Baptism!

Family,

We had such a great baptism this week. The girl is 15 years old, and was the greatest ever. My companion and I found her last transfer, but then I moved areas halfway through her teaching. After we asked her to be baptized and come to church, she immediately agreed, and hasn't missed a week. She finished the whole Book of Mormon in a month (she wanted to finish before her baptism), and started again, she rented "Our Heritage" from the local library, and read that too. She invited so many people to her baptism, so we had about 40 people there (Sacrament meeting attendance is about 55-60). She even asked one of the other young women to help her pay her tithing yesterday (her first Sunday being baptized). She's ridiculous, and will be such a good example, especially to the Young Women. I got to interview her, and it was such a great experience. It just makes you think how many people are out there just waiting. Pretty cool.

We've been struggling with a couple of our families (the ones who have children preparing to be baptized). One of them doesn't have a car or phone, and lives super far from the church. Another has a car and a phone, but the car is unreliable, and they often can't afford gas, and they live far too (not really, but in the Palauan mind they do). A lot of you guys have kids that you bring to church, so hopefully you can help me. One problem we've been having, especially, is people are afraid to bring their young children to church. They're afraid that the kids will cry and run around, or whatever else kids do. We've tried to tell them that of course they will, but if you keep bringing them, they will learn. How can we help them to not care so much? Or what are some cool tricks to get the kids quiet for an hour in the meeting?

I think we've officially entered the real rainy season. It's been constantly raining for the past week. Some days more than others, but my planner gets pretty soaked. The sheets I brought came in these plastic things that zip closed, so I've been using those to put my books and photo album in (inside my backpack). I thought it was genious, but every time I pull it out, everyone giggles. It's pretty funny actually. I'm still doing it. I've been wearing my Crocs (yes, I have crocs, for those who didn't know - they're approved specifically for our mission) everyday, but now that it's raining so much, it's too much of a hassle to avoid all the puddles and look at the ground all day. So, I switched back to my normal shoes. I'm not retiring them just yet though.

That's all I have I think. My trip to Yap is the 22nd of August I found out yesterday, then we'll fly back the 26th for Zone Conference that day.

Oh, Dad. Either you or Mom asked if you're sending too many pictures, and the answer is no. But here's the thing. I can't keep them all (I just don't have space) - so you can just print them all on regular paper, fold it up, and send it off. Plus, I think it would save some time and money for you guys. Just a thought.

Love,

Elder Barlow


(Pictures):

1) I found this word in the dictionary the other day. I'm going to try and use it in as many teaching situations as possible - "God has asked us to love our neighbor. That means that we should not 'melengesakl'"
2) Risong and her family at Risong's baptism.

3) Risong, Tobi (another recent convert), and the missionaries - Sunday (yesterday).