Intercambios (Exchanges) and Bus Rides!

So this week I had intercambios(exchanges) in Zamaro, my companion was in the jungle, and I stayed in Jipiro, but I got some sicks pictures of water falls, I'll have to send them next week.

In Loja, it is cold, beautiful, and lots of people are blessed with a lot of money, but Satan has a lot of power over the people here. There is lots of Idolotry, and a lot of people cannot accept the book of mormon, because they already have a bible...they cant give up their traditions of thier fathers, This week have been really trying harder to work and leave with the members, but when people lack faith, Satan has so much power. One night, we were on a bus to teach a person in another subdivision, but the bus stopped the lights went out, and the driver of the bus was trying to move the bus. We were crossing a small bridge over a river, but he couldn't maneuver it correctly. We were very close to the edge...a lot of people wanted to get off the bus, but the driver said no, I am going to fix it. The spirit on the bus was very ugly. When he tried driving in the right direction we got even closer to the edge...We all got off the bus and I knew that Satan did not want us to teach tonight.

Despite our many trials and opposition that we receive in Loja, we realized that we have to strengthen our knowledge more in the scriptures and we have to know Satan's weaknesses, and we have to be strong enough spiritually and mentally in order to win this game. This morning I was studying preach my gospel, Knowledge, in christ like attributes. Scriptures that really helped me was was in D&C 88:118, 131:6, Alma 17:3... it says that if we strengthen our knowledge in the gospel that we can teach with more power and authority. I really am trying to organize more of my thoughts and studies so that I can have more an effective and spiritual study and apply them in my mission.

Here is really cool quote from Henry B Eyring that I absolutely loved that I know relates to missionary work:

The Lord has given us all the source of hope as we struggle to help those we love accept their eternal inheritance. He has made promises to us as we keep trying to gather people to Him, even when they resist His invitation to do so. Their resistance saddens Him, but He does not quit, nor should we. He sets the perfect example for us with His persistent love:“And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen;yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.”

I know that our efforts are worth it...and than even though people dont accept it now, our ancestors will be blessed for our efforts and that if we keep our covenants we can have eternal life. I love this gospel and I know that it is true. 

Love you all.

Hermana Arnold

All of a Sudden....Transfers (CAMBIOS)

Well, I would like to send pictures but every time I find a computer in the cybers that don't work with the photos entonces, someday I will send you some recent photos with me in them. I am a little Gordita but it is what it is. Welcome to Mission Ecuador Guayaquil Sur.

Where's I've been so far (click here to see more)

So, in the middle of this week I had CAMBIOS (transfers)! There was an emergency and one of the other hermanas in the other zone needed transfers, entonces, por eso I had cambios and now I am the in the other east zone of Loja and I am in a rama (branch) called Jipiro. I was sad at first.  I really loved Catamayo and all the members; it really was a special place, but I guess this is just the will of the Lord, and I guess its just good practice for life.

Bueno, the members have a reputation of not liking the Hermanas because of something that happened a while a back, and a lot of them like the Elders more than the Hermanas, but we have plans to change that, we actually fasted that we could gain their confidence and that we could have unity with them. I was surprised and realized that the Lord blessed us because a lot of them were willing to help us I think simply because they see that we are willing to work.  We always have to be on our best behavior and we have to be perfect examples always so that people can trust us. It is such a big responsibility, but I know that we are Christ's disciples and we have to represent Him.

This week I realized why I needed to be in Jipiro because I have a lot animos (excitement, motivation) to work and to find people.  They have this saying on the mission which is,  "Qitar la tapa."It means to take away the top. If we don't let anything stop us from reaching our goals and don't let our doubts interfere with those goals,  the Lord can bless us with miracles and many people that are prepared for us. It is true that there are more people that are prepared for me here than there are in Catamayo.  I know that is another reason why I am here.

This week we found a women named Ulga, and she all her life has been very spirtual and had a dream about Jesus Christ ( que bestia all these people who have visions of God in there dreams) and before she met us she said she had a dreams needed to receive something from someone.  She is so prepared and we just found her trying to contact a referral, She just needs to have a sincere heart and ask God if these things are true and come to church, but Satan is going to do everything that he can so that she cant go, but the Lord wanted us to find her and I hope that she progresses.

Also, my new companion is named Hermana Argueta and she is from Guatemala, another Latina...hopefully by the end of my mission I will be a Fluint Latina. :)

Love,

Hermana Arnold

Halfway done, and turning 20 years old.

Note:  September 1 is Hermana Arnold's halfway point.  It has gone by so fast for us here at home.  It looks like she is having a great time, despite the normal mission adversity.  Here is her letter home this week. 

Hello everyone,

I had a good birthday, my district bought me pan de chocolate, and on P-day I bought 2 skirts for 3.50 and a dress for 10 and shoes for 13, I love how cheap things are in Ecuador....but also, after that I forgot that it was my birthday, because I was so focused on other people! It was a great day, by far one of the best birthdays.

Also...this week I have witnessed a lot of opposition from the adversary. Satan is real, and he has angels and they take hold of a lot of the people's hearts, and this week, was kind of difficult because we could feel them. They obviously don't like that we are here.  We've had a couple experiences this week that I can say that I am afraid of the adversary, but I know that Christ lives, God has a plan for me, we have authority to be here and we are changing people's lives no matter how much they tell us we aren't doing anything. I may not be able to see all the fruits of my labors but we have a part in this plan, and we are just helping many people come unto to Christ who don't know where to find Him.

Sorry, I am running out of time, but I love my mission, I love to be hundred percernt focused on other people, and my capacity to love and serve others has grown and I get so excited to go out to work, when 6 months ago I dreaded it.  I have come along way and it has flown by so fast, but I still have so much to learn. Please always have me in your prayers and especially my investigators and converts that they will stay true and develope there own testimonies and repent...I hope this with all of my heart! Well, I love you and this church is true and this is his work!

Love,
Hermana Arnold