Editor’s note: Many are familiar with my daughter, Sara Arkell, also known as The Piano Gal. Sara has been called to serve in the New York Syracuse Mission. This is a series on her weekly letters that we will be posting on the site for those who wish to follow along with her mission. You can read her previous emails here.
I am THRIVING. Y’all, this week was the best week of my mission so far!! Something clicked inside me and I am seriously loving it out here. I know why I’m here, I know what I’m doing, and I LOVE IT . It took over 2 months to be able to say that but I made it! It’s a huge blessing & an answer to many, many prayers!
We had transfers this week! I stayed in Auburn and I’m still with my companion, Sister Dean! I thought for sure she was going to be transferred because Auburn is her FIRST area & she’s still here. That means she’ll be in Auburn for HALF HER MISSION!! So crazy!
One of my roommates, Sister Rowley, got transferred though, which was sad! We were pretty close! But she’s gonna do great things! We got a new sister missionary from Colorado and she’s brand new!! It’s weird to think that was me 6 weeks ago. It’s been cool to be able to help her because I know how she’s feeling and how hard it was for me to adjust so I can be there for her! She’s really nice!
Sister Rowley got transferred! 🙁
Our friend Jesse came to church yesterday!! That was a miracle! It was his first time! We haven’t had much success with getting friends to church so prayers were answered yesterday. God is good!
Being a missionary is the best. It’s such a blessing to be a part of this great work! Don’t ever forget that YOU can be a missionary, too!!! It’s not just us with name tags. To be honest, people who aren’t full-time missionaries can have sometimes an even bigger influence on other people than us missionaries can. Use that! Invite people to church! Have non-members over for dinner! Share a positive message about the gospel on social media! There’s so much you can do!
I am SO happy out here. I am so glad I decided to serve a mission because I am the happiest I’ve ever been & I know it will just keep on getting better and better. There are still discouraging days, don’t get me wrong, BUT it’s so worth it! I love you all so so much!! Keep up the great work!
Here’s a General Conference talk you all should read! I love it! It’s important to pay attention to things that matter most! “Of Things That Matter Most”