RE: From Taiwan - August 12, 2013

Dear Family,
    There are few things more terrifying than Miao JieMei armed with a bottle of cleaning solution as she takes out a cockroach the size of your palm. She killed that massive bug (see attached photo) and I think it is one of the most impressive feats I have seen in a long time. Wow.
 
     We had a baptism on Wed! Zhan Huai Qi is the eight year old daughter of a wonderful less active sister. We met Zhan JM and her daughter last month when we received a phone call asking if we could help prepare a young girl for baptism. Zhan JM has a fervent desire that her currently less active family all be sealed in the temple. For weeks, Zhan JM brought little Huai Qi to the chapel so we could teach her.  I remember watching their family beaming on the front row of the congregation as I played the piano for the baptism. The room as full and Zhan JieMei was all smiles. I can feel how dearly she wishes to be sealed with her family in the temple. Her husband was able to baptize Huai qi. This was a miracle moment for their family! He's had many troubles recently but the bishop still asked if he could help his daughter be baptized. For awhile, Zhan JieMei seemed really hesitant and worried if he was willing/worthy, but that evening everything felt it was as it should be.  Watching them all sitting together, I was filled with such hope. I WANT them to make it to the temple! I felt that Huai qi's baptism could be a turning point for them, that such an eternal reminder would help them all be more committed to the precious gift of an eternal family.

   Another one of our young 15 year old investigators watched the baptism with tears streaming down her face. She wants to be baptized SO deeply. Her parents seem to be turning from their "Christian" faith and have brought idols into their home again. She's so afraid to ask them. I am so humbled by the depth and sincerity of her desires. These beautiful people are forever changing what the baptismal ordinance and gift of the Holy Ghost mean to me. They are life changing, and aside from them and the other gospel ordinances few things have great import. They are teaching me profound faith, endless patience...pure and simple hope.
 
How I love them!
 
Count the blessings. We already have so many more than we choose to see.
 
Love you all so dearly,
Sister Barden