Last week in Mesa! On to Scottsdale!

It's official. I have now "killed" a companion. OR (for those unfamiliar with the term) Sister Carroll has completed her mission and is in the lovely city of Orem, Utah. It was definitely a different experience and it made me think of July... Yep, not thinking about it because, as of right now, I'm still here serving the Lord :)

SO. News of the week, I'm serving in Scottsdale! AND, wonder of wonders, in the mission president's ward! Yep. The pressure is on. The interesting thing about this transfer was that I wasn't scared or worried about it at all. Normally when transfers roll around, I'm a ball of nerves, but it was different this time. I was super sad to leave Mesa and super sad to leave my area, but I'm so excited to be here! My last week in the area was a bit nuts. When people found out that BOTH Sister Carroll and I were leaving, all of the sudden our dinner calendar was full and we even had scheduled lunches with members. I felt super loved even though I'd only been there for 6 weeks. It was an amazing ward. Also, I got a New York steak 2 nights in a row this last week. Jealous? Honestly, I've never had steak as much as I've had on my mission. My ultimate favorite was the steak I had in Pie Town. The member had raised the beef, so he'd fed it really well and then he smoked it with Mesquite. Best stinkin' flavor I've ever had in my entire life! 

Anyway, this last week was a really good week because we've continued to have less-active families come to sacrament meeting! When I first got to that ward, we didn't see any at church, but now we have at least 5 or 6 there every week and some of them bring their whole family! It really shows me the importance of strengthening the flock. The stronger the flock (ward), the more sheep the Lord will trust us with (investigators) and we will be able to bring more FAMILIES to a knowledge of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I've never valued Visiting and Home teaching more than on my mission. It all starts with THAT. We are told that every new member need a friend, a calling, and nourishment from the good word of God. The same goes for less-actives and members. EVERYONE needs a friend, EVERYONE needs to feel valued in the ward (the calling helps with that) and EVERYONE needs to be nourished by the good word of God. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. And, surprisingly, Visiting and Home teaching play a major role in ALL of those things. My mind has been blown over and over and over again as I realize the importance of member work. Honestly, I think the mission is where we learn what our true role is as members of the church so that, when we go home, we are prepared to keep our promises with Heavenly father that we made at BAPTISM and in the TEMPLE. We are given so many blessings and so much knowledge, but with that comes a lot of responsibility. BUT the blessings far outweigh any sacrifice :)

I love you all and hope that you have an AMAZING week and know that I pray for you every day!

Love,

Steph