Monday, May 27, 2013

OK, sorry I forgot to reply to half of the things you wanted me to last week. Sister Cox wouldn't let me send the letter because I'd written it on Tuesday. I sent you it last Wednesday with a another letter that was more current with a list of things I think I need. GPS, socks, CDs, an address book, and undershirts were what was in it to name a few.

I have a copy of the Ensign that Sister Cox's Mom sent me. I've been reading one talk a day and it has been incredible what I learned. Today I read President Packer's "These things I know." Is your safe haven being invaded? I ask myself. Am I protecting my nestlings? I love also (all of them) Elder Anderson "Our desire to share the gospel takes all of us to our knees, and should, because we need the Lord's help" ("It's a Miracle", italics added). President Monson's from the Priesthood session "Come, All Ye Sons of God" is possibly my most favorite though, 1) because it’s from the prophet and 2) because he gives a formula for how to be more profitable servants and 3) "...Appreciate the sacrifices which your parents so willingly make in order for you to serve."

Mom, I am freaking out over here hearing that you are having more contact with the missionaries. Thank you so much for going out with them even though that sister wasn't home. Sister Cox and I are struggling to get sisters to go out with us. Our investigators need that fellowship from women and men in the wards that are going to be good examples of how to be Latter Day Saints. You are a great example for women every where to look up to.

How did the member lessons go? We ask the members to think like they weren't members and teach them as though they aren't. Was it difficult to grasp what a non-member would say? I always find I get a little rough when I'm the non-member during practices, because I try to not have the light of Christ with me for a few moments by imaging my eyes are dull.

Based off the talk I told you about form the MTC, Elder Bednar's "Character of Christ," I've taken up the challenge to read a Book of Mormon and mark all the passages that denote a certain characteristic of him. I purchased a Book of Mormon at the MTC but gave it away within my first week in the field. So last week I had a Book of Mormon that got ruined in my bag and decided to use it with the search for "God's Love," marking his blessings to us and the things we must do in return. I'm so excited.

Not much to say for how I'm doing, I'm still alive! Last week was great. On Friday we had a last minute service project of helping some people pack. Us, the Brownlee elders, and our zone leaders packed a 4000 sq ft home into one Uhaul in exactly 4 hours. Then afterwards were able to give them a Book of Mormon. It was so hot and tiring, but I was able to use the packing skills I learned from moving the family so often and learn more tricks that the other elders had. It was so cool to be able see the Lords hand in it because we were only planning on being there for 2 hours but since our regular appointment had canceled on us, decided to take the time to finish helping. It was insane how packed that truck was! Our family needs to step up our Tetris game compared to what Elder Earnshaw (zone leader) was able to do.

I'm having fun. Learning to live with someone new is tough but as I've said, Sister Cox is awesome, and she and I get along together great.

Please send letters, they are the best things to end a day with. Emails are only 1 day a week. I can get letters 6 days a week.

I love you!!!!

Sister Stewart 

Pictures from Sister Stewart

My favorite rusty old barn off the highway on our way to Bossier.

First time seeing an alligator.

The feeding of the Gators.

Can't believe it!

Gators and Friends was just a mile east of the Texas-Louisiana border so we went and took pictures. Welcome to Louisiana!

District Photo.
(The guy standing behind the top of Texas is one of our zone leaders, Elder Earnshaw. The other zone leader has become an assistant to the president the week before.)

Sister Cox and I got donuts while we had some time between appointments.

Elder and Sister Simpson, the best senior missionaries I could ever have in my district. They have taken care of us so much, I love them. 

I made planners for this next transfer. Sister Cox, Sister Johnson and then mine.

I made Egg Fu Yung. Nobody knew what that was when I told them. I am educating people more than just the gospel.

The driveway to our apartment. It's long, beautiful, lined by trees and crosses a creek!

On Sunday, I took the opportunity to do a quick sketch of Sister Cox. Not bad for being so out of practice with drawing real people.

Monday, May 6, 2013

From Louisiana to Arizona, smiles and love abound.

Hi. : )

Yes I got your packages! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! I was shocked when we got home and there was a package for me, and then we realized of the 3 packages, 2 of them were mine! I was completely surprised and over joyed. I immediately made an account that I had planned to send last week but didn't finish. This is how I reacted:

I opened the first box and and saw the cook book and was super excited because now I had some recipes to use, should I ever need them. Then I saw the shoes (gray) and I gasped, I wasn't expecting you to be able to find them so quickly! I grinned at the hot chocolate in them, very smart, Mother Dear, and the popcorn is a treat. I was super happy to find the second pair of shoes (navy) and was already going through my head what to wear them with. Then I opened the 3rd box and nearly fainted seeing the 3rd pair of shoes (white lace) because I had been admiring a pair that looked exactly the same but were too small just a few weeks earlier at Family Dollar. I was happy to find my star mug and Cole erase pencils and immediately told Sister Johnson about them (she's an artist too, I might have told you), and then I saw them. The 4th pair, red shoes. Sister Cox can testify that I nearly fell off the couch laughing and almost crying. Those shoes made it on my feet quicker than I could say "I love them!" and of course the pictures came quickly after, good thing I was already wearing a red poka-dot shirt to match!

So yeah, super excited, wearing the navy ones to Gators and Friends today. Mom, I'm sorry but I don't think I can return any of the shoes, I love them too much! I've worn all of them except the lace ones (I'm waiting for the right weather).

Yes, I knew Tommy! I mean I didn't talk to him much, but he would open the gate for the seminary students to go to class and things like that. And I always saw him riding his bike around campus. That's great to hear that he's investigating the church. I wish I could have been at that meeting with you, President Ellsworth is awesome!

Karl and JaNel are moving?! I wasn't expecting that. Is there anything else I should know that I haven't been told?

On mother's Day we can Skype at the Simpson's (senior missionaries, they have 3 computers with cameras so my companions and I can all skype at the same time), but it will probably be around 2 or 3 (my time, so 12-ish your time). I know that's not going to work very well with your ward time, but ours gets out at 12p, we have lunch for an hour, and then we can probably call. I'll ask the Simpson's if I can call by phone first and make sure you're available. Send me mail with your opinion.

I can't say much for spiritual experiences this week. I've had a tough week, the natural man has been siding with the devil. But I figured out its because I've been trying to be the "perfect missionary" and not letting myself be "myself". So I've been trying to work on that. And actually I think it helps. There are so many things you have to be thinking about, recognizing, and working on all at the same time. If you weren't a multi-tasker before you came out on the mission you better become one fast! You really get pushed to your limit and beyond. Most importantly is learning to recognize the spirit, act on it, and make sure your investigator recognizes it. That's my biggest challenge, just knowing what to do and say based off the spirit. For example, twice we've had to just leave a set appointment because the person's home wasn't going to be able to carry the spirit. In those instances, I knew that teaching a lesson was useless, but I didn't how to fix that, which was probably my biggest problem; we can't always fix things, sometimes the investigator has to fix it themselves.

I've found that relating who ever I'm talking to as someone I knew back home, makes it easier to talk to them and be open rather than be suspicious of "stranger danger." Also singing. I haven't been singing very much and the only songs I know that I hear every day are hymns, and those can get boring fast, unfortunately. So when I sing I have been trying to throw in different pitches or notes to make it new and exciting.

Yesterday in Testimony meeting, after a pause of silence, a woman got up and related something that had been told to her in a silent congregation years before. The man who said it, stood and asked the question "If Jesus Christ was presiding at a fast and testimony meeting, would you sit in silence?" That question kind of penetrated me, because Christ already knows our testimonies, but would you show your "devotion" is what I wonder.

"The Lord doesn't want you to settle, Satan does." -Sister Johnson

Some funny things I've noticed about the South:

-- In the past when I've seen a red brick building in the distance with a white trimmed roof and a tall white steeple, I always smiled, knowing it was a LDS building. Here, its more liking Methodist or Baptist.

-- If there are moving or blinking lights on a building 99% of the time its a casino, so don't waste your time looking.

-- Just because someone has white skin doesn't mean they won't talk black. Just because they are black, doesn't mean they will talk Southern.

-- There are a lot of smokers in the South and there is no way to go into their homes without coming out smelling like them. Just except it and love them.

-- Put on a jacket. If it rained yesterday, its going to be cold. If it rained 2 days ago, its going to be cold. It is cold in Louisiana. Its the build up to the rain when it is the hottest. (Yes, I am currently wearing a jacket.)

Could you send me a copy of "Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep" by President Hinckley, May 1999 Ensign? Its referenced in Preach my Gospel and I would like to read the whole thing.

I love you much and pray you are happy and healthy. Thank you for your support and prayers, keep 'em coming!

Sister Lucky Stewart

Ps. Thank you for getting the mission home address on the blog! Have you been able to put it on facebook yet?

Pictures from Sister Stewart

 Sister Johnson, Sister Stewart, Sister Cox

Monday, April 29, 2013

I made it through my first month! 17 left, not a very big number at all!

It’s been a great week: 21 lessons and 11 Book of Mormons. The hardest part has been getting around to see everyone. You really don't have very much time on a mission. There are so many less actives and investigators to see. Plus the fact that we have studies till 10a and training till 11a (which gets changed according to the day), plus eating and meetings and travel, we really only have 5-6 hours a day to see people.

One of my favorites is an older woman named Leslie, she's very expressional. Sister Cox and Sister Johnson have taken up a lot of her sayings and motions because we love her personality and attitude. When she has just read for us, she throws herself back on her chair and heaves (which we do whenever we are talking about investigators when they are so close to the truth and still won't except it).

During one lesson before I arrived, Leslie told them about her clubbing days when she would be out on the dance floor "Just doing [her] thing". (Every time we are happy about our accomplishments we pull our arms in, snap, and sway side to side singing "Just doin' my thang.") And then on our last visit, every time we made a comment that made her think, she would raise her arms and go "whoo!" (She is now Sister Johnson's personal favorite). It was really funny though, because she knows that we are called of God, because she walked out of her house when we arrived at our appointment, said we couldn't come in because she was moving and her house (which wasn't a mess) was messy. We just stood there smiling at her and she started walking away. She turned and waved us in, "Well come on," and we taught a lesson.

It’s sad talking to less actives because 75% of the time, they became less active because they were offended by what another member said! How cruel we are! That is the natural man and we must be rid of him! The other percent has to do with either moving to a new area, the church is far away so gas is an issue, or loss of interest or faith, the smallest percentage.

It’s so much fun hearing every one's names and experiences. Yesterday at a lunch with the Dean family, Brother Dean told us all about his relationship he made with a man named Joseph Smith while visiting the Community of Christ in Independence, Missouri. The man was a real descendant of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Brother Dean said he was mad that while his branch of the church kept breaking into pieces, ours (we're the Brighamite branch) just keeps getting stronger. And he was mad that his daughters became LDS. His grandson was the first descendant to serve a mission since Joseph's passing (I think). It was really cool to hear that history.

Something funny that happened to us this week is that as we were driving through Blanchard to get to an investigators house, we were stopped by a train. The train was only going like 5-10 miles an hour and had at least 100 coal cars on it. We waited and finally it finished and we were able to drive on. Only, we went about 3 miles and then were stopped again by the same train that had just gone around a bend and back the other direction! So we spent half an hour waiting for one train pretty much. Luckily we had our cameras handy to entertain us through our wait.

Since its P-Day we got haircuts. The woman was recommended to us by a ward member, and she used the salon where she worked to give us the cuts: a hotel! It was pretty nice. Then afterwards we went to the Boardwalk, Shreveport's outdoor mall. It was fun, but I had some poor customer service. And the worst part was that I saw an owl mirror, totally cute! It was a big and little owl looking into a 10 inch mirror that was framed in wood logs, $25. Let me just say how good my companions are because they helped me put the mirror back and walk out of that store... But it was so cute. The photo of downtown Shreveport was taken from the parking lot. I just wish I had taken a picture of the floating casino (that's how their casinos are here, big steam boats that are permanently docked), Dad you would have laughed seeing how it was a giant boat stuck between 2 bridges it would never be able to travel under.

My apartment is the top-left and yes it is the north western building in the Grand Oaks Apartments, next to the dumpster :). It’s nice because the back and side windows face out towards the woods when were studying and over the parking lot so we have the street lamp outside for a night light. I love our apartment, though it could definitely use a wider shower. The best part is that as you drive in, you drive through a tree lined drive way. I'll try to get a picture of it to show you. I'm not sure exactly about how Mother's Day is going to work out, but I'll let you know when I find out. There's a good chance I can Skype though. Dad, what's your Skype address again?

I was wrong that my area is 80 miles wide, it’s 80 square miles. It reaches from the river west of Bossier (pronounced Bow-sure) City then to the West edge of our district, and from Bossier City to a little north of Oil City. My sisters want to buy cowboy boots, we'll see when and if we can do that... I'm not sure on boots and shoes so scrap that idea till one of the pairs I have fall apart. I'm worried a little about shirts, but should be good until the real summer days come (today has been the hottest so far, but we had a nice cool breeze). I have been thinking though I forgot my black belt, it’s still hanging in the right side of my closet towards the door.

That's all I really have to say. This week I'll try to write down more, including more spiritual experiences. I have a problem in that I can't remember what I say when the Spirit is really talking through me so it’s hard for me tell you those things, Mom, sorry.

I love everyone. Remember to "Stand in a Holy Place” :) (Matt 25:15, look it up in a book not digital!) That was my personal study on Friday and Saturday, the second coming. Remember to be an example and don't leave your religion at the door (Jeffery R. Holland).

Love,

Sister Stewart

Monday, April 22, 2013

Hi Mom,

Glad I already emailed everyone else back, you had a lot in that email there.

Yes I got your package; I wore the teal shirt Tuesday and shrunk it Saturday, oops. The tan skirt is perfect, worn that a couple times and it earned me the nickname "Army" from a silly older woman named Sue, she gives nicknames to all the missionaries (Sister Cox is "Red Head" and Sister Johnson is "Polka Dot" because she wore a polka dot skirt the first time they met). And I'm still thinking on the patterned skirt, the hem isn't my style per say. And I wore the shoes yesterday, they were a little snug and hot but I just kicked them off whenever I wasn't being watched and them slipped them back on when I was.

Bless you for the post-its, we use them everywhere and I am so happy to have multiple colors now. Sister Johnson gave me a stack of orange ones but I needed more colors or I was going to get sick of orange. We use post-its when planning our lessons for the day, notes for phone calls, when a less active isn't home when we check on them so we leave a note (but we use shaped post-its for that), and when we find a good uplifting quote I post it to our/my quote wall (no one has added to it yet). The Cole Erase would be nice for when I get the chance to draw. If you find my big white erasers could you send them with the pencils and sharpener? And black Sharpies are fine. Also pens, ball point, super ultra thin; my sisters use a G2 Pilot that is .38mm thin, and it is perfect for the planner.

Last week was great, it started with a high on Tuesday, low in the middle, and ended with a high Saturday, and lazy Sunday. We've been busy always on the move and always talking to people. Wednesday was just a rush but I taught the Book of Mormon class with Sister Cox, and shocked everyone, even Elder Simpson (senior missionary) complimented me and Sister Cox said she didn't receive a compliment for her 1st month. We discussed 2 Nephi 31, we didn't plan that much, and I have almost no memory of what I said, but I guess it went great so, the feedback was great, so I'm excited to do it again when our turn rolls around next month. Mornings are difficult only because we immediately begin stretching and exercising. No me gusta. But I just walk around and my sisters run, but we just follow our "track" around the apartments and stay within sight and sound or each other, then go in do warm down stretches and then continue on with preparing for the day.

It was funny my first morning, I made eggs for breakfast and there was no salt and pepper in the apartment, ANYWHERE. I had to eat my eggs plain. But the next time we went to the store I made SURE to buy Nature Season, 2 in 1 bottle! I miss the spice cupboard though, especially my bottle of parsley, give it a kiss for me. Of course we don't really have that much time for cooking anyway, I mostly do eggs or eggs in a basket for breakfast, and a potato for lunch. It was really nice because on Saturday we got to help cook dinner with a in-active lady you was feeding us, Cheri, and my companions and her all stepped back from the stove and I got to take over. It was just a box pasta, but it felt wonderful to be following a recipe and stirring a pot on the stove. Yeah... I'm weird. We've been lucky to have lots of members feed us, and I have never appreciated an actual home-cooked meal made by a mom before (because I miss yours terribly, Mom). Last night a ward missionary made dinner for us and she gave me the recipe, it’s simple but makes a lot! I definitely think that you and Dad or the family should try it.

"Two Timing Pasta"

1 box penne pasta (or bowtie)

1 {15oz} jar of Alfredo sauce

1 {24oz} jar or Marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

optional - sausage or chicken (Italian Chicken Sausage was really good)

Boil pasta according to directions. While the pasta is boiling, combine all ingredients on stove and let simmer. Add the sauce/cheese to drained pasta, stir to combine. Pour into 9x13 dish. Cover with foil, and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Remove foil, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve.

Did you get a picture or the ducks? Send it to me (email)!

I would love to sing for a lesson, my sisters don't sing and Sister Cox made the comment yesterday that she's been singing more than me so I started singing when I was getting frustrated yesterday and really calmed down, I need to remember to keep singing. I hate silence.

At the MTC they wouldn't let us say "guys" we had to say "missionaries" or "elders and sisters." First day in the field President McDonough says, "Ok guys, gather around." So I try not to think about it too much anymore. I believe "missionaries" is politically correct, but from my experience so far, calling us "sister missionaries" or "the sisters" is just fine, you have to differentiate somehow, especially if you have both elders and sisters in your ward like we do. And we do affect people differently. For examples, the elders and Spanish elders cover different areas than us but we meet with one man in the elders area because he asked specifically for sisters, and we meet with a woman who speaks Spanish with the Spanish elders because she asked for girls. So really we get everywhere and still don't receive enough miles. Luckily Elder and Sister Simpson take pity on us and drive us around for Sunday meetings and district meetings so we can save on mileage.

Interesting story about tracking yesterday, I had 3 door slamming experiences last night. We were tracking in our apartment complex, waiting for Mission President to visit. The first lady claimed she was doing bible study and shut the door, the 2nd didn't even open the door, just hollered that she'd already been to church that day then wouldn't respond anymore when we kept pressing. But the 3rd was the best. We haven't met the neighbor right beneath us so while she was letting her dog out, my companion Sister Cox approached the door, raised her hand to wave and smiled; the woman (still in the house) screams, runs to the door and slams it in Sister Cox's face. We weren't even planning to talk about the church just explain that we were her neighbors above her. So we left a note apologizing for startling her and left. I don't think I want another experience like that one...

I'm glad you had a cousin dinner and even more happy that you saw David! I pray their hearts are softened too and that everything is going okay for them.

Tell everyone I was surprised when I got sent to Louisiana too, but you get used to it, I have. I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle a transfer to Mississippi, I like Loosyana. President McDonough visited us last night and gave Sister Johnson a tip that next transfer she'll most likely be moved to another new area for sisters and be training a greenie and Sister Cox and I will stay in this area to finish my training. That made me sad at first, but Sister Johnson is so knowledgeable that she is needed to go train more people help create some great missionaries, she sure has been working on me a lot, and I appreciate her. Sister Cox and I get along great, and I know we'll do fine if that is how it’s going to be. The biggest challenge will be the fact that we are both so serviceable that we'll probably take a bit to get something done (ie. showers, doors, laundry). But I should be able to drive since I got all my paperwork in. Excitement.

Today is a day in Shreveport. We had a game of volleyball with the sisters and elders in the Shreveport District and are going to be traveling around with the Shreveport sisters to the library (hello), lunch, Target, the post office and other places around here. Then Sister Johnson is going to do an exchange with a sister from the Monroe District to help boost that area some. It'll be fun, I'm sure. The only sad thing is that as I was jumping on the stage (we were playing at the Stake Center) I hit it with my shin in the exact same spot I got kicked 2 years ago. That bruise didn't heal correctly and I think I made it worse today. But I iced it at the church and the swelling has gone down, just waiting on the pain now.

I pray you are well, and that I'm not asking for too much, please limit packages to no more than 2 in a month so wait till May to send anything else, please.

Love you all mucho mas!

"Sista Stew-war-d"

(that's how people say my name J )

Pictures From the Mission Home

Mission President McDonough and Sister McDonough

Monday, April 15, 2013

Hi Mom Hi Dad,

I just sent off a bunch of letters and my SD card on Saturday, I'm hoping they arrive by tomorrow but I can't be sure. Emotions for me are running really high, it’s been tougher than I expected, but my companions give me pep talks to make me feel better.

We are the only sisters in our area and have the most people to cover. They worry and have concern for me beyond what I've ever had with people outside my family. Sister Cox has been teasing me from day one about how stubborn and selfless I am. They say to just let it all out and be a little selfish. It’s a hard adjustment, but I'm working on it, and have had moments of real peace.

I have 2 companions, they said it was something the mission president is working on. Sister Cox is my trainer, a passionate sister from Fresno, CA. She's been here 12 weeks, she's 20, and really sweet. She's always making sure I'm comfortable and taking care of myself (she says I take cold showers but I actually just don't like my water super hot like they do). And Sister Johnson is a beauty from Murray, UT. She’s been here 9 months, 23, trained Sister Cox and is now working with Sister Cox to train me. She graduated in art and has great fashion sense. She's more laid back than Sister Cox, but very knowledgeable and friendly. I'm so glad I have both of them to lean on, they have each other to lean on in my training so they aren't alone.

Our area is called Brownlee because that is our ward name and the church is located off a street named Brownlee in Bossier, LA. There is one set of elders in our district and a set of Spanish elders which attend to the other district in Bossier. We have our own car so I don't need a bike yet. My shoes are comfortable but I'm having fashion issues and would like some more shoes. Could you get me some Toms? Lots of other sisters have them and the President didn't say no (of course, I'm a Soda's girl more than Tom's, though).

My area is nice but there are a lot of less actives and tons of smokers. Most of our days are visiting our investigators, less actives and driving. I mention in my letters that our area is about 80 miles wide and we cover one side of it, so miles are an issue, but we drive a newer car so gas isn't bad. Church Sunday was odd because it was supposed to start at 9am but it didn't start ‘till 9:10am and only a third of the ward was there by then. I didn't look behind me to see how many actually made it in time to take the sacrament. So size is something I'm getting used to.

My sisters are really helping me learn and meet different people though. I felt bad yesterday, however, because after I bore my testimony in sacrament and said I was the new sister missionary, everyone thought I had taken the place of Sister Cox, and wondered where she'd been transferred to. They are so attached to Sister Cox and Sister Johnson, but of course they opened this area where sister missionaries are concerned and so they are their first sisters.

The McCabe's Family has really made me feel welcome, they have 3 children Hunter 11, Taylor (a girl) 9, and Tucker 7, they are a handful, but Sister McCabe really knows how to handle them. Brother McCabe is nice and dedicated to his calling and fulfilling the Lord's work. Plus they have a dog, Charlie the chocolate lab. They feed us every Wednesday and yesterday they fed us again. And by us I mean sisters and elders, so they feed 5 extra people for their regular Wednesday meal! So kind.

It’s almost scary how crazy everyone here is about baseball. Family life and church take a backseat to it with almost everyone we meet. I've only seen a few road kill opossums but I've been told I'll see some live ones eventually. I’ve seen mostly pets, livestock, and some turtles and rabbits.

I'm already picking up a Southern accent (especially every time I'm around the McCabe’s), but it's growing on me. The schedule is still confusing but I'm understanding the planner better and the Sisters say I'm handling my first week well. Lessons are still a problem because I don't talk much, my sisters do good at making up for my lack of talking.

I haven't gotten any packages or mail yet but I'm excited for them! Especially keep the chocolate coming, its gold in our apartment.

Love and miss you!

-Sister Stewart

Friday, April 11, 2013

Salutations!

I love it here in Louisiana. As expected the people are really nice and they all respond well when I say I’m from Mesa, Arizona. A lot of people admit they’ve lived in or stayed in Arizona; it’s sad when I have to explain that I actually don’t know that many people. My first night in my area we actually had dinner with a member family, the Houston’s, who lived in Tucson. They served us Chicken Fajitas and their house was decorated in a southwestern theme, it made me feel very comfortable. * Note: thank you Dad for teaching me geography and such because the older men keep mentioning that sort of stuff and I can just barely keep up.

It’s green here; trees, huge trees, are everywhere. Our apartment is on the edge of a forest I think and most neighborhoods are encompassed in forestiness. Of course I love it. So far my animal count is dogs, cats, and one goat but my sisters have promised I’ll get to see opossum, armadillos, snakes, and alligators at some point in time. No one has seen any fireflies but I’m not counting those out yet. I just need to be sent somewhere with a boat rather than bike or car (fyi, I don’t think there are any areas that require a boat).

We Brownlee Sisters do have a car though, and we don’t have to share it! For good reason too because we are everywhere! Our area is 80 miles wide [she tells us later it is 80 square miles]. The church I think is somewhere in the middle in Bossier. I need to get my sisters to set up the district map but we have so little time between investigators, less actives, meetings, and travel I’m surprised we have time to eat. (Dad, remind me to have you try a restaurant called Raising Cane, it’s a chicken strip place and their batter is good).

My first night out we taught a new investigator family and it was awesome! “Like living in a video game,” I told my sisters. And it feels like that, especially while we were tracting this evening. I think that’s because I’ve been role playing for so long and hearing fake answers to finally hear those answers come out of real investigators is surreal and thrilling.

I think the Lord definitely knew I needed 2 companions because their support system is what’s helping me. I had a low point this morning during personal study. Then they boosted me in companion study and I’ve been on top of the world since.

Keep the letters, questions, concerns coming. And send a letter to Sister Cox and Sister Johnson if you can. They’ve been sad not to receive any mail this week.

Love,

Lara

P.S. Please send Cole erase pencils in the pen box in closet, and Mom look for shoes with traction because the concrete is slippery in the rain.

P.S.S. It was raining when I arrived and it was cold! Today the skies were clear and it was hot in the sun but not too humid. Sister Johnson says get ready though because come May it’s going to get gross and she suggests men’s deodorant. Whew!

Pictures From Sister Stewart