Week 59: Moses Lake

 

Heeeeeeey family! 

Update time: I'm in my 13th month as a missionary, I'm in Moses Lake, and I'm loving it!

Moses Lake is great! Mostly because of the people -- the town itself, especially in the dead of winter, is a bit dead. No matter, I still love it. And they're building a temple here! My favorite question to ask members during our visits is what their reaction was when it was announced. Mostly gasps, screams, and tears. So much faith, so much love. 😄 

Covid-wise, ML isn't too bad. We're able to visit and teach in person as long as we wear a mask. I'm really happy about that because I crave human connection. 

We're quarantined for the next little bit because of another covid scare. I'm not too worried though. Should only be another couple days if a test comes back negative, which I'm sure it will. 🙄😁 

What a time to be a missionary. This is a pioneering time and its miraculous to not only see but to be in the trenches actually digging and moving things forward to. We're taking our Facebook page through some major renovations that should help grow its popularity. 

I got to speak in Sacrament meeting yesterday. They asked me to speak on Saturday, so yes -- that phenomenon of missionaries being asked to speak at the last minute does happen. For one day of prep, I thought it turned out well. (We all really only do one day of prep, don't we?) I spoke of the story of Elijah and the widow in 1Kings 17:8-16. This story illustrates an aspect of the Atonement and our relationship with the Savior. If we give our lives with an act of faith we are given eternal life in return. Parallel to how the woman gave her last meal (in effect, her life) in an act of faith (and trust in the word of the prophet), and was rewarded meal and oil until the famine (that Elijah caused by the way, much like how God gives us trials for our shaping and growth) was finished. This is what we do as missionaries too. We invite the members and investigators to act in faith and give their lives to Christ, and find the reward of their efforts. 

I hope you are all well.

Service, Love, and Truth

Elder Craig

Week 52: The One Year Mark

Dearest Peoples,

Many greetings and apologies for not writing in a PHAT minute, but I'm here. 

I had three months with Elder Gibbons as my companion in Wenatchee, and we made lots of videos and projects, both with my artsy-fartsy skills and Elder Gibbons' amazing guitaring skills. We went on many adventures. 

My companion now is Elder Jones. He's reassigned from the Philippines and had been a missionary for about a year and a half. I'm still here in Wenatchee and this week is my one year mark of being in my mission!

It's unique to hit a year on my mission and New Years around the same time. It makes it easy to reflect on the past year because I've recorded it heavily and it's all been as a missionary. Some of the greatest lessons I've learned on my mission are to take things one day at a time, to use Christlike love as a lubricant for all situations, and that true friends can come from the unlikeliest of places. Regardless of the many struggles and difficulties I've had over this year, I can see the hand of the Lord in the midst of all of them as He uses them to shape me into who He wants me to be. I have super loved the first half of my mission and I know this next year is going to be just as amazing. 

Much love and prayers to you all.

Service, Love, and Truth

Elder Craig