Hi Family!!!!
This week, the miracle that I saw was with our investigator S! We met her on Monday, and knew we had to do something to resolve her concerns. So, we prayed a lot and we role played and studied really hard for her during our comp study. When we came to the lesson, we had a few questions prepared that we wanted to talk with her about. After having her open up, we felt prompted to ask her about her Book of Mormon reading. She instantly opened up about how she really has never understood the Book of Mormon - the entire time she has been investigating. So, we set up some time that we can come and 'bible study' with her so she can get an answer for herself if the Book of Mormon is true. If the spirit in that lesson wasn't magical enough, Sunday was an even greater miracle from this lesson. We showed up at her house after church, and had planned to read the intro of the Book of Mormon and 1 Nephi 1 with her, but, it turns out, she had already read it - on her own - without us asking! She said she had just felt prompted to read the Book of Mormon on her own that week, and she said she had an incredible experience - she understood it! I'm so grateful for the spirit, and for how it guides us to be able to accomplish what we need to as missionaries.
We were able to support the members this week by inviting members to participate in lessons - which we haven't done as much unless we bring them to dinners. It was fun to let the members have their testimonies strengthened by the spirit of lessons. We also had a great experience with another member Y who was super cute! We shared a quick Restoration for the 3rd time in the day to her, and she just started crying, and said, "I’m so grateful for this gospel, because I see the way it has changed me in the past 5 years." She has such a tough situation with her husband banned to JB, and her to SG, with a 6 month old baby, but the gospel seems to unite and strengthen them right now.
Sorry this one is shorter! But, let me give you a few highlights of the week besides those,
We went to a children's museum last week, and it was so funny! This Chinese man wouldn't let me get out of this motorcycle that they had there, and then took a bunch of pictures of me on top of the motorcycle on my camera. He must have thought I really liked it. He also wrapped my legs up before lifting them up (I'm sorry this is a bad visual...I’ll have to describe this to you better later...) but, it turns out that I thought he was leaving the wrap around my legs, but he didn't! He whipped it off like in a magic show, and my skirt was definitely riding up with the wrap on. I did not see it coming, and it was super, super awkward!!! Everyone was just laughing and laughing.
K is seeing us as a spiritual experience right now...and we are trying to get her to let us teach her the gospel. We need to reestablish expectations!
H accepts Joseph Smith as a prophet, but we need to work on Faith. He really likes being Muslim, and isn't sure that ours is the 'only true religion'. Also, Ramadan starts this week, fun fact, so a lot of Muslim's are fasting during the day right now!
R came to church, and he is still kind of a bible basher.
And we got two new investigators! So, things are going pretty well. The work is moving forward. The American family went to New York this week on business, but will be in church on Sunday.
I got to go to lunch this week with a CCK member.
And, I had a great Swiss brunch yesterday with home-sliced meat, homemade mayonnaise on potato salad, and croissants, preserves, and delicious swiss sausage and orange juice, and pancakes, and fruit...it was heaven. And, I feel really cultured! I've taught someone from almost every religion, and I have taught almost every culture! Who would have thought :) I literally have the best mission in the world - because it is the world!!
Love you!!! Have a great week! I know the church is true! I know the Atonement works, and God loves us. SO much.
Love, Sister Crabb
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
This week has been a pretty great one, if I do say so myself :). I'm learning to really enjoy being in 4th ward, and I am having a lot of fun talking to white people specifically on the train, and speaking like an American! I can float back between Singlish and English when I want now, and it's really exciting. I live with the Chinese Sisters, and so Sister Roberts and I are learning a little bit of Chinese. We are also trying to improve our language as a house, so we are doing a swear jar. If you say "dang it" or "shoot" or "Oh my gosh" you put 10 cents in the other companionship's jar. Basically, if Jesus wouldn't say it, you pay 10 cents. It's actually helping! I'm using other words now, and sound a lot more professional and mature. Hopefully it lasts :).
This week we had so many dinners! We were fed almost every night, and that was strange. I got lasagna, and salad, and buttermilk pancakes, and bacon, and it was just really, really good!
Monday for P-day last week we went to Pulau Ubin which was super great! We were able to bike around the little island and I got super tired, and loved it though. It's like mountain biking, but on a super dinky seven dollar rental bike. We enjoyed Ayam Panggang (spicy chicken dish) for dinner as a zone after, and the Ikan Bilis (anchovies) wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! But, basically, it was just really fun. We saw some man feeding the wild hogs on the island, and as soon as he did so, the wild hogs started getting way close to his little Asian grandma and I don't think I've seen a Chinese lady so scared on my mission! Basically, it was a blast.
To top off such a great P-day, we were able to go and visit our investigator K. We showed up spontaneously to drop off popcorn since we will be watching The Testaments with her soon, and it turns out, she was way happy to see us. She let us in, and we had dinner with her family, and taught her daughter and made her daughter a new investigator. The B family is really great! I love coming over to their house. It was just such a miracle that we were let in, and that they were so kind. We also were able to have a good talk with her husband, which was much needed.
Besides that - we had a nice Dim Sum lunch with our members. It's a traditional Chinese food party basically where you get together to chat and eat tea. It is similar to tea time in England, but can happen whenever. I used chopsticks the whole time! And, dipped some things in chili sauce - and felt really proud of myself. I felt very cultured.
So, we also went to one of our member’s houses, and it turns out he is a secret agent for NCIS. No joke. So, chatting at dinner was just so fun. He told us how all the TV shows are so fake, and he told us some really great stories. We also heard some good mission stories about how he taught 40 people in his house in Mexico, and the other member who served in England was just gaping. He said that they had such different missions!
We were able to do some service this week at a place called Willing Hearts. It's a place that feeds the Elderly! So, we cut up some vegetables for the dinners they make. I cut garlic for about 2 hours, and my hands finally smell normal today (we cut them on Friday!). It was just great to be able to make a difference in the community. We went with a couple other Sisters and chatted with them and the locals the whole time. We will be going again next week for sure :).
We met a less active, R, who is struggling. She just needs love, and so we will be working on that soon. Our Bishop is out of town, and our ward council doesn't really exist this summer since there is literally about 3 rows full of members...but it will be great!
We had a couple miracles this week that I want to share with you!
We were able to go and visit a member family on Saturday - the L's - and as we shared about the Restoration, the mom just started opening up to us about her feelings on Joseph Smith. She's not sure if he really is a prophet and wants to start studying some anti- material. The spirit was so strong as I just prayed that we as a companionship would be able to have the words to say to help her understand what she should do. We ended up just testifying of the Book of Mormon, and she said she is starting to read it again. I am just so grateful that part of being a missionary is inviting others to come unto Christ - member, nonmember, less active, other missionary, yourself! I love helping others come unto our Savior, and we were able to do that for one of our sweet members this night.
Following up on that, we were able to go and visit a potential who became a new investigator! His name is H and he is from Lebanon. Super cool - he likes religious chats.
The biggest miracle though, as we walked into church on Sunday, our Relief Society President comes up to us, and she says, "Sisters! We got an email about someone who knows the mission president in Hong Kong and a former member in Singapore, and he is searching for truth and is coming to church today!" So, we got a referral come to church, who is American, and has a really cute wife and a couple kids. He is open to learning, and LOVED it at church. He is planning on coming back next week. Besides that, a random Korean member came to church as well, and brought his roommate. So, we got two solid potentials that we can teach this coming week. I'm so awed at how God does His work. As long as we are doing our best and especially as we have faith, He provides miracles. I was really worried to be in this ward, but I've noticed so many miracles since being here. The work is hastening in the ex-pat ward, and I'm so excited about it. God's work can happen anywhere. It's been a great week for me, and I realized, I should have had way more faith than fear coming here. It's going to be a great transfer.
Besides that, I taught Sunbeams on Sunday since there aren’t a lot of women in the ward and we need help in the Primary, and it was one of the hardest lessons I've taught! I have a lot of respect for Primary teachers now!! It went well, but it's just really weird to have them just stare at you!!!
I also cooked some good curry, and creamy tomato sauce this week with a nice salad.
As a final thought, prayer works! It really, really does. Here's a good quote about it that we sent to a member:
"Prayer is an essential and enabling spiritual link between God and man. Without prayer, there is no possible return to the Father. Without prayer, sufficient faith to understand and keep the commandments is impossible. Without prayer, the necessary spiritual power to avoid temptation and overcome trials and adversity would be unavailable. Without prayer, repentance, forgiveness and the cleansing power of the Atonement are unattainable. With the power of personal prayer, all things are possible." I testify that this is true - I've gained an irreplaceable relationship with God, and personal prayer is absolutely essential.
Also, think about how much good we have because of Joseph Smith. We taught the Restoration so many times this week to our members, and it was great to hear their testimonies of how Joseph Smith has influenced their life today. I know the gospel is true. I know Joseph Smith IS a prophet of God. No one can take my testimony away :). The church is true - it's true - it's true! I can't deny it - ever. I wish my letters were better at expressing to you how much I love the work, and how much I enjoy serving here.
Love you so much family!! Have a great week!!
And to Kaylie and Dad - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND FATHER'S DAY!!!! Love you both, and I will hopefully write you something nice soon.
Love, Sister Crabb
This week we had so many dinners! We were fed almost every night, and that was strange. I got lasagna, and salad, and buttermilk pancakes, and bacon, and it was just really, really good!
Monday for P-day last week we went to Pulau Ubin which was super great! We were able to bike around the little island and I got super tired, and loved it though. It's like mountain biking, but on a super dinky seven dollar rental bike. We enjoyed Ayam Panggang (spicy chicken dish) for dinner as a zone after, and the Ikan Bilis (anchovies) wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! But, basically, it was just really fun. We saw some man feeding the wild hogs on the island, and as soon as he did so, the wild hogs started getting way close to his little Asian grandma and I don't think I've seen a Chinese lady so scared on my mission! Basically, it was a blast.
To top off such a great P-day, we were able to go and visit our investigator K. We showed up spontaneously to drop off popcorn since we will be watching The Testaments with her soon, and it turns out, she was way happy to see us. She let us in, and we had dinner with her family, and taught her daughter and made her daughter a new investigator. The B family is really great! I love coming over to their house. It was just such a miracle that we were let in, and that they were so kind. We also were able to have a good talk with her husband, which was much needed.
Besides that - we had a nice Dim Sum lunch with our members. It's a traditional Chinese food party basically where you get together to chat and eat tea. It is similar to tea time in England, but can happen whenever. I used chopsticks the whole time! And, dipped some things in chili sauce - and felt really proud of myself. I felt very cultured.
So, we also went to one of our member’s houses, and it turns out he is a secret agent for NCIS. No joke. So, chatting at dinner was just so fun. He told us how all the TV shows are so fake, and he told us some really great stories. We also heard some good mission stories about how he taught 40 people in his house in Mexico, and the other member who served in England was just gaping. He said that they had such different missions!
We were able to do some service this week at a place called Willing Hearts. It's a place that feeds the Elderly! So, we cut up some vegetables for the dinners they make. I cut garlic for about 2 hours, and my hands finally smell normal today (we cut them on Friday!). It was just great to be able to make a difference in the community. We went with a couple other Sisters and chatted with them and the locals the whole time. We will be going again next week for sure :).
We met a less active, R, who is struggling. She just needs love, and so we will be working on that soon. Our Bishop is out of town, and our ward council doesn't really exist this summer since there is literally about 3 rows full of members...but it will be great!
We had a couple miracles this week that I want to share with you!
We were able to go and visit a member family on Saturday - the L's - and as we shared about the Restoration, the mom just started opening up to us about her feelings on Joseph Smith. She's not sure if he really is a prophet and wants to start studying some anti- material. The spirit was so strong as I just prayed that we as a companionship would be able to have the words to say to help her understand what she should do. We ended up just testifying of the Book of Mormon, and she said she is starting to read it again. I am just so grateful that part of being a missionary is inviting others to come unto Christ - member, nonmember, less active, other missionary, yourself! I love helping others come unto our Savior, and we were able to do that for one of our sweet members this night.
Following up on that, we were able to go and visit a potential who became a new investigator! His name is H and he is from Lebanon. Super cool - he likes religious chats.
The biggest miracle though, as we walked into church on Sunday, our Relief Society President comes up to us, and she says, "Sisters! We got an email about someone who knows the mission president in Hong Kong and a former member in Singapore, and he is searching for truth and is coming to church today!" So, we got a referral come to church, who is American, and has a really cute wife and a couple kids. He is open to learning, and LOVED it at church. He is planning on coming back next week. Besides that, a random Korean member came to church as well, and brought his roommate. So, we got two solid potentials that we can teach this coming week. I'm so awed at how God does His work. As long as we are doing our best and especially as we have faith, He provides miracles. I was really worried to be in this ward, but I've noticed so many miracles since being here. The work is hastening in the ex-pat ward, and I'm so excited about it. God's work can happen anywhere. It's been a great week for me, and I realized, I should have had way more faith than fear coming here. It's going to be a great transfer.
Besides that, I taught Sunbeams on Sunday since there aren’t a lot of women in the ward and we need help in the Primary, and it was one of the hardest lessons I've taught! I have a lot of respect for Primary teachers now!! It went well, but it's just really weird to have them just stare at you!!!
I also cooked some good curry, and creamy tomato sauce this week with a nice salad.
As a final thought, prayer works! It really, really does. Here's a good quote about it that we sent to a member:
"Prayer is an essential and enabling spiritual link between God and man. Without prayer, there is no possible return to the Father. Without prayer, sufficient faith to understand and keep the commandments is impossible. Without prayer, the necessary spiritual power to avoid temptation and overcome trials and adversity would be unavailable. Without prayer, repentance, forgiveness and the cleansing power of the Atonement are unattainable. With the power of personal prayer, all things are possible." I testify that this is true - I've gained an irreplaceable relationship with God, and personal prayer is absolutely essential.
Also, think about how much good we have because of Joseph Smith. We taught the Restoration so many times this week to our members, and it was great to hear their testimonies of how Joseph Smith has influenced their life today. I know the gospel is true. I know Joseph Smith IS a prophet of God. No one can take my testimony away :). The church is true - it's true - it's true! I can't deny it - ever. I wish my letters were better at expressing to you how much I love the work, and how much I enjoy serving here.
Love you so much family!! Have a great week!!
And to Kaylie and Dad - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND FATHER'S DAY!!!! Love you both, and I will hopefully write you something nice soon.
Love, Sister Crabb
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| Good bye lunch for a member family returning to the states |
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Monday, June 8, 2015
Guess what? I got transferred to Boise!!!
Yes, everybody, I got transferred to the beautiful land of ex-pats here in Singapore, which means most of our members are from Boise Idaho! It's everyone's dream to serve there - and I'm living it! WAHOO!!!
Let me quickly tell you about our three investigators :)
K is a mom of a few kids and she is a sweetheart, and wants to be baptized! I love her so much!
S is 26 and stayed in CA with an LDS family - she has learned everything - but there is still something holding her back from baptism
R - he just kind of likes to argue, but if he comes to church and reads the Book of Mormon, he may feel something.
It's amazing that the mantle that has been put on me to love the people really does come so naturally now. I see people and can just instantly feel how much God cares about them. It's one of my favorite parts of being a missionary. It has been really hard to say goodbye to CCK. I feel like I developed a lot of REALLY close relationships there, and it's hard to leave. I really, really love them.
Oh, we made a b-day cake with K, and I am really not good at fondant animals, but it really was super fun to make it with her. I had a blast. We also passed off the CCK area to the Elders, and one of them is Elder (Ryan) Smith - interesting, right? We talked over llaollao :) (frozen yogurt).
Hopefully you can piece together my life from the emails I sent to you all, but just know, I love it! I love the ex-pats, I am eating American food, I got chocolate chip cookies all the time last week, and ham for dinner after fast Sunday. I love the people, and the challenge, and the gospel. Have a fabulous week!
Love,
Sister Crabb
Yes, everybody, I got transferred to the beautiful land of ex-pats here in Singapore, which means most of our members are from Boise Idaho! It's everyone's dream to serve there - and I'm living it! WAHOO!!!
Let me quickly tell you about our three investigators :)
K is a mom of a few kids and she is a sweetheart, and wants to be baptized! I love her so much!
S is 26 and stayed in CA with an LDS family - she has learned everything - but there is still something holding her back from baptism
R - he just kind of likes to argue, but if he comes to church and reads the Book of Mormon, he may feel something.
It's amazing that the mantle that has been put on me to love the people really does come so naturally now. I see people and can just instantly feel how much God cares about them. It's one of my favorite parts of being a missionary. It has been really hard to say goodbye to CCK. I feel like I developed a lot of REALLY close relationships there, and it's hard to leave. I really, really love them.
Hopefully you can piece together my life from the emails I sent to you all, but just know, I love it! I love the ex-pats, I am eating American food, I got chocolate chip cookies all the time last week, and ham for dinner after fast Sunday. I love the people, and the challenge, and the gospel. Have a fabulous week!
Love,
Sister Crabb
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| Sister Crabb and her new companion, Sister Roberts |
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| At Ward Mission Leader's home |
Monday, June 1, 2015
Monday, June 1, 2015
Transfer news:
I left CCK....and I am going to be in 4th ward! I'm excited, and a little nervous! I'm in a whole new world...but, yah! It'll be good! I feel really sad, and it hasn't really sunk in yet...but I love this ward, and I will be back to visit. 4th ward is an ex-pat ward, and it's going to be hard. We teach all the white people, and all the members are literally leaving for the summer. But, it's going to be really, really good. I am really sad right now! Change is hard!!! My companion is Sister Roberts. Please pray for me!!!
What a crazy week! We had so many member appointments. So many goodbye dinners! It's really sad to say goodbye to companions, but I'm grateful for new experiences, and new opportunities to learn and grow! I'm intrigued as to why Heavenly Father has me going to an ex-pat ward, but I know that it is where I am supposed to be. It's possible to do incredible things there! I'm just sad that there are so many things that we need to hand off to the Elders, but it's going to be okay. I'm going to go to J's baptism.
But, I LOVE this area, and I LOVE the people. I've been able to develop some really good relationships, and I'm really loving the chance I have right now to strengthen the members. There are a lot of people that need help, and I love thinking about what Christ would do for these people.
We just had a slew of new people pop up this week! We had a former that started reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it is true, and we had a former text us and ask if she could meet! That was definitely a miracle. When we met her, it turns out that she has been anti-ed and busy with school, but kept reading the Book of Mormon. It actually inspired her to do community service as she applied what she learned, and called us saying that she knows this is important, and she is willing to meet up and learn.
S came to church this week, and she is doing great! She is progressing really well. We have so many solid investigators, and so many great less actives. This area is doing well, and hopefully will withstand a whitewash because the investigators want the gospel, and not the missionaries :).
We had 7 people at church this week, and it was super awesome! I am so grateful for that!
I'm really sad to leave CCK, because I love it SO much, but I know that this is where I need to be :). I can do incredible things in 4th ward with God's help!
Love you all!
Love,
Sister Crabb
I left CCK....and I am going to be in 4th ward! I'm excited, and a little nervous! I'm in a whole new world...but, yah! It'll be good! I feel really sad, and it hasn't really sunk in yet...but I love this ward, and I will be back to visit. 4th ward is an ex-pat ward, and it's going to be hard. We teach all the white people, and all the members are literally leaving for the summer. But, it's going to be really, really good. I am really sad right now! Change is hard!!! My companion is Sister Roberts. Please pray for me!!!
But, I LOVE this area, and I LOVE the people. I've been able to develop some really good relationships, and I'm really loving the chance I have right now to strengthen the members. There are a lot of people that need help, and I love thinking about what Christ would do for these people.
We just had a slew of new people pop up this week! We had a former that started reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it is true, and we had a former text us and ask if she could meet! That was definitely a miracle. When we met her, it turns out that she has been anti-ed and busy with school, but kept reading the Book of Mormon. It actually inspired her to do community service as she applied what she learned, and called us saying that she knows this is important, and she is willing to meet up and learn.
S came to church this week, and she is doing great! She is progressing really well. We have so many solid investigators, and so many great less actives. This area is doing well, and hopefully will withstand a whitewash because the investigators want the gospel, and not the missionaries :).
We had 7 people at church this week, and it was super awesome! I am so grateful for that!
I'm really sad to leave CCK, because I love it SO much, but I know that this is where I need to be :). I can do incredible things in 4th ward with God's help!
Love you all!
Love,
Sister Crabb
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| Sister Lenhart at ward taffy pull activity |
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| Companions, Sister Crabb and Sister Lenhart |
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| Dinner with member family |
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| Outside the church with some of the Young Women |
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