That moment when you can't think of a good title.

Well, what can I say about this week? With the end of the month its been tough on miles so even though its been cold and rather windy we've been pushing through with our bikes and walking around. I remember being weary about how much gas I used back home but miles cause my head to spin a lot. But even though I'm still not a good biker and often find myself up to a quarter mile behind my companions, I'm still pushing forward. Just sometimes I have to get off and walk on the uphills.

This last District Meeting, me and my companions taught. We took some time on Tuesday night to read over the passages in Preach My Gospel that explained our topic and then decided where we wanted our class to end up at the end of our teaching. We decided activities we could do and movies to watch. Finally we decided on each one we wanted to use and the order. The next day we presented our lesson. It was interesting but overall I think we did well. It's not easy teaching like that with 3 people. Teaching investigators is easier.

My allergies have been getting a hold of me this past week. Usually its worse from 7:30pm till the next morning. Twice we've been talking to people and I've had to just turn my head away and have my companions finish our conversation so I could get out and cough because I would have a big dry spot that I can't get rid of with a few simple coughs into my hand. When we were tracting, I waited till we were behind the next patch of trees before allowing myself to lean over and hack and drink sips of water till it was gone. Attractive right? Last night I was coughing and had our investigator tease Sister Baker that she got me sick. Though I love the flowers and blooming trees, I could really do without the sinus and coughs.

We were lucky to do some service this week. We have an investigator moving to Louisiana (outside the mission *sad* ) and so we helped her plant some flowers in her front yard. I'm really going to miss her but she'll be living close to the Baton Rouge temple so she may be able to go there and feel the spirit. I was also able to help Sister Diamond brush her dog. Floyd (the dog) is a little chihuahua, but I was able to make a second puppy from all the hair I pulled off him and he was still shedding after that!

Mom I loved the package you sent. The shirts are great. As you can see by my pictures, I've already taken the liberty of wearing a few of them. I especially love the gray and orange v-neck. Where did you get it? Did they have more? The Ensigns and New Eras have been much appreciated by my companions and I. And was that scrap paper or lessons I should read through? Either way I've been glimpsing at one side before drawing on the back. I've been working on planners and it helps to sketch out ideas on scratch paper before pulling out the scissors and glue. Yes, please keep the old encyclopedias. Just put them in my room if you want them off that self. I love those books and am not ready to get rid of them yet. When I get home I'll go through and determine whether I really need them.

The women's broadcast on Saturday was amazing. The Spirit was so strong Sister Baker was crying the entire time. I hope you felt the spirit too. If you didn't have the chance to watch it, I highly suggest taking an hour and reviewing the messages taught.

General Conference is a great opportunity to hear from the prophet and receive revelation from the Lord. Just as Jeremiah told the children of Israel: "I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the Lord your according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the Lord shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you" (Jeremiah 42:4). The revelation given to the prophet is meant for the people as a whole and the Lord will reveal to him our answers. May we all listen intently for our own answers of the heart.

I've completed a year! See you soon!

Love you all,

Sister Lara Stewart

PS. An investigator showed us the best Triscuits ever! Sweet Potato and Sea Salt made with brown rice. Yummy!

 Sister Baker and Sister Rosenauer sang "Color of the Wind" as we tracted. Sister Baker got animated.

 My little Pianists.

 One of my favorite houses. It's always decked out for the season/holiday. Right now it's pastel pinks and greens for Easter.

 Ready to tract (with Kent in the background).

Sister Tarbutton's goats had more babies. Twins in fact. This girl is so small she almost didn't make it. 

Of Colds, Of Cars, and Of the Lord

So guess what. I forgot my journal again. Reviewing the details from my planner and camera again. Luckily I have a photographic memory to help me out.

Granted there isn't too much to say, Sister Baker's "just not feeling good" turned out to be strep in relation to her spring allergies so we spent Friday in the house and didn't get to work as much as we planned on Thursday. Plus on Wednesday was interviews so again, not much. However, we still surprisingly got some good work done.

Monday night we stopped by an investigators home. Her family is less active and to our shock pretty much everyone was there! So we decided to read with everyone and turn it into a member present lesson, reading from Alma 8 and showing the diligent faith of Alma as he returned to Ammonihah after being "reviled...and spit upon...and cast out of their city" (Alma 8:13). We showed how Alma's labor in the spirit in verse 10 was not wasted as an angel visited him and told him "Blessed art thou" (verse 15, one of my favorites). And so he was blessed that as he returned to the city by another way and met Amulek who had been prepared to help Alma in his missionary efforts. They probably thought we were crazy for reading such a missionary chapter but again to our shock they all came to church on Sunday! I was so happy to see them there. I don't know what made them decide to come, but it was definitely a miracle. And Calvin, one of the son-in-laws, was able to help bless the sacrament because we were short on priesthood holders. That is such a joyous thing to see, I truly love men who worthily hold and use the priesthood, the very power of God.

Tuesday was spent driving. Like I told you before, we had to get a new car because our Chevy Cruze was dinged up pretty good, but after having our Toyota Corolla less than a week, Elder Edwards (our car guy) realized that it needed to go to Shreveport for some repairs to be done to the bumper. So we met him in Clinton and exchanged for our brand new 2014 Ford Fusion. ...I LOVE this car. Seriously. It is so nice, and I really want one when I get home. I know I can't afford a 2014 and I'm not sure I would like an older model but if I ever get the chance, ooo, love it. The ride is smooth, the steering is good, I like the length, it's roomy (a whole ton more than our Cruze) and I absolutely adore the look. Plus it has bluetooth. I'm starting to really like bluetooth. Since I'm driving I can't talk on the phone but my companions don't like talking on the phone. So they make the call and I just talk to the car and the people respond back and I never have to be distracted from the road. Oh, so nice....

Now this email is not supposed to be a sales pitch so I'll move on. Since we were in Clinton our Zone Leaders met us for lunch and at the restaurant we met 2 sweet old ladies and were able to sing happy birthday to one. It's always nice to go out with other missionaries but the work must go forth and so we rushed back home and went tracting and met with several potential investigators. One investigator didn't have her husband home but said she would relate our message to him and that he was really sad he had to be gone. We read Alma 40 with her and talked again about the Plan of Salvation and the resurrection of men through Christ, she really liked that and loved sitting down just us girls. However, she spoils us with Girl Scout cookies. Yum.

Monday morning was hard for me, but we pushed through and made it to our interviews in the afternoon. I was so excited to talk to President McDonough, much different than from when I first came out. I got to see my district and I'm excited, these people the Lord keeps putting me around are so awesome! Elder Clyde is a character and Elder Byerly is simple but because he's been out so short of time he's still fresh and if you look at him you can see the fire burning in him. The rest of us are just keeping up in our "old age", haha (because they are the 2 that are under 6 months). Luckily we made it out by 7:30pm and were able to go to our appointment in Crystal Springs and even though we were early went straight up to her door. Good thing too because she was heading out to work and only had about 10 minutes to talk. If we had been on time we would have missed her.

Thursday, like I said, didn't have much work to it. After listening to Sister Baker go hoarse on Wednesday, Sister McDonough suggested she stay in till we figured out what was wrong. A member helped us set up an appointment in the afternoon so she stayed with that member in the morning while Sister Rosenauer and I went out tracting. At the doctor's appointment (in Brookhaven), Sister Baker was tested positive for strep so we got Krystal Burger while waiting for her medicine and spent the rest of the day inside. Sister Rosenauer was able to go out for 2 hours with Kristin McLemore and thankfully they met with Sister Tarbutton and her son so the day wasn't completely wasted.

Friday was a day though. Besides an emergency run to Dollar General for toilet Paper and wasp spray (and fried ice cream), we stayed inside. We watched church-logo movies (like I don't already have them memorized) and I worked on planners (I have all my elder planners done for this transfer now). I think Sister Rosenauer was going to go crazy though and was having fits but she maintained herself and was off like a bullet the next morning when we went back out.

Unfortunately I think I either picked up what Baker had or have finally taken to the pollen in the air and suffered yesterday through a stuffy and runny nose, and a strange voice and woke up this morning to a rather sore throat. It's gone mostly away now but a small cough has stuck with me. Mom, don't worry, I take a multi-vitamin and drink/eat vitamin C whenever possible. I'm fine.

I hope you all know that I have a testimony that this is the true church. I face opposition each day that it is not, and every day I tell myself, "why not?" A lot of people have told me they think that there are so many churches because people are different and so we each have to have a different way. But Ephesians 4:5 says that there is "One Lord, one Faith" to me this means there is one way. And it is a way that ALL men can travel. I love the Plan of Salvation because it's also the Plan of Happiness. God's plan for each one of us to be happy for all eternity. Through choosing to follow Jesus Christ, study who he is, and exemplify his characteristics we can feel that happiness and be free (2 Nephi 2:27). I know he is my Savior from sorrow, guilt, and inequity. I can never repay him, but I can show my gratitude and desire to do all I can. I sister yesterday said in her talk "I can't, God can, I think I'll let Him." Let him help you and find joy in his touch.

I love you all. This Wednesday is my one year mark. Can you believe it? Just a little longer and I'll be able to give you all hugs and kisses and my Southern recipes!

Love, Sister Lara "Stewy" Stewart

We followed "GODSWAY" in Clinton for a while. 

 Sister Rosenauer picked a pretty bouquet as we tracted. Spring is here!

 Tried Krystal Burger, its small but mighty.

 Fried ice cream, sitting outside next door. Sick people can still eat ice cream, ha!

 The Town of Wesson.

 Tracting the country always makes for pretty views and cows (not pictured).

 Friday I rode down a hill and couldn't make my turn. So it was either run into a bush or chance running into the creek (a 6 foot drop) on the other side. I chose the bush. I'm just fine and the bush is healing nicely.

 ...

Fried Mushrooms! At 51 Diner.

Happy "Wear-Gree​n" Day!

Well, Hi there!

Let me sing you the song of my people...

Do-doee-doooo!

Haha!!!

Just kidding, if my family has a song at all, it probably sounds like a bunch of kids screaming, power tools, and Karl's high base speakers. But the merry sound of laughter would ring out over all the background racket and make you smile and laugh yourself.

The past week has been a mix of emotions but for the most part very happy. Of course Tuesday was super sad. I don't think I was completely ready for Sister Tebbs to leave but she made it off safe and sent an email when she arrived that she was already liking the Hattiesburg zone, but needed to adjust to being around so many people. Sister Rosenauer arrived safely from Bossier and she and I have connected on some of the people from that area (I still miss Brownlee so much, it will always be my mission home). She's from Iowa, but I'm so used to my companions being from Utah I keep forgetting, I think she forgives me... sometimes.

Wednesday was interesting with our new district. The Hazlehurst got a new elder Elder Clyde, he seems like a character from what little he said. Red Star sisters stayed the same but said they have been getting more work in their area which is really good. The Brookhaven elders got a newbie, Elder Byerly, he seems like an interesting kid himself, can't wait to get to know him more. And Elder Whitney (in Brookhaven) is the new district leader. I was worried that if he ever got to that position it would make his head big but he's been handling it really well and has really impressed me the past week. I'm excited for this Wednesday when I'll be able to be combined with my district again. You'd be amazed how much you get to become best friends with those you serve around.

We spent Wednesday afternoon working in Crystal Springs and you really sense the spring. It wasn't just because we were all sneezing from the pollen but there was a fresh start feeling. It felt really good. And it must have rubbed off on our work because the work was great on Wednesday. We had 2 lessons while tracting (it's been months since we did that). Our Branch President met us at a referral's home he had given us the week previous, she wasn't home but I think that made him happy to see us working in Crystal Springs. A lot of our planned appointments fell through but we stayed busy and had fun doing it. The weather was beautiful and, best of all, we made it on time to our Branch Coordination meeting with our Branch mission leader! It's been a long time since we've done that too. We ended the night right with a simple fish dinner, yum.

I didn't think we could have another work day as nice as that one but the Lord proved me wrong and Thursday became its own miracle. We biked in the morning to the library to spend time on Mormon.org. I found some really cool people but forgot to write down their names. Still, I encourage everyone to go on and check it out. I'ts a great opportunity to learn how others have grown their faith and see a little bit of the world and the cultures in it. After lunch we loaded up the bikes and headed for our country area which we call "Stronghope" for the big baptist church there. We met with a very less active whom I love and talked with her for a time till her son woke up and gave us fudgsicles. Haha, I miss those. She said she'd try to make it to church this week, we're super excited that she will. While tracting we received another lesson, it was awesome! We met with another less active and Sister Baker began to scare me with her boldness. She asked why she hasn't been coming to church, which was fine until she started saying that she would finish the puzzle she gave us several weeks before if she would come to church. This doesn't seem like a problem except Sister Baker isn't good at puzzles, so I have to do it, ha! Luckily Sister Rosenauer is good and has been helping me. For dinner, Sister Baker made Navajo tacos. Unfortunately she got a little distracted and accidentally dropped one in the oil and the oil splashed up and burned a good portion of her hand. Her mom's emergency kit came through and the burn cream healed it by the next morning.

Friday started with a normal weekly planning session including snacks! We had goat cheese from Sister Tarbutton on Sunday so I had that with humus and veggies. We visited the Diamonds and read 1 Nephi 4 with them, old companions have taught me how this chapter shows just how much of a "guy" Nephi is. A whole verse is devoted to how nice Laban's sword is! Then the relief society president, Heidi Green, picked us up and we talked about visiting teaching and how we could get more missionary work into our sisters while her son had his baseball practice. It was a great thing we did because we found out the coach for her son was one of our investigators. Instant fellowshipper! Amazing! We had dinner with her and another member and their kids at Los Lobos (Wesson needs more restaurants). We ended the night with a great lesson with one of our other investigators. She let us try some crawfish (mission bucket list: check) and then told us she got the house she wanted near Baton Rogue and they'll be moving at the end of the month. We're going to keep teaching her and hopefully her next missionaries will be able to carry her the rest of the way. We know she is ready for this, she just needs the answer for herself.

Saturday was spent biking, tracting, and being outside. I found out a little bit more why Jehovah Witness's don't celebrate birthdays and holidays, which made me sad. A birth is a miracle from God, so I'm going to keep celebrating, but I can respect more the way they see it. It was an adventure trying to get to some houses. There were some big puddles that we had to slowly crabwalk past on what little un-bushed, dry ground edged them. I have pictures and videos to show but my camera really doesn't like these computers and the card reader I bought doesn't work either. I just don't understand what's up. If I ever get on a different kind of computer I'll send them then.

Sunday we had Branch Conference, it was good but long. When we arrived I was super surprised when the less active's boy who had given us the fudgsicles walked up and hugged me. She brought her husband and one of her daughters. We were so happy. I think they may have been a little confused as we sustained all our leaders but that was one of the quietest Sacraments I've seen in this Branch so hopefully they were still able to feel the spirit. They had to leave early so I was unable to see how they felt about it. After church we tracted and ended up tracting into a less active. That was pretty neat, we have an appointment to see her again on Thursday, wish us luck! The rest of the day was a small struggle to see people. We even had a member come out with us, but no one was home everywhere we went so we eventually thanked her for her time and said we'd have better luck next time. Luckily I think she was more okay with it then we were. We saw Sister Tarbutton (love her!), but afterwards headed home early because Sister Baker just was not feeling good.

It was the first time I've had my studies on Sunday in nearly 6 months! It was a great study though. I've been reading in 3 Nephi lately and in 3 Nephi 4:4 it talks about food storage!! I was so happy. Granted I don't plan on storing 7 years worth and I certainly hope it won't be because I am barracked in my home, but it's still a necessity.

I made meat loaf for dinner but added too much egg and forgot the dried onion so it wasn't the same. O well. My glaze turned out at least.

I feel really tired lately. Maybe its a sign of how old I'm getting, one year next week. Or it's how much excitement I've been trying to have in the work. Or maybe its because the work has been going so well. Not sure but I have a lot on my "to do list". Wish me luck!

I love you all. Keep the faith and remember that if you want to do "good works" have faith, hope, and charity (Alma 7:24, my new favorite scripture).

Your Sister Missionary in Mississippi,

Sister Stewart

Sister Roesnauer :) 

 I love finding cats in strange places.

 Sister Baker made Navajo tacos...

 ...and burned her hand.

 Ate crawfish finally, an investigator was celebrating the new house they just bought.

Tracting across the great deep!

Boo-boos and Goodbyes

So let me tell you the story of my people. Missionaries.

After emailing, we donned on pants and drove to Brookhaven to clean our car. Part of zone conference is a clean car contest to make sure we're taking care of the things God's given us. the temperature was about 34* and with the humidity it was even colder. My fingers were frozen after 3 minutes of working without my gloves and you might as well not touch anything metal. So. Cold. We ate dinner at Waffle House and waited for the Brookhaven elders to wash their car because we needed them to change the seat on Sister Baker's bike. As we waited, Elder Hedworth, visa waited who will be leaving on Monday to Brazil, practiced his language on us by telling us about Joseph Smith. I have no idea what he said but it sounded awesome. I'm really going to miss that boy, he was a good example and uplifting person. He made everyone smile.

Tuesday was Zone Conference. We had to leave at 6am to get to Brandon by 7am for car inspections. Of course, we were late. However... WE WON THE BOSH AWARD!! It's the award for the cleanest car of its year. It was a lot of hard work, especially since we live in a sand box and it was freezing on Monday, but totally worth it. Surprisingly enough the other win for 2012 cars were the Red Star sisters who also live in a sandbox. Conference was super amazing and enlightening. We were able to hear from our zone leaders, assistants to the president, and of course of mission president on how to invite investigators to pray, be baptized, and how to help less actives. During the middle Sister Baker had to leave with Sister Tebbs to go get her blood drawn, she's anemic so she had to get checked out, looks like everything is okay now. It was a super long day and we were all drained by the time we could leave and then we didn't want to because we were with so many friends. We were able to go to dinner with the Brookhaven elders and spend a little more time with Elder Hedworth. Newk's is an amazing place--go there if you ever get to the South.

Wednesday wasn't as interesting because we tracted (little success) and then went grocery shopping with one of our members. However we were able to go to Crystal Springs and visit one of our potentials. We had a great discussion with her about prophets and for a moment sat in terror that she was going to drop us but she didn't, she just said she was confused. So our new goal is to get her unconfused.

I made fish on Thursday! Yummy.

Now Saturday is the day I must tell you about. Saturday we rode our bikes in the morning and as we rode received a call from our mission president that Sister Tebbs was leaving. However it was hard to receive the call because of the horrible reception we have in Wesson. In the afternoon we drove to say good bye to those on Sister Tebbs' list and ate at Skeet Burger in Beauregard. It's good eats. Then we went to an investigator who's whole family lives in our area and are less active members. They were all in her backyard working and reminded me of our family tradition to work at Heather's. I felt obligated to help then and so I helped pull up lilies in my skirt. Let me tell you, it felt good to be dirty--Mom expect me to attempt to garden when I get home. We sat and talked for a while on their back porch, the weather was lovely, then said good bye and left, promising to come back later so Sister Tebbs could play on Troy's 75 year old violin.

This is where the day turned a little sour. We walked out of their yard to the front and I was stopped by the audible gasps of my companions. Out beautiful and do note "BOSH award winner" car was scratched, dented, and hurt. We have no idea how it happened but know we would have noticed it earlier if it had happened earlier. Troy called the police and we called Elder Edwards who's in charge of the cars. We were all truly sad but at least none of us were hurt. Still, I was suppose to drive that car next week, now... We got an exchange car to drive while this one gets fixed. I'm just sad that it happened.

Today was exchanges. Sister Tebbs left to Purvis, MS and Sister Rosenauer replaced her. She last served in Bossier, so apparently she's following Sister Tebbs around. She's from Iowa but haven't learned much else yet. Will keep you updated.

My scripture to you this week is Helaman 12:2 and my invitation: Don't forget the Lord!

Love you all :)

-Lucky Stewy

Ps. I really don't like Day light savings. I am so tired right now.

 Brookhaven elders washing their car. They chose the cold way.

 The Brookhaven District one last time.

 Sister Baker's quote of the day. Great for Dr. Seuss week :)

 Arrived at Walmart and heard some one playing air hockey on our way to the bathroom. Before we even saw them Sister Tebbs knew it would be the elders.

 Fish dinner ;)

 The Damage.

 The sad face.

 Sister Tebbs played a 75 year old violin.

 Sister Tebbs loves Minnie Mouse. As an early birthday present I got her stickers and memorabilia.

  I got to see Elder Capron at T-point. He's headed to Cashada, LA (no idea how to spell that).

New companionship: Sister Stewart, Baker, and Rosenauer.

Today is good. Today is Fun. Tomorrow is another one.

Thank you everyone for the letters and packages this last week. It's good to know people still remember me even though I'm not near by.

I've forgotten to bring my journal to the library this week, so I'll have to try to remember everything from this past week based on my daily planner. Bare with me.

Last Tuesday was a miracle. We had the same number of lessons in that one day as we had in the whole week before. It felt good to know that we are still working. Last Monday we had an amazing lesson with the Brown family. Last time we talked with them about the first half of the Plan of Salvation and shared how wonderful it was that Adam and Eve left the garden of Eden, they loved that view of it. Monday when we shared the second half reached the point describing the three Kingdoms of Glory, we all got a little nervous. Often times people question us about this point of Mormonism. But as we explained that a just God will not force you to dwell somewhere where you would be uncomfortable and has given this life on earth to decide to act for ourselves showing his mercy. Then when we described who went to each kingdom, Mr. Brown nodded along saying, "That makes a lot of sense. I always wondered why a man who committed murder but excepted Christ before he died could be allowed into the same heaven as a man like me who has lived in the example of Christ all my life." God is loving. This is where I find my joy. (see 2 Nephi for more on this topic.)

On Wednesday after our last District Meeting of this transfer (tomorrow we have Zone Conference so there won't be a DDM this week), we went up to Crystal Springs to visit less active members and a few of the members we have up there. Well, pretty much everyone fell through and so we were forced to do the only other things we could: tract. Never on my mission have I felt so much negativity in a tracting experience. Of the perhaps 10 houses we knocked, 5 opened their doors to us. All of them, turned us away and refused to except our cards. The last house was answered by a woman who bluntly said "I don't want to talk to you," and shut the door again. To make it even more fun, it was extremely cold and none of us had dressed to accommodate. Definitely not my best proselyting on my mission so far. We were undeterred and gladly accepted a call to service at the church.

However, even though it felt good doing service and helping to vacuum the chapel for the 2 sisters cleaning it, I still ended the evening terrible with myself. I was vacuuming and was doing great, moving the chairs and putting them back with the help of Sister Baker. Sister Tebbs was practicing the piano for a musical number we would be doing on Friday. I was making good time. I got on the stage and was like a bumble bee, busily flying around the accomplish my task. On my last push with the vacuum I go under the sacrament table and--psst, t-ling! I suck up the microphone! Immediately I turned off the vacuum and pull out the cord, but its been pulled to shreds and the part that you speak into is now gone for eternity. Can you imagine my shame and humility. I told the Branch President and he told me I was fired. I was nervous all the way to Sunday morning because I hadn't seen a spare mic in all my exploration of our tiny library. Luckily, my fears were in vain and the sacrament prayers were spoken over the speakers yesterday.

Now the sad part of the week. Hazlehurst Branch's beloved Pat Boone passed away last Tuesday after fighting pneumonia and various diseases that occurred with it since December. Friday was the funeral and we were blessed to be able to help out and serve the entire day. We helped set up over 200 chairs both in the chapel and overflow and even then people stood in the hallways including ourselves. We helped bring in food and switch the rows of chairs to tables after the service was over. And cleaned up when it was all done. We were asked to be part of the program and so Sister Baker and I sang "How Great Thou Art" as Sister Tebbs played. Everyone said it turned out well and even I was proud of the spirit we put out though the music. Saturday we were able to visit with a couple of the family's friends and explain the Plan of Salvation to them so that they could know what Pat believed. I'm not sure how they felt about it but I pray it gave them peace.

Church was good this week. Most of the testimonies borne were about Pat. We were shocked when his inactive wife not only came but stood and told everyone that even though she wasn't active she still knew the church was true and that when she looked at her husband Monday night and knew that he was gone, she felt at peace. I am reminded of scriptures in John:

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...

"Behold, the hour cometh, yes, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone:yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 14:26-27, 17:32-33)

I love these scriptures and all of the scriptures. I love that on my mission I'm given such a greater opportunity to study, learn, and know the words of God, Christ, and the prophets. My only regret was that I have missed out on 21 years over gaining this knowledge. Still, I'm glad to be making up for lost time now!

Last night we visited Sister Tarbutton ("goat lady") and got to try her homemade goat cheese and goat milk. I am really considering getting goats. It'll take a lot of work and I'll have to find homes for the babies, but there is a lot of great things that come from it. Free milk, with effort free cheese, and cute babies around feet. I would also love the have chickens so I could have all the eggs I want (one of my favorite foods) and though my green thumb isn't very green, I would love to have a garden and say that my table is covered in food that I not only cooked but grew myself. I want to provide for my family in this manner, just as one my favorite memories of my childhood is remembering all the fruit trees and berries and vegetables growing in our garden. I'm so excited to have my own place.

Let's see, what else can I tell you? Last Thursday we had exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders and I was able to spend the day with Sister McGrath again along with Sister Baker. I miss Sister McGrath so much, she such an amazing person. Always cheerful, always glad.

I think that's it. This Friday we find out transfer information and transfers will be on Tuesday so don't expect to hear from me till then.

By the way, in example of just how crazy the weather is here in Mississippi, let me tell you what it has been like the last 24-hours. Yesterday at 1:00pm as we tracted, I poured sweat and had to immediately change out of my dress upon our return home at 9:00pm I was so uncomfortable and warm. This morning I woke up and upon taking out the trash, grabbed my scarf, leggings and puffy jacket. Yesterday the high was 81 degrees. Today is currently 30 degrees. Yep.

I love you all and remember bullying is bad: http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3267475157001&cid=HPWE030514340&im=true

Lucky Sister Stewart

 Investigators let us take home our own box of Girl Scout Cookies. I chose the Savannah Smiles because they remind me of Mom.

 Some members have a shed in their backyard devoted to legos. Their nephew (pictured) loves it.

 Tracting to the edge :)

 While tracting in the town we walked further down one street and discovered this beautiful view.

 Biking.

You discover a lot of neat things when you are tracting :)