What An Awesome Week!

Kumusta po kayo pamilya?! It's a beautiful day in Provo!

Funny story. So, we were passing by a girl in the residence hall and instead of saying hello to everyone, we say Kumusta to get in routine of the language using it as much as possible. Well, so she said hello and we responded with "Kumusta" and she looked at us and said, "I'm Korean!" I about died! It was the funniest thing to me that she thought we got her nationality wrong when we were just speaking her language. We told her "We're learning Tagalog" and then she said "Oh" and went in her room. I felt bad, but my companion and I laughed for forever!

So I also have a saying for Tyler, because he always says "What the heck!" Well, in Tagalog it's "Ano biyan". The spelling might be wrong, but I just know how it sounds, and have never seen it written. It's pronounced "ah-no buy-on". Just a funny side note :)

Well, like the subject said, you probably thought I was out of cool news. Well, wrong. This week was amazing! Grif, listen up. Well, Griffin and I were always joking that we would be in the MTC with David Archuleta, but I never thought it would be true...until, he arrived!!!!!!!! He's been like a foot away from me and when he walks into the lunch room each time, all the heads turn! (including mine) I loved his music and having seen him in concert, etc at BYU Idaho..but, he's so humble here and just wants to be known as a missionary. He's nothing more than each one of us. But, there are a ton of unhappy missionaries because he just got here Wed and we perform Sat. in conference, but they're letting him in and not all the others who still had like 2 years of experience, but it just wasn't enough. They feel alot of favoritism, and I personally don't think it's exactly fair, but I'm not going to make a big deal about it..the girls are excited to have him sing with us! He's awesome! So, that was my exciting news of the week! Elder Archuleta is going to Chile I believe, because rumor had it that it was Philippines or Chile and it's not Philippines..he's so tiny, too, especially when you're right next to him!

Anyway, we perform tomorrow. It's crazy that it's here already and I'm wearing the white shirt with bow on it. It was a nightmare with the RS pres trying to coordinate colors and all these things we COULDN'T wear and we can't even have our undershirt showing. I almost called JeNeal to see if she had something, but I got it all worked out! Tuesday we practiced for 4 hours in total and all the girls have asked me to do their hair and makeup tomorrow, so it'll be a busy morning for me!

Well, for those who asked (Grandma Jolene) It's Elder Saaid and Taukei. You can just send it to my same mailbox number, or Dear Elder it to the same place, but putting their names as the person it's going to, not mine. Thank you so much. It'll mean the world to them! They loved my companion's brother's letter to them, so I know they'll love yours! Speaking of Elders. There has been a particular elder in my district who thinks it's ok to break rules, check his email daily and more than once a day, go on FB hacking the computer to get on, etc. Well, Elder "X" see's him doing it and thinks it's okay. We had a devo on Tuesday night and in it he said that if we're not helping our companion/district, etc to be obedient, then maybe we should go home too. I have never really said anything because I didn't know how, but as soon as Elder "X" getting on to check the rugby stats, I told him no. He only had two days and he could do it then. He's already struggling and being disobedient isn't going to be in his favor. I said it was disrespectful to us sisters especially, but everyone around them who is witnessing it and he got off. He later pulled me aside and thanked me for telling him not to do it. He said that he's stubborn sometimes and he needed someone to keep in check and he really appreciated it. It made me feel good to know that he took it as me saying it because I loved him, not to be rude and he hasn't done it since. I've obviously been put in their district for a reason and i'm trying to do my best to have them raise the bar. They only have 2 years to act, and the rest of their life to think about it. I've learned the important message to NOT WASTE A MINUTE! It's so vital here, especially with the resources we have that we won't have in the field!

Well, we've had lessons with both our teachers as investigators. They are JunJun and Dennis. There are NO NOTES allowed in any of the lessons or prayers. After 2 weeks, it's all in Tagalog! crazy to think about! We have to memorize 30 words a day and sometimes more if we're feeling like over achievers . All the elders give me grief because of how I memorize. I have to think of an analogy for how to connect the word with the meaning and they all laugh because they are so dumb sometimes. They give me grief, but they always tell me when they're quizzed that they think about my analogies. haha. I also wanted to come up with a game to get everyone involved in learning in language study because they all goof off and so I came up with Spin the Bottle-Tagalog style! So someone starts and we spin the bottle. Whoever it points to, the person has to give them a word to say in Tagalog. They say it helps, so we do that a lot! I want them to be excited about learning and not slack off and just complain that they aren't getting it. We have to practice hard, to play hard.

Zone leaders are two elders in my district, Sis King is coordinating sister, and I am music coordinator for the zone and permanent pianist for each Sunday. oh boy! haha.

All the other districts leave Mon for the field, which puts us as senior missionaries..we're old! We get 25 new missionaries and 3 new sister roommates.

Funny story.

The other night in a demo for companionship study, we as companionship's were split up into two rooms-one in an actual room and the other room was the observatory room. It was not engaging, so we all were sort of bored. My companion especially. I was in the room w/ 4 elders, 1 other sister, and 3 teachers. All the sudden, I see a piece of paper put on the window sneakily that we could read in the observation window. It said "Maganda po ang kasama ko" which means my companion is beautiful! haha We all died laughing because it was so random and funny and it was obvious she wasn't paying attention. Then like 5 min later another paper folded in half read" Mahal Kita which is I love you and then because I was in the room with so many guys, she flipped up the flap and it said: "Not you, I'm talking to Sis Arnold." It was so funny and we were all laughing so hard and for forever. It's the simplest things in the MTC that are so funny! love her!

Also on Tues night, our speaker said not to worry about our families and they are doing just fine and being blessed because of our service. I love hearing that and then getting a dear elder from dad that said that same thing! I am glad the family is doing so great and seeing so many blessings! It's not all because of me, but the Lord knows each and everyone of us individually! We should constantly strive to keep Christ as the center of our lives in everything we do!

I encourage you all to prepare yourselves for conference to receive personal revelation and let the Lord communicate to you individually! He may be talking, but are we listening on the other end? Don't be afraid of offending Satan.

"If it's not fun, you're not doing it right!" I must be doing something right because as I center my life around Christ, I see miracles each day accompanied with fun! I love it here and am so thankful to be on a mission. I KNOW this church is true and that it was restored through Joseph Smith. I know that we have a prophet called on Earth today to lead and guide us and I am so excited to hear from him and his apostles this weekend! I can't wait to get out and serve the people in the Philippines! Here's to another week!

I love you all and tell everyone hi for me!

Mahal Kita

Another Week Down!

Magundung gabi pamilya! Kumusta kayo?! (Good afternoon, family! How are you?!) Ps sorry for all the typos last letter, you probably thought I butchered all my tagalog words, etc..keyboards will do that!

Man, I hope you all are having as good a week as I am! Each day is the same routine, yet it's amazing how the experiences are so different. This week I am not going to do a day by day because of time and there wasn't much that was extremely exciting this week except the Tagalog is continuing! Thanks to our fast we had last Sunday, it's coming so much better! Yahoo! But, this week is full of exciting news! So I am going to do bullet points :)

-Our district is still awesome as ever!! We still laugh every minute of the day, we eat together, spend pday together when we can, etc. Everyone in our zone admires how close we've all gotten and how we all eat together etc, when they all sit boys together and girls together..but, needless to say, the pranks have begun. One elder in our zone hid an alarm clock in our districts room set for 3am, and it was screwed behind the wall, and just hearing the stories of how its all going down, just shows the fun we have in our class! I LOVE IT!

-My companion and I had some personality differences and we all know how tough that can be when we're with them all the time. I would pray for guidance and help on what to do and how it can be better, and nothing! Finally, last night, I approached Him with the question on how I can better myself to improve the companionship, and I can testify that He answers our prayers. Today, as I prayed again, we went to the temple, and that was the question on my mind! I got my answer in the temple as I read the scriptures as they spoke to me that PATIENCE was the key. I needed to improve MYSELF and patience, and when I try and improve myself instead of expecting everyone else to change, it's amazing the blessings you receive. We came out of the temple and it was amazing, because now we've gotten so close all day and I just love her and she has so much to offer! She takes interest in my life, family, and we kneel down in companionship prayer each night..prayers work wonders and I can testify that He knows us individually and what we need in our lives! I'm so glad we're companions!

-Elder Saaid, the one who ran away, many have asked if he is still here..yes he is, he's struggling, but he's hanging in here. He has a testimony of the gospel and always come out of devo's gloating about what he learned and we love it. We're just working on trying to reach out to him so he knows to stay. He made the comment last night that he finally knows that he needs to man up and teach! He can't always run away, and that's exactly what they did! So, they're improving.

-Speaking of elders, our elders are foreign and never get letters from their families. Sis. King and I thought today that maybe either our family, or their names could be given to the YW or something so that they can get letters. I got letters everyday this week and I felt bad. I wanted to give some letters to them, because they check the mail every day hoping they have something and they don't. It doesn't have to be personal, but more encouraging! They're struggling. Their names are Elder Saaid (from Australia) and Elder Taukei (from FIji).

-I have met tons of elders from Vegas, it's been fun! Another is in our new stake, mom and dad! Tippets?? In the Lone MTN stake. :)

-Our teachers are awesome and Lester who we've taught 4 lessons to is now our teacher and is so awesome! We play games for breaks to stay awake, etc and he knows how to connect with the less motivated elders. It's going to be good and we're excited!

-I listened to a devotional by Elder Bednar on Sunday called the Character of Christ and learned that the natural man wants us to be selfish and turn inward and he compared it to the Cookie Monster. He encouraged us to use the character of christ to turn outward, be selfless, love, and serve and defeat the natural man. It was incredible and so powerful!

-Another one of my friends from my last district got her Visa to Brazil this week and she left! All my friends are leaving! haha But, it's nice that new ones come in each week. So to celebrate, we had lunch with our old teachers and said a final goodbye to her, it was extremely fun!

-Well, on to the fun news! Elder Dallin H. Oaks came and spoke on Tuesday night! We sung in the choir and once again they focused in on me with the camera and it was broadcasted worldwide, so everyone was able to watch it! He talked about teaching by the Spirit. I've been amazed at how much that has been a common theme here, but it's so important in TRUE conversion vs social conversion. So, I don't know if you grandpa, were able to watch that with the missionaries??

-Speaking of choir, I hope you all are watching the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference. We all had to fill out sheets on vocal talents for a special choir and from there they would choose select few to be in it. They didn't tell us what it was for, but I was accepted and we are the guest choir in conference this year! I was so bummed when I was unable to try out at BYU Idaho due to a test, and singing in general conference was on my bucket list, and my once in a lifetime chance, I GOT AGAIN! I am so excited and we've had practice everyday at 7am! So, I'm excited, I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ah :)

-Lastly, as I was preparing for my next investigator, it solidified my testimony by 100! I always knew the gospel was true, but it's when you read things that just bring the Spirit that is incredible. I was reading in Our search for Happiness because that's been one of my goals, and I'm almost done in a week :), but in there it talked about, we don't need to be billionaires or millionaires, but the gospel provides us blessings that no one can buy! We are rich in blessings. And that once we know that WE ARE A CHILD OF GOD, we never look at someone differently, we act differently, treat others better, etc. And I loved that! I KNOW that I am a child of God, and because of it, I am richer that the richest person on the earth! How grateful I am!

I just wanted to end with my testimony that I finally have memorized..never thought I'd say that , haha but i have to have SOMETHING! :)

Alam ko po na totoo po ang Simbahan ni Jesucristo ng mga Banal sa mga Huling araw. Alam ko po na totoo po ang Aklat ni Mormon. Alam ko po na totoong propeta po si Thomas S. Monson. Alam ko po na nagbayad-sala po si Jesucristo para sa mga Kasalanan natin at Salita ng Diyos ang Aklat ni Mormon. Alam ko po na walang hanggan ang mga pamilya. Sa pangalan ni Jesucristo, amen!

I love you all, and thank you for the plethora of emails, dear elders and letters this week!! IT made my week! And made the things I was going through, so much easier!! I love it here and wouldn't trade it for marriage, facebook, a cell phone, or a car!! This is helping me be a better roommate, friend, daughter, wife someday and daughter!

Mahal Kita,

Sister Arnold

First Week Learning Tagalog!

Magundung umago Pamilya!

Kumusta pa yo pamily?! (How are you family?!)

I am just LOVING IT HERE! Another Pday in two days was pretty sweet, but I have so much to tell you! Well, many have asked how my companion is, the language, new roommates, district, etc. Well, they're MABUTI! (good)!

My companion is Sister King, from Washington D.C. I got talking to her telling her Darren and his family live out there and she was in their stake! Darren and Court were her ma and pa on a youth trip to Gettysburg and she thinks she was Amanda's YCL up at girls camp a few years ago..smalll world. But, she's great! We're still in the getting to know you phase and I'm just trying to help her get adjusted here, but that's what senior companions are for! :) I am senior companion once again in this ward/branch, also. The four boys in our district are hilarious, so fun, keep us on our toes, never a dull moment, awesome group! One is from Fiji, another from Australia, one from New Zealand, and one from Layton UT. You can see the diversity and such, but that's what makes it so great! They're personalities are just hilarious.

The Branch President is Brother Stott, branch 2 and their wives/counselors, etc are all awesome! I was called to play the piano for half of the sacrament meeting (oh boy!), but it'll be great!

Our new roommates are all great as well! Three are from the Marshall Islands and the other from Roy UT...needless to say, I sleep with no blankets because they keep it a sauna in the room! They like things HOT coming from there..but, we're fine nonetheless! It's nice that they're all going to the Philippines and are 3 weeks ahead of us to help us with our studies before bed if we have them!

Sige. (Alright!)

Wed- Was just PDAY once again prepping for a new companion, roommate, etc. I moved into the new room and then my companion got here. I had to do all the beginner orientation once again those two days, so that was a few easy days! We then went to class to meet our teachers who are awesome..But, I walked into class with NO ENGLISH written on the board. I thought it was just for the first day but, hindi (Nope)! That is how it is! Each day we come into class and they speak no English and it's up to us to make out what they're saying..some might complain, but I'm glad they don't because it pushes us that much further and we have learned so much already because of it! But, today we just learned the "Hi, how are you? Kumusta!" or My name is "Ako po si Sister Arnold" or Taag-saan? which means where are you from.. Taag Las Vegas". I loved it!

Thurs- Day 2 of Tagalog and we learned barely anything! Why? Well, listen to this story. We started planning when one of our elders (the one from Australia-originally from above Iraq) walked out frustrated with the language and struggling with why he was here. He ended up walking off and was no where to be found. They called our whole district of 5 up to the front desk to spread out and search for him. After an hour, he was finally found by the temple outside of MTC reign. He was without a companion and when the guys found him, he got mad at them. Because we got called up, we didn't learn much. That day it made me realize and ponder on a few things about myself: Why am I serving a mission? What am I grateful for? I found myself pondering the words to Count your many blessings. How true that song is and what peace I get from it! I have started counting my blessings every day! And this is what I came up with:
Why am I on a mission? I am not here because my parents are forcing me to or because there is pressure weighing on my shoulders. It was the night that Jared and I got in the wreck up in Rexburg when he came up and visited and how lucky we were to have not gotten hurt even though the car hit the snow bank and was totaled. I was so thankful and reflected on why I WASN'T hurt..It was then that I had the impression that the mission was for me. It was in the same conversation that I told my parents I had gotten in a wreck the night before and that I thought I was supposed to serve a mission. As I went through finding out if this was the right decision, I always got the answer yes. How grateful I am for this opportunity! There are so many reasons why I am here but ultimately to bring others the happiness I feel each DAY! But, one big part is how grateful I am to have the priesthood in my home because of a worthy father! PS dad I want you to watch the Mormon message: Fathers blessing or something alone that line??? It's a father and a Downs son and it reminded me of you and how thankful I am for all that you do, and especially with Tyler. The examples that have been set in my home, I want others to get that same opportunity!

Fri- Today we taught our first lesson in Tagalog, yikes! It went pretty well, but my companion just relied off of me as far as all my preparation and my translated sentences I wrote.. I did this as a learning opportunity for her to see exactly when we don't prepare, our lessons aren't going to go great, and the spirit doesn't reside. We came out talking about what we need to do to improve and we're ready to teach him again! I also went outside and had to bear my testimony to 3 people and 10 people ended up listening! I loved being able to speak Tagalog! And then to conclude class, I volunteered to say the closing prayer in Tagalog! Man, it's crazy how much I have learned.

When we put out trust and faith in the Lord, we are blessed innumerably! I love it here and I have already learned so much!

I hope everything is going great! And I will talk to you all next Friday!
Stay safe and Happy St. Patricks Day! Wear green because I've already been pinched twice for NOT!

Mahal Kita,

Sister Arnold

Week 3 -MTC

Beginning of week 4 family, and this is where it really begins! The language, the companion, the new roommates, new teachers, new schedule..back to being adjusted! But, I couldn't be more excited! I just picked up my books and no joke-its MORE than 8-10 lbs..more like 20! I hope my brain can hold all that! :) But, I picked up my pictures today, so those will be coming! We had some fun times and memories, and I was sad to see all my friends I had made go, but I'm ready to make more memories! It's crazy to think how close I got to everyone in 2-3 weeks, let alone be with the new group 6 weeks..I already moved my stuff to my new room, 4 of the girls were already there (kinda messy and a lot of international girls), but we'll make the best of it! My pdays will also change to Friday, so the emails will be then! I miss you all, and you'll laugh at what I have to send the boys! You have to help them with it :) Give everyone kisses for me..tyler can do the honors of giving scoob kisses-but i love you all!

Wed- Pday, like all the others. I did my first session in the Provo temple and just loved it! Today I made friends with a kid who looks identical to Ron Weasley and guess who his companion is?? Jayce Chalfant..remember the Chalfants? Jordan? Well, it was fun to see him after so long and they all look alike! You will see what I mean. I got a picture with them both!

Thurs- Today we learned and taught about how we can invite people to come unto Christ with the emphasis on church attendance! Our teacher came and had lunch with us and that was fun to get to know him and him know us on a more personal level. Then we had more class! That's all we ever have here, but the time in class doesn't even feel like 3 hours! it's so fun! All the teachers who don't have classes these weeks, come in and beg to help our class..our class was awesome! Then we taught our investigator Hely again. It was incredible! She had a friend pass away and was extremely sad and we went in there and encouraged her to get out and serve. It's those times that we get depressed, etc when times like that happens, that it is crucial to get out and forget ourselves. she cried and told us that it was exactly what she needed to hear and we answered her prayers. It was powerful and she is a real investigator and all those experiences were real and it was amazing that as we taught by the Spirit, we were able to answer her prayers. I got her address to keep in contact because she was amazing!

Fri- Today I had to tag along with danish sisters that are my roommates because my whole district had "in field' orientation. I thought it was going to be easy, but inside I was so nervous all the sudden about learning a language! But, I pushed on and just kept telling myself I am serving there for a reason and I CAN DO THIS!

Sat- It was a new day, and a new attitude! Today was great! We had zone teaching where we role played one on one with the new missionaries that had just gotten here to show how it is done. I learned to say "I know" instead of "I believe" because I don't JUST believe, but I KNOW this church is true! Then we had class where our teacher separated us boys from girls. We didn't know why and he just said plan a lesson on the plan of salvation..we were given no direction, were confused, and all just were mellow and hung out. He told us after that he wanted to see that with girls we all got antsy like we should be doing something, and that's why he loved girls in a class. they have so much to offer.. Then he told us that everything he did was for a reason, and he wanted us to be more observant people as he pointed out things he noticed about certain people and he paired them up with certain people because they grew close to them and allowed them to shine more. It was really interesting and by the end of the discussion, we were all in tears. then to top it off, one of the elders who has low self esteem, gave us all letters for us parting and we were all crying until we fell asleep. we grew so close to them and the spirit was so strong that night that we were just over flooded with joy! It's days like these that make up for all the tough days!

Sun- Daylight Savings killed us all this morning! That hour of sleep affected us more than we thought! haha. but, we got through it and we learned that we should carry out matriarchy, mothers or not. We should all be teachers to those around us, and love them! Then, in sacrament mtg. our district performed a musical number as we were going to be leaving and we were all so thankful for the branch presidency and especially their wives who were our mothers away from home! That night in devotional we learned about "perhaps" goals..those that are still goals but you only may have a 50/50 shot at them, but we give it our all! It helped a lot! Then, I said bye to another friend tonight that I grew close to these past few weeks, griffin. ps he was district leader, I am so proud of him!!

Mon- Today was my last lesson w/ Sister Despain. I have grown to love her like a grandma, she's helped my testimony, and I had her sign my book and took a picture with her so you can see one of the many people who influenced me since being here. then, class as normal. we took good bye pictures and it was crazy to think they left in the morning!

Tues- I woke up to only 3 people out of 6 in the room. They all are going to do great in Nebraska and Florida. I also was able to go to the temple and it was MUCH needed! We watched a devotional from Elder Holland on giving it all we have and don't we dare come home! haha. We went to a class also where elders just got there and showed them how we can apply the reading from the scriptures can give revelation. I felt bad because they felt like they got showed up by 3 girls, but it wasn't like that at all! haha. Man, our teachers were seriously the best!! Then we had Elder Cardon come for devo. haha grandma, did you know he was coming?? It was weird to think that he was just at your house this weekend and then spoke today! But, he was awesome..made me reevaluate the little things that may be distracting to me so that I can serve with all my might, mind, and strength!!

Awesome week! And everyone check their mail as I will be sending pictures out!

Mahal Kita,

Sister Arnold

Week 2

Man has time gone by so fast! There are so many things going on here! (all positive, of course) Man, I can't even believe how much I've grown and how much I love being on a mission (even if I am only in the MTC) But, the illnesses are going around my apartment(Hasn't hit me yet).

Wed- PDAY! We went to the temple and did initiatories for the first time as a proxy, came home and wrote letters, did laundry, and at 6pm PDAY is over! We had class and taught our investigator to pray! We learned how to make sure the spirit is there before we ever start TEACHING! It's crucial to have the Spirit there because it allows an open heart and mind to the things we have planned to teach. But, for my week mark, I got my first package from JeNeal and loved it! My roommates loved them!

Thurs- Today was zone teaching and I got my investigator to commit to baptism! Wow, that feeling is indescribable! Then, off to class all day! nothing too exciting!

Fri- SERVICE DAY! yipee. We got to clean bathrooms! That's the most fun I've had cleaning bathrooms EVER! haha. We then taught one of our other investigators Edison. Not only did we commit him to praying, but the spirit was so strong that we committed him to Baptism! Man, it was the best lesson! My companion and I finally figured out a teaching technique that works, the spirit was so strong and just the feeling after was amazing!

Sat- Today we met with our investigator Devyn and answered some of his questions about gay marriage and random questions that I know will come up with more people than just him. But, through it all, we cleared up confusion and he too committed to baptism! Everyday seems like a great day! Than night, we had an experience of a lifetime. Our teachers are so inspired. WE had to teach another companionship, one of them the investigator and one as a member who is with us as missionaries. WE were a little nervous about the investigator who is just another elder because he has that attitude of he's here, but doesn't really seem like he is all here and wants to be. WE know there is somthing slow mentally and we've all tried to make him feel great. But, we just feared how he would play as the investigator. The spirit was incredible, he went from a little slow to perfectly playing the role of the person (crazy how the spirit works) and it couldn't have been a better lesson. We had all prayed for him to have an experience that would make him excited about missionary work and man, our lesson did it. He came out of the lesson so much happier to be here, noticed how the Spirit worked on him, and we all came out thinking, MAN! THIS CHURCH IS TRUE!!!!!

Sun- Fast Sunday! We had meetings with our branch pres. that morning. Then we went and had a 2hr mission conference all centered around the Holy Ghost. It was so spiritually uplifting for us all! We had all been struggling with how to better gain and receive the Spirit. Then, that night, Alex Boye from the MoTab gave a fireside. INCREDIBLE!! It was nice to just laugh for an hour straight! Finally, some comic relief! :) One thing that stood out to me was he said: "WE become what we think about most! So if we think extremely positive about my mission, it will be amazing!

Mon-Today we taught a lesson that didn't go so well. Yet, it made me realize that not every lesson will be. But, we walked away w/ steps to help us improve and made those part of our weekly goals! Then, that night, we went in with things we wanted to improve on and yet, investigator #4 was able to be committed to baptism as well! Then, Hely, our investigator from Guatemala we had had lessons with had that testimony to commit to baptism and a date was set for two weeks away! She's so sweet and always calls us models and asks us why we're on missions instead of married (gee, thanks! haha) But, we explained that it was for people like her that we wanted to help and meet! Today, mom, I saw Jared Clark again and we talked for a little. It's so funny running into people here! Then, mom! remember the LeFevre mom that we talked to because her son was in the Philippines too?? Well, I met her other son Bryce here! We sat and talked and found out we're both from Vegas and live near the azure bldg and I just put two and two together! It's so funny! But, we became friends! And to top today off, I got a dear elder from gma valerie and a letter from Megan Arnold! I went to bed a happy girl, needless to say! :)

Tues- Yesterday was a tough day! 2 districts next to us were leaving tomorrow! We all grew so close and met tons of great friends and to see them go away was a bummer! We then taught an inactive family, who we got to commit to living the word of wisdom, read the book of mormon and go to church! Our devo tonight was a member of the 70. He talked about how there are too many social conversions and not enough conversions based on their testimony. Yet, if you think about it, that's probably really true! He said that us as missionaries, our faithfulness, determines the success of our investigators! Well, that hit me like a brick! So, i am determined to become THAT MUCH MORE FAITHFUL..he also talked about when we get home. you can see their emphasis of missionaries post-mission! We're all kinda scared to go home now! haha None of us want to mess up at all! :)

Well, I miss and love you all! You are in my prayers morning and night and I couldn't think of a better place to be right now! I love the mission and I'd love to hear from you all! Dear elders are great!! Thank you and love you!

Mahal kita,

Sister Arnold