Sacrifice

Dear Family and Friends,

  Once again I find myself running short on time so I'm going to do my best to make this a speedy letter.  However, being the writer that I am and the fact that my mind tends to run faster than my fingers, I hope that the words that come out will not be too disorderly.  Either way, you'll be experiencing a look at the inner workings of a Sister Missionary's crazy mind.  Good luck.

   Several weeks ago, I made the comment to Sister Kolb that "a mission helps you to realize how messed up you really are."  I'm pretty sure there have been few more true statements.  I'm recognizing my weaknesses in full force and how they seem doubled in quantity compared to my strengths.  Isn't that the way it goes?  At the same time of seeing those weaknesses, I'm realizing that my mindset these past 15 months has been quite skewed and this past week it's gotten some tweaking.  (I've always wanted to use that work in an email!  Think "You've Got Mail.")

  At lessons with members, Sister Kolb and I will occasionally play the Sacrifice game.  In the game, the member is given 3 options and they have to choose which one they would like to sacrifice/do without.  In the very last round, they are asked to eliminate two items with one of the choices being Jesus Christ.  The point of the game is that most of the time we will not be asked to sacrifice our family, car, music, education, etc., but we will be forced-at some point-to decided what it truly important in our lives.  Quite often, I will play this game with myself and name all of the items I've sacrificed to be here: school, friends, dating, car, job, jeans, movies....and I'll look at the calendar thinking how long it will be until these things are back within reach.

  In the past week or so, this mindset has been "tweaked."  :)  At Zone Conference last week President Doll made the comment, "this mission is the opportunity of a lifetime.  It's hard, but that's what the best things are."  At district meeting this week, Elder Jones talked about how serving Heavenly Father is not a sacrifice.  Those comments, along with a few other things, have led to a sever chastisement from Sister Waters to Sister Waters.  What was I thinking?!  I should be reveling in this time that I have, knowing that whatever it is I have sacrificed or will sacrifice Heavenly Father will bless be even more abundantly.  Besides, the things I've given up-other than education, family, and friends-are things that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things.

  I will be the first one to say that the past 15 months have been some of the hardest, but they've also been some of the best.  I am becoming the person Heavenly Father wants me to be and the person I want me to be, despite the rough edges I still am trying to smooth.  That will happen in good time.  Until then, I'll just keep doing what I've been called to do, with the new realization that serving Heavenly Father is not a sacrifice, it's a blessing.  Don't you just love those "aha" moments, even if they do take a little longer than you'd prefer?  At least they come.

  Okay, now my time is really short and I still have to tell you about some of the happenings from this past week.  Let's see how speedy I can be...

  *I finally finished reading Preach My Gospel!  It was a struggle for me towards the end, especially since I've been working on Jesus the Christ, but now I can devote my time to that and the Doctrine and Covenants.

  *Rita got baptized on Friday and I can easily say that it was one of the best days of my mission.  Sister kolb and I were at the church 3 hours early to fill up the font so the water would be perfect.  (As you know we've been experienceing a case of the "3 Little Bears:"  too hot, and too cold.)  This time, it was "just right."
  Her family, all non-members were there to support her, and many members of the ward.  She was so happy and couldn't stop smiling the entire evening.  Who could blame her?  She was confirmed on Sunday, with the smile still on her face.  Yay for baptisms!

  *Relief Society conference broadcast was amazing!

  *Rita told us her mother-in-law would like to get baptized but feels like she's too old.  Sister Clark told us to tell her of the woman who got baptized at 102, going to the temple at 103.  I'm not sure if that's a true story, but it could work.

  *Life is grand.  Being a missionary is grand.  The church is true, now go tell people about it.

          Until next week...
                          Sister Waters

How Sister Waters got her Missionary Groove Back

Dear Family and Friends,
It is 3:03 Illinois time, much later than it usually is when I write my weekly letter. Sister Kolb and I had a special treat this morning: Elder and Sister Child were kind enough to allow us to accompany them to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. The hours spent there were definitely a feast for the eyes and all other senses. If you're ever in the area, I highly suggest taking a visit. Anyway, that's why I'm running a little late today. So many things are running through my mind as to what I want to tell all of you, so please forgive me if my thoughts come out a little jumbled; my fingers don't move at quite the same speed as my mind does.

You may be wondering about the subject heading and also wondering if someone or I did something to "throw off my groove." I wouldn't say that, but there are many things that can distract even an obedient missionary; the main distraction being the knowledge that this mission will be coming to an end in 4 short months. I've loved serving and have no regrets about the time spent away from home, but it's only made me more grateful for the life that is awaiting me. Thankfully, there are even more things that can counteract the distractions and I had a huge one this week in the form of Zone Conference.

Zone Conference is a day that is almost dreaded by most missionaries because of the infamous 5 minute speakers that are chosen at random on a given subject. I have yet to give one of these, but I'm sure my time will come. At the beginning of each conference, President and Sister Doll begin with a doctrine discussion focusing this lesson on Doctrine and Covenants 127:4. I hope you'll read it and figure out a few of the thoughts I had at the time.

So many things have taken place the past 14 months and I've definitely become different from the person I was in the pre-mission life. I am grateful for all of the experiences I've had and they've all meshed together to create the Sister Missionary sitting at a computer in Gurnee, Illinois. However, despite all of the good changes, there is still more change that needs to take place. There are still more people who need to know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fullness. While I know that going home is inevitable and I know that my time is quickly coming to a close, my work has not finished.

I left home being quite shy and much of it has been abandoned on the side of the road, but at this point I have a goal to throw the rest of it out the window. This is a great message! Why should I fear telling people what I know to be true and something that can bring them more happiness than can be imagined? President Monson said something along these lines, but let's see if I can put it in his words: "You know this gospel is true; live it. You know this gospel is true; share it." I can't say if that's a direct quote, but I don't have my Preach My Gospel handy at the moment. Either way, I know it's true and sharing it is what I need to keep doing until the very end which will not arrive until January. This mission wasn't what I was expecting, but it's turned out to be exactly what I needed.

You've heard this before, but I'm grateful for the support I receive each day from the family and friends who know I'm serving in "the greatest mission south of the North Pole." Life is grand and the letters I receive make the hard days much easier to bear.

Love you all!
Sister Waters

You Can't Blow Donut Day

Dear Family and Friends,

  Without a doubt, I'm sure you're wondering of the significance of this weeks subject.  Allow me to explain.  Last week, Sister Kolb and I went to a member's home for dinner who announced the holiday to us.  Apparently, this holiday rolls;) around when the month, day, and year all have the same numbers.  For example, last week it was September 9, 2009-9/9/09.  Donut day!  Before departing at the end of the eveing, a box of donuts was produced so we could celebrate the day appropriately.  I'm the kind of person to give every donut a fair chance so I willingly partook.  In the words of Brian Reagan-whom my companion has been trying to convince me that he's a worthwhile comedian-"you can't blow donut day."   There you have it and now on to the news!

  Sadly, it's been a rather unexciting week.  Actually, I can't think of anything to really mention.  The members in the area are fantasic and continue to feed us to the extent that Sister Waters will have to be rolled off of the airplane.  However, I have no complaints because I know they're being blesses for that simple act of service towards us.   The hunt for new investigators also continues, and despite the fact that not very many have been found, Sister Clark told us that every day can be considered a success if we're doing what's truly important.

  I've been going through my planners at this moment to see if there is anything that you might find interesting.  In my search, I've found several quotes from Sister Clark that I've made note of.  So, allow me to give you the wit and wisdom of Sister Clark:

  *"If you're going to make a mistake, make it a good one!"
  *"It's not that I like you, I just tolerate you."
  *"Marriage: it's a committment and you make it work."
  *Why are women's minds so clean?  Because they change them so often!"

  That's all I have right now, but I hope it made you smile or a laugh would be even better.  I am grateful for my mission in so many ways, but at this point I'm especially grateful for the people I've been able to meet.  I've seen wonderful examples of dedicated members who are willing to give anyone the shirt off their back.  I've also seen nonmembers who are examples in their dedication to God and their willingness to listen and respect our message.  There are so many people I want to be like when I grow up and I can't even begin to narrow it down to one.  The mission is wonderful, the Gospel is true.   Until next week...

            Sister Waters

Result of Transfers...

Dear Family and Friends,

  My time is short as I took longer than usual writing to President.  So I'll try to keep my hands in check and mention only those things that I think you'll get a kick out of.  What am I saying?  It's a letter from me!  I have no doubt that all of you count down the days each week until this lovely thing arrives in your inbox.  Am I right?  Of course I'm right.  I'm me.  (At this moment I am quite proud of my humility.)

   Summer has yet to leave the calendar, but fall has definitely arrived.  Each day I see the trees changing more so than the day before and I've taken to always have a sweater handy.  One of my favorite parts of Illinois is the greenness, but I do enjoy the fall.  I'm almost glad it's starting early so I'll have more time to enjoy the colors before winter makes its grand entrance.

  Okay, I won't leave you in suspense any longer.  I'm sure you're anxious to know where I'll be spending this transfer.  Here are the results: Gurnee has now beat Woodstock as my longest area.  I spent a wonderful 4 transfers in Woodstock with some amazing people (you know who you are), but at the end of October, Gurnee will have been my home for 7 months.  I was fully expecting a call from President yesterday morning and even slept with the phone right next to my bed, but the call did not come.  I'm pretty sure that several members were more surprised than I was to know that I'll be sticking around a little bit longer.  Oh, you'll also be excited to know that Sister Kolb and I will still be companions.  Sister Kolb+Gurnee=another great transfer!  The adventures of the "Waters of 'Kolob'" will definitely continue!

  I took a trip down "memory lane" last Friday morning.  During my year living in California, I had the opportunity(?) to attend early morning seminary.  I remember going outside before 6:00 and standing in the mist from the ocean.  Sister Bourgeois who teaching the seminary class, invited Sister Kolb and I to attend.  Walking to our car about 5:45, that same mist-of course from a different source-was around me.  I'll admit, I enjoyed seminary much more that day than I did 6 years ago, so I am now in the process of repenting for not taking advantage of it like I should have.  We did teach a short lesson to the class, but honestly, it was wonderful to sit and have someone teach me for a change.  Even missionaries need a break every now and then.

  So, those are the highlights of this week.  Things continue to go very well and the summer drought has now ended; Sister Kolb and I have been fortunate to gain several new investigators the past couple of days.  I feel like I've done good work in this area, but after finding out that I'll be staying, I made promises to myself and Heavenly Father that I'll work even harder.  I'm sure most of you know that tracting is not my favorite missionary activity, but I'm slowly learning how to do it and enjoy myself at the same time.  I guess that's the secret to everything.  For example, while tracting yesterday, Sister Kolb told the woman who answered the door that it's possible for families to be together forever.  At that instant, I remembered that I'd stuck a few copies of the Family Proclamation in my bag.  Pulling out a copy, I wrote our names and phone number on it, telling her that families are the foundation of our church.  I don't know if we'll be hearing from her, but I am very grateful for little pieces of inspiration that can make a huge difference in the day.  Maybe not for her, but it helped me immensely.  In the words of two wise women: "whistle while you work" and "a spoonfull of sugar helps the medicine go down!"

  Like I always tell you-but it continues to be true above all over statments-the Gospel is true and I love it!  Have a wonderful week!

        Sister Waters

Deja vu

Dear Family and Friends,

  On this day, my one year anniversary of my arrival in the Land of Lincoln, I am experiencing a slight case of deja vu.  Just over a year ago, I was in the MTC suffering from a cough probably gained from so much handshaking and stress.  Once again, I am suffering from sniffles, but I am pretty sure that this time it is not from shaking hands but from evil allergies.  This is a clincher:  I will never live in Illinois.  Other than that, things are grand.  Allow me to fill you in:

  Things continue to go well in the area that is Gurnee.  Transfers are next week, but right now I can't even imagine what is going to happen.  I feel like I'll be staying here-mainly for Sister Clark-but several signs are pointing to us departing.  For now I'll do my best to keep my mind occupied and work like crazy so the new missionaries will have investigators to work with.  It's times like these that I wish I could just hibernate until Tuesday morning and eliminate some panic caused by worrying.  I'll be sure to keep you updated as to my whereabouts.

  I'm pretty sure that no matter where I go, fall will be in the air.  This morning we were told it was a high of 32 degrees!  A sweater is definitely a requirement at this point and while I'm quite excited for the new season, I think Sister Kolb is starting to get a little worried about the weather that is ahead.  As for me, been there, done that.  This week we've been helping Sister Clark move into her new apartment; she's on the 8th floor and the view will allow her to see the tops the changing trees.  I really hope to be here to see them.  It's already started, but a birds-eye view would be even better.

  For some reason, Sunday's always seem to be a struggle for me.  There's always the stress of making sure investigators, recent converts and less actives come to church, greeting members, getting paperwork signed...it's all quite crazy.  This past Sunday was no exception, but in a different way.  A less active member made a comment towards me that threw me into a whirlwind of anger.  I managed to stay calm until after church, but gave myself some much needed alone time back at the apartment.  I'm starting to learn that reading the scriptures when I'm angry is one of the best ways to eliminate anger and to have a nice chat with Heavenly Father.  So after saying a quick prayer that I would read something to calm me down, I opened my scriptures to D&C 59 where I received some inspiration as to how I can help a less active.  Next, as I am trying to finish the D&C before heading home, I went to D&C 6, receiveding some much needed inspiration for myself.  In a nutshell, Heavenly Father and I had a nice chat.  In the end, I was calm and much happier than just a few hours earlier.  I love the scriptures and my mission has litterally been a time for me to "feast" upon them.  There is no doubt that I would not have realized how much "yummyness" they contain if I had not gone on a mission.

  Okay, my computer time is coming to a close, but I just wanted to let you know that we have another baptism coming up on September 25!  Until just recently, Rita has been taught by the Buffalo Grove elders, but Sister kolb and I will be taking over the lessons because she lives in our area.  I've only met with her a few times, but love her already.

  I have no idea what next week will bring, but I've enjoyed the time I've had to be in Gurnee.  President is inspired so wherever I go it will be where I need to be.  The Gospel's true and I am a representative of Jesus Christ!  Until next week....

          Sister Waters

Dry Spell

Dear Family and Friends,

  Sadly, it is another one of those weeks where excitement has been kept to a minimum, something that seems to be happening quite frequently for some odd reason.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  However, in my own amazing but humble sister missionary-ish way, I'll do my best to once again make this letter worth your while by giving you some little known facts/rumors.

   Fact/Rumor #1: Being a bold missionary sometimes leads to feeling like a mean missionary, despite what your companion says.

   Fact/Rumor #2: We have a member in the ward who looks a little bit like Alan Alda.

  Fact/Rumor #3: Taking a sick day as a missionary can really throw you off on all of your other days.

  Fact/Rumor #4: When your companion is sick, it's not boring but very productive.

  Fact/Rumor #5: I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the fourth time on my mission (Fact).  According to my count, the word "faith", "faithful", or "faithfulness" is mentioned 291 times.  Please let me know if you'd be willing to count and see how accurate I am.

  Fact/Rumor #6: Members/less actives/investigators will tell missionaries anything.  I'm comparing it to being a hair stylist; she knows more about me than I'd like to think about!

  Fact/Rumor #7: The Ensign is like candy to a missionary.

  Fact/Rumor #8: It's hard to say no when a member offers to prepare an unplaned meal for you.  They always say, "I'll be blessed for doing it" and I can't deprive them of their blessings.  Hence, missionary pounds.

  Fact/Rumor #9: There are some who actually say that cold coffee is not against the Word of Wisdom because it only says "hot drinks."  For the first time in quite a while, I had nothing to say.

  Fact/Fact #10: Missionaries love to find letters for them in the mail box.  You'll think it's funny, but it's a very true statement when I tell you that Sister Kolb and I literally hunt down the mail man.  That's almost sad.

  So, there you have it.  The 10 Fact/Rumor/Fact/Facts of the past week.  How convenient that they're in an email from a genuine Sister Missionary and not in this month's tabloid.  Next week, look forword to the tracting/finding adventures of two sister missionaries.  Sister Kolb and Sister Waters: Saving the world one soul at a time.  The gospel's true!  Hugs!

            Sister Waters

One Year Older and Wiser too...well, maybe not wiser....

Dear Family and Friends,
  One year down, 6 months to go.  What a crazy feeling it was to wake up on Thursday with the realization that I had managed to survive and entire year of my life away from home, friends, family, jeans, Facebook, education...and all that good stuff.  I think I deserve a gold star.  This has been a pretty good week, but one event took place that makes it stand out from all the others, including my one year mark.

  I'm sure all of you have heard the name Gladys Knight, know that she is an award winning singer, and that she sings an excellent version of "Midnight Train to Georgia."  Well, here are a few things that you might not have known:  she is director of the Saints Unified Voices choir, she is a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and occasionally goes by the name of "Sister Knight;" she loves missionaries and the Gospel enough to come to the Illinois Chicago North Mission and do a performance for us, investigators, and members.  What a thrilling night it was!  I got the sense that this is what the military might have felt like in the presence of Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, or any of those other great stars who boosted the moral of our men in blue/green.

  The music was very non-traditional, but so spiritual I got chills several times throughout the performance.  She sang a wonderful rendition of "I am a Child of God," moving several people to tears, including myself.  The best part was that she was able to clarify several rumors that are running around the world about this religion: that we don't worship Joseph Smith, "Mormon" is a nickname, the men in our church don't have 10 wives....  Sister Knight was able to tell hundreds of people that in just a few minutes the same things it would take Sister Kolb and I months to tell.  To summarize: love her!

  Warning: new tangent!   I've mentioned several times how much members love feeding missionaries and how much I've come to love the spicey cuisine of Illinois.  It had to happen sooner or later, but these two loves caught up with me.  Sister Kolb and I were in Lake Villa for zone conference on Monday so we took that opportunity to stop at Lomeli's for lunch.  I indulged myself in their amazing salsa and two pork tacos-the kind that leave your hands smelling like tortillas for hours.  We also make sure to grab some palates on our way out.  Arriving back at the apartment, Sister Kolb discovered that a goodie package had arrived from her parents.  From the contents, they must think she's starving and she was more than happy to share with me.  Later, Sister Clark had us for dinner, making sure we left her house well fed.  So, all of those edible opportunities cleared the road for Tuesday morning:  my stomach rebelling against so much edible yummyness.  While I spent the day in bed, Sister Kolb took advantage of this sick day to get caught up on a few projects.  It is no fun to be sick when you're a missionary!  I plan on never letting it happen again, but that just means I'll have to restrain myself when it comes to members and other occasions where food is present.  Remember, if you feed them they will come.

   That's all the news for this week and I'm pretty sure next week will be another doozy, if not more so.  The gospel's true!  Have a lovely day!

            Sister Waters