BEST MONTH OF THE YEAR

It's been a great week here, and there's nothing like an Oregon Duck victory!!! wore my green tie on Saturday and I think that probably provided some kind of extra boost.

It's been really fun seeing Katya get excited for her Baptism this Saturday. She had her interview last Saturday and prepared for some of the questions by going through the Book of Mormon and finding answers in the scriptures! She's just so prepared and the branch members already love her. Now we're trying to get Tatiana, her mother, on board, and she's coming along and will be attending the baptism. She's way willing to listen and speak and laugh with us, she's very funny, but has still yet to read the book of Mormon But she did make a promise that she'll get interested once she sees a change in Katya, and I know that'll happen and is happening. I love the scripture in D&C 84:20 about how when ordinances happen, God's power is manifest. I think that Tatiana will feel something, and that'll spark her desire to learn. It's like Watching Remember the Titans before a football game-- it just pumps you up! Except in a more spiritual way.

I've been on a few exchanges this week, the first one last Friday in Daugavpils and then yesterday in Tallinn. I've said if before but I love exchanges because there's a lot of faith when you're with someone different for the first time, and faith always brings miracles sometime or later. In “Dpils”- I was with Elder Sakievich, an elder I served around in Vilnius because he used to be Lithuanian speaking until 2 transfers ago when he got changed to Russian because of the number of missionaries. It's ironic because his older brother served here a while ago, originally called as Russian speaker and then ended up learning Lithuanian too! He's doing really well though, and Daugavpils is the perfect place to learn Russian. It's a smaller city on the east side of Latvia that's literally 97% Russian. While knocking and talking, we talked to three people not in Russian: one guy from England, a kid who's living in Riga but visiting and then one woman who answered the door in Russian, went to Latvian, I responded in some Latvian and then she shut the door. Haha. Even though there are a lot of Russians in Riga, it is not the usual to only talk to three people in English/Latvian. It was paradise! We taught a few new lessons to some cool
people, and hopefully they will keep their commitments to read/pray. Yesterday in Tallinn was also really fun, I was with Elder Roberts and Elder Baird-- my friend from BYU who was in THE 55th ward last year with Bishop Simpson, Brother Wilson, and Brother Paxman. The All-star Bishopric. They are opening up a new city/area, called Keila, which is a 30 min train ride south of Tallinn We taught an jolly older guy with a white beard named Pehter (Pjotr in Russian) and another woman who's come to church twice and is really responsible and will be baptized soon hopefully! She's says she feels this really strong energy as she read the book of Mormon, came to church, and listened to the sacrament prayer. I say that's the Holy Ghost. Tallinn is a really exciting city, with a more modern feel than Riga, and has a bunch of Russian people. It'd be a riot to serve there someday!

Speaking of which, transfers are coming up next week (a week early because of Christmas) so preparation day will be on Thursday. Actually now that I think about it, the next three preparation days will be Thursday, because the following week is Christmas! Wow is that for real? Thanksgiving just happened!! Welp, time's flying, nothing new. I still have no idea what will happen next transfer but you'll find out next week! I don't worry about transfers though, because they really are inspired so they can never go wrong.

Thanks for you love and support, keep on keeping on!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

P.S. Elder Baird's grandparents live in Cottage Grove! They are Steven and Linda Ord, who I'm pretty sure I know. But if you see them, tell them their grandson is the man! I love him.

P.P.S. Also another family is in the Riga branch for the time being named the Wardells, also from the Eugene area. I talk to them every Sunday, but pretty sure I've never seen them before. Do we know them?

Missions are the best. So is the 3rd day of the 12th month.

From Jenae Brett:

Hey Family!

HAPPY 12/3... aka: PB&J day!!!!

I am so sorry it's been over a week since I've written! Last week was just so insane with transfers and Christmas lights going up on the Square that we only got part of our preparation day!

It sure has been exciting around here though. Like mentioned, the Christmas lights are now turned on each night on Temple Square and it is complete and overwhelming insanity each and every night! It has been really fun though. Each night has a unique feel as well--Monday night lots of families come for FHE, Tuesday and Wednesday are PACKED to the brim with mutual groups from all over the place, Thursaday night draws out more non-members who come to watch the Tab choir practice and visit Temple Square, Friday and Saturdays are always fun and awkward as we have a night full of date-interupting, and Sunday, well Sunday is the the Sabbath and is always special :)

Highlights of the past 2 weeks...
-The lights coming on= TONS more people, more smiles, more missionary opportunities, and a greater chance to share the reason for this beautiful season---JESUS CHRIST.

-This past week the Barnes family visited!!! It was pretty unexpected and they actually came right in the middle of the ONLY hour I had on the Square that day so it was perfect timing! (I was in the call center, office and Beehive house the rest of the day). Anyhow, Sister Tyree and I were blessed to be able to take them through the same family presentation that Sister Beylis and I took you all through a few weeks ago. I just love how every family truly brings a unique spirit to the already wonderful spirit on Temple Square. Being with the Barnes for a little bit felt a lot like being with my very own family and I am one lucky sister for that very reason!

It baffles me how someone could deny how special families are, and it makes complete sense that Satan #1 tactic is to break down families. When Bethany showed me her little tummy with Baby Barnes inside I just couldn't help but think what a divine plan our Father in Heaven has for us. What better way would there be to become like our Savior than to become stewards over one another in family units just as He is the great shepherd of us all? I dunno about chu, but I can't think of any better way.

-Yesterday, Sister Tyree and I were in charge of "opening" and "closing" the Joseph Smith movie, and we had a really neat experience. There was a couple we had just taken on a tour that wanted to see the Joseph Smith movie, so we took them there and talked a little bit beforehand about the movie and what it is depicting. They were, however, pretty uninterested in trying to believe. The man said something to the effect of "God spoke to a 14 year-old boy? hmm, that sounds a bit far-stretched if you asked me." Soooo, we did our best, bore our testimonies and started the movie. Then, afterwards, two guys came right up to us after the movie with tears in their eyes and down their cheeks. One was named Gregg and the other Stephen. We learned that Gregg had had his first discussion with his missionaries the day before, and already knew it was all true. He said that at the end of the discussion they asked if he would pray, and he uncomfortably said okay...then one of the elders suggested he even pray right then and there to know if what they had taught was true...so he did! He explained that as he sincerely and vocally asked, "it was like someone was pouring a bucket of warm water over my head and heart." Gregg's life was going downhill fast, and the light in his eyes and excitement he carried showed the hope and faith he had that through Jesus Christ he could turn everything around-including his failing marriage (his wife is a member and he hasn't been willing to listen for years).

As I thought about the difference between the couple before the movie and the two friends after I realized how blessed we can be if we merely are willing to come with a sincere and broken heart. God will unfold the way to happiness, all we have to do is ask and be willing to act on the answer we receive. I know that is true, and the joy I felt as Gregg shared his new and joyful testimony with us is the joy I want everyone in the world to feel!

I have to go, but I sure love you all and I was so happy to hear the Spokane reception went so well!

All my love and prayers,
-Sister Nay Brett#3

P.S. Happy almost Christmas break! You can make it!
P.P.S. Tell Jess all that extra time could be used dropping her sister a
letter...just maybe....LOVE YOU!

BUNNY BYNNY RABBITT!!!

Dear Family,

I can't believe I won this month. It was December 1st yesterday and nobody said anything. I feel like a million bucks!

Somehow, every week just gets better and better! I don't think I told you last week but we had Thanksgiving soup with our District provided by the Senior missionaries in Riga (there are 3 couples, plus the two office sisters) and that was great and tasty. That evening we had a really great lesson with Ilvars, who's progressing well. That evening we taught a man who is a gate guard for the mission home and was baptized about 2 years ago, he's very kind and faithful but has been pretty depressed with all of the economical problems in Latvia. He said that 70% of the pension has been cut. I think pension is an English word but it's basically like retirement plan or social security. So we read the 10 lepers story and had a lesson on gratitude. We also brought the candy corn you sent and listed off 5 things we're grateful for. At the end of the lesson he was beaming and was so much more at peace. I think one of the biggest things I've learned and realized is how much gratitude can affect our outlook on life, which often determines how happy we are, no matter what's going on.

We spent some time this last week preparing for a leadership meeting that we held yesterday, with all of the district and zone leaders from across the mission. There are 17 districts, and 6 companionships of zone leaders so it was a big group (about a third of the missionaries). We reviewed the goals and results of 2009 which is really interesting to me, and Christopher asked about them as well so I'll give you the update. Our big goals were 150 total baptisms, 12 families, 30 baptisms from member referrals and part member families, and 75% retention. As of November, we've had 111 Baptisms, 8 families, 38 baptisms from referrals and exactly 75% retention (which has been steady for the last 7 months!) Retention means that they come to at least one sacrament meeting in the last month. So we're doing really well in some areas, especially member work, but the total number of baptisms is down. Next year's goals are similar with 150 Total Baptisms, 12 families, except 50 baptisms from member referrals and 85% retention. I didn't even come up with the number of families, but I fully support it. It's neat to see the progress of the church here, and it really is incredible to see the growth that has happened after only 15-16 years. I'm excited to hear about the first stake in Latvia in 12 years from now. Oh that would be so cool. Still a ways to go.

Katya is making amazing progress. We taught her yesterday evening and she's in Alma 24, but again that was yesterday so she's probably somewhere 15 chapters beyond that now. No joke, she says that when she wakes up, the first thing she wants to do is read the Book of Mormon. That is awesome. A very prepared person, and she'll be a strong addition to the branch. Tatiana, her mother is also becoming more and more interested. She's always listened and participated in lessons, but she's not as quick to accept everything, especially commitments. Yesterday evening we taught them with a couple in the branch who moved here for good in the summer. They are from Omsk Russia and have been members of the church for 11 years, he was a district president, their son is a returned missionary and their daughter is serving right now (both kids served in Russia). They are easily the most solid members of the church I've met here, as well as just very fun and loving people. But last night the wife just took over the lesson (in a very good way) and spoke about their conversion and life in the church and shared their testimonies and favorite scriptures and experiences and it was awesome. Especially because the lesson I had prepared (my companions were teaching someone else in the same area), was not the one we used-- we focused much more on Tatiana than we usually do and it was worth it because she said she would read the Book of Mormon! Lessons are always more powerful when members are there, that's another thing I've learned over and over here. So you may have gotten the hint but if the missionaries ever ask you to teach, I'd highly recommend it. Or if YOU ask them if you can help teach, you'd be their absolute favorites. The experiences I had working with the missionaries beforehand were very helpful, and always fun! But it's often the fun that you don't realize how much fun it was until after it's over because at first it's somewhat scary. But I learned a good lesson two weeks ago before going into a lesson with a REALLY old family in the ward (the Kuchins-- who are in their 70s) as we gathered in the stairwell and the father offered a prayer that the Lord would guide our words through the spirit. And throughout the lesson, things that they said were definitely prompted by the Holy Ghost. It's so simple-- God really answers prayers. Ah I love it.

Well, we gotta run but I love you!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

P.S. We ate the thanksgiving dinner Sunday between Latvian and Russian sacrament
meetings. It was the quickest and most delicious thanksgiving meal I've ever had! Well your homemade rolls, and turkey and gravy and stuffing are Jello are much tastier but you gotta love a meal that's made in less than 20 minutes.
Especially as a missionary.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

It's funny to talk to people here about thanksgiving, because the only thing they know about it is that we eat turkey. Turkey here is really expensive, so we're going without it today, but that's okay with me because the best parts about thanksgiving can still be celebrated, even from far away. I was really touched by your 5 kernels of corn, so I'll start with mine--

1)I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me and hears and answers my every day prayers.

2)I'm grateful for a family that I love more than anything else. I'm so excited to live together forever!

3)I'm thankful for living prophets and apostles who guide our church. Without them this couldn't be Christ's church, and we would know and laugh a lot less, and struggle a lot more.

4)I'm thankful for little small and simple things which bring a lot of joy. Ranging from morning jogs, to snail-mailed e-mail updates from happy missionaries across the world, to funny things my companions say, to investigators who call you because they want to meet, to weekly homemade pizza, to pump-up EFY songs,to awesome scriptures that involve the numbers 12 and 3 and everything else in between.

5)Finally I'm grateful for the atoning grace of Jesus Christ. Like Elyse said, I don't understand completely, but I know that He lives and died for every individual person, and will make up for us when we do our best.

As I was planning out my kernels, I realized that they all tie pretty close into Gospel. It kind of looks like a lesson plan. But at this point in my life, these are the things that I think about most all of the time. I forget what a blessing it is to be on a mission sometimes, until I realize that wow I'm on a mission! I really do love serving, there is nothing else I'd rather be doing. And right when I start to miss home cooking, boom I get a package from home, (which came today!). Thank you! I love and miss you.

This week has been so magical. I don't know if magic is the right word but it's been really good and everything is just working out. Firstly, I love my companions. Even though we can't fully understand each other when we pray or teach, we are getting along really well and are united in what we're doing. Both Elder Hatch (lithuanian-WA) and McLaren (latvian-ID) are starting to study Russian so that's been fun pulling out the MTC materials and starting all over. They both have the alphabet down, and are working on the cases. I'm not exactly sure how to explain cases but it's a good thing we don't really use them in English.

We had our last zone conference in Estonia last Friday and it went really well. Elder and Sister Senkans are so amazing and really understand and live the gospel. Like every other general authority I've ever met (which is three, but still) Elder Senkans is always happy and cracking jokes, even when everyone else is stressed out. We were trying to find an address in Tallin and didn't know the street name or something, and Elder Senkans kept saying, “why don't we use the GPS?” Haha, I dont know if everyone in the car thought it was funny, but I was cracking up, on the inside. When he speaks he just teaches doctrine, knows the scriptures so well and really invites the spirit. In Estonia, he mentioned how we shouldn't worry about the language because if someone wants to hear perfect estonian/russian, they can go talk with anyone else. What we need to focus on is our calling and just being happy. He also said that as representatives of Jesus Christ we don't have the right to get offended. That was way powerful.

The theme of zone conference was working with members, so while driving home we realized we should put the new knowledge to use and Saturday was miraculous! We had two solid lessons with members, one to Juris with Petris from Australia and the other to Luba Valiolova (woman who cleans the church-- so saintly) with Katya and Tatiana. We're going to give Juris a break for a while, because his family is really opposed and he's swamped with work. But Katya and Tatiana are good to go! We knocked into them our first night together (Nov 12th, jeah) and they told us to come back on Saturday. So we came back and the first lesson went smoothly, it was clear that they were interested and looking for truth. We returned the following week and Katya had already read up to 2nd Nephi and was just beaming. So at the end of the lesson we invited her to be baptized on December 12th and she was all for it! So excited. Tatiana is her mother, mid 50's and (Katya is 31) is the sister of a man who had been investigating the church in Riga for over a year with his wife and 2 kids. They recently moved to Canada but are still in contact with the missionaries, and had given Tatiana and Katya a Book of Mormon and everything. Tatiana has yet to start reading, but is happy to meet just not as quick to act. But this last Saturday is when we brought Sister Valiolova and the lesson was perfect and she testified the whole time and Katya came to church the following day and Sister Valiolova had already told a lot of members so they all came up to her and were hugging and kissing her and giving her nicknames and they whole ordeal. It was awesome. We've taught her again this week with some other members and she is flying through the Book of Mormon and really excited to be baptized. Her husband is working in Finland
right now, so we haven't been able to talk with him, but she says he's perfectly okay with it all. I should send his address to Sister Richey and then she could teach him! Hey, that might actually work. He is from Azerbazjan and Muslim, so that might be pretty interesting. I'll ask where he's living right now, and maybe we can work something out! But Katya and Tatiana are such kind, good people and very prepared for the gospel. I love prepared people.

Another quick miracle for this week is Ilvars! He's the man we found on Halloween, and he called us last week to come to church. He has been reading a lot from the Book of Mormon and says that since he's met with us, he thinks about God a lot more and good things have happened. For example the other night he said he lost his wallet with all his cards and about 60$ cash and within half an hour someone called him and returned everything! That is a big time miracle. He actually just called a little while ago because he doesn't have to work today and wants to meet up. He's also very prepared and working towards being baptized on December 12th. That is going to be one happy day.

We had a district thanksgiving lunch hosted by the Senior missionaries today who made all different kinds of soup. It kinda reminded me of our annual Christmas party! Just a lot more formal and not so much free time. But it definitely reminded that we are big time blessed!

I love you all a whole heap, and wish you a happy thanking feast!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

THREESOME!

It's been a packed week and having an extra side kick has been a big time help! I'm really enjoying serving with Elders McLaren and Hatch in our tripanionship. We have a lot of fun while we preach a lot of gospel. Well this week has been less proselyting because we had zone conference in Latvia on Monday and Lithuania yesterday. The conferences have been a little shorter because we're doing a special mission tour with Elder Gvido Senkans, the first member in Latvia who is in the third Quorom of the Seventy. We drove the van with them down and back to Lithuania and it's been great spending time with them and especially listening to him speak at zone conferences. He has a really neat conversion story-- 17 years ago as we has studying with his wife in Russia he met missionaries and was just really impressed at how happy they were. More than anything else, he saw the happiness in their eyes, and it was a rough time and he couldn't understand why they were so happy if they “didn't smoke, drink, date or make any money.” He gained a strong testimony of the book of mormon, he learned english as he read the doctrine and covenants because he wanted to hear how the Lord spoke to the prophet in our day, and now has a very large and active family with 5 children. They are just great and really love the Lord and His church. I had an interview with him yesterday and learned a lot of things, but the number one thing that stuck out to me was how blessed I am to have an active family and amazing examples of service and dedication to the Lord. Happiness truly comes from serving and loving the Lord and those around you. I've learned that over and over.

We had an awesome miracle on Sunday morning when Ilvars called at 9 saying that he'd be coming to church. We'd hadn't been able to get a hold of him the last week, but we met him at the church and he's doing great! We actually had district conference that day, so we were able to teach him and he told us that he had been really busy with work and an old lady (which was his grandmother) had been giving him slack for reading the Book of Mormon saying that we teach a ton of bad things. Well, he finally asked her to name one of them and she couldn't so he decided that he'd come back. He said that he was impressed at how friendly and good the people at church were and he came to the district conference with all the members from Latvia later in the afternoon and really enjoyed it. In between our lesson and the conference he went to the park and read the Book of Mormon and wrote down questions. That's what I'm talking about! Juris also came to the conference and sat with a member named Peter who's from Australia but his dad is Lativan so he speaks fluently with a land down under accent. He's the man and is always willing to help us teach, which is even more fun now cause we can have one of us teach with him (Elder McLaren cause he speaks Latvian) and then Elder Hatch and I go out and work. Another bonus of a threesome. Both Elder Hatch and Elder McLaren are starting to learn Russian, and they're picking it up quickly. So we can't really SYL, but maybe we can start pretty soon. Haha, I forgot how hard a new language is though. Especially when the alphabet is a little different. I can't even imagine learning Chinese or something. Those little squiggly lines that make a whole word are just absurd.

Another thing that Elder Senkans talked about at Zone conferences was a study that it takes about 10,000 hours until you become a professional at something. He then compared it to faith, and how that is THE most important thing we can grow and develop while here on earth, and are we spending enough time to do that. I realize that being an active member in the church feels like it takes a lot of time sometimes, but in the long run it's only a fraction of everything else we do and the benefits completely outweigh the “sacrifice.” I'm just very glad to be able to spend these two years and dedicate all of my time to serving. I can't even believe how quickly it's going and I can see that the blessings are huge. I know this the most important/eternal work I'll ever do and I'm thankful for your love and support which lifts me up and keeps me keeping on. Have a happy thanksgiving. Go Ducks!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

P.S. I attached a few pics of our apartment, we've definitely cleaned it since then but it's a way nice place even if it's a little messy! Next preparation day is next Thursday. Be sure to give everyone in Utah a big hug from me! Ok not everyone, but just family members. And any familiar missionaries you run into at the MTC/Temple Square...

My companion speaks...

Lithuanian and Latvian!! Well okay, I've got two companions. One is Elder Hatch, and the other is Elder McLaren. And they are awesome. They came out in the same group about a year ago, both work extremely hard and are very humble, easy to get along with missionaries. Basically they are Elders who played sports and dated before the mission, which I think should be a requirement for any prospective missionary. Elder Hatch is from Bellingham, WA and looks like a clean cut Luke Ridnour. Elder McLaren is from Blackfoot, ID and looks like a dark haired version of Brad Pitt. Elder McLaren thinks I would be the George Clooney of the group-- so that could give you a comparison of how accurate my description was. Although Elder Hatch did grow his hair out in the 6th grade so that he could look like Luke. I still think he does.

It was tough to see Elder Brown leave, but he'll just be in Imanta so we'll see him around for sure. And I might be calling him very regularly to ask him about administration stuff that he just dominated. Any doubts that I ever had about having crazy companions are out the window, because my companions have been just so solid.

Four new Russian Elders came in last night, they were so excited and it reminds me how fresh and new it is to serve. One of them got the swine flu in the MTC, but didn't know Elder Barnes, unfortunately. But maybe that's good because it means the whole quarantine thing was not a joke. I'm feeling healthy and so excited. My body is kinda tired, but I might take a nap why my companions unpack later. Hmm, that sounds good.

It's been an exciting week of preparing for transfers. It really is such an inspired process, and it's clear that President Dance receives revelation in all that he does. I love the President and Sister Dance! We taught a few members that Elder Brown has worked a lot over his mission-- seeing as he's served all but 1 transfer in Riga. Some of my favorites are the Straupmani family who got baptized about a year and a half ago and have three children, one newborn. The father is a policeman/ coast guard lifesaver who earned the “lifesaver of the year” award last summer for saving a drowning 8 year old kid. So physically he's a beast, and he's also one of the most spiritually dedicated people I've met. They met the missionaries, the same day he'd been praying for help from God, he was an active member of the Russian Orthodox church, but after praying and fasting (for 4-5 day periods at a time, with only water) he knew the church was true and the whole family was baptized in less than a month! They are preparing for the temple and should be going in February to be sealed. So cool! One thing that I had never seen until this last couple days, was that at home, when they say things they don't want the kids to understand, they speak Russian. Haha, I guess it's something a lot of Latvian parents do because the kids are mostly learning English in school. But after a while the oldest (9 years old) son picked it up so he could understand, but they said they still do it anyway out of habit. I decided that I might say things in Russian to my family that I don't want anyone to understand. Although I don't think that'll be quite as fun, and I don't really know to say anything too bad because I've still yet to learn the swear words. And I'm planning to keep it that way.

We're also teaching a family who was found in a miraculous way! We were walking through the city to switch back from exchanges on a Saturday morning and the last man we talked to just seemed really interested once we said we have a message about Christ. We wanted to teach them right then, but he said he'd rather come with his wife, which we said would be perfectly fine. So the next evening we went to their place, and he told us after the lesson that he'd been praying that same day for help! During the lesson, as we were talking about the Restoration and explaining how we get answers from the Holy Ghost, I said that sometimes he testifies to me through feelings of peace and warmth-- and she goes “yeah I definitely felt that warm feeling.” The church is so true. They came to church last week and really enjoyed it, after sacrament meetings Zintra said she was “drunk with the Holy Ghost”, haha, never heard that one before. But they are reading every day and praying together and really humble people who are looking for truth. She works a crazy 12 hours a day, every day a week schedule, every other week, so it's difficult to teach them sometimes, but I really think that if they keep it up, they could strengthen the branch.

We had another Latvian man come to church last Sunday, after just meeting him Friday afternoon. He'd been contacted by missionaries in the past, and had wanted to come, but his son who'd lived in America told him not to. But we taught him and he came and also really liked it! A member just basically pulled him into sunday school which was awesome. The best part was the last talk from a Sister who had just returned from her mission. I didn't understand everything, obviously, but I could tell she was testifying a ton and said the first vision in Latvian and English and talked about how the holy ghost speaks all languages. It was a really powerful talk, and from watching Juris, it was clear he was feeling the spirit. He turned to me afterwards and said, "that was super! I get that feeling once in every ten years!” I went up to the Sister afterward to thank her, and I was pretty sure that she had just come back from Temple Square, because there's a Latvian sister who just returned from there. Turns out she had just returned from the Leeds England Mission, so she definitely didn't know Sister Brett-- but she thought that was neat that that's where Dad served too. I was curious why she said “England” during her talk and for some reason I was thinking about dad's mission and the things he'd told me as she was speaking—yup yup. The spirit is definitely understood in all languages! And I'm really glad that's true seeing as we have a tri-lingual companionship. But I'm not scared. I really have a testimony that in the Lord's work nothing really gets in the way. Or as President Hinckley would say “Things will work out.”

I love you! Thanks for your prayers. I'm praying for you!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

Happy THIRD day of November! from Jenae Brett

Hello beautiful family!

I just love you all so much. We had Relief Society yesterday! Oh, church works differently here (don't worry the same doctrines are taught though :)...We have just sacrament each Sunday at 7:30am with all the sisters, Senior couples(the husbands pass the sacrament), and mission presidency, and then we get Relief Society every other Monday morning at the same time because we can't afford to be off the Square.
So, Relief Society was wonderful and the lesson was about eternal families! I think that is my favorite topic...ever. We ended with talking about a quote from Joseph Smith- he said "Parents who love support, and pray for their children bring immeasurable blessings into their children's lives." I am a living testimony of the truth of that statement. As I read your letters and emails, and as I feel the power of your support and prayers I am motivated to want to be better, to work harder and testify through the Spirit to more people so they can know of the possibility of having their own eternal family!

Okay...our miracle for the week:
Yesterday morning was really slow on the Square, but Sister Beylis and I had planned for a language tour and prayed it would come. So, 15 minutes before we had planned to find our Russians or Israelis, we got a page (yeah...we use pagers. I don't even know if I have seen a pager in my life until now). Anyhoo, we responded and found out there were 20 Russians who just got on the Square and were interested in a tour! Haha, WHAT?!? Big language tours like this don't happen a whole lot unscheduled during the winter-time. So we got there and guess who we were taking on a tour? The 2010 Ruassian Olympic Luge Team! They are here training in Park City for a few weeks and decided to come see the sights. It was SO fun! I may not speak Russian, but I had fun attempting to communicate nonetheless. We had taken the Russian Speed Skaters on a tour a few weeks ago, but this one was completely different from the very start. They listened, they were more receptive than many of the russians we have taken around have been...and three of the referrred to hear more from the missionaries! Oh yeeah. Miracles do happen.

Alright, I have to go because we are way limited on time, but we may be able to pick of 5 minutes later tonight, we'll see!


I love you all and am ALWAYS praying to you!

Love,

Sister Nay Nay Brett #3

The Church is true! Go Ducks! Happy Halloween!

Dear Family,

Overall Halloween is not really celebrated too much here, but we had a trick or treat miracle on Saturday evening! It had been a pretty long day of not much going on, and right as we opened the door to go into another building, a group of 5 or 6 young trick-or treaters without their parents, came from out of no-where and ran right by. We debated whether it was worth it to knock at the same time, and just figured it wasn’t the best of ideas. So we turned around and headed towards some different buildings a hundred or so yards away. While walking, we came across a man with a hoodie. We greeted him, he took off his hoodie and it turns out that he was a nice, prepared guy who said he had few minutes. So we sat down on a nearby bench and taught him for the next 20 minutes. It was zero degrees out, so not too warm, but it felt very comfortable and he definitely felt the spirit. He came to church the next morning (he got there 20 minutes early!) and really enjoyed it. We’ve yet to teach him this week, but it’ll work out tomorrow I think. His name is Ilvars, he’s about 30, and has gone to other churches, just didn’t really like them. So he’s pretty prepared.

Yesterday morning we returned from exchanges in Vilnius and it was another highlight of the week. I love Vilnius! It has a lot of trees, the buildings and homes are more spread out, and it just feels like Eugene, kind of. We drove down Sunday evening after church, and arrived after a quick/dark 3 ½ hours. Like mom mentioned to me, it’s getting dark here really early (between 4 and 5). We also had a full moon yesterday, which I kind of forgot you were seeing too! Sometimes I forget that life is going on ever where else, especially when it’s moving very quickly where you are. That was another part of the fun of going to Vilnius; the city was the same more or less, a few new buildings here and there, but it was a lot colder than when I left, and now there are more members! I was with two Russian speakers who live in the area I served in, so we taught Karl (the man to whom we taught piano), and Artiom, who are both doing really well. Artiom had been dating one of the new converts, Ina, but she left for England a month ago and he said it’s been lonely without her, haha. My last lesson with him she came to teach with us, and I joked that they would become
“really good friends” and he said no way, but it just turned out to be destiny. But I’m telling you all of this because he baptized one of her good friends last Sunday, who’s been investigating for the last few months, and now her brother has been starting coming to church. Artiom’s friend, Jefim, that got baptized 2 months ago is doing really well, and is dating a long time member from the Lithuanian branch, and they are very lovey dovey. So basically, there’s a lot of baptizing and righteous dating going in Vilnius, which is what it’s all about.

Transfers are coming up next week, so we’ve started to do some planning. I’ve been serving with Elder Brown for three transfers, so we’re both pretty sure that we’ll have new companions next week, which is weird. Senior Missionaries are lucky in that they get to keep the same companion the whole time! I’ll for sure miss Elder Brown and his cooking, driving, and leadership skills. But transfers are always fun because you get to look at where you are, and figure out how to get where you want to be. My guess is I’ll still be in Riga, but you never know, anything can happen! Welp gotta fly, I love you and you’re in my prayers!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

Peter's Epistle: a lot of love

Family,

This week flew by especially quickly-- two weeks until transfers and I can't even believe it. Dad was asking about how it works serving with Elder Brown (because of Latvian) and we've got a pretty good system down by now. At first, the biggest challenge was teaching together—because we didn't really understand what the other was saying. Contacting is not bad, because we're usually seperate but nearby, and the conversations are usually short and repetitive. But when Elder Perry came, he really emphasized teaching every day in companionship study, which is something that we were really good at not doing because study is the first thing to go when you've got other things going on. SO we made a goal to teach each other at least a little something something, every day, and we've done it 95% the last two transfers, even if it was in the car and just for a few minutes, haha. But it's really helped our teaching, because first we are more prepared, but we can also practice ways to contribute. Immediately we noticed a big difference in the power of our teaching, and it came at a necessary time, because we were teaching Roman (who speaks both Russian/Latvian) and there were a few lessons where it was crucial for both of us to participate. Teaching together makes a big difference, and is a lot more fun. I'm beginning to understand the gist of a lot of latvian, especially when we're talking about the gospel. My russian is probably not improving much, but reading the liahonas that mommy sent and praying keeps it fresh. I hope!

This is the third transfer Elder Brown and I have served together, and it's gone by incredibly fast. You probably think that I say that all the time (because I do) but it has been especially true these last few months. Maybe because a lot has happened, or maybe because we've had a lot of fun, but I'd say both. Some highlights include-- Elder Perry's visit and a lot of conferences and this week's new addition was Sister's Conference! It happened yesterday, all 21 sisters in the mission came in the morning and met at the mission home for the day. It turned out really well, and we were able to be a part of it and really enjoyed it. It was the first one that's been done (as far as I know) so we had no idea what to expect coming in, but basically the first two hours President and Sister Dance talked about girly stuff (ok not so much girly but more like “similarities/differences between Elders and Sisters, dress/appearance and so on) so we weren't there for that, but after that were three presentations on finding, teaching, baptizing. The presentation/demonstrations were all done by more experienced sister missionaries, but we just kind of planned/introduced them and then watched. Throughout the mission I've been really impressed with Sister missionaries, and again yesterday I saw the dedication, care and love for missionary work that most all Sister missionaries have seeing as they made the choice to serve. There are a few sisters that totally remind me of Lysee too, which is fun. There was definitely a lot of laughter, and joy and hugs which is what it's all about. And no we didn't give/receive any hugs. Did I tell you last week that we got kissed on the cheek by a lady we were teaching? so freaky. Oh wait that was thursday! Hmm, well basically she's a real nice/sincere woman who looked at us "more like her children, than her missionaries” and Elder Brown basically responded, “thank you. but we are missionaries so we should be going.” It was in latvian so I didn't understand exactly what she said (besides the
words children, and I love you) so as we were putting on our coats she starts to get teary and I'm getting scared and then she reaches over and hugs Elder Brown and I hear the kiss on the cheek. And my mind starts racing to see how can I avoid this. I figured running was a little rude, so I tried to give her a handshake, but she was going for it and gave me a hug and a quick peck on the cheek. She was very sweet and sincere about it, and there's nothing specifically in the handbook about that, but it's definitely not something I'm planning on again. Yup.

And then to add to all the Love this week, I received three wonderful packages!!! And they were all VERY appreciated, and needed. Mom's came last week, exactly an hour after we realized that we have NO msf money for the rest of the month. So needless to say the powerbars, dried fruit, and granola have been keeping us alive. (we made baltic tacos that lasted four days, and that helped too in a kind of make you not want too eat much because you're scared how your body will take it kind of way) and then monday evening was just kinda rough-- we had a few things fall through and then in our lesson with Misha he was again acting like a 40 year old Russian Orthodox, rather than the 14 year old Mormon that he is. We ended on a good note with him (he promised to come to church this week!) but then just had nothing going in our area but stares and not so happy people BUT we had to swing by the office and there were two more packages from Chisos and Sister Nae Nae Brett which made the day. So thank you for your love and thoughts, they definitely make a difference.

Wow I've talked about a lot of odds and ends today, but that kinda just sums it up this week. Marek and Ozi are still going strong, nothing too new other than that a good man named Alexander came to church and stayed for all three hours, after we met him on friday, and he'd already read all of First Nephi before sunday! He doesn't seem extremely willing to change, but he's really interested and serious in his church investigation. So if he keeps it up, he'll find out one thing. The church is so true.I love you! The Baltics is the place.

Love, Elder Barnes #12

P.s. We went to Sigulda for prepartion day and it was a blast! There's castles there, but we didn't go in any, just watched and alpine slided and threw the frisbee and took pictures. I'll send you some!

About to start week THREE!!! - from Jenae Brett

Hello wonderful family!

Let me begin by sending out my love and thank you's to everyone for the wonderful mail I received this week. Packages, letters, postcards--thank you all! Mail is a missionary's best friend (Well, besides the Lord, the Holy Ghost, her companion, her mission president and her family of course...;)

It was great to get updates about what the clan is up to. and KOBE TOOK HIS FIRST STEP!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Will you give him a HUGE kiss from Aunt Nay PLEASE?! Oh my adorable. Are Britt and Jer just so excited? That is crazy.

I am sorry to hear JosiePosie is sick. Tell her to get better soon so she can get out on that volleyball court, Prairie View needs her! But on the up side...it sounds like she did a great service to Mom who got to stay home and get so much accomplished! (and jessie too who probably pulled the 'senior' card to stay home ;)
Oh my word, I LOVED your Homecoming dresses Jessie! Mom, you once again out-did yourself. Beautiful. I especially like the floor-length version she wore to Shadle's Homecoming. Jess, you are so gorgeous, in SO many ways!

Okay, once again this week has been spectacular! I learn new things each day...and then re-learn things I have already been taught but needed to be reminded about. We lead a lot of language tours this week (and when I say 'we' I mean Sister Beylis), and it was great. I pretend to understand, but I just fool everyone because I only know words in Hebrew and Russian such as "Hello, thank you, yes, no, Book of Mormon, Temple, Tabernacle, Jesus Christ...etc" )...okay, I don't actually fool anyone, but I do love taking language tours. I may not understand the words, but they are helping me be much more aware of the Spirit on our tours. There are times when I just KNOW Sister Beylis is testifying of pure truth because everyone tends to listen more intently because there is a special feeling that enters our hearts when we hear or bear pure truth, and that's THE SPIRIT! Thank goodness for this tool in missionary work, without it...well, we would merely be tour guides who know and claim a lot about Mormonism and sort of remind a lot of people of a cuter version of Catholic Nunns. But we aren't! We are ordained servants of the Lord SENT to testify through the Spirit of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today! Grandma and Grandpa Butters, make sure you tell those elders that this is true and because of this great reassurance we must perform great miracles, and we can!
H
mmm, I will share a few miracle moments from this week. Man, where do I even begin though?!

Okay, so Sister Beylis and I planned on helping Sister Mok (from Hong Kong) and her companion on a motor-coach tour--- a motor-coach tour is one with more than 15 people. This particular tour had 101 Asians visiting Temple Square from China! When we got there we weren't needed however, so we decided to pick up the next group coming in from the airport shuttle. But, before I tell you about our miracle tour, let me just tell you about how prepared China is for the gospel--- Sister Mok's tour ended with an 100% REFERRAL RATE. That means that every single person on the tour of 101 wanted to learn more about the gospel from missionaries! WOAH!!!!! We enter all these referrals and they will be on record for the very second a mission is opened up in China, and when that amazing moment hits, the gospel is going to EXPLODE in Asia!!!!!!!!! PLEASE join our prayers that China will open up soon!

Okay, so the other miracle happened on our tour with two couples who are traveling around the United States. One, Ken and Debby are from Alberta, Cananda, and the other, Bill and Barb are from Bend, Oregon. It began much like any other historical tour, getting to know them, why they are here, where they are going, about their lives and families, etc. We were lucky because both of these wonderful couples were question askers. And they weren't just asking to ask or to argue, they were asking to know and to learn. So, we took them to the Assembly Hall, Tabernacle and outside the Temple. We taught them history, but through history taught principles and beliefs such as eternal marriage and families, sunday worship, Book of Mormon, and much more. You would be amazed at how well the history of our church and temple square link to teaching the lessons in Preach My Gospel, especially the first lesson! oh, and I have learned so much about history and doctrine and how to relate them!

Anyhow, we both felt good about the tour and that we should finish it in the Scriptures and Revelation area in the basement of the North visitors center. This is SUCH an amazing display to teach from because it begins with ancient prophets and their teachings we read in the Bible, goes through the life of Christ and then links to Joseph Smith and latter-day prophets. We taught basically the entire first lesson- god loves us, He calls prophets, dispensations and apostasy, Jesus Christ, The Restoration and Joseph Smith, and then the Book of Mormon. No other in mission in the world has such an amazing and visual way to teach these basic truths, it is such a blessing!

So, as we taught them of them of the Restoration the Spirit became very evident-to everyone. Then we just started testifying, and then we kept on testifying. Holy moley. I have never felt something so strong in my entire life. Just telling you about it right now fills my heart and gives me goosebumps! I ended with my testimony of the Savior, and then we all just sat there in tears and in awe of how we felt.
Both couples so badly wanted to learn more and understand what they felt. Both referred, and both will be meeting with missionaries! Bill and Barb will be traveling for the next couple of weeks, but they asked me if they could have a Book of Mormon to read and help them prepare for when they meet with the missionaries. They also asked if I would call them a few times between now and the time they settle down in case they have questions and then to get their address for missionaries. I talked to them last night, and it was amazing. This gospel is true. It changes lifes if we are merely willing to let it.
We have seen multiple other miracles also. There have been those moments when I get discouraged for people not being receptive, but then I am reminded that "truth has never been dependent on the number who embrace it." Truth is truth and I know this gospel is true, no matter how many people laugh, walk away, or hang up a phone on me.

I know this with all my heart, and I know our Savior wants everyone to feel the way we all felt on that tour--pure joy and testimony in of His true and restored gospel.

I love you all so much, and I am still so happy!

-Sister Brett #3

Peter's Epistle to the Eugenians

Dearest family,

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Well not exactly, but it did snow last Saturday and almost stuck, which is a little too early if you ask me. Like Mom noticed, we've been wearing our coats and scarfs the last few weeks which has been needed because the weather is right about 2-6 degress celsius usually, (I have to really think to figure that in fahrenheit but it's about 45 or I less, I think) and it gets below freezing sometimes. No worries though, I wear my long johns every day because I'm just a wittle guy.

I'm trying to find some spiritual principle to pull out from what I just said to tie into what i'm about to say (Mom is too good at that) but I've got nothing. Maybe the light of the gospel is lighting up our days so it feels like summer everyday! Yeah that's pretty catchy.

But seriously it's a good thing the gospel is true but it somehow makes the”un-enjoyable” tasks of missionary work, much more enjoyable. I'm mostly just talking about knocking which we've done a lot of these last couple of days. The actual knocking on doors and talking to people part is not bad at all, I love talking to people! The down part is that about 75-90% of people talk through the door which makes for short and not ideal conversations. That's one of the main reasons why I like street contacting, because you can show someone that you are sincere and interested in them and then they're much more likely to listen. And then once someone actually listens it's over, or at least they feel something and it's up to them to decide how to act. But the upside to harvesting is that you can immediately come into a home, and the chance of teaching a whole family as opposed to individuals goes way up. So I guess they're both good! These are the mental debates that I have these days. The main thing I've seen though, is that whatever you do, have faith, do it the best you can with a smile, and it'll all work out. I love how that works!

We've also seen good fruits from knocking this week, a few upcoming lessons with nice families and a new investigator named Sandra. She's someone who opens the door and looks at you and without a word lets you in. She said she just has a sense of people and could tell that we had good intentions. Sandra is a sincere middle-aged women who takes care of her mother and deaf uncle, and has 3 grown up kids who live away from home. We first taught her Sunday evening and she was excited to read the book of Mormon and come to church the following week. She didn't know when the next concrete time we could come back would be, but she said we could drop by when we'd be back in the area during the week. Well, we were back Monday evening and thought we'd give it a try! One thing we're trying to do better in the mission is daily contact; it's tough to find the balance of not “bothering” people and giving them the support they need and don't get from anyone else. President Dance mentioned that the prepared will not be disturbed by it and would welcome it. SO, we banked on that theory and knocked. She came to the door (with curlers in her hair, somewhat freaky-looking if you ask me) and was more than happy to let us in to talk. We had a short powerful lesson and came back yesterday as well.

Marek/Giorgi is still making progress. We've had so many good lessons with him, where he understands the doctrine and the only holdback is that he works every sunday. We even had a lesson where we showed him the short first lesson outline in PMG and had him explain each principle. He did a great job, and basically just testified simply about each one, so cool. It kinda felt like what it might feel like watching your child bear their testimony from the pulpit. Only Marek is our age, we don't call him son, and he always carries a gun--only because he's in the army, and likes it, and it used to kind of freak me out, but now I kinda like it too. Oh he's just the man. But he's hoping to serve in Afghanistan, (which I respect a lot, but don't think I could ever do) so he might be taking off to Norway for training in a month or two. So we had a “throw down” lesson where we basically said, you know this is true, now you've got to DO something if you want to see the true blessings. Elder Brown found a cool scripture in D&C 24:7 which was perfect for him. I think he took it to heart, so we'll see! Also he's been slacking on daily reading from the Book of Mormon so we gave him Alma 45-60 to read. He struggled to read earlier too (last year) but this time around he definitely has a bigger testimony, he just doesn't set aside the time to get it done, between work and living with a “communist” guy at his apartment. Long story, but Marek is definitely not communist, he's very much Christian and will hopefully soon be a Saint! Jeah.

Welp I think that's all. I am safe, and warm and so happy. I love you!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

P.S. Sorry if my subject is kind of "blasphemous" according to missionary standards. It just has a nice ring to it.

Peter's Family Letter

Family,

Life keeps on rolling! We haven't had a lot of time proselyeting this week because of being on the road, but there's been some great experiences. Well last week we watched conference and that was just awesome. I learned a lot about love, the savior and how to strengthen families. Now i'm excited to read the ensigns and pick up what i missed! I love general conference a lot. I don't even understand how it used to be so boring to me. I still fall asleep occasionally, but not because i'm bored more like spiritually exhausted and just good at falling asleep. Before watching the first session i realized that i had a similar feeling that i used to have before watching a football game at Christopher's apartment, summed up best by the somewhat slang word "stoked." There's so much to learn, and i especially liked President Monson's talk on warm fuzzies, his talks always make you feel so good and want to be better.

We drove up to Tallin sunday evening and stayed with Elder Patterson, had a wonderful zone conference with a focus on helping "interested learners become progressing investigators," finding, and faith. We drove home friday evening with the Jacques, a really great senior couple. They told us the story of their mission call because they were expecting to go to Hawaii for their mission, BYU-Hawaii specifically requested them because Elder Jacques was a psychology professor so when they got their call they were shocked. And had already sold all of the warm clothes. Whoops! But they are really happy to be here and have taught with us a few times. It takes about 4 1/2 hours to drive home from tallin so we got home from that pretty late and then realized that we left our keys in tallin. Major whoops. So we ran through some ideas, realized that waking up the Dances to sleep at their guest place was not ideal, sleeping on the streets even worse, so we called up some other elders in Riga and slept on their floor. It was quite the adventure. Early yesterday morning we drove down to Kaunus (3 1/2 hours) and had zone conference there, which also went well. The church building had yet to turn on it's heating (it's about 0-5% C here now, pretty cold) and so we bundled in the relief society room and brought in some heaters. Which was fun, and much warmer. I heard that Artiom came to church last week with a new suit. He's such the man. I've also kept in contact through letters with the son of another member down there who's had a rough life and is in prison right now, but has read all of the Book of Mormon, New Testament and Doctrine and Covenants over the last 6 months and really wants to join the church. I've never met him, but it's cool how you can become friends through letters and feel the spirit and testify. Just awesome. AH not much time left, we have

continued...

Sorry the internet froze! Anyway tomorrow is the last zone conference in Latvia so by next week I'll have more things to talk about the work here. But I want you to know I'm safe, happy, warm, healthy, kind of tired but just loving life!

I LOVE YOU!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

S
ubject: For Mommy's sake

HEY!

Again our e-mail time got cut short today and we had to come back to the office tonight to finish up a few things so i just wanted to add a story that just about sums up the week--

We went to bed early on tuesday night because we knew we'd have to get up WAY early on wednesday. So we're asleep and the phone rings. I pick it up and say "Dobre Utra" (good morning). It was 9:30 in the evening. And President Dance was calling. hahah he was pretty confused and said he had to think about it for a second to realize if it was morning or not, but he understood and was calling to tell us to come down a little later just to make sure we were rested. It actually only took us 3 hours to drive down in the morning but then over 4 1/2 to come home because the weather was pretty nasty. He had us text when we got home just to make sure we were safe. He really cares a lot about the missionaries and their safety, happiness and success. So no worries we're in good hands!

Also we need to e-mail Roman and give him the church information in Minske, Belarus! We found out last week that he had to move there for a few months for work-- he's been out of work here for a while and an opportunity came up there that he had to take quickly. We didn't even get to see him sunday but talked on the phone and i read/translated the testimonies that you wrote and he really appreciated them and said them made him feel better. We'll see him again for sure though so it'll all be good.

I love you,
Elder Barnes #12

Better late than never

Dear Family!!

It's been another wonderful week. I'm happy for you and jealous at the same time that you've enjoyed conference! We'll be watching one recorded session a day in English starting today, and then they will be rebroadcast in the languages this week-end for the members. I've said it before but conference gets more exciting the more I realize how awesome it is. Mom shared a really neat experience about coming with a question that got answered and that's really what
conference is: straight up revelation. Even though I want be watching it “live time” I'm still going to pretend it is. Plus there's no such thing as time to God, so I guess it doesn't really matter.

Hey maybe that's why we Mormon standard time... Speaking of which

Roman got the the gift of the Holy Ghost on sunday! His baptismal service and confirmation went very well, despite the 15 minute delays to both of them. On Saturday it was the branch president who performed the baptism and ward mission leader who was conducting, and sunday Roman himself was running behind, pretty important people to the ordinances. It was a more stressful experience than I anticipated but it all went over well in the end and Roman and the branch were very excited. We kept in close contact with Roman the previous week, and despite
how prepared and ready he was, he was definitely tempted. We were never worried that he wouldn't go through, but by the end of the week, you could tell he was tired, but still happy for the decision he made and grateful for the support from the members. Along with him, the 17 year old daughter of the family who got baptized two saturdays ago was baptized, which makes 5 new solid members of the Russian branch! It's so exciting to see the church grow. Baptism is just the beginning, which is good because as you keep living the gospel, life just gets better and better!

Transfers are all done, thank goodness, and today there's a leaders council so my time to write is pretty limited, unfortunately. Next week will be zone conferences on monday, wednesday and friday in Tallin, Kaunus and then Riga so we probably won't write till Thursday. But know that I'll be thinking of you the other days. Why? Because I love you! That's another Russian grammar thing, they often will make a statement, ask why, and then give the answer. At first I
thought it was odd, but it's pretty catchy. Why? Because I said so.

Oh I forgot to tell you the miracle of yesterday! We were coming in for lunch and there was a guy who was SO russian (black jacket, black shoes, and russian hairdo) so I just had to talk to him. He was eager to talk because the first thing he said was “Hey are you the Mormons” “Yup” “I've been waiting for a long time to speak to you. Where can I hear about your teachings?” Yeah I was kind of in shock and so happy. He didn't have time right then but he gave me his number and said we could meet up this week-end. There are definitely prepared people out there. His name is Ozi. Even better.

I'm loving life and being a missionary and my companion and our investigators and the church and you and just everything. Life is so good.

Love, Elder Barnes #12

Oh and the Russian Zone leaders found a wooden hanger in their apartment and made a wand for me. It's 12 1/2 inches, has a couple phoenix feathers and comes in handy from time to time.

3 Days till the SQUARE!!

Hello Beautiful Family and Happy Friday!

I apologize no email came yesterday and I hope it didn't frighten Momma too badly, but we began Visitor Center Training this week so our schedule COMPLETELY changed. We are leaving for the Square on Wednesday morning!!! YEAH, like THIS WEDNESDAY!!! I am soooooo excited.

VC (Visitor Center) training has been wonderful and packed also. We started last Wednesday and it has involved a whole lot of learning the history of our sights and figuring out how to apply that history to church doctrine and teach it (specifically the doctrines found in lessons 1, 2 and 5 in Preach My Gospel). It has been a mental challenge and I LOVE a challenge so life is GOOD. God is also definitely blessing us already with the ability to memorize, recall and apply history and doctrine.

We have the largest VC class in MTC history with 34 sisters in our disctict (we sent our 5 Elders to Canada last week so we have a new disctict). The majority of us are going to Temple Square, but we also have some sisters going to the Washington DC Temple VC, Nebraska Winter Quarters, and then some to the Mormon Batallion VC! Cool eh?!

The first day of class was AMAZING because right at the beginning we went around and shared who we are, where we are from, what our reaction to our call was, and something unique we will be bringing to our Visitor's Center or Historical Site (Temple Square is both). we have sisters from EVERYWHERE going to Temple Square and they all have the most amazing life stories. We have sisters from Argentina, Peru, the Netherlands (Dutch speaker!), Japan, China, Cambodia (only the 2nd sisters to serve Temple Square from her country), Germany, Uganda, Australia, and even Nepal (her Dad was the first member of the church in Nepal!!). As these sisters went around and expressed the excitement and honor they felt when reading they were being sent to Temple Square, or the "face of the church" to represent their country it was incredibly humbling and helped me realize how blessed I am to be able to represent the United States on Temple Square, and how perfect this call is for me.

Highlight of the past week other than VC training was DEFINITELY conference! Talk about a spiritual FEAST. Wow. I really loved Elder Oak's talk about how God Loves us, and in order for us to receive the fulness of His love and show love in return we need to follow His commmandments. Sure His love is free, but His blessings must be earned. OH! After Elder Holland threw down his powerhouse testimony about the divinity of the Book of Mormon it was like the entire gym of 2500 missionaries let out the breathe each of us had been holding in the entire talk. If I could testify through the Spirit to even a third of the degree those apostles and prophet testified with last weekend I'd be one happy missionary and there would be a whole lot of happy Temple Square converts. And that's my goal.

One highlight was also being given the code for that "secret room" the Spokane Elders told us about (remember when they talked about that room sisters always went into and kept locked?). haha, it's awesome. It's for the VC sisters to go and practice leading tours and become familiar with the materials available to us at our sites (kiosks on every topic, pictures, media, artifacts). Dang, I'd have to say I have been blessed because most missionaries don't have an entire block of powerful visual materials and historial buildings and artifacts to use while teaching and testifying of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. So blessed.

Lastly, and I wanted to thank Uncle Russ and Aunt Laura for the first Aid kit and the Geneology book. Talk about tender mercies from the Lord. I haven't gotten sick yet (knock on wood), but almost all my roommates are sick, missionaries have been quarantined with the swine flu and the NO TOUCHY (even more than usual) policy is in force-we can't even shake hands. However, the first aid kit has helped cure many-a-sick-elder and sister. The geneology has also proved a HUGE blessing in our VC class. The two stories of Elijah Wilson and Nicolai Sorenson have were PERFECT Uncle Russ. The Mormon Batallion sisters have read the stories you gave me of OUR ancestors and been so thankful for more information about their mission, and I even found out I am related to one Sister Sorensen in the class also going to Temple square and our goal is to find that picture of the boat our ancestors came over on that you said is on the Square!

Well, time is runnning short, but I love you all and I cannot wait to see some of you in November.

I saw Joshy last week for the first time-he came and visited and I cried like a baby. What a blessing and tender mercy from the Lord EXACTLY at the moment I needed it.

LAST- HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA< MOM AND JOSIE!!!! packages are on the way.

Tell Bear to keep recovering!!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL!
-Sister Brett #3

BUNNY BUNNY RABIT

Dear Family!!!

Thanks for your great e-mails, I’m definitely spoiled to hear from every one of you! It's a highlight to hear you are all happy and doing well. As some of you guessed it’s been a crazy and exciting week, so there’s lots to update you on. We’ve still got a lot going today but President and Sister Dance really emphasized with the new missionaries the importance of writing home to your family and how you live and experience the mission through our letters. So we figured it’d be a good idea to take some time and let you live! Plus I do enjoy reviewing the week and realizing all of the times we’ve seen the Lord’s hand in the work. This week there’s been a lot.

First, and probably not most important, I learned how to sew this week! I’ve seen Mom use that machine before but it used to scare me so I think that’s why I avoided learning how. Well I had a softball size hole in a pair of my suit pants that I’ve been trying to ignore until someone pointed it out to me in the grocery store. So I just haven’t worn them for the past 3 or more weeks until I REALLY needed to fix them because my other suit needed a break. Well thankfully, Elder Brown is good at these kind of things and he taught me and I was so proud of myself. My pants fit a little tighter than they used to but this is good because my waist is still skinny (unlike the guy in Missionary Mall who forced us to buy pants a size too big predicted…). But I’d recommend Tigey learn how to sew sometime within the next few years because he’ll save some embarrassment and it’s way easier than it looks.

Secondly, eleven new missionaries arrived yesterday! We were waiting without patience all week, and even longer because it’s been over 10 months since Russian elders came in, so that was really exciting. There were 4 russian elders, 3 latvian elders, 2 estonians and a Latvian and Russian sister. We met them at the airport and went directly into center where we met up with other companionships and contacted for an hour. It maybe doesn’t sound like the most fun thing to do when you get off a 36 hour plane trip but it was fun and they enjoyed it (and it sounds like that’s what Chisos did in his mission too!) Afterwards went back to the mission home last night for dinner and testimonies.

After a little training this morning, they were assigned companions and were off to their areas by twelve! The most exciting part was the three van size taxis plus the mission van that we drove to the station. It felt like the Italian job. We had bought all of tickets two days earlier which made things a little less crazy. Actually as we were standing in line to buy the tickets, an old man came out of nowhere and jumped in front of us. At first I was kind of tempted to tap on the shoulder and say “excuse me buster, would you take your place at the end of the line.” Than I realized that I don’t know all of those words in Russian and him shoving in line was not that uncommon and would slow us down 3 minutes, maximum. So we just laughed about it, and it turned out to be a funny and enjoyable few minutes. He was obviously in a hurry and probably had no idea how much his little move brightened our day by something kind of nice.

Thirdly, Roman is getting baptized! We’ve been meeting up with him every other day and he is soaring spiritually. Especially once he started to really spend time studying the book of mormon, you could see how much he was changing and understanding. He’s just a really happy- and love-everyone kind of guy, and will make a big difference in the branch. We watched The Testaments on Tuesday evening at the Gublers home (a very friendly, funny senior couple—the senior missionaries here are so good) with Roman. We brought Misha ,the 14 year old who knows it all. They both really enjoyed it and felt the spirit. Misha was WAY more at peace than I’ve ever seen and commented that it was unusual that the Gublers seemed SO happy even though there is a crisis. Roman said that he just wanted to go home and the following day “read the book of momon and think about Jesus Chirst.” Perfect. Roman’s baptism will be on Saturday at the same time as a 17 year old girl the Russian sisters are teaching. Her mother and two little siblings just got baptized last week-end so the branch is really excited. The month for baptisms as a mission went really well with 17 total.

That was our goal the zone leaders set at the beginning of the month, so it was really cool. After an evening at dinner when the brethren were here, Elder Perry told President Dance (in a loving way) that we should increase the number of baptisms by five, which averages out to 34 every month. President Dance responded that he was still grateful Elder Perry came, haha. But the goal for now is to get 34 baptisms in at least one month sometime, so we're not quite there, but at least we’re half way! I’ve learned a lot about setting goals and making plans and the power goals can have to lift vision and stretch you. I also can’t help but incorporate the number 12 into goal setting, that is whenever it would be a good thing. President Dance caught on to that, and mentioned that unfortunately 34 is not a multiple of 12. I responded that 3x4 does equal twelve though, and he thought that was funny. I know I’m a dork.

Finally for a final few crazy connections—Sister Richey ran into Santa and Sanita (the twins in the Latvian branch) in Haaga, Finland! They were there on vacation and ran into her at church where she was teaching a class. Apparently she did a great job and seemed really happy. Also the Latvians that arrived were in the same district as Sister Brett and passed on a hello and letter. She is just bursting with joy and I can’t even believe that she’ll be in the field (on the square?) so soon! Oh that’ll be so cool, so jealous she’ll get to be by a temple! And finally, Artiom in Vilnius, baptized his friend Jefim last week-end! He introduced him to the church about 3 weeks ago, and apparently was just good to go from the get go. Artiom is the coolest kid, and I am so happy to hear that he’s sharing the gospel. I’m convinced that no matter where you are, there is just absolutely nothing better.

I love you so much, and thank you again for your prayers. Wow this doesn’t usually happen but I’m getting teary eyed thinking about the many many miracles I’ve been able to see. I know that your faith plays a role in that.

So thanks, keep the faith!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

Is this for REAL?!?!

Jenae Mission E-mails

FAMILY!!!
Hokay, there is a very good chance this email will jump all over the place, but I only have 23 minutes left to try and describe to you the best week of my life!

Seriously, I love the MTC and as each day goes by I wish I have more than 4 weeks to try and soak in the Spirit and the learning that so easily takes place here each and everyday!

Let's start at the beginning...Joshy took me into the MTC on Wednesday and having him with me was a huge comfort. He is sort of Holy Ghost-like (quiet, loving and calming)...I hope that isn't blasphemy to say. So, I got here and was greeted and taken in my 3 Russian speaking missionaries (2 Elders to so-gentlemanly take my luggage, and one sister to take me where the Elders aren't allowed). The day went by so quickly after that that I can hardly recall what happened. We jumped right into a teaching experience with an "investigator" and from the get-go I could tell I was going to love everything about being a missionary.

We also met our companions!!! As I already said in that quick letter letting you all know I was alive, I think my companion may be an angel. Like really. Her name is Sister Kinikini and she is from Hawaii--she is a BYU-Hawaii student and lives right by the temple in Laie, Oahu!! Don't worry, I've already arranged a visit 2 years from now and she said she'll take us everywhere we need to go and teach us how to surf :)

I love teaching and studying with Sister Kinikini also. The Lord has definitely put us together to learn and grow from one another in ways I could have never imagined. She definitely has the whole "quiet dignity" thing down that we as sisters are supposed to have...and she is helping me. I just get a little excited sometimes about pretty much everything, so she's teaching me how to better control my joyous emotions--or at least direct them into a softer outlet :)

As I said, the Lord is blessing us. Through fasting and prayer we have grown together and been able to teach through the Spirit and know that the message we bring is one of peace, joy, hope and love. I love her.

Our district is also SO great! There are 4 sisters, all Temple Square, and 5 Elders, all heading to the Canada, Calgary mission (Elder Cody Crippen's Mission!). We daily learn from one another and our teachers are wonderful. It is also an interesting dynamic between the sisters and elders...the best way I could describe it is like suddenly being blessed with thousands of younger brothers, 5 who we spend most of our time with...and you know you love them and we definitely learn and grow together, but it is also apparent that they are younger brothers. ;) Sisters and Elders just opperate so differently, and I suppose that's one element that is helping this work move forward so quickly!

Alright, I am almost out of time!!!...Lets see, what else?...I see friends EVERYWHERE here!! I think I might actually know half of the MTC teachers (all from BYU), and there are a bunch of other missionaries we all know and love that I see too! Speaking of which, Elder Kyle Baird just walked by (I am in the laundry room) and he says hi! He is a stellar missionary and it is so great to see him all the time (although hard not to hug him still!), don't worry Jess, I've already arranged the marriage...

I also see sister Sarah Zitting everywhere, it is the best.
Guess who else I saw?! CHRISTOPHER AND ELYSE BARNES! They were here volunteering and just happened to walk out to the same area I had just walked out to! I also met an Elder BARNES a few days ago! (He is Peter's cousin, Cambodian speaking going to Claifornia I think...)

I also have seen Brother Bodine, he teaches one floor up!

Alright, I have to end this, but I just wanted to tell you all that I love you beyond measure. This work is true and I cannot wait to proclaim it to the world! And it IS the world! There are sisters in here right now going to temple square from EVERYWHERE!-Napal, Japan, China, Australia, Spain, UGANDA (now SHE has an amazing life story), and MANY more. I love them all and cannot wait to serve on the square. Your prayers and support are felt and letter are the most wonderful parcels of joy ever. Send all my love and even more my solid and sure testimony that the gospel of Jesus Christ is restored on the earth today and it is the only way to true happiness. I love you all! till next week!

LOVE,

Sister Brett #3

P.S. I think I want to be a missionary forever. yep, yep I do.

The Church is SO True

FAMILY!!!

Go Ducks!

We had a miraculous lesson last night with Roman. We've been teaching him for two weeks and he's come to church twice and loves meeting up and is just a friendly, responsible guy. He accepted a baptismal date for Oct 4th last week, and he's really excited. He started believing in God the last couple years because of a book that he's been reading that's written by this author who's an angel or something and speaks through a Californian. So I don't know everything about it, but it seems to have some correct ideas, and some non-correct ones. Well we gave him a "strength of the youth" and he came to the lesson yesterday saying he found two different views on the same issue and he agreed more with the one written in the other book. We've been teaching him with members, which is just the way to go, and the member that helped yesterday is named Yuri Kovalevski, (he just moved from Russia a few months ago, been a member for 12 years, and his son and daughter have served missions) who's by far one of the more solid and understanding-doctrinal members of the branch. We talked about the definition of truth and how God teaches true doctrine through prophets, etc. But Roman explained that sometimes when he reads the Book of Mormon he feels like a sinner, although this green Book (has a green cover) makes him feel better like everything will be alright and there will be no punishment for our sins in the next life. Brother Yuri basically just threw it down and said, do you think it's a good thing that this book is helping you live with your sins? He kept talking and was speaking very well and the spirit was strong. Roman said that there's been moments when he's tried to do everything right but realized that he couldn't get rid of all of his sins by himself. Which is exactly right! We told him that that's more or less the purpose of the Gospel, without the Savior we'd have no hope of becoming what we need to become. I wish I could give the play by play of the whole lesson but it was one of the best ones I've ever been on, and everything just came together and we really understood each other and his heart was changed and I was feeling pretty sick before hand but felt like I was floating on clouds afterwards and we hugged each other after Roman said a ten minute prayer. Just one of those moments that I hope to never forget.

The other great miracle is a 23 year old guy named Janis Feldmanis. I was on exchanges with an elder from Vilnius last week and we were in center for a few hours talking to people. It had been pretty successful in that people would listen or give their number but we'd yet to find/teach someone really solid. Welp, as we were walking back to the church, we stopped this sharp basketball player looking business guy who had no problem with coming back to the church. He said he didn't really believe so much that God answered prayers because he's had a tough life and prayed for 2 hours on a beach a few months ago and never got an answer. I said Janis, this is probably your answer. He kinda smiled, and I did too, but I think he understood that I wasn't joking. He didn't speak English or Russian really well, but he could get the gist of everything we were saying and accepted the doctrine. It was straight out of preach my gospel, which is so fun. We taught him again this week and we were on exchanges with some Latvian elders so Elder Brown just popped his head in the door to say hi and Janis introduced himself as Brother Feldmanis. Haha that's what I'm talking about.

Transfers are next week, so we'll write e-mails on Thursday. Sorry to make you wait but that'll just give you more to time to think about me and miss me. HA just kidding. But seriously, I do miss you and love you and pray for you and daily feel the power of your prayers.

Love, Elder Barnes #12

GO DAD!

Dear Family,

On monday we walked out of district meeting onto the crowded and busy brivibas street. It's about a 3 min walk to the bus stop but takes at least 15 with all the people to talk to along the way. While Elder Brown was talking to a latvian kid, a member walked by who hadn't been to church for the last month or so (he's the one Elder Hansen and I went to McDonalds with last Christmas, older, almost all there and LOVES to speak english). He'd been in the hospital for the last week or two and was pretty down with problems at work and things. We went back to the church and taught him a quick lesson about building our foundation on Christ by regularly reading the Book of Mormon-- our district meeting had been on “Rescuing Less Active Members” so it kind of worked out just perfectly. He left the lesson so much happier and said his mood was up to the sky.

We've had a few other lessons this week where investigators have come in somewhat depressed with things at work-- whether not being paid what was promised, or finding out they will lose their job all together. And after every one, they commented about how they felt so much better. I realize that sometimes the “spiritual highs” don't last forever but I really believe that if people would pray, read the Book of Mormon, and try to find ways to serve others every day, they would be a lot happier no matter what's going on in their lives. I guess that's a little easier to say as a missionary because that IS all that's going on in my life, but I still think it's true no matter what.

And the best part is, we have a few investigators that get that and are doing great! I mentioned Raman last week and he's doing super. He even brought his friend, Leega who met with missionaries a year ago and she's great. I've been blessed to teach a lot of cool people and these are definitely some of the coolest. They started reading the Book of Mormon last week and Raman is in Jacob and Leega is at the beginning of 2nd Nephi. They came to the ward activity last week and then church and just loved it, they just look like members and understand what it's all about. Elder Mattee (a russian zone leader in our branch who played football at airforce) asked him at church how he's doing and he said I'm great! Got a new family, a new life. Haha Perfect.

We also taught a new kid named Matis who's 18 and way interested and at the end we asked him about anyone else he knows who'd be interested and he said, well I have a friend a named Gatis. Haha it was the same Gatis that we've been teaching! He had no idea that we'd been meeting up and now we'll teach them together tomorrow. Marek is still doing well (he wanted me to tell Elder Glauser hi!), he's not been reading a ton but wants to keep the commandments so once he understands that reading the scriptures is a commandment, everything will be alright.

Welp this is a little longer and more detailed than last week, but times up and I don't know what else to say other than that I love you I love you I love you!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

P.s.I was very impressed with Dad's story, Go ducks~!

Because i love you!

Hey, I was feeling bad after writing such a rushed and short email today. I especially appreciate the time you all take to write me each week and I even have a specific given time to write so I have no excuse for writing lame-os! I don't think it was a horrible e-mail, I can't even remember exactly what I said now, but I felt at the time like it was rushed,(because it was) so I just wanted to say sorry and send a few pictures because that's worth a couple thousand words, right? Plus we had to stop by the office tonight because we're heading to Tallin tomorrow and had to grab some things. We missed out on some "preparation day" because of a lesson so this is ok, don't worry we're not breaking rules:)

These pictures are from our morning work-outs, and after a district meeting in Kaunus, hence the picture of Grandma in the primary room with all the children!

I love you all so much! I'm so grateful for your prayers, and I know they are answered. We taught an absolutely amazing lesson this evening to a new man named Roman. He's about 25 and just SO excited about the Book of Mormon and church. We've only taught him twice but the spirit is really strong in the lessons because he comes to learn. We asked for a referral the first lesson and so he brought a friend (Liga) who lives by him, and she was really interested too! There will be more update on him next week! We're just so blessed.

Love, Elder Barnes #12

Dearest Family,

What a week! Started off with zone conference last week in Latvia, and our presentation was more or less a review from the things that were taught at the mission conference the previous week. President Dance pointed out how special it was to have the president of the missionary committee, the senior president of the seventy and the area president in the same meeting; it's a pretty big deal. I love that this church is led by God and it was really neat to meet three general authorities, one of whom being an apostle! I'm a wucky guy. General conference is in 24 days! So excited.

We got back from Kaunus yesterday where we were on exchanges for a day and had zone conference. I really love exchanges because miracles always happen. We started out with a pretty “empty” day but in both companionships we ended up teaching 5 new lessons to young males or couples. My favorite was a kid named Gleb, who's 23 and really good friends with a daughter of a member family (she's not a member but comes to church occasionally.) He spoke russian and lithuanian which was perfect, and I just love the fact that you can meet somone, within 3 minutes sit down on a bench, say a prayer, teach, give them a commitment, and then find a time to meet up again. It's a different approach than knocking doors but it seems like we meet a lot of prepared people that way. I know that the spirit is a real part of this work, and even though his promptings are sometimes very small, they are definitely there, whether or not you realize it at that time.

Ah three minutes left! Sorry this is such a dinky e-mail. We're heading to teach Gatis soon (the 18 year old latvian) so hopefully it'll go well. Marek didn't make it to church, bummer, but he'll come this week. He's just got to! I love you all, a lot, a lot. Happy Birthday Tigey! Watch out Eugene!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

Peter the Great!

FAMILY,

I'm setting aside some time to write an extra long e-mail because it's been an especially exciting week! The fun started last Thursday when Elder Brown and I bused to Tallinn for exchanges and to pick up the van. We saw everyone early on Thursday morning, everyone being the 15 Mission Presidents from the East Europe Area, President Wolfgang Paul, Elder Rasband and Elder Perry and their lovely wives. The wives were seriously so nice, Sister Perry gave us a bag of fruit/chocolate for the car ride home and in general we felt like royalty because I think everyone was just so excited to see missionaries again. We were only with them for about 15 minutes, but interacted a little bit with Elders Perry and Rasband while loading their luggage into the car. I was impressed by how kind, caring and funny they are. It seems like everything Elder Perry said was a joke, from making fun of Oregon to telling us we better not lose his computer because that's where his brain is.

We got back to Riga Thursday afternoon and were trying to finish up the preparation for the Saturday missionary meeting when President Dance called from the Helsinki temple and said that they had decided to invite the whole mission! We were way excited. But the meeting started at 9:30 Saturday morning, which created some complication for those missionaries that would have to travel from far away (most cities in Lithuania/Estonia are about 3-4 hours away, but you can't always take a direct route...) but in the end it all worked out whether people came in the night before and stayed with missionaries, or woke up at 2:00 A.M. to take a bus. It was awesome to see everyone together, but the best part was the talks which were powerfully practical. President Paul, who opened the East German Mission after the Berlin Wall fell, understands this part of the world so well and spoke on using the Book of Mormon as a finder and sifter. He quoted Elder McConkie who said that it's the “power of the book of Mormon that will gather the elect in the last days,” which is true because there's no way someone will become a member of the church unless they first accept the Book of Mormon. Elder Rasband spoke on our responsibility to be always finding and asking everyone for names because “Heavenly Father saves his children by name.”

And Elder Perry spoke on the power of companionships, how to make one strong by listening, loving and serving, and then practicing teaching every day. The Brethren loved the Baltics, and mentioned their strong impressions that “the Lord has many elect in these countries to be gathered by members and missionaries.”

One of my favorite parts was when Elder Perry read from Exodus 3:12 and said “don't worry, just go teach doctrine.” The gospel is just so cool.

Saturday Evening was the meeting for members and it was even awesomer seeing the members from the three countries gathered together. I re-united with the members from Vilnius and they were so excited and happy, especially about the recent converts in the branch (a man named Igor was baptized the previous day). It was so exciting to see Artiom. I'm glad you all met Elder Freeman and I'm sure he told you about Artiom, but he really is just the coolest kid I've ever met.

After the meeting I asked him how he liked it and he said “oh I could just listen to that all day,” and I said Artiom, you gotta go on a mission! I think he's really think about it. He just moved into his own apartment and is starting university, but he's had a few lessons with the Elders and some of his friends and he said he's given away a lot of copies of the Book of Mormon. When he got confirmed, the branch president said that he “would be an instrument in the Lord's hands to bring many into the gospel.” Ha, there's just nothing better.

Marek (former Giorgi) is doing really well, reads daily and should be able to come to church on Sunday! Unfortunately Gennadi (the Russian man with the Latvian wife) has moved out of town for work and will be gone for a while. Gatis, the 18 year old Latvian, returned from Romania but we've yet to meet up with him so hopefully that'll happen soon. So our teaching pool of progressing investigators is dropping, but it's good to know there's still many more still out there!

All in all life is just good. I really enjoyed seeing the brethren up close this week, they definitely are people who live the gospel, as opposed to just do gospel things. Elder Perry said that when he can't fall asleep at night (which was “every night” on their 12 day trip through Europe), he recites the articles of faith from 1 to 13 on odd days, and 13 to 1 on even days. During his talk he compared the articles of faith, which they used to use for teaching, to the preach my gospel lesson we have today- Articles 1 through 3 are the plan of Salvation, 4 and 5 are the gospel, and 6 through 9 are the Restoration. When he recited the 13th, he flew through it and his 25-year old granddaughter (who accompanied them on the trip) couldn't keep up. It was hilarious.

I've been really blessed to have companions also really live the gospel and love missionary work-- it was fun to hear you got to meet some of them and I hope you told them all that they're my heroes. I'm really enjoying serving with Elder Brown, he's just the man. He's especially talented at getting things done in crunch time (which was a big help this week) and he loves these people and sharing the gospel. He's spent nearly his whole mission is Riga so he knows the city well and almost always drives. Maybe that's also because when I drive I slow down to let people in which is not a very common thing to do in Riga and I think scares him... Haha but life is very good and is just one big blessing.

Thanks for your support!

Keep on keeping on, i love you!

Love, Elder Barnes #12