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
🍓🇪🇸
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