Sister Lara Elizabeth Stewart: 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.