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.
Hello hello!! Can you believe Christmas has already come and gone?! That’s crazy! This Christmas was definitely interesting for me. It was really hard to not be home! But it is so cool that I get to spend 2 Christmases of my life as a full time representative of CHRIST on CHRISTMAS! So grateful for that opportunity!
Christmas Eve Night with Sister Griggs
We had the privilege of going to our Mission President’s house on Christmas Eve!! I love President and Sister Gentry so much!! Definitely blessed with the BEST! We had a delicious dinner, did a Christmas program, and did a fun gift exchange! It was so fun to be with other missionaries and in an actual home with a couch! It really is the little things as a missionary.
Christmas Eve with President Gentry
We didn’t have a white Christmas! 🙁 it rained all night before and melted all the snow we had! Sad!! On Christmas Day, we made monkey bread as a mission over Zoom! Delicious! Then we went to a member’s house for lunch. Super yummy Mexican food! Then we went caroling Christmas night!! Loved doing that! I also got to talk to my family – so thankful for technology that allows me to do that!
Christmas Day Lunch
Our Zone leader, Elder Yates, gave me a nickname. It’s “Lil’ Arkie” he says it’s my rapper name. It’s hilarious!
We’ve made 2 new friends this week! We have a goal of 4 by tomorrow so any prayers would be appreciated! Pray for the Auburn West area to find elect people who are willing to hear about the gospel!
Standing by Cayuga Lake
Something that really stuck out to me this Christmas was about Jesus in a manger. Lots of people dwell on the fact that He was BORN, but He doesn’t stay in the manger! Don’t forget that Jesus Christ still LIVES today!! And because of Him, so many things are possible! I have an invitation for you- take some time to ponder who Jesus Christ is to you and your personal relationship with Him. Then write it down!!
Roger Wimpfheimer
Wednesday 29th of December 2021
I served in the origial Nevada Las Vegas mission. Which was the state of Nevada. 1976-1978 I have to say I was in the mission home twice, 1 time at the begining and 1 time at the end of my mission. Sorta jealous of having Christmas with your mission President. We had a special zone before Christmas. Where we talked about Joseph Smith and about the Savior. So I share and say my mission was the best experience of my life.