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)