Yet again we had transfers this last week and i'm so sad to say.. I transferred, BUT I am still on Palawan so that's awesome! I thought for sure I'd get put back in the Mainland. I am now in Puerto Princesa Branch 2. I was in Branch 1, but now I transfered to a different area with a different branch, but it is really close. I am still a Sister Training Leader and my companion is Sister Laug Laug. She was the Sister Training leader with me last transfer, but instead of kabahay STL's she is my companion now so that's cool. It has been a little rought transition for me though because I really put my whole heart and soul in working in Branch 1 and honestly it was really really hard the first transfer because we had no one. No investigators, nothing. But now in Branch 1 we were going to have Janella take her leap of faith into the waters of baptism in 2 weeks in September as well as Sister Susan and Stacy and Laarni.. ahhh there are just so many we helped prepare and now I have to leave them all and I feel like right now that is the story of my life in the mission. I am what you call a planter. I plant the people and then get transferred right before they are harvested. It honestly has been really really hard for me to leave the people of Branch 1 as well. I got so close to all of them and now i'm still close to the area, but in a completely different branch and everything... so it's been a little tough, but im sure i'm going to love Branch 2 just as much as i loved branch 1.
It's going to be a little bit harder tho because our area is huge, we have hardly any investigators, and I have to memorize the area soon so we can go on exchanges and I can know where to go in our area. Not to mention we got two more sisters on Palawan so the stress is real, same with the drama. But honestly I'm learning a lot and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve here. Can you believe it 10 months and I am in my 5th area. hahah It's awesome. I have also been on Palawan ever since I got done with my training. So I think I'll be here forever which is fine with me because I LOVE PALAWAN.
As this transfer has happened and as I have struggled to adapt to a new branch and a new area it really made me think about change. One thing I like that mom said to me in her email is, "One thing about a mission, it is constantly changing and teaches you to adapt to your circumstances constantly." It's so true, being on a mission everything is constantly changing. One thing I really noticed on my mission is that as soon as I get comfortable, with my branch, my people, my companion, etc.. I get transferred. The Lord wants us to change. He wants us to grow and to become better and the only way we can do that is if we stretch and adapt to our circumstances. It is really hard for me to move to different areas with different people all the time because i really grow to love them. Like honestly if someone would of asked me before my mission if I ever thought I would've loved these people as much as I do I honestly never would've thought I would. But I do, I love my people. They are so sweet and kind and each member, investigator, less active, or even the random friends we make on the street have a special place in my heart and it is so hard to say goodbye... luckily I am still close and get to see them often. I also will be able to attend the baptism of Janella on September 17 :) So I am so excited for that!
So as hard as change is, I really know that it is for our benefit. I have prayed really hard these last couple of days to understand the reason for me leaving my area and starting new again. Every single area I have been in I have known that I have been in that area with my certain companion for a specific reason. I love knowing that Heavenly Father is mindful of each one of his children and he wants each one of us to be happy, but he also wants each one of us to change and to grow.
I'm so excited for this next adventure. I know this transfer will be hard, but I know that with the Lord's help and guidance I can do anything. I am blessed to be a missionary. I love this work and I love being out here in Puerto Princesa Palawan Philippines. I know this work changes lives for the better and I know that it has is constantly changing mine as well. I love you all. Continue onward and upward on the path of righteousness. Read the Book of Mormon, Chose the Right, and be happy.
Mahal ko kayo,
Sister Barton
Ps these are some pics of my bdayyyy aka BEST BDAY EVER!! :)
Pss Also something cool for you to know is Elder Lopez (an elder from my batch) is now my new district leader which is cool and Sister Holzworth is a Sister Training Leader now as well which means.. I GET TO SEE HER THIS WEEK AT MLC IN MANILA!! I haven't seen her since December so lets just say i'm a little bit excited. Anyway I love you all. Have a great week cuz I always do!
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