Didn't think it was possible to eat that much! :)

I think I gained ten pounds this week!! NO JOKE! Happy Halloween to all in the States, and as for me here, they don't really celebrate Halloween like we do.  But, it's called Olsens Day where they all eat and save money to cook food and go all out even if they are as poor as can be! Then, the next day, they all go to the cemetaries because it's celebration of "Day of the Dead"...So, that was Wednesday-we taught two lessons the whole day because everyone was busy as you can imagine-it's one of the biggest holidays here. We started at our investigators house for pani-udto, or lunch, and we ate so much.  We then went and visited two members houses to say Hi and they gave us two HUGE plates of bico which is rice with coconut milk, etc..hard to describe, you can look it up! haha I can only eat a little of that before i'm done haha, but we had to eat it all because it's offensive if we don't. It took us forever as we pushed it down bite by bite..i felt sick just after that.  Then we went back to teach our investigators after they were all done eating and visiting and the other investigator invited us for pani-hapon (dinner). We already had a dinner appt planned, but again it's rude to decline. Sister Boncales and I looked at eachother and about died! This investigator kept pushing rice onto our plates saying "eat more! eat more! Don't be shy!" ...so what did we do? WE ATE IT! We had to leave to make it to our other appointment as I was so close to throwing up everything- but sister Boncales actually did! That's how much we ate..and we headed over to our next dinner appt...we had 3 huge meals in the space of 4 hours and so much bico!!!!!!! I have never eaten that much, not even on Thanksgiving and i'm nervous with Christmas coming up because it's the same! My stomach is not made for all this eating here! But, as poor missionaries, we were extremely appreciative!!

A lot happened this week as we continued to teach our investigators.  We found out two of the families haven't been married and we are working on their marriage process right now.  Unfortunately, we will only be here for one sister's baptism because they have all missed church once which postponed them a week...but, the sad part is that we think we're getting pulled out at the end of this transfer.  We got our curfew taken off, but President wants to put a senior couple in our house because it's one of the nicest in the missions and that leaves us with no house..I think it's Presidents way of saying "Lets take a break from missionaries in this area" with all the external circumstances. We are torn, we're so far into progress with our investigators and all are progressing and we committed 2 more to baptism this week! But, I feel that the Branch can handle it if there aren't missionaries..they're awesome!

Another tender mercy this week was that Sis. Boncales and I always wonder why there's never progression in our less actives! We teach and teach and teach, but nothing. This was one of our purposes in our fast and 8!!!! less actives were at church, most who have never taken this initial step! Then, the branch presidency is awesome because from the pulpit, they welcomed all the less actives and investigators BY NAME and they all just beamed and felt so welcome! The test now is making sure we keep them!! WE have so many investigators, recent converts and now less actives to balance along with all the referrals we're getting, but I testify of the power of fasting! (I'll be fasting for the same purpose as you all this week! I hope it's just as powerful! :) ha )

I love this work! The joy I feel everyday is amazing! Sister Boncales and I are always so anxious to go out and just work and work hard. We have accomplished so much as a companionship and we're sad we only have 2 weeks left, but we're ready to make the most of it! So until we're transferred, we're continuing to give it our all! We also have our mission tour Friday that we're excited for and know that it will be another spiritual highlight in my mission! Thank you for all the love and support! I pray for you daily and just a heads up-a lot of people are emailing me, and I love it! But, just know that one of the new mission rules that is implemented here is family only. But, because I have the recorder that Grandma Jolene gave me, I will record a response and send it that way! I'm so far that it takes too long for letters, but know that I really appreciate them and to keep them coming! Love you al! xoxo

Amping kanunay!
Sister Arnold

The hardest week of my mission, yet the most rewarding!

The hardest week of my mission, yet the most rewarding. Yep, I said it.  I definitely didn't think it was possible, but somehow it was the hardest week in every way: mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, you name it..it was.  But, you'll see how it was the most rewarding week!

Monday- We had the zone activity and then had FHE with the Bayadog Family again who is practically family.  We had tons of people there, and not all are shown in the picture, but food, games, you name it! We had it! 

Tuesday- This was where the challenges came..we were told about a few new rules in our mission and our zone leader emphasized exact obedience in our mission.  At times it's super hard to be exactly obedient, but I testify that's where the challenges are and that's where some of the best blessings come from! We had a problem as a companionship of external circumstances and people that day and we were counseled by President Lopez and all our leaders not to go out that day and for our safety, we were given the clearance to continue our work, but we had to be at home by 6pm each night. As missionaries we were devastated because we had finally committed Bro. Empase to baptism! He has to go through our mission president because of his serious crime, but he wants to take this step towards baptism! His only availability is after 7, but how were we to progress with having to be home every night at 6pm. Then, most of our families that we're working with are in the pm after 6, also.  There were so many temptations, even of our companions sometimes to not be obedient, but as I stood my ground, I knew the Lord would provide. We had come this far and I knew if we would just come home by 6 and obey to the "T" we wouldn't have to worry. 

We continued our work and mentally we were drained.  We had to alter our days we went to each area when we had just found a perfect schedule that worked for everyone! We weren't able to ride the tricycle drivers because the tricycle drivers were part of the reason we were in the situation we were.  We found ourselves walking to even the farthest of areas so that we could continue the work.  The feelings of not wanting the work to suffer and just wanting everything to work our weighed down on us and feeling like we were waiting two and a half hours in the pm.  But, I have felt my Heavenly Fathers love for me so much! I testify because we committed 14 people to baptism this week. Yes, 14 and all are referring us to friends.  All are keeping their commitments and with a large number like that one would think that there are a few that aren't keeping their commitments, but most have already received their answers to the church is true. Tears of joy during every companionship study fill our eyes because we know that the Lords hand is in our work.  We know that as we are exactly obedient "our trials will be but a short moment".  I know that things are going fine as far as external circumstances and we're hoping to get the clearance in the next few days to return to normal, but the feeling of "I'm fulfilling my purpose as a missionary" fills my mind.  I'm here to help others change their lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We have so many ready here and we as a companionship are grateful for worthiness to see this miracle in the Escalante Branch.  I know that these people were waiting for me and Sis. Boncales.  I know that sometimes it's hard to stand up even as a r and put your foot down for exact obedience, but I know that's the only way we'll be effective.  I know that the church is true! I know this work is real! I know that we can feel our Heavenly Father's love as we remove those barriers in our lives so he can communicate with us.  I know this gospel (is true), I live this gospel, and I LOVE this gospel! Do you?

I love you all and pray for you always! Until next week!

Sister's Conference and So Much More!

WHAT AN AMAZING WEEK!! It started off with Sisters Conference and I can't even express how fun it was! President and Sister Lopez were so much fun and it was so fun to see everyone..there are pictures up on Presidents Facebook for you to look! But, the hair and makeup was great. I focused more on the makeup because most sisters don't wear it and President wants them to start so I taught the how to.  Everyone said they are excited to apply what they learn and I did the make up on Sister Palai who I was in the MTC with and extremely close with.  She looked so pretty, and natural.  She's from the islands so we just accented with browns and golds. I also learned how to thread eyebrows and lips, etc. while I was there from another sister. so fun! I might change careers from dentist. haha jk NO. I am still going for my dentist dream.  We came back Tuesday late at night it was time for bed.

But, our work for this week was great! It continued and we have made a lot of progress with our less actives and a lot are returning.  We taught Jay about Priesthood and he's excited to interview.  Unfortunately, he missed last Sunday but, next Sunday we have it scheduled! We have our investigators that have been out of town so didn't come to church but they are all really sharp and we're excited to continue with them! The other two men who went to church we might drop if we dont have a member present.  Luckily we had a member present, but they are always serving us food, more like a "date" and if we try and refuse, they insist.  We went there last night and one of the men was showering and came out and served fruit in a towel.  That's not an environment we want to be in and if we didn't have a member present, I can't even imagine the message that would send to those around us! As a representative, I'm not willing to sacrifice the reputation of the church from maybe a misunderstanding of the people here from us just going to teach them. So we are going to try one last time and if it happens, they'll be dropped!

I am grateful for the relationships that I have with the members here.  I am grateful for the values that I have in this church.  I am grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary.  I love my nametag and can't imagine my day without it.  All he worries of the world are put off so I can serve the Lord.  I am happy to represent the "Arnold" name here in the field and hope that we all continue to stick up for our standards-no matter our age..I hope you all enjoyed General Conference and I can't wait to watch it Sat. and Sunday!! That's awesome news about the missionaries being able to serve even earlier!!! :) This work is amazing!!!! 

The pictures are from last week of our baptism, family week here in the Philippines and me doing the sack race as they all shouted "AMERICA!" ..I won by the way, and just some fun pictures! I love you all and until next week!

xoxo

Sister Arnold

Headed to Women's Conference

Hello Family! This will be short because we have only a few minutes because of all that's going on but Sister Boncales and I wanted to send a short email out amongst all the craziness! This week I will just share a few experiences that strengthened my testimony and makes missionary work worth it every minute!

This week Jay was baptized on Saturday.  I have enjoyed growing so close to them and watching the changes in his life have been super amazing.  He, like I said earlier, gave up a lot, but because of his determination and faith, the minute he decided to quit drinking coffee and alcohol-he stopped.  His baptism wasn't delayed at all and his faith as he realized the truthfulness of the gospel has been a testimony builder to me! He even showed up to his baptism with a new haircut-much more tame! haha And, he had bought a white shirt and pants/shoes for Sunday! He asked us where he could buy a tie, but Sister Boncales and I wanted to buy him a tie because he's come so far and we'll give it to him when we return to Escalante! He will be an awesome member of the church..!! Hopefully we can encourage him to serve a mission first before him and his girlfriend get married..they've dated almost two years! But, we'll see! :)

Another thing was we had an amazing experience Tuesday! President at zone conference training helped us in finding new investigators and gave the example if we see a funeral to go and ask for the amahan (father) of the house and comfort him, leave him with a prayer and set a return appt to return! Well, for some reason, I already knew if there was a tent put outside the house that it means there's a funeral but one of the relatives got out of the tricycles in front of us and the words came out of my mouth "Kinsa ang Birthday!! :)" ....sister Boncales laughed quietly and corrected me. I'm not sure why the words came out of my mouth, but right as I passed by, I told Sister Boncales we need to turn around..one-for me to apologize haha and two- because I felt prompted to apply what I learned and see the miracles.  Well, what a miracle. We have a return appointment this week because they were busy with funeral stuff until Saturday, but I was grateful I could act on the prompting I received! There are so many promptings, if we're worthy, and listen to them-we'll see miracles!

We also found another investigator that we OYM'd to who is the perfect investigator but they're 34 and 22 men who have so many questions about the gospel.  We invited them to church that Sunday because we had the appt set for Sunday night, and not thinking they'd show up, they did!! And when they were in there they admitted the feeling was different (spirit)- and when we taught about Joseph smith they said right then and there that it was true! We will have to work with them a lot because they're hard smokers and drinkers, but in time they are willing to be baptized and with our help-soon! They'd be great leaders and the 22 yr old is already asking about a mission!

Well, we're headed to Sisters Conference and it's transfer week; once again-no transfers! But, I'm so excited to continue our work there! Sorry this is short and I didn't reply to anyone's email because there's like no time! But, I printed them out and will send out letters next Tuesday! :)

Love you all!!!! Everything from what I could read is great there! :)
xo Sister Arnold

What an AMAZING week!

Maayong Buntag Family and Friends,

This week was amazing and so much happened! I grew spiritually,  ug TANAN! (everything!)

Monday- We were busy at the Doctors for the Ultrasound. Nothing suspicious from the Radiologist but yet the pain still exists.  I have the official followup check up on Monday when we go to Bacolod for Sisters Conference. Sorry, I know you were expecting news, but still nothing. Oklang! (That's ok!) We continue..nonetheless! That night we had an FHE with the Nemenzo Family and what a powerful lesson.   I was put in charge of the lesson and as I taught "Things that Matter Most" the talk by Pres. Uchtdorf, through inspired questions we were able to hear what their true, real concern is why they're inactive now.  Bro. got into drug dealing, etc. and his family suffered so much.  Yet, as he cried and thanked us as missionaries for softening his heart to change and repent, the Spirit was so strong! It's incredible how the Spirit works.  It wasn't us as instruments, as we're just that.  It was the Spirit working through us that we can help others change their lives for the better! They'll be on their way to returning members of the church!
Tuesday-Wednesday We worked because we didn't have District Meeting.  It was steady work and we were able to continue teaching our investigator Jay, who will be baptized on Saturday!
Thursday- We had studies and weekly planning so we only had time to work for a few hours before we had to go to the chapel and help our zone leaders set up for zone conference.  We then agreed to cook them dinner at our house after we were done.  Little did we know 4 more elders showed up! haha But, we had so much fun and there's a picture of us attached that was after we ate.  We got to know the elders that were from the different zone and the elders in our mission are great!
Friday- We had zone conference.  It was so fun to see the people from past zones, new sister missionaries because I don't know but a few of them because our district/zones, my companion and I are always the only sisters and we're so layo (far)! The zone conference was truly one that will help our mission DRAMATICALLY! They've emphasized finding in our mission because, of course, we were strictly a FINDING/LESS ACTIVE mission, but as missionaries, we didn't know how to go the hundredth mile.  So President Lopez gave us ideas on how to increase our lessons, how to use techniques for finding new less actives and how to OYM effectively.  This week was so much fun as we were allowed to OYM and we have been giving pamphlets out to everyone.  I know other missionaries read my letter so here are a few ideas that they can apply in their missions and the council given to us:
1. Door lessons- This is a short, NO MORE THAN 5 minute lesson given only when it is not appropriate to give a full lesson inside the house. For example, if there is only a laki (boy) in the house, which for Sister Boncales and I we have tons of those.  As long as you give a closing prayer, we're allowed to count it for a lesson.
We had an amazing experience with Bro. Pedro with this as him and his son were the only ones home and this is our FARTHEST area that is super expensive to travel to.  We gave a door lesson to them and at the end he was so excited to tell us that he would see us at church. We replied "TINUOD?!" (really?! but, with enthusiasm) and sure enough, even though it was a sacrifice he made, he was at church on Sunday! We also had another one where the previous missionaries reactivated the father of our recent convert Mark (10) but he is slipping into inactivity..we shared a door lesson with him and he also was at church on Sunday! The fruits of this activity helped us SO MUCH this week and it's so fun!

2. Finding through prayer- When we are asking where a less active family is, we can use those we meet and ask in this exercise.  We can kneel with the family inside the house, offer a prayer to specifically bless them with specific intent, names, etc. (whether it be the wife is sick, or they have a test, etc.) They then will see the fruits of the prayer and it will plant a seed that we can harvest.

3. Working with members- We are counseled to NOT ASK FOR REFERRALS FROM THE MEMBERS! If the members trust us and our skills, they'll give us the referrals, but when we ask, it's proven we won't get any.  So we are counseled to "give them referrals" instead by suggesting them to fellowship certain families. They will develop a renewed enthusiasm in missionary work.

4. Inviting the "rich and the learned"- We were given council on the rich who we always overlook because as missionaries, the first impression to the natural man is that they are stuck in their ways and not interested. But, our challenge to us to not miss a "rich" house.  We've been overlooking them and ultimately they will be the strongest members of the church.  We aren't allowed to teach them in our Dialect either because to them that is an insult.  We have to teach them in English.

We have loved applying what we learned and already we have new investigators, returning members, and so much excitement in our work! On Sunday, we were so excited to see those we've been working with at church and exercising their faith and sacrifice.  I have learned so much from these people here in the Philippines and everyday they give me strength to keep going as I see the changes in their life.  Our investigator Jay, told us that he was so excited to be baptized as he has given up so much to enter into the waters of baptism on Saturday! I am grateful to be with them every step of the way and as they change their lives, they change mine!

The pictures- of Zone Conference, my relationship with some of the members/kids, there's one with me and the little girl pushing our noses because she told me my nose was long and imitated my nose, so I imitated hers which is FLAT! ha and me shredding coconut!

Matt- Happy Birthday on the 27th! I will celebrate here for you and look out for the mail.  I sent you a letter a week and a half ago or so! Love you! xo

Thank you for all the love and support! This church is true and if we will just plant the seed in our hearts, we'll recognize that it's "good" and it will start to grow inside us.  There are so many people that are around us ready to accept the gospel, we just have to have the courage to be the instruments.  As we do, we learn charity-the pure love of Christ and realize how important our purpose on earth is. Every member is a missionary!

Amping kanunay,
Sister Lauren Arnold

Sounds like all is well!

Before I begin, It sounds like all went well with the funeral and there are people right now in Utah for the graveside service! I heard all the speakers were great and I'm sure it's was nothing less than perfect with the Arnolds in charge :) I hope everyone makes it home safely and can get settled from all the craziness of funerals! But, I thought about you all day yesterday, Sunday for me, Saturday for you! Miss you all!

This week was a bit of another week where we're seeing that there is just no progression in our less actives! Sister Boncales and I want to change our approach, our everything so that we can see results in the work! Our recent converts are doing great! They are all going strong and the ones that are less actives are now active again and the only reason we never have perfect numbers is because there are 27 we have worked on and some have been out of town.  We are so excited that our recent converts are strong and future leaders/missionaries! We have two new investigators that I personally made friends with.  One is Rodrigo.  He is the sweetest boy here ever! He's 10 and usually the kids here yell "HEY YO! WHAT'S YOUR NAME!? WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" But, I was sitting on the tricycle waiting to go to one of our areas and he so calmly just asked "Hi, how are you?" I was shocked that he has such sincerity in his question and just was making sure I was OK.  We headed to our area which is where he lives and ever since then, we clicked! He finally came to church with our recent convert Mark who lives close by and he loved Primary! I was so happy and am grateful that I can just make friends and through my example they have interest to attend church.  There also is another friend who I have come close friends with who is our tricycle driver to that certain area where Rodrigo lives.  He is 21 and related to the Bayadog family who I have gotten really close with! He's not a member, but this week we were stranded with no tricycle because of our late appointments and so he, because his tricycle was down, went and borrowed someone's tricycle and drove us so layo (far) to our house and everywhere in between! I asked him if he would consider attending church and he said he was planning on visiting to see it! He had work yesterday so was unable, but will be attending next week! Yet again, I saw that the biggest way to do missionary work is through our examples and how we live our lives.  Then, will people want to follow suit! We are excited to teach them and hopefully see them baptized! :)

We also had zone training on Tuesday where we were able to receive news that we can FINALLY OYM! (proselyte!) I about died because the area goals and with our past mission president it was BAWAL and dili pwede (we weren't allowed). But, we are allowed to intentionally knock on the wrong doors and ask where less actives houses are and offer our message that way! We aren't allowed to fully go door to door, but I am so excited.  Proselyting is more me because I am so outgoing and talk to everyone here, and know our work will see some progression! It was because i've always wanted a proselyting mission that when people told me I would be sent to Temple Square, well, it wasn't my ideal choice because you can't proselyte. But, now we can and we'll see how things go!

Also, weird, random fact, but I seriously need the help of everyone! President and Sister Lopez have chosen me to give a hair/make-up, and dress class at our sisters conference.  I have never felt so intimidated or inadequate to teach something like this! So, for next week, if you could maybe send me ideas for fun, easy hair styles for missionaries, etc. IDEAS! Please. I have no idea how I am going to help these sisters, but I will try to do my best.  Most sisters here in the mission don't even wear makeup and their hair is always just down and straight.  So, help! :) Even if you want to post a blurb on my Facebook so my "friends" like Bee, Becky Gifford, etc who are good with hair can help! It's on Oct. 1st! Thank you!

Our work is continuing! We had three less actives reactivated Sunday to active members once again and Bro Sebua and Sis Magno have two more Sundays! There are blessings in our work and will continue as we're faithful and give all our time and energy to the Lord.  Many have asked about my worm. The medicine the doctor gave me was ineffective.  I have an ultrasound scheduled today along with one other test and will go back to Bacolod with the results and waiting for the diagnosis.  I wish I could tell you what it was, but even I have no idea what is the diagnosis of my stomach. They have diagnosed it an ulcer, etc. etc. etc.  I just want to know what it truly is so I can get it fixed and be pain free. But, despite the pain, we continue to work! (1 Nephi 3:7, He'll provide a way!)

Thank you for all the support everyone continues to give me! I am grateful to be in the Bacolod Philippines Mission serving the Lord.  We all have trials, even missionaries, but it's our way of growing stronger and becoming the person the Lord wants us to be!

Gigugma ko ikaw (I love you sa Cebuano!) xoxo
Amping kanunay! (Take care always!)
Sister Arnold

And the work continues

Well, to start off, I want to thank everyone for the weekly updates and emails. I wish I could say all were positive, but I was expecting the announcment of Great Grandpa passing away this week.  I wish words could describe, but I had an extremely spiritual experience this week the same day that he passed away! I knew exactly what had happened, and I knew I would be receiving the announcment of Grandpa passing away this week. And sure enough, it came.  And yet, I am grateful for the knowledge that families are forever! I knew when I left on my mission that that would be the last time I saw him, and it still hasn't processed and yet, I'm sure it'll be hard to process because I am not home to be involved in the funeral, etc. But, I'll be there in Spirit. I am grateful for the relationship that I did have with him as I grew close to them with grandma being sick all the time.  He is an example to me of sacrifice.  He sacrificed so much while he was alive so that grandma would be happy and I know they are finally happy to be with each other, without being in pain.   I teach the people of the Philippines about Heavenly Father's plan for us-The Plan of Salvation, and to help others receive the knowledge that I have about families will be together forever is worth every minute! I will miss our times and him baking me cookies, hard boiled eggs, talking history with him, watching fights, etc. But, I know that I will see him again! Good luck with all the funeral preparations and I'll be there in spirit!

As for our week here in Escalante:

Monday- PDAY and as usual we didn't really do much. I want to go out and adventure, go hiking, to the beach, but my companion isn't really down for that! haha  But, we had FHE with the Martirizar Family who we are reactivating right now. They are recent converts, and fell away to being less active. The past missionaries weren't welcome in their home, but when SIS. Boncales and I heard that, we decided to try and we've gotten really close to them. At first, Bro. Martirizar was extremely closed off but amat-amat (little by little) they warmed up to us and we are helping them work towards the temple, etc! They are awesome!

Tuesday- We had district meeting and that was a day where we worked for hours and hours with two lessons once again.  Everyone is "busy" or uses the  rain as an excuse, but we continue with or without the rain!

Wed and Thursday- The work continued! We made some progress, even though it was still raining! One family we've gotten close to is the Sebua family! Sister is 75 and brother is 75 and we are reactivating Brother and Sister expressed to us that she wanted to leave her family because she has her grandchildren full time and they are younger. She has to wash for them, cook, clean, etc. and they are energetic kids=not easy.  Bro. isn't much help as one would hope, but we are strengthening them.. amat-amat! But, if it's not too big, attached is a video of Bro. and there were tons of mosquito's in their house and on him and he was slapping them and so I joked with him and told him there was one on his head and he whacked his head to kill it! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, and even Sister Sebua was laughing so hard, she had tears! Sometimes, we just have to laugh and enjoy our days!

Friday- We set tons of goals for our area because we are getting low on investigators because they're all being baptized, and we are excited to see how it works!

Saturday- We went to Lupa and a funny experience was I went to step in the river to cross the rive and I was doing fine, until! there was a drop in the water.  I sunk all the way to my knees and I came out with no shoe! A little boy had to help me and I had mud all on my skirt! Everyone stood laughing as I stood there helplessly and we all ..laughed! :) Attached is a picture of it :) We also, had the baptism of Jea! I haven't laughed so hard at a baptism, but we had our Recent Convert Erwin baptize her, and he had to repeat the prayer a lot because he kept messing up. But, she also had to be baptized three times because her hair kept  coming up and she wasn't completely immersed! Little did we know, she's afraid of water, so when she went under she panicked and it was super hard for Erwin.  But, we laughed and were happy to see her happy-once she was completed!

Sunday- Jea was late, so she was unable to be confirmed! But, she'll be next week! We had our investigator at church and will be baptized the 29th! We had quite a few less actives that we're working on there, also! The zone leaders also came to our chapel to ask for our help to set up for zone conference and told us that we will have a Sisters Conference in Bacolod beg of Oct. We were so excited! And they also told us that because no sisters are coming in to the mission next transfer, that there will be no transfers for sisters next transfer! So we have 10 more weeks together! And one of us will be here through Christmas!

I am grateful for the tender mercies in my life and for the examples each day that I can look up to! I know this plan of our Heavenly Father is true! Families are forever! That's a reason I am here-so that I can help others be with theirs for eternity! Good luck with the funeral and I'm sure it will be beautiful! You all will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Sister Arnold

xoxo