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.
The weeks are seriously flying by. It’s crazy!
This week was probably the slowest week yet as far as missionary work goes. We had tons of lesson cancellations and not much luck with finding new people to teach. Missionary work is hard in lots of ways but times like these are especially hard! When you feel like you work sooo hard and you have nothing to show for it, it stinks! We just have to continue trusting that we’re planting seeds and we do our best everyday! 🙂
But the highlight of my week is our friend Susan! She is the BEST. She’s what we call a golden investigator. She is so eager to live the gospel and has the strongest testimony. She’s incredible! And it’s so fun to teach her because she is 19, our same age! Her baptism interview was Saturday morning and she did so well! Her baptism is supposed to be this Sunday but she might have to go into quarantine so PLEASE keep Susan in your prayers.
I’m part of the social media team with Sister Dean and a few other missionaries. It’s a blast! We gave a training to the WHOLE MISSION about social media on Friday! That was nerve-wracking but so fun! I also got permission from my mission president to use Instagram to share the gospel! Only a few missionaries in our mission get that chance so I’m grateful! Go follow me! (@sara_arkell)
We made a pumpkin sheet cake over Zoom with our whole mission last night and it was so so fun!! President and Sister Gentry are THE BEST. Wow I love them. And the pumpkin cake is DELICIOUS.
Because it’s Thanksgiving this week, here are some thoughts that have been on my mind about gratitude!
- Everything we have is, in way or another, from God. Don’t forget to give Him thanks for all. Here’s an invitation for you – for tonight, just give a prayer of gratitude to Him. Don’t ask for anything, just say thanks! Be sincere.
- Show gratitude towards others. Be intentional on saying thank you! And think of people you take for granted. Like your mom, your dad, friends, other people in your life that have helped you in any way. Take the time to be sincere and say thank you!
- Doctrine and Covenants 98:1 – Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks.
Have the best week everyone!!! Send me letters and I’ll write back! I love getting mail!
Sister Sara Arkell
24B Easterly Ave
Auburn, New York 13021
24B Easterly Ave
Auburn, New York 13021
Bob Stalcup
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
Another awesome letter. She's learning that even in times of struggle we can find blessings and be joyful. She illustrates that very well in this letter whether she meant to or not. I really believe that the missionaries that grow up with music and are active in primary, young women / young men, and seminary are so powerful in ways that are demonstrated in their interactions with all of God's children. Sara is an excellent example and I know she will see the fruits of her labors.