Attack of the Mosquitos!

So this week has been stormy every other day, and then hot and muggy every other day. This next week is supposed to be cooler and so far it looks good. But with all the muggy hot days come the mosquitoes. As most of you have witnessed... my mosquito bites are not normal in size, shape, or color. Therefore, my legs currently look like I have a disease. But no fear, the bugs will only last for a few months until about September I've been told, and then my legs will hopefully be able to return to normal. Hopefully the bug spray will also be able to aid in the prevention of more bites.... it is great to be a missionary in North Carolina swamp land! I have seen snakes, frogs, lizards, no alligators yet, and the UGLIEST snapping turtles on the planet! Definitely a different world down here. Luckily though I haven't been fed snake yet, like some other missionaries I know down in Southern Georgia.

On Wednesday last week we had a lesson with Micheal. We decided that it would be best to stop trying to talk to him about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and start teaching some doctrine. We had Brother Wilson come with us and he is amazing at teaching the gospel! We taught Michael about the Plan of Salvation and he really liked it! Mostly he said, "I never thought about it that way before." Hopefully he will be able to come to church in the next couple of weeks! We can already see him changing as he learns more about he Savior and everything that He has done for us.

Thursday was a day of service at the thrift store and then a lesson with Brother Evans. We had Sister Bradford come with us. We taught him about faith and repentance and how important the atonement is. He loves learning and has a LOT of questions. He should be coming to the Family History Center on Wednesday night to start learning how to but together a family tree. We are hoping that it will be really good to get him to see our church building and to get to meet some more members because it seems like he is very lonely.

Friday we did service for Hazel and she took us out to lunch at a beautiful restaurant right on the water way. (I forgot my camera but pictures should be coming next week)  As we left the apartment to go to dinner with some members, I thought "I forgot the bug spray!" But I figured we wouldn't need it and it was too late to go get it. That night we stopped by a couple of referral's houses and that is when the mosquitoes attacked! As we were talking with a few people we were eaten alive! We were outside for about 10 minutes, and talked to 3 different people. Sister Bartholomew and I both got in the car and counted between 15 and 20 bites on our legs and each had a handful on our arms. Have I ever told y'all that I really don't like those little bugs? Well if I haven't, I'm telling you know. I REALLY don't like those little bugs!!!!!

Saturday we visited some less actives and had a really good day. We also visited Sister King, who is an older woman who comes to church every week, but lives "way out in the sticks" and can't drive. So most of the time she is at home alone. While we were there she was trying to think of something she could give us for a snack and finally she said, "I know! I've got a gallon of milk and some Oreo cookies!" It was SO good and so fun to sit and visit and snack. I love all the members in the Shallotte ward!

Yesterday Hazel found out that we didn't have anyone to feed us dinner so she insisted on feeding us. She cooked us stake, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, biscuits, and mushrooms and then had ice cream for desert. She spoils us SO much!!!!! She didn't even know it was Fast Sunday because she's not even a member! After dinner we went to the Smigiel's (a less active and part member family who we LOVE). We taught them about the Plan of Salvation and talked about how families can be together forever!

That about wraps up my week. I LOVE being with Sister Bartholomew. She is the sweetest and most amazing missionary!!! 

Love y'all!

Sister Shurtz