Mission Days

The District

Frog Legs..mmmmm

Baptism Yay!!

Say Hello to my little friend!!

EEEK!!

Beautiful Shiloh, Illinois

Obedience Brings Blessings

Hello family and friends,

So some crazy things have been in the works out here in the mission field. I have had to really study obedience and leadership this past week. I have really come to appreciate GOOD men who have humbled themselves to lead us and guide us in the ways of truth and righteousness. It is a blessing to have so many good men in the church. It is a blessing to be able to look upon our prophet, and apostles, and other leaders, and say I know that their decisions are led by God. And that the decisions and rules they are creating are going to help me, although I may not always understand HOW at the time, I know that blessings will follow as I am obedient. And that does not mean DO NOT question things, it means question everything, but also look at all the facts and turn to the one who knows us and our leaders the best in mighty prayer.

But this past week has been super fun. It FLEW by I cannot believe we are on week 4 of the transfer already. Time is slipping through my fingers. I got to make this count every day! Well on Wednesday there was a crazy storm that all the sudden came up in our business as we were walking all around Lebanon. We had planned to go visit a former investigator, but God had different plans for us. Right? So it starts down pouring and we ran into the library where we have been so many times, but this time the librarian is a different woman, different woman means a different opportunity to share the gospel, right? So we start talking about the weather and how fast it changes out here, and we let her know we are not from around here. And we let her know where we are from. Woah lo and behold she had lived in Provo for YEARS before she moved out here. So we got talking about how much she admired the Mormons and things like that. We spoke about the gospel, and although she was not interested in taking the lessons she knows we are there for her if she has questions, and its another good encounter with the church. For some people it takes longer than others.

Then we decide we should head out and brave the storm because we had an appointment to get to. But then a man stopped us and told us to come up on his porch so we don't get soaked! So why not, Its not that often someone gives you an offer like that as a missionary haha so we take it and we start talking to him about life and the crazy storms, and all the things he has seen in his life. He has has a VERY interesting life indeed. He loves storms and is on the county weather watch. Super nice guy, and although he didn't want to hear our message we made a friend! Crazier story is that he saw the Elders in there area and talked to them about how nice we were. God is working something there, so we will stop by to give him a thank you and some cookies or something. Then he will just be like "these people are to nice, okay I gotta know what makes them different" and then we will tell him about the restoration. That is the way my brain works these days ladies and gents. God does not allow people to cross our paths for no good reason at all. So my goal is to take advantage of those opportunities, sometimes I fail at it, but when I actually open my mouth and love them like the Savior does, Miracles happen, even if they don't accept the message. I come away from the encounter happier than I have ever been. It's a HUGE miracle.

Well I am so blessed to be serving in the Shiloh Ward. These members out here just get member missionary work, I mean there is always room to improve, especially with me. But they are so amazing at coming to the rescue when situations seem dire. Cierra has had some concerns with the temple lately. And when it seemed like she didn't know if she should continue on this path she has started for herself, the ward was right there to help her feel like this is right where she belongs. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives, I have witnessed it first hand out here. I know as it is lived that we begin to see others as children of our Father in Heaven and desire that they come unto Christ and be perfected in him. That is what the members of this ward have come to understand they desire to bring the joy they have found to others. Many of our members out here are converts to the church and it is one of the most incredible experiences to see someone who has been a member for 5 years or 45 years bear testimony of the truthfulness of the things they have come to know. Members really are the key to missionary work. I am so blessed to be a missionary at this time, when I feel like it is so stressed these days that EVERY member of this church is and should be a missionary!

I love you all and hope you have a good week. Keep being an example, but this week go the extra mile to share a brief testimony of the things you have come to know. It doesn't have to be a huge big deal. It could be as simple as just letting someone know that Heavenly Father cares for them deeply, and knows exactly what they are going through. BEAR WITNESS! I promise you that if you do your days and weeks will become so much more fulfilling and you will gain a perfect brightness of hope that cannot be extinguished, even "if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee".

Quote of the week, because I have been compared to a salesman and asked what I am selling countless times:

"Our missionaries are not salesman, with wares to peddle; rather, they are servants of the Most High God, with a testimony to bear, truth to teach and souls to save."

-Thomas S. Monson-

I love you more than you know, and pray for God to give you the courage to share the messianic message that we are all called to bear. Be safe, and be wise in all that you do!

Always remember who you are and who you are destined to become.

Love Always,
Sister Haderlie

                       Cardinal cookies!

                We used bags as umbrella's

   We decorated the Elder's door! 

Be of Good Cheer- Monday, September 8, 2014

Hello Family and Friends,

This past week has flown by! I cannot even think where the time went. Sister Reed and I are having a blast here in Shiloh, IL. It is such a blessing to have a companion who I can get along with so well. And she laughs at all my not so funny remarks, and the weird strange things I do.....no comment. I hope that you all had a good week! Any tornado warnings in Utah, California?  How about Paris, or New Zealand? Eh? The weather has been SO NICE these past few days. Oh man fall is in the air, my all time, hands down, favorite time of year has to be fall! There is no better season. The only bad thing about fall is that you know winter is right around the corner.

So this past week Sister Reed and I got to teach the lesson in young women's it was on language and how the things we say effect us and those around us. It was a reminder to me and a blessing to teach it. I feel like the youth these days just have a greater more unique and special spirit about them! It amazes me how much they understand. But one part that I particularly enjoyed was a talk by Elder Holland, he is the master of speaking. I LOVE HOLLAND! He said this specifically to the women of the church, and women everywhere:

"How is it that such a lovely voice which by divine nature is so angelic, so close to the veil, so instinctively gentle and inherently kind could ever in a turn be so shrill, sobiting, so acrid and untamed? A woman’s words can be more piercing than any dagger ever forged, and they can drive the people they love to retreat beyond a barrier more distant than anyone in the beginning ofthat exchange could ever have imagined. Sisters, there is no place in that magnificent spirit of yours for acerbic or abrasive expression of any kind,including gossip or backbiting or catty remarks."

How true is that!? God did not create such amazing beautiful creations to have them slander one another, and have horrible things proceed from their mouths. Why would he want that? That is not our destiny, that is not our divine inheritance. Cheap, vulgar, and low is not what God intends us to become here on earth. HUGE REMINDER to me.

He then gives a quote which I loved by Elder Orson F. Whitney: “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.”  We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer.” 7  (Indeed,it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, “Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow.”

First off, I apologize for murmuring, complaining, and looking on the dark side my dear family who and friends who have put up with me for the past 19 years. I cannot say that I have changed completely, but this talk and lesson really opened my eyes. Well it also blew my mind to think that it is a COMMANDMENT from the Lord to "be of good cheer" (D&C 61:36), a literal commandment, I have never thought of that. I have broken that commandment so many times, even on my mission! It blew my mind to think that God NEEDS me to be of good cheer and remember that good things are to come. 

I love this quote:

"Some blessing come now, some come late, and some don't come until Heaven, but for those who embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ, They come"

Be of GOOD CHEER. We are promised by an Apostle of God that good things are always to come. We know that to be true as His disciples. Keep moving forward with a perfect brightness of hope. This life is truly a time to prepare to meet God. So while we are here we must make the most of it, we must try to perfect ourselves each day. We cannot become perfect all at once, it comes overtime. And there will be days, months, and even years when we will mess up. That is why Jesus Christ performed the atonement for us. That is why we have a Heavenly Father who loves us infinitely and will not ever turn His back to us. He is there for us when we need Him. During the happy moments, and even in our darkest hours.

Our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ truly cannot and will not "leave us comfortless" they "will come to us". Whether that be through the Holy Ghost, or through another one of His Children here on earth, we will have that comfort from Him that we are promised. What a blessing to KNOW all of that. What a blessing to have the fullness of the Gospel in each of our lives. Never forget you hold in your hands the happiness of more people than you could ever imagine. Stay true to it, it is a pearl of great price. There is nothing more beautiful than the knowledge of the restored gospel. 

My prayer is that all of you can remember who you are and who you can become in and through the Savior, and the knowledge that God has given each of you. Let the knowledge that you are sons and daughters of God change the world. If we truly understood who we are, there would be no room to complain, criticize, diminish, or not be of good cheer. 

I love you all so much!

Love always,

Sister Haderlie

Week One Down - Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Hello Family and friends,

Week one of the transfer is down and done with. I feel like its only smooth sailin' from here on out for the next 3 months. Just kidding I know there is going to be bumps in the road, if there weren't those bumps then I would worry that this was not the true word of God that I am doing!

Cierra was baptized this past week! It finally happened. It was such a spiritual experience. I felt so overwhelmingly happy to have taken part in someones conversion process. You never really think that it is going to happen, someone calling you THEIR missionaries, and when it does it still feels unreal. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to teach her, and continue to teach Cierra. She is a strong daughter of God who has overcome so much to follow God's will and plan for her. She is a huge blessing to this church and to my life, and my conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Well my new companions name is Sister Reed, She is from Colorado Springs, CO. She is such a blessing to this area. We have witnessed so many miracles in not even a full week yet. I see good things in store for the next couple of months. It is so crazy how fast time flies in the mission field. I saw Sister Sims at transfers, She was also training, so we were nervous wrecks together, but we were both commenting on how it feels like just yesterday we were being trained by Sister Martinez in Washington, MO. But then again it feels like ages ago. I can't believe when I am doing training Sister Reed I will have been out 9 months. That seems so insane. I can't even think about it....But what a blessing it is to train! She has brought a new fire into this area, the greenie fire! I love it. I have a greater desire to open my mouth and speak to everyone that I see. And I have found more confidence in sharing our message with everyone. I think God has really blessed me and helped me step up to the plate. The statement "whom the Lord calls, He qualifies" has never meant more to me in my life than now. What a blessing! The Lord will help us in our callings, especially when we feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities. The Lord truly will help us in our callings, especially when we feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities. I am sure all of you have witnessed this before.

What a blessing it is to know that everything we are called to do in this church, and even in our lives, if we are truly living the gospel of Jesus Christ, is from God. He does not give us anything we cannot handle, and he gives us the greatest tools here on earth to help us. As long as we are worthy and obedient we are promised God's help in all that we do. Even in the little things.

Well sorry this one is short today. But I love you all so much. You are all a huge blessing to me! I am very grateful for all the love and support I receive from you. Thank you for the many prayers and thoughts. I love you.

Love,

Sister Haderlie

Another transfer come and gone - Monday, August 25, 2014

Hello family and friends,

I cannot believe another transfer has come and gone so fast. It feels like I just got to Shiloh yesterday and I was meeting Sister Gadi- but alas the time has gone for her to move on. Transfer calls were Saturday evening....Sister Gadi will be serving in Eureka, MO, which as luck would have it is in the same district as Washington, MO. My baby area! So I know exactly where she will be serving. I am excited for her. She is an amazing missionary with so much faith. It was an honor serving around her!

It is so crazy how many people you meet out here on the mission, people that change your life forever in just 6 weeks. God really does have a funny way of helping us to grow and change. This transfer has brought a ton of fun. And so many spiritual experiences as well. Cierra was not baptized this past Saturday because her son broke his foot and it was just a crazy weekend! So she is for sure being baptized this Saturday Aug. 30. NOTHING WILL STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING. It will be good, hopefully Sister Gadi should be able to come back.

This past week has been a miracle for sure. We thought everything was fine with Cierra for the most part, we had planned to have her baptism and just had to wait a week....Unfortunately that's not how Satan works. We find out Thursday that Cierra's family is no longer supportive of her decision to be baptized. She then started stressing out because she said she has never done anything in her life that her family has not supported her with. So she really thought this was the end of it, we asked her how sure she wanted to be baptized....and she said at this point it was a 50/50. Surprisingly Sister Gadi and I didn't have any crazy scary feelings, we both felt that it was all going to work out. We told Cierra that as well. I also shared the story of Grandma Burrell not having any support from her family when she was baptized. I bore my testimony that once you find something so important and something so special, she was willing to give up anything. She had truly found the "pearl of great price". I told Cierra that that is what she had found, and that the decision my Grandmother made back then has affected generations to come. If she would have backed out at the last minute, I would not be here today. I was full of gratitude at that moment to all my ancestors who have stuck to what they knew to be true, so that I could be here today on my mission sharing that priceless message of hope and peace with others. I am full of gratitude to you all for being an influence of good in my life.

I have witnessed so many miracles this transfer. Many of them having to do with Cierra. She is so ready for the gospel in her life. She has changed everything to become a member of God's church. There is nothing that has ever brought me more happiness than to be out here and teach people that peace, happiness, and the pure love of Christ can be found while here on earth. God does have one church where He has restored everything that He needs us to have while here on earth! He has given us the tools to be able to make it back to Him, with our families for time and all eternity.

Well we woke up Friday morning not sure what would really happen with Cierra, but not worried, because God has worked so many miracles in her life. And for some reason she always listens to the still small promptings of the Holy Ghost. We start going about our regular missionary day. And at 10:30 we receive a text from Cierra that said:

"This morning I seriously woke up, extremely excited and not weary and just ready! IDK what happened, but I feel like I was holding my breath and finally exhaled, its amazing I feel like if I'm wrong I don't wanna be right! I'm ready."

Sister Gadi and I literally started jumping and dancing for joy. We had a little dance party, because it was the most miraculous thing ever. She was so stressed out the last time we saw her, but that text was just what we trusted would happen. God works with us if we allow Him too. Cierra has built my testimony upon that principle more than anything. She understands the will of God more than anyone I have ever met. And although Satan tries so hard on her to make her falter and fall, she does not. She understands her divine worth. She said she has found a new confidence that she never had before. The gospel of Jesus Christ does change lives. It is a huge blessing.

I am so blessed to be a part of this work and to witness so many miracles each day. I love this. There is nothing on earth I would rather be doing than this work.

Love you all so much.

Love,
Sister Izzy Haderlie

P.S. I am pregnant. aka I AM GONNA BE TRAINING A NEW MISSIONARY HERE IN SHILOH!! WELCOME TO THE MISSION BABY GIRL!

6 months came and went- Monday, August 18, 2014

Hello family and friends,

Can you believe I have been out months already. Where did the time go? It feels so unreal to be out here living the dream of mission life. I am so blessed everyday to wear this nametag and represent our Savior Jesus Christ. Wow. I have one year left and you better believe I am going to make the best of it....even though it still feels like I am being trained. haha. Well Cierra's baptism is happening this Saturday August 23. We had to postpone it due to some unseen complications. We are so excited for her. She is the most commited person I have ever met in my life. She understands that this is a change, and she has changed literally her whole lifestyle to become a member of this Church. She has come so far and overcome so much. I told her the other day that she as in all reality overcome the world. I have never known what that statement has meant until now. Satan has thrown a lot at her, but she stood strong through it all.

Well this week has had a lot of ups and downs as a missionary. We went on exchanges Friday night....the night before Cierra's baptism when we had to make some pretty big decisions with her and as a companionship, but guess what I was the only one here who could make those decisions because Sister Gadi was away in a different area. I was stressing, but it turned out to be a huge blessing because Sister Calton, our Sister training leader, brought me so much comfort. I know that God planned for that exchange to happen. It was inspiration for sure. What a huge blessing.

Sorry this email is so quick, but we are heading over to the Zoo today at 1:00 so I have to get going. Just so you all know I am safe even with all the crazy things happening in Ferguson, MO. This is from Pres. Morgan: "we are taking measures to stay far away from any of the unrest they are seeing on National news." So don't sweat a bit! God will watch out for those who are in His service and trying to do His work.

Quote of the week;

"Let us be of good cheer as we go about our lives. Although we live in increasingly perilous times, the lord loves us and is mindful of us. He is always on our side as we do what is reght. He will help us in time of need."
-Thomas S. Monson-

P.S. Transfers are coming up this next week.

Love you all so much!

Sister Haderlie

Wait this is the MIRACLE!

I almost forgot the best part of the week. So Cierra really was not wanting to do her baptismal interview. But we bore testimony to her Sunday night that that is what needed to happen in God's church. We asked her if we could set it up for her to get a blessing Monday night from Elder Bright. She agreed to do that. President Hair is President Morgans first counselor and needed to interview her, turns out the Elders had dinner with the Hair's right before they were supposed to come give Cierra a blessing. So President Hair being the inspired man he is brought them to the church, and stayed for the blessing. After Elder Bright was done with the blessing Cierra knew that God had spoken to her directly in the blessing. She felt so much peace and love. And we spoke to her and she said she was ready for her interview. God works amazing miracles through his Priesthood holders here on earth! I was so grateful to have worthy priesthood holders who could be there for God when he needed to speak to His Daughter Cierra. I love this gospel. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's kingdom here on earth. There is no doubt in my mind that that statement is true.

The week of miracles!

Malo Lelei family and friends!

I hope all is well where you are at. Everyone looks good from the pictures and the emails! I love you guys so much. It is so fun to see how life just goes on for everyone all over the world! So many miracles happen each day in everyone of our lives. Heavenly Father loves us each so much.

Sister Gadi and I have witnessed so many amazing miracles this past week! We met with Cierra everyday the entire week. We taught her the commandments, which are always something that you are scared to teach, because at that point we really are asking them to change their ENTIRE way of life. The things we teach not to do, are the things the world teaches us we can do, and not only that, but we SHOULD do. We taught her the Word of Wisdom, and she LOVES sweet tea, but she immediately said, "well I guess that's the end of that!" She committed to live the word of wisdom even before we asked her too! She is incredible. She is so stalwart in all that she does. She knows that she wants to be baptized more than anything else in the world. She knows she needs to be baptized. She sincerely wants to change. She is so ready. 

Although there was so much good this week, I feel like Satan was there working right alongside her while we, and God, were working with her. Its seriously insane! Right after we taught the law of chastity she said she would live it because she knows that it is important and from God, even if she doesn't completely understand why yet. That same evening after one of the most spiritual lessons of my life with her, she texted us with so many crazy concerns. She said she randomly ran into a previous member of the church who had her records removed and she told her to be cautious and then told her so many things that scared Cierra so much! We were right there for her each step of the way though. I know Satan was so upset this past week. Every time he would throw a curve ball at us we would hit it right out of the park! It was so insane. I answered questions that I didn't even know the answers to myself. Sister Gadi said things that were so profound. Cierra is on track. If she could withstand this week, she can withstand anything!

Cierra also had a questions/concern about temples, but we bore strong testimony of the work that happens in them. She said she wanted to be around one to see how she would feel. HA! Of course she is going to feel amazing. It's Heavenly Father's house here on earth! So we jumped on that so fast. We had to get it approved through the Assistants to the President. So we hurried and called the District Leader, and luckily he was on exchanges with the Zone Leader so they called the AP's and it was all approved within one hour......That is seriously unheard of, it usually takes days to hear back about things getting approved. It was definitely God working there. He needed His daughter Cierra to see how amazing a temple really is. As we were there she said she felt so much peace and joy. She also asked about tithing so we had a lesson on that......guess what she said...."that makes so much sense. okay I will do that". She is what you can call a Golden Investigator for sure. I seriously just sit back and watch her and God work together! Its the most humbling experience ever. I am so blessed.

Sorry this one is so short, but we have a Zone P-day we have to get going to. I love you all so much!

Keep up the amazing work! And good luck with school starting up and everything. Remember to keep your priorities straight. God is the one who has blessed you with the brain the least we owe Him is to study good things and always remember who we are and where we came from!

Love,
Sister Haderlie

Mormon Night with the St. Louis Cardinals

He is a God of Miracles

Hello Family and friends!

You all sound so great! I forget it is summer, but am reminded each time I open my email on Monday and there are pictures of you in different states! I should start playing the guessing game for which state you will be in next. The months just kind of blur together out here and your life becomes consumed by teaching finding teaching eating sleeping studying and finding. I make it sound so fun right? But the even crazier part is that it IS so much fun! Now that's the true blessing. I love it so much. I have been so full of gratitude to my Heavenly Father lately. I was able to attend Ashley's baptism this past Saturday in good old Washington, MO. I am still in awe that God cares for each of us as individuals he doesn't just generally know what a group of people might feel. He knows how you as Victoria, Dorinda, Annelise, or Todd feel. He feels what you are going through, he knows what you want more than anything, and what's crazier is he desires to give it all to you more than anything. He loves us, and He will continue to love us always.

I am grateful to God for letting me take part in Ashley's conversion. She was so ready even before we started teaching her. She let God work in her life, she humbled herself to receive answers long before the missionaries met her. She is incredible. She was more than ready to make the sacred covenant of baptism. I am so blessed to know her. Its hard for me to explain in words how I feel...I don't always have a hard time doing that. But I just feel so humbled this past weekend. I have been reflecting a lot about how sacred this life really is, and how precious we really are. We are designed as unique individuals with special talents to bless the lives of other unique individuals with talents that bless us. Its a never ending circle of helping and blessings that Heavenly Father has created us for. It is so important for us to understand our divine potential and that Heavenly Father has a purpose for each of us that we can only do in this lifetime. I know that I was meant to meet Ashley in this lifetime. I know that God had a large amount of events happen in her and my lifetime so that we could cross paths. It sounds strange. But I have been thinking about the set of events that I have witnessed while just being out here...the set of events that happened to lead Ashley to the waters of Baptism. Its so special to see God working in people lives and in our own lives, and literally just sitting back (most of the time afterward) and watching miracles unfold, or noticing the miracles that did unfold.

A section from "Our Heritage" that has been in my mind constantly this past week is this:

"It is the story of men and women from all walks of life who sought for the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and, upon finding it, were willing to pay the price of becoming the Savior’s disciples. These stalwart Saints pressed on through sufferings and hardships, witnessing even in their darkest hours of the goodness of God and the joy of his love. They have left a legacy of faith, courage, obedience, and sacrifice."

It reminded me of Ashley definitely, but as I have thought more an more about it, it reminds me of each of us. We all have at one time or another paid some price to become the Savior's disciple. We have all pressed on through suffering and hardships. We have witnessed to God and the world that we will not give up even when times get hard, we have shown the world that through the cleansing and strengthening power of the atonement we can move on to a new dawn and a new day. We have testified that He lives, and OUR legacy of faith will continue to carry on throughout countless generations. It does not matter if we found the church later in life, or were born into it. We all leave a legacy behind, we all begin a legacy that will continue for generations. No matter how big or small you may think your impact is, the only thing that matters is that it IS an impact. Always remember God has a purpose for you, and for that purpose God preserves you each and everyday. Live up to your potential, and you will feel Gods love radiating in your life each and everyday in a way you did not think was even possible.

Quote of the week from President Morgan:

"Have you ever done something really good,
-you know it's good-
and then have someone criticize a detail?

As much as we know better, most of us still
tend to focus of the problems rather than
the successes.

But the fact is, tell me what I'm doing right
and I'll do more things right.

Focus on what I'm doing wrong and I loose
self-esteem, confidence, and enthusiasm
for doing the best I can do."

Keep traveling down the path of discipleship. Keep losing your life in the service of God until you find yourself. My prayer is that each of you will understand your infinite worth and potential. May God be with you in all that you do.

Love,
Sister Haderlie

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Its a good week!

Hello Family and Friends,

 

Oh brother! Another good week has flown by here in the mission field. I cannot believe how fast time flies. I cannot believe how many miracles I witness a day. It is such a blessing to see God work in peoples lives through me. I am continually blessed. So I just recieved an email from Brother Wagemann, the ward mission leader in Washington, MO, that Ashley is in fact getting baptized this Saturday. God is so real. His power is so real. I am so blessed to have taken part in helping her come unto Christ. I am going to try to make it back, we will see though it is kind of far away from where I am now. But I am just so happy right now. I can't contain it :)

 

Well this past week we found 2 new investigators out here. We met a lady who says she is open to the idea of there being a God, but doesn't know if He is actually God, and Jesus Christ is a different story....Its interesting that she let us in. Most people who tell us that will not let us in and say they are good. There is something definately different about her, she feels the need to find God again, but she just doesn't want to admit it quite yet. I am so excited to continue teaching her. She is so amazing, we taught her the Plan of Salvation and she agreed with all of the doctrine. She said she has come to the same conclusions as what we were teaching. God has helped her so much. And I know she knows it! I am so stoked.

 

We also had one of our investigators Cierra come to church. She actually was there last week and texted us while we were in gospel principles and said she liked the meeting, and we were like......WHAT? SHE WAS HERE?? haha so she is rock solid. She shows up to church on her own. That is seriously such a huge blessing. She said she likes it and she is so sincere with her questions and we give her answers and she sincerely ponders on the things we say. She is amazing. We also had a Stake picnic this past Saturday that she came to and so it was fun to get to know her and just hang out with her so she sees we are normal. She is slowly learning about how missionary life is and its funny her reactions. She always says, "wow you are so dedicated." She builds my confidence just a little bit each time I talk to her. No big deal.

 

I am so blessed out here! I can't even convey to you how many miracles I witness daily. I can't believe that God loves us all so much. My testimony of that is growing more and more everyday. I know that this work is the most important thing here on earth. I know that we all are taking part in it right now. Catch the wave that has begun. God is bringing forth His gospel to all of his children, and you have a part in that. Always live worthy enough so that God can use you as an instrument in His hands. 

 

Love you so much!

 

Always remember who you are, and with the help of Jesus Christ, remember who you can become!

 

Love,

Sister Haderlie 

Peace out Missouri. It's been real.

Hey Family and Friends,

I am currently in the state of Illinois. Serving in the Shiloh ward. I am so excited to be here the work is hoppin' over here. Sister Gadi is rock solid, she is philipino, and so sweet. She is from Los Angeles, California. She actually came out with me so we have both been out for a total of 4 (or 5, you pick) months! Lots of people were confused why President would put us together because we are both so new. I just keep telling them that they must trust Sister Gadi. I love it here though the people are so nice and this ward is on fire when it comes to Missionary work! They are all so excited to help out here. They love the missionaries to, especially Sisters because this area just got white washed into a Sister Area like 2 transfers ago. So I am loving life. Also funny story, my first ever District leader in the mission field, Elder Bright, is once again my District Leader. And he is serving right here in the Shiloh ward too! Funny how that works. And I know Sister Gadi too from the MTC! So it's pretty exciting.

Well it was different leaving an area I was in for 4 months, where I knew everyone, and everything about a lot of things. And then coming here to learn a new area all over again! It was reminiscent of when I first got into the mission field. But was also strange when we would go to see investigators and I could acutally open my mouth (not like when I first came out and was scared too). It has been a huge blessing to switch areas. I think God does that for a reason for His missionaries. First because its nice to get a new set of eyes in an area, and second to show the missionary that He has called that they can do this, and that they are qualified! He truly qualifies us just like His prophet, Thomas S. Monson has promised! It is very fun to see just little glimpses of the growth you have had out here. Now I sound like I am bragging. I just want you to see how amazing a mission really is! It changes you, shapes you, and molds you into what your Heavenly Father not just wants, but NEEDS you to become. I love that about my mission. Sister Gadi and I have had many conversations about the same subject here. We are both at the same spot right now so its pretty fun to discuss things with her.

Well this week so far has been incredible. Trying to learn the area, and trying to learn the people is so fun! I love it. We have some pretty solid investigators right now. They seem very interested and are keeping there commitments so good. Its insnae to think that there are so many people out there seeking for truth. Even in New Baden, IL (sure you never heard of that one before!) It is a huge testament to me that God is so mindful of each of his Children, He cares about them, and when it is the right time, He sends His church to them to help them see their potential, and His love for them.

On Saturday we were visiting Potentials out in one of our smaller areas. We were having some success finding people who would tell us to come back. It was a good day, nothin crazy happening, but blessings all around us for sure. It was almost time to head out to our Dinner Appointment, but we were like lets try this formers investigator, even though he didn't sound to promising. I was about to say, no he doesn't sound interested (according to the area book). But we just decided to do it anyways. We knock on the door and his wife answers and she lets us in reluctantly, She looked super tired and exhausted, she said she just got home from work. And to be honest, I felt a little bad....But we asked her if her husband was home she said he was sleeping. And then Sister Gadi asked, well would you like to hear our message? She reluctantly again, says "sure". So we start with a prayer and then we start setting expectations for the lessons, She's nodding her head to what we are saying.

We were running pretty short on time, so Sister Gadi asks her to pull out her phone so we can watch the mormon message about the restoration, which is like 2 minutes long. She does, and something changes in her. The spirit was so strong, and she starts asking us sincere, heartfelt questions. She begins to tell us that her mother just passed away form breast cancer, and no one knew about the cancer so it was so quick. She has been struggling lately, and been very sad. But she knows that God has sent us into her life at this time. It was so powerful. All I could think about was a scripture I have on one of my journals "stand still and consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14). All I could do was stand by and think about how God works so many miracles each and every day in the lives of each of His countless children. He never forgets one of us. And He sent me, His servant, to this womens home to bring her the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! I am blessed to take part in that.

We should all feel so blessed that our Father in Heaven takes time each day to care about us as individuals. He knows you as His son or daughter, He IS helping you. All you need to do is look around you. I invite all of you this week to  "stand still and consider the wondrous works of God". Look around you and see the many miracles and blessings that are unfolding right before your eyes. He will never desert you. I promise you He has not deserted you. Just look around and you will see. And then in the evenings as you go to bed, remember to send a prayer of thanksgiving His way, acknowledge Him, and acknowledge His love for you. I promise that if you do you will truly find yourself, you will be able to start seeing yourself the way He sees you, and you will start to see others the way He sees them. I know He has done that for me out here, and he can do it for you wherever you are, and whatever you are doing.

I love you all so much, I can't even handle it!

 D&C 84: 88 And whoso receiveth‍ you, there I will be also, for I will go before‍ your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit‍ shall be in yourhearts, and mine angels‍ round about you, to bear you up.

The Lord helps those who serve him and will add His power to their efforts!

“When we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies." -President Thomas S. Monson

Love,

Sister Haderlie

Oh By the way! President is taking 4 zones to a Cardinals game tomorrow night. And guess what. I am the lucky winner of the 4th zone! Woot.

#cardinalsforlife

 My swagalicious Philipino soul Sister.

Sister Gadi and I

Ducks at our picnic

	Jul 21

Mormon night at the Cardinals game

My time in Washington has come to a close

4th of July fun!!

Mail Time!!

Talking on my Banana cell phone

Daniel Boone Memorial with Sis. Errington (he's really big here

Malo Lelei family and friends!

Transfer calls were Saturday night, and I found out that I am leaving my baby area here in Washington, MO. I wasn't to shocked because I felt that change was coming, I have been here for 5 whole months. Can you believe that. I cannot believe I have been out that long already. Sister Errington will be staying here in this wonderful area. She is going to tear this place up. She is such a hard worker and a great missionary. I have been so blessed to be her companion. She is so quick to compliment me on anything! She really has made this transfer a good one. I am very grateful to her for all she has taught me about mission life. I will leave Washington, MO and head to Shiloh, Illinois on Wednesday!

Well this past week we had some crazy experiences that taught me that....yes this is going to sound really strange.... that Satan is very real. He is as real as Heavenly Father. He is as present in our lives as Heavenly Father. At first it kind of scared me to think about, but then it became comforting as I remembered whose side I am on. He will not fail me, nor will he forsake me. As long as I am doing all I can, and being as obedient as possible he will always guide me. And although I may have encounters with the adversary I will be protected from him. He is as present as ever, especially in these last days. I have learned that it is important to realize that, so that we can know him, and counter his attacks not only for ourselves but for all of mankind. We are in this together! Elder Holland said in his talk "safety for the soul"

 "The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth. If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them.”

The encouraging thing, of course, is that our Father in Heaven knows all of these latter-day dangers, these troubles of the heart and soul, and has given counsel and protections regarding them.

In light of that, it has always been significant to me that the Book of Mormon, one of the Lord’s powerful keystones in this counteroffensive against latter-day ills, begins with a great parable of life, an extended allegory of hope versus fear, of light versus darkness, of salvation versus destruction"

He then goes on to speak of Lehi's dream. And how the "mist of darkness descends on all the travelers—the faithful and the determined ones (the elect, we might even say) as well as the weaker and ungrounded ones." Satan is real and he will enter into this world and try to deceive us. His mist of darkness will descend upon us. But that does not mean we are lost. It means we are human, and we are participating in the "human experience" we came down here to have. The important point that Elder Holland makes is that "the successful travelers resist all distractions, including the lure of forbidden paths and jeering taunts from the vain and proud who have taken those paths." That is my favorite part of this story, because that is exactly what we are doing right now. We are treading through the mist of Darkness not necessarily seeing the end, but having the faith that it is there. And that we can and will make it. That is me and you right now.

"Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.”

As we "come unto Christ", find faith in him, humble ourselves to call on his name for repentance. As we remember our baptismal covenants, and all things we have covenanted to do by and through his name. Read daily for the Book of Mormon, and call upon our Heavenly Father each morning to guide you throughout the day, and each evening to give thanks. We can find that eternal peace and we can find a "safety for our souls". Even when Satan is all around us. I know this to be more true than anything. I know that our Savior can heal us, and protect us. I have seen it in my own life. He is waiting for us to come unto him. Remember his promise in the fourteenth chapter of John:

 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The condition of this promise are that you seek him first. It rests on your shoulders. He will never not be there for you, he is waiting. It is your choice, you must use your agency to use his atonement, and feel his comforting hand in your life. I want to invite you all to look for times this week when you can apply the atonement in your life more fully. Not just the power of repentance, but also the enabling power that comes from His atonement as well. He knows what you are going through, He knows you better than anyone. I testify of that in the name of Him who saves.

I love you all so much. I am grateful for all of the love and support I receive out here in the field. I couldn't do it without you! Next time we speak I will be in a different state. Love you.

Malo.

Love,
Sister Haderlie

This ones another short one

Hey Family,

Sorry this one is going to be soo short. We have to head into St. Louis for a Zone P-day. But here's the goody goody news.....We are battling North Zone to a game of capture the flag.....just wait that's not even the good news....SISTER MARTINEZ WILL BE THERE! My Hispanic mama is gonna be there. I am so so excited to see her again.

But this past week was terrific! Oh my goodness, we are seeing so many blessings here in good 'ole WashMO. I am feeling soooo good here, this area and these people are incredible they have become my literal family. I feel like my love has grown so much more for all of mankind this past year alone. I am so grateful to God for allowing me to have just a glimpse of the love He has for each of His children!

This past week we set a baptismal date with one of our investigators. Her name is Ashely and she is incredible. Her husband is a member but he has been less active ever since he was a teenager and they just moved out here. They got married in March and they decided if they were going to make their marriage work out they had to choose a church to go to. So they started coming to our church! God literally placed them right where they needed to be! We found out she has read the Book of Mormon 3 years ago and knows it is true. It just makes sense to her. She told us she knows she is going to have to make some changes in her life in order to be a member of the church, but she is willing to make the changes. She is incredible. They have two children and one on the way. Their oldest is seven and he is so smart and loves primary. Our ward mission leader told us the other day when we were at his home for a BBQ that their little boy was looking at the picture of when Jesus Christ was being baptized by John the Baptist and he said "My mommies going to do that, and I want to do that when I turn eight!" I am so excited for there family to really take part in all of the blessings that come from living the gospel of Jesus Christ and being a member of Christ's church here on earth. She says she has seen so many blessings come into their lives already! I can see the blessings too. I love the gospel. I am so lucky to have it in my life and have the opportunity to see it change the lives of all of Heavenly Father's children as well. I hope that they continue forward on the path of righteousness and they receive all of the blessing that our Father in Heaven has in store for them. I hope they can make sacred covenants with him in the temple and become a family that will be together forever.

The fourth was great we had from 5-10:30pm off so we were able to go to our ward mission leaders home and have a barbeque with his family, some of the ward members, and the elders and. It was great also due to the fact that he also invited Ashley and Dale. :) We ate like kings! It was fun we were able to hit some baseballs around and throw a football. It was funny to because WML yard was super big so every once in awhile the balls would fly offer the fence and the elders would have to climb over the fence to go get them. We then got to go to a fire work show in Washington. It was so cool they had it set up to the music and so different effects would go off depending on the song. Very exciting. Nothing like your though dad.....haha jk it was legit. The whole holiday just made me feel so grateful to God for this country! He helped this country come to be all due to the fact that he needed the restoration of his Gospel to happen. And guess what. We are a part of one of the biggest events in history! The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days! How blessed are we! How great is our calling to be members of his church at this time.

I love this work. It is the best work that I could ever do. I am grateful that the Lord has given me the opportunity and capability to serve him on a full time mission. I know that I am continually blessed by his hand.

I hope you all had a good fourth of July! You're all amazing and I am proud of you. Thank you for all the love and support and the prayers, They never go unappreciated.

Love you so much I can't even handle it right now.

Love,

Sister Izzy Haderlie

Fireflies and Missouri Summer Nights

Hello Friends and Family,

This week was amazing. And there are fireflies literally everywhere! I always am freaking out. I go dancing around the streets catching all of them I can! I don't think its something I am going to get used to because it is just so majestic. I am obsessed with them. My goal for this week is to catch them in a jar....just like the movies! Good goal eh? Well Sister Errington is probably sick of me freaking out about fireflies, but I can't help it. Its like a dream come true every night! Sister Sims is in Illinois now and she says that there are fields FULL of them. That's my dream now. I will serve in Illinois with the fields full of fireflies! I will.

I cannot believe that it is already July 4th almost. I am sooooo confused when I look back and think I have been out for 4 months. It feels like I just got in the field yesterday. I love these people so much, but I still feel so inadequate to be teaching people who are twice my age and have 10,000 times the experience I have with life. But that's what gets me so much about this church and the gospel. "Whom the Lord Calls He Qualifies" It does not matter your age or your background. It doesn't matter if you have more life experience than someone. The Lord still trusts you in whatever calling he calls you to. He will allow you to fulfill your calling as long as you trust in him, and lean not to your own understanding. I love Christ's church and His gospel.

Something I also have learned lately, and come to love about the church even more is the idea that "we do not own our calling". We are all comforted by the fact that "You are called of God,” The Lord knows you. He knows whom He would have serve in every position in His Church. He chose you.” {President Henry B. Eyring}. But we are constantly humbled when we serve with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength. We learn new things, we grow, and we become more and more who God wants us to become. And when the time has come that God sees it fit to release you from your calling, he moves you somewhere else, whether it be a nursery teacher, to a stake leader. It does not matter where we serve, it only matters how we serve, and how much we allow it to change us and humble us. I love the organization that only exists is Christ's true church.

“Your power will be multiplied many times by the Lord. All He asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart. Do it cheerfully and with the prayer of faith. The Father and His Beloved Son will send the Holy Ghost as your companion to guide you. Your efforts will be magnified in the lives of the people you serve.” {President Henry B. Eyring}

Well this past week has been incredible the Lord blessed us in so many ways, and to be honest we didn't even realize it until we sat down last night and looked at our numbers. I felt pretty bad about that. That I wasn't grateful until I saw in front of my face the blessings on paper. As ashamed as I am to admit it, it happened and it happens. Something that is a huge goal for me this week is to recognize the blessings throughout my days, not at the end of the week when I am looking at numbers. I going to try to be grateful for the days, and the opportunities I am given as a servant of the Lord. Not just be grateful because I see proof of the blessings. Its something that I realized this past week! And I think the Lord had a hand in that one. He is tricky...

Well I want to extend an invitation to you all this week. I really have noticed that when the members of a ward are more unified, when they all know each other, and love one another, it is so much easier for someone to feel welcomed when they come to visit. If we build those relationships within our ward family, the spirit of love and charity will abide with us when we meet each Sunday, or each activity! And that's what God NEEDS us to do. Some of these people need to feel like they have a place they belong, and we are required to build that place for them and for Him. So I invite you all to introduce yourself to someone you do not know or maybe you don't know that much in your ward this week! And continue to do it each Sunday for the rest of your life (haha). I promise you that it will make you a happier person as you reach out to others to just say hi, and it will bless the lives of the people you reach out to. It will allow the wards you are in to grow to become THAT church building that charity is felt in. It will become a building where Christ can dwell, and others can call home.

I love you all. I hope your weeks are amazing. Always remember who you are, and what you can become!

You are in my prayers always.

So much love I can't even contain it,

Sister Izzy Haderlie