August 22, 2013 E-mail

Megan's District on P-day!

August 13, 2013 E-mail

EVERYONE!!!

So this week was the level part of a roller coaster ride! On Thursday I think we got a call from President for my trainer, who had been having terrible leg pain and been to three different doctors and gotten an MRI and an ultrasound with no definitive answers, and President said that, because this week is transfers, she might have to go home. My trainer only has one transfer left and leaving now was so devastating for her. After that phone call we had quite a powerful companionship testimony meeting. After two weeks of issues and doctors’ appointments, this was our bleakest moment. But, just as with Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, at our moments of greatest alarm is when the light appears—after we have exerted all our strength. That night we went to see Brother Bills, the chiropractor. He stretched some things and then had my trainer walk. We he saw the way she was walking and where the pain was he said come back over and lie down. He poked around a little and found the source of her pain. A muscle that is part of the hip flexor (the psoas for you medical people) had become seriously inflamed and constricted which had pulled on the lumbar system of her spine and caused nerve pinching. Well, he helped loosen it up a little and gave her some stretches to do and said that with time she would be okay. We still don't know if she will go home early or not, but after so many prayers, attempted solutions, after exerting all our strength, we found the light and we know what is wrong and how to fix it. For whatever trial you are currently enduring in this moment, ask yourself: "Have I exerted ALL my strength?" If not, DO IT. If so, then keep faith in knowing that the light is coming. Light always triumphs over darkness. When light appears, darkness HAS to depart- it cannot endure the presence of light. Also remember the Atonement is in everything.

This is the work of God. Everything that God has created (which is EVERYTHING), He has created "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It is the greatest source of comfort, help, knowledge, and peace because it contains the Fullness of the Everlasting Gospel. Turn to it for help. Oh, that we used the Book of Mormon as we use our cell phones: on our person ALL the time, checking it every thirty seconds, searching for every answer in its contents.... I invite you all to pick one way in which you can make your copy of the Book of Mormon more like you cell phone and try it out this week. If an honest effort in this task does not increase your happiness and feeling of the Holy Ghost this week then I am not a representative of Jesus Christ, the Church is not true, and the Book of Mormon is not the word of God. But it IS the Word of God, this Church is THE true Church, and I am a representative of Jesus Christ. Then, you have nothing to lose. So, do it.

Remember I love you all so much! You are wonderful examples to me!!

Hermana Arntsen

Hermana Arntsen, Hermana Marroquin, and Hermand Donda

Arrival at Sacramento
Missionaries with Mission President and his wife

August 5, 2013 E-mail

Everything is good here! We did have to move that baptism back because her son had a baby and she missed church, but she still is wonderful! She quit smoking and drinking coffee and is feeling the blessings that come with that! I am going to send you a ton of pictures! I finally think I've got it figured out! And,maybe when you get the chance or Caitlin too, could you send me some cookies?? Like monster cookies preferably? I really miss your cookies!
Sorry not much to report this week!

Love you!!

Hermana Arntsen

July 29, 2013 E-mail

EVERYONE!! and MOM!! (because I love you most!)

This week was pretty cool. We had exchanges and the exchange sister is half Chilean so her Spanish is awesome! It was a really cool experience to learn from her! After exchanges Hermana Marroquin was having terrible leg pain and numbness and craziness! So we went to Urgent Care the other day and they said they had no idea what was wrong so they gave her Ibuprofen and said wait it out. Then she got a blessing but then it was Sunday. And we were at Church. And Hermano Bills (the chiropractor) is at church. So, we say hey Hermano, no one knows what’s wrong with Hermana Marroquin, what do you think? Well, he had her walk around and stretch something then he said okay, it could be one of a few different things come in tomorrow and we'll take an x-ray and figure it out. That was the only straight answer we had gotten about it! It's crazy awesome! Chiropractors know everything! Not really, I'm joking, but it was still such a blessing for Hermana Marroquin and consequently me and Hermana Dando. When your companions are happy you are happy. :D So, if you choose to be the happy one then you will be happy all the time anyway! So choose to be happy!!!

Also, Elvira, the miracle for a couple weeks ago, came to church and is going to be baptized in a few weeks!!! She's golden! And a less active family we haven't really been able to contact came to church yesterday! The Gospel is addictive! And the Spirit!!

I love you all!!! Choose this week to be happy!! I promise you will be if you constantly decide to be!

Hermana Arntsen