Foggy Froggy!!!!

Letter from Oct 17

Bonjour!

A few different days this week, it has been so foggy. But then you remember that it's not fog and it's just gross air that you can actually see. I have attached a picture to show you an example of one of the mornings.

Last night we had a very interesting lesson! It was with a man named Ignacio. He is older, and a very faithful Seventh Day Adventist. He let us in and allowed us to start sharing our message. I say start, because he pulled out his Bible and wouldn't let us talk. It was difficult, and we tried resetting expectations a few different times. We had a member with us, and she kept trying to get a word in as well. The spirit wasn't very strong, and we all didn't know what to do. We were eventually able to teach and testify of the Restoration of the gospel, the priesthood, and of the Book of Mormon. He accepted a Book of Mormon, and then continued trying to teach us. At the end of the lesson, we sang a hymn, because that is always a great way to invite the spirit, and invited him to say the last prayer. The spirit was so strong as we sang, and during his humble prayer. I am grateful that we were able to leave his house on a good note, and that the spirit was strong. He isn't prepared at this time, but I know the spirit touched his heart, and a seed has been planted.

Since we had General Conference and then Stake Conference, yesterday was the first time back that we had to take the sacrament. Three weeks is a long time to go without the sacrament. For the week between the two conferences, I was challenged to prepare for the sacrament daily. Each day, I would pray and ask how I could improve, and asked for forgiveness for my weaknesses of that day. I was focusing more on remembering Christ at all times, and studying more about Him, his teachings, and his Atonement. This challenge turned into a two week thing, and will now be something that I do each week and each day. As I prepared daily for the sacrament, I was able to recognize the difference yesterday. I felt the spirit stronger, I thought more of our Savior, I was reminded of my covenants and have a stronger desire to be more conscience of them at all times. I know that the sacrament is a sacred ordinance and that it is necessary in helping us return to Heavenly Father for eternity.

I hope you are all preparing for Halloween. If your ward is having an activity, invite someone to it! Whether they are not members, less active members, or friends. Try to invite someone in the first two categories first, and then invite a friend. Fun activities are a great way to show everyone that we are normal people and enjoy having fun, eating, and making new friends.

Have the best day ever!
Love,
Hermana Sager

The view from our apartment 

My STL, Sister Mcguire. 

This is what a California moom looks like! 

New batch of missionaries and their trainers.  Can you find Hermana Sager??

Adorable Sister Missionaries !

Paciencia!

Letter from Oct 10

Hi, hi!

The weather is cooling down, and it is beautiful. Fall in California is so great, because it's not cold, but there is still a feeling of fall in the air. I love it here.

Last night, we had a member come out with us to try and visit a whole bunch of potentials. Unfortunately, no one was home, or no one had time, but it was fun having the help of Hermana Marquez. She doesn't speak english, but we know that her testimony is strong and so we still wanted her help. We met 2 men that have very strong faith. They are close friends with members of the Church of Jesus Christ and they agree with almost everything that we teach.The only thing holding them back is the Book of Mormon, but he admitted himself that it's probably because he doesn't know much about it. We had Hna Marquez testify of how the restored gospel has blessed her life, and the spirit was invited so strongly. She spoke in Spanish with confidence to these men, and they listened as if they understood what she was saying. Hna HS translated for them, and then they really understood. I know that the spirit softens the hearts of God's children, and I know that he softened the hearts of these men. They accepted the invitation of having the english elders over to help them understand more about the Book of Mormon.


So this week, we had Stake Conference. It was wonderful! The focus was service. There are so many different ways that we can serve everyone and anyone, and we should always be looking for service opportunities. We can do physical service projects, we can listen to people when they need someone to talk to, we can serve in our callings, we can serve in the temple, we can serve in the home, and we can serve literally any where we go. So why don't we do it more often? I have learned so much as to how to be a member missionary, and I know that it can start with service. I plan to look for different service opportunities for the rest of forever and I would love your help in doing so.

For the Sunday meeting of Stake Conference, there was supposed to be a room for the members of our ward so it could be translated and they could actually understand. Well there was a room set up with a TV, but there was a whole bunch of english people in there and no translator. So, as missionaries, we stepped up to the plate and took on the job of translators. Hna HS, Elder Gibson, and I took turns translating the talks, for our group of 5 members who didn't understand a word of english, and it went great! The room was still full of english members, but we sat on our side of the room and translated for our little family. Elder Beal would've taken a turn, but he's only been out 10 weeks and doesn't feel that his spanish is strong enough yet... I told him he would've been fine, but there's always next time. I have never translated before, and so I jumped in with full faith and trust in Heavenly Father and his gifts. Through Him, I was able to translate the talks. It was so fun! I learned that I can translate. Of course, there were still a few words that I didn't know, or it was a little fast at some times, but I was able to keep up fairly well, and I felt the power of the spirit working through me to help our members learn from Stake Conference. I know that Heavenly Father knows us personally. I know He loves us. I know he will help us at all times as we desire to do His will. I am so grateful for every experience I have had as a missionary, and am excited for the many more that I will have for the rest of my life.

I have learned a lot about patience recently, and have noticed that it's a characteristic that we are all working on. In one way or another, we are all striving to be more patient. When Alma is writing to his son Shiblon, he helps him recognize that it is for his patience and trust in God that he can withstand his trials and temptations. I know that as we strive to be patient and trust in God with all things at all times, that he will help us. Pray with faith, be patient, and trust in our Heavenly Father. He knows you can do it.

Alma 38:3-5:

 "3 I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in theealready, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, andthy patience and thy long-suffering among the people ofthe Zoramites.

 4 For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I alsoknow that thou wast stoned for the word’s sake; and thoudidst bear all these things with patience because the Lordwas with thee; and now thou knowest that the Lord diddeliver thee.

 5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye shouldremember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in Godeven so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, andyour troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be liftedup at the last day."

I hope y'all enjoy your week, and crunching leaves as you walk, and early Halloween candy.

Have the best day ever!
Love,
Hermana Sager

Hermana Hernadez Sanchez and Hermana Sager
Feliz domingo. 

Unintentional Matching!
Hermana's Wilde(also from Murray Utah) Nai, Sager ans Hernandez Sanchez 

Corona Zone Conference Brunch @ a memebers house.

Conference!

Letter from Oct 3

Hello!!


I hope you are all doing well and that you enjoyed Conference weekend.
How was it?! What did you learn? How did you feel?

This time around, I learned a lot about the importance of the Restoration. I was reminded of what I need to do each and every day to be more sincere in my prayers and in my testimony. I was reminded of the importance of daily scripture study and of Family Home Evening. I know that all the commandments and suggestions of the prophets come from God and that they are for our benefit. I know my role as a daughter of God and know what I want to do to be a disciple and example of Christ at all times. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to listen to Gods servants and learn from them and the spirit. I would love to hear about what you all learned!

Everyone always talks about writers block, and says its the most terrible thing. I mean, I'm not even a writer, but I know that I have no idea what to write about today. I went bowling today, and scored 106. I beat everyone on my lane. I had In N Out, so I'm really full. Something is in my eye, just like many other weeks, but I can't touch it because of keyboard fingers. General Conference was WONDERFUL and I can't believe it's already over. Today is a month mark that can not be spoken about because it almost brings tears to my eyes. The high temperature for today is 79. I had my last Multizones conference where tears were actually brought to my eyes. I received a tire and another part of a car and a wooden yard sale sign as prizes from some elders. General Conference was AMAZING.  We taught a lot of lessons, invited a lot of people to baptism, and are still working on getting everyone out to church so they can progress towards baptism.

So Multizones. All of the trainings were so wonderful! We learned all that we needed to know to better serve the people in Corona and help them progress. We learned how to effectively give a church tour, and practiced our street contacting with awesome members who came in and helped us. Hna Pena came in and was so happy to help a whole bunch of missionaries who have helped her change her life. When we talked to her later in the week, she asked us if that was an experience that she could share in testimony meeting at church. She's so cute. We also were given deet bug spray, that we have been asked to use every single day. The church is taking a big step to protect the missionaries, and even though we don't really understand why we were given a fancy perfume, we will be using it every day to be obedient and follow the brethrens suggestions. At the Multizone conferences, the incoming and outgoing missionaries are asked to bear their testimony. Since they only happen every other transfer, I gave my outgoing testimony and did it without crying. It wasn't until after I sat down that I lost it. Sister Mullen told me to be happy because I would be home for Christmas, but I told her I didn't want to be. I love you all. But I wanna be a missionary 5ever.


Have the best day ever!
Love,
Hermana Sager

Corona distrcit bowling day!

Hermana Hernadez Sanchez and Hermana Sager

Prizes from the elders!!

Corona Zone 

Sid being Sid! Love this girl!!Halloween is on its way!

Letter from Sept 26

Hello!!

This week was much better than last week, and last week was great, so this week was the best week ever! The work flowed a bit nicer, we found a lot of new people to teach, and we are learning more about how to be the missionaries that the Lord wants us to be. We were able to teach the Restoration more this week, and invite people to be baptized. Hermana Hernandez Sanchez is so ready to invite every one to be baptized, and we're working on focusing on the spirit to be guided to when to do so. We have a lot of lessons coming up where we will teach the Restoration and hope to be able to find those who are ready to accept baptism at this time.

Last night during a lesson, as I took a pause from talking, the hermano asked if my parents are from Mexico. He was very surprised that I speak spanish, and just thought that was the most reasonable explanation. hehe. No, my parents are not from Mexico, but I like to pretend like I am sometimes. Not very many people actually believe me. That's fine. Hermana Hernandez Sanchez is helping me with my spanish, and trying to help with my accent.

I hope you all have a great week and that you enjoy General Conference! Pay attention, take notes, do all you can to receive answers to your prayers. I know that you will receive answers and revelation if you listen closely. It's going to be the best weekend ever!!

Have the best day ever!
Love,
Hermana Sager

Hermana Sager and her new companion Hermana Hernandez Sanchez

Here's a nice picture of me and Rafael. 

Mole enchiladas. SO GOOD.

Nuveacita Hermanita

Letter from Sept 19

Buenas tardes mis hermanos!

Ok, so first week for Hermana Hernandez Sanchez!!! She's so great. She is 4'11", from Nashville, but was born in Mexico, speaks spanish, is very kind, loves everyone and every thing, and has so much fire and desire for the work!!! She just wants to be out working all the time. She understands the importance of talking with everyone, to the point where it hurts her when we are in the car, driving on a busy road, and there are people outside walking. I feel that if she were driving, she would pull over and try and talk to each person she saw at all times. She has no fear of starting a conversation or teaching boldly during a lesson. She is learning so quickly, and has full intentions and desires to be completely obedient. She teaches with sincerity and love with a firm testimony of Christ and His Church. She's already on fire, and I'm so excited to see how much further she goes within the next 11 weeks and for the rest of her mission.

More stories will be shared next week, but for right now, just know that I am doing great. I love the work. I love the Lord. I know he leads me every day to do his work. I hope to continue learning every day of what He wants for me now, and later. I talk to everyone, because I know that are my brothers and sisters. I know God wants all of is children to return to him, even more than the parents of a missionary can't wait for theirs. I know that I am important in this work, and that helps me to feel Gods love, I know we're all important in the work. Get out there, and share your testimonies. If you look to me for help, I'm just going to smile big, and make you do it because you need to learn. (hehe, ask Hermana Hernandez Sanchez).

All week long, we had struggled to find investigators. We knew that if we continued working with faith, that God would lead us to the people who he has prepared. Saturday night, when we set our goals for Sunday, we set a goal of 7 new investigators. 7 new is a good goal for one week, and so it was a very challenging goal for one day. But, we had the faith and had the real intent of working to receive the blessings. After 2 different lessons Sunday night, we were able to find 8 new investigators. Two new families to teach. To new families to help them learn about the restored Gospel. We are so excited to continue working with them, and strive to be dililgent in daily contact, and getting the help from members to help in their conversion process.

I hope you have the best day ever. I pray for you every day, and love you every minute. All the new missionaries from Provo told me that it was already getting cold. Good luck with that.

LOVE YOU ALL!
Love,
Sid.

My dumb little card reader won't let me send pictures. Sorry. Imagine me smiling.


Sids mom here!!!  since her card reader wasnt working I thought I'd post a couple of pics anyway.

Sid and her eyes!! Arent they the best)

This was the first surprise  picture I got from a memeber from Hemet. It was her first week in the field, with her trainor Hermana Rutherford.  Thought since Hermana Sager is now a trainor I'd  share her pic with you all!
If you see a missionary send a surprise pic to their parents, we all want to see that our chldren are doing well.

I sent this camel to Sid at her halfway mark!
She attached the sign.  I love that just over the camels hump you can see Jesus!!
She truly LOVES being a missionary. 

Mariposas y misioneros!!

Letter from Sept 12

HELLOOOOO!!!!!

Today I have mariposas in my tummy. Transfer calls happened, and Hermana Brown is leaving me. She goes to Riverside, and I will be here in Corona with a new missionary! I will be training a new missionary, right out of the MTC, full of fire, drive, and desire to baptize. I am so excited to meet her tomorrow after she hops off a plane, sits in meetings for a few hours, and is ready to work.
 I am very excited! I hope to be a great trainer and hope that she starts off her mission with obedience, diligence, desire, and love for everything that we do. I slightly feel that you think you know how to be a missionary, until it's time to teach someone else how to do it. I'm sure she will already be so prepared, and I know that we will further help this area. I will be going back to 4 hours of studies instead of 3 now, so hopefully I don't snack all day in the apartment. pero de todos modos, wish me luck! Or pray. Prayers are more powerful.

Yesterday in Sacrament meeting, we did a musical number. Us two, and the Elders in our ward. The elders are both really musically talented, and So is Hna Brown. And then theres me. I was taugh the harmony part, and we sang a four part musical number, and it actually sounded nice! All the members loved it, and the spirit was very strong. Afterwards, the white musically talented second counselor in the bishopric, told us that the harmonies were perfect all the way through. So now you have a daughter/sister/ friend that sang in Sacrament meeting and actually invited the spirit rather than chasing it away.   Also at church, we taught the gospel principles class. The topic was La Obra Misional, aka, Missionary Work. The lesson went really well and the spirit was so strong. As we taught and testified about the importance of missionary work and why we do it, the spirit confirmed to me that this is the Lords work, and there is no where else he wants me right now. Missionary work is so important because no unclean thing can enter into God's kingdom, and the restored gospel has given us the chance to be clean! Through repentance and baptism performed by the restored priesthood power, we are clean. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. I know that he is leading and guiding his church today. I know that the power of God to perform miracles and sacred ordinances is on the earth and it is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After teaching the lesson, we gave everyone in the class an opportunity to do missionary work and to share their testimony. We brought pens and paper for everyone, and asked them to write their testimonies to share. If they had someone in mind to share it with, then they kept it and will give it out this week. Many didn't have someone to share it with, and if this was the case, we asked to share their testimonies with our investigators. We now have a stack of testimonies that we will be giving to our investigators as we teach them. I am excited to see how the testimonies of the members help the investigators to strengthen their own, and to come to church. I know that we are all missionaries, and we are all working together to help everyone return to Gods presence after this life.

Have the best day ever!
Love,
Hermana Sager

Hermanas Brown and Sager

I guess this is the food Hermana Sager was pointing at in the first pic. Beef Tounge tacos!

Happy Labor Day!!

Letter from Sept 6

Every day I get more and more grateful for this chance that I have to serve a mission. I am learning so much, and am excited to put all the wonderful things I have learned into practice for the rest of my life. One thing I have noticed has made a huge difference in Sabbath day observance. A lot of the music we listen to in our car is from EFY soundtracks and different things. But, on Sundays, we have only been listening to Hymns, and I love it! I am able to feel the spirit a long stronger, and know that it is one simple way to further keep the Sabbath day holy. I plan to change how I live my Sundays for the rest of forever, and strive to further dedicate those days to the Lord. I know that as we strive to keep the Sabbath day holy, we will have the spirit with us even stronger and we can understand more of how to follow Christs example.

So Hermana Brown is awesome. We have become really close and love working together. As we were driving home Sunday night, we decided that we are going to change how we work. Instead of just jumping straight to the video in every contact, we plan to teach and testify more of the Restoration. We are planning to teach more short and powerful lessons helping people learn of the restored gospel and it's importance, and in this way, finding more of those who the Lord has prepared to be baptized at this time. We know that as we are more diligent in teaching the restoration quick and powerfully, we will invite everyone to be baptized, and the spirit will help them recognize the need. We hope to help more people progressing towards baptism.

A family that we are teaching, there is a two year old boy named Luis. He is really small and round and so cute. He just kind of waddles around and makes noises. If we ask him something he will growl at us, and then just keep on going. It's adorable. His mom had asked him to go get us water bottles. So he growled at her, and then waddled away and came back with one. When she said to get another, he went through the same motions, but this time walked past the water bottles and just kept going. After being so kind and getting us water, Hna Brown gave him a sticker that has a picture of Jesus on it. His mom asked him "Quien es?" or "Who is it?" and in a very growly scary voice he says, "JESUS". He then goes back to speaking in a child voice and growling occasionally. We're not really sure where that comes from. Especially because he says it in english and not spanish, but they only speak spanish in their house. Atleast it is a testimony that no matter who you are, how old you are, or where you are, Christ is recognized and he is important. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know he loves us.

There is another  a family we are teaching ,There are 4 kids, and they love the Book of Mormon! They're normally outside playing when we come by, and so they will run up to us and ask, "Should we get our books?" YES! As we have taught and testified of the Book of Mormon, they have felt the spirit testifying that it is true. In the introduction of the Book of Mormon is on of Joseph Smiths statement. “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” After reading this testimony with them and 3 Nephi 11, the mom told us she knew it was true. She knoes that she will come closer to God as she continues reading the Book of Mormon. The Book f Mormon is the word of God and it helps us in every aspect of our lives. I love the Book of Mormon, and am so grateful that God has given it to us in these times.

Have the best day ever!
Love,
Hermana Sager

​Our Zone! The paper I'm holding is a maze puzzle that spells Jesus, you just can't see it. Sorry. 

The District!

The sisters don't have a car anymore, so they are our pday buddies.

​Panera Bread and sassy pony tail.