Simply Hannah: Transfer Meeting Again

Dear Family & Friends:

Once again we had transfers this past week and you may be wondering what came of transfers. I have only been in Mt. Vernon and with Sister Stoffers for a transfer, so there was a good chance that we would spend another transfer working together. . . . but you all know my transfer record and how I am almost as consistent as President and Sister Jensen at attending transfer meeting! Good thing it is one of my favorite meetings! So yes, Monday night we got the call from the Assistant letting us know that Sister Stoffers would be leaving and that I would be staying! What a wonderful week of excitement, anticipation, goodbyes, and welcomes that always comes with transfers.

Monday we had a great day as we were able to take Grandma Judy, who has been a member for about 2 1/2 years and has a thick southern accent, to Tipton, IA with us for several appointments. We were first able to visit Karla who is the only active member in Tipton, and Karla's grandson was visiting so we were able to share a message with them, before we had an appointment with Jeff.

Now Jeff was a referral from the Iowa City sisters, but we hadn't talked with the sisters to know anything about him. Regardless we had set up an appointment and he was going to bring a friend as well. We arrived at his place and sure enough, Jeff's friend happened to be Karla's neighbor "preacher Bill". It was a really neat experience, because Bill was more interested in the differences between our church and the apostolic church, but Jeff still showed interest despite Bill's presence. But something that I learned to appreciate was the power that comes with testimony. That not only does the bearing of testimony bring the Spirit into the lesson, but also people can't argue a testimony. That even if they don't agree with the doctrine that is being testified of, they can't deny that you believe/know the things that you testify of. Anyways, with regards to Jeff we are going to meet with him this Wednesday!

Monday night was adventurous, because as we were leaving for Tipton the sky was really dark and so it started raining on our drive, but apparently we were driving the right direction, because we only got some rain, but Lisbon/Mt. Vernon were plastered with hail and crazy winds. Enough that many limbs broke and even two of the trees at the church were broken off. Anyways, we didn't witness very much of the storm, but that evening we were getting ready for bed when we heard the tornado siren go off, and our phone received a tornado alert. Luckily, Sister Stoffers knows what to do, so we grabbed our lamp, pillows and our journal as we waited in our bathroom till the warning was over in!

Tuesday was spent saying goodbyes to people that Sister Stoffers had come to love in this area. It is always neat to see the influence that individuals can have on others as they truly love one another and desire to serve them.

Wednesday was a great day as we prepared for transfers the following day. But there is something about the night before transfers that you don't get any sleep what so ever, because it just wouldn't be transfer meeting if you weren't tired!

I love transfer meeting and being able to see so many missionaries and people that I have served around! I now have Sister Porter as my companion! She is from Oregon City, Oregon and has been on her mission for 6 months and has been serving the past 6 months in Macomb, IL. She is wonderful and I am really excited for this transfer!

We had dinner with the Cyko's who happened to be my very first dinner appointment in Mt. Vernon, so that was fun, because that Thursday was basically a repeat from my first day here in Mt. Vernon.

Saturday was an exciting day because we were able to help our Branch President with his move into their home! As well as have district meeting, and help the Griffith's whose son is a member, so they treat the missionaries like family, even though they are not members!

Yesterday was a great Sunday as well, and we were able to have lessons with a member, a recent convert, and with AJ. The lesson with AJ was kind of sad, because AJ is struggling with the Word of Wisdom and so it is holding him back right now. So the result of the lesson wasn't as ideal as we were had hoped for, but as we were walking back to the car Sister Porter just starts singing, because she wanted to get me to smile, because she doesn't like not being happy. . . she's a great companion!

Well, I hope you have a wonderful week!

Love, Sister Call