Stories from Afar (Volume 9-the Christmas one)

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! This week, or at least the last few days since I last emailed has been maybe a little bit difficult. A lot of people are busy and stressed out so it's been harder getting appointments. For like the first time Sister Burnside and I are just out and about; walking to potential people's houses and seeing if they are home. 

We've walked A LOT!! I think one morning we walked 2.5 miles in less than 2 hours. I've come to understand that Ohio doesn't really believe in turning on their porch light at night and the sidewalks are pretty bad, if there's one at all! But Haha! Its definitely been an adventure!

Story time! So today is Preparation Day, but because it's also Christmas Eve our mission President told us to have a normal day until noon and then have P-Day. This is so we aren't out tracting or anything after 6 PM like normal. Thus, me and my companion went out this morning. 

Okay, more Mission News! We no longer have specific areas!! Crazy, right? We were just told about this on Friday morning. So instead of having two cities as our area, its grown to include the whole Ward Boundaries!! Which is pretty huge and we now share with the Elders who are in our ward. But we aren't sharing information about potential people or anything so it still feels like we have a small area. Plus, we don't have the miles to go any place far... which is stressful.

So after this announcement, the Elders contacted us and wanted us to go see a lady named Rebecca. She's apparently been in jail and wants to meet the missionaries but the elders were told that they shouldn't go see her... they didn't tell us the reason but hey. What could we say? Thus we called and set up an appointment for 11 this morning. 

We drove to a town near by called Akron and as we were driving down the main street Rebecca's address showed right where a bunch of stores were. We were super confused. I thought she might have lived in an apartment above one of the stores but we never found out. I'll tell you why. 

We turned down a side road so we could walk back to find her apartment. We stopped the car and called her two times. She did not answer. Well, we got out of the car, turned right on a little street that led to the main road and continued walking. Basically the whole time we were super creeped out and my companion saying how sketchy this little road was. Complete with a bit of a dump and scary spray-painted messages. 

As we were about halfway down this street my companion said "There's a man." Sure enough on the other side of the street there was someone leaning up against the wall. We hadn't seen him before since there were a bunch of parked cars but as soon as Sister Burnside said those words and I saw that man I felt someone grab my arm and flip me around. I thought it was my companion because she too had instantly turned and without hesitating we walked back the way we came. We didn't look back. 

We got back in our car and locked the doors. We tried calling Rebecca again to no avail and while we were waiting there we saw about 5-6 scary guys walk out from that sketchy street. They weren't all together, but it was enough to make us glad we were in our car as they went by. We then decided to find our way out of that town and back to our apartment. We were both so freaked out. We definitely have a new respect for the elders who had/have that area. (Except now it's sort of our area too)

There really are angels watching over us! Usually, Sister Burnside and I stop and consider what the spirit is telling us to do but today... we had someone turn both of us around in a matter of seconds, no questions asked! When I asked my companion about her grabbing me she said she doesn't remember reaching out for me at all! I'm so grateful to know we are watched over!! What a blessing! 

Sorry for such a scary story but it's the biggest one I have for this week. Talk about a Nightmare before Christmas! Haha! (Yes, I'm still laughing and doing good! Don't worry! I have the Holy Spirit to keep me safe!!)

But my favorite thing today was getting emails from my family! Especially the recording of a new song that my dad has written. That song is so pretty! After listening to it twice I realized I really wanted to hear a recording with the actual words being sung. I definitely have another Christmas request for my parents... hehe ;D

Anyway, I'm super excited for tomorrow! We have a lot planned with the Helbigs and with Shannon and some other members who don't have family to visit them. It will definitely be full of service and giving of smiles!! I'm also excited to open up presents! Huzzah!

Well, I love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas! 

Have fun! Be safe! Don't die!

Until Next Time!

Sister Becca Steiner

Stories from Afar (Volume 8)

No snow to be seen in Ohio!!!
What?!?

Two days ago marked two months of me being out on my mission!! Huzzah! That means only 16 more to go... hahaha! I feel that time will go by a lot faster for me than for all of you, so sorry! But it is what it is! Sister Burnside and I celebrated by going to Handles; a really good ice cream shop.

Not too much has happened this last week. It's actually been a bit laid back but I think that's been because we weren't sure exactly what was going to happen with transfers. So yeah, about that; my companion had almost convinced herself that she would be transferred even though that is highly unusual for a trainer and trainee. But huzzah! We are both staying in Tallmadge which for me means we get to celebrate Christmas with the friends and family we've made here! That is a big relief to me. That probably means I'll be Skyping from the Helbig's sometime in the afternoon on Christmas.

Let me think about stories. Like I said, not much has happened this week. But Sister Burnside and I did see a miracle after following the spirit. A few weeks ago when we asked Shannon to be baptized my companion was prompted to ask her to do it on the ninth. We didn't know why but things feel into place and she was baptized on that beautiful day. But now we know why: a few days later she had an accident in the kitchen where her finger got injured. I cringe just thinking about it. So now she has a thick purple cast on her pointer finger that can't get wet. It CAN'T GET WET! Such a miracle that she got Baptized when she did! Heavenly Father really does know what we are going to go through and He will help us to have perfect timing! God is so good!

Me and Miko Bird

Also, ever since Shannon got baptized I've been happier to be out on my mission. I love being able to put smiles on other people's faces even if it is just because of a wave or a "Merry Christmas!" A lot of people are so stressed out during this time of year, doing shopping and parties. It's amazing how the simple things make such a huge difference. Yeah, I'll miss being home with everyone but I like it out here too. I'll change the world, a little bit at a time! Hehe!

So I would really like it if you would all do something to make a stranger smile; I know Light Your Community is already over, but I would like you to just do a simple act of kindness. 

One of the things I learned this week is to not get faith and knowledge mixed up. One of the people we just started to teach has been coming to church for four years with his girlfriend who is a member. The girlfriend and her family don't like to pressure him, but he knows a lot, enough that he helps us out as we teach the lessons! We were trying to find out what was holding him back from being baptized and finally understood what it was on Monday. He thought that he had to KNOW everything on the baptismal questions. He didn't understand believing and so we shared with him Alma 32:21 which says that Faith is to HOPE! So we asked him to look over those questions again and see if he has hope for the things mentioned. I honestly hope that this will change his views and also bring a greater desire for him to be baptized so he can be sealed together forever with his girlfriend! Yay!
He is really promising! 

I don't really have much else to talk about. At least, not much else comes to mind. So I think I'll take leave of this week's volume and see you all next time!

Love, Sister Becca Steiner

Us at the Helbig's House (the bird isn't dead.
It just thinks it's a dog and LOVES its head being scratched! Best bird ever!)

Best Christmas decorations! (Grinch)

Best friends forever at a Kirtland Tavern!

Kirtland Lights

The Helbigs and us!

Cousin IT costume

P-Day Change

Da da da da! DA!

And it came to pass, that transfers week had arrived. And a proclamation went out among them stating that preparation day was to be had on Wednesday. And thus the missionaries would have to wait to send emails home until two days later.

But Sister Steiner was allowed to tell her family this glorious news. And also that she had received presents from her parents and also grandparents! In the which she did rejoice. Nevertheless, she would have to wait till Christmas to open them up.

Love Sister Becca Steiner

Stories from Afar (Volume 7)

Wow! I guess I should first start with the baptism we had on Sunday. It was amazing and also a bit stressful. Sister Burnside and I put together the programs and also decided to sing a song for it. We did an arrangement of I Stand All Amazed and it went pretty well, at least I thought so. My companion not so much, she did a little alto but lost it at the end and sang soprano with me. I keep telling her that it wasn't about how we sang; it was about the spirit that we brought. I'm glad we were able to participate.

But I think one of my favorite things about the baptismal service was the fact that Shannon's mother came to watch. She was in tears the entire time! I'm pretty sure she could feel the spirit and also the love that we all have for her daughter. I didn't realize this until later but it must have been so special for this mother to have seen her daughter go from being so sad to suddenly have so much joy in almost no time at all! I think that's what her tears were for; happiness that her daughter was able to find joy. What a testimony builder! The gospel really does give one true happiness! Huzzah!

The spirit was so strong and Shannon was amazingly beautiful! It was a really great start to the day! And since sacrament meeting was right after the service, her mom came for sacrament meeting to see Shannon get the gift of the holy ghost! That was one of the best sacrament meetings I've ever been to! I really hope that Shannon's mother will find her way to the truth! I know Shannon will play a big part in that story!

Anyway, thanks for letting me start with that story because it was definitely one of the best I have this week. Most of this week has been spent getting to be better friends with members, people we are teaching, and yeah. You get the idea.

And the BAKLAVA!!!

I think my favorite was when we went to a member's house by the name of Sister May. (I keep wanting to call her Miss May! Haha) We were finally able to contact her the week earlier and she told us that she likes baking. So we set up a time on Saturday to bake with her. Do you know what we made? We made BAKLAVA! hehehe! Ever since I read Deep Cover by Tracy Hunter Abramson (where it mentions that the main character can make this delicious desert) I have always wanted to learn and see how it was done! Baklava is a bunch of layers and nut filling that takes awhile to put together but it was well worth it; for both the food and the friendships that were made. So yeah! I've met a lot of people who are really good cooks and it's inspiring! Maybe I should become a chef when I come back. It has a special way of bringing people closer.
Hrm... what else? 

Oh! You guys remember Bruce? And how he came to church last week? Well, we were finally able to meet with him and it looks like his heart is thawing! He has his own way of doing everything and he knows it works, but he told us how lately it's gotten so hard that his way isn't cutting it. He's hoping there's something more out there! He has had trouble with people walking out of his life and I hope that eventually he'll see that he has a Father in Heaven who never has and never will leave him!

We do have a Christmas tree at our apartment

God has a plan! And I will put my trust in Him. The stories he has planned for all of us are perfect; exactly what we need to become EVERYTHING He needs us to be! 

I love stories. I can't say that enough. So I think I'll get into some of the smaller details about life.
Me and my companion go to an ice cream shop every Monday. It's called Handles (no really, it is!) And it's the BEST! There's a lady who is always there on Mondays and looks forward to when we come around. She's so nice and fun to see. I think we make her Mondays a lot better. (It's winter so an outdoor ice cream shop isn't super busy)

Also instead of saying "Oh look! There's Kohls!" It's now become "Oh look! There's Aldi!" My companion said that as we almost ran a red light. (She was driving) It was pretty funny, and we were saved because of my back-seat driving. ;) I love you mom!!

Anyway, I can't really think of anything else right now. So I think I'll bid you farewell until next week! I love you all so very much! 

Sister Becca Steiner

I made chocolate chip pancakes!

Sister Helbig's birthday!

Stories from Afar (Volume 6)

This week has been amazing! And so you all know, both the mission president and Site Director have let go of the ropes and so now we can choose how often we go up to Kirtland. They both wanted what was best. (Elder Jennings just wanted me to come to love Kirtland. Which could only come from being there.) So I thank my family for fasting for us to get through that situation. It really did help!

So Kirtland! There is a lot of negativity about the missionaries who go there, but I'm grateful to be able to look past all of those opinions and have my own. Kirtland is AMAZING! So story time!

Sister Burnside met Shannon on her first Sunday in this area about 8 weeks ago. It was Shannon's first time at church and they found out that she had just walked in on her own!!! She had been through tough times and a friend from work had given her a Book of Mormon, telling her that it was the only way to true happiness. She read it and decided to go to church where she met the Sister missionaries! Wow! My companion raves about her being so prepared! 

So fast forward to now. She has had all of the lessons and has such a strong testimony! She needed to be baptized! But she was a bit wary because she didn't think she was ready. This last week, she didn't work that much so we invited her to come up to Kirtland for a personal tour from us and she eagerly agreed. We settled it for Thursday afternoon. Sister Burnside and I really hoped that it would be just the thing Shannon needed. And it was!!!

So we were in the N. K. Whitney Store and the spirit was just so strong! Wow! With every story we told we were able to relate back to her and she was so amazed. But the best part of it was the School of the Prophets and the room soon after.

We told all of the stories of those men who followed Joseph Smith's council with the Word of Wisdom and then preparing themselves to see visions when the first presidency was first ordained. And the spirit whispered to Sister Burnside that we needed to leave Shannon alone in the room for a bit and thus we did, telling her to pray about when she should be baptized.

As we waited, my companion told me I had the next part with a scripture from the Book of Mormon. (Have I told you all how much I love the Book of Mormon?) And I was terrified. At least at first. But then I had faith that the Lord would give me the story that Shannon needed to hear. Really quickly the story of Alma the Elder came to mind and I knew that was what I needed to talk about. 

When she came out she was feeling the spirit so strongly though didn't really want to talk about it. So we continued with the tour and we got to the Book of Mormon. I told her about Abinadi going among the Priests of King Noah and then perishing at the King's command. But I explained that Abinadi did not preach in vain, he converted one person and that was Alma. Alma then went on to teach the people and eventually they all made their way to the waters of mormon. I opened my book and read Mosiah 18:7-11. It was so powerful! And after our testimonies Sister Burnside asked her a question:

"Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized on December 9th?"

It was so soon! But Shannon said yes and told us how a voice had told her earlier that she needed to be baptized. HUZZAH! We were all so happy and tearful we just hugged out of pure joy!
Shannon is going to be like Alma! She is the only one of her family interested right now, but because of her all of her ancestors will be able to receive the ordinances and we know they are looking to her to do it for them! Yay!
We are so excited to have a baptism and can't wait for this Sunday. (We are doing it before church and then giving her the gift of the Holy Ghost during Sacrament right after) 

So yeah, that experience has helped me come to love Kirtland and ignore all the things others say about it. Also this experience has given my companion something else to freak out about this week: preparing a baptism. She's never done one and obviously I'm new at all of this. Hehehe! God is so good!

The next story is about church. We got Carolina, Bruce and their 5 year old son to come to sacrament meeting yesterday! It was amazing! Yeah, Bruce had a lot of questions and I got to answer a lot of them because I was sitting next to him. He asked if I had a best friend who was a guy and I said no. Well, he stepped up and now I do have a best friend who is a guy! Haha! He's amazing! I really hope I'll be able to show him that. He has more light than he realizes. 

From all of the testimonies, he was shocked to realize that we really do believe in all of this stuff and asked how. I told him that the first step is to want to believe; to open up and have that desire. Wow, I want that for him so badly! I imagine him being a priesthood holder and being with his little family forever more. I will be his friend and show him that he can have happiness in his life! He just needs to let go of the darkness that is holding him back. And I know that he can! 

So please keep Bruce, Carolina and little Raiden in your prayers. They are really so amazing!

Time is almost up!! Eek! I've got too many stories! I can't tell them all! 

But I will tell you all that I love you! I LOVED the notes my family all made for Thanksgiving! 

(And the chocolate )

Until next time!
Sister Becca Steiner