Miracles of a Mission

Dear all,
This has been a week of miracles and experiences that I will never forget. I wanted to let you know, I have decided after much prayer and council that instead of waiting until next transfer, I will be finishing my mission now with transfers being this week. I have been struggling with different health challenges throughout my mission and decided at this point it is what I need to do. That being said, I am both excited and very sad at the thought of the mission coming to an end. I will forever be grateful and indebted to Heavenly Father for allowing me to serve a mission.
On our way home from church this week we were driving and we were going through Bethesda. I recognized a road and realized it was the road that Miriam and her family lived on. Their family joined the church while I was serving there with sister Cleaver! I told Sister Bingham and she pulled over so I could give them a hug. I knocked on the door and saw little Sophia look through the window. She had a huge smile on her face and quickly ran off to get her Mom. They answered the door and Miriam gave me the biggest hug. We went inside for a little bit and visited. I hadn’t seen them since I left to go to Kent Island about 9 months ago. They told me that they were planning on going to the temple for their endowments and to be sealed as a family. I was pretty emotional hearing about how great their family is doing. I thought of my own family and how grateful I am to have an eternal family. And there as I stood in the doorway with their whole family I just was so thankful for the opportunity to see an amazing family get that same chance. I remember those first times meeting Miriam and the faith she had to learn more. Then seeing all of her children and how excited they were to go to church and learn with their family. And finally, to see everything come full circle just really made me so grateful and happy. Feeling this way and seeing a family receive the blessings of living the gospel makes the small sacrifice of serving a mission worth every second.
This week we had a general authority, Elder Bennett, who is a member of the seventy come to our mission and speak. He is very in tune with the spirit and he told us that he never knows exactly what he is going to say until he sits down and looks in every single persons’ eyes. It was neat because the first group of missionaries that came heard something completely different from our group that came second. On Saturday we had MLC at the mission home with him and The Johnson’s. There were about 18 missionaries there and we all talked about what we learned at the conference before and how we applied it when we went out to work the next day. It was amazing to go around the room and hear what every person had to say. He then taught us about what it means to be a follower and example of Jesus Christ. It was the most spiritual experience I have have been a part of and I didn’t want it to end. I had a chance to talk to him afterwards and there were words spoken that I needed to hear. He helped me understand the importance of the Lords timing and the love our Heavenly Father has for us. It was a really sacred moment that I will never forget.
On Sunday, Jean received the Priesthood!! It was great. He is such an example to me and even though he has been through a lot, he keeps doing the right things. He knows what is truly important. There is a guy that I have talked about before. His name is Emory. When I was in Sister Kunz, we found his mom while we were out contacting and knocking on doors. Emory’s Mom told us about him and gave us his information. We were able to teach him and pass him to the YSA ward and he got baptized. He just received the priesthood and is preparing for a mission now!! It was really special to hear him tell me that on my last Sunday there. I know that the Lord’s timing really is perfect.
Well I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to see you all! I know that there were many prayers sent to DC to help me throughout my mission and I am extremely grateful for each of you. Love you all!
Love, Sister Haertling

Coming Home

Dear Mom and Dad,

President Johnson and I just got off the phone and he told me to write you an email. For the past few weeks I have been really struggling with feeling good and not being in pain. It's started with one thing and then another and now I'm just kind of stuck not sure what to do. Ive been frustrated using missionary work time to go to a doctor and also because they cant seem to figure out whats wrong. My rash has been bleeding and spreading more down my back, and the pain in my lower back and groind ever since three weeks ago is just getting worse. (To the point where i cant sleep or sit or stand for long periods of time) I've prayed and prayed about this. Almost immediately after i prayed, sister Johnson called me to check in. She told me that she thinks it's time. She said if I'm worried about the "finishing the mission" part then I shouldn't be because I'm down to a matter of weeks before I come home. I know my pain level and emotional levels and I know what i can handle. But i will be able to tell you more details of whats going on and what im feeling. I feel at peace with the decision. Sister Johnson told me it's the smarter thing to do. Last time i was feeling about going home it was different. I felt like I might regret it. This time it's so clear. Right now I'm on hydrocodone (they had me get some today) and it is finally giving me relief. I will give you more details later. President Johnson just wanted me to let you know that I will be coming home. He's prayed about it and feels like it's the right thing to do. He will be calling you in the morning so don't worry about figuring all of that out. He will let you know tomorrow the details. I love you so much. 

Love Sarah 

Another week as a missionary

Dear all,
Sorry that I didn’t send a weekly email last week! This week we’ve had some crazy weather. One day it’s 4 degrees and wind which makes it feel below 0....then the next day it’s 60 degrees and raining! The weather is very unpredictable.
     Some great news though....Jean got baptized! I wanted to talk about some of the lessons I’ve learned during the months that we’ve been working with him.
One of the biggest lessons I learned with Jean is charity. Here’s why- Jean has been the most back and forth investigator EVER, which makes complete sense since he’s been meeting with missionaries since 2012. Well, we had his entire Baptismal service planned out and ready to go, but on the Thursday before his baptism he texts us wanting to back out. Our hearts sank and we asked him if we could talk about it the following day at the lesson. At the lesson, he expressed his concerns and Elder Chesamore (the military relations senior couple) lays it down for him. He spoke boldly and powerfully and the spirit hit me really hard, so I can only imagine what Jean was feeling like. After an hour, Jean looked at me and said, “so 7:30 tomorrow?” You couldn’t wipe that smile off my face if you tried. The lesson ended and we got in the car to head home. I looked at my companion and tears started welling up in my eyes. That’s when I knew that I had charity for Jean because I’d only known him for a few months and yet I loved him as if he were my own brother. There’s nothing quite like Christlike love. It’s something that can only be experienced and I am beyond grateful that I could understand such a small portion of love that Christ has for each of us.
I want to share two parts of Jeans baptism. The first being the man who baptized him. Matt was one of the first members Jean had ever met. He stood by his side through all the lessons in the past few years, as well as just a good friend to support Jean in all aspects of life. Well, they walk down into the font and he gets ready to do the ordinance but he can’t start because he’s choking up. He pats Jean in the back and said, “it’s been a long time coming buddy” then proceeds to baptize him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
The next part I want to share is from our military friend Michael who recently got hurt in Iraq. We asked him to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. We knew there would be some sort of tie to the military we just weren’t sure how he’d do it. Well, he gets up and shares a conversation he had with a man in the Navy. The man said, “Michael, how does a ship sink?” Michael questionably answers, “waves, I guess?” The man proceeded to explain how he was right but it’s mostly because the water gets inside of the ship. Michael then used the analogy that just because Jean’s baptized, that doesn’t mean God will calm the storm and lessen the waves. Rather, he gives us ways to fortify ourselves and help us stay above water. The Holy Ghost is one of those things that helps us keep the water out of our ship, to help us overcome temptation and evil, but we have to be willing to listen, otherwise we allow our ship to sink.
We sang “I Believe in Christ” as the closing song and one of the verses stuck out to me more than the rest.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.
One of Jean’s biggest struggles has been Satan’s grasp- letting go of the past and moving forward. But just as the song says, “he sets me free.” That’s the powerful effect of Christ’s Atonement. There’s a scripture in the Book of Mormon that says, “remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.” It’s through His sacrifice that we are able to be saved from sinking, even when we feel like we can barely stay above water. Many times in my life I’ve felt His hand reaching out to lift me up. I know without a shadow of a doubt that Christ lives and that he loves each of more than we will ever be able to comprehend. He’s ALWAYS there’s for us, all we have to do is ask for help.
I’m so grateful for the many lessons learned in my life but most importantly on my mission. I know that God prepares each of us through experiences that shapes is into who He needs us to be.
I love you all!
Love Sister Haertling

2018!!

Dear all, 

It is just crazy to think that it’s already 2018. Last year at this time I had an entire year of 2017 ahead of me. It has been a blessing to look back at all of the miracles and experiences that happened over the past year. 

      This week with Christmas and New Years, has been really busy. Most of our time has been spent at the visitors center this week. Every night there are thousands of people who come to see the lights and over a thousand people that get tickets to come see the performances every single night down in the big theater. Most nights there are a lot of people who don’t get to see the shows because we run out of seats! Luckily we have other theaters upstairs for the people who don’t get seats and it’s broadcast up to the big screens there. Last night the performance was the Chinese dancers and both performances were full. Most nights in the visitors center the lines get so long for the tickets, the performance, going inside the crèche display, that it’s just a maze weaving all over the place! Between the two performances last night we met 3 young guys who were in their 20’s. I was on an exchange with another sister and we taught them about the temple and the Book of Mormon. They said that they all attend a church but would be interested in checking ours out. They are all YSA and live in our ward, so they will hopefully be coming to church next week! 

      On Christmas Day after Skyping home we headed to the visitors center. We were sitting in the car when we hear a message pop up on our phone. It was from Jean and he said, “I’ve decided that I want to be baptized. Can I be baptized next week?”. Sister Bingham and I were just so excited. We called him and talked to him about his decision and he told us he realized how much he needs this, how he’s always come back to the church after 5 years of first meeting the missionaries. It was one of the best Christmas presents ever. He will be getting baptized this week on Saturday!

      Yesterday at the visitors center I saw an older man who had a purple hat on that also had a “W”. I immediately thought, “oh they’re UW fans” but it didn’t quite look like that and then realized I was on the other side of the country so it probably wasn’t. I went up to them anyways and asked where they were from. They said Washington, and so I asked what part. They said the dry desert side and I said, “the tri cities?” And they said that they were from Kennewick. They thought that was the craziest thing that I was from Pasco and they told me that they knew the Barbers and Mathews! We took a picture together and they said that they would show them the next time they were at the temple. 

       I learned this week that was so simple but really made me want to be even better. At about 6:30 an older man was waiting in the line with his ticket that he had printed out online in hand. He was in his late 70’s and struggled to even stand up straight, but could still walk around on his own. He had come to the visitors center dressed in his best, to come and see the lights and waited patiently to go down to the performance. I was going around the line to make sure everybody had a ticket and saw him standing there by himself surrounded by everyone who was with their families for the holidays. I ended up talking to him for a while. I learned that he was there by himself and wasn’t a member of the church but wanted to come this year. We had a great conversation and by the end of it he had a big smile on his face. He went down to see the concert and I didn’t see him after that. About an hour later I was standing at one of the exit doors of a room where many different nativities are displayed from around the world. A few minutes prior to that I had been approached by someone who didn’t have very nice things to say and I had to just keep smiling and be nice. It had really upset me and hurt my feelings but I was just trying to not let it bother me. As I was standing there at the exit door of the display room I saw that older man making his way through the room and admiring the crèches. He came to the end and I waved to him. He walked up to me with a big smile and shook my hand. He told me that he had lost his wife that year and didn’t ever get out of the house much. He said, “Now, you keep that smile on your face. I know you don’t get paid to be here and it’s probably hard not having your family around you. But I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your service. You really lifted my spirits when I was nervous to be here by myself tonight. Don’t underestimate the worth that you have, because you are a special young lady”. He walked away and went out the door and I felt an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude for that sweet man. I realized how much just a smile and letting someone know that they are appreciated, (like this man did to me) can do for someone. You never know what people are going through and what a simple act of kindness can do. That is something that I want to do; to look for small ways every day to just lift someone. That’s probably one of my favorite things about being on a mission is that you can just forget about yourself and help other people. Giving is so much more rewarding than receiving. And it can fill you on the inside more than anything else that the world has to offer. 

    I hope you all had a great Holiday week. Thank you for all of the emails, letters and cards. Love you! 

Love, Sister Haertling 

Hi Mom

Hi Mom!
 It was so good to talk to everyone today. I won’t be sending anymore emails though today. Love you so much!

Bye!

7 Days till Christmas

Dear all,

       It blows my mind that next week is Christmas. It doesn’t feel like it at all this year. I feel like I’m stuck in October and there’s still 2 months left. We had transfers last week and Sister Bingham and I are staying together for another transfer!! This is Sister Bingham’s last transfer which is really crazy because I came out just one transfer after she did. 

         The Festival of Lights is really taking off! Over 6500 people came in last night and it was so much fun to have everyone there. The performances were great, and every seat in the 600 seat theater was filled for both shows. So many people who have just seen the temple off the beltway come in and have questions about the church. Many even accept to learn more and the visitors center is an amazing way to spread the gospel. 

        On Wednesday we had a lesson with a guy named Jorge who some elders had met while knocking doors last week. He is YSA age, so we get to teach him! We met him at the visitors center and were able to teach him about the restoration and he loved the Book of Mormon. On Sunday he came to church and we asked him if he had a chance to read from the Book of Mormon yet. He said that he had and started telling us in detail all about the first few chapters. We were so happy! Our YSA stake just started a coed basketball program and he is going to play on our wards’ team. He has a lot of friends in the ward now which is great. That is something that I really love about the church. You will always have a support group no matter where you go. 

        Friday night we were able to meet with Jean at elder and sister Chesamore who are the military relations missionaries here. There are two guys in the ward who are also at the military base with Jean that know of him. They were able to come to the lesson with us and it was one of those nights I will always remember. One of the guys has been in the military overseas for a while and has been recovering from a serious injury along with the mental side of things after going through/seeing so much. They were bearing their testimonies and talking about very detailed things that they had gone through while overseas. It was really incredible and humbling to hear what they had gone through for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. It makes me so much more grateful for everyone that makes that sacrifice in their life. Their testimonies of the plan of salvation made an impact on me that I also will not forget. They said a quote that I haven’t heard in a while... “the only thing that we are promised today, is that tomorrow isn’t”. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ every day pushes us to be our best selves and be prepared for the day when we meet our Heavenly Father again. 

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! Love you all! 

Love Sister Haertling 

 

Snow better place than DC

Dear all,
It has been a really busy day so I’ll have to email really quickly! It finally snowed this week!! Jean and Mohy came to church on Sunday. The two girls also came to church that I talked about last week. We got to talk to one of them for quite a bit after church about her life and future plans. It was amazing to see how far she’s come in the last few weeks and how much of a difference that’s made in her life. She told us that she’s planning on going weekly to the temple. We were so happy when she said that. It makes me so happy to see others come back to church but even more happier when people come back full force.
Also, Jean wants to get baptized! We’re working on the date. He came to the ward Christmas Party this week and had a blast. He made about a dozen new friends at the party and they all welcomed him to church when they saw him. Jean is literally our best friend and we’re so happy to know him and see him progress in the gospel.
Transfers are this week. Many of the sisters are going home so it was very bittersweet for us as they bore their testimonies. It’s amazing to see how firm their testimonies are of the restored gospel. It builds up my testimony each time.
Last night a 16 year old, anti Mormon, atheist came into the Visitors Center to persuade some of the newer missionaries thats it’s “all a scam”. One of the senior couples told me what was going on and shoved me into the room. The two sisters looked like deer in the headlights as this boy pounded them with question after question. As soon as they saw me they relaxed and it was as if the spirit started speaking through them. Their young testimonies of the Restoration were so firm and strong against the “mighty storm” of the adversary. I simply sat there and listened to these sisters invite this young boy to pray earnestly and to repent. His countenance changed ever so slightly as he exited the room. The sisters looked at me and I’m pretty sure I had the biggest smile plastered across my face because I was so proud of them. I think I was there to witness their fervent testimonies to help build on my own testimony. I grabbed each of them and hugged them. The church truly was restored by Joseph Smith and I know without a doubt all of it is true.
One of my favorite parts of this week was when we got some great advice from our mission presidents wife. She said, “That’s life. If you look back and notice all of the things you could have done better then that means you’re learning and changing. Regrets can be a good thing.” And I’ve repeated that to almost all of the other sister missionaries. When we look back and see all of the things we could have done better that means we’re repenting and improving. Elder Uchtdorf talked about this last General Conference. He said, “Choosing this path of discipleship will lead to untold happiness and fulfillment of your divine nature. It will not be easy. It will require the very best that you have- all your intelligence, creativity, faith, integrity, strength, determination, and love. But one day you will look back upon your efforts, and oh, how grateful you will be.”
How grateful we will be. I am so grateful to be blessed with the gospel in my life and even more grateful for the opportunity to share it with others. We are so blessed! I love you all!
Love Sister Haertling