We had a super crazy week but I will try and fit in all in :)
First of all... Happy May!!
Last Monday after I emailed my comp and I went and helped Sister Castro. We got all things ready for the Sisters meeting. I printed off step by step quick updo's, skin treatments, braids, healthy snacks (apparently I'm known for being super healthy hahaha), recipes, and things like that and then I talked to everyone about how we can take care of ourselves out here and still be beautiful :) I downloaded some youtube tutorials on make up and after our meeting we all practiced on each other. It was really fun and I ended up cutting everyone's hair too haha.
Then that night Sister Castro went to go be sealed to her family Can you believe that? After 60 years her father accepted to be baptized into the church and be sealed to his wife and all of their children. She was able to go and be sealed to her entire family which is so special. But she wanted me to get her all ready (she loves it when I do her hair and I love doing it!). So I helped her get all ready which was so fun and she looked beautiful.
This week I was also able to be with some of the Sisters from my old area of Boa Vista!! It was so fun to talk to them and receive notices of everyone out there.
We had our big mission council which was awesome and learned about our mission's focus for the next few months. I love the Book of Mormon and have gotten to love it so much more on my mission. Our President said we need to be fundamental in our keystone of our religion which is the Book of Mormon for as much as people will continue to talk and put down and make fun of and reject missionaries from our church one thing has always been and always continue to be the same - The Book of Mormon. As President Holland said it offers safety for the soul and promises to bring us happiness in this life and the next. It's proof that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God and it answers the most personal questions of each individual. It gives us spiritual strength and light. Whenever you have a doubt or don't agree with something, read a chapter from the Book of Mormon and you will be reminded of Heavenly Father's love for you and the church he restored. But what is the best? We as members have a duty to share it with all those around us. We were actually asked to leave our Bibles home this week and use only the Book of Mormon. We can never doubt the power and divinity inside the book. I love giving the book away to people and it seems like something so small, but can change lives.
If anyone is thinking or doubting the decision to serve a mission, please please go. These last sixteen months the Lord has extended his hand to guide me in every single day. A mission gives you the chance to feel the Spirit and the love of God like you have never felt before, love your neighbor like you never have before, serve with a force and courage you've never had before, pray and fast like you never have before, sweat- and I mean sweat like you never have before, learn how to listen, read, and study and depend on the Lord like you never have before, learn the essence of the word "work", laugh like never before, cry with happiness and sadness like you never have before, and be a first hand witness of this great and marvelous work and a wonder that Isaiah and Nephi promised would come forth, a chance to see families change their lives completely in a matter of months as they prepare to make covenants with the Lord. For as much as I miss my family and comfort of home, these experiences have given me a true happiness that can only come from the Lord and His gospel.
Thank you all for all your love and support. I love each of you so much and I know that this week through prayer and courage you can find a way to use the Book of Mormon to change someone's life. Love you!
Sister Arbuckle
First of all... Happy May!!
Last Monday after I emailed my comp and I went and helped Sister Castro. We got all things ready for the Sisters meeting. I printed off step by step quick updo's, skin treatments, braids, healthy snacks (apparently I'm known for being super healthy hahaha), recipes, and things like that and then I talked to everyone about how we can take care of ourselves out here and still be beautiful :) I downloaded some youtube tutorials on make up and after our meeting we all practiced on each other. It was really fun and I ended up cutting everyone's hair too haha.
Then that night Sister Castro went to go be sealed to her family Can you believe that? After 60 years her father accepted to be baptized into the church and be sealed to his wife and all of their children. She was able to go and be sealed to her entire family which is so special. But she wanted me to get her all ready (she loves it when I do her hair and I love doing it!). So I helped her get all ready which was so fun and she looked beautiful.
This week I was also able to be with some of the Sisters from my old area of Boa Vista!! It was so fun to talk to them and receive notices of everyone out there.
We had our big mission council which was awesome and learned about our mission's focus for the next few months. I love the Book of Mormon and have gotten to love it so much more on my mission. Our President said we need to be fundamental in our keystone of our religion which is the Book of Mormon for as much as people will continue to talk and put down and make fun of and reject missionaries from our church one thing has always been and always continue to be the same - The Book of Mormon. As President Holland said it offers safety for the soul and promises to bring us happiness in this life and the next. It's proof that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God and it answers the most personal questions of each individual. It gives us spiritual strength and light. Whenever you have a doubt or don't agree with something, read a chapter from the Book of Mormon and you will be reminded of Heavenly Father's love for you and the church he restored. But what is the best? We as members have a duty to share it with all those around us. We were actually asked to leave our Bibles home this week and use only the Book of Mormon. We can never doubt the power and divinity inside the book. I love giving the book away to people and it seems like something so small, but can change lives.
If anyone is thinking or doubting the decision to serve a mission, please please go. These last sixteen months the Lord has extended his hand to guide me in every single day. A mission gives you the chance to feel the Spirit and the love of God like you have never felt before, love your neighbor like you never have before, serve with a force and courage you've never had before, pray and fast like you never have before, sweat- and I mean sweat like you never have before, learn how to listen, read, and study and depend on the Lord like you never have before, learn the essence of the word "work", laugh like never before, cry with happiness and sadness like you never have before, and be a first hand witness of this great and marvelous work and a wonder that Isaiah and Nephi promised would come forth, a chance to see families change their lives completely in a matter of months as they prepare to make covenants with the Lord. For as much as I miss my family and comfort of home, these experiences have given me a true happiness that can only come from the Lord and His gospel.
Thank you all for all your love and support. I love each of you so much and I know that this week through prayer and courage you can find a way to use the Book of Mormon to change someone's life. Love you!
Sister Arbuckle