February 17th, 2014

Hey! I can't even remember what happened this week. I didn't record anything though- sorry you'll have to go 2 weeks without hearing my voice. It has been crazy. We got transfer news on Saturday- I'm staying here to finish Sister Onorato's training. President actually called me and asked if I was burnt out in this area yet since this will be my 6th transfer (a transfer is 6 weeks. NUTS I know) I told him I could stay one more, but after this I need to get the heck out of here. It is pretty hard to stay for so long because honestly half the people we pass on the street I've already contacted them. All the "former investigators" in the Area Book are ones I found. I know all the members, their kids, their life story, and all their dogs' names. And I'm sure they are getting sick of me too. But at the same time, this is HOME to me. These members mean the world to me and are so aware of us sisters. They will text just to let us know they are thinking about us, they are so thoughtful and love to come to lessons with us. At least most of them do. I hope. The relationship missionaries have with the members will determine the effectiveness of the work in the area. THAT is doctrine. 

We are teaching a guy from Tunisia right now. I would tell you where that is but I am afraid I'll get it wrong and feel like an idiot. So look it up. He is Muslim and just the nicest guy. He is engaged to a member in the ward and came to church with her last Sunday so, like the good little missionaries we are, we pounced. I never realized how similar our religions are, especially when comparing Mohammad to Joseph Smith. I have so much respect for those people. We ordered him an Arabic Book of Mormon and it is beautiful. It looks like it was copied straight from the Gold Plates.

I've probably gotten a total of 4 hours of sleep ever night. Ok that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but I just want to tell you my companion snores like none other. In fact, I'm sure you can hear her in Washington. Haha. Just kidding. And I love her so it's ok. But I am seriously investing in quality ear plugs today. Hopefully they will help get rid of those bags under my eyes. Which reminds me, some lady stopped us today at the grocery store and said she wanted to take our picture and send it to our parents. Please don't judge me. It has bee a weird morning and since it's P day make-up/ doing my hair wasn't a priority. And feel free to delete that picture.   

We had Stake Conference this weekend. I was squeamish the whole time because someone spilled the beans that I was on the "who to call up from the audience at random" list. Guess that's what happens when you've been in the Stake longer than half the members though. Luckily though I wasn't called up. After the meeting though some lady came up to me and said she was a Stoker so in a split second I whipped out my pedigree chart to see where we were related. #youknowyou'reamormonwhen...

Turns out she is related to David Stoker from the 1700s. There are quite a few Stokers out here in fact.

Favorite quote from Stake Conference:

Adversity is mandatory but misery is optional. 

Ok i'm getting kicked off the computer. LOVE YOU. Oh but really quick this week we had a crazy encounter in some DRAMA at a super ghetto complex and the cops were called on an investigator and we were in the middle of a fight and had to get the heck out of there. Don't worry mama we have the spirit to protect us. And I think the 3 Nephites stand behind us to bodyguard us. 

Love,

Sista Stoker