1st Exchange, Meeting Wu Mama, Baptisms June 23,

1st Exchange, Meeting Wu Mama, Baptisms June 23, 2013

Dearest Family,

     Wow, what a week. I still cannot believe how many experiences are condensed into seven days, into every hour. I've rarely been so tired or so happy.  This week, I had my first exchange! I went to the downtown Taipei area with Sister Crofts. Looovveeed it.

     I am head over heels for Taipei. I love the wide streets, the little restaurants, the view of Taipei 101 from every street corner. Sister Crofts also loves to run so... we decided we would run all the way to Taipei 101! We woke up super early and went all the way to the building and touched it! Throughout the 24 hours of our exchange we laughed so hard, we shared similar interests and experienced so many miracles! The first night, we talked to a woman with an open and happy face on her bike. As we shared our message with her, we invited her to pray. She said
a prayer and said "I think meeting these missionaries is fate. I don't know what will come of it, but I know it will be a good thing" Wow! I love these people. I LOVE these
people. So grateful.
     A particular touching part of the transfer took place when we had the chance to visit Wu Mama at her home. Wu Mama is legendary. In the MTC, I heard stories of her remarkable conversion and the constant strength and love she has given to the missionaries in the Taipei area. For years, Wu Mama has fed the missionaries, helped them teach investigators, and brought dozens of people into the church. I was SO thrilled to meet her! When we arrived at her home, she gave us big hugs and ushered us into a beautiful space where the walls were covered in pictures. So many of these photographs contained her and her family with many missionaries. Wu Mama is one of my new heroes. There is light and love radiating through her eyes and face, her magnificent spirit exuding in her smile and tight hug. What an inspiration. We were able to share the story of the people of Alma, who were strengthened as they submitted cheerfully to the will of the Lord. Everyone has personal trials, and I could tell our message truly touched a tender part of Wu Mama's heart. As she became emotional and shared her feelings, I felt the most profound and deep love seem to permeate through every corner of my chest. God loves Wu Mama so, so very dearly, and I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to serve her and be loved by her. She gave us SO much fruit and insisted we take a picture together. What a marvelous spirit.
      Also, this week Nancy and Cindy were baptized. Hurrah for Israel! They were so happy and full of light. I'm so grateful for the joy of the gospel, for the ability to open my heart and
mouth every day on behalf of the Savior. This week, I had an experience where I felt my scriptures literally fell open to a chapter filled with beautiful answers to my recent prayers.
2 Timothy is marvelous. I know that if I continue to cleanse my inner vessel, to remember that I won't be perfect right now, that I will be "fit for the master's use".
Love you all,
SIster Barden
 

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Taiwan Apt. June 2013

Mission Tour! June 17, 2013

Hello!
 
  Things in JiLong are full of humility, humidity and happiness. Sometimes I'm stunned at how much happens in a single week on the mission. So many little experiences, so many emotions, so many faces, so many instances of growth and learning and self-discovery. I'm having a hard time distilling everything into words.
 
  This week was our Mission Tour. Elder Watson of the Seventy came to address us. I loved this. He spoke about the Church's new vision for Asia and encouraged us to work with the Bishop and ward members to strengthen the stakes of Asia in specific ways. One specifically memorable instance occured at the end of the day's activities. We were practicing meeting with the Bishop to discuss how we could help the ward and teaching simple principles powerfully and clearly. As my companion took a phone call, Elder Watson came over, sat right in front of me, and asked me to teach him about a specific gospel principle in three minutes or less. He told me I could use English because I had only been on the Island for less than a week.
 

I taught him about repentance and the joy the process brings us. I recited Alma 36:20 while looking into his dark and intelligent eyes, made a promise about the blessings of repentance and extended an invitation for him to attend church. When I finished, he looked me right in the eye, extended his hand and said "That was awesome! Would you mind doing that again in front of everyone?" I stammered out that I was willing and proceeded to give him the same short lesson with all the missionaries watching. Tender mercy. I've haven't been able to teach much this past week because of my very limited language ability, and this reminder that God has given me an ability to teach and share His word lifted my spirits.
 
Friday we were tour guides at the Taipei temple square! I love the temple so. unbelievably. much. We walked investigators through the stake center and focused on specific paintings. One of our recent converts brought her mother and aunt who are investigating the church. We began in the chapel where I played 'Families Can Be Together Forever' for them to sing. When I came back to the bench, the mother was in tears because she was so touched. Love this! I am so grateful I am able to play piano. I think I am the new Relief Society pianist because this is the second week they have asked me to play the opening and closing hymn. I feel such peace when I am able to do something to help and assist the members even though I can't communicate with them very well.
 
I've been pondering Helaman 3: 35 a lot throughout the week. I'm grateful God is teaching me so much humility every day of my mission. I love the words describing how they did "wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their soul with joy and consolation" to the extent that their hearts were sanctified. This was all possible through yielding their hearts unto God. Surrendering every impulse, fear, and desire of the natural man to God is a continual process. It requires patience and constant effort. There have been times where I have not known where we are going, who we are teaching, what I am eating, or what the investigator is trying to tell me.... but if I have greater faith, it will cast out the fear that is in my heart.
 
On Sunday we experienced a miracle when two young sisters,with very busy schedules, were finally able to receive their baptismal interviews. Such happy news! They are so excited and we feel overjoyed.
 
Asia is such a marvel. It's so alive and pulsing, filled with constant chatter and the neon lights reflected in the slightly damp streets. I love contacting on the harbor. I'm getting better and having long conversations with people. Sometimes, all I can do is thank them for their patience and help both of us to laugh at my limited language abilities. I know that with each conversation I gain a little more confidence, a little more love toward the people of Taiwan, and a little more gratitude that God is slowly making this possible.
 
Love you all and pray for you often,
Sister Barden

"The Jump" Taiwan June 10, 2013

Monday June 10, 2013

....Does everyone remember being young and terrified of the high dive? Do you remember, after a lot of coaxing and careful persuasion, finally pulling your shaky little body up to the top of that very high diving board and looking over the cliff at the end? It's at this moment, when you decide you're NOT ready and you're going to climb back down, that your dad or older brother comes up behind you, scoops you up... and you both jump off the end together. Do you remember the SHEER TERROR of that jump?!?! Because I remember, and that is starlingly close to what I felt my first full day in the field. I'm happy to report I've overcome that and am currently walking around with big and wildly curious eyes at everything and everyone -most of whom are staring at me.
 
...sorry, let's backtrack a little.... arriving in Taiwan. President and Sister Day were waiting for us with big smiles as soon as we walked out of baggage claim. They are unbelievable...so kind and hardworking. We are so blessed to be led by them. The Taipei temple square is a beautiful place. Our first night, we arrived at the Mission Office at about 1:30 in the morning. Despite my exhaustion it took a minute to fall asleep. I had a top bunk with a small window looking out at the temple that I looked at for a long time... just thinking.. grateful to be here. I woke up before the sun rose and watched the sky behind the temple spires turn from pale green to warm orange. Later that morning we went for a jog around the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It's HUGE. The mission often compares it to the Lincoln Memorial. We ran around many of the kindest, oldest, little Asian people you have ever seen. All of them were out with their jumpsuits, smiling toothy grins and slapping their muscles in some form of exercise.
  The next night we went out contacting for the first time. I was assigned to one of the native trainers. I LOVED this night. We sat on the brightly lit steps around the Chiang Kai-Shek area and spoke with many people. My Chinese has never been better and I've never been so thrilled to teach before. People are so kind here. I've already seen so many faces and shared so many experiences I never will forget.
 
Friday we received our assignments!
  I've been assigned to the JiLong district at the North of the Island. It's a bustling harbor with lot's of tourists and...I've been told.. lots of rain. My companion is Miao JieMei. I LOVE her! She JUST finished her 12 weeks of training and is now training herself...aka she's incredible. She is from the South of Taiwan and speaks very very very little English. I must say... our first weekly planning session was one of the craziest, most hysterical and frustrating experiences of my life. Luckily, we laughed a lot. I've started using lots of hand signals and noises when I need to communicate something. PRETTY REAL. I'm so grateful because I'm learning so much. Sister Miao is so very patient with me. There have been times where she probably thought I couldn't tie my shoes for myself, but she continues to be patient and optimistic. Every day we're able to understand one another better. Pray for me to learn Chinese as quickly as possible.
 
The members here are wonderful. Our Bishop is very warm and outgoing. Today, Sister Miao and I had lunch at his restaurant as we discussed our investigators who are preparing for baptism... well actually Miao JieMei discussed it with him but I smiled and nodded the whole time. I'm getting better at the whole... I am very engaged and listening even though I don't understand a word you are saying... mannersisms. On Sunday, a little girl I'd befreinded came and sat next to me, took my hand and said "Wo zhende xihuan ni". This means "I really like you!" This was such a little tender mercy! It is hard not being understood... sometimes really difficult and lonely... but her little sentence gave me such peace. I am beginning to love these people. I love being in their homes, I love teaching about the gospel, I love watching their faces when we teach them pure and simple doctrine they have never heard before.
 
 Many of our investigators like to stare at me. I'm a foreigner... something they consistently mention to me. One of our investigators loves giving me hugs and taking pictures with me to show her friends. Nothing like being an Asian celebrity :)
My Chinese is becoming much better. I'm stunned at the difference after a few days of pure Chinese. My dictionary is my BEST FRIEND.
 
My Chinese is clearest when I teach. I know this is because the Spirit is helping me to explain more clearly than I could on my own. Praying every day, all day, for the gift of tongues!!
 
I love contacting! I love contacting at stoplights, on the bus, at the harbor. Poor Miao JieMei... I'm eager to talk to everyone but I can't understand anything past the first three or four sentences. She always needs to take over while I continue to smile...and nod. Biking is so crazy. I love biking at night, darting in and out of taxies, buses and other scooters. I'm sure if mom saw she would have a heart attack. I am nervous about car doors opening. Sister Day warned us about it, but between the speed of my back and the constant problem of avoiding the taxies and scooters around me, it's impossible to keep track of all the car doors. ....pray I won't be clotheslined?
 
Love you so much!
 
Deng JieMei

June 3, 2013 ... fulfilling my promise

Dearest Family,
 
   TOMORROW. I cannot wait to talk to you all. Are you ready to hear my testimony in Chinese?! Lucky for me, none of you will understand what I'm saying so you won't catch all my mistakes!

  Today has been crazy. Packing, cleaning, running all over campus getting everything put together. It's difficult to believe my time at the MTC, and consequently 2 months of my mission, are over. I have learned so very much here. I'm sad to leave all the wonderful missionaries here in our zone. I had the opportunity to meet every one of the 36 new missionaries and they are all fabulous! I know they will bless mission presidents all over the world.

Today's letter is going to be a bit more serious... a bit more soul searching. aka - very Lauren. I consistently get a little reflective as I approach periods of change in my life. I couldn't love adventure and the consequent learning that follows more, but somehow... looking ahead at big changes always brings back so many memories. I couldn't be more thrilled about this change. I know God goes with me, and I know I very literally have absolutely nothing to fear. I've never been calmer about a life transition before. I keep thinking about my blog post called 'Mind the gap' where I wrote about shifting from my summer abroad to life back home. Transitions are always a little uncomfortable, a little humbling, and necessary for dramatic development and growth.

 These past few days, I've remembered mom driving away from my apartment in DC, just a few days after my High School graduation. That internship changed me forever.

 I recall walking into a massive committee room in the Times Square Marriott hotel and being stunned at the 400+ international students I would be competing against. Those two Mock United Nations experiences changed my life and many of those students became my dear friends.

 I remember boarding a plane to Israel - the farthest I had ever been away from home and feeling the thrill of adventure... That summer would forever redefine my faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow, I enter a whole new type of adventure. This experience will push me, challenge me, humble me, and give me more joy than I ever knew I could feel... if I let God lead me.

Throughout all of these transitions, I see the hand of God in my life. I've seen Him shape me, lift me, and help me increasingly become the person He needs me to be. I still have SO FAR TO GO...
Among all these memories, one in particular has been at the forefront of my thoughts - giving me such confidence and comfort in my mission and what I am about to do..

Last summer in the Holy Land, I frequently had many memorable and long talks with God. However, there is one in particular that I will never forget. One night, as we stayed beside the Sea of Galilee, I was having trouble falling asleep. We had experienced many remarkable things earlier that day and my mind couldn't seem to rest.
 I remember walking out in the warm night to the sea shore. Sitting on the smooth, cold stones of the beach, I let my eyes drink in the lights of Tiberias glittering across the waves, the milky moonlight spattered across the dark water. It has since occurred to me that the events of John 21 must have taken place very near the site where I sat pondering.
 I recall pouring out my soul to God and passing through such a spectrum of emotions. Bursting with gratitude, I attempted to articulate how humbled I felt by the wonders God had worked in my life. He had taught me much and given me more than I could ever repay.
  Then, suddenly picturing the Savior walking the very shore on which I sat, my prayer became more somber.... and as I pondered Him, in His home country - this Savior of the world, my dearest friend, the very best of men who died for the very least- I felt a familiar "fire in my bones". Our God is a consuming fire - and sometimes when I feel my witness of this gospel my heart swells till it does seem "the consuming of my flesh".

 I remember tears, I remember feeling as if - on that beautiful shore of that Holy Land - I was addressing the vast expanse of stars and the God of them all. I remembered being overwhelmed with the sheer wonder of it all... of my divine identity, of my importance to the very architect of galaxies.
 Feeling deeply moved, I remember being impressed to make Him the most sincere and fervent promise that I could that I would always... always do whatever He needed me to do. I remember asking Him to help me know what was next... I don't know how long I sat on that beach.. but that night is forever seared into my memory.

  As I await tomorrow, Taipei, a wonderful mission president, the beautiful Taiwanese people, and many hot and perhaps unsuccessful days... I feel nothing but peace. I know I will face discouragement, I know I might feel overwhelmed and that I will have many moments of complete exhaustion. But I am fulfilling my promise... and there is nothing in this world I would rather do.

I love the line in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet after Mercutio finishes his strange 'Queen Mab' speech and Romeo is left alone. I love his last line of the scene.... "But He that hath the steerage of my course, direct my sail".

I echo that. Here I go.

Love you all dearly,

Deng JieMei