June 17, 2013

Dear Home,

  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! yesterday.

     First off, today has been the meanest day. Elder Jones and I were woken up at 5:50 this morning to do a surprise hurricane evacuation drill, so that was a great way to start the day. We quickly packed a few things, secured the apartment, and headed out to our "safe haven" check point at the church. When we got back from the drill, Elder Jones went to start a load of laundry, and it turned out that our washer isn't working right now. The "Lehi Elders" (they cover the island as well, but they speak spanish. and they get to drive a car) offered their apartment washer and dryer to us. After we left their apartment, we headed to the library to do our e-mailing as usual. When we showed up, the man at the front desk told us that Comcast was having an issue, and their internet was down for the day. So, we had to track down somebody with a key to the family history library at the church so we could e-mail. We finally got a hold of the bishop, he gave us a key, and now here I am.

     In other exciting news: On Saturday, I had the unique and not-so-wonderful experience of watching Elder Jones get hit by a car as we were riding our bikes to an appointment. We were passing a Firestone tire shop, and Elder Jones saw a lady pulling out. He stopped so she could go, but she stopped completely, and wasn't moving at all. After seeing that she was stopped, Elder Jones started peddling, but at the same time, this lady gunned the gas pedal. Elder Jones slammed his breaks, but the lady wasn't looking, so she ran right into his front wheel, sending Elder Jones onto the hood of her car, and carrying him/ dropping him off in the middle of the road. His shoe went flying up in the air, and his front rim was totally munched. Luckily, there wasn't any oncoming traffic at that moment. Otherwise, he would have been toast. He got off the road, we grabbed his bike and shoe, and got out of the way before any more cars came passing by. The poor lady was out of her mind with worry about what had happened. We had a member with us, so she took all three of us in her little car, and payed for a new rim for Elder Jones' bike. Miraculously, the only damage done to Elder Jones was a few scrapes. Other than that, he was just shaken up.

 Good times.

     After that, we taught Cheryl and Jean. They are two black ladies living in an assisted living building for different reasons. They're not old, though. Cheryl is in her 40's, and Jean is in her 50's. The first time Cheryl came to church, she asked if she could bring a friend. We said yes, of course! So, she brought Jean with her, and both of them loved coming to church. They are both progressing really well, and have no problems with smoking, drinking, etc. They're pretty golden. Jean will get baptized this upcoming Saturday, and Cheryl will get baptized the Saturday after that. We also started teaching Herb, and he has accepted a baptismal date for July 6th, I think. (My memory is awful these days.)
     

     Thomas and Jasmine continue to be incredible. We found out that they're actually engaged, not married, though. They act so much like a family, and Jasmine wears her engagement ring, so we assumed. oops. However, after we taught them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we taught the Law of Chastity. They told us that they knew that the Lord was telling them that they should get married, and they had no issue with anything we discussed. So, we discussed possible wedding dates (they hadn't picked one yet), and they're going to pray about it, and tell us what they've decided next time we visit. Their main concern was money for the wedding, and when we told them that they could use the church for free, and that the bishop would marry them for free, they got really excited. I really hope I get to be here for their wedding and baptism. They are awesome.

     Other than that, the work continues to hasten. Elder Jones and I met the standards of excellence for the first time in Elder Jones' time as a missionary, and for the first time in our area for a very long time. We taught 22 lessons, 10 member presents, 6 LARCs, and 6 others. We currently have 5 progressing investigators, and 7 with dates, found 3 new investigators, and received 5 referrals. Elder Jones said that those were the best numbers he has ever had.

     I love you all so much, and I can't wait to hear about the new arrival this upcoming week! I don't have pictures for you today (sorry), but I'll make sure to get some good ones for you next week.

                                                                            Amo Voces!

-Elder Crapo