Family Christmas tree

Photos of family units with Nativity in the middle.

November 30

A week in review:

Nov. 23, up early so we could be in New Bern by 8 a.m. to help Bro. Walker set up the luncheon for the single adults. On the road by 7:10 and had to hurry, but we made it! Thanks to GPS. People we already there setting up easels with pictures of children and Christ. The convention center is huge and located along the Neuse River. Long bridge to get over the river and to New Bern, which is sort of located in the middle of the stake. Not really, but enough that the ones in Harker's Island don't have to travel so far, like Kinston. The stake building won't hold all the stake so they rent the convention center. We helped Bro. Walker load trolleys with our paper goods, his coolers and water, a little elevator to reach the upper deck, then through the center to the back patio to set up. It is a lovely view from the patio over the river. The center provided tables, tablecloths and ruffle skirting so that it looked pretty good. He had a large roaster pan full of spicy meatballs and one with BBQ wienies. The RS president had cordoned off 40 seats for the young singles and most of them were filled. Most of the YSA had met at the church and carpooled to New Bern. The Primary chorus sang about 15 minutes of prelude and another song during the meeting. There was a camera on the speaker with blown up pictures on both sides behind him. There was an upper balcony that I did not see, but most of the missionaries sat up there. Pres. and Sis. Baker spoke, then two Primary children, the stake Primary president and Pres. Walker. Good talks, good spirit, good food afterwards. Had sub sandwiches delivered and the singles brought sides and desserts. We helped clean up then headed home. Almost made it, then Tyrei called for a ride from Pres. Lewis' homes to his home. His trailer was locked up tight, so dropped him off at his grandma's. Home to rest!

Monday we found another path to walk behind the park where the YSA have had a few activities. It is paved going along the side and back of the park, then there is a dirt path that goes about a mile. We did not go to the end, because then we would have had to walk all the way back. We need to work up to that, though. It was quiet and peaceful and the temperature was 68! There was high humidity and it rained off and on all day. Had appointment with the cardiologist. She went over the tests that were done; no blockages that she could see. One area of the bottom of the heart was iffy; to be definitive, a catherization would need to be done or she could try some other meds to see if the heart could be stimulated a little more. We opted for the meds and a watch and wait. Next appt is in January. E. Steffler is suppose to cut back on salt and fats. So we ate healthy food at Noodles & Co., then got haircuts. Made a lemon cake for the graduation tomorrow. A bunch of changes at transfers this Wednesday: The YSA will change from sister missionaries to elders, the zone leaders will be training a new missionary, Sis. Jensen will be a sister trainer in Goldsboro, Sis. Evans goes to Virginia Beach and Sis Bowen to New Bridge. We are taking Sis. Harrison (Kinston missionary) to the mission office for training to be a trainer. FHE was writing letters to missionaries; about a dozen YSA showed up; then they played volleyball, of course!

Tuesday wanted to do a workout and soak in hot tub, but the fitness center is closed for repairs and upgrade. So took our swimsuits and towels back to the apartment and just walked. The graduation luncheon we had planned got changed to a brunch because of conference calls, so we all went to ihop for breakfast: Sisters Bowen, Bunker, Evans and Jensen. It worked out OK; E. Steffler still got his steak! Then gave a cake to each set of sisters with a "3" on top to signify their 3 month graduation from being trained. The sisters and elders are switching apartments – the sisters apt was larger and there will be 5 elders living in it. But today presented a problem: 2 beds and 6 sisters! We loaned our 2 air mattresses and Pres. Lewis loaned his air matresses, so everyone got to be comfortable. Supper and correlation with Pres. Lewis. Went over their contacts and info for the new elders. Had shredded beef tacos, yummy. Then filled the car with gas in preparation for Wednesday's trip.

The new electric alarm clock work wonderfully at 4:30 a.m. We had to hustle to be at the car at 5:05, loaded up with 20 mini loaves of sweet bread and bottled water and granola bars and headed to the "new" sisters' apartment. It was the elders apartment until 3:30 yesterday; the Kinston sisters stayed there and we picked up Sis. Harrison to take her to Portsmouth, VA. It rained ALL the way there, 150 miles, mostly in the dark. Not fun, but we got there with 45 min. to kill; better than 15 min. late! Saw some favorite missionaries that have worked in Greenville; fun. Got to listen to transfer meeting and see 25 new missionaries meet their trainers. Took the scenic route down Hwy 13. Had to take the sisters to Kinston; the GPS got us lost – we were traveling out in the middle of a field, according to Miss Naggie! Had to gas up the car again, then head home – beat.

Happy Thanksgiving! Started the day with a nice walk at the senior center. Bought a few items at the grocery store on the way home. The one member we had hoped to feed dinner to bailed because he didn't have gas money. But the new YSA elders were glad to be fed: Elders Bauman and Siddoway. It will be interesting to work with elders instead of sisters. Got to talk with Lena and Deana. DJ and family were involved with a turkey trot in the morning then had dinner with Ed in the afternoon. We had quite a bit of leftovers from our 10# turkey.

Friday up and walking, then district meeting. Met the zone leaders during our walk; they were headed to Kinston's district meeting. Took chocolate chip banana bars wrapped individually and told the missionaries they were not to eat it until they were in their apts. Trying to be strictly obedient. Started without the sisters; the G2 sisters were involved in a wreck Tuesday and are without a car, so the G1 sisters had to pick them up. They came in during the opening song; it sounded much better with the sisters singing also! Introduced new missionaries: Sister Fife, Elders Ballentyne, Bauman and Siddoway. Introduced The First Gift and given Christmas passalong cards. After a nap, went shopping for a care package for Kierra Spruill; got it mailed and boughnt boxes and stamps for mailing. G1 sisters returned the air matresses and chatted for about half an hour. Then YSA elders came to get deep fat fryer we were not using. Then G1 elders came by to introduce us to their greenie, E. Collier; fed them some ice cream. Dan talked to Eliza and Ed; wonderful talking with family.

Saturday walked at the senior center again. Saw the farmers market was open, so stopped by and bought a few things. I put up the family Christmas tree: family pictures with Nativity picture in the middle. Still need to get hanger hooks to hand some small ornaments on the garland. Also got a swag to hang on the door, instead of a wreath that cost $35! We had printed the family pictures that were taken last Christmas. Got a call from G1 sisters; they needed to visit some members in Ayden and didn't have the miles, so could we take them? Sure; no one was home, so we went to Sweet Frog for yogurt. About 8:30 we got a call from the G1 sisters; could they come talk and receive some counsel? Hopefully what we said helped them. Elder Steffler led out with experiences and gave them each a blessing. Have I ever said that missions are hard?

Our mission is not quite as hard as it is for the young sisters. We are use to each other and have an eternal love for each other. That really helps! We try to do what we can to help out. And we make sure to get in a nap every day. That really helps.

We love our family and have enjoyed talking with each of them this week. Lena and family were going to Salt Lake to see the temple lights. Hopefully that was a worthwhile trip. Deana's husband, Ken, is home recuperating from hip surgery. Eliza and family stayed home and fixed dinner. I'm sure Nate and family were with Grandma Bell, maybe in Jordan Valley, if the snow is not too bad. So our family is learning to get along without us. And we weathered the holiday, too. Our weather has been cold a few days, but has started to warm up. The usual temps are mid 40s to mid 60s, so not too bad. But we did have a couple of mornings in the 20s, really cold for here! Hope this finds all well. We love you and pray for you. God bless you. Elder & Sister Steffler

Walking path

We walk this path two or three times a week. It is not all like this but the pavement allows us to walk when it is rainy.

New Bern

Stake conference at Riverfront convention center.

November 23

This blog writing seems to come around quite regular like. But it is a new week, and Thanksgiving to look forward to! Hope all y'all have some family to feel blessed with during this time. I am trying to get some of the YSA to come eat with us that don't have anywhere else to go. Now, a look back at the week.

Sunday was a regular Sunday with branch council, etc. The most we talked about was what Sundays to not hold branch meetings! Definitely not the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but then do we meet the Sunday before Christmas or after? Finally decided to meet the Sunday after so students can have Christmas programs in their own wards. Then to decide what Sunday we will have our Christmas program. After all, the choir is practicing a Christmas song! Looks like it's the 14th; we are running out of Sundays this year! Our new elders quorum presidency talked about testimony and conversion; Sunday School about Jeremiah and RS with treats and lesson. Spent a pleasant Sunday afternoon studying scriptures and napping. Then a call that one of the sisters is sick; she has diabetes and is sleeping and not eating and coughing a lot. Called Sis. Baker who said to wake her up to eat and check blood levels and if we have any home remedies for cough to take to to her. So gathered up the Vicks, herbal tea, honey, lemon, cough drops and headed to her apt. Her fever was down, but blood levels were low so she was trying to eat. Drizzly rain so put on our warm winter coats. Called Deana to see how she is doing. They are having an early Thanksgiving because Ken goes in for hip surgery the day before.

Monday we discovered a new place to walk. There is a path behind the senior center, about 1 1/4 mile long and takes about 30 min. Saw several college-aged students walking dogs and asked if it was a class. Yes, an exercise class, so they walk dogs from the animal shelter across the road. Good idea. Made a batch of pumpkin bread and washed some laundry while E. Steffler scrubbed the tubs and vacuumed. Went shopping at Lowe's for a thermometer so we know how cold it is in the apt. We are always arguing over it being too hot or too cold. Now we have proof! Since it has been chilly for a couple of days, I decided I needed a couple more warm, long skirts but then also found a nice sweater at dressbarn. Didn't need them today, because it got to 75 degrees! For FHE we played human battleship. Not E. Steffler and I personally, you understand, but the YSA. Had a nice talk with DJ and got caught up with his doings.

Tuesday did our workout; another chilly day. Sure feels like winter today. I try not to complain, since I heard about the single digit temps back home and the 4-6 ft of snow in New York. G1 sisters taught us about prophets and priesthood. We were getting ready to go to the health clinic to get another blood draw for E. Steffler, when we got a call from the G1 elders. One of them was sick and asked if we could take them to their doc-in-the-box. They were rear-ended couple of weeks ago and are without a car, so we said of course. Took about 3 hours, but finally got done; he has upper respiratory infection, then to get Rx. Dropped them off and headed to health clinic for the blood draw. On the way home, another call from the elders; they only got one Rx and were suppose to get two, could we take them again? Of course. Had a dinner invite to eat at a restaurant as a fund-raiser. Had a potato and soup. Had calls from Nate and Lena. Nate needed our address so he can send his family's Christmas photo. Lena told ;us what had been done to the hot tub. Good to talk with family.

Wednesday walked at senior center again. Temp was in the 20s, but no wind this time. Dropped off the Ensign to Joanna, since she and one of her boys were sick and we couldn't read with her. Made a batch of banana-zucchini bread and was about to start a meatloaf, but the other senior couple from Washington (they were doing apt inspections in Greenville) was finishing up and we were going to lunch. Went to Rucker Johns; I had a huge plate of nachos and E. Steffler had the lunch special; I think mine was better! Training sisters returned our air mattresses they had borrowed while they were in Greenville. I say ours but it is the mission's and just stays here so we can keep track of it. They borrowed our scales so they can weigh one of the sisters luggage in preparation to her going home. YSA sisters came for their last lesson on temples and eternal marriage. Sis. Evans is so ready to graduate! Picked up Tyrei for institute and dropped off a stake conference flyer. Lonnie had photos that Stevon had developed, so we put them up in the display case. Checked out the available paper products in the closet and gathered enough for about 100 for stake conference. Watched YSA play volleyball after institute until 9:30 then took Tyrei home.

Thursday was workout and saw that the hot tub was covered, and yes! it was heated. Didn't have our suits with us, so will wait until next time. Got some of our potentials list organized and tried to visit about 10 of them in one apt complex, but they had all moved. Someone at every door, but not interested, except one; she accepted a passalong card. Finally made the meatloaf I was planning yesterday and invited the YSA sisters to help us eat it. Also put in some potatoes to bake and warmed up some veggies. Not a very successful meal, but we chatted for half an hour or so and one of the sisters asked for a blessing, which E. Steffler was glad to provide. Have I said that missions are hard! Especially for the young missionaries with their rules and regulations.

Friday we walked again, but just around the apt complex. Gave my gloves away to a young girls who was waiting for her bus and didn't have gloves. That made me feel good. District meeting focused on the power of conversion; testimony vs conversion. Testimony is a strong belief and conversion is a change of heart, no desire to do evil. Made the announcement that I was not providing treats after meeting any more, trying to be more obedient to the rule that says missionaries are to return to their areas immediately after meeting. Had some sad missionaries. Decided to write a form letter to our missionaries from home: 17 in all, 10 on foreign missions and 7 state side. Took much longer addressing the envelopes that printing the letter. Had an appt at 8:30 with the YSA sisters to teach Luis, a new convert who was taught in Spanish, is taking English classes and wants the new member lessons in English. He attend the community college for 5 hours every day to learn English! Then works late every night with his family. Restoration ended up talking about baptism for the dead and he wants to do family history research, so the sisters are going to teach him Sunday at the family history room at church.

Saturday was a workout and HOT TUB! Wonderful. Decided to go to Tarboro where one of the members is holding a yard sale. It is about 45 min drive. It was at a friend's house; Lonnie lives another 26 miles further. We bought about $10 worth of items and he only charged us $6 because we are missionaries! Got home and made a double batch of brownies for Stake Conference tomorrow and a half batch of banana chocolate chip muffins. Filled my last two mini bread tins for the missionaries. Got 20 in the freezer now! G1 elders begged a ride to the Saturday night session of stake conference in Kinston, so picked them up and then picked up Tyrei: 3 young men over 6 ft. tall in the back of our little Ford Fusion! We got to Kinston early enough to get a burger at Wendy's. But by then the chapel was full and we sat on the second row of hard chairs. Had a great turn out; filled the chapel and cultural hall. Theme was temples and family history. Had four people who had not done any family history previously go out with three family history consultants and after 20 minutes they had 40 names temple ready! One sister got 26 names! Stake presidency and temple president and his wife spoke. Really good evening.

Have come to the end of another week. They are going by so quickly. Tomorrow will talk to the cardiologist about all the tests that have been done on E. Steffler. Looking forward to getting that behind us. Hope all is well on the home front. Hope y'all are staying warm. Had a couple of artic blasts, yes? We have felt the effects here, even. I am loving my warm winter coat that I was sure I would never need! We love all of you. God loves all of you, too, and that makes all the difference. Sister & Elder Steffler

With sister Jones

Had farewell lunch with one of our favorite former sister missionaries.

November 16

It's official: 8 months on the mission. Somehow, I don't feel qualified yet as a "real" missionary.

Sunday, Nov. 9 was a "regular" Sunday: branch council at 9:30 a.m., choir practice at 10:30, church at 11. Got a new branch clerk and he spoke in sacrament meeting. No break the fast in December because the Christmas Party is the next evening. Finished Isaiah in Sunday School. Read the wrong lesson for Relief Society; it was the next one. We snacked when we got home from church then went to a dinner appointment. YSA sisters plus another couple from the ward was there to eat stuffed manicotti, frog-eye salad, Italian bread and blondies and carrot cake for dessert. Had good food, good company and good discussion. Sisters had a lesson on the atonement that touched all of us. Got a call from DJ and his girls when we got home. They sang "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission." It was touching and cute. Sisters got a home member lesson (meaning teaching a nonmember in a member's home). They are the best! The investigator can feel the spirit in the home which opens them to receiving the spirit into their lives.

Monday, since Dan was not working out because of his test later, I decided to try the pool one more time. It was about as cold as last time, only the recycled water coming into the pool was not as warm. The maintenance guys were in their shop, so we chatted with them a few minutes and asked about the "heated" pool. Was told that if it gets too cold, the heat pump stops because it can't keep up. So officially, the pool is NOT heated! Made another batch of bread; now have enough to take a loaf to each apartment that we will inspect Tuesday. Took a little lunch with us to Dan's appointment. The stress test was to take 3-4 hours. So I was all set for the long-term, in the car texting and eating my lunch, when Dan knocks on the window of the car. He is all done and it has not taken 2 hours! I don't know what that means; maybe that all the technicians just wanted to go home for the day! He said the test was not that bad – no fainting or dying on the tread mill. I had to drive home, but that was OK. FHE that evening was at the ice skating rink. Had about 25 YSA and 10 others show up. Took some photos and helped eat pizza. Jessica was one of the more experienced skaters; Roc was a true beginner, but he was trying! I was surprised at the number of first time skaters.

Tuesday was Veteran's Day. Fitness Center was busy and no soaking in the cold hot tub, either. Had the G1 sisters for a practice lesson on Word of Wisdom. I was drinking my cup of "coffee" and asking if they wanted some. They finally convinced me to give up my coffee and E. Steffler not to drink wine with his meals anymore. They said it might be hard, but if I go about it with a positive "can-do" attitude, it would be easier. Did missionary apartment checks in Kinston in the afternoon. Had five to check; the first 4 stayed pretty much on time, but the last one took 25 minutes just to get there! One of the five ovens was clean; encouraged the others to get 'em cleaned! Also did a furniture inventory and some of it was very creative. Like the chair whose bottom was gone so the elders took cardboard and duct taped it onto the chair. Or the computer chair with a broken back that was held in place by a bike chain. Glad we were able to do the inspections in one day. When we got home it took about an hour to make copies and get everything in 3 piles: one for me, one for the stake high counselor over missionaries and one for the mission office elder over housing. Had a nice talk with Eliza; love talking to family!

Wednesday was warmer than usual because it had rained during the night, so the humidity was about 100%. Temp rose to 77 degrees during the day! YSA sisters had a lesson on how to better teach members. Read a scripture and asked how it affected us and who we thought of. I thought of my family and the love I have for each child and grandchild and how each is living the gospel. The Spirit touched each of us; we are so blessed to recognize the spirit in our lives. The Lilywhites, senior couple from Washington visited with us for an hour or so about what we do and how to do apt inspections. Then we read Jeremiah for Sunday School. What a prophet; what a life he lead. Then rushed to the post office before it closed to mail the apt inspections to mission office. Then shopped at Sam's and Harris Teaters before institute. Sister Walker was back to teach after being gone for 3 weeks. Had a short meeting afterwards about stake conference and inviting all the YSA to attend. Even had a luncheon planned after. Called Teezha to sing happy birthday to her, but she was so wound up she could barely talk (she had not opened her presents yet).

Thursday I wanted to swim really badly, but talked myself out of it; did a workout instead. Decided to make pumpkin bread and a batch of bread when our appointment was canceled. So then we laid around waiting her to call after she returned home, but she didn't get home until the kids walked in the door; no lesson today. It was drizzly rain so we didn't want to go out hunting, so we laid around the apt the rest of the day. Watched the rest of women's conference and some BOM and Jeremiah. I got the Christmas presents divided up into families, and that was pretty much it. Felt like a slug; not a good feeling!

Walked in the cold with a little breeze and decided I needed to get my winter stuff lined up. Took pineapple, chips, salsa, Triscuits and canned cheese to district meeting. Focus was on feeling and identifying the spirit. Read scriptures and page 96 from Preach My Gospel and shared experiences. Lots of warm feelings of the spirit were shared. Elder Steffler told of his experience on his way home from his mission in South Africa and touring for 2 weeks. He was in Jerusalem for 2 days with 3 other missionaries and they got to visit the garden tomb. One missionary walked into the tomb and sat down on the ledge and said, huh, this is where Jesus laid. Elder Steffler could not even go inside because to him it was sacred ground. After the meeting and snacks, we laid around waiting for our member sister to call so we could read BOM together. I looked at my phone (that I had turned off during meeting) and she had called at 1 and I had not checked after meeting. I was pretty bummed. Sisters came by to ask if we knew a guy who would be willing to take a new investigator to a baptism of a child of record. We made a suggestion, and it turned out well for both of them! Had an appointment at 5, but he was a no show. Had breakfast for supper; yum. Had to put my liner in my winter coat; it felt really good!

Saturday I was glad we were not walking, because it was 29 degrees. Yeah, I know, that is warm considering –2! It did warm up to 46, though, and that felt balmy. We had a lunch appointment in Washington at noon and at 10:50 I saw a text from the elders' quorum president saying brownies would be great for their activity at 3! He had texted after we had gone to bed; I have to learn to check my phone more often. I hurriedly made a double batch of brownies in my large cookie sheet and in 30 minutes they were done and we took off. Got into Washington just a noon, so we made good time. Had lunch with a former sister who is going home in 10 days (also took her a loaf of bread) and her two companions, plus the senior couple in Washington. Had a cozy 7 at the table for lunch. She and another sister are training a new missionary. Elders' quorum pres was panicking about the hot dogs and cooker, so we told him we would take care of it. Picked up Tyrei for the elders' turkey bowl (flag football, sort of) and cooked hot dogs. Put them in a small cooler (?) to keep them warm and watched them play football. Guys just have a good time running around chasing a ball! Some of the guys were staying with a branch member who lived in town so they could make it to church Sunday. That is a big step! After we got home and were relaxing, got a call from G1 sisters; one of them was sick and requesting a blessing. So we called the G1 elders to help E. Steffler give the blessing. She was running a temperature and is diabetic, which is not a good combination. Made her call Sis. Baker to let her know the circumstances. She had been insistent that she didn't need to before. I got my mother hen hat on and said I would call her then. So the sister relented and called. We did not leave until she had called! Her companion had spent the day cooking up a storm, trying to make something that her companion might want to eat. (p.s., the temp was down Sunday morning, but they were instructed not to go to church by Sis. Baker.)

So many things have kept us busy this week; quite a variety, from tests to blessings and feeling the spirit. We love this work! We don't find out about E. Steffler's results until the 24th. So keep us in your prayers and hope for the best, which will happen, regardless. We have a YSA with a mission call to Sacramento, reporting to MTC Dec. 17; wanted to go to her temple session, but it was full (you have to make reservations), so we were able to serve the elders quorum. Always somewhere to serve if you look.

Happy birthday to Elinore, on Saturday, we love you! All of you keep on keepin' on; we love y'all. Letters would be appreciated, too! Love, Elder & Sister Steffler

 

Ice skating

Jessica helps Roc ice skate.

November 9

Another week gone by and winter is settling in; at least cold weather is!

On our walk Nov. 3 we saw frost on windshields of cars not under the shade, and on the rooftops. I wore a long sleeved shirt and hoodie and jeans. The walk did warm me up some. When we returned the laundered tablecloths from break the fast, we inventoried the YSA closet to see what paper goods we needed to buy. Then to Sam's to buy the needed items, plus a few things for us. The church building was being used as a voting precinct Tuesday and they set up on Monday, so did not return with the paper goods. Invited the zone leaders for warm bread and hamburger stew because they are not completely moved yet. They enjoyed the bread and honey butter. FHE was in the dark at the park playing some game. We couldn't even see who was there, so we went home. One of our member sisters got her mission call to Sacramento and enters the MTC Dec. 17! She is so ready.

Tuesday was warmer; suppose to be a couple of days in the 70s. G1 sisters came early for their practice lesson because E. Steffler had a echo cardiogram scheduled at noon. The technician said it did not look like his heart was enlarged. Zone leaders came by to borrow some wrenches to unhook the washer and dryer at their old apt. Some members were helping with pickups to load the bigger items. Had correlation meeting at Pres. Lewis' home; had to plan for Luis' baptism, so Spanish elders were there too. Luis wants me to give a talk! Sis. Lewis fed all of us spaghetti with baclava for dessert. Yummy.

Water aerobics on Wednesday was a bit on the too cold side – but I persevered! E. Steffler got in for about 30 seconds. He is convinced they had turned off the heat, but it had been 30 degrees not long ago. The YSA sisters came for a practice lesson on Word of Wisdom. So I met them with a coffee mug in hand and invited them to try some. Continued to sip from it through the lesson until it came time to announce that I could not drink coffee anymore. Their arguments were very convincing: how it frees us from unhealthy habits. They left us with about 3-4 pages of potential contacts to follow up with; some from 2012! Had a meeting with Bro. Paries, stake high councilman over missionaries. He wants us to check missionary apartments in Kinston and Woodington instead of Greenville. One of the members of the branch taught institute and it was not the right lesson! He taught the lesson he had prepared and it went over fine. Got an invite to dinner Sunday at the Paries. Talked with Deana and she had advanced to soft foods, so she is starting to heal.

Thursday I made a pumpkin sheet cake from scratch for zone meeting tomorrow. Read with Joanna, Alma 5. She had made a carrot-pineapple cake with cream cheese frosting and pecans to decorate. To die for. Started working on the potentials list and right off the bat, no addresses; it had the name of apt complexes and we didn't know where they were, so came home to look up on the computer. So now we are ready to try again. Zone leaders needed some help changing the plug-in for their dryer so E. Steffler offered his advice while one of the elders wrestled behind the dryer almost in the dark. Then they finished cleaning their old apt and we helped do a final inspection; not real clean, but they were determined to finish and turn in the key.

Since the pool was so cold, we did a workout and soak in the hot tub, only it was more like a lukewarm tub! I think they turned off all the heat. Zone meeting centered around conversion. We read scriptures that identified what was needful for conversion: faith, action, change of heart, scriptures, then had a testimony meet of sorts. Some volunteered and some were asked by the zone leaders to bear testimony. E. Steffler and I were asked to bear testimony on the plan of salvation and yes, we both got teary eyed. There was a beautiful spirit there. Sis. Robinson the picture lady was there to take photos of all the missionaries. She brought brownies and I took the pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. The sisters from Kinston had low tires (according to their car computer) and E. Steffler hauled out our trusty little air compressor. Then we took them to lunch at Panera. Spent the evening getting ready for tomorrow's baptism: cutting up fruit and thinking about how to present a talk on baptism to someone with limited English usage.

Had to hustle to get to the church by 9:30 so I could plate the fruit and banana-zucchini bars and banana chocolate chip muffins. Sent E. Steffler to buy milk; some of the sisters from another ward brought cookies, too. The baptism was simple and short. I took about 3 minutes. One of the branch members game a talk on the Holy Ghost in Spanish and one of the brethren baptized him in Spanish. His mom and brother attended, both nonmembers. They were touched by the spirit. I had found "I am a child of God" in Spanish and we sang it for the closing song. That afternoon we got prepared for the apartment inspections next week, making copies and making sure we had all of the proper papers. Read in the prophet's manual lesson #20, hoping that was the correct lesson (it wasn't). Finished watching all the sessions of conference; now just the women's conference to watch. So we are getting lots of reading done for Sunday School, Institute, Book of Mormon and conferences. We are learning so much.

Want to get through Dan's nuclear stress test on Monday; that has been on the back burner for 10 days now. Hoping and praying for the best, but will accept whatever the results. God's ways are not always our ways, but we have hope that we can finish our mission. Deana got the splints out of her nose, so she is doing much better; maybe even went to work Friday!

Hope all is well with everyone. We love all y'all. God lives and loves each of us and knows us by name; His arms are outstretched to us; we only have to reach out to Him and He will help us. This I know. We thank you for praying for us. Elder & Sister Steffler

November 2

Late again; sorry. Good excuse this time: let a member use computer while we waited for CES fireside, which begins at 8 p.m. here in the east!

Pres. Lewis was gone last Sunday; he had a 25 year reunion with some of his medical friends in D.C. So after branch council, sent Elder Steffler to pick up Tyrei and I practiced with the choir, because we got to sing. We sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and didn't do too badly, considering we don't have a pianist and asked someone from another ward to come play. We ran through it a couple of times with him. Found out one of the young women who had been to sacrament meeting several times was not a member. Her grandmother is and has been for years. The grandmother attended with her granddaughter and they stayed for all 3 meetings. So the sisters were all over that! They got a home lesson with her that afternoon (a lesson taught in a member's home to an investigator). They were so happy. During third hour one of the counselors explained the ins and outs of the media splits on this upcoming Saturday. A lot of the young singles were signed up with either our sisters or elders in the other wards. There are 14 missionaries here in Greenville and splits were to begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 9 p.m. They were to show what a missionary does throughout his/her day. I hope some of you got to see some of the photos I posted Saturday. Warmed up some leftovers for dinner and finished off the pumpkin pie that we bought on Saturday. Walked to a member's apartment here in our complex and took her a loaf of bread; she was not home, but I left it with a sticky note saying who it was from. Sorry to have missed her. Then we read all of the institute lesson we have to teach Wednesday.

Monday was D.J.'s birthday; hope it was a good one for him. Dan got the car's motor oil and transmission oil changed (that was expensive!) while I made bread and cleaned the apt. He made hamburger stew for FHE later that evening. It was a costume party and there were some pretty good ones. I posted one on facebook of a group. Of course there was food: 4 kinds of soup with rolls and bread and doughnuts and cookies, etc. Had a good talk with Lena and Eliza. Sure is nice to talk to family.

Tuesday we braved the water yet again for a water aerobics session. It's not cold until you get out! The training sister was sick so there was no practice lesson. So we went to the clinic for a recheck on Elder Steffler. Only waited 1 1/2 hours to see the PA. Dan had lost 9 lbs with the water pill he is taking and she was encouraged with that. I asked for an explanation of the blood work that was done and why he was taken off all NSAIDS. Well, turns out he is in stage 3 of kidney failure, which sounds really scary, but she wants to get the heart problem (water retention) figured out before jumping into the renal problem. Evidently the kidneys filter the leftover products from the NSAIDS, so that was why he was taken off. He has popped pain pills for years, and now it is taking its toll. We hashed through the institute lesson on who was teaching what and when. Made a couple of copies of things to hand out. The lesson focused on True Disciples and the reading was about the law of consecration. Had a hard time putting the reading with the lesson; came to the conclusion that they don't really have to be compatible! Had correlation at Pres. Lewis' house and finalized the media splits and talked about some inactives. Always trying to reach out to those who are hiding out!

We were tired out from our walk Wednesday. I think we are both a little worried about his health and that institute lesson. YSA sisters came for a practice lesson and lunch. Went over the Gospel lesson just as a refresher. Had appt with Dr. Peterson the cardiologist. The nurse did a thorough triage and EKG. She said it look good. Dr. Peterson wants an echocardiogram done and a nuclear stress test, so two more appts to find out if anything is wrong or if he just has water retention. Even with handouts and a board diagram, we did not feel good about the lesson at institute. The area director was there, and that did not help. We were feeling pretty down. But when we got home, here was our door with sticky notes all over, expressing love and encouragement. What a blessing those two sister missionaries were to us that night!

Thursday, no time for exercise as we had to leave to pick up the G2 sister missionaries and go to Kinston for district meeting and interviews with Pres. Baker (mission president). We were early, but most of the other missionaries were there, too. Talked about the importance of prayer and how and why we pray. Did a role play of introducing the Restoration with a couple of elders; interesting. They jumped right in and we were more reserved in our approach. For lunch, took the G2 sisters to Wendy's, where the four sisters from our complex also showed up. So we bought their lunch, also! Another customer (older lady) gave E. Steffler a bad time about having all those young girls with him. He got a chuckle out of it! Our interview didn't happen until 4 p.m., so we napped in the car, then read the next commentary lesson in the D&C. When it was our turn, we told the president about Dan's health issues and he was a little stern saying he needs to be informed of situations like that. Then he explained he was talking to a group of high priests on Sunday about senior couples serving missions. He wanted to make a video of him interviewing us about why we came on our mission, what was it like, are we having fun, do we miss our children and grandchildren, what did we have to do to prepare, etc. I would like to get a copy of it and see how it came across. I was glad I wore my blazer/jacket because it was cool and I look more like a missionary in it. After dropping off the sisters at their apartment, we went to Walmart and bought 2 turkeys to cook for break the fast. Took one of the turkeys to the R.S. president who volunteered to cook it. A tender mercy of the Lord that we were able to find her house in the dark!

Braved the water another time on Friday. A small breeze did not warm us up! Spent all day thawing out the turkey in a sinkful of cold water. Deana sent us a picture of her going home after surgery; she looked pretty awful. But she said the surgery went well. Hopefully that helps with her breathing problems and other assorted problems. We wanted to walk through the apt that the G1 elders are moving into (it is in our apt complex) so called to see if it was ready. No call back, so we walked to the office (there was a light refreshment party provided by the complex, so we had to have some) then one of the office workers took us to the apt on his battery-driven golf cart. It looked good; carpets had been cleaned 2 days before so there was still a slight smell of cleaning leftover. It is upstairs, which would be a problem for us but not for them. There is a small balcony where they can park their bikes if they want to. They are so excited to more out of their run-down apt that is too small. Plus there is a weight machine that takes up 1/4 of living room that E. Steffler helped them take apart so they could haul it to the dumpster. Took G2 and Spanish elders to 5 Guys then to Sweet Frog. We had not treated them for quite awhile and they enjoyed it. Let G1 elders borrow our 2 air mattresses because they did not get their mattresses moved over to their new apt.

Saturday was on the computer on and off all day reposting photos of missionaries. Got to see photos of all the missionaries in Greenville plus 4 other missionaries who have transferred out. It was great! The weather was cold; I had to break out my winter coat because my sweater just didn't cut the wind. No trick or treaters showed up yesterday, so I have a bag of candy that I'm taking to break the fast tomorrow; I'm not having that candy sitting around here! Got the turkey cooked. Had lots of juice from turkey and water from cooking the giblets to make gravy. Everything in the fridge awaiting tomorrow's feast.

Daylight savings time ended so got to sleep in. My body did not get the memo; I was awake at 4:30! It thought it meant an hour early, I guess! E. Steffler took full advantage of the extra hour of sleep. It took 4 trips to the car to haul everything we needed to take. Crockpot of instant potatoes, large pan of gravy,large veggie tray, bag of all the other stuff plus our regular scriptures and binder. Had to pick up Tyrei and Christian, his 11 year old brother came along. He helped us set up for the meal; good help. E. Steffler bore his testimony about our mission and the interview and media split. We truly have been blessed. Had to make Stove Top dressing, warm up corn, potatoes, gravy. Had 6 pies, and they did not all get eaten. Most of the turkey, all the potatoes (two crockpots full) most of the dressing and salad got eaten. Young adults know how to eat! Had the vacuum up the mess that the pies made; who would have known?! Took Christian home, and Tyrei back to our apt to await CES fireside. He seemed to enjoy reading Alma 2, about the fight with Lamanite and Amlicites. Watched conference talk on paths by Pres. Monson. Then went to the Lewis' for fireside. Bro. Hallstrom gave an excellent talk on building on firm foundation, with photos of the Pittsburgh PA temple. They dug down 30 feet to granite bedrock then drilled 150 feet into the rock for the rebar. Now that is a firm foundation! Likened it to how firm is our foundation in the gospel and our testimony of God our Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Truly worth staying up late for.

Another week before us, not as crazy as last week, I hope. Anxiously awaiting the echo on Tues and stress test next Monday. Don't have to teach institute this week, which is a blessing, although that made us search deeper into the lesson to find its meaning, and that is never a waste of time. Have enjoyed our study of D&C and Isaiah. I just hope and pray that when we get home we can continue our study of the scriptures; what a blessing in our lives. God bless all of you this week and always. Love all y'all, Elder and Sister Steffler

Sticky notes

Sister missionaries showed their love and support by sticky noting our door.