June 29

June 22 was a good and spiritual meeting. One of the branch's new converts spoke then a counselor in the mission presidency, Bro. Hancock, former stake president of Kinston Stake, spoke. Both brought the spirit into the meeting and gave uplifting talks. Bro. Hancock was in the branch presidency when Greenville became a ward and built the first part of the church – now the Primary addition. Our building has been added onto three times. When he was stake president he lived on Harker's Island and drove to Kinston twice a week – 400 miles a week. What a commitment! I'll try not to think about the miles we are piling onto our little Ford Fusion. The branch now offers three Sunday school classes: gospel doctrine, gospel essentials (for investigators and new converts) and missionary prep. Our lesson was about Eli and Samuel's calling as a prophet.

Water aerobics and P day, but not for rest. Cleaned top of stove and replaced with new tinfoil. Dan cleaned the frig. Shopped, made bread while Dan finished cleaning paint bucket. G1 elders brought 2 slices of bread that they had made in their bread machine (I had found a recipe for them online.) and they wanted our approval. It was pretty good (not as good as my homemade whole wheat and honey bread, though). Gathered supplies for the pool party planned for FHE at Bro. Rappleyea's. He was the former branch president. We tried to cook hot dogs in the steamer, but the breaker kept tripping so cooked them on the grill. Yep, hot dogs, buns, chips and sodas – again! Also had s'mores (they have a fire pit). The party was still going strong when we left at 9. Had a good turnout, about 21 or so YSA. Tiffany sent a message that her dad (my brother, Kim) was having his 70th birthday party and they wanted to give him a memories booklet, so I put 10 memories online.

Tuesday's workout felt good. Especially the swim after the workout. Had two apartments to check in Washington. It is a nice drive in the country to get there, about 20 miles, 30 minutes or so. The elders are in the upstairs of an old house. The roof leaks and a ceiling tile had broken out and you could see the fiberglass insulation hanging down with mold on it. Also the floor was warped from a leak. So we called Elder Wilson and said a new apartment was needed; he asked if we could find one for them. The sister missionaries live in an old house that was kept up and it is lovely. After lunch with the sisters, our elder's quorum president drove up behind us in his squad car and came for a chat. He is one of the local policemen. No luck finding any local YSA, so went back to the apartment and made two batches of strawberry jam. G2 sisters asked us to pick up Christian Thursday for his baptismal interview!

Walking in 89% humidity is ugh, awful! Will we ever get used to it? Took the 2 buckets Dan cleaned and got some dirt from behind some landscaping by the creek and transplanted my bigger tomato plant and zucchini. Maybe now I'll get some zucchini to eat. Got a perm at the local beauty college and it only cost $26.50! A nice soft curl. Had lunch next door practically at 5 Guys. Check apartment that the G1 and YSA sisters share. Just a few maintenance problems that need fixed. Gave an investigator a ride to Institute and were late for our committee meeting. Matt is going to do a great job as institute president.

Not as humid today, almost bearable! The water felt wonderful. Were excited to drive out to get Christian for his interview (he is 10), but not at home. His brother said he was at his grandmother's. A tender mercy of the Lord was that we found her place without knowing the address – we had been there twice. Grandma said he was with his mother who was running errands. He could not meet today, so no baptism next Thursday by his brother. Bummer. We inspected G2 sisters' apt and all looked good. Went to apt where Spanish elders and G2 elders live – not so good. Marks on wall, carpet needs restretches, some mold issues, nail holes in wall, possibly from dart board! Took G2 sisters to lunch at a new place, Which Wich, pretty good. Made green enchiladas for supper. Got papers copied to send to mission office. We may have volunteered to check all missionary apartments in the stake, which would be like 12 more apts. We are getting pretty good at it!

Worst thing ever to find in the morning – a cockroach! Ugh! Made E. Steffler take it outside to squash it. Took grapes, Go Gurts and yogurt granola bars to district meeting. I had to give my 5-minute talk on a Christlike attribute. I had chosen patience because that is what I am trying to learn from by eternal companion. At least he is giving me many opportunities to practice it! Let immediately after meeting to go to La Grange to see an inactive. About 45 minute drive. I didn't see him but the sisters and E. Steffler said Hi as he hurried to the door to leave. But we had a nice chat with his mom and she fed us lunch. They live in an older house that they are trying to fix up and it has no A/C. Got home and rested awhile then picked up an investigator who lives out in the country about 20 minutes out and drove to Bath, NC to the Promised Land pageant. It was raining when we got there and it continued about 30 min. more before stopping and clearing off for the performance. The fire flies were out (lightning bugs?), first time E. Steffler had seen them. Met a couple behind us serving a military mission who had gotten permission to come to the pageant because the sister said the story was about a direct ancestor. The play started at 8:30 and ended at 10:15; finally got to bed at 12:15, but could not sleep. Quite an adventurous day – and lots of miles.

Slept in, but had to get up because we had invited the YSA sisters and mission leader to breakfast then correlation meeting. We wanted to get to Washington to look for apartments. But mission leader had his alarm set for 9, so got there about 10, had the meeting, then fed him and finally got on the road about noon. We drove around the town looking for apartments, got a booklet at the local grocery store, but it was about apartments in Greenville. That didn't help. So we started looking for people who might know the area; even drove out to Bath to see if there were any locals there, but nope, no one about. Finally texted the elders and sisters for them to ask in church Sunday if someone could help us Monday to try to find an apt. I read a talk by Elder Chidester on pride and decided that "we" did not need to find the apt., but with the Lord's help we could find one.

I find something about every day that I need to repent of. Repentance just means change. Pride just means thinking you can do something yourself without the Lord's help, and there is nothing that we can do without the Lord's help. I am learning so much on this mission and thank my family every day for their love and support. We pray for you, too, to lean on the Lord and ask Him to help you; all you have to do is ask – He is ready to bless you. That is your agency, to ask or not. Choose to follow Him. Love, mom and dad

June 22

Another busy week has gone by. Started with getting our car's air conditioning checked out. At the Ford dealer at 7:30 a.m. Monday. After we checked in, went across the street to Burger King to get breakfast. Then checked in on the car; it was still blowing cold air so we watched Bounty Hunters and Swamp People on TV. After an hour, the air was finally warming up. It is the manifold – it has a crack; need to order a part from Richmond, VA. Can we come back at 1? When we were ready to leave, the manager asks can we come back in the morning? The truck is running late ... They did a temporary fix to get us through the day, thank goodness. So did our usual Monday things: laundry, clean apt; got my hair trimmed; shopped at Target. Got a new larger purse to carry all my "things" and check prices on plastic bedbug covers for mattresses. Did not find any. Had FHE, which means more hot dogs. Picked up everything at the church and went to Pres. Lewis' to watch World Cup play offs, US vs Ghana. Had a good turnout; US won, too, so that helped.

Another early run to Ford dealer, breakfast at Burger King and wait – but only for 1 1/2 hours. Nice to have A/C again. Made bread and banana choc chip bars and took a dozen to G1 elders to inspect their apartment. Took about half an hour, but forgot a couple of important thinks – like CO and smoke alarm checks. Then took the G2 sisters to Girls Camp. It was at a youth camp at Dover, about 20 miles, but took about 45 minutes. It was really warm, 93 and humid, so did not linger outside. Air conditioning inside the cafeteria, nice. About 100 girls from Kinston Stake in attendance. We ate supper with them, BBQ chicken, squash, mac & cheese, potatoes, salad and tropical punch. The stake presidency was there: Pres. Walker, Bro. Whaley and Bro. Jones. Sis. Jones is YW stake president and is doing a great job. The program was a Q&A. The girls asked the missionaries question (also 2 sisters from Kinston in attendance), and they asked very thoughtful questions: why did you decide to serve, what have you learned, what do you miss the most, what will help you the most after your mission, how has your faith grown, how much do you have to study. All good questions. Then the stake presidency spoke a few minutes – even Elder and Sister Steffler got their 2 cents worth in!

Wednesday, water aerobics, finally. Water was wonderful, not too cool, high of 95. Went to Walgreens for eye drops, Harris Teeter for ingredients for spinach salad for tonight, then to Blue Cross to change from Idaho to North Carolina policy. Had the G2 elders over for supper. Warmed up casserole and fresh bread and strawberry jam. Salad was not good – too much red wine vinegar and red onion, plus the bacon was slightly burned. Had to rush them home so we could get to Institute; barely made it. Good lesson on how the scriptures support one another and how prophecies were fulfilled. I read in Jesus the Christ and Dan started reading Pres. Hinckley's book "Standing For Something."

Fitness center for a workout, then pool to cool off – great way to start the day. At district meeting, two sets of elders were gone to Goldsboro to help inspect cars. I got all the companionships to sign up for apt inspection next week. Discussed Elder Bednar's talk on Christ's character – how he reached outward when most of us would go inward during adversity. Had fruit bars for treat. Another 95 degree day. Dan made hamburger stew and then took a 2 hour nap! I made a different spinach salad, much better, with strawberries and blueberries and a few red onions. (I had bought a big container of spinach to go with the salad on Sunday and hardly any got eaten, hence my desire to use it up.) We took salad, stew, a loaf of bread and strawberry jam to an active sister for supper. Her roommate is inactive. Had an enjoyable meal and chat afterwards. Did the Book of Mormon approach and left a B of M with each of them to give away. We finished watching all of general conference online; now I'm going to read the talks and mark up my magazine. Went to bed early, listening to thunder.

Up early and on the road at 7:30 – had to turn around and go back for Dan's hearing aids and my name badge. We had zone conference in New Bern, about an hour away. Pres. and Sis Baker spoke then both zone leaders presented teaching moments. Theme: What are my expectations? What does the Lord expect? The Lord invests love and trust to missionaries. Faith + Obedience = Success. Parable of wheat and tares: wheat responds to spirit. Preach My Gospel Chapter 9 says teach everyone. Pres. Brigham Young when chastized responded with Just tell me what you want me to do. Find a way to mention ward mission plan at every branch council. Elder Packer talks of unwritten order of things: Watch the brethren and do likewise. Difference between doctrine of atonement and power of atonement. Without vision the people perish. Think ordinances for vision. Atonement is activated by agency. Lots of good spirit food; great spiritual feast. But we missed the branch temple trip. It was a really hard choice to make, but really glad we went to zone conference. We are the only senior couple in the 2 zones that met.

Nice walk in the 90% humidity Saturday. Dan cleaned out paint buckets so we can repot our squash. I think the reason we don't have zucchini yet is the pot is too small. Went shopping at Penney's for tops. Sis. Baker gave a modesty talk yesterday and I decided some of my tops are too tight. So $90 later I had two tops and another exercise outfit. The YSA sisters came over for a short correlation meeting and to help us eat bread and jam. Went shopping at Sam's Club for napkins and plates for YSA and some things for us. Baptism for 8 year old in G2 ward. Picked up Tyrei and Christian and took them to it. The mom is white and active; the dad is black and nonmember. Interesting blend at the baptism. Good to see Tyrei again; he told us what he does in the tobacco fields: break off flowers and suckers. Rain was pouring when we got out of the baptism, so waited for it to quit. My umbrella was in the car, of course. G2 sisters wrote a note to Chris' folks explaining what has to happen before he can be baptized. Stopped at Hwy 55 for a burger on the way home. Guess I'm not tired of hamburgers yet.

With the girls camp and zone conference, we had a great spiritual week. This is so worth it. Our testimonies have grown so much. We constantly look for ways that we can serve. We do get concerned about how things are going at home, but we try not to worry about what is happening. Thanks for all your prayers and support. We love all of you. Mom & Dad

June 15

Had a good Sabbath on June 8: Joshua at the battle of Jericho and all; good talks. Bro. Walker (high counselor over young adults) invited Dan to help him cook hot dogs at the softball game Saturday in Havelock. Also Elder Terrill asked us to drive him to the mission office so he can get trained to be a trainer and pick up is "new" companion. New from the MTC. Got our lunch and goodies packed for our adventure on Monday.

Up early Monday so no exercise. Headed to Harker's Island at 6:45. I decided not to fuss with my hair – a decision I was glad I made later in the day! The trip is just over 70 miles and took 2 hours. The ferry ride was about 15 minutes (not much more than a boat), but the horses were out near the banks so we slowed down to take pictures. These horses have been on Shackleford Banks for about 300 years and eat only the salt grass that grows there. When it doesn't rain, the horses know where to go to dig down to get a drink of fresh water. The smaller one on the right is a colt; its coat is shaggy. Once we got to Cape Lookout Lighthouse, we took the "mule train" to see the island. It is just a 4-wheel drive pick up with benches in the back. The driver has a speaker so you can hear her tell all about the history of the island. It was very breezy along the shore (hence what I said earlier about my hair). She drove right along the beach; it was low tide so no problem getting stuck in the sand. She stopped whenever she thought she saw a good-looking shell. We got 2 bags full of shells. (We shared one bag with the 2 sisters that we took with us; they did not go on the mule train.) She took us through the whaler's village with old houses; very interesting. Sister Jones had served on Harker's Island and wanted to stop and say "hey" to some of the folks. Still got home at 3 p.m.; time to shower and rest before FHE. Picked up Tyrei and Hawa, a new investigator who was born in Liberia but has lived most of her life in the US. The activity was ultimate frisbee; thankfully we had our chairs along.

Tuesday was Happy Birthday to my eternal companion. It was a lazy day to make up for yesterday. Walked in the muggy, humid air. It had rained during the night and it was like steam coming off the ground. Got to 93 degrees and 59% humidity. Got information from the mission office on how to do the missionary apartment inspection. Had a late lunch at Logan Roadhouse, very good food, lots of beer signage. Went to Trade It to see where Stevon worked and bought a clock radio for $2.99. I tried to make a couple of appointments for later in the week; only got one, but one for next week too. The G2 sisters brought cookies and sticky noted the door. It was sweet – and the cookies were good. Also a handmade note for birthday and Father's Day. They asked if they could ride with us to zone conference on the 20th in New Bern. Also wanted info on foot-and-mouth disease!

Felt so good to do water aerobics Wednesday. Visited with a member and gave her the intro to Book of Mormon and a book to give to someone. Worked on 5-minute talk on Christ-like attribute that we are to be ready to give at district meeting Friday. We bought a Sam's Club card and some groceries and gas. Decided if we had to buy bulk food for YSA, we would need a card. Took some of Dan's suits to the dry cleaners; as often as he wears them, he needs to get them cleaned a little more often than twice a year! Fixed french toast for supper and Dan had to fry some bacon to go with it. Picked up Hawa for Institute; Tyrei not a home. Talked about different aids in the scriptures that can help us. Then a volleyball game got started afterwards, so we stay awhile and watched.

Set the alarm for 4:45 so I would have time to shower, fix hair and makeup, etc. Woke up at 5; no alarm had gone off. A tender mercy of the Lord that I awoke spontaneously. Had to get Elder Terrill to Portsmouth by 8:45; left at 6. It rained most of the way there and back. Got so bad that we had to slow down to 30 mph for a while. Then the GPS did a turn around and we wasted 15 minutes. Lucky to only be one minute late! The air conditioner went screwy, too; cold then warm, then water dribbling on my foot. Something not right. Elder Dumont is the new elder from Utah. We got to know a little about him on the way back. The YSA sisters wanted us to get Josette, an investigator, for a 4 p.m. meeting at the church. We got back at 3, so we said okay. At 4 she said she couldn't but could at 6.  At 6 she was not there. So we went home a little disgruntled.

District meeting was good on Friday; two new elders to introduce, E. Dumont and E. Lind, the new zone leader. We announced we would be doing apartment checks this month. Took Ritz crackers, cheese sticks, celery and carrots for treats. Picked up Dan's suits. Went to Sam's Club to buy lettuce and olives for Sunday. Took YSA sisters to Tyrei's graduation. I took my umbrella and two blankets, cause I thought it was going to be outside. It was inside where they play basketball at ECU. Not too long of a graduation, but when we got out, it was pouring rain. I got out my umbrella and handed a blanket to the sisters and wrapped one around us. Could not find Tyrei, so headed to the car. Just as we were entering a tunnel, a clap of thunder and lightning hit at the same time and shook us up some. Took about half an hour to get out of the parking lot; every grad must have had 5 cars that came to see him graduate! Rain had stopped by the time we got home.

Up early and walked, then got ready to go cook hot dogs in Havelock. Got a call from Bro. Walker just as we were leaving the building; tournament canceled. Havelock got 2 inches of rain and the ball field was unplayable. So then he called again and told us to come to Kinston and get the hot dogs, buns, chips and soda to feed to the YSA. Got to his home a few minutes before he did (he was half way to New Bern when he got the call) and loaded up the food. Then followed him to church and helped unload more soda and water to take to Palmyra trip. There was a hot dog steamer at the stake center that Bro. Walker said we could take and use if we would clean it up. It was filthy. Dan took it apart and cleaned it good; put some of the parts in the dishwasher. He even took the dishwasher apart and found a couple pieces of glass and plastic wad wound around the arm, so it should wash dishes better. I made a batch of banana choc chip bars and used all my butter, so went to Walmart to buy some groceries and check out prices of zipper-closure plastic bags for mattresses for bed bug infestation. Could not find interceptors (cuplike plastic containers to trap bugs), so studied it online and found some at amazon.com. Amazing what you can find online!

Sunday was Happy Father's Day! While I got ready, Dan started loading things into the car: hot dog cooker, food, etc. Branch council went good. Had a good sacrament meeting. One of the lesser active members was there; we were so happy to see him. Dan and I started preparing meal during 3rd hour. Tyrei got the Aaronic Priesthood, ordained to office of priest. He was very happy and so were we. Had salad with cold chopped chicken, spinach, carrots, celery, zucchini, sunflower seeds, olives, jalapenos, cheese, dressing. Plus Dan cooked about 80 hot dogs. Fed about 40 people. Lots of help cleaning up; so glad. Tyrei starts working in the tobacco fields Monday through Friday; home on weekends. Got online with Eliza and DJ and families and chatted. Talked a few minutes with Lena; hope she is feeling better. Deana called later after her kids had left to go home. They had had a good visit. Chatted a few minutes with Ed; he was not at home to hang out. I love all my children and grandchildren; hope everyone enjoys my ramblings. We get to go to girls camp tomorrow with the G2 sisters. The sisters are doing a missionary presentation for the girls. Fun and games! Enjoy your week. We will try to survive the heat and humidity! Elder & Sister Steffler

Lighthouse

Cape lookout lighthouse. Note the design. It distinguished it from all other lighthouses.

Horsrs

Horses on Shackleford banks on way to cape lookout lighthouse.

June 8

June 1 was fast Sunday so of course it was Break-the-Fast day, too. I was up early to turn the oven on. We had wrapped 40 potatoes and put them in the oven ready to be baked. After 1 1/2 hour, took them out and put in the insulated cooler on wheels (thanks Lena!) then cooked 2 cobblers in dutch ovens – chocolate cake with cherries and yellow cake with blueberries; both yummy. Loaded up everything at 9 plus ice cream, Sonic ice, cheese and chili and headed to church. Left hot things in the car and took cold things inside to the frig. Had to leave branch council early to do the pick up. And there stood Ted and Becky Rudder! Talked to them for 10 minutes then had to go. Soo good to see someone from home! Tyrei got confirmed and even bore his testimony. Good turn out to sacrament meeting; some even stayed for the meal. Didn't have many leftovers from the meal: 5 potatoes (that was after we baked 10 more in the oven at church). YSA eat until it's gone!

Pools were out of commission Monday, so just did our workout. Cleaned apartment and shopped for groceries and sheets for the spare mattress in the spare bedroom – just in case someone comes to visit! Drove out to get more strawberries and they were done! So when the jam is gone, it's gone. FHE was at Nikki's backyard. Ice cream with toppings and playing soccer and Frizbee. When is was dark, turned on movie Frozen, but most of the YSA played in the dark (eventually turned on an outside light).

Tuesday invited Sisters Jasperson and Bunker to lunch. S. Jasperson showed me how she had organized her conference talks. She is very organized! Dan grilled steaks and we steamed squash and fried leftover potatoes. And strawberry jam and bread. Then we took off for Raleigh to go to the temple. Miss Naggie (GPS) took us on some back roads that we won't take again! Almost to the temple and road construction: one lane road with flaggers and cars backed up about a mile. Got there at 3:30 and the session was at 6! What do you do when it is 90 degrees and no way are you getting back on that road? We walked around the temple (took about 5 minutes – it is very small) then sat at the entrance until someone came out and let us in about 4:30. It was so cool and nice inside. It was wonderful to be in the temple again. We were home by 10 so only about 2 hours.

Pool was finally back in service so Wednesday was a water aerobics day. It was deliciously cool; Dan said it was plain cold. Humidity up and cloudy; so dry, the corn is shriveling up. Practiced some piano before driving to Farmville to visit an active sister. Her family owns quite a bit of land and it is filled with old cars they want to restore and her dad has a lovely garden – awesome. We picked up Tyrei for Institute and the sisters had another investigator who wanted to come so we found her and brought her too. Hawa was born in Lyberia but has been in the states most of her life. Had 3 new sign-ups, about 13 in all. Lena called with an update about happenings in Nampa; thanks! Scottie is living with Jessica and Jake in Lena and Torish's house that has been remodeled and looks wonderful.

Thursday we walked late and the humidity was way up. Visited another sister in Farmville and on the way we saw lightning flash ahead of us. Started to rain as we went inside and about 10 minutes later the wind was howling and hail was bouncing on the grass. Power went off while we were reading in Book of Mormon with her; but we persevered. Storm was over when our lesson was over; quite a lot of debris on the roadway and in the yards. Took an inactive to supper at Golden Corral because I didn't want to cook. The YSA sisters were waiting for us at the apartment and we talked about our Monday trip to Harker's Island. We will need to leave about 6:45 so we can be back about 3 p.m.

Friday woke up to 77 degrees. Had to hurry and bake 2 cakes for zone meeting. Dan cut up a pineapple and cleaned grapes. Frosted a chocolate cake and smoothed strawberry jam over a yellow cake then topped with Cool Whip and a dollop of jam. Only 3 pieces of choc cake left and we gave them to the Woodington sisters. It was for E. Geddes and S. Romney's birthdays and of course E. Steffler's which is Tuesday! (Hint, hint!) Zone meeting is always good; had some good ideas on how to get an investigator to come to church and how to extend the invitation. Got my talks organized in my folders in the afternoon. Dan got our route figured out for Monday. He wrote the purpose of our mission on 3x5 cards so we would memorize it: Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. See page 1 in Preach My Gospel.

Because we will be gone Monday, Saturday became the laundry, shopping, making bread day. Took a loaf with us to missionary correlation meeting and gave to our new leader. Stayed to help the sisters with a discussion and then gave a church tour. E Steffler was telling about each picture and when he showed the First Vision picture, he bore strong testimony of its truthfulness. The Spirit was very strong and witnessed of the truth. Then went to lunch at Noodles & Co.; very good. Took Tyrei to the film on the Restoration. Elders had Nerds and microwave popcorn for us. I always cry during the Joseph Smith story. Then the YSA sisters gave Tyrei the lesson on priesthood. Dan got his first birthday card: THANKS MAIKE! It was on handmade paper and sent from Laos. She may perform with the circus there. She has posted some awesome pics on facebook.

Another week over and a busy one ahead. Hope this finds everyone well. We will hang out next Sunday at 7 mountain time. Don't forget! Love to all, E. and S. Steffler

 

My garden

Tomatoes and squash in bloom.

June 1

Hope y'all had a good week. A week ago we had church and got a new ward mission leader, Tyler Jones. Now we can get some coordinating done. Picked up Tyrei for church. Had talks on Sleeping Through the Restoration. Took the YSA sisters to the Paries for a picnic BBQ: burgers on the barbie, potato salad, baked beans, green salad, salsa and chips, watermelon and cantaloupe plus brownies and homemade sherbet. Quite the spread and all of it yummy. I started reading "Jesus the Christ" that I ordered last week.

Memorial Day. Laundry, hair cuts, shopping for groceries. No FHE because of it being a holiday. To celebrate we bought BBQ ribs and had that with the leftovers from yesterday. I made bread in the afternoon – Monday has become my bread day. We are in charge of Break the Fast next week so announced it on facebook – only one person announced what they would bring. I was a bit disappointed.

Tuesday decided to invite the G1 sisters to lunch, along with the YSA sisters. (They live in the same apartment; must be a riot!) We marinated chicken tenders (Lena's marinade) steamed squash and of course homemade bread and strawberry jam. We played the role of inactive members for the YSA sisters to practice on. We were inactive because of health reasons. Enjoyed feeding all the sisters. Read in Preach My Gospel how the Book of Mormon can answer any question in your life. We are going to memorize scriptures, so I wrote several on 3x5 cards. Let's see if that works.

Wednesday after our workout in the fitness center, I was just relaxing in the hot tub when I saw a blur of movement in my peripheral vision. I shrieked and splashed away from the side. I thought it was a cockroach or some bug, probably just a leaf. You will never guess what it was! A frog! a little green about 3 inch frog. I don't know where he came from, but Dan caught him and helped him out of the hot tub. Much longer and he would have been cooked. It took me a while to calm down! I made banana chocolate chip bars with the overripe bananas to take to institute. For lunch we warmed up beef barley soup and fed the other pair of elders in Greenville. They really seemed to enjoy it – and the bread and strawberry jam. How long do you thing the jam is going to last? That afternoon I read William Geddes' story and all the Sanfords in the "red book." Thanks again, Sher. Picked up Tyrei and met the sisters at the church for a discussion before institute. Clark brought Krispy Kremes and I had my bars so we ate good after the lesson.

Cloudy and cooler – always a good thing, but the humidity was up, but no rain. It really needs to rain here. We had planned on visiting some inactives, but it fell through, so we read scriptures, watched conference talk and I worked on Jesus the Christ. Dan was feeling a bit under the weather (allergies, whatever). Shopped for things (food) we need for Friday and Sunday. Went to the hospital and trapsed about a mile trying to find a sister from Havelock, but she had checked out earlier that afternoon. So we went to 5 Guys for burgers and fries. Yummy! They have Idaho potatoes. Worked on our assignment for district meeting: How does the Book of Mormon bless families? Got an outline of how we were going to present it plus worked on a question of the soul. Mine was Why does God allow evil in the world? Dan's was Does God know me? Answers are found in the B of M.

Friday – a good missionary day. Had district meeting; good interaction, plus three extra sets of missionaries for splits. We took watermelon and cantaloupe for snack afterwards. That afternoon we drove to Snow Hill, about 20 miles out of town, to visit Ross Brown. He does not have a car and it was a lovely drive. Saw a field of corn that must have been waist high. Gave a lesson on reading the B of M. Read 1 Nephi 1 together; awesome first book. He showed us his baby fox, 2 baby possums that he is rehabilitating, plus watched a chick beginning to hatch. Came home via 903 where the strawberry patch is and bought 2 qts of berries and homemade ice cream. Yum. At 7 we had a meeting with an inactive and gave the restoration lesson. He says he is really getting close to returning to church; he feels something is missing in his life. We assured him that reading the B of M and coming to church would take care of that.

Saturday was Baptism Day for Tyrei Pollard. Made a raspberry cake for refreshments afterwards. Frosting is Cool Whip and raspberries. YSA sisters made brownies and brought chips and a platter of fruit. His folks went to the beach so were not there. He was kind of bummed. He really wanted to go with them, but he knew everyone was planning on him being baptized. Had a good turn out for the baptism; all the missionaries from Greenville and about 10 members from the branch. One was an investigator who wants to be baptized next Saturday! We had 2 pieces of cake left that we ate for supper and half a watermelon (small). I have started practicing the piano whenever we are at the church (alone); have practiced twice this week. Got a couple of hymns that I can almost play. I knew when I was home that I ought to be practicing the piano. But didn't follow through like I should have. Every missionary needs to know how to play!

Another week has gone by. We have been in the mission field for 2 whole months now. I really enjoy working with the missionaries and YSA branch. My testimony of the B of M has really increased. We encourage all our family and friends to read and pray about it daily. It will help in all of your daily struggles and problems. It is true; I know it and Dan knows it; and you can know it too. We love all of you. We invite you to write to us and let us know how you are doing. Love Elder and Sister Steffler