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

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat...

Dear Family and Friends,

I am excited to report that I once again survived another transfer! I still reside in Woodstock with the same wonderful companion, Sister Youngberg. Sadly, however, the Hermanas in my district did not have the same luck. They were whitewashed out of the area so now it is just Elders in the Spanish branch and us in the English ward. A sister in our zone told us about transfers yesterday and said that only two companionships in the mission survived. Right now I consider myself very blessed.

I'm grateful that my letter from last week received such attention. Some of you have made the comment that receiving a letter in my inbox should be the same as receiving a letter in the mail box. Not true. Seeing a letter in the mail box shows that people took the time and effort to write, licked a yucky tasting stamp, and placed it in the hands of our men and women in blue. Email is: "oh, I have a few minutes so I'll send a quick message." Missionaries live for the letter with the stamp!

Onto more exciting events. Last week, Sister Youngberg and I held "Shine Forth" at the home of Sister Cooper. It was the social event of the season and you could only come if you had an invitation. Ever since we had our triple baptism a few weeks ago, we'd been trying to come up with a way that they could get to know the ward along with our other recent converts. This was the perfect event. Sister Boyce cooked an AMAZING early Thanksgiving dinner and everyone who attended was enthralled. I've never seen people so happy or the recent converts feeling so loved. Needless to say, it was a huge success. (Note to Aunt Kristen: your pineapple and green onion cheeseball was a hit!)

This is a relatively short letter, but that is the most thrilling thing to mention from this past week. Wait! I forgot to tell you that Cary was able to go to the temple on Saturday and do baptims. From the way he was talking about it on Sunday, it must have been an amazing experience for him.

That's all to report. I look forward to talking with you next month and hearing all that has been going on. As a challenge to all who are able: please invite the missionaries over to your homes, even if they already have an appointment, so they don't have to spend the day tracting and being hated by society. I love you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

Sister Sara

Tears on my pillow, pain in my hear caused by you...

Dear Family and Friends,

I would like to bring your attention to the fact that each day I eagerly approach the mailbox with hope of seeing a letter with my name on it. Sadly, each time I open the box, no such thing exists resulting in anguished cries-for the past two weeks- of "why doesn't family and/or friends love me? Why? Why?" (My companion can testify to this fact.) In case you need a reminder, I have only been gone for 3 months. This kind of thing isn't supposed to happen until I've been gone for 12 months. That is Sister Youngberg's situation, but it shouldn't be mine...yet. Please know that I am a missionary that does a little dance each time a letter appears, but this privilege has been denied to me. How does that make you feel? To summarize: write me a letter! (Or two, or three, or four...)

Now, I will step off of my soapbox to tell you the exciting happenings of another week in the greatest mission on earth. To start off, here is a story that will make some you laugh, some of you gasp in shock, but most of you I'm sure will do both.

Sister Youngberg and I were contacting some referrals on a lovely Saturday morning. As it is traditionally done, we walked up to the door, rang the doorbell, and waited for someone to answer it. Instead, we heard a tapping on the window and looked over expecting to see a cute child possibly trying to get our attention. A cute child was not there. Instead, much to my revulsion, a person's bum appeared at the window. Needless to say, Sister Youngberg and I quickly walked away vowing never to return to that house.

Did you see that sky today? Talk about blue! Anyway, last week, we were visiting with one of our LA and her investigator boyfriend. It was mentioned by Hope that Scott has been struggling with his MS and they're both worried about how quickly it's been progressing. Scott also mentioned that he'd recently had several dreams depicting his being able to walk without any struggles. Thinking for a moment, my companion and I asked Scott if he would like a priesthood blessing the next week. He said yes, so we challenged him to do as much studying and praying as he could to prepare for it. When the day come, Brother Laws and Brother Kinder were there to give the blessing. Before anything happened however, Bro. Laws took some time explaining to Scott what a priesthood blessing was and the things that were required of him. Mainly, faith in the things said would be the words of God. He also told him that his meeting the missionaries was not a coincidence and he should take advantage of the knowledge we have to offer him. The blessing commenced and amazing things were said: that his disease would be cured, but slowly; he must be obedient and do the things that he knows to be right; he must have patience to see the miracles happen. The spirit was so strong that Scott said he could feel the energy surging through his body.

After everyone else had gone, Sister Youngberg and I stuck around to discuss a few things with Hope and Scott. We went over the things that were said in the blessing and made sure he knew how important it was that the blessings weren't going to happen unless he was willing to work for them. Talking to Hope, she also has to help Scott in every way she can. Speaking boldly, that consists of her getting a divorce from her husband and no longer living with her boyfriend. Sister Youngberg and I are both very excited to see the changes throughout the next few weeks....

I have another wonderful story! Late last week, my companion and I contacted a referral by the name of Estella, taught her the first lesson, and made a return appointment. When we came back, her sister Margarita was there and told us that she'd been taught by sister missionaries about a year ago and had planned on getting baptized. Soon after, however, she'd gone to Florida and lost contact with the church. Have no fear! We're back!!!

Estella left the room to get her son ready for school so it was just us and Margarita. We showed her "The Restoration" and the spirit filled the room to such an extent I was ready to cry. After the movie, my amazing companion followed a prompting and asked Margarita if she would still like to be baptized.... Before she could answer, Estella came back with several screaming children. The rest of the meeting was spent answering questions so we never quite returned to the issue of baptism. Luckilly, we're meeting with her again on Friday. I can't wait!

Stacy Lindsay continues to do amazing and everyone is getting excited for her big day on December 20.

I experienced my first Illinois blizzard this week and it was a very thrilling experience. The snow didn't stick, but I can now say I've lived through one. Sadly, the rumor has it that many more will be following.

Well, my time is up and I must "get thee hence." I miss everyone and you're in my prayers each night. I look forward to the letters that I'm sure you'll be sending me in the next day or two!

Hugs to all!
Sister Sara

Cold!

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm cold. The weather has turned an ugly gray and for the past week the temperature hasn't been above 45 degrees. Sister Youngberg has lent me some winter clothing, but it doesn't do much when the wind blows up my skirt. A few days ago, I was wearing a skirt with the following underneath: a thick pair of nylons, regular nylons, socks, and some thermals. Despite all of that, I'm still cold. If President could give me permission, I would go and hibernate for the rest of the winter like the squirrels that scamper around outside. However, I am not a squirrel. I am a missionary and the work continues to press forward despite weather. I've decided that missionaries are kind of like the mail man: we go out in every kind of weather and nothing can stop us! Look out world!

It's been another wonderful week in the greatest mission on earth. I've been talking a lot lately about Stacy Lindsay-the investigator who's getting baptized next month-and I'm pleased to report that she is still doing well. She's given up her coffee and all forms of caffeine. Actually, she can't even stand the taste of coke anymore.

Last night, we went over to the Lindsay's home for dinner and they left us alone for a moment so they could go have family prayer. Yay! After dinner, the conversation turned to temples and being sealed together! That is a HUGE "yay!" She is so excited and the difference in her since I first met her and now is astounding. I can't wait until next month when her husband will baptize her. The missionary tag prevents me from jumping up and down, but I totally would if I could.

The past week, Lynn has been struggling with her smoking. Before being baptized, she gave it up for 3 weeks, but the past few days have been really hard on her. (Her daughter finally called after ignoring her for almost a month.) Sister Youngberg and went over to see Lynn and immediately smelled fresh smoke in her house. Without hesitating, she handed over the cigarettes and we decided to do an empowerment activity. Going outside, we threw the cigarettes on the ground and told Lynn to stomp on them until they were unrecognizable. Using what little energy she had, she stomped those buggers out. I think the only other time I've seen a bigger grin on her face was her baptism day. Sadly, a few days later we had to do the process again. However, I have no doubt that she'll be able to overcome this with a little help from us and from other members in the ward. Several have told us remedies that they used to quit smoking.

We had Zone Conference last week and it was nothing new, but I was very flattered by one event: near the end of the meeting, President allows some time for testimonies. I am never one to say very much, but this time I was prompted to bear by testimony. Later, Sister Youngberg told me that when I started speaking, President had moved the podium down to see me speak. Thinking about it, I've decided that I need to speak more often so people won't be so shocked when I do!

One more story: on Sunday, Sister Youngberg and I were driving to one of our areas to meet with some members. We saw a car pulled over and decided to offer assistance. They said they were fine so we pulled a U-ie to turn around. When it comes time to backing up, I have to get out of the car to make sure we don't hit anything. Sister Youngberg started reversing, but the car got stuck in the mud! The more she tried, the deeper the tires sunk! Fortunately for us, the car we had just tried to help was only a few yards away so they came running over to help us! The moments of missionary life....

Well, that's all the time I have for today. I hope that things are going well for everyone and I look forward to talking to you next month. Hugs to all!

Sister Sara

Highs and Lows

Dear Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs!
Sister Sara

Halloween

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

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

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!

Dear Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adventures to continue...
Sister Sara

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

Survived!

Dear Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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


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

The gospel's true!
Sister Sara

Another week, another raindrop

Dear Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Adventures...

Dear Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adventures to continue....
Sister Sara

The adventures continue...

Dear Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois Chicago North Mission

Dear Family and Friends,

I have only been in the Windy City for about 24 hours, but I'm already inlove with it! It reminds me so much of New York with its greeness, amazing houses, and picturesque communities. I'm sure I'll only love it more as my time here continues.

Yesterday was a very exciting day, so let me tell you all about it...

Our bags got loaded onto the bus at 5:00 in the morning-an insane time if you ask me, but I was fortunate because my companions had to leave at 3:00. It felt strange to be outside of the gates and I passed the gas stations in awe of the prices. Before I entered, gas was $4.00+! It made me wonder what else had changed so dramatically in such little time.

While waiting in the airport, it was discovered that two more people were coming with Elder Johnson, Elder Powell, and myself to Chicago. One is Sister Olsen who is waiting for her visa before heading to Spain, and another is Elder Olson who had to leave his Russia mission because of back surgery. The plane ride was uneventful and very uncomfortable; one side of the plane had two seats and the other had one. My seat wouldn't recline so sleeping was almost a crazy notion, but I did what I could.

President Stoddard and his wife were waiting for us when we got off the plane. He later told me that he'd been looking for someone who had giant curls like in my mission picture and that my straight hair had thrown him off. Our bags were loaded into a trailer and then the new missionaries went with the APs on a train after we were given some Books of Mormon and some pass-along cards. I didn't talk to anyone on the train, but Elder Powell started talking to a Jehovah's Witness after the guy told him that he was a member of "the church." Whoops!

Getting off the train, we met President and Sister Stoddard at a pizza place for some Chicago deep dish pizza. All I can say is, everyone who doesn't live in Chicago is missing out! "Amazing" is an understatement. I have to stop-I'm starting to drool! We got a very quick tour of the city after lunch. I hope I have more time to explore it not quite so quickly before I leave.

Everyone met back at the mission home where the office staff was introduced. Right now a missionary couple is getting ready to head back to Ireland and the office was kind of crazy because of a new couple getting trained to replace them. Everyone there is amazing and all of the sisters are more than willing to offer hugs. More paperwork was filled out and then we headed to the President's house where we would be staying for the night. During the tour, Sister Stoddard showed us a "Dear John" wall where all of the Elders post their dear John's. Some of them are pretty brutal because the girls enclosed their wedding announcements. Ouch! In their kitchen, an entire wall is covered with pictures of all the missionaries they've worked with. It's a very impressive sight.

After some more meetings about health and staying warm in the winter, eating some more, and meeting senior missionaries who are staying with the President, I finally went to bed...exhausted.

We had companion transfers today and I met my new companion: Sister Youngberg from Boise, Idaho. The President told me I would be lucky to work with her and I can already see that he had divine invervention when making this decision. My first area is a town called Woodstock and I can't wait to get to work.

To sum up these past 24 hours: I hate the humidity, the pizza is to die for, the President and his wife are amazing, I will probably come home having gained a lot of wait from eating so much, I love my new companion, and all is well.

It felt good to talk to some of you yesterday and I wish I could have had more time, but Christmas will be here before we know it! My fingers are crossed that I'll be seeing letters from some of you in the very near future!

My time is up so I must say fare-thee-well. Stay tuned for more adventures of Sister Sara: the Mormon Nun! You won't want to miss it! The gospel's true!

Sister Sara

Final day at the MTC

Dear Family and Friends,

This is my last day at the MTC and I can't believe how quickly the past three weeks has gone by. I can only imagine what the next 17ish months will be like.

Right now, my mind is trying to go over all that I've learned, but it's an impossible task. My leaders have told me that I'm already a different person than when I arrived. A part of me doubts that, but we usually aren't able to see the change take place in ourselves; it takes another person to see it. With all of my heart I hope I have changed and will continue to change as the months continue. I fully intend on coming home as Sister Waters, but my hopes and prayers are that I will come home an even better version of who I am.

I keep saying it, but it's always once again shown to me that I am meant to be here and I feel that every day. There are things I need to learn and people I need to meet. I don't know what those things are yet, but I'm sure the answers will come when I least expect it. Isn't that how life is?

It's hard to be in a place where sister missionaries have a bad reputation, but it just makes me want to work even harder to prove to myself and them that I can do this job. I found a quote by President Hinckley the other day and it says more than I ever could about serving my wonderful Heavenly Father: "Many young women are serving missions. Many are preparing to serve. Not because they aren't married, or have nothing to do, but because they have a desire to serve and therefore are being called to the work. The reason so many are going is because in the next generation Heavenly Father will be sending His priesthood army to earth and wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the gospel. And what better training can a young woman have than that of serving a mission."

I have no doubt that this will be one of the greatest challenges I've undertaken in my life, but I also have no doubt that this will be one of my greatest accomplishments and it will only make me stronger. My testimony is strong, but it will be made stronger. My desire to serve is strong, but it will be made stronger. Heavenly Father will make up for all of the weaknesses I have because I am willing to serve. He has called me and I will not fail Him.

My prayers are with all of my family and friends and will continue. Keep working hard and being the wonderful people I know you are. The gospel's true!

Many hugs,
Sister Sara

Week 2 of the MTC

Hello Family and Friends!

I have just completed week two of my training and I'm grateful it went by quicker than the first. Now I am counting down the number of days left here. Now that everyone knows of my somewhat daily routine, I thought I would share one of my most memorable experiences while here at the MTC.

About twice a week, each district is sent to the TRC (Training Resource Center) to teach an "investigator." My companions and I were getting ready to teach lesson one for the first time and, needless to say, we were terrified. A silent prayer was said before knocking on the door and we all held our breath as it opened. Our investigator turned out to be a 50ish year old man who had grown up reading the Bible in his grandmother's home. We asked him a few questions about his family and then jumped in, starting with the importance of family.

Throughout the meeting, the spirit was so strong and I don't think I've ever felt it like that before. I had my notes open just in case I fumbled, but I found that I hardly looked at them. Both of my companions were able to remember the scriptures relevant to what we were teaching. The investigator, Dennis, kept taking the discussion in different directions than what we had intended and I'm sure that's what the field is going to be like when I arrive next week.

Dennis was constantly talking about his grandmother. One of the first things he told us was that his grandmother had baked bread while he read the Bible at night. As we continued to teach, he made the comment several times that this felt like grandma's baked bread: comforting, warm, and safe. After making this comment again, I took the opportunity to tell him that the feeling was the Holy Ghost confirming the truth of what we were saying. What an amazing experience and I hope it won't be the last!

Several hours a week are spent in the RC (Refferel Center). Most of you have seen the LDS commercials on TV or heard about our passalong cards. This is the place where people call to receive a Book of Mormon or other items we offer that discuss the gospel. The high you get from this place is amazing when you have the chance to bear your testimony about the gospel or just talk to someone who needs to be comforted. I can only imagine the high that comes from talking to people face to face.

I've never felt more exhausted than I have the past couple of weeks, but I've also never felt so satisfied with the way things are going. Every day the spirit testifies the truth of what we are being taught. On Sunday's, the missionaries have the opportunity to watch a movie. My companions and I chose to watch the Joseph Smith movie. Once again my testimony was confirmed that he was/is a true prophet. I am here so I can prepare to tell the world the truthfullness of him and this gospel.

I'm grateful for all of the letters that I've recieved the past two weeks, but my fingers are crossed that I'll be seeing some in my hands from a few certain people or some letters in my inbox the next time I check. (Hint, hint.) I love you all and I hope to hear from you soon! The gospel's true!

Sister Sara

P.S. I got my travel plans! I fly out September 2 about 7 in the morning! My next letter will come from Chicago!

P.P.S. Thanks for the family package! It totally made my day!

Week 1 of the MTC

Hello family and friends from the MTC!

This letter is proof that I have survived my first week here. I'm enjoying it, but I'll be glad when the next two weeks pass so I can head to Chicago and start the real work. They've given me two companions, Sister Goodsell from Las Vegas and Sister Stowers from Draper. They're nice, but it's been a challenge getting used to having two girls stuck to my hip all day. I relish the time when I'm sleeping and showering; it's at least one thing I can do alone.

I'm sure you're all curious, so I'll enlighten you with a typical day here at the MTC. I wake up around 5:30 or 6:00 most days (except on P-day when I have to wake up at 5 for the temple). I have until 6:50 to get ready and then go to my classroom for 30 minutes of study time before breakfast in the cafeteria. The cafeteria is an interesting place; it scared me my first day because it immediately brought back nightmares of highschool with all of the hungry boys. After breakfast, we have study time or go to class for several hours. I have two teachers, Bro. Swenson and Bro. Heasley. I won't tell you which, but one of them makes me want to take a nap every time he teaches.

Lunch comes next, after which there is more study time or class. It's the same for after dinner. We have gym four days a week which has become a nice break from the usual classes. After a 30 minute planning session for the next day, it's quiet time and lights out at 10:30. Then I start all over the next day.

There are several stories I would like to tell you, but my time on the computer is short. To sum it up, it's amazing to be in a place where the spirit is felt so frequently and so strongly. You can definitely notice when it's missing. I look back on the week I've been here and I'm amazed by all that I've learned and will continue to learn. There is no doubt in my mind that is where I should be right now and that this will be one of the greatest experiences of my life. The Lord has blessed me by leading me here and I am so grateful for His guidance. I miss you all, but I can only imagine how quickly the next 18 months will pass.

Well, my time is almost up. I love you all and I'm still waiting for some letters from my parents and sisters. Big Brother, Grandma, Debby, and Lauren: I thank you for your letters. Mail time is something I look forward to every day. That and bedtime. ;)

The gospel's true!!!!
Sister Sara

P.S. Have you considered dearelder.com? It's amazing! You can save a stamp!
P.P.S. HUGS to everyone!
P.P.S.S. Don't forget my Chicago package!

Farewell Talk: Service

Called to serve him, heav'nly king of glory,
Chosen e're to witness for his name,
Far and wide we tell the father's story,
Far and wide His love proclaim.
Onward, ever onward...

I'd like to focus on two different types of service:
-Being called to serve and
-Service we willingly give because we are taught to care.

*Missionary work:
The willingness of Latter-Day Saints to serve is a representation of their desire to do the will of the Lord. Our baptism is a call to lifelong service to Christ. Like those at the waters of Mormon, we are "baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before Him that ye have entered into a covenant with Him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his spirit more abundantly..." (Mosiah 18:10)
As David O. McKay famously told us, "every member is a missionary." We need to befriend and fellowship nonmember neighbors, employees, friends and acquaintances, and those we meet while serving our community. By our interests and associations, we should strive to bring those nonmembers to the point where they willingly receive the stake or full-time missionaries. What every member ought to do, by good example and testimony, is to portray to nonmembers the joys of gospel living. As we become instruments in God's hands, in changing the lives of others, our own lives cannot help but be uplifted.
J. Ruben Clark said, "in the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve, but how." I have never had any problem accepting the fact that Chicago is where the Lord wants me to be. I don't know my purpose in being called there, but I'll be finding out in the next 18 months. Service does not come by assignment. It is a feeling that accompanies a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. *JOHN 12:26*

*Willingness to serve others:
During an episode of MASH, Father Mulcahey makes the comment that "it is a very low and unscrupulous person who abdicates the opportunity to do work for his fellowman."
Learning to serve for the right reason is a vital part of our spiritual progress. It is not just works or gift giving, but a condition of the soul, a quality of our character. The gift of charity flows from God as he reveals His love for us, and from our reciprocating--feeling love for God, His work, and His children. That is why Alma could say: ALMA 7:24. Pride is the opposite of charity, selfishness, indifference, and indolence are enemies of charity.
Devoted service and discipleship are the same. Alma told perspective members at the waters of Mormon that those who are baptized are to be "willing to bear one another's burdens, to mourn with those that mourn, and to comfort those that stand in need of comfort." King Benjamin asked how someone can know a master he has not served. We come to know our master through having faith, hope, and charity. These qualities will lead to service, discipleship, and eternal life.
The tradition of service by disciples of Christ is a pattern portrayed over and over in the Book of Mormon. Jesus Christ is a model servant. As he prepared to enter into mortality, the Messiah pledged, 3NEPHI 1:13-to fulfill his ancient and ageless covenant of service and sacrifice for mankind. The resurrected Savior's example of service was very personal, for "he came down and stood in the midst of them." He spent time with them, taught them, prayed for and with them. He blessed the sick, lame, maimed, deaf, blind, and dumb. He blessed and prayed in behalf of the little children with such tenderness and spiritual impact that His words could not even be written.
In addition to the recorded acts of faithful leaders, our legacy also comes through the service of millions who are nameless in the scriptures--wives, children, laborers, soldiers, fathers, and mothers: the sons and daughters of God. Like them, a high office or worldly means is not required to serve. We serve according to the circumstances and seasons of our lives, even as we speak well of others, teach a class, express gratitude, share good thoughts, bear testimony, refuse gossip, and pray for others. When our lives are aligned with the teachings of Christ, we find opportunities to serve, take initiative, accept and magnify callings, and eagerly engage in good works, not always being commanded. D&C 58:26-29.
A teacher once told me that "recognition from on high is silent. it is carefully and quietly recorded there." Sometimes, because of the pressures of the world around us, our service becomes "self-service" instead of selfless service. Selfless service projects are the projects of the gospel; they have continuity. They are not one-time special events based on entertainment. They needn't be regimented nor regulated. Selfless service projects are people-to-people, face-to-face, eye-to-eye, voice-to-ear, heart-to-heart, spirit-to-spirit, and hand-in-hand.
Our eternal destiny is welded to the destiny of our fellowman. There is always a desire for recognition within our social system, and that is how it should be if our desire is kept within bounds. Within each of us is an intense need to feel that we belong. This feeling of unity and togetherness comes through the warmth of a smile, a handshake or a hug, through laughter and unspoken demonstrations of love. It comes in the quiet, reverent moments of soft conversation and in listening. It comes from a still, small voice reminding us that we are brothers and sisters, children of a Heavenly Father.
When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves. In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Christ that by losing ourselves we find ourselves. We all remember the letter President Hinckley received from his father while on his mission: "forget yourself and go to work." The Lord notices us and watches over us, but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. It is vital that we serve each other. The righteous life is achieved as we magnify our view of life, and expand our view of others and of our own possibilities. The more we follow the teachings of the Master, the more enlarged our perspective becomes. We see many more possibilities for service than we would have seen without this magnification. The abundant life noted in the scriptures is the spiritual sum that is arrived by the multiplying of our service to others and by investing our talents in service to God and man.
I pray that we will learn to ponder deeply, carefully, and prayerfully our roles in life, where we can give the greatest service, to whom we can make the greatest contribution, what we should do with our lives, and with our special skills and training. Our success will be measured by what we can give of our lives and our contribution to others, rather than what we can get and receive from others. The happy and abundant life begins from within and then moves outward to other individuals and communities. If there is richness and righteousness in us, then we can make a difference in the lives of others, just as key individuals have influenced us for good and made us richer than we otherwise would have been.
What is our greatest potential? Is it not to be Christlike ourselves? Some of the qualities we might consider developing are intelligence, light, knowledge, and leadership. However, the most essential godlike quality is that of compassion and love--compassion shown forth in service to others, unselfishness, that ultimate concern for others we call love. Wherever our Father's children magnify their callings, they are becoming more like him.
I would like to pose one final question: which is the greatest commandment in the law?
The answer is found in MATT. 22:37-40.

*TESTIMONY


I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

You are hereby called to serve...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Office of the First Presidency

10 June 2008

Dear Sister Waters:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Illinois Chicago North Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah on Wednesday, 13 August 2008. You will prepare to teach the gospel in the English language. Your mission president may modify your specific assignment according to the needs of the mission.

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living mission rules, and following the council of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your might, mind, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness that you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among his children. We place in you our confidence and pray that the Lord will help you become an effective missionary.

You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president. Please send your written acceptance promptly, endorsed by your bishop.

Sincerely,
Thomas S. Monson
President