February 20, 2012 Here We Go!!

Family,

 

Some logistics first. President has approved that I go home 3 weeks early, 7 Aug 2012, so I can have some time with my family and get situated for school. I have everything squared away with the U for school minus verification that all is in order with ROTC. I have tried a few days in a row to get a hold of them with no luck. I will keep on that this week and let you know how things turn out. Everything should work out.

 

I have just over 5 months left. I cannot believe it. It has gone by so fast. I have had so many wonderful experiences. But it is not over yet. This is the time of my mission I feel I will be most effective in helping others including myself. I am trying so hard to follow what the Spirit directs me to do. Doing this I have noticed in even more detail than before the importance of standing in Holy Places and seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is a feeling I never want to be without. And if ever I am I want to find it quickly again.

 

I feel I have changed for the better on my mission. I feel I have a better understanding of who I am and who the Lord wants me to become. I feel I know with greater clarity than ever before the difference between right and wrong. And I feel my testimony of this Gospel has increased beyond what it ever could have. Also if I have learned anything on my mission I have learned the importance of being who you are...only better. I do not want to become the returned missionary who is always looking down his nose at others. I have no right to. I am me and no one else. I love what the Lord has made of me over these past 18 months. I love what I am yet to become. And I strive to always remain humble to that fact.

 

Everyone in my life has set such a wonderful example for me and I want to share my gratitude for them. Often times I have chosen not to follow these examples and to my own discredit I found they knew better than me. Yet my pride stood in the way. I am forever grateful for my family who has always supported me despite my follies. For my friends who always pushed me to do the right thing, I thank you. Those that deserve the most credit would be my immediate family. To Mom and Dad who doubtless spent countless hours praying for me and discussing my future and how to help, and to my two beautiful sisters who, through the relationship between them, have shown me the importance of siblings and how much love they deserve and can offer, to Samuel, my buddy, you motivate me to be a better person each day; I thank you all.

 

This opportunity to serve the Lord has been one of the greatest quests I have entered into in my life. With 5 months left, the Lord can expect more than my best. The Spirit of God lights this work up. There is no greater source of light in this world than the enlightening teachings of the Spirit. May you always find yourself under His influence. May you build your relationship with your Father in Heaven through prayer and worship. May this world offer you opportunities that help you to realize your potential and may you get up when you fall.

 

If you were to ask me what I love most about being a missionary I would have to say the change. Change is good, when it is good.

 

I love each and every single one of you!

It's the final stretch...Here We Go!!!!!

Love,

Elder Cronin

Yes, this is a boa!!

A little fun with Frisbee golf!

February 13, 2012 Happy Valentine's Day

Family!

 

So it looks like no one tried to tackle the MindTrap trivia. So here is the answer: Bobby pulled the bathtub plug to drain the water, thus preventing his imminent death.

 

This has been a great week leading up to Valentine's Day. We have been very busy here. For starters we have a new missionary with us. His name is Elder Kraft. He is from San Diego and is on his way to Mexico but is awaiting his visa. So we are three packing it now and things are working out great. He is a call player too so we have played a lot of ball lately. In fact today we are going to challenge another zone in basketball.

 

The work has been going well. We have a few people set for baptism in the singles ward and are working with the members in the three family wards we have. I mentioned last time that I feel the Lord put me here to learn how to work with the members. Not only am I learning but I am also loving each moment of it! The relationships we build with them are inspiring. I think the coolest thing about working so closely with them is learning from the ways they handle the trials in their life and looking forward to applying those things in my life.

 

I have attached some pictures that are long overdue. I hope you all enjoy!!!

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

 

Love,

Elder Cronin 

The Singles Ward

February 6, 2012 Mind Trap

Family,

 

I was in a public library when I read the new that Callie made the HS golf team!!! Had I not been in such a public place I would have jumped up and fist - pumped the air with an epic roar of excitement! Congratulations Callie!!!!!!! I am super stoked for you! Do you get a caddie and everything? Tell me more about the team and what you all do.

 

I found MindTrap!!!!!!!! I am working on sending it home here shortly. Do you all remember that game? I will give you one of the questions to think about this week...lets see who can figure it out:

 

Bobby went upstairs to his custom bathroom one day to take a bath. This bathroom was no ordinary bathroom. It was a solid, windowless,  water-tight, room made of concrete. The only way in and out was a thick heavy door with a latch on the outside. As he entered his bathroom the door shut and Bobby heard the latch drop locking him inside his bathroom. He decided he would take his bath while he contemplated his escape. He turned on both hot and cold faucets and his tub began to fill up quickly. Unfortunately for him, when he needed to turn off the water faucet both handles broke and stripped the faucet levers. The water was now spilling over the tub, slowly filling up the water-tight room. What would Bobby need to do to ensure he does not drown?

Ha ha! I miss this game. I hope you all enjoy the trivia.

 

We had our transfers. Elder Sparks left and Elder Clason took his spot. Elder Clason has been out for 20 months and attended SVU prior to his mission. We both have the same perspective of SVU, that it was a glorified high school with little educational potential. I found this out when one of our members asked about the school and the two of us began presenting the pros and cons of the university. So far we get along very well. He is almost the exact opposite of Elder Sparks but has many wonderful characteristics. He is simple and likes to laugh. He does not mind me taking control of lessons or situations. Sometimes this can be good but often times it can become overwhelming. Especially with my personality being the type to want to do everything. So I am learning the principle of delegation.

 

The mission office is in need of a new program to keep track of baptismal statistics and there has been talk that they will ask for my help. So I might be back in the office soon. I would love to go back!!!! But for now we are focusing on our area here. I have realized that the Lord put me here to learn how to interact and build relationships with the members. I hope I can learn this lesson before I get transferred.

 

I saw Samuel's basketball video!! That was a nice breakaway lay-up. It was very fundamental! I can't wait to get back and shoot around with him again.

 

Missionaries have a bubble within which they live, work, and are protected. I have seen the force field of this bubble work in my own mission as Satan has tried on various occasions to break me down. Once my calling is over, and I am no longer set apart, it will be war once again. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to build up my arsenal, to develop the habit of making correct decisions, and learn how the Spirit works within me. I am at the point of my mission where all I have done previously has been to make me a better missionary, now the task at hand is to reinforce myself in preparation for being released. I am not perfect nor have I ever been. But I know this gospel is perfect and through it I will one day become perfect. Satan often times will lure us into believing that because of one mistake all hope is lost, or that in our efforts to change we have not progressed. These are lies and we must discern them as such and move on. This gospel is progression. It is change and repentance. If I were not able to repent of my sins I can imagine my world would be dark and lonely. But through God's plan for us we can repent. We can find happiness each day. We can understand our purpose here in this life. I believe in modern day revelation and that a prophet guides us today and helps us understand how to tackle this ever-changing world of immorality and deceit. Christ's church has been restored. Truth has been restored. Hope and happiness are readily available for any who can humble themselves and follow Christ. I love this gospel. It has given me a wonderful family! It has brought me peace in my life and answers to so many questions. Serving God is the best decision I have ever made and I hope to always serve Him. Selfishly I say that too because I want the blessings that come. But who wouldn't?

 

I love you all and know I am taken care of here and happy!

Love,

Elder Cronin