From: Peter Barnes Subject: YEA!

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

TAX FREE

Dear Family!

Happy Post Busy Season Life! Elder Brimley's dad is also an accountant, so we celebrated tax day as well. We got up, I said "hey happy tax day", he said "thanks" and then the rest of the day we were happy.

Teaching the gospel is just fun. I counted the jokes from General Conference and there were two a day between President Monson and Elder Packer with four a piece (which is saying something for Elder Packer because he only spoke once.) But I like the perfect balance they find between praising, teaching, smiling and calling us to repentance. Yeah, missionary work is a challenge and should be done diligently, but if you're not smiling something's wrong. Just yesterday we'd kind of had a long day of lessons falling through, and we were knocking and just pushing through. Than Elder Brimley poked me in the side, which is our "Be of Good Cheer" method we developed after conference, and we started smiling again. Three doors later a nice older couple and their two grandkids opened up, and after a minute or two let us in. I like trying to have a good attitude because it shows Heavenly Father we love him and his work.

We taught Shasha (the chinese man) the word of wisdom last week. His lesssons are my favorite. We speak russian, slowly and simply, and then the words he can't express he types into chinese on his phone which translates to english. He speaks decent russian with a sharp and clangy accent, but the best part is that he conjugates all past tense verbs in the feminine. Now Elder Brimley and I have picked up that habit as we SYL. But we've seen Shasha progress as he's finding time to read the book of mormon and increase faith in Christ. It's a blessing to grow up in a home where the life and importance of Jesus Christ was always taught. We watched Finding Faith in Christ with him and I think that was the first time he really got an idea of who Christ really was. If any of you have ideas of how to help him, please share! I'm guessing that Christopher ran into this a lot.

Other exciting news with the work involves a new lesson with two new guys named
Sasha(28) and Jenya(25). They're way cool and clean cut and looking for truth. We hadn't gotten through the whole lesson when he asked, "can we come to church on Sunday?" Haha I love that question. He then said, "we're following all that you say, but this is just a lot of new information and we need some time to take it all in." Really good lessons or general conference just make my body tired because I feel the spirit strong, but at the same time your insides are going a million miles an hour! I love that feeling.

Well I gotta go but I'm very excited for all of you, especially Chisos and Betty! Mom you're just amazing; hosting the frisbee team and wedding planning and never quitting, Good luck to Elyse on upcoming IB tests, and I hope Dad beats his carefully recorded PRs for his swim meet. And Tiges: just keep growing and maybe one day you'll beat me at basketball. Although I'm thinking to go Dad style and just never agree to play one on one ever again.

I'm happy and loving serving in Vilnius with Elder Brimley. Our whole district
stayed the same so we're looking forward to this transfer and hopefully helping this amazing branch grow!

I love you!
Love, Elder Barnes #12

GENERAL CONFERENCE!

The sun is continuing to shine in Vilnius and Elder Brimley and I keep on smiling. Watching general conference these past two days has just been a reminder to me of the blessing to be a member of the church, and especially to be serving a mission. In the closing prayer of Saturday Morning’s session, the man asked that God would help us share this message with everyone we meet. And I thought, Ha I actually get to do that! That is awesome.

Last conference we watched it broadcasted a week later(in English)but this time we’ve been watching one session every morning to keep the week-end more open for missionary work, and when we do go we’ll go with investigators and help them mingle with members. Conference is such a powerful boost; I totally took it for granted growing up. I remember looking at the clock in the chapel and being shocked that what felt like 3 hours was less than half way through—where as now I just don’t want it to end! We’ve only seen the Saturday sessions but some of my favorite talks have been from President Eyring on overcoming adversity ( haha although that word allows reminds me of Ernie Kent) and Elder Nelsons on prayer. But they all just teach the doctrine so clearly and sincerely. Sister Liffeth's talk on Reverence brings Revelation and Elder Christofferson's talk on Covenanted Christians are pretty much the same things Sister Dance and President Dance said at my last zone conference in Riga. I love the Dances! Being in Riga last week was really great, it was déjà vu all over again, and still feels like home. I get so trapped in our little bubble here in Vilnius, or even in the Baltics, but then you see General Conference and realize, wow there are miracles happening all over the world.

We have been teaching a man named Dima who came to the Russian branch last week which was a miracle (he has come to the Lithuanian branch because it’s at 2:00, rather than 10:00.) I think I’ve told you about him before but he’s 26, really cool and spiritual, and gets together weekly to play drums with guys from difference religions and counts himself as “a Mormon”. Which is great, he just isn’t baptized or living all of the commandments yet. We’re also still teaching Paval who’s come to church the last two weeks and is still trying to live the word of wisdom. Last Sunday in fast and testimony meeting a member (the wife of the Branch presidency councilor who baptized the new couple in the frozen lake) bore her testimony about doing missionary work. They have been friends with this family for 15 years, and she talked about how much joy and closeness has come into their relationship as they have accepted the gospel and now are just filled with light. But I really liked how she mentioned that as members you talk and talk a lot but sometimes you just need to grab someone by the arm or skirt and bring them to church. I don’t know if that’s the best or most legal thing to do… but I don’t thinks it’s a bad idea. But honestly being loving and bold is definitely worth it when you see the incomparable blessings that come from living the gospel.

Before I forget our preparation day will be next Thursday, because of transfers. This morning, the dozen missionaries in Lithuania went out to Trakai, a castle 30 KM outside of Vilnius. We took jumping pictures, had lunch, and played Frisbee. I’ll send a picture or two, because this place where we live is beautiful! Oh and I ran into the man from Kaunus who Grandma and Grandpa Barnes home taught, he remembered their names, told me they were amazing and wanted me to pass on a big Hello. He’s now President of the Lithuanian District and just the nicest man who everyone loves.

Welp, I love you! Thanks for you support!

Love, Elder Barnes #12

O PA

FAMILY,

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?

I HAVE THE COOLEST SISTER IN THE WORLD

Wow what a week!!! It’s been an exciting one over here as it always seems to be but I think the activities on your half may have won this week. As most of you have said, usually your letters could be subjected “Basketball” but I think last weeks was more like “baskELYSEBALLER.” I am so proud of Elyse. Her humility, dedication and skills have always impressed me but the events of last week only further prove how incredible she is. I wasn’t even there but I got the shivers reading about it.

This week was filled with a few days of non-ordinary happenings that kept us on our toes and itching to do real missionary work at every free moment. We finished moving in the apartment last Wednesday, and have been unpacking whenever there99s free time, ha that’s rare. Last Friday in Riga was great, going back up there felt like home actually. Riga is beautiful. We talked about some of the goals in the mission (avg of 12 baptisms a month) and it was just neat to
see a more broad scale perspective on the work here.

The church is still pretty young here in the Baltics, but President Dance is doing an amazing job at helping the branches become as self-sustaining as possible. For example I’ve been playing piano for sacrament meeting the past month but President asked me to have a member play instead. The problem is that none of the members can play, yet. Actually a while back a member asked me to teach piano lessons so we started doing that as service once a week starting 3 weeks ago, even before President asked for that to happen! It’s coming slow; I remembered how tough it was to learn the piano from scratch. And honestly it didn’t help that the first 2 lessons I tried to teach the notes using the alphabet just translated into Russian. We learned that numbers are easier because he was counting the notes from C anyway, so it’s been an interesting experience and develops patience but is also really fun. The goal for the next few weeks is to teach him how to play 3 or 4 hymns one handed. Oh we would be so happy.

Our investigators are continuing to read and progress, which is great! Because last week was a little nuts, it worked out that none came to church (not so great) but we had a good lesson with the Ponovka family yesterday and I really feel good about them. We’re going out to them with Brother Ginadi Ustanovich tomorrow and I’m just excited, there’s nothing better than teaching the gospel to those that are humble and ready to accept.

We also are teaching a referral/ neighbor of a member named Galina. Her name is Natasha and she’s about 25, with a 6 month old daughter. Elders Klima and Berryhill taught her once before they left, and she’s come to church and activities and is about 100 pages into the book of Mormon! Not bad hunh? We were able to talk to her a bit last night (she was taking care of her daughter and so weren’t able to teach) but she’s so kind and happy and I’m really excited to work with her. The members here are just on fire about doing missionary work and it’s a blast because we’re teaching people who we’d never be able to find/teach without them. At the same time, when we are not with the members, there’s nothing better than talking with everyone! I’m convinced that’s how miracles happen.

Last week we forgot our keys at the teaching center and my companion was a little flustered because he thought they were lost, which frankly freaked me out a bit too, but I just had a feeling a miracle was on the way. While walking, we felt prompted to take a different path than normal and a few steps later ran into a group of French tourists. They were in a big hurry so I said a few broken words in French; they were surprised, laughed, smiled and ran away. At that point I was thinking that maybe that little seed planted was the miracle, but just wait. We’re about 20 meters away from the teaching center and a man walks by us. I nudge my still
somewhat flustered companion (this is a different elder by the way, not Elder Brimley) to talk with him and he does, somewhat reluctantly. But when I see the man is Chinese I couldn’t hold myself back. He told us his name was Shasha (Chinese accent for Sasha) and has talked to missionaries before in Kaunus but doesn’t read in Russian or Lithuanian, although he spoke a little in Russian. We got his number and brought a Chinese book of Mormon to a lesson with him the following week (last Sunday). Realizing his understanding of Russian was somewhat small, we had him read a few scriptures in the Chinese book of Mormon and ooh it was awesome. He sounded like Christopher!! Or vise versa. But I told him all about my studly older bro when we met on the streets and I thought that was part of the reason we ended up meeting with him. But as talked it was clear he really wants to read the book of Mormon and find an answer if it’s true. So he’s reading right now and we’ll teach him next week, but wow it was such a rush--

I’ll send a picture of Sasha Elder Brimley and me. Chinese people are the coolest. Especially Russian speaking ones!

Thank you for your love and support. Dad or Grandma Barnes used to say that all the time but it’s so true, family relationships are the best! I got the package for Valentines Day and LOVEd it. The all-sorts were gone in day, and we baked the peanut butter cookies and took them to the Ponovka family yesterday and they really enjoyed them. The ties are gorgeous! Elder Brimley was stoked. He thinks I'm spoiled, i just told him I'm loved. (difference being I don't ASK for anything I want and get it, but i just get everything I would like without having to ask.) Mom you asked what we eat and I wrote down this week’s menu so here you go: Tomato soup and grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches (toasted in oven...hmmm), Pelmeni (Baltic ravioli things) Lasagne, and Pizza (with the =0Acrust you sent us!) So we eat well! We usually do one meal a day at home around 3 or 4 which holds you over till the night. There are some Lithuanian Latvian dishes --Sepalini (sp?) Anything with meat and potatoes is local you could say. Pretty sure my weights not moved too much, but I’m definitely not as strong as Chisos anymore. He’s a beast!

OH and it was awesome reading the talk you sent! Understanding of God and his nature is crucial to obeying, becoming like and returning to live with Him. A question I like to ask people here is “who is God?” Almost even more important than whether or not someone believes in God, is what they understand Him to be. Frankly if the way I was taught about God was that he’s everywhere and nowhere and impossible to understand, I’m not sure if I would believe in Him either. But I know He did return his true church and teachings on the earth, through the prophet Joseph Smith so that every one of his children could have the chance to know him, and experience the blessings that come from living His Gospel. Jesus Christ has always been the Savior of this world, and I know the Restoration provides the way for every one of us to have immediate and clear access to his eternal atonement. What a joy to be in Lithuania and help others understand this!

I am a lucky guy,
Love, Elder Barnes #12

The day Elder Briggs left, and Elder Brimley and Shasha

GO LADY AXE!!!

FAMILY!

It’s not that all of you don’t already know (because you’re the ones who update me) but Elyse and the gang are tearing it up! SO good to hear, they deserve the success. And please don’t feel like I’m tired of basketball reports—it’s a refreshing break to think about all the hustle going on at home to get to games there and in Portland and all the friends and family coming to support, it’s so awesome. Make sure to give Grandma and Grandpa Sager a big hug from me. And Go Lady Axe!!!

There have been a few new changes here in Vilnius so I’ll update you quickly. First I have a new companion—Elder Brimley! Elder Briggs is in Riga, Imanta where he will serve with Elder Pratt (my MTC companion) who’s the new district leader up there and whitewashed into the area— ha I’m so pumped for them it’ll be awesome. I’ve served around Elder Brimley in Riga for one transfer and was really impressed by his Russian skills, humility and ability to just accept the Lord’s will. Elder Brimley is from Salt Lake (cottonwood) and has been out for a year and a half—get this in the last 7 transfers has served in 9 different areas, in 5 different countries. It might look like a “problem missionary” resume but it’s exactly the opposite, he’s a very obedient and good missionary, just one that’s run into a lot of problems! To make a real long story shorter: called to Rostov (bordering Older Brothers mission in Samara) had to come to Ukraine to renew visa, then had to come to Vilnius, then back to Russia, than kicked out of Russia for crazy charges of “teaching” illegally for English class, than to Tallinn, Estonia next to Riga, than kicked out of EU (visa stuff) to Ukraine, different mission than back here to Lithuania. Yeah… wow. In these places he usually didn’t know how long he would be there, and it ranged for 3 weeks to 3 months in each spot. But he really just keeps on keeping on with a smile and told me today he’s just happy to be somewhere doing missionary work. Yeah stud. I’m excited to serve together and learn from him! I took a picture of us today that I’ll send; I just wanted to get proof that we were together just in case he gets shipped off again quick. Just kidding.

But seriously work continues to fly forward. We even had to go through the messy process last week of looking for and renting a new apartment which we finally sealed the deal for yesterday, just in time. Only after some hard-nosed negotiations though, as they tried to rip of us off, ha I may not speak Lithuanian but I’m not stupid. I’ll send pictures of our new place next week but it’s right in the area where we knock (as opposed to center, on main street) so I’m really looking forward to being out there.

We had family home evening with the Ponovka family (with 3 girls) and it was great, they are so dang cute! The branch is doing a fabulous job bringing them in, and on Monday the new ward missionary (baptized 2 months ago) came out with us to teach. We’re also teaching Dima (26) who basically sees himself as Mormon (“Our Church”) and has said he just gets this same peaceful feeling every time he prays, and I’m just thinking yeah the church is so true.
We’ve gotta run and go sign out of our old apartment but thanks so much for your love and support. Time is starting to fly quicker than ever but daily I feel the support home. Seriously, you’re the best. I love you!

Love, Elder Barnes #12