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
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