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

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

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

Transfers

Well, we had a lunch appointment and so we were late getting to the cafe!  I had recorded a recording of my week, but unfortunately it is too large to attach..it was 40 min though, so I will have a shorter one ready to send next week! This week has been great! We finally got a ward mission leader! We have coordinated with him so much and now we can finally get organized! We have found 6 new investigators this week! It is amazing how if we just open our mouth, we'll be surprised at who is ready to hear the gospel.  We have been busy with trying to find a new house.  We found one that we are most likely moving into if we both stay! Our housing has been a nightmare! But, we have stayed positive! This week I also used a cardigan! What the heck?! haha. Who would've thought.  It rains consistently here by the bucket fulls! We have had so many progressing investigators and recent converts this week! We have had three youth, two sisters and one elder working with us helping share their testimonies in the lessons! There were just a few funny stories this week.  Walking to one appointment there was a group of ten kids that ran up to me and clung to my body! They wouldn't let go and so Sis Molino and I counted to three and ran! hahah Scary! Not really, but it's crazy what an American brings! haha. Then, another funny thing is all the Filipinos tell me they want my white skin..yes, it's still white! haha Actually I have tan lines on my feet!! and I'm proud of them :) But here, they use whitening soap! hahahahahah I died laughing! There isn't much to write about other than we are finally getting organized and making progress with those we are teaching and are excited to teach those investigators we found! I can truly testify once more that the church is true! No matter how bad we think we have it, for example with Elizabeth Smart, she had it rough, but its how we handle those situations that molds our character and who we are! I am thankful to have served in the Bacolod 6th ward this transfer and whether I stay or go and whether Sis. Molino stays my trainer or not, I am willing to go and do! Thank you for all the love and support that you all have given me! I pray for you daily and remember that the gospel is true and when life gets too hard to stand, kneel.  That's what I do. And I can testify that the Lord will bless you! Enjoy more pictures!

Halong po kag palanga kita!

Sister Arnold

Another week has gone bye

Maayo-ago pamilya!

 Last Monday was a turning point for me! Like I said last week, my companion and I were kinda all business until Monday. We finally got adjusted and used to each other and we have hit it off since then! It's not just business, but we've gotten to know each other personally and I know that our success in the field starts with the unity in the home and with the companionship.  I did my laundry for the first time on Monday, too. I got up at 5 and I worked on it until 7..so time consuming and my hands were extremely sore. I wondered if my clothes were even getting clean, but you learn to not care here. haha That night, we had ward FHE..it was so much fun and I can finally say I tasted some WEIRD food..I had shrimp eggs (I choked it down, but it was DISGUSTING!), the dried fish I always gagged over every time we went for Filipino food (it was actually not the bad), an ostrich egg, and other funky things!!

Tuesday was District Meeting where we gave stats, asked for suggestions, learned about the Book of Mormon and practiced..(speaking of district meeting, I have to present a 3-5 min presentation in Illongo tomorrow! I guess that's one way to learn the language! haha) We learned that with 1+1 always equals two. Thus paralleled, reading the Book of Mormon and pray always equals true conversion! If an investigator isn't progressing, we can find the problem and troubleshoot from there! We have had Michael who is 12 yrs old move his baptism date up because he is progressing so much! Yet, there are investigators here who are having a hard time keeping the commitments..actually, a lot are. It's frustrating because we know how the gospel will help them, so we've been working on how to better help them and find their root problem because we can't keep building on an unsturdy foundation. It'll fall.

Wed-Today most of our appointments fell through.  Most weren't home or some claimed to be "busy".  That was the first time that I felt discouraged. Yet, we have to remember to keep having faith and being persistent and the Lord will make way for them to be prepared.  My lessons are coming more and more with the Illongo as I use the words I know all the time and keep adding to them.  If I don't know Illongo, I resort to Tagalog before I speak English. Although most people speak English to me still when I"m trying to learn Illongo..those tempters haha.  We also went over to a lady in our ward who makes porcelain figurines and I bought a spider man for one of the boys..They are dirt cheap. What are some characters (Two more ideas) so I can get them one. She hand paints them and I got my name, mission, and years on them.  That night my companion (ps she cooks for me because I don't know what or how to cook their food)  but it was a tomato and duck egg topping...I gagged. Its going to take a while to get used to this food. haha. 

Thursday-We had better success! I love personal study!! I feel my faith and love for my Savior grow each day.  I am starting the book of Mormon and am already 1/3 done! I love it. We taught quite a few new people  today and we have a 17 yr old girl Kriscella who comes with us  and helps..she wants to serve a mission! On the streets I always get called gwapa and there are people who try and speak illongo to me and I don't' understand so they ask in English "well do you know gwapa??!" haha I feel conceited saying yes, but I do. haha I also have gotten eaten alive by mosquito's that have turned purple and blistering..I have an appt with the doc tomorrow because I think I'm reacting to them.  All the kids also surround me.  I finally got a picture! I also got a pic with goats! There are goats around everywhere! We still have baptisms set for the next 5 weeks and one this weekend of Jay-ann who is 12, also! But, funny thing for the day, my comp is Filipino and she struggles with English and she always calls girls "him" and it throws me off all the time! It's so funny! 

Fri-Today I felt the gift of tongues! It was awesome. I was inspired to challenge the ward with reading 3rd Nephi Ch. 11-26. We are struggling with the members and we need their help the most. So we want them to center their study on those ch's this month so that we can get excited about this gospel and be more willing to get out there and do missionary work! I need ideas if anyone has anything! I set goals for myself this week and have met most of them! We also have been focusing on teaching keeping the sabbath day holy to our investigators because they are always working on Sundays and can't come to church! We hope that teaching them that, they will get more motivated and realize and rearrange their priorities! 

Sat- I swear I am going to come home hunchback! I am so tall everywhere I go.  Today I got in a tricycle and had to hang my head out the window because I didn't fit. Then, a bug flicked and went in my eye and it hurt for forever! But, it gives good stories to tell! haha. We have continued working with those investigators getting them ready for their interviews for baptism! There is a boy that was just baptized that reminds me of Matthew. He is so funny! I also, finally saw a Downs girl here..I loved her and it made me miss Tyler and his hugs, kisses, and excitement! PS.I still haven't bitten my nails. I finally kicked the habit. They have no polish on them and I finally don't have a desire to bite them! There also was a lady we visited Sis. Impan. She is older with no money who has a desire to go to church, but we are going to talk to bishop to see what we can do. She made my day with her smile and laugh and she told us that she was glad that the missionaries came to visit her because the others were always so serious and looked terrified, but us, we were always smiling and laughing..of course! We love the mission! So, I have gotten that I look  1/2 Filipino and American and today I got I looked 1/2 Indian and American...what?!!!! hahahaahahhaha Also, I went and visited a less active. I introduced my self "Ako po si Sis Arnold" and she laughed and said "oh, Arnold Schwartzanegro"hahahaha I DIED! It made me think of Matthew and white chicks! She meant Schwarzenegger, oh made my week!

Sun-We had our first testimony meeting! I am grateful for the atonement in my life. Today was the day that I finally realized that we were teaching by the spirit! You always wonder and Elder Bednar says "Don't worry about it", but I can testify that we were led. All our plans ended up going other than planned, but it was what they needed! Then, in my personal study, I was directed and guided! It was incredible and I received revelation for one of our investigators who was baptized but doesn't believe in a living prophet. Don't ask me how, but we're working on her and I think I know how :)

I am grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary at this time. I always strive to be the missionary that moms think their kids are! The Lord has blessed the work in the Philippines for us and we are doing all we can to work on it! I love being a missionary and know this church is true! I miss and love you all. I pray for you daily!

I love you all!!

Sister Arnold

Well, I made it!

Welcome to the Bacolod after 18 hours of traveling, no sleep, missionary work on every flight, gave out 1 B of M, 2 mormon.org cards with 2 referrals.  Our plane rides were chaotic, Manila robbed us $ wise-we had to pay $100 each for baggage w/ no time to fight it or we would've missed our flight:  We got to Bacolod, were greeted by humidity, bathrooms w/ no TP (Good thing I had kleenex in my backpack..I was not about to start off my trip with having to wipe with my hands..not yet at least HA!),  our Mission Pres. and wife, and the 2 AP's.  We headed for the hotel where we stayed for the next 2 nights because the Mission Home was under renovation.  We had interviews that night and met some of the office staff.  We were embarrassingly tired and were falling asleep while waiting for our turn! Jet lag I tell ya! We went back and the next morning went down for breakfast and was greeted w/ rice, meatballs, fish, chicken, omlettes, fruit, and bread..where's the bagels, cereal, and pancakes?? Not in the PI! ha But, I have learned to love the rice real quick! We had orientation that day, met the rest of the Filipino missionaries that were new as well.  We had dinner with the President and others and it turned into a cultural event..they all wanted to hear from the foreigners so us Americans sang "Home on the range" (Sis kings choice, not mine ha), the Canadians sang their national song, and the filipinos got up and sang as sisters in zion/armies of helamen...huh?! that's not cultural! That's american too! haha. Friday came and we knew we were getting our trainers.  The night before I had a feeling that I was going to be sent to the Central zone which is dead center in the city...guess where I got assigned? Central zone, Bacolod 6th ward! Who told me no sisters got sent to the city?? haha Definitely wrong.  This mission is not allowed to tract, but we focus all our time on reactivation.  I was immediately humbled and grateful for what I had.  These people all have houses made out of wood, boxes, sticks, no air, no floors but dirt, trees as chairs and blankets separating "rooms".  I was taken back at how they had hardly anything but were extremely happy! You never truly understand until you see it first hand.  And this is my home for the next 12 weeks at least and I LOVE it! Day two in the field we had a baptism of the Tan family, a husband and wife.  As we walked to the church it poured on us and I didn't have my umbrella, hence why I look the way I do in thepicture.  They are the nicest family and will be great! I've already gotten close to them and seeing all that they gave up to become a member is incredible, but the Lord will bless them! Right now we have 7 families/people who have baptism dates set for the next 5 weeks.  We teach at least 30+ lessons a week and stay busy.  My trainer is good.  She's extremely diligent, obedient, dedicated and helps me be the missionary I need to be.  But, unfortunately, she keeps it all business, so we don't really know much about eachother personally..oh well! The language is tough as I've been trying to learn it.  Everything I learned in Tagalog is basically useless and I'm starting from square one.  But, I continue trying.  Our ward is in English and most people talk to me in English too, which doesn't help haha.  Whoever said this is the hardest thing I'd ever do is right, but I can already see blessings from it.  In all our lessons, never fails, we ask them who they want to say the prayer..guess who they choose?? THE AMERICAN! haha geez! That's one way to learn the language and they chuckle as they pick me too. Haha I love it! everyone comments on the following everytime I talk to someone, it's one of these: how tall I am (even president said it), or they call me gwapa which means beautiful, or they say that I look like a beauty pageant queen and should try out for Miss America! hahhaha Oh they're funny! The people are so sweet and welcoming and my love for them increases each day. On sunday,  I was called on to share my testimony..I started in english with words I didn't know, but as I started to give my testimony in Illongo, everyone was smiling and laughing as I tried my hardest! hhahaha They all laugh because I say the common words in Illongo because I"m learning doctrine words etc so I'm limited and my trainer translates most of the time as I'm learning! hahahah
But here are some random things:
-We only have running water in the apt from 5 to 8am
-We take bucket showers (that wasn't a joke)
-We eat rice for practically every meal.
-I haven't eaten anything crazy because the members/others don't feed us..we fend for ourselves.
-We've had 2 brown outs which are power outages
-I have 10 mosquito bites that turned purple..ouch!
-They have American music blaring in the streets..it's funny to see how far behind the times they are.
-We ride in those tricycles a lot because our house isn't in the area and our area is huge. I barely fit in them, the roof is on my head literally, and when we hit bumps they all laugh because I hit my head really hard.
-I have to bend down to get in through any doors in houses, etc. You'd think I'm 6'2 over here..I'm only 5'9!
-I got pecked and bit by a duck. haha
-I have embarrassing moments where filipinos don't understand me and their culture they just stare at you and drop their jaw if they don't understand. ha
-The families all want me to help them with their English and they in return help me with my illongo.
-Mothers Day we can skype!
-My singing is awful here because they aren't the best singers and soIi sometimes follow them out of habit..cover your ears! haha
-There's only 25 sisters in the mission.
-When I say I'm from Vegas, they ask if I've gambled before haha.
-We don't schedule appts here, we just drop by and tech because they're always home.
-I have a fan next to me ALWAYS!!
-Moms breast feed in the open everywhere and even during lessons..no cover up, etc.
-Lizards visit the apt.

Well, I am out of time, but I'll write home answering your emails...know I love you all and love the PI!!!

Love you!
Sister Arnold

My address is Brgy 22 Bacolod City
6100 Negros Occidental
Philippines

9 days and I am on a Plane

Family and Friends! How was everyone this week and how was your Easter!? I loved hearing all about what the family did and I wish I could've gotten some homemade Easter dinner from the Arnolds/Christiansens. I sure missed everyone and it was weird not being at home for my first holiday on the mission..and I only have more to go! But, I'm happy to be serving the Lord at this time and am just loving it!!!

Where to begin??!! Well, I know! Flight plans!! I finally got them and there are so many of my friends, etc that i've made here that leave the same day and they all leave BEFORE me! I don't fly out of SLC until 9:36pm..rough I know! But, I'm excited! It's crazy to think 9 weeks ago where I was, what I was doing, priorities I had vs others, and how I am now. The mission has changed me so much in 8 weeks than I ever imagined. And to think that I'll be in the actual mission field, with buckets for showers, no toilet paper, floors as beds, bugs surrounding me, contaminated water that I can't drink, etc. And yet, I couldn't be more excited to get there! On that note, last week I set some goals for myself on the mission as I'm leaving and one thing I wanted was to get a feel for the culture 100%. And I decided, that at holidays and birthdays, I'd prefer you to save the money you would spend on me and spend it on the boys, etc. It takes so long to get packages, there's risk of not getting it, but it's not even that. I want to experience having nothing for that year and a half. Those people in Bacolod have hardly anything and yet they are the happiest people out there! So, that's what I want, too. To appreciate it all, and put the other stuff aside. :) You can save it and put it towards the wedding, school, etc. hahahaha Thank you and I love you all!

My flight plans are as follows..

We report at 6:30 to the travel office and I'm the travel leader of 7 people.

We leave SLC at 9:36 and arrive in San Fran. at 10:55pm

We leave there at 1:10 am and arrive in Hong Kong at 6:15am

WE leave Hong Kong at 8:05am and arrive in Manila at 9:55am.

We leave Manila at 2pm and arrive in Bacolod at 3:15pm.

**Keep in mind all the time changes, etc.

So, I know it will be a late night phone call, but I hope you will be up! I'll have a while to talk to people and I don't know if I'll get to call anyone else because everyone will be asleep! (i.e. grandparents, etc)

Man, it's so unreal. None of us feel ready language wise, but that's not even a problem for us! We know the Lord will bless us like He has already!

I don't have much time, but just a few things that have happened this week:
-We are still not allowed to shake hands, etc. but I did stay clear of the flu. I don't know anyone with it anymore, phew!

-I found out Bro Howard, the 2nd counselor in my branch presidency is related, well 2nd cousins with Dod Hyre..small world!

-On Easter Sunday, Elder Packer and President Packer came and talked to us..father and son! It was so cute to see Pres. Packers personality outside of conference..he's so cute!! But they talked on the Atonement and Resurrection and it was awesome! IT wasn't the first presidency, but it was the next best thing!!

-The two new sisters that became our roommates and I have bonded like crazy..it's funny how you meet people here that you could see yourself best friends with, but they aren't going to your mission, nor are they from the states..well Sister Tivalu is from Australia. It's finally nice to have someone with my same personality who can be focused, but still have fun at the same time! She is my medicine with laughter and every night I go to bed happy because of them. But, it couldn't be awesome.

-My companions birthday was this week and we didn't really do anything, hah. Not much to do here in the MTC.

-Lastly, I just wanted to share an impression I got this week. well two! One was there was an elder in my district who sleeps in class, is disobedient, etc. I pray every night and he was so rude one day that when the teacher left, I spoke my mind. I hoped that it would hit something and trigger SOMETHING that he would think "Gee, maybe she's right" haha (I hope my husband doesn't read this haha) But, the next day, he came in, he stayed awake,and after made a public announcement to the class that he was really sorry and realized that he needed to step up as a missionary. We all just sat and gave thanks because it was the moment we've been waiting for for 4 1/2 weeks! The spirit has been in every class and we are as close as we were in the beginning! Finally..I see miracles every day, even if it is in the MTC.

-The other was I wanted to sit down as a 6 week missionary and pray and dissect my patriarchal blessing. I had a feeling that I could benefit from something in there, and as I sat down, I took pages of notes and only got half way. The blessing is only one page, but oh man, the revelation I received from it is incredible, especially with the mindset of a missionary, this work and my purpose. It was incredible!

Well, I'm out of time! But, I can't wait to talk to you all soon!! I am so excited and as my roommate, Sis Tivalu would say, "I LOVE THIS WORK!!!"

Funny story before I go about the Philippines:

If someone sneezed in the Philippines, they think it's because someone didn't shower.haha crazy!! So instead of saying "Bless you" they say "naligo ako" which means "I showered. It's not me! " hahaha

I can't wait to get out in the field and put into action all I learned and finally meet the people that I've been hearing about for over 5 months now!!

Happy Belated Birthday to J, or Elder Gifford :) And mom, Happy Birthday on Monday!! The big 40! Eat a piece of cake for me!

Mahal Kita to all!!!!!!!!

Sister Arnold