So, this week was super fun and exciting! It was a harder week, but it was full of lots of blessings and exciting news!
Monday for P-Day, we went to an island called Pular Ubin to bike. We had to take a ferry over, and it was super fun. It looked like paradise! My camera died, but Sister Simon has pictures that I will get and send to you. The highlight of the whole experience was the biking trail. An elder told Sister Krivanec and I that there was this really fun trail and that we would love to do it! We agreed, thinking it would be fine, but it ended up being a double black diamond trail that was full of rocks and scary hills! I spent 1 hour flying down the mountain on a horrible bike! There was actually a point that my chain came off, and I slipped off and scraped up my knee! Don't worry, I'm fine, but I probably won't be doing any more black diamond hills anytime soon...I need much more practice mountain biking first! I want you to know though, that I am pro at going over the teeter-totter on a bike :).
Tuesday was probably the most exciting day of the week! First of all, we had a very special zone announcement: there will be no more 'other lessons'. This means, that every time we teach an investigator, there MUST be a member there. If not, we need to cancel the appointment and we cannot teach. In essence, this is a plea to get the members in the area to start doing missionary work! Honestly, if they don't come with us, the work will halt. There will be no point in even finding people to teach if we can't teach them. It will be crazy! It is going to either make the work skyrocket or crash and burn. We've been working hard this week with our Bishop and Ward Mission Leader trying to get them on board, and it's been working. The Bishop gave a 5 minute sermon in Sacrament meeting telling the members to do it! I'm so excited! Singapore is an area that is ready to boom. There is actually an area or land that has been purchased by the church for a temple, the members just need to earn it. Personally, I feel like if the members get caught up in the wave of missionary work, the temple will come. Singapore has had the gospel for 50 years, and they only have 1 stake. Other areas of the world have had the gospel for many less years and have numerous stakes. We understand the work here is hard, but the field is white already to harvest. The work is hastening! The time is now! We really hope the members feel that, and that they start to work with us as missionaries. I'm so excited to be a part of this great hastening. It really is exciting! I read the age-change message this morning during personal study, and I felt so blessed that I can be on a mission now at 19. Heavenly Father really trusts us, and needs us to be spreading His gospel! After that crazy announcement, we went to a Chinese restaurant where I tried some very interesting food. I got to eat pig throat, cow intestine, and scallops. The fish was actually really yummy! Dad, I'm becoming converted! Fish is starting to taste good to me! There were yummy scones and mango pudding that I ate, but the highlight was the pig brain. It was squishy and so gross, and it was even in the shape of a brain when it was served! So, I got some good Asian-cuisine this week! Wow!!
Wednesday I made double chocolate chip cookies to give to our members! Nice! It was so fun and they tasted like Heaven. I don't get chocolate here hardly at all. Dessert here consists of shave ice with beans and corn put in it, as well as some weird pieces of jello. I don't really like it, and prefer my fatty American dessert!
Thursday we were trying to drop off a Book of Mormon referral from a man in America. He came to our ward a couple weeks ago, and gave us a really good Book of Mormon with his testimony in it! We took the MRT about 1 hour to give it to her, and showed up realizing that we didn't have the address! Sister Krivanec left her planner at home! It wouldn't have mattered anyway though, because we also grabbed the wrong Book of Mormon. Apparently, Heavenly Father didn't want us to give the Book of Mormon to her that night!
Friday: APPOINTMENTS! Most people can meet on Friday and Saturday, so I teach numerous times during the weekend. We met R, and she is still doing well! She got some job offers, so hopefully she accepts one soon! Also, we took Ja over to a place called "little Utah" to let him meet the ex-pat ward members! It was so strange to be with Americans for a night, and talk with them, and be in their house! It seriously felt like I was back home! It was nice! Also, we taught a lady that wants to know which church is true, but won't read the Book of Mormon or pray about it. It breaks your heart after you teach with the spirit, and teach such a good lesson, and yet the person doesn't accept the gospel. I was so sad!
Saturday: We were able to teach a potential today who is an atheist. Basically, those are the hardest, because they want you to explain religion with science. Religion and science don't really go well together. We tried to teach him, but he didn't really get it. It was so hard! We ate rice noodles with him though, and I liked those!
Sunday: I got told I looked like a china doll, and was very pretty! It made my day! Asians - especially Chinese really like Americans and think they are beautiful because of their light hair. Also, we had a miracle of having a couple potentials come to church! I'll keep you updated on how it goes with them this week :)
Basically, I want you to all know, that I feel my testimony deepening with every lesson, and every experience I have here. I know without a doubt that this church is true, and this is God's work! I will never be able to deny it, no matter what Satan or others try to tell me. Also, with the hastening of the work and our new policy, I want to talk to you about being missionaries. I feel very strongly that I want to be a better member missionary when I get home, and I want you to have that opportunity now. I want you to all think about what you personally can be doing. Mom and Dad, I think you need to have a family night where you all make a family mission plan. That is something we are doing here with all of the ward, and it is something that we should do as well! The work is hastening, the time is now! Also, if you don't have a desire to do the work, that's a good sign of how converted to the gospel you are. We talk a lot here about how if you are truly converted, you are going to try harder and harder to share the gospel with people because you understand it. We are wondering if conversion is where we should start with our ward, to get them more involved in the work. So, I would invite you to look at your own personal conversion, and see where you are at with it! See if you could deepen your testimony more so your desire to share the gospel increases. After all, as Preach my Gospel says, " The more we understand the Atonement, the more desire we have to share that with other people." Have a fantastic week! Remember, the time is now, the work is hastening NOW. Don't just stand by and watch it happen, jump in and be a part of it!
Love you all!! Thanks for all your prayers and support!!!
xoxo
Sister Lyssa Crabb
I asked Alyssa about the Bible class and this is her response:
The Bible Class is 1 1/2 hours, and we just teach the new testament. It was our idea, and the idea is to hopefully get some more referrals and have a nice activity every week for the ward to bring the members to! We just do it at our stake center, and it was us, the elders, and a man named Ashish for two weeks in a row :) I really enjoy it! It makes me feel like I'm teaching Sunday School again!
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Monday, July 21
So, I don't have a ton of time to write this week...sorry! I was spending a lot of time reading up on Rachel. It sounds like everything is going well with her though, and that she is happy and healthy. What a blessing, and what a blessing it has been to feel so much peace this week. This week has been good, and I am slowly but surely adjusting to missionary life! I've had moments this week where I feel the spirit so strongly, and feel the love for the people so much that it nearly brings me to tears. I can't explain what happens as a missionary, but honestly, I've never been happier. You don't think you can feel happier than you do at home, and yet, you do. I know it's because I get to bring people unto Christ! It's so exciting to be doing this work, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.
Monday I got to go to China town! Yes!! It was so cute, and honestly, I could have spent so much money there. I want to get so many souvenirs there before I come home! If you guys come pick me up, we are shopping there and getting jade jewelry, and chopsticks, and floating lanterns, and all of the cute Asian things that I saw! I loved it so much. Also, I got a skirt! It was long, cute, and had an elastic waistband. I figure I shouldn't pass up an opportunity to have such a good skirt! Also, I need new shoes! The standard changed, and now I need closed heel shoes. The white handbook brings so many blessings, and so do guidelines. If I follow the rules, I know I will be blessed, because that is what happens! Obey and be blessed :) So, I will be searching for those hopefully next p-day! Also, another random side note. A guy in our ward told me one day that I had really ugly hair, and then yesterday he told me that I need to eat more. He was so blunt! I wanted to just laugh. So funny!! Also, I'm sending you a video of Richard Wong. He doesn't speak much Singlish, but this will give you a good idea of what Singlish sounds like.
Other highlights this week...
We've been really trying to find new investigators. So, we set a goal to talk to numerous people and get 5 quality phone numbers. As we did, no one accepted the gospel and I got rejected more hard-core than I ever have! However, Heavenly Father provides miracles! Randomly, we had 3 separate people give us referrals. Heavenly Father truly does love us! Also, I know that although I'm not perfect, and never will be, as long as I strive to be better everyday and follow the example of the Savior, everything will be fine.
R and Ja are progressing well! They are great.
Saturday I was able to do my first ever Bible Class! I loved it. I seriously love teaching, and am so excited to study it when I get back, but also to be a full-time teacher of the gospel here in Singapore! I also played soccer with the YSA on Saturday, and got so hot and sweaty. There were supposed to be referrals at these events, but we didn't get any! AH! We are trying though, so miracles will come!
Sunday I had a yummy homecooked meal with the YSA, and I loved being with them. Also, we dressed up Sister Reach...she normally doesn't wear makeup or do her hair except for in a braid.
I wish I could tell you more, but I feel myself changing daily, and I love it! I am becoming a better missionary day by day, and becoming more like the Savior all the time.
Love you,
Sister Crabb
Quick thought, since we are all missionaries :)
"I am called of God. My authority is above that of the Kings of the Earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is my Master and He has chosen me to represent Him. To stand in His place, to say and do what He himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts, my words are His words and my doctrine is His doctrine. My commission is to do what He wants done, to say what He wants said, to be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter-day work. How Great is My Calling!!!"
-Bruce R. McConkie
Monday I got to go to China town! Yes!! It was so cute, and honestly, I could have spent so much money there. I want to get so many souvenirs there before I come home! If you guys come pick me up, we are shopping there and getting jade jewelry, and chopsticks, and floating lanterns, and all of the cute Asian things that I saw! I loved it so much. Also, I got a skirt! It was long, cute, and had an elastic waistband. I figure I shouldn't pass up an opportunity to have such a good skirt! Also, I need new shoes! The standard changed, and now I need closed heel shoes. The white handbook brings so many blessings, and so do guidelines. If I follow the rules, I know I will be blessed, because that is what happens! Obey and be blessed :) So, I will be searching for those hopefully next p-day! Also, another random side note. A guy in our ward told me one day that I had really ugly hair, and then yesterday he told me that I need to eat more. He was so blunt! I wanted to just laugh. So funny!! Also, I'm sending you a video of Richard Wong. He doesn't speak much Singlish, but this will give you a good idea of what Singlish sounds like.
Other highlights this week...
We've been really trying to find new investigators. So, we set a goal to talk to numerous people and get 5 quality phone numbers. As we did, no one accepted the gospel and I got rejected more hard-core than I ever have! However, Heavenly Father provides miracles! Randomly, we had 3 separate people give us referrals. Heavenly Father truly does love us! Also, I know that although I'm not perfect, and never will be, as long as I strive to be better everyday and follow the example of the Savior, everything will be fine.
R and Ja are progressing well! They are great.
Saturday I was able to do my first ever Bible Class! I loved it. I seriously love teaching, and am so excited to study it when I get back, but also to be a full-time teacher of the gospel here in Singapore! I also played soccer with the YSA on Saturday, and got so hot and sweaty. There were supposed to be referrals at these events, but we didn't get any! AH! We are trying though, so miracles will come!
Sunday I had a yummy homecooked meal with the YSA, and I loved being with them. Also, we dressed up Sister Reach...she normally doesn't wear makeup or do her hair except for in a braid.
I wish I could tell you more, but I feel myself changing daily, and I love it! I am becoming a better missionary day by day, and becoming more like the Savior all the time.
Love you,
Sister Crabb
Quick thought, since we are all missionaries :)
"I am called of God. My authority is above that of the Kings of the Earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is my Master and He has chosen me to represent Him. To stand in His place, to say and do what He himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts, my words are His words and my doctrine is His doctrine. My commission is to do what He wants done, to say what He wants said, to be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter-day work. How Great is My Calling!!!"
-Bruce R. McConkie
Monday, July 14, 2014
Monday, July 14
Wow! It sounds like you all had such a great week with Trek! I loved hearing everyone's perspective on it, and think that it is such a fantastic experience that you guys get to have. I'm jealous, but like I said, I get to feel that spirit everyday as a missionary, so I guess I can handle not going :). This week has been so good for me! I've felt so much happier than I have before and feel Heavenly Father blessing me all the time! Let me tell you a couple random facts that you might appreciate. First, I went shopping last week, and guess what I found? 3 cheese macaroni!!! It was only 1.60 too, which is the best since my cereal is like, 6.50. I got so excited, the store people helping us find pop tarts laughed. They said they had never seen someone so excited to see Mac-n-Cheese. Also, I got told by a member that there is a senior couple coming from Lindon to our mission! So, look into that. Finally, I found a golf course this morning and thought of you, Dad! If you ever come here, we NEED to golf here. It is right be the reservoir where I live, and is so pretty.
Now, let me tell you some of the highlights of a week in Singapore...
Monday for p-day me and Sister Krivanec just relaxed. We napped, and wrote letters! Apparently that's what a lot of other people do for p-day, but Singapore is different. We are a unique mission since we can go anywhere on the island! Tonight though, we got to have a lesson with Ja. Unfortunately, we had to pass him because he doesn't have PR, which means he can't be in our ward, but he loved coming to our member's house. I have a picture of the member family as well as Ja, so you can see! Ja is excited about the gospel though, and has a really strong desire to follow Jesus Christ.
Tuesday was one of the funnest days of the week! For our zone meeting, we had a really good activity where we got to hike Bukit Timah hill...the tallest point in Singapore! It was hard, and really fun. We talked about how weaknesses are there to help us grow, and how repentance can refine us. That's what repentance is, refining. We also got to talk about strengths and becoming what Heavenly Father wants us to become! I got to talk to a man from a Chinese ward a little bit, and it turns out he is a recently reconverted less active. Apparently the activity meant a lot to him. Basically, this was such a cool experience, one that I will never forget. It reminded me of something we would do at Girl's Camp, and I loved it. I got to feel really close to God! Also, guess what I saw?? Monkeys!!! I got to sit right by them, and see them leaping through the trees! It was so fun, and I was in awe. They are so cute - especially the baby monkeys! They aren't even too scared of people either! You can come right up to them! So fun!!
Wednesday I got to experience my first exchanges! Sister Fa is the STL here, and she is so funny. We had such a tough day, with appointments canceling all over the place, and so I feel bad that for our area I took the STL contacting a lot. However, we persevered, and Heavenly Father gave us a miracle! As we came into the park to contact, we met a girl sitting on a bench who was a member. She was crying and needed some help.We ended up talking to her about how she was struggling, and needed an uplifting message. We shared that we knew God loved her, and showed her the 'Because of Him' video..the lesson we had prepared and never got to share because no one was home all day. She bawled the whole time, and I know that us being there was a huge testimony builder that God answers prayers. It was really cool and exciting to be the answer to a prayer, and realized that Heavenly Father really does love us more than we know, and answers our prayers all the time...usually through others!! (Let me give you a side-story. This girl crying had some ice-cream. So, when she offered for us to have some, I was very happy because I LOVE ice cream. I took a big bite, and it ended up being Durian flavored. I wanted to die. It tingled down my throat, and tasted like some rancid fruit! Basically, I haven't tried Durian yet, but after that ice-cream, I'm not sure I want to!)
Friday I got to have a lesson with R! She is progressing so well, and said she is fine to quit coffee when we taught her the Word of Wisdom. She knits scarves so she might make me one! I don't know what else to say, except that if she can find a new job, she will be baptized so soon! Her family supports her, and I love her so much! Also on Friday I got to go to new missionary training. Basically, it's a meeting with the AP's and President and Sister Mains. I had so much fun seeing my MTC buddies all day, and I had a great night. I grew so much, and, scary moment of the night, Sister Krivanec and I had to do a role play with President Mains! He pretended to be an investigator and we had to teach him. It was the scariest moment of my life. He was really nice though, and I think we did a good job!
Saturday we met Y P again, and she is moving along well! She and her husband are coming back to church...it is just a matter of when. So, hopefully we can get her baptized and help her feel God and that our church is true!
Sunday, I had a lesson about eternal marriage. A member told us that if her kids didn't get married in the temple, she would disown them! I love our relief society. It's a little loud because there is a lady that only speaks Haakan, so someone translates for her, but it is seriously a big, happy, exciting meeting. I love it.
Here's my thought for the week! Remember that repentance is refining. It is something we do everyday to be like the Savior, a way to change. Repentance can be done for sins of omission as well as commission, and Repentance is what moves us along the straight and narrow path! Basically, change, repentance, getting rid of weaknesses and finding strengths is a theme of our mission. Hopefully you can all look for ways in your life where you can be better, and ways where you are already strong and can be used for good through Heavenly Father!
Love you all!!! Have a great week!!!
Love,
Sister Crabb
Now, let me tell you some of the highlights of a week in Singapore...
Monday for p-day me and Sister Krivanec just relaxed. We napped, and wrote letters! Apparently that's what a lot of other people do for p-day, but Singapore is different. We are a unique mission since we can go anywhere on the island! Tonight though, we got to have a lesson with Ja. Unfortunately, we had to pass him because he doesn't have PR, which means he can't be in our ward, but he loved coming to our member's house. I have a picture of the member family as well as Ja, so you can see! Ja is excited about the gospel though, and has a really strong desire to follow Jesus Christ.
Tuesday was one of the funnest days of the week! For our zone meeting, we had a really good activity where we got to hike Bukit Timah hill...the tallest point in Singapore! It was hard, and really fun. We talked about how weaknesses are there to help us grow, and how repentance can refine us. That's what repentance is, refining. We also got to talk about strengths and becoming what Heavenly Father wants us to become! I got to talk to a man from a Chinese ward a little bit, and it turns out he is a recently reconverted less active. Apparently the activity meant a lot to him. Basically, this was such a cool experience, one that I will never forget. It reminded me of something we would do at Girl's Camp, and I loved it. I got to feel really close to God! Also, guess what I saw?? Monkeys!!! I got to sit right by them, and see them leaping through the trees! It was so fun, and I was in awe. They are so cute - especially the baby monkeys! They aren't even too scared of people either! You can come right up to them! So fun!!
Wednesday I got to experience my first exchanges! Sister Fa is the STL here, and she is so funny. We had such a tough day, with appointments canceling all over the place, and so I feel bad that for our area I took the STL contacting a lot. However, we persevered, and Heavenly Father gave us a miracle! As we came into the park to contact, we met a girl sitting on a bench who was a member. She was crying and needed some help.We ended up talking to her about how she was struggling, and needed an uplifting message. We shared that we knew God loved her, and showed her the 'Because of Him' video..the lesson we had prepared and never got to share because no one was home all day. She bawled the whole time, and I know that us being there was a huge testimony builder that God answers prayers. It was really cool and exciting to be the answer to a prayer, and realized that Heavenly Father really does love us more than we know, and answers our prayers all the time...usually through others!! (Let me give you a side-story. This girl crying had some ice-cream. So, when she offered for us to have some, I was very happy because I LOVE ice cream. I took a big bite, and it ended up being Durian flavored. I wanted to die. It tingled down my throat, and tasted like some rancid fruit! Basically, I haven't tried Durian yet, but after that ice-cream, I'm not sure I want to!)
Friday I got to have a lesson with R! She is progressing so well, and said she is fine to quit coffee when we taught her the Word of Wisdom. She knits scarves so she might make me one! I don't know what else to say, except that if she can find a new job, she will be baptized so soon! Her family supports her, and I love her so much! Also on Friday I got to go to new missionary training. Basically, it's a meeting with the AP's and President and Sister Mains. I had so much fun seeing my MTC buddies all day, and I had a great night. I grew so much, and, scary moment of the night, Sister Krivanec and I had to do a role play with President Mains! He pretended to be an investigator and we had to teach him. It was the scariest moment of my life. He was really nice though, and I think we did a good job!
Saturday we met Y P again, and she is moving along well! She and her husband are coming back to church...it is just a matter of when. So, hopefully we can get her baptized and help her feel God and that our church is true!
Sunday, I had a lesson about eternal marriage. A member told us that if her kids didn't get married in the temple, she would disown them! I love our relief society. It's a little loud because there is a lady that only speaks Haakan, so someone translates for her, but it is seriously a big, happy, exciting meeting. I love it.
Here's my thought for the week! Remember that repentance is refining. It is something we do everyday to be like the Savior, a way to change. Repentance can be done for sins of omission as well as commission, and Repentance is what moves us along the straight and narrow path! Basically, change, repentance, getting rid of weaknesses and finding strengths is a theme of our mission. Hopefully you can all look for ways in your life where you can be better, and ways where you are already strong and can be used for good through Heavenly Father!
Love you all!!! Have a great week!!!
Love,
Sister Crabb
 |
| Lesson with Ja with a member family |
Monday, July 7, 2014
Monday, July 7
Hello Family!! I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is to hear from you every week :). It makes me so happy! Sounds like life is crazy and busy as usual, but, you guys are handling it well.
But...let me tell you a little bit about my week!
P-Day last week was actually really fun! We went to the beach - East Coast Park if you want to look it up - and enjoyed playing beach ultimate frisbee, walking in the water, building pyramids of missionaries, and laughing and having fun. It's nice to have time to get to know the other missionaries better - having friends ends up being a great support system. Then, we went over to the D V family for dinner! They have three little kids, and it was so fun to be over there - it reminded me of family night at home, and how much I love it. We ate pizza and spaghetti (and the sauce had chicken in it..it was actually really good!) and I loved having a good, old-fashioned American meal! I love the D V family...they are the best.
Tuesday was a really good district meeting! We were able to talk a lot about advice because our District Leader went home this week. The highlight of it was being able to wear a teddy bear hat as we talked about what we would tell new missionaries! I wish I had it for you, but, the picture is on our phone. One day, you are going to get some really nice pictures because I will figure out how to get them off our phone and over to you all! Then, we went for lunch at a place that reminded me of Tepanyaki. We got all sorts of meat, and they grilled it in front of us. We made lettuce wraps, etc. and I got a salad! It was Korean Barbeque, so that was fun. We also got to see a little K-Pop because it was playing - apparently that is a really big deal over in Asia. Also, so is excersise! There are little workout places everywhere - you can literally stop at any park and have something to do. People are so healthy here! I see Asian Zumba classes all over - they just do them in the middle of the park where everyone can see.
I can't really keep days straight of who I saw when...so here is an update on our investigators!
Ja is doing really well...he is so funny and he and Sister Krivanec have a lot to talk about with India. He is really interested in the gospel, but is having a hard time understanding why our church is different. We're going to watch the Restoration with him this week, so hopefully that will help him understand better.
R is doing so good! We had another really good lesson with her this week where we were able to get her to understand why keeping the Sabbath Day is important. She is looking for new jobs currently, so yes! I'm so excited for her! She has a strong desire to come to church and enjoy Sundays, so it will just take time for a new job to come through. Also, she is really excited about the Holy Ghost and thinks it will be such a great blessing to have. I agree! Having the Holy Ghost, especially as a missionary, is one of God's greatest gifts to His children here on Earth.
We picked up a New Investigator this week named Z W - she was actually passed to us by the Chinese Elders. She is super nice, and we are working with her to get answers to her prayers. She is a free-thinker, so we are trying hard to give her spiritual experiences so she can recognize that God exists and loves her.
So, here are the worst and best lessons of the week!
N was the worst. We taught him the plan of salvation, and he really liked it. However, he doesn't seem to believe that our religion is something he needs. He tried to give us the Book of Mormon back because he doesn't have time to read it. My heart literally dropped when he said that, because at the beginning of the lesson, he had stated that he is really wanting to make sure that his religion is correct and that he is doing the right thing in life. I felt really sad for him, and wanted to help him so much! It's amazing how attached you get to people after only knowing them for a little bit. You really learn to feel true charity towards people as a missionary and simply desire the best for them.
The best lesson though was actually with a less active family. We showed them the video "Because of Him" which I actually prayed over during personal study. It seemed like that video was what Heavenly Father wanted them to see, so even though it didn't make sense, that's what we showed them. During the lesson, as the video was playing, I felt the spirit stronger than I ever have before! It was so powerful, and I could tell that Brother P and his wife felt something. They are trying to find a church, and want to come back so their daughter M can grow up with religion. I have really high hopes for them, and am a believer that as we ask God what to teach his children, he will tell us because he knows them better than we do.
Some other fun highlights from the week...our new Elder in Woodlands came and he is actually from Tonga! He is super funny, and relaxed, and I'm grateful to have someone so nice! Random story, so his girlfriend and Sister Krivanec's boyfriend are actually in the same mission. Who would have thought?? I celebrated the Fourth of July this week! No one really does much here, although ex-pats apparently have a huge party. Sister Krivanec and I wore red skirts, and sung American hymns super loud during companionship study!! It was so fun! Also, last night, we spontaneously had a sleepover on our deck! It was really fun, until the rain came around 5 am. There was so much thunder, louder than I'd ever heard. So, we ran inside and spent our last two hours in bed. But, a fun missionary moment!! I broke my fast last night with a really good cereal called Blueberry Morning. You should find it and try it, it changed my life.
Anyway, quick experiences that show God's love to me. As I walked onto the MRT this week, I had a prayer in my heart to know which people to speak to. As I looked around me, I felt like I needed to talk to this man in front of me. He had headphones in, and I was worried about talking to him. However, I did, and it turns out that his whole family are members of the church and he is not. I'm not in his area to teach him, but I was able to have a really good conversation with him about reading the Book of Mormon and meeting with the missionaries again. I even got to text him some scriptures so he could open the Book of Mormon for the first time in a while! It was such a testament to me that God puts people in our path, and if we listen to and are courageous enough to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, miracles will occur.
I know this church is true, every time I pray and ask, my answer is always the same. I know God loves us, and only wants the best for us. As we rely on Him, we will be able to find the answers and courage that we need to do anything in our lives.
Love you all! Have a fantastic week :)
Sister Crabb
But...let me tell you a little bit about my week!
P-Day last week was actually really fun! We went to the beach - East Coast Park if you want to look it up - and enjoyed playing beach ultimate frisbee, walking in the water, building pyramids of missionaries, and laughing and having fun. It's nice to have time to get to know the other missionaries better - having friends ends up being a great support system. Then, we went over to the D V family for dinner! They have three little kids, and it was so fun to be over there - it reminded me of family night at home, and how much I love it. We ate pizza and spaghetti (and the sauce had chicken in it..it was actually really good!) and I loved having a good, old-fashioned American meal! I love the D V family...they are the best.
Tuesday was a really good district meeting! We were able to talk a lot about advice because our District Leader went home this week. The highlight of it was being able to wear a teddy bear hat as we talked about what we would tell new missionaries! I wish I had it for you, but, the picture is on our phone. One day, you are going to get some really nice pictures because I will figure out how to get them off our phone and over to you all! Then, we went for lunch at a place that reminded me of Tepanyaki. We got all sorts of meat, and they grilled it in front of us. We made lettuce wraps, etc. and I got a salad! It was Korean Barbeque, so that was fun. We also got to see a little K-Pop because it was playing - apparently that is a really big deal over in Asia. Also, so is excersise! There are little workout places everywhere - you can literally stop at any park and have something to do. People are so healthy here! I see Asian Zumba classes all over - they just do them in the middle of the park where everyone can see.
I can't really keep days straight of who I saw when...so here is an update on our investigators!
Ja is doing really well...he is so funny and he and Sister Krivanec have a lot to talk about with India. He is really interested in the gospel, but is having a hard time understanding why our church is different. We're going to watch the Restoration with him this week, so hopefully that will help him understand better.
R is doing so good! We had another really good lesson with her this week where we were able to get her to understand why keeping the Sabbath Day is important. She is looking for new jobs currently, so yes! I'm so excited for her! She has a strong desire to come to church and enjoy Sundays, so it will just take time for a new job to come through. Also, she is really excited about the Holy Ghost and thinks it will be such a great blessing to have. I agree! Having the Holy Ghost, especially as a missionary, is one of God's greatest gifts to His children here on Earth.
We picked up a New Investigator this week named Z W - she was actually passed to us by the Chinese Elders. She is super nice, and we are working with her to get answers to her prayers. She is a free-thinker, so we are trying hard to give her spiritual experiences so she can recognize that God exists and loves her.
So, here are the worst and best lessons of the week!
N was the worst. We taught him the plan of salvation, and he really liked it. However, he doesn't seem to believe that our religion is something he needs. He tried to give us the Book of Mormon back because he doesn't have time to read it. My heart literally dropped when he said that, because at the beginning of the lesson, he had stated that he is really wanting to make sure that his religion is correct and that he is doing the right thing in life. I felt really sad for him, and wanted to help him so much! It's amazing how attached you get to people after only knowing them for a little bit. You really learn to feel true charity towards people as a missionary and simply desire the best for them.
The best lesson though was actually with a less active family. We showed them the video "Because of Him" which I actually prayed over during personal study. It seemed like that video was what Heavenly Father wanted them to see, so even though it didn't make sense, that's what we showed them. During the lesson, as the video was playing, I felt the spirit stronger than I ever have before! It was so powerful, and I could tell that Brother P and his wife felt something. They are trying to find a church, and want to come back so their daughter M can grow up with religion. I have really high hopes for them, and am a believer that as we ask God what to teach his children, he will tell us because he knows them better than we do.
Some other fun highlights from the week...our new Elder in Woodlands came and he is actually from Tonga! He is super funny, and relaxed, and I'm grateful to have someone so nice! Random story, so his girlfriend and Sister Krivanec's boyfriend are actually in the same mission. Who would have thought?? I celebrated the Fourth of July this week! No one really does much here, although ex-pats apparently have a huge party. Sister Krivanec and I wore red skirts, and sung American hymns super loud during companionship study!! It was so fun! Also, last night, we spontaneously had a sleepover on our deck! It was really fun, until the rain came around 5 am. There was so much thunder, louder than I'd ever heard. So, we ran inside and spent our last two hours in bed. But, a fun missionary moment!! I broke my fast last night with a really good cereal called Blueberry Morning. You should find it and try it, it changed my life.
Anyway, quick experiences that show God's love to me. As I walked onto the MRT this week, I had a prayer in my heart to know which people to speak to. As I looked around me, I felt like I needed to talk to this man in front of me. He had headphones in, and I was worried about talking to him. However, I did, and it turns out that his whole family are members of the church and he is not. I'm not in his area to teach him, but I was able to have a really good conversation with him about reading the Book of Mormon and meeting with the missionaries again. I even got to text him some scriptures so he could open the Book of Mormon for the first time in a while! It was such a testament to me that God puts people in our path, and if we listen to and are courageous enough to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, miracles will occur.
I know this church is true, every time I pray and ask, my answer is always the same. I know God loves us, and only wants the best for us. As we rely on Him, we will be able to find the answers and courage that we need to do anything in our lives.
Love you all! Have a fantastic week :)
Sister Crabb
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| Fourth of July! |
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| After eating cake with blue frosting! |
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| Eating at the Banana Leaf Restaurant |
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| Relaxing on hammock at her apartment |
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| The C family |
Monday, June 30
So, I'm glad you all had such a good time this week! I love reading about everything you are doing. It makes me relax more and remember that a mission is my life right now, but I still have all you wonderful people at home loving and caring for me!
Transfer news came in today and...I am staying in the same area, with the same companion! That is good because Sister Krivanec is a really good trainer, especially from what my other MTC buddies are saying, and our area is actually doing really well right now. So, YES!
Monday I was able to go to a park to play soccer! Sister Krivanec didn't want to pack clothes, so ended up playing in a skirt with no shoes! It was so funny to watch, but she is really good at soccer.
I also ended up going to J's house for dinner! He was teaching us magic tricks, and told me that I need to be dating people right now instead of being a nun. But, I think I'm going to continue being a nun. J is really just wanting to be our friend, but his wife is really religious, so hopefully we can have some time to share a lesson with her!
Tuesday I ended up being able to teach Ja! Like I said before, he took us to the Banana Leaf restaurant! I was so surprised, but really liked all the food there. It is yummy! Get Briyani Rice with Mutton. And Daal when you go next time. Ja is doing SOOO well! He ended up commiting to a soft baptismal date, and is so excited. He wants to follow God so much. His wife is in India, and he wants us to help send the missionaries to her! Hopefully we can.
Thursday I was able to meet R! She is doing so so so good! She is now on date to be baptized! And, her family is so supportive of her decision! I taught the Plan of Salvation pretty well, and am getting good at it! A fun gift if you ever want more ideas is to send me a picture packet with the plan of Salvation. It's really fun to show investigators instead of just tell them. It makes a dry lesson have some life! But, I'm so happy for R. Now all we need is a job for her that will let her come to church on Sunday. She is a miracle find though, and I know that Heavenly Father is truly doing this work, because she was ready for the gospel before we met her. Sister Krivanec and I are simply instruments in helping her Come Unto Christ.
Friday was my first Zone Conference! I loved it so much! I felt a lot of peace about repentance while I was there, and how I just need to be changing. It makes me really want to strive everyday to be a little bit better. Let me give you a couple good quotes about repentance. And seriously, I would challenge you to study it. It is the way that we come unto Christ, and if we aren't doing it everyday, we aren't using the priceless gift that Christ has given us! Study it up, because it is seriously a topic that should make us want to be better, and become more like Christ, and not condemn us.
"Repentance is trusting that Christ can make us what we are not yet."
"Change and Repentance is going to bring miracles - we stay connected to heaven through repentance."
Also, this night we did a rap battle! I can't even tell you how funny it was! We ended up doing a Nephites vs. Lamanites battle, and I want you to know that it was funny. It had a "Book of Mormon Stories" background music, and some dubstep. Basically it was so fun. Also, the AP's did one to "Ice, Ice Baby" but said, "Preach, Preach Elders" and "Preach, Preach Sisters!" Haha! Highlight of my week! I will never get that out of my head.
Sunday R got really sick and couldn't come to church! She was actually rushed to the hospital. I was so sad. I don't know if Satan is that good, but if he is, that was so rude of him! R was so excited and he took away her one Sunday to come, because she works every weekend but the 5th one. Anyways, Heavenly Father will provide a way, he always provides miracles.
I don't have time to answer your questions or send pictures...but I will next week! Just remind me :) Have a really great 4th of July! I will be wearing my red skirt and singing America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner during companionship study. Eat lots of yummy shave ice and think of me as I get hot and sweaty while you do during the parade!
Love you so much,
Sister Crabb
(Lyssa :) )
Transfer news came in today and...I am staying in the same area, with the same companion! That is good because Sister Krivanec is a really good trainer, especially from what my other MTC buddies are saying, and our area is actually doing really well right now. So, YES!
Monday I was able to go to a park to play soccer! Sister Krivanec didn't want to pack clothes, so ended up playing in a skirt with no shoes! It was so funny to watch, but she is really good at soccer.
I also ended up going to J's house for dinner! He was teaching us magic tricks, and told me that I need to be dating people right now instead of being a nun. But, I think I'm going to continue being a nun. J is really just wanting to be our friend, but his wife is really religious, so hopefully we can have some time to share a lesson with her!
Tuesday I ended up being able to teach Ja! Like I said before, he took us to the Banana Leaf restaurant! I was so surprised, but really liked all the food there. It is yummy! Get Briyani Rice with Mutton. And Daal when you go next time. Ja is doing SOOO well! He ended up commiting to a soft baptismal date, and is so excited. He wants to follow God so much. His wife is in India, and he wants us to help send the missionaries to her! Hopefully we can.
Thursday I was able to meet R! She is doing so so so good! She is now on date to be baptized! And, her family is so supportive of her decision! I taught the Plan of Salvation pretty well, and am getting good at it! A fun gift if you ever want more ideas is to send me a picture packet with the plan of Salvation. It's really fun to show investigators instead of just tell them. It makes a dry lesson have some life! But, I'm so happy for R. Now all we need is a job for her that will let her come to church on Sunday. She is a miracle find though, and I know that Heavenly Father is truly doing this work, because she was ready for the gospel before we met her. Sister Krivanec and I are simply instruments in helping her Come Unto Christ.
Friday was my first Zone Conference! I loved it so much! I felt a lot of peace about repentance while I was there, and how I just need to be changing. It makes me really want to strive everyday to be a little bit better. Let me give you a couple good quotes about repentance. And seriously, I would challenge you to study it. It is the way that we come unto Christ, and if we aren't doing it everyday, we aren't using the priceless gift that Christ has given us! Study it up, because it is seriously a topic that should make us want to be better, and become more like Christ, and not condemn us.
"Repentance is trusting that Christ can make us what we are not yet."
"Change and Repentance is going to bring miracles - we stay connected to heaven through repentance."
Also, this night we did a rap battle! I can't even tell you how funny it was! We ended up doing a Nephites vs. Lamanites battle, and I want you to know that it was funny. It had a "Book of Mormon Stories" background music, and some dubstep. Basically it was so fun. Also, the AP's did one to "Ice, Ice Baby" but said, "Preach, Preach Elders" and "Preach, Preach Sisters!" Haha! Highlight of my week! I will never get that out of my head.
Sunday R got really sick and couldn't come to church! She was actually rushed to the hospital. I was so sad. I don't know if Satan is that good, but if he is, that was so rude of him! R was so excited and he took away her one Sunday to come, because she works every weekend but the 5th one. Anyways, Heavenly Father will provide a way, he always provides miracles.
I don't have time to answer your questions or send pictures...but I will next week! Just remind me :) Have a really great 4th of July! I will be wearing my red skirt and singing America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner during companionship study. Eat lots of yummy shave ice and think of me as I get hot and sweaty while you do during the parade!
Love you so much,
Sister Crabb
(Lyssa :) )
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