HAPPY DAY AFTER CINCO DE MIYO

FAMILY!!

The weather was been cooler this week but the work is on fire! That's corny but true.

We're in Riga again for the day so this will have to be the spark notes version-- but it's alright cause we'll get to talk voice to voice on Sunday Woo-hoo!!

Both Richard and Igor came to church last Sunday-- they are so awesome. I've been especially impressed with Igor who's been reading the Book of Mormon like crazy-- after two weeks he's somewhere in the beginning of Mosiah and understands well. We had a lesson with a member (of 7 or 8 years) and Igor mentioned that Moroni was Mormon's son and the member was like “really, I didn't even know that.” Haha, but the result of his reading really shows in the way he's changing. He was a heavy smoker a week ago and has cut way down and just has so much more light in his face, and even walks more energetically. Alright so I didn't see him walk a ton before but the point is he's becoming a new man. We brought him some copies of hymns last night because he was embarrassed that everyone else knew the words and he didn't. And he volunteered to sing the melody just to make sure he got it down (he plays the guitar). He did made up his own tune, but I kinda like it. It's so fun to see the gospel of Jesus Christ at work.

We've also had two new lessons this week with members, a rarity because the investigators are people we found contacting but members just happened to be in the right place at the time. It's fun to teach with members because the blessings of the gospel are so fresh for them.

Zone conference was focused on teaching and I really enjoyed it! I'm constantly reminded of what a balancing act it is to teach. I'm impressed that Mom and Dad taught/teach seminary and institute because you're teaching a wide range of topics from all over in the scriptures to a wide range of students, some of whom are maybe less than super interested. We've got it easy because we teach the same things over and over to individuals and or families. But it's neat to see how every lesson is different because when you listen the spirit really gives you the words to speak.

I also enjoyed all the letters and scrumptious package! The chocolates just disappeared and the peanut butter is going quick. And the memory cards, socks and pen are the best! You spoil me in love. And I love it. It was also great to hear from Bro. MacArthur, Gary, Gus, Geoff Derven, Laura Barret, some BYU buddies, Lori Walker, so if you bump into them tell them thanks and I'll try to get back soon! Which means the next few months... It's also been very fun to catch up on all the missionary updates from the 3rd ward army-- we're all over the place! My favorite is getting hearing about William who's about to get baptized as far as I know, but then by e-mail I hear that Jenny is already home! But I guess it's kinda like someone reading the book of Mormon for the first time and cheering Ammon and his brethren along only to realize that they are already preaching the gospel to people on the side. Speaking of families it's cool to hear the Sister Richeys are serving simultaneously and it sounds like Jeff and Alex are also serving with all their hearts. I still think that Jenny should write a weekly e-mail though because reading her e-mails is like taking a weekly happy pill. Ah again the gospel is just true, there's no doubt about it. Welp talk to you soon.

I love you!!!Love, Elder Barnes #12

Happy Early Mother's day-- if you call on Sat eve at 9:30 your time (which is 7:30 Sunday morning our time) that'll be perfect! “I'm waiting without patience” That's the Russian translation of I'm excited. I love Russian. And write down any questions because I'll just talk about random things otherwise! Which would be fun too. I'm also glad that Christopher and Bethany are swinefluless. And Married!