London has been hit February 15, 2016

Hello everyone,

I hope this week has been filled with happiness and smiles aplenty for all y'all! This week in London has been a rollercoaster. We got hit by another snow storm last night, there is 4-6 inches of snow sitting outside right now haha. And today it is a mix of rain and snow, wasn't expecting this at all! We have been walking around a lot, we've been trying really hard to talk to everyone we see and find people to teach. The work is hard out here but it's so worth it, I look back on these last short 6 months and I am in so much awe of how much I've changed out here. The tender mercies of the Lord are upon us all, there is not a person on this earth He doesn't care for. I can truly testify that He only wants the best for us, He knows exactly what we need in our lives to bring us closer to Him and to bring us happiness in this life. The easiest way to find lasting happiness is to follow God's commandments and live like the Savior. The only reason that is hard is because we make it hard.

I can honestly pick out the most rewarding moments and the most trying moments from my mission and see the difference it has made when I was being exactly obedient and trying to be like Christ, compared to the times when I tried to rely on my own strength to get through my trials. The savior WANTS to help us, but we have to do our part first. We cannot expect joy and blessings to be given to us on a silver platter, the things we desire in this life are found the same way a precious jewel or metal is found: through hard work. "the Lord" does not give any "commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing whichhe commandeth them". Heavenly Father has a purpose for each and every thing He asks us to do. The blessings are there regardless of what we choose to do, but the only way we can receive them is if we live worthy of them.

We had a meeting this past week in Lexington where we were taught about a few things we can do to improve our missionary work. As a missionary, there will always be something I could be doing better. But more importantly we can all be improving all the time! Whatever it may be, there is always room for improvement. If you ever feel like you've perfected something, you're wrong. Haha to put it bluntly, we can never be to good at anything. We can always be a bit more loving in our homes, more diligent in our scripture study, more giving to those in need. In essence, we can always be more like the Savior. I know Jesus Christ suffered for each one of us, so that He knows perfectly how to lift us up and strengthen us. I know He has overcome death itself so that we can be with Him again someday. He only wants the best for us and He has given us the way to have perfect happiness in this life. We just need to put on a smile in the hard times and look for the good in things, it's up to us to decide how we feel, so why not feel happy? Make time for God and God can definitely make time for you.

I love all y'all so much (I'm practicing my eastern Kentucky accent),

Elder Crow

I almost forgot,
A happy happy birthday to my amazing, blondey, baby sister Leah! Happy
6th birthday sweetheart, Zachary loves you!!

snow in London, KY that soaked Zachary's feet

celebrated Groundhog day in a member's backyard

Elder Crow bundled up for the snow

Elder Crow eating mini skittles from the Lougee's