Capitulo 3, Semana 24

2014! BRING IT ON

HAPPY 2014! Things that happened in 2013 -

-Turned 20

-Finished my 2nd year at BYU

-Left on my mission!!

-Cam got home from his mission

-Experienced mole, menudo, and flan for the first time (and I'm still breathing;))

-Learned to speak Espanish! What-what!

-Walked the streets of south Tucson in 130 degree weather

-And now I'm in the middle of nowhere finding my inner country girl here in Deming, NM

I think I've grown more in the last year than in the combined 19 years before that. But 2014 is going to bring even more growing experience - bring it on. We have had a great week and my heart is so full!

TEMPLE TRIP! We got to go to the temple and it was like a deep breath of fresh air. I love the ordinances that are performed inside and its always a little kick in the bum of what I can improve on. I was the first one in the Celestial Room and one of the last out:) Then we went to a pizza/wings/breadsticks buffet for lunch - dream come true!

We've been trying to save our miles recently (aka walking everywhere) in order to go see Elder Holland and it's made for some funny experiences. One day we went to Columbus, parked our car, and got to work. We visited a bunch of people and around 5:15 we arrived at our last appointments house, planning to get out at 6. But man are they talkers! We didn't get out until 6:40! We walked out of the house into pitch black Columbus. There aren't any street lights but there are a TON of potholes. Keep in mind we're about a mile away from our car and we have an appointment at 7 in Deming. So we ran through pitch black, pothole filled roads 2 miles from the Mexican boarder (don't worry mom, sister Magnusson had her knife out and I had my fists up;)) - I'm pretty sure there were angels helping us. We got back to our car out of breath at 6:50, called our member present to tell them we were going to be late, texted our investigator and got on the road. Sister Magnusson said a prayer asking the Lord to get rid of all the cops because she was about to speed! We get on the highway and right in front of us is a sheriff. We decided as long as we go the speed the sheriff is going we're good, right? Wrong. We ended up passing a car (after the cop of course) at 80 on a 60 road and he pulled us over. He let her off with a warning and we only got to Geovani's 20 minutes late. I was cracking up the whole time! This is one of the reasons I love the mission - experiences like those:)

The Renteria's passed their baptismal interviews and are getting baptized this Friday!! Jose's brother, Lupe (macho Mexican), bore his testimony yesterday about how excited he is for Jose and started to choke up. I AM SO EXCITED!

Geovani is progressing great - he hasn't smoked in 5 days! The Sandovals and our 14-year-old investigator, Sam, have a baptismal dates! Our whole branch fasted for the people with dates yesterday and I know the Lord is going to help and bless us if we are obedient and work hard. I have so much hope for these people! They are so close and just need to take the step. Pray for them all please!

This week we shared a dinner message with a couple families about New Years Resolutions. At the end we asked what were some goals they could set. Some of the responses we got were, "My goal is going to turn 13 this year." Well, Adrian, that's going to happen no matter what. And, "I'm going to stay out of jail this year. It's boring and there aren't any video games."

I love new years:)

Columbus had 20 people at church! It's growing! One of our investigators walked in 45 minutes late and shouted out a big, "Good morning!" haha We were just glad he came:)

Well family, thanks for the emails - they are my favorite part of p-day:) Mom I just barely got the Christmas package 3 hours ago that you sent - thank you, thank you, thank you! Sister Magnusson and I will have to take a picture in our new pj's eating waffelrolchen:) I miss the motherland! Oh, guess who I get to see on Saturday?!? BRYNNLEY!!! AND Elder Holland. But I'm might be more excited for Brynn! haha I'm so excited! Well, keep reading your scriptures, writing me letters, and sending me pictures. :) I love you all so darn much!

Con Amor,

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 23

FAMILY, SOCCER, MISSIONARY WORK, AND TOMALES--WHAT ELSE IS THERE IN LIFE?  NADA

What a wonderful week full of teaching, learning, and eating! BUT my favorite part was talking to you all:) It was the best to see your faces and, although it's been 8 months, it felt like no time had passed at all. I love family!

On Tuesday we woke up at 4:30 to go to Tucson for our mission wide Christmas Conference - early, but worth the sacrifice! We were spiritually (and physically) fed AND I got to see all my old companions/districts. President Killpack gave us the best Christmas present - in 2 weeks our entire mission is going to be bussed up to Phoenix to hear Elder Holland, the Lord's bulldog, speak! Obviously, we're stoked!! That night we went to a Christmas Eve party at the Quintana's and it's amazing the love these people so freely give and I'm so blessed to be on the receiving end! After we went to Midnight Mass and I counted it as my workout for the day - it was up, down, kneel, repeat. Then we spent the night sleeping underneath the Christmas lights:)

What a special Christmas we had! My heart is SO full of gratitude! Cinnamon rolls, family, soccer, and tomales - what more is there in life? Nada.

We have had a great week with our investigators too! Geovani set his own baptismal date (and I think this time he's ready) AND the Barajas kids have baptismal dates! Pray hard for these people - they are SO ready.

We taught the Renterias the Law of Tithing this week and I don't know why but before, we both felt really apprehensive. We taught and made sure to promise blessing all throughout the lesson and at the end I extended the commitment, "Will you pay your tithing once your baptized?" There were a couple seconds of silence and then Jose said, "Well, we already talked about it and decided that if we're going to get baptized, we're all in. So yes, of course we will pay our tithing." I almost started crying! It is such an example to me to see how much faith and determination these amazing people have!

Last night we went and taught the Duran's (family of 8) the Plan of Salvation. It's been neat because at the start of the transfer all we were doing is finding new investigators so we were teaching Lesson 1, The Restoration, a lot. But now, all these people are progressing and we've been teaching Lesson 2, Plan of Salvation. And just like all teaching situations, the teacher has to study and prepare to teach and therefore ends up learning so much more than the students. My love for the Plan of Salvation has grown so much! Heavenly Father is SO smart! haha Last night though we brought the Quintana's to the lesson with us and it was the most powerful Lesson 2 I have ever been present during. At the end, Hermano Quintana testified and then he choked up and expressed his love for missionaries. He told them how much we sacrifice to be here and how hard missionary work can be. But then I told them that maybe at times it is hard to be away from your family but in moments like this, when we're teaching a full family about how they can all return to God and live together forever, missionary work isn't hard at all. In moments like that, I wouldn't rather be anywhere else in the world. The spirit was strong and by the end we were all crying! haha It was a great way to end of the week.

Saturday we went on exchanges and my momma got to come here with me! Sister Jenkins got to come experience the magic of Deming and Columbus. By the end of the night she was saying how jealous she was of my area and it really made me realize how incredibly blessed we are! We have amazing FAMILIES we are teaching and it is amazing to be a part of the Lord's work.

I'm really excited for New Years! I am so grateful for the chance to start over, to set goals, and to become better. We are so blessed to have second chances! Henry David Thoreau said, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." Pray to know the goals you need to set and then set the goals that stretch you because, "There is no growing in a comfort zone and no comfort in a growing zone." 2014 is going to be a GREAT year full of missionary work and Mexican food:)

Family I love you so much and life is good, life is great, life is wonderful! :)

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 22

I AM PRETTY SURE GOD IS LATINO BECAUSE THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN THAT OF HISPANICS.

Well Family,

There is literally nothing better than missionary work and the Christmas spirit combined - I just can't stop smiling! We had a GREAT week but I'm even more excited for this one.

-We went caroling to the nursing home with the youth for mutual this week and had SO much fun. Old people just crack me up! We were all standing there singing and this old 90 year-old woman rolls up in her wheelchair (which she moves with only her feet), stops in front of me and say, "Well, you're a pretty one!" Haha Good to know old woman still think I'm pretty even with 10 extra pounds...;) We had a blast though. We sang to a lot of people that aren't going to have any family around for Christmas and rarely have visitors. It was awesome to see their faces light up as we sang and visited with them.

-I've come to hate dogs on the mission (sorry Atwoods and Maren). I'm pretty sure every single one carries some kind of disease and snot on my skirt isn't my favorite...

-Salvador asked us to pray for the Steelers to make it to the superbowl. I told him that if we prayed and they make it he has to come to church. He shook on it! I've never wanted a football team to win more than I want the Steelers to win the next game! Praying starts now!

-We have an English elder here for a little while and he got to try flan for the first time the other night. As soon as the first bite hit his tongue, he started dry heaving and almost lost his dinner! I've never seen a reaction that bad before (even though that's how I feel about flan too...) and was just grateful the Mexican woman didn't get upset.

-Sunday we had 16 investigators at church which I was of course happy about but we had to sing in the Christmas program and I just hope our singing didn't affect their desire to come back...haha It was the most full I have ever seen that chapel and the Spirit was strong.

Jose and Isabel - This couple is amazing. We visited with them a couple times this week and one of the lessons was the Law of Chastity (this is a 21 and 19-year-old with a 3 month old baby...) and neither Sister Magnusson nor I had ever taught the Law of Chastity to an adult in Spanish before. We were intimidated to say the least! AND to add to the situation our would-have-been-awesome members backed out last minute. We said a quick prayer because we really needed someone and 10 minutes before the lesson Alex (a 19-year-old preparing for his mission) said he could make it. There is no better prep for a mission than teaching the Law of Chastity with 2 missionaries that haven't ever taught it! haha It went really well though and they had some great questions and now we're getting ready for a wedding and a baptism! Jose is also going to invite his less-active dad to come to church this Sunday - yep, our investigator is doing missionary work! :)

The Durans - This family is a referral from a member and they are awesome! We taught the Restoration and had the member with us and the spirit was strong. Its a huge family (8 kids) and ALL were there and attentive! We are praying really hard for them to read and pray. They need the gospel so badly!

The Renterias - We taught the rest of the Plan of Salvation and it was awesome. Is amazing to see the change in Jose - at first he would walk in and go straight to the back of the house. Now he's really interested and really likes having us there! AND he hasn't drunk alcohol in over a month!! This week is going to be the true test though...

I love being a missionary! It still amazes and humbles me knowing the Lord, despite my imperfections, is still willing to help and bless me/us. It's amazing the love I feel for my Heavenly Father and my Savior and then to know They feel SO much more for me is incredible. There are still so many ways I can and need to grow but I know with God's help I can become who He needs me to be. I love this time of year when we can remember the birth and life of Jesus Christ and what he did for us. My love for the Savior has increased more in the last 7 months than my entire life. I am so thanful for Him, my heart feels like it could pop! Share the amazing Christmas (Christ) spirit with everyone you can - they need it!

Well family ONLY ABOUT 40 HOURS AND I GET TO TALK TO YOU!! I could pee my pants I'm so excited. We are going to Skype at 10:00 Christmas morning here so about 6:00 there. I can't wait to see your cute faces! And yours Sara (just kidding:)) Thank you for all the emails! I love you all so darn much! SEE you in a few days!

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 21

BAPTISMS!!!

Family!

I don't even know where to start - it's been a great (and crazy) week! We have so many investigators that we're having trouble fitting everyone in (great problem to have, I know) so lately we've been a little estressed :)

The Renterias are doing amazing! They are reading the Book of Mormon as a family!! Their faith and desire is growing and it's amazing to watch. I'm so blessed to be able to help them come closer to our Heavenly Father. Teaching them I feel the true and pure joy of missionary work and I don't think there's a better feeling:)

Julio and Evelyn got baptized!! Never, ever try to plan a baptism in a week. Like I said last week, soy loca. Thank goodness the only 2 jumpsuits we have fit, we were able to find a ride (because their grandma who they live with doesn't have a license), and that they only showed up half an hour late....haha Something I've learned is baptisms NEVER go smoothly. But everything worked out thanks to great members, and the Lord's help. Also, the hot water ran out so it wasn't the warmest water...poor Evelyn was shivering so bad! It's not everyday you get to baptize someone who was already baptized into the Mormon church! BLESSED!

We started teaching Jose and Isabel this week and they have so many good questions, so much so that we have a hard time answering! haha He asked us the other day, "What would you do if God just showed up at your apartment? What would you say?"...I'd cry. Or faint. And then ask for forgiveness. They're awesome But again I don't know why God is trusting us with so many elect people! I pray we can help them and do our best and that God will make up the rest.

Sunday we had to teach primary and there were 8 kids there and can I just say God bless the primary teachers around the world. haha We actually had a really good Christmas lesson and told the story of Christ's birth. Even though it was pretty much complete chaos, we had some really special (and funny) moments. One of my favorites was when we asked, "Where was Jesus born?" And little Allison Martinez answered, "Juarez Mexico." :)

We woke up one morning to rain and all I wanted was mom's minestrone soup and homemade rolls. Canned soup wasn't quite the same...:) I can't wait to eat your food again momma!! Sorry this email was a little scattered but we're doing great. I'm SO stoked for Christmas (we have some awesome service activities planned) and I get to see your faces!! I can't think about it or I get way too excited:) Dad, I understood your cryptic email and we'll probably Skype around 10:00 here - 6:00 there if that works. I sure do love you all and hope you have an awesome week! Se que la obra es la obra mas importante en el mundo! Estamos cambiando el mundo.  Cristo vive.  Su evangelio trae paz, gozo, y salvacion. Amo mi Padre Celestial por este bendicion de estar aqui, sirviendo. Les quiero MUCHISIMO! Haz lo justo, siempre.

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 20

Family!

Wow, I don't even know where to start. It has been a crazy week! But also a week of miracles with a lot of powerful experiences. It's transfers today and Sister Magnusson is staying! The other two sisters here are finishing their missions and we're getting elders! Woot woot! The sisters passed off a couple of their investigators to us and so we are BOOKED! I'm pretty sure this transfer is just going to just get crazier. But it's awesome because we have SO much work to do. We are teaching a lot of people right now and they are mostly families! Awesome, right? But at the same time I feel a lot of responsibility for them because of the potential they have - I don't want to make a wrong move or say the wrong thing that will drive them away. I've never prayed more in my while life! I know the Lord will help us. It's incredible seeing them grow in the gospel and I love being around kids so much! (Everyone thinks i'm younger than sister Magnusson and i'm pretty sure it's because I have so much fun with their kids....haha)

The Renterias - They are doing SO good! A week ago we had a lesson with them about the Book of Mormon and we brought some great members. We actually had a little movie night! We explained the Book of Mormon again (Jose still hadn't been taught yet) and then popped some popcorn and watched The Testaments. Afterwards, Lupito said it was so cool and at one point he wanted to cry! We testified, members testified, and we committed them to read every night as a family. At first Jose wasn't super on board but our member was lovingly bold with him and shared some personal experiences and at the end he said, "okay, I'll listen. It might only be with one ear, but I'll listen." Stinker. Then on Thursday we had an awesome church tour with them. Sister Magnusson, okay I, was stressing bad. Haha Neither of us had ever given a church tour in spanish and our goal was to commit them to a baptismal date at the end. AND we asked Diego Quintana to come - ex-MTC teacher, aka amazing missionary - pressure was on! Haha We were praying so hard the entire time and we ended at the baptismal font. We discussed their concerns and told them how we had prayed specifically for their family and feel like they should be baptized January 11. The spirit was so strong and they committed! Then on Saturday, Jose's brother told us he texted him and told him he was about to drink a beer but he doesn't want one - what should he do? "Umm don't drink it." Haha Then they came to church on Sunday and the activity Sunday night! They're doing amazing!

Exchange day - 

-Knocked for 3 solid hours without much luck.

-Got pulled over by boarder patrol because they thought we were trafficing drugs or transporting illegals....Nope, just preaching the Word. 

-Talked to a guys that was literally crazy. "You want to fight me? You challenge me to a dual!" Haha we left quickly. 

-Salvador promised he would start reading the Book of Mormon and Mexicans don't promise to do things very often so I know he will do it. He even crossed his heart:)

The parade turned out SO good! We spent a lot of nights this week helping finish the float (jeans are heaven!) Presidente and Hermano Quintana were not very impressed with the Elders here because they talk more than they work. They told us to bring our fiances to meet them so they can make sure they are hard workers and pass their test. Just might have to do it. :) Hopefully they live through it! The parade was freezing and we were practically running to keep up with the float haha But we passed out over 2000 pass along cards so it was definitely a success! I'll send some pictures.

The dinner and Christmas devotional was a little stressful! We had assigned certain wards to bring certain food but we also had a lot more investigators/non-members there than we had anticipated (probably because of the food but whatever works to get them there) and we were really worried we wouldn't have enough food. Miracle of the loaves and fishes though, right? We prayed. Hard. And I don't know haw but the Lord blessed us with a miracles and everyone ate. The entire activity I was thinking, "I am NOT a relief society president! I don't know what I'm doing! We're NUTS for doing this!" Haha Thankfully we had the Lord's help, and amazing members, and everything worked out great.

To end off a great week (and start another busy one) Evelyn and Julio Martinez want to get baptized this Saturday...! They're going to Mexico for Christmas and so this weekend is the only one we can do it. Which means we're throwing a baptism together! They're so ready, and a little scared, and I am so excited for them!

This week I've studied a lot about sacrifice and obedience. "Sacrifice brings for th the blessings of heaven." If we want blessings, we're going to have to sacrifice - whether that's sacrificing 3 hours on Sunday for church, your time to serve others or your natural man desires for something higher. I've started a 40 day fast from some things that are probably keeping the spirit from being with me as strongly as it could. I'm already having a hard time...haha but I know the Lord will bless me for my sacrifices and my desire to be more obedient. Miracles will come and I will be stronger because of it! Pray for me. 

It was so good to hear from you all! Yes mom I got my coat and I almost cried when I saw it. It's perfect and I've been so much warmer! haha Madi and Maren, your dance pictures are so fun! I wish I could have been there to see it! Maybe you'll have to put on a show for me when we skype:) I hope you have a great week and am so excited to talk to you! I love you so darn much:)

Sister Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 19

NO ES COMIDA SI NO HAY FRIJOLES

Familia,

 

Thanks for the emails - they're getting me so excited to talk to you all!! I miss your guts. It's been a great week and to top it all off - we hit standards finally! The last couple weeks we've been short ONE number, which is frustrating but it's made us work harder, and finally it's paid off!

 

We had a great Thanksgiving - un dia de pavo, paps, panecillo, y postres - delicioso:) We went to the Quintana's (one of my favorite families) and there were a ton of people. It was so fun and I'm so thankful for family away from family! We had the normal food and then all the Mexican's that came each brought a different form of frijoles. We had normal beans, refried beans, bean soup, bean pie, and bean cake. No es comida si no hay frijoles:) The next couple days were a little smelly....;) Just kidding. Kind of. What a blessing it was to share shat I am most grateful for with others on Thanksgiving.

 

The city of Deming is having a Christmas parade this Saturday and we're making the float for the church. The theme is "Cowboy Christmas" (Grandpa Batty's proud, huh?;)) and it's going to be really cool if it all works out! I'll take pictures. Sister Magnusson and I are crazy and decided to plan a tri-ward activity this Sunday. I don't know what we were thinking haha We're going to have a dinner before we watch the Christmas Devotional and organizing everything is so stressful but we hope to have a lot of non-members and our investigators! It'll turn out great, I'm sure:)

 

We brought Lupe (member) to a lesson with Geovani and he told a little bit about his past. He was addicted to meth - smoked it everyday for 6 years, $250 a day, and weighed 98 lbs. His wife and 8 year old son got baptized and every Sunday for 2 years his son, Pepito, would ask him to come to church...and he's decline. Then one Sunday, Pepito snuck bread and a water cup from the Sacrament in his pocket and brought it to his dad. Obviously, that struck a heart string and he started taking the lessons, quit meth, and got baptized. Now, he's a member of the branch presidency and is awesome! The gospel changes people!

 

The work was hard this week - Mexico is of the devil. Everyone was on vacation and it was tough to find people to teach! But the Lord provided - He always does. We're teaching a lot of families right now which is awesome and I love it, but I'm feeling the pressure! Especially with the Renterias because they are brother and sister of members in the branch and I just don't want to mess anything up! haha I have so much hope for them and pray the Lord will help us know how to help them. We were teaching the Renterias the other day and at the end of the lesson, we extended the baptismal commitment to the whole family. Lupito asked his mom if she had already been baptized and she said yes. "But it was one of those incorrect churches, right?" Haha I love kids sincerity! It's unreal the love I feel for this family.

 

I'm so excited it's December and that we get to focus extra on Christ. President James E Faust: "Knowledge comes through faith. In our day and time we must come to know the truthfulness of what was on the golden plates without seeing them. They are not available for us to see and handle as they were for the Three Witnesses and for the Eight Witnesses. Some of those who actually saw and handled the golden plates did not remain faithful to the Church. Seeing an angel would be a great experience, but it is far greater to come to a knowledge of the divinity of the Savior through faith and the witness of the Spirit. You can also come to know what you knew as a valiant son or daughter of God in the premortal existence. It can happen to you. But it won’t just happen automatically. You will have to exercise faith. The only way to acquire spiritual knowledge and keep it burning brightly is to be humble, prayerful, and to strive diligently to keep all of the commandments." What a perfect opportunity to come to know our Savior better this month.

 

23 days until I get to see your faces! Don't worry Sara, I'm counting too:) I got your package mom and just a warning, we're going to have a lot of Hispanic visitors after my mission - they're all in love with German chocolate:) Thank you so much! Thanks for the pictures too - it looks like you had a great Thanksgiving. Don't have too much fun at the Christmas markets and eat some candied almonds for me! I love you all a ton!

 

Hairy-mama Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 18

COLD HANDS (and feet, face, legs) WARM HEART

Querida Familia,

 

I love getting family emails and pictures (even if they make me cry!) :)

 

Well, it has been a week of miracles. Before I felt like the Lord was really testing our patience by prolonging the fruits of our labors, but this week He has blessed us WAY more than we deserve! That's how it works right? We always end up reaping more than we sow (whether it's a good seed or a bad seed...)

 

We worked a lot this week down in little Columbus. We knocked doors down there probably a total of 10 hours this week and it was SO successful! We found 7 new, GOLDEN, investigators! It was amazing. We'd knock and almost immediately they would let us in. Then we'd have a really good lesson, extend a baptismal date (which they would accept), set up a return appointment, and walk out shaking our heads in disbelief. Then we'd go to the next house and the same thing would happen! Miracles happen AFTER hard work. Walk, knock, talk, teach. Errday:)

 

We had an exchange day with the other sisters in our branch and we had a great day full of laughs. One of the investigators we visited (Jose -21 and Isabel -19 and their newborn) were so funny! Jose kept saying he wanted Thomas (the prophet) to come marry them - "I'll write him a letter - 'Thomas, please come marry me and my girlfriend so we can be baptized. Jose'"

 

Last Monday we visited the Renterias and read the story of Samuel the Lamanite with them. Afterwards we played "Who Can Hit Samuel the Lamanite with a spit-wad" It turned into a spit wad war and was super fun! Then on Thursday they asked us to teach the Ten Commandments. AND JOSE (the dad) SAT IN ON THE LESSON!! Lupito was so funny. We were teaching #6 - Don't kill - and he says, "So don't do like Jackie Chan" as he does some matrix move while shooting his guns. I have so much faith and hope for this family!

 

We played the flour game at our Branch President's for our dinner message one night - BLAST. We related the flour game to families - with each cut one family member did something contrary to the gospel, taking away from the strength of the family unit. President ended up losing and we were all cracking up as he tried to get the penny. My abs were sore the next day:)

 

We started teaching a guy - Giovanni (yes, he's Mexican. weird I know:)) - who has been taught by missionaries for TWO YEARS. He's addicted to smoking and has a hard time committing when he feels like he can't keep his word. But he told us he knows it's all true and still comes to church. It's crazy how much I love him already! It's interesting how all people we teach have a different obstacle to jump over - fore some it's Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, living day prophets, etc. But I've never taught anyone before that knew without a doubt that the church is true and still won't get baptized. We will find his hurdle to jump - even if we have to pick him up and lift him over it. I am really excited to keep teaching him and pray I can help him progress.

 

MISSION CONFERENCE! We woke up at 4:30 in the morning to leave to Benson, AZ for a mission conference with Elder Paul V. Johnson. Sacrificing two hours of sleep was worth it - it was a conference of revelation, teaching and upliftment. It's amazing that all we have to do to become a better missionary is become more like Christ. Simple, but SO hard. But I have a renewed vigor and desire to try harder!

 

Yesterday we woke up to find a good 5 inches of snow on the ground!!! I'm pretty sure that by accepting my mission call I didn't know I was signing up for freezing weather. 120 - yes. 30 - definitely not....haha Knocking in this was really fun - park the car, pray, book it to their door and knock, then book it back to the car (because it's Thanksgiving break and everyone is in Mexico...) to try someone else! It was SO cold! We also visited Salvador in the gas station and he said, "Stewart, I have a present for you." He grabbed a pecan roll off the counter and tried handing it to me for free. I did my best to refuse it but he said, "You can't say no to a Mexican." TRUTH. So I got a free pecan roll:) He's going to be a member one day.

 

We went to church in Columbus yesterday and because of the snow we had a total of ONE member at church! But because one came, we had church! haha Afterwards we came back to Deming to find 17 of our investigators at church!!! The Renterias, Sandovals, Geovanni, and Barajas all came! I was SO ecstatic (I think I was driving Hermana Magnusson crazy with how happy I was haha). I even shed some tears of thankfulness. It was the perfect start to a week of increased thankfulness! But I'm trying to remember to stay humble because, "Gratitude is twin sister to humility; pride is a foe to both."

 

Happy Thanksgiving to my FAVORITE family! I cannot express in words how much love there is in my heart for you all. Heavenly Father knew I needed you. You give me more support, help, and love than I deserve and are such amazing examples to me to lift me up and help me strive to be better. I am so thankful that you are mine forever! :) Eat an extra homemade roll or two for me (one of the things I miss the most) and Sara, you're going to have to start the burping contest this year;)

 

I love you all! And I love being a missionary!

Con Amor,

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 17

YOU THINK MORMON STANDARD TIME IS BAD, MEXICAN STANDARD TIME IS WORSE!

What a great week!! I seriously have nothing to complain about.

 

A week ago, I hit my six month mark! I don't know how to feel about it...haha I'm happy with how far I've come and even more excited to see where I go with the Lord's help from here. A third of the way done - time to kick it up a notch! I still have a LONG way to go but I feel like I'm finally understanding how to set, plan, and achieve goals. I feel more and more close to my Father in Heaven everyday and I have never been more grateful or happy in my life. Missions are incredible!

 

This week was great with some hard times too. We got dumped. By one of my favorite investigators - Salvador. He had been "researching" online about Mormons and told us he wants to stay with his Catholic church. We talked to him and did everything in our power so now it's up to him. But he said he'd keep reading and praying and that we are welcome in the gas station anytime to have a friendly chat. I'm planning on having to pee a lot as an excuse to go often to the gas station and talk with him....He has so much potential and I have faith that one day he will come around!

 

We did a TON of "Lost Sheep" finding this week (less actives on the ward list that no one knows what happened to) and it was super successful! We had to do some off-roading trying to find houses out in the boons and we found four new families to work with to get back to church!

 

Friday we had interviews with President Killpack and it was great. He is such an amazing man and his wife is incredible! Those meetings just get me pumped to be better and try harder - Like mom says, no regrets!! We also went to a funeral for someone in our Branch that died a pretty terrible way and it was sad. His sons spoke and just had so much hatred and regret. It made me think a lot about the importance of keeping an eternal perspective always and not acting/speaking in the moment. I am so thankful that the Savior can heal any and every wound if we let him.

 

We are teaching two families right now that are SO ready. They've been taking the missionary lessons for years and know everything. The only problem is their husband. I hate men. Okay not really, these ones are just so closed off and set in their ways. BUT we're praying for them and I know they will come around. Tengo fe! But the kids and mom have a baptismal date so we're seeing progress! After teaching one of the families (Renteria) the member we brought with us asked if we could help her figure out how to make these cookies she got. (I thought all Mexican women knew how to cook - I was very wrong.) We had just planned to do language study and figured what a great way to serve and speak the language at the same time! We went to her apartment and she pulled out a tub of cookie dough - "What do I do with it?"...Hahah "Roll it in a ball, put it on the cookie sheet, and bake it." "Really?! That's it?" haha We helped her roll them out and then she asked if we could share a scripture quickly before we left. Ummm of course! We had a great active member lesson and the whole time she was trying to practice her English - so cute:)

 

Yesterday evening we planned a little tri-ward movie night where we played Joseph Smith - Prophet of the Restoration. We had everything planned out and got to the church to find out the DVD we had didn't play in English with Spanish subtitles and because we were going to have English and Spanish speakers there we needed both! We said a quick prayer and started calling EVERYONE! haha My companion does not like when things don't go as planned (and it is shark week for her...) and she was stressing SO bad. I kept trying to calm her down and boost her faith but inside I was sick. Literally 10 minutes before the movie was supposed to start we found another DVD! The Lord always pulls through! We had a great turn out and some investigators came too - success!!

 

This week we have a Mission Conference and Elder Johnson of the Seventy is coming so we're all stoked! I'm ready to be taught a lot by the Spirit. It's going to be another great week.

 

I'm so glad to hear from you all and I'm glad you're doing great. Keep doing the little things - reading daily, praying always, and taking Christ name upon you - that's where the fine tuning happens. As Jillian Michaels yells at us every morning, "It's not supposed to be easy! We're supposed to be uncomfortable because that's when change occurs!" I love this Gospel! I love my Savior and Father in Heaven! I love being a missionary! And I love you, family!

 

Con Amor,

Hermana Stewart

 

The picture is in the Keeler's cotton fields - "The field is white, already to harvest."

Capitulo 3, Semana 16

LAND OF ENCHANTMENT OF ENCHALADAS?

Mi familia favorita!

It has been a great week! Sister Magnusson and I are really bonding and it's making the work so much more fun! (Cam if you have any good pranks I could pull on her, digame por favor.) Her family sent her a package with Christmas CD's...! David Archuleta and Michael Buble have been singing to us all week:) Some of the CD's are country Christmas music - gag me! I feel like I'm being tortured and she's loving every minute of it.

One of the Sisters in my district is vegetarian (I don't understand it either Dad...) and we always eat together for dinners. Apparently one of the only dinners Mexican people can think of to make without meat is enchiladas. FIVE NIGHTS IN A ROW. I would be fine never having enchiladas again. haha Sister Magnusson and I decided our 6 pack is just covered by enchiladas...:)

This week we had a couple that just got back from their mission in Chile come down to Columbus with us. We just drove them in our car to save gas and we were able to go visit a lot of people. But as we were getting ready to come back, Sister Magnusson leaned over to me and said, "Sister Stewart, I forgot my license..." I was a little panicked but told her to just drive safely on the way back to Deming and everything would be fine. She leaned over to me again and said, "I'm not worried about getting in an accident or being pulled over. I'm worried because we have to go through Boarder Patrol!" Shoot. BP usually lets us pass without showing our license because we look American but now we had two Mexicans in our car too! I prayed SO hard all the way up to the boarder patrol and I'm pretty sure I got some new ulcers. We pulled up, they had the dog sniff our car, asked us our citizenship and said, "Can I please see your license?" I almost peed my pants. Sister Magnusson reached to pull out her purse and then all of a sudden, the guard said, "You know what, nevermind, you guys are fine. Have a great night." .....HOLY COW! What a miracle! Prayer works!

We are working with a family right now - la familia Barajas - and the mom and four kids are basically members and have been coming to church for over a year. They really want to get baptized but want to wait for the dad to come around and get baptized as a family. The only problem is the dad has never come to church and hasn't wanted much to do with the church. We visited with the mom and kids on Saturday and talked about the blessings of getting baptized and committed them to pray to know if they should set the example for their dad and get baptized. On Sunday, the WHOLE family was at church and stayed the full three hours! Another miracle! Fingers crossed for them!

I'm in love with church in Columbus! Yesterday there were EIGHT people - 4 missionaries, 2 members from Deming and 2 members from the actual town of Columbus. It was literally as big as our family! Church or FHE? I wasn't sure. It reminded me of how the first meetings in the church must have been - Joseph Smith and just a few others. We were few in numbers but the spirit was SO strong. I gave a talk about becoming like Christ and I think I needed it more than the members! Great Sunday:)

There have been some things this week that have been really tough for the members/investigators here. It hurts my heart to see the wickedness of the world and just makes me tighten my grip on the gospel! They can really use your prayers so I'm going to give you a list of them -

Family Vigil

Family Barajas

Rosaura

Salvador

Mary Jo (actually Maria Jesus - why people name girls Jesus and boys Guadalupe will never makes sense to me.)

Family Renteria

Presidente Rico

Sorry that's kind of a long list but I know prayer works and they need so much help. You guys are the best:)

Mom, sorry I forgot the list of things I might need for Christmas at home so I'll send that to you next week. For right now, a pea coat like my last one and some tights might be handy...haha Thanks for everything family. I feel your prayers everyday and could not be more blessed. I love this gospel more and more everyday! Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son. The Book of Mormon is true. We are children of God and He loves us in ways words can't describe. The church of Jesus Christ has been restored again on the earth. Share it with others and they, and you, will be blessed. I know it. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Con Amor,

Hermanita Esteward

Capitulo 3, Semana 15

Family! Thanks for the letters and pictures!! It's awesome to hear from you and see your cute faces!

We have had a great week and I am loving New Mexico.

State Bird : the roadrunner

State vegetables : chiles and frijoles

New Mexico or Mexico? No ones really sure...

Deming is WAY different than Los Reales - the area and the work. I'm freezing my buns off here in this 55 degree weather (what happened to my sweet, sticky 95 degrees?!). There are leaves changing colors and it finally feels like fall! The work...is tough. There is a LOT that needs to be fixed/done differently and we're constantly praying for help and direction. I feel like in this area I'm going to be stretched and grow a ton - bring it on Deming! 

So Hermana Magnusson and I actually work a lot in a tiny city 30 minutes south of Deming, called Columbus, that goes down to the boarder (literally I SAW Mexico on Saturday!) It actually reminds me a lot of Lake Town:) Population:100 The town is too far from Deming for people to come to church so we have a GROUP (not even a branch) down there! I thought it couldn't get any smaller than Los Reales - false. They say on a good Sunday there are 10 people at church...it's like Family Night! And three of those ten are recent converts! You should hear us sing the hymns...haha And we don't have a President, we have a group leader (old and a little forgetful) so we give a lot of talks/lessons/prayers/etc. I'm pretty sure we've almost had to bless and pass the sacrament a couple times too...;) it's a blast! 

I got transferred just in time for daylight savings (AZ doesn't do daylight savings but NM does!) so on Saturday we got to sleep in an hour! It was amazing what an extra hour of sleep did - I felt 19 again;) Also another little miracle - we have a washer IN our apt! I almost cried when I found out. I think I've spent probably $100 just on laundry the last 4 months but now it's free! The Lord is blessing our efforts. 

Halloween was a blast! We had a tri-ward party and it was so fun! The elders here dressed up as sister missionaries and everyone got a kick out of it. We had to be in our apt at 7:00 so we watched The District, ate chocolate, and painted our nails - girls nights even on the mission! Pretty sure I gained 5 LBS that nights. Best tasting 5 LBS I've ever eaten:)

We have some great investigators/potentials and I'm really excited to work with them. The youth here are amazing! We are working with 3 really solid youth who take their Book of Mormon to school and read during class...?!! They amaze me. The only problem is their parents - but we're starting to work with them more so pray they'll have their hearts softened! Also there are a TON of less actives here so we're doing some lost sheep finding. D&C 15:6 "the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be...that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father."

We were teaching a man named Angel and were going to teach him on Friday. As we walked up to his house, there was another man there. I asked if he lived there as well and he said, "no I am Angel's pastor."....let the fun begin! haha Don't worry, we had a civil discussion (thanks to lots of prayers for help to remain calm - I'm so human! haha) The pastor kept shooting down Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. It was so hard for me to just bite my tongue and wait and then to just bear my testimony. The pastor kept saying, "I hope to see you at the judgement seat of God." haha Yeah, me too! He said he had read the Book of Mormon and I asked him if he had prayed about it. His answer, "We'll see." ....? It was hard BUT from this lesson, I realized how important it is for us to have our own testimony, especially of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon - that's what sets us apart from other churches and that's what everything is built upon, because without the Book of Mormon, everything falls. I came away from the lesson feeing stronger and more firm in my testimony than ever before. I am so thankful for the things I know!

I have been reading in 3 Nefi this week and found a scripture that I LOVE! It's 3 Nefi 5:13 - "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." It doesn't say "I am a bishop/prophet/missionary" but "I am a disciple." A disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ. As members of the church we are disciples of Christ, therefore we are ALL called to "declare his word" and do His work. He trusts us to take part in it and will bless us more than we can imagine! 

Camron, keep that mustache growing in thick - you can't get married until I get back. Thanks for the emails from everybody else too - it's so fun to hear from you! I'll write you soon, promise! I love you all tons and can't believe next month is CHRISTMAS! Keep up the missionary work! You're the best!

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 2, Semana 14

Last Week in Los Reales?

Where is the time going?! I can't believe we are almost done with this transfer already. One week left and I'm pretty sure I'm leaving Los Reales...lets not talk about it. BUT we have had a great week. I am learning and loving that the Lord doesn't bless us with success instantly - we have to WORK! And that's what we've been doing. We are seeing progress (slowly but surely - as with all things Mexican) and are amazed at the miracles that have already occurred and excited to see what miracles lay in store.

Miracles -

-Francisca Quijada (recent convert of 4 months) has come out with us a could times this week. We went to visit Patricia but the she wasn't there - this always seems to happen when we have a member with us - Satan stinks - but she said, "Well I have a couple friends we can go visit..." Ummmm, PERFECT! (She used to go out with the Testigos de Jehova so she's a pro at tracting.) We got in the car and started driving in the direction of her friends house but Hermana Quijada didn't remember exactly where she lived. It felt like our car was just being guided because we drove further and further onto streets we hadn't ever been on before and then all of a sudden she points to a house and says, "Oh, there it is! I knew the spirit would guide us!"

-Last Sunday we fasted to have more Priesthood members in our little branch. On Saturday we were cleaning the church when Elder Hughes gets a phone call from a man that just moved here from Phoenix and has been less active. He told us with this new move he wants to start over and is ready to start coming back to church. Fruits of our fast!

-Our 7:00 appointment fell through last night and I had the impression we should visit a less active. We got to her house and it was dark and no one was there. I was a little confused because I felt like we should really go visit her. But, as we were walking back to the car, we saw the hombres (who we haven't seen/been able to meet with in a week) sitting at the table!! They told us they had been watching T.V. and had the thought to go to the table just incase their "hermanas" came...They had just sat down right as we walked by! I know this is the Lord's work and He is guiding us!

Hermana U and I were teaching a lesson yesterday when the investigator says, "Look at your clothes. Que sexyyy!" First time I have been called sexy on my mission. And it was from a 65-year-old woman:) haha Also, don't worry, I promise I am dressing appropriately!

Elder Petrungaro (gonna be a General Authority one day) asked me at service what improvements/changes I have seen in my life since the beginning of my mission and I think he was inspired to ask me that question because it's really caused me to reflect. One of the biggest things I've noticed so far is that I am clearly able to see my strengths and weaknesses. I see better now, more than ever, the areas of my life and testimony I am weak in and I have a vision of who I can become as I strengthen my weaknesses. Here I am forced to face these weaknesses. I love the promise in the scriptures that as we work and trust in our Heavenly Father, our weaknesses will become our strengths. What a great blessing! I am just so grateful for the mission.

My testimony has been strengthened and my heart (and stomach) filled. I love being a missionary! Muchisimas gracias por sus cartas, apoya, comentarios, chismes, auyda, y amor. Les quiero mas que pueden imaginar!

Con Amor,

Hair-mama Stewart

Capitulo 2, Semana 13

Guera familia,

We have worked SO hard this week. We talked to more people, asked for more referrals, and called more members to come out with us than ever before. I have never been more satisfied with the work we are doing (although our numbers don't show it, how quickly I fall asleep at night sure does!) We have seen so many miracles.

Hermana Uscharawadi's turned 25 this week - she's my abuelita:) It was a great day!

-We met Betty - a black woman that is SO soulful. "I believe in the baby Jesus! I believe in the Holy word of God! I believe! I believe! I believe!" Too bad she doesn't speak spanish cause I'd pay to teach her! haha

-We ate dinner as a district at the Sushi Lounge and it was liked we stepped into Japan. Our waiters name was Lee Cho, obviously not American, and I had the HARDEST time not speaking Spanish to him. 

-We gave Los Hombres a tour of the church and it was AMAZING. We ended in the chapel and had a lesson - the Restoration. The spirit was so strong and they understood amazingly. And now the other Pancho and Ernesto have baptisimal dates too!

Tucson had a couple chilly days - 60 degrees and cloudy! We even turned the heat on in the car...haha I'm becoming a wimp. So what do you do when it's cloudy, windy and perfect outside? You tract. All day. We had a blast! We had a really fun lesson with Danna and Nayeli (baptized a month and a half ago) about the 10 commandments. The most common phrase during the lesson was "Ohhhh, they do that in the Novelas..." We decided, if they do it in the Novelas, don't do it! Now I know for sure the Novelas are of the devil. Also when we taught about keeping the Sabbath day holy and not going grocery shopping, they told us that after conference on Sunday, Jesus and Francisca Quijada (recent converts) took them to costco for food...haha guess we know which lesson to teach the Quijada's next!

We were having a lesson with David (20 year old) and were talking about the need to become as a little child. We asked him what he thought it meant to become as a little child. He, after a few seconds and very seriously said, "To have soft skin..." It took everything in me not to crack up!

I love getting members out with us because it gives us a chance to get to know them better, and we have some amazing members in our little branch. We took out Hermana Ambrosio this week to a lesson with Pancho (trying to do a little match making...:)) She told us that before she was baptized she couldn't read. She knew the Book of Mormon was true because people would come read to her but she couldn't read it herself. BUT after she was baptized, she wanted to learn to read so she could read the Book of Mormon. She didn't have any help - she just knew the sound the letters made - and after many hours crying because she was so frustrated, she finally did it! Her dedication and desire to learn to read in order to study the scriptures amazes me. She's on of my heroes. 

I know the Lord knows me - he knows my situation, my desires, my thoughts, my needs - and he wants to help me. I have learned a lot about sacrifice this week. So often we think of fasting, tithing, serving others, etc. as inconvenient - we think of ourselves. For the first time, I really felt and understood Heavenly Father's sacrifice. He not only has given us everything we have but He allowed His only Son to suffer, to be rejected, to cry out in pain "Father if it be they will, take this cup from me", and ultimately to die. And all of this fur us - for me. Comparatively, no sacrifice I have ever given or will ever give can compare to the magnitude of the Atonement or of the Father's sacrifice of His Son. My heart is so full!

I'm so glad to hear Ginger is getting better - I've prayed a lot for her this week! Also do we know where Emily is going on her mission yet?! Thanks for the emails and Sara, I'm happy to hear you're a woman;)...Dad, I'm praying for you! :) Stay strong and be of good cheer! I love you all SOOO much! 

Hermana Stewart