YUP YUP

FAMILY!!!

The rain continues nearly every day, which showers the miracles. I'm convinced that the best things happen when you're desperate and soaking wet.

Okay well it hasn't been raining THAT bad but the weather here feels a lot like spring in eugene, rainy and then sunny a few minutes later. Last night was the longest night of the year, which is infamous for people staying up all night and partying. As we were going to bed last night it started to thunder and storm really hard and I guess people were screaming and stuff. Elder Freeman told me about it, I slept like a baby.

The biggest miracle is Artiom, I told you a little about him last week but he's different than any other Russian 18 year old I've met. He doesn't smoke or drink (“i don't see the point”), he loves the Book of Mormon and asks questions I've never thought of (who's the Rahava guy in 2nd Nephi 8:9) and does karate. He had karate last sunday morning but he came to the services in Lithuanian and liked it. In yesterday's lesson he gave such a sincere and grateful prayer and thanked God for the holy scriptures and the knowledge God gives us and our purpose in life. He wants to be baptized and could be like next week, but will be out of town this week-end, and than in Israel for 2 weeks in July. So we set a date for August, the week-end before Elder Freeman goes home. Wow that is way too soon (for my sake), but than again not soon enough (for Artiom's sake and probably Elder Freeman's family). Artiom is just the man. I'll send a picture of us all next week.

Alexander is still going strong. He'll need some more time to prepare for baptism but he's diligently reading the scriptures and doing what he needs to. We brought a white shirt and tie for him last week, and for the first 15 minutes he was feeling uncomfortable but after church he was loving it and said it made him happy to have people stare at him on the streets! I told him that pretty soon he can be out there with us talking to people, and he kinda laughed. He'll be a good missionary though because he's so open, fearless and feels the joy of the gospel.

Yesterday we ran into Kobe Bryant, almost. Well it was a Lithuanian gangster with a Kobe jersey, and as we were talking he made it pretty clear that we was not extremely interested. He ended by saying, “time is money” and Elder Freeman answered “Kobe is money. From behind the three point line.” Haha I laughed so hard. The young man in our branch told me that Kobe was the championship MVP. Props to Lakers fans. I have a feeling the Jazz will take them next year though. Times are changing. Christopher showed me the duck's new uniforms but I guess that's nothing too new. Tell the Long's HELLO from me. I'm excited to hear how Elder Long is doing in Cali with Mandarin, and don't forget to take family pictures with Trixy! What great friends.

Our Branch President and his wife teach online russian lessons for all levels. If you know ANYone that would be interested it'd be so worth it. He's e-mail is dnkon@yahoo.com, and skype ID dnkon73. He and his wife are from Russia and speak gorgeous Russian, and perfect english. He has two young daughters and still helps us a ton with teaching and is a huge blessing for the branch.

Thanks for your love. I love you!!!
Love, Elder Barnes #12