Tyrei Pollard baptized May 31, 2014, with Sister Griffin and Sister Jones.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
May 25
Monday, P day, cleaned apartment, shopped, took prescription to Walgreens, did laundry, made bread – that just in the morning! Took a loaf of bread to sisters' apartment where all the sisters were meeting to go pick strawberries. It was devoured in about 5 minutes! The strawberries were in a patch about 7 acres worth, very neat; one set of missionaries even wore their skirts. I wore my gardening boots and Dan wore his work boots, but we could have picked in our nice clothes. We picked a nice big box of berries plus bought a couple tomatoes and some sweet potatoes. Bought some homemade ice cream, cone for me and cup for Dan of a scoop of strawberry and one of chocolate. Divine! Made two batches of jam before going to FHE. Had to pick up Tyrei; he finally admitted the correct spelling of his name. We introduced Family History to the YSA (wish Sher could have been here to help!) and most brought laptops or other electronics where they could access it. Everyone worked on something and Pres. Lewis had membership numbers for those who wanted to log on to lds.org. For about an hour these young adults were very involved in the work; don't know if anyone got a name to take to the temple, but they know how to find out. Then the volleyball net was set up and they proceeded to play ball. We let Tyrei play for half an hour before we had to leave.
Tuesday was practice lesson with YSA sisters, as active members, then fed them stir fry pork. Went to Walmart and found the pink pectin that uses less sugar and a package of sugar larger than 4 lbs. We invited the G2 elders to lunch on Thursday; only took about half an hour of texting to get to that point! The Spanish elders will bring them and stay for lunch, too. I got a text from Jessica Walker asking if I could bring bread to Institute tomorrow, and I volunteered my homemade strawberry jam.
Wednesday the weather started warming up again, getting into the high 80s – and humid, of course. Had to make more bread because of institute. I posted institute on the YSA facebook page and mentioned I would be bringing bread! Took 4 loaves of bread, honey butter, peanut butter, jam and butter. Had to pick up Tyrei early for a discussion with sisters. Traffic was awful; took almost 1/2 hour to get to his house and it usually only takes about 12 minutes. So we were a little late. Dan set up the table in the RS room for after institute and we showed Tyrei a short clip of Pres Monson on Standing Alone. Had 13 members plus several leaders in attendance. Sis Walker did a great job introducing the topic of the scriptures.
Dan worked on hamburger stew for the elders and I started trying to figure out the WISE program of attendance at institute. It is way more complicated that it looks! Dan filled the dutch oven almost to overflowing and we had some bread left over from institute and I think they about floundered. Then we got out the fresh strawberries and Nutella. Each had to tell a faith-promoting story from his mission thus far; very spiritual. Then while I finished WISE Dan read stories in the "red book" that Sher made for us. We made jam with the rest of the berries from the less-sugar pectin and watched "The Testament."
Friday we took snacks to district meeting – carrots, celery stuffed with peanut butter and laughing cow cheese, chili-cheese Fritos, tortilla chips and salsa. They enjoyed it. Had a good meeting, as always; a spirit is always there when the missionaries teach each other. After the meeting, we took the G2 sisters to another sister who needed a blessing. Spanish elders gave it. She was very grateful. The sisters' car had a nail in the sidewall of a tire so it had to get a new tire, so they were car-less. Later took the sisters to pick up their car with the new tire. Called Sue, and if you want a lift in your life, give her a call – she always lifts my spirits!
Saturday started early with a work project at the church – placing a semi load of mulch around the building and all the plants. We worked 1 1/2 hours before we gave up and went to the farmers market and to get more strawberries – bought them already picked! Then we cleaned up and picked up Tyrei and his brother Christian for discussions at the church. Taught Tyrei about tithing and fast offering. Then while Elder Horne interviewed Tyrei for baptism, The YSA sisters and I played soccer and volleyball with Christian.Took the Pollards home, then back to the church to get the G2 elders and take them to an appointment with Latasha. She is homeless and she and her husband live in a truck next to an aunt who lets them use the shower and bathroom. Anyway, it was her son's birthday, so we drove her across town and gave her a lesson at Sonic in the picnic area (yes, noisy), then picked up her son who lived nearby and bought hamburgers and fries for everyone, since no one had eaten for most of the day. Then took the son home, back to pick up the elders, took Latasha home and the elders home, then crashed at our place. What a day! I don't usually drive, but I had to with Latasha because she is a large woman and had to sit in the front, so all the men snugged up in the back seat. Very interesting. We were in bed by 9 p.m.!
As you can tell, we have been quite busy, either feeding missionaries or members or driving folks around. But I think this is what our mission is suppose to be: Member (and missionary) Leader Support. It is very rewarding, and I just keep telling Elder Steffler, it's just money. It does not do us any good unless we use it in service to those who need it. It is very rewarding hearing the missionaries give lessons and feel the spirit work in the lives of investigators. We are called on to testify to the truthfulness that the missionaries are teaching, and Elder Steffler always has a good story to add.
Hope this finds everyone well. I check the mailbox every day and feel sad when it is empty. Phone calls, emails and letters are all welcome. I just need to know that my family is alive and well. We love all of you! Elder and Sister Steffler (aka mom and dad, grandma and grandpa)
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
May 18
On Mother's Day we picked up Tyrie and his 10-year-old brother Christian and we all met with YSA sister missionaries for a lesson on Faith and prayer and reading scripture. We went to meetings with the Greenville 2nd Ward because the branch did not have meetings; told to spend the day with their mothers. There were 10 missionaries in the meeting! The Primary sang 2 very sweet songs for the moms, then 3 talks on mothers. We attended the Gospel Essentials lesson and wish we had something like it in the branch. Might have to teach it ourselves, which would be okay. Then a short R.S. lesson and treat of brownies and ice cream and a rose to take home. It was very nice. We were invited to the Lewis' for dinner, along with the sister missionaries. Pres. Lewis had to work at 3 and it was now 4:30, so Sis Lewis grilled steaks for us. Yummy. Sister Jones was able to Hangout with her parents and other family members (that's why it took us so long to get on) and was very thankful for that. It was very nice seeing everyone and listen to the chatter. Remember Father's Day: same thing!
Monday after our cleaning and laundry, we went looking for strawberries. There are patches of strawberries where you can pick for yourself. We found one, but it was closed, so we went on an adventure – to Vanceboro, about 25 miles southeast. Found strawberries – already picked! When we got home I made bread and gave a loaf to next door neighbor and introduced ourselves. Now have met everyone is our little quad – but one moved on Friday. Got an invite for supper at Pres. Walker's (stake pres). Had our first chicken pasta – like chicken soup with lasagna, only pastry a little different. It was good, better that BBQ! Pres. asked how the elders (there were 4 elders and us) were using what Elder Bednar taught. He emphasized that members need to be present when teaching investigators. Then had FHE; we did some chasing for Pres. Lewis (branch pres). Set up some appointments that should keep us going this week.
Elder Steffler was feeling a little puney Tues so I let him sleep in, but we still had to walk. Had a practice session with YSA sisters – really felt the spirit. Kind of hard to figure out, but the spirit testifies even when you are practicing. It was a warm, good feeling. Then lunch, of course. Papa told of his mom's passing and how special it was for him to witness how thin the veil is and how happy his mother was to go be with loved ones who had passed. After lunch, the zone leaders called to see if we could help give a blessing of comfort to one of the sister missionaries. They came here; we didn't go anywhere or do anything after that. It was really strange. Got a letter from Maike and that cheered us up; she is in Laos then will finish up in Vietnam in July.
Reached upper 80s again, but the humidity was not as bad. Maybe I can live like this! Had time to read some Christ-like attributes (assignment from Pres Baker, mission president). Then Pres Lewis took us to B's BBQ, with real atmosphere! Had to wait in line for about 20 minutes (that means it will be good, right?) and ordered a sandwich with coleslaw on it. Not too bad. I just need to remember to order it as a sandwich from now on. Then we got a tour of some of the towns and homes west of town; some really nice homes and some like the photo with vines growing all over it. We have seen some 2-story buildings all covered with vines and were told that they use to be tobacco sheds. Had a really good lesson with Tyrie and Stevon (a member who is on-again-off-again) and had a really good lesson. Stevon was able to testify to Tyrie of how the gospel changed his life. It was touching. Had chicken soup, homemade bread and strawberries and Nutella.
Thursday was a discombobulating day – just like it sounds! I needed a prescription filled and it had run out. I looked everywhere for the paper with the 4 Rx from the doctor and could not find it. Took G2 sisters to Pollards (Tyrie's place) to ask if they could teach Christian and it was OK. Then stopped at a sister to see how she was doing with her commitment to stop smoking and an inactive sister to try to get her to read the Book of Mormon. Kind of struck out at both places. After supper we went to the church house so that Pres Lewis and RS pres could have a meeting (no one else was in the building). A 2-hour meeting. Talked with DJ as he and Sher were on the way to the temple, so that was good, and we got our B of M reading done.
Had a big storm about 4:30 Fri morning and the pond is a lake again! District meeting was good; several baptisms are coming up. Companionships role-played the pictures in the missionary edition of the B of M. They tell the story of the B of M in about 8 pictures. After meeting we took the G2 sisters to Ellen Dennison's for lunch – we were invited, too. It was yummy; BBQ ribs, potato salad, baked beans and Boston cream pie. She lives about 25 miles west of town, but the meal was worth it! We were all primed to meet Stevon's brother, Jamal, but it was not to be. We will get to meet him at some time. We worked on our talks for Sunday and watched a conference talk.
We got up early Saturday and picked Stevon up and drove to Kinston for an employment seminar (all day) – how to prepare and present yourself for job interviews. Very informative. Filmed each of the participants while being asked questions; what a riot looking at facial expressions and body language. Then we critiqued them. Had supper at Zaxby's: chicken, fries and toast. Probably won't eat there again. I worked on one arbitration that took me half an hour! Unreal.
Today we had branch council, left early to pick up Tyrie and Christian, then had to give our talks. There were only about 20 members present (school is over and waiting for summer folks to come), but the spirit was there. It was good. I spoke about 15 minutes and left Dan about 25 minutes. He had to tell of how we met and got engaged; he said I would not be too happy about it and I wasn't. But this is a YSA ward and they need to get on the ball and get married! Then I helped an 80-year-old lady in a wheelchair to use the bathroom. Yipee! Then I helped a young (20s something) lady get up off the floor in a different restroom! She has MS and had fallen between the two doors of the bathroom and couldn't get up. She called her mother who in turn called the church and I "happened" to be sitting in the foyer and answered the phone. I literally had to pull her up off the floor. Thankfully she was not a "large" sister; she may even be an investigator. So I feel like I have done my two services for the day (in addition to giving a talk!). Two things I had never done before. Opportunities right in our way.
We are relaxing and taking naps (papa is) before another week gets underway. The sister missionaries invited us to go with them tomorrow to pick strawberries – and not as far as Vanceboro! Hope this finds all well. Someone find out about Scottie and let me know how he is. We love all of you and pray for you every day. Lydia, a big day on Tuesday for you! God bless, Elder and Sister Steffler
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Happy Mother's Day
First I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my three lovely daughters and two equally lovely daughters-in-law! Thank you for our 20 beautiful grandchildren. What a joy and blessing to have a quiver full of blessings.
Monday was a water aerobics day; I love the water and Elder Steffler puts up with it. After laundry, including the tablecloths used Sunday for break the fast, we went shopping for a new mattress. Found what we wanted in the first place; spendy but hopefully worth it. Had missionary correlation before FHE, then had to vacate the building because it was being used as a polling place on Tuesday, so everyone headed over to Pres. Lewis' home for snacks and games. The single adults are competitive even with guessing songs or who said it. One of the things that Elder Bednar promised senior missionaries was that our family would be safe and that they would follow our example of serving a mission. I was really worried about Deana, but she did the right thing by going to the ER and getting her blood clots taken care of. Thanks again, Ken, for insisting that she go.
Tuesday we walked and while I cleaned the apartment, Elder Steffler went shopping for a few groceries, all by himself! It was the first time that we had Sisters Jones and Griffin for a practice discussion and lunch. They wanted us to be investigators and we were pretty rough on them, but they kept going and did fine. Then had to go shopping – again, this time for water to take to the picnic on Saturday and to get some ingredients for stir fry.
Wednesday was hot and muggy – have told that this is just the beginning. The humidity sucks out any energy you might have. Had to text everyone for the institute potluck that was postponed last week to this week. I made Cheesy Frito salad (thanks Sylvia for sending the recipe) and cut up a pineapple. Got a call from YSA sisters to pick up an investigator, Josette, for institute. Told the GPS the wrong address and ended up across town and had to backtrack. Made it just in time for the lesson. Good lesson of Faith Hope and Charity.
Thursday another warm day, but a water aerobics day! We forgot our noodles, so had to make do without them. Had to pick up a Rx and fill gas tank again. Had an appointment with the Spanish elders to visit a sister that lived about 3 miles out of town. She lived in a trailer and had the door open and two fans going. She had a cute little girl aged 2 that reminded me so much of little Teezha; it made me homesick for her. We could not follow along very good because it was all in Spanish, but we still felt the spirit there. She is really hesitant to commit to baptism but feels really good when the elders come. Dan thawed out a steak and figured out the gas grill outside by our apartment, so we had steak and potatoes. Watched a church history video about John Turner who was converted in 1831 and was a rich man. He donated about $250 million (in today's money) to help build the Kirtland Temple and the saints as they were being persecuted. Amazing! Had never heard of this man before.
Friday was Zone leadership Kinston West. Went over the stake's mission initiatives and how to use the branch (ward) coulcil meetings to help with missionary work. Got a call from the mattress delivery guys in the middle of meeting, so we had to leave. The photo-taking lady was there to take pictures for the zone, so we got a copy, but we are not in it. The mattress guys were not there for very long, so we had lunch, a short nap, then took off. I wanted to go a different way, of course, so we went due east to the ocean! The scenery on the way was very green and we went through a town that had been hit by a tornado last week. Lots of trees cut down , tarps over roofs and a porch that had collapsed. Stopped for a "rest" at a NWR – Pocosin. Lots of lakes, maybe made when a fire burned in the peat (layers of organic material). One place they found peat 12 feet deep and figured it had taken 14,000 years to build. When we crossed over East Lake, we had to stop on the bridge while part of it swung open to let a ship through. It was kind of interesting. Took another long bridge to the Outer Banks and Nags Head (via Roanoke Island) and drove through lots of traffic. I caught glimpses of the ocean about 2 blocks away; lots of condos, very attractive resort-type. Drove past Kitty Hawk museum at 5 p.m., just as it closed. Then straight up the coast to Chesapeake. Stayed with Pres and Sis Baker in the Mission Home (slept in general authority room, again!). They were very busy with mission work and Sis Baker was the medical person on call and she got a lot of calls that evening and next morning. But they did feed us a piece of strawberry pie; yummy!
Next morning was pretty laid back; fixed ourselves a bowl of cereal and read a couple of conference talks. I changed the bedding and washed it and the towels that we had used. Tried to be of some use as both were on the phones most of the morning. It was about 10 miles to the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Picnic was set up of chicken, salads and dessert. The last couple brought containers of fruit – mangoes, pineapple, honeydew melon, berries and watermelon. Yummy. Got a tram that went around the garden with a very informative driver. Lots of beautiful azaleas; took lots of photos. Tour was 20-25 minutes, then watched a video of how the garden came to be. Then we headed home (a different way, again!). There was a message on my home cell phone that a delivery was trying to made Friday but no apt number had been given; they would try again Saturday. They left the bouquet at a neighbor's place and I got them when we got home. They are lovely; that DJ and family. I had picked up a couple of items that Elder Nielson had left behind on the last transfer and had brought them with us. He and Elder Geddes (yes, the one that is related to us about 5 generations back, a grandfather and his brother!) stopped by for them and we fed them the last of the strawberries (with Nutella, of course) then warmed up chicken enchiladas and chips and salsa. They were hungry! Elder Nielson was the one that downloaded the zone photo for us. A new challenge from Pres Baker: read 7 pages of the Book of Mormon daily; so we started; finally got to bed with our NEW mattress about 10:30.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
Fw:
District missionaries May 2, 2014
Sisters Quiroz, Jones, Glaser, Jasperson, Stefflers, McAlister & Romney; Elders Lancaster, Terrel, Horne & Merkel.
May 5
Whoa, we got busy this week! Not so much with teaching as providing service.
Monday Dan got his hearing aids checked; not the problem—his allergies are causing congestion so he is taking a wanna-be zertec. Shopped for groceries and used up about 6 ripe bananas by making banana choc chip cookies, bars and muffins. For FHE we planned for pizza and a movie. The pizza was good but the movie didn't happen because the DVDs were Blu Ray and the computer was not compatible even though it said it was. So the young adults sat around and talked, which was probably better in the long run.
Tuesday was our last practice run with G2 sisters because Sis. Glaser is being transferred Thursday. Made bread and hamburger stew to feed them. Gave a loaf of bread to the family above us, the Vines; Kenny, Danielle and 4-year-old Mya. He in turn gave us his phone number, as we gave him a passalong card with our phone number. I now have keys to the church house, so we checked on supplies we might need to Wed. and Sunday (break the fast). As we were cooking our supper, a frantic phone call from elders to meet at the church and help with a discussion. Didn't know which elders (couldn't understand half of what he said), but we shut off the chicken and headed to the church. Interrupted one discussion (no, they had not called), then found the elders who had called. They need either a member or another sister in a discussion with another sister. This sister has just about the entire history of Pitt County that the family history folks are helping her to upload and she is suppose to be reading the Book of Mormon. Well, she might have read some, but she forgets to pray about it. I suggested a sticky note with prayer written on it and Elder Steffler suggested she use it as a bookmark so she remembers where she finished reading. Then she got started on barbecue and what a divine dish it was. I said the BBQ at Parker's was awful and she defended it as being good! Was rather indignant that I would suggest such a thing! Yes, she agreed it was probably an acquired taste.
Weather has been fearful the last few days, tornadoes touching down and warning and heavy rains. So Wed. we get another warning and cancel institute, after I had texted everyone his assignment; so I had to text again about the cancelation. What a bummer. Didn't rain all that hard, either. So we picked up Dan's two suits at the cleaners and invited the 3 sisters to supper. One of the sisters had gone home Monday (end of mission), so the single became a threesome. We fixed chicken soup and had strawberries with Nutella. Sis. Quiroz wrote in my notebook and we gave her one of our Indian "trinkets" to remember us. She is headed to Rocky Mount tomorrow.
Up early Thursday (5 a.m.) to take Sis Jones to mission office for training to be a new missionary trainer. Got there a couple of minutes late because I had punched in 115 instead of 1115 for the address – just a mile off. Sis Quiroz had predicted Sis Jones' new companion would be blonde, short and artistic – and she is. From South Jordon, Utah; Sis Jones from Sandy, Utah. They are getting along fine. We also picked up two twin-sized air mattress for elders to sleep on Fri. nite.
At district meeting Friday we met all the new companionships; only one was not changed (two counting the Stefflers – and Elder Steffler introduces me as his eternal companion!). Lesson was on modern day scriptures and having unity in your companionships. Went with G2 sisters to a struggling sister having a problem with smoking. She has been slipping and has family names to take to the temple, but is not worthy. She is pretty discouraged, but we did our best to help her with her covenants and recommitting. Found another sister at home and raked her driveway and some yard filled with pine needles, then taught her a short lesson on reading the Book of Mormon and praying. She has health problems and can barely make it out to pick up her mail. Returned home in time to fix supper for the two Washington elders who will stay with us overnight and we will take to Richmond to the missionary conference tomorrow. Gravy with roast chunks, potatoes and steamed broccoli. Then ice cream and banana choc chip bars (all that baking has really come in handy!). Then they went on splits with G1 elders. Meanwhile a knock at our door and 4 sisters are needing a place to stay because the apartment they are assigned to was locked. So we invite them in (one of the sisters had done splits with Sis Jones a week ago and knew where we lived) and fed them strawberries and Nutella. The 2 sisters who live in the complex call to see where they are, and come right over for strawberries too. So these 6 sisters sit around the table and giggle and laugh and talk about where they are from – it was fun. Finally cut up some pineapple and an apple and they eat those too! After 45 minutes they go to their apartment and shortly after the 2 elders come in. They enjoyed the air mattresses and not having to sleep on the floor.
Saturday we were up at 4:10 to be in Richmond by 8:15 and we made it! What an honor to "sit at the feet" on an apostle of the Lord and hear him teach us how Christ would have us teach and to bear apostolic witness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His teaching was having us tell what we were impressed about in the 3 talks we had previously read. For 45 min elders and sisters told of what impressed them and he asked questions to expand our understanding of what was being expressed. It was awesome. Also in attendance was 2nd councilor in presiding bishopric, Bro. Davies, one of pres of 70s, Bro Rollins, plus area 70 and Elder Bednar's wife. For the next 45 min we were invited to ask questions, not silly or frivolous questions, but insightful questions and E Bednar assigned one of the brethren or wife to answer the question. They did it by asking questions back to make sure they knew what was really being asked, then showing them where they could find more definitive answers. Wonderful. Our assignments were: Based on what I have observed, learned and felt today, what will I do? And: Based upon what we have observed, learned and felt today, what will we do? Then we had to get out of the building so the priesthood leadership on both missions could be taught the same thing. Amazing the strength and energy this all entailed. Made it home at 5 so the elders could travel back to Washington. Then filled the tank up for the fourth time this week!
Sunday got to sleep in! Then made brownies and apple cobbler for break the fast. I didn't have any chocolate, so used Nutella for the frosting; pretty yummy. Because many of the sisters had gone to Myrtle Beach for the weekend, our numbers were few. But the spirit we felt in fast and testimony meet matched what we felt yesterday in Richmond. Three of our new converts (the 3 M's – Matt, Martha and Megan, baptized in March) bore their testimonies, along with those who had helped to introduce them also bore their testimonies. Very powerful. We fixed spaghetti, salad, french bread and desserts for break the fast. Not many leftovers. Then had an hour-long meeting with CES Bro. McKinnon and the new institute teacher, Sis Walker. A new program similar to Come Follow Me will be introduced in July. Bro McKinnon said at the Thursday meeting with the general authorities and auxiliaries, 8 seminary students were invited to come and explain what and how they had been taught and all were impressed and taught by these students. Then we had a short nap before picking up Tyrie and taking him to Pres Lewis' home for the CES fireside at 8 p.m. Elder Ballard talked about technology (using it wisely), pornography and the Lord's law on marriage. He talked straightforward but with authority, love and concern. Home at 10:15; a good tired.
So now you see why I did not get my blog done earlier. I first had to write in my journal before I can blog so I can use that as a guideline. We have a getaway planned for this weekend: a visit to Norfolk Botanical Gardens with all the senior missionaries in the mission. Who wouldn't want to go on a mission when all these wonderful opportunities are available?! We are loving it and loving the service we can give to members and the missionaries. Hope all is well with you and yours. Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy epistle. God bless. Elder & Sister Steffler
Saturday, May 3, 2014
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