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

First email home!!

The morning of her enter date, we went to breakfast as a family at Denny's. This was an emotional breakfast for Lauren as she was realizing that she wasn't going to be having any family breakfasts for a while. After breakfast we drove the the Provo Temple and said our tearful goodbyes on the beautiful grounds there. This must be the hang out place, because there were lots of families saying tearful goodbyes! It was 12:40 and time to drive her a short ways to the MTC. What a strange experience to drop you 21 year old daughter off on the curb with unknown men ready to take her bags and whisk her off!! They weren't even allowed to take 1 family picture for us. This drop off we way less emotional for the mear fact that there wasn't anytime to be emotional. Once she dropped her bags off she began the registration process, then quickly finding out that they didn't have her info entering on the 22nd, but had her entering on the changed reporting date, when they asked her to take part in a new pilot program that wasn't to start until 3-14. They were able to resolve the matter and off she went to orientation and the meeting of her new teachers. Just so you know why she entered on her original date was that we had a family conflict with the 3-14 date as John and I had already requested time off from work for the Feb. date. They luckily gave her permission to enter on 2-22. This just meant that she would enter into the English speaking classes for the first 3 weeks until her Tagalog program starts on 3-14. This actually might work out to her benefit as she will already have learned the discussions in English before learning the new language. Lauren loves her teachers and is sad that she will only have them for 2 more weeks! I am sure she will love her Tagolog teachers just as much. She also met her new companion at least for the first 3 weeks, her name is Sis. Jasper and they hit it off right away! Sis. Jasper is 23 years old and is from South Jordan Utah. She also enjoys the company of her other roommates.

To her parents surprise Lauren has been waking up every morning at 6-6:15, early I might add, without any problems! She has also been getting to be on time as well, stating she needs all the blessings she can get from being obedient! On Thursday Lauren met with her Branch President, President Anderson and during this interview she was named Senior companion in her companionship. She was very excited about this also a little nervous, unprepared, and unorganized, but soon realized that was what everyone was feeling.

On Friday they did service and were stuck polishing the bathroom...sadly they all loved it because it got them out and about instead of sitting in an uncomfortable desk all day for 10 hours. She also taught their first role-playing discussion and said her and Sis. jasper nailed it! It was at this time she realized how incredible it is that the spirit speaks through them as missionaries. The things she said weren't the things that she had planned on saying. They invited their role-playing investigator to set a baptismal date. This was just the start of many lessons to come.

On Saturday, day 4 she is sick of wraps and salads, as she has been conscious of eating healthy. She has also been exercising daily!

Sunday, day 5- They had heard all week that if you can make it to your first Sunday in the MTC then you are set! She did and was spiritually uplifted all day long! She was very excited to see her Aunt JeNeal, who's husband is in a Branch Presidency at the MTC, for the first time since she had entered.

Monday, day 6 was full of role playing, this allowed her to learn so much more about the gospel! They also learned some about stress management.

Tuesday, day 7 she claims was incredible!!!! They started teaching another investigator which brought them up to 5 total and have taught 7 lessons in 4 days. Lauren joined the choir and sang "Come thou Fount", which is her favorite song and the night fireside. She was also on the TV screen for at least 15 seconds zoomed in on just her as the whole MTC watched (this made her happy :)) She was stoked when they rose for their guest speakers entrance and it happened to be Elder Holland. Peace overcame them and it was dead silent as they felt goosebumps and tears filled their eyes! She stated that he taught them so much beginning with that if they at least convert on person on their mission it should be themselves! He also stated that they shouldn't come home unless they are changed forever. He taught that the Lord loves them and that they need to be 100% obedient because if they aren't, how do they expect their investigators to be? If they are wanting their investigator to read and pray, it's probably because the Lord wants them to be doing the same. This was a big eye-opener for her. The whole MTC left with chills, ready to go out and conquer, and to be as obedient and diligent as we can be!

Lauren can testify that this 18 months isn't going to be the best 18 months OF her life, but FOR her life! She loves you all and is so thrilled that she is serving a mission. She is amazed that after only 1 week she has grown so much! Lauren knows this church is true and that she is where she is supposed to be!

PS she is still trying to get used to being called Sister Arnold! LOL

The countdown!

Well, we went from 44 to 10 days! It gets a little more real as each day comes and goes and before I know it, Wednesday February 22nd will be here! Today I was surrounded by so many friends and family who have been my #1 fans. They have been my strength, examples, and friends as I've been preparing for this time in my life.

I am excited to put aside the cares of the world and find myself. Forget the cell phone, forget the internet, forget all the worldly cares: I am ready to find me and share with those the happiness and joy that I have in my life!

44 days, but who's counting?!

The time is drawing nearer and I find myself flooded with millions of emotions!
Happy that I'm leaving, sad that I'm leaving my family, excited for a new culture, scared that I won't pick up on the language as fast as others, ...and on, and on, and on. I look back at October 11th when I opened my mission call. So many close friends and family gathered for that special day. I thought for sure I was going to be stateside, but much to my suprise I was called to the Bacolod, Philippines Mission!
What a crazy and unpredictable day! That was the last place I thought I would be going.
But, here I am- 44 days away from entering into the MTC-a milestone in my life.
There are so many things that I would love to take with me and people I'd stuff in my suitcase, but sometimes you have to do things for yourself. I am ready for the opportunity to put aside the cares of the world and find ME! Not the me that so and so wants, or the me who wants certain things because others want it. I've always said that I know what I want in life, but the question is- DO I TRULY KNOW WHO I AM WHEN EVERYTHING IS PUT ASIDE ALL THE CARES OF THE WORLD AND LEAVE EVERYONE BEHIND?
That! Is what I am most excited about! I want to go out and share what I BELIEVE with others so they can enjoy the same peace and comfort I do when I think about the gospel. It has changed my life as I have realized that I don't go to church because my family wants me to or requires me to. It's because I WANT TO and know that without the gospel, I would be lost and confused. Here's to a journey in my life and let the countdown begin, along with the last minute preparations!

..So close! Let recap!

Well, it's been forever, or at least it feels like ages! Although, it HAS been two months! So, lets recap!

-Came home from BYU-Idaho

-Moved into a BEAUTIFUL new house!

It's a new opportunity to have new neighbors, new surroundings, a Wal-Mart within realistic driving distance, an In-and-Out, Cafe Rio, Cane's, BJ's, Cold Stone, Buffalo W

ild Wings, EVERYTHING within only a few minutes..I LOVE IT!

-Changed my look: Stephanie Smith did my cut and Jamie Campbell did my color! They work at Destinations and would recommend them in a heartbeat! I am constantly getting compliments on my hair and who did it. Come get yours done by them as well! Destinations Salon Spa is where they're at!

-Went to Bryan and Connie's wedding:

They are such a cute couple and perfectly matched! I wish them the best! At the same time, I celebrated with Jared! Boy do I miss that kid! I look forward to his letters each week and he makes me so happy with his positive attitude towards everything about his mission! At their wedding, they had a life size cut out of him and we were able to take him in a photo booth..here we are. Isn't he cute?!

-School started..boo Chemistry! Although, it is starting to make sense!

-And as I do my homework, look who keeps me company..he just rests his head where ever he feels like it..he's so cute! aw, scooby.

-And sometimes I may or may not act my age with my brothers and play dress up with my dog. Poor thing..haha

-Work started and now I am a Salon Spa Coordinator at Destinations Salon and Spa and that is where I stand.

-Mission papers are being submitted this week!! I couldn't be more excited to serve the Lord for a year and a half! The church is true.

-Matthew turned "10" and I made his cake..stumble gave me the idea and I thought it was super cute!

-I am starting to read the Book of Mormon on a schedule with my family.

I can't wait to share this with those around me and bring souls unto Christ!

-I went to Salt Lake with my grandma for a photo shoot weekend, and here's what we got!

-First week at our new ward, well for me at least! So, we decided to document it:)

-A night out as siblings..where to? Dairy Queen! We had a sweet tooth.

-General Conference and my great-grandma asked us if she heard Pres. Monson say to pray for Obama. hahaha. We gladly corrected her!

Doesn't my gramps kinda look like a younger version of Tommy?!

what handsome studs! Love him.

-Baby shower for Julie! So excited for her:)

-Sleepovers with my great grandparents and Jen so my gma and gpa could get a break.

-Catching up on my shows: The Office and The Lying Game

-Realized the Bachelor will be starting right as i'll be heading out on my mission.

depressing. Bee, you need to keep me updated! He's such a nice guy and deserves the BEST girl.

And through it all, I'm still trying to make friends, enjoy the time I have left with my family, and stay positive!