March 28, 2011 e-mail
Whats up wit my fam?!?!?!?! Hows everything going? I started a letter to you all this morning so I'll try not to repeat myself!
So life here in Liberal is still moving forward. The weather has been less than awesome lately though. Yesterday it rained, and today is freezing cold with some more rain/mist. Not my type of ideal weather but at least its P-day today so we can stay inside for the most part. Elder Smith and Elder Brownlow (who are serving in my hometown....well, Ulysses and Hugoton) are coming to spend some of P-day with us. I invited the Guyman Elders as well so we'll see if they end up coming. Other than that P-day should go as they usually do.....slow. :)
So transfers is about here again. We find out next P-day what is happening. I have talked to a few of the members and they are positive that I'm dying in Liberal. So we'll see if they're right. It is very possible since I only have five months left. I kind of have the feeling that I'm going leave Liberal before the end of my mission though. Its hard to tell. But I'll do whatever they tell me to I guess!
Hopefully we have some people throughout the district that are going to need to be interviewed for baptism soon. I still haven't done a baptismal interview yet so that will be exciting!
Well I was terribly sorry to hear that you did not gain the coveted title of 'Reigning Yahtzee Champ". I cant believe that you lost it twice! What happened? ;) She must be staying up late practicing.
I am really glad to hear that none of our friends were hurt over in Japan. I heard that its quite a bad mess over there. No missionaries were hurt though is what I was told which is quite a miracle. Did anything end up hitting the west coast at all? I was told that they sounded the tsunami alarm but nothing ever hit. I was also told that one man literally was scared to death by the sound of the alarm. I don't know if that's true or not though.
What?!?!? Portland got a tornado warning? Whats up with that? I'm the one in Kansas! I am dying to see a tornado. I have to see one before I leave.
Dang, no way! Jordan got his call now too! That is awesome! Why am I the odd one out? I came to Kansas! Although the thing that stinks is that Carson leaves in July, Jordan leaves in August, and then I get home. That means I can't see them for FOUR YEARS!!!
That's awesome though. Its great to hear that my friends are going on missions.
Yeah, it was awesome to be back in Hugoton. I'm pretty lucky to have only been transferred 30 miles. Because your right....not many missionaries get to go back to their old areas, especially while still on their missions.
So how did you all know about pancake day? Did you know about it because I'm in Liberal Kansas? (Congrats by the way on your pancake flippin skills!)
Speaking of Liberal Kansas. We found a member who works at Dorthy's house and so they're going to give us a tour one of these P-days. I'll get to walk the yellow brick road!
I have found that sketching is a nice way for me to relax now that I'm without my guitars and violin.
Well, that's about all the updates that I can think of right now that I haven't talked about in my letter which I'll be sending here shortly so I guess I'll head off.
Thanks for everything! Love you all!
The church is true! Book of Mormon is awesome!
Love Elder Cryer.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
NEW MISSION PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED
March 21, 2011 Letter
Dear Family,
Things are going great for me here in Liberal. My mission is seeming shorter each day. That could have to do with the fact that it is shorter each day...but you get my point.
So, you may already know this but our new Mission President was announced a few days ago. His name is President Anderson. What's crazy is that he is from Great Falls Montana...the same place that President and Sister Pfile are from. And he is a salesman, just like President Pfile. So far it sounds like we're getting another President Pfile. I can't believe that we get a new Mission President in two and half or three months. That's going to seem so weird.
Tomorrow is Elder Clarks b-day. He turns 20! So we've been celebrating today. He got a package from home with lots of stuff. He got some party hats and whistles and so we've been having fun. He gave me a transformers wristband that he got four of.
Well, thanks for your letter Emma. Yes, someone from Ulysses took us out to lunch. I've had lots of people offer. Elder Clark loves it! Serving in the same area with two other Elders has been pretty fun. It definitely makes p-day a little more interesting. And yes, it is nice to knock on some new doors. I swear I knocked every door in Ulysses and Hugoton at least three times. So to have some new turf is kind of exciting. I wouldn't be surprised if your right about the knuckle prints in the doors.
So how is the garden doing this year? Is is as big as usual?
Hey mom and dad...what would you say if I told you that I could get a free huskey puppy and a free kitten? Just curious!
Well, this evening we had dinner with a family in the ward. When I walked in I saw a girl that I recognized. I could tell she recognized me too. Her name is Morgan...that girl that can speak a bunch of different languages and play music. I met her in Hugoton a long time ago. When I walked in she was like, "Hey, Elder Cryer! Guess what?! I want to be baptized!"
I guess she is showing interest in baptism. She even asked if I would baptize her.
Well, I want to get this sent off to you all so I'll wrap it up.
I hope all is well back home with work and school and everything else.
Take care,
Love you all,
Love Elder Cryer
Dear Family,
Things are going great for me here in Liberal. My mission is seeming shorter each day. That could have to do with the fact that it is shorter each day...but you get my point.
So, you may already know this but our new Mission President was announced a few days ago. His name is President Anderson. What's crazy is that he is from Great Falls Montana...the same place that President and Sister Pfile are from. And he is a salesman, just like President Pfile. So far it sounds like we're getting another President Pfile. I can't believe that we get a new Mission President in two and half or three months. That's going to seem so weird.
Tomorrow is Elder Clarks b-day. He turns 20! So we've been celebrating today. He got a package from home with lots of stuff. He got some party hats and whistles and so we've been having fun. He gave me a transformers wristband that he got four of.
Well, thanks for your letter Emma. Yes, someone from Ulysses took us out to lunch. I've had lots of people offer. Elder Clark loves it! Serving in the same area with two other Elders has been pretty fun. It definitely makes p-day a little more interesting. And yes, it is nice to knock on some new doors. I swear I knocked every door in Ulysses and Hugoton at least three times. So to have some new turf is kind of exciting. I wouldn't be surprised if your right about the knuckle prints in the doors.
So how is the garden doing this year? Is is as big as usual?
Hey mom and dad...what would you say if I told you that I could get a free huskey puppy and a free kitten? Just curious!
Well, this evening we had dinner with a family in the ward. When I walked in I saw a girl that I recognized. I could tell she recognized me too. Her name is Morgan...that girl that can speak a bunch of different languages and play music. I met her in Hugoton a long time ago. When I walked in she was like, "Hey, Elder Cryer! Guess what?! I want to be baptized!"
I guess she is showing interest in baptism. She even asked if I would baptize her.
Well, I want to get this sent off to you all so I'll wrap it up.
I hope all is well back home with work and school and everything else.
Take care,
Love you all,
Love Elder Cryer
BACK IN MY OLD AREA!
21 March 2011 e-mail
Hey everyone!
Things are good here in Liberal. How are things for you? We've been enjoying some nice weather. Yesterday it was up in the 80's. Just the way I like it!
We had a good day at church yesterday. There were three random people there! I guess that they really enjoy listening to Glenn Beck and they were curious about Mormonism because of him and so they decided to try it out. It was perfect too because the second hour class was all about the restoration. It worked out perfectly. Hopefully we'll be able to meet back up with them and teach them more.
So, on Friday after district meeting me and Elder Clark headed to Hugoton to do team ups for the weekend. It was SO awesome to be back in my old area. Still feels like home! We (Me and Elder Brownlow) had dinner with the Greenwoods...My all time favorite family in Hugoton. It was great to be back and see how they were all doing.
While we were in Hugoton tracting, me and Elder Brownlow were able to teach a guy on his doorstep. It was interesting. We committed him for baptism and he accepted. Its funny how many different situations we're required to teach in.
It was really fun to serve with Elder Smith again. Just like old times! We mostly tracted and talked.
So how has Jackson been doing? I know that might seem like a funny question but I was just wondering about him this morning.
I think that I'm going to go by JC Penney's today and try to buy me a new pair of tracting pants...and maybe one or two shirts if I have enough. One of my belt loops busted on my pants (No, I'm not getting fatter) and so I had to sew it up, but those pants are WAY worn! I want to get the same pair just newer...so I'll see if they can do that.
Well....not much else is new with me. I'll be doing team ups with the Guyman Elders here pretty soon so I'll let you know how that goes.
Well, Love ya
Take Care
Love Elder Cryer
Hey everyone!
Things are good here in Liberal. How are things for you? We've been enjoying some nice weather. Yesterday it was up in the 80's. Just the way I like it!
We had a good day at church yesterday. There were three random people there! I guess that they really enjoy listening to Glenn Beck and they were curious about Mormonism because of him and so they decided to try it out. It was perfect too because the second hour class was all about the restoration. It worked out perfectly. Hopefully we'll be able to meet back up with them and teach them more.
So, on Friday after district meeting me and Elder Clark headed to Hugoton to do team ups for the weekend. It was SO awesome to be back in my old area. Still feels like home! We (Me and Elder Brownlow) had dinner with the Greenwoods...My all time favorite family in Hugoton. It was great to be back and see how they were all doing.
While we were in Hugoton tracting, me and Elder Brownlow were able to teach a guy on his doorstep. It was interesting. We committed him for baptism and he accepted. Its funny how many different situations we're required to teach in.
It was really fun to serve with Elder Smith again. Just like old times! We mostly tracted and talked.
So how has Jackson been doing? I know that might seem like a funny question but I was just wondering about him this morning.
I think that I'm going to go by JC Penney's today and try to buy me a new pair of tracting pants...and maybe one or two shirts if I have enough. One of my belt loops busted on my pants (No, I'm not getting fatter) and so I had to sew it up, but those pants are WAY worn! I want to get the same pair just newer...so I'll see if they can do that.
Well....not much else is new with me. I'll be doing team ups with the Guyman Elders here pretty soon so I'll let you know how that goes.
Well, Love ya
Take Care
Love Elder Cryer
RESPONSIBILITY AND URGENCY
March 16, 2011 Letter
Dear Family,
Well, before I forget to mention it, the person who got baptized in cold water was a young man by the name of Cody. He is twelve. He's actually getting confirmed today (we got permission from President Pfile) so he can get the priesthood this Sunday. We're excited.
We've been really busy lately. We have a bunch of people that we're working with. Five that are working towards baptism.
Our branch President herE is really nice. On Monday we just stopped in and he fed us a HUGE steak! It was almost the size of my plate, no joke, and about an inch and a half thick...maybe two. It was so good. Then the next day we went with him to see a less active member and they weren't there. I guess that she works at Applebee's and so President said, "Well Elders, it looks like you know where we're going to dinner tonight." So he took us out to eat. I got a cowboy burger. Dang, it was good! Then get this...we're going to his house again tonight because he invited us to eat a BBQ dinner tonight. He is awesome and really eager to help with the work.
That's awesome that you all got to have breakfast with a General Authority. Elder Gong sounds like a great man. That's neat that he was able to talk about anything. That's like you dad! That's a skill I want to acquire. I'm not very good at that.
Wow, Emma! You sold your first batch of cards to a General Authority! That's something that not everyone can say!
It sounds like you had way too much fun at Natalie's house on Friday. Almost a full bottle of root-beer? You two must have been bouncing off the walls! So what music did you listen to? What's your favorite song these days?
That's good that you want to stay in shape. It feels way better to be healthy! I imagine that your right about us missionaries. Some only use the car so they get out of shape. But we get a lot of walking in. And we ride bikes a lot. Two days ago me and Elder Clark rode about 20 miles in a day just going to and from appointments.
All our snow is gone. Today we're told it's supposed to get up to 90 degrees. It keeps jumping from cold to hot. I just want it to stay hot! As soon as it gets hot to stay I'll probably put together a package to send home.
Elder Clark is cool. He's a fun guy to serve with.
You asked how transfers work. Normally we get an e-mail the day before transfers that tells us what's happening. But if your going into a leadership position, like I did, then you get an extra days notice. The AP's will call you and tell you to call President at whatever time. When you have to call President right before transfers you can pretty much count on the fact that your going into leadership or training.
I like your cartoon. I was looking for the big mistake you told me to look for. The only thing that jumped out right when I looked at it was that the shading should be on the other side of everything because of where the sun is. Was that it? That's all I could see wrong with it. But it's still dang good!
Well, your right Sam....I have had some exciting changes recently. I'm still adjusting but it's starting to feel more normal. There's still a little bit of me left in Ulysses and Hugoton. Man, I love those places.
That stinks that you weren't able to go to the Saturday session of Stake Conference. I've heard those are always the best as well, I'm glad your feeling better now.
So, your brushing up on math huh? I'm scared to see how much I've forgotten! Keep trying...you'll get it!
That's sweet that you all got a little ice-cream maker. I'll want to try that when I get back! That 'salty dog' ice-cream sounds interesting. It sounds different but was it good? A salty, sweet ice-cream?
That's funny that you have 50lbs of brown sugar. That should last you a little while! I guess it's better to have more rather than not enough, right?
What?! The P.T. is in the hospital again? That's crazy! I hope this new part will fix it.
I had to laugh when I read the 'mug' story. It was meant to stay! I think I do remember dad telling me that the GP mug was his favorite. And now you got Emma attached to it! That's way funny.
Well mom, you asked what has changed now that I'm a DL. Well, I have to call every companionship in the district (there are three besides Elder Clark and I) and get any updates from that day and then report on that to the ZL's. Every Sunday I have to get weekly totals for lessons and ITL's and tracting and all that. That takes a long time. Last Sunday I was on the phone until 11:20. I was exhausted.
It has definitely caused me to step it up even more because I have people looking up to me and I want to set a good example for them.
I am also a lot more concerned for everyone in the district. I want to help them improve themselves and their areas. I want them to have success. I try to receive revelation for what they need and then address it during district meeting. I have to prepare a two hour district meeting every week.
But, like you guessed, I am still working very hard to find and teach people. That focus is still there. I think I feel it (the need for urgency) a little more than everyone else I live with because I'm about a year ahead of everyone here. I want to help them catch the vision of urgency. I don't want to waste time.
Well, I better get this off to you.
Love you all a bunch!
Love Elder Cryer
NOT GETTING LOST SO MUCH
16 March 2011 e-mail
Hey Family!
Things are starting to go a little smoother here in Liberal. We're not getting lost and turned around as much anymore! We've been able to meet a bunch of cool people. We have a few people with baptismal dates right now. I hope that we're able to help them feel the spirit and become converted....it can bless their lives so much!
You asked if I've been able to spend much time on mormon.org,,,,,I have been able to look around a little bit. It's pretty neat. I've been able to watch a few of the "I'm a Mormon" videos which I think are really cool. We really don't get much response off of those here in Kansas because they only have the advertisements and commercials for them in Springs. But I guess they've had some cool success stories off of it in Springs. We still pass out the "I'm a Mormon" cards here though.
So, I had to laugh about the Marmite story! Dang...if a dog wont even eat it I don't think I'd go near it! :) It sounds a lot like the time that me and dad tried to make gravy! Remember that dad? :) Jackson gave almost the exact same response!
Oh, the reason that I'm e-mailing today instead of Monday is because one of the other Elders that we live with had a meeting in springs that he had to go to and so the Zone leaders told us that we should all take P-day together so to wait until Wednesday. So that's the reason for that.
Well...the whole District leader thing is going pretty good. The worst part about it is call-ins. Sunday is the worst. I have to gather all the stats from the whole district and then report to the ZL's. They have so many people calling in and so it can take a little while. This last Sunday I was up and on the phone until 11:20pm. I was beat! Other than that its not to bad. There is a little bit more stress though. I find that I'm thinking about all the Elders in the district and how I can best help them and their investigators. Its definitely a learning experience!
Well...I'll give ya some good ol updates in my letter which I should be writing later today!
Love ya all! Keep on keepin on!
Love Elder Cryer
Hey Family!
Things are starting to go a little smoother here in Liberal. We're not getting lost and turned around as much anymore! We've been able to meet a bunch of cool people. We have a few people with baptismal dates right now. I hope that we're able to help them feel the spirit and become converted....it can bless their lives so much!
You asked if I've been able to spend much time on mormon.org,,,,,I have been able to look around a little bit. It's pretty neat. I've been able to watch a few of the "I'm a Mormon" videos which I think are really cool. We really don't get much response off of those here in Kansas because they only have the advertisements and commercials for them in Springs. But I guess they've had some cool success stories off of it in Springs. We still pass out the "I'm a Mormon" cards here though.
So, I had to laugh about the Marmite story! Dang...if a dog wont even eat it I don't think I'd go near it! :) It sounds a lot like the time that me and dad tried to make gravy! Remember that dad? :) Jackson gave almost the exact same response!
Oh, the reason that I'm e-mailing today instead of Monday is because one of the other Elders that we live with had a meeting in springs that he had to go to and so the Zone leaders told us that we should all take P-day together so to wait until Wednesday. So that's the reason for that.
Well...the whole District leader thing is going pretty good. The worst part about it is call-ins. Sunday is the worst. I have to gather all the stats from the whole district and then report to the ZL's. They have so many people calling in and so it can take a little while. This last Sunday I was up and on the phone until 11:20pm. I was beat! Other than that its not to bad. There is a little bit more stress though. I find that I'm thinking about all the Elders in the district and how I can best help them and their investigators. Its definitely a learning experience!
Well...I'll give ya some good ol updates in my letter which I should be writing later today!
Love ya all! Keep on keepin on!
Love Elder Cryer
Thursday, March 10, 2011
BLESSINGS AND BURDENS
March 7 2011 Letter
Dear Family,
So I told you about Cody's baptism that happened last night. It was awesome.
On Sunday we had Stake Conference. I got to see a bunch of people from Ulysses and Hugoton which made me really happy. They were all saying things like, "Elder Cryer! Where did you go." and "You know you can't leave." and "Was it something I said?" It was so good to see them. I've had a ton of people say that they'll call when they come through Liberal and they'll take us out to eat. We actually got taken to lunch today by someone in Ulysses. The other Elders are impressed.
So, I don't know if you know this or not but there are four of us living in the apartment. Me, Elder Clark, Elder Varella, and Elder Shiveley. It's fun being in a bigger city with more people. I've met some cool families here in Liberal. We're not getting fed nearly as consistantly as in Ulysses and Hugoton but hopefully I can fix that. It is nice to be able to knock some new doors. In Ulysses and Hugoton I could tell you about every door we knocked (which I knocked every door at least two times, but most I knocked about five times I'd say.)
Well Emma, it sounds like you've been getting some good babysitting in lately. I bet the kids love you.
Man, that's neat about trying to sell your cards. That would be awesome. You could be famous! Hey, if you wanted to send me a few blank b-day cards(well, I would want you to draw on them and all, but yeah) that would be cool. I'm trying to send b-day cards to recent converts and other awesome members and stuff.
It was neat to hear about the baptism that you played piano at. Was he found by the missionaries? That's a pretty intense equation that Caleb came up with. The response you gave him cracked me up.
So you were shocked and yet un-suprised that I got transferred? Same here! I knew it would happen I just didn't know when. It has been a bit of a challenge leaving but the Lord has helped me alot. And he didn't move me too far! I would not be suprised if I never serve in Colorado Springs. I'm O.K. with that too. I'll go where the Lord needs me, but I would love to finish my mission here in Kansas.
Sam you mentioned that you still pray for the S family. I really appreciate that. I really do hope that some day they come back. I think about them all the time. It's amazing being a missionary. I think the Lord gives us such an increased capacity to love and remember. I still think about people from my very first area. Even people that I only taught a couple times. Without looking at any old notebooks or anything I can remember names and situations. It is a blessing and a burden. I think about a lot of people each day. So it means a lot to me that you keep these people in your prayers. They are such special people.
That would be cool to work at a publishing house. What exactly would you do?
No revisions on Charlie Pool!? How am I supposed to get my own signed a published copy?
Yes mom, I did get the note about Carson going to Brazil. Thanks! I actually got an e-mail from Jay Rowberry today. I guess he's in Tampa Florida waiting on his visa. Then he'll head to Brazil too.
I can't wait to go visit grandpa and grandma! They're awesome. I'm glad that they are doing good. Tell them to keep it up!
Well, let's see....what else?
You asked about my new companion, Elder Clark. He's cool. I guess that he's from Idaho and has two older sisters and no brothers. He's a neat guy...easy to get along with.
Elder Varella and Elder Shiveley are fun too. Elder Varella's from Brazil and Elder Shiveley is from Utah.
Our apartment is three stories. We have the basement with two weight benches and a washer and dryer. Then we have ground level with the kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and living room. Then the upstairs story with a bathroom and two bedrooms. It's pretty nice.
Well, that's my news!
Love you all a ton!
Elder Cryer
Dear Family,
So I told you about Cody's baptism that happened last night. It was awesome.
On Sunday we had Stake Conference. I got to see a bunch of people from Ulysses and Hugoton which made me really happy. They were all saying things like, "Elder Cryer! Where did you go." and "You know you can't leave." and "Was it something I said?" It was so good to see them. I've had a ton of people say that they'll call when they come through Liberal and they'll take us out to eat. We actually got taken to lunch today by someone in Ulysses. The other Elders are impressed.
So, I don't know if you know this or not but there are four of us living in the apartment. Me, Elder Clark, Elder Varella, and Elder Shiveley. It's fun being in a bigger city with more people. I've met some cool families here in Liberal. We're not getting fed nearly as consistantly as in Ulysses and Hugoton but hopefully I can fix that. It is nice to be able to knock some new doors. In Ulysses and Hugoton I could tell you about every door we knocked (which I knocked every door at least two times, but most I knocked about five times I'd say.)
Well Emma, it sounds like you've been getting some good babysitting in lately. I bet the kids love you.
Man, that's neat about trying to sell your cards. That would be awesome. You could be famous! Hey, if you wanted to send me a few blank b-day cards(well, I would want you to draw on them and all, but yeah) that would be cool. I'm trying to send b-day cards to recent converts and other awesome members and stuff.
It was neat to hear about the baptism that you played piano at. Was he found by the missionaries? That's a pretty intense equation that Caleb came up with. The response you gave him cracked me up.
So you were shocked and yet un-suprised that I got transferred? Same here! I knew it would happen I just didn't know when. It has been a bit of a challenge leaving but the Lord has helped me alot. And he didn't move me too far! I would not be suprised if I never serve in Colorado Springs. I'm O.K. with that too. I'll go where the Lord needs me, but I would love to finish my mission here in Kansas.
Sam you mentioned that you still pray for the S family. I really appreciate that. I really do hope that some day they come back. I think about them all the time. It's amazing being a missionary. I think the Lord gives us such an increased capacity to love and remember. I still think about people from my very first area. Even people that I only taught a couple times. Without looking at any old notebooks or anything I can remember names and situations. It is a blessing and a burden. I think about a lot of people each day. So it means a lot to me that you keep these people in your prayers. They are such special people.
That would be cool to work at a publishing house. What exactly would you do?
No revisions on Charlie Pool!? How am I supposed to get my own signed a published copy?
Yes mom, I did get the note about Carson going to Brazil. Thanks! I actually got an e-mail from Jay Rowberry today. I guess he's in Tampa Florida waiting on his visa. Then he'll head to Brazil too.
I can't wait to go visit grandpa and grandma! They're awesome. I'm glad that they are doing good. Tell them to keep it up!
Well, let's see....what else?
You asked about my new companion, Elder Clark. He's cool. I guess that he's from Idaho and has two older sisters and no brothers. He's a neat guy...easy to get along with.
Elder Varella and Elder Shiveley are fun too. Elder Varella's from Brazil and Elder Shiveley is from Utah.
Our apartment is three stories. We have the basement with two weight benches and a washer and dryer. Then we have ground level with the kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and living room. Then the upstairs story with a bathroom and two bedrooms. It's pretty nice.
Well, that's my news!
Love you all a ton!
Elder Cryer
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
GET THEM TO LIKE YOU AND YOU'LL GET FED
February 28, 2011 e-mail
Hey everyone!
Yeah...Can you believe it? I got transferred!!! :/ I don't know what to do with myself! Every time I wake up I have to remind myself that I'm not in Ulysses and Hugoton anymore! It's kind of weird...but I guess I'll get used to it. It doesn't bother me that I left other than the fact that I REALLY miss some of the people there. That has been the hardest part. I hate goodbyes and there were a lot of them that I had to give. I still think about all those people every day and wonder how they're doing. Don't get me wrong...I have already met people here that I know I'm going to love but its still a little hard. If I had to describe everything about a mission in two words it would be "Bitter Sweet".
One neat thing is that I get to live in an apartment with my companion and two other Elders. So there's four of us all together. That makes things a little more exciting.
So I had my first district meeting last Friday. It felt weird being the one who was conducting the meeting. Its going to take a little getting used to. It was fun though. We talked about teaching to investigators needs...not just teaching lessons. I learned a lot while I prepared it and I hope that the other Elders learned something from it.
I appreciate the thoughts and advice that you had for me dad. I need all the help that I can get. Something that President told me was "Be sure to spend a lot of time on your knees. If you don't then it just wont work." I really do believe that. The only way that I'll be able to help seven other elders is through communicating with them and the Lord. I'm excited for the opportunity that this will give me to grow but I'm a little scared at the same time.
Well, thanks for letting me know about checking my balance. I'll be sure not to do that anymore. I didn't know that it was charging me.
So we are working with a young man who is preparing to be baptized on the 6th of March. He is awesome. We asked him what he remembered about the plan of salvation and he gave a perfect explanation of it. I was amazed. So we taught him some of the commandments the other day. His mom was pretty apprehensive about giving consent for him to be baptized. Well, we found out that they were moving and so we spent a whole day helping them move. Just last night we got a call from a member friend of that family who told us that the mother was really impressed with all the help we gave and she wants to meet with us. She said that her son has permission to be baptized and she wants to ask us some questions because she thinks that she might want to get baptized too! Isn't that awesome! So we'll be meeting with her soon.
Man, so I get to enjoy better weather than you? That's crazy. Although yesterday we had some pretty bad wind. One nice thing about getting transferred is that now I have a Wal-Mart about three minutes away! No more Wal-Mart deprivation!
One bad thing about getting transferred is that we don't get fed every night here. We have about two days a week left empty. I'm going to see what I can do to change that. One thing that I've found is that if you get the members to like you then you'll start getting fed...a lot. It's happened in all my other areas! And the food that I've eaten so far in this area has been really really good.
So from the pictures that you sent it looks like you all got a decent amount of snow. When did all that come? Was that during the time it was snowing here as well or is that more recent? I bet Sam and Emma.....and Jackson.....loved that.
I really do appreciate all your prayers. I cant think of anything else that I need right now. I'm doing pretty good. You may see some money come off of my card at JCPenny. Most all of my shirts have gotten attacked by the dryer in Ulysses and so they have dark spots on the collar. So I think that I might buy two more white shirts for district meeting and zone conferences and stuff. Just so you know. But now I have a JCPenny pretty close so I should be able to take care of that. If there is ever anything that I can do for any of you though, just let me know. :) I'll be happy to do what I can.
Well....I think that's about all that's new with me. I'll probably think of more though and put it in my letter!
Love you all...have a great week!
Love Elder Cryer
Hey everyone!
Yeah...Can you believe it? I got transferred!!! :/ I don't know what to do with myself! Every time I wake up I have to remind myself that I'm not in Ulysses and Hugoton anymore! It's kind of weird...but I guess I'll get used to it. It doesn't bother me that I left other than the fact that I REALLY miss some of the people there. That has been the hardest part. I hate goodbyes and there were a lot of them that I had to give. I still think about all those people every day and wonder how they're doing. Don't get me wrong...I have already met people here that I know I'm going to love but its still a little hard. If I had to describe everything about a mission in two words it would be "Bitter Sweet".
One neat thing is that I get to live in an apartment with my companion and two other Elders. So there's four of us all together. That makes things a little more exciting.
So I had my first district meeting last Friday. It felt weird being the one who was conducting the meeting. Its going to take a little getting used to. It was fun though. We talked about teaching to investigators needs...not just teaching lessons. I learned a lot while I prepared it and I hope that the other Elders learned something from it.
I appreciate the thoughts and advice that you had for me dad. I need all the help that I can get. Something that President told me was "Be sure to spend a lot of time on your knees. If you don't then it just wont work." I really do believe that. The only way that I'll be able to help seven other elders is through communicating with them and the Lord. I'm excited for the opportunity that this will give me to grow but I'm a little scared at the same time.
Well, thanks for letting me know about checking my balance. I'll be sure not to do that anymore. I didn't know that it was charging me.
So we are working with a young man who is preparing to be baptized on the 6th of March. He is awesome. We asked him what he remembered about the plan of salvation and he gave a perfect explanation of it. I was amazed. So we taught him some of the commandments the other day. His mom was pretty apprehensive about giving consent for him to be baptized. Well, we found out that they were moving and so we spent a whole day helping them move. Just last night we got a call from a member friend of that family who told us that the mother was really impressed with all the help we gave and she wants to meet with us. She said that her son has permission to be baptized and she wants to ask us some questions because she thinks that she might want to get baptized too! Isn't that awesome! So we'll be meeting with her soon.
Man, so I get to enjoy better weather than you? That's crazy. Although yesterday we had some pretty bad wind. One nice thing about getting transferred is that now I have a Wal-Mart about three minutes away! No more Wal-Mart deprivation!
One bad thing about getting transferred is that we don't get fed every night here. We have about two days a week left empty. I'm going to see what I can do to change that. One thing that I've found is that if you get the members to like you then you'll start getting fed...a lot. It's happened in all my other areas! And the food that I've eaten so far in this area has been really really good.
So from the pictures that you sent it looks like you all got a decent amount of snow. When did all that come? Was that during the time it was snowing here as well or is that more recent? I bet Sam and Emma.....and Jackson.....loved that.
I really do appreciate all your prayers. I cant think of anything else that I need right now. I'm doing pretty good. You may see some money come off of my card at JCPenny. Most all of my shirts have gotten attacked by the dryer in Ulysses and so they have dark spots on the collar. So I think that I might buy two more white shirts for district meeting and zone conferences and stuff. Just so you know. But now I have a JCPenny pretty close so I should be able to take care of that. If there is ever anything that I can do for any of you though, just let me know. :) I'll be happy to do what I can.
Well....I think that's about all that's new with me. I'll probably think of more though and put it in my letter!
Love you all...have a great week!
Love Elder Cryer
HOW I MISSED MY FIRST DISTRICT LEADER TRAINING MEETING...AND OTHER ADVENTURES!
February 24, 2011 Letter
Dear Family,
Well, I don't have a whole lot of time but I wanted to write and give you a quick update.
The last few days have been filled with lots of driving and exciting adventures.
Tuesday evening Elder Melville, Elder Partington and I headed towards Springs in a very over-loaded Malibu. We were borrowing a GPS from Elder Smith so we wouldn't get lost in the middle of nowhere. Well, long story short...it led us right into the middle of nowhere. We looked at the map and saw that we should hook back up with the highway in about twenty miles. Feeling a little more comforted we sit back in our seats and hit the gas and continue driving the remaining twenty miles to civiliation. Well, right when we got relaxed we hear a warning bell go off. We get out and look and sure enough our rear right tire is completely flat. So then we had to unload the entire trunk to get the spare tire out. (If I remember I'll send pics with my next e-mail.) So, needless to say, I missed my 7:00 District Leader training meeting. Oh well, the AP's were very understanding. So basically I'm just supposed to figure this whole District Leader stuff out all by myself. It's pretty crazy.
February 28, 2011
Yesterday was my first day at church here. It went pretty well. It was Fast Sunday for us because we have Stake Conference next week. So I got to go up and bear my testimony and introduce myself. Then I was informed that me and another Elder were going to be teaching Sunday School for the youth. So we had about 2 minutes to read through the lesson and then we taught. Me being me though I had to have a little fun so I got to know them a little bit first. They are pretty cool. We had lots of fun. We talked about "where your heart is, there your treasure is also". We had some discussion time that went good. I like to try to have some fun when I teach.
One thing that I discovered is that Ulysses and Hugoton had very nice mattresses. My new mattress is not very comfortable at all. I can literally feel the springs. Oh well, I'll live....maybe.
Hopefully all is well back home. I'm excited to get your next letter.
Love you all!
Love Elder Cryer
Dear Family,
Well, I don't have a whole lot of time but I wanted to write and give you a quick update.
The last few days have been filled with lots of driving and exciting adventures.
Tuesday evening Elder Melville, Elder Partington and I headed towards Springs in a very over-loaded Malibu. We were borrowing a GPS from Elder Smith so we wouldn't get lost in the middle of nowhere. Well, long story short...it led us right into the middle of nowhere. We looked at the map and saw that we should hook back up with the highway in about twenty miles. Feeling a little more comforted we sit back in our seats and hit the gas and continue driving the remaining twenty miles to civiliation. Well, right when we got relaxed we hear a warning bell go off.
February 28, 2011
Yesterday was my first day at church here. It went pretty well. It was Fast Sunday for us because we have Stake Conference next week. So I got to go up and bear my testimony and introduce myself. Then I was informed that me and another Elder were going to be teaching Sunday School for the youth. So we had about 2 minutes to read through the lesson and then we taught. Me being me though I had to have a little fun so I got to know them a little bit first. They are pretty cool. We had lots of fun. We talked about "where your heart is, there your treasure is also". We had some discussion time that went good. I like to try to have some fun when I teach.
One thing that I discovered is that Ulysses and Hugoton had very nice mattresses. My new mattress is not very comfortable at all. I can literally feel the springs. Oh well, I'll live....maybe.
Hopefully all is well back home. I'm excited to get your next letter.
Love you all!
Love Elder Cryer
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