Monday, April 22, 2013

Hi Mom,

Glad I already emailed everyone else back, you had a lot in that email there.

Yes I got your package; I wore the teal shirt Tuesday and shrunk it Saturday, oops. The tan skirt is perfect, worn that a couple times and it earned me the nickname "Army" from a silly older woman named Sue, she gives nicknames to all the missionaries (Sister Cox is "Red Head" and Sister Johnson is "Polka Dot" because she wore a polka dot skirt the first time they met). And I'm still thinking on the patterned skirt, the hem isn't my style per say. And I wore the shoes yesterday, they were a little snug and hot but I just kicked them off whenever I wasn't being watched and them slipped them back on when I was.

Bless you for the post-its, we use them everywhere and I am so happy to have multiple colors now. Sister Johnson gave me a stack of orange ones but I needed more colors or I was going to get sick of orange. We use post-its when planning our lessons for the day, notes for phone calls, when a less active isn't home when we check on them so we leave a note (but we use shaped post-its for that), and when we find a good uplifting quote I post it to our/my quote wall (no one has added to it yet). The Cole Erase would be nice for when I get the chance to draw. If you find my big white erasers could you send them with the pencils and sharpener? And black Sharpies are fine. Also pens, ball point, super ultra thin; my sisters use a G2 Pilot that is .38mm thin, and it is perfect for the planner.

Last week was great, it started with a high on Tuesday, low in the middle, and ended with a high Saturday, and lazy Sunday. We've been busy always on the move and always talking to people. Wednesday was just a rush but I taught the Book of Mormon class with Sister Cox, and shocked everyone, even Elder Simpson (senior missionary) complimented me and Sister Cox said she didn't receive a compliment for her 1st month. We discussed 2 Nephi 31, we didn't plan that much, and I have almost no memory of what I said, but I guess it went great so, the feedback was great, so I'm excited to do it again when our turn rolls around next month. Mornings are difficult only because we immediately begin stretching and exercising. No me gusta. But I just walk around and my sisters run, but we just follow our "track" around the apartments and stay within sight and sound or each other, then go in do warm down stretches and then continue on with preparing for the day.

It was funny my first morning, I made eggs for breakfast and there was no salt and pepper in the apartment, ANYWHERE. I had to eat my eggs plain. But the next time we went to the store I made SURE to buy Nature Season, 2 in 1 bottle! I miss the spice cupboard though, especially my bottle of parsley, give it a kiss for me. Of course we don't really have that much time for cooking anyway, I mostly do eggs or eggs in a basket for breakfast, and a potato for lunch. It was really nice because on Saturday we got to help cook dinner with a in-active lady you was feeding us, Cheri, and my companions and her all stepped back from the stove and I got to take over. It was just a box pasta, but it felt wonderful to be following a recipe and stirring a pot on the stove. Yeah... I'm weird. We've been lucky to have lots of members feed us, and I have never appreciated an actual home-cooked meal made by a mom before (because I miss yours terribly, Mom). Last night a ward missionary made dinner for us and she gave me the recipe, it’s simple but makes a lot! I definitely think that you and Dad or the family should try it.

"Two Timing Pasta"

1 box penne pasta (or bowtie)

1 {15oz} jar of Alfredo sauce

1 {24oz} jar or Marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

optional - sausage or chicken (Italian Chicken Sausage was really good)

Boil pasta according to directions. While the pasta is boiling, combine all ingredients on stove and let simmer. Add the sauce/cheese to drained pasta, stir to combine. Pour into 9x13 dish. Cover with foil, and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Remove foil, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve.

Did you get a picture or the ducks? Send it to me (email)!

I would love to sing for a lesson, my sisters don't sing and Sister Cox made the comment yesterday that she's been singing more than me so I started singing when I was getting frustrated yesterday and really calmed down, I need to remember to keep singing. I hate silence.

At the MTC they wouldn't let us say "guys" we had to say "missionaries" or "elders and sisters." First day in the field President McDonough says, "Ok guys, gather around." So I try not to think about it too much anymore. I believe "missionaries" is politically correct, but from my experience so far, calling us "sister missionaries" or "the sisters" is just fine, you have to differentiate somehow, especially if you have both elders and sisters in your ward like we do. And we do affect people differently. For examples, the elders and Spanish elders cover different areas than us but we meet with one man in the elders area because he asked specifically for sisters, and we meet with a woman who speaks Spanish with the Spanish elders because she asked for girls. So really we get everywhere and still don't receive enough miles. Luckily Elder and Sister Simpson take pity on us and drive us around for Sunday meetings and district meetings so we can save on mileage.

Interesting story about tracking yesterday, I had 3 door slamming experiences last night. We were tracking in our apartment complex, waiting for Mission President to visit. The first lady claimed she was doing bible study and shut the door, the 2nd didn't even open the door, just hollered that she'd already been to church that day then wouldn't respond anymore when we kept pressing. But the 3rd was the best. We haven't met the neighbor right beneath us so while she was letting her dog out, my companion Sister Cox approached the door, raised her hand to wave and smiled; the woman (still in the house) screams, runs to the door and slams it in Sister Cox's face. We weren't even planning to talk about the church just explain that we were her neighbors above her. So we left a note apologizing for startling her and left. I don't think I want another experience like that one...

I'm glad you had a cousin dinner and even more happy that you saw David! I pray their hearts are softened too and that everything is going okay for them.

Tell everyone I was surprised when I got sent to Louisiana too, but you get used to it, I have. I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle a transfer to Mississippi, I like Loosyana. President McDonough visited us last night and gave Sister Johnson a tip that next transfer she'll most likely be moved to another new area for sisters and be training a greenie and Sister Cox and I will stay in this area to finish my training. That made me sad at first, but Sister Johnson is so knowledgeable that she is needed to go train more people help create some great missionaries, she sure has been working on me a lot, and I appreciate her. Sister Cox and I get along great, and I know we'll do fine if that is how it’s going to be. The biggest challenge will be the fact that we are both so serviceable that we'll probably take a bit to get something done (ie. showers, doors, laundry). But I should be able to drive since I got all my paperwork in. Excitement.

Today is a day in Shreveport. We had a game of volleyball with the sisters and elders in the Shreveport District and are going to be traveling around with the Shreveport sisters to the library (hello), lunch, Target, the post office and other places around here. Then Sister Johnson is going to do an exchange with a sister from the Monroe District to help boost that area some. It'll be fun, I'm sure. The only sad thing is that as I was jumping on the stage (we were playing at the Stake Center) I hit it with my shin in the exact same spot I got kicked 2 years ago. That bruise didn't heal correctly and I think I made it worse today. But I iced it at the church and the swelling has gone down, just waiting on the pain now.

I pray you are well, and that I'm not asking for too much, please limit packages to no more than 2 in a month so wait till May to send anything else, please.

Love you all mucho mas!

"Sista Stew-war-d"

(that's how people say my name J )

Pictures From the Mission Home

Mission President McDonough and Sister McDonough

Monday, April 15, 2013

Hi Mom Hi Dad,

I just sent off a bunch of letters and my SD card on Saturday, I'm hoping they arrive by tomorrow but I can't be sure. Emotions for me are running really high, it’s been tougher than I expected, but my companions give me pep talks to make me feel better.

We are the only sisters in our area and have the most people to cover. They worry and have concern for me beyond what I've ever had with people outside my family. Sister Cox has been teasing me from day one about how stubborn and selfless I am. They say to just let it all out and be a little selfish. It’s a hard adjustment, but I'm working on it, and have had moments of real peace.

I have 2 companions, they said it was something the mission president is working on. Sister Cox is my trainer, a passionate sister from Fresno, CA. She's been here 12 weeks, she's 20, and really sweet. She's always making sure I'm comfortable and taking care of myself (she says I take cold showers but I actually just don't like my water super hot like they do). And Sister Johnson is a beauty from Murray, UT. She’s been here 9 months, 23, trained Sister Cox and is now working with Sister Cox to train me. She graduated in art and has great fashion sense. She's more laid back than Sister Cox, but very knowledgeable and friendly. I'm so glad I have both of them to lean on, they have each other to lean on in my training so they aren't alone.

Our area is called Brownlee because that is our ward name and the church is located off a street named Brownlee in Bossier, LA. There is one set of elders in our district and a set of Spanish elders which attend to the other district in Bossier. We have our own car so I don't need a bike yet. My shoes are comfortable but I'm having fashion issues and would like some more shoes. Could you get me some Toms? Lots of other sisters have them and the President didn't say no (of course, I'm a Soda's girl more than Tom's, though).

My area is nice but there are a lot of less actives and tons of smokers. Most of our days are visiting our investigators, less actives and driving. I mention in my letters that our area is about 80 miles wide and we cover one side of it, so miles are an issue, but we drive a newer car so gas isn't bad. Church Sunday was odd because it was supposed to start at 9am but it didn't start ‘till 9:10am and only a third of the ward was there by then. I didn't look behind me to see how many actually made it in time to take the sacrament. So size is something I'm getting used to.

My sisters are really helping me learn and meet different people though. I felt bad yesterday, however, because after I bore my testimony in sacrament and said I was the new sister missionary, everyone thought I had taken the place of Sister Cox, and wondered where she'd been transferred to. They are so attached to Sister Cox and Sister Johnson, but of course they opened this area where sister missionaries are concerned and so they are their first sisters.

The McCabe's Family has really made me feel welcome, they have 3 children Hunter 11, Taylor (a girl) 9, and Tucker 7, they are a handful, but Sister McCabe really knows how to handle them. Brother McCabe is nice and dedicated to his calling and fulfilling the Lord's work. Plus they have a dog, Charlie the chocolate lab. They feed us every Wednesday and yesterday they fed us again. And by us I mean sisters and elders, so they feed 5 extra people for their regular Wednesday meal! So kind.

It’s almost scary how crazy everyone here is about baseball. Family life and church take a backseat to it with almost everyone we meet. I've only seen a few road kill opossums but I've been told I'll see some live ones eventually. I’ve seen mostly pets, livestock, and some turtles and rabbits.

I'm already picking up a Southern accent (especially every time I'm around the McCabe’s), but it's growing on me. The schedule is still confusing but I'm understanding the planner better and the Sisters say I'm handling my first week well. Lessons are still a problem because I don't talk much, my sisters do good at making up for my lack of talking.

I haven't gotten any packages or mail yet but I'm excited for them! Especially keep the chocolate coming, its gold in our apartment.

Love and miss you!

-Sister Stewart

Friday, April 11, 2013

Salutations!

I love it here in Louisiana. As expected the people are really nice and they all respond well when I say I’m from Mesa, Arizona. A lot of people admit they’ve lived in or stayed in Arizona; it’s sad when I have to explain that I actually don’t know that many people. My first night in my area we actually had dinner with a member family, the Houston’s, who lived in Tucson. They served us Chicken Fajitas and their house was decorated in a southwestern theme, it made me feel very comfortable. * Note: thank you Dad for teaching me geography and such because the older men keep mentioning that sort of stuff and I can just barely keep up.

It’s green here; trees, huge trees, are everywhere. Our apartment is on the edge of a forest I think and most neighborhoods are encompassed in forestiness. Of course I love it. So far my animal count is dogs, cats, and one goat but my sisters have promised I’ll get to see opossum, armadillos, snakes, and alligators at some point in time. No one has seen any fireflies but I’m not counting those out yet. I just need to be sent somewhere with a boat rather than bike or car (fyi, I don’t think there are any areas that require a boat).

We Brownlee Sisters do have a car though, and we don’t have to share it! For good reason too because we are everywhere! Our area is 80 miles wide [she tells us later it is 80 square miles]. The church I think is somewhere in the middle in Bossier. I need to get my sisters to set up the district map but we have so little time between investigators, less actives, meetings, and travel I’m surprised we have time to eat. (Dad, remind me to have you try a restaurant called Raising Cane, it’s a chicken strip place and their batter is good).

My first night out we taught a new investigator family and it was awesome! “Like living in a video game,” I told my sisters. And it feels like that, especially while we were tracting this evening. I think that’s because I’ve been role playing for so long and hearing fake answers to finally hear those answers come out of real investigators is surreal and thrilling.

I think the Lord definitely knew I needed 2 companions because their support system is what’s helping me. I had a low point this morning during personal study. Then they boosted me in companion study and I’ve been on top of the world since.

Keep the letters, questions, concerns coming. And send a letter to Sister Cox and Sister Johnson if you can. They’ve been sad not to receive any mail this week.

Love,

Lara

P.S. Please send Cole erase pencils in the pen box in closet, and Mom look for shoes with traction because the concrete is slippery in the rain.

P.S.S. It was raining when I arrived and it was cold! Today the skies were clear and it was hot in the sun but not too humid. Sister Johnson says get ready though because come May it’s going to get gross and she suggests men’s deodorant. Whew!

Pictures From Sister Stewart

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Howdy!

            Hope you realize by now that I am not so good at writing letters because my stories and dates are all over the place.

            After 4 hours of travel today, I finally arrived in my first area in Shreveport, LA, the Brownlee Area. I spent one night in Mississippi and now get to spend 12 weeks in Louisiana! My companions are great. They have been really nice and sound so excited about what they are doing here. Oh, and yes I said companions.  I got set up with 2 sisters. Sister Johnson is from Murray, UT and Sister Cox from Fresno, CA.

            Our apartment is beautiful and I’ve already seen lots of nature (there was a caterpillar on Sister Cox’s shoulder a minute ago). The house on the SD card is the Mission Home.

            Tonight we apparently have 2 appointments and members are feeding us. And I sorta met the mission leader for our ward. …There’s so much to take in, I don’t know how Karl and Ryan got through this, but hopefully I’ll be okay. I showed a new side to everyone including myself this morning when half the mission met for transfers. Let me just say I don’t like crying for 30 minutes. I think it had something to do with feeling overwhelmed, undesired, and claustrophobic all at the same time. Your scriptures and letters really helped.

            I love you. Please Pray I’ll become a quicker writer. I have so much to say and so little time!

                                                                                    Sister Stewart
                                                                              (aka Lucky Lara)

New address:

            1680 N. Forty Loop Apt. 3

            Shreveport, LA    71107

Monday, April 8, 2013

Dear Everyone,

            I have so much to tell you. I’ve been putting off writing this letter because I knew how long it would take but I’m on the plane now to Atlanta, GA and have 2 hours before we land. Hopefully that’s enough time.

I can’t always answer people individually. I’m sorry if I don’t send you your own letter but I’m going to do the best I can.

First, my entrance into the MTC; I was overwhelmed. They handed us off to several different host missionaries to take us to get booklets, luggage, show us to our rooms, and finally deposited us in our classrooms. I met my teachers and district. People didn’t lie when they said the spirit is really strong at the MTC. During class I was struck at times by how much I learned. I never learned so much doctrine in all my Seminary and Institute years combined! That was a very enjoyable experience.

The weather has been gorgeous, only a few rainy days and hundreds of bright blooming flowers, trees, and plants everywhere. Every time we stepped outside or I got close to a window I would freeze at the sheer sight. Sister Keyes would laugh at me and say how she loved how much I appreciated the beauty of the earth. It probably bothered Sister Rocha at times, especially when I stopped at the paintings and photos everywhere, but she didn’t push me and I moved along just fine.

Next the food - It’s definitely not my Mother’s cooking but not bad either. It was helpful having a passion for trying new foods. They had a lot of new foods to try. In my nearly two weeks there I don’t think I ever had the same thing twice.

We had gym time about five times and it was really fun because we played as a district, played with the Elders, and didn’t keep score so everyone could focus on just having fun hitting the ball. We played volleyball every time because it was the only game we didn’t have to wait five minutes to play. The power the Elders had in one palm slam was astounding.  And, speaking of Elders, it was fascinating watching Elders when it came to doors. I rarely had to open my door because there was usually some poor Elder who had held it for one sister and then she was followed by a dozen more.

We were late leaving the MTC for the airport; some Sisters had ticket issues and some bags were overweight (not mine). The security line was extremely long. There’s my miracle today: that we not only got through the line in time but that the Sisters with problems got through. With all that happened we didn’t have time to call home.

There’s no turbulence right now and I am so grateful. Do you remember those flights to and from Nauvoo? They were traumatic for me at the time, but definitely worth it. And all my Allegiant flights have helped me get used to flying. I‘ve been up since 2:00 AM and didn’t go to bed until 11:00 last night so I am going to try to sleep a bit before we land in Atlanta.

Well, we landed safely, though a little rough. I wanted to call home because we had a 2 hour layover but when I finally found a payphone that worked with my calling card, of course Mom wasn’t home because by then it was 10:00 AM your time. I really wanted to speak to Mom. I wished it was Tuesday so Mom would be home and I could hear her voice.

There were a couple times I was really down and I’m feeling that way now. I thought writing this letter would help, but it’s not. I’m not feeling very confident….

(finishing the letter – Wednesday, April 10,2013)

            For a brighter side, a tradition was started in my room at the MTC where everyone would take a turn saying one nice thing about all the other sisters. We loved this because it was encouraging to everyone to hear what good things others saw in us but what we couldn’t see in ourselves.

            Karl and Ryan, have you ever heard of “Narnia holes”? Our room had two. They were secret compartments behind vents or in our case unused electrical covers and they held little treasures that had been placed there by someone else who had lived in that room. Ours had a parachute solider, a skeleton lock and key and a sombrero wearing rubber ducky. Then we added a fun ball on a string. In other rooms we found Narnia holes but they were empty.

         

          Now that I finally made it to the mission field I miss my district. Elder Capron (like apron with a “c” attached) is in my district now and I used to see him in the MTC. I think the newness will be good for me but I can already tell it will be hard when I leave my new companions Sister Cox and Sister Johnson.

            The humidity hasn’t been too bad, my hair looks good, it rained like crazy today, and so far I’m living the crazyness well. Thank goodness for 2 companions to support me.

                                                Love you Mucho,

                                                            Sister Stewart

P.S. I finally met Brian, oops, Elder Stewart again last Saturday and got a photo with him Sunday!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Dear Dad,

Thank you for all the packages. The cinnamon rolls were delicious. I was shocked to get the 2^nd package. All my roommates were excited when I pulled out the Martinelli’s. We are going to use it in our celebration tomorrow night [her last night in the MTC]. All the sisters in my room have been receiving candy and we have to use the rest of the money on our cards to buy things in the vending machines. (MTC card that holds $8.oo to use on washers/dryers, vending machines and small purchases) It’s going to be really sad to leave these sisters; already we’ve made close bonds to each other.

I’m sitting in the gymnasium, converted to auditorium for conference. I wish I could have gone to conference since it is so close but it would be hard to bus 3500 missionaries there so here I am.

            My experience here at the MTC has been incredible, overwhelming and fun. At first I thought it was going to be like EFY, but it was so much more than that. I was able to expand my knowledge. My weakness was my focus and memory; hopefully I can continue to improve on these in the weeks to come by the Spirit and Jesus Christ. As it says in Ether 12:27, “I will make your weaknesses strengths.”

Dad, thank you for your example. I don’t know if you realize how much you’ve taught me. I know I’ll be okay in Mississippi. I know it’ll be hard but I can do it.

We went to the Provo Temple on Tuesday. It was interesting having curving walkways right on the edge of the temple. When I walked into the Celestial Room, I lost my breath it was so beautiful, the chandelier is so big. I love going to the Temple, especially when I think that the Primary song I Love to See the Temple doesn’t apply to me the same way as it used to. I’m not “going there someday,” I’ve gone and I will go again.

                                                            I love you Dad,

                                                                        Sister Stewart

Thursday, April 3, 2013

Lara’s Letters – we received Letters dated April 3^rd through April 10th all in one envelope. Yes it was bulging!     
                                                                 

Dear Family,

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for all the Letters!

            My district leader is the one that gets the mail each day and I love it when he has to say my name repeatedly until he gets to someone else’s mail. Not because I have more than others but because I HAVE MAIL. I know it won’t be like this in Mississippi. Actually I don’t know the whole mail or PO Box situation but I know Dear Elder will not be giving me notes every day.

            I am so grateful for my family, because even states away I know you are always supporting me. And I have lots of people here supporting me as well. I’ve really been able to connect to the sisters in my room; my companion Sister Rocha, Sister Garzard (bright and blue eyed) and Sister Keyes (sweet, really nice and caring). Sister Parsons (super energetic and silly) and Sister Smith (kind of quiet and thoughtful but joins in the fun)who are in a different district (District 29C. The rest of us are in District 29A)

            Sister Rocha is nice, funny and very close to Sister Parsons (they connected on the first day) she’s 19, from Fruit Heights, UT. Except for Sister Smith from Montana, the others are all from Utah, and between 19 and 21.

            The Elders are Elder Hillman from Rigby Idaho (he laughs but can be serious), Elder LeBlanc from Colorado (he’s super chivalrous, and though we thought he had a big ego has shown us he has a strong testimony), and Elder Tanner and Elder Atkinson (he says some profound things).

            My teachers, Sister Frost and Brother Sebesta are amazing. They really know how to make everything possible. I’m going to miss them.

(April 3^rd continued)

            Sister Rocha and I dominated the mailbox today; we were the only ones who got mail. I was very happy to get mail. Dad said I shouldn’t let the mail determine my confidence but it really is a joy to receive it. I felt the same way in Idaho, whenever I saw I had an email. It’s funny; I mention my experience at BYU-I at least once a day. I’m excited to go back.

(added note from April 10^th – Now that I’m in the field, I mention my experience at the MTC multiple times a day.)