Christmas Miracles

Dear all,

This week was awesome. And filled with LOTS of Christmas miracles.

1. I met a family on the bus. And I think it's the one I have been praying
for. I will give more details later but as for now I am soo happy. I met a
sweet, humble mom with 4 kids and a heart so prepared by the Lord. I'm
excited to meet with them this next week!

2. Lovin from home. I got my package Christmas eve, just in time!!! I was
the happiest ever. And when I opened it Christmas morning my eyes filled
with tears as I pulled out 5 beautifully wrapped gifts. With perfect bows
and shiny paper, just like Mom always does. I can't explain it but I felt
home, just for a moment. And so grateful. I don't know if any of you have
ever worn the same 5 outfits for 9 months, but it gets really old. Really
quick! So as you can imagine, recieving 5 new outfits seriously made my
entire life. I am in love with all my new skirts and I just cried because I
felt so happy and so blessed. Thank you, thank you! From the bottom of my
heart.

2. Skype with my family! (And the Normans, and Kt Shawty!) Ahhh it was just

the best. I told myself I wouldn't cry. But you all know me, and I couldn't
help it. Thanks for being the best family ever. Thanks for always
supporting and beliving in me.

3. The wedding of the year! So April fools day is December 28th here! Weird
huh? But no joke, we threw the best wedding ever! We have been planning it
for the past month and let me tell you, it has been quite the experience...

Martha was the very first person that I met when I got to Ciudad Colon, and
since then, she's had a special place in my heart. She had just started
letting the missionaries visit her, after giving into the requests of her
18 year old son, Marco.

Marco was baptized 2 years ago and since then his life has changed
dramatically. People now can barely recognize him without his long hair and
7 face piercings. But after reading the book of mormon, his heart has
changed. And he has never gone back.

It first started with Martha as "english classes" but she knew deep down,
that's not all we wanted. Soon the lessons started, and she opened up a book
of mormon for the first time as well as her heart. She began to pray. She
began to feel that someone was listening.

She started coming to church. And she liked it. She made friends, but still
couldn't let go of her old friends and her old life. Partying with friends,
alcohol on the weekends, and coffee every morning. She told us all about
how she would *never* get married. Because it hadn't worked out so well the
first time and she wouldn't ever put her heart through that again.

She had doubts and fears and pain, just like the rest of us. But we never
gave up on her. And she kept listening.

Finally one night we prayed real hard to know what it was gonna take to
change and touch her heart. We planned a lesson on the atonement and bore
strong testimony of the importance of marriage, baptism, and most
importantly, following and doing the will of God. It ended in tears and a
baptismal date.

But a baptismal date meant and wedding date as well, with Jan Carlos. A
happy, easy going guy who is absolutely in love with Martha. She tells him
what to do, and he loves it! The only problem was, he is from Nicaragua
which meant he had a bunch of lengthly and expensive paper work to do. Not
knowing where the money was going to come from we all fasted and Jan Carlos
was able to schedule the appointment quickly, find the money, and recieve
his residence! They both called us crying. The Lord had blessed them, they
knew it, and they couldn't deny it. This wedding and baptism was so on!

So then came a month of difficulties, tests, and miracles. We worked and
stressed hard to plan her a beautiful wedding. One she had always dreamed
of. Staying up late to make inviations, organizing an activity to raise
money, and shopping in San Jose for the perfect shoes. But luckily their
doubts began to disappear and were replaced with their faith. Their
testimonies began to grow. And they started to remind US to bless the food
before dinner. They went to all the activites, and church without fail.

So the big day finally came along with tears and lots of yummy food. They
danced the night away and celebrated with sparkling cider. We were with
them through it all, and so was the Lord. All their family and friends
couldnt believe it, and really, neither could we. It was truly a miracle!
They had given up everything to follow Jesus Christ and it was amazing to
have seen it all before my eyes.

Sunday morning we held their baptism and Marco was finally able to baptize
his mom! After she came out of the water, they hugged and wept and rejoiced
and it was one of those moments I will never, ever forget. I don't think
there was a dry eye in the entire room. Marco now has a mission call to
Mexico and I know he will be baptizing lots more! The spirit was strong and
I know without a doubt, Heavenly Father was smiling down on us. It was a
beautiful, beautiful day!

I love this work, and I love that the Lord trusts me enough to let me be
apart of it. I am a witness of Him because I have seen what He can do. And
it was the greatest Christmas miracle I could have ever wished for.

Love you all,and Happy New Year!
Hermana Starke

A lady in our ward does nails and she did my nails for Christmas

One of my new Christmas outfits from mom

More Christ

Dear all,

Happy Christmas Eve! Since we have been in and out of the hospital, today
is when we got time to write home. And Wednesday night we will SKYPE!

This week has been rough. Little work, and lots of rest for my companion.
But she is still going strong with lots of memorized scriptures, medicine,
and prayers.

This Monday, for P day, we had the mission Christmas activity. We all met
up in San Jose and had a giant, happy reunion. We then walked to a home for
the elderly and sang Christmas songs to them while learning to love and see
them as children of God.

My personal favorite was Maria. (I know, whose name ISN'T Maria down here?)
She is a mother to 7 children and a has a life time of stories. Did I
understand her mumbly old people spanish? Nope. But she was a sweetheart
with the sweetest spirit and when I asked her how old she was, she said she
couldn't remember...ha!

We had a delicious lunch and then a devotional with all the missionaries
together and President. He told us the best gift we have given to Christ
this year is the most baptisms this mission has seen in 20 years, 1,500. He
also has a goal to have 2,300 baptisms in the coming year. This guys got a
LOT of faith!

We also celebrated the cumpleaños of Jospeh Smith, December 23. And gave a
little added thanks to the prophet who made all of what I am doing
possible. His one prayer answered, changed the world!

It's been an interesting experience living the Christmas season in a
different country, in another culture, and without my family. But the
people here are my family and I have learned to love them more than words
can express. My companion really is my hermanita. And I love her like a
sister. I'm so blessed. And while I miss my family, I'm grateful for what I
do have here and for all I have learned and experienced in the mission. It's
going to be a Christmas I will forever cherish. Lots of tamales, warm
weather, and lights strung around palm trees. With my personal
favorite.....all the many renditions of the classic song, "FELIZ NAVIDAD!"

So in Spanish, the word "mas" means more. So the word Christmas has a whole
new meaning for me now.....More Christ

And I love it because it really is, as they say, the true meaning of
Christmas.

Another interesting thing I have realized is that Jesus was not born in
December. So why do we celebrate His birth during this time of year? Better
yet, we should celebrate His beloved life! Along with His powerful
atonement, His death, and His glorious ressurection. Because thanks to His
life, we have hope. We have happiness. And that's what Christmas really
means to me. Because He lived, I will live as a witness of Him. And forever
remember what He did for me.

When I think that times are hard or sad or bad, I find power beyond my own
means to do what I do everyday because I believe in Christ. And He believes
in me. I know He lives and stands ever ready to take my hand. When I miss
my family I remember that because of Christ my family is forever. I feel
grateful and privileged to wear His name next to mine as I do His work!

I wish you all the merriest of Christmases, and invite you to have more
Christ in your life. TALK TO YOU TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

XO,
Hermana Starke

Umbrellas and Ulcers

Hey fam,

Welp sad news. This is about to be the shortest email I've ever sent. But I
still love you all and just remember that we get to skype so soon, ok? :)

During Decemeber there is barely any rain here! And there has been no need
for umbrellas. So in exchange for carrying our 2 umbrellas everyday we
welcomed in 2 new ulcers...

So Sunday morning around 7am my companion started throwing up blood. But no
worries, church starts at 9am. So we call a taxi to come pick us up and
take us to the chapel because the poor girl could barely walk. She's a
trooper, this one! Nothing stops us from taking the Santa Cena.

So after Sacrament meeting we call the nurse and she tells us to come to
the hospital NOW. So lucky for us, a sweet angel from our ward and her
husband drive us to the Clinica Biblica Hospital in San Jose. After lots of
lines, and tests and waiting we find out that Hermana Hernandez has stomach
ulcers. No not just an ulcer, the pobre has had 2 stomach ulcers in her
stomach for mas o menos 8 months.

So immedately they put her on fluids and she assigned her to lay in a
hospital bed. She can't eat or drink or walk or do anything basically. Such
sad news but we are happy that the doctors finally found the source of the
problem. They originally thought she had a bacteria. Actually, Sunday was
her 4th visit to this hospital. And please say lots of prayers for me
because as nice as this hospital is, they don't use gloves and it freaks me
out. Hope to never come here again!

So while Hermana H slept the day away all drugged up, I read every talk in
the Liahona about 5 times. Because we are still missionaries and don't have
TV and ipads to entertain us. I had lots of time to think and I felt so bad
because there was nothing I could do for my comp or in the work. But you
better believe I chatted with every nurse and doctor about the
church! Unfortunately, they can't give out their numbers or directions. Some
rule for safety or whatever. Haha lame. So I said a long prayer and asked
Hevenly Father what I could do.

So then I read a talk by Richard G Scott and I felt like Heavenly Father
was talking directly at me! He said:

"Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture
is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who
can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort. They can provide an
incredibly large resource of willing friends who can help us. Scriptures
can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of
confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have
potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the
Savior... *They can accelerate physical healing."*

Did you read that?! Memorizing scriptures can accelerate physical healing!
So just take a guess at what I have been doing all my P day long at the bed
side of my companion?

It's been amazing and I know the Lord is going to bless us quickly so we can
get back to our area and work. Just know that I am happy and safe and will
be here with my companion until she gets better. But for now send your
prayers this way and enjoy lots of non hospital food for me. Love you guys
with all my heart!

Xo
Hernama Starke

Gabriela

"UPE BUENAS"

That's what all the ticans say here.

PINTO

That's what all the ticans eat here. It's rice and beans together with onion,
pepper, and this special sauce all fried up together. It's what they eat
every dang day for breakfast.

PAN

On every single corner there is a bread shop. And people buy a loaf of
bread every morning to eat with their pinto and coffee. That is, until
*we*meet them.

This week we had some exciting stuff happen. We got new neighbors!!! An
abuelita, her son, and her granddaughter, Gabriela.

We started talking/teaching them right away and it has been quite the
experience. We knocked on their door with an "uuupppeee buenas" then they
so kindly invited us in for pinto and pan. So we gained new neighbors and a
new place to eat.

Friday we had the funnest ward Christmas party and put up a tree in the
chapel with caroling and treats. So we invited Gabriela and her family but
only Gabriela could come. So away we went and I thought she was enjoying
herself until she asked if we could talk oustide. She put her hands over
her face and started to sob. She broke down telling me how hard Christmas
time was for her because she has never spent a Christmas with her mom. She
has had almost every problem a 14 year old could possiblly have and it took
everything I had to not cry with her. Abuse, cutting, depression, anorexia
and much more...

But in this moment I remembered who I was. A representative of the Lord
Jesus Christ himself. With the power to call upon His devine help. I
couldn't cry. That's not what Jesus would do. I had to be strong and I had to
help. And once I remembered that, I instantly  felt the love He had for
this poor girl. So I offered a prayer in my heart and said...

"Well Heavenly Father, I don't know what do to. I don't know how to help her.
I don't know how she feels and I don't know what she needs. But I know you
do. So please, please help me". Somehow I found the words to say, I felt
prompted that she needed to talk with a priesthood holder. So she was able
to talk with our Zone leader, Elder Sorenson, who by a miracle just
happened to be here doing baptismal interviews for us.

She had a long talk with him and recieved a blessing. Then the miracle
happened. She walked out a completely new person. A new girl with a better
knowledge that she is a daugher of God. And while her earthly mother has
never shown her the love she deserves, she has a Father in Heaven who loves
her more than she knows. With a book of mormon in her hand and a little
more light in eyes I saw right before my own eyes the miracle and power of
the gospel and how it can change lives. It is availavble for everyone. And
it can change anyone.

I'm so grateful for Gabriela this week and that Heavenly Father placed her
in my life. And while I face challenges here and situations that seem
almost impossible to fix I realize all I have to do is let The Lord do his
work.  And He always, always does. I am looking forward to continue helping
her and her family learn of the gospel and become baptized. It's truly a
miracle.

Love you all
See you through skype in 16 days
But who's counting.......?

I AM!!!!! SO EXCITED

Your favorite hermanita,
Hna Starke

P.S Happiest of birthdays to my Aunt Kristen! Love you lots. PURA VIDA!

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Red & Green

Hi fam,

Wow, so much happy and sad news this week. But that's how life goes right?

Even though I don't have my family and it's still super hot, it feels like
Christmas! Actually, it's felt like Christmas time for the past month and a
half because everyone starts decorating for christmas here in OCTOBER.
Yeah, I thought it was a little early too. But hey! 'Tis the season to be
jolly.

I see red and green everywhere. So that's when I came up with the red and
green analogy... go with me on this one. Life is full of red moments. And
life is full of green moments. Happy and sad. Good and bad. So today I want
to tell you all about the red and green moments I have experienced here in
Costa Rica during the past week.

Rojo (the red, not so great moments)

Juegos de hambre. Yeah, the hunger games movie. Everyone is talking about
it. Everyone is seeing it. Except me. Wahhh. It's fine, one day I will see
it! With popcorn, junior mints, diet pepsi, and my mom.

Freaking gallinas. I remember in the old days when I would use an alarm
clock to get me out of bed. Now a days I just listen for the 10 screeeeching
roosters outside my window at 5 am. Every... single... day....

Estoy gordando. Eeek! So all the members here are really great. And by
really great I mean they love to offer me plates and plates of food. Bye
skinny hermana starke......

Tengo frio. At night I sleep in sweat pants, a sweat shirt and 3 blankets.
I never knew a place so hot could get sooo cold!

My loved ones back home....Sandy, Troy, and Court. I love you guys so much.
Praying for you every day. I am so sorry for your losses but know that
families are forever. Xoxoxo

Verde (the green, greatest moments of all!)

GG and JJ engaged... CONGRATS!!!!!! Love you guys. Wish you the best and
happiest life together. You better drag around a life sized photo of me all
during your wedding and put me in all the pictures! Hahaha no im kidding,
please dont.

Noche de hogar. For family home evening this week we had a scripture chase/
jeopardy game with members and recent converts. My comp and I sooo won! By
like 50 points. It was awesome. We do fun things here.

Referencias on fia! We got 24 referals last week. Holllllaaaa.

OCHO MESES. Tomorrow is my 8th month anniversary of being a missionary.
Pretty loco, right? I have offically survived 8 months as Hermana Starke.
Id like to thank my family, companions, and the big man upstairs. Couldnt
do it without yall.

Yay for amigos. So friday night I see a car of gringos madly waving at me.
I ignore it. But then the car stops. 3 guys get out of the car. Im a little
worried, so my comp and i turn the other direction and start to make a run
for it. But wait...its BRAD AND CURTIS MILLS. Sayyy what?! They were just
driving around the streets of Cost Rica and just happened to find me. What
are the chances? It was a fun surprise to see them and made me remember
that life really does exist outside of my missionary bubble. Oh and then
they gave me about 4 dollars in change, ha thanks guys!

Jessica. We taught a lady named Jessica this week. Her husband is a member,
but she is not... yet. And she lives in the highest house of the tallest
mountain in all of Ciudad Colon. It took us hours to get there but the
sight, sunset, and lesson made it all worth it. Purple and orange Costa
Rican sunsets truly are the best. Words cant even describe how beautiful
this country is.

Cindy. Just like jessica, her husband is a member. And she is not...yet. My
first Sunday was her first Sunday to church and since then she has come
every single week with her husband and cute daughter. But this week she
came to church in a skirt and it made me smile because she is making huge
changes in her life! Since the day I met her I felt so strongly like I am
the missionary that was called to find and teach her. Hoping and praying
she will make it to the waters of baptism soon!

Lucrecia. Her husband is a return missionary! And yep, once again, shes not
a member...yet. This week we had a powerful lesson that brought us all to
tears. The spirit was crazy strong and she is praying to know if she should
be baptized Dec 14. I think, yes!

My mission, as well as my life in general, has been filled with happy and
hard moments. But I love it all and am so grateful for every single day.

Hermana Starke