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