May 3

Just had a great stake conference with Elder Falabella of the Seventy in attendance.

But first, our week:

Last Sunday we had the regional broadcast at the church. Good talks on conversion, forgiveness and growth of church in the East. Elders Hale and Anderson have both lived in the area and gave good talks. We watched online the priesthood session at general conference; good talks on priesthood and its responsibilities. Pres. Monson bore a powerful witness. Made some low cal brownies that were really yucky! Even Nutella and ReddiWhip could not help them – into the trash. Got a link to a letter about an Elder Ricciardi; he was a trainer and it was written by a missionary he trained and what he had learned. Very interesting.

Monday we finished reading the letter (it was 21 pages long!) and did the conference reading for the week. Hawa is back wanting to go to church. We took her to the conference Sunday and to FHE Monday. She likes playing volleyball. YSA elders taught her a lesson about the Book of Mormon and encouraged her to read it. She accepted a June 20 baptism date. Had another lesson Wednesday before institute. Had about 20 at FHE; a good turn-out.

Tuesday a little chilly; in the 70s with a breeze. After reading with a member we went on a YSA hunt: had two new names show up on our roster, so we decided to try to find them. One was in Chicowinity; the gate was locked, a Beward of Dog sign and the phone was out of order. The other we called; her mother answered and she does not live at home any more and mom did not know where she was living. So a big zero for our efforts, but at least we tried!

E. Steffler's allergies or whatever started acting up again; he felt puny and blew his nose all day long, so we stayed in most of the day. Did some housekeeping. Had pizza at institute; it was delivered in the middle of our lesson with Hawa! Institute was about the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Another new investigator came with the Givens. She is from Roanoke Rapids.

Thursday we walked in a light drizzly rain; I had had enough after half a mile and went to the car, but E. Steffler wanted to finish and got poured on! Received weeks 14 and 15 in D&C from my brother (thanks Kim!) and we read week 14 about the martyrdom.  We both felt punk all day. I guess that means we should not walk in the rain!

Friday we noticed a wet spot on our carpet by our kitchen table. So we contacted maintenance; the girl next door had moved and in the process the pipe to her washing machine was cracked and it was leaking. He had to cut out the sheetrock to get to the problem. We ended up with a huge fan to dry up the carpet – it took two days! District meeting was good; read D. Todd Christopherson's Worth of a Soul; very good insight. Role played how to handle 3 situations: not interested, rude and someone bashing our religion. One of the sisters said she had talked to someone who said they had a lesson once a month in her church on how to handle Mormon Missionaries! They learned a chant and were told what to say to the missionaries, like our Jesus is not like your Jesus! Fed YSA missionaries; we try to do that weekly. Had a good discussion after eating.

Saturday I did a cool water aerobics while E. Steffler basked in the sun – in sweats and hoodie! He was still not feeling good. Made Frito salad and macaroni salad for Sunday. Spanish elders asked for a ride to stake conference in Kinston. The only way we could do that (because we were already committed to take Hawa) was for me to drive, Hawa in passenger seat and the Spanish elders and E. Steffler sharing the back seat. Just a little cramped! Yes, I had to drive to Kinston and back – and I didn't even come close to being in an accident. When we picked up Hawa, she was dressed in jeans (our bad for not telling her it was church dress), so while she changed clothes, the Spanish elders spoke to three different people and had success with one. They were committed to making their goal! The meeting had good thoughts about the Sabbath and remember to keep it holy, and why. Elder Falabella is from Guatamala. Most of the meeting was Q&A; interesting.

So today we met in Minges Coliseum on the campus of Eastern Carolina University. It is huge. Had no problem finding a spot to park and a place to sit. Will tell more about the meeting next week.

We were fasting for the missionaries today – that they would be able to meet their goals for Miracle May. Interesting that Nampa 10th Ward was fasting for the missionaries today also. I just feel the spirit testifying that the Lord wants us to help people to come unto Christ. Our whole purpose. We love the gospel, our family and our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless each of us to feel that love is our prayer. Elder & Sister Steffler