Maayong Buntag Pamilya og (and) Amigos/Amigas:
This week was a tender mercy in itself! Also, my language just BLOOMED this week and I finally feel comfortable in
understanding the people and speaking to them! Tons of the people here
have said how bonzai or "great" I am at the language and it was such a
confidence booster! FINALLY! haha
Monday we got out house
approved FINALLY after weeks and weeks of searching. Our time here in
Escalante will continue and all was finally approved! We move in
Saturday and attached are pictures of our new house.
Tuesday we had our last district meeting and our zone leaders took us
out to lunch (us sisters). It was time to say goodbye, but it was great
being in this zone! We taught Sis. Tarugo again and Sis. Boncales and I
were both bold with her because she wasn't progressing. Her
kasingkasing (heart) was extremely closed and we decided we needed to
filter her and it wasn't her time right now. There are other "low
hanging mangos" out there ready to return. We also continued our
teaching to our two investigators Mark and Marilyn who are so excited for
their baptism. We also committed our other investigator Jay-Uh to
baptism Sept. 8th! She is awesome, has come to church, and would've been
baptized Saturday, too, but her mom passed away and her dad works in
Bacolod..Yes, it's typical here for the kids to live by themselves while
their parents are elsewhere working. They do everything for themselves
and she's 11 and is in charge of her 8 year old brother. But, she's as
solid as they come! Awesome girl!
Wed- Today was a long day for us because we went out for 6 hours and
only taught 2 lessons. It was a day to test our patience as the heat
was excruciating, we were dripping in sweat, ran out of water early, etc
and only had two lessons to show for it. But, we were satisfied at the
end of the day as we contacted ten new less actives and have more
people to teach now. So it was a blessing in disguise! :) That night,
Pres. Lopez came and did apt. checks for us and had interviews with us
at our house. Words can't describe how inspired he is, and everything
he said and the advice he gave to me with the things on my mind was ON
KEY. I have a vision for my time here in the mission and he helped me
get that much closer to it! I love and have so much respect for him as a
mission president and am so glad to be serving under him right now!
Thursday and Friday we continued our teaching and committed yet another
investigator to be baptized! We are working on another one ( our 4th
investigator), but right now he has a serious crime that he committed
that is delaying the process. But, he will be baptized on his time,
when he's ready and when he's fully exercised the Atonement in his life
and I'm excited to be one of the missionaries helping him through it!
Saturday we worked and worked and then had our baptism. We had a lot of
support there and I loved watching them progress into the waters of
baptism. I love teaching the little children here because they have
become like
brothers and sisters to me and my love for them as they enter into the
waters of baptism and realize that their life is just beginning and they
have all the time to prepare and become strong in the
gospel..priceless!
Sunday we have gotten our recent convert
attendance up to 20/26 when, when I first got here they had 9/24 and are
seeing the fruits of our labor! Our recent convert just was ordained a
priest and received the priesthood and is excited to exercise it and
we're working on him for a potential missionary!
We also received transfer announcements just now and I will be
staying companions with Sis. Boncales for only one more transfer. He
told Sis. Boncales in her interview the other night that we would only
be together one more transfer but because of our work, he wanted us to
stay together for one more transfer. I am excited to stay here in
Escalante and continue the progress here that is ready for us!
I love being a missionary and seeing the smiles and happiness in
their lives as we help those apply the gospel in their lives and start
fresh!
Ihabalo ko ang ebanghelyo tinuod. Nakita ko ang mga
melagrado diri sa Escalante Branch og ihabalo ko dili perpekto kita,
pero paagi and pagpa-ula ni JesuCristo maging limpyo!
Stay strong, positive, and faithful!
I love you all!! Umping po!
xo
Sister Arnold
President Gordon B. Hinckley said:
"Today many sisters are being called to serve. Many more are preparing to serve. Not because they aren't married or don't have anything else to do, but they have the desire to serve. One reason that the Lord wants more sisters to serve is because within the next generation He will send His priesthood army to the earth. He wants to send choice spirit children to mothers who have been prepared, properly trained, and taught in the gospel. What better schooling can a mother have than to experience and grow as she serves a mission." --Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Successful Baptisms of 3!
What a week and I can hardly believe that it's Monday again..where does time go?!
This week we had a crazy week. Well, as I was so happy to announce
that we had a house, we got a call the day before we were supposed to
move in and it wasn't approved with the Manila office because it was so
expensive. We questioned why this was happening, but Pres. called us
and told us to continue the search. Every house we saw wasn't to mission
standards, so we are going to keep trying, the couples are coming
Wednesday to help us drive around because we can only walk so far and
cover so much ground! Then, Thursday night President will be in Esclante
to do interviews, etc. and finalize our housing situation. If we don't
have anything by then, we will be pulled out. I reflected on my time
here as a missionary and whether it will end next Tuesday, I am happy
with how I served the people of Escalante here! I have learned so much
and have made friendships that I will take with me forever. I may not
always be here, but the experiences and people will be with me forever!
So, you will know next email if I will be transferred or not because
will get them through emails Mondays now.
But, we also had our baptism Sat and so this week was full of
preparations with them! They progressed so fast that we had to teach all
the lessons in a short time. But, their faith has grown so much! They
were so excited for their baptism and that made it all worth it! We went
to Lupa, Sat morning and celebrated Erwin's birthday with
him before the baptism and then we all headed over to the chapel
together! It was 5pm and Amiel was no where to be found...so Sis.
Boncales and I paused and told the baptism to wait and we went to his
house to get him because I felt so strongly that he needed to be
baptized. We got there and his mom wasn't home but his dad was. We asked
the dad if we could take him and he said he would head over with their
mom when she got home. We got there and we saw his mom on the way and
long story short-they all attended the baptism! Amiel's testimony for
being 10 was incredible and we were so grateful for a successful
baptism. Then, on Sunday all three were set apart! Amiel's mom even
attended that as well! We thought she would leave after sacrament, but
she stayed all three hours and went to the classes. She had a smile on
her face, was singing hymns, etc. I have a testimony on acting on the
promptings you receive. Her heart has been softened, she is
attending church and she is on her way to activation and an eternal
family! Now, we are working on getting Erwin the priesthood which he is
so excited about and focusing on getting our next two investigators Mark
and Marilyn ready for baptism this Saturday. They had their interviews
Sunday and are ready! I am grateful to have been apart of their
conversion and know I had a purpose here, even if it was only one
transfer. Souls were rescued and members returned! Sunday night we went
to the chapel to watch the Broadcast of President Monson's birthday and
I too am grateful for a living prophet, that through him we can know
all things that we need to do to prepare! I know that he was called of
God for our time and if we heed the promptings of the Spirit and listen
to a prophet's counsel, we'll be on our way to returning to live with
our Heavenly Father!
How great is my calling! I love you all and thank you for all the love and support! Everyone asks to see my family picture and I get that I look like both and how happy and great week look! :)
How great is my calling! I love you all and thank you for all the love and support! Everyone asks to see my family picture and I get that I look like both and how happy and great week look! :)
Tell Tyler happy Birthday and I will send him a video next week! I can't believe he's 16! Love you TyTy!
Sister Arnold
Amazing Week
This week was amazing! The Lord blessed us in so many areas of our work
from finding a house, to three of our investigators passing their
interview, etc!
To start off, last Monday was so busy with looking for houses and ..nothing! That we had only enough time to go to the market, etc..no free time.
Tuesday was District meeting and I got tons of letters..thank you so much for everyone who is writing me and I found a post office sign pointing to a little hole in the market, so I am going to check it out and see if I can send some letters, but if not transfers are in two weeks and I'll send some then! Please don't think I forgot about you all! I love reading what is going on in everyone's life--and it seems like the common news I've been getting lately from everyone is "so and so...is getting married!" Congrats to all the love birds and I hope I receive some pictures! After we went out and worked and had a lesson with a less active who is having problems in her family. We taught her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and she asked us so many questions. She thought Jesus Christ was Joseph Smith, Mormon was our religion and didn't understand that the Book of Mormon was about Jesus Christ...just another missionary convert. We have tons of those here which is why only 1/6 of the Philippine members are active. We are treating her like an investigator and trying to strengthen her because when I asked her how important her family was she couldn't respond and looked embarrassed because they weren't to her--mind you she had her kids all surrounding her in the lesson. I asked that question assuming her answer would be IMPORTANT and I could feed off of her answer, but my heart broke when I found out otherwise and that the kids heard her reply as well. I give all the kids here candy and crackers in every lesson. I gave a piece of candy to the daughter that I could see and she took one little bite and then secretly passed it behind a wall, where the other daughter was. The feeling I get is heartbreaking as I see the conditions here in some of the families. I just want to give them everything I have for them to be happy so every time I go there, our goal is to get them to smile and little by little they smile more and more with us. A smile is worth a million words and the feeling is incredible. We also taught another Less active Bro. and Sister Sebua who listen to us but never act. Our goal was to get them to act. Brother was drunk when we came to visit him last time, so we felt the need to teach Word of Wisdom. He accepted the commitment and the next time we came he was so excited to tell us he hadn't broken the word of wisdom and continues in all our lessons. He reads his assignments we give him and everything and we committed him to go to church...and to our biggest shock, he was there Sunday all dressed up and even an hour early. Blessings!
Wednesday. Thursday, and Friday we continued the teaching as our investigators were all doing really well. We have been sad that our investigator Amile has had to be postponed for baptism for a while now because each week sister never comes to church. Every night I pray for something, some insight on how to help them and one night in my prayers, I felt the need to ask sister if she will just come at 11am for Amile's interview. We feel that Amile will influence his mom after he is baptized and be the source that they return. She agreed after she hesitated for a while and we asked Amile if he was excited and he said "Dili, dugay dugay". Which means: "No, because it's been so long"...another moment when your heart wrenches as a missionary. We kept our fingers crossed that this would get her to church. Friday, President invited Sister Boncales and I to dinner with the Assistants to the President because it was late and he didn't have time to check our appt and do interviews with us, but we always love the time we have with President and Sister!
Saturday we went to Lupa and finished preparing our two investigators for their baptismal interviews Sunday and they are so awesome! Erwin will be 18 on Sat...the day of his baptism and May Ann is 17. They didn't really talk to each other before they found out they were both investigating and now I think they are really hitting it off! ha ha
Sunday Sister Boncales and I were asked to speak in church. What an amazing day! We both had been praying to know what to talk on and we both received revelation and our talks couldn't have supported each other better! Her's was on Testimony and mine was on "Never Leave Him" a talk in the 2010 conference by ..my mind just went blank, but it's about not becoming offended and ashamed and leaving the church. It's exactly what they needed to hear because here 80% of the members who are less active are all offended by the members. Even as a missionary, I have been offended by a husband and wife twice, but if you have a testimony of the gospel, if you know why you're here at church, then you simply forgive, forget and in return you feel the Saviors love more abundantly! We both got tons of compliments and said it was what they needed to hear, etc. We walked away satisfied with our talks. We also had one of our less actives that Sis. Lopez helped us with, Sis. Empase return this Sunday. Lots of less actives are coming back little by little and we had three investigators pass their interviews for their baptism Saturday: Erwin, May Ann, and yes...AMILE! Sister came and when she came in, she listened to the gospel principles class until Amile's interview started and was talking with the members. I am hoping that her heart continues to soften and little by little she will make it back to the church as an active member.
The Lord is blessing this area so much and I didn't feel like it was time for the missionaries to be pulled out..and I was correct. The Lord blessed us with a HUGE house that President approved the price, and the couples approved the house this morning. The Escalante sisters will remain in Escalante and hopefully Sis. Boncales will be together next transfer!
I love you all and I know that if we have true, sincere hearts, according to our faith the Lord will bless us! This week strengthened my testimony so much and am grateful to be a missionary, watching these hearts change! Stay faithful and you will receive blessings that "there won't be room enough to receive them!"
Have a great week!
Sister Arnold
To start off, last Monday was so busy with looking for houses and ..nothing! That we had only enough time to go to the market, etc..no free time.
Tuesday was District meeting and I got tons of letters..thank you so much for everyone who is writing me and I found a post office sign pointing to a little hole in the market, so I am going to check it out and see if I can send some letters, but if not transfers are in two weeks and I'll send some then! Please don't think I forgot about you all! I love reading what is going on in everyone's life--and it seems like the common news I've been getting lately from everyone is "so and so...is getting married!" Congrats to all the love birds and I hope I receive some pictures! After we went out and worked and had a lesson with a less active who is having problems in her family. We taught her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and she asked us so many questions. She thought Jesus Christ was Joseph Smith, Mormon was our religion and didn't understand that the Book of Mormon was about Jesus Christ...just another missionary convert. We have tons of those here which is why only 1/6 of the Philippine members are active. We are treating her like an investigator and trying to strengthen her because when I asked her how important her family was she couldn't respond and looked embarrassed because they weren't to her--mind you she had her kids all surrounding her in the lesson. I asked that question assuming her answer would be IMPORTANT and I could feed off of her answer, but my heart broke when I found out otherwise and that the kids heard her reply as well. I give all the kids here candy and crackers in every lesson. I gave a piece of candy to the daughter that I could see and she took one little bite and then secretly passed it behind a wall, where the other daughter was. The feeling I get is heartbreaking as I see the conditions here in some of the families. I just want to give them everything I have for them to be happy so every time I go there, our goal is to get them to smile and little by little they smile more and more with us. A smile is worth a million words and the feeling is incredible. We also taught another Less active Bro. and Sister Sebua who listen to us but never act. Our goal was to get them to act. Brother was drunk when we came to visit him last time, so we felt the need to teach Word of Wisdom. He accepted the commitment and the next time we came he was so excited to tell us he hadn't broken the word of wisdom and continues in all our lessons. He reads his assignments we give him and everything and we committed him to go to church...and to our biggest shock, he was there Sunday all dressed up and even an hour early. Blessings!
Wednesday. Thursday, and Friday we continued the teaching as our investigators were all doing really well. We have been sad that our investigator Amile has had to be postponed for baptism for a while now because each week sister never comes to church. Every night I pray for something, some insight on how to help them and one night in my prayers, I felt the need to ask sister if she will just come at 11am for Amile's interview. We feel that Amile will influence his mom after he is baptized and be the source that they return. She agreed after she hesitated for a while and we asked Amile if he was excited and he said "Dili, dugay dugay". Which means: "No, because it's been so long"...another moment when your heart wrenches as a missionary. We kept our fingers crossed that this would get her to church. Friday, President invited Sister Boncales and I to dinner with the Assistants to the President because it was late and he didn't have time to check our appt and do interviews with us, but we always love the time we have with President and Sister!
Saturday we went to Lupa and finished preparing our two investigators for their baptismal interviews Sunday and they are so awesome! Erwin will be 18 on Sat...the day of his baptism and May Ann is 17. They didn't really talk to each other before they found out they were both investigating and now I think they are really hitting it off! ha ha
Sunday Sister Boncales and I were asked to speak in church. What an amazing day! We both had been praying to know what to talk on and we both received revelation and our talks couldn't have supported each other better! Her's was on Testimony and mine was on "Never Leave Him" a talk in the 2010 conference by ..my mind just went blank, but it's about not becoming offended and ashamed and leaving the church. It's exactly what they needed to hear because here 80% of the members who are less active are all offended by the members. Even as a missionary, I have been offended by a husband and wife twice, but if you have a testimony of the gospel, if you know why you're here at church, then you simply forgive, forget and in return you feel the Saviors love more abundantly! We both got tons of compliments and said it was what they needed to hear, etc. We walked away satisfied with our talks. We also had one of our less actives that Sis. Lopez helped us with, Sis. Empase return this Sunday. Lots of less actives are coming back little by little and we had three investigators pass their interviews for their baptism Saturday: Erwin, May Ann, and yes...AMILE! Sister came and when she came in, she listened to the gospel principles class until Amile's interview started and was talking with the members. I am hoping that her heart continues to soften and little by little she will make it back to the church as an active member.
The Lord is blessing this area so much and I didn't feel like it was time for the missionaries to be pulled out..and I was correct. The Lord blessed us with a HUGE house that President approved the price, and the couples approved the house this morning. The Escalante sisters will remain in Escalante and hopefully Sis. Boncales will be together next transfer!
I love you all and I know that if we have true, sincere hearts, according to our faith the Lord will bless us! This week strengthened my testimony so much and am grateful to be a missionary, watching these hearts change! Stay faithful and you will receive blessings that "there won't be room enough to receive them!"
Have a great week!
Sister Arnold
Escalante
What a week I tell ya! Good and bad news! Our house is in a big mess
with the contract and we have to be out at the end of the month! We
found one, but the kitchen was not considered clean. The cleanliness to
me was disgusting in the kitchen, but here I have learned to just adapt
because Sis. Boncales thought it was ok. I do come from a different
culture and fear being considered high maintenance. But, we have
American couples that came and checked our apartment and have the same
standards as I and denied it. So, if we don't find another house within
the next week and a half, we will be pulled out of Escalante. We
didn't work as much this week because of our focus on the house because
President wants to make that a high priority, but we tried to balance as
much as possible. Sis. Boncales and I really don't want to be
transferred because our love for the people here and the work is going
like crazy! Our
progressing investigators, we have six. They are all progressing really
well and excited about their baptisms. Erwin and May-Ann will be
baptized on Aug. 18th. That is Erwin's birthday and he is so excited.
May-Ann is 17 and Erwin will be turning 18. They keep their commitments,
read the pamphlets we given them in preparation and they always are
actively engaged in the lesson, and keeping their commitments. Amile is 9
and we've had to postpone his baptism for three weeks now because his
mom won't go to church for him to have an interview. We still visit and
support them, but right now we're focusing on the family because his mom needs to be strengthened for Amile to be baptized. They have trials in
their life, but last night we taught them about Mos 23:21-22. Mark is 9
as well and loves church. His family is extremely poor, but they always
send him to church so he can prepare for baptism even if his family
doesn't join them. Marilyn has come to church three weeks in a row even
though her family doesn't and always tells the little children that
stand in the door of the house to be quiet because she loves listening
to the lessons. They all are scheduled for April 18th and April 25th and
we're excited because we received a lot of referrals this week as well!
Tuesday
we had an awesome district meeting where the zone leaders taught us
what President trained them on to pass down. Mostly about new rules and
how obedience and if we're all aligned in the mission, we'll see
miracles. There was one rule that was hard for a lot of us to accept
that is NO RINGS..no matter boys or girls. But, we accepted it and knew
it was for a reason and like he said: If we obey, we'll see miracles!
Sister
Boncales and I have been very grateful this week for our personalities
because we have been able to get close to lots of the less actives who
even though they aren't going to church and were extremely reserved at
first, we have been able to get their trust little by little and have
been invited to dinner at their houses, etc.
Man,
I love the work here! We have a few people that will be returning next
week who are doing great! Little by little they realize what they have
been missing. My companion and I are still so close..no contention,
etc! Our unity continues to show in our work and our determination to
just go out and work is aligned. There are so many people waiting to
hear the gospel and it's up to us. The Lord has entrusted us in this
area now and I know that we need to act our part! Sister Boncales and I
also celebrated her 6 months..not much of a celebration-we cooked pasta
and went to get our avocado shakes that we're addicted to! But, yes mom,
you mentioned that soon will be my 6 months! Time has flown by and in
bed last night Sis. Boncales and I realized that there are only 2
transfers before Christmas and by then, I will only have 6 months left!
It's because of how fast time flies that I know that every minute
counts. Everyday the sun rises and falls, and how did I perform at the
end of the night to Heavenly Father? I am grateful to be here in the
Philippines! And, I miss all of you!
Stay
positive! Times are hard and here as missionaries my motto is: Expect
the unexpected, but I know that the Lord provides in all things if we
but have faith and continue in the gospel! I know this church is true
and the only true church on the Earth today! I testify of it everyday
and the blessings and miracles I see each day, both in my work, and in
my family! I am grateful for those tough times in life because that's
when the Lord refines me to the person I need to be and we just continue
growing and progressing! Smile-we have tons to be grateful for! Count
your many blessings!
Palanga ta ka!
Sister Arnold
Saturday, July 28, 2012
I'm headed Escalante City!
Maayo'ng Buntag Family and Friends!
Well, last Monday was a hard day as I said my goodbyes to Sister Marty and Sister Gay. We were invited for lunch at a members house along with them. We ate, then after headed to the Zoo here..small, but they wanted me to conquer my fear of snakes..did I mention I hate snakes..gross! Well, they had me put the snake around my neck and I didn't realize just how much of a chicken I was-but, needless to say, I did it. Gay and Marty have pictures because my camera was dead and they said they'd put them on Facebook for you guys. Then, we had a FHE that they attended of the Enobia family since they are their Visiting Teachers and after, they took us out to dinner yet, again! I am going to miss them a ton, but I know I'm called where I need to be.
Tuesday was transfer day, and when I heard him announce that I was headed to Escalante City, I was shocked! This area was one that President Tobias (former Pres) and Ap's said that I couldn't go to because I am foreign. They basically said I'd stay city side and honestly I was really bummed. So when they announced that I was headed to Escalante, a million questions flooded my mind? Why me out of all the Americans here? Why now? Why am I learning Cebuano now, if I didn't master Illongo yet? Why? Why? Why? All the other sisters gasped and were shocked and commented "THAT"S CEBUANO!" Then President said closing remarks and he answered my questions and said "Many of you are wondering why? And I wish I had the answer. But, I've received revelation to where you all are assigned and it's not me that called you, but the Lord" Well, how can I argue that!? I found out that I am only the 2nd foreigner American that has been here EVER as a missionary, and the first one was a long time ago. I got my new companion Sister Boncales and we headed to Escalante City on a Ceres bus for 3 hours travel. I got to the house, unpacked and it was 7pm. Just enough time go out until 8pm. Here we only stay out because it's dangerous after dark. But, we taught 3 lessons. We got home and I looked at their goals and found out where they are as an area. They were averaging 11-25 teaching total a week, with only one 9yr old investigator, no other investigators, etc. I knew we needed to kick it up a bit and she was okay with working harder and that's exactly what we did. I have gotten tons of stares as I walk by, but in no way, shape, or form do I feel threatened here. The people here are amazing and the area is breath taking. It's Escalante City, but it's extremely poor, nothing is here, but it's a huge area, with mostly farm area, caribou's (my favorite) and sugar cane fields..that's where I wanted to be assigned and I got it! I am finally getting tan and have major tan lines on my feet now! haha I met tons of members, we taught 40 lessons from tues night to sunday and 16 lessons to investigators. We found ten investigators this week and focused on three this week and all are progressing. They went to church Sunday for district conference and are excited to continue and progressing towards aug 18th. I knew we could pick it up and that's what we did here. Sister Lopez worked with us as they were in Escalante for District Conference and she's only worked with two companionship's since she's been here and I've been in both of them, with different areas, different companions. She has something about her and all those less actives that we visited were at church on Sunday and the majority of the ones we visited this week were also! The Lord is blessing this work and I love the zone I got put into as I knew two of them already, one I was batch with who has helped me with Cebuano, given me resources so I can progress, etc. My companion is Sister Boncales and she is amazing. She is probably going to be one of my favorite companions! Right from the start we had the divine companionship and it only keeps continuing! No contention, we speak Illongo in the house as I'm trying to transition to Cebuano. Cebuano is easier than Illongo in my opinion, but it's the transitioning that is hard for me when I'm so used to talking in Illongo. We also had a lesson where the investigator saw I am American and requested that I teach her in English-yikes! I stumbled and fumbled over my words, kept saying Illongo and they all just laughed at me. Grabe! So, I resorted back to Illongo/Cebuano. I have a family that this week we're visiting and they said I can ride their caribou so I am so excited for that! Then, last night as we were walking home from our appointments., the hotel that president and sister are staying at is a block away and we passed it. We saw them in the window on their computers eating and we tapped softly on the window to say hi and they invited us in and to stay for dinner. So we had dinner for 4 and it was so great! I could talk great things about them all day, but it was an evening that my companion and I were privileged to have.
This was a rewarding week and I was thankful for the change. We agreed that even though I am junior because I'm learning another dialect again that there's no junior/no senior and because of that, our unity, our friendship, and our desire to go out and just WORK, we have seen miracles and I'm excited to learn more about the members and the less actives, find more investigators, and turn this area upside down for the better..as a COMPANIONSHIP!
I know that I left my family for a short time so that others can be together forever. That's what it is all about, and I am so thankful to be serving the Filipino people. I know this gospel is true and my testimony gets strengthened every day and am looking forward to another 5 weeks in this area and hopefully one more transfer with her!!
I love this work and I love you all! You are in my thoughts and prayers, always!
Palanga ta ka!
Sister Arnold
Well, last Monday was a hard day as I said my goodbyes to Sister Marty and Sister Gay. We were invited for lunch at a members house along with them. We ate, then after headed to the Zoo here..small, but they wanted me to conquer my fear of snakes..did I mention I hate snakes..gross! Well, they had me put the snake around my neck and I didn't realize just how much of a chicken I was-but, needless to say, I did it. Gay and Marty have pictures because my camera was dead and they said they'd put them on Facebook for you guys. Then, we had a FHE that they attended of the Enobia family since they are their Visiting Teachers and after, they took us out to dinner yet, again! I am going to miss them a ton, but I know I'm called where I need to be.
Tuesday was transfer day, and when I heard him announce that I was headed to Escalante City, I was shocked! This area was one that President Tobias (former Pres) and Ap's said that I couldn't go to because I am foreign. They basically said I'd stay city side and honestly I was really bummed. So when they announced that I was headed to Escalante, a million questions flooded my mind? Why me out of all the Americans here? Why now? Why am I learning Cebuano now, if I didn't master Illongo yet? Why? Why? Why? All the other sisters gasped and were shocked and commented "THAT"S CEBUANO!" Then President said closing remarks and he answered my questions and said "Many of you are wondering why? And I wish I had the answer. But, I've received revelation to where you all are assigned and it's not me that called you, but the Lord" Well, how can I argue that!? I found out that I am only the 2nd foreigner American that has been here EVER as a missionary, and the first one was a long time ago. I got my new companion Sister Boncales and we headed to Escalante City on a Ceres bus for 3 hours travel. I got to the house, unpacked and it was 7pm. Just enough time go out until 8pm. Here we only stay out because it's dangerous after dark. But, we taught 3 lessons. We got home and I looked at their goals and found out where they are as an area. They were averaging 11-25 teaching total a week, with only one 9yr old investigator, no other investigators, etc. I knew we needed to kick it up a bit and she was okay with working harder and that's exactly what we did. I have gotten tons of stares as I walk by, but in no way, shape, or form do I feel threatened here. The people here are amazing and the area is breath taking. It's Escalante City, but it's extremely poor, nothing is here, but it's a huge area, with mostly farm area, caribou's (my favorite) and sugar cane fields..that's where I wanted to be assigned and I got it! I am finally getting tan and have major tan lines on my feet now! haha I met tons of members, we taught 40 lessons from tues night to sunday and 16 lessons to investigators. We found ten investigators this week and focused on three this week and all are progressing. They went to church Sunday for district conference and are excited to continue and progressing towards aug 18th. I knew we could pick it up and that's what we did here. Sister Lopez worked with us as they were in Escalante for District Conference and she's only worked with two companionship's since she's been here and I've been in both of them, with different areas, different companions. She has something about her and all those less actives that we visited were at church on Sunday and the majority of the ones we visited this week were also! The Lord is blessing this work and I love the zone I got put into as I knew two of them already, one I was batch with who has helped me with Cebuano, given me resources so I can progress, etc. My companion is Sister Boncales and she is amazing. She is probably going to be one of my favorite companions! Right from the start we had the divine companionship and it only keeps continuing! No contention, we speak Illongo in the house as I'm trying to transition to Cebuano. Cebuano is easier than Illongo in my opinion, but it's the transitioning that is hard for me when I'm so used to talking in Illongo. We also had a lesson where the investigator saw I am American and requested that I teach her in English-yikes! I stumbled and fumbled over my words, kept saying Illongo and they all just laughed at me. Grabe! So, I resorted back to Illongo/Cebuano. I have a family that this week we're visiting and they said I can ride their caribou so I am so excited for that! Then, last night as we were walking home from our appointments., the hotel that president and sister are staying at is a block away and we passed it. We saw them in the window on their computers eating and we tapped softly on the window to say hi and they invited us in and to stay for dinner. So we had dinner for 4 and it was so great! I could talk great things about them all day, but it was an evening that my companion and I were privileged to have.
This was a rewarding week and I was thankful for the change. We agreed that even though I am junior because I'm learning another dialect again that there's no junior/no senior and because of that, our unity, our friendship, and our desire to go out and just WORK, we have seen miracles and I'm excited to learn more about the members and the less actives, find more investigators, and turn this area upside down for the better..as a COMPANIONSHIP!
I know that I left my family for a short time so that others can be together forever. That's what it is all about, and I am so thankful to be serving the Filipino people. I know this gospel is true and my testimony gets strengthened every day and am looking forward to another 5 weeks in this area and hopefully one more transfer with her!!
I love this work and I love you all! You are in my thoughts and prayers, always!
Palanga ta ka!
Sister Arnold
Transfers
Well, we got transfer announcements last night, we weren't supposed to
get them until today, but I am being transferred! I am so excited! we
both wanted to be transferred and I had a
feeling I would go and she would stay to train again because 6th ward is
a popular training ward..but, yes..my language will progress much more
now that I will be out of an English speaking ward..it's coming along
but I'm just ready to be fluent already haha. I'm sad i will leave and
not see the Velez family progress, but we're called where we're needed..my work here
was done, I guess.
This week was amazing for me! We were able to meet with the new mission president and his wife more in interviews and I can't talk them up enough. They are the most loveable, determined, heartfelt people. They are so loveable and President gives us hugs. haha All the girls were like "umm, is that allowed!?" hahah I embraced it! hahahahaha It was like a fatherly hug. Although, dad, yours can't be replaced! So I am extremely excited. He had a training in there he talked about faith compared to moving mountains. He had us write down what our "mountain" or challenges were so that he could help us move them! Yeah, words can't describe how excited I am for him and his wife!
All week we worked and were successful with our appointments. We said our goodbyes to the ward because we didn't know who would be transferring. That was extremely hard for me as most members cried..it made me reflect on my blessing when I got set apart that said you'll be sad when your mission is over, because of your love for the people. That has already started and I haven't even made it 6 months. I love being foreign, but once you say your goodbyes, it's going to be all up to me keeping in touch with them! I have no idea when or IF i will ever make it back, etc. I love the people of the 6th ward, but I know there's more people waiting for me in my next area!
Our recent converts we were able to make progress on and most came to church. We found out one of our recent converts problem why she still wasn't coming to church. She was pregnant but didn't want the baby. The problem was she was considering abortion and her husband said no. She felt guilty for having considered that an option, but we helped her see the blessings from that baby and she was at church on Sunday.
I love the mission. My testimony has grown so much this week as I have been put through challenges, amazing opportunities, etc. I read and studied D&C 121:7 this morning: "Your trials will be but a small moment". Our trials and challenges whether here or in the mission will be but a small moment and they are changing us to the people we need to be. It is filtering out the unnecessary things in our lives and I am glad and happy each day for an amazing companion who I am sad we're being separated and for the help of the Lord. The Lord is mindful of us in all our trials and challenges, but remember His arm is always outstretched, waiting for us to hold on to it.
This church is true and remember when life gets to hard to stand, kneel. There's power in prayer!
Halong and until next week,
Sister Arnold
This week was amazing for me! We were able to meet with the new mission president and his wife more in interviews and I can't talk them up enough. They are the most loveable, determined, heartfelt people. They are so loveable and President gives us hugs. haha All the girls were like "umm, is that allowed!?" hahah I embraced it! hahahahaha It was like a fatherly hug. Although, dad, yours can't be replaced! So I am extremely excited. He had a training in there he talked about faith compared to moving mountains. He had us write down what our "mountain" or challenges were so that he could help us move them! Yeah, words can't describe how excited I am for him and his wife!
All week we worked and were successful with our appointments. We said our goodbyes to the ward because we didn't know who would be transferring. That was extremely hard for me as most members cried..it made me reflect on my blessing when I got set apart that said you'll be sad when your mission is over, because of your love for the people. That has already started and I haven't even made it 6 months. I love being foreign, but once you say your goodbyes, it's going to be all up to me keeping in touch with them! I have no idea when or IF i will ever make it back, etc. I love the people of the 6th ward, but I know there's more people waiting for me in my next area!
Our recent converts we were able to make progress on and most came to church. We found out one of our recent converts problem why she still wasn't coming to church. She was pregnant but didn't want the baby. The problem was she was considering abortion and her husband said no. She felt guilty for having considered that an option, but we helped her see the blessings from that baby and she was at church on Sunday.
I love the mission. My testimony has grown so much this week as I have been put through challenges, amazing opportunities, etc. I read and studied D&C 121:7 this morning: "Your trials will be but a small moment". Our trials and challenges whether here or in the mission will be but a small moment and they are changing us to the people we need to be. It is filtering out the unnecessary things in our lives and I am glad and happy each day for an amazing companion who I am sad we're being separated and for the help of the Lord. The Lord is mindful of us in all our trials and challenges, but remember His arm is always outstretched, waiting for us to hold on to it.
This church is true and remember when life gets to hard to stand, kneel. There's power in prayer!
Halong and until next week,
Sister Arnold
Sunday, July 1, 2012
I Love This Work!
Wow, another week!! This week was great as we came so close to meeting
our goals! Sis. Molino and I have so many plans for this ward, and I
really hope I don't get transferred! I love this ward and my
relationships with the ward members has been great!! But, the Lord may
have other plans and I'll accept it, but I love this work! Many have
asked, we get our new mission president Sunday. I am extremely
excited to see his visions for this work and especially since he'll be
my mission president for the majority of my mission. I have heard
nothing but awesome things about him and so I will keep you updated!
Monday we went to SM which is the mall here..not gonna lie, it was decent! Doesn't compare to the fashion show mall, but it was nicer than I thought! That was a lot of fun as we saw tons of missionaries there!
Tuesday we had District meeting and went out and taught 8 lessons in 4.5 hours. We met so many new less actives, and visited a few recent converts! It was a rewarding day! I am also happy to announce that 2 out of 3 12 yr old are reading! Thanks for your advice! The 3rd we just haven't visited yet, but our fingers are crossed!
Wednesday we had an all day training with president and it was awesome! We all learned so much and how to be better effective missionaries! It definitely showed in our work this week! But, we didn't teach any lessons because it went from 8am-8pm..tiring day, but worth it! Then, we had a few personal questions on callings for president so he did a personal two on one for us and helped us get our ward more organized! There are people in callings that aren't in ward boundaries and our recent converts are slowly falling away because the Bishop says there's no calling for them..there's always a calling/responsibility for them! There is one recent convert family who hasn't attended church because of a problem in their life. We could tell and found out that sister is pregnant and doesn't want it..it's bad for her health and they can't afford another child. It's so sad to see.
Thursday- Sat The teaching continued. We contacted a few referrals and have tons of investigators and they are progressing! The only things with one of our areas is our area is HUGE that its pricy to take a tricycle to church and most people can't afford it..we're still brainstorming on that one! Any suggestions?? We can only promise blessings and help them see the importance of it.
Sunday-We had church and it was great as usual! We then went to teach our 12 year old Mark and his mom invited us to stay for lunch..guess what the menu was?! fish and rice..well, It takes me forever to dissect a fish from all its invisible bones, so the family was laughing at me and saying "budlay, sis?" Which is it hard sister? Haha yes, it is!!!!! They were all done within seconds and I was still eating because not only doI have to dissect the fish, but with a fork and spoon! haha. Glad I'll be remembered for not being able to eat fish! I am working on it though..I don't get much practice though because my companion knows me and tries not to cook fish! haha
Well, it sounds great at home! Everyone seems to be staying busy! I am really bummed that I am not going to be able to be at Zac and Julie's wedding. I swear, everyone is getting married while I am gone! But, I am glad they are gong to tie the knot! I am so excited to see Branden as I hear he will be walking soon!! Congrats Zac and Julie! Love you both!
Missionary work seems great over there! Mom and dad, great work at being involved in the missionary work there.
I am sad that once again you'll be going to the cabin again without me! 4th of July already! man!! and Grandmas bday but I have another pday before that!
Well, the work is great over here! Each day flies by because we are so busy! My love for the people is huge! They have so much love and I love the Bacolod 6th ward! I know this is where I am supposed to be and I love watching the people come closer to their savior and exercise the Atonement in their lives. Thank you for all the emails and updates! I love you all and I will talk to you next week.! Sorry no pictures this week..I didn't take any :( But, I am glad you are all enjoying them! My highlight of the week was the little blind boy is attached to my hip and runs from my companion and my companion wants to be close to him, but he smells me and tells me I smell good and he always sits next to me! Then me and Sis Molino try to switch spots and he notices and switches sides and at the end of the lesson he told her to go and for me to stay! hahah. precious and my heart melted. It's kids like that that make my day!
Halong,
xoxo
Sister Arnold
Monday we went to SM which is the mall here..not gonna lie, it was decent! Doesn't compare to the fashion show mall, but it was nicer than I thought! That was a lot of fun as we saw tons of missionaries there!
Tuesday we had District meeting and went out and taught 8 lessons in 4.5 hours. We met so many new less actives, and visited a few recent converts! It was a rewarding day! I am also happy to announce that 2 out of 3 12 yr old are reading! Thanks for your advice! The 3rd we just haven't visited yet, but our fingers are crossed!
Wednesday we had an all day training with president and it was awesome! We all learned so much and how to be better effective missionaries! It definitely showed in our work this week! But, we didn't teach any lessons because it went from 8am-8pm..tiring day, but worth it! Then, we had a few personal questions on callings for president so he did a personal two on one for us and helped us get our ward more organized! There are people in callings that aren't in ward boundaries and our recent converts are slowly falling away because the Bishop says there's no calling for them..there's always a calling/responsibility for them! There is one recent convert family who hasn't attended church because of a problem in their life. We could tell and found out that sister is pregnant and doesn't want it..it's bad for her health and they can't afford another child. It's so sad to see.
Thursday- Sat The teaching continued. We contacted a few referrals and have tons of investigators and they are progressing! The only things with one of our areas is our area is HUGE that its pricy to take a tricycle to church and most people can't afford it..we're still brainstorming on that one! Any suggestions?? We can only promise blessings and help them see the importance of it.
Sunday-We had church and it was great as usual! We then went to teach our 12 year old Mark and his mom invited us to stay for lunch..guess what the menu was?! fish and rice..well, It takes me forever to dissect a fish from all its invisible bones, so the family was laughing at me and saying "budlay, sis?" Which is it hard sister? Haha yes, it is!!!!! They were all done within seconds and I was still eating because not only doI have to dissect the fish, but with a fork and spoon! haha. Glad I'll be remembered for not being able to eat fish! I am working on it though..I don't get much practice though because my companion knows me and tries not to cook fish! haha
Well, it sounds great at home! Everyone seems to be staying busy! I am really bummed that I am not going to be able to be at Zac and Julie's wedding. I swear, everyone is getting married while I am gone! But, I am glad they are gong to tie the knot! I am so excited to see Branden as I hear he will be walking soon!! Congrats Zac and Julie! Love you both!
Missionary work seems great over there! Mom and dad, great work at being involved in the missionary work there.
I am sad that once again you'll be going to the cabin again without me! 4th of July already! man!! and Grandmas bday but I have another pday before that!
Well, the work is great over here! Each day flies by because we are so busy! My love for the people is huge! They have so much love and I love the Bacolod 6th ward! I know this is where I am supposed to be and I love watching the people come closer to their savior and exercise the Atonement in their lives. Thank you for all the emails and updates! I love you all and I will talk to you next week.! Sorry no pictures this week..I didn't take any :( But, I am glad you are all enjoying them! My highlight of the week was the little blind boy is attached to my hip and runs from my companion and my companion wants to be close to him, but he smells me and tells me I smell good and he always sits next to me! Then me and Sis Molino try to switch spots and he notices and switches sides and at the end of the lesson he told her to go and for me to stay! hahah. precious and my heart melted. It's kids like that that make my day!
Halong,
xoxo
Sister Arnold
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