Just like the Energizer Bunny

Dear Family and Friends,

Each week seems to pass by more quickly than the last. It's hard to believe that May is almost over and that June will be here in just a few days. Despite the fact that each day is almost exactly like the one before it and it's hard to differentiate between days, I'm mostly enjoying the stability that this routine offers me. Each day I wake up at 6:00, exercise for 30 minutes, two hours of study, and then go to work. I've realized that the time spent wearing the black nametag has been the happiest time of my life so far and I'm somewhat in denial of it being half over.

Several months ago, I was at a transfer meeting and I recall a Sister being dragged in by her companion screaming, "I'm not ready to go! I'm going to be a missionary forever!" I can almost see me playing that role in the very near future and I'm sure that those of you who know me well won't be surprised if it does. I spent a few minutes of my study the other day comparing a picture of me with Sister Youngberg on my first day in Illinois to a picture of me with Sister Kolb that was taken very recently. My mind was swarming with all of the changes and happenings that have taken place in such a short amount of time and I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't trade any of them for anything.

In current news, things are progressing nicely in the areas that are Gurnee and Waukegan. J.M., A.A., and S.D. are primed and ready for their big day on Saturday. The week of a baptism is one of the busiest for a missionary. We have to arrange the speakers, the refreshments, the music, the people who will be baptizing the investigator, members who will stand in the Confirmation circle, clothing fittings...oy. J.M. asked me to be one of the speakers and I'm very shocked that I've yet to have a panic attack. No worries. I'm sure that will happen in the next day or so.

J.M. in particular is doing amazing. From the very first day we met with him, I knew he had been prepared for this Gospel. I'm happy to announce that he's been smoke free for more than a week. On Monday, we asked him how the not smoking was going and he responded with, "what smoking?" That's what I love to hear! A portion of the mandatory lessons covers the principle of "teaching and learning." Recently, Sister Kolb and I asked J.M. to teach us something and without batting an eye, he went into a 15 minute lesson about faith. At one point he stepped out of the room to talk to his mom, allowing Sister Kolb and I to each say, "he needs to go on a mission!" For our next lesson concerning member missionary work, we made him a missionary tag and he got a huge kick out of it. Yep, things are going well.

I just realized that my computer time is almost over and that President is still expecting a letter from me. I continue to be grateful and humbled at the love and support you send my way. When the days are hard, letters from home give me the boost that is needed. The Gospel's true and I'm serving in the greatest mission north of the South Pole! Hugs to all!

Sister Sara

Another "WOW" Week

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been spent pondering as to why this area, myself, and my new companion have been blessed so abundantly. After many hours, I was able to come up with only one thing and it doesn't really even answer the question but it satisfies me. In the words of Sister Clark: "If you're going to blame someone for the good stuff, blame God." However, once the blessings are received, I only more realize how much I can never repay my Heavenly Father for all that He does. It is a debt that can never be worked off. I could say a lot more about this topic, but so many exciting things have happened this week and it's going to take a while for me to write them so...on to the news!!!

Several days ago, Sister Kolb and I were heading over to the Navy Base to meet with a member. Deciding that I knew the way well enough not to use the GPS, I left it off and commenced to get lost for the next 30 minutes. During this adventure, Sister Kolb and I decided that the GPS is like the Holy Ghost: we can choose to use it or we can ignore the promptings. Whatever decision is made, consequences abound. I chose to ignore it and ended up in a not too friendly looking part of North Chicago. Eventually, I realized how necessary it is, pushed the "on" button, and was able to start over on the journey. Thankfully, our destination was reached and we had a lovely visit with the family. So, always have your "GPS" on!

Sunday was a big day for many reasons. Sister Kolb and I were invited to talk with the Primary about baptism and show them the baptismal faunt. After church, we met up with Elder Hudson and Elder Dyle- the Spanish Elders- to teach J.M. the Stop Smoking Program. Elder Hudson was a huge part of this because he smoked for 7 years before completing the program and deciding to come on a mission. Teaching is so much more powerful when the teacher has overcome the same struggles as the investigator. This program consists of 15 steps and includes pure grapefruit juice, cinnamon everything, healthy snacks, and unlimited prayer. You're guaranteed to stop smoking within a single week. At the end of the lesson, the Elders offered J.M. a blessing of comfort. Each time I have the opportunity to witness one, I get chills and tears are always near the surface. Without a doubt, the Priesthood is real and it does create miracles. You'll be happy to know that J.M. has now gone 4 days without smoking and is so excited for his baptism on the 30th. Yesterday we talked to him about the temple and for several minutes he just stared at a picture of the Salt Lake Temple celestial room. Watching him progress these past few weeks has truly been a miracle. A.A. also continues to do well and, despite his parents not understanding why he's getting baptized again, continues to receive witnesses that this is the right decision.
Now, for the breaking news. For many months, the missionaries have been working with S.D., a 9 year old girl whose mom, Sister Campbell, is a member but her father is athiest. S.D. has been ready for baptism for quite a while, but had to give her father a good reason as to why she should be allowed to become a member of the church. After all, what's the difference in becoming a member and just going to church every Sunday? HUGE difference! Finally, S.D. and her parents were able to have a long talk about the issue and they came to a conclusion: S.D. will be getting baptized on May 30 with J.M. and A.A.!!!!!!! Sister Campbell called yesterday to tell us the news I don't think I've ever been so excited my entire mission. Sister Kolb is a witness that I started jumping up and down all over the apartment, a fact that some are refusing to believe. However, she'll tell you it happened.

I'm sure many of you are wondering how the "training" is going of Sister Kolb. We've only been together a week, but I already love working with her. Her testimony is so strong and she continues to exceed my expectations. The scary thing is that we're so much alike, even having some of the same clothing. Last Friday, we both showed up at study wearing a pink shirt and white sweater. Throughout the day, random people kept asking us if this was protocol for missionaries. Not quite, just a funny coincidence.

The sun is shining, it's warm outside, miracles are abundant, and I am grateful to be in Illinois doing the Lord's work. I love you all and appreciate the support I receive through your letters. The gospel's true!

Sister Sara

I'm a mom!!

Dear Family and Friends,

Early Tuesday morning I got a very interesting call from President Stoddard, asking me how I would feel about staying in Gurnee to train a new addition to the Illinois Chicago North Mission. For the past several weeks I've been thinking about the possibility of this question being asked. When it was, so many thoughts went through my head, but in a clear voice I managed to tell President, "It's a scary thought but I can do it." At this time I am happy to introduce my "daughter:" Sister Kalli Kolb from St. George, Utah. For at least the next 6 weeks, my life will be devoted to making sure she learns what the mission life is all about. In the words of my very wise brother, "it's the opportunity to show someone how to be a good missionary." I'm not sure how qualified I am to teach someone, but each back is shaped for the experiences that are placed upon it. With divine guidance, this task shall be accomplished.

After the transfer meeting at the church, we headed for the Mission home for a lunch prepared by Sister Stoddard. It seems like yesterday that I was there with Sister Youngberg, preparing myself to jump into the work. Ironically, the lunch was almost the exact same thing we had 9 months ago. All afternoon I had a very deja vu-ish feeling, but this time I'm the trainer. (I keep telling myself that, but it hasn't clicked yet! I'm a trainer! I have a daughter! Someone's life is in my hands! Breathe, breathe...)

Last week, I was given the wonderful opportunity to talk with my family for a few minutes. Each person I talked to deserves a gold star because it gave the boost I needed to get through the last few days of the transfer. I have to admit that the calls made me a little trunky, but I'd rather suffer trunkiness than not talk to anyone at all. Such is the price a missionary pays.

I think those are the highlights of this past week. The work is going amazing and I am so blessed to be in this area right now. However, I am constantly reminded that I have no control over this work. No matter what, it will continue to move forward because every day people are being prepared for what this Gospel can offer, which is more than anyone can ever imagine. There are definitely hard times, but in the words of Joseph Smith, "shall we not go on in so great a cause?" In the words of me, "yes I will!"

Hugs to all!
Sister Sara

Wow. I'll tell you what, wow.

Dear Family and Friends,

As I write this letter, there is a vent under my chair blowing cold air so I'm praying that I won't be at the library too long. It's been warmer this week, but that doesn't mean I'm ready for the air conditioner.

In the field, miracles are a common occurance; they allow you to realize how much God really is involved in this work and how aware He is of His children. We strive to find those who are ready for this message, but sometimes they're led to us and we just have to pounce when the opportunity is presented.

For example, last week Sister Cunningham and I were walking around on Martin Luther King Ave, heading back to the car after an appointment fell through. We saw a young man walking by and decided to talk with him. His name is Josh and was raised by his grandmother for most of his life. (Before continuing, I have to backtrack a few days. On Wednesday, a letter was sent by President challenging us to commit people to baptism on the first lesson. Crazy, you say? I agreed, but we decided to risk it and see what would happen. President may be crazy, but he's also inspired.) The appointment went better than I could have imagined and so many things clicked with him. For a long time Josh had been looking for the right church, but was getting tired of those that have the additude of "do as I say, not as I do." It's a very Joseph Smith-ish kind of story. At the end of the lesson, following the promptings of the spirit, a baptism date was set for May 30. I don't think I've ever worked with someone quite so prepared as Josh is. The great thing about this work is that I really have nothing to do with it. I have the responsibility to have the spirit with me at lessons, but everything else depends on the investigator. It's almost like I'm a puppet on strings: if the strings are connected properly, I'll follow all of the movements that God wants me to make. If they're not, I'll just hang there to collect dust. Yep, this is a pretty amazing work!

In other news, Richard Anderson was baptized on Saturday and it was literally a labor of love. Just a few days prior to the baptism, one of the pipes started leaking so the hot water heater had to be turned off. On the morning of the big day, we arrived at 8:00 to start hauling buckets of water to the faunt. To make sure Richard wouldn't get hypothermia the moment he stepped into the water, other people were boiling water on the stove. Somehow, the faunt was filled by 10:00 and everything else went amazing. Alfredo, another investigator, came to the service and told us he's getting very excited for his baptism, also set for May 30. I have no idea why Heavenly Father has decided to bless us so abundantly these past few days, but He has and it makes me realize even more how hard I should work to try and repay Him for His kindness.

I've mentioned Sister Clark before, but I would like to mention her again. Each time we visit, I think she makes us happier than we make her. Yesterday, for the first time in 3 years due to illness and her husband's death, she had the opportunity to go to the temple. When we saw her later in the afternoon, she was still glowing from the experience and kept talking about it being "God's fault she's receiving so many blessings." She is such a wonderful example and is someone who is already having an influence on my life.

Last week, we had dinner with the Crowther family. They're both from Utah and Brother Crowther attended USU. They invited us over again last night so we could talk to a friend of his from work about the church. Lynn had never met Sister Missionaries before so it was mainly question/answer the entire evening; it almost felt like I was being interviewed for a magazine. Many times throughout the meeting, Lynn would express how impressed she was with us and Brother Crowther would respond with, "I told you, they're trained killers." I'm taking that as a compliment. There wasn't very much time to teach a traditional lesson, but we were able to cover the most important part: we have a Heavenly Father who loves us. At the end of the meeting, she promised we would be hearing from her again very soon.

Yes, the work is progressing very nicely and I am loving the time I have to devote my life to Heavenly Father for such a short time. Despite the highs and lows, everything that happens will somehow benefit me-if not now then in the future. President tells us that the most powerful statement begins with "I know." Well, I KNOW this is the true church and I KNOW that I've been called to serve by a living prophet.

My legs are very cold right now so I'm going to close. Have a wonderful week and remember the church is true!

Hugs!
Sister Sara