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