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 :)

What is "Normal?"

Starting with responses to Mom's questions this week: Yes, the sun is shining but there is a prediction of 47 degree high on Wednesday. Of course I am having a happy day; its P-Day! Yes, Sister Baker received her bike from the Zone Leaders Thursday Feb. 13. Kent saw action that Saturday then the Wednesday after, but he's been resting since. I had a great Sabbath Day; it felt good partaking of the sacrament. I read through "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" during and, as usual, felt his suffering and the joy of the author in crying "I will" in response to asking to die for his friend who was the Savior (see Mosiah 2:17).

Now your other questions must go a little more in depth then simple 1 or 2 sentence answers so I will give them each a paragraph. The first question: "How has your week been?" In a word: busy. We have been constantly on our toes jumping from one thing to the next. Monday we had a District P-Day in Lloyd Star (minus the Hazlehurst Elders because no one told them, oops) and partied it up with volleyball and card games. I learned how to play Skip Bo and Phase 10. Tuesday we had interviews in Floerence and since Monday was a holiday, we also had to email. So we woke up, got ready and had our studies, then we rushed to the library to email for an hour till they closed for lunch. We had lunch at Los Lobos, then returned to the library to finish emailing for 45 minutes before meeting the Red Star sisters to carpool to Florence. It was a 45 minute drive to the Florence building; we had a great district meeting as our Mission President called out individuals for private interviews. By the end of our meeting, he was still working on the elders, so as missionaries/young adults, we sang hymns, played the pianos, had "Mormon Hangman" and scribble contests, and ate healthy snacks provided by our Mission President and his wife. I had some bad bug bites on my legs from Sunday and petting Isabel (see last week's email), so Sister McDonough took a look at them, took pictures, and sent them with a description to the Mission Doctor. He said it was probably just a bad reaction to mosquito poison. (Good thing I have a pushy companion (Sister Baker) to make me take Benydryl and Clariton, no me gusta drugs.) We didn't leave the church till 8pm, ran to a Sonic for dinner and arrived home around 9:30pm. It was a very long night. Wednesday was a normal day except that we had apartment inspections and had to come in early for lunch and clean. But we rode our bikes and found ourselves all over town, including Hazlehurst for a missionary meeting with our Branch Missionary Leader. Thursday we finally had a member, Heidi Green, take us out with her to go visiting teaching (trying to encourage the sisters to use our services). It was neat to see other people's homes (going into members homes helps us identify them and fellowship.) Between visits, Sister Green took us to her house for lunch, we have a new tradition of having sandwiches whenever we're there and she didn't disappoint. We made one more visit out past Lake Lincoln. Then rushed to the Stronghope area for a few meetings and dinner appointment. Everyone kept telling us about tornado warnings and we even had a scheduled member run to if the sirens started going off (they didn't). Friday was another "normal day" with weekly planning that takes half the day and doing service for the Boone family with Sister Francois. We had dinner at 51 Diner with her also. Saturday should have been "normal" except it ended with a Branch function of watching "Joseph Smith--Prophet of the Restoration" (Good video, on Mormon Channel, go watch), so that threw us off. Afterwards the member we had carpooled with took us to Sonic for dinner. Then Sunday was relatively normal, but it's getting harder to go to church because it makes me feel like a regular member and then it's hard to get into missionary work afterwards.

So it wasn't so much of a "normal" week at all. In total we ate outside of our trailer 7 times (not including lunch just now), and 5 of those times were at restaurants, and 3 of those were at Sonic. I miss cooking.

Now to your other question, Mom: "Who are you teaching right now?" We didn't have many lessons in total, which is really disappointing but we're expecting to have a "normal" week so lots of lessons are to come! We finally met with our investigator Crystal, its been a month since we last saw her because she was never home or didn't answer the door when we tried. On Wednesday we finally sat down and talked a little more about the Plan of Salvation, she recently had a friend killed and I think it helped her feel the spirit and have more peace. Afterward we went tracting and had a woman put up a handmade "No Solicitors" sign as we walked past on the other side of the road, and every time we walked near she would go inside. Her kids seemed confused but said hello back to us. We don't sell anything but respected her wishes and stayed away, it still kinda hurts though. On Thursday we visited with a less active member Sister Tarbutton ("goat lady" as her neighbors call her) and had a chance to talk privately with her son, and after he left Sister Tarbutton commented how he was really bad at flirting and could have possibly been trying to flirt with us... Not sure how I feel about it, but if he was we weren't so I think we're safe. Sister Tarbutton said she's been using the children's Book of Mormon story book to help her in reading the Book of Mormon. She read about wicked King Noah this week and really liked it, I'm glad she's reading and understanding! On Friday we tried to see our investigator Deeann and arrived just as she was leaving to go pick him up from school, so into the car we went and chatted as we waited in line. We found out that she is related to practically half of our members, and Sister Tebbs blurted out, "Why aren't you Mormon?" Deeann didn't respond but gave Sister Tebbs a look and I just laughed. We had several appointments cancel on Sunday but it was okay because we had lots of tracting to do. We had the chance to visit with a less active and learn just how much renovation she's done to her trailer, it looks great! Dad and Mom, you would love to see all the things they've done and how inexpensive they've made it! The main trick is being willing to put in the work and time because they did pretty much everything themselves. But it truly looks great, makes me want to build my own house.

We had a really neat experience earlier this week, that made us see the hand of the Lord on Sunday. While walking around Saturday, we heard from a member, Sister Louque (*Luke), that her friend Rebekah had apparently been at another friend's house when we stopped by, which made her curious and so she asked the member for a Book of Mormon. Sister Louque called us and asked for good scriptures to mark for her and gave her the book that night. The next day we were tracting and were called out to by a man who thought we were someone else. As we approached the man walked away but the woman who was with him stood still and responded to our greetings. We talked for a moment and she said her name was Rebekah. I thought "How cool, she has the same name as Sister Louque's friend." Then a couple minutes later she said she had a friend who was a member and she had recently asked her for a copy of the Book of Mormon. We had unintentionally found Sister Louque's friend! Sister Loque had said she lived deep in the country and didn't give us her address. Surprise, surprise we were tracting right where she keeps some of her horses which was only about a mile from her home! She explained she was busy this week but would call to meet with us the week after, she was excited to talk to us. Yeah, my eyes just got big too.

Something is going on and its that the Lord is hastening his work to spread the gospel to all the world. I'm excited to hear that the Gilbert Temple is opening and that Brian is finally getting to Brazil. We have an elder in our district who is waiting for his visa as well. It's funny during district meeting hearing him sing in Portuguese while the rest of us sing in English. Haha!

I'm steadily growing up. Yesterday I had a set back as I got mad at my companions for a comment they had made that I didn't see as a joke. After a short while of my angry silence, we talked it over, I called Sister Cox and got some advice on how to not let it happen again. I apologized and my companions and I hugged it out (sisters hug; I don't know what elders do, probably punch each other).

This week I'll have been out 11 months. It both does and does not feel like it. It's interesting how everyone reacts when you tell them you've been out for almost a year, its starting to make me a little uncomfortable. But I'm glad. Surely I can last 7 more months. Right?

Everything thing feels weird. Especially as I look forward to the new transfer in 2 weeks. I could train, open, stay, anything could happen and though I feel like I could handle any curve ball the Lord decided to throw, I am also extremely nervous and I feel like a greenie again asking "Am I ready? Did I think this through?" But then I can't imagine not being here, in Mississippi, at this point in my life. I know the Lord has a time table that doesn't make sense to us, but it is precisely what we need. "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things... believe that he has all wisdom, and all power... believe that man cannot comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." (Mosiah 4:9)

How has the Lord blessed you this week? What evidence has shown His Hand? I can't wait to hear your stories.

"Blessed art thou, (enter your name); therefore and life up your head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keep the commandments of God." (Alma 8:15)

Yours truly,

-Sister Stewy

I really like this outfit and the sunshine, nice day :) 

 Daffoldills remind me of Grandma Hukill, they are every where here, and they are wild.

Spring is here!

Love in Mississipp​i

Well, where would you like me to start as I explain the occurrences of the past week? Valentine's Day? Okay!

So I saved the rest of the red velvet pancake mix for Valentine's Day. I was so excited to make them that I told Sister Baker "Guess what we're having for breakfast," and she said "You mean on Friday?" I was thinking Wednesday night was the day before Valentine's, talk about a disappointing way to go to sleep. Still I was able to shape the cakes into hearts for the occasion and they tasted great per-usual. I made a paper crown that I wore around the house. And we made dozens of cookies to pass out to our neighbors and investigators. We made them from cake and sweethearts candies. They turned out so cute and delicious, I hope everyone who received some liked them. We took some to our librarian, Angie, and didn't get out of the house till 10 minutes to 5pm when the library closes. We rushed over and saw that the front door was locked and so we ran to the back and found her locking the door. I think we gave her a little bit of a scare, but she was really happy and said we were the first to give her a valentine. It was so much fun.

Mom, I also received your package. Thank you for the food! And the pillow case is currently being used, its really cute, thank you. And I love the card, I have it hanging up next to my desk so I see it everyday. You were right that I would love it. SQUIRREL!

We've been blessed this week. We've been having some troubles with no one being home and our plans falling through, but we've been able to meet new people this week that are interested in the message we have to share. One woman had her children open the door and invite us in, but we didn't until she told us herself to come in. Her lesson went great because she didn't let herself be distracted by the children. Children and pets are sometimes our biggest enemies while teaching but we work through, but they distract the parents heavily. Still if the Spirit is there, that is what we care about the most.

On Sunday I was running around before church started, I ran late getting ready but luckily Sister Tebbs' excellent driving skills made it so that we arrived about the same time as the Branch Council members. Then I had to make copies of an advertisement for a branch activity we are holding this Saturday. And by sacrament meeting, I had the buddings of a headache that stuck with me all through church and good-part of the afternoon with no relief because I had forgotten my Advil in my other bag. The afternoon was wonderful though. The sun was out and it was warm and we got to walk around a lot since we had 2 1/2 hours of tracting to cover. I even broke a sweat, which I did not like. We met with a less-active member who has goats and has a couple that are pregnant. She said we could name the next one born and so when we arrived, she pulled it out and we each were allowed to hold her. We decided to name her after someone in the Book of Mormon and agreed on Isabelle because its such a pretty name, granted the character isn't the best. I just say that the baby goat "is a belle" and very pretty. Makes me want to get my own goats when I have my own home.

I'm still trekking through the scriptures and my studies are going great. I love to read the scriptures. I've lately been really interested in church history, so I'm slowly going through the Doctrine and Covenants as my study time allows. It's neat to see the history that the church went through and the doctrine that the Lord revealed to clarify and expound on what is found in the other scriptures. Plus, watching the Joseph Smith and Restoration and "Mountain of the Lord" videos make me really want to discover just what has made this church be something that I love so much. If you haven't watched them yourselves, check them out. They are neat. :)

My Spiritual thought of the day: "The Other Prodigal Son" is a good representation of how we should treat each other and how to love our siblings though we may think that life is "unfair." http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages

Not enough time for pictures this week because we have to leave for interviews with our Mission President in a bit, so I will upload them later. Everyone be safe and remember that there is a girl in Mississippi who loves you very much!

Love y'all.

-Sister Stewart

  Sunshine.

 Valentine Princess :)

 Making Valentine Cookies.

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.