So I was musing in my bed last night about the joys and differences of serving in international ward, and I realized how amazing it is to see all these people from so many different counties coming together, and what brings then together? The Gospel! Last night I had diner with an American family, a Pakistani family, and a British man and his wife who was born in Peru and grew up in America. So cool. Also my investigators and recent converts are from all over the world. Africa, Pakistan, Japan, Scotland, Hungary, Nepal. And it's so fun. It's also so very different. I think I told you it's like I'm serving a different mission. When I taught Thai people I don't think I ever had an investigator that had been baptized before, so the whole “do I need to be Baptized again?” question, didn't exist. It certainly does now. Also, foreigners have some of the oddest questions and concerns. They believe in the trinity, so many things you have to deal with. But it is so rewarding, and I feel like sister Du Plessi and I make a great team.
So the most exciting thing that happened this week was we had a surprise baptism! I don't think I told you about Alex and Vanessa, Alex is from England, and Vanessa is from Peru, then moved to Utah, where she joined the church. They met on a cruise ship where they were both working. Alex was not a member, but he's been investigating for some time. They are here only temporarily, but Vanessa wanted him to keep learning while they were in Thailand. The first time we met with him he said he some times thought it was true, but other times he thought it's all in our heads. So we weren't sure what to make of him. He'd learned all the lessons, and was keeping all the commandment. So the next time we met we talked about faith. Then the third time, this time I was with sister Du Plessi, we read from Alma chapter 32 about faith being like a seed. Sister Du plessi was like, “so where do you think your faith is right now?” and he said: I want to be baptized. WHAT! I responded: “Great, we have white clothes in the closet right now." yes, yes I did say that. So literally we explained he needed an interview, then he could get baptized on Saturday and confirmed Sunday. Then our district leader walks past right after we close with a prayer, and we're like Elder smith! Interview him! So then he passed and was baptized Saturday. I am so happy for them!
Anyway so we are very very busy in international ward. You wouldn't think there were a lot of people from around the world congregated in Thailand wanting to learn about Jesus Christ, but hey! There are quite a few. YES we have a phone. I can not imagine having to work in Thailand with out a cell phone. No we don't have a time change. I have also eaten so much food from around the world already.
Culture fact!: Thai people don't like very sweet things. So like their deserts are very mild. also sugar is considered a spice to them. they use it all the time in cooking.
Spiritual lesson: Laman and Lemual were only happy when things were comfortable, or the way they wanted them to be. But any time anything went wrong, they would murmur, and complain and say God didn't exist. So let us not be like them and only be happy when things are good. Let us be like Nephi and not be fair weather believers. Lets not wonder at the drop of a hat if God cares. Because he does.
Love, Sister Barber
So the most exciting thing that happened this week was we had a surprise baptism! I don't think I told you about Alex and Vanessa, Alex is from England, and Vanessa is from Peru, then moved to Utah, where she joined the church. They met on a cruise ship where they were both working. Alex was not a member, but he's been investigating for some time. They are here only temporarily, but Vanessa wanted him to keep learning while they were in Thailand. The first time we met with him he said he some times thought it was true, but other times he thought it's all in our heads. So we weren't sure what to make of him. He'd learned all the lessons, and was keeping all the commandment. So the next time we met we talked about faith. Then the third time, this time I was with sister Du Plessi, we read from Alma chapter 32 about faith being like a seed. Sister Du plessi was like, “so where do you think your faith is right now?” and he said: I want to be baptized. WHAT! I responded: “Great, we have white clothes in the closet right now." yes, yes I did say that. So literally we explained he needed an interview, then he could get baptized on Saturday and confirmed Sunday. Then our district leader walks past right after we close with a prayer, and we're like Elder smith! Interview him! So then he passed and was baptized Saturday. I am so happy for them!
Anyway so we are very very busy in international ward. You wouldn't think there were a lot of people from around the world congregated in Thailand wanting to learn about Jesus Christ, but hey! There are quite a few. YES we have a phone. I can not imagine having to work in Thailand with out a cell phone. No we don't have a time change. I have also eaten so much food from around the world already.
Culture fact!: Thai people don't like very sweet things. So like their deserts are very mild. also sugar is considered a spice to them. they use it all the time in cooking.
Spiritual lesson: Laman and Lemual were only happy when things were comfortable, or the way they wanted them to be. But any time anything went wrong, they would murmur, and complain and say God didn't exist. So let us not be like them and only be happy when things are good. Let us be like Nephi and not be fair weather believers. Lets not wonder at the drop of a hat if God cares. Because he does.
Love, Sister Barber