Sunday, December 29, 2013
Gifts from God
October 28th
Hello from the Philippines family, its seems like there are a few things that your all curious to hear about so here they are enjoy them.
What crazy food have I ate.
Well whats kind of interesting is that I really haven't ate anything to crazy yet, but I've heard of some really wild things, in some of the outer islands people get a little crazy with their food. I've heard of people eating scorpions and lizards, and my companion said that where he lived they would eat cobra.
At most member houses they'll give us food even if we're there for just a few minutes, they almost always pull out a thick glass bottle full of coke, or lime soda they drink here then they'll give us a few different things to eat, here are a few of the things I've ate.
turon- a banna that has been dipped in a bater and fried, then they put a sweet syrup almost like caramel on the outside. Really good, its one of my favorite things here.
Or Halo-Halo its ice and rice mixed up with fruit, another one of my favorite things.
I had one the other day thats a roll except it has coconut jelly on the inside, Masarap, (delicious) its so good. The first week I ate a sweet roll that was almost like a cinnamon roll. So there are a lot of different kind of breads and there all very good. Here in the Philippine there are a lot of bakeries and little stores that sell candy, drinks. and snacks, so you can by food almost anywhere you want. The people that have stores usually work right from there home. They have barred window that they pass the food to you from I'll show you a picture of what it looks like next week its a little hard to explain.
Also there are vendors everywhere that sell fried chicken, fruit and vegetables, I've even some some trikes that are set up almost like a restraunt, the food is already cooked and they'll just drive around and sell it.
Another thing is that there are people who sell peanut butter and corn on the streets. They put a pole or a stick across there shoulder and they'll tie buckets of corn or peanut butter or what ever there selling onto the ends. Then they walk the streets yelling peanut butter! or corn!.
I've had a lot of rice. Every single day rice! But its actually really good when you have chicken or Ulam (Ulam is the name for anything you eat with rice its usally some kind of pork, or beef, there are a lot of different kinds and you buy it at the store in a can and cook it up at home) The rice here is also different then home its sticky rice, very tasty.
I've had a bunch of Filipino dishes its so hard to remember the names though. There all made of some kind of beef or chicken, cut up into small chunks and mixed with vegtables. Very good, there has been a few that i don't like so much, but I've adjusted to where I like some of the things that I didn't used too.
I've seen a lot of things, and there things I'll never forget, the world is so much more than the United States. And its impossible to understand what that really means unless you've been outside of it. Culturally people are very different and what they value in life is very different. Here its all about your family, people do everything for there family, in every Filipino home you'll will find picture of family, usually its pictures of there children. But they also love God very much. I've seen a few jeepney's that have gift of god printed on the side or blessing from heaven panted on the side.
Very busy week this week, went on my first exchanges to the city of Bulihan, where I worked with a zone leader. We did some street contacting so I got to hand out a few restoration pamplets, and in a lesson I explained and gave a book of Mormon to someone. Then in another lesson the zone leader who is Filipino leaned over and told me to ask if they would be bapized. So I did and they said yes. Maybe I make tagalog sound likes it easy its really not, learning a new language i tough. The toughest part is learning to patient and know that with time and work you'll learn.
Got to see the Elders from the mtc this week, it was good to hear their stories and see how here doing, my companion from the MTC has a trainer who doesn't speak any english so thats been interesting for him.
Things are going good family, thank for your emails, I like emails because there easier for everyone but if you want you can write letters to, and I got ashely and dads letter this week, while at follow up training.
Until next week
Elder Creager
here are a few extra pictures found on Sister Tyes' blog and Coreys MTC companions Elder Johnstons Blog
Corey and Elder Johnston
look at that happy face:)
I'm so glad that Elder Creager has found such a good friend in his MTC companion. It sounds like Elder Johnston was a "gift from God," and that Corey being a missionary is a blessing. I know that all missionaries are gifts from God and there helping others see him. Inviting someone to be baptized and testifying of the truthfulness of the gospel is what missionaries do best:) Nice work brother
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Week 2/3- the same goal
Week 2.....no email:( That was sure a sad thing, and my mom may have been freaking out a little but I guess we can forgive him just this once;)
Week three! yes email this week. Corey sounds super excited to see the Elders that he was with at the MTC. He keeps saying over and over how he has made so many friends out on the mission. This just helps you see how strong and powerful missionary work really is. How else would a bunch of 18 year old boys become such great friends and give such a powerful message to the world?
Hello family, sorry I didn't send you an email last week, I was trying to send some pictures, there should be a lot this week. Things are great. We had are first splits with some members yesterday, I went with three people and Elder Villa went with three other people. Taught three lessons. The member here are great, they work with us every day, we have one family that helps us a lot they're the Glori family. They come with us to less actives give us referrals and take us to there nonmember friends. Also the youth in the ward love missionary work they come with us all the time too.
We're having a follow up training this Wednesday for the new batch of missionaries, so I'll get to see Elder Johnston and the other Elders from the MTC. Can't wait to see those Elders again, were all good friends.
Today was P day of course, we spent the morning with study and then it was the half hour Jeepney ride into the city to get food. We love food. You can buy it almost anywhere, there are vendors on ever corner in the cities, and you can go to San Jose for food, they have fish, chicken, vegetable and fruit stands, but its not the cleanest food so we go to puregold it is the store to go to here in the philippines. Most the time I eat oatmeal in the morning, then its rice and ulam for lunch. I don't exactly know why I'm talking about food I must be hungry.
I keep here a lot of songs from home, the music they listen to here is a lot of what is at home. The people are very aware of the United States and what happens there. And they love basketball, they play wherever they can. I've seen hoops nailed to trees, and houses, and they have some cover-courts too. Were going to go play at the church next P-day. Everyone here plays basketball its not even a question, and they watch it too, just last week Brother Glori a member in our ward was telling me how the Pacers and other teams from the U.S. come and play against Filipino teams. He said that the Philippines used to be first place in Asia in basketball until China overtook them last year, he wasn't to happy about that. The members become like a family here, the people in this area are great.
I miss you all, I'm glade Ashley got a dog, and that things are going great for you. So I guess Andy's dogs Rolley, and Ashley get Beary. Is Andy done with Cross Country? how'd he do. Until next week, keep letting me know how I can help you experience these things with me, because I do want you too and I'll do it, enjoy the pictures.
Elder Creager
Here are the rest of the "a lot" of pictures from the Elder...
Week three! yes email this week. Corey sounds super excited to see the Elders that he was with at the MTC. He keeps saying over and over how he has made so many friends out on the mission. This just helps you see how strong and powerful missionary work really is. How else would a bunch of 18 year old boys become such great friends and give such a powerful message to the world?
-see...18 year old boys right here;)
All that I know is that the gospel is true! If not there is no way that missionary work would be so powerful. From this gospel so many people are blessed and so many people come together for one purpose.
Hello family, sorry I didn't send you an email last week, I was trying to send some pictures, there should be a lot this week. Things are great. We had are first splits with some members yesterday, I went with three people and Elder Villa went with three other people. Taught three lessons. The member here are great, they work with us every day, we have one family that helps us a lot they're the Glori family. They come with us to less actives give us referrals and take us to there nonmember friends. Also the youth in the ward love missionary work they come with us all the time too.
We're having a follow up training this Wednesday for the new batch of missionaries, so I'll get to see Elder Johnston and the other Elders from the MTC. Can't wait to see those Elders again, were all good friends.
Today was P day of course, we spent the morning with study and then it was the half hour Jeepney ride into the city to get food. We love food. You can buy it almost anywhere, there are vendors on ever corner in the cities, and you can go to San Jose for food, they have fish, chicken, vegetable and fruit stands, but its not the cleanest food so we go to puregold it is the store to go to here in the philippines. Most the time I eat oatmeal in the morning, then its rice and ulam for lunch. I don't exactly know why I'm talking about food I must be hungry.
I keep here a lot of songs from home, the music they listen to here is a lot of what is at home. The people are very aware of the United States and what happens there. And they love basketball, they play wherever they can. I've seen hoops nailed to trees, and houses, and they have some cover-courts too. Were going to go play at the church next P-day. Everyone here plays basketball its not even a question, and they watch it too, just last week Brother Glori a member in our ward was telling me how the Pacers and other teams from the U.S. come and play against Filipino teams. He said that the Philippines used to be first place in Asia in basketball until China overtook them last year, he wasn't to happy about that. The members become like a family here, the people in this area are great.
I miss you all, I'm glade Ashley got a dog, and that things are going great for you. So I guess Andy's dogs Rolley, and Ashley get Beary. Is Andy done with Cross Country? how'd he do. Until next week, keep letting me know how I can help you experience these things with me, because I do want you too and I'll do it, enjoy the pictures.
Elder Creager
Here are the rest of the "a lot" of pictures from the Elder...
UTAH STATE
Haha, so three pictures:) The good news is that he's wearing a great schools T-shirt.
-The Philippines seems like it is such a different place. However, when you think about it we all love the same things. We all care about our families, love food, basketball, music and we all have so much in common. These missionaries all have the same heart and the same goal. Keep working hard Elder Creager! We know you're helping so many and are truly focused on the work.
First week in the Philippines
This kid is so happy! look at that smile:)
We got an email from him updating us on his life and how things are going so far. His companion sounds amazing, district leader, trainer and working in an new area. That's pretty amazing so Corey is learning from the best.
He is already learning so much about the language. Check out his spelling in grammar in this email. You know that missionaries are truly blessed to be able to learn a language so quickly
-Here is the email that he sent in reply to mine:)
October 6th
The Philippines are great, life is much different here than in the United States, but it's a good life. Planning on trying balluet very soon so I'll let you know how it goes.
The people here are very happy, caring and friendly. My apartment is very nice, and my companion is too. He's a district leader, a trainer, this is his last area, and we're in a new area, so he has a lot of responsibility.
Tagalog is going well, I can bear my testimony, and teach portions of the lessons, and can prayer, I'm working on expanding my vocabulary so I can say more. I know that with gods help we can all learn the filipino language, and I know that when we do are best he makes up the rest.
We're watching conference, this saturday and Sunday the 13th and 14th, they watch it English which is nice.
I wish USU would of won, (I told him we lost the BYU game:( sad day) did I tell you that while we were at the MTC they had the BYU Utah game? we all gathered around the back fence behind are building to try and listen to it. We could hear the cheering and the announcer but it was clear enough to understand what was happening.
I'll send the pictures as soon as I can.
Your Brother
Elder Creager
-here is the email reply in response to my mom's email
Your right that we should always work hard mom, the whole purpose of the gospel is Happiness, gods plan is often called the plan of happiness. I know that if we live the gospel we will be happy Alma 27:8, the humble penitent seeker of happiness will find it, and when we look at life happiness is really all we want and true happiness is only achieved through the gospel of Jesus Christ its important that we let people know that.
Sorry about some of the spelling, this tagalog study is messing with my English! joke lang. (just a joke)
Ok, my apartment is very nice inside, nicer than most places in are area: We do, do our laundry in buckets and it is very hard work be thankful every day for a washing machine last week it took me about 2 hours for a week of laundry; My area is GMA, and specifically San Jose in Gma, if you look at a map of Cavite it in the center of the Eastern side of the mission near Laguna bay;
It is true that filipno's use there hands and water for toilet paper, but don't worry I buy T.P. at the store, and sister Tye gave us some for the first week. On p-day we go to the store to buy food, e-mail and we've eaten at a restaurant both of the P-days I've been here. I've seen pictures of people going to zoo's or on hikes so I hope that we'll be able to something like that soon. My companion and I are doing great, like I said sometimes he doesn't exactly understand English but we still understand each other very well, this is his last area, he's a trainer a district leader, and we're in a new area so I"m sure it's a little difficult for him but things are still good.
Mom you wouldn't believe how much different it is hear, but in good ways, the culture is different, and the things that people value the most are also different takes some getting used to, you really accept the culture. I'll try to get you the pictures as soon as possible they're great.
Your son, and your missionary
Elder Creager
-first week! Check done:) here's to many more!
picture with his mission president and mission mom
picture with his first companion
We got an email from him updating us on his life and how things are going so far. His companion sounds amazing, district leader, trainer and working in an new area. That's pretty amazing so Corey is learning from the best.
He is already learning so much about the language. Check out his spelling in grammar in this email. You know that missionaries are truly blessed to be able to learn a language so quickly
-Here is the email that he sent in reply to mine:)
October 6th
The Philippines are great, life is much different here than in the United States, but it's a good life. Planning on trying balluet very soon so I'll let you know how it goes.
sister insert here: bulluet is a nearly developed egg...yummy right? We still don't know if he has tried one yet..
The people here are very happy, caring and friendly. My apartment is very nice, and my companion is too. He's a district leader, a trainer, this is his last area, and we're in a new area, so he has a lot of responsibility.
Tagalog is going well, I can bear my testimony, and teach portions of the lessons, and can prayer, I'm working on expanding my vocabulary so I can say more. I know that with gods help we can all learn the filipino language, and I know that when we do are best he makes up the rest.
We're watching conference, this saturday and Sunday the 13th and 14th, they watch it English which is nice.
I wish USU would of won, (I told him we lost the BYU game:( sad day) did I tell you that while we were at the MTC they had the BYU Utah game? we all gathered around the back fence behind are building to try and listen to it. We could hear the cheering and the announcer but it was clear enough to understand what was happening.
I'll send the pictures as soon as I can.
Your Brother
Elder Creager
-here is the email reply in response to my mom's email
Your right that we should always work hard mom, the whole purpose of the gospel is Happiness, gods plan is often called the plan of happiness. I know that if we live the gospel we will be happy Alma 27:8, the humble penitent seeker of happiness will find it, and when we look at life happiness is really all we want and true happiness is only achieved through the gospel of Jesus Christ its important that we let people know that.
Sorry about some of the spelling, this tagalog study is messing with my English! joke lang. (just a joke)
Ok, my apartment is very nice inside, nicer than most places in are area: We do, do our laundry in buckets and it is very hard work be thankful every day for a washing machine last week it took me about 2 hours for a week of laundry; My area is GMA, and specifically San Jose in Gma, if you look at a map of Cavite it in the center of the Eastern side of the mission near Laguna bay;
It is true that filipno's use there hands and water for toilet paper, but don't worry I buy T.P. at the store, and sister Tye gave us some for the first week. On p-day we go to the store to buy food, e-mail and we've eaten at a restaurant both of the P-days I've been here. I've seen pictures of people going to zoo's or on hikes so I hope that we'll be able to something like that soon. My companion and I are doing great, like I said sometimes he doesn't exactly understand English but we still understand each other very well, this is his last area, he's a trainer a district leader, and we're in a new area so I"m sure it's a little difficult for him but things are still good.
Mom you wouldn't believe how much different it is hear, but in good ways, the culture is different, and the things that people value the most are also different takes some getting used to, you really accept the culture. I'll try to get you the pictures as soon as possible they're great.
Your son, and your missionary
Elder Creager
-first week! Check done:) here's to many more!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Made it!
Guess who made it to the PHILIPPINES....oh ya look at him:)
The mom got to talk to him at the airport and he was so excited and ready to go. He is so strong in all that he is doing. We also received a call from his mission president presidents wife telling us that he was safe and sound catching up on sleep before meeting his companion. Here's the letter we got from his first week at the Philippines.
Well we made it. The ride to Portland was about an hour, then from there it was a ten hour ride to Tokyo, I have some pictures of signs in Tokyo hope they sent. After an hour in Tokyo we got on our last ride to Manila, Four more hours and we were there. After getting bags we met President Tye and Sister Tye outside, we loaded are bags up and headed for the hotel where we would spend the night. All of the Elders rode with the Assistants in their van, the roads are the craziest thing, they all drive like I do, was a fun ride, motorcycles tricycles and jeepney's are all over the roads. I sent some pictures from inside the Hotel and from the window of the hotel.
The next morning it was back into the van and to the mission office where we meet are companions, Elder Villa is my companion he's from the Philippines, and lives further North on Luzon next to some Mango farms. He has two transfers left on his mission, so after the twelve weeks of training he's mission will be over. He's a great companion and knows a lot of english so we can usually understand each other.
The area we are in is very hilly, with a lot of houses and trees. Some areas have very nice houses but in others the houses are very small and the people very poor. Most of the area we are assigned to are very poor. There houses are made of what ever they can find. If it keeps the rain of they're happy. And when it rains hard.
We're in a new area so things are just getting started up. We taught a few lessons, but mostly we visited members and less actives, my Tagalog is good enough to bare my testimony or teach a little. The people are very friendy if your not comfortable when you sit down in there house you will be by the time you leave.
The first thing they'll ask you is where your from then how old you are. When we meet the branch president he joked that they would call me the young Joseph Smith, they all think I look very young. So every once in a while someone will call me the Young Joseph Smith, its pretty funny, I've felt very welcome from the time I've set foot here in the Philippines, the people are all very friendly, most of them can understand at least some English but its always better to learn tagalog, they've told us that we need to learn it, any free time we have I study it, I can put together sentances for lessons but my real goal is conversation, One thing thats different here is the culture the culture is different even in the way people speak, so to speak the language like a Filipino we have to learn whats normal for them, then use the language naturally. Tagalog is easy, but culture and how the language is used will take a little more practice. I'm working hard, and plan on learning it as fast as possible, with the help of Elder Villa.
Some foods I"ve eaten, lets see..lots of rice. And pork, chicken, bread, had a couple different kinds of fruit, just Saturday we had some kind of Bannana soup, all of it is very good, I plan on getting some Ballut later this week, I'll let you know how it is. It's supoosed to be just like chicken noodle soup.
We're leaving in an apartment building that has two stories, we're on the top, there some sisters on the bottom, one of them got here with us and was in a different zone in the MTC she is also getting trained, the Presdent said that the Cavite mission has 131 missionaries right now but by the end of the year there will be about 200, so its possible that the misisonaries being trained now could be trainers after the twelve weeks. I love here, the people help you feel very welcome, they are very honest about everything, they'll tell you what they think, bu there also very kind.
The streets here are very confusing, its hard for us to remember exactly were we are, a lot of members having been showing us around which has helped, with out them we would have no idea were anything is.
The Filipino's love cariokee and basketball, we can almost always here someone singing as we walk the streets, and there are a lot of courts, one of this days elder Villa and will go play a game at one of the courts. Another question people ask is do you play basketball, its a different being the tallest person on the streets but I like it.
To send email we go to a little building, you pay three pisos and then you have the computer for as long as you want. Everything costs very little here compared to America. A trike ride is about 10-20 piso, and a jeepney ride is about the same.
Almost every day we come home from teaching there are aunts on the floor, if you leave food out for a second they'll get it, so one day Elder Villa grabbed a piece of paper, lit it on the stove, tossed it on the ground, grabbed my handsanitizer and set them on fire. One of the coolest things I've seen here. He's says they've done it to roaches and spiders to.
Sorry about the spelling I'm in a hurry, thats all for now.
Elder Creager
...the Young Joseph Smith! I think that fits him pretty well:)
I love this kid!
look he even smiled:)
Well we made it. The ride to Portland was about an hour, then from there it was a ten hour ride to Tokyo, I have some pictures of signs in Tokyo hope they sent. After an hour in Tokyo we got on our last ride to Manila, Four more hours and we were there. After getting bags we met President Tye and Sister Tye outside, we loaded are bags up and headed for the hotel where we would spend the night. All of the Elders rode with the Assistants in their van, the roads are the craziest thing, they all drive like I do, was a fun ride, motorcycles tricycles and jeepney's are all over the roads. I sent some pictures from inside the Hotel and from the window of the hotel.
The next morning it was back into the van and to the mission office where we meet are companions, Elder Villa is my companion he's from the Philippines, and lives further North on Luzon next to some Mango farms. He has two transfers left on his mission, so after the twelve weeks of training he's mission will be over. He's a great companion and knows a lot of english so we can usually understand each other.
The area we are in is very hilly, with a lot of houses and trees. Some areas have very nice houses but in others the houses are very small and the people very poor. Most of the area we are assigned to are very poor. There houses are made of what ever they can find. If it keeps the rain of they're happy. And when it rains hard.
We're in a new area so things are just getting started up. We taught a few lessons, but mostly we visited members and less actives, my Tagalog is good enough to bare my testimony or teach a little. The people are very friendy if your not comfortable when you sit down in there house you will be by the time you leave.
The first thing they'll ask you is where your from then how old you are. When we meet the branch president he joked that they would call me the young Joseph Smith, they all think I look very young. So every once in a while someone will call me the Young Joseph Smith, its pretty funny, I've felt very welcome from the time I've set foot here in the Philippines, the people are all very friendly, most of them can understand at least some English but its always better to learn tagalog, they've told us that we need to learn it, any free time we have I study it, I can put together sentances for lessons but my real goal is conversation, One thing thats different here is the culture the culture is different even in the way people speak, so to speak the language like a Filipino we have to learn whats normal for them, then use the language naturally. Tagalog is easy, but culture and how the language is used will take a little more practice. I'm working hard, and plan on learning it as fast as possible, with the help of Elder Villa.
Some foods I"ve eaten, lets see..lots of rice. And pork, chicken, bread, had a couple different kinds of fruit, just Saturday we had some kind of Bannana soup, all of it is very good, I plan on getting some Ballut later this week, I'll let you know how it is. It's supoosed to be just like chicken noodle soup.
We're leaving in an apartment building that has two stories, we're on the top, there some sisters on the bottom, one of them got here with us and was in a different zone in the MTC she is also getting trained, the Presdent said that the Cavite mission has 131 missionaries right now but by the end of the year there will be about 200, so its possible that the misisonaries being trained now could be trainers after the twelve weeks. I love here, the people help you feel very welcome, they are very honest about everything, they'll tell you what they think, bu there also very kind.
The streets here are very confusing, its hard for us to remember exactly were we are, a lot of members having been showing us around which has helped, with out them we would have no idea were anything is.
The Filipino's love cariokee and basketball, we can almost always here someone singing as we walk the streets, and there are a lot of courts, one of this days elder Villa and will go play a game at one of the courts. Another question people ask is do you play basketball, its a different being the tallest person on the streets but I like it.
To send email we go to a little building, you pay three pisos and then you have the computer for as long as you want. Everything costs very little here compared to America. A trike ride is about 10-20 piso, and a jeepney ride is about the same.
Almost every day we come home from teaching there are aunts on the floor, if you leave food out for a second they'll get it, so one day Elder Villa grabbed a piece of paper, lit it on the stove, tossed it on the ground, grabbed my handsanitizer and set them on fire. One of the coolest things I've seen here. He's says they've done it to roaches and spiders to.
Sorry about the spelling I'm in a hurry, thats all for now.
Elder Creager
...the Young Joseph Smith! I think that fits him pretty well:)
I love this kid!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Last MTC email!
This is the last MTC email...
I am so excited for Corey and the mission in the Philippines he is about to embark on. He is so so excited and so ready to serve and he knows exactly where his heart is and what he should be doing:) He is ready!
Here are a few district pictures that was taken of District B
Well family the time has come. Two days and counting until liftoff to the land of the Philippines. We'll be leaving early in the morning of the 23rd for our flights, and then after hours of flying the real work and real adventure will begin.Then comes the first Jeepney ride, the first lesson, the first conversation with a real Filipino. I"m not afraid. but I have one desire, which is this to be everything god knows I can be. This is the time for my mission, and I'm going to make every moment count, don't ever doubt that. I believe in success, and that if we do everything we can then there will be happiness and success. I won't become discouraged I won't fear because our Heavenly Father is with us through and through, as long as we stand with him all will be well. I know that if we do all we can and stay close to god he will respect our efforts. I'm feeling really good Mom and Dad don't worry about me, I'm not even worried about me. I'm happy I'm healthy I'm feeling strong and I really hope you are too. There's a short video by president Hinckley called the war in Heaven, please watch it. The reality is that we've already chosen victory we've already chosen to win before this life began, there's no reason to make the choice more than once. There is no reason to doubt, Mormon 9:25, Alma 56:47. One of our teachers had us read Alma 26 with him, it is the missionary chapter.
Last week Elder Johnston and I gave the best lesson we have ever given, everything went perfectly, we taught to our investigators needs we followed promptings we felt the spirit stronger than we had the entire time at the MTC, and we knew that our Heavenly Father had helped us. It felt amazing. Just before that we had taught some other lessons, one of them was to a lady who grew up in the Philippines she told us we had funny accents, and laughed at us a lot, which we didn't mind, we're both pretty funny, but at the end of the lesson she told us that she wasn't laughing at us, it's part of the culture of the people in Philippines to laugh a lot, if they're a little uncomfortable they'll usually just burst out laughing, at least thats what she said. You know the most incredible thing about the Philippines is that the people there are the happiest people in the world and they're are also some of the poorest, it goes to show what matters most. I think everyone could take a real lesson from the people of Philippines. Another thing about filipino's is that to them it's rude not to accept an invitation, so sometimes they'll say yes to baptism or a commitment when they really don't want to do it. Which causes some problems, our teacher told us that we should explain that we are there for them and not for us and that every decision they make is up to them.
Everyone in our district knows that the language we'll be difficult and there's going to be some tough weeks, when we first get there. Our teacher Brother Mauzey gave us a challenge, the challenge is to try to be the missionary you want to be at the end of your mission on the first day of your mission. Whatever you see yourself being at the end be it at the beginning. I had some doubts about how much I can really give the first few weeks in the field, one of the other elders and I were talking about, he told me he had the same question. But a friend of his told him that even if you can't speak the language well or contribute to a lesson you can still always serve others. If we do all we can god will always respect our efforts.
One of the sisters in our district was playing volleyball with us during gym time and broke her thumb. My companion rapped it for her and then she went to the MTC clinic. Turns our she has to wait ten weeks before she can go to the Philippines, and if Elder Johnston hadn't of wrapped her finger it could of ended up being even longer.
Thanks for the package food is always good. I'm about half way packed right now, I'm going to finish tonight, then there's Sunday and then we're off. I'll let you know as soon as possible how everything goes. Good luck to all of you in everything you do, talk to you soon.
Elder Creager
.....and we got a suprise second email:)
Got a little more time so here's some more.
The whole purpose of the gospel is to find happiness and peace. And the real way to peace is through the Atonement. Through the Atonement we can be cleansed from anything, every regret every disappointment every pain every weakness every sorrow anything that has caused us disappointment or guilt can be cleansed by the healing power of the atonement. Each day as we begin and end a day we can ask forgiveness of our mistakes and of the weakness and sin that causes misfortune, we can literally cast our burdens upon the lord and be freed from them. Each day is a new clean slate because of the atonement. Alma 42:24 only the truly penitent can be saved. D&C 131:6. Without the Atonement there is no hope, no joy, no happiness. There's a CD of a book called the infinite Atonement down in my room, if you get a chance listen to it.
The Atonement is central to our religion, without it literally nothing works. Christ could have chosen to die at anytime but he suffered through everything in the event of Crucifixion even after he had suffered every feeling of sadness, pain, and misery the world had or ever would endure. To add to the pain Christ had never sinned he had never felt guilt or misery, which adds a whole other amount to how much he really did for us.
Even with the Atonement being essential to the existence of our religion, and our purpose on earth it seems to be the least understood of almost any doctrine, this is almost certainly because the adversary himself desires us to live this life lonely and alone, separated from the joy and power of an infinite atonement. Sometimes we don't truly understand everything it can really do for us. Let's not let him dampen the power of the atonement or our belief in this power. We don't walk this life alone we walk side by side with the savior he is are master, our friend, our teacher, he's the life and the light of all things. Every thing that compelith to believe in god and do good is of god.
If you have a chance watch "only a stonecutter" its an inspiring story of a man who was a stoncutter for the salt lake temple and carve the words "Holiness to the lord the house of the lord" in gold on the side. Dad I think you'll especially like it.
It makes me ask the question I'm I really doing all I can?
Will I look back on this moment from eternity and have no regrets?
Will I be able to stand before god and say I gave it all, every opportunity every moment, every chance, and I did it for you?
One of the gems of teaching is to ask soul searching questions, there is nothing better than a question that searches the soul. Whats interesting is that the best teachers the wisest the greatest and most spiritual, teach through questions, a question prompts others to think and to teach themselves while the teacher is just a director of the learning. It's interesting that in the our purpose statement for missionary work, it says "help others come unto Christ" it does not say teach. It is my strong belief and conviction that we as missionaries help the spirit to teach others. He does the teaching we our but an aid to his great work. Through faith miracles are wrought, through faith the gifts of the spirit our obtained, (Moroni 10) Wo be to those who doubt miracles, miracles cease because of unbelief. I believe in miracles.
I know I'm not perfect but I do my best,l I want you to know I love you, and when I think back on you and the experience's we've had I'm inspired and lifted to "be something more"
Alma 26 really is a great chapter, lets glory in god just as Ammon. I believe in all of you, I hope we all believe in greatness, I believe each of you our great.
One other video I think its called "spreading doubt" by presidnt Hinckley is also very powerful, his video's our the best I've seen. They've really helped me.
We'll I've written a lot, I've shared how I fill about some things. One of my biggest desires is for all of you to be as happy as you can possibly be. So believe in yourselves and if there's anything I can do for you if there's a question you have let me know. We're not always promised happiness but are promised "peace in this life" which is to me pure happiness.
Let's enjoy life keep on keepin on, and have a good time. Until next time. And hoping I've helped you and wanting you to know I'm happy.
Your boy:
Elder Corey James Creager
We're excited for him! As you can tell he has such a strong testimony of the gospel and his mission. I'm remembering his desire and making it mine.
"I have one desire, which is this to be everything god knows I can be"
I am so excited for Corey and the mission in the Philippines he is about to embark on. He is so so excited and so ready to serve and he knows exactly where his heart is and what he should be doing:) He is ready!
Here are a few district pictures that was taken of District B
*Funny picture
Here's a good one:)
Last week Elder Johnston and I gave the best lesson we have ever given, everything went perfectly, we taught to our investigators needs we followed promptings we felt the spirit stronger than we had the entire time at the MTC, and we knew that our Heavenly Father had helped us. It felt amazing. Just before that we had taught some other lessons, one of them was to a lady who grew up in the Philippines she told us we had funny accents, and laughed at us a lot, which we didn't mind, we're both pretty funny, but at the end of the lesson she told us that she wasn't laughing at us, it's part of the culture of the people in Philippines to laugh a lot, if they're a little uncomfortable they'll usually just burst out laughing, at least thats what she said. You know the most incredible thing about the Philippines is that the people there are the happiest people in the world and they're are also some of the poorest, it goes to show what matters most. I think everyone could take a real lesson from the people of Philippines. Another thing about filipino's is that to them it's rude not to accept an invitation, so sometimes they'll say yes to baptism or a commitment when they really don't want to do it. Which causes some problems, our teacher told us that we should explain that we are there for them and not for us and that every decision they make is up to them.
Everyone in our district knows that the language we'll be difficult and there's going to be some tough weeks, when we first get there. Our teacher Brother Mauzey gave us a challenge, the challenge is to try to be the missionary you want to be at the end of your mission on the first day of your mission. Whatever you see yourself being at the end be it at the beginning. I had some doubts about how much I can really give the first few weeks in the field, one of the other elders and I were talking about, he told me he had the same question. But a friend of his told him that even if you can't speak the language well or contribute to a lesson you can still always serve others. If we do all we can god will always respect our efforts.
One of the sisters in our district was playing volleyball with us during gym time and broke her thumb. My companion rapped it for her and then she went to the MTC clinic. Turns our she has to wait ten weeks before she can go to the Philippines, and if Elder Johnston hadn't of wrapped her finger it could of ended up being even longer.
Thanks for the package food is always good. I'm about half way packed right now, I'm going to finish tonight, then there's Sunday and then we're off. I'll let you know as soon as possible how everything goes. Good luck to all of you in everything you do, talk to you soon.
Elder Creager
.....and we got a suprise second email:)
Got a little more time so here's some more.
The whole purpose of the gospel is to find happiness and peace. And the real way to peace is through the Atonement. Through the Atonement we can be cleansed from anything, every regret every disappointment every pain every weakness every sorrow anything that has caused us disappointment or guilt can be cleansed by the healing power of the atonement. Each day as we begin and end a day we can ask forgiveness of our mistakes and of the weakness and sin that causes misfortune, we can literally cast our burdens upon the lord and be freed from them. Each day is a new clean slate because of the atonement. Alma 42:24 only the truly penitent can be saved. D&C 131:6. Without the Atonement there is no hope, no joy, no happiness. There's a CD of a book called the infinite Atonement down in my room, if you get a chance listen to it.
The Atonement is central to our religion, without it literally nothing works. Christ could have chosen to die at anytime but he suffered through everything in the event of Crucifixion even after he had suffered every feeling of sadness, pain, and misery the world had or ever would endure. To add to the pain Christ had never sinned he had never felt guilt or misery, which adds a whole other amount to how much he really did for us.
Even with the Atonement being essential to the existence of our religion, and our purpose on earth it seems to be the least understood of almost any doctrine, this is almost certainly because the adversary himself desires us to live this life lonely and alone, separated from the joy and power of an infinite atonement. Sometimes we don't truly understand everything it can really do for us. Let's not let him dampen the power of the atonement or our belief in this power. We don't walk this life alone we walk side by side with the savior he is are master, our friend, our teacher, he's the life and the light of all things. Every thing that compelith to believe in god and do good is of god.
If you have a chance watch "only a stonecutter" its an inspiring story of a man who was a stoncutter for the salt lake temple and carve the words "Holiness to the lord the house of the lord" in gold on the side. Dad I think you'll especially like it.
It makes me ask the question I'm I really doing all I can?
Will I look back on this moment from eternity and have no regrets?
Will I be able to stand before god and say I gave it all, every opportunity every moment, every chance, and I did it for you?
One of the gems of teaching is to ask soul searching questions, there is nothing better than a question that searches the soul. Whats interesting is that the best teachers the wisest the greatest and most spiritual, teach through questions, a question prompts others to think and to teach themselves while the teacher is just a director of the learning. It's interesting that in the our purpose statement for missionary work, it says "help others come unto Christ" it does not say teach. It is my strong belief and conviction that we as missionaries help the spirit to teach others. He does the teaching we our but an aid to his great work. Through faith miracles are wrought, through faith the gifts of the spirit our obtained, (Moroni 10) Wo be to those who doubt miracles, miracles cease because of unbelief. I believe in miracles.
I know I'm not perfect but I do my best,l I want you to know I love you, and when I think back on you and the experience's we've had I'm inspired and lifted to "be something more"
Alma 26 really is a great chapter, lets glory in god just as Ammon. I believe in all of you, I hope we all believe in greatness, I believe each of you our great.
One other video I think its called "spreading doubt" by presidnt Hinckley is also very powerful, his video's our the best I've seen. They've really helped me.
We'll I've written a lot, I've shared how I fill about some things. One of my biggest desires is for all of you to be as happy as you can possibly be. So believe in yourselves and if there's anything I can do for you if there's a question you have let me know. We're not always promised happiness but are promised "peace in this life" which is to me pure happiness.
Let's enjoy life keep on keepin on, and have a good time. Until next time. And hoping I've helped you and wanting you to know I'm happy.
Your boy:
Elder Corey James Creager
We're excited for him! As you can tell he has such a strong testimony of the gospel and his mission. I'm remembering his desire and making it mine.
"I have one desire, which is this to be everything god knows I can be"
We love you so much Corey! Good luck with everything:)
Voice of the Spirit/Flight Plan:)
Here we go only 10 days left! We received a few more pictures from the Elder that I would like to share with you.
Here are the classy MTC rooms he has been living in...and he Loves them:)
Companion picture with Elder Johnston
Typical Corey picture right;)
"Another week at the MTC has past, and in ten days district 16b will take off from the Salt Lake airport to Portland, and then from Portland to the land of Tokyo. Then from Tokyo to the Philippines.
Mom and Dad I know things are going to be a lot different then they are here, and I can't tell you exactly how I'll react to them, but one' things for sure its not going to be easy. Maybe some people might be afraid to fly out to the other side of the world, and it would be a lie to tell you that I'm not nervous, because I am a little nervous, but I'm not afraid.
I've heard that missionaries can call there families from the airport so I'll let you know when I find out more about that. If I can call it will be between 5:00 A.M. and 8:00 A.M.
Thanks for sending letters its always great to get mail. Tell Andy to keep running, it's cool that he's doing Cross Country, my best high school memories come from cross county meets, football games and bon fires, so don't miss out on them. The bon fire is right before the Homecoming game they might of already had it, Andy will know about it for sure. One other thing, you know that when you loose your lunch at the end of a race you gave it your all. I hope you have fun with cross country Andy and keep getting better at it, give the team a hello for me.
I hope everything else is going good at home. Its great to hear about people getting mission calls, so let me know when they do. Sorry I don't have much to write, this week the weeks go so fast and then you can hardly remember whats happened. If you have time you should watch the Mormon message called "The voice of the spirit." One thing is for sure without we can't do much.
On Thursday of this week our district tried out for a musical number, they have one at every devotional, we tried out in front of the MTC presidents wife which was interesting, I played the piano, a sister played violin and a few others sang, its a great song, called Savor redeemer. They already had a musical number for this Sunday but not for the next, so we might be playing then. I forgot how much I like playing the piano, its a lot of fun.
The real works about to come. The MTC is pretty easy, but in ten days we'll be in the Philippines. I love being a missionary, there's no greater opportunity or responsibility, keep letting me know whats going on at home. I really like to hear about what each of you are doing. Thanks again for the time you take to write me."
Elder Creager
Here is the voice of the spirit video Corey was talking about. It is so true that "without (it) we can't do much" The spirit tells us so much in our lives and is something that we can always count on and cling too. I know that throughout my life it has been one of the few stable things that has kept me going and focused on what is important. I know that Corey has learned so much about the spirit. He know that the spirit is the teacher in all things and I know that he will trust it in all that he does.
Here are the classy MTC rooms he has been living in...and he Loves them:)
"Another week at the MTC has past, and in ten days district 16b will take off from the Salt Lake airport to Portland, and then from Portland to the land of Tokyo. Then from Tokyo to the Philippines.
Mom and Dad I know things are going to be a lot different then they are here, and I can't tell you exactly how I'll react to them, but one' things for sure its not going to be easy. Maybe some people might be afraid to fly out to the other side of the world, and it would be a lie to tell you that I'm not nervous, because I am a little nervous, but I'm not afraid.
I've heard that missionaries can call there families from the airport so I'll let you know when I find out more about that. If I can call it will be between 5:00 A.M. and 8:00 A.M.
Thanks for sending letters its always great to get mail. Tell Andy to keep running, it's cool that he's doing Cross Country, my best high school memories come from cross county meets, football games and bon fires, so don't miss out on them. The bon fire is right before the Homecoming game they might of already had it, Andy will know about it for sure. One other thing, you know that when you loose your lunch at the end of a race you gave it your all. I hope you have fun with cross country Andy and keep getting better at it, give the team a hello for me.
I hope everything else is going good at home. Its great to hear about people getting mission calls, so let me know when they do. Sorry I don't have much to write, this week the weeks go so fast and then you can hardly remember whats happened. If you have time you should watch the Mormon message called "The voice of the spirit." One thing is for sure without we can't do much.
On Thursday of this week our district tried out for a musical number, they have one at every devotional, we tried out in front of the MTC presidents wife which was interesting, I played the piano, a sister played violin and a few others sang, its a great song, called Savor redeemer. They already had a musical number for this Sunday but not for the next, so we might be playing then. I forgot how much I like playing the piano, its a lot of fun.
The real works about to come. The MTC is pretty easy, but in ten days we'll be in the Philippines. I love being a missionary, there's no greater opportunity or responsibility, keep letting me know whats going on at home. I really like to hear about what each of you are doing. Thanks again for the time you take to write me."
Elder Creager
Here is the voice of the spirit video Corey was talking about. It is so true that "without (it) we can't do much" The spirit tells us so much in our lives and is something that we can always count on and cling too. I know that throughout my life it has been one of the few stable things that has kept me going and focused on what is important. I know that Corey has learned so much about the spirit. He know that the spirit is the teacher in all things and I know that he will trust it in all that he does.
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