Tuesday, October 26, 2010 -
What is the Mission???
The Mission is a dream. A Missionary starts by entering into a new world—no phone calls home, no homemade food, missing his family, and being permanently placed with a unfamiliar companion. He accepts to live by strict rules knowing that the Lord will bless him if he does so. As time goes on, he learns more about life—how to overcome trials, the principles of raising a family, what to look for in his future wife, etc. And without noticing it, he starts to worry more about the people he is currently with and solving their problems than he does about his own family. He loves the people and they love him back. And when the time comes for changes, tears are shed, both his and theirs, because of the precious moments they have spent together, never knowing if it will be possible to see each other again. Two years go flying by and then comes the unstoppable moment of stay or go. This Missionary, knowing that his time is almost up, feels both a sense of sadness and happiness. He recognizes that he is going to have to leave behind his newly-developed family, but knows than an overly-excited family is waiting anxiously for his return home. This is the Mission—two years of selfless service given up to the Lord so that this Missionary, his family, his converts, and those he has come in contact with, can be blessed for the Eternities; the two most cherished years of this young man’s life…
Thank you to all those who have supported me and kept me going strong for these two years. I could not have done it without you. I love you and thank you so so much.
Les amo,Elder Colyn Quinn
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
He is COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To the Followers.....
This is Susan, Colyn's mom. I just wanted to share some feelings about these past two years and having Colyn gone so far away. When the day arrived when Colyn and I had to be separated for two long years, I think we both didn't realize how really hard it was going to be. In the MTC, watching the movie that they share with the families before the inevitable separation, Colyn was so nervous that his legs were shaking. The closing prayer was being said and I reached out and put my hand on Colyn's leg as to try and comfort him and he responded with relaxing. He held my hand throughout this whole ordeal, as he always did when we sit through Sacrament meeting together. And when the final hug came to say goodbye, we could not let go of each other. My arms were grabbing at him as to try to take something home with me. The last thing Colyn whispered to me after he told me that he loved me, was.... "I'll be back."
Those were the last three words that I heard him say while he was still in my sight. I have hung on to those words these last two years and drawn strength from them, knowing he would be back. And now HE IS COMING BACK!!!!!! This wonderful, glorious day of him coming back is here!!!! I am truly blessed! My Heavenly Father, for some sweet reason, granted me such a privilege when he sent me such a Prince of a son as Colyn is!!! He knows he is a child of God. He came here obedient, has always remained obedient and I pray that obedience will continue throughout his entire life. He loves his mom. And for this, I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for this choice blessing of having Colyn share his life with me!
Thank you for checking in and keeping up on Colyn's journey in Peru. He has felt your love and it means the world to him! He has had much success on his Mission, again baptizing three more souls this past week. He is grateful to the Lord for allowing him to be where he is and to experience "loving the people he serves".
November 3, 2010 seemed like an eternity away, and now my boy is returning home!
Love to all , Susan - A loving mother of an Awesome Missionary -
(as Colyn would say to every mother he called when letting them know when their son's would be arriving home....he would say to them either in speaking or in writing.....
"Thanks for being a loving mother of an Awesome Missionary")
This is Susan, Colyn's mom. I just wanted to share some feelings about these past two years and having Colyn gone so far away. When the day arrived when Colyn and I had to be separated for two long years, I think we both didn't realize how really hard it was going to be. In the MTC, watching the movie that they share with the families before the inevitable separation, Colyn was so nervous that his legs were shaking. The closing prayer was being said and I reached out and put my hand on Colyn's leg as to try and comfort him and he responded with relaxing. He held my hand throughout this whole ordeal, as he always did when we sit through Sacrament meeting together. And when the final hug came to say goodbye, we could not let go of each other. My arms were grabbing at him as to try to take something home with me. The last thing Colyn whispered to me after he told me that he loved me, was.... "I'll be back."
Those were the last three words that I heard him say while he was still in my sight. I have hung on to those words these last two years and drawn strength from them, knowing he would be back. And now HE IS COMING BACK!!!!!! This wonderful, glorious day of him coming back is here!!!! I am truly blessed! My Heavenly Father, for some sweet reason, granted me such a privilege when he sent me such a Prince of a son as Colyn is!!! He knows he is a child of God. He came here obedient, has always remained obedient and I pray that obedience will continue throughout his entire life. He loves his mom. And for this, I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for this choice blessing of having Colyn share his life with me!
Thank you for checking in and keeping up on Colyn's journey in Peru. He has felt your love and it means the world to him! He has had much success on his Mission, again baptizing three more souls this past week. He is grateful to the Lord for allowing him to be where he is and to experience "loving the people he serves".
November 3, 2010 seemed like an eternity away, and now my boy is returning home!
Love to all , Susan - A loving mother of an Awesome Missionary -
(as Colyn would say to every mother he called when letting them know when their son's would be arriving home....he would say to them either in speaking or in writing.....
"Thanks for being a loving mother of an Awesome Missionary")
"The Mission has been the best experience of my life"
Monday, October 18, 2010 -
I think I'm starting to get really lazy about writing home because I know that I will be home soon enough to just tell it to you. Next week will be my last week to write home. Can you believe it??? This month is just flying by. What are you guys going to be for Halloween??? What's the creative idea this year???
We had a very cool baptism this weekend. His name is Leonel Chavez Olaya. He is 18-years-old and lives with his Grandma because his family is separated. Before teaching him the Gospel, he was involved with drinking and hanging out with bad friends. He had always worn a mouth piercing, but we just taught him the Gospel and read the Book of Mormon with him. He himself had to make the change. On Saturday, I had the privilege of baptizing him. Just before starting the meeting,we were in the bathroom changing into our white clothes and we had a really good conversation. He took out his mouth piercing never to put it back in again. He has made so many changes to get to this point. He showed up yesterday dressed in a shirt and tie (given that the shirt was mine, the pants were my companion's, but he looked like a stud). He will be a Missionary in one year's time. How cool is that??? I am doing fine. This week was probably the best week of work that I have ever had in Lima. It was such a fun fast-paced week.It flew by like nothing. I have to tell you that there are many moments where I just wish the next to weeks could pass by in a flash,but I have many more moments telling myself that I don't have that much longer to put on the Missionary tag and be a full-time representative of the Church and of Jesus Christ. The Mission has been the best experience of my life...I love you Family. Love, Coco
I think I'm starting to get really lazy about writing home because I know that I will be home soon enough to just tell it to you. Next week will be my last week to write home. Can you believe it??? This month is just flying by. What are you guys going to be for Halloween??? What's the creative idea this year???
We had a very cool baptism this weekend. His name is Leonel Chavez Olaya. He is 18-years-old and lives with his Grandma because his family is separated. Before teaching him the Gospel, he was involved with drinking and hanging out with bad friends. He had always worn a mouth piercing, but we just taught him the Gospel and read the Book of Mormon with him. He himself had to make the change. On Saturday, I had the privilege of baptizing him. Just before starting the meeting,we were in the bathroom changing into our white clothes and we had a really good conversation. He took out his mouth piercing never to put it back in again. He has made so many changes to get to this point. He showed up yesterday dressed in a shirt and tie (given that the shirt was mine, the pants were my companion's, but he looked like a stud). He will be a Missionary in one year's time. How cool is that??? I am doing fine. This week was probably the best week of work that I have ever had in Lima. It was such a fun fast-paced week.It flew by like nothing. I have to tell you that there are many moments where I just wish the next to weeks could pass by in a flash,but I have many more moments telling myself that I don't have that much longer to put on the Missionary tag and be a full-time representative of the Church and of Jesus Christ. The Mission has been the best experience of my life...I love you Family. Love, Coco
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"Only 24 days and the Best Friends are back together!!!"
October 11, 2010 - (A note to all the followers....for the past few weeks, Colyn has not been writing letters home because he and I have been exchanging emails for two hours every Monday morning. So I have compiled the last month's worth of Colyn's conversations and put them in one post.)
September 20, 2010 -
Mom,
We find out changes on Saturday night this week, so I am way excited to see what happens. I am pretty sure that I will be staying where I am to finish my Mission because this is my last Change, but we'll see what Heavenly Father and President have in store for me...
About the weather... I think we are just barely finishing winter, barely because it is still freezing, but we have had some warm days where the sun has been shining. We are just starting spring, but summer will be here for Christmastime... And I'll be at home... Wahoo!!!
Love, Coco
I still haven't heard anything about Yolanda, but I assume that she is doing okay... I just can't wait to see her again...
Wahoo!!! That means we'll be talking every Monday until I go home... only 7 more I think... Can you believe it??? Everyone asks me if I'm trunky, but I just tell them no, but my family is... Hahaha. I love my family.
Love, Coco
Don't worry... You'll be seeing enough of me in a little while. I just hope you don't get sick of me talking to you because we have to catch up on two years of life... That might take a while... :)
Coco
Are you kidding me Mom??? It would be awesome to have Chase open up his Mission Call the day that I get home!!! It won't take away from anything. I didn't think you would want to wait to open it until I get home, but it makes me feel so happy that you want to wait to open his Mission Call until I get home... We will be super anxious for an arrival home and a send-away call... It will just add on to a great night... PARTY ALL-NIGHT LONG!!! And if it seems even better... I will get home and we can just be with the family and good friends and then we can have the big party another day, like on the weekend...and Chase can invite his friends and the Family over to watch him open his Call... You think he'll be getting his Call before I get home?... That is so exciting!!!
Love, Coco
Yes. Comas is part of Lima. It's a little prettier than my other areas have been in Lima, which makes it nice as well, but nothing beats the Jungle...
Coco
September 27, 2010 -
Good News!!! I am going to finish my Mission...in COMAS!!! I am so happy. I am going to stay for my last Change here and that makes me feel really good. I now will not have to get to know a new area, new members, new house, new companion, nothing new. My companion, Elder Zárate and I are both staying. It is so nice. And I am so excited to end my Mission as a Zone Leader in Comas!!! At the same time, I am sad because my friends are leaving the Zone: Elder Smith and Elder Cridlebaugh... Elder Smith is going to be a Zone Leader in Lima and Elder Cridlebaugh is heading off as District Leader to the jungle of Iquitos. I am so jealous... But it is what the Lord has planned... I'll be seeing Elder Smith every once-in-a-while, but today is the last day I will be seeing Elder Cridlebaugh. It's sad to see friends go and they think it is so weird that I am going home this Change. They don't believe it, just like I can't believe it. It has gone by so fast. We have plans to hang out after the Mission so we'll see where life takes us...
I Love you....Coco
October 4, 2010 -
Mom...
Is you there? Because I didn't get my sweet Mother's e-mail this week...
Coco
(Yes Coco....I am here...)
Hallelujah!!! I love my Family!!!
Mom, How are you doing??? Less than one month left... Can you believe it? So, this weekend we didn't watch General Conference because down here in Peru, their Elections were going on, and it is illegal to have any type of reunion in any place, so there were no Church meetings this weekend, and yesterday, we weren't even able to leave the house. We stayed inside all day studying, organizing, and just enjoying a day off... We are going to watch General Conference this weekend the 9th and 10th. And Fast Sunday is going to be the 17th so this month is just going to fly by... WAHOO!!!
You got my packages!!! How fun is that??? I thought you'd like what I sent. Mom, I still need you to select your ten favorite photos of me in the Mission...not baptisms... And get them sent to me...by tomorrow. Tomorrow, we are going to the Temple so I will be able to write you again tomorrow... Hey Mom, Dad tells me that you are trying to make everything perfect for my return home. But Mom, don't stress out. I just want to be able to enjoy the day with my family. Don't be so overwhelmed with everything that you can't even enjoy the day. I want it to be a nice enjoyful day...
The couple that took the packages home is the Nelsons. They are the couple that have been spoiling us like crazy with pizza, hamburgers, french toast breakfast, grilled ham and cheese and pretty much anything we wanted. I felt so bad for them because the husband Elder Nelson got really sick down here. He had some kidney stones and an infection in his body so they thought it would be better to go to the USA to get taken care of, recuperate, and then come back to finish the Mission. They are planning on coming to my Homecoming Meeting and I will be inviting them. They didn't want to go and I felt sad for them, but I know they'll be going back out to serve...
I know. Nathan is finishing his Mission... Can you believe how fast that went by??? I will get home, and then Nathan White gets home three weeks later. Isn't that weird? Our whole group of friends are going to be getting home within the next couple months... How exciting...
I love you so much....until next week....Coco
October 11, 2010 -
HELLOOOOOOOO!!!
ARE YOU THERE?????
(I am here Coco.....)
Mommy!!! I love my Mom!!! How's the day treating you???
Hey. I still haven't gotten my credit card yet??? Do you think it would be possible for you to send me some money through Western Union? Honestly, I am living on nothing. It stinks to not have money. I am not able to spoil my companion, or buy a soda or treats at nighttime, or take a 3-liter pop to a Family Home Evening, because I can't spare even one cent right now. So do you think you could do me that favor. Just put the money in Western Union under my name, and I will go and take it out. What do you think???
I am so glad that you are enjoying school. Only three weeks left and I'll be able to help you with your homework... How does that sound???
Hey. Did Chase get his Mission Call yet??? Or is it this week that it gets there??? Are you sure you can wait til I get home to open it??? I honestly cannot wait. How exciting!!!
(Coco, I told all the sisters in Relief Society yesterday...."this time next month (meaning fast Sunday) my best friend will be home again with me!)
Is that right? Only 24 days and the Best Friends are back together!!! That seems so crazy. I miss my Best Friend so much. But we know that we wouldn't change anything for these two years...
It's time for me to go. I love you so much. General Conference was really good this weekend. They talked a lot about the importance of the family, which of course made me feel really good. I love you and hope everything is excellent. Until next week. I won't be writing in the morning because we are going to a Museum in the morning. I will be writing in the afternoon at about 2:00pm Lima time. I love you. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know tomorrow about the money. Thanks...
Coco
October 12, 2010 -
YEAH!!!!! I'm rich!!!!!
I got the money out yesterday!!! Thanks for taking care of me. You saved me. I love you and miss you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
September 20, 2010 -
Mom,
We find out changes on Saturday night this week, so I am way excited to see what happens. I am pretty sure that I will be staying where I am to finish my Mission because this is my last Change, but we'll see what Heavenly Father and President have in store for me...
About the weather... I think we are just barely finishing winter, barely because it is still freezing, but we have had some warm days where the sun has been shining. We are just starting spring, but summer will be here for Christmastime... And I'll be at home... Wahoo!!!
Love, Coco
I still haven't heard anything about Yolanda, but I assume that she is doing okay... I just can't wait to see her again...
Wahoo!!! That means we'll be talking every Monday until I go home... only 7 more I think... Can you believe it??? Everyone asks me if I'm trunky, but I just tell them no, but my family is... Hahaha. I love my family.
Love, Coco
Don't worry... You'll be seeing enough of me in a little while. I just hope you don't get sick of me talking to you because we have to catch up on two years of life... That might take a while... :)
Coco
Are you kidding me Mom??? It would be awesome to have Chase open up his Mission Call the day that I get home!!! It won't take away from anything. I didn't think you would want to wait to open it until I get home, but it makes me feel so happy that you want to wait to open his Mission Call until I get home... We will be super anxious for an arrival home and a send-away call... It will just add on to a great night... PARTY ALL-NIGHT LONG!!! And if it seems even better... I will get home and we can just be with the family and good friends and then we can have the big party another day, like on the weekend...and Chase can invite his friends and the Family over to watch him open his Call... You think he'll be getting his Call before I get home?... That is so exciting!!!
Love, Coco
Yes. Comas is part of Lima. It's a little prettier than my other areas have been in Lima, which makes it nice as well, but nothing beats the Jungle...
Coco
September 27, 2010 -
Good News!!! I am going to finish my Mission...in COMAS!!! I am so happy. I am going to stay for my last Change here and that makes me feel really good. I now will not have to get to know a new area, new members, new house, new companion, nothing new. My companion, Elder Zárate and I are both staying. It is so nice. And I am so excited to end my Mission as a Zone Leader in Comas!!! At the same time, I am sad because my friends are leaving the Zone: Elder Smith and Elder Cridlebaugh... Elder Smith is going to be a Zone Leader in Lima and Elder Cridlebaugh is heading off as District Leader to the jungle of Iquitos. I am so jealous... But it is what the Lord has planned... I'll be seeing Elder Smith every once-in-a-while, but today is the last day I will be seeing Elder Cridlebaugh. It's sad to see friends go and they think it is so weird that I am going home this Change. They don't believe it, just like I can't believe it. It has gone by so fast. We have plans to hang out after the Mission so we'll see where life takes us...
I Love you....Coco
October 4, 2010 -
Mom...
Is you there? Because I didn't get my sweet Mother's e-mail this week...
Coco
(Yes Coco....I am here...)
Hallelujah!!! I love my Family!!!
Mom, How are you doing??? Less than one month left... Can you believe it? So, this weekend we didn't watch General Conference because down here in Peru, their Elections were going on, and it is illegal to have any type of reunion in any place, so there were no Church meetings this weekend, and yesterday, we weren't even able to leave the house. We stayed inside all day studying, organizing, and just enjoying a day off... We are going to watch General Conference this weekend the 9th and 10th. And Fast Sunday is going to be the 17th so this month is just going to fly by... WAHOO!!!
You got my packages!!! How fun is that??? I thought you'd like what I sent. Mom, I still need you to select your ten favorite photos of me in the Mission...not baptisms... And get them sent to me...by tomorrow. Tomorrow, we are going to the Temple so I will be able to write you again tomorrow... Hey Mom, Dad tells me that you are trying to make everything perfect for my return home. But Mom, don't stress out. I just want to be able to enjoy the day with my family. Don't be so overwhelmed with everything that you can't even enjoy the day. I want it to be a nice enjoyful day...
The couple that took the packages home is the Nelsons. They are the couple that have been spoiling us like crazy with pizza, hamburgers, french toast breakfast, grilled ham and cheese and pretty much anything we wanted. I felt so bad for them because the husband Elder Nelson got really sick down here. He had some kidney stones and an infection in his body so they thought it would be better to go to the USA to get taken care of, recuperate, and then come back to finish the Mission. They are planning on coming to my Homecoming Meeting and I will be inviting them. They didn't want to go and I felt sad for them, but I know they'll be going back out to serve...
I know. Nathan is finishing his Mission... Can you believe how fast that went by??? I will get home, and then Nathan White gets home three weeks later. Isn't that weird? Our whole group of friends are going to be getting home within the next couple months... How exciting...
I love you so much....until next week....Coco
October 11, 2010 -
HELLOOOOOOOO!!!
ARE YOU THERE?????
(I am here Coco.....)
Mommy!!! I love my Mom!!! How's the day treating you???
Hey. I still haven't gotten my credit card yet??? Do you think it would be possible for you to send me some money through Western Union? Honestly, I am living on nothing. It stinks to not have money. I am not able to spoil my companion, or buy a soda or treats at nighttime, or take a 3-liter pop to a Family Home Evening, because I can't spare even one cent right now. So do you think you could do me that favor. Just put the money in Western Union under my name, and I will go and take it out. What do you think???
I am so glad that you are enjoying school. Only three weeks left and I'll be able to help you with your homework... How does that sound???
Hey. Did Chase get his Mission Call yet??? Or is it this week that it gets there??? Are you sure you can wait til I get home to open it??? I honestly cannot wait. How exciting!!!
(Coco, I told all the sisters in Relief Society yesterday...."this time next month (meaning fast Sunday) my best friend will be home again with me!)
Is that right? Only 24 days and the Best Friends are back together!!! That seems so crazy. I miss my Best Friend so much. But we know that we wouldn't change anything for these two years...
It's time for me to go. I love you so much. General Conference was really good this weekend. They talked a lot about the importance of the family, which of course made me feel really good. I love you and hope everything is excellent. Until next week. I won't be writing in the morning because we are going to a Museum in the morning. I will be writing in the afternoon at about 2:00pm Lima time. I love you. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know tomorrow about the money. Thanks...
Coco
October 12, 2010 -
YEAH!!!!! I'm rich!!!!!
I got the money out yesterday!!! Thanks for taking care of me. You saved me. I love you and miss you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
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