If you give a mouse a cookie...

FAMILY!!!!

I can't believe I am sitting down to write you yet another letter, already! I feel like it was yesterday that I wrote you. And then I think about what has happened, and I am like....alright lets just get down to business. Ha! But seriously, lots has happened.

So I finally received my companion. She is from Itu (São Paulo). She is awesome. Super excited to be serving the Lord, which makes working that much more fun (and easier). We seem to be in sync. Her name is Sister Cortez.

Miracle of the week--

One day, I decided to set aside and contact ALL of the references from other missionaries. We had received a ton, during the week my companion went home. And so we set out on a journey, in the farthest part of the west side of Gama. And we are just going about, contacting...finding the addresses, teaching a little bit here or there. And we are about to go to one that the address was a little skiwomp. But I had a number. Keep in mind, this dude has already been to church, and read half the book of Mormon. So i am getting anxious to contact and start teaching him. So as I am calling him, somebody answers and they have never heard of anybody by this name. And so I hang up. What do I do???  I am looking at the address, and it looks like an address in central part of Gama, not west. So I just decide, Okay, I will go there later today when we are there. And we move on to the next address. We are searching for this address (houses and addresses in brasil are totally sketch...) and its hot, and my companion is thinking I am crazy and she was partially dying as she still isn't accustomed to mission life. I am asking everybody where this address is located, and nobody knows. But for some reason, I am not giving up. When all of a sudden, I turn the corner....and the address before was right there! And the dude who had been to church, read the book of Mormon was in his driveway! And I just looked up at Heavenly Father, and started to laugh. Cause sometimes, he sure is funny how he shows me the way. And sure enough, this kid (Allison) is awesome! I am excited to see what happens with him!

This week, was a week of progress for ALL of our investigators. But most importantly....EVALDO! 

This week, he started to take steps backwards, and I was getting SUPER worried. When all of a sudden, a little voice told me, just ask him if he believes the Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus Christ. So I decided to ask him. And in that moment, he stopped, my companion stopped, and the silence just grew. And he said, "Yes." And in that moment, words just started coming out of my mouth, kind of like when we read that book "If you give a Mouse of Cookie...", and I begin to list the things we know if we know the Book of Mormon is true. "If we believe the Book of Mormon is true, we know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, we know that we have a Prophet here in this earth, and that they have Priesthood power, that Jesus Christ visited the Americas, and that The Church of Jesus Christ was restored to this through this priesthood power, starting with Joseph Smith. And we know, that the Church that we are representing today, is the only true church on this earth. 

And we just sat there, waiting for a response from him, and he just smiles. Then starts to talk about the Word of Wisdom and how he is going to stop drinking coffee and smoking. And without hesitation starts talking about how he is going to go to church the FULL three hours. And I just sat there.... "Heavenly Father, you are a miracle worker."

I really am realizing that God works in different ways. More than half the time, I think I am talking to my investigator, teaching them, and the spirit is testifying and that they are going to accept it...and then all of a sudden-- NO! Something happens. And I sit there, and think WHYYYYYY! The spirit was there. But as Jeffery R. Holland said, part of my mission will be to convert myself unto this Gospel. And I realize....that what I thought was needed for the investigator, and would touch their hearts, was actually for me, I just didn't know it. The Lord, he works when we least expect it. As much as I am grateful to be here in Brasil, helping others...I am even more grateful that my testimony is growing of this wonderful Restored Gospel. 

And as I have been training, I am so grateful to learn every day how to be a better instrument in His hands. 

I am grateful for this opportunity. I am grateful my growing knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, and that he paid the price. I love you guys, and am so grateful for every single one of you! 

TE AMO!

Sister Craig

 My daughter in the mission!!!!!!! Sister Cortez! She is a blast. 

 First day of these two Newbies! From Left to right-- Sister Cortez (my companion), Sister Pariona, from Peru, Me, Sister Souza!

 Filling the buckets to clean!

We helped him wash his car at 7 o'clock at night! It was a blast! My family away from family!

She'll be comin' around the mountain - Septemer 8, 2014

First and foremost-- Happy 8 months without Sister Craig!!!! Man, I can't believe you guys have actually made it this far without me! Hahahaha. Hilarious. 

Secondmost- Today was transfers, I stayed in Gama (hallelujah!!!) and my companion is........ TRAINING!!!! I will be training a greenie. Or in the mission terms, I am going to have a daughter! Guys, I didn't even know I was pregnant!  Haha, got any good jokes? I am totally kidding. It is going to be awesome!! For today, I am with Sister Souza and Sister Forsyth (comp from the MTC), here in Gama. And tomorrow we will pick up the newbies. All of us are training. Like the whole world...cause 26 arrive tomorrow and 20 something arrive next transfer. It was really cool to hear President Lundgren talk about the growth of our Mission during the training of the trainers...(?)haha. He talked about how the Prophet is obviously trusting a lot in our Mission because we have had 3 consecutive transfers full of newbies, more than 20. And all the others are like 5-8 newbies. I am super...excited and nervous for this transfer! I want to train this Sister right! Prayers will be needed, and advice is always welcomed from those RM's I know :). 

This week was.....busy! First off, I said Tchau to Sister Valenzuela, as she headed home and finished the mission. I totally cried like a baby, because I LOVED her. But, I am sure that whats next is going to be great! I stayed here in Gama with the other group of Sisters, and worked a lot with their investigators. They are teaching two dudes named, Eric and Isais (Isaiah?) who are going to get baptized this Sunday! Yaaaa! These guys are complete and totally miracles. They were those guys that drank, smoked...and now after receiving the lessons they have completely turned their lives around, going to church, keeping the word of wisdom, and totally excited for their baptism this Sunday! They both are single fathers, with the cutest little kids! It was fun to get to know them while the other Sisters got to know them as well. Haha. Saturday night, we taught them in the chapel with our Elder's Quorum President. We taught them about Plan of Salvation and they were asking questions about Eternal Families, and they asked me about my family. Inside I just started dying a little bit, as the spirit testified to me, "Yes, you have an eternal family! They are waiting for you in the US, praying for you!" Its seriously the most trunky thing, but I just got a little teary eyed as I told and testified of the truths of Eternity in the Gospel. And then everybody started laughing at me because I was teary eyed, and so I quickly zipped my eyes up and turned off the water works. But I am SO grateful to know that the work we do here, the opportunities we have to be sealed as a family, are true. I know this, and am so grateful for it. After that lesson, I think it was...that night...I was just doing a little reading in my scriptures, and what I ended up reading was Alma 26, where Ammon is talking about the Lord, and the work that he had done, and how he used them as instruments in His hands. And I just got so grateful that I turned the water works back on. In verse 2 (I think) where it asks about the blessings that God has given us, I just started thinking and thinking and thinking of the ALL of the blessings he has given me. So you could say that my heart got swollen up in gratitude of the Lord's tender mercies this week. And as always, I give you all the invite to study Alma 26 this week. As it has become my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon. 

This week was too busy that I don't even remember. Actually, my brain isn't working right cause I woke up at 4 am! Yes, I am crazy. But living with Sisters and one bathroom is impossible!! Haha, so there is that. 

I am really grateful to be here in Brasil. In Gama, doing the Lord's work! I am grateful to have you guys as my support. I know it is small, and doesn't seem like much, but it makes the biggest difference to know of who is on your side. And my side has a lot of people. That's pretty neat... 

This week I have pictures of some families, of transfers today, of Isais and Eric. Next week...my new companion! 

TCHAU!!! Saudades de vocês!

Sister Craig

 Eric and Phillipe! They gave us breakfast before church!

 My family away from Family. Left to right, top to bottom-- Nayara, Papai (Ailson), Mamae (Francisca), Bruno, Sophia, Breno

 Eric and Isais went to church, and all their kids. And other family members. It was joyous!

Sister Dixon from Colorado Springs...and my twin. Even had the same trainer and everything.... TWINS! It was a Parent Trap moment... Mom, Dad...do you guys have something you want to explain???

 We all had Sister Tanaka as a trainer, so we are "sisters"

 Elder Oliveira and I are training! Mamae and Papai!!! Ahhhh

 Sister Souza, Me, Sister Forsyth--- MOMMYS!!!!! 

The best sister trainers!

 Rebecca from Gama Centro

 Carol! 

 Saying goodbye to Sister Valen and Sister Muniz! Ahhhh.

 rma Eurotildes!

Bishop and his Family!!!!!!!

She is baking like a toasted cheeser! September 1, 2014

First and foremost, I have been staring at the word cheeser...or cheezer... How do you spell that word? Is it even a word?

I think the sun has finally gotten to me and my body!!! This week was hotter hotter hotter and DRY! Says little ole me from Denver Colorado, Brasil was hot and dry. Walking in this terrible heat was horrible. But, made it a bit easier for contacts, cause we just ask for water every 10 minutes, which also gets us into a lot more houses. 

This week, though hot and dry, was GREAT! It was the last full week for my companion, but I am happy to report it was our best week yet together! This week, our focus was more lessons with members. Every day, we were marking with members to teach with. One day, we marked with a recently returned Elder, Mauricio. He just got married, and he said he would go out and teach with us. So we marked to visit Delcides with him. Delcidedes is this little old lady who we started teaching recently. She is 70 years old, and the most excited person I have ever met. Haha, she is still working, still up and moving. And she told us that she loves the young people, cause they make her feel young. This lesson was awesome! We taught her the Plan of Salvation, mixed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. AKA: We taught the plan of Salvation, and in the part of talking about our purpose here on earth we talked about the 5 steps, Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost and endure to the end. We let Mauricio talk about these 5 parts. And he started explaining, and we all just sat there in silence as the spirit testified and touched every soul listening. I began to think about the spirit and got a little side tracked in my mind, when all of a sudden I hear Mauricio "Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized with someone holding the Authority to make this covenant?" And then I hear a "Yes, I WANT to be baptized" Followed by a date, and that marks that! Delcides is going to be baptized September 20th!  It was an AWESOME lesson. Plus I love Delcides. She is hilarious. 

This week we put together a Talent Show for our ward...which turned out to be for our ward and another ward. So many people showed up. But we decorated, and every one sang, played the guitar, the piano, danced....it was a HIT! This week, we also moved apartments, AGAIN!!!!! Haha, we finally moved back to live in our area! Less bus time! Less travel time! Going home at the normal hour. Blessing. 

Other than that, this week was normal. Just spent a lot of time finding new people to teach, making a bazillion contacts, teach a ton of people. This week Vitoria and her sister got baptized! And I was so excited for them! I love these 2 girls, and they are so interested in missionary work already. We are going on divisions with them this week. Their first week being members, and they are going to be the missionaries this week! WHAT? The Lord is great! Vitoria is 18 years old, and her sister, Gloria is 17! And they are great! We met them through our English classes that we teach every Wednesday night! 

I love Gama. I love Brasil. I am so grateful for this work. I am so grateful for the Spirit of the Lord that testifies of the truth. I know the things I say to people everyday are true. My testimony of this Restored Gospel grows on a daily basis, and I am so grateful for that! 

Love y'all. Next monday marks month #8! CRAZY! I don't even believe it. Okay, okay. Time is flying. 

Love you guys

Sister Craig

 Ingridy, A less active! She is awesome!

 Ya, they forced me to sing in the talent show. 

 Just being the local MC's here in Gama. And the coolest. 

 Teaching some of the members in our ward to make skirts! Always a joy!

 Haha, just for laughs, we finished cleaning the apartment before the move and I was a little drugy from all the heavy cleaning supplies. But the tangerine was delicious!

We play ping pong with the teens, and their non-member friends!

August 25, 2014

Helllooooo Everybody!!!! Its ME!!!!!!!....Uncle Fran....wait...Sister Craig!!!!!!! 

This week was great! Isn't every week great in the work of the Lord? Yes, I believe it is! Haha.

This week we marked a baptismal date with Evaldo. He is this little old guy that is HILARIOUS. So we were talking to him, following up on his reading. And he said he had been reading, but he wasn't praying. And I asked..."Well why not?!" And he just starts to talk about how it is because he needs to feel pure and be completely certain about what he was going to pray. Basically he was wanting to have his answer without the help of God. So I asked him.... "Evaldo, when you eat cake, do you need to eat all of it to know that it really is cake? And that it really is delicious?" And he says, "No, I think one piece is sufficient." And then he starts laughing....and he said..."So what your saying is that because I went to church, and because I liked church, and liked what I read...that I know this Gospel is true?" And we all just sat there like..."you said it, not me!" Haha, he then asks us when a baptismal date would be, and that he was going to pray that night. He accepted the baptismal date of this Sunday! And I am soooooooo excited for him. This little old man is hilarious. And I have loved working with him. 

We also marked a date with Fernanda. She is a 20 year old lady that is studying in a college here, and SUPER shy. But, she has been taking the lessons normal, praying and reading...and we marked a date with her on the 7th of September! It will be good to see what happens with her! 

This week, we had a Stake activity, that the Stake President ordered that every missionary in the stake be there. That is 40 missionaries. It was an activity for  the youth in our stake about missionary work. And the Mission President and his wife were invited and attended. IT was an AWESOME activity. At one point in time, all the youth were downstairs (because our chapel is huge and has 2 floors) and the stake president was talking to us missionaries. When all of a sudden, he announced, "I have emailed your bishops with an announcement that they need to call the BEST man in your ward to be the Ward Mission Leader. And if the best priesthood worthy man, has a calling, to release him and then call him as Ward Mission Leader. Missionary work is not a joke any more to me" And he just starts to get all super serious and spiritual. And my mouth literally had dropped (no seriously, I was in the biggest shock) and I looked at President Lundgren who was just laughing and smiling at me, giving me the look like, "Yup, you can believe it Sister Craig... it is a necessity." So that is pretty neat, and happening down here. 

This week my body got hit with the biggest cold of all colds. Knocked me out a whole day and a half. Haha. Literally felt like my body was shutting down. But now, I am getting better...almost normal. Haha, normal.... 

Okay what else..I mean, everything is good here in Gama. Gama is Zion! Haha. I think I said that last week. But I LOVE Game. Probably one of the betters here in Brasilia. My companion is still awesome. I mean she has 12 days left. But she is still working harder than ever. My ward is full of incredible people that make me laugh...make me cry.... 

This week will be full of talent show activity preparation, and lots of contacts and finding new people to teach! I pretty much just love my life. Alright? 

I love you guys! And I am certainly still praying for you all!

 Today we went to Asa Norte (Rich part of Brasilia!) 

 I love this sign. Because I LOVE BRASILIA!

I think someone just got a little homesick for Bear Lake.....Sister Craig!!!!

Go for the temple, or go home! August 18, 2014

Family!!! For the record-- The picture of the food I sent... You all have eaten it. By show of emails...who has eaten those brookeside chocolate covered ACAI?!?!!? Then you have all eaten acai. Its a dessert, and chocolate covered its horrible...but put granola and a little sugar, and its the best thing in the world. Y'all don't even know. There isn't one person down here that doesn't like Acai, including americans. Its like ice cream.... but better...and healthy, super healthy.

Okay...This week- AWESOME! We started to teach a little bit more of Lena's family!!! Ya, her mother in law is HILARIOUS! Isabell, and Lena...we taught them the Plan of Salvation this week, and at the end...we invited them to pray...and they both just looked and were like ya, we will pray...but...that makes sense, I believe this. And just start talking about how there is no doubt that this is the plan God has for us. AWESOME! Just need to get that little Lena married, and everything will be perfect.

Since I have arrived here in Gama, I have gotten really close with a family here. They are hilarious, and awesome. I have sent pictures before. Anyways, we are working with them for the them to go to the temple together and be sealed. It is a lot of work, as this is the time that Satan is really trying to prevent them. But this family is INCREDIBLE. I am really excited to see them go through the temple. This week, I really got struck about our work. When our new President arrived, he talked about how we are to focus on the less-actives, members who aren't in the temple yet, and investigators. And this week, I really saw the importance of working with members. Seeing them go through the temple together, to be sealed as a family, will be just as rewarding as a baptism. I love this work. You seriously learn something EVERY day.  One day you think you are going to work with a bunch of new contacts, and you end up sitting with a member, working to strengthen her...and you know that it is the best thing you could be doing in that moment. It is amazing how the spirit will testify to you, in those quiet moments, that what you are doing in that moment is 100 percent right!! 

I love the spirit. I love it when he talks to me.

 I can't believe this transfer. It is passing by SO FAST! It is almost over!! Ah, and I don't want  my companion to leave! She is awesome! Gall, missions are hard guys. Haha. Saying hello and goodbye every 6 weeks. Its just not fair. 

Today was our Zone Activity. We had churrasco (grilled some meat...yum) and played soccer for hours on end. In the blistering sun. IT was a blast!!! 

Things about home-

Can't believe Ty-dawg is coming home already...the kid just left. Oh wait, that was me. Haha. And what?! DEREK DRIGGS? Already? Tell the kid hi! I don't even believe it! 

Okay, I absolutely love the mission guys. I mean, I know there are those days....sometimes even weeks, where I am like...this is hard. But its those hard ones that make it pay off! Opposition in all things, we need to know sadness, to know greatness! And that is something I learn daily here. Ha! 

I love Gama. I am staying here. For the rest of my mission and after. OH that reminds me. 2 things, one I think I am going to live here the rest of my life, that cool with everyone? 2) This week we had a lesson with our BISHOP!!!!! It was awesome! And hilarious. Sister Valen and I were eating lunch in their little snack store, and we were sitting there, and Bishop's brother calls over a dude and starts talking "have you ever seen these girls? They are from the Church of Jesus Christ..." And he basically sits the kid down himself. And so we start talking, everyone is just laughing, its a bit awkward. But then bishop decided to sit down with us. We were explaining a little bit about the Restoration, and about Authority of God. And my companion uses the example of a drivers license. "If I don't have a drivers license, can I drive? Yes, I could...but that wouldn't be right" Talking about how our Church has the Authority to make covenants in the name of God..." Anyways, it was an awesome short little lesson. And after Bishop starts talking about our authority example...and he looked at us...and was like "Good thing you didn't ask me to testify about the Drivers license authority example, because I have been driving for 2 years without my drivers license." And in that moment, we all broke out laughing, like...WHAT? HOW? haha.. So the story about our bishop, is that when he was little he was paralyzed, told he would never be able to use his hands/arms...but then one day, he received a blessing talking about his Mission, that he would serve. And since that day, he has worked on this problem. And he has been able to do small things. He served a mission and everything, but he can't do a lot. And so, he went to RENEW his drivers license, and they didn't let him renew it because of this.... 

Anyways, it was hilarious. Hope that all made sense. Bishop is awesome. 

Love you all, glad things are good at home. Miss you like crazy. Come to Gama. Its too legit to quit here. 

Sister Craig

I went picture wild this week. Just cause I felt like it. 

 Tereré! Its like drinking grass from a field... at least it is healthy. 

 I made that skirt!

 Just lovin' the chaccara! 

 Elder Saravia (in front, the green) being weird. Its fine. He is hilarious!

 Artur! Ahhh, he is the sweetest little boy!

Sister Valenzuela and Sister Souza. Picture crazy!

 Irmã Lia taught me another way to make a skirt. Its a lot cuter, and a LOT easier!

 sador! Nene! I love her! She reminds me of Ashlynn!!

 I think I'll keep her. 

 A family in my ward. Hilarious, and awesome!

 Sister Valenzuela and I! My companion!

 Sister Souza! She is a cutie. 

 Zone Activity....soccer.... 

Diego and Haline and their kid Artur! They are awesome!!!!! Family night favorites!

August 11, 2014

Ola Familia!

I can't believe that Tyler comes home this week! What? That kid just left. Oh wait, no that was me. Haha. 

I am just going to tell you the cool things that happened this week. 

Wednesday we had a blitz. Every Wednesday, our Zone goes to one set of missionaries areas and makes contacts. Its really cool if you think about it.... 18 missionaries, in one tiny area talking to everyone for 3 hours. So this week was Santa Maria (Holy Mary haha). It is always funny to see the Elders reactions when you give them your references and are saying "This family is awesome, they totally let us in and asked us a bunch of interesting questions etc. etc." It is funny because the Elders are always complaining about how nobody lets them in on first contact. Haha....oh elders. Anyways, I was dying of thirst during the blitz and saw a man and his wife washing something outside on their driveway. So I decided to ask them for water. We got talking, and they invited us in. It was a super awesome lesson, as they asked questions directly relating to the Restoration of the Gospel. And the spirit was super strong. I always love giving these types of references, because you know that you were the door to the gospel, and the missionaries called to serve in that area, are going to lead them right in. 

Wednesday we also had a Zone meeting. Where we got a bunch of new goals with the President...and we got a tiny lecture. I am not sure why exactly, but we got one. This President is really kicking us into gear! Haha. Its going to be awesome to see the miracles that come from him. In the Mission Counsel, he talked a lot about obedience. Don't worry dad, you weren't the only one thinking about it this week. This crazy thing is, is that my mission is known as the most obedient. I think just out of Brasil. Anyways, I am just babbling about this now. But, it was a super good zone meeting. And the counsel about obedience touched everyone, not because we are being disobedient necessarily, just because...I know the blessings that come from living obedient. And I feel a difference when we decided to choose the wrong. Our Zone leaders touched base on how obedience is getting out of bed at 6:30...not 6:35....or 6:40....6:30on the dot. Obedience is leaving your house at 10:45, not 11. We got really cracked down on the EXACT part of obedience, and it was awesome. Haha.... 

This week we also found a family to teach!!!!! Karol, Maria Eduarda, Yasmin, Jose, and Mateus. They are awesome, and really open. I believe they will be baptized in just a little bit. 

Other than that, this week was normal. A lot of contacts, trying to find new investigators...

I don't know if I told you, but every Wednesday, us American Missionaries in our Zone teach an English Class. It is really cool seeing people learn a language completely different. And its really fun teaching it!!! Haha, their accents are hilarious. 

This week, we talked to this old lady, Isabell. She this crazy old lady that just LOVES to talk. When we asked her if she had any questions for us she said... " Yes, why do you 'crenches' (meaning people who have a lot of beliefs, almost like Nuns) never die?" I was like...what? we don't? Thats news to me! Hahaha, anyways...turns out she has never seen one of us die...and therefor believes, we don't die. 

Family...friends.... I just want to share my testimony that I know that God lives. He loves you, and me...and each and every one of us. We are his children and he has sent us here to grow. To learn how to choose right or wrong. It is part of His marvelous plan. And I know he has one for ALL of us. I love you all, and seriously am so grateful for everything that you guys have ever done/do for me.  

Sister Craig

 I love 7 months and acai!

MMmmmmm. Acai is the worlds greatest thing ever!!! Too bad the States don't have it!

 Sister Craig finally reached 7 months on the mish!!

For all those wondering....New Jerusalem is here in Brasil!!!! Hahaha.....had a good laugh at that...