Family!!
I'm so sorry, we went to the temple today and I have like no time.. so sorry if this email is a little bit lame. Our week this week was okay, I always feel so blessed to be a missionary and to be in this great area with my wonderful companion, but I am a little disappointed in some of the decisions or investigators are making... We had many investigators come to church this last week. But almost all of them came because they are the friends of some of our recent converts. Meaning; they are within primary and youth age. So they don't even come with their parents which is a bummer... and we are already having so many problems in our area when it comes to parents consent/permission for their children to get baptized. This last week not one of the people we have been teaching throughout the week came to church... not one. It was so disappointing. I was really hoping for us to have at least one or two more baptisms before I go home, but after this last week it's not looking too great.
That's still okay though because with everything that has happened with our area and investigators this last week it doesn't make me want to give up and cry anymore (like it used to). haha It makes me realize everyone has their own individual agency and they get to chose for themselves "let the consequence follow". It also just motivates me to work harder and do better. Even if I won't be here for the baptisms, it doesn't matter because as long as I give it my all and help people get baptized at some point in their life I did my part and I can say I tried my best. So I just feel grateful that I can still work my hardest and give it my all so that others can be baptized in the near future.
This week we also had some really great experiences with some new investigators as well. The Dula family, the ones that I told you about last week, we were able to teach them and the mother, Luzviminda was literally like finishing our sentences as we were teaching her. It was absolutely astounding. I was so amazed. It was exactly like teaching someone who already knew the Plan of Salvation and we were just refreshing her memory. The spirit was so strong in that lesson and I could tell that she knew that what we were saying was true. Also, later in the week we went back to their home and had a Family Home Evening. It was amazing to see the happiness in their home. Sister Luzviminda is a single mother who's husband had died just a few years back. When it came to the part in the program for the parent to give advice, she did and then we had all the kids say some words of love to their mom. It was such a beautiful, spiritual experience to be apart of. Her four children were just pouring out their hearts saying how grateful they were for their mother who sacrifices so much just so they can eat and go to school and do what they want. I feel so grateful I was able to be in that home and feel the love and peace that was radiating. Sister Baldelomar and I were both in tears as the kids were talking and it was just a really great experience. Afterwards they all hugged and it was just so cute. I should've taken a picture, but it probably would've ruined the moment.
We also talked to these two women who worked as maids for a man named Pedro. As we were talking and testifying about the gospel to these two women, they decided to let us in so we could share to them. As we started the lesson and started teaching about our purpose as missionarys and just getting to know them, they told us that Mormon missionaries have taught them before. THEY ARE FORMER INVESTIGATORS. They were both about to be baptized, but then they moved here to Mandaluyong from their provience and didn't know if there were Mormons here. It was crazy! They said they have been praying for the last year, ever since they moved here, for Mormons to find them or for them to find the Mormons. It was so amazing to meet them and teach them and see how much they loved the gospel. One of the sisters said that she had left her Book of Mormon in Pangasinan with her family and she missed it so much. When Sister Baldelomar reached into her bag and pulled out a Book of Mormon and gave it to this wonderful Sister she was so excited. She literally looked like a big fat kid getting a big thing of ice cream. (picture at the bottom of me haha :)) Her eyes just went wide and she started to like jump up and down she was so excited. It was such an amazing experience and really just shows that if you work hard and do your best Heavenly Father will lead you to the people who are prepared.
I cannot tell you how many doors we knock on everyday. hahah it's so fun and I just feel so grateful for the opportunity I have to talk to everyone and tell them how great the gospel is and how lucky they would be if they just listened to what the Lord wants them to know.
I love being a missionary! I really really love it! We were able to have the opportunity to attend the temple earlier and I just really love the temple. It's crazy to think that next time I enter the Philippines Manila Temple Mom will be standing next to me. That's kinda neat to think about. I'm so excited to share with you this great place and all of these amazing people. I love love love my mission and I'm grateful for this last little bit I have to serve Him with all my heart and soul. I love you all and I'm so grateful for you. Thank you for being such great examples to me.
Mahal Ko Kayo,
Sister Barton
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