Sister Lara Elizabeth Stewart: Mini Meatloaf and Red Velvet

I know I say this every week, but it has been an exciting week.

Last Monday was spent a lot on the computers emailing (my companions usually get 2 to 3 dozen emails each week). Then on Tuesday we were dropped by investigators and people wouldn't answer their doors, so in a feeling of discouragement, we went to the library again for Mormon.org time--viewing the profiles and seeing people actually gaining faith in the Savior uplifts me for sure. Angie, the librarian, laughed to see us again so soon. She has relationships through the library with a couple of the members, and since we go there just about every week, we are gradually making a relationship with her too. Cross your fingers and say your prayers that she will gain a desire to continue learning more.

I truly feel that the work in Wesson is progressing, however, it can be hard to see that when I say we've been having people say they don't want us to come back. It makes for interesting experiences when we meet people, especially when non-members ask if people are responsive and kind. The answer is yes, for about 75% of the time. For example, yesterday we met an Apostolic Pentecostal. He was nice enough, but then he started using the phrases "Well you believe..." and "If you really look at the bible in..." We've been counseled to stay away from any arguing or bashing so Sister Tebbs spoke up before me that we should probably go. But the man stopped her, finished his point and invited us to come back and we could have a real bible study. When we finally walked away, we were all a little sad because the man only referred to one chapter and book in the bible, but if you read in other sections, they disproove what he said. I am glad to say that through thorough study between chapters and books, Old Testament, New Testament, and the Book of Mormon, I know and understand fully the Doctrine of Christ and can not deny the truth (though I still have a lot to learn). However, I can't force people to believe this, I can only encourage them to find out for themselves.

In our tracting experience on Saturday, we finally saw the proof evidence why so many missionaries don't like dogs. We met some people with a 3-legged pooch that barked as we approached but then licked our hands as we talked to its owners. The people told us that if we were going to continue down the road be weary because a couple homes had lots of dogs and one house had a herd of chihuahuas that bite. We thanked them and with faith continued on. When we knocked on the trailer with the chihuahuas, a herd rounded the corner of about 7 chihuahuas and one large Australian Shepard. The Shepard came right up and I froze, luckily it didn't bite and we talked to the woman who answered the door for a minute. But as we walked away, still ignoring the dogs, Sister Totterer felt teeth on her leg twice. It didn't tear her tights so we thought the chihuahua might just leave a bruise, but the next morning she found a good battle wound on her calf. Needless to say we are extremely cautious of dogs now.

With our branch, things are...well...weird. That's not to say anything of our members, I love them. My companions and I have all agreed that we are staying in Wesson the rest of our missions. Just kidding, we aren't in control of that. Truth is, it is sometimes hard for me to get all the spiritual support I need from church, but the most important thing is that I partake of the sacrament every week, and no matter where you go, that never changes.

In exciting news, I've been making some new foods this week. On Tuesday we had meatloaf! We quickly thawed the meat mixed up the ingredients, slicked a muffin pan, and baked it for 30 minutes. I chose to use the muffin pan to have it cook faster and it worked like a charm, the meatloaf was perfect and the sweet glaze I made for the top was a nice addition. I was proud of myself. Then we had red velvet pancakes from my Christmas present from Mom. I purchased cream cheese frosting which we warmed up and drizzled over the top for our "syrup". They were so good, my only fear is that there isn't enough mix. Haha.

As the food news continues, I have something sad to say: Pollywog's is officially closed. All those I told to go eat there, I apologize. Sadly, the owner was having some health problems and had to close. The rumor is that a spa will be replacing Pollywog's. Highly debatable whether that is better or not because I loved their soup. Let's just say I am saving some yogurt in the freezer.

In better news, we celebrated Reyes (Rey-sheys), a Uruguayan holiday. Sister Totterer's mom is Uruguayan and sent the making of Reyes. Under the direction of Sister Totterer, we set out our shoes and bowls of grass and water. The Wise men came with their camels and left gifts. It was so sweet and it really made the morning fun as we received a package from Sister Totterer's mom with her Reyes gift. Who knew I'd be getting the traditions of other countries in my mission in the USA?

Its been such a fun week, I've grown closer to my companions and closer to the Lord. Last night we had a cry fest as we shared the strengths we have seen in each other throughout the last 10 weeks. It was really touching to hear the things my companions said about me and has motivated me to stay true to what they said.

The Lord has blessed me today, how has he blessed you?
Alma 38:2 "I trust I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God... for blessed is he that endureth to the end."

I love y'all. Have a lovely Monday and a blessed week.

Love, Your Favorite Mississippian Missionary