"St. Pete, load up we are going to the south side"

February 1st 2016:

Why did the cactus giggle? 

Because it was prick-list. 

Busy week and no time. I just want you to know that there is SO much that happens in a week on a mission, and it is almost impossible to pick one thing to talk about. So I apologize for the boring emails. But hey everybody just looks at the jokes and pictures anyways. ;) Stephanie is on schedule to be baptized on Saturday. Right after we taught her tithing, actually while we were teaching it, she was getting her money ready to pay tithing to the Bishop. Like who is she? She is so prepared.  I am so excited for her! I know I was sent here to find here. Just pray that everything goes as planned. 

Here is a little spiritual thought for you. :) Alma 53:5 And this city became an exceeding stronghold ever after; and in this city they did guard the prisoners of the Lamanites; yea, even within a wall which they had caused them to build with their own hands. Now Moroni was compelled to cause the Lamanites to labor, because it was easy to guard them while at their labor; and he desired all his forces when he should make an attack upon the Lamanites.

 These Lamanite prisoners had to build their own prison. We see this all the time in today's world. People build their own prisons, they become captive to something that seemed "fun" at first, but soon sucked them in and they have no idea how to get out of it. The commandments have been given to us to actually keep us free, sin and addictions keep us captive, and when we sin and disobey God we build our own prisons, and become prisoners to sin. But thanks goodness for the atonement so when we do mess up, and it's important to remember we will, we can turn to our savior and be forgiven of our sins. 

We all loaded up in Sister Wests mini van and headed off to the hood.  Where I experienced some real southern cookin, you are all missing out. Auntie Joan can make one mean dish of Mac n cheese and fried chicken. 

I hope y'all have a splendid week! If you find some spare time, you can put a pen to the paper and send it my way :)

  5714 Calais lane, St Petersburg FL 33714 

1. This was before I realized there was a hole in my rain boots.
   
2. And this is when I realized there was a hole in my rain boots. 
   
3. I just couldn't resist...
   
4. But then they offered to take a group picture :) so it all worked out. :D

Sister J