Hello everyone! Another fantastic week in the Weston 1st Ward. We found a bunch of new people who are interested in hearing from us missionaries; things are really working out well at the moment. I seriously don't understand how we were able to have so many good things fall right into place for us, it's almost like we just sat there while all of these things happened around us. This ward is great, and I'm excited for next week.

During a lesson a few days ago, a man we were teaching was saying that his wife (who was seated in the room with us) needed to quit smoking and drinking. Then he said to his wife, "I will become a priest holder and save you from your apostasy", and I just about died from laughing because he said it so sarcastically. It might not be exactly correct the way that he had phrased it (should be priesthood holder), but it was very unexpected. What was crazy about it was that this was only the second time we had met, and we hadn't talked too much about men receiving the priesthood except for when Joseph Smith had received it. Apparently he had read all of the pamphlet that we had given him, and somehow he had put it all together that way- that the world was living in apostasy, and that the priesthood was restored to put an end to apostate traditions. It was fantastic, and I've found that laughing and joking with investigators has made for some of my favorite moments in the mission. I love New Englanders, and I feel like I am becoming one of them.

Serving this mission has been the best experience in my life. I love sharing my beliefs with others, and I've learned many things about people in general (sometimes the hard way). I know that Jesus Christ lived and died for us, and that's why I'm here in Massachusetts.

Love,

Elder Crandell

Hey everyone! An awesome week in the Weston 1st Ward, we got a couple of new investigators and member referrals. Things are looking pretty good right now! I love coming into a new area and making a fresh start, it's great. My companion and I get along great, and we have been teaching well together. So far, this transfer has been the best yet.

It's really cold here, much colder than in Brewster. It was 2 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, and it is supposed to get below 0 the next couple of nights. On top of that, we are expecting a snow storm tomorrow night, which means Wednesday will be a shoveling day! We shovel all of the houses in our circle, because some of the houses have single women living there, which makes for a nice service opportunity. Plus, we can't drive if it snows too much- we get a text saying that we aren't allowed to drive on some of the snow days. It's happened about four times- not something that happens in Mesa.

The work is awesome. This transfer is going really well. We have found a bunch of people to teach in the last week and a half, and it should only get better and better. I love being a missionary. I would say that I am still the same person, only now I am more aware of my weaknesses. I cannot tell you how great this has been for me! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, as the names implies, the true Church of Jesus Christ again on the earth today. I love you all, stay strong!

Love,

Elder Crandell

Oh my goodness, I am definitely not missing Arizona after hearing about your cactus experience! Haha just kidding, but that sounded like a really difficult situation. I hope everyone heals up ok from it!

Yes, my bishop is Danny Ainge. He is the one from Arizona, and he is currently the GM for the Boston Celtics. Preston will know all about that; he is one of the most famous LDS figures in sports history. He's awesome, I met him just yesterday and I'm pretty excited to be in this ward. I love the area, love the people, love my companion... man, this is definitely needed, because I need some time to recuperate from my last experience! Everything is awesome.

Great to hear from you, say hi to the rest of the family!

Love,

Elder Crandell

Hello everyone! This is Elder Crandell, writing from my new area in the Massachusetts Boston Mission. I am now serving in the Weston 1st Ward, and my new companion is Elder Yurevich. He is from Belarus, which is right by Russia. He has been in the U.S. for over two years because he attended BYU, and his English is very good. He has been out for 16 months, so he is ahead of me by 5 months about. It's great being with an experienced companion, Elder Yurevich is a fantastic missionary. I can't believe I've almost been out for 11 months! This transfer is going to be awesome, I'm very excited for this new opportunity and change, although I am sad that I had to leave Brewster. I guess there is a purpose for everything though, so that's ok.

Not much time to write, but I love all of you. Keep the faith, and stay strong.

Love,

Elder Crandell

Hello everyone! I'm leaving the Brewster Branch, and I'm not sure where I'll be going. I find out tomorrow at our transfer meeting. I'm sad to leave this awesome area and all of the people that I got really close to, but hopefully the next area will be half as good as Brewster has been.

I have a testimony of missionary work. It can make the bad times good and the good times great. Sometimes I have to admit that I don't understand why some people have to go through such difficult things, but I have learned many things about myself with the different challenges that I have had. Guess it really is for our benefit in the end! Love you all, I'll write more next Monday.

Love,

Elder Crandell

Hello everyone! It's been another awesome week here in the Brewster Branch. The weather is getting a little warmer and most of the snow has melted since the last snow storm. The mission continues to provide a limitless number of opportunities to learn and grow. The members are excellent at helping us with the missionary work, and the branch is doing well.

The work is going great. I don't have much time to write, but I love you all and wish you a happy new year!

Love,

Elder Crandell