Bueno!

Dearest Family and Friends,

This week summer has hit us full force; when Mother Nature says it's summer, she means it. This morning we walked outside at about 6:30 and the heat hit us like a fist. It may be only 80 degrees, but the humidity makes it about 95. Keep in mind that I've lived most of my life in very dry Utah, so this whole humidity thing is new to me. I can already tell it's going to be a loooong summer! You have no idea how grateful I am for air conditioning and I tell Heavenly Father so each night in my prayers. Well, there are so many things I need to tell you and not very much time so let's get to the excitingness that is the Mormon Nun's life! Drum roll please!......

The most exciting news of this week is the fact that I have survived another transfer so I'll be staying in Gurnee for at least another 6 weeks! The night before President's call was supposed to come, I felt for sure that I wouldn't be spending another transfer in the area; I'd already been there for two. Tuesday morning, I refused to get out of bed until 6:30 because the call always seems to come while I'm in the bathroom. Thankfully, no call came, allowing mother and daughter to remain together for a little bit longer. Families are forever!

Last week I got a sad awakening. Sister Kolb and I were invited to a cooking night held by the Relief Society. We found out that a nonmember would be attending so we were allowed to go. Naturally, Sister Missionaries stand out in a crowd with their boring skirts, sensible shoes, and nametag on their chest, but that day I felt even more out of place. The women there have the amazing ability to discuss grocery shopping, husbands, jobs, children, latest fashions, world news...; my communication is limited to how many member presents we get each week, new investigators, upcoming baptisms, and how many times members feed us each day. Yep, I am definitely a missionary! My fingers are crossed that you'll all take pity on my topics of conversation when I arrive home next year. Don't worry, I'll adjust eventually!

Exciting news! As you all know, our investigator S****. will be getting baptized on July 11. I believe I have also mentioned an investigator by the name of CJA. If I haven't, I apologize. (Guess what? We have an investigator by the name of CJA.) Last week we had an awesome lesson with him and his family, allowing us to commit him to baptism at the end!!! I love my job! No date is set yet, but he's praying about one. Either way, it's exciting! Sister Kolb and I told President the exciting news as a farewell gift and he replied that it's the magic of the "Waters & Kolob" that allow these miracles to happen. I know better, though, and it's just Heavenly Father blessing us and leading us to those who are ready.

Speaking of farewells, President and Sister Stoddard head home to Las Vegas a week from today. Next week, President and Sister Doll will be taking over the Illinois Chicago North Mission. We had a goodbye party for them today and while it's a scary change-and you all know how I feel about change-it's also exciting. This call has been inspired and there's something for me to learn from the new President.

There's a lot more I would love to tell you, but time does not allow me to do so. However, I will tell you that I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ and that Joseph Smith really did restore it to the earth. How cool is that? This message is grand enough that the whole world needs to know about it, so get out there and open your mouths! Be brave! No fear! Love you lots! HUGS to all!

Sister Sara

P.S. Mosiah 3:5-10,13
2 Nephi 5:27

Short and Sweet

Dear Family and Friends,

Sadly there isn't too much for me to report on this week. The work continues to go well, but after having so many baptisms in the past few weeks Sister Kolb and I have turned our attention to finding new investigators. This means tracting: an activity that is not my favorite. However, I learned something very important this week from my Zone Leader, Elder Hudson: "even if you hate tracting with all of your heart, go out there and pretend that you love it." I've decided that tracting is about the same as waking up at 6:00 for exercise: the thought of doing it is horrid, but when it's done you realize it wasn't so bad.

Each morning when I read Preach My Gospel, I am reminded of the fact that I have made promises to Heavenly Father, one of those promises being that I have the responsibility to tell people about this message so I'd better open my mouth and let the words come out-despite how scared I may be. No fear!

I think the biggest highlight of this week was getting permission to go see the sun rise on Lake Michigan with the C's. Having the alarm clock go off at 4:20 was worth it just to see that glorious sight. I can't even describe it which is why I'll be sending pictures home shortly; then you can see it for yourselves. It goes without saying that I wish you could have been there with me.

As always my time is short so I must close. The church is true!

Sister Sara

We are not the ordinary, fearlessly extraordinary!

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope you don't get tired of reading each week about how well things are going in my corner of the world. If you are, I apologize, but I am happy to announce that it's been another wonderful week in the mission that is Illinois Chicago North. Are you curious? Are you excited? I'll wait a few seconds to add to the suspense............................

Okay. I can't wait anymore. I've gotta tell you. Here's the news: About two weeks ago, Sister Kolb and I received a member referral from Woodstock, my first area. This member is a recent convert of just over a year and has done a great job playing member missionary. The text said that this member would like his friend S**** to learn about the Gospel. So we gave her a call, set up an appointment, and had a wonderful first lesson. My favorite part of the first lesson is getting to know this child of God a little bit better: S**** has lived in the Waukegan area for most of her life, but it's been a struggle. Much to our surprise, she informed us that she's legally blind; it's been wonderful to see a testimony grow inside of a person that hasn't even been able to read the Book of Mormon yet. Still, it's growing. Several days after our first lesson, Sister Kolb and I both received the prompting to commit her to baptism. Without batting an eye, Sonja told us that she's been thinking about it for the past week and that it feels like the right thing to do. Yay! This gospel is so amazing!

That's the most exciting news, but not the only news. In February I was transferred from Woodstock and needless to say I was terrified; no other area would ever be as wonderful as my first. Well, many months have passed and I have been humbled. Even though last transfer was hard, it was made easier by so many people being willing to accept our message. I am immensely happy this transfer and my happiness keeps growing because I know I am moving God's work forward. I've written several times about Sister Clark, but each week she teaches me something that I need to share. Occasionally during our visits, she'll pretend to be an investigator and ask us to tell her about the church. Last week I had the opportunity to share my testimony with her and then she gave me one of the greatest compliments I could have received: "your testimony shines through your eyes." You can't imagine how good that made me feel! I'm always wondering if my testimony does "shine" and how bright the shine is, but Sister Clark made all concern disappear. Now the only thing I have to do is make sure that light continues to shine by devoting myself to obedience, study, and service. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Every Wednesday is busy, but today is even moreso. Many other things are happening, but those are the stories I thought you would most enjoy reading. I love this gospel and I love serving my Heavenly Father to allow others the opportunity to experience the joy I have in my life. Some people are shocked when I tell them that I am a representative of Jesus Christ, but it's true. His name is upon me and I have been called to tell the world this message.

I love you all!
Sister Sara

Maybe Yes, Maybe No

Dear Family and Friends,

Several weeks ago I mentioned a rumor that springs in the northern part of Illinois are just like a continuation of winter. Well, now that spring is almost over I can say it's true. Not only did we have several snow storms this spring, but the weather for the past few weeks has been more indecisive than I am when I'm trying to decide what to wear each day. When Sister Kolb and I awoke on Monday, the sky was very overcast so we decided to go to the gym. A few hours later, we got into the car and the temperature was 90 degrees! Fast forward about 5 hours and the temperature had dropped to 45! After that we received a huge downpour, but the day ended dry with a very lovely sunset. Sister Stoddard warned me that just like Illinois springs, Illinois summers are not traditional. Unlike Utah, it doesn't just get hot and stay hot; each day Mother Nature decides to mess with our minds. Well, I'm tired of being messed with and my fingers are crossed that soon I'll be enjoying the dog days of summer. Okay, I'm quickly getting off my soapbox so there will be enough time to tell you about some exciting events in the life of Sister Sara. On to the news!

Sister Kolb and I were blessed this past Saturday to witness the baptisms of J.M., S.D., and A.A.. Thankfully, the water heater was working this time and we received reports that the water was quite pleasant upon being submerged. I spoke on baptism and compared the event to a line from a song by Frank Sinatra: "it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life!..." That's exactly what baptism allows us to gain. The next day, all three of them were sustained as the newest members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and welcomed into the ward. Sunday was also Ward Conference so the Stake Presidency was there to witness this wonderful event. I think I've mentioned this in a previous letter, but I always get close to tears when I hear a blessing given to a new member. It's humbling to know that the words being said are from Heavenly Father, given through one worthy to hold the Priesthood.

To celebrate this occasion, my companion and I pulled our funds to get each of the new members a journal. We ordered S.D's from the LDS Bookstore in Chicago so it had her name engraved on it. Upon seeing that his had no engraving, J.M. made sure that we saw his disappointment. Reaching into our bags at the same time, Sister Kolb and I both produced a pen for him to have. He's a strange sort of grownup.

Many times since my arrival in Illinois, President has told us that our work is for the living and not for the dead. I have not had the privilege of attending the temple since October so I finally got up the courage to ask while I was my monthly President's interview. President looked at his records and mentioned that Sister Kolb had gone to the temple just a few weeks previous in Provo. Feeling quite brave, I agreed but said that she wasn't in the mission yet. President looked at me rather surprised, but then chuckled and granted his permission. Today, Elder and Sister C**** drove us the the Chicago temple so we could do a session. You can't even imagine how wonderful it felt to enter through the temple doors for the first time in many months. I'm realizing how important the temple is and how many more covenants are made there. Already I have a goal to attend the temple at least twice a month upon my return home.

Yesterday, I attended my last Zone Conference with President and Sister Stoddard. One of the main themes of this conference was obedience and many thoughts popped into my mind pertaining to my obedience as a missionary. While talking to my big brother on Mother's day, I mentioned that my time in Illinois is quickly coming to an end. "That may be true," he said, "but you still have plenty of time left to repeat all that happened in the first half." Thinking about that comment, I know I've worked hard these past few months, but now it's the time to work even harder; to toss all fear aside, to "forget myself and go to work," to do all that I have the ability to do. Yep, this is my time and I'm going to make an even better use of it this time around.

Wow. I just realized that I only have a few minutes to write President a letter about the excitingness that is Gurnee. I apologize for this abrupt end, but I must depart with some air hugs and kisses. Have a wonderful week and remember who you are!

Hugs!
Sister Sara