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