Reception

Blake and Cassie Howard

Dec. 28

Christmas is a memory and soon 2014 will be a memory, too. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and spent time with family.

Last Sunday we went to church in Kinston then to dinner at Bro. Walker's and family; about 22 ate at his table. He figures if he is going to cook, he is going to feed a bunch. And it isn't chicken! Steak, potatoes, 2 kinds of beans, corn, rolls and a table full of desserts. Oh, yeah, he knows how to feed people. Then we took a plateful of cookies to Bradley (missed him by 5 min.) and Jacob (would not commit to coming to church). Saw quite a bit of country driving to their houses. We were reading in the Book of Mormon, enjoying a quiet evening, when the YSA elders dropped in to set up Skype on our computer for their Christmas chat. I printed off 3 recipes for bread in a bread machine so the G1 elders can make bread (I think it is E. Ferguson who likes the bread).

Monday was pouring rain, so another work-out day instead of walking. Did some laundry then took Kierra's package to the post office to be mailed for the third time! First two to the Job Corps, then found out she no longer is going there and finally sent it to her mother's in Georgia where she is staying. Filled up the car for $2.32/gal then went to Pres. Lewis' to watch BYU get beat by Miami in second overtime. A few YSA showed up (it was FHE activity) and ate sandwiches, chips, sodas and cookies. E. Steffler sat and watched the entire football games; I started on a crossword puzzle. Didn't realize how much I missed doing them. Popped corn for supper and watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas.

Tuesday walked one circuit of the complex then got ready for the Christmas Conference in Kinston with Pres. and Sis. Baker and missionaries from both zones in North Carolina. Watched Polar Express then had a lovely dinner, catered by the Howards. While the missionaries went into the chapel for the devotional, the two senior couples set out the bags full of goodies for the missionaries. Then they could add a Cutie and sweet bread, plus cookie from the Bakers. There was a box of mail that we spread over the tables so they could find them: letters from home sent special for the missionaries to get at this conference. Pres. Hancock talked on how we will always remember this Christmas because we are serving the Lord. He told the story about Helen Keller visiting SLC and going to performance of MoTab. She wanted to "listen" to the organ with her hands (for those that don't remember her, she was blind and deaf). What a story! Pres. Baker told about how they received their call to be mission president. Then he did a beautiful thing; he pronounced a blessing over all the missionaries; promised blessings to us and our family for our service. We left asap because we had an appointment at the Raleigh Temple at 6. Wonderful place to be after such an inspirational conference. Drove home in pouring rain; E. Steffler had to slow down to 35 a few times because he could not see. Yet, cars were passing us! Still made it home by 10.

Christmas Eve: rain, not as pouring as last night. G1 elders canceled their practice lesson because one of them was sick. So we went grocery shopping before it got too crazy. Had taco salad for lunch then went to the movie, National Museum, like the third one, ho hum. G1 sisters came bearing gifts: we didn't realize we would get something at the Christmas party yesterday and left for the temple without checking. Letters from DJ, Eliza and Lena and their families. Very sweet; Lena's made me cry. There were even two cookies from the Bakers. Sis. Bunker gave us a Christmas idea book and wrote a lovely little story for us that we will cherish. G2 sisters brought us a plate cookies so invited them to sit and chat and the G1 sisters came (again), so I popped some corn and we watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas – again. It was so fun. Sis. Bunker worried that they were invading us, but we loved it. I'm glad they feel safe here.

Merry Christmas! Slept in and did not exercise. Took a day off! Made breakfast for the YSA elders then they each skyped with their families. We drove out to see Joanna and see their Christmas; Mike was there and the twins were rowdy. She sent us home with cookie/candy treats, which were gone before we got home! Made a batch of blackberry jam (berries were 3/$5 so bought 6). Napped and read all afternoon then made an apple cobbler to take to the Lewis' for dinner. She had roasted an entire beef tenderloin and it was delicious! They gave us a burlap bag full of goodies and a pedometer! Now we can count steps and see how close we come to the 10,000 steps that is suggested. The G1 sisters appeared; Sis. Fife wanted to hear Pentatonix sing Mary Did You Know (in a cave) then started to watch Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration. I had saved it on facebook. Snow in Idaho; they had a white Christmas – we had rain and in the 60s!

Friday we walked 1 3/4 miles at the senior center; about 3700 steps, so we need to walk about 5 miles to get the 10,000 steps! Ended up with 4900 for the day because we shopped at Sam's Club. District meeting, E. Coy's last; we take him to mission home Monday. Several gave 5-minute talks on faith. I had one ready just in case and E. Steffler had thought about what to say. E. Bauman said we all have a favorite "stick" that we bring with us on our missions and at some point we are asked to put it down and leave it behind. Sis Bunker left the room in tears. Found out later that her family has essentially cut her out of the family. She just needs time to grieve. G1 sisters came over for supper and a blessing. Tried to do a Hang Out with family, but I'm technically challenged so it took a while to connect, then the ones who knew what to do, left for a movie so that left us with iphones, which one of the 4 year olds took and tried to take pictures of cousins. So that was the end of that! YSA elders came over with their USBs to copy some files and download some of theirs onto our computer. Lots of reading to do now!

Saturday, another workout day. Did a couple of batches of laundry before taking the YSA elders to Havelock to try to find young adults to come to Greenville once a month. Didn't have much luck. Most were not home. The funniest thing was watching E. Bauman calling the ducks; he had names for several of them. He had served in Havelock several months ago and still knew all the names and ducky noises. We had supper at Crabby Patty's (hence the photo) and the food was pretty good. Got home about 8 p.m.

So, quite a week; not much missionary teaching going on, but enjoyable. I love spending time with the missionaries. Not too many branch members around this week. The highlight was the temple and Christmas Conference on Tuesday. It was nice talking to some of the family members and the letters were wonderful. I love letters. (hint) Hope y'all have your New Year's resolutions lined up and that one of them is to communicate with your parents – both heavenly and earthly! We love all y'all and wish for a bright new year. Love, Elder & Sister Steffler

Duck calling

Elder Bauman saying farewell to friends.

Dec. 21

I thought this week would be slow and boring; no so. Many blessings and challenges, though.

No branch council so all who wanted to could go to a branch member's farewell in her home ward. She is so excited to go! Her mission is to Sacramento California Mission. Then we had our own meetings; good talks by the Dawson sisters and ward mission leader, Taylor Given. Gospel doctrine was the same Ezekiel lesson that was taught 2 weeks ago in the 1st ward. I know doubly about the water coming out from the temple that will heal the Dead Sea. Had the Savior's birth in Relief Society. Invited the YSA elders to dinner since they didn't have a dinner appointment. Had breakfast for dinner, then went with them to teach Brittany. She is so ready for baptism – gave all the right answers to the questions on prayer, reading and chastity. Brittany cracked us up with her response to chastity: I'm glad my boyfriend and I just play cards! Then finished all my Christmas cards to the branch members. I have never written so many cards in my life. Even wrote a couple to inactives and invited them to come to branch activities. Told YSA elders we would take them to Havelock so E. Bauman could talk to some YSA members and see former members.

Monday got to exercise again! Three days without is way too long! Walked on the Sr. Center path. Went to member's house where we fixed the yard art and thought it looked good and took a picture. She was pretty excited how it turned out. After cleaning apartment, we went to Post Office to buy stamps and mail all the cards. In line for about 30 minutes (maybe not quite that long, but it seemed like it!) then they were out of holiday stamps. So bought some red hearts and fireworks. Deserved a burger and fries after that, but maybe not the yogurt at Sweet Frog, but it was good! Decided to make pumpkin cookies to use up the pumpkin in the fridge. Looked at my phone and Tyrei needed a ride to FHE; barely got the cookies baked before we had to leave. Missionary correlation at 6:30 and FHE at 7. Had Jet's pizza – chicken with BBQ sauce, yummy. Played Sardines, then volleyball. Home by 10.

Tuesday we walked the path behind the park, about one mile each way (no side trips or short cuts!). Finished the pumpkin with mini loaves and one large loaf then made banana chocolate chip cookies to use up the over ripe bananas. Sister missionaries borrowed the air mattresses for exchanges with sister trainers; Sis. Whetten finally got x-rays of her back, plus another car. Gave them a plate of cookies and loaf of bread, because they had to feed two extra. Delivered mini loaves and plates of cookies to 8 branch members. Called Danny to see if he was home or work – neither; he and Emily were in Goldsboro looking at rings! I have not heard anything official yet, so keep it under your cap! Also took a nice plate to the office personnel at The Pointe here at Wimbledon. Had a nice chat with Eliza; all is well there. They spoke in sacrament meeting (both she and Bill spoke) and Lydia was home for the weekend. Took a plate of cookies to G1 elders and YSA elders (they all share an apartment) and got a bathroom scale in return (not the one that the training sisters borrowed, but it works).

Since it rained Tuesday, we walked on the Sr. Center path that is paved. Had a lesson practice with G1 elders on Plan of Salvation then fed them breakfast. Had two frying pans cooking pancakes and could barely keep up! Did I mention they are in a threesome and all three are over 6 feet tall? Delivered more cookies -- six more plates of cookies. Nearly got in a wreck going from Charles to Greenville Blvd. It is a free right-hand turn; no traffic on outside lane; inside lane bumper to bumper. A car on the inside lane decided it was too slow and pulled into the outside lane as we were pulling into the same lane. E. Steffler romped on the gas; we jumped 5 feet in a split second and avoided a collision. He had to stop and look to make sure there were no marks. There is no way we didn't get hit, except for the tender mercy of the Lord. E. Steffler informed me: NO MORE DRIVING DURING RUSH HOUR! It took a while for him to calm down. The traffic reminds me of Eagle Road in Meridian, only cars moving at 45-50 mph. Anyway, now we know where a few more members live. And lived to tell the tale! Watched the DVD we got at the Christmas exchange, "My Girl." I barely remembered it; not too bad.

Thursday we walked the path at the Sr. Center, again. Took copies of YW theme, D&C/church history DVD to Joanna's. I wanted to watch Prophet of the Restoration, but she was gung-ho on BOM, so we read about Moroni vs Amalickiah in Alma 49. She had two huge stuffed alligators on the couch that she had gotten at Sam's Club and had decided to return them to use the money to buy bunk beds for her twins. E. Steffler takes $50 from his wallet and gives it to her for the alligators; she was thrilled and said she would put our names on the tags. We had just gotten a check in the mail from one of our ward members and just paid it forward! Took the G1 sisters to visit Sweetie; they had prepared a lesson, but she wanted to read the Book of Mormon from the Book of Mormon. She had read it but didn't understand all of it, so we read it and discussed it with her. Made a double batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies when we got home; baked two pans and put the rest of the dough in the fridge. Watched videos on mormon.org and ordered flowers for the mission office and ordered 3 more copies of the DVD we had given to Joanna.

Friday had a quick walk around the apartment complex because we had District meeting. Lots of baptisms planned in the next month from all the missionaries. Talked about member involvement and going about doing good. I didn't understand how important member involvement was until we came on our mission; it is crucial to finding and retaining. Divided up more cookies for 5 more members. One recent convert came by to get his (he didn't want to inconvenience us) so we asked him to cook us a native meal on New Years Day: Peruvian. Have to find the international market for the right ingredients, but it should be very interesting! G1 sisters came by to ask a favor: they had gotten a key in their mailbox and could we go to the Post Office to get their package. I walked them out to the mailbox and showed them where the key fit in the package slot. They were amazed! Later they came again with some of their goodies they had received: gingerbread man kit and cupcake tins and cake mix. So helped decorate some gingerbread men and loaned them some oil to make the cake. The Pointe had a Mingle with baked potatoes, veggie & cheese platters and cookies and cheese cake bites. Pretty good! It was supper for us!

Saturday we tried out some of the new equipment that we saw got delivered yesterday: tread mills and bikes and free weights and weighted balls. We also worked out on the weight machine. We are starting off slowly because it has been so long since we have worked out; we could tell it, too! Picked up Joanna and went to the farmers market; not much there, a little disappointing. I really had my mouth set for more hot sweet dill pickles and salsa; nope, neither vendor was there. Did buy some more red potatoes and some not-so-sweet sweet potatoes. Filled up the car with gas for $2.35/gal! Had to buy a new electric toothbrush; E. Steffler tried to fix his and broke it instead! Also bought a $20 breakfast pastry tray – a definite no-no. At noon the district went caroling together and we shared some pastry. One of the elders knew the lady that ran My Sisters Attic, and she went around to all the other little shops asking if we could come caroling; they all were thrilled. One sister even said she was interested in learning more! We were not the best carolers I have heard, but we sang with gusto. After an hour, we had had enough, but the other missionaries continued on; don't know for how long. Made a batch of bread when we got home. Invited G1 sisters to have some, then took them to Robersonville to deliver cupcakes. We dropped off our cookies to Tyrei and another member that live out that way – both were home. The G1 sisters told us of a tender mercy. They were walking to the caroling and a car from Kinston stopped and asked if they needed a ride. The driver showed his temple recommend so the sisters knew they were okay! It really tickled them. I kind of got homesick in the afternoon after caroling. I guess the caroling reminded me of our family going caroling to neighbors for one of our traditions. Anyway, I went on an eating binge, but was rescued by the G1 sisters asking us to take them to Robersonville. Sometimes you think you are putting someone "out" when they really need the blessing.

I am trying harder to not get homesick. I started reading the Bible whenever I feel a little depressed. Read all of Isaiah and Jeremiah and have started on Ezekiel. I don't think I'll finish the Bible by the end of the year!

Hope y'all are ready for Christmas, because ready or not ... here it comes! We love you and miss you, but are enjoying the work here. We have mailed a lot of cards and delivered a lot of cookies. Now to stay busy until the students return. God bless you and if you have not seen He is the Gift, please log on to christmas.mormon.org for a lovely and poignant video. Elder and Sister Steffler

Gingerbread decorating

Elder Steffler even decorated a couple!

Yard art

Service project for a member.

Branch Christmas photo

A great bunch of members enjoyed a meal, gingerbread house making and gift exchange Dec. 8. In the photo with the YSA elders, their names are Elder Bauman and Elder Siddoway.