"Hay un hogar eterno."

Dear friends and family,

It's very hard for me to believe that my time here in Spain has suddenly come to an end.  So I would just like to share a couple of thoughts in this last letter.

About 18 months ago, I came on the airplane to Madrid and directly started working and studying in the fabulous MTC.  I was scared to death with the whole new "life/ culture shock," but thanks to my incredible companion, Hermana Hansen, I learned how to face challenges and rely on the Lord for help.  There I I learned how to rely on the gift of tongues where we had to practice teaching the gospel in a whole new language. Scary right? My MTC experience was unforgettable.

My first area I went to is called Alcorcón, a cute little pueblo right outside of Madrid.  I was very fortunate to be "born" to great trainers.  Hermana Marsh and Hermana Finch treated me well and taught me how you can truly enjoy the mission.  After Hermana Finch's last transfer with me, I was greenie broken by Hermana Whiting.  These two transfers I had to learn how to be confident in now leading "my area." I love these sweet people of the Alcorcón branch.

My second area I was shipped back to Pavones where I got to serve in the wonderful 8th ward.  Hermana Spencer and I really enjoyed working together especially still being pretty new in the mission.  After she left I was with Hermana Birnbaumer for two more transfers there.  I was blessed to be with a native to really help me with Spanish.  I learned a lot with her. B8 has mi corazón!!


My third area I whitewashed/trained in B5.  Hermana Modugno was quite the blessing for me those next three transfers together.  I was scared OUT OF MY MIND to train and white wash.  But oh did I  sure see the hand of the Lord strengthen me there.  B5 edified me spiritually. Some of my favorite  memories is serving with my favorite Italian in the center of Madrid.

Last but not least, B2!! Heavenly Father truly blessed me to be with Hermana McEntire my last two transfers and to serve the other sisters in my zone as a sister training leader.  I learned more than I thought I could in only 2 transfers and I fell in love with this ward. Two transfers was not nearly enough to be in this area.

Yesterday in church, we sang a song called, "Hay un hogar eterno." Which means, "There is an eternal home."  Yesterday during church as I looked around at all of the amazing members in B2, I thought about what this song said.  It was interesting because tomorrow I'm going to my earthly "home." But one thing that I have learned in my mission is that great thanks to the gospel, we may all live together in a heavenly home with our Heavenly Parents one day.

There's a scripture I shared a couple of weeks ago- in Alma, talking about how by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass.  Or something along those lines.  Anyway, the last few days, as I have been pondering about my experiences the last few months, I have realized that I have only been doing little small and simple things. And Heavenly Father is in charge of doing the rest.  We are not perfect, no one is, but it is incredible to me that as we do our part, HE will help us make life look like a masterpiece work of art.

 There are so many more things I could say but I just want to say how much I have learned about God's love for us.  He loves us so much that he sent his only begotten son.  How cool is that? We don't have to be sad.  We can be FELIZ!!!! I am so grateful for every struggle/weakness/difficulty I was faced these last 18 months. Because I was shown the strength of Christ as he strengthened such an imperfect child like me, into something that only they knew I could accomplish.  I have learned the power of PRAYER! I have learned that because Heavenly Father loves us so much, he has restored the truthfulness of his gospel once again in the earth.  I have learned to love the people here more than I could even imagined.  I have learned the importance of forgetting yourself and serving others!! Thank to you all for your love and support and prayers that I know I wouldn't have been able to do without. I love you all and can't wait to come home!!

Hasta que las ranas críen pelo. 🤗🇪🇸

Con MUCHO AMOR,
Hermana Sydney Berry
🍓🇪🇸


 
 
 
 
   

Baptisms and Birthdays

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

Today we celebrated Independence day of America in Retiro Park playing with water guns and eating Spanish Tortilla.  Mission life is great haha.

Okay now down to business.  I can't believe that we are already to my last week.  I have no words because my brain still hasn't exactly processed it all.  I will hopefully be able to express my last thoughts next week so let me tell you what happned this week then.

Well.. Dakota got baptized!!!  It all went great and I even had to give a talk about the holy ghost.  In her testimony she thanked the us, the missionaries for sharing our testimonies about the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love those little tender moments of the mission!!

Yesterday I turned 21!!! As much as I wanted to have my Birthday back at home, I felt so proud and grateful to have had my 21st Birthday in Spain, as a missionary, serving the Lord.  What a privilege it is to be a missionary.  I can't even begin to explain how full my heart is of gratitude for everything that I have learned.

On Friday, we had intercambios and I learned a great lesson about prayer and service.  Because we are the sister training leaders, the 2 other Hermanas come to our area and have to work here with us.  Well there were a couple of hours that we were not able to set up any appointments.  So I just prayed that we would  be able to find something to worth doing.  Well we had a feeling to call this one member.. and it turned out that she needed a lot of help to move out of her stuff out of her piso and into her new place.  So all 4 of us went and helped her and she was so happy! I love prayers and Service. :)

This week has been a little hard trying to focus on the work but be prepared to leave.  But as I have been trying hard to enjoy every moment.. I have been very blessed to be reminded of all of the many blessings I have received in my mission.  Heavenly Father has helped me so much and I feel so lucky to have served him these short 18 months.  I know that we can feel joy just by simply praying, keeping the commandments, and reading our scriptures.

Thank you to all for all of the incredible support I have felt while I have been here in Madrid.  I know this church is true and The Jesus Christ IS the head of it.  He lives, and he loves us.

con Amor,

Hermana Berry