Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
another new area
Knock, knock..... Who’s there? EMERGENCY CHANGES!
Yes, it happened again. I have had emergency changes again.... ya, I know I'm hitting my fifth one. Either I offended someone or everyone in the entire mission needs to feel the amazing spirit of Elder Cranford . . .oh and to top it off I've been put into a trio.
I have Elder Law who is actually an Elder from my district in the MTC and we get along well enough. Then there is Elder Viruses. They seem nice enough but I am so bummed that I had to leave my last area, we were really doing good, especially with Hugo and his wife. My ward was the coolest. Oh, and my companion Elder McAffee--was probably my favorite companion since Elder Smith (shout out to Smith). Anyway, so I told a few of you that I was sick a while ago and well, I'm fine now. I don't know what it was. I was having a difficult time breathing but I am better, so thanks for all of the prayers.
I have a funny story: Elder Mcaffee and I were walking around looking for a reference when this guy waved us down to talk. He told us that he was a member from a long time ago. Then went on to tell us that he knew English, Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, and some other one that I cant remember, and without taking a breath told us the origin of the name of Jesus Christ, which was interesting and all and even sounded like it could be real. And then he got all crazy on us and told us that he had talked to some brothers about this (so we were thinking like brothers in the church) but he then said form other universes. He went on to tell us that he had talked to aliens from other galaxies, and that he has witnesses. One of his witnesses was a member that we knew every well. He said that he also knew where Jesus lives... Do you guys want to know? It’s called "Uhmm" like the chant of monks, and he had some crazy reason why it was called that. And he told us a ton of other things like how he could concentrate and figure out (through Jesus) what my name was before this life. It totally made my day because I totally played it up with him.
So I am missing all of you, especially this week! I want to send a shout out to my family, (Cranford and Harding) my friends Hailee, Kristy, Kelsey, and everyone else that write me still ha ha.
The Church is true, Joseph smith prayed and his prayer was answered, life is hard but we can do hard things, God loves us even when we are stupid (thank goodness for that, right?). We are all so blessed to be in the Church and sometimes we take that for granted. I love you all.
God bless America,
Elder Cranford
Yes, it happened again. I have had emergency changes again.... ya, I know I'm hitting my fifth one. Either I offended someone or everyone in the entire mission needs to feel the amazing spirit of Elder Cranford . . .oh and to top it off I've been put into a trio.
I have Elder Law who is actually an Elder from my district in the MTC and we get along well enough. Then there is Elder Viruses. They seem nice enough but I am so bummed that I had to leave my last area, we were really doing good, especially with Hugo and his wife. My ward was the coolest. Oh, and my companion Elder McAffee--was probably my favorite companion since Elder Smith (shout out to Smith). Anyway, so I told a few of you that I was sick a while ago and well, I'm fine now. I don't know what it was. I was having a difficult time breathing but I am better, so thanks for all of the prayers.
I have a funny story: Elder Mcaffee and I were walking around looking for a reference when this guy waved us down to talk. He told us that he was a member from a long time ago. Then went on to tell us that he knew English, Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, and some other one that I cant remember, and without taking a breath told us the origin of the name of Jesus Christ, which was interesting and all and even sounded like it could be real. And then he got all crazy on us and told us that he had talked to some brothers about this (so we were thinking like brothers in the church) but he then said form other universes. He went on to tell us that he had talked to aliens from other galaxies, and that he has witnesses. One of his witnesses was a member that we knew every well. He said that he also knew where Jesus lives... Do you guys want to know? It’s called "Uhmm" like the chant of monks, and he had some crazy reason why it was called that. And he told us a ton of other things like how he could concentrate and figure out (through Jesus) what my name was before this life. It totally made my day because I totally played it up with him.
So I am missing all of you, especially this week! I want to send a shout out to my family, (Cranford and Harding) my friends Hailee, Kristy, Kelsey, and everyone else that write me still ha ha.
The Church is true, Joseph smith prayed and his prayer was answered, life is hard but we can do hard things, God loves us even when we are stupid (thank goodness for that, right?). We are all so blessed to be in the Church and sometimes we take that for granted. I love you all.
God bless America,
Elder Cranford
Thursday, October 14, 2010
doing well
This week is a short letter because I dont have time and because I was reminded that I need to write others too. So, in short, the Lord blesses the obedient! We have found a lot of people to teach! We are in charge of two wards and that is fun. I love the Lord, the people, my family and friends. I am doing well so don't worry!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
families are what bring us the most joy
I was changed to another area within the Puebla north zone and I’m pretty much in the city hard core. I even have a McDonald's in my area (says a small prayer of thanks). This last Saturday we had three baptisms but one of them wasn’t exactly in our area so some other lucky elders got a free one. Their names are Breeza and Elias and they are the coolest people in the world. They are what we like to call in the mission field "the chosen". They listened to only one message and said that they knew it was true and were ready to be baptized. We are now working with a girl named Annie and she is a little more “iffy” but I’m certain she will come around. These last few weeks I’ve been really trying to open up and just try to fit in rather than be the white, quiet-until-I-have-to-talk missionary. And my Spanish is improving because of it! ...I can even tell some jokes in Spanish ha ha. But I still have a lot to learn and I will only get it if I trust in the Lord.
I want to say to everyone that I love you and that I miss you more than I can express, but I’m out here trying to give people a little of the happiness I have had in my life--so I guess its all worth it, right?!! God lives. He loves us. He has a plan that will bring us happiness in this life and in the next if we would only listen to Him. The world is in darkness like never before but if we all do our part we will bring many home. Families are what bring us the most joy. I will be the man I can be but not because I force myself to change but because I give myself up to the Lord and He can make me into the best.
Sending all my lovin’,
Elder Cranford
I want to say to everyone that I love you and that I miss you more than I can express, but I’m out here trying to give people a little of the happiness I have had in my life--so I guess its all worth it, right?!! God lives. He loves us. He has a plan that will bring us happiness in this life and in the next if we would only listen to Him. The world is in darkness like never before but if we all do our part we will bring many home. Families are what bring us the most joy. I will be the man I can be but not because I force myself to change but because I give myself up to the Lord and He can make me into the best.
Sending all my lovin’,
Elder Cranford
Friday, September 17, 2010
anyone know what diversity is?
So the idea is to answer all of the questions that I get every e-mail. Yes, every single one.
Q. How are you?
A. I’m doing super, super great even thou I miss all of you so, so much!!!
Q. How is your Spanish?
A. Well, I feel like I’m doing pretty good considering that when I went into the MTC the only thing I knew was that “my Spanish is not good" …and when I left the MTC I had only learned the words "Joseph Smith ", " I know that" and the word "joke". I can communicate with about anyone as long as they don’t talk too fast. And if I don’t understand a word they can explain it to me in Spanish and I will understand. I’m not ready to be a translator or anything but I get by.
Q. Do you like your companion?
A. Life is what you make it and I’m not going to have a crappy mission because I can’t play nice with others or let things bug me that aren’t important, so if your asking me if there are things that I don’t like about him, well the answer is, "duh!?", but I’m not arrogant enough to think that I’m “all that and a bag of chips” so I deal with it and hope that he will put up with my imperfections. But honestly, Elder Olvera is actually a really cool guy, he’s a little crazy, but cool.
Q. How is the food?
A. It tastes like taco bell… ha ha! It is not what you think! The food is gut-wrenching gross especially to me, I think, because I have always been a picky eater, but after a few embarrassing experiences I have mastered my gag reflex and can stomach just about anything.
Q. Tell me everything that’s going on!?
A. Ha ha not everything, or this would be a long letter and I honestly hate writing things that I don’t feel really matter. So how about I mention that we have 5 people in the next two weeks to be baptized and they all seem like stellar investigators.
Ok, that’s all I really have but if you want anything more specific let me know. I’m going to end with what I have decided about "the one" and a testimony.
I was so bugged about this idea that there was “the one” that I wrote a long paper about it. First, know that whoever believes in "the one" would have to believe in God--in some way or another--because that belief means there was someone "the one" made special just for them and they are their true love, and are the one and only person that will make them truly happy.
That brings up some other problems. How would do you know who it is? How can you know? And what happens if you choose the wrong one? Would you forever be unhappy? I’m won't give you all the details from my entire paper but I have found that it comes down to this: If God loves us then I don’t believe he only gives us one chance, and on that one decision we decide to be forever happy or forever not happy. That would be lazy.
For me, If I love her I will not worry about if she is “the one”, but worry about if I am worthy enough to spend my life with her. I know that I am a dumb man and that I make mistakes that I will forever have to work to have a good relationship.
Well, that was a little from my paper and a little of my testimony and a little bit corny.
Stay classy, world!
Diversity: I’m not sure, but I believe it’s and old wooden ship used in the civil war,
Elder Cranford
9.3.10
I´ll write more on monday!!!
Luv ya,
Elder Cranford
Saturday, August 28, 2010
my Spanish is better
Hello my blind followers,
1. We fixed things with our Mission President and all is well with him.
2. I am better with Spanish and I had a talk this last Sunday and everyone understood!!
3. We have found 4 new investigators and their family is super awesome.
4. We are planning to go to a bee farm with a member, so that will be cool.
5. At the Huamamtlada 9 people were hospitalized but no deaths (thank goodness)
6. It is offical, I am even better looking in Mexico
Pictures are of before the party started at the Huamantlada, and of some friends I made
Love, Elder Cranford
1. We fixed things with our Mission President and all is well with him.
2. I am better with Spanish and I had a talk this last Sunday and everyone understood!!
3. We have found 4 new investigators and their family is super awesome.
4. We are planning to go to a bee farm with a member, so that will be cool.
5. At the Huamamtlada 9 people were hospitalized but no deaths (thank goodness)
6. It is offical, I am even better looking in Mexico
Pictures are of before the party started at the Huamantlada, and of some friends I made
Love, Elder Cranford
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
rain
This is the word this week…
My companion and I are doing well and I am learning more Spanish, but slowly. It rains everyday and floods the streets like crazy.
This week we have been working on the members and the inactive. We activated a family and they are coming every week now. We found a guy that wants to get baptized but needs to get married first and stop smoking and I have faith in him.
We are working with Blanca’s family now and hoping we will get far with the sister. Speaking of Blanca’s sister--Lupita and her family invited us to go to her graduation we were hesitant but in the end we said we’d stop by. Well we went, and it was crazy because when we walked in everything went quiet like scary quiet and everyone looked at us ... everyone. And then we had to leave because they all started drinking
Ok, let’s end with the good old testimony…
Fact: God lives. Fact: He loves you and me. Fact: We could work our entire lives and never be able to be worthy of the blessings we take for granted everyday.
Go with the flow,
Elder Cranford
My companion and I are doing well and I am learning more Spanish, but slowly. It rains everyday and floods the streets like crazy.
This week we have been working on the members and the inactive. We activated a family and they are coming every week now. We found a guy that wants to get baptized but needs to get married first and stop smoking and I have faith in him.
We are working with Blanca’s family now and hoping we will get far with the sister. Speaking of Blanca’s sister--Lupita and her family invited us to go to her graduation we were hesitant but in the end we said we’d stop by. Well we went, and it was crazy because when we walked in everything went quiet like scary quiet and everyone looked at us ... everyone. And then we had to leave because they all started drinking
Ok, let’s end with the good old testimony…
Fact: God lives. Fact: He loves you and me. Fact: We could work our entire lives and never be able to be worthy of the blessings we take for granted everyday.
Go with the flow,
Elder Cranford
Monday, July 5, 2010
being patient
Hello world,
Today is July 5th and I’m closing in on my 7 month mark out in the field. And I’m doing pretty well. Now that Mexico is out of the world cup things are quieting and my companion and I are finding some really good investigators—and I’m even helping more in the lessons. We have to work more with our ward because they are having problems and we need their help to continue the work here. But once we iron out the problems all will be well. My companion and I are doing better and I’m learning to love him and get along with him. I still haven’t mastered Spanish yet, but I’m being patient and studying harder. It floods everyday here but I’m starting to like it ha ha. I sent a package and I hope it gets to everyone soon.
Breaking the mold,
Elder Cranford
Today is July 5th and I’m closing in on my 7 month mark out in the field. And I’m doing pretty well. Now that Mexico is out of the world cup things are quieting and my companion and I are finding some really good investigators—and I’m even helping more in the lessons. We have to work more with our ward because they are having problems and we need their help to continue the work here. But once we iron out the problems all will be well. My companion and I are doing better and I’m learning to love him and get along with him. I still haven’t mastered Spanish yet, but I’m being patient and studying harder. It floods everyday here but I’m starting to like it ha ha. I sent a package and I hope it gets to everyone soon.
Breaking the mold,
Elder Cranford
Sunday, July 4, 2010
overcoming challenges
So I’m tired of complaining to all of you people why exactly do I tell all of the bad and none of the Good? I don’t have an answer but I want to change that. I want to be nothing but a strength to my friends and family but I have not been really living up to my potential but this time I will not say sorry about it... not until I am a little bit better I can't exactly be a honest person if I tell you all one thing and do another right?! So how about my small and little testimony and then we will go onto how things are holding out on my end of the world and I will try to explain my feelings my thoughts and my heart ha ha (corny)
I know that God loves me not by blessings I receive but by the problems he knows I can overcome... I am a blessed person I have been born to a good family, I have been born with comforts of life that are only dreams to others, I have been born into what I believe to be the true church of God. Honestly how can I expect more... why was I picked to be blessed?! I am not a perfect person heck I’m not even a good person a lot of the time. But at the slightest bit of problems I get angry at God saying he has forsaken me and that he is not that loving... but I learn that when I ask for strength god shows me my weakness so I can change it to be strong, if I ask for courage he shows me my fears so I can overcome them. God will let us figure it out because if he did it all we wouldn't learn. That doesn't mean I’m super happy when things go wrong or I have problems it just means that I can deal with it because i have perspective ha ha. But don’t get me wrong I don’t do that all the time but I’m trying more every day ha ha.
Alright, so let me fill you all in on what’s new... so we had changes but I am still I’m my area (can’t spell it) and with my same companion.... he honestly is the hardest person I’ve ever dealt with but I will learn some serious patience and charity if I can get through this not killing him ha ha. my comp has been "really sick" (notice sarcastic air quotes) and has felt to bad to do really anything this week so I decided to appoint myself Senior companion without telling him and take things into my own hands ha ha we will see how that goes. We are teaching three families and are really excited for all of them I’m starting to help more but really not enough to call myself a missionary. Spanish is a dragon that I can not slay but I’m working with my companion and we are working out battle plans. I’m so healthy that people are starting to say that those horses are as healthy as me. (I know lame joke) oh right I have officially lost my funny.... its gone. So when I get home I might be even more awkward than before (if you can believe it) the weather here is perfect chilly in the morning and then warn all day (except that it rains everyday for like one hour) I want to say sorry to everyone that I have not written its hard to send mail here but I will send something by the end of this week I promise ha ha. I don’t know what else to write if you want to know something specific write me!!
Dangerously handsome,
Elder Cranford
I know that God loves me not by blessings I receive but by the problems he knows I can overcome... I am a blessed person I have been born to a good family, I have been born with comforts of life that are only dreams to others, I have been born into what I believe to be the true church of God. Honestly how can I expect more... why was I picked to be blessed?! I am not a perfect person heck I’m not even a good person a lot of the time. But at the slightest bit of problems I get angry at God saying he has forsaken me and that he is not that loving... but I learn that when I ask for strength god shows me my weakness so I can change it to be strong, if I ask for courage he shows me my fears so I can overcome them. God will let us figure it out because if he did it all we wouldn't learn. That doesn't mean I’m super happy when things go wrong or I have problems it just means that I can deal with it because i have perspective ha ha. But don’t get me wrong I don’t do that all the time but I’m trying more every day ha ha.
Alright, so let me fill you all in on what’s new... so we had changes but I am still I’m my area (can’t spell it) and with my same companion.... he honestly is the hardest person I’ve ever dealt with but I will learn some serious patience and charity if I can get through this not killing him ha ha. my comp has been "really sick" (notice sarcastic air quotes) and has felt to bad to do really anything this week so I decided to appoint myself Senior companion without telling him and take things into my own hands ha ha we will see how that goes. We are teaching three families and are really excited for all of them I’m starting to help more but really not enough to call myself a missionary. Spanish is a dragon that I can not slay but I’m working with my companion and we are working out battle plans. I’m so healthy that people are starting to say that those horses are as healthy as me. (I know lame joke) oh right I have officially lost my funny.... its gone. So when I get home I might be even more awkward than before (if you can believe it) the weather here is perfect chilly in the morning and then warn all day (except that it rains everyday for like one hour) I want to say sorry to everyone that I have not written its hard to send mail here but I will send something by the end of this week I promise ha ha. I don’t know what else to write if you want to know something specific write me!!
Dangerously handsome,
Elder Cranford
Monday, June 21, 2010
a short list
To my loving family and friends,
So this week I'm having a hard time writing anything, so I'm going to keep it short.
I have decided:
-I have a long way to go before I'm a missionary, but I'm making progress
-My companion is ...my personal trial, but I am overcoming it ha ha
-I'm sorry for not writting, I will soon
-I'm no longer sick
-I made a promise to never drink coke again if an investigator never drank coffe again
So this week I'm having a hard time writing anything, so I'm going to keep it short.
I have decided:
-I have a long way to go before I'm a missionary, but I'm making progress
-My companion is ...my personal trial, but I am overcoming it ha ha
-I'm sorry for not writting, I will soon
-I'm no longer sick
-I made a promise to never drink coke again if an investigator never drank coffe again
Monday, June 14, 2010
happiness is...
So first I want to testify that I know that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. It is the only path for true happiness. Let me explain my definition of happiness: happiness is not doing what you want when you want it, its not partying with friends and being crazy, its not anything we can obtain by ourselves... it is the time when you help some one who is having a hard time, and the time that you choose to do what is right when all you want to do is wrong. Happiness is that moment you are with your family and you can't help but smile because you know that you love them more than anything in the world. It is knowing that you can be together with them if you only follow the plan that God has given. ... that is all I have on that. And I will never fully understand the word "happiness" until I have achieved my goals of being who I am intented to be; by praying with all my might, and doing all I can.
Alright, I have some shocking news that I would like to share... This last Wednesday, my companion Elder Trinidad, had emergency changes and he is now gone... I honestly have no idea why he had to go. But I miss him. He was a good guy. Now I have a new companion: Elder Sanchez. He is an ..... interesting guy. He does speak english but doesn't want to talk english with me. Ha ha he is probably the hardest Elder so far to love and get along with but after a lot of thinking about it I figured out that instead of changing him I need to change and learn to adapt to him. With him, we are once again working hard. He told me that we could contact for one hour a day everyday or one whole day in the week ... I choose the first. While contacting people I found out something about myself that I thought I might share...The hardest thing for me to give to the Lord isn't two years, it's not music, or tv, or my life. The hardest thing for me to give-up is my fear.... I say I have faith but if so why am I afraid to talk to people?! Why am I afraid of teaching in lessons?! It's so hard to just forget the fear!! Does that mean I don't have faith!? Sometimes I question things ha ha...
So a little about my companion Elder Sanchez... at first look he is the textbook Elder with a comb-over and some big glasses. He is quiet most of the time, but then does something really loud and crazy. He talks in his sleep (which is scary at 2:30 in the morning when you don't know it is him) and is a really hard worker. I'm learning a lot from him and am excited to become better.... I only need to learn to control my fear and have more faith.
So this last Saturday was my first baptism!! And her name was Blanka! She is so Awesome! And we are teaching her sister and I think that she will except it soon! I was so nervous the morning before the baptism I practiced the prayer like a 100 or more times! So I was so so so nervous about the prayer it took me five times before I got it right!!! But it all worked out in the end. So it happened.
I got sick today and it's not so fun... but it's not too bad I guess.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
girls
First I wanted to start off with my testimony and commit you all to do something (haha thats my inner missionary speaking)... first I want to say that I am a weak weak person after thinking of all the blessings I have--and then seeing that at even the slightest temptation I give in and say its too much to bear and that I have to, or need it, or just this one time. I know I won't ever be perfect, but why do I have to be so pathetic and so weak? It's in those moments that we see ourselves as we really are; that we realize that we need God. But there is a way to become stronger, to be better, that is giving up your pride and receiving humility. Humility is a hard gift to receive and even harder to keep. Most of the time we only receive it when something traumatic happens to us and there is no other way but than to have God do something about our problems. I am guilty of this but I'm going to be better.
So my story for this letter... ok, well now I'm in the city (a small one) and I'm encountering something that I have never seen on my mission... ha ha...girls are trying to kiss me !! They say it's how they say "hi" here but I'm not buying it! ha ha The first time this happened a girl leaned in and I was like "what?... oh maybe she wants to tell me something, but doesn't want anyone to hear." So I put my cheek/ear out and she started to look at me weird then she went for the kill and I hurried and pulled back and winced. Then a member ran and stopped the girl and explained that I was a missionary and that I was not supposed to do that. I said sorry like a billion times and said I was new. My companion thought that was pretty funny. haha. Ok thats all I have for today. Next week I'll talk about the girl that can see dead people and her brother that can see the future. ha ha
Thank you everyone for being my friends thank you for being you. I think about you a lot and iI hope to make you all proud!
Elder Cranford
So my story for this letter... ok, well now I'm in the city (a small one) and I'm encountering something that I have never seen on my mission... ha ha...girls are trying to kiss me !! They say it's how they say "hi" here but I'm not buying it! ha ha The first time this happened a girl leaned in and I was like "what?... oh maybe she wants to tell me something, but doesn't want anyone to hear." So I put my cheek/ear out and she started to look at me weird then she went for the kill and I hurried and pulled back and winced. Then a member ran and stopped the girl and explained that I was a missionary and that I was not supposed to do that. I said sorry like a billion times and said I was new. My companion thought that was pretty funny. haha. Ok thats all I have for today. Next week I'll talk about the girl that can see dead people and her brother that can see the future. ha ha
Thank you everyone for being my friends thank you for being you. I think about you a lot and iI hope to make you all proud!
Elder Cranford
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
counting my blessings
Hello foreigners,
First, can I say thank you to all the people that write me? It makes me happy and I get by a little better in the week.
aaron.cranford@myldsmail.net
So this last change I had Elder Martinez as my companion. The Lord gave us a ton of people to teach and we now have 5 dates for baptism in 4 days.
I left for another area today--I am in the zone Apisaco--and my area is Huamantla. I was given a companion that knows no English. So remember my first companion spoke a ton of English (and he didn’t like to help me learn Spanish), and my second companion spoke fairly good English but because I have not studied the language as well as I should my Spanish stinks. I can understand a lot, but speaking it is another beast. So I am hoping by the end of this change I will speak Spanish! My new companion is Elder Trinidad. I knew him in my previous district and he is really cool and super buff. He says that he will get me in shape before I am done here.
I’m sad that I left Ajalpan; I love my entire ward. But I’m excited for cooler weather so send me some prayers.
My testimony for this time is that no matter my problems, I know that I am not the first person to deal with them and I’m not going to be the last. I know that others have it much worse than I do and I should, instead of my usual way of complaining, be counting my blessings.
So… some things that I am thankful for are:
• The opportunities to be able to receive the promises of the Lord (as long as I stick to the plan)
• the power of repentance
• the peace and the understanding the gospel brings
• second chances
• family
• friends
• being born in America
• not being born in Mexico
• a washer and dryer
• air conditioning
• my ward
• pest control
• a language that I understand
• being alive
• being given the ability to change
I know that the Lord’s ways are perfect and we need to trust him to receive his blessings. I know that families can be together forever and when all things are said and done that is the only thing I want. I want to be who my future wife deserves. I want to be who I need to be for the people that need me in this life. I know the only way to be happy forever is with God. Please don’t be like me and only turn to God when we are in our darkest hour. He is the truth and the light.
Wow, ok that’s all I have for today. I hope you are all doing well and I want you all to e- mail me and yes I mean you...(this is the time you reflect and think if I meant you and yes I meant you (the person reading this)
Your friendly neighborhood spiritual ninja,
Elder Cranford
First, can I say thank you to all the people that write me? It makes me happy and I get by a little better in the week.
aaron.cranford@myldsmail.net
So this last change I had Elder Martinez as my companion. The Lord gave us a ton of people to teach and we now have 5 dates for baptism in 4 days.
I left for another area today--I am in the zone Apisaco--and my area is Huamantla. I was given a companion that knows no English. So remember my first companion spoke a ton of English (and he didn’t like to help me learn Spanish), and my second companion spoke fairly good English but because I have not studied the language as well as I should my Spanish stinks. I can understand a lot, but speaking it is another beast. So I am hoping by the end of this change I will speak Spanish! My new companion is Elder Trinidad. I knew him in my previous district and he is really cool and super buff. He says that he will get me in shape before I am done here.
I’m sad that I left Ajalpan; I love my entire ward. But I’m excited for cooler weather so send me some prayers.
My testimony for this time is that no matter my problems, I know that I am not the first person to deal with them and I’m not going to be the last. I know that others have it much worse than I do and I should, instead of my usual way of complaining, be counting my blessings.
So… some things that I am thankful for are:
• The opportunities to be able to receive the promises of the Lord (as long as I stick to the plan)
• the power of repentance
• the peace and the understanding the gospel brings
• second chances
• family
• friends
• being born in America
• not being born in Mexico
• a washer and dryer
• air conditioning
• my ward
• pest control
• a language that I understand
• being alive
• being given the ability to change
I know that the Lord’s ways are perfect and we need to trust him to receive his blessings. I know that families can be together forever and when all things are said and done that is the only thing I want. I want to be who my future wife deserves. I want to be who I need to be for the people that need me in this life. I know the only way to be happy forever is with God. Please don’t be like me and only turn to God when we are in our darkest hour. He is the truth and the light.
Wow, ok that’s all I have for today. I hope you are all doing well and I want you all to e- mail me and yes I mean you...(this is the time you reflect and think if I meant you and yes I meant you (the person reading this)
Your friendly neighborhood spiritual ninja,
Elder Cranford
Thursday, May 13, 2010
small update
Sorry that I haven’t really written in a long time--but now I’m repenting and giving an update ha ha. I have no time so just an update…
• I’m staying on my mission and I got things all worked out.
• I still have not gotten sick and have mastered (almost) my gag reflex
• I can speak almost 20 words of nawhat (I don’t know how to say it) it’s another language here in Ajalpan.
• We have four baptismal dates and we think another, but we’ll know this Sunday for sure about that. The sad thing is that I might not be here for it because we have changes before that.
• This next week Elder Bendar is coming to our area to give a talk and I’m stoked about that.
• I have a sweet tan.
• I love being a seminary teacher
Alright, this is all I’ve got for now, but next week I will have a big letter to entertain the hordes of people that read my updates ha ha
Small testimony
I know that no matter what problems we have, if we give them to the Lord we will have peace and there is not much more we can ask for. When much is given much is expected. I know that I can live with my family forever if I can control my carnal side… “the only control is self control”… I can’t remember who said that was but it was in this last conference and it was cool. I will become who I can become, I will reach my potential at all costs.
Look up Ether 12:27 what it’s all about
Elder Cranford
• I’m staying on my mission and I got things all worked out.
• I still have not gotten sick and have mastered (almost) my gag reflex
• I can speak almost 20 words of nawhat (I don’t know how to say it) it’s another language here in Ajalpan.
• We have four baptismal dates and we think another, but we’ll know this Sunday for sure about that. The sad thing is that I might not be here for it because we have changes before that.
• This next week Elder Bendar is coming to our area to give a talk and I’m stoked about that.
• I have a sweet tan.
• I love being a seminary teacher
Alright, this is all I’ve got for now, but next week I will have a big letter to entertain the hordes of people that read my updates ha ha
Small testimony
I know that no matter what problems we have, if we give them to the Lord we will have peace and there is not much more we can ask for. When much is given much is expected. I know that I can live with my family forever if I can control my carnal side… “the only control is self control”… I can’t remember who said that was but it was in this last conference and it was cool. I will become who I can become, I will reach my potential at all costs.
Look up Ether 12:27 what it’s all about
Elder Cranford
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
trust in the Lord
Ok, I’m back and I’m ready to write you all the amazing adventures of your favorite missionary (it might not be true, but it is to me) So a lot has gone on in the armpit of the world I like to call Mexico. But first, let me introduce you to my new companion: His name in Elder Martinez and he is a pretty cool dude. He is as you guessed... white… ok, no he is Mexican. He has 14 months out here in the war for souls. He loves Naruto or anything Manga (for people that might not know what that is, it’s like comics--but cooler) He has memorized, let me repeat, memorized songs from Naruto (which are all in Japanese) and all in all he is a really cool guy. Except that he knows little to no English. Yes, God loves me enough to give me trials.
So this last week has been the easiest week so far. My companion doesn’t really like to do a lot and I have no idea what to do. We have literally not taught a single lesson this entire week (unless you count seminary which is at 5:30 in the morning everyday and like a mile and a half away). I will take some of the blame because I don’t know my area; before I just followed Elder Ortiz, my previous companion. I know that I need to get him to start working, and it is not that I don’t think that he can work, he just needs a push. But I won’t lie, I have liked the break from talking to so many people that really don’t want to hear us and people getting mad at me for not knowing Spanish and asking me why I’m here if I don’t know there language. (Usually that’s when I tell them they will go to hell unless they repent... ha ha, ok not really)
Oh and the baptism fell through and I’ll tell you why. . . God was not happy with me and my companion. Let me explain. So while we were teaching our neighbor (and he was excepting all that we were teaching) we set the date to be baptized, he first needed to be married. To be married here you first need to get blood tests which cost 400 pesos per person; so 800 pesos for the two of them… and then 1000 pesos to actually get married. They had the 1000 pesos to get married but didn’t have money for the tests. Me and my companion really wanted him to be baptized and we happened to have an emergency stash of …you guessed it… 800 pesos. So we concocted the plan to give the bishop the money to give to them so they could get married and we could have a baptism. Not a good idea--long story short they did get married but he decided that he didn’t need to be baptized. So, I learned a lesson. First never try and buy a baptism—it’s wrong. And, I need to trust in the Lord more and not try and take things into my own clumsy hands.
That’s all I have time for today, but tune in next week and I’ll let you know if I can get off my butt and put my shoulder to the wheel.
The way too honest missionary,
Elder Aaron Cranford
So this last week has been the easiest week so far. My companion doesn’t really like to do a lot and I have no idea what to do. We have literally not taught a single lesson this entire week (unless you count seminary which is at 5:30 in the morning everyday and like a mile and a half away). I will take some of the blame because I don’t know my area; before I just followed Elder Ortiz, my previous companion. I know that I need to get him to start working, and it is not that I don’t think that he can work, he just needs a push. But I won’t lie, I have liked the break from talking to so many people that really don’t want to hear us and people getting mad at me for not knowing Spanish and asking me why I’m here if I don’t know there language. (Usually that’s when I tell them they will go to hell unless they repent... ha ha, ok not really)
Oh and the baptism fell through and I’ll tell you why. . . God was not happy with me and my companion. Let me explain. So while we were teaching our neighbor (and he was excepting all that we were teaching) we set the date to be baptized, he first needed to be married. To be married here you first need to get blood tests which cost 400 pesos per person; so 800 pesos for the two of them… and then 1000 pesos to actually get married. They had the 1000 pesos to get married but didn’t have money for the tests. Me and my companion really wanted him to be baptized and we happened to have an emergency stash of …you guessed it… 800 pesos. So we concocted the plan to give the bishop the money to give to them so they could get married and we could have a baptism. Not a good idea--long story short they did get married but he decided that he didn’t need to be baptized. So, I learned a lesson. First never try and buy a baptism—it’s wrong. And, I need to trust in the Lord more and not try and take things into my own clumsy hands.
That’s all I have time for today, but tune in next week and I’ll let you know if I can get off my butt and put my shoulder to the wheel.
The way too honest missionary,
Elder Aaron Cranford
Monday, March 29, 2010
gaining perspective
Fellow Americans (I can say that because this doesn’t go to too many people)
Today, I again don’t have time, but I’ll do what I can. Well, as you all know I have felt many of the devil's tools for distracting missionaries. Let me testify that Satan is real and is hard at work on missionaries. This week has been a trial but has also been eye-opening in a lot of aspects; namely I’m a spoiled kid. I have been given so much it’s not even funny. And everything I do to pay God back doesn’t do anything because He blesses me the second I do something for him. I will forever be in dept. Think about that… forever. It blows my mind.
Ok, ok so this week has been a hill but on the decline; I’m gaining perspective. Not so many details this week--just some bullets points
• People that send me e-mails and letters are most likely going to the celestial kingdom so if you haven’t--repent and give me a shout out and say hi.
• I ate pig legs this week and yes they do taste worse than they sound
• I’ve learned to not trust Mexicans unless I can see them
• I went to the zoo here and got to play with a baby tiger, so be jealous
• I have not gotten sick yet and so I rock
• I was able to be a witness for our neighbors wedding
• I found out that my area is the hardest area in Mexico (but I make it look easy)
• And I have had 3 to 4 conversations in Spanish (all 10 min or more) all by myself, so God does love me
• More later I promise
Today, I again don’t have time, but I’ll do what I can. Well, as you all know I have felt many of the devil's tools for distracting missionaries. Let me testify that Satan is real and is hard at work on missionaries. This week has been a trial but has also been eye-opening in a lot of aspects; namely I’m a spoiled kid. I have been given so much it’s not even funny. And everything I do to pay God back doesn’t do anything because He blesses me the second I do something for him. I will forever be in dept. Think about that… forever. It blows my mind.
Ok, ok so this week has been a hill but on the decline; I’m gaining perspective. Not so many details this week--just some bullets points
• People that send me e-mails and letters are most likely going to the celestial kingdom so if you haven’t--repent and give me a shout out and say hi.
• I ate pig legs this week and yes they do taste worse than they sound
• I’ve learned to not trust Mexicans unless I can see them
• I went to the zoo here and got to play with a baby tiger, so be jealous
• I have not gotten sick yet and so I rock
• I was able to be a witness for our neighbors wedding
• I found out that my area is the hardest area in Mexico (but I make it look easy)
• And I have had 3 to 4 conversations in Spanish (all 10 min or more) all by myself, so God does love me
• More later I promise
Monday, March 22, 2010
usted es un santo?
Hello my loyal subjects!!!!
Alright, this week we are finishing my fourth week and are heading into the fifth. Wow I have made it pretty far; three months and a few days. Ok, before I go into all of my amazing experiences and stories that you all live for, I am going to talk about how I’ve been feeling… just to mix it up a little.
So this last week has been my first real mountain to climb, it has been mentally, physically, and spiritually draining. It has been the first time I have really questioned being here and if I’m cut out for this work. The devil knows his stuff and has been throwing me a few curveballs, he has made me question my faith, made me question my worthiness, question who I am and what I want in life. Well I’m glad to say I have over come my trial of faith and wondering about who I am (at least for now).
But when it comes to worthiness I need an outside opinion. I feel that I am worthy and have repented of all, but I need affirmation so I can have a clean conscious before the Lord and can stop worrying about it. This is going to be hard for all of you to hear but I’m not perfect :0) …not even close. So if worse comes to worse, and I am sent home, I would hope that before you judge me or give me that pep-talk about how I should of figured things out before I left… know that “I know”. I could go through my mission and never say a thing and say it’s between me and the Lord. But I promised myself that I was going to do this right or not do it at all. I will not be a liar; I will not be a fake, or a hypocrite. I will do anything to have a clean conscious. This is amazingly hard to write and know that people will read it, but like I said I will not lie about how I am feeling and what is happening in my life. This is what I write in my journal and this is all very personal so please handle with care.
This is some of the most important work that has or ever been. I am honored to work with the amazing people here. This is the restored church of Jesus Christ and I know this in my heart and in my soul. I will admit that I have my doubts and fears--but I know that all will be revealed to me in time and that I need to be patient . I have an unshakable testimony on family and how the members of our family were selected for a reason. I have a testimony of repentance and the power of change it brings in peoples lives. It heals the heart … ok ok ok I’m done with that.
I don’t have much time to write so I might not be as exciting as I’d like, but I’ll do my best. This week my companion and I have been working really hard to get our neighbors married and the dad baptized and we have been hitting a lot of road blocks but all in all it has worked out and they should be married and the dad baptized on Wednesday. I’m super excited and I hope he lets me baptize him.
While I have been here I have seen a lot of strange things and met some crazy crazy people. Like yesterday, my companion and I were walking to an appointment when this guy and his friend stopped us and started talking. So I did what I usually do... look at them, smile and nod my head like I understand, (which we all know I don’t) Well, then I was looking toward his friend (at this time I thought maybe he was a handicap, and was thinking I should keep an eye on him) and he looked and me and stopped every muscle in his body and said, “gahsdlmnaeri “ (ya, I don’t understand it either) I then resorted to my natural reaction and smiled and nodded… he saw my name tag and that it said “saint” on it then with a look of wonder asked me “Usted es un santo?” I was still nodding my head at this time so he thought I was saying yes to “Are you a saint?” He got all big-eyed and started freaking out so we had to leave. (I later found out he was just really drunk)
I found out some more crazy things about Mexico… They don’t have a dump, or at least I don’t think they do because they have trash everywhere. The only rule is if their is trash already there then you need to put it somewhere else. They want to evenly disperse it across all of Mexico. ...haha
Oh, and ladies breast feed out in the open!!! Like what the heck?!!! So when I’m in the city I usually just look at the ground just to make sure that I’m not caught off guard.
That is all I have time for I’m sorry if my spelling is bad, but this computer is all in Spanish and so I can’t spell check. (my entire letter is in red) Live long and prosper and remember to not judge me too harshly. Your humble servant and friend,
Elder Aaron Cranford
Alright, this week we are finishing my fourth week and are heading into the fifth. Wow I have made it pretty far; three months and a few days. Ok, before I go into all of my amazing experiences and stories that you all live for, I am going to talk about how I’ve been feeling… just to mix it up a little.
So this last week has been my first real mountain to climb, it has been mentally, physically, and spiritually draining. It has been the first time I have really questioned being here and if I’m cut out for this work. The devil knows his stuff and has been throwing me a few curveballs, he has made me question my faith, made me question my worthiness, question who I am and what I want in life. Well I’m glad to say I have over come my trial of faith and wondering about who I am (at least for now).
But when it comes to worthiness I need an outside opinion. I feel that I am worthy and have repented of all, but I need affirmation so I can have a clean conscious before the Lord and can stop worrying about it. This is going to be hard for all of you to hear but I’m not perfect :0) …not even close. So if worse comes to worse, and I am sent home, I would hope that before you judge me or give me that pep-talk about how I should of figured things out before I left… know that “I know”. I could go through my mission and never say a thing and say it’s between me and the Lord. But I promised myself that I was going to do this right or not do it at all. I will not be a liar; I will not be a fake, or a hypocrite. I will do anything to have a clean conscious. This is amazingly hard to write and know that people will read it, but like I said I will not lie about how I am feeling and what is happening in my life. This is what I write in my journal and this is all very personal so please handle with care.
This is some of the most important work that has or ever been. I am honored to work with the amazing people here. This is the restored church of Jesus Christ and I know this in my heart and in my soul. I will admit that I have my doubts and fears--but I know that all will be revealed to me in time and that I need to be patient . I have an unshakable testimony on family and how the members of our family were selected for a reason. I have a testimony of repentance and the power of change it brings in peoples lives. It heals the heart … ok ok ok I’m done with that.
I don’t have much time to write so I might not be as exciting as I’d like, but I’ll do my best. This week my companion and I have been working really hard to get our neighbors married and the dad baptized and we have been hitting a lot of road blocks but all in all it has worked out and they should be married and the dad baptized on Wednesday. I’m super excited and I hope he lets me baptize him.
While I have been here I have seen a lot of strange things and met some crazy crazy people. Like yesterday, my companion and I were walking to an appointment when this guy and his friend stopped us and started talking. So I did what I usually do... look at them, smile and nod my head like I understand, (which we all know I don’t) Well, then I was looking toward his friend (at this time I thought maybe he was a handicap, and was thinking I should keep an eye on him) and he looked and me and stopped every muscle in his body and said, “gahsdlmnaeri “ (ya, I don’t understand it either) I then resorted to my natural reaction and smiled and nodded… he saw my name tag and that it said “saint” on it then with a look of wonder asked me “Usted es un santo?” I was still nodding my head at this time so he thought I was saying yes to “Are you a saint?” He got all big-eyed and started freaking out so we had to leave. (I later found out he was just really drunk)
I found out some more crazy things about Mexico… They don’t have a dump, or at least I don’t think they do because they have trash everywhere. The only rule is if their is trash already there then you need to put it somewhere else. They want to evenly disperse it across all of Mexico. ...haha
Oh, and ladies breast feed out in the open!!! Like what the heck?!!! So when I’m in the city I usually just look at the ground just to make sure that I’m not caught off guard.
That is all I have time for I’m sorry if my spelling is bad, but this computer is all in Spanish and so I can’t spell check. (my entire letter is in red) Live long and prosper and remember to not judge me too harshly. Your humble servant and friend,
Elder Aaron Cranford
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
God qualifies the called
Hello people in a distant land!!!
It has already been three weeks and now I am working on my fourth. Wow! It has been crazy so far. Ok ok ok…the updates on how to lay low in Mexico ha ha…
So last time I left you was after we got our first baptismal date with our neighbor. And well, since then a lot has happened. I’m not sure where to start, but ok, this past week has been about going to a lot of meetings and finding new investigators. My companion is the district leader in our area of 200ish miles--and we have to have meetings a lot I guess. Once again when I say that… I mean “he” has meetings because all I do is read my scriptures (or draw ha ha they talk amazingly fast and it makes no sense to me so don’t judge).
We have now become seminary teachers for the next while, so as of now we teach both seminary and institute and two classes in church.
Well I do have a story for all of you. About a week and a half ago I met a man by the name of Gregorio (in English it is Gregory). The reason I met him is because I am the only white guy for probably 50 miles and am taller than everyone here. He of course saw me and came and talked to me. Luckily for me he spoke English!!! We talked and he is an illegal that crosses the border every other year for work. He is probably one of the nicest people I have ever met and is always trying to get me to take drinks from his store for free ha ha. Well, anyway we taught him the first lesson. We came back to him two days ago to give him the second lesson, give him a book of Mormon, and maybe ask about a baptismal date. But when we got there he told us his Pastor was there. Well he told us to talk to her and we were hesitant but he was persistent so we came back and saw her.
Well, we said “hi” and all the nice things then she started asking all the questions about what our message was about. I haven't been able to talk to kids let alone explain the church and defend it. So I did what I have been doing, have always done, and expect to do for a long time… I sat there smiled and nodded my head. Then came the time to testify and I tried my very best to tell how the Book of Mormon has changed my life. Ok, this is the cool part… after my horrible attempt to do my best at speaking the language, she told my companion that I spoke horribly but she understood me and felt my testimony!!!! Ok, that is the gift of tongues right there! We gave her a Book of Mormon and left. It was all in all pretty cool.
Ok, one more story that comes to mind… we were coming back from an appointment that fell through (which really stank because it takes us like 30 min on a bus to get there and 20 on foot up some pretty steep hills) and we felt like we had wasted a lot of time. But on our way back we met a guy that told us he had read the whole Book of Mormon and wanted us to teach him. I was super excited. We went back to his house and he got out his Book of Mormon and showed us. And guess what his bookmaker was… a pornographic image. I saw it and started laughing pretty hard because I’m super naive. He didn’t even notice. We told him we would come back in a day or so. My companion later told me that he was drunk. So a long story short we came back and had a lesson with him and he is going to be baptized at the end of the month hopefully. All in all, everything in Mexico is going at full speed, so thank you all for tuning in and listening.
Testimony time:
I was told something by a teacher in the MTC that has stuck with me it goes something like this. “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” I know that right now I am nothing, but going through the refiners fire or trials and life will be what I want to be. I will overcome my weakness as long as I count on the Lord and do all I can He will do the rest. (2 Nephi 25: 23)
Alright, thank you so much for sending me email/mail it helps a lot and it also means a lot to me. If you want to send me packages, and of course you do... this is the address:
Elder Aaron Paul Cranford
Mexico Puebla Mission
Calle 25 Sur #907
Col. La Paz
72160 Puebla, Puebla
Mexico
The champion of your hearts,
Elder Aaron Paul Cranford
It has already been three weeks and now I am working on my fourth. Wow! It has been crazy so far. Ok ok ok…the updates on how to lay low in Mexico ha ha…
So last time I left you was after we got our first baptismal date with our neighbor. And well, since then a lot has happened. I’m not sure where to start, but ok, this past week has been about going to a lot of meetings and finding new investigators. My companion is the district leader in our area of 200ish miles--and we have to have meetings a lot I guess. Once again when I say that… I mean “he” has meetings because all I do is read my scriptures (or draw ha ha they talk amazingly fast and it makes no sense to me so don’t judge).
We have now become seminary teachers for the next while, so as of now we teach both seminary and institute and two classes in church.
Well I do have a story for all of you. About a week and a half ago I met a man by the name of Gregorio (in English it is Gregory). The reason I met him is because I am the only white guy for probably 50 miles and am taller than everyone here. He of course saw me and came and talked to me. Luckily for me he spoke English!!! We talked and he is an illegal that crosses the border every other year for work. He is probably one of the nicest people I have ever met and is always trying to get me to take drinks from his store for free ha ha. Well, anyway we taught him the first lesson. We came back to him two days ago to give him the second lesson, give him a book of Mormon, and maybe ask about a baptismal date. But when we got there he told us his Pastor was there. Well he told us to talk to her and we were hesitant but he was persistent so we came back and saw her.
Well, we said “hi” and all the nice things then she started asking all the questions about what our message was about. I haven't been able to talk to kids let alone explain the church and defend it. So I did what I have been doing, have always done, and expect to do for a long time… I sat there smiled and nodded my head. Then came the time to testify and I tried my very best to tell how the Book of Mormon has changed my life. Ok, this is the cool part… after my horrible attempt to do my best at speaking the language, she told my companion that I spoke horribly but she understood me and felt my testimony!!!! Ok, that is the gift of tongues right there! We gave her a Book of Mormon and left. It was all in all pretty cool.
Ok, one more story that comes to mind… we were coming back from an appointment that fell through (which really stank because it takes us like 30 min on a bus to get there and 20 on foot up some pretty steep hills) and we felt like we had wasted a lot of time. But on our way back we met a guy that told us he had read the whole Book of Mormon and wanted us to teach him. I was super excited. We went back to his house and he got out his Book of Mormon and showed us. And guess what his bookmaker was… a pornographic image. I saw it and started laughing pretty hard because I’m super naive. He didn’t even notice. We told him we would come back in a day or so. My companion later told me that he was drunk. So a long story short we came back and had a lesson with him and he is going to be baptized at the end of the month hopefully. All in all, everything in Mexico is going at full speed, so thank you all for tuning in and listening.
Testimony time:
I was told something by a teacher in the MTC that has stuck with me it goes something like this. “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” I know that right now I am nothing, but going through the refiners fire or trials and life will be what I want to be. I will overcome my weakness as long as I count on the Lord and do all I can He will do the rest. (2 Nephi 25: 23)
Alright, thank you so much for sending me email/mail it helps a lot and it also means a lot to me. If you want to send me packages, and of course you do... this is the address:
Elder Aaron Paul Cranford
Mexico Puebla Mission
Calle 25 Sur #907
Col. La Paz
72160 Puebla, Puebla
Mexico
The champion of your hearts,
Elder Aaron Paul Cranford
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
roller coaster
Hello upper body of the world!!! (Only Nephi will get that),
So I’m hitting my 2 week mark this next Wednesday and I am alive and well!! I have so much to tell you all and so little time to share my experiences, thoughts and feelings!! Alright, lets get you up-to-date and go from there (but once again I am sorry for the craziness and the non-formal format of my letters ha ha I just say what jumps into my head first).
Ok, I left you at zone conference last time so… zone conference was probably super spiritual and just what I needed to hear to reignite my fire for the work, but… It was in spanish ha ha and spanish is the most ridiculous language there ever was (don’t even try to disagree with me) so what did I do during that time? yup.. slept and drew pictures!!! ha ha I know that’s not very missionary of me but I plan on being absolutely honest in all I write to the outside world. I will not exaggerate, lie, or change the facts to make myself look good (I might exaggerate a little haha) because I want you to know the what, how and why (and all the other descriptive words) on what’s going on with me--really. Anyway, after the 6 1/2ish hour long meetings we went home, slept and then the next day went to work.
I give the spiritual thought and butcher my way through my testimony then my companion takes it from there. Our numbers have been really low in our district but we are doing a lot better now and are hoping to see results soon.
Today was a pretty sad day; Elder Farr left for the home front. We have been through it all from the beginning. He was my roommate in the MTC and we had the awesome ability to see each other often and talk. I see "Nephi Farr" as one of my close friends and was sad to see him go. But I believe he is doing the right thing in leaving and I won’t go into too much detail because it’s not my place to say, but know that I am behind him 100% and that he is a good man and is the master of integrity ha ha.
What else? Oh ya, our neighbors next to us... the woman is a member but her boyfriend is not. We have been working with him and got him to commit to a baptismal date at the end of this month, so I am super excited to see how it woks out.
What else? ….Oh I noticed something here that blows my mind. Everyone here wears really nice clothes; I mean like back in the states $100 jeans and $40 shirts. Then I remembered they make all the clothes! But that is not what is so crazy, they wear shirts with english wording…. they don’t know what their shirt says!!! Elder Farr saw a lady and her shirt said (in really big letters) "I´M A DORK" ha ha ha. I laughed at that for awhile.
Alright, now for how I’m feeling... ha ha (the fun part…not) I am on an emotional rollercoaster! One moment I am so sure that this is where I´m supposed to be and I’m doing what’s right and the next moment I’m wondering how much a plane ticket is back home. I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss being lazy all the time and having my life handed to me haha. But at the same time I am excited to become strong with the Lord and become the man I really do want to be. I want to want to get up at 6:30 every day which is amazingly hard and want to grow up and take life by the throat and choke slam it it to submission (Colton that was for you ha ha). What I’m trying to say is I’m ready to change. I have been blessed so much (Matthew 11:28-30)! My burdens have been made light every day and I’m happy and willing to do my best. My companion is the most patient guy in the world. And I love the people here even if they make no sense to me yet. I have been studying integrity and it along with charity are what I´m striving for right now ha ha. I am going to start studying grace and the importance of works if any one wants to help out ha ha. I would love to get your insight and advice. Thank you to everyone that is writing me. I love to get mail and it really means a lot to me. I love all of you and you are all in my prayers. I’m excited to hear about your experiences while I’m gone and to see how you can all live without me because I’m pretty sure that life must stink without me ha ha.
So my testimony is small but it’s what keeps me going on everyday…I know that my family is the most important thing in my life, they are my teachers, my examples, my friends, and my everything. They pick me up when I am weak and push me to be better than I thought I could ever be. I know that God loves me even when I´m less than perfect. I find happiness in the gospel and the promises it give me. Not a lot can be said of me but I do my best and I know the Lord will bring me to my knees for my good and I thank Him everyday for giving me the opportunity to grow and become better (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Your soldier of the lord and the missing piece in your hearts,
Elder Aaron paul Cranford
P.S. Hey, if you guys could send me some pictures of you that would be cool!!!! I need them.
So I’m hitting my 2 week mark this next Wednesday and I am alive and well!! I have so much to tell you all and so little time to share my experiences, thoughts and feelings!! Alright, lets get you up-to-date and go from there (but once again I am sorry for the craziness and the non-formal format of my letters ha ha I just say what jumps into my head first).
Ok, I left you at zone conference last time so… zone conference was probably super spiritual and just what I needed to hear to reignite my fire for the work, but… It was in spanish ha ha and spanish is the most ridiculous language there ever was (don’t even try to disagree with me) so what did I do during that time? yup.. slept and drew pictures!!! ha ha I know that’s not very missionary of me but I plan on being absolutely honest in all I write to the outside world. I will not exaggerate, lie, or change the facts to make myself look good (I might exaggerate a little haha) because I want you to know the what, how and why (and all the other descriptive words) on what’s going on with me--really. Anyway, after the 6 1/2ish hour long meetings we went home, slept and then the next day went to work.
I give the spiritual thought and butcher my way through my testimony then my companion takes it from there. Our numbers have been really low in our district but we are doing a lot better now and are hoping to see results soon.
Today was a pretty sad day; Elder Farr left for the home front. We have been through it all from the beginning. He was my roommate in the MTC and we had the awesome ability to see each other often and talk. I see "Nephi Farr" as one of my close friends and was sad to see him go. But I believe he is doing the right thing in leaving and I won’t go into too much detail because it’s not my place to say, but know that I am behind him 100% and that he is a good man and is the master of integrity ha ha.
What else? Oh ya, our neighbors next to us... the woman is a member but her boyfriend is not. We have been working with him and got him to commit to a baptismal date at the end of this month, so I am super excited to see how it woks out.
What else? ….Oh I noticed something here that blows my mind. Everyone here wears really nice clothes; I mean like back in the states $100 jeans and $40 shirts. Then I remembered they make all the clothes! But that is not what is so crazy, they wear shirts with english wording…. they don’t know what their shirt says!!! Elder Farr saw a lady and her shirt said (in really big letters) "I´M A DORK" ha ha ha. I laughed at that for awhile.
Alright, now for how I’m feeling... ha ha (the fun part…not) I am on an emotional rollercoaster! One moment I am so sure that this is where I´m supposed to be and I’m doing what’s right and the next moment I’m wondering how much a plane ticket is back home. I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss being lazy all the time and having my life handed to me haha. But at the same time I am excited to become strong with the Lord and become the man I really do want to be. I want to want to get up at 6:30 every day which is amazingly hard and want to grow up and take life by the throat and choke slam it it to submission (Colton that was for you ha ha). What I’m trying to say is I’m ready to change. I have been blessed so much (Matthew 11:28-30)! My burdens have been made light every day and I’m happy and willing to do my best. My companion is the most patient guy in the world. And I love the people here even if they make no sense to me yet. I have been studying integrity and it along with charity are what I´m striving for right now ha ha. I am going to start studying grace and the importance of works if any one wants to help out ha ha. I would love to get your insight and advice. Thank you to everyone that is writing me. I love to get mail and it really means a lot to me. I love all of you and you are all in my prayers. I’m excited to hear about your experiences while I’m gone and to see how you can all live without me because I’m pretty sure that life must stink without me ha ha.
So my testimony is small but it’s what keeps me going on everyday…I know that my family is the most important thing in my life, they are my teachers, my examples, my friends, and my everything. They pick me up when I am weak and push me to be better than I thought I could ever be. I know that God loves me even when I´m less than perfect. I find happiness in the gospel and the promises it give me. Not a lot can be said of me but I do my best and I know the Lord will bring me to my knees for my good and I thank Him everyday for giving me the opportunity to grow and become better (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Your soldier of the lord and the missing piece in your hearts,
Elder Aaron paul Cranford
P.S. Hey, if you guys could send me some pictures of you that would be cool!!!! I need them.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
first letter from the field
Hola outside world!
So this is how it is going to work; I’m writing a basic letter on how I am doing to go out to everyone. And then for some of you I will write a personal message.
Alright so first things first ...HOLY SMOKES!! What have I gotten myself into?!! Mexico is straight up crazy! So I’ll explain what’s been going on since I landed:
We landed and I was one of the lucky ones and had all my luggage. We met our mission president and the AP’s (Assistant to the president) and they are all really nice. We then went to their home and ate dinner and stayed the night.
I won’t lie, on our way through Puebla to the house my only thoughts were…
#1 Wow, I am probably going to die in one of those streets, and
#2 Two years ... two years ... two years!
Ok, Mexico is the garbage can of the world; it is the nastiest place ever, not like all the pictures.
(Sorry if I jump around a lot) Then the next day we got our new companions and went to our new areas. My companion’s name is Elder Ortiz and he is a native to Mexico.... who doesn’t speak English very much. In the beginning he purposely spoke only Spanish and so I thought he didn’t speak any English...but he does. (He thought he was funny or something)
We then, went on a bus for 2 hours to drop off one set of companions (Elder Farr and his comp). Then once we dropped them off we went and took another bus for another hour to get to our area. My area is called Ajalpan (I think that is how you spell it) and then walked about a mile to get to our house. So in short, I live in the middle of nowhere. It is a mile or 2 to go anywhere.
I got settled in and went to work. The first day we went to the church (which is newish) and my companion taught the members something about how to talk to friends about the church. We have, like, 10 active people that come to church... with, like, 40-60 in-active. So I met almost the whole district (we are not big enough to be a ward). I didn’t understand a thing anyone was saying.....nothing. I just butchered my way through the language, smiled a lot, and used my hands to show them what I meant. They are all really nice and understanding about how I suck at Spanish.
We then went home and planned, went to bed. Oh, and by the way, my house is a dump. There have to be a 100,000 health code violations, but in Mexico I don’t think they care much about that, ha ha. I need a blanket because I don’t have one and I need a pillow because I don’t have one of those either.... but I have a mattress so I’m doing pretty good.I got up the next day and got ready (oh and the shower is messed... like first I have to turn on the boiler and wait for 20 minutes and then get in, but I have to be fast and careful because if I don’t turn the knobs just the right way I get 2 minutes of scorching hot water and then I have ice cold water for the rest of the shower. And then I need to be careful to watch all the corners because they all have holes and when I shower the spiders living in them like to come out to see if I’m paying attention and if I’m not they will attack.
Then we went to work.... we have taught 3 of 4 people so far. …and when I say we, I mean my companion because I don’t understand ANYTHING. So I just smile, say my testimony and pray (which I do them all wrong) oh and most of the words I learned in the MTC mean nothing out here ... I have to unlearn a lot of them at least... as they say in Spanish SOPLA (it blows).
Umm, what else? ... Oh and I figured that Mexico must be the soda capital of the world. That is all they drink, but the coke here is off the chain ha ha.WE WALK EVERYWHERE. When they told us that, all I thought about was how buff my legs would be--but now all I think about is how soon I am going to need another pair of shoes and how many blisters I got that day, ha ha.
Oh ya, and guess what? I’m learning a third language--it is another dialect here in my area. I forget what it’s called but I’ll let you all know later.
Right now I’m in Tuhuchan (or something like that) and we are staying the night because tomorrow is zone conference. Oh, and you know all of those jokes about how many Mexicans can fit in a car …they are all true. They are facts not jokes. In a car that is supposed to fit at max 7 people--I have been in one that have fit 17-20ish. And another amazing thing is a whole family of 6 can fit on one bike ... it blows my mind.
Oh, and so what they told me coming out here… is to stay away from the girls because they like the white meat... and they apparently greet everyone with a kiss, so I was supposed to watch out; what a joke. There is not a single attractive girl here they just don’t exist... so that will not be a trial out here ha ha.
Oh, and I love the food so far. I have thrown caution into the wind and eaten everythingthat has been put in front of me and I have lived. Don’t get me wrong I have prayed at every meal before we eat and ask to be able to eat the nasty things but all is well.Alright, now to talk about how things are going..... Not good. They pumped me up in the MTC and got me ready to baptize and be obedient but its different out here… don’t get me wrong, I am obedient to the max, but it feels like the missionaries are just getting lazy with the work. I have tried to talk to my companion about it but he doesn’t understand what I mean. (Luckily I was blessed with an obedient companion) but when we go to members all the time and when we are there and don’t share a message; it’s not right. But what do I know; I’ve only been doing this for 5 days?
Elder Farr, my friend, has it really bad. His companion is a joke and is super lazy. Elder Farr has already been having a hard time staying on a mission because he doesn’t want to really be here. He is scared that his family will be angry if he quits, so he is pushing through it. He is a good guy and I’m not sure how to help him except tell him I love him and that I’m not going to leave anytime…so at least he will have a friend. It goes deeper that what I’m writing here but it has affected me so I thought I would put it down.
Other than all the strange things I’ve talked about I can honestly say so far I am happy here. I’m keeping a good attitude about it all and laughing a ton at myself and the things I see. I hate not being able to speak Spanish and being the only white guy. (I now know what its like to be a minority) but the lord is blessing me with almost more than I can handle. My testimony is still small but it is pure and strong. I know that God loves me and is mindful of me, I know that when it looks like God kicks you when your down he is really only letting you grow and it’s because he loves you. I know that families can be together forever.
From the best looking missionary that will ever walk the face of the earth,
Elder Cranford
So this is how it is going to work; I’m writing a basic letter on how I am doing to go out to everyone. And then for some of you I will write a personal message.
Alright so first things first ...HOLY SMOKES!! What have I gotten myself into?!! Mexico is straight up crazy! So I’ll explain what’s been going on since I landed:
We landed and I was one of the lucky ones and had all my luggage. We met our mission president and the AP’s (Assistant to the president) and they are all really nice. We then went to their home and ate dinner and stayed the night.
I won’t lie, on our way through Puebla to the house my only thoughts were…
#1 Wow, I am probably going to die in one of those streets, and
#2 Two years ... two years ... two years!
Ok, Mexico is the garbage can of the world; it is the nastiest place ever, not like all the pictures.
(Sorry if I jump around a lot) Then the next day we got our new companions and went to our new areas. My companion’s name is Elder Ortiz and he is a native to Mexico.... who doesn’t speak English very much. In the beginning he purposely spoke only Spanish and so I thought he didn’t speak any English...but he does. (He thought he was funny or something)
We then, went on a bus for 2 hours to drop off one set of companions (Elder Farr and his comp). Then once we dropped them off we went and took another bus for another hour to get to our area. My area is called Ajalpan (I think that is how you spell it) and then walked about a mile to get to our house. So in short, I live in the middle of nowhere. It is a mile or 2 to go anywhere.
I got settled in and went to work. The first day we went to the church (which is newish) and my companion taught the members something about how to talk to friends about the church. We have, like, 10 active people that come to church... with, like, 40-60 in-active. So I met almost the whole district (we are not big enough to be a ward). I didn’t understand a thing anyone was saying.....nothing. I just butchered my way through the language, smiled a lot, and used my hands to show them what I meant. They are all really nice and understanding about how I suck at Spanish.
We then went home and planned, went to bed. Oh, and by the way, my house is a dump. There have to be a 100,000 health code violations, but in Mexico I don’t think they care much about that, ha ha. I need a blanket because I don’t have one and I need a pillow because I don’t have one of those either.... but I have a mattress so I’m doing pretty good.I got up the next day and got ready (oh and the shower is messed... like first I have to turn on the boiler and wait for 20 minutes and then get in, but I have to be fast and careful because if I don’t turn the knobs just the right way I get 2 minutes of scorching hot water and then I have ice cold water for the rest of the shower. And then I need to be careful to watch all the corners because they all have holes and when I shower the spiders living in them like to come out to see if I’m paying attention and if I’m not they will attack.
Then we went to work.... we have taught 3 of 4 people so far. …and when I say we, I mean my companion because I don’t understand ANYTHING. So I just smile, say my testimony and pray (which I do them all wrong) oh and most of the words I learned in the MTC mean nothing out here ... I have to unlearn a lot of them at least... as they say in Spanish SOPLA (it blows).
Umm, what else? ... Oh and I figured that Mexico must be the soda capital of the world. That is all they drink, but the coke here is off the chain ha ha.WE WALK EVERYWHERE. When they told us that, all I thought about was how buff my legs would be--but now all I think about is how soon I am going to need another pair of shoes and how many blisters I got that day, ha ha.
Oh ya, and guess what? I’m learning a third language--it is another dialect here in my area. I forget what it’s called but I’ll let you all know later.
Right now I’m in Tuhuchan (or something like that) and we are staying the night because tomorrow is zone conference. Oh, and you know all of those jokes about how many Mexicans can fit in a car …they are all true. They are facts not jokes. In a car that is supposed to fit at max 7 people--I have been in one that have fit 17-20ish. And another amazing thing is a whole family of 6 can fit on one bike ... it blows my mind.
Oh, and so what they told me coming out here… is to stay away from the girls because they like the white meat... and they apparently greet everyone with a kiss, so I was supposed to watch out; what a joke. There is not a single attractive girl here they just don’t exist... so that will not be a trial out here ha ha.
Oh, and I love the food so far. I have thrown caution into the wind and eaten everythingthat has been put in front of me and I have lived. Don’t get me wrong I have prayed at every meal before we eat and ask to be able to eat the nasty things but all is well.Alright, now to talk about how things are going..... Not good. They pumped me up in the MTC and got me ready to baptize and be obedient but its different out here… don’t get me wrong, I am obedient to the max, but it feels like the missionaries are just getting lazy with the work. I have tried to talk to my companion about it but he doesn’t understand what I mean. (Luckily I was blessed with an obedient companion) but when we go to members all the time and when we are there and don’t share a message; it’s not right. But what do I know; I’ve only been doing this for 5 days?
Elder Farr, my friend, has it really bad. His companion is a joke and is super lazy. Elder Farr has already been having a hard time staying on a mission because he doesn’t want to really be here. He is scared that his family will be angry if he quits, so he is pushing through it. He is a good guy and I’m not sure how to help him except tell him I love him and that I’m not going to leave anytime…so at least he will have a friend. It goes deeper that what I’m writing here but it has affected me so I thought I would put it down.
Other than all the strange things I’ve talked about I can honestly say so far I am happy here. I’m keeping a good attitude about it all and laughing a ton at myself and the things I see. I hate not being able to speak Spanish and being the only white guy. (I now know what its like to be a minority) but the lord is blessing me with almost more than I can handle. My testimony is still small but it is pure and strong. I know that God loves me and is mindful of me, I know that when it looks like God kicks you when your down he is really only letting you grow and it’s because he loves you. I know that families can be together forever.
From the best looking missionary that will ever walk the face of the earth,
Elder Cranford
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
