Capitulo 2, Semana 4

Mis corazones!

Life has never been better! I am a missionary in Tucson, preaching the Gospel, just went to Baskin Robins, and now I'm hearing from my family. What a dream! :) I LOVE your letters! I'm a little bummed I can't be there right now with Cam (maybe take some videos/pictures...) but it's fun to hear all about what's happening! Sorry it's not quite as fun as it could be if I were there...;)

My birthday was great! I felt like I gained more years when I started wearing garments than I did turning 20...:) We hit up the taco wagon for lunch and the sonoran hotdog stand for dinner. My district leader (Elder Peterson) and his comp (Elder Alston) decorated the church and had a "yellow string road" leading to candy and a surprise attack of spit wads and fire crackers! They're the best. Best birthday present of all though, I got kissed on the hand by a guy with schizophrenia...awww yeah! :) 

Had the BEST horchata and arroz con leche this week. Our investigators are doing good but one of our goals for this week is the find some more new investigators that actually want to come to church and be baptized...haha it's always a fun time though. We are getting ready to baptize a girl with down syndrome though! Her name is Sarai and she yells everything (HEMA STWAD). So fun. 

We have been trying to reactivate this family and it's been tough. I have never felt the spirit in their home because the kids are nuts and the parents just yell at them. BUT the other night we danced to Gangnam style with the kids and there was definitely unity. Who'd a thunk Gangnam style would be the way to bring the spirit to that home? The Lord works in mysterious ways! 

We were heading home one night and passed a group of people sitting outside. We asked if we could sing them a hymn (Hermana Jenkins is an opera singer in training...she volunteers US to sing a lot. I think it's because I make her look extra good :)) Afterwards they clapped and these two ladies came up to us and asked if we would sing at their dad's funeral. We said sure! haha So the next morning we sang How Great Thou Art at a random man's funeral. 

This week I've learned a little more about succeeding. The feeling of victory comes not from winning but from doing our best, trying our hardest and enduring to the end (even if that's the end of the lesson, hour, day or week). It takes tenacity - or "holding fast." If we hold fast to our goals and give everything we have until the very end, we will experience victory. 2 Nephi 31:20 I've thought a lot about Camron's mission this week and I tear up thinking about the amazing example he is for me. You motivate me to be better and try harder every day Cam - I love you! No regrets!

Mom honestly I think when I come back to visit Tucson after my mission, I'll be surprised at how dangerous it is, but since I've been here I have NEVER felt scared or in danger. The Lord watches over us! We are in His service and as we are being obedient, He will protect us! I got one package this morning and I think there are about 10 gummy bear packages left...oops:) Thanks so much! Tell Camron to write me, dangit! And keep telling me about the stuff he's doing/how he's acting - I get a kick out of it. Love you all!

Hermanita Stewart