Missing Post from Last week

"This week was GREAT! I had such a wonderful birthday present! Our mission president's wife talked President into letting all of the sisters go down to South Africa, to do a session at the temple, and to visit a lion and rhino park! I love her. It was wonderful. So on my birthday, I got to visit a lion and rhino park, and see lots of amazing animals, and got some amazing photos, and I also got to pet baby white tigers! It was a blast. It was a great birthday here in Africa. And then this weekend was general conference, so my birthday week was pretty much the best ever! Wasn't conference great? I realized something though, conference is a totally different experience here on mission. All of you returned missionaries I am sure know what I am talking about. But I'll explain for those who don't know what I am talking about. Normally when I would watch conference I would look for things would benefit me and help me. But this time it was totally different. Don't get me wrong, I learned plenty of things will benefit me, but pretty much the whole time I was thinking about our investigators, just wishing they had been there to hear it, and so grateful for the ones that were there."
"And every talk, for me at least, seemed to apply to my missionary work. I just kept thinking how the talks were given for my different investigators and their needs specifically, and how they were missing it! But not to worry, I will make sure they get a copy of the Ensign. So, this conference experience is one I am sure I will never forget. To me, the underlying message for me was to aim high, to do better, and be better, do all you can to achieve the impossible. For me, that is what I most took away from this conference. It was great. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did, and remeber to heed those promptings you received during conference. Til next time! Love you all and miss you all. Thanks for your prayers in my behalf, they are greatly appreciated.

Oh, and P.S. I want to say congratulations to my wonderful cousin! You know who you are! That is wonderful! I am so happy for you and your family! Love you!"

Sorry for Delay

My internet version was recently upgraded and I can no longer copy and paste from my email to the blogger. As soon as I get it figured out I'll have Ashley's post up. . . . hopefully today.

Part I

This week's email was a little long to make up for last week, so it's in 3 parts, Enjoy!

"This week I learned quite a lot from an investigator we are teaching. Her name is Rebecca Mangisi, she is an older retired lady, late 60s i believe, and we have been teaching her for a while now. She is just amazing. She has gained a testimony of the gospel and the things we have been teaching her. The reason we have been teaching her for so long is because she is, or used to be, a seventh day adventist (meaning she strongly believes the Sabbath day is satruday) and we didn't want to force her to change, but we wanted her to gain that testimony for herself, so we when we explained about the ten commandments and the sabbath day she would accept it because she already has a testimony of the gospel. And that is exactly what happened this past week. She gained that strong testimony of the gospel. She opened her heart and allowed the Spirit to testify of the truthfulness of it, and she came to both sessions of stake conference, and loved them, and she actually ended up asking us about the sabbath day, and said she doesn't have a problem with it anymore. AWESOME."

Part II

"Just what we were praying for! Anyway, the reason I share her story is because this week while were teaching her she said some wonderful things that relaly taught me a lot, and I want to share them with you. They really made me think and recommit myself to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. And I was just amazed at how the Spirit really does the teaching, and I don't do anything....at all. I really don't. But anyway, I wrote down some of the things she said, and from her words, I am sure you all will be able to tell how wonderful this little old lady is. First she said that she realizes that 'the gospel has to change her. Accepting Jesus Christ means changing your life.' She continued to say, 'The gospel should be a part of my life. At church, at home, at the shops, everywhere.' Then a couple days later she said in reference to the scriptures 'I don't want to just study, but I want to live it!' I wish everyone understood these things the way she does. She is completely right, the gospel should change us. When we accept the gospel of Jesus Christ we accept all of it, and that includes repentance which is changing, leaving behind all those sins that we enjoy so much, and changing to become a better, more Christ-like disciple."

Part III

"Also, this gosple shouldn't be just a Sunday affair, or just a Christmas/Easter affair, but it should be including in every part of your life, the way you act, the way you dress, the way you talk, the way you think. If we are true disciples of Jesus Christ we do as King Benjamin said, and learn to control our thoughts, words, and actions. We should stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places! And lastly, what I learned from Rebecca this week is about the importance of applying what you read and study from the scriptures into your daily lives. She realizes that study of the gospel is not enough, but then we need to act. We need to apply what we have learned to our lives, and become better people because of what we have studied. That is so true. so there is some food for thought for you this week. I hope you enjoy the word of Rebecca Mangisi as much as I did. If you really ponder them, you will realize how important these things are that she taught me this week. I am grateful to be here on a mission and to have the opportunity to learn so much about this wonderful gospel. There is no university in the world that will teach you what a mission will teach you. Well, thank you for reading my blog. I hope you all are doing well, and I hope you all listen to general conference this weekend with your spiritual ears and not with your physical ears! Enjoy listening to the apostles and prophets this weekend, I know I will."

A smaller Branch

this weekend i had the opportunity with another sister in the district to go visit a branch here in botswana in the village of Molepolole. It was a great experience. The people in this little branch are wonderful. It was the kind of branches I figured would be here in Africa. They meet in the cafeteria of a school, and have sunday school and other meetings outside. While I speaking during sacrament meeting I could hear chickens outside. It was fun, a real African branch experience. The ward I am serving in is really big, with a nice chapel to meet in, so I was so grateful to get to go and visit this village and the saints there. Their spirits are so strong, and they loved seeing sisters. And afterwards there was a baptism and the entire branch stayed. That is how it should be. They really are a family of saints. It was such a neat experience to see; everyone should get to experience that. Well, that was the highlight of the week. until next week.

*Don't Forget*

Sister Barber's birthday is September 30th, so if you're wanting to send a card or package get going - it does take a little while to get there, so hop to it or it will be late.