Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2007
Hello Everyone. How is everyone doing? Whats new? Fill me in on
everything. Mom and Dad I think are with Mark and Holly right now to bless
Mileia so I am sure that they are all excited about that. Fill me in on
everything, I love to get news from home and see how my family is doing.
Anyway, this past week has just been crazy. So many things have
happened. Elder Campos and I have been teaching a lot and this past week was a
really really good week. Ill take it day by day. Thursday Elder Campos
and I had a division and so we taught more people and it was a really
good day for me. I felt just fine teaching everything with a member.
Members usually just sit there and I teach but it was a really good day.
Then Friday was Zone Conference with President and Sister Geschwandtner.
It was a really good Conference. Sister talked about Patience and
President talked about the daily routine and other things. It was just a
really good day of learning and soaking up all the lessons I could. I have
learned something these past few days. Every time that you learn about
something or teach something, then comes the test to see if you really
learned anything. Well Saturday was my test of Patience. This whole
past week we had been preparing Fagner (Simao) and Jaqueline to be
baptized on Saturday. So everything was great and they were really excited
about their baptisms. We arrived in the Chapel so that they could be
interviewed at around 2:30. Jaqueline was a little afraid because she
thought that the water of the font overflowed into the bathroom and would
return to the font again so she didn't want to be baptized in a dirty
font. SO that morning we went and cleaned the font for her. We emptied it
and washed it down really good. So when they arrived at 2:30 it was
totally empty and clean. She was happy about that. But then we went to
fill it up and there was no water. Here everybody has water barrels on the
tops of their houses because every once in a while the water will shut
off and so when you have water the big barrels fill up and you use that
water when you don't have water from the city. Anyway, the barrels
were empty at the church and we didn't know how we could fill up the
font. We tried everything including the fire hose. Nothing worked.
Finally we found a faucet that had the water from the city, not from the
barrel so we started filling up buckets and hauling the buckets and pouring
them in the baptismal font. At about 6:00, with the help of some
members and the other missionaries, the font was finally full. I was pretty
stressed out bu things turned out great. Jaqueline and Fagner were
baptized and were really happy. Kauany, their daughter is just so cute. Ill
send a pic. Anyway, so everything turned out good with their baptism.
Then that night at 7:30, we had another baptism. 2 or 3 weeks ago, we
were teaching a lady named Zuleide. She had been taught several times by
the missionaries and had known the church for 2 years or more. She was
never baptized because she never felt ready and didn't have the
desire. Well three weeks ago, Elder Q Smith and I taught her and yet again
she didn't want to be baptized but she said she would go to church on
Sunday. She went and after the meetings she came up to us and told us
that her baptism would be the next week. Everything was set for it to be
that week but Friday night she decided that she didn't want to again
and there was nothing we could say to convince her otherwise. Ill admit
it was really weird. One day she was really excited to be baptized, and
the next day she has no desire at all. So we stopped visiting her for 2
or 3 weeks. Thursday we were told by a member that is Zuleide's
friend that Zuleide wanted to be baptized. SO we went there and she was
really ready this time. We taught her and reviewed the lessons and she was
baptized on Saturday. She told us about some of the dreams that she
had. When she decided to be baptized she had a dream about opening her
door and there was an airplane and all the people in it were dressed in
white. She wanted to enter the airplane really bad and the door opend and
a man reached out and grabbed her hand to help her into the airplane.
When she got in the airplane she looked and she was dressed half in
white, half in normal clothes. Then the dream ended. She felt really good
and peace in her life after the dream. Then she told us about a dream
she had after she decided not to be baptized. I cant remember all of it
but I do remember her telling me that she arrived at a point in her
dream with a big huge cross and Jesus was on it and it was dark and gloomy
outside. She said the difference between the feelings of the 2 dreams
was totally opposite and she knew it was because of the church. It was
great to see her baptized when so many people had helped her and been
examples for her for so long. She was just gleaming at the baptism and at
church the next day too.
Sunday was also a great day. We had 5 baptisms on Sunday. Gigleyson; a
man that lives close to the church that is really looking to improve
his life. He has some health problems and the word of wisdom has been
helping a lot. There are times when he doesn't sleep for 2 or three days
straight, but then he will sleep for 2 days straight. He is a good guy
and the gospel will help him so much in his life. He was really happy
and excited about his baptism. Michael was also baptized. He is 18 years
old and is always with Fagner. He didn't want to keep the word of
wisdom but he we were really firm with him and he hasn't drunk beer in 5
weeks and stopped drinking coffee. Then we baptized Diego, a 9 year old
saint. This kid has been going to church alone for over 4 months.
Rodrigo is the same way, but he is 10. WE baptized Rita's niece, Jaiza
also. It was a really good day.
At the end of the day on Sunday we pass the numbers from our week of
work. We live with the Zone leaders so we went to talk with them to pass
our numbers. When we got there they told me that I was being emergency
transferred to Currais Novos and I ahd to leave the next morning at 9
AM. So I packed up my stuff that night and Monday morning I was on a bus
to Currais Novos. Ive been here for almost 3 days now. I am with Elder
Magalhaes and to top it off I was made Senior companion. So now I have
the responsibility to plan and do all the stuff that seniors do. I
don't really feel ready to be senior but who God calls, he qualifies.
These past two days have been good and Currais Novos is a good palce. A
town of 43,000 or so and It reminds me a little bit of Sousa. Anyway, my
time is up. I love you all and hope and pray that everything is great
with you all.
Your son and brother,
Elder Crosby
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Bendiciones, cuenta y veras...
Hi family, well I have a big chunk of solid time today so I hope you are readyfor a long, juicy, email! Just so you know, transfers were last week and me and Hermana Irving got to both stay together here in Maywood! We were both ecstatic about that. It will end up being 6 months that I serve in Maywood, but I'm not complaining. I love it here and am grateful that I get to stay 6 more weeks! I am a completely different missionary than when I first arrived and I'm glad that I get to feel like I'll leave the area better than how I found it.
First w'll start off with some good news. Saturday was our first baptism. It was of our only English investigator named Vera. Vera is 12 years old (although by looking at her you would guess 15 or 16- a giant of a girl!) It went really well and she was just glowing. I spoke about baptism and a lady from the Bell Ward spoke on the Holy Ghost and it went smooth and well. Hna. Irving and I had it in our heads that we could bike there from our apartments, but the night before, after talking to the district leader, we decided that 30 minutes in a car would probably take over 1 hour on bike. Last minute we found a ride from a ward member and showed up a little late to the baptism, but at least we weren't covered in sweat with matted-helmet-hair! Anyways, it's exciting to see someone that you've taught everything to accept the gospel and make these sacred covenants with Heavenly Father. Hopefully we'll have more of those coming up! We're hoping Edwardo soon commits to baptism. We have had a lot of great lessons with him, but he's also studying with the Jehovah's Witnesses and told us last night that as of now he's leaning more towards the J.W.'s. So last night I just felt like we were fighting for his soul. I bore strong witness of the church being the one and only true church with all the power and authority. He definitely wants to keep learning and committed to specifically pray about whether this church is indeed the ONE and ONLY true church. People here have a hard time accepting the one and only thing. They think that any church that speaks of God is good. It's a little difficult to explain to people that there really is only one true church and that we have to do more than have faith to be saved. Anyways, Edwardo has so much faith and he sincerely wants to know the truth and I know that he'll receive an answer. The other night he asked if we would teach him about tithing so we did and afterwards hecame out with a 100 dollar bill and set it on the table. He wanted to know if it was okay if he paid tithing even though he wasn't a member and wanted to know if we could pay it for him! He just has so much faith! He understood it's acommandment and that all the commandments bring blessings and even though he lives in a teeny-tiny trailer and can barely afford the rent, he was willing to give a $100 to his Lord! He always is asking what his homework is from the Bookof Mormon so that he can learn more and always is seeking after the truth. Pray that he'll receive an answer that this is the one and only true church, please!
This week we have also had to drop some of my favorite investigators because they weren't keeping their commitments. It was so hard! One of them, 17-year-old Emir, burst out in tears and was just bawling, "I don't want youto leave me". I had to explain to her amidst my own tears that we wanted so badly to help her, but that as missionaries we are here to help people prepare to make sacred covenants with God and that she had to do her part. We also had to drop Christian, who although acts like a big tough guy, had a few tears in his eyes as well. It was hard to drop both of them, but both me and my comp. felt like they needed to have the light removed from them so that they can recognize that it's something they really miss and want back. Hopefully this will help them to progress. It is one of the hard parts of being a missionary. You grow to love the people you teach so much, but when they're not progressing it's a waste of the Lord's precious time. Anyways, I am learning so much still everyday and just loving it! How is my sweet little baby niece doing? I still need to see pictures! I feel so completely out of the loop. I don't even know the day she was born-fill me in Mark, would ya?! How is Lisa's boyfriend? Jake? Are things getting serious with them? What else has been going on? Anyone I know getting engaged or receiving mission calls or having babies? I like hearing these things! I love being a missionary and being here in Los Angles sharing the Gospel. It is so fabulous to be learning and growing so much and feeling so close to my Savior. There are many ups and downs, but all help me to grow. I'm so grateful for the Holy Ghost- what a blessed gift! I would be nothing without the Holy Ghost! Aren't you so excited for General Conference this weekend! Whipee! I can hardly wait! I hope we all come with specific questions to be answered. I know that ifwe do, we will all definitley recieve answers. Our prophet and apostles are so inspired and truly speak the words of God. Anyways, I love and miss you all so much. I pray for you all every night and hope you all are happy, healthy, and staying close to the Lord.
Mucho Amor, Hermana Crosby
First w'll start off with some good news. Saturday was our first baptism. It was of our only English investigator named Vera. Vera is 12 years old (although by looking at her you would guess 15 or 16- a giant of a girl!) It went really well and she was just glowing. I spoke about baptism and a lady from the Bell Ward spoke on the Holy Ghost and it went smooth and well. Hna. Irving and I had it in our heads that we could bike there from our apartments, but the night before, after talking to the district leader, we decided that 30 minutes in a car would probably take over 1 hour on bike. Last minute we found a ride from a ward member and showed up a little late to the baptism, but at least we weren't covered in sweat with matted-helmet-hair! Anyways, it's exciting to see someone that you've taught everything to accept the gospel and make these sacred covenants with Heavenly Father. Hopefully we'll have more of those coming up! We're hoping Edwardo soon commits to baptism. We have had a lot of great lessons with him, but he's also studying with the Jehovah's Witnesses and told us last night that as of now he's leaning more towards the J.W.'s. So last night I just felt like we were fighting for his soul. I bore strong witness of the church being the one and only true church with all the power and authority. He definitely wants to keep learning and committed to specifically pray about whether this church is indeed the ONE and ONLY true church. People here have a hard time accepting the one and only thing. They think that any church that speaks of God is good. It's a little difficult to explain to people that there really is only one true church and that we have to do more than have faith to be saved. Anyways, Edwardo has so much faith and he sincerely wants to know the truth and I know that he'll receive an answer. The other night he asked if we would teach him about tithing so we did and afterwards hecame out with a 100 dollar bill and set it on the table. He wanted to know if it was okay if he paid tithing even though he wasn't a member and wanted to know if we could pay it for him! He just has so much faith! He understood it's acommandment and that all the commandments bring blessings and even though he lives in a teeny-tiny trailer and can barely afford the rent, he was willing to give a $100 to his Lord! He always is asking what his homework is from the Bookof Mormon so that he can learn more and always is seeking after the truth. Pray that he'll receive an answer that this is the one and only true church, please!
This week we have also had to drop some of my favorite investigators because they weren't keeping their commitments. It was so hard! One of them, 17-year-old Emir, burst out in tears and was just bawling, "I don't want youto leave me". I had to explain to her amidst my own tears that we wanted so badly to help her, but that as missionaries we are here to help people prepare to make sacred covenants with God and that she had to do her part. We also had to drop Christian, who although acts like a big tough guy, had a few tears in his eyes as well. It was hard to drop both of them, but both me and my comp. felt like they needed to have the light removed from them so that they can recognize that it's something they really miss and want back. Hopefully this will help them to progress. It is one of the hard parts of being a missionary. You grow to love the people you teach so much, but when they're not progressing it's a waste of the Lord's precious time. Anyways, I am learning so much still everyday and just loving it! How is my sweet little baby niece doing? I still need to see pictures! I feel so completely out of the loop. I don't even know the day she was born-fill me in Mark, would ya?! How is Lisa's boyfriend? Jake? Are things getting serious with them? What else has been going on? Anyone I know getting engaged or receiving mission calls or having babies? I like hearing these things! I love being a missionary and being here in Los Angles sharing the Gospel. It is so fabulous to be learning and growing so much and feeling so close to my Savior. There are many ups and downs, but all help me to grow. I'm so grateful for the Holy Ghost- what a blessed gift! I would be nothing without the Holy Ghost! Aren't you so excited for General Conference this weekend! Whipee! I can hardly wait! I hope we all come with specific questions to be answered. I know that ifwe do, we will all definitley recieve answers. Our prophet and apostles are so inspired and truly speak the words of God. Anyways, I love and miss you all so much. I pray for you all every night and hope you all are happy, healthy, and staying close to the Lord.
Mucho Amor, Hermana Crosby
Milea's Blessing Day
On March 25, 2007 we blessed our precious little girl. She wore the same dress that her mommy Holly wore when she was blessed. Gma bought Kaemon an Easter suit to match dad's and he looked sharp.
Me gusta comida Mexicana
So I had a b-day this past week and Jon and Jill treated us all to Mexican food at El Rincon and I got some deep-fried ice cream and a song. Can't remember how old I am, but I can still dunk so I'm still young enough. It was a great weekend having both our moms and dads in town.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Dust+Dirt=DUNES!!!
What up Croz Fam! This is Jake! I just want to say how friggin cool your Lisa is. I have learned that she has NO FEAR! She tried everything! She was even driving that Flamin Sand rail she was sitting in. I always rode with her and she kept trying to kick me off so she could do it herself. She has a NEED for SPEED! But anyways, we had alot of fun and Lisa is a Natural Duner! Too bad it is getting too hot to go but we'll try to sqeeze in another trip or two. Oh and p.s. I know the gay pose im making may pose some questions but no worries! Lisa made me do it! ;) Oh and I was glad to meet you Mr. Crosby! Your daughter is awesome and alot of fun! Lisa is telling me to stop now so good bye! :) Peace out A-Town! Jake
Hi! so I LOVE the dunes!! holy moly that was an amazing time! Dad, I want a sandrail for my birthday okay! guys--you've got to go sometime! Its just this open desert of SAND MOUNTAINS also known as dunes wink. Jakes dad has 2 sandrails, 2 YFZ 450cc quads, freak'n fast and I raced all the boys and beat em my first try, hee hee jk and a ranger! Jake did teach me how to drive the rails and quads and I rode Blairs dirt bike too!! I loved it!!! Jake and I also got to ride in the SAND LIMO its like an $80,000 dollar rail that is the fastest ride i've EVER been on!! it was seriously better than any amusement park ride! it has a corvette engine and nitrous booster thing! its hard to explaine you just have to go sometime. so that was my week end!! Marky--- happy b-day! I didn't forget! my phone was dead and I didn't have my charger! so I hope you had a GREAT day! love you all! lisa Nae
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Reeds baptizing!
Wed, 21 Mar 2007
1 ��� Me, Elder Q Smith, Fatima, and Cristiano. She always makes us cakes when we go over there. We teach her a lesson and at the end she tells Cristiano to go grab our present and he comes back with a cake. I love this family. The dad is horrible and wont talk to us but she is
separating from him hopefully soon.
2 Our baptisms on Thursday. Me, Wallacy, Wilker, Rita, and Elder Campos.
4 Diogo at his baptism. He is a cool guy that Elder C Ferreira calls Guns and Roses because of his hair. Way cool Guy.
Hello Everybody! I dont even know if I will be able to send this because the internet isn't working right. Anyway, How is everyone? I am doing great. First off before I forget, I wanted to ask a few questions. In one of moms letters she talked about going to Luiz Rios farewell but she never said where he was going. Where did Luiz get his call to? I am way excited for him. I remember playing soccer with him in High School. He is a funny kid and It is great that he got everything straightened out with everything so that he could serve a mission. Also, I wanted to ask for another Journal, my Journal is about used up and I don't know where I can buy a good one here. Just any Type of Journal will do. Nothing expensive, just somewhere where I can put my thoughts and feelings. I was wondering if mom could send me some white shirts, like church shirts with a collar and everything. I want to be able to give the guys I baptize white shirts when they get baptized so that they can go to church and feel good. I only brought so many so I need some white shirts to give away. Go to DI and buy some that are good and cheap, don't spend a lot of money but it would be really nice to have some white church shirts to give to some of the guys I baptize. Dad said something about a cruise after the mission, and that would be sweet, but I was thinking about a house boat at Lake Powell. I know it doesn't have the luxeries of a cruise but it has been years since we have been to Lake Powell and I would love to go back. Just a thought.
Anyway, now to the good stuff. This week was really good. Last Thursday was really good. Noel and Rita got married that morning and then that night we had her baptism. Noel has been a member for 4 years but left the church for a couple of years and now he is coming back. He was living together with Rita but they didn't have money to get married. Elder Q Smith and I were walking on the road one day and Q Smith looked down and found 50 reais ( 50 dollars). We left it with a member that lived on that road for a week or so but nobody asked about it or claimed it so we got to keep it. Marriages cost 110 reais so we used the 50 dollars and got 60 more and paid for them to get married. It was great to see them get married. That night we baptized 2 others, Wallacy and Wilker. They are brothers. One is 13 and the other is 11. Their parents came to the baptism and were really happy. This Sunday the whole family will hopefully come to church because the dad has the day off. Also, this Sunday, Diogo was baptized. WE have been trying to get him to commit to baptism for almost a month but we haven't been able to find him. He is really busy. Finally we found him for a couple of days and he committed to be baptized. He has long hair like his friends, Wellington, and Wedson. He is a good guy and was really happy. Him and all of his friends are good people. There is Railson, Renan, Diego, Wellington, Wedson,
Bruno, Roberto, and now Diogo and they still have more friends that say they will go to church.
This week is going really good right now too. We are going to have some baptisms this weekend and the next week is looking really good. We already have a lot of people scheduled to go to church so I am excited for this next week. This Saturday, Fagner and Jackeline will be baptized. A family we found 2 weeks ago. Jackeline is the sister of Jussier that was baptized 3 weeks ago or so. They are really special. They have a daughter named Kawani that is just hilarious. She is 2 years old and jut runs all over the place.
Things are great here and I am really enjoying it here. We have Zone Conference on Friday and through my connections I found out that I have a package there waiting for me. I think it is the Valentines Day package that Mom said she sent. I still haven't got that yet so I am hoping
that that's it. Well I love you all and hope all is well. I loved the pics of Mileia that Mark sent. I wish I could see her but pictures are great. I love you all.
Love, Elder Crosby
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
ALL she wants to do is DANCE, DANCE
So here you see Jake and I with Tammers and Jade right after they finished thier performance at AZ STATE dance competition 2007. Yeah, the to of them running up to greet us was as close as we got to seeing their dance moves. jake and I ran as fast as we could after learning they were ahead of schedule only to miss them by minutes!! BUMMER ! Genuine Dance took 3rd in their division!! HOT DOG!! GOOD JOB!!Sunday, March 18, 2007
Milea's first time to church
Milea went to church today and everyone was ooohing and awwwing. Both our kids behaved really well. Kaemon goes to both hours of nursery without a fuss and loves it. His nursery leader loves him too and always brings him special treats and play-dough and stuff.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
P-Day
Hello family! Well it sounds like you all are doing good. I am glad that Pomp isdoing better and that he will be home here in a couple of days. Also, HappyBirthday Dad!!! I totally loose track of time here and I remembered that night that it was your B-day. I hope it went good. Time really flies here and I loosetrack of the days and what is happening in the world. Things are all good here. Elder Campos and I are getting along great. He teachesreally good in a way that people understand and are involved. Hopefully I willbe able to learn how to teach like him by the end of the transfer. It is goodliving with 3 Brasilians and I am learning ato kill my accent and talk with moreease. This past week has been good but we need to find more people to teach. Wepractically cut or baptized all of our investigators from last transfer so weare starting with a clean plate. We are teaching 2 families right now, well 3 totell the truth. The third will be married on Thursday (tomorrow) and Rita, thewife of a member, will be baptized that same night. The other 2 families wefound the other day. Naldo and Nilza is a family with a little baby that is 6months old. We taught them the first lesson Monday and it went really good.Naldo was really interested and was agreeing the whole time. When I taught aboutJoseph Smith and the question Joseph had, Naldo said that he has wondered thesame thing, Which church is the true church. Then there is Fagner and Jackeline.Jackeline is Jussier's sister. They are already married and Jackeline went toJussier's baptism and really really liked it. She said that the following weekshe felt so much peace and calm in her life. We are going to continue to teachthese 2 and hopefully they will do what Alma 32 says and prove the word andplant the seed. Everything starts out small, but can grow into a giant tree. As far as everything else goes, I am doing good. Ive been lucky and havent hadany problems with my health or anything like that. Things are great here and Iam really enjoying being able to speak and communicate with the people here. Itsamazing, 7 months ago I knew nothing, but now I can have conversations witheveryone. We talked to a crazy drunk man last night that started asking usthings about the Bible. He asked us a lot of questions and we could asnwer allof them, but even that didnt convince him. We can always prove the Church istrue, but that wont convert people. People can see with their own eyes, but whatconverts is the spirit. Spiritual things are so much stronger than physicalthings. When the spirit touches the spirit of the investigator, It is 100 timesmore powerful than a sign or something like that. I am so grateful for thespirit and the simple testimony that I have. I am so lucky to have a family thatknows what I know, parents that raised us with love in the gospel of JesusChrist. I love you all and hope all is well. Atà o prÃximo.
LoveElder Crosby
LoveElder Crosby
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
2 week letter
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007
Family! Hi! Yes, I am still alive. Last week we had our temple p-day and then we went out and celebrated my 6 month anniversary and so I didn’t quite make it to the library. Sorry! You’ll be getting details on my celebration later- You’ll freak out! It was something- my comp. doesn’t mess around! Anyways, I can’t believe I have a NEICE!!!!! I am sooo soo excited! Send pictures ASAP! I love that name too- just adorable. Does she have a middle name? I’m so glad that the delivery went fast and safe. I’ve been so curious to hear! Congratulations to us! Mark and Holly and Kaemon- I love you lots and am so excited for the new addition. There’s a baby in the apartment next to us-ya, both me and my comp went out and bought ear plugs today! She screams all the night long! I’m glad that Milea doesn’t- its rough! I was really sad to hear about Pomp too. I’ve been thinking about him a lot this week for some reason and so when I just read that my heart started beating a bit faster. I’m glad that he’s recovering fast thou. I will definintely keep them in my prayers. How does that happen anyways? Lisa Nae, dear sister, So you have a boyfriend huh? Is this official? Last I heard is that you went out on a blind date with a guy on Valentines Day and I haven’t heard anything since. Fill me in would ya?! I’m excited for you! I can’t even imagine what that’s like anymore- EEK! Good luck! DADDDYYYY!!! Happy Happy LATE birthday! I’m such a bad daughter- forgive me for not calling! Oh wait.. I’m so sorry I didn’t get a card out to you. We’re only allowed to write on p-days and with temple p-day we weren’t left with any time. I was thinking of you all day though and I told everyone it was my dad’s birthday! I Love you so much daddy and I'm pretty sure we are the luckiest family in the world to have a righteous, hard-working, priesthood-worthy, witty, funny, smart, Spanish-speaking, tap-dancing, not to mention Oh-so-handsome, father. You really are the best in the world and I am so grateful for your example and leadership of our family. WOW! We are lucky! I love you so much dad! I hope your birthday was fabulous! Bret and Becki- I haven’t heard the results yet from your little contest-¦ Did you win or what?! I’m loving that you’re teaching the Sunbeams- little kids are so cute. I can’t wait for the day when I can pick them up and love on them. Are they a wild bunch or pretty well-behaved? I think the cutest thing ever are little kids singing in primary, especially when its in Spanish! Love it! Tammers-congrats and being accepted to the SUU thing! I knew you would- you’re amazing! That will be a great way to be involved and get dates! Graduation is drawing nigh- how do you feel? How’s dance? Where are you working these days? As for me- WOW! These past few weeks have been amazing! I have learned so much! I’ve learned the importance of setting daily goals and then doing everything you can to reach those goals. I’ve learned the importance of really leaving strong commitments and following up on those and emphasizing the great importance of them. This has been the best transfer ever and I am sad that it ends next Wednesday. I’m hoping that Hna. Irving and I get one more transfer together here in Maywood, but of course I’ll gladly go wherever. We just have grown so much together and have had a ton of fun! My Spanish has improved so much- I understand a ton more and can communicate just about all that I need to. I still have soooo much to learn, but it’s coming little by little. My comp is improving too and can teach little parts of the first lesson now. It’s nice to be able to teach together instead of just me doing all the teaching. She’s picking up super fast and is such a good sport about it all. I read from the Libro de Mormon every day for 1 hour and that is helping a lot. As for our investigators- I don’t even know where to start! Leanor Trujillo, sweet little 62 year old lady, is going to be baptized in April! She’s pretty golden. She was actually a referral that the missionaries got in august and never contacted. Hna. Gonzalez and I finally contacted her and she’s so open and accepting and wants to learn more. She also loves to cook us dinner, healthy too, so she’s a joy of sunshine in our lives! Ana Silvia- well I taught her the law of chastity and she’s cancelled our 3 appointments since. Here’s the thing- she’s living with this man (who happens to be 11 years her junior and is creeeepy!) and he’s the father of her youngest son. So, I’m pretty sure she’s not keeping that law. She acted like it was nothing and accepted when I committed her to keep the law. SO ya, who knows. She did come to church yesterday and also her sister got baptized yesterday and we went to it. She’ll get baptized, but it will be later rather than sooner I’m afraid. Angie the 9 year old is perfect. She keeps all the commitments and loves church and is ready for baptism, but Ana wants them all to be baptized together. Sady, the 17 year old is Miss Attitude lately. She has a hard time with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, yet she’s never once picked it up and read it. I have no idea what to do with her to help her. Anyways, the challenges keep it interesting thou! We also found a family of 9! Yes, nine people! 7 kids and the mom and dad. We’ve only met 5 of the 7 kids though, but they’re all older than 8 and are great kids. The 21 year old son already told us that he prayed and that he knows it’s all true! SO, we’re pretty excited about this family. They didn’t come to church yesterday though, but we have an appointment with them tonight. I’m really praying that they accept the message and aren’t lazy like most people are! They would practically double the size of the rama!! Its really starting to get HOT here! Oh boy, I can only imagine how awful it will be in a few more months! It’s nice though. Well, better get going. I wish I could tell you all all of the funny stories and sights, about all the wonderful people I meet, about the amazing lessons I learn from the scriptures, about all the spiritual experiences I have, about how amazing being a missionary is, but 45 minutes isn’t quite enough time! I guess we’ll have to wait 11 more months! I love it though! I love the gospel and my Savior and being a part of this work! Never take your membership for granted. We are sooo lucky to know the truth!
Lots of love,
Hna. Crosby- the happiest bike-riding, door-knocking, Spanish-speaking, new auntie!!!
Family! Hi! Yes, I am still alive. Last week we had our temple p-day and then we went out and celebrated my 6 month anniversary and so I didn’t quite make it to the library. Sorry! You’ll be getting details on my celebration later- You’ll freak out! It was something- my comp. doesn’t mess around! Anyways, I can’t believe I have a NEICE!!!!! I am sooo soo excited! Send pictures ASAP! I love that name too- just adorable. Does she have a middle name? I’m so glad that the delivery went fast and safe. I’ve been so curious to hear! Congratulations to us! Mark and Holly and Kaemon- I love you lots and am so excited for the new addition. There’s a baby in the apartment next to us-ya, both me and my comp went out and bought ear plugs today! She screams all the night long! I’m glad that Milea doesn’t- its rough! I was really sad to hear about Pomp too. I’ve been thinking about him a lot this week for some reason and so when I just read that my heart started beating a bit faster. I’m glad that he’s recovering fast thou. I will definintely keep them in my prayers. How does that happen anyways? Lisa Nae, dear sister, So you have a boyfriend huh? Is this official? Last I heard is that you went out on a blind date with a guy on Valentines Day and I haven’t heard anything since. Fill me in would ya?! I’m excited for you! I can’t even imagine what that’s like anymore- EEK! Good luck! DADDDYYYY!!! Happy Happy LATE birthday! I’m such a bad daughter- forgive me for not calling! Oh wait.. I’m so sorry I didn’t get a card out to you. We’re only allowed to write on p-days and with temple p-day we weren’t left with any time. I was thinking of you all day though and I told everyone it was my dad’s birthday! I Love you so much daddy and I'm pretty sure we are the luckiest family in the world to have a righteous, hard-working, priesthood-worthy, witty, funny, smart, Spanish-speaking, tap-dancing, not to mention Oh-so-handsome, father. You really are the best in the world and I am so grateful for your example and leadership of our family. WOW! We are lucky! I love you so much dad! I hope your birthday was fabulous! Bret and Becki- I haven’t heard the results yet from your little contest-¦ Did you win or what?! I’m loving that you’re teaching the Sunbeams- little kids are so cute. I can’t wait for the day when I can pick them up and love on them. Are they a wild bunch or pretty well-behaved? I think the cutest thing ever are little kids singing in primary, especially when its in Spanish! Love it! Tammers-congrats and being accepted to the SUU thing! I knew you would- you’re amazing! That will be a great way to be involved and get dates! Graduation is drawing nigh- how do you feel? How’s dance? Where are you working these days? As for me- WOW! These past few weeks have been amazing! I have learned so much! I’ve learned the importance of setting daily goals and then doing everything you can to reach those goals. I’ve learned the importance of really leaving strong commitments and following up on those and emphasizing the great importance of them. This has been the best transfer ever and I am sad that it ends next Wednesday. I’m hoping that Hna. Irving and I get one more transfer together here in Maywood, but of course I’ll gladly go wherever. We just have grown so much together and have had a ton of fun! My Spanish has improved so much- I understand a ton more and can communicate just about all that I need to. I still have soooo much to learn, but it’s coming little by little. My comp is improving too and can teach little parts of the first lesson now. It’s nice to be able to teach together instead of just me doing all the teaching. She’s picking up super fast and is such a good sport about it all. I read from the Libro de Mormon every day for 1 hour and that is helping a lot. As for our investigators- I don’t even know where to start! Leanor Trujillo, sweet little 62 year old lady, is going to be baptized in April! She’s pretty golden. She was actually a referral that the missionaries got in august and never contacted. Hna. Gonzalez and I finally contacted her and she’s so open and accepting and wants to learn more. She also loves to cook us dinner, healthy too, so she’s a joy of sunshine in our lives! Ana Silvia- well I taught her the law of chastity and she’s cancelled our 3 appointments since. Here’s the thing- she’s living with this man (who happens to be 11 years her junior and is creeeepy!) and he’s the father of her youngest son. So, I’m pretty sure she’s not keeping that law. She acted like it was nothing and accepted when I committed her to keep the law. SO ya, who knows. She did come to church yesterday and also her sister got baptized yesterday and we went to it. She’ll get baptized, but it will be later rather than sooner I’m afraid. Angie the 9 year old is perfect. She keeps all the commitments and loves church and is ready for baptism, but Ana wants them all to be baptized together. Sady, the 17 year old is Miss Attitude lately. She has a hard time with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, yet she’s never once picked it up and read it. I have no idea what to do with her to help her. Anyways, the challenges keep it interesting thou! We also found a family of 9! Yes, nine people! 7 kids and the mom and dad. We’ve only met 5 of the 7 kids though, but they’re all older than 8 and are great kids. The 21 year old son already told us that he prayed and that he knows it’s all true! SO, we’re pretty excited about this family. They didn’t come to church yesterday though, but we have an appointment with them tonight. I’m really praying that they accept the message and aren’t lazy like most people are! They would practically double the size of the rama!! Its really starting to get HOT here! Oh boy, I can only imagine how awful it will be in a few more months! It’s nice though. Well, better get going. I wish I could tell you all all of the funny stories and sights, about all the wonderful people I meet, about the amazing lessons I learn from the scriptures, about all the spiritual experiences I have, about how amazing being a missionary is, but 45 minutes isn’t quite enough time! I guess we’ll have to wait 11 more months! I love it though! I love the gospel and my Savior and being a part of this work! Never take your membership for granted. We are sooo lucky to know the truth!
Lots of love,
Hna. Crosby- the happiest bike-riding, door-knocking, Spanish-speaking, new auntie!!!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Reed's pics
Reed at Zone Conference in Natal
Reed learning some cement skills
Reed very happy about this family's baptism!
Reeds doing great!
Wed. March 7, 2007
Hello family! How is everyone? Wow, So a lot happened this past week it sounds like. First off, I hope Pomp is doing better. I can’t believe that he had to have quadruple bypass surgery. It’s a scary thought that I could have come home without a grandpa but luckily the medicines and doctors today can save people lives. I am glad to hear that he should recover and will probably be driving truck here in a month! Give Nana and Pomp a big hug for me and a kiss and tell them that I love them and miss them. Then, I also heard about Milea Crosby, my new niece. It sounds like everything went smoothly and that both Milea and Holly are doing great. Congratulations and its crazy to think that by the time I get home she will already be walking and maybe talking a bit. WOW! Things here are just great. Today was transfers and I have good news, I am still here in Felipe Camarao. Elder Q Smith got transferred to Joao Pessoa and Elder Campos is going to arrive here in a couple of hours or so. He is Brasilian and from what I heard a really good missionary. I am excited to work with him and now I will be living with three other Brasilians again so I have a chance to really improve my Portuguese and hopefully kill my greengo accent. I am sure you are all dying to hear about Maria and Francisco and I am Dying to tell you! They weren’t baptized on Sunday because they went to Maria’s Dad’s farm 40 kilometers away BUT- They were baptized Tuesday night. We found out Monday that Q Smith would be transferred so we talked to them and they wanted to be baptized before he was transferred so Tuesday night we had a baptismal service and it was just awesome. The spirit was there really strong. It was by far the best baptismal service I have been to here in Brazil. Tuesday Morning we Elder C Ferreira and I helped Francisco with his house again. It is always good to get out and do work with a shovel and cement. I attached some pics of the project. So last night was really good. After the baptismal service we went to their house and had some cuscuz with them and talked about the gospel. It was awesome. After their house we went to Cristiano and Fatima’s house, The lady that was baptized a few weeks ago and her son the week before. When she found out Q Smith would be going to Joao Pessoa she started crying and told us how much she loved us and how grateful she was to us for everything. They are just awesome people and I am glad we got a chance to meet them and teach them and bring them to the gospel. She made a cake for us and it was just really good to see how much of a difference we can make. Two other young men were also baptized, Jussier, and Bruno. They are really good guys. Jussier was going to be baptized last week but didn’t feel ready so he waited a week to make sure. He is a funny guy and is 16 years old. He was going to seminary before being baptized and really thought it out and knew that this was what he wanted to do. Bruno is 15 and just such a good kid. He is friends with Wedson and Renan and Railson that were baptized recently. He is a little quiet and shy and was just so happy at his baptism. A lot of his friends stayed to watch his baptism and it was really good. This next week looks good too. We have 3 baptisms marked for Sunday including a lady that we tried to mark her baptism on Friday but she didn’t want to set a date. Then Sunday she came up to us and said, “Hey, next Sunday is going to be my baptism, alright?” She had been taught 3 times already by other elders but finally she feels ready and that the time is right. Her name is Zeleide and she is 50 more or less, divorced and living alone but she feels that this is the next step in her life and feels ready to take it. Everything is great and I am really loving it here. I don’t know why the Lord blessed me and sent me here where the people are prepared and open to the gospel. Thank you for your love and support. I hope everyone is great and that you will continue to keep me posted on the happenings in your lives.
Your son and Brother Elder Crosby
Hello family! How is everyone? Wow, So a lot happened this past week it sounds like. First off, I hope Pomp is doing better. I can’t believe that he had to have quadruple bypass surgery. It’s a scary thought that I could have come home without a grandpa but luckily the medicines and doctors today can save people lives. I am glad to hear that he should recover and will probably be driving truck here in a month! Give Nana and Pomp a big hug for me and a kiss and tell them that I love them and miss them. Then, I also heard about Milea Crosby, my new niece. It sounds like everything went smoothly and that both Milea and Holly are doing great. Congratulations and its crazy to think that by the time I get home she will already be walking and maybe talking a bit. WOW! Things here are just great. Today was transfers and I have good news, I am still here in Felipe Camarao. Elder Q Smith got transferred to Joao Pessoa and Elder Campos is going to arrive here in a couple of hours or so. He is Brasilian and from what I heard a really good missionary. I am excited to work with him and now I will be living with three other Brasilians again so I have a chance to really improve my Portuguese and hopefully kill my greengo accent. I am sure you are all dying to hear about Maria and Francisco and I am Dying to tell you! They weren’t baptized on Sunday because they went to Maria’s Dad’s farm 40 kilometers away BUT- They were baptized Tuesday night. We found out Monday that Q Smith would be transferred so we talked to them and they wanted to be baptized before he was transferred so Tuesday night we had a baptismal service and it was just awesome. The spirit was there really strong. It was by far the best baptismal service I have been to here in Brazil. Tuesday Morning we Elder C Ferreira and I helped Francisco with his house again. It is always good to get out and do work with a shovel and cement. I attached some pics of the project. So last night was really good. After the baptismal service we went to their house and had some cuscuz with them and talked about the gospel. It was awesome. After their house we went to Cristiano and Fatima’s house, The lady that was baptized a few weeks ago and her son the week before. When she found out Q Smith would be going to Joao Pessoa she started crying and told us how much she loved us and how grateful she was to us for everything. They are just awesome people and I am glad we got a chance to meet them and teach them and bring them to the gospel. She made a cake for us and it was just really good to see how much of a difference we can make. Two other young men were also baptized, Jussier, and Bruno. They are really good guys. Jussier was going to be baptized last week but didn’t feel ready so he waited a week to make sure. He is a funny guy and is 16 years old. He was going to seminary before being baptized and really thought it out and knew that this was what he wanted to do. Bruno is 15 and just such a good kid. He is friends with Wedson and Renan and Railson that were baptized recently. He is a little quiet and shy and was just so happy at his baptism. A lot of his friends stayed to watch his baptism and it was really good. This next week looks good too. We have 3 baptisms marked for Sunday including a lady that we tried to mark her baptism on Friday but she didn’t want to set a date. Then Sunday she came up to us and said, “Hey, next Sunday is going to be my baptism, alright?” She had been taught 3 times already by other elders but finally she feels ready and that the time is right. Her name is Zeleide and she is 50 more or less, divorced and living alone but she feels that this is the next step in her life and feels ready to take it. Everything is great and I am really loving it here. I don’t know why the Lord blessed me and sent me here where the people are prepared and open to the gospel. Thank you for your love and support. I hope everyone is great and that you will continue to keep me posted on the happenings in your lives.
Your son and Brother Elder Crosby
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Reed's Week
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2007
Well Hello Family! I know I probably say this every letter but time just flies from one week to the next. First of all, am I an uncle again yet? I’m sure I’ll hear about all this stuff but Mark wrote me an email and said that Holly and him were on their way to the hospital and so I should have another niece or nephew by now! Wow, I have to wait a week to know if the baby is a boy or a girl. I’m guessing another boy. That is really exciting and I am sure mom is happy to double the grandkids. I hope everything went well and that Holly and the baby are healthy and loving life. Bret also wrote me telling me about going to a Brazilian Restaurant and eating Picanha and drinking Guarana. We don’t get to eat like that all the time, well actually almost never, but there really are restaurants exactly like that here. They bring the food out on a big Sword. Its called a churrasco. My favorite meat has to be ‘carne do sol’ which is ‘sun meat’ translated literally, but they are all good. So this past week was just super good. First of off I got a letter from Jackson and Paloma, the Jackson and Paloma from Sousa. I don’t know if you guys remember me writing about them. But in the letter he said that they were baptized February 6, 2007 and he thanked me and Elder Matos for teaching them and that we had a big part in their decision to be baptized. It was great to get this letter and tears swelled up in my eyes as a read it. He is a great guy and I knew that he was going to be baptized and I was so sad that I had to leave, but now they are going to church every week and are helping the branch there in Sousa. We also had 2 baptisms this past week, Patrick and Isabely. Patrick is 18 years old and a friend of Felipe that we baptized 4 weeks ago or so. He lives really close to the church and is just a great guy. His dad is a little anti but Patrick knows the church is true and wants to do what’s right. Isabely is 13 years old and we were going to baptize her brother in law’s brother that is 16 that lives next door to her, but he had some doubts and wanted to wait one more week. But Isabely, we just made a contact with her and her Sister and she came to church 2 weeks ago. She really loved church and so she was baptized on Sunday. Her sister came to see the baptism and really loved it and said she would come next week. As far as Maria and Francisco, this was the best part of my week. We went to their house Thursday night and were talking with them for a while. We taught them the 3rd lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then we taught about the Word of Wisdom and it was really good. The hardest thing for them is to stop drinking coffee so we made a few goals for them to stop. They accepted everything and I really felt the spirit there. We invited them to prepare for their baptism on March 11 and THEY ACCEPTED!!! We stopped by Saturday night and she had made this really good soup for us and me and Q Smith both ate like 4 bowls. Sunday we went by 15 minutes before church started to walk with them to church and they were ready and waiting to go to church. Maria was sitting at the table reading the Book of Mormon. It was so awesome. They went to church and loved it (they had already been in Sao Paulo many times so they new what it was like). We stopped by that night and talked with them for over an hour and left a message. Then Monday we went by again and Maria had made dinner for us again. While we were talking she said, “We always feel so good when you two are here. I feel as if my own kids are with me again (they have 3, 2 that live in Sao Paulo) here in my house. We don’t have much, but you two are always welcome here in our house.” It was a really good night and they are really happy right now. Maria always wants to make us food and feels like she needs to take care of us. Francisco is really funny and really reminds me of Dad. There is this music here called Forro that is always playing in the streets really loud. I told Francisco that I didn’t like it and he doesn’t like it either so he always jokes with me and asks “So are you going to buy a cd of Forro to take back to the US?” and he always thinks it is so funny. Anyway, I could talk forever about them and I am so happy. This week they will be baptized and I will send you a picture!!! The other news is that we had Interviews with Presidente Geschwandtner this past Friday and those are always good. This interview was especially good and President told me lots of stuff that got me pumped up to work hard and obey the rules. Well this is getting long again but there is just so much to tell you about. Things are great here. My comp, Elder Q Smith, got called to be a Zone Leader so I know I won’t be his companion next week, and the Zone leaders here are saying that I might be called SR comp but who knows. We’ll see what happens because we have transfers this next week which will be interesting. Pres Geschwandtner is going home in June so there are only 2 more transfers before he goes home and people are saying this transfer will determine how things are when the new mission pres arrives. Anyway, that’s still in the future. Right now I am excited to be here and know that this is the Lords work. I love being a missionary and am grateful for all my many blessings. I know this is the true church. I know Christ lives and that he loves us all. I love you guys. Be safe and I hope all is well.
Your son and brother, Elder Crosby
Well Hello Family! I know I probably say this every letter but time just flies from one week to the next. First of all, am I an uncle again yet? I’m sure I’ll hear about all this stuff but Mark wrote me an email and said that Holly and him were on their way to the hospital and so I should have another niece or nephew by now! Wow, I have to wait a week to know if the baby is a boy or a girl. I’m guessing another boy. That is really exciting and I am sure mom is happy to double the grandkids. I hope everything went well and that Holly and the baby are healthy and loving life. Bret also wrote me telling me about going to a Brazilian Restaurant and eating Picanha and drinking Guarana. We don’t get to eat like that all the time, well actually almost never, but there really are restaurants exactly like that here. They bring the food out on a big Sword. Its called a churrasco. My favorite meat has to be ‘carne do sol’ which is ‘sun meat’ translated literally, but they are all good. So this past week was just super good. First of off I got a letter from Jackson and Paloma, the Jackson and Paloma from Sousa. I don’t know if you guys remember me writing about them. But in the letter he said that they were baptized February 6, 2007 and he thanked me and Elder Matos for teaching them and that we had a big part in their decision to be baptized. It was great to get this letter and tears swelled up in my eyes as a read it. He is a great guy and I knew that he was going to be baptized and I was so sad that I had to leave, but now they are going to church every week and are helping the branch there in Sousa. We also had 2 baptisms this past week, Patrick and Isabely. Patrick is 18 years old and a friend of Felipe that we baptized 4 weeks ago or so. He lives really close to the church and is just a great guy. His dad is a little anti but Patrick knows the church is true and wants to do what’s right. Isabely is 13 years old and we were going to baptize her brother in law’s brother that is 16 that lives next door to her, but he had some doubts and wanted to wait one more week. But Isabely, we just made a contact with her and her Sister and she came to church 2 weeks ago. She really loved church and so she was baptized on Sunday. Her sister came to see the baptism and really loved it and said she would come next week. As far as Maria and Francisco, this was the best part of my week. We went to their house Thursday night and were talking with them for a while. We taught them the 3rd lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then we taught about the Word of Wisdom and it was really good. The hardest thing for them is to stop drinking coffee so we made a few goals for them to stop. They accepted everything and I really felt the spirit there. We invited them to prepare for their baptism on March 11 and THEY ACCEPTED!!! We stopped by Saturday night and she had made this really good soup for us and me and Q Smith both ate like 4 bowls. Sunday we went by 15 minutes before church started to walk with them to church and they were ready and waiting to go to church. Maria was sitting at the table reading the Book of Mormon. It was so awesome. They went to church and loved it (they had already been in Sao Paulo many times so they new what it was like). We stopped by that night and talked with them for over an hour and left a message. Then Monday we went by again and Maria had made dinner for us again. While we were talking she said, “We always feel so good when you two are here. I feel as if my own kids are with me again (they have 3, 2 that live in Sao Paulo) here in my house. We don’t have much, but you two are always welcome here in our house.” It was a really good night and they are really happy right now. Maria always wants to make us food and feels like she needs to take care of us. Francisco is really funny and really reminds me of Dad. There is this music here called Forro that is always playing in the streets really loud. I told Francisco that I didn’t like it and he doesn’t like it either so he always jokes with me and asks “So are you going to buy a cd of Forro to take back to the US?” and he always thinks it is so funny. Anyway, I could talk forever about them and I am so happy. This week they will be baptized and I will send you a picture!!! The other news is that we had Interviews with Presidente Geschwandtner this past Friday and those are always good. This interview was especially good and President told me lots of stuff that got me pumped up to work hard and obey the rules. Well this is getting long again but there is just so much to tell you about. Things are great here. My comp, Elder Q Smith, got called to be a Zone Leader so I know I won’t be his companion next week, and the Zone leaders here are saying that I might be called SR comp but who knows. We’ll see what happens because we have transfers this next week which will be interesting. Pres Geschwandtner is going home in June so there are only 2 more transfers before he goes home and people are saying this transfer will determine how things are when the new mission pres arrives. Anyway, that’s still in the future. Right now I am excited to be here and know that this is the Lords work. I love being a missionary and am grateful for all my many blessings. I know this is the true church. I know Christ lives and that he loves us all. I love you guys. Be safe and I hope all is well.
Your son and brother, Elder Crosby
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