Greetings Earthlings-
Canada seems like a strange planet. :)
Just kidding, I love it!
Sorry my emails have been slacking lately. Things have been crazy and times have been hard. I am learning from them though. I know that Heavenly Father is teaching me something and I know that if I plug away long enough, I will figure out what it is. It is probably a lesson in patience. Seems like that happens a lot out here. Surprise right?
No, things have been good and we are seeing miracles.
This week we had a new investigator. She is amazing. I wasn't sure that Preach My Gospel was right when they said people were prepared by the Lord. She is an amazing woman. She has so much faith. We had a lesson with her last week and it went really well. She called us on Tuesday to set up a time to have us over for dinner. She wanted to make sure we got a time that would work with a good friend. We are having dinner with the both of them tonight. We then received a phone call from the friend on Wednesday informing us that our investigator would we coming to church. We both lit up when we saw her yesterday. I was watching her during Sacrament Meeting and she felt the spirit. She was amazed by the speakers. In our investigators class we talked about the Holy Ghost. She loved every minute of it. She keeps telling us she wants to join our church, but she doesn't know if she can fully commit. I cannot even begin to explain how prepared she is. It is like Heavenly Father opened up the heavens and lead us to her. She is having major surgery next week and received a priesthood blessing yesterday. She truly is a miracle.
It was a testimony to me that this is where I need to be at this time. I needed to meet her to help her progress. That is just one miracle though!
Another one - a sister in the area. The elders were tracting in our area. They found her and invited her to be baptized on the 30th of this month. She said she would think about it. We met with her and she expressed her desire to be baptized. She was simply amazed when we told her the First Vision. She is excited to see Conference. She is great. She has blue hair! She was worried that the blue would get on the baptismal clothes. She has been prepared by the Lord.
Despite the hard times, things are going well. We are going over to the Lower Mainland next week for transfers and for the Women's Conference. Then we have the Relief Society Broadcast. Then, unless I am transferred, a Zone Conference with President Tilleman. Then General Conference. Then Canadian Thanksgiving. Then Stake Conference. WOW! I am excited for the next few weeks!
I am thankful for all your support and love and prayers! I am excited for the all the many blessings I am seeing.
I love you all! Have a wonderful week.
Sister Saal.
D&C 33:17
Monday, September 24, 2012
September 10, 2012 letter
Happy Grandparents Day! Sorry I am a day late, but I want you to know, I hope you had a great (fake) holiday! :) Love you both.
This week has been pretty crazy, but it has been pretty good. I will give you a little brief overview on the week. Sorry, there never seems to be enough time in the day. The ward is taking such great care of Sister Thayer and I. They are feeding us like crazy and they want me, I think I talked about this last week, to go in to a natural doctor for a vega-test. It will let me know if I am allergic to anything. Still waiting to hear back from the mission office.
We have had few lessons, but they have been great. I am excited to see how they turn out. Things are going well for the area, and I am learning a lot about myself. I know what it was talking about in Ether 12:27. Weaknesses are coming out, weaknesses I didn't even know I had. My job is to work on turning them into strengths.
Sorry this week is a lame letter. I will send a better one next week, hopefully along with a hand-written letter. Sorry it has been a while mom.
Love you all. Give the kids a hug for me next time you see them.
Read 1 Samuel 17. I love the story of David and Goliath. We all have our Goliaths we need to face.
Sister Saal
This week has been pretty crazy, but it has been pretty good. I will give you a little brief overview on the week. Sorry, there never seems to be enough time in the day. The ward is taking such great care of Sister Thayer and I. They are feeding us like crazy and they want me, I think I talked about this last week, to go in to a natural doctor for a vega-test. It will let me know if I am allergic to anything. Still waiting to hear back from the mission office.
We have had few lessons, but they have been great. I am excited to see how they turn out. Things are going well for the area, and I am learning a lot about myself. I know what it was talking about in Ether 12:27. Weaknesses are coming out, weaknesses I didn't even know I had. My job is to work on turning them into strengths.
Sorry this week is a lame letter. I will send a better one next week, hopefully along with a hand-written letter. Sorry it has been a while mom.
Love you all. Give the kids a hug for me next time you see them.
Read 1 Samuel 17. I love the story of David and Goliath. We all have our Goliaths we need to face.
Sister Saal
September 3, 2012 letter
Hello family!
Yesterday was Labour Day and so the library was closed. I am thankful for that because I was able to rest a lot yesterday.
This past week was pretty rough. We were inside most of the time due to Sister Saal being sick. That is right. The antibiotic they put me on for my sinus infection made me sick to my stomach and I threw up a few times. Not a pretty sight. The ward here is so great and Sister Thayer took good care of me! I slept a lot and she was able to do some extra studies!
While I was able to sleep/ rest, I was able to learn a lot about me. One major thing I learned while being sick is how much the Lord really loves me. Last Sunday we had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting. Sister Thayer did amazing on her talk on the Power of Scriptures. I was humbled by my topic. It was an address given in the October 2011 General Conference entitled, 'You Matter to Him' by President Uchtdorf! I love that talk simply because it talks about how much God really does know and love us. I feel small at times. I feel SO inadequate. I feel like I won't make a difference. However, that is how Satan wants us to feel. He wants us to feel alone, and small, and worthless. And yet, Heavenly Father loves us so much! He feels our sorrows. He knows our pains. He loves us perfectly. He has created worlds without ends, and He wants to hear from me. I am one in trillions, and yet I matter to Him. How true that is. How strongly I have come to see that. I love that talk! I am so thankful for the tender mercy in being assigned to speak on it. It was an amazing learning experience for me and for that, I am so thankful.
Another thing I have been working on is applying the scriptures to myself. A friend wrote and told me about the experiences he had. I have really thought about that. I try to apply my name in the scriptures, but I never would have thought about putting myself in the shoes of a Roman Solider, or Judas. It is amazing how much we can learn if we really apply the scriptures to our life.
I love receiving letters from people, and I sent out a bunch yesterday. Sorry mom and dad, next week I will send a hand written letter. I had so many I had to catch up on, and I am still trying to play catch up. I love you family. I am thankful for your love and support. I am thankful for all you do.
Sister Saal!
Read 2 Nephi 24:3! One of my faves!
Yesterday was Labour Day and so the library was closed. I am thankful for that because I was able to rest a lot yesterday.
This past week was pretty rough. We were inside most of the time due to Sister Saal being sick. That is right. The antibiotic they put me on for my sinus infection made me sick to my stomach and I threw up a few times. Not a pretty sight. The ward here is so great and Sister Thayer took good care of me! I slept a lot and she was able to do some extra studies!
While I was able to sleep/ rest, I was able to learn a lot about me. One major thing I learned while being sick is how much the Lord really loves me. Last Sunday we had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting. Sister Thayer did amazing on her talk on the Power of Scriptures. I was humbled by my topic. It was an address given in the October 2011 General Conference entitled, 'You Matter to Him' by President Uchtdorf! I love that talk simply because it talks about how much God really does know and love us. I feel small at times. I feel SO inadequate. I feel like I won't make a difference. However, that is how Satan wants us to feel. He wants us to feel alone, and small, and worthless. And yet, Heavenly Father loves us so much! He feels our sorrows. He knows our pains. He loves us perfectly. He has created worlds without ends, and He wants to hear from me. I am one in trillions, and yet I matter to Him. How true that is. How strongly I have come to see that. I love that talk! I am so thankful for the tender mercy in being assigned to speak on it. It was an amazing learning experience for me and for that, I am so thankful.
Another thing I have been working on is applying the scriptures to myself. A friend wrote and told me about the experiences he had. I have really thought about that. I try to apply my name in the scriptures, but I never would have thought about putting myself in the shoes of a Roman Solider, or Judas. It is amazing how much we can learn if we really apply the scriptures to our life.
I love receiving letters from people, and I sent out a bunch yesterday. Sorry mom and dad, next week I will send a hand written letter. I had so many I had to catch up on, and I am still trying to play catch up. I love you family. I am thankful for your love and support. I am thankful for all you do.
Sister Saal!
Read 2 Nephi 24:3! One of my faves!
August 27, 2012 letter
Hello family! (and friends)
It is a beautiful Monday here on the Island! I hope things are going well for you down in Utah. How is the weather? It has been nice here.
The biggest news that I have to share at this time - I went to the small town of Port McNeill on Wednesday to do an exchange with the North Island sisters. Honestly, it is a small town, 3,500 people-maybe? It is at the top of the Island and it is basically already winter there. It is so beautiful though! They have the World's Largest Tree Cancer! I took a picture. I will try and send some pictures when I can. It really is amazing here.
Anyway, we had a very amazing experience in Port McNeill. We had a lesson with a potential investigator. She is so amazing. She has been through a lot, but she has so much faith. We gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon to read and she said she would love to read it. The Book of Mormon changes people's lives. I am so thankful to be a part of that.
We found two new investigators this week, with the potential of like 5 more this. Keep this area in your prayers.
Sorry, I don't really have a lot at this moment. I am sick, again! YAY! Sinus infection came back and I went to the doctor's last Monday. Well, the medication is really not liking my stomach so I get to go back! Perfect right?! I will let you know how things go. One of these days I am just going to ignore the doctors and do what I think is best. Sister Tilleman doesn't think that is a good idea.
I love you all family so much. I am so thankful for your prayers and for your love. I hope things go well for you this week. And enjoy the time with the grand babies. Give them a hug and kiss for me. Don't let them forget me.
Love you.
Sister Saal
you should read: Alma 34! Great chapter.
It is a beautiful Monday here on the Island! I hope things are going well for you down in Utah. How is the weather? It has been nice here.
The biggest news that I have to share at this time - I went to the small town of Port McNeill on Wednesday to do an exchange with the North Island sisters. Honestly, it is a small town, 3,500 people-maybe? It is at the top of the Island and it is basically already winter there. It is so beautiful though! They have the World's Largest Tree Cancer! I took a picture. I will try and send some pictures when I can. It really is amazing here.
Anyway, we had a very amazing experience in Port McNeill. We had a lesson with a potential investigator. She is so amazing. She has been through a lot, but she has so much faith. We gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon to read and she said she would love to read it. The Book of Mormon changes people's lives. I am so thankful to be a part of that.
We found two new investigators this week, with the potential of like 5 more this. Keep this area in your prayers.
Sorry, I don't really have a lot at this moment. I am sick, again! YAY! Sinus infection came back and I went to the doctor's last Monday. Well, the medication is really not liking my stomach so I get to go back! Perfect right?! I will let you know how things go. One of these days I am just going to ignore the doctors and do what I think is best. Sister Tilleman doesn't think that is a good idea.
I love you all family so much. I am so thankful for your prayers and for your love. I hope things go well for you this week. And enjoy the time with the grand babies. Give them a hug and kiss for me. Don't let them forget me.
Love you.
Sister Saal
you should read: Alma 34! Great chapter.
Monday, August 20, 2012
August 20, 2012
Both Sister Saal and her companion stayed in Courtenay!!
This week has been good. Sorry it won't be very long. We had a baptism yesterday. A 10 year old boy was baptized and it was an amazing thing to be a part of. I am grateful for that chance to be a part of it. We have seen many miracles in the past week. Mostly meeting a lot of new people who are interested in the church. It is great.
I have to go to a doctor again. Lo and behold, my sinus infection came back. Awesome! So much fun hey?
Hey, do you remember that book, something about the Voyager? It has a lot of cool pictures. It was by James Christiansen. Hopefully you do. Megan loved that book. Well, we met someone up here who loves him. She has his artwork all over. Lo and behold, Sister Thayer knows him and it made an instant connection. She gave us some homemade organic soap to help with my eczema. A lot of people up here are really into being green and going organic. Has that happened in the states yet?
We are going to have a sisters conference with all the sisters in the mission in September. It is going to be amazing and I cannot wait.
Sorry, I have to go. Love you all so very much!
Sister Saal :)
Read and pray!
Read the introduction to the Book of Mormon. It is great.
This week has been good. Sorry it won't be very long. We had a baptism yesterday. A 10 year old boy was baptized and it was an amazing thing to be a part of. I am grateful for that chance to be a part of it. We have seen many miracles in the past week. Mostly meeting a lot of new people who are interested in the church. It is great.
I have to go to a doctor again. Lo and behold, my sinus infection came back. Awesome! So much fun hey?
Hey, do you remember that book, something about the Voyager? It has a lot of cool pictures. It was by James Christiansen. Hopefully you do. Megan loved that book. Well, we met someone up here who loves him. She has his artwork all over. Lo and behold, Sister Thayer knows him and it made an instant connection. She gave us some homemade organic soap to help with my eczema. A lot of people up here are really into being green and going organic. Has that happened in the states yet?
We are going to have a sisters conference with all the sisters in the mission in September. It is going to be amazing and I cannot wait.
Sorry, I have to go. Love you all so very much!
Sister Saal :)
Read and pray!
Read the introduction to the Book of Mormon. It is great.
August 13, 2012
Just letting you know, my letter will be pretty boring this week!
Happy Birthday papa! I hope your day was super awesome old man! Just kidding, you are not old. But really, happy birthday. I hope mom made you a cake or something. Eat a piece for me. :)
Things here are good. That was so kind of Sister Thayer (she wrote a letter to us telling us how wonderful Sister Saal is). I had no idea she sent you a letter. She is great. She is from Provo/Orem/St. George. Her family moved a round a bit. She wants to do fashion design, so she is super stylish. Makes me a little jealous, but as long as my mommy thinks I am special. I keep forgetting my cord or else I would email you pictures. I will remember one of these days.
Well, today we get our transfer calls. And thanks to the Elders, it will probably be at like 10:20 tonight if we get one. We find out if one is leaving, if both are, or if we both are staying. We have a feeling we will be staying, but we never know. It is a surprise. It is kind of exciting to find out what is going to happen.
That is fun to hear about your trip. I miss backpacking and camping. I think when I get home I am going to go out in the woods somewhere for like a week! No cell phone, no computer, no traffic. Just good ol' mother nature.
Courtenay is going well. We had a little slower week than we wanted. People used their free agency to cancel appointments. Frustrating, but I think Heavenly Father is just trying to teach me something.
Biggest news, I don't remember how much I said in my last email, but we have a baptism on Sunday. It is a 10 year old boy. His mom, his grandpa, and his sister are all less active. The mom and sister have been coming back with him. He is so excited for Sunday, and it is going to be a great day. I know this, because Satan has been working extra hard on making sure things don't work out. However, we have faith to move mountains.
Sorry I don't have more to share. I hope this letter finds you well. Sorry about the water main (we had a water problem at home). That is not fun. At least you have uncle Pat. Make sure he doesn't do anything to harmful though.
Give the kids a hug and kiss for me!
Love you all.
Sorry, not feeling well today. Letter will be better next week.
Sister Saal.
p.s. I hope you get the card I sent papa.
Happy Birthday papa! I hope your day was super awesome old man! Just kidding, you are not old. But really, happy birthday. I hope mom made you a cake or something. Eat a piece for me. :)
Things here are good. That was so kind of Sister Thayer (she wrote a letter to us telling us how wonderful Sister Saal is). I had no idea she sent you a letter. She is great. She is from Provo/Orem/St. George. Her family moved a round a bit. She wants to do fashion design, so she is super stylish. Makes me a little jealous, but as long as my mommy thinks I am special. I keep forgetting my cord or else I would email you pictures. I will remember one of these days.
Well, today we get our transfer calls. And thanks to the Elders, it will probably be at like 10:20 tonight if we get one. We find out if one is leaving, if both are, or if we both are staying. We have a feeling we will be staying, but we never know. It is a surprise. It is kind of exciting to find out what is going to happen.
That is fun to hear about your trip. I miss backpacking and camping. I think when I get home I am going to go out in the woods somewhere for like a week! No cell phone, no computer, no traffic. Just good ol' mother nature.
Courtenay is going well. We had a little slower week than we wanted. People used their free agency to cancel appointments. Frustrating, but I think Heavenly Father is just trying to teach me something.
Biggest news, I don't remember how much I said in my last email, but we have a baptism on Sunday. It is a 10 year old boy. His mom, his grandpa, and his sister are all less active. The mom and sister have been coming back with him. He is so excited for Sunday, and it is going to be a great day. I know this, because Satan has been working extra hard on making sure things don't work out. However, we have faith to move mountains.
Sorry I don't have more to share. I hope this letter finds you well. Sorry about the water main (we had a water problem at home). That is not fun. At least you have uncle Pat. Make sure he doesn't do anything to harmful though.
Give the kids a hug and kiss for me!
Love you all.
Sorry, not feeling well today. Letter will be better next week.
Sister Saal.
p.s. I hope you get the card I sent papa.
August 7, 2012
Hello Family!
I was a little worried that you would be worried about me, but you won't even get this for a while. We were unable to email yesterday because of BC days! They have a lot of random but awesome holidays up here. I hope you have fun on your trip. I am a little jealous, but I think I am having a better time that you. :)
Courtenay is amazing! It is getting pretty warm and humid out there, but it is so good! I love the beauty, and boy is it beautiful! The mountains on one side, the ocean on the other. It is so green and it is simply amazing. I don't know how else to explain it, so I figure I would just get you really jealous of the wonderful place I am in.
We are seeing miracles here! We really are. We had an amazing almost lesson last night with a potential investigator and her husband. The Spirit was there and they are defiantly being prepared by the Lord. It was such a touching experience to see their hearts pricked as Sister Thayer and I bore our testimonies. Long story short, they want to meet with us again. Even though the husband was saying he wouldn't be here, his tone was telling us he would. It gets me motivated and excited to be in this part of the Lord's vineyard.
6 months ago tomorrow I was entering the MTC. It is incredible how time is flying. On Monday we will receive transfer calls. It is interesting to think that I have been in Courtenay for almost 6 weeks. It seems like nothing. It seems like only yesterday I was on the ferry headed back for the Island. I don't even want to think about how fast it will head from here. I am not ready to be done yet! Good thing I still have a year!! Ha ha!
I think you may have been gone before he dropped it off, but a friend of my bishop here lives in Farmington. He is in the Farmington South Stake, but he said he would drop some stuff off for me. Thankfully, I don't have to ship it home. I wish I knew their last names, but it is Bob and Marilyn.
I have been trying to take more pictures, but time gets away from me. I am sorry. I really need to send some out.
I hope work is going well. Miss the grand babies yet? Yeah, me too.
Sorry I have to get going! I sure do love and miss each one of you. Please write me! Tell my friends to write me!
Love you all.
Sister Saal
John 16:33!!!
I was a little worried that you would be worried about me, but you won't even get this for a while. We were unable to email yesterday because of BC days! They have a lot of random but awesome holidays up here. I hope you have fun on your trip. I am a little jealous, but I think I am having a better time that you. :)
Courtenay is amazing! It is getting pretty warm and humid out there, but it is so good! I love the beauty, and boy is it beautiful! The mountains on one side, the ocean on the other. It is so green and it is simply amazing. I don't know how else to explain it, so I figure I would just get you really jealous of the wonderful place I am in.
We are seeing miracles here! We really are. We had an amazing almost lesson last night with a potential investigator and her husband. The Spirit was there and they are defiantly being prepared by the Lord. It was such a touching experience to see their hearts pricked as Sister Thayer and I bore our testimonies. Long story short, they want to meet with us again. Even though the husband was saying he wouldn't be here, his tone was telling us he would. It gets me motivated and excited to be in this part of the Lord's vineyard.
6 months ago tomorrow I was entering the MTC. It is incredible how time is flying. On Monday we will receive transfer calls. It is interesting to think that I have been in Courtenay for almost 6 weeks. It seems like nothing. It seems like only yesterday I was on the ferry headed back for the Island. I don't even want to think about how fast it will head from here. I am not ready to be done yet! Good thing I still have a year!! Ha ha!
I think you may have been gone before he dropped it off, but a friend of my bishop here lives in Farmington. He is in the Farmington South Stake, but he said he would drop some stuff off for me. Thankfully, I don't have to ship it home. I wish I knew their last names, but it is Bob and Marilyn.
I have been trying to take more pictures, but time gets away from me. I am sorry. I really need to send some out.
I hope work is going well. Miss the grand babies yet? Yeah, me too.
Sorry I have to get going! I sure do love and miss each one of you. Please write me! Tell my friends to write me!
Love you all.
Sister Saal
John 16:33!!!
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