...what a week!

Good morning!!

 

Well, I'm sorry for the panic attack mom and dad! You think you got the panic attack...you can just imagine how I felt.  Well, Sis. Polatis got it worse.  Everyone asked about the story-so, here it is! Wednesday, we went out for district meeting and came home to eat, study,etc. We have a gate on our outside then you walk into our huge front door and then you can enter into the house. Because the gate is closed and locked and we are barbed wired in, we always left the door open because of the air breeze. I set the keys and my purse on the couch and we went about our business and went upstairs to study. We came down to leave around 5pm and I couldn't find the keys anywhere! I thought I just misplaced them.  So, we found a spare set of keys in the house and just took them.  I just told Sis. Polatis we'd look for them later.   We went out and we went to come home about 7:50, but as we passed our house, I told Sis. Polatis we were going to try one more family.   They weren't home, so around 8pm we went in.   We opened the gate and we both got the worst feeling but I continued because we thought it was just because it was so dark!  The spare key ring had a million keys so when I finally found the right one, we were so excited to get in and turn the light on....when I went to unlock all the locks and the chain that we have that we use to lock it...it was locked from the inside. You can imagine me, trying to open it and Sis. Polatis having no idea what happened..I KNOW there was someone so I RAN...it was so scary because Sis. Polatis locked up the gate behind her so when I ran it was pitch black, I had no idea if there were people in the yard that would get us, etc. We finally made it out of the gate and I took off running..Sis. Polatis followed. We went across the street that has a building/hotel kinda and there was a guard and people. We called the senior couples and I told him..I may be crazy, maybe I didn't unlock the gate all the way, etc. But, I didn't feel good about going back and trying because it all happened so fast that I started doubting what happened. They got there really fast, and we went in with them and sure enough he saw that it was locked with the chain. He unlocked it and we went in. From the downstairs, it didn't look so bad at first, but we went upstairs and it was just ransacked. It made us so sick. They stole most of Sis. Polatis' stuff and for being here a week and having a rough week to begin with..it just made it that much worse for her. They stole most of her stuff...more her stuff than mine because she had her stuff in our main bed room..mine was in the spare room. But, just like all her stuff, they stole a ton of mine. They stole all my shoes and left one pair of my danskos, they stole my ipod speakers that I bought here, camera charger, wallet, backpack, make up, etc...they took a lot of the most valuable stuff and we are still finding stuff up until today that they took! They took the key earlier in the day, watched for when we left and they came in using the key that they took earlier in the day! They forced theirselves out the back room that was locked up and when he was running they dropped my wallet and a few other things..right now, the hardest things is my shoes that they stole and my camera charger because now i have no way to charge my camera other than borrowing it from our district leader tomorrow...So, I have my wallet, but they wanted me to call you, the mission couple and have you cancel the card so that we took proper precautions.  I learned that I delayed a prompting when I went into the house, but I know we were guided to that last appt. because if we would've come home any earlier, I don't know what would've happened! They can have all the material possessions that they took, but I am just grateful for our safety! We are at another appt with other sisters and we're moving into our new appt later this afternoon..but, sadly this happened to 3 other companionships this week...and it's sad to say that it probably won't be the last. so, sorry for the voicemail..I would've loved it better if you actually picked up the phone, but the connection was horrible, so we just resorted to email. I will call Chase about my new debit card. PS Thank you for my package this week! I love it and can't wait to wear it :)

Just an update on our investigators:

The D family is progressing so much! We're working on them as a family and we're so excited for them!

We have so many referrals lately from the members which I am extremely grateful for because it reassures us that the members trust us with their family/friends.

 

We're ready to get settled in to our apartment and just go to work! No matter how hard anything is, it's possible! Thank you for the love/concern this week! Sis. Polatis is doing great! She recovered well from the shock of everything and is just kicking forward! :) She's awesome! I love this work...satan's good, but the work continues! :)

 

...crazy they just opened 3 new missions in the Philippines!!! :)

 

Love you!

xo Sister Arnold

...speechless

Maayong hapon!!

 

Wow! What a week!! I am soooo grateful to be here in this ward at this time! I always say it, but I really mean it! Every week missionary work gets better and better! Now i know why my blessing said I'll be sad at the end of my mission because of the love I have for the people and my mission. Now you're probably wondering...you didn't get transferred? ...keep reading :)

 

Monday we had Family Home Evening with the D family who is the family we're reactivating so that Brother can baptize his son. You all read that situations and problems in their family, but man is there family progressing! I was in charge of the lesson and I chose to do it on Love because of Valentines Day, etc and I know that was their needs as a family! I had them write down something they could do that week to show their love to each other and brother agreed that he wouldn't get mad, sister agreed not to lie, all the kids chose to say "I love you" or give them all kisses everyday. I was touched when we followed up with them that they ALL DID IT!!!! ....what progress! I can't even describe the feelings and we helped remind them that this change isn't for one week, one month, etc...but it's for a lifetime! They came to church on Sunday and Bro asked me for Liahonas in English so he could strengthen their spirituality, etc. I gave some to him and he expressed to me that it was because of me that they realized they need to come back to church. I was touched and KNOW that this was a family waiting for me. Sister P kept feeling like she was transferring but I didn't and then my thoughts kept always going back to the D family. Brother D has a desire to talk to bishop on sunday about worthiness so he can baptize, but every commitment to worthiness we give him, he does! Jan mark's new baptism date it March 23rd!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know that I personally am not the reason they are returning. Us as missionaries are just representatives, but it was because of their desire, their faith, and their trust in the Lord that all things are possible- and the Lord blessed them!

Now, to transfers-I'm training. ..aye! I am soooo excited! My companion is....American. Sister Polatis is her name and she is from a place right outside of Rexburg and she is amazing! Our personalities are just perfect, she knows why she's here and she's ready to work. SO! THat's what we're going to do. Her language is very limited so it's an adjustment teaching most of the lesson, having to translate everything, etc. but i LOVE IT! I have her teach in english even though her language is limited and she does great! Attached is the pictures of her and today is her birthday and she turned 23! ..hence, the picture! But, I have a TO DO list that is about 6ft long and it's an adjustment having to do it all by myself because it's too early to introduce her to everything-little by little but Sister Polatis has such great potential and she'll be ready to train by the end of her training! I am grateful to have this opportunity to learn more about my purpose and how to lose myself in service of my companion as she is new and i attempt to cook filipino food, clean, etc. But, I couldn't be more grateful for this amazing opportunity with an amazing companion!!! :)

 

I love this gospel! The church is true and missionary work is progressing. We are near 200 missionaries in the next few months! ..crazy! Keep the smiles and I hope you all had a great Valentines Day! We sure did as compatnions :)

 

Love,

Sister Arnold

xo.

Another amazing week dressed in white

Happy Valentines Day to all those love birds!!

What another amazing week as we saw J walk into the waters of baptism and was able to witness his father who just returned baptize him. He memorized the English prayer even though it was extermely hard! He didn't give up, because he knew what this meant to him and J! J's testimony was..well, I underestimated J. He truly understood what a 'testimony' truly is! I was grateful for their journey. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it and now they're working as a family to enter the temple!

 

We have another investigator who is 10 and is a son of less active parents, yet because of his desire to be baptized, he keeps continuing his attendance at church. As missionaries, we just overlooked him, but we finally realized that we need to help him and reactivate his parents. His father expressed that this was their time to return back to church especially with all their time in life and experiencing the trials they are.  Such a tough situations!  But, we're not giving up on them and it's their time to embrace the gospel and see the changes in their lives and for brother to finally baptize his son!

 

Then, another great experience was with the J family. We reactivated Sis. J and they have a son on his mission! Brother only goes to church once a year and he finally went to church in January, but got busy at work. They are having trials with sending their children off to be married and will be moving to the states, but Brother expressed his expectations as a father that it's the hardest because his expectations are that they are members and unfortunately, the soon to be husband isn't. Yet, as the lesson progressed, he realized that it's his time to return back to church that he is a man of action and not words, especially as the father of his family! He agreed to take charge and they are working on going to the temple because even though his family will leave him temporarily, he'll have him forever. We ended in kneeling prayer and the Spirit was incredible. I know this is their time to see the blessings fall upon them as a family as they work together towards their goal!

 

I love serving in this ward! I know that despite our trials and disappointments, the work continues! This work is real and I encourage all those eligable to join me in this great army of missionaries! Thank you for all your love and support! I pray for you always!

 

Love, xo

Sister Arnold

February already?

Maayong udto family and friends xo IT'S FEBRUARY!! ...wow. where does the time go?

 

My heart is full as I had an amazing week! I witnessed two of our greatly elect and prepared baptismal candidates enter into the waters of baptism! This week was full of preparations and making sure that they were ready, ready! And, they definitely were! Brother C even gave me a HUGE native bag/purse and a another littler purse for his gratitude and said he has something for the boys and for everyone in my family! He loves you all, whether you're here or not--so i'll bring them back for you! It's crazy how big the purse he gave me..it's half my big suitcase and i think it'll be my carrying on because if I pack it i'll have no room for anything else! He was so nervous for the baptism and so shy..everytime his son who baptized him tried to practice, he'd tell him to stop because he was too shy..he did have to be baptized three times and on the third time it was finally okay! His testimony put me into tears as he shared his experience of approaching me where I was from and knew at that minute that this was the time for him as we asked to meet his family--from there, it was history! He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.. what a powerful experience/baptism that I was honored to be apart of!

 

Then, on Sunday, we had the baptism of B! Man, the trials that came as he was called to work on Sundays and he wasn't going to be able to attend church on Sunday until his baptism at 4pm. Then, I found out if he would have work on Sundays from now on and he responded "yes, man, the trials that i've been given as I've tried to prepare!" I started questioning whether we should go through with his baptism or wait until he is solid and won't have to work on Sundays, etc. because I knew he would be baptized and be inactive...well, I felt a distinct impression that we needed to go through with his baptism and low and behold, we showed up to church on Sunday and our prayers were answered..he was called earlier that morning and told he wasn't needed..The Lord, I testify, gives us trials, but it's to make us stronger and if we continue with faith, he'll bless us like he did Benjie! He was baptized and will be confirmed next Sunday as a member as well!

 

We had an interview for our candidate, J next week and he will be baptized Saturday! He even gave the prayer at B's baptism as preparation and did great!  But, we are fulfilling the goal of the mission as a companionship..we have a baptism scheduled every week until mid march! It was quite a rough journey, but the Lord blessed us with the fruits of our labor and we're just at the beginning of seeing them enter into the waters of baptism!

 

What a great and blessed week! I feel blessed to be serving in this ward at this time..as transfers are coming up, I am trying to accept what may happen..I may stay to see them all continue into the waters of baptism or I may be transferred..But, whatever it may be, I was placed in their lives for a reason and know that if I may transfer, my purpose was finished here..if I stay, we'll contine to harvest the fruits here in 5th ward!

 

I love you all and know this church is true! Stay strong through anything and everything in our lives and the Lord will bless us..I am praying for you all, pirme (always)!!! xo

 

I'm headed to go golfing..i miss it! We'll see how great the golf courses are here! :)

 

Sister Arnold

I SURVIVED...barely!

Maayong hapon sa inyo tanan! ..grabe what a week!!

I found myself sick on Monday, but we continued with our FHE with our investigator and her family. It was a lot of fun and their sons birthday was that past Sunday and because they're poor, I made crepes nd we had a crepe night with the left over chocolate sauce, cream, etc. They really seemed to enjoy it and that's all that matters! (sorry this keyboard is awful)

 

Tuesday we had district meeting and one of the couples here in our mission is a nurse and pharmacist..they looked at my legs which my illness turned into a huge allergic reaction..doctors orders-rest.. well, I wish I could say I listened, but we worked and taught our investigators because we had interviews sunday and i couldn't afford to rest. but, I regretted it because...

 

Wed. I was in bed alllll dayy...from when I woke up to the next morning. I really appreciated my companion who was there and so understanding..we think the allergic reaction was the water..the water in our house is extremely dirty...as a mother, you'd have a fit. ha But, welcome to the Philippines! I love it! :)

 

Thursday- We committed yet another 14 yr old for baptism who we are reactivting his parents. It is amazing how elect and prepared he is. Our mission goal here is we are expected to have a baptism every week as told by our Mission presient because our AP's area is doing it...talk about streesed out! But, we're going for it! Anything' possible!!

 

Friday-We continued working with our less actives and recent converts. We found another elect part member family who we saw progression and the desire..we have plan to commit him to baptism! ..Soooo exciting! Ya know, I look back and realize that there are so many things that I look forward to, but I'm happiest when I help another person accept the gospel. Everyday I'm so excited to just go out and work !! I love it.

Sat- This was our last opportunity to prepre our investigtors that hve an interview Sun and at the end of the night, Sis. P and I felt like "WOW, they're ready..." A few people asked who came up with the jar of love,,that was me, but we all contributed to the notes and sis. p helped decorate it...it was extremely fun and bro c said he had rememberances for us...native hand bags...wow, we're spoiled.. I'm excited :)

UN-THEY PASSED and we'll be having our baptism of bro c on sat and b on sunday at 2 because he has work! The work has been amazing, but we're not finished!

We have so much to continue doing! We're ready to continue our work and push forward with diligence ..i'm giving it my 100!

 

I love this work. there's no better place for me right now than here with these people. I reflect on transfers coming up and we both want to stay in our areas forever. :) thats how close you get to the people here!! i love my companion and this week i can really say we clicked..it's amazing when you as a companion hear " You're the first companion i've told this stuff"...the trust and love in a companionhip makes all the difference and I couldn't be here along..i'm thankful to have her side by side,preching the gospel 2x2! The church is true!

I love and pray for you all always!
xo Sister Arnold

Pictures :)

our investigtor trying to get me to buy these pants...grabe...i fit in one leg. ha picures by the ocean!!

Another week of preparation! :)

Maayong Hapon Family,

Well I had to drag myself out of bed this morning to email you all, the flu has hit the missionaries here! So, I don't know how long this will be!

 

But, what a great week!!! I am so excited to announce that we're wrapping up some of our ivestigators to be baptized February 2 and they have come so far! Brother C. is in the picture and that was the "Jar of Love" that I made for him to finaly conquer his smoking problem after two years!! In it was put little messages from me and my companion and his family so that everytime he wanted to smoke, instead he'd read a message of love and he'll be baptized on the 2nd!!!! We announced it to the leaders and the members and they all shouted for joy! ...yeah, me too!

Another great story this week was we have a Less active that always ran from us because he's been inactive so long and that's what they all do...! haha But, Wed he didn't run and we were able to have a very powerful lesson and committed to go to church and sat we visite him and reminded him and he approached us and didn't run again! :) Incredible!

 

Another investigator that refuses to go to church because she feels shes not worthy finally attended New Beginnings for her daughters! They attended church for the first time that day and we were told that she was very emotional and are hoping that's our in!! The spirits working in her!!

 

Last I will share, but definitely not all, we have over 20 less actives yet again at church! We even got new less actives at church!! We had 11 investigators at church and more on our radar that we'll be giving a baptism date this week! The work is in.cred.ible! I have felt the spirit work in my like crazy this week and I testify that the Lord will continue to bless us as long as we are faithful and obedient! I know this church is true and it's never too late to return back to the church! I have a testimony of how the gospel influenced me growing up and am forever thankful for my standards! :)

 

I pray for you all daily! xo

Halong sa inyo tanan!

Sister Arnold

 

Enjoy the pictures from christmas, christmas party in the ward christmas eve, randomness, love you!

Sorry it took so long!

1 transfer already here in 5th ward!

Maayong hapon family!

I can hardly believe that we have been here one transfer..just like you all, we're wondering where the time is going! This week was a week where we planned to look forward with an eye of faith. Our investigators are progressing so well and our goal, numbers supported with faces, is 15 people will have a baptism date set by the end of next week. It's been interesting trying to balance our work with Less Actives and Investigators! But they are equal and balanced which means we're doing okay, nonetheless! We spent our weekly planning really trying to find a way to get this work going. We met with the Bishop yesterday and he expressed his thanks for the change to sister missionaries.  I have a strong testimony of not giving up on ANYONE. The Lord has his timing and if we can't teach them today, we can teach them tomorrow! They are all working on their goal and we'll have our first baptism on Feb 2 and we have 4 candidates!

 

This week we had a training with President Lopez and personal interviews with President. We were all excited to have our interviews because how very seldom we get them. It was funny the questions he asked about training.  So, we'll see when his timing is for me to train!

 

One miracle that we also had was a family who has been on the 15 focus family names of the ward here for reactivation. As we've helped them we started with Sister. They were our first appointment here in this area, and after some struggle, Sister returned SUNDAY! And, we had visited them that Friday which was planned as just a back up, but as she had attended 3 Sundays, she testified of the power of church attendance! She cried as she realized that she had to get back to church! She wasn't going to make missing church a habit. Sunday, she attended as well as her less active husband who the kids say they don't remember the last time that he went to church and a few of their less active children because they have 13 children..you can only imagine the excitement and the love we felt as we witnessed a happy moment in their family. This is only the beginning.

 

Saturday we also received the 2013 Area Goals for the Philippines and we're focused on the rescue yet again! But, they added two areas of emphasis: Getting members to the temple by having them as full tithe payers/fast offerings, and getting YSA's married in the templel! Too many just get sucked into tradition and put off Temple Marriage..oh boy! How do we need to help them in that area when we ourselves aren't married! ha But, nonetheless, it's inspired and extremely important! You could tell the Area Presidency was only satisfied with our numbers, but were disappointed that we didn't have more success! So, here's to 2013!

 

I love this work! This is the only true gospel here on earth! I know that God is a God of Miracles hasta subong (until now!) I have witnessed the work progress in this elect land and oh how much work we still have to go! I love my calling as a missionary and know that there is power and authority to my calling! Please know that I love and pray for you always! Stay strong and happy!

 

xo.

Sister Arnold