March 29th

Hello family and friends! I'm here in Boston, serving in the city. My companion is Elder Davies, a great guy from Orem, Utah. It's has been a huge change from Arizona. The people aren't as kind as they are in Arizona- not even close. I have gotten some very rude responses to my street contacting, it's pretty crazy. One old woman told me "We aren't having this conversation", which was pretty messed up. Another man told me that if I gave him anything, he would "Burn that %$@&"... you can guess what he said there. And there are a ton of people out here who say they are atheist, but I'm pretty sure that's just to shut us up... one guy said he was atheist, even though he was wearing a cross around his neck. Gotta love these people!

But in all honesty, there are awesome people here. I've talked to hundreds of people already, one of the benefits to living in the city. You see every type of person where I'm serving. I've had some great street contacting experiences that have definitely overshadowed the negative experiences.

Our ward, Cambridge 1st Ward, meets in an old boiler factory that was turned into a chapel. It's the craziest thing, but it's one of the coolest churches I have ever been to! I loved meeting with the members, and I honestly felt like I was spiritually recharged after going through so much negativity the first couple of days.

I love you all, and hope to hear from you. Please write letters to:

Elder Crandell

1 Oak Terrace Apt 106

Somerville MA 02143

Love,

Elder Crandell

Mason's in Boston!

Mason is now in Boston! He got there on March 24th. Here is his new address if you want to send him letters:

Elder Mason Rhett Crandell
Massachusetts Boston Mission
182 W. Central St.
STE 203
Natick, MA 01760

March 27, 2010

I love the MTC. My district is way good, my zone is fantastic, and the teachers have really helped me. I just want to get to Boston. Only 5 days left! I love you all. Thanks for the hilarious package and scriptures, you know I love doing that! Brooks, I haven't eaten very much cereal, but I have almost always gotten 3 glasses of milk/chocolate milk at every meal. I'm also influencing others to do the same now that I have zone leader status. Unrighteous dominion- it's the beyst! ("best" in Nacho voice)

Donelle, your letter was amazing. Content, art, length, everything was good. I'll look for your friend on the plane cause that will probably be my flight!

Well, love you all. Write me back quick, or write when I'm in Boston! 5 more days....

I love the gospel, and I love serving other missionaries. We are in a war with a cunning foe, so let's help those who are a little behind in preparation to put on the pieces of the Armor of God that they are missing. And yes, Satan comes after missionaries, I can definitely see that. But we have a whole arm of angels behind us, and Christ walking beside us. So don't worry about me; my testimony has been strengthened, even though I have had some doubts. I love you all!

-Elder Crandell
Mason Rhett Crandell #3

March 17, 2010

The MTC is crazy. I eat/sleep/study/teach, day after day... with no end. I'm still loving it though, and I'm very glad that I came out here for the right reasons. Three days in, I was honestly considering running off to In-N-Out and never going back, but it's been ok overall. I love what I'm doing, and I only have one more week left! Boston on March 24th baby! I love all of you, take care. Send me some letters, I'm sure my parents will put my Boston address on facebook or add it to this email it after I send it to them to send to the list of people... Love you all!

First Letter! March 10, 2010

Hey everybody!

Made it to the MTC, and I've live through a whole week. I've been crazy busy, mostly learning about ways to teach. I keep testing myself and asking Heavenly Father if the things that I am doing and learning are what He wants of me. Every single time, I have been answered if I ask with real intent.

MTC is great, food is awesome (unlimited meals and chocolate milk!), and I am extremely busy.

I want all of you to know that I have had a very difficult time with coming here, but I know for myself that this is what I am supposed to be doing. I could write dumb, funny stuff about things that I want to do to people up here, but because I am your friends I want to invite you to come unto Christ rather than act like a fool. I'm on the Lord's time.

I would write more, but I'm crazy busy. I gotta go. Please write me if you need some wisdom :)

I love you all!

Elder Crandell