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

Dear Family,

Right after last week’s preparation day, things started to look much brighter. We returned home to electricity which was a big boost. Puns intended.

We had a great lesson with that French man who speaks Russian- Volodia. He has a hard time seeing the Book of Mormon on the same level as the Bible, but really enjoys meeting with missionaries. We wanted to teach him why the book of Mormon is necessary and I remembered something Christopher had told me about reading 2 Nephi 2 because it basically teaches the whole plan of salvation. We did and he just ate it up. I’m convinced that one of the biggest barriers for people and the book of Mormon is just the fact that they have never opened it up and read. The doctrines are explained so powerfully that it’s hard to misunderstand. Volodia got sick and was not able to come to church so we’re hoping to meet again with him this week—I’m going to give him the French book of Mormon I bought in the MTC.

The following day we had our first lesson with a 26 year old man named Dima, who had met with missionaries about a year ago. He’s a very cool guy, down to earth and into spiritual-ness. Mariana, a 21 year old member from the Lithuanian branch ran into him a few weeks ago and referred him, so we met together which is always great. I really love working with the members here—it really is the best and most effective way to do missionary work. Especially because when we knock doors, about 70% of the people we talk to and teach are Lithuanian, even though we usually speak to them in Russian.

There are 31 missionaries in Lithuania, 6 Russians: 5 of us in Vilnius plus one in Klaipeda. The mutli-language aspect here makes me wonder about how Christopher must have done Chinese missionary work in France; excluding the fact that there were probably not any Chinese members when he started—wow that would be a head ache. It’s a good think Chisos is a “rockstar”/stud!

The most exciting and miraculous news of the week happened on Monday after district meeting. We were talking about ways to “find through your own efforts” and it had come up how the 2nd bullet point in PMG is “Look for ways to offer simple service.” It’s interesting because sometimes it really looks/feels like doing service doesn’t completely fill the missionary “purpose” of helping people come to Christ through faith, repentance and baptism. But Preach my gospel definitely knows what its talking bout.

As we were walking into center after District meeting to contact in center, Brother Ginadi Ustanovich (who taught the family with us) called to see if we would come over and help him move his fridge. Seeing as we were just talking about offering simple service we said, “JEAH!” We went out, moved his fridge for 10 min, and taught him a lesson about service. We asked which friends he had who we could serve, and he just pulled out his phone and texted a friend from work to see if we could come over. While he was texting, I thought about the family with 3 girls who we started teaching only after missionaries had done a cleaning service project for them. I called them up to see if we could come by and they said we could come right away! Then later that day we met with Brat Ustanovich’s friend and will hopefully set up a time to meet up next week. Service leads to miracles.

The lesson with the family was great, we were just so happy to be there after thinking we probably wouldn’t go back. While we were talking, their Polish neighbor came in after she’d been sucking back on grandpa's old cough medicine. She was nice, but not all there as she got on her knees and started saying a Hail Mary in polish. It was interesting, and testimony building. But the best was when Angelika (the mother) basically bore her testimony of how our church is different and without icons and the members are friendly as they get together and say what they feel. Elder Briggs and I were so stoked. Apparently they weren’t able to come to church last week because they were out of town for a funeral, but they enjoyed church the week before—especially the middle daughter who wants to learn to read better in Russian so that she can sing the hymns (the daughters speak better in Lithuanian, but the mother is Russian). Ah it was so awesome. There are still plenty of things to figure out, especially because they live 23 Km away from church and it’s expensive for Brother Ustanovich to make the trip to pick them up for church (he said would totally be down for it if he could though—ah he’s incredible!). The alternative is 3 different bus tickets for 4 people (one way) which adds up really quick too. I know that we’ll be able to work something out but we’ll definitely need some help from above.

Transfers are next week and I’m thinking I’ll stay here in Vilnius. Better be! But we’ll be moving to a new apartment that’s more central to our area. Elder Klima and Berryhill are heading home in a week and it’s been awesome to work around them and learn from them. The members really trust and love them which has been a big factor in the last four baptisms (in the last 2 months) all coming from member referrals, 2 of which were middle aged daughters of part member families. There is another member’s 11 year old son with a date for early in March and hopefully the family we’re teaching will keep on keeping on, so the work is going forward!

I was asked to give a talk last Sunday in church and I chose to talk on how to find happiness. Last time I read through the Book of Mormon I kept a tally of these words: Happiness: 31, Glad: 37, Rejoice: 79, Joy: 115, Smile: 3. I’m a firm believer the people in the Book of Mormon were very happy. But the connection is clear between being truly blessed/happy and keeping the commandments, doing missionary work and trusting in the Lord.

If I could add anything to that list it would be eating, sleeping and communicating with family, but not necessarily in that order. Thank you for your great weekly e-mails; they are the best and so uplifting. Go Lady Axe! 24 and 0, Holy Moly! It’s great to hear Tigey’s season is coming to a happy ending and even the Ducks won a game! Wow, life is good.

Love, Elder Barnes #12

THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT

My dearest family,

The highlight of this week was definitely Sundays baptism! Sikta and Paulina are referals and long time friends of the 1st counselor in the branch, Sasha and wife Zita. Sasha is an incredible man, he's been a member with his wife for 15 years, shares the gospel without fear and he leads meetings like Dick Vitale. He actually baptized Sikta and Paulina which raised my respect for him, because he was in the water the longest. I say that because they got baptized in the pond behind their home. I forgot my cord to send pictures this week, but i promise i'll send them next week. They literally had to break the ice to get in. Ha! It was awesome. I was able to interview Sikta and Paulina for their baptisms and it was so cool to hear about how they gained their testimonies. Sikta (the husband) told me he always just knew the church was true, because Sasha wouldn't be a member of an untrue church. They had been friends since childhood and Sasha had absolutely no belief in God until he converted. In the interview I was reminded of the Risley family and I showed them the christmas picture of their family I carry around with me. It's so cool to think how saintly Jake and Wanda are and Jenny and Nate's missions, and imagine the thousands of lives who have been blessed, and are being blessed because of their service. The gospel is just so true.

I apologize that last week's e-mail was so short! I wrote a good one and then just deleted it all, which is something I don't plan on doing again. You live and you learn! This week we've definitely had some learning experiences as it seems like nearly everything was gone wrong. Ha, last monday our electricity was turned off because of a bill not paid from December, so to this point we've been going home and waking up to darkness. Planning and journal writing by candlelight has been an adventure but I'm excited to be able to see. And then last Wednesday we ate something that just wasn't right; it could've been the 12 lt chinese food (about 6 dollars, I was so stoked about the price of a full meal deal, at first...) or the yogurt we had refrigerated by hanging out the window. We're honestly not sure which, so I've decided to stay away from both.

The worst news of all was the family that we teach (with the 3 adorable girls) didn't open the door when the member went to pick them up for church. There is always hope though, and we'll go to them again some time this/next week. It lifts me up knowing that nothing truly worth it, has ever been easy.

So our teaching pool at this point is down to one man, Volodia. He's originally from France but speaks Russian fluently, although his accent is different than any other i've heard! I spoke a little bit of French, or tried, but i speak so much worse in french than in russian it's ridiculous. I pulled out my French Liahona a few days ago for fun and I still probably read the same in both languages-- although i guarantee my «french accent» is more messed up than ever. Ha what a blessing it was to learn a language growing up though, I really hope someday to re-learn how to speak french. For now Russian is still enough to try to master. But Volodia has met with missionaries before and we found him from the area book and had a good lesson with him so we're looking forward to teaching him again tonight! We also received a referral of another man, Dima, who's met with missionaries, who we're teaching tomorrow. We met him at FHE and he seems really excited. We'll see what happens!

Dad asked about the Russian speakers here and I got some statistics this week that will paint a good picture. There are 18% Russian people here, but 90% of the adult population speakw Russian, including those from Poland, Belarussia, and other nearby countries (way more here than in Riga). So we've done about a quarter or third of our teaching to people who speak Lithuanian as primary language (if adult than we teach in Russian, if teenager than in English-pretty much always). If it goes well than we pass them to Lithuanian missionaries as soon as possible, which we have done a few times.

Zone conference was last friday and it was awesome, as always! President Dance taught us doctrine from Moses 1 that blew my mind, his understanding of scripture is unreal! He reminds me a ton of Dad, especially when he teaches. I'm really excited about Dad's new calling, those institute kids are lucky! And then Sister Dance talked about how we are chosen of the Lord because of our choices. And she showed us in 1 Nephi 17:40 tje scripture that Mom showed to me while you were in Montana. So basically the mission president and his wife are my parents, which is what I'm talking about!

Please make sure to pass a thank you on to the Richeys for the home made carmels. Mhmm!! Those definitely cheer you up after a night of throwing up in the dark. Just kidding, but seriously we are feeling much much better and just loving life. It is good to be in the Lord's service. OK it's awesome!

I love you!

Love Elder Barnes #12

P.s. I sent Emma a letter about a month ago that i hope she got! She wrote me a few times before i got around to writing back so if she's still waiting tell her i say «Hey! I'm really happy to hear the 2nd semester is going great with the roommates! Football champions? Jealous. Give Gary, Ericka, Kelly and the whole clan a big hug and hello from me.Yup yup!