The Last Email of 2010

Dear Family,

Can I just say that I loved talking to all of you at Christmas! That was so great! I love all of you so much!

Not a whole lot of exciting things have happened since I talked to you, but I'll tell you what...this last week has been funny! Sunday morning Sister Nicholls and I were street contacting on Quinpool no one was out, so it was pretty much like a Sunday morning stroll, but we did run into this cute old man who when I went to shake his hand he pulled me in and kissed me of the cheek! It was hilarious just because I am a missionary. Then the next day we were walking in down town Halifax and we talked to a couple people and the two ladies that we stop both give us hugs! I was like what?! Everybody just feels like hugging us these days which is fine by me. Also last night we were out street contacting and we ran into an investigator from the Bahamas named Ashley. He was so excited to see us he gave a both a big hug. It made me laugh. I haven't been hugged by a guy for almost a year! So this past week has been a week of love. I like it. :) Oh, man church on Sunday was hilarious it is Christmas break no one is here so at church not very many people showed up, but Vivek Hari came to church which was awesome. Every time he comes to church it just feels so normal for him to be there. Sometimes when investigators come I am stressed out to the max, but with Hari I already feel like he is a memeber so its nice. After Church we were waiting for our bus and Hari tried to teach me some Tamil. Man that language is insane! Compared to our 26 letters they use 246 I think? Its crazy!
We met with out new investigator Mark from Lebanon and he is so cool! He really wants to know the truth and how it can apply to him in is life today! I was like well Mark that is what is so great about the Restored Church; its a living church! We don't have to depend on past prophets, because we have one on the earth today right now! I am excited for him to learn more. He is doing Cancer Research as a Masters Student here at Dalhousie. The people I get to me are so cool! But other than that I am just doing a lot of finding and whatever else. I am super excited for school to start so that people will be back in town. I feel like all my friends have been gone forever, and I don't like it. But hey have a Happy NEW YEAR!!

Until next week

Love,

Sister Crofts

Wise men still seek him

Dear Family,

As I have been out knocking doors this Christmas Season I have been excited to share the message of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. But time and time again I am saddened to see what is happening to the world. Not many rejoice during this season of our dear Savior's birth. Instead they don't have TIME to talk of or reflect of Him who is our advocate with the Father. They are to busy buying this or getting that, or going to this party. Now I am not saying that these things aren't awesome and part of the season, but its not the point. This season is a time for all of us to remember our Savior's birth. "Christ is the reason for the season!" This year you all should read Luke 2. My favorite verse is Luke 2:19 "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." I love it because I just think how she must have felt. To know that her perfect child would suffer and die for all mankind, that He would be rejected, spit on, and crucified. But that night she was able to hold Him in her arms and He was all hers. Now I am no mother, but as I read that scripture I just imagine what it will be like. To be honest I kind of feel like a mom here. I sometimes think as my investigators as my little children. I laugh with them, I cry with them, I pray for them, I worry about them all the time!. And most of all I love them so much! Life is weird.

As you all know I work with Students here in Halifax and I love it! But at the moment its not the greatest time to be a missionary because everyone has gone home for Christmas so the work is pretty slow. It has been frustrating, but there needs be an opposition in all things. Lately I have just felt like a real piece of work. I don't feel that I am doing my best an that is what really hurts the most, to know that I could be doing so much more. So lets just say I have felt a little down. I am not trying to complain or say whoa is me, I just need to tell someone. So I have been really trying hard to put my trust in the Savior and be HUMBLE! This morning I was reading an conference talk called, The Transforming Power of Character and toward the end it said:
May I share four principles which have brought the deepest feelings of peace and happiness into my own life? The Lord has established these cornerstones in His eternal plan, and each one is essential. All work together in harmony and reinforce one another. When they are applied with diligence and consistency, they produce strength of character, increasing ability to convert the challenges of life into stepping-stones of happiness now and forever. They are:
•
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His program to acquire the power to achieve.
•
Repentance to rectify the consequences of mistakes of omission or commission.
•
Obedience to the commandments of the Lord to provide strength and direction in our lives.
•
Selfless service to enrich the lives of others.
If you have determined to live righteously, don’t become discouraged. Life may seem difficult now, but hold on tightly to that iron rod of truth. You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline, and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey Their commandments.

This morning as I read these words the spirit testified to me the truth of these four principles I knelt down a thanked my Heavenly Father for the simplicity of the gospel. Also to know no matter how imperfect I really am that my Heavenly Father will always be there beside me cheering me on. If you ever feel like this just remember like it says in D&C 112:10 "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answers to thy prayers." Sorry that I am so full of scripture and stuff today its just the way I feel. The gospel makes me happy! Plus the weather today doesn't make me happy cause its wet and cold.
Last Wednesday we had an appointment fall through so we decided to go see Terry Evans one of our Recent converts who at the moment is less active. We had a really powerful lesson with him about Jesus Christ. The spirit was so strong and it was awesome. He bore his testimony to us and I know that it really lifted his spirits. I loved that night. We got a new investigators last night his name is Mark he is from Lebanon. He is really cool! He is looking for truth and I am excited to share more with him. to be honest family nothing really cool has happened lately sorry....but hopefully by Saturday I will be full of good stories.

Okay now the moment you have all been waiting for....Christmas day will you call me at 9 A.M. Utah time. And Jordan you thought you were going to sleep in on Christmas for once :) and again for the # ########## HAPPY DAYS!!! Hey guess what I will talk to you SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Sister crofts

....Talkin 'bout the restoration....

Dear Family,

Wow I seriously can't believe that ANOTHER week has gone by! Time is going by super fast! So yesterday was transfer calls and guess what......your never going to believe what happened!!! I AM STAYING IN HALIFAX ANOTHER 6 WEEKS!!!!!!!! You should have seen me, I was so nervous before we found out I kind of wanted to throw-up, but after I found out I gave Sister Nicholls a high five, and went dancing around the church! I was soooo excited. And not the mention I received the package you sent the same day! Thank you!! Mom you are the sweetest thing thanks for giving my companion a stocking also, it really brightened her day! I love the tree and the nativity set. Also the candy is fantastic; all of my favorite things your the best!!! Ok so some business: My phone number is ********** Now I am not sure what time you want to call on Christmas but we can discuss it more next week! I must say that I am super excited to talk to all of you! I just have so much to say!

Alright so the past week in Halifax has been a roller coater ride. Saturday was the day Andrew was baptized and over all it was the best day EVER! But we get to the church expecting the font to be filled by our handy branch mission leader...but it wasn't :( so we cranked the water to the max so that it could fill fast, because we only had an hour. Lets just say the water was a little cold :D We had to set everything up, one of the speakers were late etc... I am not going to lie I was a little stressed, but you know what, everything went exactly how it was meant to. Andrew was baptized and it was a beautiful sight. We had two investigators there Vikram and Hari. Hari told us that he could see him self getting baptized when the time it right. And after all of that we had a branch Christmas party which was really nice. The food was great ( really any free food it great!) And I just loved being around people that I love. Then the next day was a different story it was probably the worst nights I have ever had on my mission lets just say I cried a lot. One of our investigators dropped us and more than him dropping us that made me sad was what that boy has gone through and is still dealing with. I just feel so bad, because the gospel is suppose to bring happiness into people's lives. It was a crazy moment. But Monday was a super day everything that we planned went perfectly and it felt so nice! God truly was blessing us for some reason.
The weather here in Halifax has been fantastic! It has been raining a lot, but to be honest that is ok with me, because that means warmer temperatures. Yesterday the high was 12! It was so nice. And today the sun is shining and I am loving it. Really I think I am living the dream I love being a missionary!

Oh my goodness Sister Nicholls just reminded me that also this past week we had our Christmas Zone conference and it was super fun! I got the package you sent with all the letters and stuff! I had no idea that you were sending that stuff! Thanks you should tell all the cousins thanks and also I absolutely love the pictures of Kal doing our secret hand shake that was pretty righteous!! Mom what can I say your the greatest!!! At Zone Conference we performed a song that we wrote to the tune of Revolution it goes like this....

Chorus:
We're talking 'bout the Restoration
We want to change the world
He wants to give you exaltation
He loves you don't you know

We knock on your door and we talk to you
We come to tell you what we know it true
There's a Prophet on the Earth! Today!
He wants you to heed, and obey

Chorus

We have a book and it's covers blue
Will you pray to know if it's true?
And then be baptized!
We have a suit that's over sized!

Chorus

on Christmas if you remind me I will sing it to you, cause its pretty awesome!! But yeah I love Halifax life is great! Thanks for all you do and until next time...remember "All you need it love!"

Love you to the moon and back,

Sister Crofts

Gottingen street or can you say gotta'-gun-street

Dear Family,

hahaha Where do I begin? This week has been crazy!! I am not going to lie I have felt kind of like I have been in a soap Oprah. Okay (mom don't freak out.) so last Wednesday we had an appointment with an investigator named Isaiah. He lives in a scary part of town near a street called Gottingen, but its all good. . The night of his appointment we had a member coming with us, and a couple minutes before the appointment she calls us telling us to get off of a Creighton, because she just heard two gun shots!! I was like WHAT!! But Sister Nicholls face was even better. During the phone call a bunch of cop cars flew past us. We called Isaiah and ran into his house. Nothing happened, but it was a pretty good rush. Also this past week I reached my 10 month mark! WOOT! And we were in the Dalhousie newspaper, some angry person hating on us, because we try to share our beliefs. It made me laugh. The most exciting news of the day is: Andrew Connell one of our investigators whom I have had the privilege of teaching is getting BAPTIZED this Saturday!!! At church on Sunday we were taken out of class where Andrew told us that he knows this is true and that he wants to get baptized. Sister Hudson and I had set a date for the 4th but he declined. During out little meeting he said that he had felt that he should have been baptized then so now he is ready!! I am super excited! Keep him in your prayers. Also on Sunday Vikram one of our investigators from India showed a lot of dedication to get to church. He missed his ride so he decided to ride the bus. it took him more than two hours to get to the church, but he finally did it! I was well impressed. I think about people who just live down the road from the Church and how hard it is for them to get there. And here is Vikram sacrificing his whole day to make it to one class of church. He is awesome.
Now that I have told you the most exciting news of the day I am going to tell you the strangest news of the day. Without disclosing any names, the other night okay actually last Wednesday (everything crazy happened that night) We were going on exchanges which means that we swtich companions for 24 hours. So Sister Hudson and Sister Billings were in our apartment mind you this is just after the gun shots. I get a phone call and it is one of the Elders in my district he asks if he can have a private conversation with me. I felt really weird but said okay. During the conversation he expressed that he really, really wanted to write me when he goes home, and that he had been really distracted by me. I was thinking no, no, no!!!! Pretty much that he has a huge crush on me! After I hung up the phone I did what any girl would do and told all the sisters what had just happened. I knew it was inappropriate so I called President and had a short conversation with him. A couple days went by of me trying to forget about the conversation when I find out that he had been EMERGENCY TRANSFERRED!! I was like great! Look at me causing all this drama. I still feel really strange about the whole situation, but whatever I guess. So yeah this week has been crazy, its amazing as a missionary how sometimes so much can happen and then other times it like nothing.
As for the weather here it has just been raining a lot! And it has been really windy. the other day we were walking home and this huge gust of wind stopped us in our tracks it literally took my breath away! I could barely walk. It was hilarious! But for December it is not to cold and that makes me super happy!! Okay story time. So yesterday I was not prepared for the weather at all and I got soaked!! For dinner we came home and I took everything off so that I could get warm and dry off. Well when dinner was over I put on my tights, running tights, slip, coat, rain coat, hat, gloves, and boots and I was ready to go. well just as we were about to leave Sister Nicholls surprising asks, "Sister Crofts, where's your skirt!?" I had totally forgot to put my skirt on, and it could have been the most embarrassing moment on my life. Good thing I have a good companion.
As far as the work goes it has been difficult this past week. We have had so many cancelled appointments I could just die, but Hari, Andrew, Vikram, Isaiah seem to all be doing good. Next week are transfers and I am super SCARED! I really don't want to leave Halifax, but hey I will go where ever the Lord needs me to go. I am happy and healthy and I love being a missionary! Thank you all so much for everything! I LOVE YOU!!! Also could you please tell the ward:
Thank you so much! I am ever so grateful for all of your love and support and I really appreciate all that you have sacrificed for not only me, but for everyone in this community. I love bragging about Orderville and the people in it! I love you all!!

Family your great hey guess what in a couple weeks we will be talking for reals!!! Remember Christ is the reason for the season.

Love,

Sister Crofts

ITS DECEMBER!!

Dear Family,

Thank you so much for the PACKAGE!! I wasn't even expecting it and I just love it to pieces. I love the pictures the most so thanks!! So this week has once again flown by and here I am again writing you. To be honest the weather isn't to bad yet. yes it gets cold when you are out in it all day long, but I am still alive. The good news is that the sun is still shining. I am nervous for those long dark months when I will not see the sun. I just know that Heavenly Father is blessing me. And I am so grateful. Yesterday we were out finding and we ran into so many people that I know. We had former investigators stop and talk to us, members, and even current investigators. Also when I was on the bus I looked around and noticed a couple of people that I know that work on campus at Dalhousie. It made me smile. I just love these people here and I am going to be so sad when I leave.
So on Sunday Vikram came to church and he had a really good time, he met with a lot of people and seemed more comfortable than the first time he came. That same Sunday I called one of our investigators named Isaiah to see if he was going to make it to any of church. He said that he had a really bad day and that he didn't really feel up to it. Me being the person that I am I asked if we could stop by later and see him. Sister Nicholls was kind of upset, but she went along with it anyway. So we get to his house and share what we share, and it was so cool he totally opened up and told us everything that has been going on. I was shocked! His life is super super crazy and I feel bad for the kid. But it was really good, because now we understand a little more about where he is coming from.

So for a long time now I have wanted to switch up the area's because first of all I have been here for a while so I have knocked every street in my area about three or more times, so everyone knows me and second because in part of the Elders area there is so much student housing! So I finally got the Elders to switch it and now Sister Nicholls and I are knocking in a new part of town and I absolutely love it! New faces, new streets, New houses. It has been really fun so far. That reminds me of something that happened last night while we were knocking in out new area.
Around the end of the night 8ish (mind you the sun goes down around 4:30) We were knocking in our new area :) on a street called Tobin. Everything is going pretty well we get some good potentials and Sister Nicholls and I are just having a swell time. As we walk down the street we came to a door with a large fence around it. I open the gate and walk inside. Thinking that's strange why would someone have such a big fence in the middle of a city? We knock on the door and from the inside we heard a loud growl/bark. I look at sister Nicholls and I'm like, here we go! The door flies open and all I see is this huge white fur ball with razor sharp teeth!! Thankfully the owner grabbed the creature and restrained it. I was frozen, and Sister Nicholls was stumbling over what to say. in the mean while the owner was talking to the dog saying, "No Sparky! They are are friends." I was thinking I can't believe this! And then she said, he doesn't bite he just wants to give you a hug! I was thinking if that little woman lets go of that huge beast I am done for!! Finally I mustard up the courage and said we would just come back. It was hilarious and Sister Nicholls and I laughed all the way home. There's a dog story for you! It makes me laugh just thinking about it!

Hey did you know that it is December! In 25 days I will we talking to you! This is awesome. There are a lot of fun things coming up in the next few weeks and I am super excited to tell you about the many adventures I will be having. The mission is going well. Finals are coming up here so many of our investigators are super busy and so is everyone else that we knock into. But I love it here. I am happy and I am so grateful for EVERYTHING!!!

Love,

Sister Crofts

P.S. Jordan did you know that you are beautiful because its the real truth! I love those pictures of you. and Mom same with you!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Dear Family,

I just want to let you know what I am thankful for, and at this very moment it is people! I have been so blessed with so many wonderful people in my life, my heart is deeply touched. I just think of the sacrifices all of you make for me. And I just want to thank you! I think of the support and love that I get from home, and I thank you! All the letters that have been written to me, the packages sent, and the love that I feel from not only you, but so many people. And I haven't even started talking about the people here. When I was set apart as a missionary I was blessed that I would love the people here, and that is totally true!! I love these people with my whole heart and I will do anything to help them. I just think of the sacrifices they make to live the gospel, to serve those around them, and to really be the coolest people ever!!! I am so grateful for this opportunity I have been blessed with to Serve in Atlantic Canada. I LOVE IT!!!! Really what it comes down to is people, people are what matter! Not how much money you have or what pair of shoes you own, those will all return to the earth from whence they came, but people, my friends and family which will last forever! I am so grateful for the knowledge of the gospel that I have! To know that I can be with those I love forever! HAPPY DAYS!

So this past week went by so fast! I think that once you hit the half way mark in the mish, time just flies. But this last week it SNOWED for the first time! And it was awesome. We were out street contacting in it, and we stopped a young 16 year old boy from...man I can't remember, but he had never seen snow before! It was so cute to see his face, he was enjoying it so much. I would much rather have snow than rain. Rain is just really wet and cold, at least snow it pretty to look at. Plus its not like I have a car I get to drive in it or a drive way I need to shovel. :D
Some pretty cool things happened this last week to our investigators and one of them Andrew Connell is dating a member and is investigating the church. In one of our meetings I promised Andrew that if he would read the Book of Mormon everyday and pray to God to know if it was true that he would receive an answer. Well a couple nights ago he called and asked if he could speak to me and he told me "You know what sister Crofts your right!" I was like what.... Then he continued," The Book of Mormon speaks to me and I know that it is true!" I was freaking out on the inside, it was so cool! I just love to see this little miracles that happen everyday in this wonderful work. God is truly involved in all of our individual lives. We just have to pay attention. Also this last week at church we had 5 investigators at church namely: Joshua Law, Vivek Hari, Isaiah Walker, Vickram Singh, and Andrew Connell. It was super sweet and I loved it.

So mom you would be so happy to know that I was fed thanksgiving dinner last night, and it was super good! So don't worry about me I am totally taken care of here. That reminds me transfers are the week before Christmas so it would be a great idea to send my Christmas package to the mission office. Just in case something crazy happens! And as for things that I need...I need some super warm/cute beanie's, foot and hand warmers, and some pictures from home! Really even if you didn't send anything as long as I get to talk to all of you at Christmas, thats all that matters.

Well That's all that I have to say about my life this week.

Love,
Sister Crofts

"Self is created, not found"

Dear Family,

Strange another week has passed by and here I am once again. Time really does go by so fast. I mean look at it, November is more than half way over! So I want to share a poem with you, that my one of my companion's shared at her mother's funeral it goes like this:

My life is but a weaving
between the Lord and me,
I cannot see the pattern
He worketh steadily,

Oft times He weaveth sorrow
and I in foolish pride
forget He sees the upper
and I the under side.

The dark threads are as needful
in the workers skillful hand
as the threads of gold and silver
in the pattern He has planed.

Not until the loom is silent
and the shutter cease to fly
will God unroll the canvas
and reveal the reasons why.


I really love that poem and at this time in my life it gives me comfort. Sometimes in life we don't quite understand why things happen to us, but some how some way, we keep pushing through and we are able to get through everything life throws at us. Almost all the sorrow that I have felt since I have been on my mission have been because of the terrible things people must go through to live the gospel, and also when they choose to not. Of course there is the occasion when your heart gets broken, but it happens. I am just grateful that God will never give me anything that I would not be able to handle. Everything will give me experience and will be for my good. sometimes it's hard to understand, but its true. last night as we were walking home from a really good appointment with a new investigator named Kuol I got a message from one of our investigators Susan. As soon as I received the message I knew something was off. So I called her back and she told us she didn't want to learn anymore. I was really hard, and I was pretty upset, I just get so mad at Satan because he is always trying to ruin and destroy and thing that we have done. But I just remember that there is still good in this world and that is what I am fighting for.
Anyways......This past week has seemed like a blur I really can't even remember half the stuff that has happened. Oh so Hari's birthday was yesterday and his friends threw him a huge party and of course there alcohol everywhere, but he didn't drink a single drop. I was blown away. Of course I knew that he wouldn't, but still it was a pretty cool thing to see. I just love that kid, I wish that you all could meet everyone that we are teaching, because they are the coolest of the cool. I am sorry I am sure all of you are sleeping, I just love talking about the people we are teaching!

So I really am excited to hear from you all! It seems like forever! But hey its okay. Sorry this is a pretty lame email, but really I don't have any really cool stories that I can think of at the moment. Oh wait I just remembered one....:D
So yesterday was the Tait's last meeting with us and I am sad to see them go. But just for fun Sister Nicholl's and I made them a "Sponge Cake" to see them off. We went to the store and bought some normal cleaning sponges put them together on a pan and covered them in frosting. to be honest it looked like a super good cake. So we took it to our district meeting and it was so funny! We sang them a really sappy song "God be with you till we meet again." And I'm not going to lie I felt pretty bad but it was actually really funny! the Tait's laughed which was awesome, but the Elders were kind of sad. They really wanted a real cake. Boys.....

Well that's all that I have to report for this week. Stay safe, be happy and I will be talking to you on the phone is just a little over a month. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Sister Crofts

I LOVE HALIFAX

Dear Family,

Don't be mad, but really I might have to move back here someday. I love it here and even though it has been raining non-stop for the past week, I'm okay with that. Sister Nicholls is my new companion. She is tall with Blondie hair and freckles. She is cute! She is from Arizona, but she is handling the Canadian weather very well, its probably because she has been out on her mission more than a year. With getting a new companion, of course change is always a little difficult, but if you don't ride the wave of change you will find yourself underneath it.
This past week has been a trying one. We have the most amazing investigators EVER! And this week many of them told us that they didn't want to learn anymore and for me that is so hard. One of our investigators named Jeff is so cool! But at this time he is just not ready so we dropped him, I wanted to cry! I called one of our recent converts and she went off on how she knows the church isn't true and how it has ruined her life and she went on and on, I held it together pretty good until the end of the phone call and then I couldn't help but cry. It makes me so sad when people stop learning because it gets tough, the gospel isn't easy to live, really at times it can be quite difficult especially with this ever changing world. But I know that it is so worth it! Every little bit, and to know that you will be given a hundred fold for every hard ache and trial you go through in this life, its just amazing. I just wish that people understood this better! To be honest I have never had so many roller coaster emotions on in my life one minute I might want to cry my eyes out and the next I just want to sing from the roof tops I am so happy. Anyways, so yeah this week has been kind of hard, but hey it makes the good weeks that much more enjoyable. But don't get me wrong it wasn't all just doom and gloom. So really great stuff happened too. Susan Maher one of our super awesome investigators is getting baptized on Boxing day! A.K.A. December 26th. I am super excited for her, and she really is excited as well. Oh the people I get to meet here and become friends with, I just love it!!! Because of the rain it hasn't been that cold, so that has been super nice. I haven't wore my wool tights all week, And its November. Can you believe how fast time flies....I know I say that like every time, but its the real truth! So I am trying to decide what to get you people for Christmas and I really don't know that to get. Do you have any thing that you want from Canada??
Man family I am super sorry that I don't have much to say this week, but over all its been a good week. Thank you all so much for your support and love it means everything to me. I love you all so much and I can't wait to hear how everyone is doing. I hope that you send pictures soon!!! Anyways have a great week!

Love,

The coolest

SISTER CROFTS

DUN.....DUN....DUN....Transfers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Everyone,


Guess what after 9 months of staying Halifax....I am staying another TRANSFER!!!! That's right I must say I am the luckiest person that has ever lived!!! I am so happy, but at the same time I am sad because sister Hudson is leaving me! I think this is the hardest part about missions, well...one of the hardest parts. Loosing really close friends that you just love with you whole heart. Its amazing how much just one person can teach you about life. That is how i have felt with all my companions and friends in my life. I am so grateful for all the people I have in my life. My heart is full of gratitude for all of you whom I love so much! Thank you! My new Companion is Sister Nichols. She is awesome and I am super excited to get to know her. She actually served here before I did and now she is back. That gives me hope that if I don't serve my whole mission here I actually might be able to come back. Anyways Sister Nichols is from Arizona so we will both freeze together. :D And no we don't have a car we are still a walking area, but to be honest I really really like walking! Mom today I received your package and I just want to say thank you! It was the best hump day gift ever!! Can you believe I have been 9 months out on my mission time flys!!!!
So this week went by super super fast. A cool thing happened this week one of our investigators named Susan Maher she has kind of been really against the whole baptism thing because we have committed her like 3 times and every time she says she's not ready. Well on Sunday she gave me a hug before she went into church and she told me that she wants to get baptized!! I was shocked I didn't even see it coming and it was awesome!!!!
So its getting colder here and it makes me sad! We don't have a car and we aren't going to get one, but hey I will survive and I will be so cool because I will be able to say that I survived a Canadian winter. But really everything is going well here. I love it so much and when I do have to leave Halifax I will cry like a baby. These people mean so much to me and feel so blessed to know them all. I will keep you updated on things don't fret. Oh that reminds me so Joe our recent convert he passed the sacrament for the first time this last Sunday and it was awesome! I love to see people heed the call and just go and do. Remember friends and family, don't just wait to be asked, go and do things serve people do all you can to help your fellow men. life is short live it to the fullest! Have the best week of you life's and remember to read and pray everyday. Because by small and simple things great things are brought to pass!!!

Love,

Sister Crofts

:)

I am alive don't worry! Transfers are next week so don't send a letter just in case I get transferred. Everything is going well here some crazy things have happened though. Taylor our investigator who was planned to get baptized this week backed out and we haven't been able to get a hold of him. Also Judith whom I just love (one of our investigators from China) is MOVING!!! I am so sad, but she is planning on meeting with missionaries in Toronto. So that's happy! Last week at Church we had 6 investigators come to church! The Lord is truly blessing us!! Remember that there is opposition in all things! This last week has been a good week a ton of stuff happens everyday, but I can never remember anything when I get to the computer and to be honest I don't want to bore you with my random thoughts and events. I hope everything back home is going well. Tell Jo to email me! Cause really she is my only sister you know and I would love to hear from her. :) Can you believe that next week is November and also my 9 month mark!! Can you remember the day you dropped me off at the MTC I was so nervous that I couldn't even eat! Oh good times....Well have a great week good luck with everything that is going on and I will hear from you next week!

.....Back to wearing the wool tights.....

Dear Family,

HI!!! can you believe that another week has come and gone! Life goes by so fast sometimes! Mom thank you for the picture of Adaiza's wedding I am super excited to see all of the pictures! I love all of you so much and I am so glad that you let me know whats going on. So I am really worried about you cough so I was thinking about it, and I feel that you should get the carpets cleaned. (professionally) Because dust mights are a cause of lots of respiratory problems. Also dust mights can live in you mattress so you should probably vacuum that as well. I just want you to start feeling better that's all. Cause if you are coughing more than someone that smokes then.....that is no good!
So yes it is getting colder here in Halifax and it makes me laugh, if I die this winter just know that is was for a good cause. (j/k) But really I am scared! The leaves are starting to change and it reminds me of home. I love it! So Sister Hudson and I are really really busy and it is awesome! I never want to leave Halifax I have really enjoyed my time here. So last week I went on exchanges to Eastern Passage a small fishing community just outside of Halifax. It was a big change it reminded me of home as well, because of the lack of people. I have been so use to people that is was kind of nice to go some where a little more quiet. I saw the stars for the first time in a while that was nice.
I must say that Sister Hudson and I have a blast together we are always laughing! All of our investigators are the funnest people alive! I love it! A mission really is the best thing I have ever done. Its been super hard and I know there are plenty more hard times a head, but I love it here. I am learning so much everyday and it really makes me happy! This past Sunday was a pretty crazy day. We woke up at 6:30 like we do every morning got ready studied from 8 until about 9:30 because we had to catch a bus and then went to the church there we had an investigator named Susan who is in the family ward so we went to church with her, then we taught a lesson to our Investigator who is on date named Taylor at 11. Then we went to our branch and then after church we had a meeting and we didn't get home until 5 in the afternoon! It was a super long day the church, but it was great because we got so much done. Plus I like being around members we are liked at church, on the street is sometimes a different story. Everything is going well here in Halifax it is amazing to see how the gospel changes peoples lives. Joe who was baptized recently received the priesthood on Sunday and I must say that his whole countenance has changed. This gospel is true and don't forget it!! Also Judith one of Chinese investigators is doing really well. last Friday we went to her house for a lesson and we followed-up to see how her reading and praying had been going. She told us that earlier that morning she had prayed to know its "Mormon" (that's what she calls it in her Chinese accent) is true and right for her. She said that she had a very strong feeling that it is and that this is what she should do! My heart was beating strong and the spirit was totally there. It was such a cool experience and I really felt like I was in some kind of missionary movie. She is the sweetest thing ever! And I really wish that you all could meet all the amazing people we are teaching. You know what I realize every single person in the world has some kind of challenge or trial but the amazing thing is that the gospel will help overcome anything that anyone has to deal with. We truly are God's children and He just wants to bless us. All we have to do is be humble and allow him into our lives. You know we can't always have a perfect knowledge of things, but we can have a perfect trust! And I know that to be true.
So mom I was wondering if you could send me a copy of the November Ensign? I really want one for myself so that I can mark it up and write notes all over it. Conference was good this year, well its good every year, but you know what I mean. So you asked about Thanksgiving well I already told you a little bit, but the reason that they celebrate earlier than us is there harvest season is shorter and they celebrate Thanksgiving to be thankful for the harvest that they do have. That's what I learned about it. Remember how much we don't like Thanksgiving...it makes me laugh I am sorry that I won't be there to make Delicious homemade rolls this year, but hey next year right!! Well that's all that I really have to say about that. I hope that you all have a wonderful week and I will let you know how things are next week! Remember to keep having family prayer and scripture study! I love you all!!!!!

Love,

the coolest Sister Crofts

Pictures from Prince Edward Island

A cute card from Prince Edward Island
At the Mission home, going for a walk
Sister Hudson and Sister Crofts
Riding the wave at the water front
Sister Crofts and Anne
Sister Crofts and the Cow in front of Cows famous ice cream
Enjoying the treat that mom sent from a bakery in Halifax
Square stop light in Canada
Sister Crofts and Sister Hudson
All of the sister missionaries in front of Anne's house
Sister Crofts in front of Anne's house
Sister Crofts
Sister Crofts
Sister Hamblin and Sister Crofts
Looking out to sea
The board walk
Sister Hudson, the T-shirt says it all. Don't talk to her in the mornings
The ferry ride home

Sister Crofts getting ice cream at Cows
Sister Crofts and Sister Johnson
light house
Sunset in Canada

Sister Crofts
Sister crofts and anne being twins
Compare the picture in the back ground with Sister Crofts
Sister Crofts beating up Sister Hudson???
Sister Crofts and sister Hudson
"
On the ferry

light drives darkness out

Dear Family,

HELLO!!!!!! How are you all doing!! Thank you for the letter and the post cards I love them!

The mish is going well we are teaching a bunch of people and it is awesome! I feel really really blessed to be here in Halifax! I told my mission Presidents wife yesterday that I wouldn't mind spending my whole mission here. I am know that is not likely to happen, but it is still a thought! The weather is getting cooler here and it makes me really scared for winter! Today we are going to shop for all of Sister Hudson's winter clothes which should be fun! Oh, so I have a funny story we were teaching someone and we asked the person to pray at the end of the lesson and he wasn't sure how so I told him that I would pray first and then he could. He said okay, so I started to pray after I said: "Dear Heavenly Father...." he said:" Dear Heavenly Father" and it was so cute! I felt like a mom with there little kid at the pulpit helping them bear there testimony it was super cute. Little things happen like this everyday, but I am sure all of you are just staring a this screen scratching your heads wondering what has happened to Sister Crofts, but trust me it was funny! It was Thanksgiving this past Monday and it was fun I guess. We didn't get invited to any one's house and we were kind of sad, but we had some lasagna that someone had given us, so we packed it in my backpack and went out and later we went on campus to warm it up, there we met a member and he shared his lunch with us, so that was my first Thanksgiving in Canada and to be honest it will probably be my only one. But it was a good time. The Lord always provides a way whether it is eating with a member or parting the red sea. He is very much involved in our lives.

So on Sunday Joe received the Holy Ghost and it was such a neat experience. He was grinning from ear to ear and I was so happy! This church is true! Things in Halifax are going well. Our new apartment rocks! Our mission President and his wife came and looked at it yesterday and said that is was probably the nicest one in the mission. Pray that I never leave Halifax okay!!! :D Well I don't really have anything else to say, I hope that you all have a wonderful week and I will talk to you soon! Really though Christmas is just around the corner. Remember that Happiness runs in a circular motion just like a little boat upon the sea......

Love,

Sister Crofts

Happy October!!

Dear Family,

This week a miracle happened!! Joe Xue one of our investigators from China finally got baptized this past Sunday!!! It was such a wonderful baptism, the spirit was so strong and you know me I was getting all choked up! It was a neat experience, and I know that miracles really do happen! The weather here has been warmer than usual which has been well nice for me cause I hate being cold. But it is starting to cool down. Next week on the 11th is the Canadian Thanksgiving! Crazy that they have it on a different day, but I am excited! So conference was AMAZING! I love hearing from the Prophets and Apostles they are so wonderful! One of my favorites was Pres. Uchdorf about slowing down and simplifying our lives. What were your favorites??
Today we went to Peggy's cove and it was beautiful! I love just how beautiful Nova Scotia is, it makes me happy! Sorry this is short, but I am feeling better and just so you know I had a cold no big deal.

Love,

Sister Crofts

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa

Dear Family,

Another week has passed and gone and so much has happened. First of all General Conference is coming up and I am super excited!! I love it when I watch conference because I know (Well...I hope) that you are all watching it at the same time as me, and it makes me feel closer to you all. It is such an amazing blessing that we have a living prophet on the earth!!! Heavenly Father truly does love us, and its true that His whole work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39) I am so grateful that I get to share this wonderful news with others and let them know that God does love them, and he has provided a perfect plan through His son Jesus Christ, that through him we might be saved after all we can do. The gospel really does make me happy. I love it the most when people accept the message and their lives change. Of course everyone has struggles, but truly this life wasn't and isn't meant to be easy, we are here to learn, to grow, to be stretched even when we don't think we can go on. I personally know that Jesus Christ is my savior and we will never walk alone. He has descended below all things and it is up to us to let him into our lives.
So I am sick! I have a cold and I hate it. But don't worry I am getting better I think, plus I am tough as a horse. I got sick at the perfect time though, because I have been able to sleep today, because Its our P-Day WOOT WOOT!!! We woke up at 6:30 and got ready and studied until 10 and then I went back to sleep until noon! It was awesome! You all know how much I love naps! And you know how much I don't get to do that on my mission, but hey its a sacrifice I am willing to make. :) So just a random thought, did you know that Adaiza is getting married, well she is most likely already married, crazy stuff! If you go to her reception please let her know that I love her!!
Alright so last Friday one of our investigators Vivek Hari from India took us to a little restaurant called, "Curry Village" It was the first time I had Indian food and it was SOOOOO Good! I am totally converted to Indian food, It was almost a week ago and I am still talking about it. The food was so colorful and it smelled and tasted great! Yum its making my mouth water just thinking about it! I think that I really want to go to India someday, just because everyone that I have met from there are really nice and plus the culture and everything is amazing!! I just had to tell you all about that because it was so awesome. Its funny last week on Monday another investigator of ours made us Chinese food YUM! Then later in the week we had Indian food and on Sunday we had free food at break the fast. I love food! And I just love the different cultures here in Canada. I mean I have friends from India, China, St. Lucia, Africa, Canada, England, Brazil, etc. It is just amazing and I feel so blessed to be able to know so many amazing people. I really do love the people here and I am so happy that I am serving here!!! Happy days!
So the leaves on the trees are turning colors and it makes me happy. I am glad that Halifax gets all four seasons. But can you believe that on Friday it will be October. I have almost been out 8 months! Time is really going by fast. Before you know it Christmas will be here, then Mothers day, and BAM I will be home.
So the saddest thing happened yesterday...I had to say good bye to Sister Johnson :( She has been sick for the past 6 weeks because I mold that has got into her system and She was seriously dieing, so she was sent home. And after she gets better she wont be able to come back here, because of the mold that grows like crazy. It was so sad, because I really wanted to serve with her again, because she was my favorite. And I love her so much!!! I miss her, but I know that she needed to go home. It just seems like a reoccurring theme in my life that the people that I love so much get taken away from me, but like I said earlier life wasn't meant to be easy I am here to learn, I am just grateful that I have a knowledge of why I am here so I understand why things don't always go as planned. I am telling you family this gospel is perfect and it just makes so much sense.
But over all guess what I am super Happy! I love my life and I love where I am right now. And guess what else....the best is yet to come!!!!

Love,

The coolest
Sister Crofts you've ever known!!!

So much to do, so little time!

Family,

Please don't hate me I went shopping today and I bought more than I should have. Please still love me.......Sorry this email is going to be way short, but good news I am staying in Halifax another 6 weeks!! WOOT WOOT!!! half my mission will be in Halifax happy days :) Our new apartment rocks and I love it! The work is going well sorry I can't really think of any cool stories at the moment. Just so you know I am trying to get some pictures and things ready to send from PEI and I will try to write a more detailed letter. By the way I love the picture of the deer dad you look hard core! Well have a great week. I am doing well by the way and I am really happy :) thanks for everything!!

All we have to choose is what to do with the time that is given us.

Dear Family,

I am not going to lie these past two weeks of my life have been super fun and good, but at the same time I have been feeling very over whelmed. Let me just give you a recap of the last two weeks. PEI (Sisters Conference), Leadership training 3 days, And we moved this past Saturday!! Its has been super busy, like they say when it rains it pours. But don't worry I am doing really good, just feeling like I am sinking in the deep end, but I know that all these things shall be for my experience and shall be for my good. Just a side note, mom can you please call my bank and tell them to change my card so it will work internationally. Because I know I have money on it, but I can't ever buy anything and its getting kind of annoying. So if you could do that for my ASAP that would be awesome. THANK YOU!! So yes we moved apartments and I know that you are aware, but still it was a pretty fun day we had a bunch of Elders come and help us thank heavens and we moved everything and put everything in the new apartment and even cleaned our old apartment with in 5 hours I was pretty proud of us. That was like the first time I have moved everything out of a place, I am not excited if and when that happens when I have a family! That will be crazy! But the place we live now is super good. I love it! We can just walk out our door and we have a bank, grocery store, and most importantly our area. I love it, it has been saving us a lot of time.

Well school is back in and it is pretty sweet! There are students everywhere! I didn't realize what a ghost town Halifax was this summer. Its really fun to talk to students, but at the same time its hard, because they have no problem giving you their number just so you'll "get off their back" and when you call they either fake # you or they just don't pick up, but of course opposition in all things. Also its not very fun when you get profanity yelled at you in passing cars, but I know that it could be worse and I just feel so blessed to be able to be here serving the Lord and My Heavenly Fathers children. I understand that not everyone will except the beautiful message that I come to share, but I do know that many will and that makes all the difference. You know I am starting to realize something about life: there will always be more sad and bad times in life, but the joy of the good times will always out weigh the bad for instance yesterday we had like 6 appointments and ALL of them, but 1 cancelled on us for various reasons. Anywaysthe one appointment that didn't cancel we had a lesson with one of our investigators Isabelle whom I met last Monday and we have had one lesson and she came to institute and the CES fireside (By herself)!!! She is AMAZING!! Well last night we read the Book of Mormon with her and committed our her to baptism. She said yes and really it made up all the disappointments that had happened earlier in the day. I love this work very much! I am so happy to be here and I just want to thank you all for your support and love.
Dad I really want to see pictures of you deer and I want to know if you were able to get an Elk? Good times remember when we use to hunt together and I would NEVER gut the deer :D Thanks for being great and not making me. Anyways how are things at home? How is work going? Also I was curious if you received the package I sent you?
Mom I want to know how you are doing? Sounds like from you letters that things are super busy in your life like always! When I get back you will have to whip me back into shape! We will have to sign up for a race together. Remember when we use to run the mothers day race together. Those where the days :) I was also glad to hear the you passed you test good work!

We are teaching a lot of people right now and I feel really really blessed! Of course like always things have been a little rough for all of our investigators and recent converts, but hey we will just keep doing our best and everything will work out for the best. Remember that with the Lord nothing ever goes permanently wrong, but without Him nothing ever goes permanently right. I pray for you all daily, and I am just so happy that you all are my family. Have a great week and keep me updated on life. I LOVE YOU!!

LOVE

SISTER CROFTS

SUMMERS ENDING!!!

Dear Family,


Hello again! Well once again another week has passed. It has been a very crazy busy week and I really can't even remember half the stuff that happened. But on Saturday we had a hurricane which was kind of cool. It wasn't very good though...only a category 1 but it did knock down a lot of tree branches and our power was out for about 26 hours. Don't worry though we stayed in during that day, but I was super bored. I dont' know if I told you, but we were planning on moving to a new apartment in the area that day and of course we didn't so our house is just in boxes waiting to be moved. Our plan this week is to move on Saturday. This week has been an adventure so far. We have been having a leadership training and I have been learning a lot about being a more effective missionary I really have enjoyed it. It lasts for three days and we have sisters staying at our apartment so we have been able to go on splits and get twice the work done which has been nice. School is starting up again here and I am so happy!! Finally people are back in the city. And I will tell you what there is a lot college students. The YSA is getting bigger and that really makes me happy, because it has been so small this summer. Also I know that I already mentioned this, but it is getting colder here and I am super sad. :( I don't want summer to be over, because that means that soon enough it will be cold again and I will have to wear tons of layers. But I am super excited to see this place in the fall. I hear that it is so beautiful.So Kallie sent me the lyrics to this song and I wanted to share them with you, because I think that they are so great!! "All alone I leave the harbor. so many oceans to explore, on my own I face the darkness, I leave behind the safety of the shore, When I'm tossed upon the water, when waves of change begin to blow, His words of truth I will follow! The Saviors hope is the anchor of my Soul. Sailing on to deeper waters the journey starts to take its toll, I am lost amid the battles that test my faith and stretch my soul. When I am tossed upon the water, when waves of change begin to blow, His words of truth I will follow! The Saviors hope is the anchor of my Soul. Voices of the night try to tear me from the fight but somewhere deep inside my heart I know that when I'm tossed upon the water, when waves of change begin to blow, His words of truth I will follow! The Saviors hope is the anchor of my Soul." Remember this it is Christ who we should put our trust he will get us through any storm of life I know this to be true. I may not have had as many life experiences as some people, but this I do know; that Jesus is the Christ and I will tell everyone about it until the day I die! I love this gospel, and I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have. I also want all of you to know that I love you all! I miss you like the flower misses the sun and I just want to thank you for all the love and support that I get. It really means the world to me. Thank you!!

P.E.I

Dear Family,

I am so excited to tell you everything! Of course you know that this past three days were sisters conference and man were they great! It was like a mini vacation during my mission that never happens! But yes it was really good. I learned so good stuff about missionary work and how I can improve! Which is always good. But the best part was being with all 12 sisters in the mission and just having SO much fun! We went to P.E.I yesterday and it was the perfect day for it! We woke up at 5:45 and left by 6:30 we had a huge van with a bunch of sisters so that was way fun! I finally left Nova Scotia and saw two other Providences, New Brunswick, and P.E.I. I took a ton of pictures and don't even worry I already printed them today so I will send them as soon as I get some time :D he he he But really I had a blast! We went to Green Gables where the story of "Anne of Green Gables" was based off and I did my hair in two french braids and I think I almost looked like her. I guess you all can be the judge. Then we drove around the island and went to the beach and some other fun towns. We got some famous ice cream here called "Cows" and it was pretty good. Then some members fed us and I felt so bad that I couldn't eat more, but I was just so full! I think I almost died I was so full. But anyways...the green rolling hills, gorgeous red sand beaches, beautiful sunrises and sunsets family you need to come here someday! I was a pretty fast day trip, but I really enjoyed myself. My most favorite part of the trip was when we went home on the ferry. It was so beautiful and to be honest I think that was the first time in my like that I have ever been on a boat in the ocean! It was so beautiful! We took pictures, sang songs (Cause that's what we Mormons do), had heart to hearts, oh it was just great and not to mention the weather was perfect. Oh, I am going to remember that place forever! It was great. I am glad to be back though, cause I want to get back to work! I love being a missionary and having this opportunity to work super hard and really just forget about myself. I love it here and I am super sad that I only have 11 months left! My 7 month mark is this Friday can you believe how fast the time has flown! It's crazy! Today has been I think the hottest day of my mission! Its probably around 80 or so, but with the humidity it feels way hotter. When I walk outside I just sweat, even in my house I sweat, because here no one has airconditioning! Its crazy! Oh that reminds me We are moving! We decided to be more effective missionaries we should move in our area so this Saturday we are moving! Want to give you my address so that we can write me letters to my new place!


So if you have anything send it there or to the mission office. I am a little stressed out to move, but hey I guess just take it one step at a time. Just so you know mom I got the tights and I thank you so much for them! They are really nice! Now I think I will have enough for this winter. Also in your letter to me mom you asked if I like the package and just so you know I didn't like it..I LOVED IT!!!! Thank you so much now Sister Hudson and I want to go there to get there bread, it was so amazing! So for future reference that would be great! You are the best mom and family Ever!! I love you all!! These next two weeks are jam packed with stuff. We had sisters conference and this Saturday we are moving. Then next week we have a 3 day training and everything else seems to be happening at once. Its great!!! Oh one more thing I wanted to clear up. About the Shawn thing Sister Simpson called and asked me if I wanted to call you and just talk about it, and I told her that I was okay. Of course I would have been nice, but I wanted to be strong and do it by myself so please don't you or dad be offended. It was my doing. Even President asked me if I wanted to call and talk about it, so who you should be mad at is me. Because I declined the offer. But Christmas will come sooner than you think and we can talk about this when that time comes. unless you still feel that you need to talk to me, and I will call and get permission. I just wanted to clear that up. Because when things go through the grapevine you know that happens.
Well family just so you know I am doing very well! Sister Hudson is awesome she is very spunky and just full of energy and I just love her, She is a bundle of joy! And I mean that also the English accent rocks! I am amazed that I haven't been really picking up on it. But yeah I am doing great the mission is awesome and until next time remember that I love you!!

Love,

Sister Crofts

What matters most is what lasts the longest

Dear Family,

Well Hello again. Can you believe another week has pass and gone? I can, but at the same time I can't time here is going by so fast! Just so you know I love getting your letter sent right to my apartment it makes me so happy to come home after a really long day and see a letter from my family in the mail so thank you!!!! Dad I was wondering, did you ever get the package I sent you? I was just curious. Oh so Sister Hudson and I are most likely moving apartments soon, so in the near future I will give you our new address, but until then you can keep sending me stuff to my apartment.
So this past week has been pretty good, President Simpson and his wife came to our companionship study last Thursday and they ended up letting us drive Sister Simpson's car which is the nicest car in the mission. We just have it until Monday, but it has been super nice, because as you know I have been just walking around for the past 5 months pretty much, so it has been such a blessing. We are able to get a lot more done and its just fun. My mission is making me appreciate everything that I have so much more. I realize that sometimes I am ungrateful. That's something that my mission is helping me work on. I believe that it is very important to be happy with what we have and not always want more, because if we can just see the blessing that we already have been given then it makes Heavenly Father want to give us more because he sees that we can see. If that makes any sense what I am saying. :D On Sunday I taught a lesson on missionary work in Gospel principles and it went really well. One thing that someone said that I want to share will you, is that we need to stop praying so much that the missionary's will find someone to teach, but that we as the members may find someone for the missionary's to teach. Member referrals are the greatest thing ever. 2 of the 3 three people I have been able to teach and help them receive the ordinance of baptism have been member referrals. So family start thinking who you can find for the missionaries to teach. I know you all have a lot of friends that are less active or non-members. So I want to challenge you to share a little bit of the gospel with them. Mom, dad, Jo just so you know a little more about the Shawn thing. Pretty much he was writing me letters telling me that he missed me and wished I was there, but he was always supportive and wanted me to stay on my mission, but come on the love of your life telling you he wishes you were home! What are you going to pay attention most definitely not the latter. So I started to really think about coming home. I talked with my mission president and then stake president and even the branch president here in Halifax. And I really did want to come home to get married, who wouldn't want that. But even though I thought for sure that this was what I should do, the Lord showed me that what I want really isn't always what is best for me. I am so glad that Shawn was open about his relationship, because if he hadn't been I would most likely be home right now in a terrible mess. But I am still here in Halifax and to be perfectly honest. I am doing really well. I am handling this way better than I ever thought possible, maybe it is because I am so busy and I am worrying about everyone else that I don't have to worry about my own problems, but really family, I am strong and what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. Because of this heart wrenching experience I have learned to rely more on the Lord. I like to think of it like this: I heard a story once of a man who saw a beetle crawling across his kitchen floor, he could see in the near future that the beetle was going to run into a wall and was going to be a little lost. The beetle finally did run into the wall and it kept running into the wall until it finally found its way around the corner. now we can compare this to our lives, because we are like that beetle who could only see what was right in front of him, but the man who stood above had the big picture and could see what was up ahead. Its the same for us and our Heavenly Father. He has the big picture and all he wants us to do is ask and he will help us know which way we need to go, so that we don't get hurt or lost. Sometimes I am like the bug and I run into the wall a couple times, before I will ask for some help. But I am learning that if we are wise we will ask for help even before we find ourselves in a predicament.God truly does care about each of us and our indivdual issues and problems. You can always true to him and he will be there to help. But I must say family I LOVED the treats you sent! Mom you are so wise to call a bakery here it was so good so thank you so much!! My companion Sister Hudson says she loves you! So thank you!
I just want you to know that I am so grateful that I have this blessed opportunity to be here on a mission. I am learning so much and I really love serving the people here in Canada I love it also because a lot of people that I am teaching right now are not even from Canada, but from India and China. Vivek Hari is doing well. He told his parents this week that we has been learning about this church and his parents were not to happy well I should say his mom, because he hasn't talked to his dad yet. Hari's parents are Hindu and they are very rooted in there beliefs so it has been really hard for Hari to tell them, but he did and hopefully as time goes on his family will be more excepting of it. I am sure you haven't learned very much about the Hindu religion, and to be honest I don't know that much either, but they believe in many gods and they choose one and worship that god. Also they have many many traditions which are very routed in there culture. But Hari is a really amazing person with a lot of faith. I will get a picture soon so you can see him. When I come to the computer sometimes it is really hard to think about what has happened this past week. Did I mention that almost every night this week we have dinner appointments!!! I love free food! Peanut butter and Jelly gets really old after eating for the past three months, but things are looking up. Also I am super excited because all the students are coming back so our YSA is going to be big again which will be awesome! Sorry I am just rambling about nonsense. one more thing that I wanted to share with you is a quote from one of my favorite authors which is....J.R.R. Tolkien "Other evils there are that may come....Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule." I really love this quote and I am sure you can inturprit it how ever you want, but what I got out it is that this life is short maybe a 100 years if your lucky. But really we need to not sit idley by, but we need to grab the bull by the horns are do as much as we can to bring good in this world so that those after us, may prosper. We will not know what weather may come their way, but we can take care of what we have been asked to do and be okay with that. I understand that not everyone will listen to my message, but I know there is someone who will. I love this gospel! I know with my whole heart that is is true! Thank you again for all your love and support!

Love,

Ash

Waking up to a fog horn! I love Nova Scotia

Dear Family,

HI!!!!! This morning I woke up to a fog horn and it made me so happy! I love that I am right by the ocean it is so much fun! Alright so I am sure you are dying to hear about the exciting life of Sister Crofts and let my tell you it is exciting! I have accomplished about a full week of training Sister Hudson and it has been great!! She is from London ENGLAND!! I love her accent and I just love her. She is 23 and she is so fashionable! I just love her style. It makes me look like a little hick from the sticks...oh wait I kind of am. :) And I am proud of it! But she is doing really well. I think it is so crazy that I am training 2 in a row! President thinks that I am a good trainer, when really I am just blessed with really good missionaries. But I love it! Things in the mission are going well. This past week has been kind of crazy with transfers and getting a greenie and just everything else. But life is good. We had a baptism this past weekend. He name is Allison Surette. She got baptized in a different town, but I still count her as my own, because we taught her. So that was sweet. I must tell you at the end of this month we are having a sisters conference and I am stoked!! We are going to P.E.I and I can't wait!! It is going to be three days of just sister and I can't wait!!! So this past Sunday we only had 5 sister in relief society which was strange. I am super excited for September when all the students come back from summer vacation. But yeah things here are just dandy :) I love Halifax and I feel so blessed that I get to stay here so long! I hope that things are going well and I am excited to hear more about Orderville. :) I love you all so much and I pray for you daily

Love,

Sister Crofts

Family oh how I love you!!!

Dear Family,

Where do I begin, OK so first off I just want to apologize for my terrible writing skills. I have not been able to write as much as I have wanted and I am sure all of you are super mad at me. Just so you know I will be staying hi Halifax another transfer and I will actually be training again!! I am super excited/Nervous. I am so sad that sister Johnson is leaving me she is like the worlds greatest and I am going to miss serving with her, but you never know we might serve again some day. I can't believe that I will be staying in Halifax for half my mission. This is madness. I can't even believe that I only have a year left here in Canada! Time truly is flying by. And I am loving it so much and I am learning a ton. Thank you so much for all your support, and love it means everything to me.
I wanted to give you my address so that I can get your letter faster so here it is:
3135 Joseph Howe
Apt. #2
Halifax NS, B3L 4H2
Canada

So this past week has been really good but at the same time really bad. I am sure that you have heard already what has been going on but if not I will tell you. So Shawn has been writing me all letters and emails and it has really made me want to come home and marry this guy and I was actually planning on coming home tomorrow, but I got an email from him last telling me that he is dating another girl. Dad you were so right. I of course am staying on my mission, but I can't believe that I got dear Janed. It hurts really bad but it's like you tell me mom guys are just head aches and heart breaks. So now I can just focus even more on my mission and you know when ever one door closes another one opens. It has been tough, but I am learning from this experience and that is what life is all about is to learn and grow and gain that wisdom. I am just grateful that Shawn was open and honest about things so that I didn't come home to a mess. Cause I know that I would have regret coming home early. But hey I am still here and the work is going great!! I am working really hard and the Lord is truly blessing this area. We are teaching a lot of people right now and just a few that I want to mention are Allison Surette. She is getting baptized this Saturday and I am so excited for her!! She is amazing. She is 26 and a Marine Biologist. I just love her! Also we are teaching a guy named Vivek Hari I have mentioned him in one of my last emails, but I totally spelled his name wrong. Anyways, he is so amazing! He grew up in India, is 22 and is working on his Masters in Computer Science at Dalhousie. He came to church last Sunday and really seemed to have a great time. I am so excited for him and someday soon I will try to get a picture so that I can send it to you. He has a lot of faith and I know that he feels that spirit when we teach him, because he is a very faith filled guy. Also we are teaching another guy named Neil. He is a really cool guy with tons of good questions. I am excited so see how things go with him. He has a lot of potential. Like it says in the scriptures we are to gather the elect because the elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts. And that is how I feel about all of the elect people we are teaching at this time. I am so grateful to be here serving a mission and I love this gospel with all my heart. It is true and I know it is!! No one can ever take that away from me. For I am built upon the rock of my redeemer how is Christ and I shall not fall. Let the winds and the waves come against me. I am truly doing the Lord's work and I know that we will all be blessed because of my sacrifice.
So How are things back home? How is grandpa? Jordan are you stoked for school! Your going to be a big bad senior! Live it up that all I have to say. But things here in Halifax are going swell. I am sad that summer is soon going to be over but fall and winter "might" be fun? j/k I am excited for them I just hope that I don't freeze to death. Also at the end of this month all the sisters in the mission which is twelve are going to go to P.E.I. Or price Edward Island!!! I am so excited and don't fret I will take a ton of awesome pictures!! Well Family it has been a pleasure talking with you today. I miss you all so much and I am so happy to have a family like you! Have a great week and until next time remember to do the small and simple things. This week pray for an opportunity to help someone.

Love,
Sister Crofts

Finally I am writing you!!!

Dear Family,

HI!!! I am so sorry that It has taken me so long to write, but lets just say that things have been a little crazy here! But just so you know I am doing well! The work in Halifax is moving a long and I love it! We have a girl getting baptized on the 14th which is going to be awesome! Her Name is Allison Surett. She is 26 and a marine biologist. So a funny story a little of lady sang us a song the other day and so did an old man and a gay guy it was quite the funny day! The weather here is still nice, but it is starting to get a little colder. By the way I finally got the pictures and I love them!!!! Thank you so much. I just want to thank you for all the love and support you give me! I am so grateful for a family like you! So much has happened these last three weeks that I don't even know where to begin. To be honest I can't even remember what has happened. We have been really busy and we have been teaching a lot of people which has been awesome! I love teaching! How are things in the Valley? And is there anything I can do to help? I love you all so much and I am very proud of everything that all of you are doing. I hope that I am making you proud as well. Transfers are coming up and I am excited/nervous to see what happens. I am not very excited to loose my companion Sister Johnson because she is the bomb.com but hey what ever happens happens. :) I must say that I am sad to see summer slipping away before I know it I will be up to my knees in snow. Anyways I am sorry that this email is every where, but I guess I just have a lot on my mind. Man I don't even know what to say! We knock on doors a lot everyday which is pretty fun you meet a lot of people that way. I was thinking the other day just how many people we do meet a day and it is a lot. Missionary work is truly awesome and I am so grateful that I am here. Thank you for all your love and support.

Love,

sister Crofts

Sister Crofts and Sister Johnson at Peggy's Cove

Pictures taken at Peggy's Cove.