Capital Palace in Williamsburg.

Very ornate and symmetrical. Also gardens and outbuildings.

Carpet

In Capital Palace in colonial Williamsburg.

September 28, 2014

Week in review, Sept. 21-27

No branch council, so slept in! That does not happen often. No rides to give; wow – like regular church. The sister missionaries spoke on – guess what? You got it, missionary work. Then a newly returned missionary talked. He had served in the Pocatello Idaho Mission! He was in Stanley and the temperature was –40 and he was complaining to his parents. They said his cousin, serving in Siberia, was experiencing –60 so quit complaining! Napped and read in D&C in the afternoon, then booked motels for Wed. night and next weekend at the beach! Had to get motels next week so we could watch conference at local church houses – I don't trust our laptop; it kept freezing last time we tried streaming.

Walked Monday morning and started cleaning and baking. Used up 2 overripe bananas and make banana chocolate-chip muffins. Then made a batch of bread, mopping the floors in between resting times. Dan was vacuuming when he got a call from the hearing aid place in Raleigh. The speaker had just arrived so we would not get it for about 3 days. So as soon as the bread was out of the oven, we took off for Raleigh – 1 3/4 hour drive. When we got back, had 2 hours to rest before heading out to pick up Tyrei for FHE. The YSA played board games and some of them were hilarious. Then they played volleyball until 9:30 and then we left. Sampled a piece of bread when we got home – and it was NOT good. I don't know what went on; probably had something to do with multitasking and added too much water. I added more flour but it was still a slurry. I baked it anyway and not good. So that batch got tossed. That hurt!

Made it to the fitness center Tuesday then to hot tub. Notice, NO pool; way too cold. Busy all morning in the kitchen baking pumpkin cookies, making meatloaf and au gratin potatoes and chicken. Then the G1 sisters came for practice lesson and lunch. Sis. Bunker gave the Plan of Salvation and did pretty good; had cute cut-outs of each step. After lunch and a nap, I made another batch of bread and was very watchful of what ingredients and how much I used. Had correlation meeting and picked up a few items at the grocery story; not the time to go shopping, right at rush hour. Had a good meeting with missionaries, stake counselor over missionary work and president of the branch. Had two YSA to dinner; leftover meatloaf, potatoes, chicken and steamed veggies. Yes, we eat pretty good. Did the Book of Mormon pictures and Palmyra and gave each a book to give away.

Wednesday was my Deana's birthday! It was raining when we got up and continued through water aerobics. The complex has two pools and we found out Monday that the other pool was heated, so that's where we were – in the rain! Made pumpkin bread with whole wheat flour; it made a lot. Should have made a batch of muffins instead of two loaf pans. YSA missionaries came for practice and lunch. No cute pictures, but they did a good job. Gave them pumpkin cookies to take for treat at Institute. Headed out to Raleigh to take the hearing aid back, again! It stopped working, the same one as before. We dropped it off and headed to Richmond VA and then to Williamsburg. It rained the entire way! Not fun. Had a reservation at Sleep Inn and were grateful to rest. Had a bowl of soup at Cracker Barrel then watched some TV: Discovery Channel's Pickers, they look for junk to resell. Decided we had not missed much by having no TV!

Thursday first thing we had to deliver a loaf of bread to an elder who had served in Greenville and only had 10 days before going home. He was enthusiastically thankful! He always raved about my bread. Then we rushed to Visitors Center to buy tickets to get into some of the colonial buildings and met up with the rest of the senior missionaries. We started out together and went to the church and took several photos. Then the group kind of broke up and we toured the Wyeth house and gardens then the Capitol Palace. Everything is as close to the original as possible. Quite ornate considering the era in which it was built. Met up with the couples again to have lunch and chat and learn more about each other. It was fun; there is another couple in North Carolina now, and only 30 minutes away. There are a lot of senior couples that work with the military and several who work in the mission office. Headed for Greenville after lunch; it took about 4 1/2 hours. Our tickets will allow us to return as many times as we want for the rest of the year. We want to go back at Christmas; heard they really deck things out – in a colonial sort of way!

Friday another workout day and hot tub. Felt good to soak in the hot water after driving about 10 hours the last couple of days. Took pumpkin bread to district meeting to share with the missionaries. The theme was the baptismal service. Headed back to the apartment and free appreciation lunch by the apt complex. Then went to a member's home and read BOM with her. We actually got through Jacob, so we are progressing! Went shopping to Sam's Club, but not for gasoline this time! Found a jelly roll pan; now I can make a pumpkin roll! Read Lesson 7 that Kim sent on D&C. His notes are very interesting and in depth. Thanks, bro! Eliza made a page of us with our filled-up car just before we left for the MTC. Thanks, Eliza. I had not seen those photos before.

Saturday was water aerobics, but NOT in the rain this time. Much better, even though it was only 58 degrees outside. Read in BOM trying to get caught up to Jacob. Decided not to participate in Walk & Talk that the younger missionaries are doing each Saturday until Thanksgiving. Instead we had a burger at 5 Guys, Dan got his hair cut and got a few items at the grocery store that Sam's didn't have then to Sweet Frog for a dish of yogurt. Sounds like a P Day to me! Went to the Women's Conference – alone. E. Steffler went with me last time, but not this time. It was really weird not having him with me. I loved all the talks, preparing for the temple and God's love for us. Left feeling spiritually uplifted. Thought about all my granddaughters who were old enough to go with their moms; what a treat! I did my small plates of note taking.

This next week promises to be fun – we are going to the Outer Banks for our wedding anniversary – 47 this year. Wow. Seems like a dream passing before my eyes, forever, yet not. Love my eternal companion! And my family and friends! God bless all of you! Elder and Sister Steffler

Autmn

Coming to Greenville

Street sign

If you go left it is the convention center. If you go right you are on Hooker st.

September 21

Sunday Sept. 14

Branch council went well. Found out we were suppose to contact all young single adults in Greenville 1st and 2nd wards. YSA sisters had an updated list for us that they had gotten from the G1 sisters that live with them. Had good talks on true doctrine of the gospel. Studied Jonah in Sunday School. In Relief Society the teacher had us listen to music and write the blessings we had received that day. I had a long list; I feel very blessed to be here on this mission. We decided to watch the CES fireside on our laptop since it didn't begin until 8 p.m. And it froze up before the first song was finished! Not very happy about that.

Monday had exercise and pool. Hot tub felt good because the pool is cooling down. We picked up Tyrei for FHE and were early so he got to throw some baskets. He loves basketball. We played Jeopardy with five teams with various subjects. It was fun and the kids got a kick out of it, mostly. Our team came in last. One of the more unusual questions was: what animal's milk do they make authentic Italian cheese out of? Not a goat or sheep – a water buffalo! Who would have guessed? Had volleyball after and by the second game, there were even some good volleys!

Tuesday was water aerobics and the water was even colder. But that didn't stop us! Had G1 sisters for lesson practice and lunch. Had fish sticks for lunch with butter beans (which I found out were just baby lima beans!) and summer squash, plus bread and jam of course. At noon we filled up the gas tank and headed for Raleigh. Dan had an appointment to get his hearing aids checked; one had completely stopped working. Had some time, so went to the art museum which was next door. Then drove to Apex to take in a session at the temple. Saw that one of the cards was sent in by Kimball! Home by 10.

Wednesday had a good walk, felt like fall might actually be coming! Had the YSA sisters for practice lesson and lunch. Had fish sticks again (finally gone!), butter beans, carrots and mac & cheese. Sis. Jensen reminded us it was Constitution Day. She is a real patriot. Lots to be thankful in this country. Cleaned and vacuumed the car. Then went to the church early and I practiced playing the piano. We set the thermostat for 70, but it only lasted 2 hours and it got really warm before the lesson was over.

Up early Thursday; no exercise. Out of the door by 7:15 to pick up the G2 sisters and drive to Goldsboro for zone conference. We took the scenic 2-lane road (shorter) and got there about 15 min early. The conference was based on medical information. Bro. Hancock, counselor to Pres. Baker, told of the Prodigal Son and how the father saw him far off and ran to meet him. How did he happen to be looking for him at that time? He suggested that the father was always looking for his son's return, just like our Heavenly Father is watching us. Bro. Olsen from Family Services said that maybe 50% of our day may be lost in thought and we are missing opportunities to engage and get revelation. The Spirit works with mental thoughts and guides them to be more meaningful. Dr. Dunn said that agency does not exist without opposition. How you use the body affects the spirit and vice versa. 95% of ailments are NOT physically related. 85% of illness is caused by stress. But you don't grow without a challenge (which causes stress!) Sis. Dunn: what strengths do you have to cope with – Mind, Body & Spirit. 1. Body is temple of the Holy Ghost. She talked about neuropeptides (positive emotions); neurotransmitters (boost signals to cells, endorphins) and hormones (stress); help fight or flight reflex. 2. How we feel about what we know. 3. Creativity – essence of Godhood. Nothings happens outside of Now. Music can be a great relaxer. 4. Confidence – maximum performance. We all have internal dialog; stop it, give it a name! 5. Humor, laughter is truly the best medicine. Causes endophines; laughter therapy. 6. Love – what do I see from my spiritual parents? Like we inherit physical characteristics from our mortal parents, what do you inherit from your heavenly parents? The theme of the conference was Fear not, Doubt not. Good talks and motivation.

Friday we did the workout that we missed Thursday and the pool had not warmed up, at all. I made up a handout to deliver to all the young single adults in Greenville. Mailed a couple. Then stopped to fix the left turn signal – the bulb had burned out. Then to read with a sister and give her a blessing. Finally got about 5 handouts delivered. When we got home I Google mapped the other 18 addresses and placed on a map of Greenville so we were not going all over the place. We talked with a couple of mothers who were excited to give the handout to their daughters. Also actually visited with one of the members.

Saturday – water still cold. I think it is going to stay cold. Don't know how many more times I can get Dan in the water! I organized the list and we started delivering them. 100 miles later we had delivered about 15 of the 18, so not too bad! Found out that ECU takes football and pregame parties very seriously. There were pop-up shades all along one road for at least 6 six blocks with lots of food and drinks. The Pirates did stomp the Tar Heels (UNC) pretty badly. Had a long talk with Lena when we got back and got caught up on her and the fam. She goes to the back surgeon next week to see if she can get in the water and start some physical therapy.

So another week checked off; about 52 left! Hope this finds everyone well, healthy and enjoying life. Man is that he might have joy. We love all of you and pray for blessings on all of you. Love, Elder and Sister Steffler

Sept 14, 2014

A word about the diagram I posted. Two sisters did a training at district meeting and used this. It shows Pres. Monson at top, Pres. Baker (mission) on left and Pres. Walker (stake) on right. Then the circles intersect and it shows common areas where all members work and some for just missionaries and some for just stake. I thought it was very clever.

Now the week. Sunday was Break the Fast Sunday. Some of the members were home sick (some with NFL-itis) so not as many as we had hoped for. If only we could see through God's eyes – what difference does a game make, really? Learned about the patience and integrity of Job in Sunday School. We could not set up tables because 2nd ward's sacrament meeting extended into the cultural hall. But it all worked out. We had a Taco Bar and a lot of food – that's always a good thing! I really like our two new counselors: they were in the kitchen washing dishes! Had a long chat with Lena; she is feeling better so trying to do more than she should and was feeling the effects of it. Got to say Hi to Teezha – what a chatterbox! Now if I could understand all of what she says ...

Had lots of rain lately, so pool was cooler than usual. Made banana-zucchini bread and it was okay. Didn't cook it long enough so it was a little doughy on top. Did some arbitrating and reading as well as laundry. For FHE we did family history. I learned a little more about descendancy. Had .54 inches of rain and only to 79 degrees.

Tuesday was a busy day with food prep. Had G1 sisters, Bowen & Bunker for practice lesson and lunch. I was a Catholic investigator and was pretty hard on them – but they asked for it! Fed them dried out mac & cheese, cooked carrots and beaten steak, with bread and jam of course. Had two members for supper; good conversation and food. For BOM pictures, they both had in mind who they wanted to give the book to!

Wednesday we walked in 70 degree with 80% humidity; not too bad, but still got sweaty. Had to kill a cockroach that was hiding under the laptop. Yuck! YSA sisters came for practice lesson and lunch. I think they were given an alert from the G1 sisters; they chose someone much easier on them. I was an interested (academically) investigator. They would not let me get them sidetracked with questions. They always came right back to where they wanted to be. Went over the branch roster, who we knew was here or not. Napped and read scriptures. Went looking for a member; he didn't answer our text, so we found his apartment and left a passalong card. Also found Jarvis Hall on ECU campus and the community shelter, in case we might need to find again in the future. Sisters called to say that the investigator that we gave the lesson to last week did not want to meet again. So sorry for her agency; glad she had agency, just that she decided to use it to not have a lesson. Then the lady that we read BOM with on Thursday called to say she was sick. Institute was good. Learned about Oliver Cowdery and how he got involved with Joseph Smith.

Thursday, 9-11, remembered what I was doing in 2001. I was getting ready to go to work at the paper and heard about the first plane that hit the tower. Everyone wondered how that could have been a mistake. Then saw the second plane hit and knew it was no mistake. We watched TV at work all day. Don't know how we got the paper out the next day. E. Steffler and I decided this was the day we had waited for: to find Ted Rudder's mom in Havelock. We had lunch with the Havelock sisters (Chinese), then went looking. She was just leaving for an appointment. We said we would come back, so went looking for a member on our roster that lived in Havelock. Found out he had moved to D.C. quite a while ago. So back to chat with Mrs. Rudder. Learned a few things about Ted and Beckie that they would never have told us! She was a delight. Admitted the grandkids called her "Goose." Rather unusual name, but she did not want to be called Grandma or Granny. When we returned to Greenville, we took the YSA sisters to supper to Olive Garden. I only wanted a salad – still feeling the effects of Chinese. Then E. Steffler and I read Bruce R. McConkie's talk on salvation and grace.

Took birthday bread to district meeting – whole wheat and banana-zucchini for a sister whose birthday it was. Took the G2 sisters out to Applebees for a graduation lunch. They no longer get to come practice lessons with us. There are two other new sisters to take their place. It was better than B's Barbeque! Got invitation for a senior couples outing to Colonial Williamsburg, VA. It will be about 3 1/2 hours for us to get there. We were planning to go there for our anniversary, so now we may go to the Outer Banks and Kitty Hawk or someplace else. Starting reading Lesson 4 of D&C notes and got feeling ackey and tired so went to bed early.

Saturday felt good enough to go walking; cool down is coming! Went to Walgreen's to refill some of E. Steffler's meds then went to farmer's market. Bought some squash, beans and salsa. I was still feeling ackey; no fever, thank goodness. E. Steffler cooked a steak and microwaved a sweet potato and warmed up the carrots, so he was taking pretty good care of me. Finished reading Kim's D&C #4. Also read Eyring's Priesthood Men.

So our week started out with a bang and kind of ended with a whimper. But we cannot expect to be on a high all the time. It is nice when it happens, but the low times help us appreciate the high times. We have been out 6 months and I feel like we are just getting the feel of being missionaries. I know we could do more and be better, but we get tired and have to rest. Not like the young missionaries. I think about half of them were sick this past week and were just working through it. Looking forward to General Conference, wherever we may be. I pray that each of you will seek God for answers to the questions in your life. He loves you and wants to help you – BUT you have to ask. If you have not, would you take time to listen to the talk by Brad Wilson on grace. It is wonderful. God bless each and every one of you. Love, Elder and Sister Steffler

Training

District meeting vision for missionaries.

Sept. 7

First let me say a word or two about the bus: We have seen several and not had my camera. Had my camera this time, but no tobacco hanging off the side or flying out onto the road. Use your imagination!

Sunday Aug. 31 was sort of curious – no branch council because no counselors. An investigator wanted a ride to church and had a friend who wanted to come, so we said of course, we could pick them up. They were at McDonald's downtown. She was even wearing a nice dress. He was in jeans and has a wife and 4 kids in another town. They were staying in a homeless shelter. She said her step grandfather where she had been staying had tried to rape her and she left without any of her things. So I don't really know what is going on there. She is pregnant, so should not be coming to the YSA branch to begin with. Oh, well. Stake presidency was in attendance to install two counselors: Andy Brimhall and Trent Jones. They and their wives talked, as did Bro. Paries (former member of presidency) and Pres. Walker and Bro Jones (no relation to Trent). Powerful talks; went over time by 20 min. Got invited to the Paries, for probably the last time (sob). Discussion afterwards was powerful with spirit and testimonies. YSA sisters and an investigator were also in attendance. Then sisters came to pick up the "death" cake and for Sis. Griffin to pick an Indian trinket. E. Steffler talked to Deana and Lena and got caught up on their goings on.

Labor Day – no rest for the weary! Did our work out, swam and relaxed. Shopped for diatomacious earth (for insects) and nose plugs for E. Steffler, which happened to be next to 5 Guys, so naturally we had lunch there. Went to the movie "100 Foot Journey" which was surprisingly good. PG rating. Met G2 and Spanish elders at Sweet Frog for some yogurt. Had to hug E. Terril (with 3 district leaders watching). Going to miss him. He has been in Greenville since we have; like a grandson. Fixed supper for G1 elders; spaghetti and homemade bread and jam. They brought a loaf of white bread they had made in their bread machine in exchange for a loaf of my bread.

Tuesday after swimming in warm water from the hot, humid days. We went to Washington to look at a house for the senior couple that will be there shortly. Lovely 3-bedroom home, but it is 10 min. from Washington – only draw back. Then took the Washington sisters to lunch. Was good to see Sis. Jones again. She will get a new companion Thursday. Fixed my "go to" recipe for 3 members, creamy chicken enchiladas verde. Had a great discussion on Palmyra then did the BOM pictures. Clark shared 1 Nephi 1, the Godhead plus Christ (the One) gave Lehi a book and told him to read it. Only then did the Spirit enter into him. We must read our scriptures every day to feel the Spirit.

Wednesday was Happy Birthday to my sister Karla and exchange student Maike. Walked in the hot humid morning. Shopped Sam's Club mostly for Break the fast items next Sunday. Bought ice at Sonic then went to church to put in the freezer and make copies in the library. Sent texts to all members to remind them of Institute that night. Had an institute committee meeting before institute and the sisters showed up soaked. It had been raining downtown, but not at church – yet. Good lesson; donuts to illustrate a story and ice cream afterwards with toppings. DJ called and got us caught up on doings. Jake is going to till and Scottie got a job at a dairy – way to go both of you!

Thursday morning got a call at 6:40 a.m. Sis. Griffin and Marshall were locked out of their apt. Long story short: cars were traded and apt keys were not. So they napped on our couch while we exercised and told the maintenance guy to unlock their apt. They were gone by the time we got back to apt. Sis. Marshall is from New Bern and had been up since 4 a.m. She is also gluten and lactose intolerant and had 2 bags of groceries. She left some peppers for us. Joanna D'Auria changed our appt to Saturday and her quad came in the mail, so we were glad she changed it. Got institute students registered through WISE; had 25 registered. Not bad for a first time. We are reading syllabus' that my brother Kim sent us; they are very interesting on D&C and church history. We read some on Lesson 2, BOM, D&C and SS lesson on Job. Also made a batch of brownies to take to transfers. This was our first transfer meeting; I had no idea there would be so many! Missionaries from all over eastern NC were in Greenville to meet the transfer van. Saw E. Horne and gave him a hug. I'm getting good at that! Was sad to see 5 missionaries transferred from Greenville. But new ones came and we will get to know them. Two of them are greenies, fresh from MTC. We will have practice lessons with them with lunch included starting next week.

Water aerobics in warm water and 100 % humidity on Friday. Took golden honeydew melon, apples, crackers, cheese, pnut butter and Nutella to district mtg. Lots of new missionaries. Discussed Why We Share the Gospel by D. Todd Christofferson – to strengthen investigator and member. From Preach My Gospel we discussed Preparing investigator for baptism. Could not get anyone to come to dinner, except one new member from Havelock. Decided we would take him to dinner. His brother dropped him off and he had brought a friend! So we took both of them to 5 Guys, then back to apt for a lesson! We were actually being missionaries! It was great. This girl is open to all religions (she has her own that she is happy with) and accepted a Book of Mormon and we set up another appt with her. Took them back to ECU dorm – and got lost on the way back to apt! Had to get Miss Naggie's help (gps) to get home. It is so easy to get directions switched around! Kevin had gone to Palmyra on the Havelock bus and talked about what he saw, so we even got that covered. That lead into discussion of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. It was cool the way the Lord made that happen.

Had appointment with D'Arias and took her an Ensign, copy of Brad Wilcox's talk on grace and new quad for her. She was nicely surprised. She had not read any BOM the last week, so it is good we met up with her to get her reading again. She is making a monster head out of paper mache for Halloween and that is where her time has been spent. It is taking shape. Read about opposition in all things, 2 Nephi 2. Decided we would check out the Collard Festival in Ayden, but I think everyone in the county was there. We caught the tail end of the parade. No way was I going to walk 5 blocks and fight traffic, so we went on to Greenville and checked out the apt where 2 elders will be moving next week. It looked pretty good. Then back to our apt and had lunch then started our fast because we will have break the fast tomorrow about 3. Had a nice long talk with Nate and got caught up with him.

Sher's birthday is tomorrow – happy birthday! Hopefully you will get your card then or the next day. It has been a good week, a long, hot week and we are approaching our 6 month mark! Does not seem possible. We are just starting to figure out what this mission thing is all about. It is wonderful working with the missionaries and feeling of their spirit. We are getting to know the members, too, and feeding them and giving them Books of Mormon to hand out. I wish I had been a better member missionary at home. I missed out on some wonderful opportunities. Hopefully we will do better when we get home. Hopefully everyone is doing well. Would love to hear from you; email is kaye@steffler.us  Drop us a note! God bless all of you. Elder & Sister Steffler

Tobacco bus

Cut sides and top off a bus to haul tobacco. This one is empty.