11 April 2011

Family,

It's just before 6:30 here, we decided to email quickly before our flight (we have to be there in an hour and I still have to shower and finish packing the things I needed this morning).

This last week we were in Pohnpei. We arrived late Sunday night/early Monday morning, and then spent P-Day with them. We played football with the elders and then just followed them around to all their errands. After playing and getting all sweaty, I realized that I didn't pack any extra garments. So, I wore the same smelly set every day: Sunday - Thursday. I didn't realize how bad they actually stunk until I went to wash them. Luckily it didn't rain on us though. A bunch of people asked if I'm related to a Spencer Barlow that served in Pohnpei a few years ago. They said he was part Tongan, so I said no. But correct me if I'm wrong. I think there were multiple Spencer Barlow's running around this mission in the past.

Anyway, it was fun, and I learned a lot more than just some Pohnpeian phrases. But it's been a while since I had to sit through that many lessons that I didn't understand. It was so hot when we went that I fell asleep in one of the lessons. Oh well, what can you do? On the flipside, they did have a deaf investigator who taught himself basic Sign Language. Elder Matthews offered my services to help him. So I got to teach someone in Sign Language for the first time. I was pretty nervous because I don't remember much, let alone gospel-related words. Luckily, this guy only new basic stuff anyway. The missionaries figured out all the things, especially commandments, that would be difficult for them to teach. So I ended up teaching this guy about prophets, repentance, and the Law of Chastity. It was so interesting because this guy doesn't speak English, only Pohnpeian (he's able to talk a little), and can't read either one. So if there was a sign that I didn't know, I couldn't just spell it, because he doesn't know English, and definitely can't read it. But, he wants to be baptized, and is working for the end of the month to do it. I had a good time.

This weekend was General Conference for us, combined with Zone Leader Council. We were pretty busy again. I enjoyed Elder Eyring's talk on service on Saturday (If that wasn't the topic, that's what I remember about it, and I don't remember which session). I think that one was probably my favorite. I missed a few having to run to the airport during sessions, but I caught most of it.

Well, like I said, I've got to get going. I love you guys, I'll talk to you next week.

Love,

Elder Barlow