Family!
I got transferred yesterday!!!! Tuesday, President called us and asked us to meet him at our stake center to meet with him about a Zone Leader's Council that was coming up. This was a fairly routine phone call and meeting so we were just hunky-dory to meet with him. We talked outside and as he walked up to us, with his brilliant countenance and loving smile, he put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Elder Cronin, I learned early-on in my mission here that you must always do what is best for the missionary, not necessarily for the mission. You are being transferred, tomorrow, there is a missionary that needs you." It took me a moment to process all of that as I am sure it is taking you all a moment as well. It turns out there is a missionary nearing the end of his mission who President felt inspired could benefit from my companionship. The inspired decision was enough for me to be excited about this emergency transfer, however, the blessings did not stop there. He next told me that I would be going back to Spanish, and not Elko Spanish, with just one branch, but Central Las Vegas with a WARD and billboards that are in Spanish! So here I sit with my new companion in the Monte Bello Ward, Central Stake. I could not be happier. I have spoken only a handful of sentences in English since I got here yesterday at 4pm. And I enjoyed a full 8 hours of sleep last night for the first time in 4 months after a traditional Hispanic meal.
It was really hard to leave Green Valley. I felt the same emotions leaving Elko. Only this time much stronger. I think it comes from my hopeless romantic personality. I literally fall in love with the area, the relationships, and the people. With such short notice for this transfer I only had time to physically visit two families and call 2 other people. One of the people I called was Ashley Newmann. That was a heart wrenching phone call. She was shocked, much like I, to hear I was leaving. In her serious yet humorous tone she exclaimed she would call the Mission President to stop me from leaving. We laughed and cried a little as I explained to her how proud we were to see the changes they had made in their own lives. And the beauty of it is that they made the changes on their own. We mearly pointed them in the right direction. Their goal is now the temple. They can go as soon as March of next year. I cannot wait for that day. I will be there to witness them become an eternal family. And this is the goal. I will miss all those I taught and interacted with. But so goes the life of a missionary. We come, we go. And in brief moments we are able to change lives forever. As I start this new moment I am filled with joy, excitement, and love for the work.
My companion is an awesome missionary. He knows how to joke around and have fun in little ways while still doing work. President did not mention to me why this Elder needs me. Which is for the best. I would rather go into this without any preconceived notions in fear of judging him. Who I am is why I am here, not who my companion needs me to be. If that makes sense. That will come through example I am sure. He spent the last 4 months with Elder Christensen, a member of my MTC district who has since replaced me in the mission office. This transfer also happened just in time for Cinco de Mayo! For all you English speakers that means May 5th. So today we will be celebrating by grilling up some carne asada and other savory and delicious, borderline unhealthy food. Another reason I am excited to be in this Zone is because Elder Bodhaine is here as well. He is a basketball player from USU, about 6'6". We have plans to play today actually. Our hope is that one day we are companions. No one could say no to us when asked if they want to be baptized.
My birthday was amazing! Truthfully the night before I got a little down, realizing this was the first time I had not spent my birthday with family in some form or fashion. But as I woke up in the morning and saw the card and gift from Elder Holt my day brightened up and turned into one of the most exciting days of my mission so far. I got 4 birthday cakes! I ate entirely too much sugar that day and crashed the next. I was a walking zombie in church on Sunday. Thank you for all the goodies by the way!
Let everyone know how thankful I am for their cards and such for my birthday. It really meant alot to me. Because of the Emergency Transfer I was not able to get together my pictures and such that I want to send so it will have to wait until next week. And included in that is a Mother's Day gift for Mom. I am however, sending a package home today with alot of stuff that I don't need. The box also has presents for Dad and Olivia. Most of the rest of the stuff can either be divied out if you all need it or just stored until I get home.
I love you all!
Cuidense- Take care
Love,
Elder Cronin
P.S. I have the two most beautiful sisters in the world! You all are growing up so fast. And Samuel is too. Buddy you are a beast these days! Keep up the good work!
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