July 26

YSA finally had a baptism this week: James Ray. Fine young man and so ready for the gospel.  Sorry the photo is fuzzy and that I got the missionary names backwards. It's E. Harris on the left and E. Haslam on the right. It was a great baptism with a good spiritual uplift.

Our sad tale this week was our car was in the shop for four days! I really empathize with Sister D'Auria who not only does not have a car, but has 3 boys also. She grilled burgers for us on Friday and smiled when we told her of our woes; she truly understands. We noticed the car was not cooling when we went to the beach party July 18. E. Steffler looked under the hood and noticed ice one the A/C lines; he knew it had frozen up. So he takes the car to the dealer and was told our warranty was up (of course!) and they would test it. So finally got to it Tuesday and they drove it around a bit and it cooled just fine, so they concluded nothing wrong. E. Steffler about came unglued and wanted to talk to the manager. Then the others talked a little nicer to him, but they had to call the Ford Co., and ask what else they could check. Keep it over another night and run tests. Yep, the sensor had gone out, so had to order a part. Finally got a call Thursday at noon that it was ready – $734! The part cost $35, the rest was labor. They had to tear the dash board completely apart to instill the new sensor. We were willing to pay at this point just to get our car back! But we needed to beg rides to FHE and institute and a doctor appointment and to supper one night. Very inconvenient, but you can't live without A/C in this country! So that was our week. Frustrating, but eventually worked out.

Had wonderful interview with Pres. Baker and a good district meeting. Learned a lot about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy in several talks and lessons this week – all good. Hope y'all had a better week than we did. But we are getting over it! The gospel is true and the Atonement is real. That is what is important. We love all y'all. God bless you in whatever your endeavors may be. Love, Elder & Sister Steffler

Baptism

James Ray with Elders Haslam and Harris.

July 19

Happy Birthday to me! Had several happy birthdays throughout the day today and received a card signed by the missionaries. Such a nice thought.

Last week we were invited to go fishing on Monday with the G2 sisters, but we declined. Then it rained and then lightning, so they didn't go either. Started making the first of four triple batches of brownies, which took all week. That was my assignment for the YSA regional conference and beach activity. Mailed birthday card to Torish and made a card for Teezha. Also made a batch of bread so we could give a loaf to each of the dentists that helped with my tooth last week. It was cool all day; did not get above 84 and rained most of the day. Had an appointment to teach some investigators at the church at 6, but they did not show up. Etienne was there early so we chatted with him. He lives in Washington, about 1/2 hour away. The Lewises were setting up for a movie for FHE of Meet the Mormons. It was on Netflix, so had to move it to their home. Only a handful of kids showed up. We picked up the G2 sisters and took them to visit a sister who has decided to attend another church where her brother is a deacon. She still has a testimony and believes the Book of Mormon, so very confused. By the time we returned to the church, Tyrei had gotten another ride home.

Tuesday we delivered the loaves of bread and a thank you card to the dental clinic where I got my tooth fixed and left the bread. Then shopping at Sam's for the paper products for 400 and more brownie mixes. We fed the elders lasagna and that took quite awhile. They came to eat in t-shirts and jeans because they had helped someone move. I was glad, because lasagna can be messy. E. Steffler had a nice long chat with his brother. Decided to take dutch oven cobbler to institute Wednesday.

Wednesday we walked at the senior center; it had been a week and seemed much longer ago. G1 sisters practiced Plan of Salvation and ate leftovers. Made another batch of brownies then the cherry cobbler. Had correlation meeting at 6 and E. Steffler picked up Tyrei. Only had 10 YSA in attendance plus 4 missionaries and 4 adults. Matt gave the lesson and Bro. Shelton did the Jeopardy general conference game. Two young singles had announced a "relationship" on facebook. Now four dating couples in the branch. A lot more YSA showed up to play volleyball after the lesson, including 3 from Wilson. We took Tyrei home then stopped at zone leaders apt and picked up a large print triple combination for an investigator.

Thursday's appointment canceled so we decided to see how our investigators were doing. Two were not at home but the third was. I had written down an incorrect email address so got that straightened out and she had a question if we had worship services. So gave her a passalong card with name and address of church and times. She did not get the BOM read in two days, however. Maybe something will come of this. Got an appointment for Sunday afternoon to deliver the large print triple. Made another batch of brownies then went to the Lewis' to help Kirsten trim pork tenderloins for Saturday. We got there and helped tote a couple of boxes into the house and opened one and OH NO! It was pork loin, not tenderloin! Big difference in how they are cooked. So we took this 100 lbs of pork back to Sam's and she got her money refunded. Were told that they can't resell the pork; it has to be thrown out because it was returned! We were heart sick. But got the tenderloin and returned to her home and worked for an hour helping her prepare it by trimming off a tendon and butterflying it and pounding it so it was about the same thickness and would cook evenly. She will make a hoisan and soy sauce to baste the tenderloins as they cook on the grill. Got about half finished and had to leave because we were feeding the missionaries again.

Friday marked our two-months left anniversary. I think I'm getting a little trunky. Went to district meeting early to get napkins and knives out of the closet to take Saturday. Emphasis was on teaching the Sabbath Day Holy lesson. The scriptures really brought home how we are blessed when we prepare for the Sabbath and keep it sacred, not just going to church to partake of the sacrament. Made a plan and role played it. Invited the zone leaders (Spanish-speaking) elders to lunch at Cheddar's. The men had steak and I had ribs and shrimp combo – all good. Had to share a hot fudge cake sundae! That afternoon I made the last batch on brownies. E. Steffler had to place them in steam table foil pans, very sturdy and durable. So ended up with 240 (minus two that we had to try and two we gave the elders). We started planning in more detail our route home and decided after visiting Gettysburg, Kirtland, the new Indianapolis Indiana temple and Nauvoo, that we would follow the Mormon pioneer trail home. So I ordered a map detailing all the stops. May take a while because it is not along the interstate. Had to hurry to Sam's to gas up and meet the G1 sisters and teach an investigator. Another lady answered the door and said Kataria was sleeping and she didn't believe in Jesus and shut the door in their faces! How rude is that?? So they tracted and we went to Bojangles for a bo-berry biscuit. Then had a big fiasco about who has riding with whom tomorrow. On the bright side, I got birthday cards from Lena and family and Pres. and Sister Baker.

Saturday was finally the BIG day of the regional YSA conference. We picked up one member on the way to Morehead City; first one at the chapel, so drove to Ft. Macon to see where the afternoon activities would be. It was only about 5 miles but took 20 minutes to get there, then turned around and went back. The bishop of the ward there runs a Subway franchise and made 75 sandwiches cut into 3 pieces and wrapped separately, of ham and turkey. So we got instructions and helped set the food out and the paper goods we brought. Had sandwich, chips, brownie, apple and water on the menu. Had about 180 from 5 different stakes: Raleigh/Apex, Durham, Goldsboro, Kinston and Wilmington. Good cross section. Had a game that got them talking with one another then had lunch. Cleaned up and had the devotional part. Bro. Shelton spoke about his experience of falling out of the boat and compared it to the Savior helping us when we stray or sin. Bro. Brimhall spoke about relying on the Spirit and having faith that all will work out if you are living the commandments. He told of how his family was moving to St. Louis and they could not decided on a house and power went off and things were not going good. The next day on the plane they sat behind a man who was reading scriptures and they got into a discussion with him and told about their dilemma. He gave them his name and address; he was a bishop and lived just a few houses from one they were looking at! The bishop had been fasting and praying about a new counselor and was finishing his fast by reading the scriptures. Two weeks after moving, Bro. Brimhall was made a counselor in the bishopric! Two prayers answered. Good story. Then off to the beach. Crowded parking, but 2nd counselor and wife had sat for 4 1/2 hours reserving a covered area for supper. The kids ran off to the beach to play volleyball, soccer, lay around and swim in the ocean. No one lost any body parts to sharks, so that was good! Had supper around 6 of pork tenderloins, seasoned green beans, roll and more brownies. They were not all eaten for lunch! E. Steffler helped Bro. Moody cook about 80 lbs. of pork. Kids ate until they were full. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed their day. And they got to eat a Klondike bar before leaving for home. Feast. Got home just after 9 and were exhausted, but with a good feeling.

Had a pretty good turn out today for church, considering some of the youth stayed at the beach longer after we left. But they are young and we are not! It was such a good positive day. Everyone seemed to be having fun and talking with one another. We are so blessed to be working with the youth. We love it. Hope your week goes well and that you keep God as your partner in all your decisions. We love y'all! Elder & Sister Steffler

 

Pierce aftet hair cut

On the way to the beach!

Before haircut.

Pierce and his mom Joanna.

July 13

A day late, but we have been missionaries this week! It has felt good.

Monday I got a tooth fixed; lost the filling Friday, but it didn't hurt, so waited until Monday to get it fixed. A member in Greenville 1st ward works at a pediatric dentistry group (he is an orthodontist and I was given his name) and a member from G2 is a dentist, so I got it fixed for free. Love being a missionary! That evening FHE was at Pres. Lewis' home where we made individual pizzas. It took a while to get them all made, but there was a lot of chatting going on and about 25 in attendance. It was great.

Tuesday we read with a member and her son. He got his hair cut Wed., and I took a before picture. It had not been cut for four years. I will show the after pic when I get him cornered. Finally saw it Sunday; not quite missionary cut, but really close! Went to Kinston to inspect the missionary apartments there; took all afternoon. We love the missionaries there too. They are in our zone, so we know most of them. We took a loaf of bread for all except the sisters; one is gluten intolerant, so we took her a cantaloupe and her companion got a half loaf of bread.

Wednesday is the day G1 sisters come for role play and lunch. They were in a dilemma; one of their investigators was slated for baptism Saturday and wanted to read more on the history of the church. Well, she read about blacks not getting the priesthood until 1978 and it was like walking into a wall for her. She could not sleep and did not want to be baptized. We suggested a priesthood blessing might help. They will set that up; they were really thankful for the suggestion. They gave us three investigators to work with. They have given Restoration to Jen who wants a Book of Mormon, so we took that Thursday. She is really into religion as a study course and has read several translations of the Bible. We did the intro to the BOM but when we wanted to start reading, she preferred to read it herself. She thought she could read the book in about two days!

The other two have been given the Restoration and BOM and are ready for Plan of Salvation. We invited them to come to church and they thought they could (but didn't) and we will see if they show up for a lesson tonight.

Thursday we mailed an Ensign to Sarah and the apt inspections to the mission office. Then visited Jen. She gave us her email address but it was invalid when I tried to send a message. It was hot and humid all day – actually most of the week. 96 high with humidity making it feel like 103-104. Tried to help a YSA member whose cousin was having car troubles, but E. Steffler does not have enough tools with him to do much diagnostic testing.

G1 sisters had scheduled the blessing for their investigator for Friday after district meeting. It went well; however, she is still feeling like she does not want to be baptized, at least for awhile. E. Steffler even shared his experience in South Africa with her. At district meeting we practiced giving the lesson on keeping the Sabbath Day holy. A big emphasis on it from the brethren; a video at branch council and talk in sacrament meeting. I had not realized the blessings that can come. I just knew it was a commandment and have tried to keep it in the past. Maybe have not kept it in the correct spirit, though.

Got a card from home that was signed by all the kids and grandkids who were at the slip n' slide. We love our family so much. Next year will be even better: not only will we be there, but we have invited all returned Virginia Chesapeake missionaries to come and have fun, too!

Friday evening there was a pizza party at the clubhouse. We talked about the gospel with three different people! One wanted us to bring her a BOM Sunday afternoon! One was the security officer and lives next to the YSA elders who have already talked to him. He is very religious minded.

Saturday we took G1 sisters to Kinston for the stake's family history Discovery Day. We were there early so they could help where ever they were needed. We went to classes on indexing and getting started. Lunch was outdoors – NC BBQ with coleslaw and baked beans and watermelon. It was hot, 95 degrees, so shade was essential. After returning to Greenville we dropped the sisters off and went shopping at Sam's and Walmart, mostly for the mix and mingle meal on Sunday. Then we went to a baptism. Robin is about 6'8" and weighs close to 400 lbs. He was baptized by Bishop Finlayson who is almost as tall, but not as heavy. He was baptized by bending forward! Never seen that before, but it worked. He was so humble and the spirit so strong. It was a beautiful service. Then we made chicken salad for Sunday because it was so darned expensive that I only bought one pkg.

Sunday started with branch council. We are hosting a regional YSA party at the beach Saturday, so we finalized who was doing what. We are in charge of paper goods and making 300 brownies! The meal went over well; had some yummy desserts and we came out well on the bread and deli meats. Some leftover chicken salad and crab salad, but the Spanish elders said they could help with that! Two young singles from Washington brought a beautiful strawberry cake that their mother had made. It was yummy, too.

The G1 sisters met with us at Marianna's apartment and gave her a Restoration, briefly. Mostly, Marianna talked – about her life and why she wanted a BOM. She is a very staunch Catholic, even taught in the church. So everything we taught she saw through Catholic eyes. She politely told us she just wanted to read the BOM, not be converted. We will see if she is willing to listen to the spirit. Later, the sisters came to our apartment to watch How Rare a Possession. E. Steffler made popcorn, even. Beautiful story of Parley P. Pratt's conversion and how the book changed the life of a man from Sicily. So no time to write my blog!

Hopefully this finds all well with family and friends. We love the gospel, our family and being a missionary. God bless all of you. We love all y'all and so does Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Have a good week!

Love, Elder & Sister Steffler

July 5

We had a slump week after  vacation; laid around and read, mostly. I think we are finally ready to go back to work (hopefully!).

Tuesday was my brother's birthday: Happy Birthday Kim. We stayed Monday night at a motel in Durham, about 2 miles from the airport. Karla got a wakeup call at 4:40 and caught the shuttle at 5 for the airport. Her flight was to leave at 7 and she was boarded by 6:40, so right on time. After hugging her good-bye, we went back to bed until 7. Had an appointment at the hearing aid doctor at 8 and were only 5 minutes late, so I felt good about that, since we were driving in rush hour. Took only about 20 minutes before we were on our way home. Cleaned out the frig, threw away a lot of stuff that had gone bad, did laundry and napped. That was about it!

Wednesday was a practice day for G1 sisters with lunch. The new sister is quiet, but has a good solid background in the gospel. She will do well. After lunch we had to go to Sam's to fill up the car and the frig. E. Steffler is so afraid that we will run out of meat! Had missionary correlation before institute; nice to have a mission leader again! Took bread and honeybutter for snack for institute. Not many attended; ended up with 10. Sis. Walker had some interesting facts about the apostles that she shared. We are studying Teachings of the Living Prophets, and it is very interesting.

Thursday we took the G2 sisters to a steakhouse for a "graduation" lunch. After 6 weeks of practice lessons, the new missionary will graduate. Everyone enjoyed a steak! Then we read with a member. Her son recently got a scooter and he drove it around for us; E. Steffler showed him how to check its oil.

Zone meeting was Friday. We need to check apartments in Kinston so we had the missionaries sign up. We practiced a new way of introducing the Book of Mormon; very effective and better than with the pictures. We got a thank you note from the G2 sisters thanking us for the "celestial" steak on Thursday. Cute. Picked up two Ensigns at the meeting, plus got one in the mail. Plethora of Ensigns! Will have to give one away. We learned of E. Boyd K. Packer's passing on facebook (our only source of news). That's two apostles since April General Conference. That puts E. Russell M. Nelson next in line.

I was flossing my teeth and flicked out a filling. Just what I didn't need; it is not hurting, just a nuisance. Saturday I got a returned call from an orthodontist who suggested I come in Monday to have my tooth looked at. We declared a swimming day and hit the pool early, before 8, and it was warm already. It has not gotten as hot as out West, but the humidity has risen with the occasional rain and cloud cover. YSA elders had an early supper with us. It was one of the elder's birthdays yesterday, so I made the cake that is pictured below – the best I can do at originality! He was appreciative, and I let them take the rest home! Plus the remainder of the loaf of bread. Then we began our 24-hour fast.

The fun part of the day was seeing our kids and grandkids have fun on the slip n slide. There was quite a crowd – all of our kids and some of their friends. Eliza and family came from Shelley (and their oldest with a boyfriend!) and Deana from Hailey. DJ has gotten the art of slip n slide down to a science! It was awesome. Deana posted lots of photos and a couple of videos, so we enjoyed it vicariously. Made me trunky!

Not a lot at church today, but still had a good fast and testimony meeting. A nonmember even bore his testimony! It was awesome. After church we fed the YSA elders again. That seems to be about all we have done this week: feed the missionaries! But we feel blessed for doing it. We love the missionaries and associating with them. We love the YSA members and enjoy meeting with them three times a week. We (the branch) are hosting a beach party on July 18, so that will be interesting.

Hope all y'all are well and enjoying life and staying out of trouble. We will try, also. Till next week, God bless y'all!

Love, Elder and Sister Steffler

Happy birthday America!

My feeble efforts at cake decorating.