Mother's Kirtland Wisdom Day of Word Interviews

(Posted by Steph's Dad)

Hi family! It was so great to talk with each of you yesterday. It was amazing to think how much time has gone by and yet how normal and wonderful it was to talk with you all. I'm glad that things are going well and that you're all happy and well. Becs, I hope your cough goes away soon...that's no bueno!Well, the word came this morning about transfers and I'm staying! I'm really excited to spend another transfer in Holland and to serve again in the Toledo 1st Ward with Sister Webb. Our district of 8 missionaries has 3 people leaving and half of the missionaries in our zone are leaving. It'll be a different experience next transfer but I'm really grateful I've been able to serve around so many dedicated and obedient missionaries. We've had a blast doing the work and enjoying our time in the blessed area of Toledo.I'm really grateful I can spend more time helping the ward become more missionary minded. We're still working on getting a ward mission plan going and I know that it is something that will unify, fortify, and edify the ward...we've just got to get everyone on board. We're going to meet with the bishop this week to talk about it with him.So, this past week was good. We were able to commit Greg to live the word of wisdom, which was a bit of a scary thing because that's pretty much the only thing that is separating him from baptism. It was neat to hear that he'd been praying about wanting to quit drinking and soon after the sisters had knocked on his door. The desire to stop is there and he's been alcohol-free since Wednesday. I'm so proud of him!We were able to attend a baptism with Esther and it was fun to see her recognize the importance of that sacred ordinance being performed by one with priesthood authority. Ether's planning on being baptized June 7.On Thursday we were able to have interviews with President Peterson. I was so grateful to have the chance to talk with him and counsel with him regarding the needs of the area. He's an inspired leader with such great wisdom and strength. He then took us all out to lunch at the Olive Garden! It was so nice.So this past week we had a neat experience. Saturday we pretty much tracted all day and had set a goal to find 2 new investigators to reach our weekly goals. It'd been a crazy week so Saturday was our only time to be out finding. We worked really hard and found some good potentials but only one investigator. As we planned that evening I suggested we take time out on Sunday when we had scheduled in planning to tract some more to find a new investigator so we prayerfully selected streets. After an appointment with a less active we headed out to our first street. We got to the second to the last house on the street and found our new investigator. I love that the Lord will provide for our needs and desires when we act in faith and give of our heart, might, mind and strength.Our trip to Kirtland with Samantha was a blast. It was great to spend time in that sacred place and to have Sam feel of the spirit. I think the more she's learning the more she's coming to realize the magnitude of our message. She recognizes that we all feel fulfilled and she wants that too.Seriously, it was really great to talk with all of you yesterday and thanks for all being available. I'm always so uplifted by your emails and letters and I'm so grateful that you're willing to support and sustain me with your prayers. I love you and hope that your next week is fantastic!Love love love,Sister Cannariato