I Still Haven't Seen an Eagle--Orem, Utah Mission, Eagle Mountain, April 24th, 2017

Hello from Eagle Mountain, where there are no eagles! 

This last week was amazing. Sunday was my absolute favorite day. Let me start from the beginning. 

Dylan. 17 years old. We had a baptism date set for him but we have to move it back and change it so his mom could make it. He's a super awesome kid and has a strong desire to do what's right. Sometimes he struggles with understanding and remembering the things we teach him but he really does have a strong spirit about him. It's been amazing how much he has grown and progressed over the last month and a bit. 

Ayla and Jordan. 9 and 11. They are awesome kids. Their dad hasn't been to church for years and years, and we are really trying to change that before baptizing his kids. Something really awesome this week was we asked Jordan to start reading the Book of Mormon (since him and his sister had just been reading the children's one with pictures) And he looked at us and said "I'm already reading it. I read each chapter after I read the children's one". That left us pretty speechless. He's such a smart kid and he really has a desire to learn more and to grow. His sister Ayla is struggling, since she had a baptism interview before we came to the area and she wasn't able to pass it because she didn't understand a lot of what the missionaries were teaching. We've had to think outside the box to really help them have fun while learning and to help them remember everything. But just wait, there's more. Their dad, Theron, usually sits in and listens to the lessons, and recently he's been asking us to come back sooner to teach the kids. When we invited them to read the Book of Mormon we asked their dad if he could read it with them and they could do it as a family. And he said yes! We also told them we were giving a talk in church on Sunday, and got a tentative yes on their attendance. More on that soon. 

Bagley Family. Two children who aren't baptized but possibly want to be, parents less active. We also were speaking in their ward this last Sunday, and texted them the night before letting them know and inviting them to come. Their grandmother is currently living with them and she's an active member. We share the restoration of the Gospel with them. The Restoration is such a wonderful message. The gospel of Jesus Christ truly has been restored. 

Now to the good part: Sunday morning. 

We were asked to give two different talks, and one of them asked us to give it only two days before. But nothing us missionaries can't handle. We were sitting up front in our first ward, the Ash Point ward, of which the Bagley family is supposed to attend. We see the Grandmother there with one of the kids, but she informed us that no one else was coming. Then, right when Sacrament meeting started who did we see walk in and sit in the back. The entire family! We were smiling ear to ear and probably looked a bit silly. But I didn't care! Being a missionary is incredible because you grow to love everyone so fast, and feel the love Christ has for them. 

Fast forward to 1:30 pm, the Chimney Rock ward. We waited very nervously up front, hoping and praying that Ayla, Jordan, and their dad would make it to church. Very last minute, they all walked in, sat in the very back, and we ran up to greet them. Never before have I been so happy to see someone at church! I don't think their dad has been for many years. 

Those are the highlights of my week. There are many more wonderful things that happened but I am especially grateful for these people this week and the chance I had to see them grow and learn and progress and come closer to our Savior Jesus Christ!

I am so grateful for Jesus Christ. He died for me, and you, and every single person in the world. The Book of Mormon is another testament of him and I promise that as we read it we will come closer to Jesus Christ and feel more peace and joy in our lives. 

I love you all so very much, and hope you have the most fantastic week. 

Love, 

Sister Crofts 

Don't ask...I have no idea!

Sister Crofts always looks so happy!

Apparently Sister Crofts is the mission cat whisperer!!

Saturday was a day of service in Eagle Mountain and I got a text with these pictures from a member.  The woman said Sister Crofts and Sister Hutchinson were laughing at the need to paint the fence with oil so that it doesn't dry out...we don't have that problem in the Pacific Northwest...or in Mississippi!!

I received the sweetest phone call from a member Saturday saying that she was so thankful for Sister Crofts and her companion.  Their basement had flooded and the Sisters were helping repaint the basement.  The woman said Rachel radiated joy and happiness, and was polite, well spoken and a hard worker.  Sister Crofts said they try to do at least 10 hours of service a week.