Lessons learned

This post is partly from Elder Crowe's mother, and partly from him. He is learning a lot of lessons and developing a greater humility all the time. However, we are none of us perfect. And this week's email focuses on lessons learned in the process of doing our best. Frequently we fall and fail, but if we repent and keep trying, then I'm sure that God is pleased with us. I hope we can all understand and be accepting of others (and our own) weaknesses and differences--for that is part of this journey of life. Our greatest, most remembered lessons are frequently learned from our mistakes....

This week was a crazy one. We had Zone Interview Training this week and got to talk with President Brown individually. It was so great. I told him some of the things I have been struggling with. Being a part of the band I have been used to being friendly and chatting it up. Over here that is sometimes considered "Flirt to Convert". I discussed with President my concerns about if I have been flirty. I want to be the best servant I can be. I came up with the analogy that we are to be the "easel" not the "painting". President thought it was a great analogy and asked if he could use it. Haha. I am trying so hard to be the easel, but I do feel that sometimes I rely on my own gifts and talents too much. I need to be teaching more by the spirit. It is a lesson that I am continually working hard to implement.

I also have lost my temper a few times this week. I get so angry when people try to tell me what I believe. They watch TV shows and/or read articles that put us in a bad light. I met a few people this week with whom I was less than Christlike in my approach. There was a born again christian man that I just lost it with. We got in a pretty heated argument. He called me a false prophet and said that I was blinded by the subtle craftiness of men and leading others down the wrong path. I usually just try to listen then bear testimony. This time the spirit was not with me. It was a bad experience and left me feeling hollow. We will never get someone to listen to us through fighting back. We need to have the spirit tell us what we need to say. I learned a lot... 

We also got some great potential investigators. We are working with a girl named Lisa. She is amazing. She is so open minded and is praying and reading to find out if what we are teaching her is true. We are so excited to see the changes occur in her heart. 

It rained a lot this week. Actually it rains a lot - period! haha We actually walked to the church to email today without our jackets because the weather was so beautiful... Mistake. It's raining so hard right now. Haha. 

Rain - Run - Rain!!

I also had another Brother Donnalley meal... If I keep eating like this I will be so fat. I weigh 170... My legs are so big. I am losing my hair. I get soaked very day. And "It is bliss!" I love it here! 

I wish there was a pill that instantly made me the missionary God needs me to be, but I am striving every day. Little by little. Line upon line. I am giving my all, talking to ALL those that I meet. That is really hard sometimes, but the days we talk to everyone are the most rewarding--even if we have no statistics to show for it. God asks us to be perfect in trying. 

I love you. You are amazing. 

Elder Crowe

Trying on Ned's uniforms - He's a champion, and we look Good!! haha