Hello all my family and friends -

On Tuesday this week, we met with Jessica Jones for the first time to talk about her questions and concerns. She is a friend of Tina and Kelly Kellogg (of course, everyone we teach is through them haha), been friends for over 3 years and has a beautiful little 3 year old girl. Jessica has the heart of gold and when we went over, it was so fun and comfortable. She is 23 years old and a single mom, who has to stand up for Mormons at her work. The people out here seem to teach all Anti things against us at their churches instead of teaching about important things...like ya know, Jesus Christ. Ha. But she sat crying telling us about how hard it is to hear what people say when she sees how much the Kellogg family has changed her life for the better. It was so sad so hear her struggles but so awesome because she stands up for them without even knowing anything about our beliefs. I am so excited to teach her more, she is so fun too and just like a girl friend to me!

We were able to go to the Liberty Jail with Jody and Todd Reid, it was a beautiful experience. Our tour guide was Sister Fakai from Australia who is just awesome. She brought the spirit so strong and Todd was able to feel the spirit and really see how much Joseph Smith did for our church. I cant wait to see how things continue to go for him!

Lastly, we met this couple Walter and Denise last week because of a street contact to a friend who was sitting on their front steps. Walter came outside, saying "oh what do we have here?? Lets chat! I hear we don't believe in the same Jesus! Tell me what you believe. Also tell me about how you practice polygamy!" Haha. Wow. We were totally thrown off but after talking for a bit and clearing his understanding, he invited us in to talk more. Well, we have now taught them 3 times and they LOVE everything we have taught with the plan of salvation, the Book of Mormon having to deal with the ancient American Indians, having eternal marriages. Its been nothing but fun teaching them! This past Saturday after talking about eternal marriage, Walter said "so this is our 2nd marriage and say we get baptized and become Mormon and get sealed in the temple, is that okay??" Haha heck yes! He is already imagining what it would be like to be Mormon :) So awesome.

I'm so grateful for so many members out here in the ward who took us into their homes, feeding us and sharing their lives. Going on team ups with Sister Greef this week, like ALWAYS, is SO AWESOME!!! She is a ward missionary and she is the BEST. I love her. Sister Powell will be going home on Friday and transfers will happen on Thursday. It has been a fun adventure serving under her and being her trainee. She is awesome on so many levels. I am nervous to probably be taking over the area but very excited to rise to the occasion! OH! I got my hair cut today too, its super missionary short. No pictures yet! Maybe next week :)

Love you all!!

Sistaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Steph LARSON
stephanie.larson@myldsmail.net

PICTURES: Me with the Mitchell Family. Us with Sister Greef. Me with the Bishops little girls who run up to hug me every Sunday :)