Of Cornfields & Conversions: Letters of Love: A blustery week in Cedar Falls

So, this week has been interesting. Definitely full of highs and lows.
The snow and ice that has been building for months had a few days to melt this week, and I was pretty excited, but it was short-lived! We then had a pretty good storm that left half an inch of ice hiding under about 6 inches of snow. Not too fun when you don't have the option of bundling up and staying in for a week while the effects of the storm disappear! We were grounded during the storm, and one other time this week, but other than that it was bundle up, say a prayer, and try not to slip on the ice that's everywhere. So far, so good. But, it's not supposed to get above like 15 degrees this whole week, so snow and ice piles everywhere for a while!

With the combination of the weather, Zone training meeting, and sickness, we did not do a ton of teaching this week, and it seemed like every time we had a day full of promising appointments- it fell through for one reason or another. It has been frustrating, but we are still seeing plenty of miracles!
Hannah is doing amazing. We met with her a couple times, and she came to church again this week, where she was able to meet the handful of young single adults (We only have about 8, 3 of which are active). She went to their Family home evening last night, and has plans to go to another activity with them, and institute this week. We are so excited for her! We have already grown so close. She doesn't want either of us to leave, ever. Haha. If only it worked that way! Luckily we've got at least another month here together!
We also met this incredible young lady, Corinne this week. She is here from Orem selling satellite, along with 7 college-aged guys, who she manages. She is a convert, and has a really incredible story. The short version is that she was recently re-activated, and working toward receiving her endowments with her bishop there, and hopes to get to Nauvoo here in a couple weeks. She is so glad there are sisters here, and we just love her. We are excited to be working with her as well!

Tyler was unfortunately anti-ed via the internet, to the point that he said he'd press charges if we texted him anymore. I don't even think you can do that, but whatever. It's really sad to see satan get a hold of people and turn them away, but we know that eventually, he will remember the experience he had and wonder what he gave up.

Julie is doing well. She was sick yesterday and didn't make it to church, but is otherwise great. We are just praying for her that she will be able to continually abstain from smoking.
Angie is great as well. We haven't gotten out to see her in about a week and a half, and when we called her the other day she said she missed us, and asked where on earth we had been! She is hilarious and always jokes that we have nothing to do but teach her. :)
Mick will be getting back into town after 3 straight weeks of work travel. none of which he was able to attend church. From our interactions with in though, he is doing well. We'll be glad to have him back in town though. We worry about him often. I take comfort in the knowledge that Heavenly Father is working with each of these precious children, and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.

We've had a lot of tender mercies this week among the craziness. I know the Lord is aware of me, and He gives me little reminders of it every day! For those I am sure grateful.
Thank you for all your love and support. It means a lot! I am absolutely loving my mission- I never want to stop teaching people the Gospel!

Love, Sister Monroe

We've decided to start getting cupcakes every p-day. We have the cutest little

cupcakery here, and it's right by the library where we do our e-mailing!

Sister Sumsion thought that these irregular pears were so funny. :)

We did the COOLEST service project EVER on Friday. We helped at the local nature reserve, tapping all of their maple trees! They are collecting the sap to make syrup for the MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL that they have every year. SO much fun!!! This is me tapping in a spile! It was awesome, you can hear the sound change when you hit the center of the tree.

Getting the maple from the tree.

My comp!

Oh, and we wore snow shoes to walk around on the 10 inches

that have collected there. It was awesome!

These are the head honchos of the nature reserve, specializing in maple syrup making. They gave us a really funny tour of the "sugar shack" and explained how they make it. They were such characters.