Today I said goodbye to my mom (trainer on the mission) Sister Rocha, who is going home already, said goodbye to Cidade Nova and Guarany, said goodbye to Milena and her family, said goodbye to Sister Cidade/best friend/soulsister/ partner in crime (okay not really because we're missionaries)/ other half/ I will find a way to get to her wedding in December. So to say I haven't stopped crying for a second today would be an understatment.
But I have been transfered to my 3rd area called Adrianopolis. It's the area of our Mission President actually. I am continuing as an STL (sister trainer leader) and am super excited to get to work close with all the assistants and leadership and President and Sister Castro. My companion is Sister Sunaga! She is awesome. She's from São Paulo and we both prayed to be each others companions if you can believe it hahahaha. We're super happy to be together. This is her last transfer so she's like already home too....
My last few weeks in my area were amazing as we were able to bring a family that we helped reactivate to the temple and be sealed. We also worked with another family that has been inactive decide to get married and let their son go on a mission in a few months. We had an activity with all the Young Women and taught them about personal progress and helped everyone understand how important it is and incorporate our recent converts Milena and Fabiana.
I still can't believe that I've already been out a whole year. I was thinking so much this week about the most important things that I've learned and the things I've experienced. Something struck me as I was reading about Nephi again this week. When the Lord asked him to build a boat, he didn't stutter. He didn't hesitate or question or anything! He already had to do so much and pass through so many trials. If it were me I wonder if I would say, 'No way!'. But I was thinking this week about where his courage came from. Why he had such a desire to do the Lord's will and be so obedient. Where does this change of heart come from? I've realized that this last year I've changed and learned not because of a specific experience or area or companion but because of my increased understanding of the Atonement of Christ. When we really come to know Him in our lives, when we work with Him in this work, His power, His grace and His love we have changes in our hearts and receive a desire to always do His will.
I love my mission! Becoming a missionary was the best decision I've made so far.
Thanks for all the love,
Sister Arbuckle
But I have been transfered to my 3rd area called Adrianopolis. It's the area of our Mission President actually. I am continuing as an STL (sister trainer leader) and am super excited to get to work close with all the assistants and leadership and President and Sister Castro. My companion is Sister Sunaga! She is awesome. She's from São Paulo and we both prayed to be each others companions if you can believe it hahahaha. We're super happy to be together. This is her last transfer so she's like already home too....
My last few weeks in my area were amazing as we were able to bring a family that we helped reactivate to the temple and be sealed. We also worked with another family that has been inactive decide to get married and let their son go on a mission in a few months. We had an activity with all the Young Women and taught them about personal progress and helped everyone understand how important it is and incorporate our recent converts Milena and Fabiana.
I still can't believe that I've already been out a whole year. I was thinking so much this week about the most important things that I've learned and the things I've experienced. Something struck me as I was reading about Nephi again this week. When the Lord asked him to build a boat, he didn't stutter. He didn't hesitate or question or anything! He already had to do so much and pass through so many trials. If it were me I wonder if I would say, 'No way!'. But I was thinking this week about where his courage came from. Why he had such a desire to do the Lord's will and be so obedient. Where does this change of heart come from? I've realized that this last year I've changed and learned not because of a specific experience or area or companion but because of my increased understanding of the Atonement of Christ. When we really come to know Him in our lives, when we work with Him in this work, His power, His grace and His love we have changes in our hearts and receive a desire to always do His will.
I love my mission! Becoming a missionary was the best decision I've made so far.
Thanks for all the love,
Sister Arbuckle