the sun is shining and the green is growing

We heard an incredible miracle this week- there is a woman who served her mission in Italy and before she left, she had a brother who was not living up the covenants he had made in his life and was choosing a path contrary to the one he had been taught to follow as a child. When this Sister, we will call her Sister Smith, was set apart as a missionary, the Stake President promised her that if she would write home each week and faithfully share her testimony of the Savior her family members would return. This she did and back here in NM, her sister in law began meeeting with the missionaries and attending church. The bishope called her into his office and extended her a calling to serve in the young women's presidency - only she had to be baptized first. When she went home her husband (sister smith's wayward brother) asked her when she would be baptized - to which she responded "when you can baptize me." She was baptized by her dear husband who returned to activity shortly thereafter. And it is apparent, this occurred because Sister Smith was diligent in following the counsel given her by sharing her testimony. This makes me wonder if I should be more spiritual in my emails home to you- and then I think again.. I will try. Maybe. Just know - I do love this work and I see miracles daily and I know I see them becasue it is God putting His hand in this work and showing His love for His children here in NM. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know He is the Son of God who is my Heavenly Father and His love is unmeasurable. I know the Atonement is real. It is through His grace that we are saved. The priesthood power is here on the earth and was restored by the prothet Joseph Smith. Thomas S Monsonholds those same keys today. This church  is true! and how much I love it!

I also love doing service! Which we are getting a lot of opportunitites to do here. This last week we transplanted some irises and there were so many that we got to take some home! 

​Now we just need to plant them before they die.. that is the plan for tomorrows lunch hour. hopefully we haven't killed them already. Oops..

also in our craziness as missionaries- I learned we have a backyard! and I tell you what - we need some missionaries to come and knock on our door to ask if we need any service done.. That place needs some attention! and back there just outside the door happened to be two chairs! perfect right? Right! they were pretty nasty though- so we covered em with blankets and moved em into the sunshine and did our weekly planning there. It was awesome! and what is even more awesome? first sunburn of the season! wahoo! (what a social missionary I am...) 
But we did have a wonderful planning session and we are excited for the week ahead of us!

But in highlights of the last week - We went on a church tour with the Cruz family and the spirit there was so incredible! They really are scared to make this change in their lives - and were really scared to go to church which is understandable- it is a change they are making. To help console this fear, we went on a tour of the church to acquaint (spelling.. eep!) them with the buiding and talked about the meetings. They really loved it! they talk like they are members already! They are so concerned with being able to live as we do- which is so incredible! now we just need to get over there and teach them the doctrine so the spirit can change their hearts and they will accept this glorious truth in their lives and be happy forever! well- eternally happy!

and that is what I have time for today.. maybe more spirit next week.. no promises though

know that I do love all of you! and I love this work. I am working hard and having fun - but I am sure you already know that..

Love Sister Stuart

​and this is what happens when you get lost looking for a gas station... and of course - I am the driver... but not the navigator! not my fault... 

okay maybe it was...