Feb. 10, 2014 

Dear Family, 

     I'm excited to hear you'll be moving into the new house soon!  

     What a wonderful week! I was grateful for training and all the wonderful things I learned from the other missionaries during our leadership training seminar. 

     Sister Chao and I were contacting after the training seminar when we noticed a younger gentleman with an open expression walking near us. As we began introducing ourselves and sharing our purpose, he responded with interest. He said he had never been contacted by a Christian church and honestly admitted that he was interested in learning more. We had a wonderful lesson on the street and set up a time to meet with him. As we taught the first lesson the next day, particularly while reciting the first vision, a powerful spirit came into the room and his expression began to soften. He was listening intently... asking thoughtful questions about many of the principles we were sharing. At the conclusion of the lesson, he accepted an invitation to be baptized. As simple as this miracle was, I was so grateful for the reminder of how powerful the influence of the gospel can be to someone who has never felt it's peace and power before. It strengthened my testimony that for all the investigators that struggle to improve and and are full of doubts, there are those that are unbelievably prepared to receive this gospel... and they absolutely will be put in our path. I'm so motivated to do everything I can to be obedient and hard-working enough to find them! 

     This week, during the training seminar, I was grateful for the opportunity to watch 'The Atonement' clip for new mission presidents. Every time I watch it, I feel hit with fresh insights and a warm outpouring of the spirit. One of the most remarkable characteristics of this message is that it reaches deep into our souls, takes all the pain and heartbreak we sometimes experience in missionary work, and gives us the comfort and freedom of feeling GRATEFUL that we have the chance to understand... to understand some of what the Savior felt, what every prophet has felt, what those who spend their lives serving the Lord feel. This week, I was feeling very tired... a little weighed down by some trials and working very hard with Sister Chu to try to complete our responsibilities as best we could. Friday's training, particularly the testimonies President  and Sister Day bore... filled me with nothing but complete and total gratitude that I have the chance to serve and give whatever I can to the Savior. Understanding provides greater opportunities to learn, to become stronger, to deepen our relationship with God. I wouldn't trade the understanding earned during a mission for anything in the world. 

     Trying to be as diligent and malleable as possible. 

Loving the journey, 

Sister Barden