Dear fam,
It is certainly hot out right now, it's also started to rain. It only makes it tolerable outside, not at all cold, but anything's better then the oppressive heat.
So we have a ton of refugees in our ward. Some of them are baptized, but most are not, because there is a rule that people without visas, or here with tourist visas, can't get baptized, which is mostly in place because of the financial strain the refugees were putting on the church.
So, zone conference is coming up. I'm so excited! They are such an uplifting experience always. Also, Sister Lam, Sister Sahagun and I are going to perform a musical number for the conference. I don't know if it will be any good, as we don't have any time to practice. but we have the spirit, so that should make us sound good.... maybe.
We ate at a bunch of Pakistani houses this week. if you were wondering, the food is amazing, but I always feel so bad, because I know these people are not in the best financial situation. They always want to give you what they have anyway. They are such generous and kind people. One of the people we're teaching is named Ambrosia, and her husband is John. Her husband actually grew up Muslim, but heard a preacher, and from that day has been Christian. As a result, his whole family disowned him. But they love God so much! And they are so nice! Ah! These people make me so sad, because, although they don't yet know if this church is true, when they do, they can't get baptized (not here at least.)
Lubna, who is the Pakistani with a visa, has 3 children (her husband left her). She has a date for next week. We really wanted her to get baptized this week, but she hadn't yet quit drinking tea. Also, she had all kinds of questions. Thanks to the help of our fantastic relief society president who used to be Catholic (so she could totally understand her concerns) Lubna overcame her concerns. So happy for them all!
Also, there is a family ( sorry, there are just so many strong people in my life right now) in which the wife is traveling to America, (which will be so good for her), then she'll receive her citizenship, and then her husband will come to the USA. Her husband is facing some pretty steep challenges, however, and it's so sad. And yet they have such confidence in the Lord. Theeban (the husband) said, " We can't do anything, but God can. Will you pray for us?" They are amazing. I wish I could explain it well, but I can't.
I love my companions, all is well. We are really unified. We had a rough time for a bit, but we worked it out. Amazing what a little talking can do.
Culture lesson: okay, you get some Pakistani culture today. When you go to a Pakistani person's house, if they don't offer you tea, it's like an insult. If they feed you, they will hover but not eat themselves, and make sure you try some of everything (which is fine because it all tastes so good).
Spiritual lesson: this church is worldwide. Yesterday the sacrament was blessed by someone from Africa, passed by people from Sri lanka, Pakistan, America, the Congo, and taken by many more. The stone cut out of the mountain without hands is surely filling the world. Even in places we can't have missionaries, branches are growing. That just builds my testimony that this church is true.
I love you all!
Sister Barber
It is certainly hot out right now, it's also started to rain. It only makes it tolerable outside, not at all cold, but anything's better then the oppressive heat.
So we have a ton of refugees in our ward. Some of them are baptized, but most are not, because there is a rule that people without visas, or here with tourist visas, can't get baptized, which is mostly in place because of the financial strain the refugees were putting on the church.
So, zone conference is coming up. I'm so excited! They are such an uplifting experience always. Also, Sister Lam, Sister Sahagun and I are going to perform a musical number for the conference. I don't know if it will be any good, as we don't have any time to practice. but we have the spirit, so that should make us sound good.... maybe.
We ate at a bunch of Pakistani houses this week. if you were wondering, the food is amazing, but I always feel so bad, because I know these people are not in the best financial situation. They always want to give you what they have anyway. They are such generous and kind people. One of the people we're teaching is named Ambrosia, and her husband is John. Her husband actually grew up Muslim, but heard a preacher, and from that day has been Christian. As a result, his whole family disowned him. But they love God so much! And they are so nice! Ah! These people make me so sad, because, although they don't yet know if this church is true, when they do, they can't get baptized (not here at least.)
Lubna, who is the Pakistani with a visa, has 3 children (her husband left her). She has a date for next week. We really wanted her to get baptized this week, but she hadn't yet quit drinking tea. Also, she had all kinds of questions. Thanks to the help of our fantastic relief society president who used to be Catholic (so she could totally understand her concerns) Lubna overcame her concerns. So happy for them all!
Also, there is a family ( sorry, there are just so many strong people in my life right now) in which the wife is traveling to America, (which will be so good for her), then she'll receive her citizenship, and then her husband will come to the USA. Her husband is facing some pretty steep challenges, however, and it's so sad. And yet they have such confidence in the Lord. Theeban (the husband) said, " We can't do anything, but God can. Will you pray for us?" They are amazing. I wish I could explain it well, but I can't.
I love my companions, all is well. We are really unified. We had a rough time for a bit, but we worked it out. Amazing what a little talking can do.
Culture lesson: okay, you get some Pakistani culture today. When you go to a Pakistani person's house, if they don't offer you tea, it's like an insult. If they feed you, they will hover but not eat themselves, and make sure you try some of everything (which is fine because it all tastes so good).
Spiritual lesson: this church is worldwide. Yesterday the sacrament was blessed by someone from Africa, passed by people from Sri lanka, Pakistan, America, the Congo, and taken by many more. The stone cut out of the mountain without hands is surely filling the world. Even in places we can't have missionaries, branches are growing. That just builds my testimony that this church is true.
I love you all!
Sister Barber