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!