WEEK #65

Wow I don't even know where to start...first of all this transfer has been crazy. Should I make you wait or tell you now? Alright I'll tell you...well it looks like I'm going to die (that is how missionaries describe finishing the last of their mission) here in Castellón!!  Hermana Wallace left to San Sebastian. I got a new companion named Hermana Solos. She is from Minnesota and she just got out of training. She is fresh and ready to work. My testimony really grew this last week when I realized that the Lord really was listening to my prayers. He knows exactly what I needed to end my mission right. I'm excited to work with Hermana Solos and I'm excited to stay here in Castellón. I can't wait to spend Christmas here with all these crazy people! So a surprise of transfers that's for sure.

I'm trying mom to always have a smile on my face. Truth is I feel myself getting more and more tired every day, but don't worry I'm still smiling and talking to everyone. I love the mission and the more I think about coming home the more sad I get. I mean I miss you all, but I don't want to leave yet! It's going to be a weird adjustment home. That's so awesome about the sisters (we have great sister missionaries in Danville and love having them over for dinner). I hope they feel loved and welcomed. My attitude about missionaries has changed completely. I'm so glad you are close to them and help them. I know that means a lot to them. More than you will ever know. I'm glad you get to see all the pictures that the JAS take here (The JAS are the young adult group in the church where Rachel is serving.  They take pictures with Rachel all the time and post them on Facebook so we get to see her almost every day!  We can tell they love her). They are big "Selfie" and Facebook people, but that's good. It's easier for me because then I don't have to send so many pictures home to you all. The JAS are awesome here though and they accept me just like one of their own. They help us a lot as well with our citas and our investigators. I couldn't ask for more. It's definitely weird without Rita here, but I know she's doing great things in Chile. (Rita was one of the young adults in Spain who because a very close friend to Rachel, but she just left to serve a mission in Chile).

Well as for the work here, it's going. We have some great people. This week's miracle was that Gustavo came to church alone!! Gustavo is married to a recent convert who is struggling to come to church herself. Gustavo doesn't really talk much so we don't really know where he is with all the religion stuff. This Sunday though, he showed up. When I asked where Luz was he said, "I came alone?...is that not allowed?"  I just laughed, but was so excited for him. I know he is super close to baptism he just needs to accept it and see it for himself. The best Christmas present would be to see him get baptized...keep him in your prayers. 

Also Christmas is already starting here. Because they don't have Thanksgiving, they jump straight to Christmas. IT'S AWESOME!!! I'm already listening to Christmas music in piso...my poor companion. Also, we get to go to Valencia for the stake Christmas celebration and I'm so excited! I'll get to see everyone again! It's going to be great. I also realized that I started my mission in the Valencia stake center with my very first testimony and I'm going to end with my last testimony in the exact same building...how many missionaries can say that?? That's super cool. It really is a blessing to end my mission here. I'm so excited for this next 3 months and all the miracles and blessings we are going to see. 

Well that's really all I have for you today. A fresh start is exactly what I needed. I'm ready to get working and to find those people who are waiting for ME and my personality...get ready Castellón!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Hermana Barker