The Week of the Typhoon
July 14, 2013
Dearest Family,
 
    Another week has come and gone... and I find myself - again - stunned by the range of emotions, circumstances, and people I have encountered. My time, thus far, has been nothing short of a baptism by fire and I am grateful for the strength, humility, and patience the Lord has taught me.

      The massive typhoon that hit us this week is such a metaphor for the trials in our life. When the typhoon hit, rain pummeled our windows, the winds shook our walls and closet doors, and the broken sign above our apartment tore partially from its place and clattered against our window cages for many hours. Despite the darkness and jarring noises, we were safe, we were warm, and we knew the storm would pass the next day.

    Sometimes I feel as if missionaries are in the middle of a spiritual typhoon. Satan rages in the hearts of many and sometimes missionaries get a very real and jarring look at the depth and darkness of his influence. But, despite all the winds of unrighteousness churning around us, we are safe, we walk in the light, and we know the storm will pass.

    I did not imagine I would encounter some of the "typhoons" I have experienced this early in my mission. I am grateful God is teaching me how to better understand and over come all unrighteous influences, in whatever form they may present themselves. Even amidst such experiences, we can have the calm assurance that the Savior will always have the power to command that every typhoon -- "peace, be still".
 
    Remember not to be "of little faith"
 
     Wow, what a week!
 
Love you All!
Sister Barden