Dear family!
Welcome Home Grandma and Grandpa Barnes!!! I'm so glad to hear you're home safe, happy and healthy. Even though you're actually farther away from me this week, I had a moment of closeness at church on Sunday when President Geniadius and his wife came to our branch! He is the district president and wow they are incredible. The members just beam when they see them because they are close to all, and talked so highly of you! The woman (I feel horrible but can't remember her name for the life of me) said that Grandma Barnes changed her life, and even though she couldn't understand what she was saying, your gentleness and love in the way you interact with others left an impression on her she said she'd never forget. It was such a joy talking to them, and I was proud to be a Barnes!
Almost even better was seeing the one on one love President Geniadius has for the members. Before priesthood there was a single member that was about to leave but he came and talked with him, sat by him during the meeting and continued to support and encourage him for half an hour after the class. I don't think he knew anyone was watching, but it was clear how much he cared. I asked to take a picture with them both but President Geniadius kindly refused, saying that he very much dislikes pictures and his wife is the pretty one. So I got a picture with her, Enjoy!
A really great man, Richard came to church last Sunday and stayed for all three hours! Unfortunately that's not always the case, and when some members were leaving after the second hour he said “are you sure there's going to be another lesson.” I also realized how much new information it is for someone coming to church for the first time. We met Richard last Thursday night on the street. He used to be a professional boxer and lived a few years in America.
Starting the first lesson, he still thought that Mormons believe that Christ is the devil, but he read all of Moroni before Sunday and really enjoyed it. Still a Sunday school lesson about the priesthood and watching 45 min of General conference Priesthood session can be a lot of new information to take in! Haha he looked a little tired after church but we're teaching him again this week and I'm excited! He's responsible and really strong which is just a good combination.
We put up wall-paper yesterday for a man named Igor, a man Elder Brimley contacted a week ago. He's not super old or anything, but putting up Wall-paper by yourself would be tough! He was so grateful though and didn't believe we were doing this without pay and kept trying to give us anything he had. After we turned down the huge jug of Beer for the third time (we explained that we don't drink, but frankly thats pretty unbelievable that twenty year old kids don't drink), we sat down and taught him about the restoration. He just kept saying that what we were saying was so true and promised several times to come to church.
In a time when nearly everyone is thinking about money (and constantly asking where we get money to live) it's a big time blessing to not have to worry about where your next meal will come from. I recognize and am grateful that missionaries are allowed to do what we do because of the sacrifices of many and I know that Heavenly Father really does bless us in all things when we choose to keep all the commandments.
Zone conferences got changed to next Thursday so I'll give the update on the doctrines President Dance expounds in two weeks. That seriously is one of my favorite parts—he knows the scriptures like no one else. And that's also when we'll get all the mail sent to Riga so if I've yet to respond or thank you for a letter sent in the past month or two, don't worry, be happy!
Although I'm a dozen thousand miles away I can't help but hear the Wedding Bells! Congrats to Christopher and Bethany! I know I'm early but better early than late. One of my favorite quotes from General Conference was from Brigham Young about how he likes hearing the Bells of Hell. I bet as a parent you'd prefer Wedding Bells.
I love you all so much and I am thankful for your prayers. You are the best!
Love, Elder Barnes #12
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