Hey Everyone, 

It was so wonderful to hear from all of you! It makes my whole week to hear you are all doing well. :) Since Veteran's day was on Monday, and we had zone conference yesterday, today is our P-Day. Mom, thank you so much for the birthday present! What a wonderful surprise to have Brother and Sister Feigleson hand deliver it. It was so wonderful to see them! We have such an incredible ward back home. I opened one of the gifts, I absolutely love that red sweater! :) Thank you so much, I look forward to opening them. That was so thoughtful of you. Thanks for the sweet letter as well, I love all the memories we have made together. I don't know what I would do without you in my life! :) I love you! 

Everyone, Thank you for your words of encouragement, prayers, and support. I'm so grateful for each one of you. I know if it weren't for each one of you I wouldn't be where I am today. I am so grateful Heavenly Father put us together in families. Each one of you has influenced my life in so many ways, and I'm so grateful we'll get to be together for eternity! I love teaching other's the plan of salvation, and as I put the picture of our family next to the celestial kingdom, I am overcome with emotion each time. It's incredible that we can all make it their together. I can only imagine what that day will be like. I'm so grateful for Mom and Dad who have raised us in the gospel. I know that as we have learned the gospel, Mom and Dad have taught us how to walk in the light. I frequently hear the phrase, "We don't obey because we are blind, we obey because we can see." Mom and Dad, thank you so much for teaching me the gospel. I love having this gift to be out on a mission getting to share with everyone I meet, "how to walk in the light." Seeing people who don't have this light in their life, has truly helped my testimony grow of what a blessing it is to have this light in my life. We are incredibly blessed. 

To start off, Sister Strong and I have had some good laughs this week. Our mission president always says, "This isn't just missionary work- It's missionary fun!" that phrase has so much truth! 

Every day, I get to laugh, there's so much joy in missionary work. We had a lesson at one of our member's homes- Brother and Sister Mortenson, and they had over the Velez family. Viridiana (We call her Vidi) has two darling daughter's Mia, who just turned 8 and wants to be baptized, and 6 year old Daylene. The girls are so darling, we have been helping fellowship them with ward members and it has helped such a great deal. We have been teaching their Mother Viridiana, who was a convert of 5-6 years ago. Her testimony has been re-kindled and she wants her girls to grow up with the gospel in their lives. Viridiana is finishing up cosmetology school, and is hoping to graduate soon. It's been difficult because it has kept her from bringing her girls to church. The last 3 weeks, her wonderful visiting teacher has brought the girls to church. We have been teaching them the lesson's, as Mia is preparing to be baptized. The girls are very quiet and reserved. The Mortenson family has 5 children, 2 of their children son Kole (11) and Kate (6) have Autism, and are very energetic and then they have 2 other boys who were all over the place. Then the Velez family brought their cute little Chihuahua that was running around, and little Kole and Kate chased the dog through the plan of Salvation cut outs. haha.  While we were teaching cute little 6 year old Luke held up our booklet with pictures and kept finding pictures and then he would commentate on them. It was so funny. :) He said, "Faith- is being nice to people." we couldn't help but giggle. Through all the commotion, the girls felt comfortable and were able to get out of their shells, It was so neat. The commotion turned out to be a tender mercy. :) The girls started asking questions, about the Holy Spirit, and what would happen after this life, and cute little Daylene raised her hand and said, "Sister Missionaries, guess what? I read the picture book of Mormon you gave me all by myself." we were so touched to hear she was reading on her own. The next day at church we saw the Velez girls with the Mortenson kids. So many of our less active members have been reactivated not only through their hearts being touched by the spirit, but as well through caring members, who put their arms around them. Members have just as much, or more influence then missionaries. There is the spiritual conversion, but a social conversion, feeling loved and wanted at church is so crucial as well. We have reactivated so many families through fellow ship, to see these members come back has brought just as much joy as seeing Sue step into the waters of baptism. 

Yesterday, we had the most incredible zone conference! President and Sister Mullen spoke to us about their training meeting, in which they were trained by Elder Ballard. It touched me to know that Elder Ballard was trained by President Thomas S. Monson, who is a Prophet of God. So in the end, the guidance we received came from Heavenly Father. They spoke of how faith guides us in all that we do. I have seen a recurring theme throughout my studies. Faith has stood out to me over and over again. Ether 12 beautifully illustrates what faith can do for us in our lives. All miracles are brought about by faith, faith is our motivation for all action, and it motivates us to change into the people God has envisioned us to become. It helps us get through our hard times, knowing that God is just building us for greater things. We have faith, that better things lay ahead and that through relying on Christ through our struggles, we will be prepared for whatever God has in store for us. I know God has sure built me so much even these last few months. It's interesting to see that through the hard times we truly grow the most, because these are the times we learn how much we need God, and how much we must rely on him. That is when we truly learn he is there. 

I love how Ether 12:4 illustrates that faith is our anchor. 

 4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with ^asurety ^bhope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which^chope cometh of ^dfaith, maketh an ^eanchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in^fgood works, being led to ^gglorify God.

President Mullen focused so much on the atonement, and it's healing power, and that all gifts of joy we receive come through Christ's atonement. He showed a Mormon Message that really changed my perspective. 

Called, "Your Potential, Your Privilege." http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/your-potential-your-privilege,

You'll have to watch it, and then read the rest of this email. 

Just like the man on the cruise ship, so many people in life live without using the privileges God has provided for them. As people learn of the atonement, and recognize that they can be healed from guilt they have been holding onto, they are freed. They can be enabled through difficult times, they can find strength in all things. I know that the way we access the atonement is through getting down on our knees and praying for strength. I know that as we ask God for specific help, he will give us specific guidance. I know as we seek God in answer to our challenges, he will speak words of comfort, guidance and counsel. The Book of Mormon has been my greatest source of Strength. I know the words were written specifically for us. I know the prophets in the scriptures saw each one of us, and wrote to help us with our specific challenges, under the direction of God. 

I have been especially touched to see people out here in the field use the enabling power of the atonement. An Elder in our mission Elder Neilson, has Autism , which causes you to have many difficulties and social anxieties, and he has been out on a month long mission to see if he feels he can serve. He bore his testimony yesterday, and said, "That first week of my mission was probably the scariest week of my life! I was terrified, I was pushed out of my comfort zone more than I would have ever imagined! Yet, I have never felt happier in my life! I will definitely be serving a full time mission!" We all were overcome with emotion, Elder Neilson is incredible, He bore his testimony that it was through the atonement that he has overcome his fears. 

I sure love all of you, and I know that anything you may be going through that Christ can strengthen, and heal you. God loves you each so deeply, and doesn't want us to go through our trials alone. He wants to be with us each step of this journey.

I love you with all my heart, and hope you have a great week! 

Love Always,

 Sister Sarah Clark 

Hey Everyone, 

Sorry this email is late. We didn't have time to email yesterday, and so we are just on our lunch break and are able to email today. Anyway, it was so good to hear from you guys! I loved the fun Halloween pictures! It looks like you guys had so much fun! Mom I just want to thank you for sending the oil, and Dad thank you for sending those vitamins, I took them this morning and I can already feel a difference. :) Thank you so much! Also, thank you for fasting for me, that was so sweet of you all. I am already starting to feel better. I was just struggling, because I couldn't make it through studies, I felt exhausted, and some nights I stay up thinking about those we teach and it's just been a struggle for me to get adequate rest. I was able to sleep well last night, and I'm so grateful for Christ and that if I hand these things to him, he will take care of the things I can't take care of. I've come to realize we can only do what is within our power to help guide, and then it is up to the person how they act. I have to trust Heavenly Father knows what is best for them. Anyway, thank you again, I was touched to hear you fasted for me and I can definitely feel the blessings of it. :) I'll get the results from the thyroid test in a few days, I've met several people with the same challenge, who are taking the medication and say it's made a world of difference! So I'll keep you posted. 

I'm so glad to hear you all had such a fun week! The primary program is always the best! I loved the story about Will's prayer, and cute Emily Cox. They are so close to the spirit, it's so sweet. Mom, I am amazed with all you do with your calling! They should get you a name tag. :) Sounds like you’re on a full time mission also! I'm so glad you have so many people helping and supporting you! We have such an incredible ward back home. It's amazing that with so much service, you really do feel true joy! The joy that comes through seeing the light and joy that comes into these people's lives... It's incredible! It's so neat that you are bringing Christ's light into those people's lives.  It was so touching to hear about Gwen and Myron, I'll keep them in my prayers, I loved all the stories you shared this week I was so touched by them... Also Mom, thank you so much for those addresses! :) I sure appreciate it! 

So Mom and Dad, do you remember how you had a dream that I'd speak Spanish on my mission? Well the other day on Halloween we went on exchanges with the Sister's and they only teach those who speak Spanish. I got to serve with Sister Taylor, it was difficult because not many people wanted to let us in because it was Halloween. Yet, so who knows, maybe as we go on more exchanges I'll get to use the little bit of Spanish I know. :) 

That's so neat Sister Demars was telling me she was able to send you a message! That's so neat! She is so wonderful, she came to almost every lesson we had with Sue. Sue's baptism was the most incredible day of my mission thus far! So many people came to support her, that we moved from the Relief Society room to the chapel! So many ward members came to support her the chapel was almost full! One of her best friends Sister Shauna Jo Larkin and her family came. Sue and Shauna have been friends for years, and Shauna's husband Tom Larkin baptized her. I was thrilled to see Sue's Husband Tom, and two of her children walk in the chapel doors to support her. Her beautiful daughters Kaity, and Anna were there. The spirit was incredibly strong! Sister Demars gave the talk on Baptism, She explained so beautifully about how we have the priesthood authority on this earth because of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith. She spoke of what a gift it is that Brother Larkin can trace his priesthood back to Jesus Christ, and that is is that same authority we have here on Earth today. She explained that in Matthew 3:15 Christ who was perfect was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, and that as we are baptized we follow in his steps. After her talk, we all walked over relief society room where the font was located, beautiful soft hymns were played as everyone entered . Sue was just glowing and exuding with joy! She looked so beautiful all in white. As she came out of the water, she was smiling. :) I was filled with emotion... The spirit was so strong! As we waited in the chapel we played Mormon Messages, about the Atonement and Christ. As she came back in Brother and Sister Demars, Thurber, and a few other ward members sang "Come Thou Fount." then Sister Larkin spoke on The Holy Ghost, and how it is our constant guide throughout life. What touched me is that she spoke of how all those who are righteous and seek the truth have the influence of the spirit to guide them to truth, yet to have the constant companionship of the Spirit is so beautiful and the greatest gift we receive. We went to her home after for dinner, and Tom and the girls were so kind, gracious and friendly. It was just so neat to see how supportive they are. 

Sue was confirmed yesterday in church, and she got up to bear her testimony, and I really think her family was touched. She said in her testimony- "I told the Lord, I would go where he wanted me to go. This is where he led me, I know I am in the right place." :) Her family came to church as well. So this weekend was so wonderful. It's neat to see Sue as the matriarch of her home have the joy of the gospel in her life, and I just feel she is really going to touch her family and bring the spirit into that home, and hopefully her family will see that change and want it for themselves as well! :) We are really praying for them right now. 

I really have a testimony of fasting, it was right after the 40 day fast that we met Sue. I feel like this is the start to a chain reaction of miracles. I think the ward has really been touched to see this joy come into Sue's life. I feel I've learned so much from Sue. She has so much humility and is so trusting in God. During each lesson, she was willing to sacrifice to be exactly obedient. I heard a quote I absolutely love! "Obedience brings blessings, Exact obedience brings miracles." That is the only thing we have control over in our lives is our own obedience. It's so interesting to see that if we take the road less traveled by, the road that to the world is hidden and not seen as the way to joy. As we take time out to read our scriptures and receive that guidance from God, and pray to him, to ask him for that strength. He will bless us. Miracles will happen. I know as we do those simple things daily, miracles will happen. :) It's amazing that as we live these heavenly laws, (Loving Guidelines for true joy) we receive Heavenly Blessings. I've come to learn that as we push ourselves out of our comfort zones, we will see great things happen. :) 

I love you all so much, Hope you have a wonderful week! 

Love Always, Sister Sarah Clark 

Hey Mom, Dad, Rachel, Joshua, Michael and Andrew,

Thank you for all the emails! It's so wonderful getting to hear from you all each week! I absolutely loved the pictures this week, cool costumes everyone! Michael makes a handsome gladiator, and Josh's costume is just hilarious! and Dad looks like.. Indiana Jones? Mom, you're a cute giesha, love it! Haha. It looks like you found Andrew his dream costume, so cute! :) For Sister Strong and my Halloween costume's I think we're going to be each other and switch name tags haha. Just teasing. :) 

It's so fun to hear all the exciting news going on in our ward back home! That's so exciting McCall is going on a mission! You'll have to tell her I'm so excited for her! :) Sam is going to New York, New York. That was adorable to hear about little Nixon already preparing for a mission, what a cutie. What video's did Josh show? I'd love to see them. Have you guys checked out the "Hastening the work" page yet? It's so inspirational! I love hearing about all the neat work that is going on, with Brother Winkelman's friend etc... We sure have such an amazing ward back home. :) I'm glad to hear Mom and Dad got to go  on a fun date. So is Josh getting braces? 

So it's a wonderful week to be a missionary! We have been making preparations for Sue's baptism this week, it's been neat to see how supportive the ward is. Her wonderful friend Sister Larkin is coming from Utah with her family to support Sue, and her husband and a few of her children are going to make it as well. I'm so glad to see her receiving this support. We're really praying for her family right now, it would be so incredible to get to see them make this journey together. My dream is to see them all go to the temple together. That would be incredible! It's so neat as a missionary you get to see a portion of the vision that Heavenly Father see's for each of his children. With each person I meet, I just feel so much love for them because I know how much they mean to Heavenly Father. I was able to give a talk in sacrament meeting yesterday, and the topic was "Becoming More Christ-like" I based my talk on a quote by C.S. Lewis. 

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace” (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, New York: MacMillan Co., 1960, p. 160).

It's nice to feel comfortable, the remodeling process can be painful, yet as we have faith in God that he is turning us into a beautiful palace, the pain that comes with the building process is so worth it! Through Christ, we are remodeled. As we repent- (Simply put-change) we become so beautiful, we transform. In a conference, Elder Boren said, "The nearer we get to God, the clearer our weaknesses become. It's a gift that he shows us what we can change" that is the painful part is recognizing what we must change. Ether 12:27 so beautifully illustrates the changing process. 

 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their^aweakness. I ^bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my ^cgrace is sufficient for all men that ^dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make ^eweak things become strong unto them.

It's amazing that we have this gift, that we can be transformed through Christ. I'm so grateful that through Christ's sacrifice this gift is available and that he has left us the perfect example, that as we follow in his steps we can have eternal life. I can't wait to go thank Christ one day and give him a great big hug! :) 

Well, so many miracles this week.. Although Max is still struggling we felt prompted to ask Sister Poffenberger one of our cute ward missionaries, (She's in her 70's and just lost her husband to cancer this last year.) Anyway she's so sweet, we took her to visit Max and it went so well, she has even offered to have him in her home for lessons. She brought him this huge beautiful picture of Christ and we put it up in his apartment. It's so sweet, Sister Poffenberger told us, " I'm so glad they called me as a ward missionary, I just feel the happiest I've been since my husband died." it was so sweet. It's amazing that you really do feel so much joy seeing that you have the power to bless lives. I know each one of you has the power to bless lives and the gospel is the greatest gift we can give to those we love and care for. 

I just want to leave you with the invitation to start marking your favorite scriptures in a Book of Mormon, and write your testimony in it, and pray for an opportunity to share it with someone. 

I sure love you guys so much! 

Thank you for all of your prayers in my behalf and in behalf of the people I get to serve. 

I'm truly grateful to be so blessed with such a wonderful family. :) 

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Much Love, Sister Sarah Clark 

Hey Everyone, 

It sounds like you've had a busy week. You guys are amazing with all you do! I have to tell you, I always read all of your emails, and I love hearing from each one of you! I am so sorry I haven't responded to them all... I feel so bad. We don't have much time to email or write on P-Day, We do our regular studies in the morning till 10:30, grocery shopping, cleaning the apartment, laundry, etc... Our P-day ends at 5 o'clock. So I just want to tell you how much I do love hearing from each of you and know that I love all of you so much! I'm going to try to get on top of things. Anyway, poor little Andrew, that broke my heart to see his little bruised face...Poor Michael too... That was so cute to hear that Andrew he said he missed me. :) That just made my whole day! I sure miss you guys as well. Anyway, Mom that's so neat you've had so many tender mercies. I bet the women in the ward are so grateful to have you as their relief society president, that really is a mission in itself! You amaze me! :) That's so fun Rachel asked Dallin to the dance. What are they going to go as? Bless her heart, the ACT, and the dance on the same day? Go Rachel you are gung ho! haha :) I'm so excited for you, the Halloween dance was always my favorite. :) It sure looks like you guys had a fun time at Wolf Creek! Washington actually looks quite similar to Wolf creek. The fall leaves are just gorgeous here! I love the scenery here, it's so beautiful! Dad, I'm still praying for you every day. I really feel working for the church would be incredible and that the Lord could really use your help. I'll keep you in my prayers, that is a pretty big decision. I'm sure proud of you for all that you've done with the non profit, and how you've done so much for the Lord with your talents. 

So I want to hear, What's everyone going to be for Halloween? Keep me posted on who you invite over, or to an activity, that's so neat! I know you guys are going to bless so many lives through your missionary work. Do you have Elders or Sisters? 

This week, I got really sick, I couldn't get out of bed I felt like crying... I had a really bad cold, and I was afraid it would keep me out of order for most of the week. Sister Strong went on splits with Sisters in the Belle Terre ward, and she called the relief society president and asked if I could stay at her home. I felt bad I didn't want to expose them to whatever I had. I had been around people with pnuemonia, and the flu... So I was a little worried. Sister Woolf had a guest bedroom that she let me stay in and she was so sweet, every hour she brought something in to me. Ginger Ale, Popcicle, an Ensign, she even came in and told me stories. She's such a sweetheart. I had time to just read the Book of Mormon all day, and I felt my heart was filled. I read Helaman chapter 5, and it's the most powerful chapter! You'll have to read it! :) Brother Woolf and Spear came to give me a blessing, and the next day I was fully recovered, it was such a tender mercy. It's amazing that Heavenly Father helps us feel his love through people. This ward is amazing. I'm so grateful. 

We really have just had an amazing week! Yesterday was probably one of the happiest days of my life. Sue came to church in our ward for the first time, and everyone was so warm and welcoming to her. She has been struggling this past week, she went back to work this week and she was still weak from her surgery. It's been hard because her family knows of her decision to join the church but they don't fully support her. She's been having some scary spiritual attacks from the adversary... It broke my heart to hear. She was thinking about postponing the lessons for awhile. We sent her chapters of the Book of Mormon each day and it really helped her gain strength. We offered that she could receive a priesthood blessing and she agreed that, that would help her. Right after church Bishop Clark gave her a blessing, and it was the most touching blessing I've ever heard. It's been incredible to see her grow and progress. She's so incredible, after we taught her the word of wisdom, she agreed right then and there to stop drinking coffee and tea. After we taught fasting, she fasted that Sunday although she'd just had surgery. She's so humble and willing to submit to God's will for her. We are so excited for her, she's going to be baptized on November 2nd!!! :) I was so touched to hear Rachel had been praying she'd gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, I really feel the scriptures have helped her incredibly! 

Another miracle, a less active family we teach- The Willis Family, have been trying to make it back to church since my first transfer. The Grandmother, and Mother work at Walmart and have had to work on Sundays. We encouraged them time and time again to see if they could get Sunday's off. The Grandmother Margie was able to get Sunday's off work! It's taken a long time, but she has it in print! She took her 3 grand children to church, I felt so emotional as I saw them all dressed up. They made it back. :) They were all so excited to be there! We are teaching Sister Willis the lessons again so she can make it to the temple! That was such a miracle, I am so happy for them. 

Lily was able to make it to church with her friend Alex, and Sister Skinfill invited two of her non member friends Michelle, and Sandy to church. She met them through driving her son to school. It was so neat she boar her testimony to us that the Lord had put Michelle and Sandy in her path. We were able to take Michelle on a church tour the night before, and it was so neat, she grew up in the Baptist church and has been through so much and said she wants to re-dedicate her life to the Lord. As we sat in the chapel, over and over she kept saying- "this feels good, this feels good. I feel like this is where I'm supposed to be." Not to mention Sister Marvin who's working to make it back to the temple came to church too. It was such a great day, I was so emotionally exhausted because of the incredible day we had! 

We got transfer calls last night, and Sister Strong and I both get to serve another transfer in the Evergreen ward! We are so happy! We love the people, and we are gaining the trust of the ward, and the work is just moving forward. So many miracles are happening! I absolutely love being a missionary! :) 

Anyway, Love you guys so much! Hope you have a wonderful week. Thanks again for praying for those Sister Strong and I are teaching, and thank you for praying for us too! We feel your prayers every day. 

Love Always, 

Sister Sarah Clark 

Hey Everyone, 

Thank you so much for the emails! Mom thank you so much for all the pictures! I loved them! I'm smiling right now as I look at them. I sure love getting to hear from all of you, and the great things your doing, and are involved with! You guys are amazing! Mom, thank you so much for the cute package and sweet letter! I loved it so so so much! You know me so well, I loved the pearl necklace, and that red coat is so darling! I wear it every day! :) It keeps me so warm and cozy. I loved the treats, and Sister Strong and I are so excited to do the facial masks! :) That was so thoughtful and sweet of you! I sure miss you, and love you so much, I think about you guys often. 

So fun trivia for you.. Our Investigator Sue's daughter's basketball coach is John Stockton! How amazing is that?! Another fun story you might enjoy, Sister Mulloy came out of her room while I was eating breakfast and I asked her how she was doing? She said, "Oh, alright. Bev and I were talking and we were trying to fix the government and we didn't get much done. Then I looked in the mirror and saw a mad woman" aha. She is so funny, she keeps us laughing. I love her so much! She is hilarious. :) 

I was so excited to hear that Dad found that job opening! That's so neat, now that I'm a missionary I've come to realize how crucial referrals are. We had a mission conference last week, and talked about how important it is to work with members. President Mullen put up some statistics on the board. He said that only 2-3% of people whom the missionaries tract into are baptized, yet 68% people who have a member friend are baptized. President Mullen said our job as missionaries is to find the elect, not make the elect. Dad, I'm so proud of you. This is going to bless so many people's lives! I know the Lord needs you, and is so grateful you are willing to help him. You are helping him with what brings him most joy. 

39 For behold, this is my ^awork and my ^bglory—to bring to pass the ^cimmortality and ^deternal ^elife of man.

I know that, that is God's joy- to bring to pass the eternal life of man. Mom, I know you are helping so much with that work to. I know that this is part of our divine calling. That as we bring people to God, this is where true joy stems from. That's why service brings so much joy! I am so proud of you all! You are all doing wonderful things with your lives and Heavenly Father is so grateful. 

So this week has been amazing! We have had so many miracles! Sue is doing wonderfully. Her friend Paula Therber comes with us for the lessons, and it's been so touching to see how happy she is seeing her friend growing in the gospel. Coming out on a mission has made me realize how much I've taken these precious truths for granted. We taught her the plan of salvation, and she had been wondering for years and years about the life before this. To tell her that God has a body of Flesh and Bone, and that she has a relationship with him, and that he knows her by name. She hadn't had a knowledge of this. It was amazing to share this with her. :) We have already been able to teach her four lessons! After the second lesson we invited her to pray about telling the rest of her family about her decision to join the church. The next day we came back and she had talked to all of her children, and things had mostly gone well! She is so courageous! I'm so impressed she keeps out a note pad to takes notes during the lesson, she's so willing to do what God asks of her. She never ceases to amaze me. It's been so neat to see the ward reach out to her already. Sister Demars, a wonderful woman in our ward has already sent the relief society to take her meals while she's been sick, and she's come to almost every lesson with us and just taken Sue under her wing. It's really touched my heart. It was so neat yesterday Sister Demars got up in fast and testimony meeting and in her testimony she told Sue's story and she said, " I'm so grateful to get to be a part of this process of Sue's conversion.... The Sister Missionaries of our ward really teach with the spirit, I commend them to you." It meant so much to hear her say that, I know that it truly is the spirit that teaches.  I feel so privileged to get to be a part in helping Sue prepare for baptism. During our last lesson she was already asking about who she could invite to her baptism, and was asking us questions about the temple. She is incredible! We sure love her. 

Another miracle, a young girl in our ward Alex Maughan invited her friend Lili to hear the lessons they are both seniors in high school. Alex's young women's leader Sister Skinfill invited them and us over for dinner. Afterwards Sister Mullen (Our mission president's wife) came to help us teach the lesson. We taught her about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we first established the expectations for the visits, we explained that through Christ she could be enabled to overcome any challenges she may be going through. She explained that she had anxiety, and I felt the spirit so strongly as we explained that through Christ she could find peace and overcome those anxieties. We explained through the lesson, that baptism was the way to gain full access to feeling Christ's love. We explained that Christ is God's expression of love to us. It's just incredible that through ordinances like baptism, (Ordinance: a sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood, that allows us to make promises with God, and receive blessings from him.)  we can have God's love and direction with us every day, and be forgiven and cleansed of our mistakes. After we taught this we asked her to pray, she said the most heart felt sincere prayer I've ever heard. It was neat as she felt the spirit she was overwhelmed with emotion. We were all crying because we felt so much joy for her. She wants to be baptized, and we are so excited for her! :) 

Other miracles, We have 4 less active members who are working to return to the temple. It's so neat that we teach them the same way that we teach those who are preparing for baptism. We asked one of our less active members- Judi if she had the desire to return to the temple. She said she did, and we told her that the Lord has prepared a way for her to return, and through Christ she could overcome drinking coffee, and other challenges she's having. She said, "Thank you so much for having faith in me!" and we told her we had faith in her, and so does the Lord. It was such a neat experience. :) I'm so excited to see her make it back to the temple. 

I know that all of these peoples hearts have been touched because of all the fasting of the ward, and because of all of your prayers. I know that the Lord has listened to all these prayers and has seen all the sacrifice in behalf of his work. It's been so incredible! I'm so grateful to get to be a part of this amazing work. In seeing people find joy in the gospel. 

I'm so grateful that the Lord never gives up on us, and that he has a great vision for each one of us. I know that we really can overcome any sin, pain, weakness, we may have as we turn to the Savior, have faith in his sacrifice for us, and then take action and change. I know he will bless us. I've needed this knowledge every single day of my mission. It's been neat to see that the Lord has helped me be enough each day as I've tried my best. I'm so grateful for the knowledge we have! I love my Savior so much, and can't wait to give him a big hug one day for all that he's done for me! 

I love and pray for you guys, and I'm sure grateful for all your prayers in my behalf. I know the Lord hears and answers those prayers. I'm so grateful for your love and support. 

I  love you guys so much, and I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love Always, 

Sister Sarah Clark

P.S My new favorite Chapter in the Book of Mormon is 3 Nephi 18- It's about the blessings of the sacrament, and about the blessings of prayer. I especially love (v. 12-13, 15-16, and 19-20) It's such a powerful chapter! :) 

Hey Everyone, 

Thank you so much for all your emails, and kind words. I sure love you guys and I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful family. :) Mom, thank you so much for the fun pictures! I have to tell you thank you again for the wonderful family album you sent me with, whenever I'm having a hard day I look at it and I can't help but smile as I think of all our wonderful memories! Also, I want to thank you for sending me those bottles of Doterra Oil, especially the On Guard. Poor Sister Strong had bronchitis all last week, and right when she got sick I started taking the oil, and it was incredible, I stayed healthy! It was sure a tender mercy, so thank you so much! I sure appreciate all you do! Also, thank you so much for putting that money on my card, that was so sweet of you! I sure appreciate that. :) I have the best Mom in the whole world! 

Thanks for all the updates, I love hearing about what's going on! Also, I'm so glad you liked the pictures, and had a good birthday! :) Aren't those pictures just beautiful? I love how they show that the savior just has so much love, and that is such a happy person. I love your new relief society theme: "As we reach out to the one, we will become one." that's so neat! It's incredible how service really does bring people so close. As a missionary, It's neat to see that I've been able to gain such great friendship with my companions, and I really think it's because we do service together. It brings people so close together. It's so fun to hear about all you guys have been doing. :) I especially loved the story about Andrew seeing snow and thinking it was Christmas ahah. 

Wasn't conference incredible this weekend? Sister Strong and I were able to watch it at one of our members home, and several less active sisters came to watch it with us, it was such a neat experience. :) So many of my prayers and questions in my heart were answered during conference. One of my greatest struggles has been having faith in the future, and I loved Edward Dube's talk about "Faith" I felt that I need to remember the promises Heavenly Father has made to me in my call letter, and my patriarchal blessing, they are my daily motivation. Along with scripture study of course. 

Well, this week has been incredible! Today, especially has been a day of miracles already! Looking back at the past few weeks, we hadn't been teaching many who were genuinely interested in the gospel. I was starting to get discouraged. Many people from other churches we'd been talking to were questioning our motives. It hurt, I thought... If this church is true, why are so many people so closed off to it? It was so hard... I felt prompted to mount my Mission Call onto my wall by my desk, and I read it every morning to help me remember my purpose. It reads, "As you devote your time and attention to the Lord, you will gain increased knowledge and you will be led to those who have been prepared for Baptism." (that's not the exact wording, but something very similar.) As I read that daily, it gave me hope. I felt this strong hope and faith, and I love Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21.

It reads 

20 There is a ^alaw, irrevocably decreed in ^bheaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all ^cblessings are predicated—

 21 And when we obtain any ^ablessing from God, it is by^bobedience to that law upon which it is predicated. 

I felt hope knowing that my call has come from a prophet of God, and that God keeps his promises. I knew that if I just kept pressing forward, doing what God asked, I was doing his will, even if at that time we hadn't met anyone ready to receive the fullness of the gospel. 

After lots of faith, and praying every day that we would be guided to find those searching for the truth. A miracle happened!

This morning we received a phone call. It was a woman from the Belle Terre ward. She began speaking about her friend who was interested in learning more about the gospel. She told us that her friend had read the whole Book of Mormon, she is reading the Doctrine and Covenants and is already to section 129, and she wanted to read the Pearl of Great Price before she met with us so she could be prepared. Yet after conference she said President Utchdorf's talk had touched her and she felt she needed to meet with missionaries. We were so touched, I felt emotion well up in me as we got this phone call. About an hour ago we went to meet Sue, she is an incredible woman! She grew up Catholic, her whole family is Catholic. She went to Utah State to study Forestry, and she is in her 40's. She's such a sweet lady, she reminds me a lot of Sister Wilkes. We shared the message of the Restoration with her, and she said, "Oh, this all just makes sense." we then extended a baptismal invitation, and she said that when she knows it's true she wants to be baptized! We are so excited for her! :) She has an incredible story, her pursuit of learning more about the church started as she visited temple square, and she has had Mormon friends all her life, and she told her friend Paula, I feel like this is the direction God is guiding me in. As we prayed with her before we left, she prayed, "God, please help me to be open to your will." She is an incredible woman. :)

 I love the scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 18:10;15

10 Remember the ^aworth of ^bsouls is great in the sight of God;

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one ^asoul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

I am so excited for Sue to have the gospel in her life! I know that the Lord is preparing so many people, so many people are just waiting for the invitation. I think this has probably been the most incredible experience of my mission so far. :) 

This morning we also had another miracle. A woman in our ward, a recent convert of a few years ago has been struggling and just had a priesthood blessing from the bishop, and said she'd like to take the lessons again. Her name is Jamie, and she is a young mom. It would be incredible to get to see her go to the temple with her family!

I would just like to encourage each of you to remember the wonderful blessings Heavenly Father has promised you. The blessings in your patriarchal blessings, the blessings God promises us in the scriptures. I have a testimony that if we do those things God asks of us, that the blessings will follow. I know that Heavenly Father loves us incredibly, and that all that he does is for our good to help us grow. I know as we read our scriptures, pray daily, and serve others, miracles will come. Heavenly Father knows each of you individually and personally, and he wants to bless you! :) 

Thank you so much for all your prayers, I can feel them everyday. I sure love you all so much! You guys are so wonderful, and help strengthen me so much! Thanks for all your love and support. I think about you all often, and you are in my prayers as well. 

Love Always, 

Sister Sarah Clark