Capitulo 4, Semana 43

Mis Queridos! Life just keeps getting better and better:) 

We found a few new people to teach this week that are SO cool. 

- One is in a half-way house and is really trying to change his life around. After we taught the first lesson and recounted the first vision, we asked, "Josh, what would it for you if you knew that Joseph Smith really was a prophet of God and that the same church Jesus Christ established was on the earth again?" He replies with a huge smile, "That I'm a Mormon!" haha Doesn't get much better than that. 

- Joseph is a pass-off from some other missionaries and he is awesome. Our first lesson we just got to know him then did How to Begin Teaching with him and by the end of the lesson, he had a baptismal date!! The next lesson we brought up baptism again and he said, "I'm getting baptized July 12th right? I wrote it on my calendar..." :) He told us he feels like he is spiritually thirsty and hasn't been able to quench his thirst yet - is he prepared, or is he prepared? ;)

You all know how I feel about hot dogs. Yesterday, for lunch AND dinner we had hot dogs. Three hot dogs in one day...the mission brings many trials. ;)

We are teaching this guy named Max who is super into yoga. He said it has healed him physically and spiritually. We were trying to teach to his needs/the things he relates to so as we taught about prayer we explained that meditation is a big part of prayer because it's the time we can receive our answers. So what does he make us do? Meditate. During our lesson, in the middle of campus, hands on knees-palms up-eyes closed meditation. haha That was a first but it was also kind of nice:)

Keith is doing AMAZING. We are finally cracking his shell a little bit and I love it! When we first started teaching him I was nervous. He's been taught for two years by the best of the best missionaries - what could WE do that would help/change his heart? Then I realized the Lord is preparing people's hearts and I just have to do my best as a missionary and the Lord will make up the rest. So exercising trust in the Lord it is! And this last week we had some really good lessons with Keith. 

Yesterday we had one of the best Sundays I have ever had on my mission - it was FULL of miracles. We went to church and Brenda and Keith were there. Then as we are on the stand singing to the men for Father's Day (we got roped into it haha) our other investigator, Chris walks in the doors! We hadn't seen him in a couple of weeks and were scared we were loosing him. But he told us later that he needed time to figure some things out and now his is all in and set for his baptism on July 12th! We had a linger-longer yesterday and after Keith asks if he can talk to us. He told us that after two years he has decided he is ready to be baptized!! He said the Lord in a personal way has given him courage and the perfect conviction he needed. Then he said, "So let's all go home and pray about a date separately and we'll come together at our next appointment and finalize it." I love that the Lords knows us so personally and knows how to give us answers to our questions that we will recognize! 

So we left church hoping to find one more new investigator to reach standards again. We worked so hard and tried everything and at 8pm we still didn't have one. We pulled off on the side of the road and prayed that the Lord would lead us and consecrate our efforts. We got out of the car and started walking. Mom, don't worry, it was a lite street:) We contacted everyone and still nothing. Then, as we were walking back to our car at 8:50, we see one last person and decide we need to talk to her. Yep, our new investigator, India. The Lord recognized our efforts (made us work! haha) and then blessed us! We went home SO full of gratitude!

Thanks for the emails! Just know, 90 degrees is nothing! I don't think it's been down to 90 degrees in the last month here in Tucson ;) haha i love it. And I love missionary work! Espically with Sister Rockwood and in YSA. We have WAY too much fun:) I love you all! Soak up the World Cup for me - it's killing me to not be able to watch it!! Sacrifice brings for the blessings of heaven right? ;) 

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 4, Semana 42

Hola familia!

Holy cow, it sounds like you've all had a crazy week! I'm so glad Daxlee is okay and that the Lord is providing for everyone. Dad, way to "ask the missionaries!" haha You're so smart:) Well, you can all take comfort in the fact that it has been a crazy, jam-packed week for me too! Which before I thought was better than a slow week, but right now my tiredness is telling me otherwise...thank heavens for p-day! 

First of all, I love Sister Rockwood! We are having so much fun together and growing more than I feel like I've grown in a long time. She has so much faith and we've been setting our goals incredibly high. During weekly planning last week we set higher goals than either one of us has set in a long time - including the goal to hit Standards of Excellence. That's a high goal anyways, but especially in YSA during the summer...I think the heat was getting to us. But we were determined to work hard and built each others faith that the Lord would provide. And He did! We taught more member present lessons than the last two weeks combined, found FIVE new, and solid investigators, AND 4 investigators at church!! The only problem was that to achieve standards, two of those investigators at church need baptismal dates and only one did. We were content with how well our week had gone and how our hard work paid off, even if we didn't reach standards. Then at 8:15 last night, Chris, our investigator with a baptismal date that is currently out of town, texted us and told us that he had looked up a church close to where he was at and drove 30 minutes to get there! SO two investigators were at church WITH baptismal dates. I'm still amazed. The Lord is consecrating our efforts! 

We also had to prepare and do a Zone Training on Wednesday, exchanges on Thursday, and speak on Sunday in church. But it's been great! I just keep telling myself - stretched, not stressed. :) Other highlights of the week:

-One of our new investigators, Keith, is amazing! He is a law student, has had a lot of contact with the church in the past (all good impressions) and looks identical to Jude Law. But pray for him! His family is against the church and in the past when he's brought up the fact that he's investigating, it ends in an argument. Pray that their hearts will be softened please!

-We taught a lesson in a broken-down trailer this week and not only was our investigator present but so were some massive cockroaches and a mouse. I've never prayed harder in my life. 

-We got whistled at this week....by a woman! Haha I love Tucson! Don't worry, I still let it boost my confidence. ;)

I have literally never been happier or felt the joy that comes from missionary work more strongly ever before in my life. I love being a missionary! Sara, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Eat some cake for me:) Also congrats on your YW Recognition! You're the coolest. Keep setting high goals - this week I learned the power of goal setting! I love you all so much!!

Con Amor,

Hermana Stewart

P.s. Have you seen the picture of our old church building in Sicily in this months Ensign? :)

Capitulo 4, Semana 41

Hey Family!

It has been a crazy week!

All of the sister missionaries in the Tucson stake got to go to Girl's Camp this past week for a day and it was incredible! We did a Tree of Life activity - tied a rope throughout the forest, blindfolded the girls, and had evil spirits trying to get them off course. We had girls (and leaders) crying even before they started on the course. One sister from the Los Reales branch handed me her blindfold after and it was drenched - with tears or sweat, I'm not sure. haha But the spirit was SO strong. A third of the girls at camp were non-members and there was no way they couldn't have felt the spirit.

Funny moment: Sister Rockwood and I were sitting outside someone's apartment and were going to pray. She started, "Our dear...wait, what's his name?" (of our investigator) I quickly replied, "Heavenly Father." Haha We laughed for a good 15 minutes and my abs are still sore from it. I'm loving her:)

Mission Leadership Council was bittersweet this week. It was the last one with President Killpack :( But to end it with a bang, we went to the mountains for it! We rode in the transfer van up and about halfway up the mountain the gas light turned on... I was ready to start pushing (it wouldn't be the first time, right dad? ;)) but with prayers and faith we made it up and down without a problem. We discussed the needs of our mission/missionaries on the edge of a cliff and I couldn't help but think of the Savior teaching on the Mount of Olives. It was breathtakingly beautiful. All of us, including President and Sister Killpack, went home with massive sunburns! That night someone gave us cold coca-cola and we just held it to our poor noses. haha Members keep offering us sunscreen - thanks but i don't think it's going to do us much good now. haha

As far as the work is going, it's really slowed down a lot. I prayed before coming here and told Heavenly Father I wanted to serve in YSA. So He put me in YSA during the summer....should have been more specific with that prayer! haha But Sister Rockwood and I are working hard and I think I'm going to grow a lot from being here. It's great:) 

Someone told us a quote this last week and it has really stuck with me. "Amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic." We may think we are incapable - and we are! But we have our Father in Heaven and the Savior on our side. And with their help, we can do anything! I know this! Trust me, with some of the missionaries out here - myself included - there is NO way this work could be done by 18 to 21 year old's without the Lord's help. Trust in Him and He will strengthen you!

I love you all with my whole heart!

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 4, Semana 40

Holy cow! Another transfer down! It's disgusting how fast time is flying! There have been some major changes made this transfer though and I'm really excited for them! Sister Hardy left this morning and is being transferred to....DEMING! Crazy, I know! I am SO excited for her! My new companion is Sister Rockwood and she is awesome! She is a really hard worker and was just made a Sister Training Leader too so it's going to be so much fun.

We have had kind of a crazy week and I don't have much time to write about it but here are some highlights - 

We found out the other day that Grandpa Stewart was one of the AP's bus driver...! They are in the same ward in Logan! I'm sure at some point we had to have been in Primary together one Sunday. Crazy connections!

We ate dinner at an Italian guys house and it was SO fun! He made us pasta....and that's it. Just a big plate of pasta haha I think it's been a while since I've laughed as hard as I did that night. 

Aneesa is doing great! The craziest thing happened this week when teaching her. Aneesa was introduced to the church through her friend, Bekah. On Saturday, they were at Bekah's house and Aneesa asked if we wanted to come by and teach her (member present lesson set up by our investigator - who would say no?;)) We go over and walk into Bekah's cute newly-wed apartment and are looking around at her pictures. All of a sudden I saw a picture of Greg on their wall! It was a picture from when Bekah's husband, was on his mission and his companion was Elder Low. Again, crazy connections!!

We have found some new investigators this week and the work is going forth! I just love being a missionary!! And I love you all! Thanks for the letters! Give the Atwoods and Downings (and everyone else) a hug for me. Keep sharing your testimonies and inviting people to come unto Christ. Les amo con todo mi alma!

Con Amor, 

Seester Stewart

Capitulo 4, Semana 39

FAMILY!

It has been an awesome week - we found some solid new investigators, got to speak some spanish, and the temps are up to 110! Amo a mi misión! I don't have a lot of time but here are the highlights -

-Maya and her friend Matt came to church on Sunday and LOVED it! Our ward is awesome about bringing people in, there were some great lessons, and i think it helped that we had a linger longer after...haha

-I went on exchanges to a biking area...again! I think we probably biked at least 20 miles and talked to a hundred people - it was amazing! I started sweating at 6:00am when we went to the stake center to play ball and didn't stop sweating until 10:00pm. Love it:)

-Dinner story of the week: our meal was named "Carl's little bit of happiness" and consisted of a roll with four chicken nuggets, spaghetti sauce, and cheese inside. Mom, I have never missed your cooking more in my life!

-We had a ward party at our bishop's house AND a stake cinco de Mayo fiesta on the 17th (don't worry, everyone else was confused too...)) I got to see all my Los Reales people and it made me miss spanish areas even more.

-We got a new investigator this week named Toni and he is such a cholo! He refers to our members as "brother daniel" or "brother david", etc. And always ends his prayers, "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." (We're going to have a lesson about prayer soon:))

-We ate dinner with a mexican lady from Hermana Hardy's last area and I forgot what it's like to eat with mexicans - great conversation, strong spirits, and FULL stomachs. no wonder I've lost 7 lbs since being in YSA. Sister Hardy almost had to roll me out of there...

It sounds like you all had a pretty crazy week too! I can't wait until we can experience all these adventures together!! I miss and love you all SO darn much. 

Con Amor,

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 4, Semana 38

I have the best family! It was such a great week - especially there at the end...:) It was SO fun to see all of you on Saturday - I still can't believe that's the last time we'll call/skype...GAG! I also feel like I told you everything important that happened this last week so forgive me but this will probably be a short email:)

We found a new investigator this week named Chris. It always surprises me how open people are with the missionaries (the name tag apparently means people feel it's good to tell you anything and everything - even when you don't want to know everything haha) Chris is a great guy though and has actually talked with missionaries before. He took the lessons about a year ago and was really close to baptism and then everything started going wrong in his life so he pulled away from the church. Then just recently he hit another rough patch in his life and remembered that the only place he really felt peace was at church, so he showed up to church the other week! He's so funny - i think he's 5' 2" and weighs about 110lbs....and is quite the open book. Sometimes i'm not sure if i'm a missionary or a counselor. 

Dinner at 7/11 with Jaques was a big highlight of the week. His blessing on the food: "Father, we are thankful for this food and ask that through the vibrations of our hands that Thou might bless it." Trust me, I was trying to vibrate my hands as much as possible in order to make sure it really was blessed...

Our teaching pool is getting weirder and weirder haha but thankfully it is growing! I love the fun people we meet on missions and love seeing the gospel bless everyone!

Efe's baptism was AMAZING. The spirit was so strong and everything went perfectly. Sister Hardy and I sang Nearer, My God, to Thee while a guy, Bert, played the guitar. There were non-members there, the talks were great and the ordinance was the best. As soon as Efe came up out of the water, he gave Luca a huge hug with tears streaming down his cheeks. It was so special. 

We got gelato this week and let me just say, i'm still ALL for opening a gelateria in Utah...it was SO good!

Well family, I'm in heaven. I'm so happy I got to see your faces but I'm also SO grateful I'm here in Tucson. I know I am where I need to be:) I love this gospel with my whole soul!! Keep sharing it with others - they need it! I love you all!

Your favorite missionary:)

Capitulo 4, Semana 37

Querida Familia!

I don't know how it happens, but every week gets better and better. I am so in LOVE with missionary work and the people here! We have had a week full of spiritual feasting - we had Zone Conference on Thursday, Mission Leadership Council on Friday, and Stake Conference Saturday and Sunday. Talk about drinking from a fire hydrant. But it was AWESOME! A lot of Stake Conference was about member missionary work and how the Lord is hastening the work and we need to pick up the pace too! Our stake president said, "'The Lord is hastening the work' simply means He is preparing the hearts of the people to accept the gospel. It is our duty to carry the message of the gospel to them!" 

Our investigators are doing AMAZING! Efe is SO ready for his baptism this Saturday and says he's never been more sure about anything ever before:)

We had a lesson with Aneesa on Wednesday. We sat down, said a prayer, and asked her what was new. She said, "Well besides the fact I want to get baptized tomorrow, everything is pretty much the same."....What? She had a baptismal date for the 24th of May but said she knows it's the right thing to do and she just wants to follow the example of Jesus Christ and do what he would do! We were a little skeptical at first because something like this is so out of the ordinary but we've had a couple lessons since and she really is ready! She said, "I feel like I already do everything - Word of Wisdom, Chastity, everything - and this is just a step closer to Christ. Dunk me tomorrow!!" Haha she cracks me up. Soooo, she's getting her baptismal interview this week and if everything works out, she'll be getting baptized Saturday as well! The Lord is preparing people!!

Maya and Macer are both progressing really well and it's SO fun to see them change. I just love the gospel and how it can help EVERYONE and EVERY SITUATION! We are so blessed!

This week, Efe took us out for dinner and we had a blast. We were waiting in the line getting ready to order and there was a man with down syndrome behind us. He looked at me and said, "Wo-wo-wo-wow! You're beautiful!" It was the sweetest thing I've heard in a long time and it doesn't matter one bit to me that he wasn't all there in the head...! haha

Although before I swore I didn't ever want to be a Sister Trainer Leader, I am actually really enjoying it! I feel like before I was getting really comfortable with who I was as a missionary and that I knew the ropes. And this is exactly what I needed to stretch me! Life is so good:)

Well family, I can't believe I get to talk to you again already! And what's even crazier is that after this, the next time I see your faces, I'll also be hugging you, and probably bawling. haha Time needs to slow down!! I love this work and my companion and the people here! And I especially love my Savior and Heavenly Father who lead this work. I wouldn't change where I am at for anything! Les amo con todo mi corazon! Siga trabajando en esta obra especial y Dios les bendecira!

Your Momma Stewart 

Capitulo 4, Semana 36

It has been such an amazing week! I just love being a missionary and am so blessed to be here! I still sometime have "ah-ha" moments where I am overcome by the Spirit as I realized the amazing blessing I have to be a missionary. I am so grateful to be here testifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ!!

To start off the week, we went to the Gila Valley Temple on Tuesday and it was incredible. It never ceases to impress me how strong the spirit is there - even just on the temple grounds. Our session was PACKED with amazing missionaries and saints and I learned so much. Something neat is that during the session, a prayer was said for this area of Arizona that it might receive rain. On Saturday, our 100 degree temps dropped to 75 and it rained ALL day! There is power in prayer, I promise! I love the temple and am already counting down to when we get to go again:)

We had another college-student dinner this week. Pancakes, pasta, and turkey meat were all part of the menu...yummm! Good thing I"m not picky :)

This week Sister Hardy and I did exchanges with some of the other sisters here. I got to go spend the day with a temple square missionary from Fiji, Sister Taito! We rode bikes all day and laughed a ton! She is so funny and I'm already planning a trip to Fiji to visit her! She said she has some fijian rugby-playing friends that she'd love to set me up with...:)

Efe is doing amazing. I literally have never met anyone so strong and faithful. He came to a baptism on Friday and LOVED it. He has already started planning his baptism and is currently looking for a "salmon-colored suit" to wear...oh boy. haha The next day he decided to tell his family that he was getting baptized (they knew he was taking the lessons but didn't know how serious he was.) and it has been a war ever since. They are all against it and have threatened to disown him is he goes through with it but it isn't phasing Efe. He is as strong as ever and says he knows what he has felt and what he knows and is willing to do anything to follow Jesus Christ. Amazing. It has brought out a lot of questions from his siblings about the Mormons and we have had some really cool teaching opportunities. His brothers in Nigeria are going to go find missionaries to answer their questions! 

Yesterday was Fast and Testimony Meeting for us because next week is our Stake Conference and it was GREAT! We had 4 investigators at church and ALL of them have baptismal dates!! Ricky (the chinese guy) came and we were all sitting there listening to the testimonies and next thing we knew, our investigator was walking up to the pulpit to give his testimony! He talked about how he knows that we should follow the example of Jesus Christ and that we will be blessed by doing so. It was awesome! 

Sister Hardy and I are getting along SO well. We are a lot alike but different enough that it keeps things exciting:) My abs have been hurting because we laugh so much! 

OH! I got to see my Los Reales Branch this weekend because they were in the stake center during a baptism. It was crazy how at home I felt with them. I found out that one of the less actives we worked with a TON is going to go to the temple for the first time on May 10th! I miss Mexican people!!

Camron sent me this when he first got off his mission and I found it recently. Read, apply, and change. 

David O. McKay's inspired rules for a happy and abundant life:

1.  Develop yourself by self-discipline. 

2. Joy comes through creation--sorrow through destruction. Every living thing can grow: use the world wisely to realize soul growth.

3. Do things which are hard to do. 

4. Entertain up-building thoughts. What you think about when you do not have to think shows what you really are. 

5. Do your best this hour, and you will do better the next. 

6. Be true to those who trust you.

7. Pray for wisdom, courage, and a kind heart.

8. Give heed to God's messages through inspiration. If self-indulgence, jealousy, or worry have deadened your response, pray to the Lord to wipe out these impediments. 

9. True friends enrich life. If you would have friends, be one. 

10. Faith is the foundation of all things--including happiness.

Pretty good food for thought (AND action), no? Well, family, the gospel is true. God loves us. Christ overcame physical and spiritual death and because of that - WE CAN TOO! We are so blessed! I love each of you and am so excited to talk with you in less than two weeks!! 

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 4, Semana 35

Ay familia!

What an amazing week! Miracles up the wazoo and it's been so fun to be a part of them. First we had an exchange this last week and the focus of the day was to find new investigators. It was a day when I know the entire day we were guided by the spirit. It seemed like everywhere we went there were prepared people that were so excited and happy that we were there. I have a stronger testimony now that the Lord puts us where we need to be and puts people that are ready in our paths - and it's not always the house we planned to knock or the person we planned to talk to that needs us the most. One example is when we went to visit our investigator, Lisa. She wasn't there and as we were walking out of her driveway, her neighbor, Rosa, was getting out of her car. We tried to subtly walk as fast as we could over to her and started talking. She told us she needs us - her husband has had a girlfriend for the last year and a half and she doesn't know what she should do. My first thought was, "Heck, I'm not a marriage councilor!" Haha But I know the gospel can help every situation and will help her and her family. In total that day, we found SEVEN new investigators. All from miracles and tender mercies from the Lord. So blessed!

 

We went and visited a less active woman this week and while we were eating dinner, they started telling us about their dog that was sick. Then they went on to ask us if we would please lay our hands on their dog, speak in tongues, and say a prayer for it...haha We settled to let us just say a prayer for their little harry.

 

The Renterias went to the temple this last weekend to do baptisms and taught Gospel Principles this week!! I have never loved anyone in the way I love them. It was amazing to hear about their experiences. Jose said he went to the baptistry and they asked what size jumpsuit he would need. He told them a large. Then they asked him if he was "in doubt". He said, "No, i'm pretty sure i'm a large...why? Do I look bigger than that to you?" They then explained that they said "endowed" not "in doubt." Hahah They had a great time and can't wait to go to the temple next january to be sealed forever!

 

I knew it was coming but it doesn't make it any easier - we had transfers this week and I left Hermana Dana and Deming (and my heart) and am heading back to Tucson. I have never had to say a harder goodbye - especially to the Renterias. I'm surprised I had any tears left. As I was leaving, Cinthia hugged me and said, "Hermana, aqui esta su familia...mexicana!" I can't wait to be at the temple when they get sealed! Thank goodness for in-state missions!
Deming is a special place and I'm so lucky to have been there for a third of my mission.

 

I have been transferred to University of Arizona on campus YSA ward! (It really helps to be friends with the AP's:)) I am SO excited and loving it already. There is an energy here that is so fun and I love my companion, Hermana Hardy. We're going to have a transfer of miracles. And yes mom, I am now a Sister Trainer Leader - time to grow! It just means I have certain sisters that I'm over and have to go on exchanges every week. Oh, and I get to go to MLC! I'm excited and know that it's going to stretch me and teach me a ton. Pray for me - I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing...!

 

These quotes were in our President's email this week. Ponder on these and use them to set goals to become better disciples and representatives of Jesus Christ. -

From Elder Bednar: "The trial of our faith (Ether 12:6) is not some huge event, but rather is the consistent application of the small and simple things that we need to do every day."
Quoting Brigham Young: "More people have found a testimony on their feet bearing it, than on their knees praying for it."
Elder Bednar: "If you are unwilling to accept correction, then God won't be able to trust you."
Elder Lynn G. Robbins: "When you open your mouth, the Lord provides people to teach, but not necessarily the ones you are directly talking with.....Opening your mouth is not an activity, it is a character trait and should be sought after like other Christlike attributes."
Elder Bednar: "The changing or lowering of the Lord's standards constitutes apostacy."
Elder Bednar: "In the greatest darkness the light shines the brightest and our job is to chase the darkness away."
Quoting President Monson: "If we do the things we have always done, we will accomplish the same things we always have. But the Lord is hastening His work. Are we keeping up? And are we willing to change?"

I love you so much family and am counting down the days until I get to see your faces again! I have never been happier in my entire life and love how I am changing and growing. Be obedient. Do hard things. And preach it.

 

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 34

Familia!

How the heavens is it already April?! Time is flying by too fast and I'm not a big fan. This week has been all work...and a little play :) And it's paid off - we had 7 investigators that came to listen to General Conference and they all loved it! 

In normal schools they have snow days. Here in Deming they have dust days! Three days this week kids were let out of school early because the dust/wind was so bad they were scared they wouldn't be able to get everyone home. It's been a crazy week and I'm still finding dirt everywhere!

There's a lady in our branch who was baptized in August last year but her husband still isn't a member and she's been working hard on him. She's been trying to get him to agree to meet with us and just listen for a little - but it hasn't worked yet. We called her one day to have her come visit some investigators with us. She got in the car and told us her husband had asked where she was going. She replied, "I'm going with the missionaries to visit a lady and then afterwards we're going to visit a man who the sisters want to see but he hasn't let them yet." She said there was a pause and then he said, "It's me, isn't it! The man they want to visit is me!" She started laughing and confirmed. He agreed and now we're teaching him:) 

We received a referral from the Elders and met with him this week. He is a Mexican that loves to read and believes in evolution rather than God - I didn't know these existed! But he's open and is going to read the Book of Mormon. I'm excited to build his faith and see him change. Yup, our new investigator is a Mexican Atheist. 

We went to teach Geovani and Claudia this week (almost didn't because it was late, but really felt we needed to) and it was a really neat lesson. We taught about priorities and putting God first in every decision we make. After we finished, Geo said he's been thinking of doing something but wasn't sure and that we had just confirmed his decision. We asked what it was and he said he had just got his check from work from before he got laid off. He said right now they're really struggling with money and he was questioning whether to pay tithing on it or not. "But", he said, "this lesson just confirmed it - I'm going to put my trust in God and pay my tithing. That's a pretty cool answer, no?" 

We were knocking yesterday and there was a lady outside talking to someone. She had on the shortest and tightest bright pink shorts I've ever seen. She called us over and then proceeded to tell us she was Mormon. I just thought, "Well, lady, let us come in and teach you cause there are a couple things you need to know about Mormons..." Haha She was sweet and we're going back to teach her about how our bodies are temple. :)

General Conference is like candy to missionaries - I don't know whether that's because we get 8 hours to receive personal revelation or because it's the closet thing we get to watching a movie...and it never lasts quite as long as I'd like. But, I loved it! We had a BBQ between sessions on Saturday and played a mean game of soccer. There were a lot of non-members there and it was great! Here are some things that stuck out to me from conference -

Elder L. Tom Perry: "Obedience is a Choice-- between our own limited knowledge and power, and God's unlimited wisdom and omnipotence."

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis: "One should not roam through garbage."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "How quick we are to find the rainbow, before being thankful for the rain."

President Thomas S. Monson: "Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals."

Bishop Gary E. Stevenson: "The miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance."

President Thomas S. Monson: "I know that God lives, my brothers and sisters. There is no question in my mind. I know that this is His work."

I, too, know that God lives and that He is directing this work. We are part of the greatest force on the world and have the greatest captain leading us. Share, invite, and be an example to others in all you do! Make the gospel part of who you are and let others see the light of Christ in you. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Eat a kebab and spaghetti ice cream for me:) I love you all so much and hope you had a blast camping with the Atwoods. 

Ur-mama Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 33

Family!

Thanks so much for the great emails! It sounds like everyone is
staying busy - I just wish it wasn't with trips to Poland that I can't
be there for...just kidding:) Have tons of fun!

We have had such a great week! Our investigators are doing
wonderfully! We had a great lesson with the Durans and although I
don't know if they'll be baptized anytime soon, I know they'll get
there eventually. Hermana Duran said, "I can't promise when I'll get
to church but I know I will and I think it'll be sooner than later."
They are a great family and we're seeing little miracles with them
everyday. Myra accepted enthusiastically our baptismal invitation. She
is such a cool lady! She's already read and prayed about the Book of
Mormon and knows Joseph Smith was a prophet. Sometimes it still amazes
me how ready people are to accept the gospel! Last night we went to a
members home that invited our investigators over to have an FHE with
Yasmeli and her family. We showed up and Yasmeli's mom, Carmen, had
actually brought their neighbors with them who we taught a few times
but ended up dropping. We taught the Restoration for the lesson and
the spirit was strong. Carmen was crying during the first vision and
after she came up to me and said, "Hermana, I need to learn more." We
set up a time to go back and visit them and then the neighbor kids
said, "When are you coming back to visit US?!" Haha We're getting to
the point again of having too much to do and too little time! I love
it.

On Sunday we had a little extra time and decided to go knock. We we're
having very much success at first but then we walked by a house that
had a mom and daughter sitting outside. We walked up and asked them
how their day was going. The mom started crying and said her husband
passed away recently and they were just reminiscing. We heard a little
more of what happened and then I told her, "Well, hermana, we have a
special message that is going to help you! We know that you can see
your husband again and that death isn't the end!" As we taught the
spirit bore witness to me again of the Plan of Salvation. I just LOVE
this gospel!

We have been riding bikes a lot lately and I'm loving it! After the
first day we used them though, I felt handicapped. Sweating, sore, and
smiling:)

We suggested to the Branch Presidency a while back that they have
youth speakers. Well, they listened! This last Sunday we had two 12
year old youth speakers....and no one else. haha They both gave 15
minute talks and did amazingly! Geovani also got the priesthood and
Cinthia Renteria is now the YW's second counselor! I love this branch.

This last week we started teaching english classes and I don't think I
have laughed so hard in a while - I was literally close to peeing my
pants! We had the three Renteria sisters there and it was a hoot! I
just love these people.

Well, dad, keep me updated with the job/classes. So either way if you
buy the company or get that certification, you're moving back to the
states? Is there any possibility at all of you staying in Germany?
Mom, I got the package!! Thank you so much!! I have some requests
though - the dress you sent is a little to short so I'm going to give
it to Cinthia Renteria but would it be possible for you to send me
money in replacement? haha If not, that's fine, I just like having a
little extra cash just in case:) Also Jose Renteria is in love with
Happy Hippos. Could you send me another 2 cases, or so, soon (in the
next week...) because I want to give them to people but transfers are
coming up! Cam, keep studying/working/staying busy and away from
girls. ;) Also don't use the word "supah" ever again. haha Madi and
Sara dad sent me some pictures of the medival dinner and it looked
amazing!! You girls are awesome! (what color is Sister Brimhall's hair
now...? haha) J, i promise you, i miss you even more than you miss me!
I can't wait to hug you again soon! Maren, write me, you fart! :) I
love you all so darn much and am getting excited to skype with you
again soon! The church is true - i promise!

Your Mama Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 32

Hey Fam,

 

This week has been great! This last little while we have been in a bit of a slump with the work. But this last week I've been feeling like it's about to start picking up again (sixth sense?)...and it has. Wednesday alone we taught eight lessons and found five news! I think having a sick companion really made me see how much I like to be OUT of the apartment working.

 

This week we kept driving by this trailer that was calling my attention - aka I needed to knock it. Hermana Dana was a little hesitant because she thought it looked sketchy. In her prayer before we got out of the car she prayed to protect us from the gangesters inside. Haha I can't wait until she gets called to South Tucson...It ended up being a really nice older gentleman with matching boots and belt from Mexico. He was really open and said we can come back whenever we want!

 

Lately we've been feeling like we need to go back and visti Jose and Isable but we haven't gotten the chance/it didn't feel right just yet. But we went a few nights ago and everything worked out perfect. We knocked and usually they look throught the peep hole (and who knows if they would have let us in if they had looked.) But they opened the door right away and were a little suprised to see us. They welcomed us in and we sat and talked when there was another knock on the door - the person they were really expecting when WE knocked - the police. The offecer walked in and we learned that Isabel's brother has been missing for two weeks. After the policeman left, we were able to comfort them a little and say a prayer before we left. And now we have a reason to go back in a little while and check up on everything. God works in mysterious ways!

 

Something excited happens every week during Weekly Planning. This week Hermana Dana chopped my hair off. I've been asking and asking for her to TRIM my hair and she was too scared. Then during weekly planning she was staring at me and and said "you'd look really cute with a your hair to your colar bone - i'll do it for you..." It took a little while to convice me but I finally did. We set up a little area where I would be able to see exactly what she was doing and she got to work. After the first cut (about four inches), I went a little week in the knees and asked if she had ever cut hair before. She said, "Sure, lots of times. ALL my barbies were bald." Oh boy. It was probably the most faith and turst I've ever had to exercise before!

 

We found out recently (partially by experience) that Deming has a dusty season. Dusty as in there's so much dust, where you can't see five feet infront of you and the roads close down...I'll send a picture of the storm rolling in:)

 

Yesterday was a special day - Jose blessed the sacrament for the first time and Geovani said the closing prayer in sacrament meeting. I can't explain in words how it feels to be a part of helping people receive blessings - I LOVE seeing these people progress and be stretched. I realized I probaby will be leaving in four more weeks and I started tearing up! We went to dinner last night with the Renteria's (all three families) and I just feel like the members here are my family! I just want to stay here the rest of my mission. I feel an overwhelming love for these people and can't wait to come back after my mission!

 

Well, family, thanks so much for your letters and the pictures. Keep iniviting, sharing, and being examples. You make me want to be better! I LOVE YOU ALL!

 

Hermana Stewart

Cpaitulo 3, Semana 31

Well family, it has been a great week, a growing week, and I'm loving it!

We started teaching this teenager, Yasmeli, this week and she is awesome. She is Catholic but just loves learning about God. She asked a Jahova's Witness to come to her house every Saturday to have a Bible study with her (we're hoping to take the place of this JW...haha) and has been doing it every Saturday for the last three years! She told us she doesn't pray usually with other people but after we taught her how to pray, we asked her if she would say the closing pray. We expected her to be a little hesitant but instead she said, "Sure! I'd like to try." :) We're excited to keep teaching her.

We had a few minutes to knock some doors the other day and it was a fun experience. We were walking up to the door and I said to Sister Dana, "Okay Hermana, this one's yours!" She got a panicky look on her face and said, "But we never practiced door approaches in Spanish!" Right as she said that, the lady answered the door and said "Hello?" (In English) I just looked at Sister Dana and she said, "Hi!....Sooooo" A long pause followed and she turned and looked at me. I tried to wait it out as long as I could, giving her encouraging head nods, but eventually had to swoop in and save her. haha I love awkward door approaches and am so glad I got to be present for that one:)

Have I ever said how much I love Hispanic people? After dinner the other night we went to a lesson with a little girl Brianna and her brother. We knocked on the door and her parents were there. We met them for the first time and fell in love! They immediately welcomed us in, invited us to eat dinner with them, offered us drinks, and were so nice! They are Seventh-Day Adventists but said we were welcome to come back anytime. It was the biggest contrast from knocking earlier that day and not getting to say two words before the Americans said "Not interested" and slammed the door. I am so grateful for my call to serve with the humble Hispanic people. Sister Dana and I were on a high after the lesson - I love when you feel the true JOY of missionary work!

We were eating dinner with a family the other night and the husband, that isn't a member, was being a hoot. He asked Hermana Dana why she couldn't eat wheat/flour and she explained how it makes her gassy. After dinner he didn't want to listen to the message we gave and excused himself with the excuse, "Maybe I'm allergic to wheat too - I'm feeling gassy..." Little pill.

Sickness and missionary work isn't the best combination. I woke up a few nights ago at 3:00AM to the sound of Sister Dana throwing up. Poor girl has been sick in bed for the last 2 days and it's been hard but good for me. Hard because being inside all day STINKS. I just wanted to get out and work! You can only read so much of Jesus The Christ, PMG, the scriptures and the Liahona before your eyes start watering - whether because of reading so much or because I was crying from being cooped up so long, I don't know...haha But it was also really good for me to. I have realized that I'm changing. I never want to just be sitting around doing little unimportant things. I am determined that after my mission - and on my mission - I will not waste any time. I want to be out serving, visiting people (whether it's my calling or not). I'm sure I can find good things to fill my life but I want to be in the service of the Lord always. I want to fill my LIFE with this work. I am blessed to have your examples - a mom who would drop anything to serve someone and a dad who devotes everything to his calling. If the Lord needs an errand run, I want to be dependable enough for him to trust me to run it. My desires are changing and I LOVE IT! I love the mission and how it's helping me catch vision of who I want to be and who the Lord needs and wants me to be - and for the first time in my life, our visions are aligned. I think I'm probably going to go back and be a really weird return missionary...haha but I don't have any desire to fall back into the way life was before. One day the Lord won't ask what did you DO in life, but he will ask what did you BECOME. My husband and kids better get ready to work!

No more Bishop, huh? Maybe that'll free up some time for you to write me EVERY week...;) thanks for you letter - it is something I'm learning a lot about. Pushing until the very end of ALL we do - a mission, a calling, school, etc - is part of enduring to the end. Thanks for everything - your love, support, and encouragement - but especially the packages of chocolate;) I just love this gospel and the privilege we have to share it with others. La iglesia es verdadera, les prometo!

Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 30

Hola Familia!

We have had a great week!

ROAD TRIP! We went to Tucson this week for a training meeting and it was awesome. Being around other missionaries being trained really made me see how blessed I am and how much Hermana Dana is progressing. haha We are having a lot of fun and it makes working a lot easier when you have someone that wants to work with you! Also in Tucson, we asked where a good place was to buy some bikes and Sister Killpack told us she knew of some bikes we could have for free!! The Lord answers prayers and knows we need to lose weight...;)

The Sandovals (after a year and a half of investigating) are members! Saturday night we had a really nice baptism and the spirit was thick in the chapel. There was only one glitch the whole night - the hot water heater was not working. I just kept thinking, "Great. We're about to fully immerse a 55 year old woman that has brain cancer in 40 degree water." I don't know if that can have negative effects but the effects probably aren't positive! I think the Lord was trying their and my faith. But hey, just in case you didn't know, apparently cold water does the same job as warm water! The poor girls were freezing but did great. A week ago, some amazing members in our ward went to the Sandovals for FHE and taught them to sing I Like to Look for Rainbows. Yes, our members had an FHE with our investigators! We didn't even know until the Sandovals told us they wanted to sing the song at their baptism! Their whole family came (all non-members) and filled an entire pew and after the ordinance, the shivering girls sang the song and had everyone in tears. It was beautiful. Now we have some appointments with the family to get them there too! I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK! 

The Barajas are doing GREAT! It has made the biggest difference to meet alone with Hermana Barajas. She is reading the book of mormon and her testimony is growing! I asked her the other day if she thinks she'll be ready to be baptized on March 8th and she said she does!! We're becoming really good friends with her and I love them all more and more each day. 

I have fallen in love with Deming and don't ever want to leave. I gave a talk yesterday in church and we all laughed and cried and this little ramita feels like family. 

Well family, you know what happens when you baptize everyone you're teaching? It's back to knocking! haha And asking for referrals. I think this last week we knocked a total of 20 hours with not a ton of success but we have some potentials. We still have a good group of people we're teaching but the more the merrier, right? 

We got a call on Friday night telling us that in the morning we would be receiving a BRAND NEW CAR! We be ridin in style - 2014 Ford Fusion. The first, and probably last, time I will ever have a brand new car - who knew it would be on my mission:)

Our ZL's here have been asked to talk about "The Deming Sisters" at Mission Leader Conference on Friday. This last week made 13 weeks in a row for us hitting Standards of Excellence. I've been praying to be more humble and the Lord is providing a lot of opportunities to exercise and grow my humility! We've been asked a lot lately what we're doing to have so much success but I don't think there is a secret to missionary work. Have faith, be obedient, and work hard. Involve the Lord in the work (and in life) - Pray and seek guidance from him in ALL you do. President David O. McKay said, "Prayer is the yearning of the spirit. Sincere prayer implies that when we ask for any virtue or blessing, we should work for the blessing and cultivate the virtue. Praying for His will to be done and then not trying to live it, gives you a negative answer at once. It is the height of disloyalty to pray for God's will to be done, and then fail to conform our lives to that will." 

Pray. Seek. Act. The recipe for success:) D&C 103:36

Thanks for all the letters and pictures! Sara, just so you know, I loooove donuts. Even if they get smashed in shipping...;) I am so happy to be here and wouldn't change it for anything. I love you all a ton! 

Happy, Healthy, and Hefty Hermana Stewart

Capitulo 3, Semana 29

Family!

We have had an exciting week! Our teaching pool is growing errday and it's so fun! I love being a missionary:) Here are some journal-worthy things that happened this week:

Exchanges -- Hermana Dana and I did exchanges with the Silver City sisters and it was my first time in an english area - I NEVER want to leave hispanics again! We spent the day walking around, trying to talk to everyone we saw and having VERY little success. Everyone was so stubborn and closed minded. As soon as they saw us they would cross to street to try and get away or would immediately tell us, "Sorry, we're not interested." It made me really admire English missionaries and at the end of the day I was so happy to come back to my Little Mexico!

I pulled Mylie Renteria's first tooth out! We were at a Relief Society activity and she told me to feel how wiggly it was. I told her to get a napkin and just give it one good yank. She was scared so after some smooth talking I got her to let me try. While gripping onto her brothers arm, I pulled and the tooth pooped out on the first try. It was just like old times (except she was a little bit braver than Sara;)) Here they don't have a tooth fairy, it's a tooth rat and she was so excited to get a dollar!

We got Mexican nutella ice cream this week and it was DANG good!

I don't know what it is about Deming and their crazy service projects but we had another good one this week. We went and roofed a 150 year old house! Be proud dad! I'll give you all the gory details when I get home but just know I almost peed my pants about 30 times because of fear...haha and i have never been happier to be on solid ground! It was a fun adventure.

We had interviews with President Killpack this week. I love one-on-one time with Pres! I found out the Sister Missionaries in Deming are practically famous throughout the mission because of what's happening here. Right now our numbers are leading the mission and it's catching fire in a lot of other areas too. I have been praying to have more humility and the Lord is sure giving me many opportunities to be more humble! I just want to tell everyone that it it NOT us! The Lord is going to do His work with or without us - we're just blessed to be a part of it.

Geovani and Claudia got married on Valentines Day! It was a really simple wedding but there was food and music...so it was a party! I never realized how torturing it is to not be able to dance! When you're blessed with a talent shouldn't you be allowed to share it?! Well, this girl got moves! ;) just kidding. Also I just LOVE this branch! Since I've been here we have had six baptismal services, two funerals, a wedding, baby showers and a ton of other parties...all put on by the branch. They are teaching me a lot about how a ward/branch should be like a family. All the members will literally drop everything they're doing for you - they're amazing.

  

The Durans have a baptismal date! They are an amazing family - I just wish you could come meet all these people! - and are ready for the gospel. We visited the Barajas fam this week and had a movie night. We watched The Testaments and ate popcorn with lime and tapatio:) After we asked how they felt and little Polito had tears running down his face and said he was so happy! I choked up. The Sandovals are getting baptized this Saturday and are so ready. I'm telling you, Deming is making me an expert baptismal service planner! 

Jose Renteria passed the sacrament yesterday!! He was really nervous but did a great job (he made sure to give me a nice big peice when i was up on the organ so I was happy:)) We also went by last night to give them a challenge to write their testimonies in a Book of Mormon and give it out to someone. We've done this with our members and they are always a little hesitant. But the Renterias said, "That's such a cool idea! We can give it out to Lydia, Alfredo, Lizbeth..." and continued to name off more people. We had to go to the car to get more BOM's for them! Then Jose said, "i'm going to need five pages just for my testimony alone!" We asked them to pick a date to give them out by and they all said, "Tomorrow!" haha I love recent convert fire! And I love seeing them continue grow - I already know I'm going to BAWL when I leave!

We have found some new people this week and when I heard some of their situations I just want to say, "We have the solution! We know exactly how to help and it's only up from here!" I JUST LOVE THE GOSPEL!

Mom and Dad, I'm SO excited for you! And a little jealous;) Being temple workers is going to be awesome! Madi, Sara, Maren, and J thanks for the letters! You'll have to record the play so I can see it when I get home. Keep me updated on everything! Cam I hope school is going well and keeping you busy (that better be the reason you haven't been writing me and not because you have a girlfriend...) I love you all so much and can't wait to hear from you again next week! I know the church is true and I know that we have the responsibility to share the gospel, and the blessings it brings, with our friends - DO IT. And you will be blessed!

Hermana Stewart