June 8, 2013 - From Lauren Barden in

June 8, 2013 - From Lauren Barden in Taipei, Taiwan

Hello Family!
 
    Mom's birthday week! Promise me you will eat LOTS of dark chocolate... and take her for one of our famous birthday dinners. Wish I could be there but I hope you feel my love from Taiwan. :) Love you dearly mom!
 
    I would like to start by revisiting last Wed. in the temple. I had an unbelievable experience in the Celestial Room. The Taipei temple is beautiful. It is white and open with dark wood furnishings carved in the Asian style. I loved the palpable feeling of peace that washed over me the moment I walked through the doors. I felt a near-literal hug from heaven, a warm and deep outpouring of love and peace. I'd had a wonderful but challenging week, and the temple gave me such a blanket of comfort. I remember Wu Mama finding me in the locker room and just hugging me so tightly. What a wonderful experience.

    Tang Nainai is one our investigators. She had her baptismal interview this Sunday! We are so excited for her. SHe is 66 and has such a sense of humor. SHe gets distracted frequently but she understands the lessons and really enjoys coming to CHurch. We love her!

    Lee Qian Rou continues to be a marvel. We taught her the plan of salvation and she ended up explaining the three kingdoms of Glory to US when we finished. I have rarely seen an 11 yr old with such great faith.

    Right now, I feel so grateful for the challenges in my life that allow me to grow and change. Someone once explained a metaphor to me that I think describes my feelings well. When we intensely exert our muscles, we feel pain-our muscle fibers tear, they become sore and achey. Temporarily, we feel weak and very tender. However, before long, our muscles are strengthened and their abilities are magnified.

    I know that this mission will continue to seemingly tear the muscle fibers of my soul as I seek to become stronger and more Christ-like. I know that in weakness and affliction we are made strong. I am so profoundly grateful for this opportunity. I am floored God has already changed me so deeply in such a short amount of time.
 
 ...currently eating ice, jello-like soy milk, sweet potato, and softened peanuts??? It's weird but yummy!
 
Love you all so very much - Yes Julia, I'm praying for you this week!
 
You are such blessings to me - don't forget.
Sister Barden