August 31

First I need to say something about the "death cake." When a new missionary comes out, he/she is "born" and has a mother/father as a trainer. When he/she goes home, he/she "dies." Yeah, kind of gruesome, but they like to think of it like that. Anyway, one of the sisters is headed home Monday and the companionship that lives with her decorated the cake. I think it is very clever.

On Sunday the 24th we had our usual meetings. Good talks in sacrament meeting on the Atonement. The 2nd counselor and his wife talked since they are leaving for Texas this week to go to school. Also, Bro. Paries, the 1st counselor, got called to be on the stake high council, so both counselors will need replaced. Tyrei came home with us because he wanted to go to the stake priesthood meeting, so we had breakfast, napped, then E. Steffler and Tyrei went to church to carpool. The meeting was in New Bern (this is a large stake area) which is about 45 min. drive. Their meeting was on missionary work (good topic!). Had several elders there showing the brethren what is involved in a discussion. E. Steffler said it was very informative. He didn't get home until 10. I stayed home alone – very weird! But I kept busy with arbitrating, writing my blog, talking to Lena (who was scheduled for back surgery Thurs.) and facebooked. I didn't get her text asking us to fast with her and I felt badly about that. The YSA sisters stopped by for a quick correlation meeting to ask us to teach Brianna tithing on Tues. Gave them a loaf of bread to "share" with roommates.

Monday did some laundry then headed to Stevon's to put a serpentine belt on his car. Had to borrow a 3/8-inch drive flexhead ratchet (E. Steffler helped me with that!) then was able to replace old with new. Took a few minutes and a scuffed knuckle, but got 'er done! Showed Stevon the hidden tool box in back of his car. It had a lug wrench but no jack. He was pleased to know about it. Got hair cuts, both of us, and I look butchered! But I like short hair, so it is ok. We were to pick up Kierra for FHE, but could not find her; went to get Tyrei, he was not home. (Frustration!) He was at his friend's house across the road and had just gotten back from Dollar General (local dollar store) so it was good that we were late. Had a nice turn out to play Ultimate Frisbee, about 30 youth. Everyone was suppose to make cards for the leaving counselors, so we had the sisters add us to their card. After cookies and Krispy Kremes, we took Tyrei home and went by Kierra's house again – still not home. E. Steffler wanted to give her a blessing before she left for Job Corps in the morning. Found out later that she was shopping with her mom to buy things she would need, so that was all right.

Water was cold Tuesday – that's what happens when the days are cooler. Hot tub felt good. Went to Stevon's again. He had just returned from getting his permit to drive, so he drove his car to the tire shop to have the new tires put on. Then had appointment with Brianna to teach her tithing. The sisters had given her the pamphlet and she had read it and underlined and read all the scriptures, so basically we bore testimony of its importance and E. Steffler told a couple of stories about tithing. Where she is living is set back off the road and down a little windy road, so we were a little frustrated trying to find it. But we did and we were glad. She lives with her cousin and husband and helps tend their autistic child. Made zucchini bread and au gratin potatoes for supper. E. Steffler grilled steaks. Had a correlation meeting and told sisters we would pick them up, but they were walking on Charles Ave., about 2 1/2 miles away. Where they were walking does not have a place to pull off the road, so we waited until they got to the mall; their feet were tired! Had two brothers and a sister to supper. The sister is a member who had gone to Palmyra, so we had her tell about it and then gave the Book of Mormon picture approach and asked both brothers to give one away and they both knew who they wanted to give it to! Got a text from Kierra – she had made it to Job Corps.

Wednesday was cooler for our walk. Understand, cooler temp, not lower humidity! G2 sisters practiced lesson on prophets. Christ was a prophet! Had leftovers warmed up from last night. They brought us a yummy treat: pretzel with Rollo and pecan all smashed together. A trip to Sam's Club for groceries. Had a slower day sandwiched between two busy ones. Received our bed bug protector sheets in the mail; now to get them on the bed. Ed worked a miracle on the computer so we can get emails that are not "corrupted." Thanks, Ed! Printed off one of Kim's emails on church history – it was 28 pages long!

Thursday we had our reading with a member and took her a Book of Mormon that she wanted to give to the next door pastor. Also a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott on scriptures. Had a good discussion with her (all the boys were in school) and we talked about some of 2 Nephi. At home I baked a cake for supper and E. Steffler got the chicken cooked and shredded for the enchiladas which I put together. Covered with foil and put in the frig because we took the YSA sisters to a member's home to give a discussion. It was in Farmville, and yes, it is out in the middle of farm ground. She talked about Palmyra, the sisters talked about the Restoration and we gave the BOM pictures. When we were finished she had thought of someone to give the BOM to! Revelation! On the way back to the apt., we saw one of the cut-down buses that hauls tobacco. Sis. Jensen got a picture of it going away from us; not a very good photo, so we are going to keep our eyes out for another opportunity for a better pic. Had a brother and two sisters for supper. The sisters really are sisters, but not related to the brother. They had a good time talking about Palmyra and BOM after the meal. He had someone in mind to give the BOM to! What a blessed week we have had.

Friday had a good zone meeting, emphasis on asking baptismal question on first discussion and to ask less active people to active members' homes for lessons. E. Steffler and I got to role play as investigators; it was fun and the missionaries are so sharp they can give an answer to any question you throw at them. Then companionships practiced. An elder took on E. Steffler's question about a woman he knew in South Africa with an open sore on her face and that she could not be baptized because of it. The elder answered exactly like he had done 50 years ago: gave her a blessing that she could be baptized and she was and all was well. A surgeon later was able to reconstruct her face; she had been disfigured since she was 16 and she was then 64. The Holy Ghost works the same no matter what part of the world you are in. Got a letter in the mail from DJ and all the kids. THANK YOU! We are like missionaries everywhere – we like mail. Thanks for the ordinance cards, Sher.

Nice walk on Saturday – only 88 % humidity. I made bread before showering and getting dressed. Slow day of missionary work. But we read and studied. Got through D&C 84, long but beautiful section on Priesthood. Made a batch of cookies for the evening. Then arbitrated a batch of Idaho obits from the Idaho Press-Tribune! 2012, so after I quit the paper. Printed and read Brad Wilcox's Saving Grace. It is a wonderful talk. YSA sisters came over to decorate the cake into a death cake. Transfer calls came; just about every companionship is getting moved around. It is going to be a sorrowful day on Thursday, but an exciting one, also. Sis. Jensen will be a trainer and has already asked if we could be practice investigators (which also includes lunch). Had Spanish elders for supper of BBQ chix, corn on the cob, baked potato, fresh bread and strawberry jam (also honey butter) and fresh fruit. Cookies for dessert. They shared their mission scriptures that are one their plaques. They had done service basically all day; glad we could feed them.

There is still one companionship of elders we have not fed and we want to do that Monday evening since we don't have FHE. Because it will be split up, too. Wow, what a wonderful week! I feel like we are finally becoming missionaries. It has only taken us almost 6 months to get this far! Lena had her surgery Thursday and we have talked to her a couple of times and is coming along. She will need everyone's prayers, please. We love all of our family and ward family and extended family. We pray for you that you will feel the Spirit and want to align your lives with God's life. It really is the only gift we can give him: obedience. God bless, E. Steffler and Sister Steffler

Death cake

For sister Danielle pace who goes home September 1.

August 24

Feeling tired Sunday, Aug. 10, after our temple trip to Raleigh the day before. Made it to branch council then had to leave early to pick up Tyrei and Kierra. Barely made it back in time for sacrament meeting. Lots of new people showed up. Had to bless sacrament water twice because they ran out. Sister Jensen (missionary in YSA branch), Ellie Lewis (going to Prove to BYU) and Cassie Paries (newly returned missionary) spoke. Good meeting. Alexis taught Gospel Doctrine on Elisha. Our combined third hour was taught by Bro. Reese on family history. Most of the kids had laptops or tablets and he walked everyone through how to get on and find names. Had to have a nap after meetings and warm up leftovers for dinner. Watched Bible videos on Mormon Channel, mostly New Testament and ate popcorn. Checked online for 12 volt air compressor. Walmart had a better deal than Harbor Freight. Now to get Stevon's tire fixed!

Monday we did our workout and enjoyed the pool and hot tub. Warm and muggy all day. Bought the air compressor at Walmart, even though it was higher price and model than online. When we got to Stevon's car, a motorcycle was parked next to it, so had to maneuver that around so we could get close enough to air up his rear tire. Then Stevon mentioned he has to fix broken housing for tail light and replace serpentine belt. And he does not want to drive it to tire shop because he might get stopped for no license plate. So we drove it to the new apartment where he moved and he is going to fix the tail light. We vegged out (napped) when we got home. E. Steffler talked on the phone about 2 hours! Picked up Kierra and friend and Tyrei for FHE. Suppose to play Ultimate Frisbee, but it started to rain, so played Defend Your Chair. I'm learning all kinds of new games. About 30 kids came; good turn out. It rained almost 3/4 inch of rain. Lightning and rain when we returned kids to their homes.

Tuesday was water aerobics, and we forgot our noodles. E. Steffler returned to apt to get them. Took G2 elders to graduation lunch to B's Barbecue. I can think of better ways to celebrate, but that's what they wanted. Then got ready to feed 3 more branch members dinner of enchiladas. Had trouble with gps finding an address to pick up one of them, but finally got to eat. Talked about Palmyra; all 3 had gone on the bus trip. Andrew told us about his grandpa holding a "pig pickin" in the backyard. You roast a whole pig then just pick off the meat you want to eat. Learned a new term!

Wednesday walked in 100% humidity, yet again. Did laundry and made a batch of bread in preparation for G2 sisters that come for practice lessons. Got items together for Maike's birthday, even went to UPS Store to mail them, and didn't have her address. I had left it at home. Not just the apt, but HOME! So messaged her on facebook and she sent it to me. Read scriptures and went to teacher training. I took a loaf of bread to share with those who made the effort to go to it – with honey butter. The lesson was good and so was the treat.

Visited with our usual Thursday member reading Book of Mormon and going over lessons. Short stay because the twins were needing attention. Next Thursday they will be in school and maybe we can get some real reading done. Got everything to the UPS Store and mailed off. Hopefully it will get there (Germany) by Sept. 3. Took G1 sisters to dinner; Sister Pace is leaving to go home in a week and we wanted to do something special for her. She lives in Provo. Went to Logan's for a steak; it was yummy! I went online again to find bed bug protection sheets; need to measure mattresses for length, width and depth.

Water aerobics on Friday, and even E. Steffler thought the water was too warm! Got together two bagsful of food to take to district meeting. We told the YSA sisters we would provide lunch for the missionaries if they would help with a service project. E. Steffler and I didn't think we wanted to be involved! It was helping students carry suitcases, etc., from cars to dorms on campus. Ten missionaries worked hard and handed out passalong cards and chatted with as many students as they could. It was hot and humid so it was doubly hard. We were glad to provide lunch! It was homemade bread with peanut butter and homemade jam plus grapes, pineapple, crackers and cheese. Took along some milk in case someone could not eat pnut butter and jam without milk; I know I can't! We told missionaries we would need to measure their mattresses. Started with zone leaders and our mattress and got them ordered. I want to make sure the product is good before ordering covers for all 12 mattresses. We pretty much read all afternoon while the missionaries labored at their service project. The sisters said it was a great service. Also about 93 degrees and 85% humidity!

Saturday we walked earlier than usual so although it was humid, it was not so hot, closer to 70 than 80. Made two batches of brownies – one for an open house and one for a baptism, then made a batch of bread. Bought a white blouse for church. Looked up some on the warm less actives and they were friendly, so that was good. The open house was to welcome home the returned missionary (and possibly for the first counselor to say good-bye to the branch). It involved a chocolate fountain and every kind of fruit, cookie and cracker you would want to cover in chocolate! All yummy. Then went to the baptism. It was from G1 ward; recognized the sister, but didn't know much about her. Watched the baptism then left, but we did leave the brownies.

Have I explained the terms G1 and G2? If I have, bear with me. Greenville 1st ward (G1) has a set of elders and a set of sisters, as does Greenville 2nd ward (G2); The young single adults (YSA) branch has a set of sisters and a set of senior missionaries (us). There is also a set of Spanish-speaking elders that serve all of Greenville. The last four Saturdays there has been a baptism, but not from the same set if missionaries. Hope that clears up any misunderstandings. So our district consists of all the missionaries in Greenville; the zone involves our district (Kinston West) and Kinston East, which consists of missionaries from Kinston and Woodington – four sets of missionaries, so it is much smaller. We have district meetings weekly and zone meetings monthly.

So we work pretty much in the YSA branch, but help all the missionaries that we can. We also work with a woman from G1 who wants to read the BOM with us so we can explain it as we go along. We have been having dinners twice a week with those who went to Palmyra so they can remember the feelings and bear testimony of what they felt and saw. It has been fun; we are learning more about the members in a more casual setting and feeling the spirit that we felt in Palmyra – a win-win situation.

We were looking at the calendar and in 2 more weeks, we will have been on our mission for 6 months – 1/3 through! We are loving it, even though we are missing home and kids and grandkids. We pray for all of you and know that you pray for us, also. We are also planning our anniversary trip to Williamsburg, VA. It should be a lot of fun. If anyone wants to write to us, go the easy route and send an email to kaye@steffler.us

We do love to get mail, just like any missionary does. Our mailing address is 1610 Wimbledon Dr. #112, Greenville NC 27858. Thanks again to everyone and God bless. Elder and Sister Steffler

Aug. 10

Another blessed week has passed; time to report.

Sunday the 10th was an unusual day: none of our branch presidency was in town! No branch council! Elder Steffler even had to pass sacrament – something he has not done for many a year. Bro. Jim Walker conducted and the stake Relief Society presidency spoke. RS Pres Hancock also took the time in Relief Society and spoke on a subject near and dear to her heart: family history. She is so enthused about it and how easy it is now to submit names. I need to work on descendency progeny or whatever it is called. E. Steffler needed a steak for dinner, so I let him fix the entire meal. He did good. Then we got caught up in our reading of D&C and listened to Mormon Channel Legacy about church in England when Wilford Woodruff baptized 1500 people. Very interesting. Called a less active member to help fix a car for another member. I have also been arbitrating obits from North Carolina recently.

Our service project for Monday (fixing car of a member) involved getting them both to the broke-down car. E. Steffler said once he looked under the hood that he knew what the problem was: the thingeys that hook onto the battery terminals. I'm sure they have a name. Using the tools that one guy brought, he was able to disconnect the worn out ones, then a trip to the auto parts place to buy new ones: $6.50, and then replace old with new. A jump from our whimpy jumper cables (took about 15 min.) and it started! Now to replace the tires – a project for next week. A trip to 5 Guys for burgers and fries was in celebration of not having to buy a new starter or battery. Made bread in the afternoon then off to FHE. Took Stevon and Hawa. It involved tunes from movies and TV shows, most were familiar to me, but I am really bad about names. I didn't even get Gilligan's Island! Most everyone had a good time, even Hawa, who claimed she does not play games. She knew more tunes that I did!

Tuesday we took a couple of sisters to Havelock for exchanges with trainers. Returning home missed the turn off to Washington and ended up on I-70 to Kinston then home. One of these days we are going to find that turn-off. When we got home we started cooking chicken in preparation for dinner appointment that evening. Missionary correlation got canceled, but the couple we invited came and had a good time eating Creamy Green Chicken Enchiladas. Talked about Palmyra and did the Book of Mormon pictures and gave them a book to give away.

Humidity is high every morning, sometimes 100%. But we still exercise, whether walking, water aerobics or work out. It had rained during the night, so it was almost wet. We had a couple of sisters over for a practice session and lunch. They did a non-Mormon door approach then we role-played an inactive couple. Had leftovers for lunch, but still good. Sent the sisters home with two air mattresses because they were expecting a stay over from Havelock trainers. Then we picked up Kierra and brought her to our apt for a lesson on temples. She is so excited to go to the temple Saturday. She thought she would be gone to Job Corps, but not until the 26th. We showed her pictures on the internet of the Raleigh Temple and also some of baptismal fonts and other ordinance rooms. Then did the BOM picture tour and invited her to give away a BOM. Did a Google Hangout that evening with Eliza and her family. It was Karina's birthday, but she was pretty involved with her new toy. Lewis liked looking at the computer and seeing the photos of everyone. Philip was his usual goofey self! Got to say hi to all the kids, even Elinore!

Had a good visit with the family we teach on Thursday mornings until her son got bit by fire ants. They are everywhere. Read 1 Nephi 17 that has lots of prophecying in it. She gave us some chocolate cookies. That afternoon we met with Andre, an investigator, at the church. Did a church tour and talked about the artwork and what went on in various rooms. Talked about Restoration mostly. He is a nice young man, very polite in rejecting our invitation to come to church. Made hamburger casserole for supper. I don't know how I get so many leftovers!

District meeting Friday; love meeting with the missionaries and feeling of their spirit. Took the cookies, cut up a pineapple and some granola bars we didn't like. Also took a watermelon to cut up there. Had three young men invited to supper, then Kierra called to ask us to take her to her interview with Pres. Lewis – at the same time as the supper. But everything worked out. Had to cook everything once we got home (we had breakfast for supper), so set up computer with Mormon Moments. Good supper of link sausage, fried potatoes, eggs and biscuits.

Had a lazy Saturday morning, then made brownies to take to another baptism. This is an older gentleman who has felt the spirit from the time he first met with the elders and told them he wanted to be baptized. Picked up Kierra to go to baptism also. They asked me to lead the music, which I was glad to do. Had some time to kill afterwards, so went to Bojangles to get chicken and biscuits before heading to Raleigh. Tyrei canceled so just the three of us went. We tried another route to the temple; took longer but not the congestion of changing highways five different times! We walked around the temple and took pictures. Ended up with 8 brethren (one was first time convert) and 7 sisters. Everyone got to do 10 proxies. Elder Steffler got to be recorder, so he was busy shuffling papers. Afterwards took the group photo then headed to Korean BBQ. E. Steffler and I ordered plain chicken tenders and dipped them in the hot sauce. It was actually very good, although spicey. It was late when we got home (11 p.m.). I would rather do the Korean BBQ before the temple so we can go home directly after and not be so late. But it was a good day, a blessed day of service and baptisms.

E. Steffler: Kierra was very excited to do temple baptisms. She has been a member for four weeks. She was feeling a little water logged when she got through. She was not able to do any of her own names yet; she needs to learn how to collect the information: birth and death dates, etc. So far every one who has been baptized in the YSA branch since we arrived has done temple baptisms. What a blessing in their lives and ours. It is amazing how the gospel changes lives if we let it. All it takes are the little things: attend church, read the Book of Mormon and pray.

Our love and prayers go out to our family. Thanks to those who read our blog. This mission is the best thing we could have ever imagined. We recommend it! Love to all, Elder and Sister Steffler

Kierra

Her first temple baptism trip.

Temple

Ysa temple trip at Raleigh.

August 10, 2014

It has been a crazy slow-busy week. It started out wild with Break the Fast. We were up early getting the hamburger stew cooking. Then to branch council and leaving early to pick up Tyrei, who was not ready because he didn't get my text. Barely made it for meeting. Not a lot of youth there. I think August is going to be our slowest month because it seems like everyone is going on vacation. It was raining, too, so that may have kept kids who lived far away from coming. We got everything set up during 3rd hour. There was our stew, homemade chicken noodle soup, Brunswick stew and a whole big pot of chili. Kipp does not know how to make a small amount of chili, and it was really good. Had lots of desserts, too, which always helps. We are reading in D&C, Book of Mormon, Ensign articles and listened to Mormon Channel Legacy on Harmony, Pa. DJ told us about the hike the boys took in the Sawtooths and I want to see photos. He is deep sea fishing this week off the Oregon Coast. His girls sang "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission" with the youngest, Taylor, playing the piano!

Monday was a cool day for the pool, but it felt good after our workout. Cleaned the apartment then went to 5 Guys for burgers. Shopped for refills to my Journal – Staples, Dollar General, Walmart, no luck. Bought some groceries at Walmart. When I went to make bread, there was not enough applesauce! So will have to shop again. Had a nice talk with Eliza. She was tired from working 6 hours. FHE was a movie "Little Rascals." Only about half way through and the guys wanted to start playing volleyball. There were too many to play regular volleyball, so played King of the Hill. 4 in a group on each side, first to drop the ball is out and another 4 goes in. It moves really fast and the kids had a good time.

Water aerobics in cold water – again! No rain, but felt like it. Made bread for all our guests: G2 elders in morning and 3 from YSA branch in the evening. Melted chocolate and coated strawberries; cooked a package of chicken and made chicken enchiladas with salsa verde. Also cooked corn on the cob. One of our guests brought a yummy brownie, chocolate pudding, whipped cream parfait. After dinner talked about Palmyra. Showed pictures in BOM and gave each a book to give away. Decided to order refill for Journal from the MTC. $2 for 100 pages, so ordered 3 for $6; $5 postage!

A nice walk in the morning on Wed. G2 sisters didn't get here until 12:30 because of a conference call. Warmed up leftovers.
A good lesson practice. Sister Whetten is gaining confidence and is bold. Then asked the sisters to jump our battery, which is dead. Took it to Hasting Ford and bought a new one: $146! Then headed to Raleigh to the temple. Sure glad Miss Naggie (GPS) was working because we changed major highways about 5 times. New film is being shown all of August. Nice ride home.

Thursday we lazed around and were late getting to fitness center. Then had to hustle to get to Woodington by noon. Took lunch with us for the Woodington sister (about hour drive south of Greenville), since there is no restaurant nearby. The church has a cemetery in the back parking lot; first church that I had seen like that. Evidently the folks that sold the land to the church made it a stipulation to keep the cemetery intact. Had to take several photos. For lunch we had homemade bread and strawberry jam, natural peanut butter, celery, pineapple, the last of the chocolate-covered strawberries and banana chocolate chip bars. The sisters brought a chocolate meringue pie to share. One of the sisters had had a birthday Monday. We talked about the YSA in Woodington and actually drove to meet one. She watches her grandmother who has alzheimer's so she was home. She had gone to Palmyra on the Woodington bus (it is a large ward that covers a large area). Wandered through the woods and farmland to find another YSA that has been attending our branch and presented him with a BOM and he even knew who he was going to give it to! It was a nice day for driving and visiting. Drove 100 miles.

Water was warmer Friday – sunshine works! District meeting was good. We took treats of crackers, grapes, pineapple and Go Gurts (frozen). The missionaries love us! We enjoy feeding them. Went to D'Aurias to read BOM and talk about Plan of Salvation. 1 Nephi 12 tells the whole BOM in a nutshell. Drove to an investigator's home and he was not home. Should have reminded him of the visit. Had YSA sisters to supper: leftover chicken, potatoes and peas and corn on the cob. Talked about another investigator but did not connect with him. Did some arbitrating of obits from NC!

Slept in Saturday and didn't walk until 8:30, then had to hurry to make blueberry cobbler to take to 10 a.m. baptism. It was a young girl from G1 and lots of people showed up for it. Also, looked like a BSA council workshop, so parking lot was full. Didn't need the cobbler (there was a table loaded with treats!) so we brought it home. Drove to post office and mailed a package to Shelley, ID. Made breakfast when we got back: link sausage, eggs and biscuits. Finished reading August Ensign. Read D&C and Sunday School lesson on Elijah. G1 sisters asked us to drive them to Havelock for exchanges on Tuesday, so we will have to reschedule G2 elders. Got 3 members coming for dinner Tuesday evening. Something to look forwad to!

Have enjoyed facebook this week too, the photos that were posted and comments. This is our only form of entertainment and we are probably online too much, but it is fun. We even get weather updates. Some of the photos made me homesick for mountains and clouds – and family, of course. We pray for each of you and want only good things for you. God bless our family and ward members back home, we love you all. The Stefflers

 

Turtle

Elder steffler saw it when he picked up these elders.

Church

Notice cemetery in back of church in woodington.

August 3

Another month gone by! That makes four months down, 14 to go! Seems like we have been here a lot longer; we have done so many different things. Life is good.

Sunday July 27 the branch council decided soup, stews, breads and desserts for break the fast on the 3rd. Did our usual roundup of YSA for church; about 30 miles each way. Confirmed Kierra a member by Pres. Lewis. An invitation for supper from the Paries; they always feed us so good. In addition to the YSA sisters and us, they invited a new member of the branch. She is going to be a real asset to the branch – had worked as family history consultant in the past! Spent the evening reading Jesus the Christ, read an Ensign article and listened to Mormon Channel Legacy about Relief Society history. Funny the things we can find to entertain us when we don't have TV or radio. We do spend too much time on facebook, however.

Monday we were late getting started with the day. It was P day so we didn't feel too awfully bad. Both got haircuts. Mine is up over the ears again! Shopped at Sam's Club and Target to get a Swiffer Jet mop. I wanted to clean the bathroom at church and the mops stink so bad I was not going to use them. Then decided I needed to go to the doctor. They don't do appointments, it's a walk-in clinic. After 2 hours I finally saw the doctor and got a blood draw to make sure I did not have an ulcer. Decided to get my final Hep B shot and it cost $100! Wow, that's what happens when you go from paying $144 a month to $18 for insurance. I got a prescription for Prilosec (Omniprizole) that should help my stomach pains. Decided to go to church and clean the bathroom before FHE, so were half an hour late for FHE after picking up our usual route. Played games then played volleyball, at least they were going to. They could not find the second base to hold the volleyball net. So left at 8:30. I wanted ice cream so we stopped at Hwy 55. E. Steffler and I got ice cream and Tyrei got a soda and Kierra fries. Guess I was the only one who wanted ice cream, and then I had stomach cramps for about an hour.

Tuesday was water aerobics and we were late, so had to hustle to make bread. Had boneless pork ribs, corn on cob, steamed carrots. E. Dumont did pretty good with Restoration lead, still a little nervous, but it is coming. We took a loaf of bread to our new upstairs neighbors. They are real nice and worry that they are making too much noise. Correlation meeting at 5:30. We told them we want to be more involved, so they gave us a bunch of people to contact. Met all the missionaries in the hall; six of them were meeting with their bishop. We invited Bro. Gilbert to go to dinner with us. I didn't want to eat leftover spaghetti. We went to Noodles & Co. He teaches computer science and has summers free. His wife is in NY with her mom who is ill. Good meal. Then we went by the Stevens brothers to see if they were back in town – and they were! John had been "let go" from Harley-Davidson and is looking for work. Jacob will drive a big ECU bus and hopes to get his CDL and some training before then. The Prilosec worked. Did not have one stomach cramp all day.

Walked early at 7:15. Cool 64 degrees with 100% humidity – no, it was not raining. More like a moist fog. Made cookies before G2 sisters came for lesson and lunch. Restoration – again, but different. Sis. Whetten did fine, just a little nervous, but she was bold. We were investigators and they respected our beliefs and built upon them. Fixed fish sticks, corn on cob, steamed squash, bread and jam. They have a car and could drive themselves (the G2 elders don't). About 1:30 got ready for our next adventure to Ross Brown's in Snow Hill. Picked up YSA sisters and Stevon. It took about 45 min. to get there. Ross' animal zoo includes a 5-ft. long "baby" python, a tiny black snake, a tarantula and 2 iguanas. Stevon and the sisters took turns holding them. I stepped away and took pictures. Some have been on facebook and the spider is on the blog. Had institute that night. It was the final meeting for the summer so there was food. After picking up the usual, had 27 YSA. Cassie Paries was there, fresh off her mission from Mesa, AZ spanish speaking. Her sister Christina had gall bladder surgery that evening. Bro. Paries picked up wings and root beer and we opened some chips and had brownies too. Got home at 10:30 – long day!

Thursday found out my blood work showed everything good except my triglycerides are elevated. So I made oatmeal for breakfast, with brown sugar, walnuts and dried fruit – more like a dessert! When we looked at the clock it was 10 a.m. and we had a 10:30 appt. We hustled and were only 10 min. late. We gave a Restoration lesson and read in Book of Mormon. This is not a member of the branch; she has a 17 year old son and twin boys 5 years old. She is a busy mom and has a hard time staying focused and wants someone to read with her. She has lots of plants that she showed us. Then went to a truck garden and bought squash, green beans, new potatoes and corn. In addition to reading my Jesus the Christ, we read in the Bible for SS lesson about Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Almost read like a soap opera! Also started reading D&C, which will be our study course in Institute this fall. Stevon sent some photos from yesterday and I put them on facebook. Made banana choc chip bars for zone meeting.

Friday was another cool water aerobics day. Got ready for zone mtg early, so had time to read D&C. Good meeting; always feel the spirit when we are with the missionaries, what a privilege. Sis Robertson brought cherrry dump cake and we had our cookies and cantaloupe, so plenty of food after. Made an appointment with Woodington sisters for next Thursday. It rained most of the day and E. Steffler's umbrella broke, so we need to buy him a new one. I read a lot of life stories in the Red Book while E. Steffler napped about 2 hours. The Milnes family converted in England and came to US with the help of the Emigration Fund. The mom and dad died of cholera along the Platte River. Had a belt made of canvas with slots for $20 gold pieces; no one knows what happened to the money, if it was stolen or was buried with them. Also watched several Mormon Moments from a disc the G1 sisters gave us. Decided to read BOM again so we could answer any questions J might ask.

Saturday was a good day for walking – cool! We managed our walk between showers; it rained off and on all day. Made bread in the morning so we could take a loaf to Bella when we taught her. She is very interested in the gospel and is anxious to be baptized. She has injured a ligament in her foot and lives upstairs in an apt. This week she is helping with a band clinic – and will be doing a lot of walking. Went to Sam's Club to price bed bug sheets; they didn't have any. At Bed, Bath & Beyond they cost $59 and $79 each! But they did have an umbrella that we bought for E. Steffler. Finished Jesus the Christ! Also read several stories in the Red Book. YSA sisters came by to see how Bella reacted to lesson. Watched some more Mormon Moments. S. Pace texted us to beg for a loaf of bread. Why did I feel guilty packing my bread machine? Everyone seems to love my bread, even though I have to buy flour from the grocery store. We are going to start inviting YSA members into our apt to feed them and give them lessons. That should be a win-win situation.

Again I have written an epistle, but we have been busy – reading and studying and feeding missionaries and loving every minute of it. My testimony has been so strengthened by this mission. When you don't have other distractions, you can really feel the spirit in the work. We feel so blessed. Thanks to our family for their prayers; we love all of you and miss you. Thanks to all who read this blog. I hope you feel the spirit of missionary work that we love. Elder & Sister Steffler

Critter

Most boring pet alive!