December 25, 2013

I know it seems as if I have been slacking on Stephen's blog but I promise I have not, he is not very good at written communication (he promises to try harder), he feels as if his spelling and handwriting are not very good so that is why. I did tell him we didn't care about those things we just want to hear from him so we will see how it goes from here.

So since my last blog post these are some of the things he has been emailing..
Apparently there are massive issues with bed bugs there and roaches so he is pretty grossed out by that. Okay so now the gross part is over.. Stephen has had a total of 3 baptisms already, none that he has been from start to finish with yet but still what an awesome experience.
He is so funny he went out thinking he was going to have steak and corn every night for dinner and so far he has not even had either one yet. The boy cracks me up.

We did finally get a couple of letter from him (yes he does know how to put a pen to paper), he finally got some letters from us as well not exactly sure what took his so long but oh well at least he got them. So in his first letter he talked about being a bit homesick but is staying strong, praying and working hard, he thinks it is more because this is his first time away from home and it is around the holidays, what a great way to stay positive and focus on the work of our Lord. He told us how his companion and him were walking from place to place and his companion got hit by a car, he said it was the scariest thing he has had happen, his companion is fine he had a couple of cuts and got dirty but got right up and they kept going. I sure hope they let the mission President know still have yet to find out that answer.
He did have a day where he got sick and had to stay in bed all day but was doing great after about 24 hours. Sounds like he just had a really yucky bug that lots of rest kicked right out.  He says it is super cold there because of the wind chill but he manages to stay pretty bundled up and warm. He says he is really learning a lot and growing spiritually which is great.
Yes we got to skype him as well, we did meet his companion today and he seemed great very nice, no injuries or side effects from his car accident so that is good. He really enjoys working with Stephen says he is a great missionary and loves him as a companion (makes me tear up just a bit).
They are having a hard time getting serious investigators but he is staying positive and working hard at those that are taking the lessons. He says he has really learned to rely on his leaders in the field and in the ward they are serving so I think that is one of the best lessons he could ever learn and take from his mission.
When we asked about his apartment he told us they live in a 2200 square foot home, yes just the 2 of them (that is twice the size of our house). Can you say spoiled?
Stephen and his companion are over the Eagle Run ward (most of the area he is in are just branches) and there are 6 other missionaries just in that one ward besides him and his companion. We asked about his mission and the amount of missionaries they had and he said he thought he had heard they were capped out at about 250 total.
As of today he has still not had steak but says he gets a lot of gumbo when fed by the members.
He is really starting to enjoy it a lot more now and it is getting a bit easier on the missing home end. He has almost been in Nebraska for 1 month now. He loves seeing the squirrels outside all of the time.
He looked great, healthy and super happy. It was a great day talking with him.

Until next time.....

December 2, 2013

Today was Stephen's first Pday and we heard from him. He said he is sending a letter soon so I will post more when I get that.
He said it is sunny in Nebraska but freeze to the bone cold. His first area is Omaha. He had huge news to share.... He has already had his first baptism (day 2) in the field. He gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. He is super excited about that.His companion is from Alabama and has the same last name as his Grandma Wilson's maiden name, I thought it would be funny if they were some way related. He thought that would be funny too.
He really didn't say to much more than that, he did tell Harvey he is a little homesick so pray that he will get through that and be able to move past those feelings and just love these next 2 years.

Until next time.....

November 27, 2013

We got to talk to Stephen this morning before he left the airport in Minnesota to go to Nebraska. He is doing well, he did have to visit the doctor in the MTC because of a sinus infection and a knee injury playing basketball (nothing to worry about it was just sore). He seemed very tired and nervous of the plane rides (his first time ever on a plane) but happy.

I also FINALLY got some letters from him as well.   He has been stressing about writing letters as he feels he is a poor speller and writer (which we really don't care we just want to hear from him).

 He said things have been crazy busy for him, weeks feeling like days and some days feeling like weeks. He is learning a lot and enjoying reading from Preach My Gospel.  He has been the senior companion the whole time he was in the MTC. He had an on and off relationship with his companion, mostly good though. He said when Ryan left that was really hard on him. He loved the temple day they had. He did explain all of the new knowledge he has been getting is like drinking from a fire hose, you get more on you than in you.  He said his scriptures look like a coloring book inside and he tabs the outside too so it is a rainbow of colors. He has a sister missionary that had taken him under her wing and was helping him with different things. He said he is missing home a little but knows he will be great and that will go away soon.

He received a letter from his mission President stating that he would be in the mission home both Wednesday after arrival and Thursday for Thanksgiving.

He sends his love.

Until next time.....

November 21, 2013

So we finally heard from Stephen today. He is doing great. Did get a little homesick but has put himself in his work and is doing great now. He is really enjoying the MTC and the friends he is making there. He will be leaving next week (Wednesday) to go to Nebraska. We are all so very proud of him and excited for him. He hasn't really said a ton just that he is working so hard he is falling asleep during his prayers at night.
Until next time.....

MTC

Stephen is officially in the MTC now. It was a great day. He woke up very excited to go and be there but as we were at lunch he got very nervous and his anxiety kicked up. He handled himself very well. He didn't even cry until he hugged us and that was only a few tears so I know that he is in the right place. We had a wonderful opportunity to see Ryan as he was allowed to host Stephen once we got there. It was emotional but at the same time very peaceful. We can not wait to hear from Stephen and all of his experiences. He is going to make a fabulous missionary.
Until next time.....

Farewell

This week has really been a week to remember, I would like to thank everyone. It's amazing to see how many people are there for you when you look. I am so loved and cared for. I love you all and I will see you in two years.