The Silliness Continues

So this week was everything I hoped it would be, but that's life. We did have great opportunities to meet new less actives members including having one come to church yesterday that hadn't been in about 10 years! The Branch noticed and we really impressed her because we got her a ride with another less active, they were doubly surprised. We also received teaching requests from several part member families which is a sign that things are changing in Bogalusa. Now we just have to stay on our game to make them happen.

My companions are super silly. Note my pictures. They did my hair and makeup on Wednesday after I had an emotional break down. Gotta say I look weird with that much make-up, especially the lipstick but I also kinda liked it so we'll see how much I wear in the future. Sister Ray bought Popits (noisy little poppers) and they began popping them on the carport Thursday morning. We got lost and found a frozen yogurt place, Sister Eyre said it was destiny but somehow Sister Ray resisted the urge to pull in. We have taken to the game Nerts on our off hours and the other morning as we ate breakfast I played a quick game of Solitaire. As I played, Sister Ray started playing Nerts on my cards and then when Sister Eyre finished eating she joined in with Sister Ray. In the end Sister Erye won Nerts and I lost Solitaire. Last night was really emotional so we got out the junk food and Scrabble game. Chocolate was passed around and I won Scrabble (probably because I was the least emotional and most sane at the time). But the night was a really good bonding time and we woke up this morning ready to start fresh.

Bogalusa is a branch, Dad (I think I said that already though). It stretched pretty wide so we can't cover all of it but we're trying to work with the members to change that. The members are nice but they've had some really bad missionaries in the past so we're working to change that. Its getting a lot better.

Last week Gladys Knight and the United Saints Voices (I think that's what they were called) came and performed several shows in Hattiesburg and Shreveport. We rode with our RS President to Hattiesburg and watched the 5:30pm show. It was amazing. The music wasn't all "Mormon hymns so I wasn't sure at first but the spirit was SO STRONG. Sister Knight McDowell and her husband both told their conversion stories, how they met, and their testimonies and there was a brief lesson on the Restoration. I wanted so much to stay for the 8:30pm showing but we couldn't and it sounds like most people didn't get home 'till 1am from that show so I'm glad we didn't after all. The feeling of peace and love, the understanding that whether black, white or purple we are all children of the same God, and the call to serve God in His church were all underlying themes. How much I wish I could have every non-member and member alike see this show, you could never doubt God again.

The Silly Bits of Life:

1. I finished untangling my ball of yarn! It only turned out to be about 4 inches big. When it was stretched and wound around the living room I thought it would be bigger but oh well, it's completed!

2. Sister Eyre writes down funny things we all say through the day. Whether it's a good or bad thing, I don't know, but I have become famous in her book.

3. We received a card in our mail box warning us of a sex offender in the area. As we drove away from the house we found out it was our next door neighbor! We told our leaders but they couldn't do much and even if we were moved it would most likely just be a worse neighborhood. Don't worry our house has very good locks.

4. We all got about 30 bug bites this past week. Summer is here!

5. Our branch members were joking and saying they all needed to go tannning or they would be blinding everyone when pool season gets here. I took off my shoe and watch and said "Come knock some doors with us and that won't be a problem." They laughed and I think considered it for half a second. I seriously have some good tan lines. : )

6. I am slowly perfecting the "selfie."

As missionaries, we are allowed 2 hours each week to watch Mormon.org profiles so that we can share uplifting messages with those we meet. Last week I saw this one about a mission president who gave up golf to answer the call to serve (http://www.mormon.org/bruce). He inspires me as I think about the knowledge our passions can give us about the gospel. Art is a waiting game in most cases and requires a lot of patience and practice. It reminds me of Alma's plea that we experiment upon the scriptures (Alma 32:27), because to develop a style or technique you have to do a lot of experimenting and in most cases just exercise faith that it will turn out. But in the end--whether its a master piece or a failure-- you understand more, you've had fun, and you've grown. Its all worth it.

I pray you are all doing well, are safe and happy. This Sunday is Mother's Day. My love and gratitude goes out to every woman, mother, and wife that smiles at little children and touches hearts each day. Thank you. Thank you.

Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Lara

 Bogalusa has several abandoned schools. It makes me sad to see the still swings and dark windows.

 I used curlers in my hair and when I brushed it out that night I had lots of volume. I feel like the Mad Hatter when the Cheshire Cat stole his hat.

 Sister Ray did my make-up and Sister Eyre did my hair. I chose my outfit.

 Contemplating my brisket lunch, not as good as Dad's.

 I find it funny when 2nd stories doors have no ways down. Fly!

 I got to see a lot of families from my time in Petal, MS. Including the Ishee's!

 Popits! Noisy buggers.

 The movie theater has been closed for a long time...

 The completed yarn ball.

 Not what we expected to receive in the mail.

 My ruined game of Solitaire.

 Troubled young women + chocolate = A crazy night

 Scrabble and chocolate.

When you play Scrabble in the South :)

Smile.

Boggie-Tow​n

So there really isn't that much to say today. Last week was transfers so I packed and drove up to Clinton to get on a van to Hattiesburg where I met up with my 2 new companions and traveled "home" to Bogoalusa. But you knew all that.

Our closest missionaries are in Picayune so we traveled 45 minutes to district meeting and back after lunch. It doesn't seem this district is very open yet so this transfer could be interesting. A lot of the week was spent between emotional and physical (yes I am sick right now) illness so not as much work was accomplished as we would have all liked. Still we have plans for an amazing week this week if we have can work through no miles (its the end of the month) and making appointments with our investigators.

It doesn't seem that Bogalusa is a great biking town so I'm not sure how much action Kent is going to see, but I surprisingly really want to use him. It would be nice to not have to worry about our miles by biking more. However, Bogalusa is just not the safest place and my companions are not fond/afraid of biking. Sister Ray has never really biked on her mission being almost a year out and Sister Eyre has made it clear that she would rather not if she can avoid. And then I told them about my brakes and that's their 3rd excuse. Really it's not that bad. Still they have a good point.

To answer questions:

1. No ipads yet but we should have them before the end of the year which could mean after I am released potentially.

2. My companions are great. Sister Eyre is super silly and Sister Ray is really sweet (she made me toast this morning). And we found out that we are all Whovians so it is perfect!

3. Mom I probably will need more clothes. I sent home the shirts i did because they are too hot for what the weather is turning into. I know I will need new biking shorts.

There is a great video on lds.org this week: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-05-40-los-angeles-volunteers?category=welfare&cid=HPMO042114722&lang=eng#2011-05-40-los-angeles-volunteers?category=welfare&cid=HPMO042114722&lang=eng&_suid=1398706598024013445145409980474

This video depicts the church's welfare program. A great system that the Lord has developed to ensure that all his children are taken care of. What have you done to serve another today?

I love you all. I've made it to 13 months. Will you continue to stand by me as I complete this mission for the Lord?

Love,

Sister Lara Stewart

 With twice the amount of luagge, I'm surprised we fit it all into our Chevy Cruze. Tetris skills still working :)

 Grandma Radcliff sent me a scarf for Easter that arrived last Monday so I wore it Wednesday for DDM.

 Jesus Tree.

 This is the source of Bogalusa's legendary smell: the Paper Mill.

 My companions and Jeffery; Sister Eyre to the left and Sister Ray to the right. They were excited when they saw my post-it notes.

 Princess Yarn-ela. I'm going to attempt to untangle this.

Untangling this morning. My companions were concerned when it was all over me and the living room. But I'm almost done. Check up next week for a picture of the completed untanglement!

(*NOTE: CHECK OUT MY SWEET WATCH TAN, EVERYONE IS IMPRESSED, IT LOOKS BETTER IN PERSON.)

Welcome to Bogalusa

Well as expected, I was transferred! I currently am at a computer desk at the Bogalusa, Louisiana library. It's almost the southern edge of our mission, but I'm back in Louisiana! So happy.

We live in a house, a nice brick one--I explored it before we came to the library. It's older, probably 70's, but it's sufficient. We have full car but the closest missionaries are 45 minutes away. That'll be new, I'm not used to being secluded from other sisters or elders.

My companions are Sister Ray and Sister Eyre (air), both from Utah. Each of them is having a birthday next month so Sister Ray will be 21 and Sister Eyre will be 20. Sister Ray has been out for one year, I served near her for a short time in Shreveport. Sister Eyre came out with Sister baker so she's been out 9 months. I know that this is going to be an interesting transfer but it will definitely be good.

It was hard to say good bye to Wesson, I didn't realize I had grown to love those people so much or that they had grown to love me. I was surprised by a couple of the reactions I got. But my excitement to see a new part of the country kept me joyful so they didn't see me cry. The tears didn't really come till this morning as I drove out of the trailer park. But I trust Sister Baker and Sister Rosenauer--and their new sister Sister Gift--will be able to do a good job. I definitely have to go back to visit.

Easter was good. We decorated eggs, ate lots of candy (thanks mom), wore Easter dresses. I wore my new shirt. We were invited over to a member's home for dinner and I got to act out the "bad guy" as we taught about saying no. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego said no to worshiping the king's idols, we will be asked to do things that God has instructed not to do. The activity went over really well and will hopefully help those boys grow even stronger in the gospel.

The agenda of exciting things this week:

1. Finally had alligator. It was good! Tasted like chicken and fell apart like fish. A member fed us, as well as fed us squirrel and venison.

2. My tradition to hide 3 dozen eggs has not stopped, just been slightly altered. After my companions went to bed Saturday night, I stayed up to pack and took a moment to cut out and hid 32 eggs around the trailer. When they woke up, they were shocked to see my note since they were expecting me to hide the 9 eggs we had dyed the night before. I wasn't waking up early for that! Paper ones sufficed and they had fun with all the unique places I hid them.

3. With transfer calls, either President McDonough calls the Friday before to say someone is moving or the Assistants to the President calls to say that no one is moving. We weren't surprised with Friday morning, President McDonough's name popped up on the screen and then he asked to speak to me first. However when he said "You are going to Bogalusa--" we all freaked out. Poor man, I hope we didn't hurt his ears. First I started screaming then Sister Baker started screaming then she ran to the kitchen then Sister Roesnauer started screaming and ran after her and they followed each other around the living room for a while. I started to calm my scream into a laugh and explain to President that that was awesome. Sister Baker had come to Wesson after serving in Bogaulusa for 6 months. I had spent the 12 weeks hearing about it, now it's my turn to experience the "smelly" town of the south. (So far I haven't really noticed a smell. Maybe the paper mill isn't producing as much today.)

4. I got to see Sister Tebbs and Sister Cox and Sister McGrath today. Sister Cox will be leaving for home in 3 months so I'm sad I won't see her off. Sister McGrath is still an STL and has been moved to Monroe, LA. And Sister Tebbs is still in Purvis, I saw her at the Hattiesburg T-point where Sister Ray picked Sister Eyre and I up. The Lord has truly blessed me with such great companions.

It looks like these computers will accept my camera so I will try to send all of those missing pictures. There have been a lot. I love you and pray you are all save and well. I know I am.

Love,

Lucky Lara

  While tracting, someone else had my bike. I was excited to tell them we had twins but they didn't answer.

 That's a mighty big shoe--I mean flower pot.

 We all decided to match today :)

 Look Ma, no hands!

 The neighborhood dogs. I call them Coon and Twiners (one and two).

 Alligator!

 Dying eggs.

 Happy Easter!

 Goodbye Calypso and goodbye driving... we shall meet again.

 Goodbye Benny.

My favorite billboard on our way to Byram.

*Pinch*

*Pinch* Apparently I'm not dreaming. Its Monday!

This Friday is when we get transfer information so don't expect to hear from me again till next Tuesday.

Its been an awesome week. Tough, but that's how missionary work goes. If it was easy all these new missionaries wouldn't be needed. I like to think of Jacob 5 when it was time the Master told the servant to call more laborers for his vineyard. I like to think of these laborers as missionaries. The Lord is hastening his work.

This week we had a break through of finally seeing (if not teaching) some less active members; one I had never even met! Like I said, we didn't get to teach them, but the fact that we made contact and agreed that we could come back was a big step. Last Night was really big. A fairly recent convert had started going less active and we feared in active because of some recent drama. We had attempted to text her and make contact at her home but had no results. I was beginning to lose hope when her mother let us in last night and this sister talked to us for a good half hour explaining that it was the drama with a certain member that kept her back. We assured her that she didn't have to sit near that person and that everyone had been asking about her. Hopefully she'll be back soon. And then this morning her mother called out to us from the bank drive through as we walked past. I think there's hope, we can't give up on Wesson yet.

We had exchanges at the beginning of the week. We drove to Jackson to drop off Sister Baker to Sister McGrath and Sister Rosenauer and we took Sister Devenport home with us. That was a crazy night of driving and the next day was crazy because of the weather. But overall the day was good and the exchange went well. I wish I could have gone with Sister McGrath but we're both the drivers so we had to stay in our own areas. Plus it was good for Sister Baker, she's spent the last 9 months in small towns. She needed a little taste of the bigger world. Then we switched back the next night with Sister McGrath and Sister Baker driving back to Wesson.

Yesterday was a baptism of a little member girl. She had to be baptized 3 times, not because she didn't make it under but because her father (a convert of 10 years) kept mixing up the words. We all cheered a little bit when he got it right on the 3rd try. It was so neat to see this little girl's baptism. I've grown really close to her and her family and when I told her congratulations she latched on and gave me a hug. It reminded me a lot of my own baptism. That was a good day, I don't remember much from it but I know that for certain.

Other events of the week:

1. Sister Rosenauer almost burned the trailer down when she threw pasta into a skillet that spilled and started a fire.

2. I was having a hard time Thursday and thought it would be a good idea to get a priesthood blessing but had to postpone it since we don't have many priesthood holders within a good driving distance. Then suddenly the elders showed up on our front porch.

3. Elder Bytheway celebrated his 21 birthday. I made blue cupcakes to share with the district.

4. Our investigator, Shaun, had her baby. Sister Baker said she was amazed because she had never seen a black baby before. Shaun said in the hospital she froze while on a walk because she saw a white baby. I never thought race made that much a of a difference.

5. I'm. Getting. Tan. Summer isn't here yet but I have a farmer's tan like I haven't had since last July.

6. I finally found an LSU shirt that both fits and was affordable.

7. I ate alligator sausage. Foxx's Pizza has a Swamp style pizza. It wasn't my favorite pizza.

8. We drove through downtown Jackson on our way to the STL's apartment. I got to see the old capital building.

9. So remember how I don't have any breaks on my bike? I have discovered that dogs are my worst enemy because of this. Last week a brown lab ran across the road just as I was approaching and so I was forced to swerve and dash through a big mud puddle. Needless to say I had to switch skirts. I'm glad we were heading home to get the car anyways.

10. I got special planners made for Sister Rosenauer and Baker. Baker has a Doctor Who theme and Rosenauer has flowers I have dried all over it. I think I did pretty good.

So in my readings lately I've been reading in 3 Nephi. In Chapter 15 it stood out to me in verse one as Jesus said that "whoso remembereth these sayings of mine and doeth them, him will I raise up at the last day." In Relief Society yesterday our lesson was on Faith and Repentance. Part of the objections that Sister Boone used was give each of us a small container of heavy whipping cream. She told us that it would turn into butter if he vigorously shook the container. It was an exercise of our faith to believe and do. And it did turn into butter! The object lesson of repentance was some dyed water that she poured bleach into. The reaction didn't happen right at first though. It took time for the bleach to work but eventually the water returned to clear. The same happens with faith and repentance. It does not come all at once, it takes work, time, and effort. James said "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone... shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew you my faith by my works." (James 2:17-18). So what have you done to show your faith? (*NOTE: And don't just say church. God has given you the ability to do more than just go to church.)

I love y'all. I'll be a teenager next week! 13 months, baby!

-Sister "Stewy" Stewart

We had to drive through Jackson, MS to pick up the STL Sister Devenport for exchanges. This is the old Capital building. So cool.

 Swamp pizza at Foxx's. That's alligator sausage on there!

Our Branch Mission Leader has a sweet ride.

 I finally found a good LSU shirt! Good timing too because I need a new night shirt.

 A dog ran out in front of my bike so I had to swerve into a mud puddle. Bugger.

We're used to having dogs follow us, but today the cows followed us along the fence. 

Surviving the Physical Whirlwinds With the Scriptures

The only way to start this letter is to say that I feel I am more qualified to say that I have survived a tornado. All of yesterday was stormy and when we went home to our tin box it just got worse. Finally a member told us there was a tornado watch for Copiah county which then turned into a tornado warning which then signaled the tornado siren to go off at about 11:45pm. She drove and picked us up and took us to her house to spend the night. Sister Baker was freaking out. I was calm until the sirens went off but according to Sister Baker she couldn't tell that my insides were in a knot. Sister Rosenauer said they test the tornado sirens every Tuesday back home in Iowa. As soon as Emily (member) cleared her kids onto the couch so we could use their beds, Sister Rosenauer rolled up and promptly fell asleep. It was tougher for Sister Baker and I to sleep. Eventually I got up and grabbed my scriptures and a flashlight and read John 14. Verse 27 always gives me peace and last night verse 18 did, too. "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come unto you." By about 12:30am or so I finally made it back to sleep and slept till the morning to find the power out and everyone safe and sound. When Emily dropped us back home, the power was back on and it appeared as though nothing had happened.

I absolutely loved conference. Some things I noticed: a lot about family history, standing up for your faith, use the full name of the church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, missionaries resist resistance, spiritual whirlwinds are worse than physical whirlwinds, have gratitude in your heart, love others with charity. I forgot my study journal with all my notes or I would tell you more and the speakers. I'll try to next week. We stayed most of both days at the church watching with the elders. Sunday morning was a lot of fun though because a couple families in the branch have a brunch tradition before the Sunday Morning session. Such good food! Other than that session it was pretty empty.

Between sessions on Saturday we visited a member who recently had surgery. And afterward traveled to Crystal Springs and finally got to see where our Branch President lives (his wife is gone during the week so we couldn't have gone in before). It was so good to visit with her, Sister Miller always makes me smile. She and her husband have only been members for 2 years and yet are such strong members, they both inspire me.

This has been a crazy week. With some parts that I always want to remember and some parts that I would love to forget. That's mission life. Luckily I haven't experienced yet what it feels like to be pelted with mashed potatoes like that one sister missionary Elder Holland described, but I do understand "resisting resistance." During a bad tracting experiencing on Friday, I almost fell but jumped on asking my companions to help distract me. Unfortunately Sister Baker had to use talk about "Doctor Who" (one of our favorite shows) to distract me but it worked. Later on when we faced scary dogs, we prayed for protection and our prayer was answered, we didn't see the dogs again--though we heard them--as we walked away and back to our bikes. The hand of the Lord has definitely been in the work this week.

Just one more General Conference before I get home. Haha, This next six months will be great. Mom, I'm going to need another Ensign. :)

Love you all so much! Happy Easter in 2 weeks. Transfers will be the Tuesday afterward.

Survivor Sister Stewart

 Smile :)

  I love looking at old gravestones. We explored this cemetery in Crystal Springs.

 Tracting with dogs again. I fell behind taking pictures of a run-down house hidden in the trees.

 Stuck behind the train while walking back to our car.

 Dancing to "Break Every Chain" with some investigators who taught us the first time we met them. Sister Rosenauer was really good.

Ready to tract. We parked our bikes on a bridge because I couldn't find any other place our locks would fit. 

Elder Burt (I served with him in Shreveport) was in the Orem Institute choir Saturday afternoon session. 

When we woke up this morning, this was the most damage we saw. The basketball hoop just narrowly missed Brother Martin's truck. 

That moment when you can't think of a good title.

Well, what can I say about this week? With the end of the month its been tough on miles so even though its been cold and rather windy we've been pushing through with our bikes and walking around. I remember being weary about how much gas I used back home but miles cause my head to spin a lot. But even though I'm still not a good biker and often find myself up to a quarter mile behind my companions, I'm still pushing forward. Just sometimes I have to get off and walk on the uphills.

This last District Meeting, me and my companions taught. We took some time on Tuesday night to read over the passages in Preach My Gospel that explained our topic and then decided where we wanted our class to end up at the end of our teaching. We decided activities we could do and movies to watch. Finally we decided on each one we wanted to use and the order. The next day we presented our lesson. It was interesting but overall I think we did well. It's not easy teaching like that with 3 people. Teaching investigators is easier.

My allergies have been getting a hold of me this past week. Usually its worse from 7:30pm till the next morning. Twice we've been talking to people and I've had to just turn my head away and have my companions finish our conversation so I could get out and cough because I would have a big dry spot that I can't get rid of with a few simple coughs into my hand. When we were tracting, I waited till we were behind the next patch of trees before allowing myself to lean over and hack and drink sips of water till it was gone. Attractive right? Last night I was coughing and had our investigator tease Sister Baker that she got me sick. Though I love the flowers and blooming trees, I could really do without the sinus and coughs.

We were lucky to do some service this week. We have an investigator moving to Louisiana (outside the mission *sad* ) and so we helped her plant some flowers in her front yard. I'm really going to miss her but she'll be living close to the Baton Rouge temple so she may be able to go there and feel the spirit. I was also able to help Sister Diamond brush her dog. Floyd (the dog) is a little chihuahua, but I was able to make a second puppy from all the hair I pulled off him and he was still shedding after that!

Mom I loved the package you sent. The shirts are great. As you can see by my pictures, I've already taken the liberty of wearing a few of them. I especially love the gray and orange v-neck. Where did you get it? Did they have more? The Ensigns and New Eras have been much appreciated by my companions and I. And was that scrap paper or lessons I should read through? Either way I've been glimpsing at one side before drawing on the back. I've been working on planners and it helps to sketch out ideas on scratch paper before pulling out the scissors and glue. Yes, please keep the old encyclopedias. Just put them in my room if you want them off that self. I love those books and am not ready to get rid of them yet. When I get home I'll go through and determine whether I really need them.

The women's broadcast on Saturday was amazing. The Spirit was so strong Sister Baker was crying the entire time. I hope you felt the spirit too. If you didn't have the chance to watch it, I highly suggest taking an hour and reviewing the messages taught.

General Conference is a great opportunity to hear from the prophet and receive revelation from the Lord. Just as Jeremiah told the children of Israel: "I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the Lord your according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the Lord shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you" (Jeremiah 42:4). The revelation given to the prophet is meant for the people as a whole and the Lord will reveal to him our answers. May we all listen intently for our own answers of the heart.

I've completed a year! See you soon!

Love you all,

Sister Lara Stewart

PS. An investigator showed us the best Triscuits ever! Sweet Potato and Sea Salt made with brown rice. Yummy!

 Sister Baker and Sister Rosenauer sang "Color of the Wind" as we tracted. Sister Baker got animated.

 My little Pianists.

 One of my favorite houses. It's always decked out for the season/holiday. Right now it's pastel pinks and greens for Easter.

 Ready to tract (with Kent in the background).

Sister Tarbutton's goats had more babies. Twins in fact. This girl is so small she almost didn't make it.