Wowzers what a week!
Before I forget please make sure to tell the Brett Family thank you so much for the Birthday/Easter package! It arrived yesterday and I was amazed/surprised-- filled with everything a missionary needs—classy tie, Washington pancake mix, all-sorts—-keys to happiness and success. It even had things we needed that I didn’t know (a full court nerf basketball set which makes morning work-outs much more exciting.) Even the socks were a life-saver because our water-pipe situation is somewhat of a disaster. Well, we definitely still get clean water but you use one thing and the used water somehow drains out another way.. So flushing the toilet fills the bathtub when unpleasantries. But seriously, it’s getting better. I pray.
We definitely had a few answers to prayers this week. On Saturday before we went to call former investigators in our area book we prayed that someone would have the desire to attend church. Fifteen minutes after we finished, the wife of a man we called, called us and asked if it was ok if she could come to church. We allowed it. She arrived the next day with her husband, got to know and becomere-acquainted with some members and asked some really good questions in Sunday school. We’re going to teach them with a member this week so we’re excited!On Monday I did an exchange in Siauliai, about 3 hours by bus away from Vilnius.
The Russian population there is very small so I was with a Lithuanian companionship but it was really enjoyable and we taught both lessons in half Lithuanian, half Russian! Again anyone adult person speaks Russian fluently. On the way home I had Quinton (my camera) in my hand when I got on the bus, bad bad idea. When I got off the bus, he stayed because he’d fallen on the floor and rolled. Obviously, I didn’t notice till I got home which was unfortunately a little late. I tried to not make a big deal of it; basically it wasn’t the end of the world, just close. But seriously it helped me put into perspective what’s most important and I was humbled as I realized all the things that are so much more important. But in the end, I was still somewhat thrilled when another prayer was answered when we returned to the bus station today, checked administration, called several different people and got hold of the bus driver who just happened to be in Vilnius in an hour and had found the camera, and was willing to give it back. Yup, a miracle.
I reread a scripture in Mormon 9:31 that provided a theme for the last few days. I’ve been trying to give thanks for the realization of making mistakes, and it’s uplifting. It’s also much easier to forgive others when you realize that you yourself are very much not perfect and that this allows us all to learn and become wiser. I think that a possible key to the Savior’s wisdom was his ability to forgive and learn from others mistakes.
We had a few real sunny days (even went for a morning run!) but the snow has returned which brings beauty in its own freezing way. I really don’t notice the cold so much but it does seem to bring sickness, so we weren’t able to teach a few of our investigators. But we’ve got lessons set up with Dima and others so hopefully they’ll be at church this week too! Church is such a highlight.
I wish I would’ve remembered to say something last week but that’s exciting to hear about Cami headed to the MTC! I’ve done a feeble job of writing missionaries in the ward but if you could send Cami’s address that’d be great! She will be great, and will love the MTC. It definitely brings new challenges, but there’s so much support because it’s really hard not to feel the spirit there. That’s so exciting that our ward has so missionaries serving! This is for sure the Lord’s work. I’m looking forward to the exciting coming week. We have zone conference in Kaunas on Friday and it’ll be great to get some inspiration on how to help our investigators make steps. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts and love.
I love you!
Love, Elder Barnes #12
P.S Picture: Lock Jaw. While knocking/yawning. Ha! But Elder Brimley is the man and helped me put in back. Crazy hunh?
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