blog:Transfers are next week, I might get moved, I might not. Nothing new yet just working and studying hard. It's super hot here still. We've had a couple of small tyfoons. When I woke up to the first one, my drowsy mind racing, "Where's tyke? Did I put my buckets out for the drips from my leaky roof? Did I close my window?" My not fully awake mind forced my body to sit up. I couldn't see anything or make sense of the light I did see, "Why was there light?" I don't smell wet grass and dirt, but I'm sure it's raining. Another big crash of thunder, I shook my head a little then all at once I remembered where I was. I was not in my house in my village, it was not Tyke sleeping near me but my companion, those were electric lights from the neighbor's house that I was seeing and I was safe in a well built tin-roofed apartment. I gave a sigh layed back on my pillow and fell instantly asleep. And have slept through them ever since.
-S.S.
shout out: Mom (of course), Daniel and Nora!!! love you thanks for writing!!! ka-swaa!!!!

Blog: Another week gone, not a lot's up. My accent is getting better, they used to make fun of me more because I had a weird accent. I asked "Isn't it the same as the other Americans?" They said no it is different, my guess is that I naturally use my Zambian accent, especially when talking part English. I'm sure I still use the terrible Zamblish accent! but it's getting better!
that's all for now,
-S.S.

Shout out to: Nora with the ever faithful notes, love them!!! Buzz and Bonnie Brown, Amanda Hawkes, and Gretchen for the email! Love you all!!!

Blog: We have a baptism!!! Brother Rico! He loves the Book of Mormon and has a sweet child-like faith. He says he was confused with what to do in his life about religion, he has always had a strong faith, he had seen some of the missionaries around but could never communicate with them because he is deaf and they never knew how to sign. He said the day I said hello to him a light entered his life that makes him so happy he can't say. He says he is so grateful to Jesus for sending me to him so I can teach him about Christ's true church on earth today. and I am grateful too. I know that God sent me to Malolos so that I could teach Rico and at the same time I think maybe God doesn't want me to forget the sign language I learned 5 years ago. Maybe I will have to use it later or throughout my life!
Well, that's me for now, love you all
Mahal kita!
-Sister Stephens

shout out to: Ojai YW!!! Thanks for the pics!!! Buzz and Bonny Brown, Nora Young, Mom (of course), and Daniel!!! Thank you all for the encouraging words!