Counters
Monday, March 28, 2011
March 28, 2011
Sorry about the details that I keep forgetting. My new companion is Elder Anderson from Idaho. He's in the picture of our zone from last change; He's the third one in on the left on the top. There's another I know from St. George but that's not him. My comp is a little bit of a goof ball but I think I've needed the relief. I haven't laughed so much in a long time. I don't have any leadership responsibilities. What I meant by we're training the branch president, is that if we don't remind him or do some things ourselves, they won't get done, like the agenda for sacrament meeting, the assignment to bring bread, small things like that. He just doesn't have much experience. Besides that, everything has been pretty calm here. We're teaching a few people but they come and go so fast I don't feel the point of mentioning anyone yet. We're teaching English classes now and so that's been an adventure. I'm not sure what exactly we're going to be doing for conference, but I do know that we are going to have a conference type thing Wednesday, Thursday, AND Friday this week with president and then we're going to have General Conference, so that should be interesting. I hope your results come out well. I'll be praying for you. I hope to have more to say next week. In the mean time, I have a crazy video I took this week of a confused chicken that thinks its a man. Love, Elder Landon James Crapo 
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 21, 2011
Changes!
I have been sent to the furthest area in the mission I think; I´m not really sure. Both of us got changed out so I was packing until 1:30ish and then got up at about 5 to gather my things and go. We had a 2 1/2 hour ride to Xela in a runaway bus as usual. Then waited for them to tell us our changes for 1 1/2 hrs. Then I got sent on another runaway bus all the way to Quiché which took about 3 1/2 hrs. By then, there weren´t any more buses that went back to our area so we stayed at the Zone Leaders´ house ´til Thursday morning where we took another runaway bus for another 1 1/2 hrs to Joyabaj, my area. It´s a small branch that doesn´t have a chapel, just a rented house right next to our house. Our house is an unfinished cement house with no windows. It´s quite the house. The branch president is brand new and we were there in the orientation meeting or whatever with the District President and the Mission president´s counselor, President Rosales. It was President Rosales who asked us to be there in the meeting. During the meeting I got the impression that what he wanted was for us to help in training the branch president. He asked me after the meeting if I´d written down what was said. Luckily I had, and he asked me if I would type up what was said for the branch president so he wouldn´t forget. So the new area is awesome and the members (as few as they are) are awesome and ready to help. I have a good feeling about this area.
So, we´re out here in Quiché. There are only 6 elders in the entire zone and it feels kind of secluded but I kind of like it. I hope things get going better at home and that Nick does well at state. Happy anniversary Ashley and Zac.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
I have been sent to the furthest area in the mission I think; I´m not really sure. Both of us got changed out so I was packing until 1:30ish and then got up at about 5 to gather my things and go. We had a 2 1/2 hour ride to Xela in a runaway bus as usual. Then waited for them to tell us our changes for 1 1/2 hrs. Then I got sent on another runaway bus all the way to Quiché which took about 3 1/2 hrs. By then, there weren´t any more buses that went back to our area so we stayed at the Zone Leaders´ house ´til Thursday morning where we took another runaway bus for another 1 1/2 hrs to Joyabaj, my area. It´s a small branch that doesn´t have a chapel, just a rented house right next to our house. Our house is an unfinished cement house with no windows. It´s quite the house. The branch president is brand new and we were there in the orientation meeting or whatever with the District President and the Mission president´s counselor, President Rosales. It was President Rosales who asked us to be there in the meeting. During the meeting I got the impression that what he wanted was for us to help in training the branch president. He asked me after the meeting if I´d written down what was said. Luckily I had, and he asked me if I would type up what was said for the branch president so he wouldn´t forget. So the new area is awesome and the members (as few as they are) are awesome and ready to help. I have a good feeling about this area.
So, we´re out here in Quiché. There are only 6 elders in the entire zone and it feels kind of secluded but I kind of like it. I hope things get going better at home and that Nick does well at state. Happy anniversary Ashley and Zac.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 14, 2011
Dear Mom and family,
I don't know exactly what to write this week. A lot of things have happened but it's all become a normal routine. I went and did a few interviews and the elders in Cuchumatanes married and baptized a couple this past week and it was really neat to do the interviews. It amazes me some times the faith that these people have and how prepared people can be before baptism. It makes me so happy when I can talk to people who actually think about things and feel the spirit. Here Satan has built about a million churches that only shout and scream and play rock music and all sorts of stuff and then they call their excitement "the spirit". It drives me nuts to the point I just want to run inside and shout to all of them how lost they are and show them how much more there is than going to a church made out of thin sheets of metal EVERY DAY only to pay money, listen to crazy music, and shout gibberish for hours. No joke, there are churches on every block. There are almost as many churches as there are houses. So when someones spiritual ears haven't gone completely deaf, I get excited.
Apart from that, we found some positive news. While I was doing interviews, Elder Tellez was in my area contacting with my comp and they contacted some school students living together. So we went to teach them Saturday and after teaching them about the Plan of Salvation, they asked questions that lead to baptism and then they asked questions that lead to the restoration. By the time we were done answering all their questions, we'd taught them everything there is to teach them. And then they came to church yesterday. So... Today we have a family night with the bishop and those that came to church today. I feel it's not going to be very much time before they get baptized.
Apart from that, everything else has pretty much fallen. Rolando and Juana didn't come and we're not going to focus on them until they actually decide to come. So... that's that. We have changes this week so we'll see how that goes.
I'm finally sending a few pictures. The baptisms from left to right are Luis, Maynor, and Alex. We went to go see some ruins one P-day and so I have a couple of pictures of that.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
I don't know exactly what to write this week. A lot of things have happened but it's all become a normal routine. I went and did a few interviews and the elders in Cuchumatanes married and baptized a couple this past week and it was really neat to do the interviews. It amazes me some times the faith that these people have and how prepared people can be before baptism. It makes me so happy when I can talk to people who actually think about things and feel the spirit. Here Satan has built about a million churches that only shout and scream and play rock music and all sorts of stuff and then they call their excitement "the spirit". It drives me nuts to the point I just want to run inside and shout to all of them how lost they are and show them how much more there is than going to a church made out of thin sheets of metal EVERY DAY only to pay money, listen to crazy music, and shout gibberish for hours. No joke, there are churches on every block. There are almost as many churches as there are houses. So when someones spiritual ears haven't gone completely deaf, I get excited.
Apart from that, we found some positive news. While I was doing interviews, Elder Tellez was in my area contacting with my comp and they contacted some school students living together. So we went to teach them Saturday and after teaching them about the Plan of Salvation, they asked questions that lead to baptism and then they asked questions that lead to the restoration. By the time we were done answering all their questions, we'd taught them everything there is to teach them. And then they came to church yesterday. So... Today we have a family night with the bishop and those that came to church today. I feel it's not going to be very much time before they get baptized.
Apart from that, everything else has pretty much fallen. Rolando and Juana didn't come and we're not going to focus on them until they actually decide to come. So... that's that. We have changes this week so we'll see how that goes.
I'm finally sending a few pictures. The baptisms from left to right are Luis, Maynor, and Alex. We went to go see some ruins one P-day and so I have a couple of pictures of that.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
March 7, 2011
Happy Birthday Mom!
I'm sorry I don't have anything special for you for your birthday today... I'll have to make it up to you next year I guess.
Thanks for the letter. It still seems really weird to me that so much is changing so quickly in my absence. I'm so glad that all of you are happy and having success in the things that you are doing. I miss all of you so much too. I can't wait to be able to spend time celebrating with all of you once again.
So, the cookies didn't quite turn out as well as planned. They expanded a ton and ended up being really flat and burnt and crispy... but they still tasted pretty good and they still liked it (even though I was hoping for the soft moist cookies that I remember).
Juana and Rolando (relatives of Alex) have been kind of frustrating lately. They like when we come and teach but they never come to church. Every Saturday we go to invite them and they say they can come but then the next day someone calls in for him to work, or family shows up and they stay home for that or whatever reason. We would have left them by now but they seem so positive and they promised us that they'll be able to come next week... so we'll see what happens. Apart from that, I've been working a lot out of my area. I did interviews in Chiantla (Elder Bown and Elder Cuellar) for a family of 8 on Friday and Saturday. Saturday they got married and yesterday they were baptized and confirmed. It was awesome and Elder Bown always continues to amaze me with his success. It´s looking like the entire district is going to have successful baptisms already this month too. Apart from that I'm just loving my mission. I love being able to study every morning and enjoy learning with my companion. I don't know why but I feel an excitement in the things I will be able to witness this last half of my mission.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
I'm sorry I don't have anything special for you for your birthday today... I'll have to make it up to you next year I guess.
Thanks for the letter. It still seems really weird to me that so much is changing so quickly in my absence. I'm so glad that all of you are happy and having success in the things that you are doing. I miss all of you so much too. I can't wait to be able to spend time celebrating with all of you once again.
So, the cookies didn't quite turn out as well as planned. They expanded a ton and ended up being really flat and burnt and crispy... but they still tasted pretty good and they still liked it (even though I was hoping for the soft moist cookies that I remember).
Juana and Rolando (relatives of Alex) have been kind of frustrating lately. They like when we come and teach but they never come to church. Every Saturday we go to invite them and they say they can come but then the next day someone calls in for him to work, or family shows up and they stay home for that or whatever reason. We would have left them by now but they seem so positive and they promised us that they'll be able to come next week... so we'll see what happens. Apart from that, I've been working a lot out of my area. I did interviews in Chiantla (Elder Bown and Elder Cuellar) for a family of 8 on Friday and Saturday. Saturday they got married and yesterday they were baptized and confirmed. It was awesome and Elder Bown always continues to amaze me with his success. It´s looking like the entire district is going to have successful baptisms already this month too. Apart from that I'm just loving my mission. I love being able to study every morning and enjoy learning with my companion. I don't know why but I feel an excitement in the things I will be able to witness this last half of my mission.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Monday, February 28, 2011
February 28, 2011
Dear Mom,
Things have been going pretty good in the mission... more or less. I'm more happy. I've found a new love of the morning. For the past few weeks Elder Fuentes and I have been getting up between 4:30 and 5:00 so that we can have more time to study and it has become a pretty big blessing for me to help me stay calm during the day. There's still been a lot of people getting after other people here but I have been more careful in doing things exactly as they should be done, when they should be done, if not to be more efficient, to save my neck. I've avoided quite a few "machetes" as they call them here. I still have the hope that I can remain in influence here in the mission and that I can be more sure, confident and bold in helping each Elder that I become acquainted with, learn the principles of loving those who you serve and serving those you lead. I've found many friends who feel the same need for this in the mission. Yes the mission requires good business skills, and we are being taught these things. Nevertheless, some have forgotten or never learned how to do so in a loving, uplifting, edifying manner. Everything is mechanical. There is a balance between the two and my goal is to find out where that is and teach that to everyone else that I can.
Elder Bown still has his amazing experiences every day and even though I love hearing his amazing stories, I try to keep his daily reports down to 20 or 30 minutes. This week he's going to baptize a family of 8 that has received a dream just about every night about the elders visiting them, baptizing them, fighting off demons and all that crazy stuff. In my studies I've found in the scriptures that people will be visited by angels, preparing them for our message. That has been fulfilled in many different ways here in my district. I truly have been blessed with such a good district. They've had success in ways people doubted were possible. If I've learned anything these past couple of months it has been from my companion and my district.
Love Elder Landon James Crapo
Things have been going pretty good in the mission... more or less. I'm more happy. I've found a new love of the morning. For the past few weeks Elder Fuentes and I have been getting up between 4:30 and 5:00 so that we can have more time to study and it has become a pretty big blessing for me to help me stay calm during the day. There's still been a lot of people getting after other people here but I have been more careful in doing things exactly as they should be done, when they should be done, if not to be more efficient, to save my neck. I've avoided quite a few "machetes" as they call them here. I still have the hope that I can remain in influence here in the mission and that I can be more sure, confident and bold in helping each Elder that I become acquainted with, learn the principles of loving those who you serve and serving those you lead. I've found many friends who feel the same need for this in the mission. Yes the mission requires good business skills, and we are being taught these things. Nevertheless, some have forgotten or never learned how to do so in a loving, uplifting, edifying manner. Everything is mechanical. There is a balance between the two and my goal is to find out where that is and teach that to everyone else that I can.
Elder Bown still has his amazing experiences every day and even though I love hearing his amazing stories, I try to keep his daily reports down to 20 or 30 minutes. This week he's going to baptize a family of 8 that has received a dream just about every night about the elders visiting them, baptizing them, fighting off demons and all that crazy stuff. In my studies I've found in the scriptures that people will be visited by angels, preparing them for our message. That has been fulfilled in many different ways here in my district. I truly have been blessed with such a good district. They've had success in ways people doubted were possible. If I've learned anything these past couple of months it has been from my companion and my district.
Love Elder Landon James Crapo
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 21, 2011
Dear family and friends,
I'm amazed at how fast the weeks are coming and going. The big battle every day is to do something significant every hour of every day when some days it feels like nothing significant happens that day. This week the pressure of other missionaries has gotten stronger and I have calls interrupting my personal study sometimes to ask me why the heck I'm not having success with certain people and why I'm not reaching the goal I made. I don't want to go into details because that would be a waste of time but it sufficeth me to say that there is a lot to learn in the mission even sometimes to relearn what you learned at home. I have found that I've become more dependant on my inward feelings than the shouting of others, even when they are other men on my same team fighting for the same righteous purposes that I fight for. I've found I can recognize those feelings more clearly when I do study the scriptures intensely. I get impressions of "why is this person telling me this" and "despite such a poor approach, is the council I've received valid and worth working for?" It is also easier to act correctly in all situations if we, as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 27: 15-18, put on the whole armor of God, more specifically, the "Breastplate of Righteousness". When I take a step back from the situation, evaluate my desire in that moment, and place Righteousness in it's place then react with that in mind, that's when I feel I qualify for those feelings of discerning the motives of others and acting accordingly. I've saved myself a lot of anger when receiving chastisement that felt unjust when I look inward and don't judge. At times that takes little bit of time to let immediate personal feelings pass, and then I can ask myself, "what can I change having received this council to make things better?" It is a long process and takes patience. I can't act instantly, at least not for now. I hope one day these reactions will come instinctively so that in the heat of reprimand I can act in a dignified manner towards a solution.
I've come to the conclusion that we're not going to meet our goal for this month, but that does not differ from the norm. Nonetheless it has been a great couple of changes. I've learned a lot. I love my companion. I've been blessed with a companion who is willing to be obedient to all the rules. My biggest struggle in life has been to be able to act with confidence and diligence upon righteous desires. For that reason I hope I have many many opportunities to be a leader in the mission so that I can learn that one lessen and earn that gift of the spirit. I pray at the same time that in receiving any leadership position, I may always remember the importance of love and charity as taught in what has been my favorite section since the CCM: D&C 121.
Even though I have had little success this month, the rest of my district has done great. E. Griffey and E. Monge had a baptism this week. That breaks the ice Las Rosas has had for almost a year now. E Bown and E. Cuellar had a baptism on the spot last night without me even knowing. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to be the one who interviewed them this time but they now have two baptisms, and they're preparing to have many more with the plans they're making for San Mateo. I will be able to go do those interviews. I look forward to that.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
I'm amazed at how fast the weeks are coming and going. The big battle every day is to do something significant every hour of every day when some days it feels like nothing significant happens that day. This week the pressure of other missionaries has gotten stronger and I have calls interrupting my personal study sometimes to ask me why the heck I'm not having success with certain people and why I'm not reaching the goal I made. I don't want to go into details because that would be a waste of time but it sufficeth me to say that there is a lot to learn in the mission even sometimes to relearn what you learned at home. I have found that I've become more dependant on my inward feelings than the shouting of others, even when they are other men on my same team fighting for the same righteous purposes that I fight for. I've found I can recognize those feelings more clearly when I do study the scriptures intensely. I get impressions of "why is this person telling me this" and "despite such a poor approach, is the council I've received valid and worth working for?" It is also easier to act correctly in all situations if we, as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 27: 15-18, put on the whole armor of God, more specifically, the "Breastplate of Righteousness". When I take a step back from the situation, evaluate my desire in that moment, and place Righteousness in it's place then react with that in mind, that's when I feel I qualify for those feelings of discerning the motives of others and acting accordingly. I've saved myself a lot of anger when receiving chastisement that felt unjust when I look inward and don't judge. At times that takes little bit of time to let immediate personal feelings pass, and then I can ask myself, "what can I change having received this council to make things better?" It is a long process and takes patience. I can't act instantly, at least not for now. I hope one day these reactions will come instinctively so that in the heat of reprimand I can act in a dignified manner towards a solution.
I've come to the conclusion that we're not going to meet our goal for this month, but that does not differ from the norm. Nonetheless it has been a great couple of changes. I've learned a lot. I love my companion. I've been blessed with a companion who is willing to be obedient to all the rules. My biggest struggle in life has been to be able to act with confidence and diligence upon righteous desires. For that reason I hope I have many many opportunities to be a leader in the mission so that I can learn that one lessen and earn that gift of the spirit. I pray at the same time that in receiving any leadership position, I may always remember the importance of love and charity as taught in what has been my favorite section since the CCM: D&C 121.
Even though I have had little success this month, the rest of my district has done great. E. Griffey and E. Monge had a baptism this week. That breaks the ice Las Rosas has had for almost a year now. E Bown and E. Cuellar had a baptism on the spot last night without me even knowing. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to be the one who interviewed them this time but they now have two baptisms, and they're preparing to have many more with the plans they're making for San Mateo. I will be able to go do those interviews. I look forward to that.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
February 14, 2011
Dear Family,
It's been strange this week. A lot of unexpected things have happened. Tuesday we had the "Equipo de Apoyo" come over for the week. The Equipo de Apoyo is a group of missionaries that spend most of their time being trained by president and the assistants and then go out to whatever area to train the rest of the missionaries. The purpose was finding as many new people as we can. Right now we don´t have very many new people at all. Every person we contacted, we dropped because they don´t want anything. It´s been interesting to say the least. My companion and I made the risky goal this month of 6 baptisms. Everyone in the district as well made goals and now, as usual, everyone is in a panic because the assistants are getting after the Zone Leaders and the Zone Leaders are transferring that to the missionaries. It´s times like this that I feel useless in helping the rest of the missionaries grow and learn, especially since I am so inexperienced. I feel, personally, when someone pressures the rest of the people, they try to rush things and then, at the end, people forget that they need the Holy Ghost when they teach. I have studied about feeling the spirit and learned that one feels the spirit and receives revelation most when they are calm. So... I don´t know what to think about what is going on right now. The assistants have told everyone to call directly to them and bypass all of us leaders. It is hard for me to tell you this because I´ve tried so hard to get rid of all the complaints against assistants and president. I know that President is an inspired man, and I have also studied in depth the apostasy of the church in Kirtland and know that the first steps were to exalt themselves and then complain about the decisions made by the Prophet and other leaders. Thomas B. Marsh complained when Joseph Smith called Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde on their missions when he felt that it was HIS responsibility. The result is D&C 112. Thomas B. Marsh is the one who ended up apostatizing because of the milk and cream incident with his wife. Apostasy is a theme that frequently comes to my mind on the mission and it is something that I´ve covenanted to fight against. I have a lot to learn still and I hope I can continue to learn quickly so that my mistakes aren´t many.
I´m glad to hear that you all had the chance to celebrate. (his one year mark) I was able to teach the family of Alex for the first time that day and that was how I celebrated. This week our goal as a companionship is to depend on the spirit in order to be able to achieve our goal. I prayed hard last night asking if our goal for 6 was the right goal and if it was still possible to achieve. I felt that it was right but also felt the need of assistance from the Lord every second of every day in order to do so. This requires complete obedience to EVERY RULE of the mission and a willing heart. I ask for your prayers as we try to reach all these goals.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
It's been strange this week. A lot of unexpected things have happened. Tuesday we had the "Equipo de Apoyo" come over for the week. The Equipo de Apoyo is a group of missionaries that spend most of their time being trained by president and the assistants and then go out to whatever area to train the rest of the missionaries. The purpose was finding as many new people as we can. Right now we don´t have very many new people at all. Every person we contacted, we dropped because they don´t want anything. It´s been interesting to say the least. My companion and I made the risky goal this month of 6 baptisms. Everyone in the district as well made goals and now, as usual, everyone is in a panic because the assistants are getting after the Zone Leaders and the Zone Leaders are transferring that to the missionaries. It´s times like this that I feel useless in helping the rest of the missionaries grow and learn, especially since I am so inexperienced. I feel, personally, when someone pressures the rest of the people, they try to rush things and then, at the end, people forget that they need the Holy Ghost when they teach. I have studied about feeling the spirit and learned that one feels the spirit and receives revelation most when they are calm. So... I don´t know what to think about what is going on right now. The assistants have told everyone to call directly to them and bypass all of us leaders. It is hard for me to tell you this because I´ve tried so hard to get rid of all the complaints against assistants and president. I know that President is an inspired man, and I have also studied in depth the apostasy of the church in Kirtland and know that the first steps were to exalt themselves and then complain about the decisions made by the Prophet and other leaders. Thomas B. Marsh complained when Joseph Smith called Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde on their missions when he felt that it was HIS responsibility. The result is D&C 112. Thomas B. Marsh is the one who ended up apostatizing because of the milk and cream incident with his wife. Apostasy is a theme that frequently comes to my mind on the mission and it is something that I´ve covenanted to fight against. I have a lot to learn still and I hope I can continue to learn quickly so that my mistakes aren´t many.
I´m glad to hear that you all had the chance to celebrate. (his one year mark) I was able to teach the family of Alex for the first time that day and that was how I celebrated. This week our goal as a companionship is to depend on the spirit in order to be able to achieve our goal. I prayed hard last night asking if our goal for 6 was the right goal and if it was still possible to achieve. I felt that it was right but also felt the need of assistance from the Lord every second of every day in order to do so. This requires complete obedience to EVERY RULE of the mission and a willing heart. I ask for your prayers as we try to reach all these goals.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Monday, February 7, 2011
February 7, 2011
Querido familia y amigos,
It´s been an interesting week what with changes and all. A lot has been happening and at the same time things have been back to their original routine after the baptisms. In the camp out thing that we had, I had interviews with the president and he had told me that I was going to train again this next change, so my compañero Elder Fuentes and I both thought that he was going to have changes. For that reason he was extremely depressed all Tuesday and we didn´t have much success that day. That night at about 9:30 the assistants called and told us that neither of us had changes but that they were going to close Cuchumatanes, an area in my district, and that we were going to take charge of it from now on. They had just had a baptism and they were confirmed yesterday. So... according to the assistants they count as our baptisms for this month... I thought that was kind of strange that they would mention that. Personally I don´t care whose baptisms they were as much as they got baptized. Anyway, now we´re in charge of two areas and it´s been a struggle trying to plan how we´re going to effectively take charge of the two areas.
I think now would be a good time to explain how things are going within my district. Last change there were 4 other companionships in my district. Las rosas, Cuchumatanes, and Chiantla 1 and 2. Chiantla 2 started the change I came in and were taken out of there 4 weeks into the change because the two Chiantlas were reporting fewer dats combined than any other area in the district. So now our Equipo is the three of us. Calvario (E. Fuentes and me), Las Rosas(Elder Griffey and Elder Monge), and Chiantla (Elder Bown and Elder Cuellar). Elder Bown I´ve know since he entered the mission. We met on the bus going to Momos for the first time. He spent the entire time I was in momos in an area called Racaná and baptized 9 people out there. Now he´s in Chiantla and still going strong. Let me explain to you what kind of area Chiantla is. There´s a city just outside of Huehue called Chiantla where they live. Then north of that, there are extremely high hills/mountains that we call the Mirador because you can see all the way over to Xela from there, the big volcano and everything. I took some pictures that I´ll have to send you some time. Anyway, from there the area doesn't end. It goes all the way up to Mexico. I would venture to guess that this area is about half the size of the rest of the mission. The only thing is the church isn´t out there, or in other words, there´s not enough members out there to have a ward or branch out there... until Elder Bown. This week he went on a 4 hour trip. He had planned for almost all change last change to go up into an area called San Mateo. There is one member out there who got baptized because her husband lives in the states, got baptized, and called her to tell her she needed to get baptized, and she helped him plan the whole thing. When he got there, there were over 70 people there waiting to hear his message. It was a big success and now they are making plans to baptize them all in a river up there, bring them down for Stake conference, and then start a branch out there. It´s been a joy to me to be able to hear the stories he has been telling me every night of his area, and I´m grateful to have the opportunity to be district leader out here. I´m grateful for the opportunity I might have to have an interview with every one of these people and be a small part of such a big event here in Guatemala.
I feel like my job here is small yet I do what I can. I have already been put in hard positions where I´ve had to chose between having friends and being a good leader. Occasionally you can have both but there´s always instances where that won´t happen. I´ve had to fight against racism, pride, and apathy all of which is very difficult to fight. You have to have a firm testimony and a strong disposition to fight against those even though you know how imperfect you are. I haven´t done a perfect job, no, but I do know that my testimony has strengthened a lot having had the experiences that I´ve had.
Last night we went to visit Hna. Irma but she wasn´t there, only her husband... at first I was afraid to even talk to him because he is a firm Catholic, but after beating around the bush a little bit, he opened up and told us his opinion. He told us that he was glad that she was coming to church and that he supported the idea of her getting baptized. He was also glad that his son was on a mission. He also told us how missionaries have been involved with his family for about 20 years now and how at first he rejected them every chance he could. Then when his kids decided to be involved, he told us of how they would only go to the dances and activities and how he told them that they couldn´t go to the activities unless they went to church on Sunday as well. I gained a great appreciation for that man last night.
That´s about it for now. I´m out of time. Until next time.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
It´s been an interesting week what with changes and all. A lot has been happening and at the same time things have been back to their original routine after the baptisms. In the camp out thing that we had, I had interviews with the president and he had told me that I was going to train again this next change, so my compañero Elder Fuentes and I both thought that he was going to have changes. For that reason he was extremely depressed all Tuesday and we didn´t have much success that day. That night at about 9:30 the assistants called and told us that neither of us had changes but that they were going to close Cuchumatanes, an area in my district, and that we were going to take charge of it from now on. They had just had a baptism and they were confirmed yesterday. So... according to the assistants they count as our baptisms for this month... I thought that was kind of strange that they would mention that. Personally I don´t care whose baptisms they were as much as they got baptized. Anyway, now we´re in charge of two areas and it´s been a struggle trying to plan how we´re going to effectively take charge of the two areas.
I think now would be a good time to explain how things are going within my district. Last change there were 4 other companionships in my district. Las rosas, Cuchumatanes, and Chiantla 1 and 2. Chiantla 2 started the change I came in and were taken out of there 4 weeks into the change because the two Chiantlas were reporting fewer dats combined than any other area in the district. So now our Equipo is the three of us. Calvario (E. Fuentes and me), Las Rosas(Elder Griffey and Elder Monge), and Chiantla (Elder Bown and Elder Cuellar). Elder Bown I´ve know since he entered the mission. We met on the bus going to Momos for the first time. He spent the entire time I was in momos in an area called Racaná and baptized 9 people out there. Now he´s in Chiantla and still going strong. Let me explain to you what kind of area Chiantla is. There´s a city just outside of Huehue called Chiantla where they live. Then north of that, there are extremely high hills/mountains that we call the Mirador because you can see all the way over to Xela from there, the big volcano and everything. I took some pictures that I´ll have to send you some time. Anyway, from there the area doesn't end. It goes all the way up to Mexico. I would venture to guess that this area is about half the size of the rest of the mission. The only thing is the church isn´t out there, or in other words, there´s not enough members out there to have a ward or branch out there... until Elder Bown. This week he went on a 4 hour trip. He had planned for almost all change last change to go up into an area called San Mateo. There is one member out there who got baptized because her husband lives in the states, got baptized, and called her to tell her she needed to get baptized, and she helped him plan the whole thing. When he got there, there were over 70 people there waiting to hear his message. It was a big success and now they are making plans to baptize them all in a river up there, bring them down for Stake conference, and then start a branch out there. It´s been a joy to me to be able to hear the stories he has been telling me every night of his area, and I´m grateful to have the opportunity to be district leader out here. I´m grateful for the opportunity I might have to have an interview with every one of these people and be a small part of such a big event here in Guatemala.
I feel like my job here is small yet I do what I can. I have already been put in hard positions where I´ve had to chose between having friends and being a good leader. Occasionally you can have both but there´s always instances where that won´t happen. I´ve had to fight against racism, pride, and apathy all of which is very difficult to fight. You have to have a firm testimony and a strong disposition to fight against those even though you know how imperfect you are. I haven´t done a perfect job, no, but I do know that my testimony has strengthened a lot having had the experiences that I´ve had.
Last night we went to visit Hna. Irma but she wasn´t there, only her husband... at first I was afraid to even talk to him because he is a firm Catholic, but after beating around the bush a little bit, he opened up and told us his opinion. He told us that he was glad that she was coming to church and that he supported the idea of her getting baptized. He was also glad that his son was on a mission. He also told us how missionaries have been involved with his family for about 20 years now and how at first he rejected them every chance he could. Then when his kids decided to be involved, he told us of how they would only go to the dances and activities and how he told them that they couldn´t go to the activities unless they went to church on Sunday as well. I gained a great appreciation for that man last night.
That´s about it for now. I´m out of time. Until next time.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Monday, January 31, 2011
January 31, 2011 Three Baptisms and more on the way! Awesome letter!!!
Dear Mom and family,
It amazes me every week how much everything is changing back at home. I have been thinking a lot as well about how much potential these three boys have and it's not going to stop there. They finally went through with the baptism. After that unplanned little conversation with Luis, he was firm in his decision. Mynor said that he still wanted to wait but for some reason we didn't feel the urge to say anything to him. We just planned for the baptism of Alex and Luis. The next day, (Martes) we called Mynor and he had changed his mind. It was awesome. My comp was teasing him saying he couldn't hear him and made him say that he was ready for Saturday three times. Everything went well. We got the signatures from their moms. Saturday morning we went and bought white shirts and ties for all three of them so that they could look all nice after the baptism and for the confirmation. The baptism went extremely well. I made a banana cake with cream cheese frosting on top and everyone still wants me to teach them how to make it. Elder Fuentes baptized Luis and Mynor and I baptized Alex. They seem so happy and I'm excited to see what they end up doing, what missions will they go on, and everything. The next thing is the rest of their family. The little brother of Luis wants to be baptized now and so we're planning on having Luis get the priesthood next week and have him baptize the rest of his family (those who want to be baptized) in two weeks.
Apart from that good news, we visited Irma yesterday with Jared, a newly returned missionary, her nephew. We decided that now was the time to talk to her about baptism. It was a very simple lesson. We began straight up telling her why we were visiting that time and asked her if it was something that she would like. At first she said that she would just keep going to church and then maybe eventually she'd be baptized. We explained why we baptize, what blessing we receive, and Jared gave a strong testimony of how he knew that she already knew that it was the true church. It was funny because until that moment he thought that she already was a member. After all of our testimonies, we decided to end with a prayer and asked her to give it. She was reluctant at first but with a little encouraging she decided to give it, and it was beautiful. She opened her heart and asked for a blessing on her son who was on a mission and to all missionaries, then prayed for the courage to be able to decide to be baptized. The whole prayer she was crying. It was a very tender moment. After that, we left knowing that the Holy Ghost had testified in that lesson.
It has been an awesome week and I haven't even had the chance to tell you about the camp we had. But I'll tell you some other time.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
It amazes me every week how much everything is changing back at home. I have been thinking a lot as well about how much potential these three boys have and it's not going to stop there. They finally went through with the baptism. After that unplanned little conversation with Luis, he was firm in his decision. Mynor said that he still wanted to wait but for some reason we didn't feel the urge to say anything to him. We just planned for the baptism of Alex and Luis. The next day, (Martes) we called Mynor and he had changed his mind. It was awesome. My comp was teasing him saying he couldn't hear him and made him say that he was ready for Saturday three times. Everything went well. We got the signatures from their moms. Saturday morning we went and bought white shirts and ties for all three of them so that they could look all nice after the baptism and for the confirmation. The baptism went extremely well. I made a banana cake with cream cheese frosting on top and everyone still wants me to teach them how to make it. Elder Fuentes baptized Luis and Mynor and I baptized Alex. They seem so happy and I'm excited to see what they end up doing, what missions will they go on, and everything. The next thing is the rest of their family. The little brother of Luis wants to be baptized now and so we're planning on having Luis get the priesthood next week and have him baptize the rest of his family (those who want to be baptized) in two weeks.
Apart from that good news, we visited Irma yesterday with Jared, a newly returned missionary, her nephew. We decided that now was the time to talk to her about baptism. It was a very simple lesson. We began straight up telling her why we were visiting that time and asked her if it was something that she would like. At first she said that she would just keep going to church and then maybe eventually she'd be baptized. We explained why we baptize, what blessing we receive, and Jared gave a strong testimony of how he knew that she already knew that it was the true church. It was funny because until that moment he thought that she already was a member. After all of our testimonies, we decided to end with a prayer and asked her to give it. She was reluctant at first but with a little encouraging she decided to give it, and it was beautiful. She opened her heart and asked for a blessing on her son who was on a mission and to all missionaries, then prayed for the courage to be able to decide to be baptized. The whole prayer she was crying. It was a very tender moment. After that, we left knowing that the Holy Ghost had testified in that lesson.
It has been an awesome week and I haven't even had the chance to tell you about the camp we had. But I'll tell you some other time.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24, 2011
I am using a Ubuntu Computer today! I know that does not mean anything to nearly any of you, but it is what I used for my computer. The problem is they do not have all the stuff they should have like the English keyboard and I do not know the password so I can not fix it. If it sounds weird the way I am talking, it is because there is no apostrophe on the keyboard setting that they have. So, I am not exactly as excited as I thought I would be. Oh well.
The mission is going really well. We are having quite a bit of success here. We have 3 baptisms this week, Luis, Mainor, and Alex. Luis and Mainor are brothers and Alex is their cousin. We have been working with them for 3 weeks now and fighting against everything to get them to their baptism. Friends making fun of them and Moms telling them that they should wait for months or even a year before deciding to be baptized. We have been trying to keep their mind keen on the feelings of the spirit that they have received as their answers. It has been frustrating talking to them and them saying they will be baptized, and then coming back and them telling us that they want to wait for a couple of months. Then we teach them again and they decide they want to be baptized this Saturday as we planned. This has happened 3 times now. Each time I feel the spirit testifying of the truth. Today we have another cita with them to see if they still want to do it this week or if they have changed their mind again to wait. I hope not because we are running out of things to say to help them feel that it is something they should do. I think I have studied harder, fasted with more purpose, and stressed more this week than I think I have in my entire life. I cannot wait until they have been baptized. I think they all are going to go on a mission. It is extremely exciting to me to think of what they might be able to do as missionaries with such a testimony they already have. They just need to pass this tough test, win their battle with Satan. For the first time on my mission since my first baptisms, I feel like they are ready to be baptized. And, I am not going to let it end there. We're determined to teach the rest of their families. Luis has a brother who is married. We met him the last time we were there when we were struggling with the mom trying to convince her that he was ready... That was part of the problem though that we were trying to convince. This next lesson is going to be intense. Wish me luck.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
The mission is going really well. We are having quite a bit of success here. We have 3 baptisms this week, Luis, Mainor, and Alex. Luis and Mainor are brothers and Alex is their cousin. We have been working with them for 3 weeks now and fighting against everything to get them to their baptism. Friends making fun of them and Moms telling them that they should wait for months or even a year before deciding to be baptized. We have been trying to keep their mind keen on the feelings of the spirit that they have received as their answers. It has been frustrating talking to them and them saying they will be baptized, and then coming back and them telling us that they want to wait for a couple of months. Then we teach them again and they decide they want to be baptized this Saturday as we planned. This has happened 3 times now. Each time I feel the spirit testifying of the truth. Today we have another cita with them to see if they still want to do it this week or if they have changed their mind again to wait. I hope not because we are running out of things to say to help them feel that it is something they should do. I think I have studied harder, fasted with more purpose, and stressed more this week than I think I have in my entire life. I cannot wait until they have been baptized. I think they all are going to go on a mission. It is extremely exciting to me to think of what they might be able to do as missionaries with such a testimony they already have. They just need to pass this tough test, win their battle with Satan. For the first time on my mission since my first baptisms, I feel like they are ready to be baptized. And, I am not going to let it end there. We're determined to teach the rest of their families. Luis has a brother who is married. We met him the last time we were there when we were struggling with the mom trying to convince her that he was ready... That was part of the problem though that we were trying to convince. This next lesson is going to be intense. Wish me luck.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
January 17, 2011
I can´t believe you´re in freaking Hawaii! I didn´t even know about it until last week when you told me about it. This week went well. We´ve had a lot of success. We´ve been teaching 3 young men (and occasionally the mom) Mainor, Luis, and Alex. Mainor and Luis are brothers of 15 and 16 years old and Alex is their cousin who lives next door and is 16 as well. All our lessons have been really good and they´ve been learning a lot. All of them came to church yesterday and we´re thinking of having their baptism the 29th, if they´re ready, which I think they practically are. Sergio, we have re put the goal for 29th as well. Tonight we´re making french toast with Irma, Hans´s mom. She came to church yesterday too, so we´re thinking it´s about time we get serious with her and start teaching and working towards a baptism.
Also this week, I´m going to go visit all the areas in my district to help them in their areas. I find it a little intimidating, since I don´t even feel like I know how to help myself, but I´m hoping that I can just listen and know what to do. We´ll see how it goes.
In the mean time, ENJOY YOUR VACATION! I´ll let you know how this next week goes. I´ve been a lot busier these past few weeks, that I forget most of the time what day it even is. Often times my minds needs to catch up with all the things that are happening. I´ve got a lot of things I need to improve, I´ve realized, and it´s going to need a lot of focus. I love you all and I hope you have a good week.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Also this week, I´m going to go visit all the areas in my district to help them in their areas. I find it a little intimidating, since I don´t even feel like I know how to help myself, but I´m hoping that I can just listen and know what to do. We´ll see how it goes.
In the mean time, ENJOY YOUR VACATION! I´ll let you know how this next week goes. I´ve been a lot busier these past few weeks, that I forget most of the time what day it even is. Often times my minds needs to catch up with all the things that are happening. I´ve got a lot of things I need to improve, I´ve realized, and it´s going to need a lot of focus. I love you all and I hope you have a good week.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January 12, 2011 Yay! Finally a letter!!!!
HEY! So... I have a bit of explaining to do... But all is good news, some of it even a little exciting.
So, this week went fairly well. We found a lot of people, dropped a lot of people, but not much more progress yet. Sergio didn´t get baptized because 1, he hasn´t received an answer yet because 2, he had a ton of exams this week and we couldn´t meet with him practically all week, but he did come to church and he´s all for getting baptized as soon as he feels he´s been answered. Tonight we are going to visit Irma (Hans´s mom) so we´ll see how that goes.
Monday... I didn´t get a chance to E-mail you because we had a Leaders Conference that night and I had to leave early on a bus to get there on time. The meeting went from 5:30 to about 11:30 and it was about all the problems that have been going on in the mission and the plan to bring the mission to the level of success and obedience that it should be in. It was interesting for me to be there because of how everything had been. I told president in my interview, coming out of Momos, that I wanted to do everything that I could to destroy all the rumors, politics, and essentially everything that we might be doing as missionaries, that could be hindering the work and our personal progression. So, I think it was interesting because president probably was already planning on this meeting at the time that I had said that, and he had already called me as a district leader. We all made a covenant that we would do our best to bring the mission out of the pit that it has been in. Then, yesterday, we had a conference with the whole mission. We´ve made goals and promises and we´ve been trained well. Now we have a lot of work to do and I´m excited to be so involved in such a great work. I feel the trust which has been placed on me, and at the same time, I feel the need even more for the help of the Savior in everything we do. I´m planning on being much more involved with my district, so there´s going to be a lot going on in the next couple of weeks. I still don´t know exactly what I´m going to do, but I have a ton of ideas. I just have to plan and organize my thoughts. President has promised blessings with our families for our faithfulness and effort on the mission, but he also promised trials for our families if we waste time and act contrary to the covenants we have made in accepting to be a missionary. He also promised that there are people throughout the whole mission ready to be baptized and that it is only our disobedience or our inexperience that prevents us from baptizing. I almost have 1 year behind me and I haven´t baptized much at all. I can´t say that I don´t have experience anymore, so I want you to understand that if I am not having success or if you are having problems or not being blessed, it´s the fault of either me or my companionship. I have more on that topic that I found in my studies, but I don´t have my notes with me, so I´ll have to share them with you some other time.
I love you all and I want you to know that I´m doing great.
Until next time.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
So, this week went fairly well. We found a lot of people, dropped a lot of people, but not much more progress yet. Sergio didn´t get baptized because 1, he hasn´t received an answer yet because 2, he had a ton of exams this week and we couldn´t meet with him practically all week, but he did come to church and he´s all for getting baptized as soon as he feels he´s been answered. Tonight we are going to visit Irma (Hans´s mom) so we´ll see how that goes.
Monday... I didn´t get a chance to E-mail you because we had a Leaders Conference that night and I had to leave early on a bus to get there on time. The meeting went from 5:30 to about 11:30 and it was about all the problems that have been going on in the mission and the plan to bring the mission to the level of success and obedience that it should be in. It was interesting for me to be there because of how everything had been. I told president in my interview, coming out of Momos, that I wanted to do everything that I could to destroy all the rumors, politics, and essentially everything that we might be doing as missionaries, that could be hindering the work and our personal progression. So, I think it was interesting because president probably was already planning on this meeting at the time that I had said that, and he had already called me as a district leader. We all made a covenant that we would do our best to bring the mission out of the pit that it has been in. Then, yesterday, we had a conference with the whole mission. We´ve made goals and promises and we´ve been trained well. Now we have a lot of work to do and I´m excited to be so involved in such a great work. I feel the trust which has been placed on me, and at the same time, I feel the need even more for the help of the Savior in everything we do. I´m planning on being much more involved with my district, so there´s going to be a lot going on in the next couple of weeks. I still don´t know exactly what I´m going to do, but I have a ton of ideas. I just have to plan and organize my thoughts. President has promised blessings with our families for our faithfulness and effort on the mission, but he also promised trials for our families if we waste time and act contrary to the covenants we have made in accepting to be a missionary. He also promised that there are people throughout the whole mission ready to be baptized and that it is only our disobedience or our inexperience that prevents us from baptizing. I almost have 1 year behind me and I haven´t baptized much at all. I can´t say that I don´t have experience anymore, so I want you to understand that if I am not having success or if you are having problems or not being blessed, it´s the fault of either me or my companionship. I have more on that topic that I found in my studies, but I don´t have my notes with me, so I´ll have to share them with you some other time.
I love you all and I want you to know that I´m doing great.
Until next time.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3, 2011
Hey! Is it 2011 already!! I can´t believe it. I don´t know where all the time has gone.
I can´t believe how many babies I keep hearing about! It´s almost like every week I hear about another baby. I´m not going to know anyone when I get home!
Well, while you´ve all been freezing up there, weather has been generally hot during the day and only a little nippy at night. My comp is "dieing from the cold" And I´m loving not having to deal with any snow. I may have missed the snow for Christmas, but it wasn´t really even Christmas, just another work day... and I kind of liked it that way. Something about just being tranquilo the whole time was just kind of nice.
This week has been kind of interesting. With the holidays, the only thing people are thinking about here are Tamales :P, buying fireworks, and getting drunk. That being said, we had a few thing happen that were kind of interesting. First of all, we had an activity in the church so that Serjio could get acquainted with some of the other jovenes in the ward. We went to pick him up but he said he was feeling a little sick and couldn´t come. We told him he was still invited if he changed his mind, and went to prepare. The plan was to watch the Testaments and eat pizza and banana bread. :) The amazing thing is Serjio ended up coming and even brought his friend. The whole time Serjio (our investigator) was explaining stuff that he knew from reading in the Book of Mormon to his friend who we hadn´t even met yet. His fecha boutismal is for the 8th, this Saturday, but we haven´t been able to squeeze a cita with him since we put the fecha, until tonight, so we have a lot of work to do to make sure he´s ready for it. Despite whether or not he gets baptized this week, I´m sure he will eventually get baptized, because he´s sincere and is doing what we tell him to.
The other thing that happened this week was kind of interesting. We were going about buying material for banana bread to make and give out to some members for the holidays, when a lady asked what we were going to make with all the flour, oil, and sugar we were buying. She happened to be someone my comp already knew. Her son has just left for his mission, but she isn´t a member, she´s Catholic. We talked about her son being in the CCM and I could feel her concern because she had no idea what her son was doing. So, we told her that we had some photos of the CCM that we could show her some day if she´d like. We left it at that. Saturday, we were going about "contacting" which really means having nothing to do, so aimlessly looking for someone who will listen to us. Not even any of the references we had would talk to us. So... we talked about it and decided to go back home to analyze what we were doing wrong. We studied how to find people to teach for an hour and then talked about it. During my study, this same lady (her name is Irma) came to my mind. I suggested it to my companion and we ended up doing that, that night. We showed her pictures on my DVD player and talked about what her son was doing. She seemed even more desperate because her son hasn´t been able to get his e-mail up and running yet, so he couldn´t e-mail them. After that, we decided to show the movie "Finding Faith in Christ". After watching that, we bore our testimonies, (us and her children who are members) and then we told her that she was always invited to church on Sundays. To our excitement, she came, and the members were so receiving and took the time to go to her and talk to her and befriend her. It was awesome. So we´ll have to see how this next week goes with her.
Things are going well here. I love you all and I miss you very much. I´ll talk to you next week. In the mean time, try not to freeze :)
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
I can´t believe how many babies I keep hearing about! It´s almost like every week I hear about another baby. I´m not going to know anyone when I get home!
Well, while you´ve all been freezing up there, weather has been generally hot during the day and only a little nippy at night. My comp is "dieing from the cold" And I´m loving not having to deal with any snow. I may have missed the snow for Christmas, but it wasn´t really even Christmas, just another work day... and I kind of liked it that way. Something about just being tranquilo the whole time was just kind of nice.
This week has been kind of interesting. With the holidays, the only thing people are thinking about here are Tamales :P, buying fireworks, and getting drunk. That being said, we had a few thing happen that were kind of interesting. First of all, we had an activity in the church so that Serjio could get acquainted with some of the other jovenes in the ward. We went to pick him up but he said he was feeling a little sick and couldn´t come. We told him he was still invited if he changed his mind, and went to prepare. The plan was to watch the Testaments and eat pizza and banana bread. :) The amazing thing is Serjio ended up coming and even brought his friend. The whole time Serjio (our investigator) was explaining stuff that he knew from reading in the Book of Mormon to his friend who we hadn´t even met yet. His fecha boutismal is for the 8th, this Saturday, but we haven´t been able to squeeze a cita with him since we put the fecha, until tonight, so we have a lot of work to do to make sure he´s ready for it. Despite whether or not he gets baptized this week, I´m sure he will eventually get baptized, because he´s sincere and is doing what we tell him to.
The other thing that happened this week was kind of interesting. We were going about buying material for banana bread to make and give out to some members for the holidays, when a lady asked what we were going to make with all the flour, oil, and sugar we were buying. She happened to be someone my comp already knew. Her son has just left for his mission, but she isn´t a member, she´s Catholic. We talked about her son being in the CCM and I could feel her concern because she had no idea what her son was doing. So, we told her that we had some photos of the CCM that we could show her some day if she´d like. We left it at that. Saturday, we were going about "contacting" which really means having nothing to do, so aimlessly looking for someone who will listen to us. Not even any of the references we had would talk to us. So... we talked about it and decided to go back home to analyze what we were doing wrong. We studied how to find people to teach for an hour and then talked about it. During my study, this same lady (her name is Irma) came to my mind. I suggested it to my companion and we ended up doing that, that night. We showed her pictures on my DVD player and talked about what her son was doing. She seemed even more desperate because her son hasn´t been able to get his e-mail up and running yet, so he couldn´t e-mail them. After that, we decided to show the movie "Finding Faith in Christ". After watching that, we bore our testimonies, (us and her children who are members) and then we told her that she was always invited to church on Sundays. To our excitement, she came, and the members were so receiving and took the time to go to her and talk to her and befriend her. It was awesome. So we´ll have to see how this next week goes with her.
Things are going well here. I love you all and I miss you very much. I´ll talk to you next week. In the mean time, try not to freeze :)
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
December 27, 2010
I´m sorry I haven´t been able to put you more at ease. I don´t know why I haven´t been able to say the way things really are or to put you at ease. I find one of my hardest things to do is communicate the good. I´m always wanting to make things better but I really am enjoying the mission. One thing I have learned is to enjoy problems. It´s the conquering of those problems or the successful endurance that brings satisfaction. I would really be bored out of my mind if there wasn´t some problem to solve.
So I do have a baptismal date for the 8th. He´s really positive. He didn´t come to church this Sunday but that´s because his grandma was in the hospital. However, he has been reading the book of Mormon and I´m really excited. I´m praying that Sergio will get his answer of the truth because he is reading. We have one other investigator right now and somewhere around 8 references that we need to contact still. It´s awesome that the members are willing to participate. I have a lot of work to do in my district. The data they´ve been reporting, reflect that they may not understand (as I still don´t quite understand) how to work effectively. They are working but none of them are getting very positive results. I know how that feels, so I don´t blame them too much, but I do feel the responsibility to do all that I know how and learn all that I don´t know, to invite success into this district. I´m determined to do the best I can to be the leader that the Lord would have me be. I know that if I follow my favorite scripture ( which has been my favorite scripture since the CCM D&C 121) and lead by example and show patience, love, and concern for the areas and the missionaries, and they begin to change things and start to have success, not only will they be having success, but they will also be happier.
As things are, I´m still just learning how to be a leader and I will make mistakes. I don´t expect to be perfect but I have faith that I can do much with what I´ve been given. I believe now is a good time with lots of fruits to have, so wish me luck as I go foreward. I will try hard to get some pictures and stuff for you so you can see what is going on as well. I love you all and I´m greatful for such a great family who loves me and is such a great support to me. Wish me luck and I´ll let you how things go next week.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
So I do have a baptismal date for the 8th. He´s really positive. He didn´t come to church this Sunday but that´s because his grandma was in the hospital. However, he has been reading the book of Mormon and I´m really excited. I´m praying that Sergio will get his answer of the truth because he is reading. We have one other investigator right now and somewhere around 8 references that we need to contact still. It´s awesome that the members are willing to participate. I have a lot of work to do in my district. The data they´ve been reporting, reflect that they may not understand (as I still don´t quite understand) how to work effectively. They are working but none of them are getting very positive results. I know how that feels, so I don´t blame them too much, but I do feel the responsibility to do all that I know how and learn all that I don´t know, to invite success into this district. I´m determined to do the best I can to be the leader that the Lord would have me be. I know that if I follow my favorite scripture ( which has been my favorite scripture since the CCM D&C 121) and lead by example and show patience, love, and concern for the areas and the missionaries, and they begin to change things and start to have success, not only will they be having success, but they will also be happier.
As things are, I´m still just learning how to be a leader and I will make mistakes. I don´t expect to be perfect but I have faith that I can do much with what I´ve been given. I believe now is a good time with lots of fruits to have, so wish me luck as I go foreward. I will try hard to get some pictures and stuff for you so you can see what is going on as well. I love you all and I´m greatful for such a great family who loves me and is such a great support to me. Wish me luck and I´ll let you how things go next week.
Love,
Elder Landon James Crapo
December 25, 2010 Christmas Phone Call!!!!
Our phone call from Landon on Christmas was AWESOME!!!! He is doing very well and sounded so good and very upbeat. He sounds more confident and was much more talkative than on Mother's Day! He is growing so much. He was transferred a couple of days before Christmas and is the new district leader in Huehuetenango. He said the they have restructured things and a district leader is like the zone leaders used to be. There are 4 areas in his district. Huehue is the second largest city in his mission. I am relieved that he is out of the jungle and back among civilization, where he can get food and supplies more easily. However, I am grateful for the lessons he learned in Momos, and how much he grew spiritually there. His mission president told him that he chooses his leaders out of Momos, because it either makes or breaks an Elder. Landon passed with flying colors, and his president said he has much in store for him. He is excited about this change and the new challenges and opportunities he will have there. He said the members there are very involved and give referrals often. He loves his mission and is grateful for the lessons he is learning. His Spanish is coming along really well and he even has a little bit of an accent. It was so fun to hear his voice and laugh again. It filled our home with joy that lingered throughout the day. He said he is amazed at the love that the Guatemalan people have for a stranger like him. He does a lot of service and is enjoying that as well. His new companion is Elder Fuentes from Honduras. He says he really likes him and he is a good guy. It was a wonderful gift and everyone enjoyed it!
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