Hey, everyone, first of all I just wanted to thank those who wished me a happy birthday on Thursday, it really meant a lot! These past couple weeks went by fast, and I sure am enjoying my time teaching people in the tropical paradise of Samaná!
Like the title says, this should be my second to last email, as my final testimony will be sent out in two weeks, my last Monday in the mission (that is if I don't forget). November has officially ended, it was great while it lasted, and it definitely went by super-fast! As of today, I have 23 months being set apart, which is crazy. Now that I'm in my final month on the mission, it's weird for me to think that by the end of this month I'll be home with my family. Not because I don't want to be with my family of course, but because of how fast it all went by.
But as I said, I'll talk more about my experience as a whole in my next, final email, so keep an eye out for that! For now, I'll keep you updated with how these last couple weeks went.
Elder Espinoza and I have been working to find and teach those that will receive us, as well as making sure the members of the church here stay active and strong in the faith. Samana work is exciting but also not easy, just like anywhere else. I would say the biggest struggle here is finding the people who have the desire to go to church and grow their testimony. Everyone we meet is either already part of a church and not interested in anything different or new, or they don't go to any church and believe that their "belief" in God is enough.
Nevertheless, we believe God has people prepared for us and we're working hard to be in tune with the spirit to find them.
I've also got to know the area a lot better. It's not very big, at least the part we actually work in, and I feel like I've seen all of it by now. The only thing I'm missing is to deepen my search and try to speak with as many people as I can before I leave the area. I've also been out on the bridge to Cayo Vigia, and also up to Playa Rincon, which were two very cool experiences. My birthday landed on Thanksgiving this year, and we had an amazing Thanksgiving feast at the sister of a member's super big house that looks like it's from the Clue board game.
As I've said, I'm really enjoying my time, and I'm continuing to learn a lot. I'm really excited to be home, but I also understand there's still work to be done, and that I'm not done as a missionary until I'm released. With only a couple weeks left, I'm looking forward to devoting more and more of myself until the buzzer sounds!
I think that's about it for now. Thanks again for all the love, prayers, and support. Any support you guys give me means a lot. Love you all and I'll talk to you again in just a couple weeks!
I must go -Elder Barlow
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