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.

Another week...

Dear Family and Friends,

What an amazing week! There are so many things I want to tell everyone so I'm going to jump right in to make sure it I have time to cover it all before my time ends.

Sunday was an absolutely amazing day! Sister Youngberg and I had 6 of our investigators all come to church! Not to mention, a recent convert who has been struggling to come every week finally got the push she needed and also came. One of our investigators, Lynn, is an older woman who struggles with walking. After Sunday school she said that she was going to go home because her hip was bothering her. We asked if she would like a priesthood blessing and it was an amazing thing to witness. (I think amazing is an understatement!) When we talked to her about it later, she said that her leg was feeling so much better and that the blessing was a miracle. I am looking forward to seeing her get baptized next month, but she is still struggling with smoking. To help her, Sister Youngberg and I decided to also give up something in our lives that shouldn't be there. She is giving up her naps and I am giving up snaking throughout the day. It's going to be a challenge, but I think it's a wonderful way to help Lynn.

Tuesday was an absolutely terrifying day for me! From the beginning of this transfer, I have been content to let my companion do most of the talking in the lessons. When I have something to say I'll say it, but most of the time I'm silent. She gets on a role and I hate to interrupt her. So, she came up with the idea that I should "be boss" for one whole day! The thought of it made me nauseous and I was tempted to crawl back into bed, but I went forward.

Our first meeting of the day was with a man named Jason who has a very Catholic family. They have been trying to convince him to join their church for a very long time, but he has always hesitated because he knew something else was out there. When we met with him, we found out that he has been trying to meet with missionaries for 6 months! We taught the first lesson and it was absolutely amazing; I can't even describe it! There is much work to be done, but I feel that he has been prepared. I can't wait to see him progress!

The most amazing thing that has taken place this week was with a man named Indian. He is of Irish and Native American decent. We met him last week and told him that the Book of Mormon was written by the ancestors of todays Native Americans. He was very intriged and anxious to meet with us again. We met with him last night and read the Introduction with him, also bearing our testimonies as to how true this book is. Without batting an eye, he told us that he could already feel of its power and said that he will have read it by next week. Next week can't come soon enough!

I am so grateful to be able to see the blessings of being on a mission and the hand of God in everything that takes place. So many people are ready to hear this gospel and I have the privilage of teaching some of them. I've learned so many things in the past two weeks and can already see a change in myself taking place. I wish I had more time to tell stories, but I would need several days! The adventures of Sister Sara will be continued next week! Stay tuned...

I love you all!
Sister Sara

One week/one month

Dear Family and Friends,

Two big events are occuring this week: surviving one month on the mission and one week in Illinois. The whole experience has been wonderful and I have no complaints as of yet--even if I did I wouldn't tell you.

Fall has already come to Illinois. There is a definite nip in the air and the leaves have started to change. I'm starting to make preparations for the horror stories I've heard about the winters here. Please keep me in your prayers that I will come home that I will return home with all of by body parts intact and not lost to frostbite. I'm trying to get used to the weather, but it's befuddling at times. I've never seen so much rain in my life. I laugh because the ward members talk about being in a drought. They should move to Utah!

I have a wonderful companion and I hope that we'll be able to work together for a while. I told you in my last letter that she's from Boise, Idaho, but I'm only starting to realize how much fun she is. We'll play the Saturday Warrior soundtrack in the car and we've made one of the songs our theme song: "We'll bring them truth, freedom, saaaalvation! We're sure to be the greatest missionaries the world has ever known...!" I always laugh at the looks people give us when they drive by.

I love teaching with Sister Youngberg because the spirit is always so strong. She immediately shows how much she cares for each investigator; they come first and there's never too much we can do for them. Of course, that's the way it should be and I've decided that I want to be like her when I grow up.

The work is moving forward and it's exciting to see how ready this area is. I remember how shy I was before I came on the mission, but now it's like second nature to walk up to someone and start talking about our Savior or the Book of Mormon. Sister Youngberg and I have set a goal that before we separate I need to get someone to roll down their car window at a red light and give them a pass along card. I shall succeed!

I think that one challenge I am going to have is taking this so personally. Last week one woman we met started saying how false the Book of Mormon is and that it couldn't have been written the way they say. Another started telling us that Joseph Smith was really killed in a gun fight. The sad thing is that the latter person had been taking the discussions but reading anti-Mormon literature at the same time. However, I'm seeing how much my testimony is growing by being able to tell these people that I know otherwise and I don't need any other sources to tell me otherwise. It's true because I've felt it! I've had personal witnesses tell me what I need to know and I am so grateful to be able to tell them that. They can fight fact, but not testimony.

Sadly, my time is up. I hope to hear from all of you so I'll know how things are going back home. The church is true! I love you all!

Sister Sara