Good Things to Come

Well, Mom, I have bad news. Though all your letters begin "Is the sun shining today?" This week it mostly has not. I believe in the last 7 days, most of 5 of those has been wet and cloudy. Not that I'm complaining, I like being able to see during the day and I don't mind being a little wet. Today its been raining off and on, it makes me happy. Probably because we don't have to necessarily be out in it because its P-Day.

Even with the rain, its been a good week for the work. We tracted our full 7 hours required, and met some really nice people.

I have discovered that I love to teach. When we are sitting with someone and just talking about this and that, its fine but I don't feel accomplished. I have noticed though, the second I say a pray, open the scriptures, say a statement of truth and my testimony, that is when I feel the most at peace. When I feel I am where I am meant to be, doing what I have been called to do. It's not an easy feeling to describe, but its so wonderful, I would love for everyone to feel it. I started my mission not wanting people to ask questions and not wanting to ask them in return, now I plead for people to ask me a question. Peter admonishes us "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). It's really strange, to say the least, that these feelings can come, but it's probably one of the many tender mercies from the Lord. I can understand why so many returned-missionaries want to be teachers now.

The Lord's hand has been in a lot of the work. For example on Friday, we stopped by an investigator who's son had just been diagnosed with cancer the last time we were over. That had been perfect timing for her, because she had been really down and as we talked we had been able to cheer her up. This time we again had "perfect timing" because she had just learned that the tests weren't done yet. Again we talked about what was going on in her life and the Lord's presence as she directs her family (her husband is away for work most of the year). We shared with her uplifting scriptures from Mosiah 4 and Moroni 7 and introduced her to mormonmessages.org (which redirects you to mormonchannel.org), specifically Elder Holland's story "Good Things to Come." She was really touched by the strength Elder Holland demonstrated and said she would save the site to look at again. I encourage everyone to go look for themselves, Mormon Messages are one of my favorite things to look at when we get on the computer, because they are simple and short messages--it feels--from God.

Another awesome thing that happened was that we were finally able to meet with our neighbor Heather and her family. We had taught them one time, before the holidays, but then all the activities and illness set in and we were deterred from our meetings. Finally while walking home for lunch Friday morning, we saw Heather outside and stopped to see how she was. To our surprise, she invited us over to teach again that night. Strangely it was difficult to find things to do till 7pm that night, all our plans kept falling through, but we were so happy to be able to meet with Heather again, we didn't mind too much and found ways to fill our time so that the work was progressing. Then in the lesson, it was so good to share scripture and testimony and, again, answer questions. Heather's husband had a lot of tough ones, most of which I hadn't much considered myself, but between the 3 of us were able to give him a sense of what God's will was. Unfortunately we didn't set up a return appointment but I'm not sure they would keep it. Still we drive past their home everyday. We'll keep an eye out for another opportunity.

I feel this is when to insert an emoticon :)

Sunday was awesome this week. Sister Baker spoke and talked on receiving promptings from the Spirit, she did a really good job. Elder Bytheway, our new elder, also spoke but he was a little less coordinated, still he had a few good points that I hope the branch was listening to. Most of the branch was gone or sick, it was a little scary seeing how many empty chairs there were. The elders taught Sunday School, the lesson was "The Organization of the Priesthood." It was a lot of information, especially for one of our member's non-member boyfriend. I was able to learn something, however, I could have done without the headache afterwards. Our afternoon was spent running around in the country. We visited with an inactive member who has a lot of challenges facing her family but stays stronger than any thing you could imagine. We read 2 Nephi 31 with her and she was excited to read it with her non-member husband. She has 3 children and I just adore them; if we could just stay there all day, I don't think I would mind at all. Then we went to one of members who live out in the country and as we sat down to share a scripture we asked who everyone's favorite person in the Book of Mormon was. Their youngest son answered "I don't like anyone in the Book of Mormon, I like Jesus." That made us all smile, but he didn't seem too convinced when we told him that Jesus is in the Book of Mormon, too. Haha, he'll learn soon enough.

I'm still cooking, and I still don't understand why I never cooked growing up. I love it. After an intense conversation with some investigators Tuesday night, including the writing down of a few recipes, I made corn fritters Thursday (I had to buy cornmeal on Wednesday or I would have made them then). Pretty much they were a fried cornbread pancake, really good and super filling. And on Sunday I made Cowboy Beans and Cornbread again. Dad, I'm not sure I made the beans exactly how you told me. Eventually I determined that it was more like a chilli then anything else, which made me glad I had decided on cornbread. Only problem, when I observed my cornbread when the timer went off I thought it was done so I dumped it out of the loaf pan and it broke open, completely NOT done. I had to throw it all back in the pan and cooked it another 10 minutes and then it was cooked through. Luckily my companions didn't care how it looked because it tasted delicious. I think my problem was that I had put extra moisture in with half a can of kernel corn. So yummy!

Loving my companions! I've come to the realization that trios are good when there is a balance in personalities and a common drive to work. Sister Tebbs is more obedience driven but has silly moments you just don't expect half the time. Sister Baker--similar to Sister Totterer--is generally silly but knows when its time to get serious. As for myself I try to find a balance between the two and just show respect. I probably would not have been friends with any of the 9 companions I've had so far if it wasn't for that common drive, however. And that is one of the blessings God gives us. That friendships are always made when the Lord is involved. So in conclusion, my companions rock!

I should hope that this letter has been so filled with the gospel and the spirit that it suffices for its own spiritual thought. Still, I would encourage everyone to read President Ezra Taft Benson's "The Book of Mormon--Keystone of Our Religion." http://www.lds.org/ensign/1986/11/the-book-of-mormon-keystone-of-our-religion It is a good article to understand the importance and significance of the Book of Mormon in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Also, I made an accomplishment and finally completed my Mormon.org Profile. Check me out: http://mormon.org/me/CZFK/LaraStewart

Love y'all, the South is alive! Go Saints!

 People put messages on the stop signs, our favorite has been "Stop Hammer Time".

 Tracting the country again. It was cold.

 When we tried to park on the side of the road, it was deceivingly muddy. Sister Baker and I had to push the car out :)

 Corn Fritters!

 More country tracting, a beautiful day, I was in 3/4 sleeves!

I made Cowboy Beans (chili) and cornbread for dinner. Ignore the strange loaf shape, it wasn't finished the first time I tried to slice it. Ha!

Don't Be in a Hurry

It has only been 4 days since I last wrote but, again, there is a lot to say.

Let's start with Thursday. Sister Baker arrived safely and Sister Totterer left with me crying a little. Sister Tebbs and I didn't really know who she was and so we waited till they called her name to introduce ourselves. We went straightway to go get her luggage and--eek!--her luggage was not in the "Clinton/Jackson" Zone room. She said she had marked her bags correctly with green tags but could have made the mistake of putting yellow on instead (the colors were very similar). We told the APs (Assistants to the President) and they got right on it to warn the "Sliddel/Gulf Port Zones" that her bags were coming down. The day was spent in Clinton emailing, lunch, writing letters, dinner, and finally just chilling while Sister Baker played piano and Sister Tebbs wrote her letters. Elder Edwards dropped off her bags and the bags of some others who had done the some thing. Unfortunately, her bike hadn't made it, so that will have to be delivered later this week. It made for an interesting first adventure.

The next day it was warmer, so we spent a good portion of the day walking rather than using the car (even though we had 90 miles left). We visited the Diamond family. Sister Diamond in about 95 years old and still does most of the cleaning and cooking. She has a son and daughter that live with her and her grandson and sometimes great grandson that live with her. After talking for a while and hearing stories from Sister Diamond's childhood, we shared a short spiritual thought from Alma 26 as Ammon talks of how his strength comes from the Lord. To our shock and awe, Lydia and Fred (her children) joined our thought and even gave a little input. It was an amazing feeling. As we walked on, we met our investigator Rosa outside and stopped to talk to her. Her cats were a distraction so most of the conversation was about them. Sister Baker laughed as Rosa lifted one of her felines up above her head like baby Simba in the Lion King. We always have a good time when we are with her. We ended our day with my semi-Chinese dinner in honor of it being Chinese New Year: terriyaki chicken with vegetable-yellow rice. Yummy.

Saturday was really neat. First off, we had a lesson while tracting, that doesn't happen as often anymore since the mission has challenged itself to have an opening and closing prayer with each lesson. Then we met with our investigator Alaysha, found she was 14, but she was so eager to learn. We read with her 3 Nephi 11 and talked about God's love that he sent Jesus to visit those here in America. I have good feelings that Alaysha will be able to truly feel God's love for herself. Later on in the day we stopped by our investigator Joy's home. Last time we saw Joy she had told us she was going to focus on her bible (meaning she didn't want to read the Book of Mormon). In respect to this we asked what she was reading in the Bible and she said 1 Corinthians when Peter and the apostles are passing out the sacrament. We read and discussed that and then I felt like I should go ahead and share where it talks about the sacrament in 3 Nephi 18, briefly mentioning how it needs to be done with proper authority and how we shouldn't cast out those who partake of it unworthily but to minister to them and pray for them. To my shock, her church only partakes of the "passover" (as they call it) once a quarter and last week we talked to someone who only takes it once a year. That hurts to hear that. In 3 Nephi 18 it uses the word "always" when describing the sacrament, and through modern revelation we know that means weekly at church. I'm grateful for the understanding in this church of baptismal covenants and how the sacrament is a renewal of that covenant, because it means the sacrament is that much more important!

So on Sunday in Fast and Testimony Meeting, following my goal to bare my testimony every month, I stood up and gave a brief retelling of this experience with Miss Joy and how we had had several times in the passed week that the importance of the sacrament had been brought up to us. Its a sign to me about just how much the Lord works in repetition. The scriptures are another sign of this and the Lord's pattern with calling a prophet. How grateful I am for the scriptures. I love studying from them. I feel so much smarter and happier the more I read. I pray everyone can feel like this, and I know everyone can! Its the promise of the Lord. So liken and apply everybody!

Last thing to mention, the weather--of course. I was warned once before I came out that Mississippi has weird weather. I knew Utah was known for strange fluctuations, but my companions have all remarked how mild Utah is compared to this. Tuesday it iced and snowed, Friday was warm enough for short sleeves, and then Sunday it down poured like Niagara Falls! To add to this it's predicted to snow again on Friday. Say it with me--OY! We were short on tracting hours (one of the only things that have a quota of getting per week) and so we had to go out in it. We walked for about half an hour before we met a nice man named Jerry. His wife wasn't home so we sat on the porch and he asked us questions. They pretty much all pertained to the Restoration lesson that we teach as missionaries and so we taught. At first we were nervous because often times when people have questions, they want to bible bash or debate about gospel doctrine, but the Lord has blessed us the last several days to find people who are truly just curious. Their fear is that we will pressure them to convert but even though it sounds like that's our aim, our purpose is merely to invite. I love the relief that you can see come over people when they understand this, like the Savior as he said "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden" (Matt. 11:28), and we invite them to learn more. As we talked the rain steadily came down harder and harder and as we left Mr. Jerry's we decided that it was understandable if we didn't get our full 7 hours this week. We were only an hour short but in the 40 yards from Mr Jerry's porch to our car we all were head to toe soaked. I looked over my bag in disappointment, my camera had water on the lens (it dried off this morning) and my scriptures appear to have just a little water damage as well, that is they are slightly wave-ier than they were at church yesterday. I can still read them and they aren't completely falling apart, so I don't mind, its just a memento of the devotion I showed to the Lord on my mission. Everyone thinks we're nuts just for walking in the hot and cold let alone the rain.

Bad part about the rain: first, the humid, and two, the bugs that come out with the humidity. Yep. Middle of winter and I have bug bites up and down my legs, they itch so bad! I need to go back to tying a fabric softener sheet on my bag. It worked before.

To tell a little about Sister Baker. She's from Utah--SURPRISE! Haha, so many missionaries are from Utah, in fact, she knew a hand full of these elders and sister out here while in high school. She's from Kalesville, Utah. Has 3 brothers, 2 older and 1 younger. She is a total nerd and loves Doctor Who and wears Whovian socks and a Loki shirt. She's 20 years old and was saving up for college before she came out. She's been in the field 6 months, all of those being in Bogailusa, Louisiana (Bo-ga-lu-sa). She's a pretty joyful person but can get a little stressed at things. It sounds like this could be a pretty good transfer as long as we can keep her calm about all the work that will go into it.

That's my life. Trying to follow spiritual promptings, teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who say they already "know" it, and praying for those that just don't understand the full picture.

In my readings from the Ensigns, I've been reading in the June 2010 Ensign. Several articles have stood out to me, but the one I would like to share with y'all is "Don't Be in a Hurry" by John C. Thomas, its from a devotional address given to BYU-Idaho. In it he quotes Elder Richard L. Evans of the Quorum of the Twelve, "There seems to be little evidence that the Creator of the universe was ever in a hurry. Everywhere, on this bounteous and beautiful earth...there is evidence of patient purpose and planning and working and waiting." Sister Diamond in our ward made this comment earlier this week as she talked about how hard it was to establish family scripture reading in her home: "If once a week is all the time you can give to the Lord, maybe that'll be all the time He'll give to you." Of course, I know the Lord is more merciful than that, but it shook me, what if the Lord only gave us as much thought as we gave him? What is your devotion like to Him?

I'm praying for each of you, that you are happy and healthy. I just passed my 10 month mark, anyone starting on a paper chain for me yet? I would have one if it wouldn't take so much room in my suitcase, ha!

Love y'all!

Your Favorite Mississippian Missionary,

Sister Lara Stewart

Ps. I've noticed that the office has begun drawing a little "L" on all my forwarded mail. That's because there is another "Sister Stewart" in the mission. If you could, please write my first name on your correspondence. I'm so grateful for your letters! I want to make sure I get them! :)

It's fixin' to Snow

So a ton to say (since it's been a week and a half), but I don't have a lot of time so let's see how fast I can tell you all about it.

To start, thanks Pratt boys for all the letters! I love them. I can't promise I'll be able to personally respond right now, but my goal is within the next 2 weeks. Thank you everyone for the letters, emails, and support. It makes me so happy to hear from home.

Mom, your package was well received. Quite literally. Half of the banana bread was devoured within the afternoon. I wore the checkered skirt on Sunday and the shirt and the polka-dotted skirt on Monday. I love them both. And thank you for all the spices. Sister Totterer just laughed and repeated "your mom loves you" over and over again. I just grinned.

The biggest events (yes plural) of this week was that we got snow. TWICE! Once on the 23rd and then more on Tues the 28th. It had been a dreary day on Thursday and I had teased Sister Totterer that maybe it would snow. Well, we walked out of our trailer after putting away the bikes and little white things were falling from the sky! Snow! We went to visit an investigator and spent the first 20 minutes admiring it and taking pictures. Most people said its been 2-3 years since it last snowed in Wesson. Then to our shock and awe, a wintry advisory was posted for Tuesday and Wednesday. Transfers were postponed to Thursday (today) because the interstate and highways would be closed. It began with ice in the morning then turned to snow. We must have gotten a few inches. It was so much fun and beautiful. We had a snow ball fight with our neighbors boys and then were advised not to drive so we walked around in the snow for 5 hours (with about 2 of those being inside homes. The next day we were allowed to drive and go to district meeting but bad news per-veiled. The 2 entrances in and out of our park are both steep hills. We tried the main one and started sliding. There was no chance there, we went to the back entrance, a smaller hill, but more steep. We believed in ourselves though because it was white with snow and less ice. We began up and made it most of the way but had to return down and try again. Once more we were just feet away when the wheels spun and we dropped.. Sister Totterer and I got out (Sister Tebbs drives, which is good because she knows how to drive in the snow), packed fresher snow under the tires and pushed, and got the car out. We celebrated victory till we made it out to the highway. Mississippians DO NOT know how to drive in the snow very well, and they don't plan for it so the roads weren't plowed or salted. We had to drive slowly and almost got blocked when we reached Hazlehurst by an 18-wheeler. Sister Tebbs broke her window trying to get it down in case she needed to talk to people. It was a mess. But in the end the roads were clear, the window was put back on its track and everything is A-OK.

Thus, its been really cold this week. Luckily I know how to bundle up, I wore my tights, leggings, 2 pairs of socks and my boots on bottom, and a tank top, long sleeve shirt and 3 jackets with a scarf on top. I kept my hood up when I could and headwrap to boot. My only regret, another pair of socks, because unfortunately my boots are neither insulated nor 100% water proof. Still, I survived and drank lots of hot chocolate!

These week was transfers and boy was that crazy. We found out last Friday that Sister Totterer was leaving to Sliddell and a Sister Glen from Picayune would be joining Sister Tebbs and I. Then on Monday we got a call that Transfers would be delayed till Thursday because of the weather. Then Wednesday we got another call from President. There was a last minute change and Sister Baker would be joining us. Crazy Crazy, because they white-washed or completely removed the companionship in Red Star, and so Sister Glen went to Red Star instead. Our district has had a lot of changes. Brookhaven elders received a 3rd, a visa-waiter speaking Portuguese. Hazlehurst traded Elder Hartwig for Elder Bytheway (yes I've served with him before back in Petal), Red Star has been white-washed, and now we have a new Sister. I can't wait for District meeting next Wednesday. 

Other little details to my life: I cut my hair again, we have a member who does it for free, I now love peanut butter cookies dipped in hot chocolate. Finally tried "Skeetburger" little out of the way place in Beauregaurd. Went to a farewell party for our member Koby Boone (speaking of which, keep an eye out for a Spanish-Speaking elder from Hazlehurst, Mississippi, he's serving in Mesa).

This is my life.

Spiritual thought. Please read John 14. It has become possibly my favorite chapter in the scriptures. I love that Jesus listens to his apostles and answers there questions. He is a good example of the scripture in 1 Peter that admonishes us to be ready to give answer to people's questions about the gospel. In addition, He promises peace, true peace that can not be found in the world: through shopping or chocolate, movies or anything else but the scriptures and prayer and following the commandments of the Lord.

I love you all. 10 months down, I'm fixin' to be a year old soon. :)

-Sister Stewart

Ps. I've become famous out here. So far at T-point anyone who talks to me immediately recognizes me as the "artist". President was super impressed by the planner I made for Sister Cox based on his own personal saying. "At the end of each day, put that day in a box, tape it up, and set it on a shelf, begin a new day and don't worry about yesterday. Anyone can be a 24 hour missionary."

 The first snow.

 Sister Totter tried to jump over the counter to steal candy from Sister Tebbs. She didn't make it. :)

 While tracting I was taking a picture and turned around to see this. Sister Totter tried to jump a ditch and slipped...

 ...At least she's laughing.

At Koby's farewell party, they had a photo corner. 

 The missionaries, Koby, and little Ethan.

 Elder Hartwig turned 24, we made him cupcakes. :)

 Birthday dinners at the McLemore's has turned into cakes-in-da-face parties. Kim's birthday is on Monday, Hartwig's was Friday, and Sister Totter got in the middle.

 Puppy fell asleep on me.

 Sister Cox's planner (per request).

 Snow day take 2!

 Snow Ball fight with the neighbors!

 Just a little cold.

 Walking in the snow.

  Still walking in the snow.

 District Snowball Fight before District Meeting.

 Broken window.

 Sister Cooper got transferred from Petal to Vicksburg! She's in my zone now!

 This is Sister Barrow. We served together previously when I was in Petal and she was in Collins.

 The Simpson's came to T-point to say goodbyes. They go home in 5 weeks.

 Last Photo.

 Me, Sister Tebbs, and Sister Baker. The new Wesson Sisters.

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.