A Letter from President Galanos

We were very excited today to receive an e-mail from the Greece Athens Mission President, President Galanos. He was so kind, and said that Craig is proving to be an excellent missionary. He feels that he is learning the language quickly and he has developed a "great confidence in speaking with people", which I am sure surprises none of those that know Craig well. He also said the following: "Fortunately, your son is a dedicated young man who desires to allow the lord to mould his character well. Have little concern on that score. He is rapidly becoming one of our finest missionaries". We were humbled by his kind words and it is again, a reassurance that Craig is where he should be at this time in his life, and giving it 110%.

President Galanos also included the two pictures I have posted here. It is always great to see pictures of Craig and how truly happy he looks in all of them. I am anxiously awaiting our phone call on Christmas so I can hear the excitement in his voice too. It will be the best Christmas present ever!

Have a blessed Christmas and love to all.

Craig was Transferred

We heard from Craig this morning and found he has been transferred to Athens. He spent most of Monday on an 8 hour train ride to Athens, "crazy day" in his words. His new address is the mission address posted on this page and he will get mail once a week delivered from the mission home. He is excited that his new companion is Danish and speaks German. He has only been out two months longer than Craig so both are still struggling somewhat with the Greek language, but I know that the Lord will intervene and guide them and those they teach. He sounds very excited to be there and excited to get started in his new area. I of course am fretting because he did not receive his birthday or Christmas packages from home yet, and likely won't until after the first of the year. He naturally is not worried at all about them and will be excited to get them whenever they arrive.

We are very excited to get to speak with him on Christmas day. He will be calling around 9Am our time. Anyone who would like to share the morning with us and talk to Craig is welcome to come to the house around 8:45. I will have some breakfast foods and we can enjoy the morning talking with Craig. We would LOVE to have you and I know Craig would love to talk to you all as well, so please plan to come if even for a little bit!

Christmas Poem

It was a little difficult today as we did not receive an e-mail from Craig, the first time we have not received one since he arrived in Greece. I know in my heart that he is fine, but it just feels "weird" not to hear from him. I did receive this poem from one of the moms in my e-mail group. Comforts my heart for sure!

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Clause,
my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
I've reread November's Ensign,
and my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,
gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,
their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence,
I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him, that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand,
This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated
by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make,
This year... I'm giving Christ my son

Finally Another Post

City of Kavala Greece where Craig is currently serving.

Craig and his companion Elder Merrell

I know....what kind of mother am I?!?!? I really have no plausible explanation for not creating a post on this blog for nearly 8 weeks other than I have no explanation!! I have had good intentions, but every time I sat down to create a post (and I have a tried a time or two) I just could not do it. Sometimes too difficult, sometimes too much to say, other times I just did not know what I wanted to share with others and what I wanted to keep to myself! That said, as mothers I am sure you understand exactly what that means, you've all been there before, wanting to share with others, but you just can't make the words come out. What I can share at this time is my thanks to each of you for remaining loyal to this site, checking despite knowing there would be nothing here, and for your endless support through kind words, gestures, and most importantly prayers for Craig as he begins this marvelous journey! You are all THE BEST!!

Gosh, now where do I begin?!?! Craig is serving in a city in Greece called Kavala. Kavala is a city in Northern Greece with a population of about 63,000. It sits on the Bay of Kavala across from the island of Thasos. In biblical history the Apostle Paul landed in Kavala on his first voyage to Europe. The pictures I have seen are just beautiful. As it sits along the sea, the terrain is abounding with hills which means lots of walking, lots of difficult walking. He doesn't mind though, great exercise he says! Kavala is a relatively new area for the missionaries to serve (it opened to missionaries about 5 months ago) so they have certainly faced their share of adversity. I am in awe of how well these young men handle the criticisms and of angry attempts to drive them away. They just explain to those who ask for an explanation or walk away from those who shout angry or hateful words and continue with the work at hand. They truly act in such a Christ-like manner. I am not sure many of us could deal with some of the situations these young missionaries face in such a calm, and kind manner. Craig has already been arrested once (this by the way is not uncommon), however he and his companion were released once it was determined they had not broken any laws. They have met MANY wonderful people, some who are interested in learning more about the church and the gospel, some who are just interested in being kind to these young men, but these positive experiences far outweigh the bad and as Craig says "makes it all worth it".

Craig is thriving in the mission field and so are we here at home. The blessing Craig receives from his service are abundant. The blessings we have received as the family of a missionary are amazing. Our faith as a family grows each and every day. Craig's faith shines each and every day. The Spirit comforts us when we feel sad or miss him terribly as we know the Spirit comforts Craig when he feels homesick or discouraged. We feel so blessed and so proud. Craig is an awesome young man and we are so honored to share him with the world as he spreads the good news of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Safely There

According to the Delta web-site (my best friend for the last 12 hours!!!), Craig's flight safely arrived in Athens at 11:00am local time (4:00am here). What a blessing to know that he is safely there. He still did not know what area he would be serving in so he may still have some traveling to do today unless he is serving right in Athens. I am sure jet-lag will also consume him for the next several days, but he will be so busy and excited that hopefully he will adjust quickly!

I am anxious to hear from him, which may be in the next day or two, or it may be Monday, but I know that the Lord is watching over him and the mission President and his wife will treat him as their own. Will update you on the specifics when I have them.

The Influence of the Spirit

I found this in some items here at home, I believe Craig brought it home from a youth fireside, but it certainly applies to each of us, hope you find it as inspiring as I did:

When You Have the Spirit
You feel happy and calm.
You feel full of light.
Your mind is clear.
Your bosom burns with love for the Lord and for others.
You feel generous.
No one can offend you.
You are very forgiving and kind.
You are confident in what you do.
You do not mind anyone seeing what you are doing.
You feel outgoing and anxious to be with others (especially family members).
You are glad when others succeed.
You want to make others happy, even those opposed to you.
You bring out the best and say the best about others.
You gladly and willingly perform Church work.
You feel like praying and reading the scriptures.
You wish you could keep all the Lord's commandments.
You feel you have control of your appetites, and emotions: food and sleep in moderation, sexual restraint, recreation that is wholesome and moderate, controlled speech, and no anger.
You feel a deep desire to help others-usually in a way no one else will know about.
You speak and think only good about others.
You feel sorrow when others have problems and sincerely desire to help them.
You realize that your thoughts and your actions are open to God.


A quote from Joseph Fielding Smith:
"When a man has a manifestation of the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on the soul, one that is not easily erased. It is spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force."

Craig is officially in the air and headed for Athens. It looks as if they are about 20 minutes into the flight, pretty much on time. Pray for their safe flight and a beautiful reception to the country all 14 will call home for the next 22 months!

The Time to Travel is Here

I feel like it has been such a long time since I have written. Things have been going very well for Craig and his 13 Greece Athens Mission buddies. They have been working incredibly hard to continue to perfect their Greek and their teaching style. Six of the fourteen were stricken with Influenza A two weeks ago and were quarantined from the remainder of the MTC. Craig was unfortunately one of those who was ill. If you have never had true influenza you cannot appreciate how terrible it makes one feel. Total body aches, fever, cough, congestion, headaches, the whole nine yards. Craig said they were all on medications and symptomatic treatment to be well for travel. Thankfully all have now recuperated and are ready for the trip.

The day of departure is Tuesday, October 16. They are expected to arrive in Atlanta on Tuesday at 2:10pm from Salt Lake City and they depart at 4:50pm on a direct flight to Athens. They will arrive in Athens at 10:50am local time on Wednesday, October 17, which will be 3:50am here. The truly wonderful part abut all of this is that Craig may be allowed to call home while waiting around in the airport on Tuesday! I cannot tell you how excited I am to talk with him and hear his voice! I am planning to be here at home anxiously waiting for the phone to ring. He cannot be sure until that day if he will be permitted to call but all indications are that he should be allowed.

I cannot tell you the peace that I feel about his mission and the journey he is about to take. His love of God and his love of the Church just radiates from him. Craig is so anxious to share his testimony with the people of Greece and I know that the Lord is preparing someone, or perhaps many people, to receive the message of His love. I tell Craig all the time what a wonderful missionary he is going to be, and I know this not only in my heart, but in the reassurances that I get every time I pray. The peace that comes over me, it just can't be described, it is beautiful.

I promise not to wait so long in between posts from this point forward. I know there will be many new and exciting stories to tell about life in Greece, the people, the country, his new companion, and I can't wait to share it all with each of you! I have posted Craig's new address, which is the main mission address and they will forward his mail. Once he is settled in an area, he may have a local address that can be used also, but that will change each time he is transferred, so I will keep updating as necessary! Thank you again for all of the wonderful letters and e-mails of support you have sent Craig, and for your prayers of love, comfort, and support. They mean more than you will every know!

Love from here!
Craig's Family