...Seek God's Help to Overcome and Endure the Challenges of Life - Joseph W. Sitati

Hello family and friends--

What a wonderful but just as busy as last week we had three exchanges with wonderful Sisters in the Zone. It actually started Monday, we had exchanges on top of picking Sisters up from the bus station to do their residency to teaching to making sure everyone had a place to sleep and something to eat. I felt like the mommy. It was so fun though. A little tough because it was my first time staying in the area and my companion not being with me... I may or may have not gotten lost a couple of times. Lol but it's okay because we got to meet a guy named “good luck from Africa” and he seemed like a pretty cool guy as we found him knocking doors looking for someone else but found him, so it's all good. We shared with him what we believed in and set a return appointment. As well as while we were on “intercambios” we had an appointment with one of our friends named Sebastian and let me just tell you he is something else. He is so amazing. You see, Sebastian is from Malaga and met the missionaries as they contacted him in the park three months ago. We actually did a fast together this past weekend and he said it went better than he thought. Because he is a fairly large man, it was hard for him as it was so nice to see his progress. What warms my soul is to know that he knows he is a son of God and he is now exercising his faith.

Also we met someone famous!! Aha (no not really) but professor Magonalgol the women who plays in Harry Potter and transforms into a cat. Yeah! We found her in Cat form in the street and took a picture with her ;) 

So, i hope you have THE BEST WEEK and if it's not your best week make it your 2nd best week and if isn't your 2nd keep going down TIL it is the best week.

Loveeeeeeee, 

Hermanita Arce 

You cannot connect the dots looking forward. - Steve Jobs

Nephi is gorgeous in the film, if he asked me to join me in the wilderness, the last thing I'd do is murmur... - Crazy old lady in our ward

The thing about truth is, it exists beyond belief, it is true even if it no one believes it. - President Uchtdorf 

"Remember, failure is an event... not a person, and yesterday ended last night"...

"Yooo-Hoo!!!!!! Big summer blowout!" - frozen. Alrighty.. here we go! What a week. I am getting like a complete Gomba. (Shrimp which means red skin) because of the KILLER heat!! Wow--it's amazing at how scourging it is in southern Spain- but hey, it comes with some killer tan lines as well. 

We had a baptism yesterday!! It was definitely a “locura” (crazy) day, we decided to do it right after church but while we were in the 2nd class halfway through, I have to admit, it was the Spirit that reminded us that we forgot to fill up the baptismal font and the programs. So, there we were, two hermanas hauling big buckets of water from the kitchen to the font (see photo). We were determined there was going to be a baptism that day! Thankfully, it all turned out great and as planned. Eglys, a 22 years old Cuban girl was baptized. We contacted her my second day in Malaga as she was actually a referral contact. She was so well prepared as it still amazes me every time to know that the Lord really is preparing His children. She was so filled with the Spirit and light the day of her baptism. We sang her a song and she was so happy as she kept giving us hugs and “besitos”--kisses. It was a wonderful experience. Of course, like all baptisms!!

Also, this week, I had an awesome exchange with the Hermanas from Malaga 3. I went to their area and while we were contacting in the streets we stopped by a lady and she had such a cute little dog. So, here you go I had to take a picture with my new friend -- hopefully Ella won't get too jealous.

Loveeeeeeee,

Hermana Arce

"Analogies are banned in certain parts of the mission after a handful of recent converts still refer to the third member of the Godhead as Casper the friendly ghost"

"Remember failure is an event... not a person, and yesterday ended last night"

...Two hermanas hauling big buckets of water from the kitchen to the font...

...With our cute little friend...

My MINION goggles...

Malaga Mission Leadership Council

Sister Training Leaders (Super Hermanas Entrenadoras - SHEs).  They add so much and are a key part of the mission leadership council.  Before the Church announced the name for their position in Spanish, our mission president felt the best translation for them would be "Hermana Entrenadoras", or Sister Trainers.  But as you can see, the abbreviation would be "HE".  We just couldn't have that for Sisters, so our Mission President suggested jokingly that we should call them "Super Hermana Entrenadoras", or SHEs.  The name stuck.  Here they are--our "SHEs". 

Watermelon and a shepherds pie! So American. The nurse of our mission invited us to eat! 

Since Spain is so hot and the Spaniards are so poor that EVERYONE has a personal fan (called "Abanicos").   Although it's more for women, you may see even men carrying them around. It's like an accessory! Of course, I bought one and love it.

Photo of my area, I like the view of the mountains.

During a teaching appointment... 

"... Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands."

Hello family and friends! 

Well, I would like to share a thought that touched me greatly this week. One day this week, I was looking at a picture of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon when He came to the Americas and showed the people the wounds in His hands. I was reflecting upon this... and thought if He had a perfect body why are the wounds in His hands?

It was a thought that slipped my mind and then I melted when I read across 1 Nephi 21:14-16. In this chapter Nephi is telling his people of the Savior and His atonement:

"14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me--but he will show that he hath not.

15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.

16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

I found great comfort to know that the marks in His hands are specifically there for a reason not only to show as a witness what He did for us but because He cannot forget us as we journey through life. I testify that He knows each and every one of us and understands fully what we are going through in our lives. Only He can heal, clean, and purify us. That is something I wanted to share with you this week.

I hope you have a wonderful and productive week of work and callings!

Much love…Besitos y abrazos

-Hermana Arce

Adios y Hasta Muy Pronto Elche...

Hello Family and Friends!

Welcome to 95 degrees with over 100% humidity in Spain! …and without air conditioning --we are living it up, as we are embracing the culture of Elche. 

One more week left here in Elche. Adios y hasta muy pronto ya que me llevo muchos recuerdos bellos de Elche...

I am so grateful to be able to see our friend Bako get baptized this past Saturday. It was a wonderful turn out! We have been teaching him since January as he had many, many trials during these months. As mentioned in my previous letters, Bako was a “testigo de Jehova’, but everything changed when he really put himself in a serious study of the Book of Mormon. As you remember, Bako is from Mali, Africa and his native language is Bambara. It is wonderful to see him reading the Book of Mormon in Bambara. And on the day of his baptism, let me tell you that the Spirit was so strong as he bore his sweet and beautiful testimony! Also, it is wonderful to see the ward has been very supportive as they make him feel so welcomed and part of their family.

Also, as you may or may not remember, ‘Presidente’ Deere and his wife are leaving this Wednesday (7/1) and we will be receiving our new president this coming Tuesday. We meet him and his wife on Saturday. (4th of July :) 

Hermana Asay and I had our last planning session this week! It was so sad. But I know she's so ready! She's a máquina!! Everytime we cook I always say --man the cook can't get better than this and it does! As a matter of fact we had delicious baked bread and ate it like pizza. It was delicious! So so so good! That being said, --look out, I'll have plenty of yummy recipes!

Oh! Everyone please don't forget that I am leaving Elche this week, so don't send anymore letters to the address where I am at as I won't be here in time to receive them. 

Con mucho cariño, 

Hermanita Arce

Never thought I would find "Cactus" in Spain!!

Our new member fiend.

Enjoying our P-day at a park in Elche.

More fun at the park in Elche.

Hola, ¿Como estáis?

First off, I would like to take the time to Thank All those who wished me a Happy Birthday! I had a fantastic birthday. I will not mention my age… no, I'm kidding!  Hermana Asay made me an Oreo ice cream cake that she remembered her mom made once. It was so funny I came into the kitchen to see how everything was going with the cake and all and she looked at me with this puzzled look and said: “Hermana… I think I missed a very small tiny detail that my mom did but I don't know what it is.” It turned out so yummy though. The best “Compie/Hija” award.

As for on the East Southern part of Spain - Elche has been good to us in whether wise this past week. Thank goodness! However, all the members tell us “…Oh you just wait TIL August.” Aha we will see. ¡¡Venga lo que venga y disfrútalo.

What a wonderful week Hermana Asay and I had. I am proud to announce that I am going to be a grandmother. Yes, she will be training next transfer and I sadly will be getting the boot! I am so proud of our ward. I have seen night to day transformation with them regarding missionary work. Our ward mission leader, Hermano Caballero, has a goal of giving out 50 Book of Mormons to his friends. Could we say, “el es una maquina” (he's a machine). And we have so many families who want to help and share. We haven't seen Maxi in a while, but we have a planned appointment with her this Wednesday with Guido.

Oh man, oh man! I have to share with you some powerful words Hermana Asay said during a lesson with Jorge. We were following up on the reading about 3 Nephi 11. We were explaining and talking about this chapter and we were about to close the lesson and Jorge asked: “You're saying --I can find peace and happiness in these book? Then all of sudden, Hermana Asay perked up and said with power “Yes, I know you can find all these things in Christ which the Book of Mormon testifies and strengthens your relationship with the Savior.” I just got chills and when she finished I boldly testified right after her word. I seriously felt like Alma and Amulek. I love teaching with her, and I am so proud of the missionary she has become. She is such a good example to me, as I have learned more from her than she has from me. I am sure of that!

I have set some goals this week as to how I can leave this area better than I found it and how I can do all I can to help Hermana Asay as she gets ready to receive her own hija. We have been studying together a lot about Grace in 1 Corinthians 12:9. I know that Christ’s Grace is sufficient to bring all our weaknesses to strengthen us. I know the promises of the Lord are eternal and anyone who draws near unto Him, He will draw near unto you. I love each and every one of you.

Thank you for your examples. Thank you for your prayers and thank you for all your encouraging letters.

May God bless you in your goals and efforts each day. Heavenly Father acknowledges all our successes even the small ones.

Until next week!

Hermanita Arce

¡Vale la Pena! ... It's Worth It!

Hello to everyone! Family and friends who live in the United States... Canada… Chile… Italy…Spain… Japan… Germany… and England… That should be just about everybody...right!?

So, the weather forecast here in Spain... Slightly scorching hot with a little shade and a refreshing Mediterranean breeze every once in a while. It is all good!

First off, I just want to share how much I love my companion Hermana Asay! She is has been such a dedicated missionary, and she has a strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. I am privileged to be serving beside her in this marvelous work that is happening here in Spain. In preach my gospel explains the importance of companionship unity. Well, we definitely had a bonding moment while we were cooking last Wednesday as we both had tears in our eyes from cutting a Spanish onion together surely strengthened our relationship and unity even more!! We couldn't stop laughing as the odor of the it was so strong we both had tears coming down our cheeks. We surely ate well though! By the way, Hermana Asay has so many good recipes that we have been cooking as I am always excited when we have time to cook for each other! 

We are being so blessed to have Maxi in our lives (investigator). She is amazing, and just loves learning more each day. Last week, we had an awesome appointment with her as we shared and read from the Book of Mormon. We also had a lesson with Bako (another old investigator) on Saturday night as well. It was such a sight to see that two missionaries drenched from head to toe had smiles from eye to eye. I will explain why....

When we left our apartment we realized we probably should have brought umbrellas due to the dark grey clouds that hung over us. But we pressed forward and continued to work hoping that the rain would happen later. We set an appointment to meet with Bako. But you see, he had sent us a message the other night saying that "… he always knew the Book of Mormon was true but now he is sure." As missionaries…these are precious words to our ears. We were so happy about the message we thought we'd make an appointment to see what had changed in him. As we met, in a nearby park, we sat down on the benches it sure enough began to drizzle a little but then pouring rain. However, we were anxious to know about Bako’s story. We learned that he started to translate the Spanish Book of Mormon in Bambara. You see, Bako is from Mali, Africa and Bambara is his native language. So at first, he didn't understand the book that well. He began to explain his feelings that he has received from reading and understanding it. Hermana Asay and I were so touched to know his best effort as he is trying to understand the Book of Mormon. As a matter of fact, he even told us that he knows the Bible is the word of God in the past and the Book of Mormon is a new witness in his life. --It translated over a lot more beautifully in Spanish-- but it was so amazing.

To top the story off, Hermana Asay had brought a hand-written letter to Bako from her Dad and so she gave it to him to read. It was so sweet, even Bako couldn’t believe that so many people were praying for him. By the end of our meeting we said goodbye and we were drenched from head to toe. But it was so worth it! After having that lesson with Bako, it certainly made our day. As some would have thought we were crazy as two girls walking with huge smiles on in the cold rain at ten o'clock at night. ¡Vale la Pena! --It's worth it!

Another great opportunity that we had this past week to serve is a boy named Jorge. He is 20 years old and he is studying English, so that he can take a proficiency test to live and take college classes in the United States. He is super cool. We are teaching him English and the gospel at the same time. We just recently taught him about prophets and the Book of Mormon, it was just so incredible how we went form like talking in English and when we started to talk about prophets the spirit just flooded in! As it amazing it may sound, we taught Jorge in English but I couldn’t do it as it was super hard. I kept coming in and out of Spanish as I had to think harder in English. Everyone says that I  talk faster than the people here in Elche.... And I tell you, the people of Elche talk super-fast …I can't help it. Our plans are to help Jorge prepare for his exam in July and then help him have faith in Jesus Christ by reading the Book of Mormon. We gave him 3 Nephi 11 to read in English but he's got his Spanish just in case he doesn't understand. I just love helping people!

Keep watching the hands of the Lord unfold.

Con mucho Amor,

Hermanita Arce 

" if the water tempture isn't right... It won't be a Baptism, is will be a human sacrifice..."

.."We often see ourselves as Yesterday and today but God sees us in terms of forever."

President & Sister Deere in Alicante Zone Meeting

President & Sister Deere. Their mission is ending end of June.

Acueducto Vibora, Elche

Spain and their Soccer is for Real....

Hola amigos, familia y personas que yo no conozco pero estan leyendo! Jaja

You would not believe what happened to me. I got stuck in the doors of the bus.

So we were getting off to our stop and the doors opened and I took a step out but while I was in the middle of getting off the bus the doors close and I was like squished in between two doors. For a minute I thought the bus was going to start driving again with me In between the doors. Luckily, I was released, walking away with a couple of black strap marks on my arms. All is well! 

We were teaching this fairly older lady who was an old investigator. Also, on Saturday there was an international soccer game with Barcelona playing against Italy... So there was absolutely no one in the streets. It was almost ghost town! Anyways, we decided to go past Pepita who is like 80 years old and lives alone. She let us in but little did we know she was watching the soccer game as well. She didn't want to turn the T.V. off so she put it on mute. We began talking to her when all of the sudden the entire city of Elche was blowing horns and yelling, "GOOOOAAAALLLLLL" and then she freaked out and said "… Forgive me God for interrupting your words, but I really want to see this goal!..." It was so funny. It was when Barcelona scored their first goal… I assume Barcelona won? It was definitely a crazy night here in Elche. Spain and their soccer is for real. 

I have truly felt like an Angel this past week. Or maybe because all our investigators and members have been telling us so. We got sad news about Guido and Maxi. They were a couple and they broke up last week so good in a sense because now Maxi could get baptized. However, she works every Sunday morning from 8 until 3 p.m. So, that is the reason why she can never come to church. She is just the sweetest lady you would want to meet. We love her and she wants to come to all the church activities that we have. We just have to pray and wait that she can find another job. 

Until next week... 

Con Mucho Amor,

Hermanita Arce

Hermana Asay y yo en nuestra capilla

Selfie of Hermana Asay and investigator.

Sunset on our way back from "Una Cita"

Our Choice to Be Obedient...

Hola Familia y Amigos-

Whaaaaaaaat a week!! 

First off I want to thank you for the prayers this past week. I'm still not 100% but I'm pushing. I had a great week with Hermana Asay full of lessons and activities. 

Fun fact!..It's official, we've all got an Apple iPad!!! We are going technology advanced in hastening the missionary work! It's so fun like we've got all these nifty little apps to help us with missionary work. We are still learning how to do everything but we just got them Thursday. We will not be able to keep them, like take home no, like I take the iPad with me to all areas like it's mine TIL I go home and then they give it to another missionary! 

So, this week I am recovering from being sick and Hermana Asay taught a part member family. Guido and Maxi are just wonderful. I had the great opportunity to meet them this past week. We had two great lessons with them and they came to see a baptism at the church this past Saturday. They are just wonderful and I love the opportunity we have to teach them the restored truths. We found them through member referral so this strengthens my testimony on the importance of members talking to their friends and family about the gospel because we cannot do this missionary work by ourselves. It's definitively more effective working with members. The members here in Elche are really starting to work with us more. We have several ‘citas’ scheduled for this week. I'm so excited since working through members is so much more effective than finding through street contacting.

As we all know Elder L. Tom Perry passed away last weekend and I would just like to share one of my favorite quotes by him:

"Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power and God's unlimited wisdom omnipotent." 

Let us always choose to obey. We have the power to choose and the will power to do good. 

Lots of Love, 

Hermanita Arce

Having Fun with an investigator!

A time to relax with our District

Witness of the Savior's Atoning Sacrifice

Hola Familia y Amigos—

I love you all so dearly. I have been touched to see the desires of your hearts to share the gospel. Goals are the reflections of our hearts. And the Lord can surely see thy fruits. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to find those who are ready but willing to hear Him and do His will in His ways. 

I am so glad to hear that you had talks and they went so well. I could feel the power in just the title "Blessings that come from following a modern day prophet." Thank you for sharing that with me.

I would like to share with you what I learned this week during my studies and then the application in our lives. I will share with you the Power of Faith.

As I studied about faith in the book of Alma--he teaches us that faith is hope in true principles. Let’s think about that for a moment. We can have faith that Jesus is the Christ. We can have faith that He has the power to heal, that He is mindful of each and every one of us, that He will strengthen us, and if we endure it well, we may qualify for eternal life.

That being said, I had the opportunity to have “intercambios” (exchanges) with another Hermana. I went to her area so I was following her lead to our “citas” (appointments) and meeting people I did not know. Interesting enough, one lesson in particular touched me deeply. As missionaries we listen, observe, discern and teach according to the feelings and thoughts that come to our hearts and minds. The man’s name that we were teaching was Pepe. As we taught Pepe about the Atonement and Jesus Christ, and how we all have problems, sufferings, guilt and worries in life, we must remember that all experiences are necessary for our salvation. As we began the lesson, I could see the HOPE in Pepe’s eyes, the faith that comes in Christ, all His suffering and all His sins can be taken away. I felt the Holy Ghost bare such powerful witness behind our words of the reality of Jesus Christ and what He did for us. 

I love my Lord and Savior and what He did for me. I am here because of Him. I am here to testify of His Atoning sacrifice and love. I know He Lives. I know the Book of Mormon is evidence of his power and life. I have seen the power that it has – as lives of many people are changed, including mine. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in His great work. I love the Elche ward that I am serving in! I hope you have a wonderful week. 

Mucho Amor--Lots of Love,

Hermanita Arce

Trust In Its Own Wings...

HELLO Family and Friends!

I would like to start out with the quote we were given in the conference in Sevilla. "If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got." -David A. Bednar 

Now this was applied to missionary work but this can also be applied to almost anything! I love how in the scriptures Christ never said, Come follow me and your life will be easy. No that is not mentioned once but He does say along with a promise. "Come follow me, and believe on my name and you shall have Eternal Life." These are true promises. We all have trials and this is a promise we can hold on, as long as we put our trust in Him.

The Spain Malaga Mission had the great opportunity to hear from Elder Dyches of the Seventy and open our visions on how to be better disciples of Jesus Christ. Another great quote I really liked that was shared during this meeting was about Trust. "A bird sitting in a tree is NEVER afraid of the branch breaking because it’s Trust is not in the tree but in its own Wings." -Unknown.

Brothers and Sisters, as we Trust in the Lord He has given us promises in which He is bound to do His part. He will not forsake us as we journey through this life. Our older brother and closest friend Jesus Christ is there helping us every step of the way! I know this to be true, because of the Holy Ghost which bears witness to me of the truthfulness of all things. I love each and every one of you.

I pray for you. God is aware of you and your needs. Pray to Him who knows you best. Of this I leave with you in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Besos y Abrazos

Hermana Arce

Hermana Asay and I with one of our favorite ward members. She is from Argentina.

Having Fun Bowling as a District.

Hermana Asay and I with our friend -- Letter A.

Missionary Work in the Digital Age Mission-wide Conference

Hello family and friends;

This letter will be super short as we were busy with the Missionary Work in the Digital Age Mission-wide Conference held on May 6, 2015 in the beautiful city of Sevilla, Spain.

Great to hear that brother Dawson is our bishop! WOW!!!!!!! That is a good man right there. He will do a great job. Tell him I said hello and I am happy for his new calling!! 

Thank you for your prayers on my behalf and for emailing me showing how much you really do care. I hope you enjoy my emails as much as I enjoy yours. 

I am running out of time! I had a really good week with Hermana Asay. We had much success as we are started to talk to people about family history. I didn’t know how many people are really interested in finding their ancestors. It is so amazing and a great manifestation of the importance of finding your ancestors. 

Love bunches,

Hermana Arce

Mission Conference Update:

We never thought this would happen, but last week we ALL met together for the first time in history, as far as we know.  Elders Clark, Fife and Weenig moved mountains (of missionaries) to get us all here for a wonderful conference with Elder Dyches of our Area Presidency and Elder Allen of the Missionary Department and their wives.  It was about using technology for good, being agents to act rather than objects to be acted upon, and about our leaders' vision for missionary work and technology now and in generations to come.  But it was mostly about change, repentance, and the healing arms of Jesus Christ.  We will never forget it.

Missionary Work in the Digital Age Mission-wide Conference
Wednesday, 6 May
Seville, Spain

Focusing on Christlike Attributes

Hola Familia y Amigos!

This week was super good. To start off, let me tell you how Spaniards park their cars. It is so funny! Do you remember the movie "The Pink Panther"?In the very beginning, how inspector Clouseau parks his car by driving forward and hitting the car in front and then backing up until he hits the other car behind and again pulling up a little more until he hits the car in front. In a nutshell, that’s how Spaniards park their cars. Parking spaces are SO TINY-- It’s hard to believe people actually can fit cars in those spaces.

Anyhow, I don’t know what has been up this past week but I am not even over exaggerating the fact that my companion and I have been sprinting, almost every morning, to catch the bus. It’s hilarious because you might see these two girls sprinting in skirts to catch a bus! It is not hard to see people smiling and waving at us. Luckily we have only missed the bus twice J

I would like to share with you what I have been focusing this past week in my personal studies. Among Christlike attributes may include knowledge and humility, charity and love, obedience and diligence, faith and hope. I ran across a quote that I cannot remember who said it: ¨Hope is like the sun and it casts our shadow of burdens behind us and it befriends us in the dark and excites us in the brighter days. It overshadows discouragement and gives us determination.¨ I love that quote because we need to always have hope for better things and a hope that Christ will help us in our efforts. I read Alma 58:10-11 when I was studying hope and that is something that has given me more determination to do the Lord’s work.

I encourage y’all to study out a Christlike attribute you would like to work on and then apply it in your life as well. All Christlike attributes are gifts from God. As we ask Heavenly Father to develop this gift, study it out and apply it in our lives, He will open the windows of heaven. In the smallest or even the bigger things. 

With much love,

We tengan una bonita semana!

Hermana Arce

Playing sports with the sisters in our district. 

My last companion Hna. Rodriguez saying goodbye 

Real cool picture. It's the palm trees.

With Hermana Asay at our Bishop's home.

Having a pday in Malaga waiting on our "children"-- new companions to arrive. 

Our Testimonies of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father

Hola Familia y Amigos,

Wow! first of all, being a "Mom" in the mission is the BEST experience. My new companion’s name is Hermana Asay. She is from Utah. Yes, her name is Asay. No mistake there. So all the members get a good laugh at our names "Hermanas Asay & Arce", and all in all, it’s great. I know I am training her but her Spanish is fantastic. She asks me a couple of words here and there but she totally can speak!!! It’s such a blessing to be working with her. 

We had Stake Conference this past week and, of course, it was so good. They talked a lot about the members helping the missionaries by coming out with us or talking to people so that we can teach in their home. I am so excited that his week we have plans by going to work more with the members.

On a separate note. Here in Elche is getting a little warmer each day. Therefore, I don’t need a jacket anymore. It’s super nice! 

We had a lesson with a member and she was telling us how it is so easy to forget the little things such as that Faith in Jesus Christ and praying regularly as well as reading the scriptures. I assured her that these little things are what strengthen and solidify the foundation of our testimonies. It is through these little things that builds our relationships with our Father in Heaven.

One of the most important things I treasure besides my family is my testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and of the Book of Mormon. The promises that are contained within the Book of Mormon are promises from God and I want to teach from that very book with my own future family. And it is the very reason I am here serving, which is to share what I know to be true. We cannot know the things of God without reading or praying to Him. We cannot receive personal revelation without seeking His hand. I know this to be true because of the witness I have received and continue to receive through the Holy Ghost who showeth us all things that are from God which are true.

Digo estas cosas en el sagrado nombre de Jesucristo. Amen.

Abrazos y besitos.

Hermanita Arce

Hermana Curtis and I on exchanges that day eating dinner at a member's home.

My District

Hermana Asay will be trained in Elche 2 by Hermana Arce.

Exact Obedience

Hello family and friends,

This past week was real good. Today, I traveled from Elche to Malaga. It took 10 hours. We ate and had a training from President Deere. The training turned out to be very spiritual as we are preparing to train new missionaries. We talked about the attributes of a leader like Christ.

We meet our new companions tomorrow April 14th! There are only two sister missionaries in this group. Only one native from Spain and the other is from Utah. So, there is a 50/50 percent which missionary I will be assigned. To be honest, it doesn't matter to me, just as long she has a desire to serve and be diligent I am good. The most important item is that I need to remember the lesson Hermana Crockett taught me. The biggest lesson I remembered learning from her is the importance of Exact Obedience, even in the smallest things. It’s true. I have seen it on the mission, over and over again, and I hope I can be a good example and show it to her and help her in whatever she needs.

Well, I am super sorry this letter is short but I am in the mission home. That being said, I have limited time to write this week. 

Always remember, keep up the great work. Please do not worry about packages or letters. Just prayers. J

Abrazos y besitos,

Hermana Arce

I AM GOING TO BE A MOM!!! (in the mission)

Wow, we heard INSPIRED talks in General Conference!!! 

This past weekend, I was so touched and spiritually uplifted with a wonderful General Conference. No doubt in my mind, the Spirit was there testifying of the things that are true. I watched Women’s Conference in Spanish but for General Conference we had a projector like we do at home in the church but it was in Spanish and all those who wanted to watch it in English went in the Relief Society room. But I really liked the talk by Wilford W. Anderson about the Holy Ghost and how he compared it to dancing and music. But my ‘all-time’ favorite was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. His talk was so good I didn’t even get to put more than two words on my paper as I was so into his talk and was so fixed on every word he said. He just has such a way of conveying the Savior’s love and power—specially, about Christ’s Atonement, which is always my favorite topic. 

I have exciting news to share with everyone--- and that is: I AM GOING TO BE A MOM!!!!!!!!! (in the mission). Yeah! Being a mom in the mission means you get to train and I am going to train a NEW missionary. I am so nervous!!

Also, some other exciting news! I am pleased to tell you guys that we are getting iPads for the Malaga, Spain Mission. Woo-Hoo!! the iPads come on April 21st and also we have a General Authority coming to visit us in May..

Keep on swimming! Until next week.

-Hermanita Arce