22..Scary thought!!

Sorry again that there are no pictures-not sure what is going on. Next week!

BUT! Happy New Year officially! ..and Happy Birthday to me! Thank you so much for the birthday wishes! 

Monday- New Years, we had PDAY, went shopping and I bought a ton of cheap material and one of the members is going to MAKE me skirts instead! haha But, that night we went to two families home and had FHE and tons of food! I am so glad the holidays are over so that I can get back to my healthy eating! so much junk and left overs! But, it was lots of fun! We "jumped" at midnight here because "jumping at new years is a sign that you'll grow taller here the next year because they are all so short! The parties and fireworks/music, no joke until 6:30am! We were all exhausted at District Meeting the next day because we we got no sleep!

Tuesday- District meeting and work. This was such a rewarding day because the investigators we've been teaching have officially overcome their Word of Wisdom! Even the investigator who hasn't been able to over come it for two years! It helps that the price on alcohol and cigarettes has gone up here so that they can hopefully cut down the smoking/drinking problem here in the PI..it's bad. So, they are all headed to the WATERS of BAPTISM!

Wed- So fun! We worked and then had a FHE with the Ward Missionaries. I saw gay at the mall and she came as well and so it was a mutual birthday party..I am so grateful for her and them beause it wasn't until then that it became special! I have videos and pictures that you will laugh at when I get home and show you..they are insane here, but I was so grateful to share my birthday with Gay as you all can see from Facebook! Love her like a sister-wish I could bring her home with me! :)But, I made crepes, bought a cake, made no bake cookies and carbonera! Then we did a gift exchange and I got a picture frame..so fun!

Thursday-Sat we continued with work. There were tender mercies in our work because just when we thought some of our investigators weren't going to progress, they blossomed! here in the Philippines because divorce is next to impossible, we run into candidates for baptism who had a previous wife, separated and then have a new live in partner..they can't get baptized unless they meet the long list of requirements that they have given us for them to meet! We thought this was a problem for one of our investigators, but it isn't and at first brother who we are reactivating wanted her to be a member before they got married so that they were "the same", but after explaining the point behind it, they agreed to get married! I wish I had BEE here to help me plan a wedding! :) haha SPEAKING OF WEDDING! Of course, another wedding I'll most likely miss, but CONGRATS JEN AND YOUR SOON TO BE HUBBY! Age is just a number-the Lord was just preparing you for the right guy! love you!! When is the wedding??

Sunday- I can't even describe how happy I was for today! We had almost all of our investigators at church (8) and 20 less actives coming back to church! It is amazing to see them change their lives. I am thankful for a new year, and their desire to set New Years Resolutions and get back to church!

The church is true! The work is blooming here and I love it here in 5th ward! Just like I testify and hear all our investigators stop their problems and receive their answer that the church is true, its priceless. For my birthday and Christmas, it was truly an amazing one because I didn't have the gifts, but instead I was GIVING-the gospel and so many are receptive here! I also am starting my Young Women Personal Progress again for the second time around and it alone has strengthened my testimony tremendously! I love you all and thank you for your love and support you continually give to me! 

xo

Sister Arnold