Priesthood Power

This week was a really fun one! We had the opportunity to get to know some of the members of the ward so much better. We got to go bowling with a couple members on Tuesday and that was sweet because I didn't really think bowling would be an activity I would end up doing on my mission. Later that night we had a really neat opportunity come up. We were in our apartment almost ready for bed when the phone rang. We talked to the guy on the phone and we were asked to go give a blessing to his Granddaughter who had just flown into the Thompson hospital with Pneumonia. We had to get permission to leave because it was almost lights out so we were definitely not supposed to leave the apartment but we got permission and left. When we got there and I was given the opportunity to give this young girl (probably 4-5 years old) a blessing in the emergency room and that was super neat. I felt so bad for the mother, she was there with a 1 month old baby and a super sick 4 year old. She was doing her best but you could tell she was struggling. After the blessing we said bye and left. That night they were then taken to Winnipeg because the girls Pneumonia got worse. We are really worried about her but the news from the mother that we have received is that she is moving in the right direction. it was definitely one of the biggest testimony builders for me because the spirit was so strong in that hospital room and giving a blessing to a young child was just a super neat experience. It makes me excited to be able to give fathers blessings because I have heard people say how neat that is! the rest of the week went well also. We have continued to meet with Mike (the guy we met on the street) and he is progressing and loves reading the Book of Mormon. We got to do a lot of service on Friday by helping paint a member couples deck. It was a really sad day that day though because their 16 year old dog died the night before. I think they enjoyed the company though. the members here are so strong! It is amazing to me how strong they can have their testimony even through time times. We had the opportunity to go to Nelson House again this week and that was really great! We have an investigator out there who is preparing to be baptised and is very excited for that. the only tough thing about Nelson house is that we only get there once a week so we can only teach her once a week as well. All in all it was a great week and I am super excited for General Conference.

Thanks for the package. The coat may come in handy sooner, rather than later! It already snowed here last night. I can't believe I have only two weeks left of training. It has gone by so fast! I think I'll be staying in Thompson after this transfer. Love you!! Elder Stewart 

This is a picture Elder Burkman took of Elder Birchall and Elder Stewart. Sounds like they have been having lots of fun with him doing crazy pranks like stealing his ties and filling his shampoo bottle with melted ice cream. :) The Burkman's head home in 9 weeks.

Sis Burkman posted this comment on facebook this week:

Heath Birchall and Karri Hill Stewart we love and adore these two fine Elders. We are expecting Elder Seth Birchall to be transferred to another area soon and we are not looking forward to that day. When we leave in 9 weeks, there will not be someone to step into my husband's shoes so we are thinking it should be Elder Matthew Stewart. There are very few elders that are this wonderful. You both have raised some very fine men.