It gets worse before it gets better.

Dear Family and Friends,

Last night, I asked Sis. Youngberg to tell me a bedtime story. In my opinion, it was fantastic so I thought I would share it with all of you: "Once upon a time, there was a butterfly who landed on a caterpillar and said 'Hey, I used to be you!'" The End. (I know. We're strange.) On to the news!

The week has gone well. It's still very cold outside, but I'm surviving. As missionaries, we have the tendency to countdown how many days are left in the mission. I'm counting down how many days until spring gets here. The cold makes the work a little harder to do because once you're inside for breaks or at a member's home, you don't want to go back out into the coldness. However, the work must go forward.

Yesterday, for no specific reason, was a harder day than usual. Tracting and business contacting has the ability to make anyone miserable, but that wasn't it. At dinner, I mentioned to Sister Youngberg that I need to find something to give me a boost in the work and that I would love to hear some music by Frank Sinatra or Michael Buble; they can pull me out of any slump. About an hour later, we were talking with a referral at his home and the TV was on in the background. Suddenly, I heard "oh what a day this has been. What a rare mood I'm in. Why it's almost like being in-love!" It was Frank Sinatra! Sister Youngberg glanced at me and we both smiled. It was only a few seconds of a song, but it gave me the boost I needed. I'm thinking of it as a tender mercy.

Not too much else is going on. The ward continues to grow and it's obvious so many of our investigators were prepared to learn about this gospel. When we explained a little bit of the Plan of Salvation to an older gentleman, he looked amazed that two 22 year old girls could know so much and have such a deep faith. However, they don't realize that the bits and pieces they hear are connected to something greater than anything we can ever imagine. I love it when people tell me that something about the church is correct and I can show them that it is. They might not believe me even then, but at least one piece of the puzzle has been given to them. Without a doubt, this gospel is true!

Hugs to all!
Sister Sara

P.S. 3 Nephi 17

snow. Snow. SNOW!

Dear Family and Friends,

Another week has passed in the winter wonderland of Woodstock, McHenry, Harvard, and Marengo. Every morning we have to dig out our car and it's like opening a present each time. Sadly, we don't find anything else under the snow except our car. I think someone should leave us some chocolate, or some cute shoes...something exciting.

Not much has changed from last week, but I finally have things to write about. I hope you're excited! The first things is mainly for Sister Youngberg's family because I know they read my blog to see how she's doing. A few days ago, she got a notice in the mail saying there was a package for her. We went to the Post Office but it wasn't there because the mailman was still on his route. Driving home, Sis. Y saw him about a block away and decided to chase him down so she could get her package. Usually it's dogs that chase the mailman, not a couple of sister missionaries. I have no doubt that he thought we were crazy. Then again, who doesn't?

I have a new addiction: Chicago dogs. They are so much better than normal hot dogs. Of course you've got the meat and bun, but it's the topping that make the difference. Tomato, onion, relish, a giant pickle, cucumber, and celery salt. They are pretty amazing! Another exciting thing concerning food is that Sis. Y has the recipe for Cafe Rio's pork salad. It takes several hours to make, but it's great when a member offers to do it for you. On Monday we discovered that an elder was craving a burrito so badly, he had his mom order him one and ship it to him on dry ice. Thankfully, no one will be getting an email asking that a pork salad get mailed to me. However, I am curious: would you, if I asked politely?

I'm happy to report that the work is still going strong in this area. A few days ago, we were teaching Tracey challenged her to find out if it's time for her to be baptized. During the closing prayer, she said, "Heavenly Father please let me know if I need to be baptized, but don't let me know too soon..." We told her that there is still much for her to learn and baptism won't happen until she feels that she's ready. Without hesitation, she said, "oh good. All churches should do it like that." The changes that have happened in her small family are amazing. Jerry, her son, has calmed down immensely and now shakes our hands at the end of every meeting. He also points to pictures of Christ and tells us who it is. Tracey has gotten much softer in the way she talks to Jerry by asking instead of telling him to do things with a threat. None of these things could have happened if it weren't for the spirit that has come into their home.

A few months ago we received a referral for a family in Wonder Lake but weren't able to meet with them until a few days ago. The parents (a mother and step-father) are very Catholic but some of their kids are LDS because of their father. At the end of our lesson, the parents requested that we prove that this is the true church without using any scripture or asking them to pray about it. The way they found the Catholic church was true was by reading non-scriptural books about the topic. Sadly, the only way to gain a firm testimony about the gospel is through prayer and reading the Book of Mormon. I can't even guess at this point what is going to happen with the family as we continue to teach them.

Each Sunday, we pass our meal calendar around to the members and pray that people will be willing to feed us. At the end of the day we were amazing to see almost every day filled. The reason? Bro. Jensen, our amazing ward mission leader, made the comment in Priesthood that if the members fed us physically, we would feed them spiritually. So parents, you can stop worrying that I'm not getting fed enough. A few days ago we had a lunch appointment at 2:30 and a dinner appointment at 4:00. We are well taken care of.

Well, that's all from my little corner of the world. You're probably tired of hearing it, but I am loving being a missionary. For the past week or so, I've been reading my journal entries from when I first arrived. The person I was then compared to the person I am know is at either ends of the spectrum. As with all change, I couldn't have done it alone. It's no joke that a mission really does prepare for the rest of your life in every possible way. The gospel's true! Stay tuned for more adventures next week...

Hugs!
Sister Sara

New adventures

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm not sure if I told any of you, but transfers we're today. I would like to annouce the companion of Sister Waters is.....Sister Youngberg!!!! I can't believe we're still together! For the past week we've been dreading what could happen and got to the point where we were ready to call President, playing the transfer game, and saying many fervent prayers that our companionship would continue. This is our fourth transfer together; Sister Youngberg goes home at the end of the next one. I still have hopes of killing her off, but I don't think President will let that happen. Bummer.

This past week, I've noticed a huge change in myself. I left home as a shy and quiet girl, but I've recently found that I have the ability to speak! A few days ago, I shocked Sister Youngberg when we were talking to a man on the street who denied that there is any kind of God. Without any hesitation, I started telling him that he was wrong. The next day, a man was preaching to us as to why the Sabbath is a Saturday and not a Sunday; in a very calm voice I told him that we'll just have to agree to disagree. Other things are changing: the way I react in situations, the way I talk with people, the way I spend my time... I have no idea what is going on, but I love it!

I'm sad to report that once again there is nothing too exciting to report on. So you don't feel like you've wasted time by reading this letter, here are a few somewhat thrilling highlights:

*Last week I tried a Peruvian dessert that is made from PURPLE corn! It tasted like very weak jello. (Dad, everyone loved your Stolen!)
*I've been informed that this is the cycle of boldness--bold, try to change people with boldness, realize change is not possible, continue to be bold for the fun of it.
*Every member things missionaries starve so they send us out the door piled with goodies. Just so you know, there is such a things as too much baklava.
*The Chicago Temple flooded last week, hitting the Celestial room and several of the Endowment rooms. It'll be closed until at least February, maybe April.
*I realized that I've almost hit my 6month mark. Can you believe it?! I can now offically say that I'll be seeing all/most of you next year.

That's everything; I hope this letter didn't make anyone fall asleep. I miss you and hope you're all doing well. Stay warm, stay happy, eat dessert. Love ya!!!!

Sister Sara

P.S. I'll see you next year!!! ;)

For the first time in several weeks, I can see grass!!

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm almost glad that the holidays are over so I can get back to my normal routine. For the past several weeks, things have been very chaotic with trying to arrange dinner appointments, phone calls, study time, planning time.... Now it's back the boring life of a missionary. Yay!

Before I commence with my weekly letter, I am very happy to announce that Karen Emily Ungricht will be heading to the Texas Houston South Mission on March 18th!!!!!!!! (Once you arrive, Miss Karen, it will become the second greatest mission south of the North Pole!)

I am happy to announce that I survived my first Christmas away from home! I dedicate this achievement to the amazing members of the Woodstock ward and their willingness to feed us several times in one day. I loved talking with some of you on the phone and especially glad that the conversations did not lead to any premature trunkiness.

Nothing too exciting is happening right now in my area. We haven't had any repeats of cops, mooners, or car accidents. The work continues to go forth, thanks to the amazing prayers on behalf of family, friends, and ward members. I continue to stay busy with the work and take advantage of the few hours each Wednesday to write letters. Each night I come home with the satisfaction that I did a little bit of good and the feeling that there is still so much more to do. Thankfully, the mission isn't over yet so there is still a little bit of time to accomplish all that needs to be done.

I miss you all and am grateful that you're doing well. You're prayers are appreciated and please know that you're in mine as well. Hugs to all!

Sister Sara

Snow is falling and friends are calling "yoohoo!"

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm sad to report that this has been a rather boring week: no moonings, no cops getting called on us, no car accidents, no old men offering to feed us to his dogs...it's a very strange thing to have a normal week.

Wait! I remembered an interesting story! Several weeks ago, we dropped an investigator but had to do it over the phone. Last week we went over to their home to explain ourselves. I believe I've mentioned this couple before: their living together, she's still married to her husband, he got an amazing blessing telling him that his MS would be healed if he continued to learn about the gospel and did what the Lord would have him do... That should remind you. As we were talking to them, Scott asked why it was so important that a couple not live together before marriage. We explained the church's view on the situation and then Hope piped in with, "tell them why you don't want to marry me." That moment and the next 30 minutes gave us new insight: Scott started explaining that about 20 years ago he dabbled in liqued drugs. Soon after that, he started having dreams where "angels of God" told him that he would be winning the lottery at some point in his life. His ex-wife actually divorced him because he didn't win within 7 years of their marriage. So, if he were to marry Hope, they'd have to sign a prenup to prevent her from taking his winnings. Ending on that note, we told them to give us a call if they were ever interested and quickly left. Oh the people we meet!

A funny story! Sunday morning, Stacey Lindsay walked into church with Owen, but without her husband, Adam. Asking where he was, she informed us that he was home with the chicken pox. Owen got it a few weeks ago, but only broke out with about 15 spots. Adam got it on his scalp, back, arms... Luckilly, he still has a few more days to recover before he has to baptize his wife.

That's all the exciting stuff from my corner of the world! Stacey is getting baptized on Saturday and I couldn't imagine a better birthday present! The light in her eyes is amazing and I wish everyone could see it to receive just a hint of what it feels like to bring someone to the truth of the gospel. Investigators like Stacey make the snow, the cold feet, the slamming doors, and every other hard part of a mission, worthwhile. I love this work!!!! I'll talk to you soon!!!!

Hugs!!!
Sister Sara

Oh the weather outside is frightful...!

Dear Family and Friends,

What a week! Never in my life have I been so grateful for layer upon layer of clothing, or for skirts and the ability to hide all of those layers. I almost feel sorry for the Elders.

We've had a snow storm almost every day this week. The current weather makes me even less happy about having to tract, but I do it anyway. I'm proud to say that during one such tracting evening, I reached a missionary milestone: someone called the cops on us. The woman who we suspect did the calling seemed very interested in our message and even accepted a Book of Mormon, but we're guessing that she didn't like us asking if we could come into her home to talk with her. A few minutes later, a cop car arrived. Apparently, it's against the law to ask to enter a home. They have to ask you. The cop ran our licenses and sent us on our merry way. Have no fear! We'll get that woman converted!

About an hour previous to the cop incident, my companion and I got in a freak car accident. We were heading straight with no stop signs in sight when suddenly a car starts turning left! I've never been so grateful for the snow because as Sister Youngberg started turning to get out of the way, we slid on the ice and the truck barely touched us. I don't know how it's possible, but he said he didn't see us. As the car was coming towards us, you'll never guess what was running through my mind. It wasn't "I'm going to die" or anything like that. It was "I can't afford to pay for a new mission car!"

We got another commitment for baptism this week and also gained a very interesting investigator. Her name is Tracey and she's a single mom with a very rebellious two year old. We brought them with us to church and things went very well until the last 15 minutes of church. Jerry was brought into RS by a nursery worker because he scratched up a little girls face! Thankfully, her parents handled the situation very well and no fights broke out in the lobby. My companion and I both agree that Tracey has potential for baptism, but it is going to take a lot of work. Missionaries to the rescue!

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Elder Holland last week. His final conference talk-"Come What May and Love It"-was a wonderful way to end his life on this earth. If you haven't read it already, do so.

I must close, but I hope all of you are doing well and staying warm during this winter season. (Angela, I don't want to hear any complaints from you about the weather.) Please know that each of you is in my prayers and I look forward to reading the letters I'm sure you're writing this very moment. The gospel's true!
Sister Sara

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

Yesterday I celebrated my 3 month anniversary as a missionary of the greatest mission in the world by nursing a stuffy/runny nose, and trying to convince my lovely companion that I didn't need to take a nap. When I'm sick, it's better to keep working, but she doesn't see it that way. Next think I knew, she was putting her senior companion and trainer authority to use: she made me use our dinner break to take nap. I'll grudgingly admit that it helped a lot and was pretty coherent for the rest of the day. For our appointment with the Lindsay family, she tried to convince me to wear a mask, but I can also be stubborn and said "no." I'm proud to say I won that battle. (Sister Youngberg wants me to tell you that her purpose was so Bro. Lindsay would stop teasing her about the time she forgot to wear her nametag and pick on me about something. Actually, he already picks on me for not liking their dog.)

I survived my first big holiday away from home. It was spent with the Ogle family for dinner and then we headed to the Jensen home for dessert. On our way, we stopped at a gas station and I got out to fill up the tank. A car pulled up behind us and the driver started talking to me: asking me where I was from, how my holiday was going, yada yada yada. He then started telling me that he and his band were doing a gig in Chicago and asked if I would like to come. With a big smile on my face, I told him that I was a missionary with the LDS church and told him that my companion and I would be more than happy to teach him about the gospel. In the blink of an eye, he was uninterested and left as soon as his friend came out of the store with a 12pack. I'm really starting to love wearing this nametag!

Tracting has never been one of favorite things to do, but something good finally came out of it: we found a less active! He's been living in Woodstock taking care of his mother, but never made contact with the Bishop. We found out that a friend of his is in the ward and we immediately employed her to get him back to church. We can be a very persistent people. Tracting a little bit later, we got called "nuns."

I'm happy to say that I managed to survive my second Illinois blizzard. The wind chill makes things even worse, but I've decided that 40 degrees is like a heat wave. Slowly but surely I'm getting used to the weather. I would love to hibernate the winter away, but like the mail man our work must go forward.

Ever since I arrived, I've been trying to decide what my favorite part of the work is and I've come to a conclusion: seeing the change take place in a person. We can have an investigator whose way of living is totally contrary to our teachings, but as they feel the spirit and receive their own witness, the most amazing change takes place. By the time baptism takes place, a new person has emerged. After all the hours spent tracting, contacting, walking, driving, and everything else, that change makes this whole work worthwhile.

The gospel's true! Hugs to all!!
Sister Sara