Tell the Weather to Make up its Mind

June 17, 2013

Dear Parental Authority (and everyone else),

Nothing too out of the ordinary since last Wednesday. But we're suppose to go to a Space museum with our zone in a bit, yeah!

Good news, I enjoyed tracting! Yea! Yesterday Sister Cox and I tracted for an hour in the heat of the day and though we we're turned down by nearly everyone on one street, they were kind about it and one woman though she initially said no, continued talking to us and actually invited us to her Anniversary Celebration in August (not sure if we can make that, but it was nice of her to do so). Last Thursday we walked 4 miles in the middle of the day. Woot! I got a little sunburned on my face and the back of my neck, but we did it! We didn't really teach too much from it but we were able to talk to people and were taken care of by the Lord as twice people offered us water. It killed to walk up and down the stairs the next day though.

The mission has created a new standard to tract 7 hours a week (previously recommended to tract 10 hours a week). Sister Cox and I have taken on this challenge to do so and boy is it work. However with the lengthening days it’s a little easier though odd to be tracting during dinner hours.

In other news, we had an investigator come to church! Brittany who I talked about last week! She was late, didn't arrive till after Sacrament Meeting and Sister Cox and I had already moved on towards our Gospel Principles class, we were running around to get a few things done when we saw President Huston walking down the hallway with a young girl at his side and it was Brittany! We were so excited, and then the Gospel Principles class was on the Sabbath Day which was what we had talked about the entire week with her. She even stayed for Relief Society, on tithing. She may have been a little overwhelmed by how many people introduced themselves to her but I think she was really glad to see how well her 16 month old daughter enjoyed nursery. Praying we can see her tonight and answer any more questions and invite her to come again next Sunday.

I was able to get some great thoughts and quotes from Father's day yesterday:

"When a father gives to his son, both laugh. When a son gives to his father, both cry." -Jewish Proverb.

"The greatest gift I ever had, came from God, I call him Dad." -Unknown

"Spend a quantity of time with your children and quality will come." - Brother Howard

"I can't make you do anything. But I can make you wish you had." - Brother Howard's Dad

"I've got all the time you need." (Said before an LSU game) - Sister Nielson's Dad (a big LSU fan)

Then in my study journal I also wrote this:

"I can see [my dad's] example in my life every day. I wonder if he knows how much I am like him. Because of his example of hard work, diligence, … and appreciation for meat, and camping! He also taught me about magnifying your calling. Next to my mom, he is the best thing that has and will ever happened in my life. I love my Dad!"

Praying that all is well and that you had a great Father's Day!

-Sister Stewart

Joy in the Journey

June 12, 2013

HELLO FAMILIA!

This last week has been interesting, but fun. First off last week we were able to get a member to join us in teaching our investigator Brittany about the 10 Commandments and the Sabbath Day. I think the visit really went well and the woman we brought served a mission so she knew what kind of things to say and also not say too much. Unfortunately though when Sister Cox and I went to our next set appointment with her, she had forgotten, then we tried to make dropping-in visits with her and she either wasn't home or said it wasn't a good time. She's been a tough one to teach, but when we tried to drop her, she showed an understanding and desire to continue learning how to have the Lord bless her.

We had Zone Conference Monday and Tuesday, a double zone conference with Shreveport and Texarkana zones. LOTS OF MISSIONARIES! I really got to try implementing the note style that Sister Cox uses that I admire so much. It made taking notes fun while not a hassle and not letting me get bored or lose focus. What she does is write in different sizes and capitals, then she goes back over some letters to bold them or block them. She forgets borders and just has fun writing little notes, impressions, and comments or scriptures wherever then puts icons or little drawings in between. Then to give it a pop, uses colored pens or post-it notes to draw attention to things. Now I can easily remember what things are, its like a visual road map of words!

The Huston's have been a blessing to us. They are active members in our ward, and Brother Huston was called to be the 2nd counselor in our mission so he's my leader as well. President Huston we call him. With Sister Johnson's return for zone conference she had asked if it would be possible to have dinner at their house while she was here and Sister Huston, even after a weekend of busy Youth Conference and traveling about with her husband, immediately said yes and invited not only us but the elders, a member, and both Sister Training Leaders into her home. Sister Cox and I have been deciding on one line descriptions for people we meet that to us our examples to look up to--Sister Huston being one of them. The description I came up with for her is:

"Height has no chance against the woman who has scaled the tallest mountains and continues trekking forth."

Members have really been a blessing to us feeding and supporting us as people. The McCabe's (mentioned before for feeding me squrriel) fed us frogs legs on Sunday. It wasn't that bad, but it was awkward to eat. Sister Cox is always remarking how good I am with animals and how it allows me to connect to members the way she can't sometimes, its been fun seeing so many different animals because of this.

I am happy and healthy, I will not mention my weight, but just say that I am smiling. Love you all!!!!

-Sister Stewart

The Long Letter

June 03, 2013

I am so sore. My arms and fingers hurt from typing. My collar bone hurts from my shoulder bag, Lopsided-Lara. My face hurts from smiling, I feel like Tour Guide Barbie. And I have the biggest bug bite ever on my leg, I really hope I won't have to get medical treatment for it.

Well I'm doing great. Last Monday my district met at Shreveports Mall, The Broadwalk, and bought new sunglasses. It was so weird all of us going into Rue 21 together. I felt like I finally have guy friends. Afterward we went to downtown Shreveport. There's a historic street called Texas Street which has lots of neat old buildings and a giant Methodist church at one end. We took time to go visit and take lots of pictures. So much fun!

Its funny how much the Elders feel like my little brothers. Yes, "little". They may be taller than me, but I'm older than them (first time out here I'm proud of my age). On Wednesday, Elder Earnshaw my zone leader, turned 21. I drew him a random picture of him riding a goat because he kept raving about the district picture I had drawn for him. He was so excited to have his own picture of himself. Sister Cox gave him "signed" Wendy's coupons, he teases her that that's her nick-name because she has red hair. (I try to keep the nick-name "Martha" away from me as much as possible, but Sister Cox's slips it in every now and then, no me gusta). It feels good to no longer be the only one who's 21 in my district.

Finally ate Gumbo then helped service the McCabe family. Great people. We worked in their garden picking green beans. Saw a cute yellow spider and mushrooms! They are such great people I love them alot. Saw my first snake with Sister McCabe when she was taking us home, She ran over it a few times before we realized the neighbors had already killed it. 3 foot copperhead.

I'm getting tan from tracting. I have lots of tan lines too but I'm putting on sunscreen so Its not too bad. Walked 3 1/2 miles on Thursday because we were running out of miles with the end of the month. Whew! Fun!

So my bag is super heavy whenever I have my sciptures in it. The pad on the strap does nothing and I have to have my sciptures with me always so that doesn't help either. Because its been giving me grief with my neck and shoulders, I made sure to buy a good padded backpack while at Target. It was a bit more than I really wanted to spend but its good quality and well padded so I think it was a good buy all around. I just need to get used to the pocket situation in it.

Also considering getting a bike... We'll see.

Scripture of the day: Alma 39:5 (replace your name with Shiblon's).

Love you all so much!!!!!!

-Lucky Lara

Letters from Sister Stewart

Lara’s Letter                                                                                                                     May 21, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad,

Monday was a fun day. We began with our studies and then traveled to the Stake Center in Shreveport for a Zone P-day. We played volleyball and crab soccer and some group activities like “Adams Family” and “Animal”. “Animal” might be a fun game for FHE. After games we went to lunch at panda Express, then the library, then Target! I bought a new dress because I was feeling like I needed a change. I wore it yesterday with my red Toms and it was so cute. It made me feel happy inside.

                After we skyped on Sunday we went to dinner at the McCabe’s house. The McCabes are a younger family with 3 kids and a dog, but they are very gracious to us and a lot of fun to be around. At church Brother McCabe was saying how he was super excited to feed us because he and his oldest son (he’s 11) had just shot some squirrels (they are big hunters and fishers). So yes, I ate a squirrel. And goose (which would have been better if it wasn’t medium rare, but I ate as much as I could). Then we spent the rest of the evening with the McCabe family and the elders in our ward who had skyped at their house [it was Mother’s Day]. It was fun talking about the church, likes and dislikes and the McCabe’s dating story. I love them.

                Today Sister Johnson left us. Transfers aren’t until next Tuesday but because she’s the new Sister Training Leader, she had to leave early to train and prep for it. I’m so excited for her, but it was sad to see her go. Now I really have to step up and take on more responsibility. I think I was leaning on her and her experience too much when it came to things like taking phone calls and teaching with Sister Cox. But, at the same time, I watched and listened and learned.

                Hope you are both doing great and your callings are wonderful. I love you Mom, again happy Mother’s Day. Dad, I love you too and though I can’t skype with you for Father’s Day I hope you know that I would in a heartbeat. Keep Strong!

Lucky Lara

Philippians 1:3 – I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

Lara’s Letter                                                                                                                    May 22, 2013

Hey Mom and Dad,

                I’m sitting here at home on what was planned to be a very busy Tuesday evening, but that has been changed due to severe weather and tornado warnings. Don’t be afraid though, I’m fine. Sister Cox is stressed but we are both safe and currently just chillaxing, doing extra studies, watching “The Lamb of God” video and eating granola that a member gave us. Two sisters are staying with us tonight since it’s transfers. Sister Holbrook and Davenport, both have been out a while but their area is Magnolia, AR.

                Well this has been an exciting week. 1) Saw a raccoon! 2) Ate fried catfish and hushpuppies. 3) Saw a guinea hen at a members farm (strange bird). 4) Survived a tornado Thursday. 5) Began feeling humidity; like I predicted, not my most favorite thing. 6) Did a ward service project painting a man’s house.

                Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday were awesome! We tracted through the heat, met some awesome people, and finally met actives and in-actives I have been hearing about for 6 weeks. Sister Cox and I could feel God’s hand helping us that week. I’ve really been learning how to depend on the Lord. I’ve had struggles I didn’t know I would have and though Sister Johnson and Sister Cox tried, they couldn’t help me get over it. Finally on Monday morning I was so fed up with the feeling that I finally just told Sister Cox, “I’ll be right back,” went into the next room and knelt and prayed. I can’t remember specifically what I said but I asked for peace and joy and for the gloom to be washed away. As I was kneeling I felt a warmth and my heart softening and I felt peace and joy. That peace and joy has been with me since then and I pray it will stay with me for my remaining 15 months.

                Can you believe it’s been 2 months already? I’m so grateful for that. It helps me forget myself and go to work seeing how quickly time passes; it makes things easier.

                How is Sister Coon doing? I never got the chance to say good-bye. Did Autumn and her husband find a house? Dad, how is your bishopric calling going? When are Youth Conference and the family campout? Mom you asked if there was anything I needed ….

GPS – it’s easy to get lost and in a new area it’s almost a necessity. Right now Sister Cox has hers. Do you still have an extra one?

CDs – anything from Deseret book would be good.

Address book - with address of friends and family. Also, I’d like to write down the address of those I meet on my mission.

And remember chocolate and cookies start with “C”.

Thank you for supporting me in this endeavor; I am loving it. And I love you as well. All the way from Louisiana!

Love, Lara

Lara’s Email                                                                                                                   June 3, 2012

Well I'm doing great. Last Monday my district met at Shreveport’s Mall, The Boardwalk, and bought new sunglasses. It was so weird all of us going into Rue 21 together. I felt like I finally have guy friends. Afterward we went to downtown Shreveport. There's a historic street called Texas Street which has lots of neat old buildings and a giant Methodist church at one end. We took time to go visit and take lots of pictures. So much fun!

It’s funny how much the Elders feel like my little brothers. Yes, "little". They may be taller than me, but I'm older than them (first time out here I'm proud of my age). On Wednesday, Elder Earnshaw, my zone leader, turned 21. I drew him a random picture of him riding a goat because he kept raving about the district picture I had drawn for him. He was so excited to have his own picture of himself. Sister Cox gave him "signed" Wendy's coupons; he teases her that that's her nick-name because she has red hair. (I try to keep the nick-name "Martha" away from me as much as possible, but Sister Cox's slips it in every now and then, no me gusta). It feels good to no longer be the only one who's 21 in my district.

Finally ate Gumbo, then helped service the McCabe family, great people. We worked in their garden picking green beans. Saw a cute yellow spider and mushrooms! They are such great people I love them a lot. Saw my first snake with Sister McCabe when she was taking us home, She ran over it a few times before we realized the neighbors had already killed it; 3 foot copperhead.

I'm getting tan from tracting. I have lots of tan lines too but I'm putting on sunscreen so it’s not too bad. Walked 3 1/2 miles on Thursday because we were running out of miles because it is the end of the month. Whew! Fun!

So my bag is super heavy whenever I have my scriptures in it. The pad on the strap does nothing and I have to have my scriptures with me always so because it’s been giving me grief with my neck and shoulders, I made sure to buy a good padded backpack while at Target. It was a bit more than I really wanted to spend but its good quality and well padded so I think it was a good buy all around. I just need to get used to the pocket situation in it.

Also considering getting a bike... We'll see.

Scripture of the day: Alma 39:5 (replace your name with Shiblon's).

Love you all so much!!!!!!

-Lucky Lara

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 )