Week 22: Yakima!

Connor and the Ward Mission Leader in Coulee Dam

Dear family, 

Here it is, June 8th, my five month mark! I've been a missionary for longer than I worked at N.O.E. Bullet Moulds! 

After four months in Coulee Dam, President Jackman decided it was best that I see different sides of the mission. So Friday morning I packed my bags and headed south. Now I'm in Yakima, Washington. The heart of the city! Yakima is the biggest city in the mission, but as far as big cities go, it's pretty small; welcome to central Washington. 

I have new companion and roommates! My new companion is Elder Jolley. He's from American Fork and is a cool guy. He served for eight months in the Mexico City South Mission and then got reassigned to the Washington Yakima Mission after going home to isolate. He's really good at the Kendama! Like,... really good. My other roommates are Elder Smack and Elder Price. Elder Smack is an original WYM missionary and Elder Price was reassigned from Costa Rica about three weeks ago. They're both really cool and living in a four-pan is a ton of fun. Because I'm the only English speaking missionary in the apartment, I'm considering picking up a little Spanish this transfer. That should be fun. 

The area I'm assigned to was previously covered by Sisters, and at one point both Elder Jervoso and Elder Williamson served in this same area. Small mission! The biggest shock in moving has been having so many missionaries everywhere. I went from having other Elders an hour north and an hour south to having some under the same roof, literally next door, and a host of others in a five mile radius. So many missionaries! 

Even with missionaries closer, we don't see many or do much outside. Quarantine still exists and is still very much in the WYM. Rumor has it Yakima county might be the last county in America to open up again. Last week Washington had 200 new cases of Corona and 110 of them were in Yakima, so... nice timing, right? 

It's all okay though, I have plenty to do. Between learning Spanish and memorizing church proclamations, there are still things we can do to teach others and improve myself. Still, quarantine is rough. I miss the scenery and rural feel of Coulee Dam, I miss teaching people, and I miss feeling normal. The world is in absolute chaos and I feel the responsibility as a missionary and a human being to spread light and joy in the world. (Please note: We are all missionaries and human beings! We can all do our part!) 

"Brethren [and Sisters], pray for us." (1 Thes 5:25)

Service, Love, and Truth

Elder Craig

P.S. The couch in the Elders' apartment is leather ... and quickly unraveling. It's "peeling," and Connor is taking some creative liberties. 

This is a "peeling leather" (new art form) illustration of Abraham and Sarah and their posterity 

that Connor created on their couch.

Week 12: Officially Quarantined

Connor and Elder Williamson

Well, we're officially in Quentin Quarantino!

We teach over the phone, we meet over Facebook, and we visit over Zoom. What a unique time!

We get lots of time, and an hour+ everyday, to go outside. We go to parks, lakes, grassy fields, and hikes. We throw paper airplanes on windy days and take our shoes off on warm days. Nature is a centering and rejuvenating force.

We are teaching some really great people right now! We're teaching a young family, a sweet older lady, and a man with lots of questions. All over the phone! It's definitely not what I thought I'd be doing six months ago. But I'm learning a lot and gaining lots of insight and perspective of what we can really do with technology.

Unfortunately, we've had about a dozen missionaries from our mission go home for health reasons. We are all very sad for them and pray for them a lot. I've had many friends around the world head home - some temporarily and some for good, for health and safety reasons. I feel blessed that I am able to stay here in Washington. I'm so grateful that I have been called to the work at this incredible time. The fact that I get to stay is a privilege and it makes me want to serve twice as hard as before!

I'm so excited for General Conference! The opportunity to hear from God's chosen servants is always something to look forward to but especially at this time of chaos and turmoil, I feel extra anxious to hear what they have to say to us.

Hugs and love,
Elder Craig

Week 11: Pseudo-Quarantine

 Quarantine Preppin'

Hello, everyone!

I'm sure you - and everyone else - is wondering what's happening in the mission, with so many missions quarantining and sending missionaries home. So here's all the information we have:

• My companion and I call it "Pseudo-quarantine." We are suspending door-to-door tracting and street contacting. 
• We are putting a big focus on working with members and online work. (If you see a sudden surge of Facebook posts from me, now you know why.)
• About a dozen missionaries are unfortunately leaving our mission due to health concerns that put them at higher risk of COVID-19. (I say "unfortunately," but fortunately they are being kept safe.)
• The mission is still open and the work continues to move forward. My heart goes out to all who return early or are reassigned on their missions. Unexpected turns of events are tough. 

Elder Williamson and I are teaching some new people this week, which is exciting. We're working on teaching over video calls and phone conversations. It's not what I expected when I started my mission but I'm so glad we have the technology to continue God's work!

This week was supposed to be Zone Conference and the mission temple trip, however, as you might imagine, those will not be happening.

I love this area and how secluded it is. The sunsets are beautiful and Elder Williamson and I have a favorite park we go to during out "fresh-air time" hour. (I say favorite park ... it's the only park for miles).

I sometimes feel like I have to take care of the rest of the world and it's craziness, but then I remember my sphere of influence is right here and this is what I proactively work on--Coulee Dam and Facebook.

With technology as advanced as it is and right at our fingertips, while we do face a big trial, we also have a mighty big opportunity. So take the opportunities when you see them!

Love and hugs!
Elder Craig

Connor found this photo on the ward's Facebook page, from years past. That Elder on the right? That's Elder Trent Peterson. He is now married to Katie's sister. About 8 years ago, Connor's uncle served in the same ward/area that Connor is serving in. It's the smallest of worlds.