Date
March 20, 2017
Sent By
Mom
Maggie with her joker face
Hey Elder Craig!
I've really been praying for you this week! We had a lot of fun watching you and your cohorts play Gatorball in Odessa. Someone posted it on Facebook. We were telling Brother Brunt and Dexter about the video and I told them it was on "the Facebook," which made everyone giggle a little bit. I guess you're not supposed to add "the" to it....makes you sound dorky.
I just got done doing a ham radio check-in tonight-- Kilo India Seven Alpha Yankee Alpha-- Sister Barney is in charge for our stake, and it's really fun to hear her voice. She's very sweet and positive. I guess she's really getting into the whole ham radio thing. She's getting really proficient.
Andrew and Monica came over for dinner tonight. We had corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and fruit salad, in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Liam played outside on the yellow car (we're having beautiful weather right now) and Andrew chased Maggie all over the yard. Liam came inside and wanted to read the Tractor Book, which I couldn't find right away, so he threw a HUGE fit! Monica put him in time-out on the couch while I looked for it. Whew--I found it and the crisis was over. He gave me big hugs and even a boogery kiss.
Hannah's been hanging out with a kid named Daniel at school. From what she describes, he sounds like a very nice young man. I think she was going to write you about it. One funny thing is that she has been on time to seminary more often, since he parks next to her for zero hour class!
We're going to Courtney Nicholes' wedding this weekend in Boise. She's marrying a guy who just got home from his mission. I hope he's really sure about it! I'll take some pictures.
Today in Primary we had another crazy "ask Sister Craig deep doctrinal questions" instead of a lesson. I was supposed to talk about the Prophet and apostles teaching us truth during General Conference, but I ended up answering a ton of questions about Sidney Rigdon, the line of succession in the quorum of the twelve, women and the priesthood...
The reason Sidney Rigdon came up is because I was explaining how the First Presidency is dissolved when the prophet passes away, so his counselors go back into their place of succession. So When President Monson passes away, Elder Nelson (if he's alive) will be the next Prophet. I told them the story of Sidney Rigdon, who was Joseph Smith's counselor, but not the president of the twelve. That was Brigham Young. If you remember, Sidney Rigdon spoke for several hours about why he should be Joseph's successor, but the keys were held by the quorum of the twelve, and when Brigham Young rose to speak, people heard and thought they saw Joseph Smith speaking in the personage of Brigham Young. It was crazy, because the hands were flying up...every question I answered seemed to prompt 5 more questions. Then Kate Sheneman asked why there weren't any women in the twelve apostles, so I taught them about Priesthood Keys and Priesthood Power, and how everything in the Church is delegated first from Jesus Christ to the Prophet to others, until it gets to me to have the power of the priesthood to help me function in the calling without holding the keys to administer priesthood ordinances. I didn't mind at all that we didn't get to the game I prepared. I love that these kids think so deeply about doctrines and practices of the church.
I really have been praying extra hard for you. I hope you're happy and that you recognize how important it is that you are in Odessa, ready and willing to share the restored gospel with your brothers and sisters there. So many people are searching for the way to be happy and have peace. Some are even searching for God to direct their lives. Live your faith the best that you can, relying on the Spirit to guide you, and practice true love for your fellow man, and I promise you will find someone who is ready to be taught. Not all interactions lead a person to baptism, but every interaction with you can make a difference for good, even for just one day. Heavenly Father is aware of your needs, and I know He loves you. Your Dad and I love you so much. You have been a joy to us since the day you were born. I'm so pleased with the choices you're making. Such an interesting, amazing experience it is to live in another country and share the Faith with others.
Germans were pretty difficult to teach, but they were usually impressed with our dedication. I'm curious how it is with Ukrainians.
Love you so much! Have a great week,
Mom
Benjamin Craig
8:25 AM (1 hour ago)
to me
Oh boy boys boys. Man I can't believe she's already getting married! Man the longer I've been on my mission the more scared I am to start dating and get married and all that Jazz XD. Oh man be careful mom, these are primary kids XD. Haha in our branch we've had a problem lately of people diving into deeper doctrine than necessary. Anyways, love you a lot mom! Hope everything is going well back at home! Have an awesome week! I'll tell you about my new area next week!