September 6

The count down begins in earnest! One week to go!

Last Monday we made a quick trip to Raleigh to have Elder Steffler's hearing aids checked one more time. Rained most of the way going and coming. Nothing really unusual about that – and the rain is needed, so we don't complain too much. Easy for me to say – I don't drive! Had to do one more shopping at Sam's Club because we had to feed missionaries this week. Gas was $2.15; love to see it coming down instead of the other way. Had hot dogs and chili (without the beans!) for FHE and Jake had a new game – involving a ball, of course! The Moodys fixed everything and even did the clean up themselves. The young adults had a good time chatting, eating and playing the new game. About 35 in attendance; most we have ever seen. Pierce D'Auria was there; Clark had brought him from work because his scooter had broken down; we took him home.

Hello September! Started the month out with a swim in cold water. Didn't bother me; I like the water cold. Did hear some whining from E. Steffler! Hurried and made bread before the YSA elders came for lunch and practice lesson on The Gospel. Also made a batch of cinnamon rolls to take to some members and nonmembers: Collin, Mandi, Tyrei, Megan, Sarah Casey and Sarah Saunders. Sarah C. was having "FHE" with some friends; Jonathan was one of them and he was cooking. I offered to cook for an apt of men on Thursday: John and Jake Stevens, Ian and Dillon.

We were late getting our walk in Wednesday. The temp said 71 but the real feel was like 95! We had planned to take Joanna shopping, but Dane was home sick, so moved it to Saturday. G2 sisters came for a practice lesson on Book of Mormon. Did pretty good. We told them that next week is the graduation lunch and Sis. Oleson teared up; she has been to our apt about every week since she got here five months ago. Got a call from the mission president; he needed help for a sister who is going home for health reasons and could she stay with us for several days? Of course; do you say no to the mission president? I didn't think so! Her companion will go with the trainer sisters in Havelock. So got the guest bedroom cleaned out so she could move in.

Thursday we helped one of the sisters in the branch who got a couch from her grandmother and the furniture movers could only bring it in the morning. They came at 9:30 which worked out really well; we let them in and everything was good. Had lunch with the Lillywhites in Washington. Steak, salad, corn on the cob plus apple pie and ice cream. The pie was really good – she had made it. Pres. Baker is thinking about moving them to Greenville to help in the branch when we leave. Met with the sisters in the afternoon and made the exchange – with pictures, of course. Had to cancel our appointment with the apt of men, but that was okay; also had to cancel G2 elders lunch and practice.

Friday we decided not to go to zone meeting, but E. Steffler had to take the necklace to Sister Rawling that she left in our car at transfer and a loaf of bread to compensate for the lunch for the G2 elders. We had decided since we were not going to meeting, we could go shopping with Joanna. Had to wait for Pierce to get dressed so we could take him to work (his scooter is still not fixed). Then to Penney's for the spree. Ended up with underwear, 4 blouses and 2 skirts; not bad for one and a half hours. E. Steffler spent almost that much money on bullets at the sports store.

Saturday we walked at the senior center park then went to the farmer's market. Had to run out to Joanna's to return her keys and take a shirt that I can't wear. Hurried to the post office to mail S. Blackburn's two packages; I forgot to mail the letter to DJ. I was only concerned about S. Blackburn. So put it in the mail box here at the apt complex and it won't go out until Tuesday. It will still beat us home. S. Blackburn talked with her mother who is visiting a daughter in Texas and was upset that she would not be home until Wednesday. She is having a hard time adjusting to having time to herself; we don't have every minute planned (with 2 or 3 back-ups). But she decided she could finish reading the Book of Mormon so she has settled down.

Today was a very uplifting sacrament meeting. Pres. Walker was in attendance and he wanted several people to bear their testimonies. Elder Steffler and I were invited to, which surprised me because we are speaking next week. S. Blackburn also bore her testimony and announced she was going home because of health reasons. Pres. Walker finished by telling some of Joseph Smith's story and how he and his wife had visited Kirtland and Hyrum and some of the events that happened there. Very powerful. Sunday School was about Saul/Paul and Stephen, how the church accommodated its growth. R.S. saw the video of Pres. Hinckley giving the Family Proclamation the first time to the R.S. General Women's Broadcast in September of 1995.

It was a very good Sabbath Day; fasting always brings the Spirit more abundantly. Spent more than an hour with our friend Mariana and took her an Indian trinket; she was very appreciative. She gave us a Catholic book to read.

That takes care of another week. Looking forward to seeing friends and family at home. We love all y'all and wish God's choicest blessings upon you. Love, Elder and Sister Steffler