Family! It was so great to hear from you! Yes, it is hotter than Hades here. 117 to be precise. Every time we open the door to go outside it feels like we just opened the rack oven in the bakery, except then you have to walk in it. We have had heat warnings on the news all week and just about every street we drive down there is an overheated car just chillin on the side of the road. It is nuts. When we play sports in the mornings it is usually 95 or hotter. Luckily one of the members in our ward made us scarves, so our necks will stay nice and toasty when we are out and about. Our power went out for over an hour last night because of the heat, so we all gathered around my flashlight which was our only source of light. The A/C wasn't working though, so we started cookin. It was quite the adventure. The Lord has blessed us so much though- we have had appointments just about every hour so we spend most of our time in a lesson or in our car. Plus, people give us water everywhere we go so we stay hydrated and out of the heat. The other night, Sister Lake and i were feeling a little bit of the Christmas spirit, so we decorated our living with all the Asian decorations we could find and Sister Lake whipped out her Christmas tree and lights and stocking and we just left it for the sisters to find in the morning. They were so confused. But then we celebrated that morning with presents and we all told Christmas memories and marked the new holiday Asian Christmas in July. Even though it was June. We may or may not have forgotten that part.
Well the work is still so great here. I have been in some super ghetto neighborhoods all week, so that's always fun. Got peed on and attacked by a chihuahua. Highlight of the week. We have had LOTS of people try to use us just because we are nice people. Someone told me they would come to my church if I gave her a ride. Another lady told me she believes in Jesus but would steal some food if we didn't give her any. We always try to respond to those situations in the way Christ would, but it is hard. We want to help everyone but need to realize that giving them things isn't the way the Lord would have us work. We have a more important work to be doing. Tons of people showed up for church yesterday, that was a tender mercy from the Lord. It was an even bigger miracle that most of them stayed for all three hours.
How is the missionary work in Kennewick? I have already started a list of the things I will do when I get back home to help the Elders and Sisters out. Our ward has pretty much adopted us so I want to be that kind of member after my mission. Also, have fun at the Stoker Reunion this week! Tell them all I miss them and make sure Todd feels as uncomfortable as possible around the uncles. And let Uncle Craig know that I'm doing my best to repair the damage he caused here in the 80's, but it's rough. Give my best to Grandma too. It really is an honor to wear the name Stoker everywhere I go and to remember it is more than just my immediate family I am representing while i'm here. So thanks for all your prayers! Here are some more pictures. Enjoy!
1. Asian Christmas in July
2. Jarom and Helaman Street.
3. My first night out!
4. Apparently this is how i pray. Sister Lake felt the need to document it.
Love you all!
Sister Stoker
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