April Fools. 

We were doing studies as usual and got a call to go and search for a missing elder. This caused everyone alarm, and debate arose as to whether we should go out and search or the leaders were just pulling a prank on all of us. 

I give myself credit for being the voice of reason that we should, whether a prank or not, still go out and look for the dude. So we left. We met up with the other zone and it was real. We then broke into search parties and searched until about 2pm that day. My search party led us to the border, and naturally I took the wrong exit and had a moment of panic when we all thought that we were accidentally crossing the border (we ended up being escorted out of the border area, right before we had to cross the bridge - this may be the closest any missionary has come to mexico without breaking mission rules.)

The first day was called off with the assumption that the elder was on a flight home. Wrong.

April 2. Again the day started as usual, we were even able to have a lesson with Carlos Martinez about the book of mormon. But then another call comes that they found the hotel where the elder had been staying and we were off to join another full day search. 

We orchestrated the search parties to cover all the hotels, pawn shops, bus stations and most fast food places in laredo - it was incredible. We spent all day driving and walking, showing his picture everywhere that we went. The mission curfew of 9pm was even extended to 10pm for Laredo in order to help find him. 

April 3. The mission held a fast, that the elder would be found and was safe. Our man-hunt started at 6:48am and didn't end until the middle of the day - 4pm, when President Maluenda had received word that the elder was safe and had finally contacted his family.

The happiness of the day continued with a lesson with Bro. Carlos Martinez about the plan of salvation - at the end of the lesson he just said, "Toda via yo necesito el espiritu, no puedo lograr esta gloria sin la ayuda del don del espiritu santo."

We all need to be more appreciative of the guidance of the holy ghost in our lives; daily. The help from our heavenly father only comes when we're are worthy to have the companionship of the holy ghost. If we do our part, then Heavenly Father can do His. We have to do the little things to remain worthy, just like Bro. Carlos Martinez is working to receive his confirmation and the gift of the holy ghost.

General Conference - April 4th and 5th. Maravillosa!

One of my favorites quotes, "Average is the enemy of excellence." 

Right before the afternoon session of general conference, I got a call from the Assistants to the President - I am going to be a trainer! 

I had to drive down, 3 hours, to McAllen and I spent the night at the other sister's apartment. Today was spent in a meeting with the other new trainers and new district leaders and President Maluenda as he gave us a pep-talk for our new callings. I am so excited to meet the cute new missionary chika, so there will be an update on her in my next email. I just arrived back in Laredo, we came straight to the library to write this email. 

Almost 6 months of Laredo Lovin'

H. mckenna Crawford