As you see from the photo, the sisters in the branch had an enrichment night this week and we toasted marshmallows and made s'mores. Also did a little game with M&Ms so we got to learn a little about each sister. We had 15 in attendance, and that is a lot for us!
For Home Evening Monday the branch bought Jet's Pizza. They make a really good BBQ chicken to die for. I'm not sure what they do, but the dough is thick and chewy and the BBQ is sweet, but they also make good regular pizza, too. Had about 35 young singles attend, a few were nonmembers and some recent converts. Good turn out. That makes me happy!
We fed four sets of missionaries and three sets did practice lessons and the other set gave a good thought that lightened our hearts. They are all getting bolder; we can tell from week to week that they are improving. Made a batch of cinnamon rolls and fed them to the missionaries all week; of course we had to eat with them . . . Not a good idea; no more baked goodies!
The temperatures have been moderate all week: high 80s in the day and low 70s in the night. Not much rain, either, which helps the humidity stay moderate. The swimming pool water is even cooling down! I love it! Elder Steffler, not so much. August usually gets 6 inches of rain; only a little over 2 inches have fallen this year and the lawns and fields are looking rough.
Friday after district meeting we went to a senior couples retreat. It started in New Bern (about 45 min. away) where we had a catered meal and meeting at a motel where we all stayed. Had 11 couples attend. Had a talk by the 2nd counselor in the mission presidency, testimonies by the two wives of the counselors and then a discussion led by Pres. Baker with the help of his wife. A talk by Elder John K. Carmack, "Lord, Increase Our Faith." The disciples asked the Master how can we increase our faith. He answered it by relating the parable of the unprofitable servant. (Luke 17:7-10) It is a very good talk with great insights. The one I really like is this: No matter how difficult and impossible the circumstances we face, we must retain the attitude that we are still in the Lord's debt. Just keeping the commandments, while laudable, may be enough to maintain our faith but not enough to increase it. We must continue sacrificing and serving with no thought of reward. We do it out of love and gratitude for the Lord, to whom we owe everything."
Some very good observations. I was kind of hoping that we could serve a mission -- then rest! (JK-ing) I have learned so much on this mission. Had a chat with President about when we will be going home. He invited us to come to the mission home with the 5 other missionaries who are going home this transfer. There will be supper and a testimony meeting. Then we can head for home the next day. So we will load up everything Monday the 14th and head to Chesapeake! All of a sudden, it seems very close!
On Saturday the group took the ferry to Cape Lookout (see photo) where Pres. Hancock, 1st counselor in the mission presidency gave a talk about the church in Harker's Island. He has also written a book and gave each couple a copy. His wife made a clam bake for us with clams, shrimp, chicken, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob all steamed together. Homemade rolls to die for and molasses cake or fig cake for dessert. All yummy! We gave each of them a mission hankie to show our appreciation. Traveled home and crashed. Being out in the wind and sun really tires you out, it does me anyway.
Today for church, since it was the 5th Sunday, we did not have branch council, so we had missionary correlation instead. A good turnout for church again. I could get use to this! Next week is Labor Day weekend, so maybe the attendance will not be so good. Two of the talks today were by members returning to BYU-I this coming week. The third is a returned missionary from the Salt Lake South mission, Spanish-speaking. He is Hispanic, so no problem with the language. There are several romances going on that are fun to watch. Only one has set a date for the wedding in November. We will see how many others finally get down to popping the question!
Had a yummy dinner today at the Paries. Sis. Paries is 2nd counselor in the R.S. and Bro. Paries is on the high council over the missionary work. We had lasagna with the YSA elders also, plus a yummy peach cobbler. How many times can I say yummy before it loses it meaning?
That wraps up our week. Only two more entries before we head for home! Yikes! We love all y'all and look forward to seeing you again soon. God bless. Elder & Sister Steffler
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