Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Pics from Detroit
My son loves chocolate almost as much as his mommy and Gma, Holly is now 7 months prego, yesterday we visited Mexicantown, went to a tasty Mexican restaurant and bought some homemade tortillas and tamales and then last night went to the Detroit temple.
Some Christmas Pics
Here's a family Christmas day pic, a pic in front of the big nativity scene in front of the "Biggest Christmas store in the world, a Wal-mart family shot, Kaemon enthused to see Santa, and Kaemon opening his new potty (which we will start using when we get back to Clarksburg).
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
yeah 4 christmas PARTIES!!
So once again its Christmas time and my work had our annual get together at Claim Jumpers. this year we have made a ton of changes at work. Paula our lead assistant moved and we got an new one MONICA (long dark hair) We added on weekends and hired a new associate DR.Bergloff. he and his cute wife are both Dentist. All the gals at the office did a group secret sister gift exchange and Monica had me and spoiled me rotten. LOVE IT!
ANN and I put our head together this year to add a little spice to our party. WE put together a presentation where we were bakers makeing the "Perfect PROVINCES pie" thats the name of my work. and tied it all in saying nice things about each person and how they are vital ingredients to make a Whole pie. and gave them each a homemade christmas ornament that was a slice of the pie. We also wrote and read a DENTAL version of t'was the night before christmas! it was really cute. i will try to post it. EVERYONE LOVED it a felt really special. Ann and I had so much fun. I went over to her house on night and we spent a FEW hours on the poem. fun fun. So here we are in our all ready to bake bowl and spoon in hand!!
LOVE you allMERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Reeds not lost afterall
Date:
Mon, 18 Dec 2006
Oi Familia! Well I know mom and dad have been worried about me, thinking that something happened because I haven’t wrote in 2 weeks but really I am just great. So 2 week ago I didn’t email, because everything went wrong that day, nothing big but I´ll just say that I had a letter all typed up and then my time ran out because we only get an hour, all I needed to do was send it, so that was a bummer an other things that just didnt work out. But I did send a letter, just a short note that says Im ok. Then last week was transfers and sure enough, I got transferred. I spent 11 hours on a bus for my p-day last Wednesday so you could say my p-day wasnt too great. I left Sousa at 7:40 in the morning and arrived here in my new area at 7:00 at night, waited until 9:30 all alone at the bus station for my comp to arrive so that was a really weir feeling to not have a companion there with me. I just kept looking around for my companion. Anyway, I´m sure youre all wondering where I got transferred to and the answer is.... Christmas!!! Im sure you are all a little confused but I am speaking english so you will understand. The real name of the city is Natal, which means Christmas, and the area is Natal. So I will be spending Christmas (Natal) in the area Natal in the city Natal. I had to travel through Joao Pessoa and then up to Natal so it took a long time. My companion is Elder Hallstrom, an American from California that has been out for 18 months. Natal is a lot different than Sousa. First off its a little bit bigger by about 500,000 people or so, so that´s a little different. And then the people here are a lot richer then those in Sousa. Just in our area we have 2 malls, and these arent just little malls with a couple of stores, but huge malls, 3 or 4 times bigger than Superstition Springs mall. Its also a lot harder to get into people houses and talk to them. There in Sousa we never did door to door tracting, but here we do it a lot but its really annoying tracting because most the people have intercoms. So we hit the call button, hear a voice, do a door approach, and usually get rejected without even seeing a real person, so that´s annoying. When I arrived here, we had 2 investigators, both under the age of 12. We have been trying to find some more investigators but this past week has been really difficult to find people. So we are doing a few things that hopefully will help boost our investigator numbers. First off, we are teaching english 2 times a week in the house of a recent convert so hopefully that will begin to bring more people. Then we are doing a living Christmas card this week where we asked members to write the name of family and friends they would like to share the spirit of Christmas with. We will go to their houses, sing a Christmas song, read a message, Sing another Christmas song, and hopefully bring the spirit into their homes. It is a lot different and a lot of times frustrating and I get discouraged because our Area is huge and we are the only missionaries here. There hasn’t been a baptism for almost 2 months so we are hoping to turn this ward into a missionary ward. Elder Hallstrom is a really good guy and we have some good ideas to turn the ward around. We dont have a Ward missionary leader yet so first we need to find a ward mission leader, find some ward missionaries, and get the members involved. These things are so important to missionary work. With the members, missionaries, and ward mission leader all working together in unity, it makes missionary work a lot eaier and enjoyable. Well, I still cant believe Christmas is coming up. Its still hot hot hot here. Here in Natal is a little bit cooler than Sousa, but there is a lot more Humidity so I dont know whats worse. As far as the phone call is concerned, We are going to be at the house of the bishop here. I have his number and it would be best for you to call here so that the bishop doesnt have to pay anything. I dont know if the 800 number will work or if it would be better if you bought a calling card but the number is 011-55-84-3206-0196. I will be at his house waiting at 2:30 or so. I think that it is 4 hours difference (if AZ is on the same time as Utah, its 4, if AZ is the same as California, its 5) so you would need to call at 10:30 AZ time and I will be there waiting. Well things are good here and I feel good about the area and the things we are trying to do to change the ward around here in Natal. Merry Christmas everyone!!! Happy Birthday Mom!!! I love you all and can´t wait to hear from you all (well those that will be at the house, I still dont know who). Your son and Brother Elder Crosby
Mon, 18 Dec 2006
Oi Familia! Well I know mom and dad have been worried about me, thinking that something happened because I haven’t wrote in 2 weeks but really I am just great. So 2 week ago I didn’t email, because everything went wrong that day, nothing big but I´ll just say that I had a letter all typed up and then my time ran out because we only get an hour, all I needed to do was send it, so that was a bummer an other things that just didnt work out. But I did send a letter, just a short note that says Im ok. Then last week was transfers and sure enough, I got transferred. I spent 11 hours on a bus for my p-day last Wednesday so you could say my p-day wasnt too great. I left Sousa at 7:40 in the morning and arrived here in my new area at 7:00 at night, waited until 9:30 all alone at the bus station for my comp to arrive so that was a really weir feeling to not have a companion there with me. I just kept looking around for my companion. Anyway, I´m sure youre all wondering where I got transferred to and the answer is.... Christmas!!! Im sure you are all a little confused but I am speaking english so you will understand. The real name of the city is Natal, which means Christmas, and the area is Natal. So I will be spending Christmas (Natal) in the area Natal in the city Natal. I had to travel through Joao Pessoa and then up to Natal so it took a long time. My companion is Elder Hallstrom, an American from California that has been out for 18 months. Natal is a lot different than Sousa. First off its a little bit bigger by about 500,000 people or so, so that´s a little different. And then the people here are a lot richer then those in Sousa. Just in our area we have 2 malls, and these arent just little malls with a couple of stores, but huge malls, 3 or 4 times bigger than Superstition Springs mall. Its also a lot harder to get into people houses and talk to them. There in Sousa we never did door to door tracting, but here we do it a lot but its really annoying tracting because most the people have intercoms. So we hit the call button, hear a voice, do a door approach, and usually get rejected without even seeing a real person, so that´s annoying. When I arrived here, we had 2 investigators, both under the age of 12. We have been trying to find some more investigators but this past week has been really difficult to find people. So we are doing a few things that hopefully will help boost our investigator numbers. First off, we are teaching english 2 times a week in the house of a recent convert so hopefully that will begin to bring more people. Then we are doing a living Christmas card this week where we asked members to write the name of family and friends they would like to share the spirit of Christmas with. We will go to their houses, sing a Christmas song, read a message, Sing another Christmas song, and hopefully bring the spirit into their homes. It is a lot different and a lot of times frustrating and I get discouraged because our Area is huge and we are the only missionaries here. There hasn’t been a baptism for almost 2 months so we are hoping to turn this ward into a missionary ward. Elder Hallstrom is a really good guy and we have some good ideas to turn the ward around. We dont have a Ward missionary leader yet so first we need to find a ward mission leader, find some ward missionaries, and get the members involved. These things are so important to missionary work. With the members, missionaries, and ward mission leader all working together in unity, it makes missionary work a lot eaier and enjoyable. Well, I still cant believe Christmas is coming up. Its still hot hot hot here. Here in Natal is a little bit cooler than Sousa, but there is a lot more Humidity so I dont know whats worse. As far as the phone call is concerned, We are going to be at the house of the bishop here. I have his number and it would be best for you to call here so that the bishop doesnt have to pay anything. I dont know if the 800 number will work or if it would be better if you bought a calling card but the number is 011-55-84-3206-0196. I will be at his house waiting at 2:30 or so. I think that it is 4 hours difference (if AZ is on the same time as Utah, its 4, if AZ is the same as California, its 5) so you would need to call at 10:30 AZ time and I will be there waiting. Well things are good here and I feel good about the area and the things we are trying to do to change the ward around here in Natal. Merry Christmas everyone!!! Happy Birthday Mom!!! I love you all and can´t wait to hear from you all (well those that will be at the house, I still dont know who). Your son and Brother Elder Crosby
Saturday, December 16, 2006
letter from Kari/ 2wks, no word from Reed!!
Monday December 11, 2006
Hola hola! How is everyone doing? Getting all ready for finals and Christmas and what not I'm sure. This is always a busy time of the year for everyone. Its so weird that its almost Christmas- it doesn't at all feel like it! (actually at night on my bike it feels like winter!) Well, not much to say about this week really¦ We ended up dropping all of our investigators. None of them want to keep their commitments and they never come to church. Its frustrating because they always say "ya ya, I'll come. 11:00 right? Ya, I'll be there" but then 11:00 on Sunday rolls around and of course they're not at church. Its always stressing right before church because we are just hoping they will come and we wait outside for them and call them, but nope! Its hard with these people because the whole reason that they moved to the U.S is to work and get money and so therefore that's all they want to do. The one boy, Ottoniel, that we thought was going to get baptized decided that he too would rather work then follow the commandments. Hmm, we are praying to find someone who wants to learn more and wants to progress and doesn't just listen to us to be polite. We get a lot of those people. They are all nice and welcoming and like to talk to us, but they don't want to change their lives. Anyways, so hopefully we can find someone to teach. Its sad to not ever have anyone! Also since I've last talked to you I have gotten 3 flat tires on my bike! I don't know how that happened in the space of 5 days, but somehow I managed to do it! The elders had to take them for me and get new ones put on. I felt so bad, but they were really nice about it all the times! So ya mom, make sure I have enough money in my account because I'll probably have to pay for them. I'm so grateful to have a bike. We had to walk on Thursday (with our bikes) and that took forever and was really tiring! They say the rainy season is coming up too. Oh boy! So I've been reading from the conference report a lot lately. Oh it is sooo incredibly good! I love general conference so much! I really like Anthony D. Perkins talk about the snares of the devil and how to fight them. Its so true how Satan is constantly trying to get us down and thinking we are not good enough, but that is definitely from Satan and we know that he is the father of all lies. It is a really good talk, as they all are, and I hope you all read it! Today we went bowling as a zone. That was pretty fun. I actually won one of the times, which was exciting because that never ever happens! The blessings of being a missionary! I still have big headaches everyday and still have to just focus on one day at a time, but things are good. Luckily I have been blessed with an amazing family and wonderful friends like Lexie (my roommate from BYU) and others that have written me lots and have helped me to feel loved. Its kind of hard with my companion. She is nice and we get along well, but we're not friends and rarely talk or laugh or have fun or anything. I have really learned though how much happiness is truly a choice. Even if things aren't perfect-- you get 3 flat tires in one week, you have zero progressing investigators, you have headaches everyday, you can't understand when people talk to you, you have to eat food that you're not a big fan of, you have to wear a ugly green helmet, you're apartment is freezing cold, etc. you can still be happy! If you sit around and wait for the circumstances to change to make you happy, you will never be happy. Things will never be how you want them; how you think they should be for you to be happy, therefore you have to decide to be happy. I have found that it really is all in your attitude and how you can choose to dwell on these negative things, which are always going to be present, or you can overlook them and look at all the blessings, which are also always present. Its all in your attitude! If I just sat around and pouted thinking "once I learn Spanish, then I'll be happy" or "once we find someone to baptize, I'll be happy" those things would come and likely I still wouldn't be happy. You have to focus on the here and now and not dwell on the future. Anyways, that's just something that I have really learned. You are the only one who can control your happiness- not anyone or anything else! I am happy here and have noticed so many things everyday that the Lord has been so great to bless me with. I truly am so so blessed and I can never thank the Lord enough for the abundance of my blessings. I love you all so much. Thank you so very much for your prayers and letters. They both help oh so much! Tell Lisa that she needs to write me- I don't have her email address. Also mom- just a few ideas for Christmas. I don't want you to feel like you need to do very much because you really don't. But I know you and I know you will want to get me a few things, so I will give you a few ideas so you don't stress out about it! I already mentioned slippers, the nice book "Jesus the Christ", also I think I need some multi-vitamins of some sort. I don't think I'm getting a very well-balanced or nutritious diet and so I need to probably take some pills. Also, there's this good CD in the bookstore called "Clay in His hands" by Jessie Clark. I also like that lipgloss in the green tubes from Bath and Body works. Um, granola is always good, homemade bread, dried fruit. Those are just a few little ideas. Mom really you don't have to do much. I'm happy here and I'm sure my Christmas will be great! Yay! I get to talk to you!! Can't wait! Dad- practice your Spanish because mine is really good and I'll want to chat! Hehe! Mucho Mucho amor, su hija y hermana, Kari
Hola hola! How is everyone doing? Getting all ready for finals and Christmas and what not I'm sure. This is always a busy time of the year for everyone. Its so weird that its almost Christmas- it doesn't at all feel like it! (actually at night on my bike it feels like winter!) Well, not much to say about this week really¦ We ended up dropping all of our investigators. None of them want to keep their commitments and they never come to church. Its frustrating because they always say "ya ya, I'll come. 11:00 right? Ya, I'll be there" but then 11:00 on Sunday rolls around and of course they're not at church. Its always stressing right before church because we are just hoping they will come and we wait outside for them and call them, but nope! Its hard with these people because the whole reason that they moved to the U.S is to work and get money and so therefore that's all they want to do. The one boy, Ottoniel, that we thought was going to get baptized decided that he too would rather work then follow the commandments. Hmm, we are praying to find someone who wants to learn more and wants to progress and doesn't just listen to us to be polite. We get a lot of those people. They are all nice and welcoming and like to talk to us, but they don't want to change their lives. Anyways, so hopefully we can find someone to teach. Its sad to not ever have anyone! Also since I've last talked to you I have gotten 3 flat tires on my bike! I don't know how that happened in the space of 5 days, but somehow I managed to do it! The elders had to take them for me and get new ones put on. I felt so bad, but they were really nice about it all the times! So ya mom, make sure I have enough money in my account because I'll probably have to pay for them. I'm so grateful to have a bike. We had to walk on Thursday (with our bikes) and that took forever and was really tiring! They say the rainy season is coming up too. Oh boy! So I've been reading from the conference report a lot lately. Oh it is sooo incredibly good! I love general conference so much! I really like Anthony D. Perkins talk about the snares of the devil and how to fight them. Its so true how Satan is constantly trying to get us down and thinking we are not good enough, but that is definitely from Satan and we know that he is the father of all lies. It is a really good talk, as they all are, and I hope you all read it! Today we went bowling as a zone. That was pretty fun. I actually won one of the times, which was exciting because that never ever happens! The blessings of being a missionary! I still have big headaches everyday and still have to just focus on one day at a time, but things are good. Luckily I have been blessed with an amazing family and wonderful friends like Lexie (my roommate from BYU) and others that have written me lots and have helped me to feel loved. Its kind of hard with my companion. She is nice and we get along well, but we're not friends and rarely talk or laugh or have fun or anything. I have really learned though how much happiness is truly a choice. Even if things aren't perfect-- you get 3 flat tires in one week, you have zero progressing investigators, you have headaches everyday, you can't understand when people talk to you, you have to eat food that you're not a big fan of, you have to wear a ugly green helmet, you're apartment is freezing cold, etc. you can still be happy! If you sit around and wait for the circumstances to change to make you happy, you will never be happy. Things will never be how you want them; how you think they should be for you to be happy, therefore you have to decide to be happy. I have found that it really is all in your attitude and how you can choose to dwell on these negative things, which are always going to be present, or you can overlook them and look at all the blessings, which are also always present. Its all in your attitude! If I just sat around and pouted thinking "once I learn Spanish, then I'll be happy" or "once we find someone to baptize, I'll be happy" those things would come and likely I still wouldn't be happy. You have to focus on the here and now and not dwell on the future. Anyways, that's just something that I have really learned. You are the only one who can control your happiness- not anyone or anything else! I am happy here and have noticed so many things everyday that the Lord has been so great to bless me with. I truly am so so blessed and I can never thank the Lord enough for the abundance of my blessings. I love you all so much. Thank you so very much for your prayers and letters. They both help oh so much! Tell Lisa that she needs to write me- I don't have her email address. Also mom- just a few ideas for Christmas. I don't want you to feel like you need to do very much because you really don't. But I know you and I know you will want to get me a few things, so I will give you a few ideas so you don't stress out about it! I already mentioned slippers, the nice book "Jesus the Christ", also I think I need some multi-vitamins of some sort. I don't think I'm getting a very well-balanced or nutritious diet and so I need to probably take some pills. Also, there's this good CD in the bookstore called "Clay in His hands" by Jessie Clark. I also like that lipgloss in the green tubes from Bath and Body works. Um, granola is always good, homemade bread, dried fruit. Those are just a few little ideas. Mom really you don't have to do much. I'm happy here and I'm sure my Christmas will be great! Yay! I get to talk to you!! Can't wait! Dad- practice your Spanish because mine is really good and I'll want to chat! Hehe! Mucho Mucho amor, su hija y hermana, Kari
Monday, December 11, 2006
Temple Lights
Bret and I took out some of our neigbors to the temple lights. They aren't members but we all had a great time. We hope to continue to hang out with them. We had ice cream at their house afterwards and they let us watch their preditor fish. It was like watching the discovery channel. Chip and Danielle live right across from us and are expecting a baby girl in April. Tim and Jennifer also live in our complex and actually went to college with Chip a Danielle so they were friends before. They are great people.
Voice Male
My parents got us free tickets to the Voice Male concert right by our house. We took Eric and Laura Allred with us so we could spend some time with them before they move to American Fork. They were hilarious and unbelievably talented guys. The singers and I exchanged some words during the concert so they proceeded to pick on me throughout the rest of the concert. Even though Bret was embarrassed we did get a free CD and they all signed it. You all should definitely go next year when they come back. We loved them!
Black Friday
Like Lisa Said, Tami, Lisa and I got up super early and waited in line at Fry's Electronics to get some good deals for Christmas.
Here we are at our finest in sweats and blankies...
The waking up early and waiting in a cold parking lot for two hours part was fun but the waiting in line for an hour in the store was not so fun.
Thanks girls for the fun time!!!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Meeting Mr. Scrooge...
Well, I haven't posted on here since Halloween so here's a little update from our holiday activities. Friday night Becki and I went to "A Christmas Carol" at the Hale Theater in Gilbert. It was really good. The theater is this square room with the stage in the center. My boss Sam Blackham was one of the characters so that's why we went. Becki didn't think she would like it but she loved it! Here we are meeting Scrooge.
Here's Tiny Tim who said it best "God bless us, everyone."
After the show they had snow falling and all the cast waiting outside caroling to us. Becki didn't know what to think of the snow in the Valley!
Here is the ghost of Christmas present. They had really good costumes and effects and the music was great! The play definitely put us in the holiday spirit-
Here's Tiny Tim who said it best "God bless us, everyone."
After the show they had snow falling and all the cast waiting outside caroling to us. Becki didn't know what to think of the snow in the Valley!
Here is the ghost of Christmas present. They had really good costumes and effects and the music was great! The play definitely put us in the holiday spirit-
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Kari's been out 3 months!
Thu, 07 Dec 2006
Family!! Hello hello! Today is my 3 month anniversary of being a missionary! Crazy! Well, today is Wednesday- we had our Christmas zone conference on Monday this week and so our p-day got changed to today, but yes mom, normally it is on Mondays. Today was also our temple day. We get to go once a transfer- what a treat! The LA temple is unbelievable inside. When you come and pick me up we will definitely all have to go. It is so gorgeous and BIG! There were only 6 ladies in our whole session and so at one point only me and my comp. were in the celestial room. I felt so close to my Savior at that time and it was really neat. Our zone conference on Monday was great! It was the Christmas one so it was extra special. They fed us a yummy brunch and a roast beef dinner, we heard from Pres. Raymond and Sister Raymond, had break-out sessions, and also had a little musical Christmas program. It was all very relaxing and uplifting and was just what I needed.
I have been feeling better about everything and have found so much comfort in the scriptures. I love them so much and feel like the Lord truly directs me to what I need to read each day. I wish I could just read them all day long because an hour just goes by way too fast. I feel so much peace and happiness afterwards and feel so close to the Lord. This week I was reading in 1 Nephi about Nephi, Laman and Lemuel and felt a bit ashamed to realize how much I have been acting like Laman and Lemuel these past few weeks. Instead of rejoicing in my blessings like Nephi does, I have been feeling sorry for myself and murmuring and doubting. Uck, I don’t want to be like them! I want to be like Nephi! I have been trying to be more aware of the Lords hand in each day and to write them down and rejoice in them. When you look for something its pretty easy to find and I have seen lots of ways since, big and small, that the Lord is there with me each day. I know that these experiences are hard right now, but that they will all work together for my good. Also, they will last for a brief moment, but the lessons I learn and the strength I gain will be eternal (2 Cor 4:17). I know the Lord is aware of me and I have felt His love a lot these past 3 weeks as I have pleaded with Him more and depended on Him more and trusted in Him more. Although these haven’t been the funnest 3 weeks of my life, they have been so good for me and I have grown so much. My testimony has become stronger
and I have gotten to know the Lord better. What a blessing!
So Friday I went on splits with an English sister. In a Spanish area! She doesn’t know any Spanish so it was up to me. It was the funnest time tracting that I have ever had! We taught one lady the whole 1st lesson- about 30-45 minutes, in Spanish! Or hmm, I guess I should say
I taught her! It was so fun! I think its just hard because since my trainer speaks perfect I don’t ever really have to try really hard tounderstand because I know that she will and that she will answer. So that was a good experience! Every Friday the rest of this month for 2 hours she and I will have to go on splits together so hopefully we’ll have good experiences each time like that first time!
We have been having to drop a lot of our investigators because they Don’t like to keep there commitments. We need to find some other ones that are ready. Im sure they’re out there and so we’ll be looking for them. Yesterday we knocked for 5 hours! People are nice to us and let us in, but they just don’t really want to change. Im catholic- we hear that phrase about 15 times a day! They are all nice though- I just wish they could see what we have and realize that there’s more out there for them.
I wish I could keep typing, but we are short on time today. Thank you
for writing. All is well for me- the Lord is taking care of me! Love you all lots and lots. Love, Kari
Family!! Hello hello! Today is my 3 month anniversary of being a missionary! Crazy! Well, today is Wednesday- we had our Christmas zone conference on Monday this week and so our p-day got changed to today, but yes mom, normally it is on Mondays. Today was also our temple day. We get to go once a transfer- what a treat! The LA temple is unbelievable inside. When you come and pick me up we will definitely all have to go. It is so gorgeous and BIG! There were only 6 ladies in our whole session and so at one point only me and my comp. were in the celestial room. I felt so close to my Savior at that time and it was really neat. Our zone conference on Monday was great! It was the Christmas one so it was extra special. They fed us a yummy brunch and a roast beef dinner, we heard from Pres. Raymond and Sister Raymond, had break-out sessions, and also had a little musical Christmas program. It was all very relaxing and uplifting and was just what I needed.
I have been feeling better about everything and have found so much comfort in the scriptures. I love them so much and feel like the Lord truly directs me to what I need to read each day. I wish I could just read them all day long because an hour just goes by way too fast. I feel so much peace and happiness afterwards and feel so close to the Lord. This week I was reading in 1 Nephi about Nephi, Laman and Lemuel and felt a bit ashamed to realize how much I have been acting like Laman and Lemuel these past few weeks. Instead of rejoicing in my blessings like Nephi does, I have been feeling sorry for myself and murmuring and doubting. Uck, I don’t want to be like them! I want to be like Nephi! I have been trying to be more aware of the Lords hand in each day and to write them down and rejoice in them. When you look for something its pretty easy to find and I have seen lots of ways since, big and small, that the Lord is there with me each day. I know that these experiences are hard right now, but that they will all work together for my good. Also, they will last for a brief moment, but the lessons I learn and the strength I gain will be eternal (2 Cor 4:17). I know the Lord is aware of me and I have felt His love a lot these past 3 weeks as I have pleaded with Him more and depended on Him more and trusted in Him more. Although these haven’t been the funnest 3 weeks of my life, they have been so good for me and I have grown so much. My testimony has become stronger
and I have gotten to know the Lord better. What a blessing!
So Friday I went on splits with an English sister. In a Spanish area! She doesn’t know any Spanish so it was up to me. It was the funnest time tracting that I have ever had! We taught one lady the whole 1st lesson- about 30-45 minutes, in Spanish! Or hmm, I guess I should say
I taught her! It was so fun! I think its just hard because since my trainer speaks perfect I don’t ever really have to try really hard tounderstand because I know that she will and that she will answer. So that was a good experience! Every Friday the rest of this month for 2 hours she and I will have to go on splits together so hopefully we’ll have good experiences each time like that first time!
We have been having to drop a lot of our investigators because they Don’t like to keep there commitments. We need to find some other ones that are ready. Im sure they’re out there and so we’ll be looking for them. Yesterday we knocked for 5 hours! People are nice to us and let us in, but they just don’t really want to change. Im catholic- we hear that phrase about 15 times a day! They are all nice though- I just wish they could see what we have and realize that there’s more out there for them.
I wish I could keep typing, but we are short on time today. Thank you
for writing. All is well for me- the Lord is taking care of me! Love you all lots and lots. Love, Kari
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Thanksgiving 2006!!
DAD liked this old cactus! good ole AZ dessert.sister pictures AHHH how cute! wink
LOVE YOU ALL!! Lisa
*Here's the garrett dawes clan.
Thanksgiving 2006!!
Becki got a new camera and practices her photography skills!!
Uncle Randy carves the turkey!! Four wheeling at Roosevelt
Tami, and I waited in line at FRYs electronics with Becki so she could get some good deals. It was an adventure. We got up at 3:00am yes AM to get a place in line. burrr who said its not cold in Az?
Aunt Sherry and Steve. Yeah! CONGRADULATIONS!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Reed has 13 come to church
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006
Well family, sounds like Thanksgiving was great. Bret told me ALL about the food that he ate, and then I heard about the 4-wheeling and then to top it off the GAME of the year, BYU vs UTAH, Oh man, Its a bummer that I missed it but its ok, I heard all about it from Bret and Dad. O man, what a doozy.
Well as far as things here, this week was one of my best on the mission. We are working a lot and we had 13 investigators come to church. But still it wasn’t enough. It’s hard for the moms to come to church at 9:00 until 12:00 because they say they need to cook lunch, so we had 3 families scheduled to come but only 2 of the men came, but it was still good and they liked church a lot. One of the families we need to marry and the other they need to stop drinking coffee and he needs to stop smoking so we are working with them on those things. Its so great working with families. We are still teaching Jackson and Paloma and they are progressing. As far as everything else, I am doing just great. It was great hearing from everyone and I wish I could have been there for thanksgiving. It didn’t seem like thanksgiving here at all but I had a feast
at President and Sister Da Silva´s house.
Anyway, Sorry I don’t have much time but I love you all. The language is coming along but I still get frustrated and can’t concentrate at times but its is improving little by little. Its still hot and I am getting used to the heat a little bit. Well I love you all and I’m sorry this is so short but just know that I’m great.
Elder Crosby
Well family, sounds like Thanksgiving was great. Bret told me ALL about the food that he ate, and then I heard about the 4-wheeling and then to top it off the GAME of the year, BYU vs UTAH, Oh man, Its a bummer that I missed it but its ok, I heard all about it from Bret and Dad. O man, what a doozy.
Well as far as things here, this week was one of my best on the mission. We are working a lot and we had 13 investigators come to church. But still it wasn’t enough. It’s hard for the moms to come to church at 9:00 until 12:00 because they say they need to cook lunch, so we had 3 families scheduled to come but only 2 of the men came, but it was still good and they liked church a lot. One of the families we need to marry and the other they need to stop drinking coffee and he needs to stop smoking so we are working with them on those things. Its so great working with families. We are still teaching Jackson and Paloma and they are progressing. As far as everything else, I am doing just great. It was great hearing from everyone and I wish I could have been there for thanksgiving. It didn’t seem like thanksgiving here at all but I had a feast
at President and Sister Da Silva´s house.
Anyway, Sorry I don’t have much time but I love you all. The language is coming along but I still get frustrated and can’t concentrate at times but its is improving little by little. Its still hot and I am getting used to the heat a little bit. Well I love you all and I’m sorry this is so short but just know that I’m great.
Elder Crosby
Monday, November 27, 2006
Kari's 2nd week in LA
Monday November 27, 2006
Hello dearly beloved family of mine,
Thank you so much for the emails. Its totally okay with me if you just send emails and not regular mail- Its much easier for you, and faster too! Oh and before I forget, Mom don’t need to send me Reeds emails because he emails them straight to me- thanks though! How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? Did you go to Mesa? Mine was really good. They switched it so that we had half a p-day on Monday and the other half we had on Thanksgiving. Anyways, Wednesday night we had made cookies for some of the menos activos (there are a lot in our rama) and so we spent Thursday morning visiting them and bringing them cookies. At 3:30 we went and had dinner with the Robles family (members). I love this family. It is a lady and a man in their 60’s probably and just so nice to us. I met them my very first night and immediately felt comfortable with them. The husband speaks perfect English also and so he helps me with my Spanish. She was so sweet and went all out for us- all the typical thanksgiving foods (of course with Mexican rice too!) it was all store-bought and not quite moms home-cooking, but it was delicious! American food- mmm! That evening we went with some other hermanas to the Christmas program at the visitors center. The VC sisters put it on. It was so good to see all my friends from the MTC and talk to other sisters and realize that everyone is feeling like I am and that I’m not an awful, failure of a missionary. I know it will continue to get better and it already has a lot. Anyways, so my thanksgiving was different that normal, but it was good nonetheless.
Like I said, things this week have been better. I still feel so completely in the dark most of the time, but I’m dealing with it better. I know that if nothing else from my mission, I will learn patience! I’m actually really lucky to be in this area where there are so many latinos. I was talking with all the other hermanas that came with me and they were saying that they speak about 80% English everyday. So I’m very grateful for this opportunity to hopefully learn Spanish quicker. AY! Its coming slowly, but at least its coming! I’ve found that I really just have to focus on the little things and rejoice in them, like being able to do a door approach well or being able to answer simple questions. That way I realize that I really am progressing after all and I don’t get so discouraged.
The work is pretty good. We have 2 progressing investigators and are teaching quite a few other people. Hna. Ardon was saying that there hasn’t been a baptism in this area for 6 months! (we have both hermanas and elders in this area). So hopefully we can change that. She goes home Dec. 25th so I would love for her to have one (or 2 or 3) last baptism before she leaves. She hasn’t had one since her 4th transfer and now she is in her 11th. So ya, We’ll keep working hard and hopefully we’ll have some success. Most people are really nice to us and let us in, but none of them are really interested in what we have to tell them. They’re mostly all Catholics and pretty into that. It’s cool though because I get to meet people from all over the world- Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaraugu, Hondurus, Guatemala, Bolivia, all over! Its fun!
Yesterday we had one investigator come to church and 2 of the less actives that we have been working on. Yay! Bertilda is our investigator- she is de Nicaraugu and is 8 months pregnant. She’s so cute. I love her! She loves us too. Anyways, we’ll see what happens with her. The branch is very welcoming though so that helps. They always give besos here too, which I love!! Everyone gives them and just treats everyone so nicely and openly. Yesterday in church I felt pure joy while we were singing one of the hymns- oh man, these people can NOT sing!! Yet, they still like to sing very loudly! They have no rhythm or tone and it makes me smile every time! Bless their little hearts! I’m sure Mark and Bret can understand that! Every night we get fed by a member also, and boy do they feed us! My companion gained 50 pounds since she has been here! Aaaa! My goal is to at least maintain my weight, although everyone says its impossible. So far I’ve done good. I just don’t eat it all or my companion tells them before that I’m a very light eater and that way I don’t offend them. They feed us a lot of fatty, fried, meaty foods too. Uck, not my favorite at all, but what can you do?! I’ve discovered a new trick though where I wrap up the food in a little napkin when they’re not looking and stick it in my coat pocket! It works well! Shhh, don’t tell! Last night we went to the Temple lights with some of our less actives. They are so beautiful! I hope you all get to see them sometime- they’re not quite like Mesa’s, but they are so pretty. It’s getting pretty chilly here and I am coming down with a runny nose and sore throat, probably because our apartment doesn’t have a heater and is always like an icebox! I’m going to ask Sister Raymond if I can get some more blankets though and the zone leaders said that they had a little heater we can use. I also am going to try and get permission to buy a coat- I really need one at night on those bikes- brrrrr! It’s not too bad though and Hna. Robles gave me some hot cocoa and other stuff.
Oh ya, remember that greenga who went tracking with me the 2nd day¦ she ended up going home! Actually 2 of the missionaries who came with my group have already gone home. Its a bummer. Anyways, don’t worry, that definitely won’t be me!
Well, thanks so much for your words of encouragement. They brought me a lot of peace and comfort. Its so nice to know that I have a family out there who loves me and prays for me and understands me. I thank the Lord daily for that incredible blessing. Thank you so much and I love all of you with all of my heart.
Your daughter and sister,
Hermana Crosby
Hello dearly beloved family of mine,
Thank you so much for the emails. Its totally okay with me if you just send emails and not regular mail- Its much easier for you, and faster too! Oh and before I forget, Mom don’t need to send me Reeds emails because he emails them straight to me- thanks though! How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? Did you go to Mesa? Mine was really good. They switched it so that we had half a p-day on Monday and the other half we had on Thanksgiving. Anyways, Wednesday night we had made cookies for some of the menos activos (there are a lot in our rama) and so we spent Thursday morning visiting them and bringing them cookies. At 3:30 we went and had dinner with the Robles family (members). I love this family. It is a lady and a man in their 60’s probably and just so nice to us. I met them my very first night and immediately felt comfortable with them. The husband speaks perfect English also and so he helps me with my Spanish. She was so sweet and went all out for us- all the typical thanksgiving foods (of course with Mexican rice too!) it was all store-bought and not quite moms home-cooking, but it was delicious! American food- mmm! That evening we went with some other hermanas to the Christmas program at the visitors center. The VC sisters put it on. It was so good to see all my friends from the MTC and talk to other sisters and realize that everyone is feeling like I am and that I’m not an awful, failure of a missionary. I know it will continue to get better and it already has a lot. Anyways, so my thanksgiving was different that normal, but it was good nonetheless.
Like I said, things this week have been better. I still feel so completely in the dark most of the time, but I’m dealing with it better. I know that if nothing else from my mission, I will learn patience! I’m actually really lucky to be in this area where there are so many latinos. I was talking with all the other hermanas that came with me and they were saying that they speak about 80% English everyday. So I’m very grateful for this opportunity to hopefully learn Spanish quicker. AY! Its coming slowly, but at least its coming! I’ve found that I really just have to focus on the little things and rejoice in them, like being able to do a door approach well or being able to answer simple questions. That way I realize that I really am progressing after all and I don’t get so discouraged.
The work is pretty good. We have 2 progressing investigators and are teaching quite a few other people. Hna. Ardon was saying that there hasn’t been a baptism in this area for 6 months! (we have both hermanas and elders in this area). So hopefully we can change that. She goes home Dec. 25th so I would love for her to have one (or 2 or 3) last baptism before she leaves. She hasn’t had one since her 4th transfer and now she is in her 11th. So ya, We’ll keep working hard and hopefully we’ll have some success. Most people are really nice to us and let us in, but none of them are really interested in what we have to tell them. They’re mostly all Catholics and pretty into that. It’s cool though because I get to meet people from all over the world- Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaraugu, Hondurus, Guatemala, Bolivia, all over! Its fun!
Yesterday we had one investigator come to church and 2 of the less actives that we have been working on. Yay! Bertilda is our investigator- she is de Nicaraugu and is 8 months pregnant. She’s so cute. I love her! She loves us too. Anyways, we’ll see what happens with her. The branch is very welcoming though so that helps. They always give besos here too, which I love!! Everyone gives them and just treats everyone so nicely and openly. Yesterday in church I felt pure joy while we were singing one of the hymns- oh man, these people can NOT sing!! Yet, they still like to sing very loudly! They have no rhythm or tone and it makes me smile every time! Bless their little hearts! I’m sure Mark and Bret can understand that! Every night we get fed by a member also, and boy do they feed us! My companion gained 50 pounds since she has been here! Aaaa! My goal is to at least maintain my weight, although everyone says its impossible. So far I’ve done good. I just don’t eat it all or my companion tells them before that I’m a very light eater and that way I don’t offend them. They feed us a lot of fatty, fried, meaty foods too. Uck, not my favorite at all, but what can you do?! I’ve discovered a new trick though where I wrap up the food in a little napkin when they’re not looking and stick it in my coat pocket! It works well! Shhh, don’t tell! Last night we went to the Temple lights with some of our less actives. They are so beautiful! I hope you all get to see them sometime- they’re not quite like Mesa’s, but they are so pretty. It’s getting pretty chilly here and I am coming down with a runny nose and sore throat, probably because our apartment doesn’t have a heater and is always like an icebox! I’m going to ask Sister Raymond if I can get some more blankets though and the zone leaders said that they had a little heater we can use. I also am going to try and get permission to buy a coat- I really need one at night on those bikes- brrrrr! It’s not too bad though and Hna. Robles gave me some hot cocoa and other stuff.
Oh ya, remember that greenga who went tracking with me the 2nd day¦ she ended up going home! Actually 2 of the missionaries who came with my group have already gone home. Its a bummer. Anyways, don’t worry, that definitely won’t be me!
Well, thanks so much for your words of encouragement. They brought me a lot of peace and comfort. Its so nice to know that I have a family out there who loves me and prays for me and understands me. I thank the Lord daily for that incredible blessing. Thank you so much and I love all of you with all of my heart.
Your daughter and sister,
Hermana Crosby
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
A letter from our other missionary!
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006
Well hello my family. How is everyone doing? It sounds like mom and dad had a good trip up to Utah and Im glad that the BYU teams are doing good. It would be fun to watch them play, with Beck passing for over 400 yards and scoring a lot. Hopefully they will keep it up for a couple of years so I can see them when I get back. Anyways, dad mentioned something about Thanksgiving and I was thinking, Its already almost time for Thanksgiving? And then I got to thinking what day is it and I guess Thanksgiving is tomorrow! I would have totally forgot if dad wouldn’t have said anything. Anyway, eat some turkey and ham and rolls and stuffing and all that other wonderful thanksgiving food for me. Eu tenho saudades da comida la nos Estados Unidos. Feijao e arroz sao bons, mas as vezes eu quero comer comida de minha mae. Well theres a little portuguese, I dont know if you understood but I Said that I miss moms cooking. The food here is good though and I actually think I am gaining weight.
Anyway, about the work, its going good and We are working hard. Im not going to lie though, this past week wasn’t very good at all. We had a lot of our appointments fall and then our backup plans didn’t work out either so we walked a lot and didn’t teach all that much. It was a
frustrating week, but it had a few bright spots. One of which was District (stake) conference. It was so good. President Geschwandtner talked and other people. Elder Gonzalez of the first quorum of the seventy and his wife that are from Uruguay talked to us. It was so good and I got a lot out of it. We learned also that the zone of Caico is going to be turned into a stake, Our branch is going to be made a ward, but also here in Sousa is going to be a district along with Cajazeiras, an area that will open up in the next couple of months for missionary work. Its exciting to see the growth here. Another bright spot was Jackson and Paloma. Jackson is just a golden investigator and is so ready for the Gospel. He and his wife went to Caico with us and Jackson and I talked the whole 2 hours there and 2 hours back. He likes to practice his English with me too so I speak a little English with him. But on the way into the Chapel in Caico he told me, “I want to be part of this church. I need the Church in my life.” He knows a lot of members and has talked to the missionaries many times but only now was his first time to visit the
church with his wife and I think we might baptize them in the next couple of weeks and I am really excited about teaching them. Another thing that happened this past week is that I had to give a little 15 minute training in District Meeting. It was only me and 3 other missionaries, but I was nervous to talk for 15 minutes to 3 older, more experienced missionaries. I talked about what is a disciple of Christ and read some scriptures to them. I also told the story about when Jesus Christ called Simon and Andrew to be Fishers of men, and they left their nets and followed Christ. I asked, “What nets do we have that we give up to follow Christ?” There is also the story about King of the Lamanites that said he would give upall of his sins to know Christ. What will we give up to know Christ. Its not easy to be a disciple of Christ, but the Lord has promised a hundred fold of all our blessings. (Mark 3 20 I believe) That went pretty good I think. I have to give a talk on Sunday so Im a little nervous to talk in front of everybody but It will be a good
experience for me.
Well things here are good and I am learning a lot every day. I am grateful for all your prayers and all that you do for me. I am well taken care of. I have many “Mãenhas†(little moms) here in Sousa that take care of me. They make suco (Juice) for us when we go to their house to teach, they offer to wash our clothes, and they feed us lunch and many times bring food to us at night. I am well taken care of and I having a good time here. Elder Matos, Souza, and Orides are great and always help me with my Protuguese, and I am teaching them a little English so we have a good time. Well I love you all. I am so greatful for the gospel
in my life and the opportunity I have to tell my brothers and sisters about it.
Your son and Brother
Elder Crosby
Well hello my family. How is everyone doing? It sounds like mom and dad had a good trip up to Utah and Im glad that the BYU teams are doing good. It would be fun to watch them play, with Beck passing for over 400 yards and scoring a lot. Hopefully they will keep it up for a couple of years so I can see them when I get back. Anyways, dad mentioned something about Thanksgiving and I was thinking, Its already almost time for Thanksgiving? And then I got to thinking what day is it and I guess Thanksgiving is tomorrow! I would have totally forgot if dad wouldn’t have said anything. Anyway, eat some turkey and ham and rolls and stuffing and all that other wonderful thanksgiving food for me. Eu tenho saudades da comida la nos Estados Unidos. Feijao e arroz sao bons, mas as vezes eu quero comer comida de minha mae. Well theres a little portuguese, I dont know if you understood but I Said that I miss moms cooking. The food here is good though and I actually think I am gaining weight.
Anyway, about the work, its going good and We are working hard. Im not going to lie though, this past week wasn’t very good at all. We had a lot of our appointments fall and then our backup plans didn’t work out either so we walked a lot and didn’t teach all that much. It was a
frustrating week, but it had a few bright spots. One of which was District (stake) conference. It was so good. President Geschwandtner talked and other people. Elder Gonzalez of the first quorum of the seventy and his wife that are from Uruguay talked to us. It was so good and I got a lot out of it. We learned also that the zone of Caico is going to be turned into a stake, Our branch is going to be made a ward, but also here in Sousa is going to be a district along with Cajazeiras, an area that will open up in the next couple of months for missionary work. Its exciting to see the growth here. Another bright spot was Jackson and Paloma. Jackson is just a golden investigator and is so ready for the Gospel. He and his wife went to Caico with us and Jackson and I talked the whole 2 hours there and 2 hours back. He likes to practice his English with me too so I speak a little English with him. But on the way into the Chapel in Caico he told me, “I want to be part of this church. I need the Church in my life.” He knows a lot of members and has talked to the missionaries many times but only now was his first time to visit the
church with his wife and I think we might baptize them in the next couple of weeks and I am really excited about teaching them. Another thing that happened this past week is that I had to give a little 15 minute training in District Meeting. It was only me and 3 other missionaries, but I was nervous to talk for 15 minutes to 3 older, more experienced missionaries. I talked about what is a disciple of Christ and read some scriptures to them. I also told the story about when Jesus Christ called Simon and Andrew to be Fishers of men, and they left their nets and followed Christ. I asked, “What nets do we have that we give up to follow Christ?” There is also the story about King of the Lamanites that said he would give upall of his sins to know Christ. What will we give up to know Christ. Its not easy to be a disciple of Christ, but the Lord has promised a hundred fold of all our blessings. (Mark 3 20 I believe) That went pretty good I think. I have to give a talk on Sunday so Im a little nervous to talk in front of everybody but It will be a good
experience for me.
Well things here are good and I am learning a lot every day. I am grateful for all your prayers and all that you do for me. I am well taken care of. I have many “Mãenhas†(little moms) here in Sousa that take care of me. They make suco (Juice) for us when we go to their house to teach, they offer to wash our clothes, and they feed us lunch and many times bring food to us at night. I am well taken care of and I having a good time here. Elder Matos, Souza, and Orides are great and always help me with my Protuguese, and I am teaching them a little English so we have a good time. Well I love you all. I am so greatful for the gospel
in my life and the opportunity I have to tell my brothers and sisters about it.
Your son and Brother
Elder Crosby
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Wow! Letter from Kari
Date: Monday November 20, 2006
Hello Hello dear family!! Or I mean, Hola! Well, I am finally here in California. Its been over 6 months ago that I got my call and I've been waiting so long, so its hard to believe that I'm actually in Los Angeles! Wow, its definitely different than what I expected- just everything really. Often times I feel like Im not in the United States at all, but rather in Mexico or some other foreign country. Well, I guess I'll just go ahead and start at the very beginning¦
I arrived in CA Wednesday morning bright and early (We had to get up at 3 am CA time that morning) and 17 of us flew in to LA together. President and Sister Raymond were there at the airport waiting for us. It was
great to finally meet them. They are just as nice as they look in the picture! The APs were also there. Kind of funny- one of them, Elder Mills, I knew from High School! He is from Snowflake so we have actually
hung out before! Small world! I was happy to see a familiar face! My companions just laugh because I always know someone everywhere we go. We went to the mission home and had a nice little, well actually big, brunch. Real food! Mmm- it was delicious! Afterwards I got to do all the dishes and clean the kitchen, which made me feel happy and right at home! We had a full day of meetings and getting our brains crammed full of
lots of information that I cant really even remember anymore! My favorite part of all of this was going to the visitors center and seeing the temple! It is soooo big (the temple, that is. The VC is actually quite tiny) and it is absolutely gorgeous. I decided that I want to get married there! At the VC we also met our trainer¦ dun dun¦ the moment we had all been dying for. Pres. Raymond would call us one-by-one and we would stand up and say where we were from and than he would tell us a little about our trainer and where we would be assigned. It felt like a game show- lots of suspense in the air! I was one of the last to be called and first he gave me a trainer and we hugged and what not, but I felt like it wasn't right. And I was right too, because moments later Pres. Was like, oh, wait, thats not your trainer. He than gave me to Hna. Ardon from Guatemala. She is great! She speaks English very well and helps me a lot with spanish. Our area is called Maywood and covers the parts of the cities of Maywood, Huntington Park, and South Gate. Its almost 100% Latin. And guess what else- we are lucky enough to be on bikes! I knew I would be on a bike because I need to be humbled- I'm too vain I think! Only 4 hermanas are on bikes and we're one of the lucky 4. No to be honest though- I really like being on a
bike. I like the fresh air and the extra exercise. Not to mention, I loooove my bright green helmet! Its quite stylish! I also love how we have to safety pin our skirts together in the front and back so they don't go flying up! I'm sure you're picturing and laughing, and you should be because I really do look quite attractive! Pony tails everyday! Anyways, its still pretty stinkin hot outside and so that adds to it- lots of sweating! Its great though! We live in a little apartment- not terribly nice, but not gross either. It kind of smells weird, but we're really not home much anyways. The first night the AP's had to drive us to our apartment because I had all my lovely bright pink luggage and we couldn't quite haul it on our bikes. I don't know if it was because haven't been in car in awhile or if the AP was just driving bad, but I got really sick and came close to puking a few times. Ya, a little embarrassing! Great way to make a first impression! I'm sure they'll remember me forever for that! Speaking of first impressions, I think I'm making great ones here¦ for instance, at our first dinner appointment I lost it! I was crying all during the whole appointment. I felt bad, but I just couldnt help it. I think that people felt really bad and didnt know what to do. I just get so frustrated not being able to understand anything. Everyone says to not get frustrated, but its really hard not to when you feel completely clueless and useless. Its so hard. Ive definitely have shed my share of tears since, but luckily not at anyones house again! Its all Spanish here. I really only speak to my comp. in English. So ya, pretty much I
just dont talk at all! I'm beginning to wonder if I even have a personality still because I never talk! AY! I knew it would be hard, but I didnt expect it to be quite this bad. Hopefully it'll get better though (soon would be nice!). As of now I'm not really having too great of a time, but I won't say too much because I'm sure I'll
regret it later down the road. I don't hate it, but I would be lying if I said I loved it and was having the time of my life. Anyways, I just need to be patient and focus on one day at a time.
My 2nd day here I had a funny/frustrating/memorable experience. My comp. had to go to the doctor and needed a car. So another trainer hna. Had to take her. So, me and her trainee, another complete greenga,
were left together and were instructed to go tracking! As you can imagine, that didnt go so well. One man started yelling at us because we couldnt understand a word he was saying. I think he thought that we
would understand him better if he talked louder! Nope! So we just pretty much stared at everyone with blank looks after we said our little spill. It definitely got me out of my comfort zone, but I've discovered that
that is a huge part of being a missionary. I've done a lot of things that I really didnt want to do and that I would normally never, ever do, but I guess what doesnt kill ya makes you stronger right!?
Sundays are normally my favorite days, but yesterday was a little different that what Im used to. We had meetings in the morning and than church. Church was a headache! First of all, I had no idea what in the
world was going on, second, there were babies screaming everywhere- Not just crying, but flat out screaming. Third, people were just talking all during sacrament. It was quite strange. I left feeling like my head would explode. We actually only have a branch. The members are few, but they are really nice. I cant understand them, but I like them! We have lots of work to do.
So, I'm running short on time. Things are going okay and I'm sure it'll get better with time. I pray for the gift of tongues and I'm sure that the Lord hears me. I know this church is true and that keeps me going. I get letters only on Fridays, so if you can try to time that right! I love you all! Thanks for your love and prayers- I need lots and lots of both. Being a missionary is so hard, harder than I expected, but I know I'm growing and becoming stronger. Mucho amor, Hermana Crosby
Hello Hello dear family!! Or I mean, Hola! Well, I am finally here in California. Its been over 6 months ago that I got my call and I've been waiting so long, so its hard to believe that I'm actually in Los Angeles! Wow, its definitely different than what I expected- just everything really. Often times I feel like Im not in the United States at all, but rather in Mexico or some other foreign country. Well, I guess I'll just go ahead and start at the very beginning¦
I arrived in CA Wednesday morning bright and early (We had to get up at 3 am CA time that morning) and 17 of us flew in to LA together. President and Sister Raymond were there at the airport waiting for us. It was
great to finally meet them. They are just as nice as they look in the picture! The APs were also there. Kind of funny- one of them, Elder Mills, I knew from High School! He is from Snowflake so we have actually
hung out before! Small world! I was happy to see a familiar face! My companions just laugh because I always know someone everywhere we go. We went to the mission home and had a nice little, well actually big, brunch. Real food! Mmm- it was delicious! Afterwards I got to do all the dishes and clean the kitchen, which made me feel happy and right at home! We had a full day of meetings and getting our brains crammed full of
lots of information that I cant really even remember anymore! My favorite part of all of this was going to the visitors center and seeing the temple! It is soooo big (the temple, that is. The VC is actually quite tiny) and it is absolutely gorgeous. I decided that I want to get married there! At the VC we also met our trainer¦ dun dun¦ the moment we had all been dying for. Pres. Raymond would call us one-by-one and we would stand up and say where we were from and than he would tell us a little about our trainer and where we would be assigned. It felt like a game show- lots of suspense in the air! I was one of the last to be called and first he gave me a trainer and we hugged and what not, but I felt like it wasn't right. And I was right too, because moments later Pres. Was like, oh, wait, thats not your trainer. He than gave me to Hna. Ardon from Guatemala. She is great! She speaks English very well and helps me a lot with spanish. Our area is called Maywood and covers the parts of the cities of Maywood, Huntington Park, and South Gate. Its almost 100% Latin. And guess what else- we are lucky enough to be on bikes! I knew I would be on a bike because I need to be humbled- I'm too vain I think! Only 4 hermanas are on bikes and we're one of the lucky 4. No to be honest though- I really like being on a
bike. I like the fresh air and the extra exercise. Not to mention, I loooove my bright green helmet! Its quite stylish! I also love how we have to safety pin our skirts together in the front and back so they don't go flying up! I'm sure you're picturing and laughing, and you should be because I really do look quite attractive! Pony tails everyday! Anyways, its still pretty stinkin hot outside and so that adds to it- lots of sweating! Its great though! We live in a little apartment- not terribly nice, but not gross either. It kind of smells weird, but we're really not home much anyways. The first night the AP's had to drive us to our apartment because I had all my lovely bright pink luggage and we couldn't quite haul it on our bikes. I don't know if it was because haven't been in car in awhile or if the AP was just driving bad, but I got really sick and came close to puking a few times. Ya, a little embarrassing! Great way to make a first impression! I'm sure they'll remember me forever for that! Speaking of first impressions, I think I'm making great ones here¦ for instance, at our first dinner appointment I lost it! I was crying all during the whole appointment. I felt bad, but I just couldnt help it. I think that people felt really bad and didnt know what to do. I just get so frustrated not being able to understand anything. Everyone says to not get frustrated, but its really hard not to when you feel completely clueless and useless. Its so hard. Ive definitely have shed my share of tears since, but luckily not at anyones house again! Its all Spanish here. I really only speak to my comp. in English. So ya, pretty much I
just dont talk at all! I'm beginning to wonder if I even have a personality still because I never talk! AY! I knew it would be hard, but I didnt expect it to be quite this bad. Hopefully it'll get better though (soon would be nice!). As of now I'm not really having too great of a time, but I won't say too much because I'm sure I'll
regret it later down the road. I don't hate it, but I would be lying if I said I loved it and was having the time of my life. Anyways, I just need to be patient and focus on one day at a time.
My 2nd day here I had a funny/frustrating/memorable experience. My comp. had to go to the doctor and needed a car. So another trainer hna. Had to take her. So, me and her trainee, another complete greenga,
were left together and were instructed to go tracking! As you can imagine, that didnt go so well. One man started yelling at us because we couldnt understand a word he was saying. I think he thought that we
would understand him better if he talked louder! Nope! So we just pretty much stared at everyone with blank looks after we said our little spill. It definitely got me out of my comfort zone, but I've discovered that
that is a huge part of being a missionary. I've done a lot of things that I really didnt want to do and that I would normally never, ever do, but I guess what doesnt kill ya makes you stronger right!?
Sundays are normally my favorite days, but yesterday was a little different that what Im used to. We had meetings in the morning and than church. Church was a headache! First of all, I had no idea what in the
world was going on, second, there were babies screaming everywhere- Not just crying, but flat out screaming. Third, people were just talking all during sacrament. It was quite strange. I left feeling like my head would explode. We actually only have a branch. The members are few, but they are really nice. I cant understand them, but I like them! We have lots of work to do.
So, I'm running short on time. Things are going okay and I'm sure it'll get better with time. I pray for the gift of tongues and I'm sure that the Lord hears me. I know this church is true and that keeps me going. I get letters only on Fridays, so if you can try to time that right! I love you all! Thanks for your love and prayers- I need lots and lots of both. Being a missionary is so hard, harder than I expected, but I know I'm growing and becoming stronger. Mucho amor, Hermana Crosby
Friday, November 17, 2006
Kaemon at 20 months old
So Kaemon had a little photo shoot the other day and this is about as close as we got to a smile. I need to have a talk to him about the dangers of being a member of a gang (notice him throwing gang signs). Last night (Thursday) I went with Dr. Anger to Pittsburgh to be at the "Backyard brawl" between University of Pittsburgh and WVU. It was a fun game.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
fotos
1-Elder Matos & I walking down one of the many dirt roads in Sousa.
The rockroach that was just chillin' on the toilet paper. I found this worth a chuckle.
Mototaxi. This is how we get around alot of the time. Just hop on and away we go!
A little view of the city here in Sousa.
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