Coming home early is hard! With trying to figure out how to move forward while working with doctors, time seems to drag on. Being stuck in limbo is awful, especially after however many months of daily hard work with a purpose! LDS Living has a great article which I feel explains early returns very well. I strongly suggest giving it a read.
When A Missionary Returns Early
Friday 21 November 2014
Monday 3 November 2014
The Unplanned Return
Hey everyone!
So after a few more trips to the hospital, and many unanswered questions, I've returned home for a bit. My body basically has forgotten how to digest food properly, so onto discovering why and how to correct that.
It was a very difficult decision, as I really have enjoyed my time serving the Lord and coming to know all of the amazing people I had the chance to meet. I know that I personal have learned a lot during the past 6 months, and hopefully have been able to help others do the same. I can only imagine what more the 12 months I have left can hold.
We sent all of my information off to Missionary Medical (The medical offices for missionaries world-wide), and they felt it was best for me to return home as well. My mission president agreed, but left me with the final decision. After spending the past 3 weeks in and out of the hospital and not able to work much, with no solutions in sight, I understood their decision.
Thankfully I had the opportunity to attend the local temple before having to make my final decision, and I feel at peace with everything. My mission has truly meant the world to me, and I hope that things are resolved quickly so that I may return. But, to be a missionary we needn't have a name tag. We can help serve to build the kingdom of God where ever we are. I know that even though this has potentially ended my official service, I will never stop serving.
The gospel of Jesus Christ truly changes lives. I've seen people turn their lives around, and find peace in times of chaos. I've watched others truly come to understand their identity as Children of a Loving Heavenly Father. It makes all the difference.
In the recent general conference, Elder Bednar gave a talk which explains missionary work everso perfectly. He explained that one of His sons had a minor injury and his older brother helped clean it and then apply a soothing cream. He then went on to explain:
I desire to share this gospel because I know that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real. That He has suffered everything that we suffer. He knows us, and understands us even better then we may understand ourselves. His atonement is the way. THE way. It is the only way to have true and everlasting joy in this life, and to be able to return to live with God again.
May you all see the blessings in each of your lives, and always remember what matters most.
So after a few more trips to the hospital, and many unanswered questions, I've returned home for a bit. My body basically has forgotten how to digest food properly, so onto discovering why and how to correct that.
It was a very difficult decision, as I really have enjoyed my time serving the Lord and coming to know all of the amazing people I had the chance to meet. I know that I personal have learned a lot during the past 6 months, and hopefully have been able to help others do the same. I can only imagine what more the 12 months I have left can hold.
We sent all of my information off to Missionary Medical (The medical offices for missionaries world-wide), and they felt it was best for me to return home as well. My mission president agreed, but left me with the final decision. After spending the past 3 weeks in and out of the hospital and not able to work much, with no solutions in sight, I understood their decision.
Thankfully I had the opportunity to attend the local temple before having to make my final decision, and I feel at peace with everything. My mission has truly meant the world to me, and I hope that things are resolved quickly so that I may return. But, to be a missionary we needn't have a name tag. We can help serve to build the kingdom of God where ever we are. I know that even though this has potentially ended my official service, I will never stop serving.
The gospel of Jesus Christ truly changes lives. I've seen people turn their lives around, and find peace in times of chaos. I've watched others truly come to understand their identity as Children of a Loving Heavenly Father. It makes all the difference.
In the recent general conference, Elder Bednar gave a talk which explains missionary work everso perfectly. He explained that one of His sons had a minor injury and his older brother helped clean it and then apply a soothing cream. He then went on to explain:
"The injured brother gathered up the remaining bandages and the almost empty tube of ointment, and he went back outside. He quickly sought out his friends and began to put ointment and bandages on their arms. Susan and I both were struck by the sincerity, enthusiasm, and rapidity of his response.
Why did that little boy do what he did? Please note that he immediately and intuitively wanted to give to his friends the very thing that had helped him when he was hurt. That little boy did not have to be urged, challenged, prompted, or goaded to act. His desire to share was the natural consequence of a most helpful and beneficial personal experience.
Many of us as adults behave in precisely the same way when we find a treatment or medication that alleviates pain with which we have long suffered, or we receive counsel that enables us to face challenges with courage and perplexities with patience. Sharing with other people things that are most meaningful to us or have helped us is not unusual at all."
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=engI desire to share this gospel because I know that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real. That He has suffered everything that we suffer. He knows us, and understands us even better then we may understand ourselves. His atonement is the way. THE way. It is the only way to have true and everlasting joy in this life, and to be able to return to live with God again.
May you all see the blessings in each of your lives, and always remember what matters most.
Monday 13 October 2014
Baptism
Hey everyone :) Sorry it's been so long since I last wrote, I've had quite the two weeks! My stomach decided that it doesn't really agree with México. But after a few doctor appointments, I've been feeling better every day. I also got a blessing, and feel as though all will be well. The mission president and his wife literally are treating me like their own daughter, so I've been pretty well looked after :P
We've had a pretty good two weeks down here, especially as we finished preparing J. to be baptized :D His wife, X. is an ex-missionary, and has been overwhelmed with joy as she's watched her new husband come to know for himself that this is the only church with the fullness of the gospel on the earth, with the authority from God to baptize so that we can return to live with Him again. His service was beautiful, as the whole family took part. Even his 6 year old niece offered the opening prayer :) It was amazing to see the joy that he could feel entering into this covenant with his Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful that I'm able to be a missionary and be a part of this amazing work!
Hermana Crawford
We've had a pretty good two weeks down here, especially as we finished preparing J. to be baptized :D His wife, X. is an ex-missionary, and has been overwhelmed with joy as she's watched her new husband come to know for himself that this is the only church with the fullness of the gospel on the earth, with the authority from God to baptize so that we can return to live with Him again. His service was beautiful, as the whole family took part. Even his 6 year old niece offered the opening prayer :) It was amazing to see the joy that he could feel entering into this covenant with his Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful that I'm able to be a missionary and be a part of this amazing work!
We also had transfers today, but I'm to stay with Hermana R. :) I'm really grateful for that, because after these last few weeks, I wouldn't feel very confident handing this area off to other missionaries. We've got our work cut out for us!
Hermana Crawford
Monday 29 September 2014
Struggles, Successes and Kindness
This was just quite a week. Next one will be better.
.......broke the chain for my necklace, the arm on one pair of my glasses and a part of my watch. And I`ve been having some isolated pain just below/behind my right ribs, so we went to the Doctor and they said I have colitis. Only fruits, veggies, oatmeal and rice all week for me. Well, and other stuff but it feels like that's all I've eaten. I don't know if they were right. We`re probably going to be going back to the Doctor's mid week when I finish my meds. I hate not feeling well because it makes Spanish even harder. I'm not able to focus the same and some days we weren't able to do much work... But I got a blessing and I know this is just another thing to help me learn something new.
And part of our hard luck this week, we misunderstood what time the Women's Conference was at and only saw the last part of President Uchtdorf speaking. I really was looking forward to that too. But Hermana H. ( My MTC companion) was sick and couldn't go, so the four of us are going to watch/read it somehow later on.
Otherwise things are good, we`re working hard and probably going to have my first baptism in a couple weeks. His name is Jesus. Hahaha yep. I think that's pretty great! My companion`s little brother is only 5 and he thinks that we`re going to baptize "Jesus."
I probably won't have enough time to write my big email this week... We were serving some members and they've let us wash our clothes in their washing machine. They serve us so much and are always there for us. And, they have 2 little adorable kids! So in return we cleaned their house for them :)
Hermana Crawford
--- This is the Women's Conference Session that the Hermana's only saw a part of.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/10?lang=eng&vid=3810237340001
.......broke the chain for my necklace, the arm on one pair of my glasses and a part of my watch. And I`ve been having some isolated pain just below/behind my right ribs, so we went to the Doctor and they said I have colitis. Only fruits, veggies, oatmeal and rice all week for me. Well, and other stuff but it feels like that's all I've eaten. I don't know if they were right. We`re probably going to be going back to the Doctor's mid week when I finish my meds. I hate not feeling well because it makes Spanish even harder. I'm not able to focus the same and some days we weren't able to do much work... But I got a blessing and I know this is just another thing to help me learn something new.
And part of our hard luck this week, we misunderstood what time the Women's Conference was at and only saw the last part of President Uchtdorf speaking. I really was looking forward to that too. But Hermana H. ( My MTC companion) was sick and couldn't go, so the four of us are going to watch/read it somehow later on.
Otherwise things are good, we`re working hard and probably going to have my first baptism in a couple weeks. His name is Jesus. Hahaha yep. I think that's pretty great! My companion`s little brother is only 5 and he thinks that we`re going to baptize "Jesus."
I probably won't have enough time to write my big email this week... We were serving some members and they've let us wash our clothes in their washing machine. They serve us so much and are always there for us. And, they have 2 little adorable kids! So in return we cleaned their house for them :)
Hermana Crawford
--- This is the Women's Conference Session that the Hermana's only saw a part of.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/10?lang=eng&vid=3810237340001
Monday 22 September 2014
Of Head Colds, Hurricanes and Leaky Houses
So we had quite the week this week! After I last wrote, we had to go straight back to our house to wait out the storm. It didn't rain to hard the first night, and we were wondering what all of the fuss was about, but then it proceeded to rain for 3 days or so. That is basically unheard of here in the desert! They don't have any sort of drainage system in the streets here, so they just turn into rivers. The streets have basically all of the damage, other then a few mostly dead cactus arms that got blown off during the winds. Most of the streets have potholes that are 1-2 feet deep and anywhere from 1 to 6 feet across. Some dump trucks were out with sand the other day trying to make the roads more drive-able. Its kind of funny watching all of the cars try and navigate their way through, and its made for some interesting busing!
During the rain 2 weeks ago, my companion and I got drenched trying to make it to our appointments. After a door or two didn't answer, we realized that nobody really wants to have soaking wet missionaries in their house anyways, so we went back took some pictures and dried off. But sadly, this week we were both a bit out of shape with some pretty good head colds, as well as half of our district! Hermana R. and I ended up resting during the two days when the storm was the strongest, so it worked out just fine! But I think we learned that we need to avoid the rain better. We feel a lot better now though and are back to working hard!
As far as the leaky houses part, we had a good centimetre and a half of water throughout or house. It took a few days to get it all out... But I think we finally are dry again :P There is a random metal plate that was used to try and seal over an old heater vent or something in the roof, but it wasn't done very well. Once we realized what was going on, we put as many buckets under it as we could, but the water was also leaking through some of the cracks we have in the foundation. We got all of our stuff up and out of the way before anything could happen though! Just makes for some good stories more then anything, but thanks everyone for trying to keep an eye on me down here! Baja California is what really needs prayers though, the people there got the brunt of Hurricane Odile.
Odile Sept 17
This week we weren't able to work very much, so when we did we had to work smart. We were very diligent in following the spirit's direction. Saturday I went on intercambios with Hermana G. (the companion of my MTC companion) so that our companions could rest, and we had a couple hours to cover our two areas. All of the people we talked to that day came to church with us the following Sunday. The most amazing moments as a missionary are really when you feel as though you've been able to be a successful instrument in the hands of the Lord.
Hermana Crawford
And I just want to send out a general apology, I have over 30 emails to respond to and I'm still a bit behind. Please forgive me! But I love hearing from everyone and how you are all doing! Just please be patient with me as I try to find time to write all of you!
During the rain 2 weeks ago, my companion and I got drenched trying to make it to our appointments. After a door or two didn't answer, we realized that nobody really wants to have soaking wet missionaries in their house anyways, so we went back took some pictures and dried off. But sadly, this week we were both a bit out of shape with some pretty good head colds, as well as half of our district! Hermana R. and I ended up resting during the two days when the storm was the strongest, so it worked out just fine! But I think we learned that we need to avoid the rain better. We feel a lot better now though and are back to working hard!
As far as the leaky houses part, we had a good centimetre and a half of water throughout or house. It took a few days to get it all out... But I think we finally are dry again :P There is a random metal plate that was used to try and seal over an old heater vent or something in the roof, but it wasn't done very well. Once we realized what was going on, we put as many buckets under it as we could, but the water was also leaking through some of the cracks we have in the foundation. We got all of our stuff up and out of the way before anything could happen though! Just makes for some good stories more then anything, but thanks everyone for trying to keep an eye on me down here! Baja California is what really needs prayers though, the people there got the brunt of Hurricane Odile.
Odile Sept 17This week we weren't able to work very much, so when we did we had to work smart. We were very diligent in following the spirit's direction. Saturday I went on intercambios with Hermana G. (the companion of my MTC companion) so that our companions could rest, and we had a couple hours to cover our two areas. All of the people we talked to that day came to church with us the following Sunday. The most amazing moments as a missionary are really when you feel as though you've been able to be a successful instrument in the hands of the Lord.
Hermana Crawford
And I just want to send out a general apology, I have over 30 emails to respond to and I'm still a bit behind. Please forgive me! But I love hearing from everyone and how you are all doing! Just please be patient with me as I try to find time to write all of you!
Monday 15 September 2014
Week of Weird weather
Another week of working hard. We are trying to find new people who want to learn more, so most of our time is spent looking up people and talking to people. This past week was still pretty hot, but it's started to get cooler. Everyone tells us it gets better around the middle of October. But whenever we're in the house, we have the air conditioner any where from 22-27. I never would have thought I would find 27 to be relieving!
The weather this week otherwise has been pretty interesting. We had a pretty good storm at the end of the week, with hail and all! I never would have thought that we would have hail here. But After we finish writing, we're basically on lock down. We have to go back to our houses early with Hurricane Odile on its way. It doesn't look like it will hit us too hard, but they are taking precautions anyways.
We have a little black cat with white paws and it's favorite place to spend time is on top of our air conditioner. It'll jump down randomly in the middle of the night. Even though Hermana R. warned me about it, it still gave me a pretty good fright the first few times. Especially when it happens in the middle of the night. The cat should be a lot fatter for all of the noise that it manages it make... We're working on a name for him.
We've been working a lot with two people this week. One is a family with 4 kids. The mom is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Her son A. is probably one of my favorite people in this area. He has Downs, and is one of the gentlest souls I've ever met. He is very smart and always excited when we come. He is also always very ready whenever we want to pray. Her daughter L. has been practicing praying with her mum, but is always too nervous to do it in front of us. One of the most precious things in the world is hearing a little one pray to their Heavenly Father. We have a lot of kids in this ward, and they are always ready to help bless the food or pray in a lesson.
I know that Heavenly Father is always listening. We are all so very important to him. Praying to God is really like talking to your parents. It's so important that we aren't just repeating the same thing all the time. I couldn't imagine if my future kids said the exact same words to me all the time! But I'm grateful that Christ gave us an example of the model of prayer. I know that it's only through prayer that we can come to know spiritual truths. And that as we pray, we really can feel of our Heavenly Father's love for us. And the evidence is everywhere that He is listening as we find answers to questions and help in times of need.
Have a great week :)
Hermana Crawford
The weather this week otherwise has been pretty interesting. We had a pretty good storm at the end of the week, with hail and all! I never would have thought that we would have hail here. But After we finish writing, we're basically on lock down. We have to go back to our houses early with Hurricane Odile on its way. It doesn't look like it will hit us too hard, but they are taking precautions anyways.
We have a little black cat with white paws and it's favorite place to spend time is on top of our air conditioner. It'll jump down randomly in the middle of the night. Even though Hermana R. warned me about it, it still gave me a pretty good fright the first few times. Especially when it happens in the middle of the night. The cat should be a lot fatter for all of the noise that it manages it make... We're working on a name for him.
We've been working a lot with two people this week. One is a family with 4 kids. The mom is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Her son A. is probably one of my favorite people in this area. He has Downs, and is one of the gentlest souls I've ever met. He is very smart and always excited when we come. He is also always very ready whenever we want to pray. Her daughter L. has been practicing praying with her mum, but is always too nervous to do it in front of us. One of the most precious things in the world is hearing a little one pray to their Heavenly Father. We have a lot of kids in this ward, and they are always ready to help bless the food or pray in a lesson.
I know that Heavenly Father is always listening. We are all so very important to him. Praying to God is really like talking to your parents. It's so important that we aren't just repeating the same thing all the time. I couldn't imagine if my future kids said the exact same words to me all the time! But I'm grateful that Christ gave us an example of the model of prayer. I know that it's only through prayer that we can come to know spiritual truths. And that as we pray, we really can feel of our Heavenly Father's love for us. And the evidence is everywhere that He is listening as we find answers to questions and help in times of need.
Have a great week :)
Hermana Crawford
Monday 8 September 2014
Push up Competitions and "Changed for Good"
What a week! P. is an area much larger then J., and we have a lot of work to do. The members here are pretty great though, and we've received a lot of references of people they want to share the gospel with.
There were a lot of cambios within the elders and a few changes within our Zone. It made for quite a different flow at the junta this morning, but it was a lot of fun. It felt a lot more like home, like a bunch of brothers running around. We had a push up competition, and I managed to hold my own among the sisters. Good times, and I'm sure a lot more fun memories will be made. Also, we now have more Canadians down here in the same zone! It was pretty funny to see someone else running around in a Canadian t-shirt.
There is also a lot of Mexican pride going on down here. September 15th is their day of Liberation, so everywhere is selling patriotic things. Half of the cars have Mexican flags hanging out the windows too.
The mountains look very scenic after a rainstorm and are all covered with plants and what not so they are usually very green.
This past week of change, and leaving my first ward and companion behind has really helped me to appreciate how precious time is. We have such a very short time to make a difference in peoples lives, in every single person that we come into contact with. Not only here in the mission, but in every day life too. Our actions and words really do have a huge affect on people, and can leave them better off if we strive to make a difference. I've thought a fair bit this week about lyrics a member of my branch presidency in the CCM read to me. It's called "Changed for Good" from the play Wicked.
I've heard it said,
There were a lot of cambios within the elders and a few changes within our Zone. It made for quite a different flow at the junta this morning, but it was a lot of fun. It felt a lot more like home, like a bunch of brothers running around. We had a push up competition, and I managed to hold my own among the sisters. Good times, and I'm sure a lot more fun memories will be made. Also, we now have more Canadians down here in the same zone! It was pretty funny to see someone else running around in a Canadian t-shirt.
There is also a lot of Mexican pride going on down here. September 15th is their day of Liberation, so everywhere is selling patriotic things. Half of the cars have Mexican flags hanging out the windows too.
The mountains look very scenic after a rainstorm and are all covered with plants and what not so they are usually very green.
This past week of change, and leaving my first ward and companion behind has really helped me to appreciate how precious time is. We have such a very short time to make a difference in peoples lives, in every single person that we come into contact with. Not only here in the mission, but in every day life too. Our actions and words really do have a huge affect on people, and can leave them better off if we strive to make a difference. I've thought a fair bit this week about lyrics a member of my branch presidency in the CCM read to me. It's called "Changed for Good" from the play Wicked.
I've heard it said,
that people come in to our lives for a reason,
bringing something we must learn.
And we are lead
And we are lead
to those who help us most to grow,
if we let them and we help them in return...
I know I'm who I am today because I knew you...
I don't know if I've been changed for the better but
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Nobody we meet is a coincidence. Everyone can help us learn something and become better people. Our Heavenly Father loves us all so very much and is constantly placing people in our path that can help us, and others that we can help. It's all part of the gran plan He has to help us reach our highest potential.
Hope you can find a way to make the difference in someone's day :)
Hermana Crawford
I know I'm who I am today because I knew you...
I don't know if I've been changed for the better but
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Nobody we meet is a coincidence. Everyone can help us learn something and become better people. Our Heavenly Father loves us all so very much and is constantly placing people in our path that can help us, and others that we can help. It's all part of the gran plan He has to help us reach our highest potential.
Hope you can find a way to make the difference in someone's day :)
Hermana Crawford
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