Highs and Lows

Dear Family and Friends,

I have much to tell, but not very much time to tell all of it. P-day should be a "day of rest," but it's actually just as hectic as the 6 other days. There is so much to get done in so little time, but the limitations just make me move a little bit quicker than I'm already moving. Such is the life of a missionary!

The past two weeks have really introduced me to the highs and lows of missionary work. So many people ask for our time that it's hard to please everyone. Communication has become such a key in this work and if it's not good the wrath of many people comes upon us: Bishopric, ward missionaries, Relief Society... The politics of this ward is one thing I'm struggling to handle. How I long to go back to the days when I was ignorant of the inner workings of a ward! However, this struggle does make me glad that I will never be a Bishop. I have much respect for the men who are able to uphold that calling and not go crazy throughout the process.

I am truly loving some of the members in the Woodstock ward. The Jensen family in particular (the younger Bro. Jensen is our ward mission leader. He and his wife live with his parents) is amazing. We went to their home for dinner last week and when the Sr. Jensen's daughter walked in the door, the family said "hey!" (Think of everyone saying "Norm" on the TV show "Cheers.") Just being with the family makes my day better and afterward my quiet self becomes someone my companion doesn't recognize.

Another member is someone I've told you about previously, but he deserves several mentions in my letters: Jack Rasmussen. Last Sunday, we talked about eternal families and he almost started freaking out at one point because he's not sealed to his daughters and hasn't seen them in several years because his ex-wife won't tell him where they are. That fact has been eating at him for weeks and he finally released his anger. Lynn, one of our recent converts, kept telling him, "take her to court! Take her to court!" Her spunk really shined that day! Several days later, Jack called and informed us that we were going to lunch. When we sat down, he explained that he'd woken up with the intent to go and find his daughters. Luckily, the spirit broke in and told him that he should take the sister missionaries to lunch instead. He obeyed. Talking to us about the experience, he's been constantly praying, hoping that he'll find out what to do. The answer came: be patient. That answer was the one that Jack didn't want, but he knew that's what it would take. I really hope that he won't have to be patient for too long.

A few days ago, Sister Youngberg and I found out that Jack will soon have competition in our ward. A man named Ike just moved in and he is very Jack-ish. They're both recent converts, crazy about missionary work, have the same personality, and even have a crush on the same girl! They'll either be best friends or avoid each other. I can't wait until they meet!

A huge blow came to Sister Youngberg and I last week: Linda, one of the women we've been preparing for baptism, decided to return to the Catholic church. Coincidentally, this decision came the week after we taught her about the Word of Wisdom. She still wants to learn from us, so we made her a deal: we'll continue to teach, but only if she does the things that are required in preparing for baptism. She agreed, so we'll continue to teach.

Yesterday, my companion and I were contacting on the square. We started talking to a woman about the church and she interrupted saying how much she loves us, the trip she took to Salt Lake City several years ago, temple square...she loved it all. She wasn't interested in our message, but departed with these words: "If I weren't Catholic, I'd be Mormon!"

Well, that's all the time I have for; my companion is waiting for me so we can go restock our fridge. I pray that things are going well for all and I can't wait until next month when I'll be able to talk with some of you. Thanks for your support and letters; it gives the boost I need each day. The gospel's true!

Hugs!
Sister Sara

Halloween

Guess Sara went as the Masked Missionary Soul Avenger.
(like how the mask is upsidedown!)

Picture provided by Elise Horne, mom of Chrisse Horne, one of Sara's Sister Missionaries.

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

Dear Family and Friends,

I've found that whenever I have a minute or two to just sit and relax, I look out the windows and watch the squirrels doing their job. I find them so fascinating and I always give a little chuckle that results in Sister Youngberg looking at me like I'm crazy. A mission does strange things to you!

Another amazing week has passed! Three of our investigators were baptized on Saturday and the spirit was so strong I was very close to crying. Feeling the spirit is nothing new, but feeling it at a baptism is something indescribable. Lynn, Cary, and Enedina all came out of the water glowing. The Lindsay family (I think I've told you about them) was present and I think that the spirit benefited them most of all. Sister Lindsay has been learning for a while and she's now beginning to realize just how true the gospel is. Brother Lindsay is also realizing that without the gospel, he is not able to bless is his or baptize his wife when the time comes. Meeting with the family has benefited everyone involved.
The past few weeks, something has always happened during third our at church that has prevented Sister Youngberg and I from attending. This week, a member fainted. She was coherent enough after a few minutes to say that she didn't want an ambulance, but one came anyway. After church we found out that her heart rate was 180. I'm not sure, but that sounds bad. We went to the hospital to see her, but she'd already checked out refusing any treatment. I'm curious to find out what happens this week...

More exciting news! A member of the Crystal Lake ward owns a gym here in Woodstock and gave us free gym passes to use! It's open 24 hours so we head over at about 6:15 every morning and exercise for 45 minutes. It's been wonderful and I'm hoping that transfers won't take me away any time soon.

I know I'm just full of exciting news this week, but this story is like the chocolate icing on a chocolate cake; the perfect hair day; the first daisy of spring....needless to say, it's good news! Sister Youngberg and I got two more commitments to baptism yesterday! The first was from a woman named Linda. We've been teaching her at her office because her home is outside of our area. Linda's husband had a stroke a few weeks ago and one of our ward members gave him a blessing. That same day, her boss fired her. Needless to say, things have been rough, but she always tells us how much she enjoys seeing us. Yesterday we read out of the Book of Mormon and at the end of the lesson she asked if we would mind teaching her husband so that "they could join together." Sister Youngberg and I were very close to jumping up and down, but managed to contain ourselves until we got in the car. We had no idea that something even bigger would be happening a few hours later.

Our last meeting of the day was with the Lindsay family. It went very well as we talked about knowing when the spirit is speaking. Throughout the lesson, the spirit was strong and we could tell that Sister Lindsay was feeling something. She talked about how whenever she comes to one of our meetings it feels like home; whenever we come over to her house she feels rejuvenated. She knew! Finally, the time had come to ask if she wanted to be baptized. Without hesitation, she said yes! I don't think I will ever forget the feeling of the spirit in that room. Feeling what I was feeling and hearing her say yes brought tears to my eyes.

I am so honored to be be on this mission right now, to be doing what my Heavenly Father wants me to be doing. I've never seen so many miracles take place and I'm very humbled to see them. What an amazing work this is! Each day I still can't believe that I'm here, but when I do, a huge smile crosses my face. I love this work!

My time is short, so it's time for me to say "until next week..." Life on a mission is never dull so I hope my letters are keeping you entertained. I appreciate the "fan mail" I get each week; it seems that whenever I need a lift a letter from home suddenly appears in the mail box. I miss you all!

Adventures to continue...
Sister Sara

P.S. Here is some homework for you: Ether 4.

Survived!

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm sure you're all on pins and needles to find out if I survived transfers. I'm sad to report....that I did! I'm still serving with the amazing Sister Youngberg in the amazing towns of Woodstock, McHenry, Harvard, and Marengo. Life is good! Sadly, our zone leader Elder Perkins called practically crying to inform us that he will be leaving our area. No one is safe!

It's only the middle of October, but autumn is in full swing! One day all of the trees were green and then BOOM! they're all brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. I hate to admit it, but I think it's prettier here than it is in Utah. You know those sun rises that you see in movies? We get them here. I love going out to exercise and watch the moon sink and the sun come up; it's one of the small perks of having to get out of bed.

Personal note to Mom, Dad, and Vicki: I am so grateful that you taught me how to clean! A few days ago, Sister Youngberg and I went to a member's home. Both parents work-the father is a truck driver and is gone for weeks at a time-so the cleanliness of their home is not a top priority. We offered to help clean and ended spending 90 minutes cleaning one room. I still shudder thinking about some of the things that were found under three feet of "stuff." However, I later heard stories from my companion that the kitchen was even worse. We're struggling to help this family because, as missionaries, we can only do so much. Eventually, the family has to step in and give us a hand. Sadly, that seems like a long time coming.

This past week, I've been working on memorizing the First Vision. Sister Youngberg helped me to break it down into a few words and then bear my testimony about each line. I've never felt so strongly that all that occured in that grove really happened. Later, we were meeting with a less active woman in our ward and I felt a strong impression to be bold in telling her that she needs to come to church. My companion was shocked, but she was very happy when we got into the car. She asked me what made me say those words and I replied very simply, "when the spirit tells me to say something, I say it."

Recently, our district leader had his 22 birthday. At the same time, he's also been having some family problems and hasn't been as cheerful as he usually is. So, the sisters stepped in.
Early on Sunday, we drove over to their house to decorate their car. We taped balloons on it and put a birthday hat on the roof.  Confettie makes everything pretty so we used some of that as well. The decorated car already showed how much we love Elder Garcia, but to really show it, we left two boxes of cookies on the hood. I hate to think what could happen to me when my birthday rolls around!


Many more things are happening, but my time is running out so I'll have to wait until later to share them with you. I've been hearing stories about how crazy things are in the "outside world" and my fingers are crossed that things continue to go well. I look forward to your letters and hope they come soon. Just so you know, I do a little dance whenever I see a letter with my name on it. I hope that image in your head makes you all want to take the time to write me more frequently.

The gospel's true!
Sister Sara

Another week, another raindrop

Dear Family and Friends,

Another week has passed in the greatest mission on earth: the Chicago North. Along with that week, my one month anniversary of being in this mission also passed. My companion and I celebrated accordingly: a lovely slice of chocolate cake with raspberry topping. When it comes to the work, people keep telling me to "go big or go home home." However, when it comes to the amazing desserts and pizza this state has to offer, I'll be "going home big."

Last week I took my first trip to the Chicago temple to do baptisms with our recent converts and do to an endowment session with the other members of the ward. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved. While we were doing the confirmations, I felt certain that a giant celebration was taking place on the other side as more people were given the opportunity to accept the true gospel.

We left the temple rather late so my companion and I stopped at Wendy's to get dinner. Several people who had just come from the temple were inside and stopped to talk to us when they noticed our name tags and offered to buy us dinner. The church may not be very large here, but the members we do have are amazingly kind. Here's a funny story to top off this event: a 12 year old hit on us. He said something to the extent of: "what a great evening. I got to go to the temple and now I get to talk with two very lovely ladies." My companion and I had a good laugh about it later on.

As you all know, we just had another session of General Conference. It's quite different watching it here than at home because all of the missionaries go to the church and watch the broadcast there. It's kind of nice because I know a nap would probably take place if I were watching it elsewhere.

I think my favorite talk was by President Monson in the Sunday morning session. He spoke of nothing being as constant as change. When it comes to my life, that is a complete understatement. I've been on this mission for almost two months and more changes have taken place than I can comprehend. I still miss the "outside world" but not to the extent that I thought I would. I'm realizing the things that really matter in this life and they have nothing to do with television, movies, fashion, or the new line of cars. This message that I am telling everyone about is what's really important. Not a day goes by that we get a "maybe later," but according to the Music Man, "if you pile up enough tomorrows, you'll have a lot of empty yesterdays."

This job that I have doesn't allow me the time to regret. When the spirit tells me to do something, I do it without any hesitation. We have so much, but do we realize it? When we get times that are hard to handle, we should take it because it's still coming from our Heavenly Father. The emotion we feel each day proves to us that we're living. Learn to be happy, despite the challenges.

Well, my time has ended so I must say, "to be continued..." I love you all and appreciate the prayers you send my way. I couldn't do this work without you. Hugs to everyone!
Sister Sara

More Adventures...

Dear Family and Friends,

I hate to say it, but I'm already starting to freeze! I have a feeling that the next several months are going to be very rough on me! The leaves are changing and I don't think I've ever seen such amazing colors of red, orange, or yellow. Unfortunately, there isn't much time to just sit and look at the beauty around me. The work calls and I eagerly go.

My time is short today, but there is one story I would like to tell. My companion and I had an appointment at an apartment building here in Woodstock. Unfortunately, they had to cancel. We walked outside and met a young man named Paul. A conversation was started and continued to the first lesson. He was very excited by what we had to say and the spirit was very strong. Naturally, my companion and I asked for a return appointment. We were very surprised when he said no! He went on to say that he's a firm believer in fate and if we're meant to meet again we will. As soon as he said that, Sister Youngberg and I started plotting ways that we could meet him again. I should have known that things would be taken care of.

A few days later, we were rushing to a meeting and made a wrong turn so we pulled into a parking lot to turn around. I got out of the car to back my companion up, and there he was sitting on the porch! He was very excited to see us and it's an understatement to say that we were excited to see him! We made an appointment, but when the day came, he called to cancel. A member of our ward was planning on meeting him with us and when we apologized for it being canceled, he simply asked, "Are you trying to covert the whole world?" We said yes and then he said, "Then give me a call whenever you need me."

We had president meetings and zone conference last week. When it was my turn to meet with the president, he started asking me about my name. I told him my "history" and then he said that he was going to quiz me on my knowledge of Preach My Gospel. "Who is the most famous woman in the world right now?" Obviously, I had no idea because I've been cut off from society for the past 2 months. When I told him that, he said that I had passed the test. The answer is Sara Palin, who, I am told, is McCain's runningmate. At least now I know something of the outside world.

As you know, we had the Relief Society General Conference last week. I, for one, thought it was amazing, and was very encouraged by what the leaders had to say. It's strange to think that some of us can listen to what those men and women have to say and not realize that the things that are coming from their mouths are the words of God! They weren't saying those things because they "sounded good", but because they knew that's what women all over the world needed to hear. We all have a purpose in this life and we need to find out what that purpose is. When we do, I urge you to take Sister Beck's advice and, "fulfill your purpose as never before!" Our Heavenly Father's work cannot be accomplished without us.

I am grateful for the spirit that guides me as a missionary; for the thoughts I receive that I know are not mine. The miracles I've seen every day have been amazing; seeing the hand of God in every day life is a humbling experience that I wish everyone could see. The work is pressing forward with full force and I look forward to seeing what I will be able to accomplish during my time here. The gospel's true!

Adventures to continue....
Sister Sara

The adventures continue...

Dear Family and Friends,

Once again, another week has passed. I've decided that I should just get used to the mission being an amazing experience, but each day something amazing happens and I can't help it. The Lord's hand is in everything and it is so apparent in the lessons we teach and the people we meet. It's...amazing! :)

I guess the biggest news of this past week is that I had my first baptism as a missionary and it was an experience I will never forget--mainly because of the story that goes along with it. Sister Youngberg and I showed up at the chapel to fill the faunt. Someone else was supposed to do it, but he wasn't concerned with the fact that it takes three hours to fill it up. Since we had to be at the chapel early for a meeting and were very worried about the time issue, we offered to do it ourselves. After racing to the church, there was only two hours to set up before the ceremony started. (I should probably mention that the Spanish branch had had a fiesta planned for several weeks and the date was the same as our baptism.) We walked into the room to set up chairs and immediately stopped. The room was decorated in a Mexican theme with balloons, tables, streamers, sound system, and dance floor all set up. After making a few calls, the only option left was to take it all down, move it to another room, and pray that people would be willing to help us set it back up after the baptism.

The ceremony was wonderful and Monica was glowing when she came up. She also set the speed record for a girl changing out of the baptisimal clothing. After everyone left, a few people helped us to set the party back up, but they did very quickly so they could continue with their Saturday. Once they left, Sister Youngberg and I set it up according to our standards and left with the knowledge that every balloon was in place.

There is one member in our ward who has done wonders when it comes to missionary work. It'll make you laugh to know that his name is Jack Rassmussen. He is a convert to the church and his testimony is stronger than anyone I've ever known. If you read Alma 10:6-12, that is his story. He was a drinker, smoker, and everything else you can imagine, but gave them all up cold-turkey and has not regreted it once. He cannot do enough for the missionaries or people in general. Every ward needs a member like him.

Sister Youngberg and I were out tracting on Sunday and came to an apartment complex where we met a man named Paul. We started to have a discussion with him about our Heavenly Father and baptism. Mainly, we just followed were the spirit led us. We talked for about an hour and then asked for a return appointment. To our surprise, he said no. He said that if he's ment to hear our message, he'll meet us again and know that it's fate. In the car, Sister Youngberg and I started plotting ways to talk to him and even went so far as to decide that we would tract the whole complex. We know that he felt the spirit and could see that it took a lot for him to give us the "serendipity" line. I have no doubt that we'll be meeting him again very soon.

I think I have time for one more story. In a previous letter, I told you about two of our investigators, Lynn and Cary. They are next door neighbors and it has been a blessing because they've been able to come to church together and addiction recovery. Lynn has a baptisimal date, but is being held back by her smoking addiction. Yesterday, Jack came with us to a meeting with her and convinced her to give up her cigarettes cold-turkey. He knows exactly how she feels and his experiences helped the situation immensely. She handed them over and we threw them away. You can see it in her eyes how excited she is to get baptized and the spirit that is constantly with her. It was amazing to see this humble act of faith and the trust in her Heavenly Father that he will be with her throughout this struggle.

About an hour later, we met with Cary and committed him to baptism! He started talking about his addiction, but then told us that he gave it up six weeks before he met us! He was being prepared for the missionaries long before he met Sister Youngberg and I. Once again, the Lord's hand is in everything we do!

I am loving this area and life couldn't be as good as it is at this moment. The people are ready and we are more than willing to teach them about the wonderful plan that our Heavenly Father has for us. I love you all and pray that things are well with you!
To be continued...
Sister Sara

P.S. Watch the movie "Groundhog Day." It was filmed in Woodstock.