Feliz Año Nuevo!!

After skyping with you last week we had dinner with Yoana! After dinner, it felt good to hit the streets again after Christmas and having so many things going on this week. We visited our investigator Yuriamy. We went to go pick her up but she wasn’t feeling good, so we came back later to just check on her. She appreciated our concern as she let us in her home and we talked for a good while. We left the home with a prayer that she would feel better. Our message is that Christ will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. The Book of Mormon gives us the certain assurance of His power to comfort. And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. I like visiting people and let them know that Christ loves and cares! I always feel as the Lord is pleased when we take care of the sick, afflicted and lonely. Also, we always pray on ways how we could help our less active members. Speaking of which, the zone leaders gave us a list of less active members and so we began visiting and inviting them to return to church. I testify that there is nothing more important than bringing people back to church, nurture and strengthen those that somehow have been lost.

Also, we also had a lesson with a man from Nigeria and I just love sharing the message about Jose Smith, the need and importance of the restoration. Again, I bore my testimony to this man about the sacred priesthood, our prophet Joseph Smith and our living prophet Thomas S. Monson. I have witnessed how a sweet, pure and simple testimony can bring the Spirit into our discussions. I have also come to realize the importance of teaching together, testifying and complementing each other’s thoughts! It’s wonderful to be part of this great work and I just love it! That being said, I love to have the opportunity to share this knowledge with everyone we come in contact!!

También! Para que sepan la foto mia es cuando estaba preparando una pizza para las navidades. Es verdad, Hermana Volpe prepara pizza y pasta casi todos los dias. Eso es super divertido! Recuerden que ella es de Italia. Jajajha. 

Hasta la proxima semana….Muchos abrazos y besitos.

Hermana Arce

Christmas Eve in Malaga

Cooking Pizza for Christmas!...Wait...What?

Ice Skating on P-day

Regalo de Navidad de mi Familia

Ice Skating with my Zone..

Having Fun with my Zone

This is President & Sister Deere's daughter Annie and Hermana Arce, who we think looks an awful lot like Annie! 
A few members in the Malaga Ward have mistaken her for Annie too.

A beautiful evening in Malaga

Self-Reliance, a way of life

Hello Family & Friends—

Officially, the word is getting out in my mission that I actually fix peoples clothes!! All these missionaries come to me so that I sew their ripped clothing. Even my companion had me fixed her stuff. Honestly, I haven’t even done my own sewing but that is all good because I like to help and serve.

Actually, Arnaldo did not get baptized because he just was not ready. We will continue to work with him for as long as needed. That being said, Hermana Volpe and I have been working really hard. We have found several new investigators and all are progressing nicely. One of them is Claudia and she is from Romania. She has a husband but with no children. We found Claudia by talking to her on the streets of Malaga. We came across her twice in one week and one night we shared Helaman 5:12 and I felt prompted to tell her that this was not by chance that we met again. She started to cry because she and her husband have been trying to have children for 7 years and there is nothing wrong with them. The doctors said if it is God's will, they will have children. So she has been looking for a church and so the timing is perfect. We are so blessed that the Spirit led us unto her. Claudia is the sweetest lady and she’s only 28 years old. I know that the Lord was preparing her and her husband by softening their hearts to receive our message. Ugh I love my mission! I love being able to help people, to share my testimony with them, and help them through difficult times. It is indeed a great privilege, for us missionaries, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is the cure of so many of life’s ills and the good news of eternal life all with the same urgency.

  

Yesterday, we had a meeting with our Mission President Deere and Hermana Deere as they taught us about Self-Reliance. It was very good and I took good notes. Also, I kept thinking how much I have learned self-reliance from you, my family, about money and also spiritual self-reliance. As always, we must first go to the Lord. I am so glad to be a member of the true and living church. I love you, Mom and Dad for accepting and embracing the Gospel so that we may benefit from it. You guys are just awesome!

I think that’s it for me this week…Hurray! I get to see you in a couple of days. Yes!!

I Love you Mommy, Daddy, Darren and Davey!!

FELIZ NAVIDAD / MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hermana Arce

Siempre Obediente (Always Obedient)

Hello Family & Friends--

I hear that David gave a talk in sacrament meeting. Go David!. I love to hear that he was given the opportunity to talk and bear his testimony. David has such a sweet and strong testimony and he needs to share it more often.

I am doing real good and happy! Honestly, I was a little worried about taking the wheel after Hermana Crockett left (mi madre en la mision) but it's not as bad as I thought. I just remember to always follow her example and I will be fine. For instance, I make sure we have lots of citas everyday and durante el mediodia, we read PME (Predicad Mi Evangelio -- Preach My Gospel), porque no tengo tiempo para estudiar. Bueno...si tenemos 30 minutos en las mananas, pero asi no mucho. Entonces nosotras usamos tiempo para estudiar Español más cada día. Como verbos y todos de más...Super bien! Me gusta mucho porque siempre hablamos en la calle con todos!

I am so excited for Christmas! I can't wait to see you and everyone else on Christmas! It will be great...

Well, I gotta go. Until next week. "Always Obedient"

Love you guys! Remember my P-Day is on Tuesday just next week since we have a special zone conference on Monday.

Hermana Arce

With the Lord, Weak Things Become Strong

Hola familia y amigos!

It’s so-o-o-o ccccccoooldd here--my fingers are cold typing on this keyboard. This week, specially, I had to bring out the hat and gloves since the temperatures have dropped considerably!

And yes, Hermana Crockett is going home this Wednesday and my new companion will be Hermana Volpe and she is from Italy. I hope my Spanish improves with her. So far, I hear that she’s been on the mission for 6 months and I’ve been on mine for 4. So we are both fairly new. I am excited though to learn more things and work with her. 

On a separate note, all that I own appears to be falling apart. My jacket ripped, along with my sweater, and skirt and both my Spanish-English scriptures spine where the pages are bound is coming lose—I am like—Oh my goodness! But it’s okay because I bought some super glue and I will do some sewing today. All is well… You see, I have learned that when something becomes weak, it does not necessarily mean is bad item or person; but that it gives them the opportunity to put their Trust in the Lord and make their weak things become strong. Just like all my items, you can always apply the gospel to everyday things! Neat huh?

A new member was baptized this Saturday, so we had two members receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. One of the members was blessed to go and serve a mission (because he is only 20 years old) and has a strong testimony. His parents came to his baptism and I know he will be such a good example to his family and friends! Our friend from Belgium is still awesome as ever! She is even trying to share the gospel as well with people.

I have to go until next week. “Les Quiero Mucho!!

Hermana Arce

Elders Phipps and Ellsworth, and  Hermanas Crockett and Arce in Malaga 4.

Warming Up with Hot Chocolate

The Three Musketeers!! 

Taking a break after teaching a new member lesson

What me?...I am not eating that!

Sister Crockett & I with the new members

Bundle up on the streets of Malaga

Sister Crockett & I with the new member

Sister Crockett & I with the new member

New Members of the Church

Hola a todos!

Mom thank you so much for sharing that story. I am so grateful the Lord is watching out for you guys. I love the blessings He is pouring out on you. I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!

I am so glad that you get to go out with the sisters. Just taking them to places is indeed a blessing-- I was thinking that the other day how hard it would be to get around places if we had to drive. We simply have the opportunity to walk everywhere and get where we need to go. 

Oh! We saw many tender mercies this week. We were so blessed this week as well…We met STANDARDS for the mission. Hermana Crockett and I have worked really hard this week and the Lord blessed us with the rest. As we relied on Him we had two baptisms! Two new members were confirmed yesterday. They are brand new members of the church will all the blessings that come from our membership and that in itself is so special. They love the church and were ready to act! I have such a great privilege to teach them. You could actually meet them on Christmas as we may end up meeting at their place to Skype. Overall, it was a very good week and I am glad it was for y’all too.

Also, I have tons of pictures of Yoana’s baptism that I will be sending next week… 

By the way, Hermana Crockett is going home December 10th and I find out who my next companion this Friday. It’s going to be really sad to see her go but the Lord knows that all is well. I hope that my next companion is nice too. 

All and all, my thanksgiving was good and the food was delicious. We spent it at the church for an hour and ate with the Malaga zone. You can see me on the blog… I am like the 10th photo down with all the people at the dinner table. 

I Love you Mommy, Daddy, David, Darren and Ella!! BIG hug, Little Kiss, BIG kiss, Little hug! HAHA (Nacho Libre)

LOVE YOU guys and see you in 3 & 1/2 weeks!! 

Les Quiero Mucho!!

Hermana Arce

A visit from an Area Presidency....

Hola Familia & Friends,

    

We had a wonderfully memorable week in the Spain Malaga Mission.  Each year we receive a visit from a member of our Area Presidency, and this week Elder Patrick Kearson visited our mission. Our session was held in Malaga with approx. 110 missionaries from Malaga, Sevilla and San Fernando Zones. Elder Kearson thanked us over and over again for our service, and encouraged us to stretch beyond where we are now, to decide to change and give the mission our all. Personally, I am so grateful to Elder Kearson, his family and our leaders who so selflessly serve for years. While our missionaries have sacrificed our time and money for 18-24 months, they sacrifice their freedom, time, entire career, and in the case of Elder Kearson move their families frequently, all to answer a call to serve the Lord. 

         

Elder Kearson spoke to us all day on Tuesday. It was such a good conference. We learned so much as missionaries. For instance, he taught us about "Attacking our mornings" like having diligent and fervent prayer the moment you wake up. Followed by good exercise and diligently studying for your investigators. One of my favorite quotes that he quoted to us as missionaries was by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "You tell me how a missionary starts her day at 6:00 am, how her studies went and how her prayers were, I will tell you what kind of day she will have, what kind of week she will have and what kind of mission and life she will have." Que Fuerte no?! but so good. So, I am now “Attacking my morning”....           

             

We have Yoana´s baptism this Saturday, and we are so excited for her. She is truly the best. And we have also Nicolas who went to a baptism last night with us and he as well loved every bit of it. He is getting baptized as well. This Thursday we are having a little thanksgiving with a couple of missionaries for lunch and BACK to work we go.   

         

Speaking of Thanksgiving, since this Thursday is Thanksgiving, I would to share with you my top 10 list on what I am thankful for:

           

1.   Mi Salvador (My Savior) for everything he has done for me and everyone,

2.   Las Escrituras (The scriptures), 

3.   My Family, Dad, Mom, Darren, David & Ella, 

4.   Templos to be sealed with my family,

5.   To have a prophet to lead & guide us today, Thomas S Monson,

6.   For all my friends and the York Ward,

7.   To be a missionary here in Spain!,

8.   Music.. I love good music that invites the Spirit,

9.   Our Food. I love good food, 

10. I am so grateful for this knowledge that I have del evangelio de Jesucristo. 

  
I hope you like the pictures!! 

    

Have a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving!!
    

Hermana Arce

A relaxing P-day at Castillo de Gibralfaro

Mi Capilla en Malaga

Our Investigator, Hermana Crockett and I

Hermana Crockett & I at the top of Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga

Investigator, Hermana Crockett and I

Fun P-day playing Softball with my zone

El Libro de Mormon es la Palabra de Dios!

Hola Familia & Friends,

This week was a roller coaster! It was super hard but yet worth it. We had so many miracles as I see quite a few here in the mission. For instance, it’s so wonderful to see that all our investigators came to church yesterday! "Es maravillo ver que todos nuestros investigadores vinieron a la capilla ayer!" My Spanish is somewhat improving—but I am slowly starting to just babble on, so I am hoping that my grammar will eventually improve as well.

Our investigator Yoana is so amazing! I wish you could meet her. Last P-Day she took hermana Crockett and I to Castillo de Gibralfaro-- it was so much fun. We talked about the church and had a pinic on the castle, over-looking the beach and the city. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! I took some pictures but they don’t look as good as it was actually being here. I tried to see if I could see the tip of Africa. . .but I could not see it. BTW, the Strait of Gibraltar is very near and I hear on a clear sunny day, you could actually see the coast of Morocco, Africa.

My Ward and the members are fantastic--Barrio 4 de Malaga. We get fed a good bit. . . and of course, I have to watch my weight.

The Lord is preparing these people to receive the gospel. I have the opportunity to witness it! And help them along the path!! Its great! I love learning Spanish MORE and MORE about our purpose and plan. I can testify of the power of "El Libro de Mormon" and this church. I have grown such a strong testimony of the power of the book in the conversion of members, the stories that we can relate to and if you let the Spirit testify of it’s divinity and majesty--it will change our lives. I have changed so much--. I can see it and feel it and so, I love it! It’s all because of Jesus Christ, my Savior. 

One of my favorite quotes on the mission:"Patience means to abide in Faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

Yo se que Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial y somos sus hijos. Yo tengo un testimonio sobre el poder en el libro de Mormon, yo se que es la palabra de Dios. Jose smith fue un profeta y Jesucristo es nuestro redentor y salvador. Este es mi testimonio en el nombre de Jesucristo. Amen. 

Have a wonderful safe, and spiritual week!

Hasta la proxima semana!! 

Los Quiero Mucho!!

Hermana Arce

Our District on P-Day

Hermana Crockett and I at the parking area of our apartment

My Exchange Companion, Hermana Crockett and I

Meta Cumplida! (Goal Reached!)

Dear Friends & Family;

Last week was full of miracles and blessings! As mentioned, our goal last week was to find 888 new investigators for the Malaga Mission. Well, we ended up finding 897! Wow, it was an amazing and miraculous week! Hermana Crockett and I worked so hard this past week and the Lord definitely placed people in our path as we searched highs and lows. We also set a new high in two other areas:  216 investigators in church, which is an all-time record high, and 3,586 people attending church across the mission, which is also an all-time high. Wow!

As for my Spanish, it is incredible! I am picking up a little bit more each time we meet and talk to people. It’s incredible and amazing. I am so surprised! The Lord has been really good to me. THANK YOU so much for all the prayers in my behalf!

The baptism of a new member turned out wonderful!! He is now a member of the Church! We are so happy for him. He wants to be a missionary too!! He’s only 13 years old, but I know that he will also have a chance to bless others! I love my mission…

Keep up the hard work! You all are such a good example to me for the hard work and sacrifices!

Have a wonderful week family & friends! Hugs & kisses to everyone! 

York Ward: Thank you so much for the prayers on my behalf.

By the way, tell Brother Schuster that I still have the key he gave me! :)

Los amo mucho!

Hasta la próxima semana!

Hermana Arce

The Baptism of a New Member