Dec. 1, 2013 from Zhubei

Dear Family!
 
 I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It sounds like Minnesota is freezing! Did I tell you I miraculously met a Taiwanese convert who is going to Minnesota on his mission?!! He asked me how cold it got in Minneapolis... He's going to have a great experience :)
 
We had a ward activity for Thanksgiving that had Turkey and potatoes... along with lots of rice and noodles! So great. It felt very relaxed and memorable - the members here are so generous and always trying to give us food. Also so great. :)
 
We have had so many miracles in Zhubei this week! We have an investigator with an upcoming baptismal date whose story is so remarkable. Her husband is a member and he has waited a long time for her to be ready to be baptized. As Sister Lu and I talked to this couple at the chapel, the husband could hardly contain his happiness that his wife had a baptismal date. In fast and testimony meeting, they both stood up and shared how much her conversion meant to both them. He has been waiting seven years for her to be ready to join the church. Seven years.... what a blessing to see this miracle. I believe they are going to do so much good together. This week we taught the first lesson with a young, former investigator. She fell asleep on her motorcycle a few weeks ago and severely damaged her leg, leaving her unable to work and in recovery at home. When we visited her house, we found her full of light and so excited to hear the discussions. She's been so prepared. We set a baptismal date with her for Christmas Day and invited her to church. I loved watching her come into Sacrament meeting with her crutches, face lit up with a beautiful smile. The gospel is amazing.

  This week, a footnote led me to the subject of 'Abundant Life' in the topical guide. As I went through all of the scriptures and thought about their application to my mission life and post-mission life, I was reminded of the importance of planning and actively learning. All these scriptures had similar principles. They talked about obedience, faith, diligence and happiness. This is the recipe for an "abundant" mission and life. I thought about all the times where I have really striven to be obedient, faithful, hardworking and cheerful... those times have truly taught me so many important lessons. I want to keep working for an abundant mission - and an abundant life!

   As I watched the couple I mentioned above bear their testimonies in sacrament meeting and sat in the home of our investigator with the injured leg, I thought about all the work God had done to prepare these beautiful people to accept the gospel. Previous sisters taught the investigator with the injured leg and didn't meet with success, but their contact was what allowed her to be sitting in sacrament meeting on Sunday. Further, the example and patience of this member husband allowed God to prepare his wife's heart to understand the importance of an eternal family. A scripture has come to mind frequently this week, one someone shared with me a long time ago: 1 Cor 3: 6-7 and 9. This scripture helps us to understand that every "laborer" in God's vineyard has a different role to play, and that every role is of equal import. "I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building". Everyone has a part to play, but ultimately it is God that is responsible for every miracle. I am so happy God is letting me watch His work and have a small part in it!

   I love Lu JieMei so much. She is actively looking for opportunities to serve all around her. What a beautiful example. We're having a great experience figuring out what type of companionship we want to be, how we're going to go about the work, and sharing ideas specific to Zhubei and its needs. I love, love my companion!  We're seeing so many miracles. She's trying her very best and very willing to try different ideas and methods. She is a fantastic missionary - I can't believe I'm lucky enough to serve with her.
 
fyi... our pday for Christmas is on Christmas day..aka the 25th our time. Don't expect an email at the usual time. Can't wait to talk to you in a few weeks :)
 
Love you SO much!
 
Sister Barden