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!