Sister Lara Elizabeth Stewart: Sweet Home Arizona!

Well this is a late letter. Because of Labor Day, the library was closed today and we had lots of appointments this morning so we had to wait 'till this afternoon to email. But we made it.

This week has been crazy but good. It's been a struggle trying to keep the good going from my time with Sister Cottrell and Sister Boehula. Sister Walker and I have had to almost start fresh a bit. Or at least that's what it feels like. But I think something a little fresher is good. We've been trying to contact as many potentials as we can and if they aren't there, talk to whoever told us they aren't. You never know who the Lord has prepared for you at this time.

Kent has finally seen action again. Two days in a row, too. We ran out of miles and were walking but that's too slow for Sister Walker so we dragged out the old 2-wheelers and put our feet to the petal. We went almost 7 miles Saturday and it felt pretty good except I found out just how dangerous these streets can be. There seems to be an overabundance of bushes and trees right at the edge of corners so 2-ways stops are super dangerous. But I managed to walk down most hills and make smooth curves to stay out of harm's way. And I got first hand the memory of what it feels like to have a bike be your only mode of transportation. My rear end was not happy come Sunday and Day 2 of straining the legs and seeing how far I could go. Luckily my thighs seemed to remember the rhythm from all those months of biking in Wesson.

And we accomplished a lot of work. By the evening time on Sunday, we had passed out 8 Books of Mormon, had 8 new investigators and tracted 7 hours and 15 minutes. It was neat seeing people open up and respond to Sister Walker too. For example, down on McIntyre Street there was a house I was told never to go to because the people there had been so mean. Well we didn't go to that house but the woman was at a friend's a couple houses down. At first she was very closed off but as we continued being light and open and happy with her friend she started to included herself into the conversation, eventually accepting a return appointment and even asked for a Book of Mormon after we shared a scripture from it. Whoo-who! Little miracles like these have been happening all week. The only concern is memories, because people have to rekindle that excitement often times to read the Book of Mormon when we aren't there. And with so much going on in life each day that can be a challenge to remember. But that's where the benefits come in to see people when they have read and their hearts begin to open and change. It's beautiful.

Lately I've been saying "Missionary work is my job. I have the best boss in the world who is Jesus Christ. And I receive my paycheck everyday as I watch people come unto Christ." Ain't that neat?

*NOTE: The Southern accent has been growing on me. It isn't so thick I sound like Brother Glidewell but my companion laughs whenever I talk but I've developed the slang and a slight twang.

Also I got the chance to talk in church yesterday. The ward clerk as Sister Boehula last week and she had to tell him she was being transferred. So his eyes turned to me and I was assigned. My topic was "Following the Counsel of Church Leaders" based on our recent Stake Conference. I also talked about how counsel can be given through our actions and quoted from Elder William R. Walker of the 70's talk "Follow the Prophet" that was in this year's April Ensign. I love that he teaches us how we can be like our Savior as we follow the example of our Prophet. I love his story about hearing President Monson whistling through the halls of the Church Administrative building. Can't you just picture President Monson so cheery and giddy, almost like a little kid I imagine.

Oh and I turned one year older. I forgot again. I mean of course I remembered my birthday but with all the work we did Wednesday I only really had time to think "It's my birthday" when my workout was opening my presents from an amazing family and blowing out the candles from a kind and brand new companion. Thank you family for everything! The earrings are great , as well as the container to keep them in--thanks Mom. I've been experimenting every morning with the styles to what I'm wearing. I haven't worn many yet but I'm planning on it, incorporating them somehow.

I suppose I should also tell you a bit about my new companion. (I keep typing a "s" at the end of that word. Still adjusting to only having one companion.) Her name is Sister Walker. She from a tiny town called Morgan, UT about an 1 1/2 hour north of Provo. She's 21 and her birthday is coming up this month so that's exciting. She's the 3rd of 4 kids, with her younger brother serving in the Chiahua Mexico Mission. (I hope I spelled that right.) She came out with Sister Eyre, Baker, and Cooper and has served with Sister Cooper, too, so we talk about her a lot. She's a dancer, yes she is crazy, but she is a fabulous missionary. I think she will do wonders for Minden.

That's been my week. 5 left. Oy. That's one hand.....

Love ya all. I'll be home soon.

"Sweet Home Arizona!"

Sister Stewart

Elder Rowley can be really easy to tease. So his companion made a contract on a McDonald's napkin that he'd be nice to him for one day. Note insult in contract...