Sister Crofts

Sister Crofts
Sister Crofts at the airport when she arrived home

Monday, July 11, 2011

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith - 2 Timothy 4:7

Dear family,

This is it! It's really happening....As I was packing my bags earlier today it made me excited, yet sad. I have loved my mission so much! And I know that I am going to miss it!!! Just think about it for a second. I get dropping into Halifax, me as a small town girl :) I have no idea how to share the gospel...Three months out and I train! What!! Sister Johnson and I have some of the best times. Running after buses, Steve, Hari, Andrew, Aliesja so many people we were able to teach together. Me almost leaving my mission...:( But hey mom those were some good cookies!)....TRAINING AGAIN??? Sister Hudson from London England man we were fireworks together! Learning "English" again, eating Mar-Mite, and still chasing buses. Sister Nicholls helped me make it through winter I love that girl. Eating taco's, running stairs, and oh yeah, still chasing buses. Finally my one and only transfer....Fredericton South! Thank heavens I had Sister Hamblin and Sister Brandley to help me make it through the mountains of snow! Transfer of miracles my friends! Bo xi and Brother Breau. And last but not least my little greenie Sister Davis! I am very grateful for her and all that she has taught me! Riding bikes.....seeing miracles, and living the dream.
As for the people that I have been able to teach the list in endless! Sometimes I think that those I taught, taught me more than I taught them. I wonder everyday why am I so blessed to be able to do this work!? I have taught people from Canada, India, St. Lucia, Columbia, Lebanon, Bahamas, China, Japan, Philippians, and Africa. I have loved it so much!
The mission have taught me a lot! Through adversity and trails I have become closer to my Father in Heaven. I have made mistakes and have over come weaknesses. I have failed and succeed. I have laughed A LOT and also Cried A LOT. My prayers have never been so long and my nights have never seemed so short.
My testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ has been strengthened and fortified. I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and frankly my friends I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I love being a MORMON! And I wouldn't change it for anything! I know that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass!
Being on my mission has helped me rely on the Lord to help those I was teaching, because I knew that only he could help them. I have loved every minute of my mission and hey I still have a few more days in the field.

This past week was amazing! we had a "goodbye" dinner for me at the Hatts place on Friday night and it was so cool! For the lesson we sang "I am a child of God" and then everyone in the room bore their testimony! We had 4 investigators there! I loved hearing their testimonies it was such a tender mercy of the Lord. Also 6 investigators came to church and I was able to stand and bear my testimony to all of them. Yesterday was such a happy Sunday! Never mind that I cried a lot. But really, we taught this guy named Christian. He is from Columbia and I must say he is elect! He wants to find truth and is excited to read the Book of Mormon. He says he feels like something is missing in his life and he wants to be filled.....It was amazing! I wish that all of you could have been there!!!
Well my family and friends this is it! I love all of you dearly and I thank you all so very much for your love and support! And guess what I will be seeing and talking to all of you soon enough!

Love,

Sister Ashley Lynn Crofts

Monday, July 4, 2011

Truth must dazzle gradually.​..of blind all mens eye's

Dear Family,

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Just so you know I sent a package home with some of my stuff in it. If it gets there before me, just put it in my room. It has some random books and stuff in it.

I have decided that bug spray, sweat, and sunblock are the missionary scent. Yum! I must say this week was full of adventures! We met with so many people and really had so much fun! On Canada Day we went over to the multi-culture building and talked to people. That was probably the best part of the day. And I fell asleep to the sound of fire works!
A lot happened, but all I really remember is riding my bike, teaching, sweating, and repeating it. But it was a really great week. I hope everything is awesome! I love you all!

Love,

sister Crofts

Monday, June 27, 2011

O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth,

Dear Family,

Ha..ha.. another week down. Crazy!! um....I totally went to Halifax this past week and it was so bitter sweet! I loved hearing the sound, smelling the ocean, and seeing the streets and people. It was sad driving over the McKay bridge for the last time, but hey I am sure I will return someday. I hope.

Sisters Conference

What do I say...it was a party! 12 sisters missionaries together...watch out! ha..ha....no but really it was a blast. I loved being in the mission home with all the sisters talking about funny mission stories, most embarrassing moments, and the fullness of the everlasting gospel! It went by way to quick, but don't worry I took a bunch of pictures! We went to Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg,and Mahone bay. Also we went to the TEMPLE!! I missed it sooooo much and it felt like heaven being able to do a session. When I was in the Celestial room I never wanted to leave. Sister Davis and I stayed in there for a pretty long time. Just the peace and clarity that comes when you go to the temple is indescribable. I am so grateful that we have a temple in our mission I have learned so much about God's plan and purpose for us here.

When we got back to Fredericton we jumped right back into the work. You know you have been a missionary way to long when you miss knocking doors. This week we got Keyang on date for July 30th. We later found out he thought it was June 30th so we moved his baptismal date to July 13th my last day in the field. He is so cool! He wants to meet like everyday and wants to do all he can to serve God. I ask myself this question everyday, but really: "where do these people come from?!!" They are so amazing!

The Melting Pot

Canada really is a great place there are so many people from different cultures and backgrounds here. I love it! At church I was sitting by someone from Japan, China, the Philippines, and Mexico. Also we went to a multi-cultural festival and saw many different people perform their native cultural dances, it was really cool. It made me a little jealous though I miss dancing.



The Business

Well now down to business. I forgot to bring my travel plans with me, but as of right now I would prefer to fly into St. George. I know it will be late, but hey it will be fun, plus I would much rather drive home through Zion than a boring freeway. Also that way all my friends and family can come to the airport and welcome me home. That's just what I was thinking.
I believe that the post will be up and running today, but I am not 100% sure. If there is anything else I missed just let me know and I will tell you next week.


Love you all!

Love,

Sister Crofts

P.s. Mom, Dad have fun camping! And Jo good Luck this week moving into you first place!!!!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

".....Wher​e love is, there is God also...." -Gandhi

Dear Family,

The Canada Postal strike....funny...And no I haven't received any mail. Thank heavens we have the Internet! Thank you technology!

The sun was slowly setting as we drove to Fredericton Junction. The day had been a whirlwind, and it felt nice to sit. The McRitchie's were driving us to our next appointment which was about 45 min. away. Brother McRitchie was sharing his insights and thoughts about life. To be honest dad he reminds me of you, its nice. :)
He began with a story of an old friend who had been an alcoholic all his life. He went on to say that many people past judgement and never got to know who he truly was. He explained that after his son had been killed by a drunk driver, his friend gave up alcohol, because it hit so close to his heart.
He then described a homeless friend of his who would pass through town occasionally. He recalled a time when Brother McRitchie and his friend were walking down the street together when they ran into another homeless man who had offered them half of the apple he had....pausing for a moment....Brother McRitchie then said: " You know people who could have provided a full meal to that man would have rather crossed the street, than walked past him. But they didn't see his heart....they only saw the outward appearance." Pausing again....he said: " The Lord shows His beauty in strange places."
With tears now rolling down his cheeks he described a worn and beat Book Of Mormon that the first set of missionaries gave him when he started to investigate the church. He compared it to a new set that he now owned. Explaining that the message contained in both books was the same. We as people are so quick to pass judgement. God looks at the heart and not on the outward appearance.

The words spoken on that drive deeply touched my heart. I just felt like sharing it. Remember that judgement is the final act. When we judge we will never get to know the heart.

Sister Davis and I worked really hard this week. We do every week but this week was awesome!! We met with a lot of people and many of them are progressing in the gospel! Happy Days!! First of all I just have to tell you about Chen. When we first started meeting with him he had no belief in God. Now he does and he reads the Book of Mormon everyday! So this past week when we went over to his house our main focus was on prayer and how we could help him understand more of the importance of it in his life. I don't exactly know what questions were asked, but as he began to speak he began to describe the Spirit! He said that when he prays he feels peace. As he did this he placed his hand on his heart and went on to explain the way prayer made him feel. I have never seen his eye's light up like they did that day. I was just a tender mercy of the Lord. I think to myself a lot about just how blessed I am to be part of this great work. I am grateful that my Heavenly Father lets me help Him, help Him help his children.
Also this week we taught Jessica the Plan of Salvation. It was so cool! We asked her what she thought about it, and she told us of her great grandfather that had passed away and that she didn't need to be sad any more because she knows that she will see him again! She also told us that the gospel is filling a hole in her heart! WHAT!!

This church is true, what more can I say! Also this week was my first week teaching someone from Japan. His name is Kaiichi Satake and he is soooo cool! He has a lot of good questions and really want to learn and understand. Also another new investigator named Keyang(koy-young) he is from china and he is also super excited to learn about the Book of Mormon. Plus this week we had 5 people at church! It was awesome!!
Also a girl named Lidia come to church this past week. She has been inactive for about 4 years and is coming back. This place is gold mine...what can I say....
Just so you all know I am HAPPY! I love me life and I get to go to Halifax TOMORROW!!

This week at a glance:

An investigator paid tithing! John 7:17
An investigator with conviction saying: "I have to know!"
Randomly painting a deck for man named chuck.
A talk at church entitled "Brown Pants"
interviewed on the street by some guy
Found my new favorite place in Fredericton besides my bed "Sweet Belgian Desire." They have the best waffles EVER!!
Also I have my interview with the Mission President!
A contact at the door saying...excuse me I need to put on some trousers.....


Have the best day

Love,

Sister Crofts

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Monday, June 13, 2011

"The sun never sets on righteous missionari​es testifying of the Savior." - Elder Neil L. Andersen

WHATS UP MY FAM,

Another week.....Where do the days go! So I have had a funny week! A tiring week, but everything has been swell! First of all I just want to tell you all that I LOVE YOU!!!!!! That's the real truth, but even more than that, THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME BACK!!!

So last Monday we decided hey the sun is finally shining we should take some pictures, so we went down town and took a bunch. It was super fun. As we were heading home I was thinking to myself...this really is the life when....we got a text. Gloria one of our investigators telling us that she couldn't meet anymore. That moment of peace ended quick. We quickly called her and started walking to her house asking what was going on and if we could see her. She told us that she couldn't at the moment. My heart sunk and so did Sister Davis's. Missionary work is WORK! It takes time for people to change their lives. And that's okay with me. I thought I would be more upset, but I had a sense of understanding that one day she will except the fullness of the gospel. It just takes time. So that's how the week started and it didn't stop their.

One night we were teaching out new investigators Katherine and Philip. They live in a huge house with like 5 other roommates. One of their roommates decided to join us and is now a new investigator. Its so cool when things like that happen. The Lord knows his children. I am just responsible for being in tune with the spirit so that when the Lord places someone in my path I act. Another cool experience like that happened also this week. We received a referral from Salt Lake and decided to go and stop by. Well we were just standing outside the apartment building when in walks a guy named Chris. We ask how he is and he say, "fine, I guess....from coming from a funeral." I didn't even think I just opened my mouth and testified to him of the restored gospel and the truth that he could be with his family forever. We asked if we could teach him more and he excepted. Being in the right place at the right time is just the best.

Funny Stories
So Wednesday morning we were standing at the bus stop waiting for the bus. waiting....waiting.....waiting...it never came. Sister Davis called the bus place just to ask when it was coming and they gave us a FREE TAXI! It was hilarious. I guess we should call more often. ;)
We were knocking doors down-town when we see this huge brown dog running down the street with a guy wearing flip flops and a sweater chasing after him. Sister Davis and I stand in front and try to stop the dog, but lets face it a big dog running full speed into two little white girls...I don't think so. We move out of the way just as the dog went whizzing past. A few minutes later a lady on a bike comes peddling by asking if we had seen a dog. Later we come to find out that the guy chasing the dog in flip flops and the woman of the bike were just passing by when the dog escaped. They didn't even know it. That was the exciting news for Fredericton. ha ha good times.

Okay so the best story of the week has a little history. So do you remember a while back when I told you of the Elder that was emergency transferred because of me?! Well, anyways, this week I received a letter from him and I am so excited for all of you to read it. I was shocked, apparently he had a big crush on me and I had no idea. He wrote me a three page letter asking me on a date when I get home! I was shocked I had no idea. Good times I have to tell you!

So next week is Sister Conference and I am so excited! I get to go to Halifax! Well I hope that I do! But its going to be great! Just pray that it doesn't rain the whole time. We had some pretty awesome thunderstorms here this past week. And some good sunshine. Who even know what this week will bring. We met some way cool people this week, lets just hope that something comes from it. Well my family I love you all so much!!

Also we have been praying for opportunities to do service for the people and let me tell you "ask and ye shall receive." We have dug a whole pile of gravel, weeded a garden, and next week we are helping a woman clean her house! Happy days! I love helping people!

Spiritual Thought

So we went to contact a referral yesterday and it made me so sad. I like to ask people who Jesus Christ is to them, just so I have a better understanding of where they are coming from. Well usually when people say oh yeah, Jesus he was cool. He was just a prophet, or I just think he taught good things. I can brush it off. But yesterday when this woman told me that she puts Jesus Christ in the same category as Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi I really hurt my heart. Because I know for myself that he is the son of God. He is my elder brother, Savior, and Redeemer. He suffered for me and for all of us. I often think which drop of blood did I make him shed for my sins and mistakes. I will be eternally grateful just to know that through Jesus Christ I can return to live with my Father in Heaven and be with all of you forever! It makes me smile! I love that everyday I get to share this blessed message many!

Dad I bought you a card for Fathers day but I dont' know when it will reach you, so HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I AM SO PROUD OF ALL THAT YOU ARE DOING! YOU'RE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE,

THE COOLEST

SISTER

CROFTS

Monday, June 6, 2011

"When you believe...​.you receive." -Jamil Deen

Dear Family,

Thank you for the package! I got it today and it made me really happy! I can't believe that Nick is married also! Ha ha everything is so funny. Also thanks for the picture I love that Sister Davis's mom came to visit. I wish that you would tell me more details though. Sister Davis's mom said that mom you're super cute and that dad you're hilarious. Just thought I would let you know

I know that my time here is short and before you know it I will be home. But I am really trying hard to focus on the work and the people here. I would ask you as you write me letters and emails that you tell me about your scripture study, missionary experiences, and other spiritual experiences you have been having. That's what I really need to hear. We all have sacrificed a lot for this mission and I want to make the most of it. So if you would please share gospel subjects that would be awesome. Thank you! I love you!

Okay so this past week. I had I guess some allergies and man I was taking a bunch of medicine. ha ha...I've never had allergies before. And I don't want them again. Yuck! But nevertheless we didn't stop working. We had a good week.
The other day we were out knocking and we knocked into what seemed to be a really nice Christian lady. She invited us in and we started to talk. Well once we mentioned Joseph Smith she wasn't going to have it. She started yelling and told us to get out. It made me so sad. But on the flip side we are now teaching this guy named Jamil. He is from Africa and he looks like Bob Marley. He is the coolest. We only taught him once, but he seems really interested. Also this past week I hit my 16 month mark. So Sister Davis and I went to Cora's to celebrate. Cora's is a breakfast place that is so good! Plus the weather here is starting to warm up.
Just a scripture I want to share:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:11-18
Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, May 30, 2011

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucius

Dear Family,

What!! Jordan you're moving to St. George! Ha ha everything is so funny! Mom I know you don't want me to move to Salt Lake....man so much to think about.

Besides the bug bites, and me head cold this last week was AWESOME!! I brought my journal to help me remember everything that happened. But first I have to tell you the most exciting news of the week! CAT AND ANDREW ARE ENGAGED!!!! Yesterday we were at a fireside and we get a phone call. Sister Davis hands me the phone and it is Cat and Andrew! I was so excited. But really confused. I wondered how in the world they got my phone number. Well the story goes that when I went to Halifax to the temple I gave Andrew my phone number so that we could meet up later. Well he got his phone bill and saw that he had some long distance calls from someone in New Brunswick (That's me) so they called last night and told me the whole story. I was the 4th person to know! It just made me so happy, because I worked so hard on those two. I remember when I met them...and just where they are now is incredible! They are planning a temple marriage this coming December!!! I have to go!

This week like every week we worked super hard. This past Thursday we had a super full day. Appointment after appointment. Well When I woke up that morning I just knew that nothing was going to go as planned. But I didn't say anything to Sister Davis just in case it all worked out. Well it didn't everyone kept calling an cancelling so very quickly our super full day turned into a super blank day, but definitely not boring. First things first. The day before we were street contacting on the small streets of Fredericton and we ran into Todd. The guy who sold us out bikes. And told us to come in and get our bikes tuned up. So Thursday we did. Come to find out that Sister Davis front tire was barely holding on by the brake. CRAZY! She could have died. I am just thankful we decided to take the bus down Smythe hill instead of ride. Who knows what would have happened. But like I said before everything in our day fell through so we decided to knock George street. Well thank heavens we did we knocked onto a girls door named Jessica Jewell she let us in we taught and she is now on date to be baptized! Miracles happened everyday. I just so cool how the Lord works. If we hadn't had all our appointments fall through we wouldn't have met her in that time. Geography and timing is everything!

I just want to tell you about the food we were able to enjoy this past week. The Ray's fed us delicious hamburgers, Sister Lyons made a feast! Ham, potato's, 3 different deserts, and 5 different choices of ice-ceams! I couldn't resist. then last night we went to the Meyer home and had breakfast for dinner! It was so happy! Ha ha..There is no hope for me I am just going to be a little fatty when I get home! I hope you all still love me. And don't worry when I get home I can exercise as much as I want. On the mission its a little bit more difficult.

Anyways, This week was full of being in random places at the right time. everyday went by so fast and I really can't believe that this week is going to be JUNE! Time is going by so fast. I know that I say that in every email, but its so true. Yesterday at church was a full day. we had three investigators come and Gloria stayed for all three hours!! I taught gospel principles and part of the combined lesson the third hour. I love teaching! Mom remember when I was so scared to talk in front of people that I almost ran home instead of sharing my talk. How far I have come. I just pray that is doesn't go away when I am released. Anyways it was a great week with ups and downs so many happy things which always out weight the bad. Who knows what next week will bring but stayed tuned.

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, May 23, 2011

Here Comes the Sun....

Dear Family,

Hi, its me once again. This past week was pretty interesting. But before I get into that I want to say CONGRATS ON GRADUATING JORDAN BETH!! You're the coolest! I hope that you have a wonderful graduation!!

This week nothing seemed to go as planned, everything fell through I really didn't know why. But we just kept on doing the work of the Lord. We knocked a lot of doors this past week. I also got my first sunburn of the year, so that was exciting! It's tan now thank heavens. The weather is crazy! One day it will be blazing hot and the next freezing cold. I don't get it, but really...I don't get a lot of things. Anyways...We put on a fireside Saturday evening and it was a hit! Everyone loved it! Which made me really happy because that was the first time I had ever put on a fireside. It was all about Mormon.org. Teaching the members how to use it as a missionary tool. Sister Davis and I put a lot of work into it, and it all came together very well. People at Church were talking about how great it was. I am just so grateful for this ward and what wonderful people they are.
yesterday was such a beautiful day. Sunday really always is the best day. We were able to get a ride out to one of the families we are teaching and I couldn't help but notice just how beautiful it was. The different greens, the blue sky, and the beautiful sun set! This world truly is amazing. Sorry this is short, but I really don't know what to say. At times I feel a little repeative so I am sorry for that. I hope you all know that I love you so much! And I am so grateful for everything that all who are reading this have done for me. Thank you! I love you!

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, May 16, 2011

“All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Dear Family,

The rain is never going to stop! I am starting to get sick of being wet and muddy all the time, but hey it makes for good stories. Plus in the future if my children ever complain about things I will be able to pull out "back in my day" stories of biking up hills in the rain, running after buses, trudging through the snow, sweat dripping off my face as I labored for the Lord. Ha ha I loved being a missionary. :) You should have seen me last night. I was quite a sight. It literally rained ALL day yesterday, and of course we were out in it. Well we road through a couple mud puddles and I was covered in it! I should have taken a picture. Ha Ha.. the funnest part was our day wasn't even half way over yet. I tried to clean up as much as possible, but I still looked ridiculous. Ha ha...I wouldn't mind getting muddy at home, but I am here trying to represent my Savior. I must admit I am so grateful to have Sister Davis as my companion. She knows how to work. Never do I hear from her that she is cold or tried or hungry. She just goes to work! Together we make a great team. I thank my Heavenly Father for her everyday. Why am I so blessed?!

This week like every week was full of ups and downs. I'm not going to lie there seemed to be more downs then ups, but such is life. If I didn't experience pain and sorrow I would not be able to appreciate joy and peace. To be honest I am grateful for the pains I felt this past week. Some were cause because of my own weaknesses which I needed to ask for forgiveness other sorrows were caused because of the choices of others. Being a missionary really helps me understand the missionaries in the Book of Mormon when they wrote of their experiences: And this is the account of Ammon and his brethren, their journeyings in the land of Nephi, their sufferings in the land, their sorrows, and their afflictions, and their incomprehensible joy!!..... Missionary work truly is JOY! I love it so much. If I just didn't love the people so much and my Heavenly Father this would be so painful at times. But really the best things in life are always the hardest!!

In my personal Scripture study I am reading the New Testament and it is so amazing. Just reading of my Savior's perfect example makes me want to be more like him. He truly was perfect! Also I am re-reading the Book of Mormon and I am focusing on how people prayed or received answers to prayers. I am amazing at just how much each prophet prays. Also this morning I was reading about temples and it was just brought back to me just how amazing and important the temples are. I am so grateful that we are all preparing to go and be sealed together as a family, its something I look forward to!

sorry that I am not really talking about my week and what happened. I guess I could share some things. Xaio Han's parents threatened to move him back to China if he continued to meet with us. Laura who is reading the Book of Mormon really fast has stopped meeting with us to keep peace between her and her husband. Gloria is having second thoughts and many doubts. She called us at 2:30 AM to tell us she wasn't coming to church. We met with Jesse and he doesn't think this is for him.....But we also had some sweet experiences as well. We were out knocking the other day in the rain and we decided to go to this house. Well we knock and a lady opens and the door and invites us in for muffins and herbal tea. We taught the restoration and we plan to return. Everything she was saying was hinting that she was missing something in her life. People need this gospel so bad! We were riding down the street the other day and as we were passing a park bench I noticed a girl sitting there smoking. I kept riding past, but I had the feeling we needed to talk to her. So I turned around unsure of how I was going to start talking to her,but like always I just opened my mouth and words came out. We plan on meeting with her sometime this coming week. Amazing things happened every week. I just feel so blessed to be a missionary!

Love,

Sister Crofts

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Mothers day

Mothers day card I received in the mail
Hanging out with Elder and Sister Golden


Sister Missionaries
Snow day!!!


Fun post card of New Brunswick


Another fun post card of New Brunswick


Malachi and his dog Soldier. Malachi has cancer and Sister Crofts bought wrist bands from his family and sent home to her family


Sunrise


Ice cream


Rain


SNOW


Getting gas

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Feeling Right At Home

Dear Family,

With the phone call this past Sunday, It's true I totally felt right at home, everyone is still the same and I love it. I am really sorry that we weren't able to see each other face to face for very long. I will see you in two months!! Thank you so much for being the best mom, dad, and sister ever!! I love you! Dad it was great to hear you I wish we could have talked longer, Jordan your the sweetest little thing and you make me laugh I also wish I could have talked to you more. Mom thank you for being the best, what more can I say. Your amazing!

The weather here as been dark and dreary for long enough. I am starting to get sick of the rain, but it will only help me appreciate the sun that much more. Funny story about the rain. So we ride bikes....and in the rain its not the most fun activity. Well we had a miracle happen for us this past week. Andrea one of our ward missionaries came teaching with us and just happened to drive a van so we were able to put our bikes in the back and get a ride. Then later that night it was still raining, and sister Davis and I were really wet and cold. Well we were waiting for a bus that never came, so we had a member come and pick us up again. We were seriously blessed that day. Really we are so blessed everyday, but I just thought it was funny how much God really watches out for us. Even in the small things.


This past week was a really good week. I loved it! We had a lot of success and I pray that we find more. But like always we also have oppostion. So Monday we got a call from Xiao Han explaining that he had gotten into an argument with his parents over religion. It broke my heart. we scheduled to see him yesterday and it was a really good lesson. A wise person once taught me to listen to the person speaking and not just throw the Book of Mormon in their face and tell them to read. We went and listened to his situation and just expressed our feelings of concern and love. we then shared about putting all your trust in God. By the end of the lesson he was laughing and smiling. It was a great experience. I am really sad to say that I have had experiences like this in the past, but I feel that I am learning how to help people more when these situations come up. I love this work it truly is the greatest!

We had two days of leadership training it was a great experience. There are no words to express the power of 26 young men and women kneeling down in prayer together to ask for the Lord's help with this great work. It made me realized how much I have to work on, which is a good thing. I am excited to work hard for the next two months. I can't even believe just how fast everything is going by. I am sorry that I don't really know what to write. I just hope that this finds you well.

love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, May 2, 2011

"Thou Shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things." D&C 59:7

Dear Family,


What happened this last week....? Honestly I can't really remember. All I remember is being so busy and tired every single day. I guess that means I am doing something right.
Ha ha... okay, things are starting to come back to me. This past Monday we had a Zone Conference with Elder Golden a member of the Seventy. It was really really good. So those are what those pictures are that I sent you. Anyways, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony in front of all the missionaries and Elder Golden it was a really cool experience. During the whole thing I felt the spirit so strong, and and made me kind of sad that I only have about two left. But I found out today that we are having a Sister's Conference this June the 21st- 23rd. I am soooo excited. I get to go to Halifax again!! I seriously love that place. Back to the story.. When we got home we dropped off the Elders car and biked across the river and up Smythe hill to teach a lesson. It was a good workout.

Funny Story
I think this is a funny story...So the other day the sisters in Halifax called and told me about a guy named Clark that kept calling me. And when they asked to leave a message he would say that it was confidential. They thought for sure that I had a stalker in Halifax. Anyways, so they gave me this guys number, and I call him thinking to myself who in the world is this guy?! Well He answers and come to find out it was a guy working for a bank where I cashed a check once. All he wanted to know was if I had good service when I went there. It was funny. Just because we assumed such a dramatic story.

This past week we went out in the country to teach Brother Breau's mom and it was so cool. There place was really beautiful and his parents were so nice. I am coming to find out that people most of the time don't disagree with the doctrine that we teach, just that they will have to change there life style. Which makes sense, but sacrificing something small bring so many blessings.

Letter From home!

I just got the last letter you sent and it was perfect. Jordan STUDENT OF THE YEAR! What and OK! That is sweet. Also Dad I am so proud of you. You gave you first blessing! Thank you for sharing that with me. It sounds like all of you are doing so well. Also I received Hope's wedding invitation. I can not even believe that she is getting married this Friday!! Crazy stuff. All my friends are going to be married by the time I get home. Good thing I still have Kallie, Anna, and Liz. Also I can't remember if I thanked you for the pictures! Jordan you are one hot mama! You are beautiful and I really love you graduation pictures. I can hardly believe that you graduate at the end of this month. So many things are happening!!
So about Mothers Day. Call me at 4 PM Utah time. My number is ############. But lets hope that we can Skype!! I would love to see your faces. Also you should invite Kal to come again that was such a party at Christmas. For Skype because I don't have an account I am going to use Sister Davis. So to add type: ########### To help you find her easier she lives in Prove Utah and her Full name is Carlie Davis. If you can't find her that way you can also try ################@gmail.com. Good luck! And if all else fails just give me a call. :D

I'm sorry that I don't have any cool stories of things, just know that I am working really hard. And its kicking my bum. I hope this coming week I have a little bit more energy. Just on a weather update. The grass is starting to get green and I am not even wearing tights today!! I think that Summer is on its way.

Love,

Sister Crofts

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

"...becaus​e of the spirit...w​hich has wrought a mighty change in our hearts... we have no more dispostion to do evil, but to do good continuall​y. -

Dear Family,

This week was AMAZING!!!!! I am not even going to be able to write half of the amazing miracles and blessings that occurred. First of all I just want to testify of the importance of having the Holy Ghost in our lives. He is the 3rd member of the Godhead, and we have a right to have him as our constant companion. We should never take this lightly. Because of the Holy Ghost I know that my Heavenly Father is real, and so is Jesus Christ. Because of the Holy Ghost I am here in Atlantic Canada. Oh, so many reasons for things. Really I just wanted you all to know how important the Holy Ghost is in my life. He testifies of truth and will tell us all things what we must do.
Satan tries to do everything in his power to make us unworthy to have the spirit. Knowing this should motivate us so that we do all we can each day to be worthy, so that we may make the correct choices and come closer to Christ.

So I am sure you are so excited to hear about this past week! First of all I finally received the package you sent, it was perfect!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I couldn't stop smiling the whole day. I loved the pictures and the food. And Jordan thank you so very much for your letter. It made me so happy! Before I opened the package I was reading on the outside what was in it, and I saw the word cheese! I was like whaat?! I was relieved to find that it was just the easy cheese stuff and not "real" cheese. Ha...ha... Thank you again. I love you!
This past week was the last week of the Transfer and I forget to tell you that I am being transferred to Prince Edward Island!!!!
Ha..ha... I'm just kidding :D I am staying here with Sister Davis! I am sure I will stay here for the rest of my mission. This week was full of tender mercies of the Lord. I have felt so blessed and I don't know why He loves us so much. Just so you know I am getting way stronger on my bike. I am so grateful for them. And just so you know mom my Mission President is the best! We didn't have to pay one penny for them. The only problem so far is that my skirt got caught in the tire and it ripped a hole in it. Good times. :)

-Cool Stories of the week-

On Easter Sunday we were out knocking doors. We came to a house with loud rock music playing. We knocked on the door and out walked a grungy skater named Jesse. As we began to talk to him he stopped us and told us we were wasting our time. There was no hope for him.Now you know me I just pretended like I didn't hear him and bore my testimony of how much God loved him and what divine potential he had. We gave him a card for our website and as we were walking down the street I told Sister Davis that I just wanted him to feel the spirit...So yesterday we were running out the door to go to an appointment when I noticed that we had a text. I checked it and all it said was: " Is this the church at the end of Massey street?" I was like Sister, Who is this?! I called the number and Jesse answered. He said he had been looking at the website and that he wants to come check out our church. I was so excited I didn't really know what to say. Ha.. ha... it was so awesome!! This truly is the Lord's work. Me I am nothing.

Also on Easter Sunday we had stake conference and we had Elder Golden a member of the Quorum of the Seventy present. We had a General authority here. He asked if he could meet with all the recent converts in the area. Sister Davis and I were privileged to sit in the meeting while he met with all of them. As I looked around the room 4 People from Fredericton were there and also Joe Xue from Halifax was visiting. I was such a sweet experience. My heart was full. And my eyes were wet. Just to see these amazing people all together who had recently accepted the Gospel. SO AMAZING!
So after the meeting Joe reaches out his hand to Bo and starts speaking Chinese to him. I just thought, yeah they are both from China they both speak the same language. Well come to find out Bo Xi and Joe Xue went to high school together in CHINA! Do you know how big China is??? It was so cool! I couldn't believe that I was able to meet and teach two amazing Chinese guys and that they would know each other. What are the odds.

Can I just say that Fredericton is a GOLD MINE! I love this place. We are teaching Bo's Friend Xiao Han now and he is so cool . His only concern is that his mom thinks religion is a waste of time. I wish that Hari was here to share his experience. Also this weekend we are going to start teaching Brother Breau's mom! I am so excited. what else....man so much has happened and I always forget most of it. The weather is finally starting to warm up! Happy days! I am so excited to hear that I will not only get to talk to you but see you this Mothers day!
Thank you again for everything. Keep on keepin on and I will see you in no time!


Love,

SISTER CROFTS

Monday, April 18, 2011

“… Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives”

Dear Family,

My heart is full. The blessings that I have received and am still receiving are endless. Dad I am so happy that you have not only 1 but 2 jobs now! And that you are preparing to enter the temple. I am so excited. I really can't explain the way that I feel right now. I am just so happy that I can't help but tear up. hold on I have to go blow my nose. Okay I'm back whew....
I survived my first week on a BIKE!! I'm not going to lie it was quite the adventure. Lets just say I slept like a baby almost every night. I am definitely getting back into shape which is awesome! I never realized how many blooming hills there were in this place, but its good for me, it only makes me stronger. Don't worry I will send some pictures of me on my bike. The weather has just been so wet and nasty that I don't really want to ruin my camera. The weather this week has not been the best. I am getting sick of being soaked all the time, but at least it's not snow. :) Things could always be worse. But you know what you should pray for...pray for the wind to stop blowing! riding a bike in a skirt is bad enough. Ha ha!
Oh, before I forget dad happy birthday Tomorrow!! If I am wrong I am really sorry. Also next week my P-Day is on Tuesday just so you don't worry about me.
Sad story of the week
Jing Ye one of our current investigators is planning on getting baptized this Friday. Well she called her dad excited to tell him the news that she was getting baptized, and everything went down hill from there. Now she is going back to China soon to talk to him and then when she comes back she might get baptized. I am really sad about the whole thing, because she wants to get baptized and she knows the Book of Mormon is true, but of course like all of us we want our parents approval. At that moment I wish that Hari was there to share his testimony. You should hear it sometime. Its amazing! I have been praying to know what to do, and I feel peace that someday Jing will be baptized it may not be this Friday or even next year, but she will. I am learning so much about trusting in the Lord's timing. Its not always easy, but its always the best.

Miracle of the week
Bo Xi brought his friend Xiao Hah to church and we are planning on teaching him this coming Saturday! I am super excited. I just wish that I spoke Chinese! Also the next miracle is that I didn't die on my bike. Sometimes riding on the road is scary on a bike, but thankfully the drivers here are super nice and share the road. Also I know that angels are protecting us here, so don't even worry about me!

Must say I am so excited to talk to all of you on Mothers day! I feel like so much has happened since Christmas. Just so you know we as missionaries can use skype, so maybe you should think about getting that?

This past week felt like a year, it was hard and I had to rely on the Lord even more, but I liked it! I am excited for what the following weeks hold. I love all of you SO SO MUCH! keep up the good work. I know that all of you say how proud you are of me, well I just have to say I am so proud of all of you!

Love,

The one the only

Sister Ashley Crofts

Monday, April 11, 2011

I love to see the temple....

Dear Family,


Where do I even begin!?
DAD!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! YOU DID IT! YOU ARE NOW AN ELDER! I am so excited to see you and give you the biggest hug of your life. I know that it hasn't been an easy road, I am proud of you for your diligence and hard work. DAD I LOVE YOU! Finally we can be a forever family! Just so you know mom I will be coming home on July 15th. So you can book off work so we can party!

This past week was amazing! Let me tell you why....I went to HALIFAX!!! I never thought I would be there again while I was on my mission. It was amazing! Before we left for Halifax which is about a 4.5 hour drive, we went to the bike shop (Savage's) and bought our super cute green bikes! We even took them on a test drive around the city. It was so so much fun! We are picking them up today. After that I was just so anxious to get to Halifax that we just left. We drove to Moncton and picked up another car and Sister Davis and I drove all by ourselves down to Halifax, it was nice being alone, but at the same time I was a little bit bored.
When we finally reached Halifax I wanted to jump out of the car and wanted to kiss the ground! I love that city. It felt like I had never left and it made me smile.
We then went to institute and I loved it! I saw so many people and it made me really happy. They are like my family here. Also I was able to finally give Hari his scriptures! Mom you should see them they look so good. But I still think its funny that you have his name of your scriptures now. You should just leave it on there for memory sake. Oh man the whole weekend felt like a dream and I still have to wonder if it really happened.

The next morning we went to the temple and it was perfect. I love the temple, but this time it just meant so much more. Just seeing those who had recently excepted the gospel being in the temple was the best thing ever. Brother Breau was there with Katrina and Christina, and Vivek Hari came as well! It was awesome! I was so happy because I was able to see Hari get baptized several times. It was so much fun to talk to all of them as well. Hari explained that he felt such peace, Brother Breau was nervous, but soaked it all in. Ah.. I am just smiling thinking about it. This truly is the Lord's work I just don't know why I got so lucky to be a part of it!
After the temple we went outside and took a ton of pictures, I will have to send you some. Andrew Connell came to see me, and later in the day we went and saw him and Cathrine. It was amazing to see how their testimonies have grown and just how great they are doing. Andrew told me this past weekend at General conference he received a witness that President Monson is a prophet of God, and his testimony was strengthened about Joseph Smith being a prophet. How neat eh!
I remember meeting them and Cathrine was inactive and Andrew wasn't a member. With these people that I have taught each of them have said that I was very persistent. Cat and Andrew reminded me of a time when we went to their house to have a lesson. When we got there they were fighting and Andrew left the apartment building anger and Cat was in tears. I hated to see them sad so I sprinted down the stairs grabbed Andrew and told him to go back and talk to Cat. The crazy things I do, but apparently it really touched them. most of the time when I do things I have no idea that I am even making a difference, It was really nice this past weekend to hear that What I had done really touched some lives. We never really know all those whom we impact.
Cat and Andrew are planning a temple marriage this coming winter and I would love to be there.

So after the temple and pictures we went to a fun restaurant called Cora's It serves breakfast all day! I love breakfast...Anyways, six of the 12 sister were there which was awesome. I was able to see my __________ Sister Hudson, I hope all of you get to meet her some day she is so cool. Also I was able to see President Moses I just love that man. I know that I am just going off on all those that I saw and I am sure all of you are super confused, but just bare with me.
Pretty much that was the best weekend ever!
Now I am back in Fredericton living the life. yesterday was the most perfect day weather wise. There was no wind it was warm and it was the sabbath. It felt great to be out walking I sure have missed it. Being in a car makes me lazy and fat. But now that we have bikes we will be out among the people everyday. I am stoked.

Oh, before I forget. The other week Sister Davis who is from California was talking about the Panguitch Quilt Walk. I was like Whaat?! Apparently her great great Grandfather Alexander Matheson was part of the group of men that did the Quilt walk. I was like no way! My great great grandfather Jesse Lowder was part of that too! How cool is that. Over a hundred years ago our great great grandfather's were working together to save people's lives. And here we are as there great great granddaughters working side by side to save souls! I thought you all would love to hear that!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, April 4, 2011

"You cannot give a Crust to the Lord, without receiving a loaf in return."

Dear Family,


Do you know the song: "I like to ride my bicycle" by Queen? Well.....we are getting bikes! Our car is getting taken away and we will be back to hitting the pavement. I am super excited to be honest. I love to be out and about among the people, and plus I can get some super good exercise. I am not sure how to ride a bike with a skirt...but I will figure it out. I had an interview with my mission president and it was so good! I just love that man. He always teaches me so much and I love learning. I talked him into letting us have bikes and also something else that I will talk about next week.
Mom about those shoes that I was going to buy, I found some old ones that another sister left so I am just going to wear those. I really don't feel like spending any more money on shoes right now. I would rather spend it on someone else.

General Conference
Oh my heavens, I was blown away by this General Conference. It was SO GOOD! Every talk that was spoken touched my heart, and arouse in me a greater desire to be more Christ like. I am so happy that I get to spend everyday all day helping and serving people. It truly is the greatest!! There were many different topics taught, but all of them were for me. I have many many ways I need to improve, but that is what is great about life. If I was perfect I would be so bored! I am just excited to be able to apply everything into my life.

April Fools
Dad do you remember two years ago when I got you so bad on April Fools Day!? Well If you don't let me remind you. I was driving mom's truck at the time, I called you up and told you in the best sad voice I could that I had wrecked the truck. I will always remember the way you responded. It wasn't yelling or chastening, it was a voice of concern for the safety of you daughter. Dad that really touched my heart... But I couldn't lie for very long so when I told APRIL FOOLS! you and I both laughed really hard. Thanks for being a good sport. This April Fools God played a pretty funny one. It snowed 20 Cm. in a very short period of time. Cars were sliding off the road, snow everywhere, it was a mess. After parking the car we put on our big coats and went knocking. It was a great day.

The Miracle of the Week
We were out knocking doors the other night when we get a phone call. It was Jeff who came into church the week before asking for a copy of the Book Of Mormon. Sister Davis and I sprinted so fast. He is such a cool kid. We are finally teaching him today. Its during our P-Day but I don't even care. I has really good questions and he wants to find God. He came to the right place. :D

I know that so much more happens every week, so I am sorry that I am so vague. But just know that I love doing the Lord's work. I know this truly is His. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I am so grateful again for all of your love, and support!

God Bless

Love,

Sister Crofts

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Can you say -16 C weather
Well I was going to look cute for church...
I love the snow
Walking to church in a snow storm. (The trio)
I'm a total canadian. No more plastic bags for me
Sister Nicholls and I just chillin
Canada in a nutshell
And more snow! Hey I love the headband, it rocks!
We are crazy! A picture speaks a thousand words
Sister Nicholls and I chillin in the snow
Thank you for all the goodies! Man I was spoiled for my B-day!
Eatting at Samosa's a couple days before my B-day at the Taj-maha
Look how deep the snow is. Cute scarf and hat that Aunt Karleta made me
Sister Crofts and Sister Hamblin in Fredericton. Look at the snow

Monday, March 28, 2011

THE DAY I LEARNED HOW TO TIE A TIE! (the things you learn on a mission.)

Dear Family,

Missionary work...It's a crazy thing. Last week was a really hard week. Everything we had cancelled and nothing seemed to be going our way. Thank heaven this is the Lord's work. We did have some pretty amazing things happen though...Bo Xi was baptized March 24! He received the Holy Ghost yesterday and the priesthood! He is so cool. Also our recently baptized Brother Breau participated in his ordination. While we are on the subject of Priesthood, dad I am super excited for you! Keep doing the small stuff and everything will be great.

So yesterday we had a miracle happen...We were just at church like usual when this guy named Jeff walks into the building. First he was talking to the elders and then we started talking to him. He has been searching for a church and he has looked at our website www.mormon.org. (Which I would ask if all of you would go to and check out.) its pretty sweet. And he said he really liked what he had read. He stayed the whole three hours of church and it was really cool. We will be teaching him soon. It truly was a miracle. Heavenly Father is just so nice. I am just glad that the week ended well. Sometimes you have good days some times you have bad ones. It's life. But like Kal and I always say...Life Is Good!!

Last night Brother Breau fed us man was it delicious! It was one of the best meals of my mission. You know what's funny is that I talk about food a lot. I am sure if I went through and re-read some of my emails I would just laugh at myself.

Anyways General conference is this weekend and I am SO EXCITED!!! We get to hear the prophet speak, and its going to be awesome! Sorry I am so random, I just feel a little rushed with my emailing today.

So yes from my heading you can see that today I learned how to tie a tie. Its actually really fun. Someday if I have little guys it will be no problem to get them ready for church....:s We bought Bo a tie and a Bow tie because his name is Bo. Ha ha... Things are great here in Freddy-town. The members are the coolest of the cool and I am just swell.

Have the best week EVER!!

Love,

The coolest Sister Crofts

Monday, March 21, 2011

"Repentanc​e is the laundry of my life...." -Bo Xi

Dear Family,

Don't you just love that quote!? I sure do, it is from Bo who is getting baptized this Thursday! We asked him to tell us what repentance means to him, and that's what he said. He expounded by saying that in life when we make mistakes it makes our laundry dirty, and when we repent its like washing it clean. He is so righteous!! So yesterday was seriously the best Sunday! It was the first day of Spring the sun was shining.....Bo and Chen our two Chinese investigators came to church. Also Brother Breau brought his mom and she is getting taught by the Elders this coming week! The spirit was strong during the meeting and I just felt so happy!! Also we were able to go an see an inactive family and we are going to start teaching them soon, so that's exciting! I wish that I could rewind yesterday and just play it over and over again. But it is a day I will always remember.

So this past week seemed like we did a years worth activities! I am sorry that I can never remember everything, but it was a good week! We had some sweet miracles. On Tuesday I was having a really hard time deciding where we should go to find. Usually I just make a decision and we go. But for some reason I just couldn't pick a place. Finally we decided on Beechwood. We knew there was a former investigator on the street and we thought just maybe we would run into her. So we are knocking on this road and seriously no one is home! I was getting so bored. I just want to talk to people. Anyways So we get to a certain house and we knock not expecting anyone to answer when an Indian man does. He smiles and grabs his wife. She invites us in and we notice the whole house is covered in boxes of their things. The man's wife is Sapna and his name is Sundip(sp?) Sapna was on the phone when we entered the house and she just hands me the phone and tells me to say hi to her mom in Indian. I was kind of a crazy thing. Turns out Sapna is the former investigator! We asked if she needed help and we went work. We stayed for about 2 hours and just moved everything off their wood floors. They were getting redone the next day. Sapna kept calling us angels. She said that she had prayed us there. Which I totally believe because before we left for the day we asked God if we would be able to help someone or be an answer to some one's prayers. Answer!! Now we are invited back for Indian food, which I am super excited for.

We were knocking last Sunday and we knocked into a lady named Inez. She was interested so we got her info and called her later in the week. When I called she seemed very upset and hung up the phone. usually when people hang up on me I get the hint. But for some reason, I sensed that something wasn't right. So Wednesday we are down-town trying to contact some potentials. But no one is home. We were about to leave when I had the thought to stop my Inez's house. We stop and knock. She comes to the door and She just starts Crying. We asked if we could go in and talk and we had a great discussion on God's love and prayer. She really opened up to us and told us a lot about her family life and everything else. We have an appointment with her this week!!

So earlier in my email I told you that Chen came to church. Well let me just tell you about Chen and what a miracle it was that he came. So Chen is dating Jing who is getting baptized in April. We just started teaching him, and he has no religious background what-so-ever. But he wants to learn. Anyways, yesterday was the first time he had ever been to church in his life and he came by himself! I was amazed! Miracles are just happening everyday! I love being a missionary.
I just wish that all of you could feel what I am feeling! It is so hard to put onto words what a mission is like. I just love it so much and I so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you all so much who write and support me here. I Love all of you!!!

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, March 14, 2011

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” -Luke 9:24

Dear Family,

Whew....life is so busy and I love it!!

So this past week has been super full of goodness. Let me just tell you about it! Okay so first of all Brother Breau was baptized and it was so good! So many people showed up and his parents even came! I talked to his mom after the baptism and asked her if we could teach her. She agreed! I will keep you updated. Also we had one of our investigators show up with her boyfriend and we are now teaching him! Miracles happen! And yesterday Brother Breau received the Holy Ghost and the priesthood! He is so cool! The other day I had him read 1 Nephi 1:8, 11-12 and tell me what all the symbolism meant. Wow I will tell you what he understood it very well. I can see him as an institute teacher someday.

Sister Davis is my new companion! She is from Merced California and she is righteous. She is super cute and skinny and she is here to work hard. Which is perfect because so am I! I see myself a lot in her at the beginning of my mission. I am just so grateful that God has put us together to serve with one another. So crazy story. Her luggage was lost on the way here, so her first few days she only had her carry on. Thank heavens they found it. On Saturday we drove to Moncton to get it and now she is set to go.

Its true my friends I am driving! I haven't really driven for a year. Its kind of fun! If kallie is reading this just know that when I get back you are still going to be the driver on our road trips. I don't like it that much. The weather the past couple of days has been mild which has been awesome! I really wish that spring would come soon. I am starting to get sick of snow.

Anyways...I don't really know what else to say. I feel like my emails are getting short and boring. So I am sorry. I guess I will just have to get some crazy stories, or something.

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, March 7, 2011

It's a girl!!

Dear Family,

yes it is true, I am training AGAIN!!! My mission president must really trust me or something. I am staying in Fredericton and my two lovely companions are leaving me. Sister Hamblin is going to HALIFAX!!! I knew that she would be, I need to serve with her and she needed to serve with me so that we would be able to take over each others areas! Halifax doesn't even know what's about to hit them! Sister Brandley is getting doubled into Montague Prince Edward Island! What that means is that she is opening a new area and training at the same time! She is super nervous but is going to do great. I am pretty sure that I am going to finish my mission here, but you never know. Fredericton is a super place and I am excited to teach a "greenie" the ropes.

So this Wednesday is Brother Breau's (sounds like bro, its french) Baptism!! I am super excited for him, and he is really excited himself. He is so golden I don't even know what to do with myself. This transfer has truly been a transfer of miracles. This past Sunday was such a powerful testimony meeting. Being a missionary is really interesting because you know a lot about what is going on in people's lives, so when people bear their testimony you really understand what is going on in theirs lives. I was really emotional during the meeting. Anyways...

So something that I have been thinking about a lot this past week is humility and gratitude. I realize that it is so easy to find what is going wrong in the world today. And when you focus in on that, life can look pretty glum. So I took it upon myself to repent and be more grateful! Being grateful really is so happy! And I realize that when I am grateful I am more humble; because I recognize the tender mercies of the Lord. When I open my eyes and see the good the world has to offer I can't help but smile. There are people in this world who serve each other out of love, there are those who look past the outward appearance and see the heart, There are many who feed the hungry, cloth the naked, and give to the needy. People are amazing and my eyes have really been open to who I want to become.

DAD!! I am so excited that you are going to give a talk! I want to hear all about it!! I am really proud of you! I am sorry that your hand is giving you trouble. I wish I could have seen the tumor...Anyways Dad just know that I love you so much! I am want to thank you so much for all that you have done for me! I love you!

Well I know that there is a lot that has happened, but like always I can't remember when I get here. Well I am doing well like always I am happy, well fed :D and grateful for everything!

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, February 28, 2011

Three beautiful amazing missionaries

These pictures were emailed to me from Sister Simpson, Ashley's mission presidents wife

miracles with the terrific trio

This is what I like to call the transfer of miracles with the terrific trio! Next week we have a GOLDEN investigator Justin Breau who is getting baptized. Hari is getting baptized MARCH 1st!! (Yes that's tomorrow!!) And everything is just so happy!!!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

And it came to pass we lived after the manner of HAPPINESS!​! -2 Nephi 5:27

Dear Family,

This past week was so full it felt like a month has gone by...but it was just a week! So I think that I have been a missionary way to long. We listen to some really cheesy church music and I like it! We joke about scriptures and doctrine and we think it is so funny! I remember when I first came on my mission and everyone seemed to laugh at the lamest things, well....now that's me! I hope that I am not to strange when I come home. :D

This week is what I like to call the week of miracles. It is so amazing what has happened this past week! So to start off we had A LOT of cancelled appointments, Sister Hamblin got sick, and other small things, but we didn't let anything get us down, we persevered and we came off conquers! Just kidding I just like to be dramatic...... But really...... First of all we met with a lady named Valerie Cook she has some of the best questions I've heard, and we will answer all of them someday if she ever listens. She likes to talk a lot, but some how we will get a few words in. Sometimes it's so funny that we as young ladies go to these older people's homes and teach them about truth. I think they feel a little strange getting taught from people younger than them, but its seems to work out quite well.
Are you ready for the coolest story of the day!!! OK so about three weeks ago Sister Hamblin and I were knocking on a street called Reid and nothing came of it. Well a few days ago we get a call from some of the Elders and they said that someone named Justin was looking for me, and Sister Hamblin. He remembered our names and everything! I remember talking to him, he was really nice, but not the slight bit interested. Well it turns out that after we left him that day he checked out out website and it really hit home for him. He did a lot of research and wants to learn more! yesterday was the first time that we met with him and can I just say he is golden!! When I talked him on the phone before we went over he expressed that he isn't comfortable with the world and the way that it is going and that he wants to find truth. Our lesson with him yesterday was magical! He works as a chef downtown and he is just awesome! That in its self was a miracle, because It was three weeks ago and now we are finally meeting with him. I know and have a testimony that the Lord blesses hard working missionaries. Also with out 2 Chinese investigator (Who are both on date to get baptized.) we had some really cool lessons with each of them. With Jing we set up a really cool visual about prophets and why they are so important in our day. And with Bo we met with him after church yesterday and it was just a really cool lesson. We all sat in a class room on the floor and had a sweet discussion about prayer. Last week Bo had no belief in God. We committed him to pray and when we met with him later in the week he shared his experience about his prayer. He explained that after his prayer he felt peace, and he said for some reason I wanted to cry, but I didn't! Bo now believes in God and is coming closer to him everyday! Miracles happen!!
So yesterday at church the happiest thing happened!! Hari one of my old investigators showed up at church! It was such a surprise I almost had a heart attack! I am sure a already told you this, but he is getting baptized APRIL 4TH!!! I am so excited for him.
I love being a missionary It really the coolest ever! I love all of you so much! Have a fun week and know that I am thinking and praying for all of you!

LOVE,

Sister Crofts

Monday, February 14, 2011

He loveth our souls (Alma 24:14)

Dear Family,

I am laughing just thinking about this last week! It was so crazy busy! I am so happy because I thought for sure me leaving Halifax I would be exiled some where in the middle of no where which is partially true, but there are so many amazing people here! I have such a vision for this area and we are doing all we can to achieve that goal! We are doing all we can to strengthen the ward here, because in doing so we will be able to bring new people into in. Its slow hard work, but its going to be amazing! I love working in a family ward. To be honest at first I was really nervous because I thought, O man am I going to be able to teach people older than me, and I going to be able to relate to these people...etc...etc.....But no its so much fun! It may sound funny, but I am learning a lot about being a good wife and mother. The mission is teaching me so much!
Last night I was as I was getting ready for bed I just started thinking about everything that I have experience thus far and it's amazing! I was thinking how in the world can I put what I have learned in to words so here it goes: Ive never felt so much pain, I've never felt so much love.....Ive never had the time go so slow, Ive never had it go so fast.....Ive never been so tired, Ive never been more alive.......Ive never been so weak, Ive never been so strong.....Ive never felt so alone, Ive never felt closer to God.....A mission is hard to explain, but its the best thing ever! I am so grateful to God that he has given me this opportunity to serve Him! This morning as I was reading my scriptures I am came across some verse that just rand to true to me and it's really just how I feel!
Alma 24:7-17
7Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the atraditions of our wicked fathers.

8And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his Spirit to soften our hearts, that we have aopened a correspondence with these brethren, the Nephites.
9And behold, I also thank my God, that by opening this correspondence we have been convinced of our asins, and of the many murders which we have committed.
10And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath aforgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the bguilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son.
11And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to atake them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—
12Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.
13Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords that they be not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps, if we should stain our swords aagain they can no more be bwashed bright through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be shed for the atonement of our sins.
14And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our asouls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the bplan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.
15Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us ahide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us bclean thereby.
16And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall ago to our God and shall be saved.
17And now it came to pass that when the king had made an end of these sayings, and all the people were assembled together, they took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for the shedding of man’s blood, and they did abury them up deep in the earth.

I love the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's they are so amazing! This story just helps me understand even more how the Atonement of Jesus Christ works. It changes our hearts and we don't want to sin anymore. I have felt this in my life and I am so happy that I have been an instrument in the hands of God to help his precious children also understand this. Jesus Christ is the way, this is no other name given whereby man can be saved. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that through him I can live with my Heavenly Father again!

So of course like always a lot happened this week. Last night we went to a dinner appointment with the Lopez family. They are from Mexico and they made the most amazing Mexican food ever! it reminded me of home! It awesome! So its been snowing on and off all week and one day I think it was last Tuesday we went knocking out in a place called Lincoln. We decided to take our snow shovels and while two people knocked on the door the other one would shovel their porch and drive way. That day we softened a lot of people's hearts, got a good workout, and have some sweet potentials! It was so much fun and it really made the time go by so fast! I love serving!!
So we have this investigator named Joan. She is from Trinidad and she is awesome! They only problem is that she hasn't really been taking this seriously so we were thinking of "dropping" her. But I will tell you what we had one of the most amazing lessons of my mission with her. The spirit was so strong and I loved it! She had just been flipping through the Book of Mormon and she came across a verse in Moroni 8 where it talks about infant baptism. She read it to us and then told us she has a desire to get baptized! After the lesson I was so happy! It was awesome. It just goes to show that persistence pays off!
Yesterday we had a lesson with new investigator named Bo. He is from china, he is here going to school. We gave him a tour of the church and had a very powerful lesson. He has no belief in God, but he wants to know if he is there. It was super sweet!
Also I must say I love my companions I was super nervous to be in a trio, but we are a really great team together! I wish you could see us work. This place it awesome. I am doing well! By the way happy Valentine's Day!! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, February 7, 2011

I Am An Old Missionary

Dear Family,

Wow I cant believe that another week has already gone by. ( I think I say that a lot sorry.) So this past week was full of adventures. I just wish I could remember some of them. :) Ha ha... yesterday I was running to get ready for church and I accidentally kicked a chair and I think that I totally broke my toe. It hurt so bad, and it still hurts today. When I walk I look like an old woman, my poor companions have a cripple as a companion. I was suppose to stay off it yesterday, but you know me. So we went to work and we taught a couple lessons and got a new investigator. This week we got 5 new investigators which is a Fredericton South record. I was so happy! This area is like a sleeping giant and we are here to wake it up! Oh, yeah so we finally got our third companion Sister Brandley she is super cute. She is also from Utah and is 4 foot 10!! She is awesome. It snowed a lot more here so the snow banks are just as tall as she its hilarious. But the temperature is getting warmer which is super nice. Man the members here are so amazing I am super excited to be here. They feed us and I just love it! I feel so spoiled! So yeah mom I am getting enough food so don't even worry about me. I am sleeping on the couch right now which is nice and to be honest I have been so impressed with us all sharing a bathroom. We are awesome. I received your last letter and I am excited for the home improvements! That's going to be awesome. When are you planning to start?

So yeah I hit my year mark this past week. Can you believe that I have been a missionary for over a year! This is madness! To celebrate our one year anniversary of the day we first met Sister Hamblin and I ate brownies and ice cream. And reminisced on our MTC adventures of me going to physical therapy. Me getting sick on the plan...man it was a lot about my misfortune, but it was so much fun! Yeah its been a great week. I am excited for what this coming week will bring. Remember to read and pray daily and everything else in life goes better.

Love,

Sister Crofts