This week has gone by so slow, but also so fast at the same time. Those of you who have served missions will know what I mean haha. I think one of the best things that happened to me this week was that they served us CHICK FIL A on monday! I was so excited, I almost cried. Monday nights are nights where the cafeteria serves fast food haha.
On tuesday, something really devastating happened-- our district of 13 was SPLIT IN HALF. Six stayed, and seven were made into a new district. At first I was really dissapointed, because elders and sisters that I like the most are in a different district now. I couldn't really focus during the lesson after that, because I was so sad. But I now realize that this was a blessing, because we have so much more one on one time with the teachers. Our language is getting a lot better, even though I still feel like I don't know that much. We have three teachers who take turns during the day: Irmao Sears and Irma Gunnerson team teach, and Irma Schill (our pretend investigator). They are all very patient and teach us how to teach more effectively the gospel, and how to speak the language. We still eat lunch with our old district, and have excercise time together, so its not as horrible as I first thought.
Tuesday we had our devotional, and guess who came? An apostle! Elder Neil L. Anderson came to speak to us! I left my notes journal in the residence hall, so I don't quite remember what he talked to us about, but it was very cool. He brought such a great spirit into the room, and made me excited to serve this mission.
My portuguese is getting better. I can pray fluently now, even if it's basically the same words each time. I can understand the teachers, and I don't need to translate in my head what they are saying anymore. Being able to speak it out loud is still very difficult, and I get discouraged a lot of the time, but I know that if I do my part, the Lord will do his.
Speaking of that, I gave a lesson in priesthood for the first time in my life yesterday! A full THIRTY minutes. I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to do a good job, and that it would be such a bad lesson. But I prepared. I went through the material, looked up scriptures, thought of questions, went over how I wanted it to go. And then I prayed. I prayed that I would be able to bring the spirit into the room. That I would be able to speak with the spirit. That the hearts of those I taught would be touched. I knew that if I had to give this lesson alone, I would have failed. But I wasn't alone. Christ won't leave us alone if we ask for his help. The lesson was about enduring to the end, and it went very well. I didn't feel nervous, and there was a very peaceful feeling in the room yesterday. I could feel my testimony grow, and I know that if we are worthy, the spirit will teach with you.
We finished teaching "Paula" and now she's our teacher, which was weird at first, but she's really good at teaching us. But there is no rest here, we have two new " investigators" and have to teach two member lessons tonight---all in portuguese.
We talk so much about our purpose here. Almost everyday we are told to cater our lessons to the people we teach. Missionaries truly do love the people they teach, and that is because we know of the love our Heavenly Father has for ALL his children. Don't ever forget that he loves you and he has you go through everything for a reason.
We have four sundays left here at the MTC, and I'm already so ready to go to Portugal. It'll be so hard--im sure of it. But if I learn to follow prompting s in my lessons, and as I begin to learn the language, all will be well.
I love you all, and I miss all of you! I love to hear from you, even if it's just a short email. I love letters too ;).
Com Amor,
Elder Barker
P.S, if you have any troubles or questions, feel free to ask me anything.
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