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