Happy Mother's Day!

To all of you who I didn't get to skype with yesterday, "Happy Mother's Day!" I have so many amazing women who have influenced me to help me become the person I am today. Most of all I would say is my Mom, Renae, and ALL my amazing sisters! I have loved that throughout my life each of you have been there for me when I needed you. I had Erin and Mom at home when I was in Elementary school. I still remember the day Erin left for BYU and I was crying so hard because I didn't want to see her go! Jenny was in Wenatchee right after mom passed away and she took over as my "mom" as I ventured through Middle School. Renae was there for ALL the Jr. High, High School, and College drama. And Melinda moved back to the valley just in time for my last two years of High School. I am so grateful that even though there is a big age gap between us, I still had time to be influenced by each of my sisters.  

Skyping with Grandpa and all y'all was so special! I was so happy to be able to talk to Grandpa for a little bit. I love and miss him so much!!! Talking with y'all also made me realize how little time I have left here in North Carolina to serve the Lord. Only 6 months! 

This week we had a great week with teaching three new investigators! Two of them were referrals from the Gladys Knight: Saints Unified Voices concert in Chapel Hill last month. It is such a blessing to have that resource to find people who are prepared and have open minds and hearts and have already had a good experience in a church building and with it's members. We received a little package that contained a CD, Book of Mormon, and a Restoration video about Joseph Smith and the answer to his prayer. So their names are Sister Wright and Sister Jones. They are sisters who live just a few minutes away from each other! They went to the concert because one of them has a granddaughter who is a member of the church and invited them to go. They are really open to learning and Sister Wright is very interested and has some great questions.

Wednesday we had a Zone Meeting up in Wilmington, about an hour away from Shallotte. On our way home we stopped by Michael S., our other new investigator's home for an appointment and we had Brother Benoy come with us. They were able to relate to each other so perfectly! Brother Benoy did most of the teaching and his testimony is so powerful! Members are an amazing help in lessons!

Thursday we helped the Evans move and clean. Their daughter is getting married soon and will be staying in their house so they moved just around the corner into a smaller place so it wasn't too stressful. Sister Evans has a hard time seeing, so we were able to help sort through things and put them away for her. 

Friday we spent all day in Ash, which is a little town about 30 minutes to the North of Shallotte. We saw some less active members and that is also where Sister Wright and Sister Jones live. It's pretty "country" up there!

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Saturday we had a couple of lessons and did a lot of planning and organizing to get ready for Sunday.

Sunday I sang in church with Sister Sanchez. I believe this link will take you to the song http://www.defordmusic.com/.../a-mothers-silent-prayer... But I can't go there, so I hope it works! haha It's a beautiful song and the words are so wonderful.

After church we went to see the Coffey's. They are some of my most favorite people I've met in North Carolina. They have such strong testimonies and they love the Lord with all their hearts and they trust in Him at all times. Brother Coffey had an accident years ago that has left him with some health problems. He lives in an assisted living home and we go and visit him and sing to him every week or so. It makes our day to see him smile!!! He has a hard time communicating, so getting a smile from him is the best!

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Hope y'all have the best week! 

Love,

Sister Shurtz