A Few Realizations

Dear Family and Friends,

  Another thrilling week in the cities of Gurnee and Waukegan.  I'd also have to say it's been another challenging week, but nothing I can't handle.  My time is short today so let's not worry about the required 4 sentences for the opening paragraph and get straight to the news! Heeeeeer's Sister Waters!  (That works much better for Johnny Carson.)

  I'm realizing how inadequet I am in this mission.  I mentioned last week that it'd been one of the hardest weeks of my mission and it continued that way for the next few days.  It's still hard, but I now feel that I have more control on a few things.  After having a long talk with Sister Kolb and her pointing out the minor detail that I can't do everything on my own-for some odd reason I tend to think I can-she asked me if I would consider a blessing.  Not saying anything, she asked if I would like her to ask someone for me.  Not able to speak at the moment, I nodded my head and she then went through a list of possibilities grabbing the phone when I again nodded my head at the thought of Elder Child.  We drove to their apartment and for several minutes I just sat there and cried, but the instant Elder Child layed his hands on my head to give me a blessing, the most amazing calm feeling came over me.  I know how real the Priesthood power is and being able to receive guidance from my Heavenly Father, because He's the only one who knows exactly what I'm going through at this time, gave me the boost I needed.  For the first time in several weeks I feel like I have what is required to finish my mission.

  Realization #2: people have their free agency.  On Sunday morning, Sister Kolb and I sat in the "principal's office."  Actually, it was Bishop Bourgeois office.  A few more events have taken place in the recent convert MIA story, but again that will have to wait.  Either way, people have their free agency and no matter how hard it may be for me to accept that fact, it's all up to them.  I may have a hard time dealing with their decisions, but in the words of Bishop Bourgeois, "keep the faith, you're doing fine."  Without a doubt I feel that was an inspired statement on his part.  I'm keeping the faith and doing fine because no matter how many people CHOOSE not to listen to the message I have been called to share, every time someone says "no," my testimony grows stronger.  That may sound contradictory, but it is so true.  Hearing that little word gives me the desire to share with them all that I know so that they too can experience the same happiness.

  Realization #3:  speaking of "happiness," Sister Kolb and I were able to go to the temple today with the Hermanas.  Sadly, we didn't arrive on time to do a session, but for the first time I was able to participate in a sealing and I think I have a new favorite part of the temple.  Giving people the opportunity to be sealed to their families FOREVER was the most amazing feeling and thinking about the concept of "forever" is mind boggling.  The feeling continued when we took a few minutes to sit in the celestial room, realizing that the room I was in should be the goal of every person and every family.  Who wouldn't want to be with their families for eternity?  If you know anyone who doesn't, please send them my way so I can have a chat with them.  Even hours later that concept is still boggling my mind and I'm okay with that kind of thought "boggling" it.

  Realization #4:  baptisms are grand.  On Saturday S**** got baptized and everything went according to plan except for one thing:  the maintenance guys forgot to mention that they turned the temperature up on the water heater.  When Bishop steped in, he immediately got out because it was so hot.  After several minutes, some ice, and some pots of cold water, it was cool enough to go ahead and perform the ceremony.  It's not a baptism without a little adventure!

  On Sunday we met with one of our newer investigators and were able to commit him to baptism on August 1, along with CJA.  What a great day that will be!  I love baptisms and firmly believe that everyone should experience one.  (Performed by the correct authority, of course.)

  Well, that's the end of my major realiztions.  I'm pretty sure there have been more, but I can't think of them right now.  I'll save them for another letter so you can get the inside scoop of the inner workings of a Sister Missionary's mind.  Lucky you!  To summarize: the gospel's true and I love it!
    

    Hugs!
                   Sister Sara

D is for Discouragement

Dear Family and Friends,

Another week has ended in Illinois and I'm pretty sure it's been on the hardest weeks of my mission. Don't start worrying about me, but mission life is bound to get stressful every now and then. Besides, where would the thrill be if I didn't get hit with the occasional curve ball?

The first discouragement of this past week came when we stopped by one to visit one of our investigators. It had been several weeks since we'd seen her last so it was decided to try one more time and then maybe leave it alone for a while. Her husband-an inactive member-came to the door and promptly told us his wife is no longer interested in learning. To any missionary, especially when the investigator is progressing so well, that's a slap in the face. We walked away with me shaking my fist in his general direction.

I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse, but I'm a very persistent girl. Those words came from her husband and I'm not going to stop trying until I hear those words from her. Bishop Bourgeois has told us several times to never give up if someone has even the slightest potential. So, just call me a squeaky wheel.

The next discouragement came in the form of our recent convert, Josh. Along with our investigator, he's been MIA for the past 2 weeks despite many calls and visits to his house. One day Sister Kolb and I decided to divide and conquer: she'll call him one more time and I'll leave him another note. The phone rang and a very shocking message was heard in Sister Kolb's ear, one not appropriate for missionary ears. Let's just say she hung up the phone in a hurry! Driving away, one thought kept running through my mind: "What is going on with the world?!" A few days later we actually got in contact with Josh, but it's too crazy of a story for me to write so I'll have to fill you in later.

I am a persistent missionary, but I also tend to take things very personally and usually end up blaming myself in the process. So even though I know that free agency is a blessing and am constantly telling people that, sometimes it gets in the way of my ultimate goal. However, for all of the struggles that we are given in this life, Heavely Father also makes sure that we are blessed for enduring those trials. For example, on Sunday afternoon, a member came up to us and said that her nephew wants to get baptized. Yay! I've been in this area for 4 months and thinking about all of the people who have been baptized, I realize that they were practically handed to me. It's nothing I did, except following the spirit, but these members were definitely prepared-despite some of them getting their own personal curve balls.

Other blessings are being able to work with some amazing members and feeling their love for us. (I've adopted myself into several families.) On Friday night we went over to the A's for dinner and to teach their son C.J., who will be getting baptized next month. He has a little sister and not to toot my own horn, but she absolutely loves Sister Kolb and I. We knocked on the door, her little face appearing in the window within seconds. She sees we have arrived and starts screeching, "The sisters are here! The sisters are here!" It was almost like the American's shouting, "The British are coming, the British are coming!" Except in a much higher octave. She ran upstairs and Sister kolb and I stood on the front steps for several minutes wondering what to do. Obviously, they knew we had arrived so should we knock again? I gave a light knock and fortunately someone soon let us in.

This was my first 4th of July away from home, with Sister Kolb and I both panicing that no one would take pity by inviting us over to lunch or dinner. However, that was a needless worry because we had a lovely lunch with the C***/F******* family and then had dinner with the C****'s. The Elders also joined us, having permission for all of the missionaries in the area to go to the Navy Base to watch fireworks. It was fun, but I missed the thrill of sitting on the lawn, feeling the vibrations of the explosions and smelling the smoke. I'm already looking forward to next summer and plan on taking full advantage of this fireworks holiday.

I've been quite proud of myself these past few months for gaining a new sense of boldness. In this job it's a requirement, but sometimes I'm not always willing to do it. Each week, we try to request a list of less active Relief Society sisters who might want a visit from us. We managed to track one down on Monday evening, one who willingly admitted to being less active. Before I knew what was happening, the words, "would you mind me asking why you're less active" popped out of my mouth. I was shocked and so was Sister Kolb. She told me later that when those words came out, she was wondering if that was even legal. Yep, it is. She gave her explanation and then said she would like to start coming to activities again! Her husband isn't a member so we're hoping that maybe he would like to hear our message.

Wow. I just realized how long this letter is and that I only have a few minutes to give President Doll his weekly update on the work. (By the way, we met him and his wife. They seem nice, but I'm already missing the Stoddards. I'm still not used to the idea, but it'll happen eventually.) In closing, the work is going well and I'm enjoying it all, the blessings and trials. Whatever I'm given, someone must know I can handle it. I love you all! The gospel's true!

Sister Sara

Life's an obstacle...get over it!

Dear Family and Friends,

To forwarn you, this letter is going to be nothing exciting as it has been one of those weeks where nothing really thrilling happens. I'm sure most are surprised to hear/read that kind of statement from a missionary serving in such an exotic location (can you also read the sarcasm?) but it is prone to happen. So let's see if I can come up with enough "breaking news" to make this email worth both our time......Ummmmmm.........Okay, I thought of a few. Drumroll please.....

*At our appointment with CJA last week, he told us that he's decided on a date for his baptism: August 1. I was hoping that it would be sooner, but I'm happy as long as the big event takes place before transfers.

Sidenote: you have no idea how awkward it can be to teach the Law of Chastity to a 14 year old boy, his 6 year old little sister, and the parents! Thank goodness the Church forsaw this awkwardness and has published phamplets on the subject. I think the most important thing we can do with this kind of topic-or any serious matter-is relate it back to families and how important they are in Heavenly Father's plan. To emphasize this point, the Family Proclamtion is a lifesaver!

*Since being on a mission and having my reading material limited, reading things such as the Ensign has become a "dear diary moment" each month. On Monday Sister Kolb and I were with Sister Clark, having a final lunch with her before she heads to Utah for a family reunion. Sister Clark gave us some issues of Church News and I was shocked to read that the Angel Moroni on top of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple (did I spell that right?) was struck by lightning! It was crazy to see the picture, but wonderful to get some information about the outside world, even if it is just church related.

*Each morning, except Sundays, we are required to do at least 20 minutes of cardio exercise. To do this and still get to study on time, Sister Kolb and I have started waking up 5:45 to be back to the apartment by 6:30. I'll tell you true: standing on the elliptical every single morning with not even music to entertain me-just the thoughts in my own head-can get pretty aggravating and monotonous. Tuesday morning I walked into the gym, took one look at the machine and said, "I loathe you!" Except for the testimony which I am constantly bearing, I don't think there has ever been a truer statement.

Well, that's all I can come up; the week wasn't as boring as I thought. My fingers are crossed you will also agree. Oh, today we meet our new Mission President and his wife: President and Sister Doll. We'll see how that goes and I'll report on it next week. Until next time, remember the Gospel's true and that you've got a lonely Sister Missionary who loves finding letters in the mailbox!

This is Sister Sara Waters reporting live from the Gurnee Library, signing out!

Hugs!
Sister Sara

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