Hey Everyone!
Thank you so much for all the letters and goodies. My companion is amazing! We are a lot alike. Hermana Patterson is from Colorado and is pretty hilarious. I have seen both Hermana Johnson and Elder Mender several times each. They are having fun and say "hi". We have been so busy that I haven't had time to be homesick at all. Busy, busy, busy!
We have a lot of class time and study time. Spanish is coming along faster than I thought possible. I am so grateful for the Gift of Tongues.
So the most exciting thing that has happened other than some incredible teaching experiences, is that I got sick, the same day that you sent me the letter warning me against the flu. So, I wasn't going to go to the clinic, but Hermana Patterson was really worried so she brought me. Doctor Brown told me to get to bed around nine. So I had to miss some class, but I slept really well until about 11:30. Then I woke up sweating and feeling like my stomache was really tight and painful. So I decided to go to the bathroom. I got off the top bunk and took about three steps before feeling like I was going to pass out. So I got down on the floor and after some moments of indecision I called out to the Hermanas in our room. Sweet little Hermana Conley from Texas was right there and helped me. She fanned me and got help. She walked me down to the front desk and we called Doctor Brown. I felt so bad that we had to call him so late at night. He told me to come in the next morning. So we went in and I was still achey, etc. So they tested me for swine flu (again)(it was negative) and they took a urine test and they drew some blood. I didn't even pass out! I told the nurse that I usually pass out and she told me a trick she had learned from another Elder. She put a cold-pack under my neck and I didn't even feel nauseas. Have Whitney try it. It was amazing. (I'm wearing my Minnie shirt today, by the way.) Anyway, they aren't sure what's wrong, though it's probably just stress and lack of sleep. So I have to go back today.
I told the Doctor and Hermanas Patterson, Conley, McGuire, and Jarrett (my roomates) about Lyme disease. Hermana Patterson really understands. She is very "organic", as Hma. Conley says. She reminds me of you, Mom.
I have gotten about as much mail as the rest of the district combined. Hma. Patterson has gotten none. I'm sure they would appreciate letters from you and anyone else that wants to write a missionary. I have the best district ever! You should "Dear Elder" them. We all have the same mailbox number so there are: Hermanas Patterson, Taets, and Wardle; and Elders Reese, Jones, Leonard (he is also going to Mesa and is from South Africa), Colvin, Stone, Lemperle, Smith and Rupp. I'm sure they would all appreciate letters.
I was wondering if you could send me some flip-flops. They don't have any women's in the bookstore.
I love you, I love you, I love you!!!
Hermana Stephenson
Hermana (Sister) Stephenson's first letter home.