So at the end of this week I will be turning 10 months in the mission and then the next day I will be turning 20 years old. So now I just have one question.. HOW AM I ALREADY 10 MONTHS?!?! I don't really know how to feel because I love and miss all of you and I still have 8 months here in the mission, but I'm sorry.. I never really wanna come home. hahaha not to be rude or anything, but I love love love my mission. Like for real I don't think I've ever loved something more in my entire life. I just want to stay here for ever serving Heavenly Father's children here in the Philippines. I really really love it here.
Everyday I learn something new and apply it to not only be a better missionary, but to be a better person. The one thing I really have learned on my mission is to not complain. I remember one thing Grandma Karen said in one of her letters to me at the beginning of my mission was, well first, "Welcome to the lone and dreary world" (that was clever) but then she goes on to say something about an article she read. It said something like, "Remember you can't control your circumstances, but you can control your attitude." I remember reading this and really pondering about it and thinking how I can be positive in ever situation I am in. One thing I really remember is to not complain. Really, if you think about it, complaining gets you know where. The only thing that comes out of complaining is the people next to you get a headache because you are annoying. haha But really I can't stand complainers. I just think to myself.. okay if I want something to change in my life. If I really want to have better circumstance or situation, what do I need to change? How can I change to better my situation? What can I do? I really think it is so important for all of us to have this outlook. I know that in these last 10 months on my mission I have complained A LOT... but I also know that in many cases I took the higher road and decided to not dwell on the negative, but to focus on what we can do to change to make it more enjoyable and a more positive situation.
This week has really strengthened my testimony in the principle of looking at the positive. Not going to lie, when I first came to this area in Puerto Princesa I kind of thought it was a little hopeless... I wasn't really sure where to start and there were so many problems and challenges that we had to face and sometimes I really felt like I was facing them alone. The first transfer was really rough, but I knew we could change this area to be a golden area. An area that was on fire where all the other missionaries would love if they got sent here. So I insisted on making it just that. Of course with the help of my happy, cute, positive companion Sister Tekanene we were able to make a glimpse of that happen.
I can officially say our area is now on FIRE. Everything that was a challenge at the beginning when we first got here has reversed and is actually a positive to our area. Not at all means is our area perfect. There is still a lot to do, but It is really really progressing. We were able to have 3 investigators come to church yesterday, 3 really really progressing investigators who I know will get baptized within the coming months. AND we were able to find a family last week who are real true seekers of the truth.
I can truly testify that through positivity and obedience the Lord bring blessings and miracles to our lives. The Lord lead us to find Sister Janella and she is amazing. She is 15 years old and honestly do you remember in my farewell talk when I was talking about finding my friend? Well... I found her. She is amazing and is so prepared to receive the gospel in her life. As we teach her I see her spark growing, her testimony becoming stronger, and her desire to follow Christ illuminate. I honestly cannot express how much love and gratitude I have for her and for missionary work. Being missionaries we get to witness the greatest thing of all. The atonement of Jesus Christ change individuals and families. We have a front row seat and it is the most beautiful thing. Although it is hard, I know that it is worth it. I know that there is no point in dwelling on the negativity and complaining when life is short and there is so much beauty. Look for it. If it's too hard to see, then you need to change something in order to see it more clearly.
I love you all with my whole heart and soul. I know that this gospel is true. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church here on Earth. I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet and he restored the gospel of Jesus Christ in this last dispensation. I know that we have a living prophet who leads and guides the church now named Thomas S. Monson. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live. I know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can have eternal life. If we will be faithful and true to the commandments of God. I love you all and I invite you to look at the positive in life. Continue to read the Book of Mormon and share this beautiful gospel to those who are lost in this world. Thank you for all you do. CTR and be happy.
Love,
Sister Barton
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