Last Transfer

Good morning!

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! It’s so crazy I’m 21 now and I’m into the last 6 weeks of my mission.... the best part about it is.......

I'M BEING TRASNFERRED!!!! Ha-ha yes I’m very excited! I’m almost positive I’m going back to a complete Spanish area/ward/branch and will be 100% engulfed in Spanish once again!! I’m very very excited. I’m sad I’m leaving this area because I’ve been here for 6 months but it is time for me to go and I’m excited for it!

As far as tanner goes, I’ll keep him in my prayers (of course along with everyone else). I hope all goes well! And I hope I’m shocked at how much they've changed! I want things to have changed because I don't want to go home to what it was 2 years ago.... ha-ha obviously the house won't have changed much or larger scale items as the house etc. but the kids and just everyone I hope some changes have occurred! And I hope I’ve changed too..... I still feel like an 18 year old kid on a super strict schedule and learning to love it.... I just feel weird.....

So yes I will have a new companion too with this new transfer. Forgive me for my negativity in the past few emails... I guess it was bothering me enough I needed to vent a little. My mission pres. was informed of everything though too so he knew what was going on etc. also many other events will be taking place to only help my thoughts change from missionary work to going home. when the missionaries are on their last 6 weeks they go to Ellis island and see that statue of liberty etc. and they also go to the temple one last time and we have 2 general authorities within 2 weeks (one is an area 70, elder Lansing?? and the other is elder Jensen from the 1st pres. of the 70) so that will be fun! And in March (after I’ve gone home) another general authority will be here to speak to the mission and do a mission tour.... I don't remember who that one is....

Is brother Adair the 1st counselor now?? Or is brother Meacham still there?? Ha-ha as for the weather I’m going to be sweating like I’ve never sweated before!! The snow here is gone and I’m not sure if we'll receive much more but I’ve been told Jan and Feb are the 2 months when the snow really comes so we'll see what happens! In March it'll most likely be in the 40s or 50s maybe 60s but with the temps we have now I’m not sure what march will bring. Last year it snowed one day in March.... NJ weather is absolutely crazy! I love it though.

Yay!!! 5 guys are in mesa! That’s awesome! I’ll be excited to go there and be able to compare in n out and 5 guys and now this giant hamburgers place you're talking about.... I’ve never been there so it'll be fun to try.

Happy birthday Amy! And everyone else who has a birthday in January and February! Thank you for your love and support and birthday wishes!!! Thank you for the package!!!! It was wonderful! The cake was delicious and very moist! We went to a members home last night and made and baked the cake and played skip bo with them! It was sooo much fun! I forgot to take my camera in (I honestly almost forgot it was my birthday even when I tried thinking about it. it didn't feel like anything special which was good!) but the parents have an 11 year old daughter who took a video(s) and pictures and put them on Facebook..... You can see it all when I’m home. They had fun and were grateful I chose to celebrate my birthday with them. It was a great time.

With transfers I’ve also been released as a district leader. I enjoyed the opportunity to serve and be served. I learned a lot from the 3 months of being in charge etc. it was great! I know what my potential is and so does Satan. He knows all of your potential. He knows that if he does not work on us 24/7 that we will reach that potential quicker than we could blink our eyes!! as a set apart missionary we are focused on even more because we are the ones bringing others unto Christ and that's not good for Satan.... as I’ve looked back at my companions and the past months I’ve been able to realize a little that even with Satan working against us I’ve reached more than I thought I ever could have had I not had those experiences. The Lord allows these things to happen because, like He said to Joseph Smith, "all these things will be for your good". We cannot lose the hope that God knows what He is doing and what is best for us! That is how we strengthen testimonies is by exercising hope and faith through the hard times, not the easy times. If it was easy there'd be no point to anything. I’ve realized that more and more while serving the Lord and it being one of the most difficult times of my life however the most rewarding too. I don't care what comes or goes or passes by in life as long as I know that I am righteous and that my Father in heaven is pleased with who I’ve become! Nothing will ever keep me from working through hardships as if they were the best things in the world!

I love you all! I know the gospel is true. Thank you for everything! Have a great week!

Love elder Craig Roberts

Its snowing

Good morning!

hahaha yes time is flying. This is my last full week before my last 6 weeks which may turn into 3...... There’s a lot going on, I think, in February so time will fly even quicker.

Yay!!! So is there anything specific they'd like me to speak on or is it just what I feel inspired to say?? I’m excited! Thank you for figuring that out for me.

I’m glad everyone is doing well! I’m glad the kids and Julie were able to enjoy the parade etc. And I’m glad all went well at my moms.

Thank you for sending the package! I’ve not yet received it so I’ll keep a look out for it. My comp is currently sick so we'll see how he feels by the weekend. He has the flu so hopefully it goes away soon with the cold weather we have..... IT FINALLY SNOWED!!!!!! Friday night into Saturday afternoon it snowed. The plows were out and in force as well as lots and lots of salt on the roads. Some members took us to a burger place called 5 guys for lunch. It’s sooo goood!!!! I don’t think there's one in AZ, let alone the west..... It’s a little pricy but it is worth the money.

Yes transfers are on the 31st so we find out the 29th in the evening what happens. At this point it is 50/50 I leave or stay. Anything will happen right now and again, thank you for the reminder that it is the Lord's work and will. I’m submissive to Him and where He puts me for whatever reason. I’ll never have negative feelings or thoughts, I might question then get over it etc. I know He's in charge and I’ll do whatever He asks me to do.

As far as getting out Saturday was due to weather but all the other days were due to lack of unity in the companionship. my comp. has an interesting background which I’ll share at a different time if I feel it's ok to do so but he's trying to become better and be more obedient etc. we've sat down and talked about feelings etc. because we've both heard things about each other from other missionaries. more or less my comp is trying to figure out what changes he needs to make by studying etc. so his thoughts have been to stay home and study unless we have set appointments and if a set appointment falls through go home again etc. I’m not the kind of person to force anything on anyone and I don't like contention (sometimes it may be necessary and I’m ok with that) but I figure I’ll let him learn in his own way b/c if I force it upon him he'll backfire and things go crazy..... Apart from that I love my comp. he's great and has desires a lot of missionaries don't have. As much as a struggle as it has been for me, the Lord knows I can handle it probably better than some of the other missionaries here and that's why I’ve been with him so long. Now he's making changes, little by little, but he is progressing. I think now we'll be changed and I’ll have a chance to work as hard as I can for my last 6 weeks and really apply what I’ve learned as much as I can to the work. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had to serve with my comp and if we stay together my last 6 weeks well it's the Lord's will and we'll figure it out.

I know the church is true. The Atonement is real! Read the scriptures, pray and fast! I know those are the basic primary answers but its true. It is the only way one will know if these things are true or not. I recently finished the Book of Mormon and I’m more than half way through the Doctrine and Covenants! They bring knowledge and happiness, peace and joy to your hearts and minds as you read and study! You will read things that you haven't read before (or at least caught your attention) and you'll have an interest to study more about it. It’ll make your scripture study more fun and excitable because you know you will learn something new that day! And even better, you will receive in greater strength the Holy Ghost who is your comforter in all things. Live and remain worthy of Him! He will guide you in all things if you listen and heed His promptings.

As far as Satan and challenges, I feel missionaries are challenged and tried more than normal members..... I know it has not been easy for me to keep Satan away because I feel like he is always right behind me waiting to pounce. It just takes one little slip up and he's got you, hogtied and immovable. If you can endure it well, with faith and prayer, Satan will not be able to keep you in his power. "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say...." I stay positive in all things and keep my head as high as I can.

I love you all. Thank you for everything! I hope you have a great week! Stay warm and safe and keep out of trouble! Next week we'll know what happens, where I’ll end my mission.....

Love elder Craig Roberts

2 months and counting

Good afternoon!

Yes it does seem like it was just yesterday we wrote to each other.... YAY!!!!! I’ll be home for a wedding!! YAY!!!! And joey won't be married until November?!?! That’s a very long engagement..... Interesting. Thank you for those updates. I’m glad to hear them!

I’m glad the banquet went well. That’s cool he was given an award and was honored for his participation and work. That always feels like a great accomplishment knowing others are affected in a positive way for your hard work and consistency.

CONGRATULATIONS MASON!!!! Bud that is soooo exciting! Congrats and good job! I’m proud of you! That should be fun being able to continue with tanner making the pinewood derby cars. I remember doing it and I had a blast! I don't have any of my cars I made anymore but it was fun while I had the chance.

So we have transfers on the 31st. we find out what happens on the 29th. Hopefully some changes will occur and it is a necessity not just in my companionship but in my zone. this past week was the worst week my zone has ever had for at least 6 months so even though that is negative I know some things will change and things will improve. it is a 50/50 chance I will be staying or transferred because it will be my last 6 weeks and my comp's been here for 3 transfers so we're both eligible to be transferred. We shall see what happens.

So it is colder now. I’m wearing sweats under my slacks however I still wear at times a short sleeve shirt but I always have on a sweater and a lighter jacket over that then a scarf and I cover up my ears and at times I wear gloves (depends on how cold). We still have had no snow. Last night was the first thought of a good snow storm and I woke up this morning and looked outside and there was no snow! It makes me happy but I also wanted snow to come. We had a light dusting and snow plows were ready for whatever came (salt loaded in the back of the plows ready to salt the streets as they cleaned away the snow) but I don't think anything happened. So for now it's rainy and cold and that's about it, maybe windy here and there (I haven't been outside enough to know yet). Nothing too exciting has happened lately. I’ve been inside demasiado so nothing is really getting done. I’m going crazy about it!!! So anyway enough "maldad" from me. Grandma Roberts sent me a card too and said she wasn't sure if she sent a card to you that was for me or what and she said she was trying to get in touch with you so I hope that all works out. Did you receive the tithing I sent you a few weeks ago? I want to make sure it got to you.....

And as far as my birthday goes, I don't need anything. I still have plenty of snacks to munch on for the rest of my mission. I’m trying to downsize as much as I can knowing my time is near its end. I wanted to ask, how much of the clothing I have should I bring home with me (like white shirts and slacks and suits and just "normal" people clothing etc.?)..... I just want an idea or 2. If you do send something please send it to my apartment: 5 pangborn Pl #4H Hackensack, NJ 07601. Please send it so it'll arrive before Jan 27 or earlier. Thank you!!!

Thank you all for your love and support and your examples and influences in and on my life. I would not be serving the Lord if it were not for you. Like the rest of you, I know the gospel is true and that the Savior lives! He is our advocate with the Father and it is through Him we receive peace and joy in this life and in the life to come! God is our Father who loves you and me sooo much He allowed one to die for us. How great a love He has for us!! Always trust in Him and He will (shall) direct thy paths! I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. I always pray for you, always!! I hope you have a great week! Thank you for everything!

Love elder Craig Roberts

Time flies

Good morning!

Well I’m glad all is well going back into normal life. We’re still trying to get things going again here. STACIE'S ENGAGED!!!!! Ha-ha that's so cool. She also wrote me and let me know. That’s super exciting! If I’m there for it all the better but if not, well such is life. I’m not worried either way. I just like to tease about it because there have been so many weddings.

With Lewis, I know I’ve met him at least once, probably not more than that. My mom told me I think last week that he had passed, but at least we know he's in a better place. And no I didn't know brother horrocks passed either. I knew him but again not very well. I remember who he is though. I can picture his face etc. again; at least we know he's in a better place.

Ha-ha and speaking of the ward, I know it's early but can I give my "homecoming talk" march 18th?? It’s the Sunday right after I get home.... I’m not sure how that normally works but I think it'd be cool to speak my 1st Sunday back.... as far as recognizing the ward etc. I have no idea what to expect. I actually was thinking about the ward recently and where everyone sits during sacrament meeting.... I’m excited to see the changes!

That’s cool you were able to copy the pictures etc. thanks for doing that! The picture of Alex and I am not on my camera.... I don't think I had it on me at that moment. Another elder emailed it to me so if you can print a hard copy or somehow secure it that'd be nice. That’s not something to rush about either. I also have the picture in my email so I’m not too worried.

Well the wind chill let up some and Saturday I was wearing a short sleeve shirt without a jacket or anything else! It was in the low 60's with a light breeze and felt amazing! I loved it! Sadly it is becoming colder again and yes I am able to stay plenty warm! Don’t send anything!!!! However we still have NO SNOW!! Ha-ha it’s a crazy winter. I love it though. That is crazy that as has more snow than other states!

Thank you for your love and support! I need it a lot right now.... I’ve been with the same companion for almost 3 transfers (at the end of this month will be 3 transfers) and it's time for a change.... and that play's into being a district leader! So I’m doing my best and he's doing his best and we'll see what happens for my last 6 weeks in NJ. I love this work. It’s amazing being able to serve with so many people in an area I’ve never seen in my entire life and be able to recognize the Lord's hand in the work!

I know it's true. It doesn't matter what doubts or questions come to mind, the gospel in its restored fullness is true. We will comprehend that which is necessary for us to comprehend and all else will be a mystery to us in which we must not allow ourselves to lose faith or hope..... Some of those things have popped up in my head and I’m grateful to know that I don't have to comprehend them right now.

I love you all. Thank you for your love and support! I’m grateful for you and all you do. You all (y'all) are in my prayers always! Have a great week! Stay warm? Cool? I’m not sure what's going on in AZ right now weather wise.... anyway we'll talk next week!

Happy New Year

Elder Roberts With Alex Boye who performed at their mission Christmas party




Sister Jeppson had the building all decorated for the party with treats for each sister and elder



The mission President's wife made little Christmas stockings for each missionary with a dental hygiene kit inside

Happy New Year!!! Libraries were closed yesterday...

Well it sounds like all went very well for Christmas and New Year’s! Thank you for your love and support in all things.

Ha-ha sounds like the snow was fun! We still have no snow here however the temps have dropped a ton and the wind chill has increased a ton! So it feels like winter now and we are awaiting the snow which should come this week! I’m not too excited for it but it'll be fun to work in one last time before I go home and even in march we still had snow in 2011. We’ll see what happens!

I’m surprised the snow brought down from the mountains stayed frozen enough to allow snow ball fights! That would've been fun to do.

9 am church!!! I’ve had 10 am church the past {almost} 2 years of my life.... it'll be fun. And I forgot about the desert.....

For us we spent sat evening with our ward mission leader and his family. It was fun because his wife and kids have moved to Utah while he tries to sell their house and settle some other things so this was the first time I’ve met them since being in the area. It was fun to get to know them. they gave us sparkling cider and we were in bed about 1030pm. supposedly there were fireworks around 12 midnight but we slept through them.... so not too exciting but it was a good night.

So with the senior couple I don't think I’ve met them yet but I know their name. That’s cool that they have a blog where they post events and activities from the mission.

As for life here I’m on my 3rd transfer with the same companion.... it's been fun serving with him in this area. Transfers are on the 29th of Jan.... at least that's when we find out who goes where etc. the 31st is when we have the actual transfer conference.

Nothing too crazy has happened. The wind is going to freeze me again for the next couple of days/weeks and the snow will keep it nice and chilly!

I know the church is true! Have a great week! Stay warm and out of trouble! Thank you for everything!

Love elder Craig Roberts