WEEK 21- Five Months of Heaven

Sister Jones sent me some great pictures that I want to share. I am having trouble downloading my pics from this week so these will have to do. =)

This is a sweet little lady we contacted who was sosososos tiny. I tried to give her one of my bracelets, but she wouldn't take it. When she wasn't looking I slipped it in her pocket. Opposite of pick pocketing!!!! Haha we had a good giggle about that as we walked away. X) We hope she smiles when she finds it.

Some pics of dear friends from Amial that Sister Jones sent me...<3

This is Andrea and her daughter (this is the little girl who would steal my tag and I made her one of her own that she would wear to church. You can see that she is wearing it. =) I miss them so much. 

This is a wonderful family....these litte girls loved the Sister missionaries. Sweethearts.

My Letter Home:

I have been thinking a lot this week and I have decided that YES this was the best decision of my life to serve and YES I can speak Portuguese and YES everything about the gospel is true. So there is that.

THIS WEEK I HIT MY 5 MONTH MARK! WOOOOOOOO

I love you all so much! I loved you enough to leave you! if that makes sense...

I feel that the mission is the best way there is to prepare to be a parent and a spouse. It's funny because as missionaries we are NOT allowed to have ANY sort of romantic interactions with people, but I honestly believe that there is not a group of young adults more ready for marriage in the world than mormon missionaries. It's like we are built and trained for committment. I love it. There is no way I am not marrying a returned missionary. Although, remember ladies, an RM is not always going to be a perfect person. There are some wierd ones out there too....

I love my brother Briggs so much. He is my hero. If any of you don't know, Briggs has autism. He has a very hard time speaking and expressing his opinion (unless it is about food XD) I always thought it was sad that he would never be able to serve a mission. It is just out of his range of abilities. But I have used the story of my brother and how much he inspires me many times in my mission. I like to talk about him and the Resurrection, and how we all will be perfected physically after this life. It always brings the spirit really strong to the lesson and makes it a bit more personal. So, in a way, Briggs is serving a mission. He is inspiring people in Portugal! Thank you so much Heavenly Father for giving me this opportunity to live with an angel on earth. I have eternally been blessed. <3

It's funny because a lot of people ask us who is paying for our missions, as if we are getting paid to walk around and bear our testimonies to people. Well, jokes on you! We are paying to do this with our own money! I like to tell people that I sold my car to come to Portugal (which is totally true) and then they are always really impressed. If you are thinking about going on a mission, I recommend paying for it yourself (or at least as much as you can). A lot of people are impressed and I've had a lot of people be willing to listen to us after telling them that. In fact, the other night this funny old man told us we must be going straight to heaven for paying for our missions. Haha thanks, but that's not how it works;)

A lot of times during lessons I am prompted to tell a story about a friend or family member that I was told. I used one about someone I know in a lesson yesterday about repentance. I will not say who it was, haha but you will know who you are. This friend of mine, we will call her Peggie, when she was a child, was playing marbles with her friends. Her friend had a lot of beautiful marbles, but there was one that was more amazing than all of them. It was large and shiny and special. And this friend wanted it very much. So Peggie took the marble and slipped it in her pocket. Later when Peggie was walking home she felt SO bad and SO guilty that she figured that this stupid marble couldn't hardly be worth feeling so bad! So she got this marble and THREW it as far as her little arm could throw. 

I think all of us can relate to this story, because sometimes, as humans, we do things that hurt our spirits. We sin. All of us sin. None of us are perfect. And that feeling of guilt can really do some damage to us spiritually. Maybe Peggie should have returned the marble to her friend and asked forgiveness, but she wasn't sure what to do in this situation. Sometimes we don't know what to do when we feel this pain. I emplore you all, ask forgiveness! The Lord is just waiting to forgive and forget! He is constantly raining down blessings, but when we commit these little acts we are spiritually putting up an umbrella. Don't do it! 

I love you all and wish you a wonderful week! 
Até próxima!

Loves, Sister Barron

We had a zone conference on the islands. This is my last time seeing Pres. and Sister Fluckiger. They have been released and are headed home. My new mission President is from 
Brazil and his name is Victor Tavares.

I (Paige) received these two pictures from a 
Sister that lives in the ward Quincey is serving in. 
I recognize Paulo Jorge in the top one.

WEEK 20!!! It's not even about the scenery, (even though I love it) it's about so much MORE!

 This area is so beautiful. The streets are lined 

with trees. This is where we go running 

in the morning. There is a ton of 

interesting graffiti art everywhere.

I call this piece, "The Wedgie Wall".

 Sister McChesney is AWESOME. She was a ballerina at BYU before the mission and now she is a flippin sweet soldier of the Lord. Love that girl. We have a lot of fun together. It's funny because I could totally see myself rooming at BYU with any of my companions so far. They are all total gems and so nice and awesome.

 Some of the views that I wanted to 

capture and remember.

For real???

Another bug to add to the collection. 

These cars will always be my favs.

This is the view from our balcony. 

You can see the ocean and another 

point of the island in the distance.

Sis. Mickey and another beautiful Catholic church.

 Awesome grafitti! Totally epic.

THIS IS PAULO JORGE!!! 

Boxer/Guardian Angel

These are some really cute girls in our ward. 

They are both 15. 

They both want to serve a mission some day!!!

(Sister Jones sent me these pictures from Porto!) This is Joaquim, a recent convert that I used to teach with Sister Jones. We call him our "Padre" (Which is like a Catholic Priest that you confess tour sins to) because we were always just standing at his doorway and he would basically be teaching US. Haha Great times.

Sister Jones with her new companion (not sure of her name)and Joaquim! <3

My Letter Home:

BOM DIA TODOS! 
This is Sister Quincey Brooklyn Barron! 

This is my home address if you feel so inclined to send me a letter:

Rua Manuel Ferreira 9 3D

9500-224 Ponta Delgada

05 Azores, Portugal

This week we had an amazing experience. Sister McChesney had taught this really cute family in the past, she went on and on about how one day they would be sealed in the temple and how I really needed to meet them. A young couple and two small children. So finally we passed by their house about a week ago and they told us in a frank, clipped tone that no, they did not want anything to do with us and that, yes, they were going to continue going to their church. Thank you very much. Sister was heartbroken. I didn't really know them that well, so I didn't feel very affected. But I could see that they were really important to Sister Mickey so that was sad for me. But then, a few days later, we ended up passing them on the street! MIRACLE! We asked if we could come pass by their house again this week and they accepted! DOUBLE MIRACLE! We prepared so hard for this lesson. We wanted to teach like it was the last lesson we would ever teach them. We prayed, practiced, and planned it all. So when we finally went over there, I felt pretty prepared. I could see Sisters hands shaking, she was so scared, she really wanted this lesson to go perfect. We taught the story of Joseph Smith, and asked them questions to gauge what they needed to hear. Then the moment came, I felt it, I needed to bear my testimony. So I did. I told them that beyond a shadow of a doubt, I knew this church was true and that I would not be here if I didn't know. I told them how it was really hard to leave my family, but that I knew it was for a good reason. I told them that the Book of Mormon changed my life, and that it could change theirs too. I told them that my family has so much more unity and love in the household as members of this church, and that I wanted this for them also. The spirit was indescribable. Sister told me to teach like it was my last lesson of my mission, and I can confidently say that I DID. Let me just say that tears were shed, from all four of us. This little Portuguese couple heard my words, and told me that they knew my words were true and that they wanted to be baptized. They had prayed for an answer, and when they ran into us on the street they took that as their answer that YES they should continue seeing us and that YES we really are messengers from God. Missionaries are messengers from God! How cool is that?!?! I just pray now that the Lord will protect this little family. We know that now is the time that Satan will try his best to tear this precious truth from them. Sister McChesney truly has her heart set on seeing them enter the waters of baptism. She is willing to risk it all. And I am too. 

I have made a committment. I am going to give my all. I have brought it all to the sacrificial table and I plan to give it my everything. I have sealed it with my tears. I have ached over this people, prayed over this people, and I sincerely feel that the Lord will hear and answer my prayers. It is a show of faith that I am willing to give. 

I love you all and I hope you all have an opportunity to share the gospel this week with someone that needs it. There is no feeling like it. People are all around you! Just look!

Sister Barron

WEEK 19- Almost Paradise...I'm Knockin On Heavens Door

Saying goodbye to one of our awesome members named Cedalia. <3 I will miss her!

Rafael and his wife Candida. (Remember the guy who always sounds really angry when he talks but he is really saying things like, "I want to get baptized! " This is him. Rafael!) Candida made us these bracelets. Aren't they so cool! I will miss them. My prayers are with them.

 She made me all three of these bracelets. SKILZ<3

 I ate octopus!!!  

It was actually really good I thought.

This is my new planner! It is in preparation for the 4th of July! An Ode to America! Everyone in the Azores loves America, so it is actually really fun!

This is my last pic of Amial as I boarded the train to head to the airport. I treasure my time in this beautiful city. I hope to see you again. <3

(I actually don't have pictures of my new area yet, there will be plenty of time.)

My letter home:

Hey Everyone!!! 

(My beloved people that read my emails:)

This week was utter chaos, but at the same time it has been one of the most fun weeks of my mission. There has been a lot of change, and as of now I am living on a beautiful island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores. It is so beyond amazing and the members here are so special. Each one is unique. This week I would like to focus on one member that I have met named Paulo Jorge.

First of all, Mommy and Daddy you don't have to worry about me....because Im pretty sure I am one of the safest Sisters in the Portugal Lisbon Mission. We have a guardian angel with us. Paulo Jorge is an amazing man. He was a baptism of my trainer, Sister Jones, and he has such a solid testimony. He is probably the chillest dude I have met on my mission and here is why: He will literally walk with us all day, into the night, preaching the gospel with us. It is amazing. He says he wishes he could be a missionary and this is the closest he can get. He likes to walk with the Sisters to keep them safe. He is in his 60s, but he looks and acts like he is in his 40s. AND get this: he is a boxer! Literally it is the most amazing thing. He is one of the most amazing people I have met. He comes from such a dark background, a home full of hate and drugs, and he has become such a spiritual leader. I am so priveledged to meet him and know him. Thank you Sister Jones!!!! 

This week was interesting starting in a new area and a new branch. I still don't really know where anything is, but luckily my awesome new comp Sister McChesney knows it all....and Paulo Jorge is also our own personal GPS. It's nice walking with someone who has lived here his whole life. The branch here is so sweet. I think I have already wormed my way into the hearts of the young women of the ward =D. I gave them each a bracelet and BAM I had a ton of fans. They were all hugging me and the little girls were hanging on my legs. Yeahhh, I was very well welcomed:) 

Different things about the island: the accent people have here is BIZARRE! If ya'll could hear it, you would probably think it was French. They have a very heavy French accent. And a lot more people here speak English. But get this: when they speak English it is with the heaviest BOSTON accent you can imagine. What a funny combo! I guess there is some huge Portuguese immigrant base in Boston, Massachusetts? Anyway, it is so beyond funny to hear. I can't explain enough.

This week we had the priveledge to meet a beautiful family from Pakistan. A Mother and her three children. I'm not totally sure why they are here on the Azores, the Dad isn't with them here, but they were sososososo nice to us. They do not speak Portuguese. The teenage daughter knows a little bit of English. But even with the language barriers, we had a total blast with them. We exchanged photos of our families (she said you were all beautiful.....so just know that) and they gave us some interesting food. It was like this sweet noodle stuff that they only eat on special occasions. At one point me and Sister McChesney decided to sing a childrens song to them: Families Can Be Together Forever. (I didn't cry this time haha....Daddy -_-) And the spirit was so special and strong. I know they felt the spirit of our words even if they didn't understand them. In that moment I was amazed and so happy to know that this church is true. It can bless families and bring people from other sides of the world together. They said if we ever come to Pakistan we can stay in their house! Pode ser!

I love you all so much and I love this work so much. I wouldn't trade this time for anything. I have the most stellar comp, a SUPER hard worker! Constance, your daughter is a GEM. She is a baptising machine. 

Until next week! I love you all!

Sister Barron

PS. These flowers are all over the island. Sooo beautiful. 

WEEK 18- The Fabulous 4 Month Mark!

FIRST OF ALL, I AM SO SORRY BECAUSE THIS EMAIL WILL BE IN ALL CAPS. I AM CURRENTLY TYPING ON A COMPUTER THAT IS IN PORTUGUESE AUTOCORRECT AND I CANT TYPE IN NORMAL ENGLISH, SO I AM SO SORRY I AM NOT YELLING. I AM SITTING IN A LITTLE INTERNET STORE IN THE AIRPORT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE.......(THIS PART I ACTUALLY AM YELLING) 

I HIT MY FOUR MONTHS THIS PAST WEEK! WOWWOWOWOWOW

I HAVE BE TRANSFERRED AND I WILL BE SERVING ON THE AZORES! THOSE ARE SOME TINY AND BEAUUUTIFULLLLL ISLANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN! EVERYONE I HAVE TALKED TO IS SO JEALOUS...IT SOUNDS LIKE THE MOST AMAZING AREA EVER, SO BEAUTIFUL. MY AREA THAT I AM ASSIGNED TO IS PONTA DELGATA. I AM BEYOND EXCITED.

(Note from the Editor, I found some 
pictures of Sao Miguel, this is the
 island that Quincey will be on)

THIS WILL BE SUCH AN AMAZING PART OF THIS ADVENTURE WE CALL A MISSION. AND I HOPE  I WILL BE THERE FOR A LONG TIME BECAUSE IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FLY MISSIONARIES BACK AND FORTH, SO EVERYONE WHO GOES THERE USUALLY STAYS THERE FOR AT LEAST 2 TRANSFERS. AHHHHHH THIS WILL BE SO AWESOME! GO AND GOOGLE PICTURES OF THE AZORES RIGHT NOW AND TRY AND TELL ME THAT I'M NOT GOING TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH. I AM SO BEYOND PSYCHED.

I DON'T WANT TO WRITE A HUGE EMAIL, BECAUSE I CAN IMAGINE THAT THIS IS REALLY ANNOYING TO READ, SO I WILL JUST SAY I LOVE YOU ALL AND THIS IS SUCH AND AWESOME WORK! I AM SO BEYOND IN LOVE WITH MY MISSION. IT WAS HARD TO SAY GOODBYE TO SISTER JONES, SHE IS A WONDERFUL MISSIONARY. KIMMY (HER MAMA) SHOULD REALLY BE PROUD. IT WAS HARDEST OF ALL TO SAY GOODBYE TO OUR RECENT CONVERT JOANA. (I AM SAYING THIS IN MY MIND WITH A CALM, SOFT VOICE...NOT YELLING, REMEMBER?) I JUST HOPE THAT THE WARD WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER AND SHE WILL STAY STRONG IN HER TESTIMONY. MEMBERS DON'T REALIZE THIS, BUT IT IS REALLY HARD FOR RECENTLY BAPTISED PEOPLE TO KEEP THE FIRE THEY HAVE FOR GOING TO CHURCH. THEY ARE SO NEW, SO TENDER, SO FRESH IN THEIR TESTIMONIES, AND THEY NEED A LOT OF HELP FROM THEIR WARDS TO REMEMBER THE ORIGINAL REASON THEY WERE BAPTISED. JOANA WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH I LOVE HER. SHE IS SO PRECIOUS IN MY EYES, AND INFINITELY MORE IN GODS EYES. 

SORRY FOR THE ANNOYINGNESS OF THE ALL CAPS! IF YOU READ TO THE END, PARABENS! 

SISTER BARRON

WEEK 17- I met a tall person! in fact, I met 2!

And I'm not talking about these two angels. They are tall in spirit though! This is us on division! The day I worked with Sister Moncuso, (the redhead). Sister Gutierrez was with Sis Jones, it was so much fun! They are just a little dupla of pure energy. 

It was so fun to work with her for a day. 

We took Sao Mamede by STORM!!!!!

 We wanted to make fried chicken, but we didn't have corn flakes, so the STLs had a great idea to use BRAN CEREAL instead.....

 it was ew...=/ 

 I snagged a picture of baby Joana in her house So cute! =D

 Cool car

 Sister Jones had this really bad blister and this cute ward member named Fernanda fixed her up really nice! I snagged an action shot, Fernanda was unaware. Sneaker!

 This is Beatriz, a little girl we have been teaching for a long time. She really wants to get baptised, she comes to church with her Grandma. Her Mom likes it when we come to teach her daughter so we will continue to do that. She is smarter than a lot of little girls I know when it comes to the gospel. She put together the whole plan of salvation for us! (thanks Aunt Brooklyn for that little set! 

I have used it 3 times!)

In this picture I am doing my best European face. They never show their teeth in pictures, 

it's so funny. =)

The boss volleyball players that we met.

My Letter Home:

Ola to all of my friends, family, and fans ;)))))

This is the last week before the end of transfers. I really want to stay here in Porto! The mission is going to split! That means the work here is progressing! Woooo, more precious souls have entered the waters of baptism! I can feel the motivation we have as a mission, and it is growing!

I worked with another Sister one day this week, something called divisions, and she was this cute, little redheaded sister named Sister Moncuso. It was a little strange to serve with someone that was short! I have gotten so used to being at eye level with my comp! haha 

I learned so much this week. I had a moment when I was actually really sad. And for me, that is kinda unusual. I just felt really inadequate. I knew that it was normal to feel this way, that every missionary goes through this, but that doesn't mean I didn't feel it! It was really hard. But I discovered something that is cool that helped me a lot: I can change my attitude! I decided, then and there, to change my attitude and be happy. And it worked! We talked to so many more people that day, and even if they rejected us, I felt really good inside. With some good old prayer and scripture reading, I was completely able to change my outlook on myself as a missionary! I am doing my best! Why should I ask more than that of myself? 

So we were walking down the streets of Sao Mamede, like a normal day, and we see these giants in the distance. We didn't really think much of it and passed them with a friendly ´´Boa Tarde´´ like normal. Then it hit me. TALL PEOPLE?! In Portugal?!? What?!?! So, simultaneously me and Sister Jones turn around and they turned around too because, here are two tall American girls walking down the street. Everyone here on average is 5 foot! Then we all started talking, bonding over our height and how there is a severe lack of tall people in Portugal. They could speak English pretty well, and they thought it was so cool when they found out we could speak Portuguese. And can I just say something? They were SO COOL! Chillest dudes I have met since coming here (other than Samuel Silva.....I hope he reads my blog Haha). Their names were Marcel and Francisco. They are volleyball players for the Portugal NATIONAL volleyball team! How cool is that?! We just ran into them! They asked us if we played volleyball too. We explained we were missionaries here to preach the gospel. They had a lot of questions about the rules we follow as missionaries (Sister Jones thought they wanted to ask us out haha) but they were so nice and they gave us their numbers! We want to teach them. Hopefully it will happen, but as you can imagine they have a very busy schedule. Before we left I snagged a picture as proof. I love this work, random cool things happen all the time!

I love you all so much! I get to go to Lisbon today to do my residency, and I am so excited. Thanks  for reading my email! I know this church is true!

Sister Barron