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