General Conference as a missionary. :)

This week was great! We stayed very busy so I have nothing that I can complain about! We taught quite a bit again this week but not quite as much as last week because of General conference but that is OK because it is a good reason! W did have a pretty miraculous experience though! We have a new investigator named Emerson who is from the Philippines and he is super solid. I was talking with Brother Macaranas from the other ward who is also fillipino and told him about Emerson. It turns out they are co-workers and very good friends. We invited him to come to a lesson with us. When we got to the lesson we couldn't find bro Macaranas anywhere. I called him and asked where he was, he was inside visiting with Emerson. About half of the lesson was taught in Tagolog and it went great! Members are the best! 

General conference was so great this weekend! My two favorite conferences have been on my mission because I seem to get so much more out of it. My favorite talks were Elder Andersons, Elder Uchdorfs In Priesthood session, Elder Christofersons, and Elder Hollands! I am so excited to read them all. My favorite ties of the sessions were both of Elder Uchdorfs polka dot ones! I was able to get so into it and I was super sad when each session ended because it was like a meal that was gone too fast. When Elder Kiriaka and I were waiting for the Saturday morning session to start we commented that it was like waiting for the opening kickoff of the Superbowl! Believe me to go along with that analogy It was ran back for a touchdown because President Eyring started off conference with a Stellar talk! On Sunday afternoon we were waiting for the Session to start and the power in all of Northern Regina went off. We always try to set good backup plans but we did not have a good one for Conference, We thought it was a sure thing. Lesson learned I guess. We were also waiting for our investigator Tony at the Church so we couldn't just leave and go to a members house in the south end. At about 2:10 Tony showed up. We told him the problem and we actually headed to his house and watched it there. Tony liked conference more than i did and I didn't know that was possible. He was going crazy when people spoke and especially like Patrick Kearsons on refugees because he is from Nigeria. It was hilarious because He gave us ice cream right before Elder Hollands talk and so when Elder Holland said he was the only thing between us and ice cream Tony shouted "no we had ours, never stop talking!!". Tony's only complaint was that there was not more conference. I am excited to show him on lds.org that you can watch hundreds of hours of conference. It should keep him busy. It was a tender mercy that the power was out at the church and on at his house. 

We got our transfer email today! As I predicted Elder Kiriaka is gone! He is off to Kenora with Elder Barney! I will be staying and so will Elder Bennett. My new companion is Elder Romeril from Mountain view Alberta. He is 5 years older than me and has been out for 7.5 months. It should be fun! Elder Bennett is getting Elder Peck from Utah who has also been out for 7.5 months. I am still the District Leader but am now the Oldest Elder In the District. I feel like an old man now haha. 

Love you all!

Elder Stewart

A Visit to the Regina Temple

Sorry for not letting you know about no P-day on Monday. We were informed that P-day would be Wednesday instead because we got to go to the temple!!!!!!!!!!! It was so good! For most missionaries in this mission they are lucky to go once in the full two years but I got to this morning so that was great! This past week was very busy. We taught more lessons this week than we have in any other week since I have been here. We taught 19! I had the opportunity to go on an exchange with the zone leaders last thursday! I was with Elder Omer who is from Moappa valley Nevada! Exchanges are always so great because it throws in someone who is a little different and may have some different ideas and techniques. We taught 5 lessons that day and I was able to learn so much! He is most missionaries prediction to become the new Assistant to the president this transfer but I hope no because I like him and don't want him to leave regina. He is super similar to me and we got along great! I think he would be my choice of companion if I got to choose, one of the main reasons is he is willing to go on runs in the mornings and he is fast! I haven't yet had a companion willing to run in the morning. I didn't even like running before but it is hard to stay active so I want to run everyday but can't because I can't leave my companion. I also got the chance to do another exchange this monday with Elder Elwood who is one of the Elders in my district. I get the chance to work with him in his area and see how things are going. He goes home in 6 weeks so he has a lot more experience than I do but It was still great to help him with the area he is in. On Sunday I was super excited because One of our investigators named Tony came to church and stayed for all 3 hours. He LOVED it! He said it was the best Sunday he has had in a long time! He is doing so well. On Monday when I was on exchanges with Elder Elwood in Lewvan area Elder Kiriaka and Elder Bennett worked in our area and they taught Tony with Brother Dusty Orr who recently moved from Lethbridge. Brother Orr and Tony get along great and apparently the lesson went fantastic. 

Something I have realized more and more is how every day time seems to speed up. I have now been with Elder Kiriaka longer than I was with Elder Birchall or Elder Low but it does not seem like it. We receive transfer emails this Monday and I'm 99% sure we will be separating but I don't know who is leaving. I want to train again! Easter was great on the mission and my testimony grew so much especially with going to the temple this Morning. i know that Jesus really did die for each of us and that we can return to live with God!

Love you all!

Elder Stewart

The District-

Elder Bennett, Elder Kiriaka, Sister Kearl, Sister Carullo, Sister Osborn, Sister Lau, Elder Stewar, Elder Elwood

The District plus Zone Leaders

Exchange with Elder Elwood

Regina Temple

March 21, 2016 - Devon's Baptism!

This week was super great! On Monday President Craig was here and we got to see him and have interviews with him! He is always so positive and encouraging. We got to talk for a bit and I am pretty sure lder Kiriaka and I will be getting separated this transfer because he kept saying stuff that alluded to that. Lucky for us this transfer is 7 weeks instead of the usual 6 because the MTC is now a 3 week stay instead of a 10 day or two week stay. This also means I get to serve 24 months and 1 week! Lucky us! I still cannot comprehend how crazy fast this is all going. Our week was quite consumed with prep for the baptism! We taught Devon every day and he had his interview on Tuesday with Elder Omer and passed with flying colours. On Tuesday we had a specialized training with President and Sister Craig and they trained us on how our thoughts affect our habits, circumstances and ultimately everything. One thing I have focussed on is "what am I thinking about when I don't need to think about anything?". I feel ,like I am very good at staying focussed when we are proselyting but like at meals and before bed I am trying to keep myself unspotted from the world by thinking about the work all the time. 

The baptism went great! Elder Kiriaka baptized and I gave a talk! Devon was so excited but I think Anthony was just as excited for him. I love that family! Devon's primary teacher also gave a talk. It was great! In sacrament meeting his primary teacher gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost. We got to stand in the circle! It was very special! Sunday night we had the easter cantata. It was a music festival and we sang in the choir. It was fun but I still don't think I am a choir boy. I am so excited for what is happening in this area now. When I got here we were like the lowest teaching area but now we are one of the busiest in the mission! Hard work is paying off!

Love you all!

Elder Stewart