Temple Day Oct. 15, 2013

Dear Family,
 
  Today was temple day. What a blessing to have a temple in our mission! Whenever I walk through the temple doors I feel this blanket of peace come over me. I love the temple more than I could ever adequately explain! We had a memorable day. We arrived a little early and some of the temple workers asked us if we would be willing to help them perform a few sealings as child proxies. When we entered the room, President and Sister Day were sitting there with a wonderful Chinese couple. I had the chance to be a proxy child with them. That was such a special experience. They are remarkable and I have so much respect and love for them!
 
  Sister Tracy and I had a few unique experiences this week. One evening, we were walking to the bus stop after teaching an investigator. We were laughing and talking until we reached the bus stop curb. I quickly glanced at my feet only to find a redish liquid pooled around the drain. Confused and thinking it was some type of spilled juice, I turned around and was stunned by the image of a fully-crunched car that had been moved to the side of the road. Below the vehicle were red pools similar to the one gathering around the drain. Slightly stunned, Sister Tracy and I quickly moved and were quiet for a few minutes. Life is so precious. We need to enjoy every day! I'm so grateful for every chance I have to live and learn!
 
  We had a miraculous day when we gave temple tours last Thursday. Over the course of 5 hours we did 5 back-to-back tours. Crazy! Each one was full of a beautiful spirit and it was a special experience to watch faces changes and hearts be opened to the Book of Mormon. One particularly unique man spent 7 years finishing graduate school in Boston. His English was excellent. As we talked about faith and science, I was able to share my father's experience with faith. This man had studied psychoanalysis and I had the opportunity to testify that my dad had come to the knowledge that God and science work in harmony, that my dad's knowledge of the laws of nature had increased his faith in God. He was really touched and shared some really special feelings that he had during our tour. The Lord's work is amazing!
 
I love you so much. Thank you for inspiring me. Have such a wonderful week!
 
Sister Barden