...speechless

Maayong hapon!!

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Love,

Sister Arnold

xo.

Another amazing week dressed in white

Happy Valentines Day to all those love birds!!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Love, xo

Sister Arnold

February already?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sister Arnold

I SURVIVED...barely!

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Pictures :)

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

Another week of preparation! :)

Maayong Hapon Family,

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

I pray for you all daily! xo

Halong sa inyo tanan!

Sister Arnold

 

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

Sorry it took so long!

1 transfer already here in 5th ward!

Maayong hapon family!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

xo.

Sister Arnold

22..Scary thought!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xo

Sister Arnold