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