My Week

Sorry to say that a lot of the stuff that's happened--and not happened this week--is kinda boring.

Tuesday, I wasn't feeling the best so we ran to a members to get a Priesthood blessing. (If you aren't feeling well, then use your worthy Priesthood holders and get one!) The elders were at a member's home chopping wood, so we went there. We have good members and the elders are very cooperative. By Wednesday I was feeling much better. Now I have a sore throat. Dang you cold weather!

No District meeting because of specialized training for certain missionaries. Boo.

Wednesday night the Sister Training Leaders joined our humble trailer-hold and we had exchanges on Thursday. Sister Totterer went with Sister McGrath and Sister Cox joined Sister Tebbs and me. Unfortunately she was feeling really sick so she slept through the morning and we went out in the evening. It was a good day full of joy and understanding. I love Sister Cox, I was so happy to see her again. We went to Los Lobos (local Mexican restaurant) and had dinner. I think we may have confused our community a little with all the extra missionaries, but now they just have another reason to talk to us.

We did finally got to see our investigator and best friend Deena again. We'd lost contact with her for 3 weeks then when we stopped by Friday night she opened the door and shooed us to the car saying "Look! Look! Look! I got to go get pizza for the boys. Get in the car." So we got in the car! (We realized in the car, however, that she was taking us outside our area to get pizza so we texted the district leader for quick permission.) It was so good to visit with her again, we had all been having withdrawals. Hopefully we'll see her again soon this week.

Sunday was a great day. Church was refreshing (the first time in a while), there was awesome discussion in Relief Society and our Sunday School students told us they love the class, that's why they keep attending ours even though they could be in the other one. We didn't have any investigators make it but quite a few less actives came which was great! A mother and her daughter and grand-daughter came, they had to look up the church address and time and were a little late but it was great! Its been over a decade since they last came to church! Afterwards we tracted (which wasn't too great because I got car sick driving through the crazy country roads), met with less actives, and even though some people couldn't let us in their homes just then, we made good contact.

Things are looking up in Wesson--granted there's a little more going on in the country then town--but I'll take it!

Happy Martin Luther King Day everyone! We're in Llyod Star, partying it up with our fellow missionaries. Volley ball, frisbee and fun!

Love y'all. Transfers next week!

I love the Bible videos!!! http://www.mormonchannel.org/bible-videos?v=3019145138001 When "ye are in the service of others ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)

Love, Lara

 Mississippi!

 After the STLs left we found little notes everywhere!

 Friendly kitty, gave me a snuggle when I told him I had to go.

Sister Tebbs played a joke and hid from Sister Totterer, stuffing herself under her desk.

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

 Reyes! (yes, our tree has fallen down)

 Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese frosting and hot chocolate!

 Mini Meatloaf! <3

The last Pollywog. 

 Welcome to Wesson.

 Anything to keep the kids quiet.

Scraping our car before church.

How to start a New Year off right: 2014

Anyway, this week has been exciting. First off, Lindsey got baptized!!!! Sister Totterer was so happy, it was her first baptism. It was so great to see Lindsey in white, she was beautiful. She was baptized by her boyfriend and confirmed the next day by President Boone in the Stake Presidency. It was so good to see the support of the ward members, and hopefully this will encourage them to share with their friends. Lindsey's parents weren't as supportive of all this, but her sister came for the baptism and together they cried through the whole event, especially during the special musical number that was a hymn at Lindsey's previous baptist church. A member sang it and it truly brought in the spirit, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. While she was changing, the Zone Leaders encouraged us to use that as an opportunity to teach the non-member friends and family, and so we taught a short lesson on Priesthood from the Gospel Principles manual. I felt good about it so hopefully it all made sense. Lindsey's sister had a quizzical expression on her face.

My favorite part: a baptism text gets sent to the APs, which they send out to the whole mission telling how many baptisms were in the mission. Ours was the first baptism text for the whole year!!!! Yay! First Baptism!!! Lindsey laughed when we told her.

Then on Sunday we had an investigator come to church, one of the Crystal's in fact. After talking to her earlier in the week, she agreed that the best way to get her to church would be to come to her place and wake her up. So at 8am (church starts at 9a) we went to her place, woke her up, waited for her to get dressed, then had her follow us up to the church building. Sister Totterer and Sister Tebbs were so excited as we drove, I can only wonder what she thought as she followed us. But then at the turn in Hazlehurst from HWY 51 to HWY 28, she turned the wrong direction! We were flabbergasted. Had we come so far just to have her turn around? No! We pulled over and waited about 5 minutes for her, we called and she didn't answer. Our hopes sinking, we went on to church and arrived with only a few minutes to spare. After the opening prayer as we watched Lindsey walk up to the stand for her confirmation, in walked Crystal! "Elated" might not be enough to explain our joy. After Fast and Testimony meeting, quite a few members came up, introduced themselves and shared a quick insight that they are pretty much all converts themselves. I think that intrigued Crystal but not enough for her to stay into the next hour and left before Sunday School. Still, progress!

As for the other Crystal and her family, they had to cancel again on account of not feeling well. But they talked to the members that are fellow-shipping with them and Ellen, the mother, said that she was sad she had to cancel but she's reading and has questions!

In personal news, my goal for now is to find the silver lining. Luckily Sister Totterer is really good at making up scenarios for how bad situations can turn good. Yesterday during tracting when a man made the church sound like "Satan's playground" (my words not his). I felt on the verge of anger and so I asked Sister Totterer to make a scenario. She said that the man would check out the Mormon.org site and realize his words were all false he would desire to be baptized (the ending to all her stories), I think it made all of us feel better and we pushed on through the rain to accomplish our 7 hours.

It's freezing today. When we went to get our mail at 9am, the car said the temperature was 23*. So, not the happiest camper. Especially when chatting with Dad he tells me that it is 72* in Mesa. I miss Arizona weather (never thought I would say that).

For New Years Eve, we had a normal tracting and proselyting day. But it was awesome. First off, with the help of Sister Martin (member) we were able to store our bikes at a fireworks store. Then we tracted and met a woman that we all think was high off something because she was telling us strange stories and wouldn't let us say anything but just kept talking, we got out of there as quickly as we could. We walked past a potential investigators house and met her daughter Marcia, who had heard about Lindsey's baptism and was really interested in the church so we gave her a Book of Mormon (were going to try to go over today to see if she's read). Then, because we had to turn in at 6pm or be in member's homes) we went to Sister Martin's and she made hamburger steaks and let me make mashed potatoes. It was so good to be around her and her entertaining children. We ended the night with a bottle of Martinelli's--my favorite.

But the night didn't end there as at 11pm someone set off a firework/explosive/bomb which shook the whole trailer. We found out later from our neighbor that whatever it was had been permitted by the local officials. Still I never jumped that high in my bed before.

We are truly seeing the hastening of the Lord's work this week and we are excited for what may lie ahead. New challenges have been placed before us. In the past, we have been taught that one prayer during a lesson is enough to count for our records. As of today, 2 prayers (an opening and closing) MUST be said. This means that getting lessons during our tracting will be even harder. My companions have reassured me that it'll be possible though. Wish us luck!

I've begun a new study schedule for maximum knowledge gaining because my preparation in the morning can sometimes spill over into my personal study time. So now in the evenings I write in my journal and read from an Ensign in bed. I am loving the Ensigns, especially September 2013 Ensign. This past week I was reading from April 2013 Ensign and was struck by an article called "Faith and Infertility". Following this article was a poem that really made my heart ache. The poem is called "Just the Same" by Diana Lynn Lacey.

Sometimes--

God sends rain
To nourish the young flower
And it grows

Sometimes--

God sends rain from the sky

To the mountain tops,

Then over the hills and through valleys

Until it reaches the flower
And it grows, just the same.

Sometimes--

God sens a child

Straight from His realm

Into a mother's arms
And love grows.

Sometimes--

God sends a child

From heaven to another's arms

Then over hills and through valleys

Until he reaches the arms of his mother

And love grows, just the same.

I pray it touches you, too. I love you all. I can't wait to hear your stories about your efforts with a missionary tag "painted on your heart" as Elder Anderson described last April.

Love y'all, Sister Stewart

 Wet missionary.

 Dictator Tebbs.

Why I don't like tracting at night. 

 Welcome 2014!

 Sister Totterer opened the Martinelli's on the porch with our can opener.

 I like mugs.

 While out with members/old missionaries, they put coins on the train tracts and we watched the train go by from the safety of our car.

 Beautiful.

 Took me a couple weeks before I realized the noodles and cans of beef and mushroom soup were for stroganoff. Sister Totterer was SUPER happy about dinner that night.

 Happy.

 Lindsey was baptized by her boyfriend. Happy Tears!

Bundled up Cuties.

Ready for the New Year

I hope this doesn't sound like a bad missionary, but the thing I am most excited for is that I can now say "I'll be home this year!"

I love my family, not getting to "see" everybody over skype hurt a little bit but at least I got to hear y'all's voices. I still remember my shock to hear Evelyn, I did not recognize her voice. And to see Kenley walking. Awww! I am missing the chance to watch them grow up. Mothers you have a new calling, make sure these babes don't forget me and that the newer ones will know who I am. You better believe all 11 are getting the tackling of a lifetime in hugs and kisses come October!

It has been a long week. Mostly because a lot of people are out of town with the holidays and sick from a bug that's going around (I hope I don't catch it). That makes tracting long and actual teaching opportunities few and far in between. Still, the work moves on and so do we and we let ourselves be examples. Lots of people have already commented to us about how they were shocked to see us walking around the cold Christmas day, but just because it was a holiday didn't make it a non-proselyting day. In the morning we opened presents, I made crepes for our breakfast, we tracted, and sang carols at a disability home. For lunch we ate with Sister Diamond and her family and friend Sister Luke. She fed us on Thanksgiving and again did not disappoint. Afterwards we were picked up by member Kim McLemore and spent the remainder of our evening at their home, skyping, facetiming, and calling families. The elders came over half-through and did the same. It was a beautiful evening. Next to skyping my family, Kim's little boy Karter made me laugh a lot. I told him I had a nephew named Karter, spelled the same way, and kept shouting at the computer because he wanted to meet him, I'm not sure if Kristi's skyping video was good enough for the Karters to meet. Another time perhaps. Thank you everyone for your gifts, especially my secret sibling, the hot chocolate was delicious.

Funny Things of the week:

1. Saw an albino squirrel. Check off on the bucket-list: I saw an albino animal in the wild. I just wish I could have gotten closer.

2. As we were visiting one investigator her niece, a different investigator, walked in! The connections of small town living.

3. I saved a possum stuck in an investigator's garbage and saw my first live possum!

4. I reached my nine month mark!

5. Church in the South is Baptist, which makes sense since most everyone is a convert. But Church just isn't the same. The talks were a little confusing, we had a musical number and rest hymn, Sunday School was a mix of Restoration, Plan of Salvation, and random deep doctrine that in total made no sense, and the 5th Sunday Lesson was more like an Enrichment on Food storage and preparation, no spiritual stuff. Made for a tough morning.

Interesting week, looking forward to the new week, new year, new month, more miles!!! Will be happy to use the car without worry. We're going to start working in Crystal Springs north of Hazlehurst at least once a week now, too. Wish us luck.

I want to hear YOUR missionary experiences.

Spiritual Influence of the Week: September 2013 Ensign. My favorite article was "The Healing Balm of Hope." I shared this with a troubled woman last night, my companions were able to testify that it was full of wonder words of peace. I know it will be the same to you.

With lots of love,

-Sister Lara Stewart

 Thank you Ryan, Amy, Evelyn, and Ammon!

 Close up on joy. I've been waiting 9 months for a new yellow watch. So Happy!!!

 New clothes! I love my new plaid pajama pants!

 Evelyn's Snowman. Made him on the wall since we don't have any snow.

 Albino squirrel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Beautiful Sister Tebbs, the cold weather reminds her of Utah so she spent some time on the porch rejoicing.

 Pepermint Milk and scripture study lunch at Pollywog's.

 I love Pollywog's! <3

My Companions like Pollywog's too! 

Merry Christmas!

The Week BEFORE Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I've seen miracles this week, for one, I'm still alive. I've had some trouble with my bike... the brakes don't work, but the elders told me they could fix them so no worries. I just ride past where we have to stop then turn around. It was scary last Thursday though because we had gotten out of an appointment late and were riding in the dark (about 5:45pm or so) and realized after I began speeding up that I was on a downward slope. I maneuver to the grass on the roadside so slow me and down eventually just jumped off and ran holding onto my bike till I could stop. It was a neat experience and one I won't be experiencing again any time soon. I walk my bike up and down hills as often as I can. Don't fret, Mom, I wear my helmet.

More bike stories: Sister Totterer had her bike stolen on Thursday. We parked on the corner of 7th St and East Railroad, and Sister Tebbs and I locked our bikes to a stop sign post and Sister Totterer leaned hers with it (her lock didn't fit). We thought nothing of it because we have never had any theft problems in Wesson, though we do lock up if we'll be tracting for a long while. We were gone for 2 hours and as we were walking back from the next road, we saw a group of boys near our bikes, and as we approached closer they ran away. Sister Totterer muttered something under breath and when I asked what was up she said, "They stole my bike." Indeed as we came nearer we saw that Sister Totterer's bike was MIA, Sister Tebbs bike was leaning against the sign but the lock wasn't around the post, and my lock was still on but my bike was on the ground away from the post. Confused and angry, Sister Totterer ran after the boys with Sister Tebbs and I close behind. We tracked down the boys with no sign of Sister Totterer's bike and asked if they had seen it. They said no and had to explain that we were going to have to call the police. We gave them a card with our phone number on it and asked them to give us a call if they saw the bike. They said they would look and called us a few minutes later. We waited at a nearby apartment complex and up came one of the boys on Sister Totterer's bike, the front brake broken and her helmet gone. We were glad that we didn't have to call the cops, but sad that that had to happen. We walked everywhere after that. We didn't trust losing our bikes again.

And then yesterday we tracted the country. Four miles, 3 hours, talked to 11 people, no lessons, no Book of Mormons. Yes, we are geniuses. In other news I have learned that I can keep going when my feet and back are killing me, Sister Totterer has good balance, and I can wait 4 hours to use the restroom (we were out with a member for an hour before). Best part: we accomplished our goal of 7 hours of tracting for the week--we just wish the street had had more houses on it.

In other exciting news, we have a couple new investigators! Funny part, they are both named Crystal. The first Crystal we have met with twice and is really soaking up our message. Unfortunately she didn't come to church yesterday but she realizes that how she lives her life isn't in coherence with the teachings of Christ. Hopefully we can help her move forward and feel the spirit and change her life for the better. The other Crystal is a neighbor of the McLemore's, whom we eat dinner with every Sunday. Her mother-in-law that she lives with was a referral from another member. We went to see her, and spent some time talking to her and her husband, but Crystal and her husband were out. They arrived home right after we left and walked to the McLemore's. We had only been at the McLemore's for 30 minutes when their home phone rang and WE had a phone call. Crystal wanted to meet with us! She came over with one of her children and we taught a short lesson on the Restoration. It was a little awkward because we hadn't prepared, but when the spirit is there the information doesn't matter as much. And the spirit was there. We have an appointment to see her in-law's next week and she said she would be there, wish us luck!

We spent last Tuesday in Clinton at T-point (Transfer-point) saying goodbye and hi to new and old friends. We're lucky enough to be close enough to do this. It was so exciting to see everyone! So many people were my comrades in Shreveport--A Shreveport reunion! I was jumping all over the place as I hugged, hand-shaked, and took pictures with everyone. The best part was seeing Sister McGrath. I was going nuts seeing her again, because it had been 3 months. I had the chance to go out with her and several other old friends to lunch and she told me some details about my first area, Brownlee. It sounds like quite a few of my old less-actives and investigators have fallen back but others have stepped forward to take their place. One man named Bill, Sister McGrath and I tracted into before I left. Well, the next week he ran into the elders at Target and the elders told Sister McGrath and her companion to go back and see him again, they did and he wasn't interested. But then they began seeing him everywhere! Eventually he said they could come over and share their message and with the help of the ward members, Bill was baptized 2 Saturdays ago! And my recent convert, Richard, is doing great. He apparently played the role of the Shepard in the Ward Christmas Nativity scene and he told Sister McGrath that he felt privileged to do that! OH, I love and miss Brownlee Ward so much, I really hope I'll be able to go back there soon.

Our Branch had a last minute Christmas Party on Friday. We got a ride to it with a member and had a really good time. Most of the Branch was there and they had brought lots of good food. Bad part was that they let us take some of that good food home. Uh, bad for the waist line. Elder Hartwig and Elder Anderson were called on to play Santa and his elf, but the suit that the ward rented was too small for Hartwig (he's a really big guy) but Elder Anderson was still able to play the elf with our Branch President Miller playing Santa. It was so funny seeing how many kids were afraid of him, even some of the bigger kids didn't want to sit on his lap, even knowing that candy was involved. Eventually the temptations of chocolate had all of the kids coming up though and even Sister Miller gave Santa a kiss! Its so much fun to see a great group of people getting together and celebrating the holidays.

This week has been one of package receiving. Thank you so much to all those who spent time, money, and energy on me this Christmas, I pray blessings will reciprocate. I've saved nearly all my packages for Christmas and am excited to spend time opening them up. Our Christmas plans are to eat crepes for breakfast, Skype at the McLemore's, and have dinner at the Diamonds. What else will happen beyond that has yet to be determined.

Have a very Merry Christmas! Check out mormonchannel.org under Collections for some Holiday Media. My favorite video is "O Come, Emanuel - Christmas Version," a music video by the Piano Guys (one of my favorite music groups). All of the videos are splendid though, so if you have a moment watch a few. Have a Merry Christmas.

On Thursday I plan to sing a very special song all day. You know it: "I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me."

I love y'all!!!

Branch Christmas party. All the missionaries with Santa (Branch President Miller). Yes, Elder Anderson is the elf.

 Caught a lizard in the Hazlehurst Library bathroom and set it free outside. Freaked out Sister Totterer because she had used the bathroom in there just before me.

 Teasing a member. He had to go hand out all these pass-along cards.

Waiting on my bike for the train.

 Sister Tebbs 6 month mark, tradition states she burn a shirt.

 Went to a Mexican Restaurant with an investigator for lunch, pet a horse.

 Tracting the country.

Still Tracting: 11 houses, 3 hours, 4 miles.

Earlier Merry Christmas

Well, I just pinched myself so apparently I'm not dreaming. I'm staying in Wesson!!! With Sister Tebbs and Sister Totterer! Whoo-hoot! The party in Benny continues.

Story of my life: I use used-wrapping paper to decorate planners and Sister Totterer had some from her birthday presents this weekend. As I was cutting out squares I wondered why the paper was so thick and just thought it was extra tape. Turns out the people who sent the package had taped their Christmas card to the outside and I cut it up! Sister Totterer just laughed at me as she taped it back together. I'm going to triple check the wrapping papers from now on.

We were treated to dinner at an investigators home on Thursday. They have antique home built in 1893 and it is gorgeous. High ceilings, wide porches, and matching antique furniture. We had a semi-proper dinner of cornbread and turkey neck gumbo. It was so much fun, I felt like I was playing dress-up with the fine silver and good china. And we had a great spiritual moment, they asked about our converts and Sister Tebbs shared the story of her recent convert in Bossier. I'm getting better at recognizing the spirit and the spirit was definitely there, I hope they felt it, too.

In other news, Benny was TP-ed this morning. Sister Tebbs stepped outside to see how cold it was, stepped back in and said "Guys, I think we were toilet papered." And we were. They wrapped the pillars of our deck and threw it across the roof. We got most of it off but it ripped on the roof. And the great part was that it froze last night so my hands were freezing as we were cleaning it up. Still, new experiences.

Today we traveled to Clinton for transfers to see old friends moving around and say goodbye to missionaries going home. We had a hearty Mexican lunch that was delicious and talked to a lot of people. It was certainly a different experience then my first transfer day. And the best part was that I got to see a lot of friends from Shreveport and other: Elder Spence, Elder Ashdown, Sister Holbrook, Sister Keyes, and Sister McGrath is a new Sister Training Leader in Jackson so I get to go on exchanges with her this transfer! This is going to be a great transfer, I can't wait.

Christmas is next week. I made a paper tree yesterday and Benny is decked, we even have presents under it. So far the homesickness hasn't set it in and I plan to keep it that way. But do expect me to be singing "I'll be home for Christmas" come next Thursday.

I love you all. Merry Christmas!

Love,

Lara

Made pan-fried chicken for dinner. No left-overs. 

 We had a badly scuffed pan and asked for new ones. First Christmas present. Love cooking!

 The Brookhaven District.

 While tracting I found a fat cat statue.

 Stairs to no-where in Pollywogg's.

Planner-making week, this is Sister Totterer. #Imamormon# 

 Celebrated Sister Totterer's birthday.

 Christmas Tree!

 TP-ed.

Back with Sister McGrath!!! :D