(Posted by Steph's Dad.)
Hi family,
This week has been kind of sporadic, so I thought a numbered list woudl be best. Here’s kind of the rundown of the week:
1. I was so sad to hear about Grandpa Almond, Jim’s dad, and our neighbor Carla. Death seems to be everywhere. A senior couple, the Deschamps serving in Kirtland, were in a terrible car accident last week in which Sister Deschamp was killed and Elder Deschamp will be recovering from for the next several months. It is difficult to have such experiences and I can’t find words adequate to express what it feels like. But I know we’re all having similar feelings and I’m so grateful we can find comfort in the words of the prophets and the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will live again.
2. Greg and Esther are both doing well…Greg has been alcohol-free for 10 days now and as a result, his insomnia has kicked in full force. He didn’t get sleep Friday or Saturday night and crashed early Sunday morning, thereby missing church. We stopped by his house Sunday afternoon and when he opened the door, he said, “I figured you’d be stopping by” and proceeded to tell us what’d been going on. I love that he's sticking to his decision to live the word of wisdom and that Heavenly Father is blessing him with the strength to do so. He’s counting down the days to his baptism and is still super excited about it. It’s just so neat to see the change that’s occurred in him over the past several months.
3. Apparently, words gotten around in the mission that I’m 27. I don’t know how that happened, but it did. I can’t decide if I’m going to set it straight or play along. Maybe I’ll have to take a vote for all of you.
4. We are going to get a ward mission plan!!! We were able to talk to Bishop Dewey this week and touch base with him about what a ward mission plan could do for his ward and he’s really excited about it. It’s on the agenda for ward council next week and I’m excited to get it going.
5. We got a phone call from someone we’re teaching to let us know that their house was INFESTED WITH LICE. Yep, that’s what I said: INFESTED WITH LICE. I wanted to buy a box of Nix right then and there. Luckily though, neither Sister Webb and I have it. The Lord truly blesses His missionaries! :)
6. Sorry, I have a lot of funny random things today. At our last district meeting, another Elder in my district (he’s from Rigby actually) handed me a pass along card after district meeting. It had an address on it. His home address. With his brother’s name on it. Apparently he wanted me to write his brother, who was home from BYU for the summer. Hahahahahahahaha, I know. I guess being 27 isn’t so bad :) That is a referral I don’t know if I’ll be able to contact!
7. This past week has had many ups, downs, and quirks, but it has been a great week nonetheless. The Lord continues to bless us and is helping our investigators develop testimonies of the restored gospel. Samantha started reading the Book of Mormon and it’s amazing to see how much she comprehends…I know it will be an invaluable tool in her conversion. She just started a few days ago and is nearly finished with 1 Nephi. The Book of Mormon is such an amazing gift and I wish everyone could understand just how much it can strengthen their faith in the Savior and bless their lives.Well, I better go, but thanks for your thoughts, prayers, emails, and just everything.
I love you!
Sister Cannariato
Monday, May 19, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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
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
Saturday, April 12, 2008
I love this work!
Posted by Steph's dad 4/12/08
Cello!Sorry last week’s email was so short, we were running low on time so I had to be pretty fast. It’s been a busy week and definitely an adjustment, as it always is around transfers, but it was good nonetheless. We’re still seeing great miracles in this area.With Sister McFarlane leaving, they didn’t know where to put me because the closest sisters were in Tiffin (about 2 hours away). So, lucky me, I got to ride out to Kirtland for transfer meeting. It’s a long drive but I was glad I got to go so I could spend more time with Sister McFarlane and see old companions and friends at transfers. They called a new assistant since one was going home and it was one of my zone leaders from the Toledo zone this past transfer. He’s a great missionary and I’m excited to learn from his example. The other assistant used to be my zone leader in Tallmadge and I have to admit, it's nice to know them both since I still feel like I don't know that many missionaries.After transfer meeting we headed back to Toledo and Sister Webb was, as I said last week, ecstatic. She was so excited to be in the field again because she’d been serving in Kirtland. It’s really been fun to have a companion with such a strong desire to be proselyting. We’ve been able to go out finding since both of us have been in good health, so that’s nice. We’re teaching some really great people and I love it!Ken’s still doing really well. We’ve been able to make a bit of headway with his wife Adrianna so that’s great. They actually had us over for dinner last week and it was fun to sit down and talk with them both about the gospel.Did everyone else think General Conference was amazing?!? I sure thought it was. I loved how there was such a focus on family, the articles of faith, and John 7:17. Esther came to conference on Sunday as well as another investigator, Greg. Greg was found by Sisters Dickson and McFarlane but we were only able to teach him once my first transfer because he was sick and things. Well, he’s read through most of 1 Nephi and was able to hear President Uchtdorf’s talk in the Sunday morning session…perfect for him with his Lutheran background! In our lesson with Greg earlier this week he told us he knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true…but at this point it’s intellectual rather than spiritual knowledge so we’re really working on getting him praying and trying to facilitate learning by the spirit in our lessons. I'm excited to have him come out to church this next Sunday so he can see what our regular Sunday service is like.The past couple weeks I’ve been thinking a great deal about the role of full-time missionaries in any given ward. I was so grateful for the insights Elder Bednar gave; ward members are the principle finders and full-time missionaries are the principle teachers. We as missionaries are here to assist the ward in the missionary work in their ward, their area, their lives; we are not here to force the work upon them. We come and go as missionaries but the people we teach need that stability that comes from a ward family. We currently do not have a ward mission plan and I’ve been prayerfully pondering how we can get that going to not only unify the ward and us as missionaries but so we can support, strengthen, and edify the families of the ward through missionary work. I didn’t fully understand how much proclaiming the gospel affected all parts of the three-fold mission of the church. I know that it is essential for our spiritual progression as well as those that are searching for truth. We all need to assist in establishing Zion and helping others grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.One more random thought: just the other morning Sister Webb and I were sitting at the kitchen table during companionship study and I simply said, “I love being a missionary.” I’ve said it and meant it many times before, but for some reason when I said it that morning it really hit home to me just how much I really do love this work. It’s such a blessing to be a part of it—of all of it, whether it’s proselyting all of the time or sharing it simply through our examples, giving a random pass-along card, or whatever it may be. We have such a precious pearl of great price, something that our Heavenly Father longs all of His children to have. I’m grateful that I get to assist in that sacred work.Lots of love to you,Sister CannariatoOh, and p.s. I got asked out by an investigator’s son last night…awkward. Funny. Okay—really, really funny. But awkward.
Cello!Sorry last week’s email was so short, we were running low on time so I had to be pretty fast. It’s been a busy week and definitely an adjustment, as it always is around transfers, but it was good nonetheless. We’re still seeing great miracles in this area.With Sister McFarlane leaving, they didn’t know where to put me because the closest sisters were in Tiffin (about 2 hours away). So, lucky me, I got to ride out to Kirtland for transfer meeting. It’s a long drive but I was glad I got to go so I could spend more time with Sister McFarlane and see old companions and friends at transfers. They called a new assistant since one was going home and it was one of my zone leaders from the Toledo zone this past transfer. He’s a great missionary and I’m excited to learn from his example. The other assistant used to be my zone leader in Tallmadge and I have to admit, it's nice to know them both since I still feel like I don't know that many missionaries.After transfer meeting we headed back to Toledo and Sister Webb was, as I said last week, ecstatic. She was so excited to be in the field again because she’d been serving in Kirtland. It’s really been fun to have a companion with such a strong desire to be proselyting. We’ve been able to go out finding since both of us have been in good health, so that’s nice. We’re teaching some really great people and I love it!Ken’s still doing really well. We’ve been able to make a bit of headway with his wife Adrianna so that’s great. They actually had us over for dinner last week and it was fun to sit down and talk with them both about the gospel.Did everyone else think General Conference was amazing?!? I sure thought it was. I loved how there was such a focus on family, the articles of faith, and John 7:17. Esther came to conference on Sunday as well as another investigator, Greg. Greg was found by Sisters Dickson and McFarlane but we were only able to teach him once my first transfer because he was sick and things. Well, he’s read through most of 1 Nephi and was able to hear President Uchtdorf’s talk in the Sunday morning session…perfect for him with his Lutheran background! In our lesson with Greg earlier this week he told us he knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true…but at this point it’s intellectual rather than spiritual knowledge so we’re really working on getting him praying and trying to facilitate learning by the spirit in our lessons. I'm excited to have him come out to church this next Sunday so he can see what our regular Sunday service is like.The past couple weeks I’ve been thinking a great deal about the role of full-time missionaries in any given ward. I was so grateful for the insights Elder Bednar gave; ward members are the principle finders and full-time missionaries are the principle teachers. We as missionaries are here to assist the ward in the missionary work in their ward, their area, their lives; we are not here to force the work upon them. We come and go as missionaries but the people we teach need that stability that comes from a ward family. We currently do not have a ward mission plan and I’ve been prayerfully pondering how we can get that going to not only unify the ward and us as missionaries but so we can support, strengthen, and edify the families of the ward through missionary work. I didn’t fully understand how much proclaiming the gospel affected all parts of the three-fold mission of the church. I know that it is essential for our spiritual progression as well as those that are searching for truth. We all need to assist in establishing Zion and helping others grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.One more random thought: just the other morning Sister Webb and I were sitting at the kitchen table during companionship study and I simply said, “I love being a missionary.” I’ve said it and meant it many times before, but for some reason when I said it that morning it really hit home to me just how much I really do love this work. It’s such a blessing to be a part of it—of all of it, whether it’s proselyting all of the time or sharing it simply through our examples, giving a random pass-along card, or whatever it may be. We have such a precious pearl of great price, something that our Heavenly Father longs all of His children to have. I’m grateful that I get to assist in that sacred work.Lots of love to you,Sister CannariatoOh, and p.s. I got asked out by an investigator’s son last night…awkward. Funny. Okay—really, really funny. But awkward.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Toledo again (hooray)
Posted by Steph's Dad 4-2-08
Hi family!
The past week has been a great one but also kind of difficult knowing that Sister McFarlane would be leaving. She went to serve at the Johnson Farm in Hiram, Ohio for her last transfer as a missionary. I was so grateful to have had the privilege of serving with her her last transfer in the field. I learned a great deal from her example of diligence, faith, and optimism and I’m excited to refer to her example as I begin this next transfer. I can't wait for the miracles to keep happening.
My new companion is Sister Webb from Henderson, Nevada (a suburb of Las Vegas). She’s a riot and I love her already. She’s served all 10 months of her mission in and near Kirtland, so she’s ecstatic about being out in the field and being further west than Cleveland. I’m excited to apply her enthusiasm to our area and to keep seeing miracles.
I don’t have much time to email today because we still need to get grocery shopping done and such, but I wanted to let you know I’m still in lovely Toledo and I’m loving it. The Lord is amazing and this is His work. Thanks for being so great and I love you!
Sister Cannariato
P.S. I just found out that Sister McFarlane’s aunt is from Shelley…her name is now Pauline McFarlane but before it was Pauline Cox. Grandma or Dad, do you know her?
Hi family!
The past week has been a great one but also kind of difficult knowing that Sister McFarlane would be leaving. She went to serve at the Johnson Farm in Hiram, Ohio for her last transfer as a missionary. I was so grateful to have had the privilege of serving with her her last transfer in the field. I learned a great deal from her example of diligence, faith, and optimism and I’m excited to refer to her example as I begin this next transfer. I can't wait for the miracles to keep happening.
My new companion is Sister Webb from Henderson, Nevada (a suburb of Las Vegas). She’s a riot and I love her already. She’s served all 10 months of her mission in and near Kirtland, so she’s ecstatic about being out in the field and being further west than Cleveland. I’m excited to apply her enthusiasm to our area and to keep seeing miracles.
I don’t have much time to email today because we still need to get grocery shopping done and such, but I wanted to let you know I’m still in lovely Toledo and I’m loving it. The Lord is amazing and this is His work. Thanks for being so great and I love you!
Sister Cannariato
P.S. I just found out that Sister McFarlane’s aunt is from Shelley…her name is now Pauline McFarlane but before it was Pauline Cox. Grandma or Dad, do you know her?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
random thoughts from Sister Cannariato
Posted by Steph's Dad 4-1-08
Greetings to those of you in beautiful sunny weather from one with snow still on the ground (though it’s mostly melted),
It’s been a very busy and exciting week. We got everything squared away for Ken’s baptism and it turned out to be really nice. We had to get over to the church a couple hours early to fill the font but we were able to set up the chairs and pictures and stuff. Ken had called nearly the entire ward, so we had a really great turnout. His wife and four of their close friends also came and it was great to have them there. The Spirit was very strong as we talked about the importance of baptism, both by water and by fire. I love the simplicity of the ordinances but that they have such symbolic and profound meanings. I loved seeing him enter the waters of baptism and having that sacred ordinance performed. And Easter Sunday was great—Ken received the gift of the Holy Ghost and I loved seeing him as he reverently folded his arms and closed his eyes prior to the blessing being given. He just glowed.
Ken also got some other exciting news this week—he had his baby boy yesterday! Brandon Michael Taylor was born at 2:55pm, was 21 inches long, and weighed 8 pounds 4.5 ounces. Both Adrianna and Brandon are doing well. We were able to go see them last night and it was great to talk with Adrianna and see how excited Ken was to have Brandon blessed in church. He wanted to do it this next Sunday since it’s fast Sunday! He’s just on fire and I love to see the joy that the gospel’s brought to his life. He loves telling everyone about “my sisters from the church” and we’re praying that Adrianna will continue to open up so we can teach her too.
We’re going to be heading to Kirtland this Friday with Dawn (a recent convert), her two girls (Tatianna and Heaven), and Dennis (the girls’ father). Dennis is the one who has really opened up in the past few weeks and I think Kirtland will really be a great experience for him. It’s going to be a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it. I love the history of Kirtland and the spirit you feel when you’re there.
We had another really neat experience happen just while we’ve been emailing today. A younger man came up to us and asked us to pray for him as he’s looking for a new job. He and his wife were sitting across from us while using computers and he came over to us after they’d gotten up to leave. He gave us his information so we can go visit them. It’s amazing to see how people are being prepared to hear the message of the Restoration. Preach My Gospel mentions how we will be able to find those that are ready and that they will find us. We just were witness to that.
Things continue to go well here in Holland. Transfers are next Wednesday and I can’t believe how fast time has flown. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to be here in this area and to be witness of and participate in so many miracles in the last five weeks. I love this work and I feel honored to wear the name of Christ each day. I’ve gotten to the point that I feel without my tag...
How lucky we are to have a knowledge that Christ’s church is again upon the earth after centuries of darkness; that instead of just attending a church that mostly aligns with the teachings of Christ we are privileged to have 100%. With this knowledge we then have responsibility to share it with others so they have the chance to find out for themselves if the Church is true. I know that it is because I’ve studied it out for myself and asked God for an answer. And time and time again the Spirit bears witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon and the Bible contain God’s word, that Christ is leading the Church of Jesus Christ, and that every doctrine and ordinance that will enable us to return to our Father in Heaven is found in this church.
I've been thinking about the three-fold mission of the church: proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead. In my ignorance before my mission, I felt like I was good about the last two but that the first one didn't really apply to me and that I wasn't good at it. Now that I've been here in Ohio I've come to realize that proclaiming the gospel is one of the best refinement processes I've gone through in my life; that teaching others about the restored Gospel has perfected me in a way no other experience could. I've also seen how proclaiming the gospel to another allows that individual's family--past, present, and future--to be redeemed. We need to be involved in every aspect of the mission of the church because it's through doing each of them that we bring to pass God's work and glory. So keep up the good work and pray for those opportunities to share it with others!
I hope you're all safe and sound. I love you and hope you have a great week.
Sister Cannariato
Greetings to those of you in beautiful sunny weather from one with snow still on the ground (though it’s mostly melted),
It’s been a very busy and exciting week. We got everything squared away for Ken’s baptism and it turned out to be really nice. We had to get over to the church a couple hours early to fill the font but we were able to set up the chairs and pictures and stuff. Ken had called nearly the entire ward, so we had a really great turnout. His wife and four of their close friends also came and it was great to have them there. The Spirit was very strong as we talked about the importance of baptism, both by water and by fire. I love the simplicity of the ordinances but that they have such symbolic and profound meanings. I loved seeing him enter the waters of baptism and having that sacred ordinance performed. And Easter Sunday was great—Ken received the gift of the Holy Ghost and I loved seeing him as he reverently folded his arms and closed his eyes prior to the blessing being given. He just glowed.
Ken also got some other exciting news this week—he had his baby boy yesterday! Brandon Michael Taylor was born at 2:55pm, was 21 inches long, and weighed 8 pounds 4.5 ounces. Both Adrianna and Brandon are doing well. We were able to go see them last night and it was great to talk with Adrianna and see how excited Ken was to have Brandon blessed in church. He wanted to do it this next Sunday since it’s fast Sunday! He’s just on fire and I love to see the joy that the gospel’s brought to his life. He loves telling everyone about “my sisters from the church” and we’re praying that Adrianna will continue to open up so we can teach her too.
We’re going to be heading to Kirtland this Friday with Dawn (a recent convert), her two girls (Tatianna and Heaven), and Dennis (the girls’ father). Dennis is the one who has really opened up in the past few weeks and I think Kirtland will really be a great experience for him. It’s going to be a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it. I love the history of Kirtland and the spirit you feel when you’re there.
We had another really neat experience happen just while we’ve been emailing today. A younger man came up to us and asked us to pray for him as he’s looking for a new job. He and his wife were sitting across from us while using computers and he came over to us after they’d gotten up to leave. He gave us his information so we can go visit them. It’s amazing to see how people are being prepared to hear the message of the Restoration. Preach My Gospel mentions how we will be able to find those that are ready and that they will find us. We just were witness to that.
Things continue to go well here in Holland. Transfers are next Wednesday and I can’t believe how fast time has flown. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to be here in this area and to be witness of and participate in so many miracles in the last five weeks. I love this work and I feel honored to wear the name of Christ each day. I’ve gotten to the point that I feel without my tag...
How lucky we are to have a knowledge that Christ’s church is again upon the earth after centuries of darkness; that instead of just attending a church that mostly aligns with the teachings of Christ we are privileged to have 100%. With this knowledge we then have responsibility to share it with others so they have the chance to find out for themselves if the Church is true. I know that it is because I’ve studied it out for myself and asked God for an answer. And time and time again the Spirit bears witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon and the Bible contain God’s word, that Christ is leading the Church of Jesus Christ, and that every doctrine and ordinance that will enable us to return to our Father in Heaven is found in this church.
I've been thinking about the three-fold mission of the church: proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead. In my ignorance before my mission, I felt like I was good about the last two but that the first one didn't really apply to me and that I wasn't good at it. Now that I've been here in Ohio I've come to realize that proclaiming the gospel is one of the best refinement processes I've gone through in my life; that teaching others about the restored Gospel has perfected me in a way no other experience could. I've also seen how proclaiming the gospel to another allows that individual's family--past, present, and future--to be redeemed. We need to be involved in every aspect of the mission of the church because it's through doing each of them that we bring to pass God's work and glory. So keep up the good work and pray for those opportunities to share it with others!
I hope you're all safe and sound. I love you and hope you have a great week.
Sister Cannariato
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
the proud owner of a toledo lucas county public library card
(Posted by Steph's Dad 2-20-08)
GREETINGS FROM TOLEDO, OHIO!!!
As of about 15 minutes ago, I'm the proud new owner of a Toledo Lucas County public library card, hence me being able to email you right now. I got transferred to the Holland area and am serving with Sister Kirsten McFarlane. It's so amazingly neat because she was MTC companions with Sister Corbridge (my trainer) and also because of a neat experience that happened a couple months ago. We had mission conference before Christmas and I got to sit at a table with Sister McFarlane and her companion during dinner. As I was sitting there I thought about how much I would love to serve with her--and now here I am! As we were on our way to the library she told me that she had also felt that we'd get to serve together while we were sitting at the table. Man, I just love the Lord. She only has 2 transfers left and is a Kirtland sister so she may go to Kirtland for her last transfer...which means we're definitely going to make the most of our time here, whether it's six weeks or three months. I can't wait!
The drive to Toledo took about 3 hours...we drove a HUGE dodge ram van and the six elders that were being transferred out here let me have the front seat. Very kind. I tried to keep the driver from swerving too much and falling asleep. Needless to say, it was a interesting drive. I just felt bad for the greenie who we happened to leave at the transfer meeting--we ended up having to turn around to go get him. Luckily we were only about 15 minutes outside of Kirtland. It was kind of weird to be the only sister in a car full of elders...I guess I've gotten used to always having a companion :)
It was so sad to leave Stow but I know that the Lord wants me here in Holland. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me!
Oh, and an update on Jim: we had dinner with him at a member's home and invited him to be baptized. He said yes (!!!) but when we talked about a date (we were thinking end of March) he said he was thinking more like 6 months. It's amazing to me though because he truly is one of the elect. He just gets it and recognizes the spirit and is independently keeping commitments. I think that as Sister Leavitt and her new companion (who, I might add, is Sister Dickson, my MTC companion...crazy huh?) increase contact with him (we're teaching him about once a week), he'll progress even faster.
Leaving Stow was kind of surreal. I had Gail, Sister Stebel, and Sister Hursell in tears...luckily though I pretty much stayed dry. I think it'll hit me a little later. Right now I just feel a sense of peace that I've done what the Lord asked of me during my time in Stow and am looking forward to gaining a knowledge of the vision the Lord has for Holland.
As for my address and birthday information. I told Dad I'd like a copy of Gospel Principles and I would also love more paper for my mission journal (it's loose leaf and from deseret book). Music is also great but it does need to be hymns. Sister Leavitt had a great acoustic guitar CD called "The Field is White" I believe. I have a lot of instrumental music so ones with singing would be nice I guess. Other than that, I'm not picky, nor can I think of anything I'd like. Maybe just your prayers :) And here's my address: 5814 Sims Dr. Toledo, Ohio 43615.
Well, I'll write more next week but I just have to say again how excited I am to be serving with Sister McFarlane in Holland!
I hope all is well with each of you. Thanks for your emails, letters, and prayers. I think of you often and love each of you!
Sister Cannariato
GREETINGS FROM TOLEDO, OHIO!!!
As of about 15 minutes ago, I'm the proud new owner of a Toledo Lucas County public library card, hence me being able to email you right now. I got transferred to the Holland area and am serving with Sister Kirsten McFarlane. It's so amazingly neat because she was MTC companions with Sister Corbridge (my trainer) and also because of a neat experience that happened a couple months ago. We had mission conference before Christmas and I got to sit at a table with Sister McFarlane and her companion during dinner. As I was sitting there I thought about how much I would love to serve with her--and now here I am! As we were on our way to the library she told me that she had also felt that we'd get to serve together while we were sitting at the table. Man, I just love the Lord. She only has 2 transfers left and is a Kirtland sister so she may go to Kirtland for her last transfer...which means we're definitely going to make the most of our time here, whether it's six weeks or three months. I can't wait!
The drive to Toledo took about 3 hours...we drove a HUGE dodge ram van and the six elders that were being transferred out here let me have the front seat. Very kind. I tried to keep the driver from swerving too much and falling asleep. Needless to say, it was a interesting drive. I just felt bad for the greenie who we happened to leave at the transfer meeting--we ended up having to turn around to go get him. Luckily we were only about 15 minutes outside of Kirtland. It was kind of weird to be the only sister in a car full of elders...I guess I've gotten used to always having a companion :)
It was so sad to leave Stow but I know that the Lord wants me here in Holland. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me!
Oh, and an update on Jim: we had dinner with him at a member's home and invited him to be baptized. He said yes (!!!) but when we talked about a date (we were thinking end of March) he said he was thinking more like 6 months. It's amazing to me though because he truly is one of the elect. He just gets it and recognizes the spirit and is independently keeping commitments. I think that as Sister Leavitt and her new companion (who, I might add, is Sister Dickson, my MTC companion...crazy huh?) increase contact with him (we're teaching him about once a week), he'll progress even faster.
Leaving Stow was kind of surreal. I had Gail, Sister Stebel, and Sister Hursell in tears...luckily though I pretty much stayed dry. I think it'll hit me a little later. Right now I just feel a sense of peace that I've done what the Lord asked of me during my time in Stow and am looking forward to gaining a knowledge of the vision the Lord has for Holland.
As for my address and birthday information. I told Dad I'd like a copy of Gospel Principles and I would also love more paper for my mission journal (it's loose leaf and from deseret book). Music is also great but it does need to be hymns. Sister Leavitt had a great acoustic guitar CD called "The Field is White" I believe. I have a lot of instrumental music so ones with singing would be nice I guess. Other than that, I'm not picky, nor can I think of anything I'd like. Maybe just your prayers :) And here's my address: 5814 Sims Dr. Toledo, Ohio 43615.
Well, I'll write more next week but I just have to say again how excited I am to be serving with Sister McFarlane in Holland!
I hope all is well with each of you. Thanks for your emails, letters, and prayers. I think of you often and love each of you!
Sister Cannariato
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Many Miracles
Posted By Steph's Dad 7 Feb 2008
Family of mine,
Oh how grateful I am for the amazing family that you are! I can’t find the words to express how blessed I’ve felt to have such great family and friends.
And I’m so sorry to hear that many members of our family have been so sick the past little bit. There have been a TON of people here that have been ill here as well…oftentimes we catch people at home during the day while we’re tracting but they’re in their pajamas and are pretty miserable with the flu and things. But we’re still working hard and the Lord’s blessing us.
We’ve been able to find a couple of people this week while tracting who’ve met with missionaries in the past. It’s interesting to note how the Lord’s timing is such a factor in the process of conversion. Many individuals need exposure and contact to the church at specific times to prepare them for the day when they can progress in the gospel. It’s amazing to see the Lord orchestrating the salvation of His children and how He allows them to take advantage of the opportunities He presents.
This past week Sister Leavitt and I have been spending a lot of time role playing in our companionship study. It’s something our President Peterson has challenged us to do every day, generally geared towards the investigators we’ll be teaching that day. Sister Leavitt and I are kind of in “finding mode” so we’ve been teaching the Restoration a lot. It’s amazing to me just to see how every day my testimony of the reality of the Restoration and the experiences of Joseph Smith is strengthened as we role play. The gospel just makes sense—both to my mind and to my heart. When we look at the constancy of our Father in Heaven, how He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it’s just simple and pure and perfect that our Father would reach out to us in love in our day, calling a prophet to reveal His will and help families return to Him in our time.
I’m so grateful for the life and teachings of President Hinckley. We were able to watch the funeral proceedings at our church building and I was touched by the tributes shared and the Spirit that was there. As Lexi said in her email she sent this week, “I hope, in my way, I can live a life as good as President Hinckley's--a life worthy of remembrance.” Amen to that, Lex! I know that he was called as a prophet of God and was uniquely prepared to meet the needs of the Church and receive direction from God. His example is one any and all should strive to emulate. In watching the broadcast the Spirit also bore witness that that mantle and calling of prophet, seer, and revelator was now upon President Thomas S. Monson. I look forward to being edified and educated by the newly called prophet and his counselors, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
Of the miracles we witness in the work, there are some I’d like to mention today. The first is that Sister Stebel came to the funeral broadcast. She hasn’t been out to church for some time and I wanted her to be there not only so she could feel of the Spirit but be there to support me because I still have a bit of a hard time at funerals. And she came. I shed tears of joy and appreciation knowing the Lord had answered my prayer in working that miracle. The Lord—He’s just great!
The second miracle is kind of a series that involves our investigator named Jim. Jim came out to church this Sunday, which was a miracle because he was supposed to be out of town. He brought his son, which was amazing that he wanted to share what he was learning with his family and his son was just awesome. Jim got married this weekend, which was a miracle because he and his now wife had been living together for at least 10 years and I didn’t know if the marriage would happen, making Jim’s ability to progress limited. We haven’t taught him specifically about our stance on family or chastity, and it truly was a miracle that the Lord moved Jim to tell his girlfriend “it’s now or never” (Jim’s words, not mine) and to get hitched. Again, the Lord—He’s just great!
Lastly, Richard and Gail have kind of been on hold for a bit…we’ve just been maintaining contact. Last night Richard called to ask us a question about the church organization now that President Hinckley had passed away. We stopped by and were able to have an open and spiritual lesson with both Gail and him. Then Richard had to finish up a few things for work so we talked with Gail for a bit. She expressed some of the feelings she’s had for the past little bit and some of the trials she’s struggling with and I had the chance to pray for her at the end of the lesson. She was crying as we said, “Amen” and I was pretty touched myself because I experienced some of the love that our Father in Heaven has for her. It was really an answer to many, many prayers, as we’ve made it a point in every prayer we offer as a companionship to ask the Lord to soften Gail’s heart. He’s answering us and Gail is slowly but surely opening up.
Well, I better be off—we’re doing zone preparation day where a bunch of us get together to play sports and have fun and such. I’m excited. Sister Leavitt and I are also going to get our hair cut (yes, Dad, all of them cut) by a member of the ward that we work with. The member, Sister Ingebo, has a salon called April Mae’s. Love it. And I think I may cut it shorter than I’ve had it for a while. I’ll have to send pictures next week.
Thank you for your continued support, love, prayers, and thoughts. I feel strengthened by them every day. I love love love you!
Sister Cannariato
Family of mine,
Oh how grateful I am for the amazing family that you are! I can’t find the words to express how blessed I’ve felt to have such great family and friends.
And I’m so sorry to hear that many members of our family have been so sick the past little bit. There have been a TON of people here that have been ill here as well…oftentimes we catch people at home during the day while we’re tracting but they’re in their pajamas and are pretty miserable with the flu and things. But we’re still working hard and the Lord’s blessing us.
We’ve been able to find a couple of people this week while tracting who’ve met with missionaries in the past. It’s interesting to note how the Lord’s timing is such a factor in the process of conversion. Many individuals need exposure and contact to the church at specific times to prepare them for the day when they can progress in the gospel. It’s amazing to see the Lord orchestrating the salvation of His children and how He allows them to take advantage of the opportunities He presents.
This past week Sister Leavitt and I have been spending a lot of time role playing in our companionship study. It’s something our President Peterson has challenged us to do every day, generally geared towards the investigators we’ll be teaching that day. Sister Leavitt and I are kind of in “finding mode” so we’ve been teaching the Restoration a lot. It’s amazing to me just to see how every day my testimony of the reality of the Restoration and the experiences of Joseph Smith is strengthened as we role play. The gospel just makes sense—both to my mind and to my heart. When we look at the constancy of our Father in Heaven, how He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it’s just simple and pure and perfect that our Father would reach out to us in love in our day, calling a prophet to reveal His will and help families return to Him in our time.
I’m so grateful for the life and teachings of President Hinckley. We were able to watch the funeral proceedings at our church building and I was touched by the tributes shared and the Spirit that was there. As Lexi said in her email she sent this week, “I hope, in my way, I can live a life as good as President Hinckley's--a life worthy of remembrance.” Amen to that, Lex! I know that he was called as a prophet of God and was uniquely prepared to meet the needs of the Church and receive direction from God. His example is one any and all should strive to emulate. In watching the broadcast the Spirit also bore witness that that mantle and calling of prophet, seer, and revelator was now upon President Thomas S. Monson. I look forward to being edified and educated by the newly called prophet and his counselors, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
Of the miracles we witness in the work, there are some I’d like to mention today. The first is that Sister Stebel came to the funeral broadcast. She hasn’t been out to church for some time and I wanted her to be there not only so she could feel of the Spirit but be there to support me because I still have a bit of a hard time at funerals. And she came. I shed tears of joy and appreciation knowing the Lord had answered my prayer in working that miracle. The Lord—He’s just great!
The second miracle is kind of a series that involves our investigator named Jim. Jim came out to church this Sunday, which was a miracle because he was supposed to be out of town. He brought his son, which was amazing that he wanted to share what he was learning with his family and his son was just awesome. Jim got married this weekend, which was a miracle because he and his now wife had been living together for at least 10 years and I didn’t know if the marriage would happen, making Jim’s ability to progress limited. We haven’t taught him specifically about our stance on family or chastity, and it truly was a miracle that the Lord moved Jim to tell his girlfriend “it’s now or never” (Jim’s words, not mine) and to get hitched. Again, the Lord—He’s just great!
Lastly, Richard and Gail have kind of been on hold for a bit…we’ve just been maintaining contact. Last night Richard called to ask us a question about the church organization now that President Hinckley had passed away. We stopped by and were able to have an open and spiritual lesson with both Gail and him. Then Richard had to finish up a few things for work so we talked with Gail for a bit. She expressed some of the feelings she’s had for the past little bit and some of the trials she’s struggling with and I had the chance to pray for her at the end of the lesson. She was crying as we said, “Amen” and I was pretty touched myself because I experienced some of the love that our Father in Heaven has for her. It was really an answer to many, many prayers, as we’ve made it a point in every prayer we offer as a companionship to ask the Lord to soften Gail’s heart. He’s answering us and Gail is slowly but surely opening up.
Well, I better be off—we’re doing zone preparation day where a bunch of us get together to play sports and have fun and such. I’m excited. Sister Leavitt and I are also going to get our hair cut (yes, Dad, all of them cut) by a member of the ward that we work with. The member, Sister Ingebo, has a salon called April Mae’s. Love it. And I think I may cut it shorter than I’ve had it for a while. I’ll have to send pictures next week.
Thank you for your continued support, love, prayers, and thoughts. I feel strengthened by them every day. I love love love you!
Sister Cannariato
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