So, remember last week when I said I didn't have time? Well, I was distraught because the Saturday before that we had a baptism and I didn't even have time to tell you about it!!! :'( But all is good in the world because now is the time. We had a baptism for Antwuan and Marshawn who are the boys from the Nomaosiagbon family. They are way awesome. It was a really stressful morning because we were so worried about if they were going to make it, if everything was going to go smoothly, etc. But they did come, and, though it started late, it ended up being really great. We, a missionary quartet, sang "Lord, I would follow thee." That was way nerve-wracking but it ended up being so powerful. I love music. Music helps me feel the spirit so strongly. I don't know what I'd do without it. But it seriously was so cool. They are both such stellar boys. One thing they've taught me is how to genuinely do something not just because someone told you to but because you want to. We can't live life being fake. We have to learn to really act on what we believe in. Those two boys really have done that. I know I can learn a lot from that. Baptism is such a powerful covenant and we need to be willing to honor that covenant every day of our lives.
Yesterday I ate a lot of weird stuff.... The Tongan ward near ours fed us lunch so I ate Fish eye, and a bunch of other cool, random plants that I'd never heard of before. A tongan missionary told us that the meat was dog and horse...We weren't sure if we should believe him but hey, it was good! For dinner, a Filipino family fed us so yeah, we were very well fed. They served these huge fish, rice, adobo(pig meat) and noodles. It was really good. New experiences all around and that's what makes it really fun!
This past week I've been thinking a lot about love. What does that mean to truly love someone? It's a word that is used so lightly so often but is also mentioned in some of the most meaningful spiritual moments. We talk a lot about the pure love of Christ because Christ was the ultimate example of Love. Everything he did was out of love for everyone that was around him and everyone that he was serving. Christ love was shown by his willingness to give up his own needs and attend to the needs of others. So, we want to be more like Christ? To be able to love others we need to be willing to give up our needs for the needs of those around us. Elder Holland gave a really amazing talk on Maternal love and the comparison to Christ's love for us. Our mothers love us so much and one reason for that is because they've already sacrificed so much for us so they want more than anything for us to have happiness. So my invitation for this week is to show more Christlike love to those around you. Stop thinking so much about your needs and more about what your friend, or your family, or the random stranger on the street needs. As you do this, you will find that you will be growing happier and the love you have for others will grow. I love all of you so much. I sincerely want the best for each of you. Keep striving to do the things that our Prophet has told us will help us. You're all amazing and deserve a resounding high five! I wish I could give that to each of you! Keep up the good work!
With Love,
Elder Barnett
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