Christmas is coming!!!

Hi family!!

This week has been great! Many miracles!!

Some highlights:

Our ward set the goal of having 20 baptisms at the beginning 
of the year and so far there are 17. So we need 3 more!

And this week we had a district miracle! 

Our district all decided to fast together to find 
3 people who are ready for the gospel! 

And this weekend all 3 teams were able to find "the one" 
to teach!

 We all were able to find one person to schedule for baptism.

It was like an immediate answer to all our prayers!

 I just hope and pray they will continue to progress. 

We met this chinese guy named Dannis on the bus
the other night!

 I wasn't going to talk to anyone, but then I realised 
okay come on Sister Stevens

 this is why you are here!!! And i turned around 
and started talking to this guy 

and he was super interested and we were able to teach him! 

And he wants to get baptised!! It just showed me 
that I never know who is ready, 

so I need to talk to everyone I can!

There is an INCREDIBLE video and challenge the church has put out,

 I'm sure everyone has heard of the Christmas Initiative by now. 

But I just know that this challenge can truly light the world!

 I know it is inspired by Heavenly Father. 

There are a lot of crazy things happening in the world 
and we all need a little extra light.

 And Jesus Christ is the LIGHT! And this Christmas season

 we all get to be a light in someone's life. 

I challenge each one of you to prayerfully think about specific things

 and specific people you can reach out to. 

I know that each one of us can add a little extra light into this dark world. 

If you haven't watched the video I know it will 
bring light into your day instantly :) 

It can and will help us remember the true meaning of 
CHRISTmas. 

I hope all of you have a great week!

 And that you are all happy, even in tough circumstances.

 I know that true joy comes through our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
He is always there for each one of us. 

Love you all!

Sister Stevens

when you're never too old for the gosp :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow there are so many things to be grateful for it's crazy! This week I have been so thankful for the restoration of the gospel. As a missionary that seems to be something we focus on a lot. And it hasn't been until recently that I have really been able to understand and gain and testimony on the importance of it. It is a huge sign that Heavenly Father loves us. That He has provided a way for us to return to Him and be with our families forever. 

Richard was baptised this weekend and it was such a great evening! He said, "I have never had a night quite like this." It almost brought me to tears! We all were able to feel the spirit and he knew he made the right choice. It's never too late for the gospel!

Sister Melgarejo is doing great and working hard. It's still amazing to see how much she tries and how bold. She has been getting frustrated with the language barrier because it is hard for her to understand conversations and know how to respond. So in language study and 12 Weeks we have been doing our best to make that time more effective by practicing teaching and finding a lot. 

I have really enjoyed being a trainer, I am learning so much and realising how much I have learned as a missionary already. It pushes me to be most effective throughout the day and to be a good example. 

This week I hit my half way mark and I'm dying!! I am truly loving my mission and I truly love my Saviour. I could not be more grateful or happy that I have this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and to allow myself to change! That is the biggest miracle of my mission so far is being able to see the change in myself. I am so grateful that I have pushed through the hard times because that is when you can experience the joy. And I have been experiencing so much joy!

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with our zone! Sister Blair and I organised a thanksgiving feast and every companionship brought something. It was a success and so fun! It's so great to be surrounded by the Lord's army :)

Remember, we have so much to be thankful for! 🍂🍁

Love you all!

Sister Stevens 

LOL we made so many homemade pies last night and this is what happened!  Luckily we are culinary geniuses and we fixed them and they are delish!

Sister Blair and I put together a zone activity and planned Thanksgiving :):)

Richard's Baptism!

Que Semana!!!

Hola mi familia! 

What a week!! (my subject)

It has been amazing, full of hilarious moments, miracles, and hard work! 

I am so thankful to have Sister Melgarejo! She is full of energy, motivation, love, and is very Spanish. I truly love her and we get along great. Yes training is stressful and I am realising how much is in my hands, but it is also such a blessing.  I am amazed at her willingness to try. Even though the language is hard and being a missionary is crazy she is trying. I feel like I am really growing and realising how much I have learned since being on my mission. 

This week we had an EXTREMELY hilarious moment. So R, our lovely 82 year old investigator gave me some framed pictures of us and I was looking at one and I noticed something behind the picture.. You will never believe what it was... A full on diamond ring!!! HAHA and a picture he had made with me and him when he was younger (pics to come) we were absolutely dying of laughter I couldn't even believe it. Bless his heart. So we called our ward mission leader and him and his wife came to talk to us and helped me know and practice what to say to him. Me and Sister Blair went to his house and talked to him and set expectations very clearly (again) and gave him his gift back. It was so hard for Sister Blair and I to not burst out laughing when we were talking to him. We decided it was best for the Elders to finish teaching him. Its amazing because he has been reading and keeping all of his commitments! He had his baptism interview this last weekend and is getting baptised on Friday at 7 and you're all invited ;) 

This week has been miraculous. It has been a huge blessing because I have been able to work hard and do all I can. And because of that Heavenly Father has been helping me to focus on my purpose here in Hull and to not think about the pain in my back.

We have been working a lot with recent converts, helping them stay converted. One thing that Sister Melgarejo and I have been doing this week is reading the Book of Mormon with them and helping the apply it to their lives. I have noticed in my own conversion that the Book of Mormon has helped me to feel Heavenly Father's love and I know that it can help each of them to feel it as well. 

I have really been working on my prayers, their sincerity, being specific, and listening. I started keeping a prayer journal where I write down impressions and thoughts that I have. I have been asking for help to know how I can best help Sister Melgarejo. And its amazing because when I listen and wait I receive promptings! It has helped me so much to strengthen my relationship with Heavenly Father. 

It was Remembrance Sunday this weekend where we remember all those who have fought in the wars. It was a great service. Sister Blair and Sister Miller played Abide with Me (on the piano and violin) and she invited us to read the words as they played. It brought me so much peace when I read, "Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away. O thou who changest not; abide with me." I love the words to this song. Even when there are so many crazy things happening in the world, true joy and peace come through our Saviour Jesus Christ. And that is something that will never change or go away.

I am so happy to be a missionary and I had a breakdown today realising that this week I will be halfway done. Time is just flying and it will be so bittersweet coming home.

Love to you all!

Que tengan una buena semana! 

Sister Stevens

Best Birthday Ever!

Saying goodbye to Sister Mo

When you're old

Fam!

Wow another transfer came and went. And good news is, I'm staying in Hull!! Sad news is, Sister Mo is leaving. She has changed my mission and helped me so much. But I'm gonna be a MOM! Haha I'm training a sister from Spain named Sister Melgarejo. She doesn't speak hardly any English so it's gonna be an adventure! I'm excited but nervous. 

This week I'm just proud of myself haha because I made it and I know everything will be okay! Each day I didn't think I could get up and be a missionary again, but I did and I know I can do hard things. Heavenly Father has really been pulling me along.

My birthday was great :) The sisters made me feel loved and WOW so did all the emails. Most of them made me cry to be honest, I felt so much love and I am so grateful to all of you. I truly appreciate you all and your words! We celebrated by making pumpkin pie and dinner in a pumpkin! And then we did some missionary work! Haha birthdays are the best on a mission ;) I also got a surprise phone call from Elder Norton! That was defs a highlight.

I had a cool experience recently that I don't think I'll ever forget. So I was talking to this lady on the bus and just asked her about her family and she asked what I was doing in England. She opened up about her husband who has passed away and I explained briefly about the plan of salvation that has brought me so much happiness. And that this plan is perfect. I testified that she will be able to see her husband again. She started crying and thanked me for sharing that with her. I told her she can know it too, I gave her a Book of Mormon before she had to get off. I was so grateful for this experience because it made me realise that this plan can truly help and bless so many people's lives. You never know who will be affected when you open your mouth. So just do it, even when it's scary, it's worth it. 

We taught Relief Society on Sunday and it was intimidating but it went so well! We talked about the fruits of the Savior and how we have been affected by them. Then we shared Luke 22:32 , "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." We have all been blessed and strengthened by the fruits of the Saviour and now that we have them it's our responsibility to share them and strengthen others! We challenged the sisters to reach out and strengthen someone who needs it. And sometimes we don't know who needs it, so prayerfully ask Heavenly Father who you can reach out to. 

My Uncle Toddy emailed me and told me about a talk called "The Refiner's Fire" by James E. Faust and I read it this past week and I recommend it to all. He speaks about this family crossing the plaines to Utah and how 9 children & the wife all die and the
father is the only who makes it. And then he goes on to do all these incredible things. Elder Faust said, 

"He did not quit. He went forward. He paid a price, as have many others before and since, to become acquainted with God."  When I read this I just felt so much peace and gratitude for my Heavenly Father for allowing me to become better acquainted to Him and His Son. What is the price you have to pay to become acquainted with God? 

We have seen so many blessings here. Richard is doing great and he has his interview this weekend! We are excited for him.

Love to all! ❤️

xx Sister Stevens 

Birhtday Pics

(Sister Graff, Lisel's bishops wife.  They are from  America
and she has been a lifeline to us both this past week.)

My home slice

When you're hangin on 👊🏼

Fam!!!

This week has been full of trials and miracles!

Our investigator Richard is doing great! He was able to attend a

baptism and he is getting excited. It's crazy how how prepared he is.

Heavenly Father truly leads us to those who are ready! Hahaha

hilarious story.. So Richard is hilarious. We decided to take him to a

members house for tea and she had us made sure he likes curry. We

asked him and he said he did so when we get there he says he can't eat

curry and the member goes out and gets him fish and chips. Oh my

sister Mo and I were so embarrassed and we were dying. Luckily the

member was super nice about it and just laughed. The story got around

the ward pretty quick...

We were also at a

I was on exchange with sister Blair said this past week and we had

been talking to sister turvey about my back, how I feel and

everything. I have just felt frustrated that we have tried so many

things and nothing has helped. Through prayer I have been able to feel

peace knowing that Heavenly Father is aware of me and does have a

plan. And I know this is part of it.

I have been thinking a lot about how I can have the spirit with me

more and be able to receive promptings more regularly from the Holy

Ghost. Another lesson in Relief Society yesterday was just what I

needed.  There have been times where I haven't had the best attitude

about things or I have been critical about others or grumpy and all of

these things keep us from feeling the Holy Ghost as often as we could.

So what can we do?

- pray!!! We can ask Heavenly Father for help to keep our thoughts

centred on our Savior

- Have a desire to improve & want to become better

- Serve others, this will help to stop thinking of ourselves

- Put ourselves in situations where we will be able to feel the spirit

This week I was reflecting on my mission so far and I just feel so

much gratitude to Heavenly Father for giving me this opportunity to

serve Him and His children.  I have learned more about myself and more

about my Saviour than I have in the past 19 years of my life.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes and packages! They mean a lot. I

can't believe I'm gonna be 20!!! Time just flies so we gotta enjoy it.

Love you all,

Sister Stevens

J"s Baptism!

Our gospel principles class

Elder Miller and I

our chapel

Me and Sister Blair <3

Our ward mission leader on his BD

blessings!!!!!!

Hello fam!

Where do I begin?! This week has been full of too many amazingly wonderful things. There have been so many highlights.

Well good news is that our investigator drought is over (at least for now!!!) We were having a member lesson last Sunday and the member had a friend over, he left when we arrived, but we gave him a card with our number on it and he called us the next day! We were able to schedule a return appointment with him and throughout the week we have been able to teach him and schedule him for baptism.He has been reading and praying everyday and he loved on Sunday. He kept telling everyone he is getting baptised. We are so excited for him and know that Heavenly Father has been preparing him. The best part is that he is 82! Haha and he rides his bike everywhere he is so cute. He feels like this is the time of his life when he wants to know God.

We have been doing some different kinds of finding this week and there are quite a few African shops a long a street by our house so we decided to go into some of them and talk to the shop keepers. It was fun because Africa has a special place in Sister Mo and I's hearts ;) And good news.. we have a new investigator from Ghana!!

To top off this week we were able to have a special mission wide conference with President Russell M. Nelson and 4 other general authorities and their wives. We woke up at 3:30 am and took a coach to Huddersfield from Hull. It was so great to see old mission friends and especially Elder Norton :)

When President Nelson walked into the room immediately the feeling changed and the Spirit confirmed to me that he truly is an Apostle of the Lord. We got to shake his hand and he looked me in the eye and smiled. It was the most incredible feeling and I felt so much love and respect for him. He is 91 years old, has 9 daughters and 1 son, 52 grandchildren, and 100 great grandchildren!  He is full of love and care for everyone, you can just feel it when you look at him. I admire how calm and peaceful he is. All 5 of the general authorities and their wives spoke. All of them said something along the lines of how thankful they are to have worthy missionaries, who have given up this part of their lives to serve the Lord. President Nelson said, "where would we be without people like you?" I just felt so grateful to know that Heavenly Father is proud and thankful for me and all the other missionaries who are serving around the world. He spoke about some random things but I know it came directly from the Spirit. He talked about the refugees in the world and how many there are. It made me think of you mom and what an amazing example you are about serving them and helping them. He talked about how that is one of our responsibilities to help and serve our brothers and sisters who are in need. He also spoke about tithing and fast offerings and how much they are being greatly used and they are making are contribution almost immediately. He also spoke about the importance of the Christmas story in the New Testament and challenged us to read it with the Christmas story in the Book of Mormon. I challenge you all to do the same!

Being true disciples of Christ was also a topic discussed a lot. How each of us have a responsibility to "feed His sheep and save His lambs" We can each defend the gospel and share our faith in many different ways. We have been called to a strong, courageous work and it is to change the world. When we teach, testify, and labor diligently and loyally we have become true disciples of Christ. And that is what I strive to be.

President Nelson blessed all the missionaries with health and healing, that if it be God's will we will be healed perfectly. I felt so strongly that my heath will be back to normal and I will be completely recovered. He blessed that our families back home would be safe and taken care of and safety for us, that we will return home to our families.

I am so grateful for the gospel and this opportunity to share it! I love it so much!

Thank you for all the prayers, letters, packages, and emails :) I wish I could say more but this is long enough and sadly I have run out of time.

LOVE YOU ALL,

Our new investigator at his posh rest home

dim sum for lunch :)

mission conference with the best missionaries ever!

birthday gift from Ghana

Sister T, 1st companion

cousins

cute streets of England 

Sister Stevens