Hey Everyone,

I can't begin to tell you how the past 24 hours have been. One of the members in the ward found out about Grandpa Stokes before I did. She came up to me after one of our meetings on Sunday, and asked me how I was doing with the news. She also asked if President had called me yet. Her voice was filled with love and compassion. I hadn't heard anything at this point, so I was so confused.. I told her that I had no idea what she was talking about. She quickly responded like, ohh I must of had it wrong, it could have even been about sister Stucki. So After that, I knew something was up. That was Sunday morning. Then during Sacrament meeting President texts us and asks for me. He asked me to call him that night. I tried for an earlier time, but he was busy all day. I asked if I should be worried, and again my questions where unanswered. He told me he didn't have much time to talk, but wouldtonight. So From Sunday morning I knew Someone had past away. I just felt it. I didn't know who, and I never heard anything else about if grandpa Stokes was doing worse. So I began thinking it was someone else. I kept thinking about how it could be one of my sisters or my parents from getting in a car crash or something. It was rough. I cannot even begin to tell you guys how much I love each and every single one of you!! I have never legitimately been able to know that someone in my family has passed away and think about each of you individually! All I can say is that I love you more than words can say. So I get home that night and plan for the next day. I then do what I have been dreading all day. I called President just waiting for the bad news.. President is so great! He was being super positive and started by telling me all of the great work I am doing here. He told me a couple more things the Bishop keeps telling him about me.. like, These are some of the most laziest missionaries, prideful, slothful servants in the Lords vineyard! Haha JK! He was saying how Bishop told him that we are one of the best sister missionaries he has ever had, and we are hard-working, humble, sincere and genuine, loving, and caring! It just melted my heart! President told me that that is his dream, to hear those things about his sons, from their bishops, on their missions. He definitely knows how to make you feel good(: Well He then told me about Grandpa and we talked for quite sometime about it. I began to feel a little better and I actually had a huge amount of comfort come over me! Talk about the spirit. The plan is true, and I know I will see him again. I cannot begin to tell you how much I look up to Grandpa Stokes! He is so hardworking! He is a perfect example of a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood leader, and he always had a good spirit with him! One day I will marry someone like him! But anyways, I had a thought that night about it that actually got me a little excited. So I thought, he loves to work hard, but he couldn't because his body was holding him back. He is now free of that and can again work hard! You ask, what do you mean, working hard? He is working hard doing missionary work in the spirit world!! Grandpa Stokes and I are shoulder to shoulder helping in the Lords work! I just began balling with that thought in mind! We get to now work together. We are both missionaries for the Lord! I am so grateful to be on a mission at this time! Its hard not being there, but at the same time I feel so happy to know we are doing the same work. So don't worry about me, I am doing just fine. I just can't wait to share my deeper testimony of the Plan of Salvation with others! Its personal, and there is a lot of people we are working with that have recently lost people in their families too. I can feel more deeply for them. 

Well I just love all of you guys so much! I hope you can all have an opportunity to share this perfect message with others too! Let me know if you do, I want to hear about all of your missionary efforts! 

Love always,

Sister Steffani Stokes<3