Sister Crofts

Sister Crofts
Sister Crofts at the airport when she arrived home

Monday, January 31, 2011

Hanging out in Limbo

Dear Family,

Wow this has been the craziest week of my life. It has really taken its toll on me. I am so tired and I hope that I can regain my strength. Ever since I got to Fredericton I have been pushing myself to my limits. I am trying to stay so busy so that I don't have to think about Halifax and all the other drama that is going on in my life. Mom/dad you know what I am talking about. Every night I am so tired, but it is good for me..I think it makes me stronger? :) No but really I am doing well. I am adjusting to my new area better than I thought I would. Its actually really awesome here I love it. It reminds me of Ceder city. So its pretty small, but still a good size. Also the ward here is super cute! I am excited to get to know all of them. We are teaching some really cool people right now once I get to know them better I will tell you about them.

Backing up a bit I was suppose to leave Halifax on Thursday at 5 A.M., but because of weather the new missionaries got stuck in New York, so I was able to stay in Halifax one more day. Also I am suppose to be in a trio, but one of the new missionaries is sick so I am just with Sister Hamblin right now. Which I am totally fine with I love Sister Hamblin. she was my MTC companion and I have waited all my mission to serve with her. Together we are dynamite (what out Fredericton!) Things have been crazy here I am just glad things are a little back to normal. It has felt nice to knock doors and freeze my bum off. Today the high is -12 :D SCARY!!! If I freeze to death just know that I love you all! (Joke)
There is so much snow here its funny! I get to wear my nice snow boots every day which is awesome, because me feet stay super warm and dry. Man I have met so many people, and I have been doing so much that I don't even know what to write. On Saturday we taught an investigator named Jing who we committed to be baptized on April 23rd She said yes and is super excited. She is from China and I can't help but love her. The people I get to meet here are so amazing.
I have a car now so that is different. To be honest I miss walking and I am super scared that I am going to get FAT! I mean we get a lot more done with a car, but at the same time we miss out on walking benefits. Anyways is doesn't matter. I am doing well and I am trying really hard to do my best. I only have 6 months left and I know that I need to push it to the end. Thank you so much for all your love and support I means the world to me. Let me know what I can do to help! I love you all to the moon and back!!

Love,

Sister Crofts

Sunday, January 30, 2011

pictures sent to me at Christmas that I am just barely posting

Sister Nicholls and Sister Crofts
Sister Crofts and Sister Hudson
Some random toilet
Sister Hudson and Sister Crofts
Look how huge that flower is....Happiness
It loves to rain in Nova Scotia
Sister Crofts talking on the phone at a bus stop

Monday, January 24, 2011

So long farewell to you my friend-goodbye for now until we meet again....

ear Family,

It's the truth the day has finally come that I am leaving Halifax!!! I feel empty inside right now so I can't really tell you how I feel. Sorry. My new Address is: Fredericton New Brunswick E3B5V7 I leave Thursday morning at five A.M. This is crazy I am finally going to be transfered. At least Fredericton is still a city with a university. I am excited about that. Oh yeah, and I am going to be in a trio scary! My new companions are Sister Hamblin and Sister Brandley. My time here in Halifax has flown by I am just so grateful that I have been able to be here so long. Happy days! I have made friendships here that I am sure will last forever.
The other day It was snowing so Sister Nicholls and I we got all dressed for snow and after about 30 minutes of being out in it, it turned to rain. Lets just say we were really really wet! I couldn't help but laugh it never stops raining in Nova Scotia! Today is seriously the coldest day ever! But at least the sun is shining. I am really sorry that this email is so boring my mind is just really clouded right now. But hey I am doing so good! I am happy and the work here in Halifax is going well. We are teaching some really amazing people and I am excited for them.

Love,

Sister Crofts

Monday, January 17, 2011

BEST 22nd BIRTHDAY EVER!!!

Dear Family,

Mom thanks for giving me that guys comment to my blog it made me smile. Happy Days! So a lot has happened this past week I really hope I can remember some of it. :) As you know it was my birthday on Wednesday and it was so HAPPY! I really felt loved and I will tell you why. So on Monday (yes we decided to party all week long) We went to an Indian restaurant called the Taj Mahal. It was super good! Hari came with us, and we like always had a great time. But the best part about all of this is...Hari's dad had called him earlier in the day, and apologized for everything that had happened. I almost cried I was so happy! The day before I had fasted for him that the Lord would please just bless him. I told the Lord that Hari was keeping all the commandments, he was trying his hardest and I wanted God to bless him. Like the Scriptures say: 'ask and you shall receive.' To me that was the best birthday present EVER! And a miracle. God truly does listen to our prayers. Being a missionary has helped me understand this so much more. I have also noticed that when I am praying for others God seems to answer faster, I like that.
Okay so Tuesday was just another day in the mish, but Wednesday came around and it was awesome. We woke up at 6:30 and first thing I see is a text from Hari wishing me happy birthday. He had text me at midnight and was truly the first one to wish me happy birthday on my for reals birthday! He is so sweet. Then Sister Nicholls made me lemon poppy seed muffins that Kallie had sent. And I loved them! At ten we went to a coffee shop and we had a lesson with Hari and he gave me a cute little birthday cake and a shirt that I am going to send you pictures of. Its Nike and it says "On a Mission." I love it! Also Wednesday was a super busy day so we were able to teach a bunch of people which I love. We met with one of our investigators from the Bahamas named Arnold. He has finished the Book of Mormon and is starting it again. He is so cool! And he came to church this past Sunday. A member named Amberle came with us, and she made me cookies and a birthday card. She is super awesome! I love being here in Halifax.

Also on Wednesday I received the food from the bakery and it was awesome! I was just expecting like a couple muffins and some cookies. But no! He pulled out cupcakes, bread, a bunch of muffins, and cookies. I was really surprised, THANK YOU! Mom you are seriously the coolest ever I love you!!! Also on my birthday it snowed like a beast. Sister Nicholls and I waited for a bus for over a half hour. We seriously looked like snow men. Lets just say we were soaked. Our bus never came so we called it a night and Sister Nicholls and I went and ate cold-stone ice cream. It was really fun!
The next day Thursday we had interviews with our mission president and I had a really good long chat with him about life and missionary work. I am really grateful for my mission president and the time and effort he puts into serving the Lord. I am pretty sure that I am leaving next transfer so if you want to send me anything send it to the mission office or just wait until next Monday. Transfers are next Thursday!
Thursday night President Moses the branch president took us out to a Thai restaurant and it was amazing! I love food! Can you tell I food, I am always talking about it. Anyways During dinner I had to make a phone call so I was on the other side of the restaurant when I see a cake with candles and everything heading toward my table. Sister Nicholls energetically waved me over. It was a happy surprise, I had 2 birthday cakes for my birthday. I am so blessed to be here with so many amazing people. I am going to have a broken heart when I leave this place, but everything will be okay. Oh, I also forgot to mention that I have the sweetest companion, she surprised me with cute little notes through out the day about how cool I am and it really made me feel special. I don't really understand why people are so nice to me, but I like it.

Things in the city are finally starting to pick back up. FINALLY! I am super happy about that. So I have been here so long that people are starting to know my name. We stopped a couple on the street and the girl asked if one of us was sister Crofts. I felt awkward because I thought maybe I had met her before, but it turns out I met her friend a couple days earlier. Funny! Last night we were knocking doors and can I just tell you they only send the really faithful missionaries to cold places, because it was super cold last night. But Anyways we were talking to this guy named Drew. He is almost finished with his Masters in Microbiology and he is as really cool guy. While we were talking to him, I tried really hard to just listen to what he was saying and also to the spirit. We were talking a lot about what happens after we die, and a question popped into my head that I knew I had to ask him. I looked at him straight in the eye and I asked him: "Without thinking about what everyone else has told you about life and death and everything What do you want to happen after you die?" He paused for a moment and then told us what he really hoped happened after this life. And you want to know what he said? I know you do. He expressed that he wanted to continue to learn and grow and progress after this life. He wanted to continue to gain knowledge. I was able to bear my testimony of the restored Gospel that Our Heavenly Father wants us to continue to learn and grow and progress after this life and become like Him. I felt the spirit there and I know that at that moment he felt a familiar ring to my words, because he has heard them before he came here. I was a very humbling experience for me to have the Holy Ghost speak through me. I am so grateful I have this opportunity to be an instrument in the hands of God. I will keep you posted on what happens with Drew.

On Saturday I went on exchanges with Sister Hudson in Eastern Passage. It was so pretty, but I really missed Halifax. Non the less we had a super day! We committed a girl to baptized for March 5th. We got a new investigator and taught a less active less. It was a super good day. I love working with Sister Hudson we are just so much fun together. I really want you all to meet her someday. Yesterday was church and it was so happy! So many people were there and I couldn't help but SMILE! I love the people here.
Wow, I told you a lot had happened this past week. I am excited for what this following week will bring. Remember this week to thank God for you many blessings. To look for an opportunity to help someone in need. And take time to look at the beautiful world that we live in. I love you all! Smile life isn't that bad!

LOVE,

SISTER CROFTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, January 10, 2011

“We cannot see the future with precision, but we can know what the Lord intends and what it will take [for] each of us to qualify personally to partic

Dear Family,

HI!! Thanks for the all the emails and birthday wishes! I am super excited for my birthday I don't even know why, because I don't really have anything planned.. Kallie reminded me last year on my birthday that instead of having just a day to do whatever I went with the missionaries teaching, and that's what I am going to do this year, except I am the missionary now. Sometimes it is still strange for me to be a missionary, but I love it. Mom When I heard about your almost car accident that scared my life, and to make it even better Dad you almost died too! You all need to be careful! Thanks for keeping me updated on life in the Valley.

So it finally really snowed here! yesterday was such a crazy day. We went to church at 9 o'clock because we had and investigator coming with us, his name is Kuol Its sounds like (Kwal) he is from Sudan and he is awesome! So we were just sitting at church and I look out the doors and all I see is white! The snow was falling so hard and so fast. They stopped church early so people could get home, and our church which starts at 12:30 was cancelled! So yesterday we spent most of the time trudging around in the snow. I am so grateful for my snow boots! I am just so grateful that it has been such a mild winter so far.

We went to go see one our recent converts named Joe Xue the one from China. Anyways I just have to say that guy has the most amazing testimony. I remember before he was baptized we kept going back and forth maybe its true maybe its not and now wow! He has such a strong testimony. I really look up to people who sacrifice so much to have the gospel in their lives. Sometimes I wish I have been a convert to the church, but I am just grateful that I am able to share it with others, and see the change of heart people are able to experience. I am sure I have said this before, but being a missionary has taught me a lot about patience. I am the person that wants everything done now and I don't want to wait, but as I have been here, and as I have come closer to Christ I have gained a lot of understanding. I understand that change is hard, and that is takes time, (sometimes a long time) But I do know that its happens, because I have seen it not only in others, but in myself!
To be honest I don't have many stories or exciting things to say but I am sure next week will just be full of crazy stuff! I love you all so much! Thanks for everything and I am sorry that this is so boring.

Love,

Your favorite missionary

SISTER CROFTS

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

It's the Mormons.....No really it is the Mormons!!

Dear Family,

I just got a call from the Elders wishing me a happy birthday! Silly boys I told them my birthday was next week! Can you believe it I am going to be 22 next week! And I am super excited!! And I don't even know why, because as a sister missionary you really can't do a whole lot except wear a skirt and eat! LOL just kidding, but its kind of true. Mom you are seriously the greatest EVER! I am super excited to call that bakery and get some food, Thank you!!! Okay I don't know why but I have a lot to say so prepare yourselves.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! What did you do ring in the new year? I'll tell you what I did....I went to Wendy's ate some food, got some ice cream at McDonald's, and Then did my laundry. I was in bed by 10:30. I love being a missionary! Oh, before I forget something terrible has happened! My P-day has been changed to Monday! The week before my birthday :S I am super sad, but its all good. Just so you have a heads up I will no longer email on Wednesday.

School started today and I am so happy! This place has been a ghost town for long enough. Yesterday the craziest thing happened. We were teaching an investigator named Kuol and he actually committed to come to church which was a miracle in its self, but after his lesson this guy came over to us and I just opened my mouth and started talking to him like we were good friends. Later Sister Nicholls was telling me that she thought that I knew the kid. But to be honest I had never seen him in my life. His name is Ajay and he is from India he has a belief in God and wants to learn more about Jesus Christ. I was just blown away by the whole thing. Sister Nicholls was in shock so she didn't say much during our conversation, but it was so cool! sometimes God just lets them fall into your lap and that is what happened yesterday. I am sure you are all totally confused why that was a miracle, but as a missionary you are avoided not approached. I mean we spend hours and hours stopping people on the street, and knocking doors trying to talk to people. Usually people are "scared" of us. I realized that either people hate us or they love us. Its going to be weird someday when I am just a normal person.
So we are reading the Book of Mormon from beginning to end as a mission and felt that our investigator Hari should read it with us so everyday we read a certain number of chapters and every night we met and talk about them, it is really awesome! And I am totally blown away by how well he can read and understand the scriptures. Its well nice. Anyways before we started this Sister Nicholls and I were meeting with him and as I have told you in the past he has had many challenges during these past months which have been super super hard. Well I have fasted and fasted and prayed pouring out my heart to God to make things easier for him and that things would work out with everything. Well during the lesson Sister Nicholls was promising him blessings and she promised him that everything would work out. As she did I felt the spirit very strong that, that was true. True as the sun rising everyday. Later that night I was telling her about the spirit that I felt and she told me that was not what she was going to say, but that was what come out. I hope that Hari felt the spirit. But I just thought it was such a cool thing to see the spirit working through us. Its really hard to explain, but I hope you understand.
We met with an inactive member named Ben Henwood this past week and it was so cool! He doesn't know if God is really there, but he has a desire to know for himself which is awesome. I am super excited to see were this goes, I will keep you posted.

Just some random things, last week I bought some boots! And I saved $115! I was so proud of myself. Oh and a really funny thing happened we ran into a former investigator on the bus and set a time to meet. We get to his house and he had totally forgotten, but let us in anyways. He had a friend over and as we walked in his friend as who is was he told him: "it's the Mormons....He friend just started laughing thinking yeah right Neil meeting with the Mormons, but Neil replied...No really it is the Mormons!" His friend was super embarrassed and I was just laughing really hard on the inside. Good times. I am sure none of you are laughing, but trust me it really was funny! As a missionary you are in some of the most awkward situations, but they make for great stories. Anyways life is great I hope you all have a great day and remember that I LOVE YOU!!

Love,

Sister Crofts