, putting a new light on it. It was pretty cool.

I gotta go, not a lot of time this week.

Whit and Wendy: Now I'm not sure if I'll even be going down this semester. I think I will, and I like your idea Wendy. I wouldn't mind living with your parents, but I never had to live with members on the mission so I don't know how it would be for me. I think I may prefer my own apartment. But again, now I'm not sure. Keep me updated on what's going on.

Love you all, may God bless you.

Love,
Hna. Crowley

29 Oct 2009

Dear Everybody,

I don't have too much time, we had fun today so that takes away from computer time of course. . .

We had a baptism this week! Carol was finally able to be baptized. It was the most touching baptism I've ever been a part of. She's the most innocent person I've ever taught, and she had the most sincere desire to be baptized of anyone I've known.

Also, it was questionable whether or not she'd be able to be baptized. But when we taught her, the Spirit told us yes. And then, the miracle was as we taught her, her ability to learn increased. I love Carol, and will always have a special place in my heart for her.

The scriptures mention a joy that comes from bringing a soul to Christ. I can honestly testify of that joy--it's unbeatable. Honestly, do everything you can to be able to take part in it. It's worth it.

I will never EVER regret the time I have spent serving the Lord full time. I gotta say, though, I'm tired. December 15 is starting to look pretty good right now. . . .

(That's when I go home. 48 days! At least that's what Elder Barnes tells me.)

Anyway, I gotta go. Love you!

Christopher, gracias por tu carta. Me dio feliz escuchar de uds. Yo tambien quiero estudiar como traducir, pero puedo imaginarme que dificil seria. !Dile a Katy como le quiero!

Love,
Hna. Crowley

Tue, 20 Oct 2009

Hey guys!

Well, I'm keeping this short because I have a headache. We had a lesson at 8:00 this morning with our baptismal candidate--she's getting baptized Saturday after two years of following this Church. Well, she is a little odd. . . Carol is kinda crazy, but I love her dearly. She kisses us every time we come and go. She's hilarious too. Hopefully I'll remember some good stories to tell you when I get back. If I ever leave this mission. Maybe I'll just stay. . . Lol.

Anyway, things are going really well. I have a headache because we had dessert with dinner last night, then s'mores at our FHE with Justin. I got a pretty serious sugar overload. . . but it was worth it.

I love hearing from you. Sister Rosser--not only did I write you, I already sent it! Ha ha ha. Aren't I awesome? A few of you I may still owe letters too. . . We'll see.

That's it, I'm out.

Love,
Hna. Crowley