November 11, 2010

Family,

Another week in Elko and finally we are met with snow! The first snow fell Tuesday night as we left a teaching appointment. It was Elder Macferran's first snow fall. He is from Florida, Tampa area, and has only seen snow twice in his life but never actually falling from the sky. Elder Macferran's mom sent some "dinner funds," so we took a dinner appointment on Tuesday to go to a local sushi dive, Kabuki. It was an all you can eat diner and I tried oysters for the first time. Delicious. And we rolled out of that place stuffed full with sushi. It was a great experience. One, because of the food but two because I learned something very interesting about the mission and about myself.
   As we walked into the restaurant there was music playing. And not just random elevator music but some pop station on XM radio. I recognized a few of the songs that I had listened to before the mission but there were some I had not heard. My first feeling was to ask if we could turn off the music. This is what we do when we are with a member or investigator in their home. But of course doing that in a public restaurant was impossible. So I did  my best to tune it out. As I turned it out I realized how unimportant music was to me now. Before my mission I listened to music all the time. It gave me motivation, hope, peace, and at times it helped me sleep. I was almost disgusted at myself to think how dependent I was on music. I realized sitting in that sushi restaurant that whoever was coming in through the airwaves was just a person, a natural human being, who before my mission I, in one form or fashion, worshipped. I could only bow my head and ask for forgiveness as this all came to my mind later that night. As missionaries we are "set apart." Some think that only means we are assigned or given a title, but what I know and have a testimony of is that we are "set apart" from the world. In every sense. Even from music. Now please don't misinterpret that. I love music. I enjoy playing it and listening to it. But the dependence and attachment is something that I will not miss. 

So I don't know how much I've told you about the Sargeants but they are the member family housing us here in Elko. They are in their 80's I believe and have 9 kids I believe. They are the sweetest and most missionary minded people I've met. They are always looking to do missionary work. In fact we were over there the other day getting some referrals form Sister Sargeant. As she began writing the names down her husband, to fill the silence, started telling us a story about his fence building days. She quickly cut him off saying, with a straight face, "Oh hush now, they don't want to hear about that, not be quite we have missionary work to do." Elder Macferran and I couldn't help but let out a few muffled chuckles. They are dedicated to the work. In fact they fed us whole wheat pancakes this morning! I am still full!

The work is really progressing here. We have a few solid investigators and I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch so I won't say any more than that. I will say thought that the Lord prepares and as we are obedient he leads us to find. 

That is so exciting to hear that the whole family might be together for Thanksgiving. Families are one thing for which I am eternally grateful. Samuel's doing Jui-jitsu!? Awesome! Keep us the good work buddy. Don't get too distracted by the video games! I'm glad to hear that every one is doing well and thanks for getting me the shirts from Mr. Mac and sending more winter stuff, whoda thunk it? That I'd be in the snow.

So I have one more thing to add to my Christmas list. We went to a member's house and I saw some posters on his wall of computer developed images of Biblical and Book of Mormon prophets and stories. The website is www.realheroposters.com. I would love a  poster of Moroni, Joseph Smith, or Alma. Oh and don't worry about the voice recorder deal. The I have is sufficient. 

Family and anyone else who reads this, one thing we stress to everyone we talk to, even members is that we can recieve answers to our concerns, questions, or doubts through prayer. Just like with school the more we read and study the more we learn but we can learn even more by addressing our concerns and asking the teacher to clear them up. The same applies to life. Our teacher is our Heavenly Father. And He loves each and everyone of us. We are all equal in His eyes and I can promise you that if you pray sincerely like it says in Moroni 10:4-5 that He will answer you. So if you have any concerns, doubts, struggles, or are just plain stressed about something, will you take your burden to the Lord? I promise you will be uplifted and enlightened. 

We do have a car up here. It's nick name is "Boriqua" or Puerto Rican. Its a Toyota Corolla. We are the only companionship up here without a truck! The snow will be a trial of our faith. And, yes I can pick up a comforter here so no worries about that. And we are allowed to go to the temple once a month if we are in Vegas. So hang on to the names and I'll let you know when we get to go. 

I love you all and pray for your success,

Elder Cronin (aka Clark Kent) - My nickname from a member family.