wowza.

So crazy week. CRAZY past couple of days! First of all...kind of cool. There's an elder in my district who's deaf and he is by far da coolest. It's always fun to try to learn words in American Sign Language so I can communicate. It's amazing to see the army that God has. :) Also, a general authority and his wife came and spoke with us! But the cool part is that they both speak Spanish so we had a sister and an elder from our mission translating for us. Loved it. Received much revelation and it was very inspiring.

Soooo....President obviously called y'all. SURPRISE! So I've been pretty sick right? it started like six months ago right? Well I really didn't want to go home...and I felt like kind of a little better. So I took advantage of that and ran with it. I also stopped communicating to the doctors and Sister Ames. It was great. Missionary work was soaring! I was loving it. :) But I progressively was getting worse again. A few times I had experiences where I had the impression that I needed to go home so I could get better...But of course I shook them off! They were so subtle and it definitely is not what I wanted to do. I had it again during General Conference...shook it off. Then this past Sunday. The impression came so strong, so clearly...I know it wasn't me. But I had the feeling..."It's time." It came three times. I couldn't fight this one because it so distinctly was from God. So I talked to Doctor Rose to see what his thoughts were. He also told me it was time to go home for a little while until they can figure this out...then I can come back as soon as I recover! He also prescribed me some new medication until that time. So the next day, we were doing service and I had a really negative reaction to the medication. I will have to tell you about it later...but it was just not fun. But I've been worse ever since...so Doctor Rose doesn't think it was the prescriptions. It will be nice to find some answers! :)

At this point, I am at peace with going home because I know this is what God wants for me at this time. Also, I know I will be a more effective missionary when I feel normal again. I'm just anxious to get feeling better! :) I plan on coming back out as soon as health allows!

I love y'all so much!

Love,

Sister Barnes

...

So first of all, I think I'm gonna buy me some cowgirl boots today. No judge. You can't come and live in Texas and go home without some real, authentic Justin boots! So...it's totes happening.

So Autumn's getting married pretty soon and that's really weird. Sounds like y'all have been crazy busy. Remind me never to get married. Thanks. 

So I love miracles! They happen daily! I'm not very good at sharing the miracles which is awful but they do happen. :) Like I was on exchange and we were teaching this girl at the park... Randomly this guy comes out of the blue and asks if he can sit by us. (Ummm...is the sky blue? Is Brad Pitt beautiful? OF COURSE YOU CAN SIT BY US!) Ha ha okay...so then of course we start teaching him. After everything, he told us that he just had this feeling that he needed to come to the park. (Thank you Holy Ghost). AGH! I just love missionary work. I can't even handle it. 

So we are still pretty busy. Sometimes we have to skip meals because there's just not enough time, but things are going really well. We had a ton of baptismal dates coming up. But again, I'm scared they're not ready! So we pushed them back a bit. It's like the parable of the sower in the New Testament! But things are going well. This is a very humble area. I am a lot more grateful for cleanliness now. Yes Mom...it's a miracle. 

I had to give a talk yesterday too! :) We hardly had any notice and no time to prepare but they went really well! It's all part of being a missionary right? I actually can't remember the last time I had a normal church block. We're always teaching some sort of class. It's da bessst.

Welp, I love missionary work with all my heart and soul! I love this gospel and I love this church! and I love y'all! I'm just soo happy!

Sister Barnes

P.S. Thank you for the pictures of the mountains. :) Everyone was round my computer ooing and awing. Gotta love home.

GENERAL CONF

So there's a cat sitting in my lap right now so excuse my off typing....

First of all...CONFERENCE WAS AMAZING! I received revelation from almost every single talk! Remember when Jeffrey R. Holland made that appendicitis reference? I hung my head in shame...Ha ha. Too funny. So many good talks. 

So about the quantity not quality comment that I made. Still a problem. The work is awesome! Our district is in the top right now! I teach a lot. I have a lot of baptismal dates...but I still don't feel like they're ready... I didn't come out here to be in the top companionships, or to have high key indicators, or even to baptize people! I came out here to help people make a true and everlasting change...a true conversion to the gospel. It's cool that we have lots of baptismal dates, but the thought of them being baptized without understanding and then falling away really upsets me. I don't know. I just love being a missionary though. :) This work is truly amazing. Is it terrible of me to say that I never want to go home? Ha! 

Okay so Autumn wasn't on a bike and I really feel like y'all should get a taste of what it's like...First of all, it's like...immodest. I try to clip my skirt together but it eventually comes undone...then I have awkward hair clips on my skirt flapping in the wind....and I'm immodest anyway... My hair is always lovely...the trick is to put a chastity pamphlet in your helmet to keep your hair from going cray cray...But really, you just sweat so much in the Texas heat that there's really no point in trying...Then being female and having a purse always makes it a little more interesting! Then when we show up on people's doorsteps, you're covered in sweat and mud and wearing a skirt... It really is the greatest. :) It's ALWAYS an adventure. I really do love it.

We have an investigator who has lots of cats...I counted 17 in the room. Gross.

This lady thought we were nuns...Then this guy thought I had been in prison...I'm getting whiplash here peeps.

Nother awkward story...A guy that I kinda/sorta dated in college use to serve in this same area three years ago. His name is all over my desk and in the area book and basically all over. I even saw it in a member's home. It's really awko taco. Heh.

Someday I promise I'll be more spiritual in my updates. :) Just know that I love this so much and I have learned so much and I witness miracles every single day. God is truly aware of us.

Love,

Sister Barnes

 

FORT WORTH!

The Library's kitty in my lap right now. Heh. I. Love. Texas. 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!! :)

Happy Birthday to my dear sister AUTTIE! and in case I forget next week...AMERS! Love y'all both so much! 

The work has been going well! :) We stay very busy! We have quantity...But I worry about "quality" investigators. I don't want to baptize these people just to have them fall away. :/ I'm sure as we follow the spirit we will know what to do! I love my compangee! We may or may not pull pranks on each other all the time...I may have brushed my teeth with salt this morning...Man oh man. We just like to have a good time and laugh while we work. I think it's a great method! 

Also, a stray cat snuck into our apartment...I actually got the whole thing on film so I'll show y'all someday. Totes my goats funny. Also, there was a snake in Sister Lewis's study blanket. I may have jumped on the table...But in my defense...I just heard her scream "SNAAAAKE!!!!" and there's lots of crazy poisonous snakes here so I was just playing it safe. It was just little and not poisonous...no worries. Let's see...Oh. Someone asked me if I was a nun today. And this guy tried to convince me that I was a polygamist... Some people's kids.... Also, we had THREE families come to church yesterday that haven't been to church in YEEAAARRSS!!! People were crying. They were crying. It was beautiful. I was so happy. There's no happiness quite like what this gospel brings! We also teach in church about every week. And President Ames came and spoke to us at a fireside for our ward last night! It's just been a really good transfer. I love missionary work.

I LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE!!! I can't wait!!!! The relief society broadcast was AWESOME! And I totally saw my good friend Karlie Rupe in the choir! She leaves to Argentina in two weeks!!! Crazy how the time flies. At the end of this transfer I will be hitting my halfway mark. Oh my eww eww gross. I'm still brand new. 

DAD! Ricky. Heh. Heh. Is it really getting cold there? It's finally starting to cool down a bit here. Still some hot days but it's a lot more bearable. MOM! My head has gotten a little worse again this week and I'm still throwing up (not as often) but I feel like I'm just use to everything at this point. I'm really happy! And I'm a lot better than I was! So I'm grateful! 

Running low on time but know that I love this gospel with all my heart! I love y'all so much!

Love,

Sister Barnes 

P.S. Only a few weeks until the weddin'. YEE DOGGIE!

White Settlement

First of all, I'm feeling lots better! ... It truly is miraculous how I am doing so much better...I do believe in miracles! I am grateful for the strength God has given me because I freakin' love it here! I love being a missionary! I am officially a normal missionary again and I'm so happy right now. :) I'm really not worried about things anymore.... And I really am doing much better than I was! EEEEE! :)

So yes. I went to the eye doctor. Lots of times I think the doctors just want my money more than they actually want to help me. My eyes are healthy but they gave me prescription glasses to maybe help any strain that could cause a headache. Funny because it makes it harder to see with the glasses! HA! I have great eye sight if I do say so myself! I feel like it makes my head worse. But she wants me to constantly wear them for two weeks to see if it does anything. I literally tripped and fell probably 4 or 5 times within the next few hours after wearing them. So I tried to get these giant nerd glasses...and the lady worker said "Ummm...no. No...I can not let you get those." "but but but but!" She said they were way too big for my face. That's kind of the point lady! Ha ha! Then she brought me gross, skinny glasses that made me start throwing up when I saw myself in them because they were so hideous!!! I was like lady...you are cray cray. So we found a happy medium pair that we agreed on. I will send pics!  

So White Settlement...It is very much in da ghetto, but humble. I looooooooove it. Lots of street contacting! Lots of teaching! Busy busy! So remember the shootings from Washington DC last week? Yeah, that guy was from White Settlement. Remember the Thai restaurant that he worked at? Yeah, literally down the street. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything...oops. The public library...yeah...it has a pet cat named Browzer. There are stray cats EVERYWHERE. Remember how I'm not very fond of cats? Still hasn't changed. Most of the people we teach don't have any teeth....and when they do...they're rotting. Everything in our apartment has something wrong with it...the lights, toaster, oven, stove, shower, washing machine, etc. It's totally the missionary experience. So that kind of explains the area I'm in! Our ward is small...almost branch size but I'm oober excited!

I love my compangee Sister Lewis! I am her follow up trainer. She just barely finished training! Still waiting for my follow up trainer! ;) But there's only a few sisters who are older than me mission wise. That's crazy because I haven't even reached my halfway mark. ANYWAY, Sister Lewis and I have so much fun. We both like to work but also to laugh while doing so. I'd be lying if I said that I never made street contacts/door contacts in a British accent. It just gets stuck sometimes. I also tend to be snorting (literally) with laughter when people answer the door. But again...lots of new investigators and we are able to get in a lot more doors! :) I just loves being a missionary.

It is FINALLY starting to cool down! They say only a few more over 100 degree days! It was raining for a good couple days there...our power was out for awhile, BUT it has cooled down because of it! It really has been a really fun transfer so far.

A couple funny stories. We were teaching this family and the father pulls out this backpack...Apparently it's his "zombie apocalypse preparedness" bag... (I. Love. Zombies.) He starts pulling out full on axes out of this tiny little bag! It was so funny. It's Texas so we get antied often but this lady (I call her the dragonfly lady) tracked us down and started telling us that we were demons because we call the Savior "Jesus" and that we are paagan worshippers and that Peter Smith is a nut....(Umm...Joseph?) And I didn't even bible bash! I only said a few maybe funny comments but I was a good girl. :) Just pray for that crazy lady because I'm worried for her salvation. Also, there was a ward party and they had a jug party. They made us missionaries get up and play in it and they sang a song dedicated to me called "Sister Baaaaarnes." That was pretty funny. But yes, I really am excited for this transfer! It's gonna be a good one!

I love y'all so much! Your prayers are being felt! The church is true and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share it with everyone!

Love,

Sister Barnes

 

 

TRANSFERS!!!

Okay, so first of all...I'M BEING TRANSFERRED! Here's my address...

8510 Westlake Dr. #8510-11

White Settlement, TX 76108

It's in Fort Worth...the city...of course. HA! One day I will get to the country!!!! :):):)

Okay...So I'm just gonna be frank. This is really kickin' my behind! It is really starting to hurt! It may just be because it's been so long and I'm losing my strength. I don't really know! HA! The dentist didn't call you? He said he was going to. I do indeed have TMJ, but obviously there's something much bigger...I'm not sure what they're doing with me being transferred and everything. I'll just be patient. :) I hope y'all know that I know that God is with me every step of the way! Although, I have been struggling physically, He has blessed me with spiritual strength. I am grateful for the opportunity to become so close to my Savior! :) "The best way to come closer to God is to struggle." How true is that? I'm so grateful for my Redeemer and his infinite, atoning sacrifice for me! I trust in the Lord with all my heart!

So Elder Anderson and Brother Callister came to speak to us!!!! It was great...I was having a hard time paying attention but what I did hear was truly inspired. I felt like it was just for me. :) Something that really stood out to me was how Elder Anderson said..."we do want you to be good missionaries, but importantly, we want YOU to become great disciples of Jesus Christ." He talked about how yes, we are to help others and be good missionaries...but he wants each of us to progress in this experience. That helped me a lot because I've felt so useless. I've felt like such a bad missionary and more of a burden than a blessing...but I know that I have learned and grown a lot in this past transfer. I know I will be stronger because of this trial! But it was great to shake the hand of an apostle of the Lord. :) He truly is called of God.

So Montana for the weekend huh? Do y'all ever slow down? Sheesh! DAD! I can't believe all your goals for missionary work! You always have been a great member missionary and I know that your efforts and all the members around the world will push this work forward! MOM! Lindsey Richards is indeed going on a mission to Italy! and thank you for your letter. I LOVE getting letters! :) I can feel your prayers. Also, I'll probably have to send a package home because I have accumulated so much stuff....So sorry, it won't be gifts! HA!

I love y'all so much! I'll tell you more when I find out! But until then, know that I'm doing well and that I'm happy! :) God is with me. The church is true! The gospel is true! and I love it sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!! Peace and Blessin'. Peace and Blessins'.

Love,

Sister Barnes
:)

Apostle Time!!! :)

Yep...another apostle is going to come speak to us! Elder Anderson this time. I CAN'T WAIT!!! :) The Dallas mission will also be attending.. That might be a little cray cray. But still...supes excite. I also have a feeling we're going to be on facebook pretty soon here! I was glad to be rid of my facebook! But if it furthers the work, I am willing to do whatever it takes. :)

How was your vaca? Sounds like it was fun! And y'all are the best missionaries handing out Book of Mormons! (Books of Mormon?) If all members were to do such things this work would sky rocket! So THANK YOU! Keep it up! :)

How are wedding plans? I still can't believe Auttie is gettin' hitched. Is it keeping everyone busy and stressed out? Ha!

So we had missionary cleaning checks this week...Oh my hilarious. So the elders didn't warn us like they were supposed to (surprise surprise HA!) and they called us one early morning and said someone was inspecting our apartment in thirty minutes! "WHAT?! AHH!" It wasn't bad but just definitely not white glove clean! Luckily I had deep cleaned the kitchen in the middle of the night before. But we just went to work...they knocked and I still had stuff all over my bed and Sister Trusty wasn't even dressed! So I distracted them while she got dressed and then we swapped while I made my bed in literally 30 seconds RIGHT before the lady came into the room! HA! It was seriously like something from a movie. She then said our apartment was the cleanest that they've checked and we received an "excellent" rating! Right after they left, we fell to the ground and sighed with relief. Okay...really not funny...ya had to be there...

Sorry, that's about it for this week! Lame...I know. But this church is true and I love y'all! Toodles!

Sister Barnes

Excuse me sir...you're naked...

I've been out seven months this week! Crazy...
Okay, funny story. So we got a referral from church headquarters. So of course we go over to the house and knock on the door. This man answers...naked. Not just mostly naked...but birthday suit naked. HA! I'm use to people answering the doors in their underwear or in a towel. No biggie. But this was a first for me! I've heard missionary stories like this before, but it was always in a foreign country! Oh Texas. I love you. So yeah, this guy is naked and Sister Trusty's face. HA HA HA! That moment was priceless. I tried to keep it cool and still invited him to learn more (while staring at the ceiling). He was interested and I was so GRATEFUL he wasn't! HA HA! I couldn't stop laughing. You know I'm cursed with that laughing disease...

I've recently read 3 Nephi 11 again and I. Love. It. Something that I think a lot of people skip over in this chapters is the phrase "one by one." Christ loves everyone but He loves each of us on a personal level. I think that's very important to remember.

I can't believe y'all went to Washington DC and NYC!!! I'm a little bit jealous but it's coo. I like it here in Texas. :) Do you notice how I say y'all? Yeah, I don't know if I'll ever learn how to not say y'all. HA! Just call me "Texas." :)

I know this gospel is true with all my heart and I love it!!!

Life. Is. Beautiful.

First off...can I just tell you how much I love participating in God's work? There is NO place I'd rather be. I will NEVER regret the decision I made to go on a mission. Of course it's not butterflies and roses all the time (but who's life is?) but it's worth it! There will never be another time when I can give 24/7...every second of everyday working with my heart, might, mind, and strength for God! It's a beautiful blessing that I have and it truly gives me the greatest happiness. I have learned so much, felt so much, and overcome weaknesses. How. Great. Is. My. Calling.

Second...thanks SO MUCH for the package! Y'all know me too well. Everything is sooo me. :) It made my day! But question...what the world is the green thing? I wear it around my head (not out and about don't worry) but I'm really not sure what it is. So could someone please enlighten me so I can stop looking like an idiot? Thanks. :)

Oh funny story...I kind of hung up on President Ames the other day...on purpose. He was calling while we were on a doorstep. Sister Trusty didn't think anyone was coming so she answered it and threw it to me...RIGHT as they answered the door! President starts talking and I just say "President I have to go!" Click. Talk about terrible Sister Barnes! We got in to the house. ;) So I didn't end up calling him back for about 45 minutes. HA! Oh man. Good thing he's so cool. Anyway..I thought it was kind of funny...

So we have two baptisms coming up! A twelve year old boy named Cadence who is just amazing and so ready to be baptized. And Robin...still. She is so ready to be baptized, but the only reason why she hasn't is because she doesn't think she's ready, but she just needs to recognize that she is. But no worries...she's still progressing well and it WILL happen! The Gray parents have accepted baptism but not a date so we will keep working with them! Also, we've been working a lot with the less actives and some are FINALLY coming back! The church is SO TRUE that I can't even handle it!!! Oh man. Gotta love it.

Well...the elders are glaring at me because I'm taking too long. Sigh. Ha! So I gotta go but I love y'all so much!!!!

Love,
Sister Barnes

UNDER HOUSE ARREST....dun dun dun...

Oh man...where to start. How to even answer these emails! AHH! Y'all are stressing me out! Ha. Joke. First of all...HEATHECLIFF (Autumn) IS ENGAGED!!! AGHHH! I was dying laughing here in the library when I read all about it. I can not even wait for them. I am freakin' out! This is the second ring that she has stolen...just sayin...How is my CTR ring treatin' ya Aut? ;) HA HA HA but seriously..I want my ring back. Okay...kidding. Love ya.

I actually didn't realize that Chatty Cathy was a doll. I just hear that term all the time. Ha! But yeah...that's one thing that I've learned out here...how to talk to people. I loooooove people. Every person has their own uniqueness, their own story, their own history, their own way of thinking. I love getting to know them and just chattin' with them. So sorry if I talk y'alls ears off when I get home. It's a Texas thing.

Okay...I've been trying to avoid this subject...and I thank you for your lengthy letters and emails trying to convince me that I'm being dumb. Ha ha I know y'all are just watching out for me. I AM scared to tell you because I DO think y'all will freak out. But just know that I'm feeling a lot better.

Mom, I will TRY to be honest. :) I'll start with zone conference...No I did not give my training. President Ames called me the night before and gave my training to someone else ( :( mine was good too!)..he also wouldn't let me drive...and then I had to leave early to get an MRI. Sigh. I was in pretty bad shape that day. I was really sick for awhile there but since the whole "house arrest" thing, I feel sooo much better. It makes me want to just get back out there because I feel fine!!! But then I just fall apart all over again when I try. But yes, Sister Ames told me that I need rest and even told me that they would take me to the mission home. Nah...It's bad enough being in the apartment all day! This is by far been the hardest week of the mish. :) Not just the physical pain...I can handle that...but just because I'm so miserable staying in the apartment. I just feel bad because I have so many duties and responsibilities that aren't being met. I feel bad for putting people out of their way because of my weakness...and my poor companion!!! Oh I just feel so bad for her. I just feel bad. :( I want to be out and about! :)

I truly am grateful for trials in our lives though. I know I talk about this all the time, but it's because it is oober important to me...and should be for everyone. I am so grateful for my Savior and His atonement. I have come to such a better understanding and a knowledge of the atonement. And it's times like these when I understand more fully the enabling power of the atonement. If life was all breezy good all the time, we would never understand! So I truly am grateful for them... :) And what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger! Ha ha! :) Love. This. Gospel. Love my Redeemer.

To comfort my dear sweet mother. I am letting people help. I don't think this is appendicitis and I'm hours away from dying! Ha ha :) But I've been trying to take prescriptions and listen to Sister Ames and the doctors, etc. Man, I must be stubbornly prideful because it is HARD. I hate letting people help! My ward mission leader scolds me everyday because of my pride...no worries. He's just as stubborn as I am and won't let me leave his house until I'm honest! Ha ha also, his son is a doctor and is constantly checking up on me. So no I'm not dying. Yes I am getting help. And I feel sooo much better! I go to the neurologist on Wednesday so we'll see if we can figure anything out. But I think I know what it is...my gut feeling...Hey, my gut has been right before! :) I'm gonna leave ya hanging...I'll let you know if I'm right next week. ;) Dun dun dun.

I'm doing well! :) I love the gospel. And I am truly happy. :) LOVE y'all! Keep the faith!!!! :)

Sister Barnes

P.S. Sorry...I know I still didn't give you anything too concrete, but I DID tell you more so no whinin'!!! ;)

Girdin Up My Loins

Oh boy. Sister Ames told me to gird up my loins. Man! I can't believe y'all called the office!!...but I forgive you. :) Sister Ames was checking up on me everyday, but now since y'all shared the level of pain I can apparently withstand, I got her texting me all the time. But y'all don't need to be worried! I'm doing swell! :) I'm out working all day long so obviously I'm not dying. Just to give you a little update...the doctors didn't really tell me much...but I should know more after the MRIs, the EMGs, etc. I'm being taken care of...so please don't worry about me. :) I'll tell you more when I find out. But seriously, I'm not dying. I am loving being a missionary right now. :)

Sister Meiners literally cried every single day for a week up until transfers. I will miss her but I know she's doing amazing in the ghetto of Fort Worth! So my companion is Sister Trusty from Saratoga Springs, UT. She's a cute girl! She's young. Well I'm young...but you know what I mean. I am doing some follow up training. No training for me this time. Phew! :) Ha ha I'm still wondering when I'm going to have a follow up trainer. Anywho. She doesn't say too much yet...but I've turned into some kind of chatty cathy and it's freaking me out! I'm turning into a Texas Talker. Save me. But things are going well. Robin is still being baptized! (but it's now in September because she's going out of town). We have a few more baptisms that should be coming up! We have found some new investigators with promising potential! I just love being a missionary...I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of things. (Only took six months right?) ha ha but God has been giving me strength. And for some reason, I have been really bold lately. Like it's scaring me. Sometimes, after I say things I'm like "Where in the world did that come from?!" Maybe it's the spirit. I'm just not afraid about anything anymore. I know why I'm here. I know what I have to do. I know the people need the gospel. And I know the gospel is true. BE BOLD BUT LOVING...is my new motto.

Okay, I about DIED when I read about the wasp stinging Dad's tongue. Ba ha ha. "It hurt!" Oh Dad...rub some dirt in it. I HAVE heard of flyboards. I saw them on the news right before I left!!! They look freakin' sweet!!! I am so trying one someday. Wow way to make me jealous with the whole Idaho Burrito thing from Javiers. Urgh. and again with talking about the new temple video which I missed by a few days. Double urgh. (I obviously am still working on the whole "thou shalt not covet thing". I'm sure y'all did amazing in your talks! Y'all are so good at public speaking and teaching by the spirit. It's a good combo. I LOVE Autumn's dress! I was a little worried because I couldn't be there ;) but I approve!

I am giving a training tomorrow in Zone Conference on the atonement. I am so grateful for the Savior's sacrifice for me. I am so grateful for the redeeming power of the atonement, but also the enabling power. He gives me strength that I know is not of my own. He is with me, guiding me, and helping me. He understands what we are going through and how to help us, because he suffered it long before we ever did. I know that through the atonement, not only our behaviors, but our natures can be changed. and I know that "all that is unfair about life can be made right through the atonement of Jesus Christ." If anyone is struggling, please get down on your knees and plead for His help. He can not take your burden completely away, but he can give you the strength to overcome it. How great is our God.

Love y'all!!!!

Love,

Sister Barnes

Transfer Week!

I am staying here in Arlington so no new address! I will get to the country someday...I will...but for now, I'm gonna give everything I got in Arlington, TX. I am going to miss my daughter Sister Meiners so much though. She has become my best friend. But I know this is God's will and I will love my new companion too! :) Ha ha but my bishop and my ward mission leader are very sad. They called me and Sister Meiners "spiritual twins". Also, our ward mission leader said that in all his work in the past 30 years, he's never seen two better missionaries. PFFF! I almost choked. I just feel like that is so far from the truth...but I am grateful for the strength and guidance of the Lord. I know He is with us every step of the way. There is no way I could be out here without His help. I love Him. 

I CAN listen to that CD. :) I have the Joseph Smith album on my MP3 but I totes want the missionary work one! YETTHHHH... More music. :) Thanks!

I went on another exchange this week with my Sister Training Leader. You learn lots on exchanges but the one thing that I always forget is that no missionary is perfect. I think I often assume that every other missionary is perfect and that I'm the only one with weakness...but we are all continually trying to improve. It's just good to know that we're doing alright. :)

Elder Daniel my friend my Philmont is leaving for home this week. Man! I guess that's just part of mission life...there's ALWAYS lots of changing going on. ESPECIALLY lots of change going on inside of the missionaries! Like this one! Man...I won't come home the same person. Don't worry...I'll probably still be dorky and trip all the time, but my testimony has grown immensely...my love for people...my love for the scriptures...my love for missionary work...my love for this gospel...my love for my family...my love for my Savior. I understand more and more each day about what life is all about. It gives me an eternal perspective and things are just...better. Let us not forget the eternal perspective of things. Let us remember why we are here and what is most dear to us. Focus on the important things in life and don't be upset over the little things...it's not worth it.

Sorry...I know my updates are scatter brained/weird but it's Lisa...so really I assume no one is surprised.

I love y'all SOOO MUCH!!! Hold fast to the iron rod!

Love,

Sister Barnes

Dun dun dunn...

I don't know why my email is titled this...I thought people might be more excited about reading my update...

First of all...I had two epiphanies...Peter in the Bible Videos is Joseph Smith in the Joseph Smith movie! That one was a big one for me. Also, the dad in Everything You Want (Maybe only Aut knows what I'm talking about...) is in the mormon message Enduring Love and is also Governor Boggs in the Joseph Smith movie! Okay...really not cool...but I'm proud of myself.

Remember how I was supposed to be working at Disney World this summer? Weird. Life has a way of playing out differently than one plans. :) All I know is we must put our trust in the Lord and lean not unto our own understanding! Everything will be okay if we do that. :) Butttt.....I am SO going to Harry Potter world when I get home. That is still one of my dreams! ;) Dad yeah? Okay. Thanks. Tangent. Okay. Stopping.

So I heard something new concerning our religion...Apparently, only GUYS can be mormon! Wow...I had no idea. Ha ha this lady was trying to convince us that our church only believed that men could be members. Lady...we have both been members for a looong time. I think we would know. At least she didn't ask if we had horns...

This week was a little bit slower. Good things are still happening though! Robin is preparing herself to be baptized pretty soon here! Transfers are next week though so I might barely miss it. That's okay...as long as it happens. I love her. :) We teach a lot of black people and they are my favorite....Boneeshia...gotta love her...and Jermaine...Jermeeshia...Jercadence...Keanna... I can't even handle them because they are sooo cool!!!

Wow. My favorite part about being a missionary (I'm pretty sure I say that every week about something different...) is bearing my testimony a bzillion times a day. I just LOVE testifying! It strengthens my testimony. It strengthens other people around me. The spirit is felt. So yes, I simply love bearing my testimony. I know God loves us and this is His church! This is His work and His glory! Follow Him. Keep His commandments. Trust Him. Love Him. Become like Him.

Love,

Sister Barnes

P.S. I mention jet skiing...so you just have to go jet skiing. Ironic. ;)

P.P.S. I'm glad Mom won in 5 crowns. As long as it wasn't Dad! Ha toodles!

TEMPLE!

I got to go to the temple AGAIN! I am so lucky. Some missionaries from the mission don't even get to go once! It was amazing as usual. I hope y'all make the temple a priority in your lives because wow...just wow. But that is why I didn't email yesterday...sorry!

We had interviews with our new president this past week! Wow. He is a truly inspired man and very excited about the work. His goal is to eventually do away with tracting. Woah. That's kind of a big deal! He wants us to be so busy that we don't have time to tract! MAN! Sister Meiners rubbed that one in my face! I just think it's fun sometimes.... Ha ha but members members members. If the members AND the missionaries were doing this together, the work would soar! That is President Ames's vision. Now we just need to motivate the members! :)

You truly do come to love a lot of people on your mission...especially your investigators. You love with them, you cry with them, and sometimes you cry for them. I think it gives me just a slight taste of how Heavenly Father feels about me. Sometimes love really hurts! You truly are devastated when your investigator/friend chooses wrong. It just tears you apart. If that's how my human heart feels, can you imagine how Heavenly Father feels about us?! It's mind blowing. I've learned a lot out here, but love is definitely a big one.

I love this gospel oh so much. I wish people could and would understand just how truly important it is. Can't we just like take away their agency? Oh wait.....awkward. Ha ha! Joke. Agency is wonderful! :) But I am still coming to a better understand of just HOW important it is. It is EVERYTHING. The Doctrine of Christ is EVERYTHING. It is beautiful and it is true.

I'm sorry this is so short! Just know how much I love y'all and how much I love this gospel!

Love,

Sister Barnes

P.S. Mom...have you by chance watched the Walking Dead at all lately?

Missing Scrunchee...

So missions are kind of hard sometimes. There are a lot of unhappy people who give you the bird, slam doors in your face, or curse at you...and I've been totally fine! I've been completely happy! But then...I lose my scrunchee...and THAT's when I almost cry. I am "THAT SISTER." How embarrassing. But it's fine because I said a prayer and.....scrunchee and Lisa REUNITE! :) But I didn't really cry...just so you know... cough cough moving on...

Miracle story for the week. A husband and wife just moved in, they showed up to church in a different ward...the lady walks up to the ward secretary and asks him how she can become a member of the church. Yes ladies and gents...that is how easy missionary work is. HA! I wish! But turns out they went to the wrong ward on accident and she's really in OUR area. She is amazing and has truly been prepared by God! Her baptism is just in 2 weeks. I know that we are being blessed for our obedience.

Also Emily Long was finally baptized! It's been a loooong time coming...but it's moments like these when I understood why God sent me to Arlington 2nd Ward North. I love her and I know she will make it to the end! Favorite part as a missionary, watching the smile on my friend's face as they make those sacred covenants with God. I can't help but to smile as well. It's contagious. This gospel is soooo happy! It's just pure happiness! I wish more people could understand that! But how great is my calling.

We couldn't make it to the temple this week...but will hopefully go in two weeks! I'll let ya know.

FUNNY experience. So this is the bible belt right? So people are fully willing to pray with us. I don't even know what religion this lady was...but we were all holding hands in a circle and she was flailing our arms around and chanting "Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus! THANK YOU JESUS!" I'm sorry...I lost it. I couldn't help it okay! You know how weak I am when it comes to holding in laughter! But I was laughing so hard I was crying. But it's fine because I think she assumed I was crying because I was touched. HALELUJAH! AMEN!

As a missionary, you are not allowed to hold children. This is painful. The cuties here love "da sisto mishinaries". They reach out to us and they try and sit on our laps. We painfully have to scoot them aside. :( They are soooo cute!!!! If I didn't love kids before, I LOVE kids now!

Another funny story, the Bishop yelled and said that if me or my companion get transferred, he's going straight to the president of the church! He's skipping the stake president and mission president and is going to go straight to the Prophet! Well...you had to be there. He's this really sweet, old man...and he was very animated when he said that. Ha ha oh Bishop. We have fallen in love with the members here. It's going to be hard to leave.

Mom, the demon dog hasn't gotten me in awhile..he snaps at me, but I have learned his devilish ways. He is now a 100 pound puppy and still growing. Sigh. But no more blood! BUT...my legs have literally fifty scars on them each from all the mosquito bites I receive daily. It's kind of disgustingly gross how disgustingly gross my legs are.

Family and friends...this church is SOOO true! If you have any doubts, read the Book of Mormon and pray. It is true. I KNOW for myself that it is true. and I love it. I simply love it. Nothing gives me greater happiness than this gospel. And if that's in this life? Can you imagine what joy we will receive in the eternities? Wowzer. I love y'all so much. SO SO MUCH. I only have a little over a year left. Where has the time gone?! But I know that I have stretched. It sometimes hurts, but I have felt the changes within me. God can not ONLY change behaviors, but he can change natures. How great is our God!

LOVES.

Sister Barnes

 

 

I love fourth of July. It's hard to believe that it was a whole year ago that I was sitting on a boat in Lake Powell watching the fireworks. The time has flown. I have been out for 5 months already. Umm...weird. That means I have only a little over a year left and that kind of freaks me out because...THEY'RE IS STILL SO MUCH TO DO! You asked me what I did on the fourth. Well...we painted a house all afternoon and then we went out and did missionary work for the rest of the day! :) Ha ha I feel so guilty about celebrating anything when we could be working instead.

My new mission president. WOW. What an amazing and inspired man. I love him. I got slapped in the face by the spirit. This work is sooo important! We have no idea! We are not here to keep the ball rolling, we are here to push this work forward! Something that hit me so hard was when he told us what L. Tom Perry had shared with him and all the other new mission presidents. These new mission changes are as important as the first vision, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and all worthy males receiving the priesthood. Umm...woah. I think we have no idea how important missionary work is right now. But this has inspired to be more bold. I KNOW why I'm here. I KNOW my purpose! I am here to help people come closer to Christ and make everlasting changes in their lives that will last through the eternities. I am here to help truly convert people to the Gospel by the power of the Holy Ghost. That is why I am on a mission...no more beating around the bush. Every one NEEDS this gospel! I will do all I can so I can be an instrument in the Lord's hands so I can effectively be His proxy. I love this gospel and I love this work so much! Only the gospel can give us everlasting happiness! If we have any doubts, trials, worries...the gospel is the answer to all of these questions. Trust in the Lord and everything will be okay.

Before I forget, I might be able to email until next Friday because I'm going to the temple. WOOT WOOT! I. Can't. Wait.

Some things that have happened this week...

The nursing home...ALWAYS a good time with God's older children. There's a lady from Brooklyn named Rosalyn and she is a hoot. We sang a hymn for her, but we only knew one verse....She wanted us to keep going but we didn't know the rest of the verses! She yelled "When we're kneeling at the judgement bar....I'M TELLING GOD YOU DIDN'T FINISH YOUR SONG!!!" She slightly crazy, but that's why I love her so much. She also love to make up songs about Jesus...They're quite interesting.. Gotta love the bible belt.

And the demon puppy that I have talked about before? Yeah...it drew blood again... and slammed me against the wall. But NBD right?

AHHHH!!! There's so much more I want to say but I'm out of time. Just know that I love this gospel so much and I'm so glad I'm here. And know that I love y'all so much. And you better love me too or I'd be very upset. Thanks. Peace. Love. Harmony. Save the whales. All that good stuff.

TOOODLES!

SISTER BARNES AND NOBLE

A brraaannnddd neeewww caaarrrr!!!

The mini van is gone. Tear drop. They just came by one night and took it away from us. :( How I am going to miss that good ole party bus. BUT...what did they give us instead? A brand. new. car. Like...it had a few miles on it. It's REALLY nice and I'm scared to touch it let alone drive it. Just pray for me. Thanks. It's really nice and people ooh and awe when we drive by. We're kind of a big deal.

So I wrote everything down that I was going to write about and I forgot the piece of paper....so this may be very vague. Sorry bout that one..

It is getting HOT here. It's not as bad as I thought it would be, but I mean...yeah...it's pretty hot and humid. Only three more months of it though right? Ha.

Aut! Sister Lima emailed me and told me about how an amazing missionary you were and how everyone talked about how amazing you were! That's right...that's my sista!

Okay...South Carolina? Mom and Dad...I can't believe how busy ya'll are! I thought your lives would be so boring after your youngest child left.. Guess I was wrong.. But don't burn yourselves out.. Remember that you're old. HA! K. sorry...that was a funny joke. Not really. Cough. Moving on.

Mom! That's amazing that you're trying to be a better missionary! We need more people in the world like that. And don't even worry...it's all I've been doing for the past five months and I make boo boos all the time! Just keep trying and you will be blessed. :)

We have a new mission president..We'll meet him tomorrow. I'm excited for a new adventure!

Sister Meiners and I have finally come to an agreement. So my favorite thing is tracting right. (I know...I'm weird...I just think tracting is really funny...) and Sister Meiners's least favorite thing is tracting...so we have come up with the fancy method of something called jog tracting. So before dinner, we just kind of ran up the street and hit as many houses as we can before dinner! Jog tracting! It's da beeeesssttt..

Funny story while tracting...so we knock on the door and no answer...all the sudden...the EMPTY car behind us starts!!! I screamed so loud and threw my scriptures it scared me so bad! The engine was revving and everything with no one in it. People think they are soooo funny. Just pull a little prank on the mormon missionaries why don't ya.

So I am kind of a spaz still, but I am actually learning a lot and my testimony has grown so much. I can't even describe my feelings for the gospel. It is EVERYTHING! and I love it with everything I got and with everything I am. I like this quote President Sagers sent out in his very last email to us...
"We are the Church of Jesus Christ. This is the truth. He is our great eternal head. Why would we believe, why would we think that it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him. In turn, how could we possibly bear any moving, lasting testimony of the Atonement if we have never known or felt anything of such an experience? As missionaries we are proud to say that we are Disciples of Christ and we are, but mark my word; that means that you must be prepared to walk something of the path He walked, to feel something, something a little of the pain He felt. To at least occasionally, sometime during your mission, shed one of the tears or sorrow that He shed. Presidents, if the missionaries can come to love and appreciate it, the atonement will carry them, perhaps even more important than it will carry their investigators. You let them know when they struggle, when they are rejected, when they are spit upon and and cast out, and made a hiss and a byword, they are standing shoulder to shoulder with the best life that this world has ever known, the only pure and perfect missionary that ever lived. They have every reason to stand tall and to be grateful that the Savior and Redeemer of the world knows all about their sorrows and their afflictions and that for a moment or two in their lives they will understand what He went through for them. The only way to salvation is through Gethsemane. The only victory is the victory of the summit of Calvary. Welcome to the journey of the Disciples of Christ." Elder Holland, New MIss. Pres. Seminar June 2007

I think it not only pertains to full time missionaries but ALL of us. I am grateful for my Savior's sacrifice for us. I love Him so much. Let us all remember this! Let us never forget! The atonement will carry us. I know that is true.

I love ya'll and I'm so grateful for everything ya'll do for me.

Love,

Sister Barnes

Transfers this week...but my prayers were answered and I'm staying here in Arlington with Sister Meiners!!!! :) EEKS! So I have the same address.

Okay, I feel like I have a lot to write and not very much time...

First of all...funny stories from this week. One of the elder's investigators that we're good friends with wanted Sister Meiners and I to baptize her. Yes, she asked us to baptize her... Heh.... AWKWARD.

This old lady thought Sister Meiners and I were partners... LESBEHONEST. That's gross.

This lady canceled an appointment because she was "very active on the toilet." Yes, she told us all about her experience and she wouldn't stop. Gag me with a spoon it was so nasty and descriptive!!!

Three birds and a toad pooped on Sister Meiners in the space of an hour.

When we heard that there was a missionary broadcast meeting, we thought we were for sure going to be transferred to China...

What the internet?! That was news to me!!! But it is not in effect yet and may never be in our mission. We have to wait for future counsel...Good thing I'm such a pro facebook stalker. I honestly would be an amazing facebook missionary...not to brag or anything. But really...That broadcast was amazing and I'm glad ya'll got to watch it. The work is hastening!!! Let us ALL work together in this glorious cause!

That family reunion sounds so fun!!! Jeeping?! Okay okay...you know it's only fun if I'm driving. It's only exciting if you almost die at least two different times. I would've made it fun!!!! :) And yes Autumn, I would have been on the edge right beside you, sticking my head out over the edge. I will ALWAYS be stupid with you...I promise you. :) I'm glad ya'll had a good time with the fam. Was it different without having Grandma and Grandpa there? Moab is just a hopping place though!

Thank you for sending pictures of the mountains... I miss them!!! :)

President Sagers is goooone...WAAAAHHHH. :( I am gonna miss that crazy cowboy!!! But I am excited to meet President Ames. It will be exciting!

Yeah, seven peaks... Those mat slides are way fun and take out the wedgie part of the equation. Aut, did you know that I had a season pass there last year? Those slides are dee best.

Okay, I am out of time...Sorry this wasn't very spiritual. But just know that I KNOW this is the true gospel...trust me...I would not be here in Texas, having doors slammed in my face...and having random dogs bite my leg if I didn't. I'm here and I love it! I know my Savior lives and I LOVE this gospel!!!

Love,

Sister Barnes

I'll send pictures!!!

Spicy Salsa

Do you know what I just bought me? Some salsa...but not the mild kind. The SPICY kind. It's just my fave. ;) ha ha ha...but really...Sister Meiners and I love our chips and SPICY salsa.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY PAPANWA! I hope you got/get my letter soon! It should be there by now but if not, it's on the way! But I just love my papanwa so much! I have been the most blessed girl evs. So my ward mission leader emailed ya'll? Awe... :)

I basically had the best week ever. I went on my first exchange! I got literally attacked by a giant puppy who I'm pretty sure is Fang's twin from Harry Potter and I have a new boyfriend named Denver.

To further explain these interesting events... A sister came with me to Arlington and it was the bestest day. Also, a 70 pound puppy tried to eat my face and gashed my leg open a little bit...I told the owner the blood was from a mosquito bite. HA! Missions cure you of ever wanting pets... Sister Meiners and I now volunteer at a nursing home every week. I. Love. It. It reminds me of my CNA days and I just love old, senile people. They make my heart sing. But Denver, who is probably in his 80's or 90's, has quite the thing for me. Flattering I know. But we just got so much done this week and I loooooove that feeling!!! :)

Emilee Farr is now in John and Connie Porter's mission. How jealous am I? AGH! My best friend's parents are my other best friend's mission parents! I'm feeling a little left out...it's fine.

Random thought. Do you remember when Auttie fell onto that potted plant at Nauvoo? Oh my goodness. I am crying right now just thinking about it. I can still see her legs flying over her head. Cough. Ummm...just something to ponder about.

So Sister Meiners and I are like best friends right? We quote all the same movies, (She even quotes the movie Everything You Want!!!) we have all the same likes, we are quite the sassy pair...it's just great. But the bad thing about it is we like the same foods.. We ate a whole german cake in less than 24 hours. We don't even like cake and I don't even like coconut. I don't even know why I'm sharing this. I'm not sure if that's impressive or just disgusting. I'll pray about it.

The work is going well! Our investigators are still doing well and we have some baptisms coming up. :) We just taught the Grey family and the spirit that was felt was undeniable. It's just amazing how happy this gospel truly does make us. Sure we all go through our hard times, but the gospel is what helps me get out of bed in the morning...It's what gives me hope, peace, and joy. Can you imagine life without it? I can't. and that's why I'm here. So I know Autumn and Ethan are trying to figure out ways to try and get me home, but I think I'll stay. :):):) but I may get west nile disease so you might get lucky....

I LOVE THIS GOSPEL AND I LOVE THIS CHURCH AND IT IS OH SO TOTALLY GOOD AND OH SO TOTALLY TRUE!!! :)

Love ya'll!!!!

Sister Barnes

P.S. I don't talk ditzy around nonmembers I promise!

DESIGNATED SOCCER MOM...

So to explain the title...I am officially the soccer mom of Arlington. Yes...I am now driving a mini van. Don't worry we took pictures with it. Since there are so many missionaries and not as many cars...I would say a good portion of elders are on bikes. Sooooo....I have to drive the kids/elders on p days and for all our meetings. Oh man. It's the party bus though. We do quite enjoy it.

Okay so Sister Meiners's and my favorite song is "Me and God" by Josh Turner. Please listen to it. And yes...it is allowed. We love our inspirational country music! It is ALL about the country music. :)

I have recently realized that all I talk about in my updates is about myself...so let me introduce you to some of investigators from Arlington, TX!

Emily L- will be getting baptized on July 13th! Her parents are members but are inactive. She is 17 years old and REALLY wants to get baptized. Her mom was not letting her but her heart has been softened. We had a very spiritual lesson last night and we were all crying.

Emily L- Yes...we have two Emilys! She is 9 years old and also wants to get baptized and knows how important it is! Dad is holding her back on this one.

The Weekly Twins- two twelve year old twin girls who also just eat the gospel up but their mom is holding them back from baptism. We are praying for her heart to soften!

Brandon- is a little bit slower. He is 26 years old and found out he has Mormon cousins and wants to learn more!

Frank- is 42 and about the size of a child. He has some physical disabilities and is absolutely the weirdest, most hilarious guy. He comes to church with us and has finally committed to baptism!

Calvin- oh man...Calvin. We tracted into him. He read the whole Book of Mormon by the second time we came to see him. He is a funny old guy. I can't even explain Calvin.

Kim- her son was recently baptized into the single adult ward a few months back and is now in the military. She was actually just in our potentials and now we are such good friends with her!

Comfort- Her family's name is on the less active list of the ward directory. We went there and she was so gracious! Then we found out that she's not actually a member! But she loves us and we love her and will continue to teach her.

I think that is all I've got for now! Please pray for missionary work! This work is the most important thing ever!!!!

I love ya'll so much! I hope Autumn's talk went well! I gave a talk too! Twinsies!!!

God Bless Texas!

Love,

Sister Barnes

P.S. "Me and God...like two peas in a pod...me and God."!!!!

Four Bs of Texas

The Four Bs of Texas...

1. Braums

2. Bluebell

3. Brisket

4. Baptists

You can look up the first two to know what they are! ;) But the last one is for sure..just sayin.

I can not even believe Auttie/Heathcliff is home! and it is not fair that her hair is so long... Is she awkward? I mean...more than she was before? Will you film her and Eeo together? I can just imagine how awk they are. I'd love to watch it someday so please videotape them. Thanks. I see she found my closet. Remember how each article of my clothing is like my child so just be gentle...but they really do need some TLC after these lonely four months! Are you going to BYU Provo? Sister. You can not betray the true blue..

Elder Daniel and I actually work very close together because he is also in Arlington! He goes home soon and asks me to give him lessons on how to not be awkward around girls... We have our work cut out for us. But it's been good to relive our good ole Philmont days. Dad! I believe you know his dad!

So remember how everything is bigger in Texas? That includes Lisa. If you could send me some healthy eating tips and maybe send me a jump rope...that would be nice. I'm kind of freaking out here. It's fine. NBD right?

So this week has been so rough! We work so diligently everyday and sometimes everything just falls apart! We had seven appointments get canceled on us this past week. Our baptismal date was pushed back again and nothing seemed to go right! It's easy to think "Why am I even here?! Why am I putting all this effort in and yet nothing happens?!" But the talk "the will of God" keeps popping into my head. I am the current bush and God is my gardener. I am being refined and shaped into who he wants me to be. and even though this week was rough, I will continue to work hard and do all I can to build the kingdom of God! I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who loves us enough to cut us down.

Another thing...I am getting way ditzy out here in Texas...It's kind of ridiculous how many blonde moments I have each day. and I drive the car so that's always an adventure. I decided I don't like cities. The end.

I give a talk this week! I'm surprised they actually gave me some notice! :)

Autumn...assignment... Keep me updated on home life! I've been hearing some cray cray things!

Relieved Andy is doing better and hope Grandpa feels better!

Dad is famous and Mom is going to girls camp.

LIFE SOUNDS GOOD! I love ya'll so much!

Can you please send me the letter/email/whatever it was that president sent you about me? I think I would love to read it! THANKS!

Love,

Sister Barnes (No longer JR......) Weird.

Family! I only have like five minutes so I apologize. Yesterday was a holiday so the library was closed! But I am here today. I can't believe Autumn is going home!!!! I am so happy for her. I didn't realize how hard this would be. I love my sister so much and she is an amazing example to me.. But there's no place I would rather be...no matter what happens...I am grateful that I am here. And my companion reminds me so much of Autumn it's insane! Maybe we are companions so I could have a little piece of my sister since I won't be seeing her when she comes home. :) Ha ha

Emily Long is a lovely 17 year old that we will be baptizing in the next couple of weeks here. We also have some investigators where I've really learned that God truly does love everyone. We are ALL children of God...no matter who we are. He loves us. I have learned patience and charity. You learn a lot as a missionary. :)

Okay, what is it with Texans and not wearing clothes. I can't count how many times people come to the door with very minimal clothing on! I have to really restrain myself from laughing sometimes. But ya'll know how I am...I'm working on it K? ;)

Did Amber move? I sent her a letter but I sent it to her old address. If she has a new one, will you please send it to me?

Just so you know...you NEVER have to worry about me. There is always a member family who I become so close to and they really help us with whatever we need. This time it's the Blankenships...so if you ever get an email from them, you'll know who it is! :)

Andy is in my prayers. I love my brother so much!

Sorry this email is sooo lame but there is work to be done!

The church is true. The gospel is true. I love my family.

PEACE!

Love,

Sister Barnes JR (almost not JR anymore!!!)

ARLINGTON!

I can't believe you'll be here tomorrow! Just know...that I will LITERALLY be like ten minutes away in Hurst tomorrow for Zone Conference. Don't try to track me down. But weird.

So I am training in a new area! Talk about longest days of my life. Our first day I had no phone, no GPS, no food, a brand new companion straight from the MTC, no knowledge of the people or area, and appointments to go to. Talk about stressful. Just think about it...we were very lost. This whole week we've been lost! But it's getting better. Sister Meiners is awesome! She's almost exactly my age and went to BYU as well. She has a very rock solid testimony and is very teachable. I loved my trainer but I just felt like we got nothing done...but I am now the trainer. Mwuahahah! We eat, sleep, and breathe missionary work. There's no time to even think about anything else. I put Sister Meiners right to work. She is very teachable. but I love to work. We've been a good companionship. We are exactly obedient and teach well together. We are constantly trying to improve our knowledge and our skills as missionaries. I am determined to be a good missionary and turn this area around because this ward is struggling. STRUGGLING. Of course we will always be looking for new investigators and baptisms, but we will be focusing a lot on members and less actives. Most of the members ARE less actives. A lot of the less actives are recent converts. Sigh. There's a lot of work to do and that's what I do best. There may not be very many baptisms, but hopefully a lot of reactivation...then maybe the baptisms will follow.  This week has by far been the hardest on the mission, but I know God is with me. As long as I am following Him, it will all be okay. Which reminds me! There was a tornado our first day! Don't even worry Mom but maybe you should be because we thought the siren was a vacuum. A VACUUM! Yeah, we'd be toast. Then our District Leader called and said that there was a tornado warning. So what did we do? We went to bed and slept through the whole thing! We had no idea it was so bad until the morning! The tornado didn't touch the ground here...It did pull a lot of trees down. It hit it Granbury which is less than an hour away. People lost their lives and it sounds like it was a bad tornado. But all the missionaries down there weren't hurt.

So about Arlington. Just wow. I think it's funny how I want to go to the country so bad and I go to Flower Mound and then Arlington. But this city is so diverse. There's people in our ward who have grills! How cool is dat? There's people with Texan accents, people with black people talk, black people, hispanics, white, hicks...It's just cray cray. But ya got to love it! :) I hope for this place!

I love ya'll and I'm so excited for my sister! This church is so true!

Love,

Sister Barnes JR

Granbury Tornado

You may of heard a tornado touched down in our mission last night and caused considerable damage in the Granbury area.  Within minutes, all missionaries were accounted for and all are fine. None of their apartments sustained any damage.

Joseph M. Sagers
President, Texas Fort Worth Mission

Happy Mother's Day. :) and New Address

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!! :) Okay, so it was so amazing to talk to you yesterday! Sorry I'm such a rambling spaz attack..HA! But really...I am. I mean...who runs down the halls of the church when a twelve apostle is RIGHT THERE! Ha! But I'm so glad we got to talk and laugh! but 40 minutes over the phone definitely goes by supes fast. Maybe I'll call again...how bout in 7 months? But I feel like we talked about everything...so maybe I'll just send pictures!

Oh and this is my new address:

3740 Little Road #1217

Arlington, TX 76016

This sure is going to be an adventure and I'm actually really excited!! :) And good thing I'm leaving because the Gaylord Hotel is LITERALLY like fifteen minutes away! You can so visit Flower Mound because I won't be here anymore! and I can't believe you've been to Arlington! Why have you been everywhere in my mission?! It's weird! Ha ha.

So I told you about the district drama. How awko taco is that?! No worries... I just want to serve the Lord.

AUTUMNAH goes home in like two weeks!!!! I can't believe it! It was just yesterday when we were swish and flicking our magic wands at pizza factory, mom was laughing/crying and yelling "We love Autumn!!!" out the window, and I was trying to text Autumn and ran right into a tree. Remember all those when we dropped her off at the MTC? Man oh man! Those were the days! I'm so excited for her! Remember to get a cute cardboard cutout of me at the wedding. Winkedy wink wink.

I'm rambling. I'll just send pictures!!! :) But I love ya'll so much! This gospel is so true and is the only thing that will bring us true and everlasting happiness with our family forevs and EVS!

Love,

Sista Barnes Jr

 

Here's just a couple of pictures! Woot woot!

One of them is with Jimmy boy...who is getting baptized this Saturday!

One of them is with my little Mary.

And at the temple!

WE GO BEAST MODE! WE ARE LIONS! ELDERS OF JUSTICE AND SISTERS OF MERCY!

Where to even begin.... So much has happened since my last p day! Okay...first of all...my p day got switched to today because I am going to the temple with my companions right after I get done emailing! WWOOOOOHHH!!! I am so excited!!!! It's only been twelve weeks since I've been but that is just too long! The temple is just so peaceful and I am stoked.

Second of all...guess. what. So President Sagers told me last transfer that I would be staying in Flower Mound and finish training my companion Sister Robinson....Well President Sagers is a liar because he called me last night and told me I'm training a brand new missionary...and I am also opening a new area. HA HA HA! How funny is that? The Lord must trust me because yeah... I'm gonna have no idea where to even start. Thank goodness we're not doing this alone! Because that would be a very scary thought indeed! I'm actually waaaay excited. This is gonna be an adventure! But poor Sister Robbi sobbed all night long because she thought we were going to be together next transfer. Sister Perkins, Sister Robbinson, and I have been best friends and shared lots of laughs. But this is what the Lord wants to happen! :) It's funny because before I got the phone call, I was telling Sister Robinson about all the things I have planned for this next transfer. NEVER SAY THAT!...because the Lord likes to change our plans so we can do what He's planned for us. So my address will be changing again next wednesday! So just start sending things to the mission office again! If you're not sure where to send it, just send it there, because I keep losing letters because of my constantly changing address. The mission office address is 1331 Airport Freeway Suite #305 Euless, TX 76040. Thank you! I'll let you know my new address in a couple of weeks! I do know that I am going to Arlington. Apparently it's super ghetto and I'll be the only white person amongst black people. Okay...How cool is dat?! YEAH! But another sad thing...I'm going to miss Jim's baptism by a few days. :( That's sad but as long as it happens, I'm happy. He is such a good guy! We've all become such good friends!

So we finally got moved a couple days ago. It's a lot more work than a transfer that's for sure! We had to get the furniture and take care of everything. We moved even farther out of our area...we aren't even in Flower Mound anymore but are in Lewisville. I'm not sure what we'll do on no drive days but it will probably take a couple hours on our bikes. This new apartment is even niiiiicer! How is that even possible?! But they said it's basically the nicest apartment in the mission. I'm glad I'll be able to enjoy it for this next week. :) But yeah...it's so nice that we take our shoes off before we get inside.

More connections? I met a family who knows Rachel Johnson and Alec Fairbanks. I also met a teenage girl who knows Chelsea Fairbourn. How small is our world? But it's gets smaller. Okay...Jim's girlfriend's brother's wife (heh) was the Riviera manager last summer! She was at church and I heard someone calling out "LISA!" I forget my first name sometimes but I finally realized and turned around! I'm surprised she still remembers my name! That was so long ago...but yeah. She was the nice one that worked there. Anywho...That was exciting.

OKAY. GUESS WHO CAME TO THE TEXAS FORT WORTH MISSION!!! Quentin L. Cook!!!! We got the whole mission together...All 255 missionaries came to our stake center here in Lewisville and heard Quentin L Cook and three other general authorities speak to us. Best day EVS. Guess who is such a spaztic person...THIS GIRL. I was super excited to get a good seat... I mean...this is a twelve apostle! So we get into the church and I just take off because I wanted front row! So I'm galloping down the hall and my companions are far behind me and then Quentin L Cook comes out of the chapel and sees me being so dorky. Agh. I wonder about myself sometimes. I had a mini heart attack....But I got to shake his hand! He truly is called of God. It was a very sweet experience to hear him speak to us. And I also got to see all my mission buddies! I saw my MTC district, and MTC companion, Elder Briggs (Amber and Derek), and Elder Daniel (we worked at Philmont together!) Elder Daniel only has two transfers left and told me to go to BYU Hawaii with him when I get home. That's a missionary's way of proposing. Joke. But seriously... We're going to avoid him.

WOOOH! I'm just so happy right now! Life is good in da neighborhood. Oh yeah. My birthday. Twenty. How gross is that? I just...dislike my birthday. But thanks so much for the package Mom! I LOVED IT! I have missed my Chansity!!! Except you are trying to make me obesa larnes! That's okay...I can eat whatever I want on my birthday right? My district and I went out to eat so that was cool. Agh! I have the best district. I'm gonna miss them! But funny story about my district and the drama thereof once upon a time. Ask me about it someday.

This past couple of weeks have been crazy and I've had a missionary meeting/gathering almost every day. I also had interviews with President Sagers! I love that man. He was so kind and gave me lots of compliments that has motivated me even more. It was just what I needed. I sure am gonna miss him.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY on Sunday! Expect a card Mommy! I will be calling on Sunday evening! We go to a straight nine hours of church/three wards so it won't be til later but I'm not positive on the time. It will just be a phone call for about 40 minutes. No friends or siblings allowed. Just my parentals. I'm SO EXCITED to talk to you!!! :)

Okay...could I talk anymore? I love ya'll so much and I love this gospel. I love home and miss home but this is where I ought to be. Keep being strong and endure to the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Sister Barnes JR.

New Address

Here is Lisa's new address since she will be moving apartments on May 7th:
1204 College Pkwy Apt #814
Lewisville, TX 75077
Her P-day this week will be Friday.

Pictures!

Feeding the ducks at Grapevine Lake!

Eating at Chili's.

Red Hot and Blue for dinner. Bro. Fierro in the back.

 

Service project. 

Conference. 

Face painting. :)

 

New Address

Howdy! So I will be moving in one week on May 6th. Apparently, this company bought all these apartments nationwide and they have something against the church...so all the missionaries are kind of being kicked out. So I am being kicked out of my apartment! Woooh! That's exciting. :) They have an apartment for us now...but eventually we will be moved to a member's home. So since the move is inconveniently placed right before my birthday, if you are scared things won't get to me before the sixth, just send it to the mission office which is 1331 Airport Freeway Suite #305 Euless TX, 76040...because I don't know where my new apartment is. BUT really...I dislike my birthday...especially this one coming up and I just want Chansity. How little girlish am I? Yes, I want my stuffed dog please. And maybe my grayish hipster shoes? They are not like tennis shoes...but they do have a tongue and ties. Do you know what I'm talking about it? That would be awesome. Thanks. I love ya'll!!!

So weird to think that right now I'm supposed to be working at Disney World! That would've been supes fun but I know am needed here in Texas. Jim is getting baptized in the next couple of weeks and I could not be happier! My favorite part about being a missionary is to witness the internal change people undergo when they accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It builds my own testimony of this church. This IS the TRUE church! and lives and people are better and happier when they follow God's commandments and teaching. It is the only way to true and everlasting happiness! Jim will be a strong member in the church. He has good fellowshipping families and I know he is going to make it to the end.

Okay, Cassandra and Alyson were sleeping in the same room? How is THAT fair?! Jokes. Love them both. But what is up with all of these random people getting married?! Sadie and Braden I still can not get over and JILL?! Where in the world did that come from?! Send them my congrats!

By the way, when is church again? one? I'll have Sister Fierro contact you about what time I will call on Mother's Day, or I will just tell you next week.

Yes Mom! We do A LOT of service. It's my favorite. Yes, that was an elder's hand print on my face... We painted the Flower Mound fence and then painted a house. Like I said, we do service a lot. Hope you liked the pictures!

So jealous that you got to go hiking! I miss mountains. You took Ethan? Oh okay...just replace your little girl with Eeoturd. Great idea. Jokes. Glad ya'll had fun! I hope Grandpa is doing okay! :( Keep me updated please. And Dad, you need to work on your German! Ha!

I gotta run but I love ya'll and I love this work! Missionary all the way!

Love Sister Barnes

First of all...sorry I'm so terrible at letter writing. I seem to have zero time on P Days. Soooo yeah. I apologize.

Yes, that giant explosion was actually in my mission...maybe two hours away from here in Flower Mound. So sad. I don't know all the details but I actually saw that on the news for about 2.4 seconds...same with the bombing in Boston. It's so sad what is going on in the world, but I'm grateful for the gospel because that is what brings light in this dark and dreary world.

This week was completely different. We worked out guts out. Finally...This is what I came here for! And my how things have gotten better! When I first got to Flower Mound, they hadn't been teaching anyone... and now we have a giant pool of investigators. Funny how the Lord will bless you when you give Him your all. I love these people so much. It's such a great opportunity to have a taste of the love God has for each of his children. We just started teaching a girl named Katie with the most beautiful two year old daughter Ellie. Katie wants something more...something better in her life and she saw a happiness in one of our members...and she saw it again when we met with her. She has been keeping all her commitments and wants to go to church every week. Then Jim Pond....the one who was touched by my testimony in Sunday School...is getting baptized! Wooooh! I love him too. But complications...he lives about ten minutes away...but he's actually in the Dallas Mission. Awko Taco? Yes. But apparently they want him to stay here...and blah blah blah...i don't really know what's going on. So Mission President time? I think yes. But being a missionary is awesome!

I attended two baptisms this past week and they always make me cry! It truly is the gateway to eternal life and I love my role as a missionary! I am helping these wonderful people find that everlasting happiness. Just seeing them and how they've changed...and this new happiness...I can't even describe it. I love this gospel.

So padres! Last month paying my rent yeah?! How does that feel?! I am so grateful that ya'll are so amazing and helping me in this amazing opportunity I am experiencing. Can I get an AMEN! Ya'll are just....so wonderful.

SISTER BARNES SENIOR IS GOING HOME IN FIVE WEEKS?! I can't even believe that! I've been gone almost three months! Well kinda...Crazy how fast the time goes by. I'm in love with my sister and love the amazing example she is to me!

A member from the ward gave me the newspaper with John and Connie Porter's mission president thingy-ma-bobber thing! I screamed! So excited for them!

So funny...I got stuck in a British accent for a full two weeks...everyone asked me where I was from and told me they loved my accent. It got stuck! Literally! I couldn't remember how to talk normally! Just you wait...when I get home...I'm gonna talk like such a southerner and won't remember how to talk normally. I love Texas!

This church is true and I love my mission! Peace out girl scouts!

Love,

Sister Barnes JR

DAD! I swear I have been sending you my emails! Sorry I'm such a space case. And I've decided I'm basically the worst updater in the world. Other missionary's updates are not like mine! Whatevs. Dis is what ya gonna get. AUTUMN!!! I can't believe you're out there with my favorite Brazilian roommate!!! AHHH! I love her! Watch out for my little Nayane okay? Hopefully you can understand her better than I ever could. :) heh. But really.
I have nothing really exciting to say this week. It was a rough week. And I didn't run into a tree this week. But since this week was so slow.... more than anything, it just made us sisters want to work harder. We made a plan to work our guts out until we drop this next week. I am determined so basically that means that nothing is going to stand in my way. But only because of the Lord's help of course. :) I love Him.

Did it really snow in Utah today? It's already starting to get hot and humid here. It's only April. But it sounds like home life is still going well! :) I loooove Mountain Green. I love Texas but there are no mountains whatsoever. I'm lost....all the time. Sister Robinson and I are both obsessed with Mountain Green. We are truly blessed to live where we do!

Mom- you were blessed to have such wonderful parents. But so was I. I can not even express my appreciation and love for you Mom and Dad! So you can expect a letter soon of me trying to do so. I just can't believe how blessed I am in my life. I have really come to understand about what is important in life. I am so grateful for everything I have! God has been very good to us.

I know Mom! You would think the flu shot would prevent the flu! I'm thinking maybe it was food poisoning? But we couldn't figure it out, because we all ate the same things. Whatever. It's over now! :) I started taking vitamins. I know I know. Look out world. FINALLY. You've been trying to get me to do that for years! Well it's happening now! Have you ever seen so many exclamation points in your life? I'm getting a little excited here.

I love what Auttie was saying about how people cross the street before she walks past. SAME HERE! Everyone knows who we are! When finally someone opens the door, they reject us before I can even say a word! I looked in the phone book to see all the different churches. seven. full. pages. of different churches here. I am definitely in the world of bible belt.

I just can't express my love for this gospel enough. I love it so much and I know it is true with every fiber of my being. Like Sister Barnes Sr said...I wouldn't be out here putting up with all the persecution if I didn't know it. I can't help but to cry every single time I recite the first vision because I just know in my heart that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His Beloved Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He restored the true church of Christ back onto the earth and he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

Peace Young Homies!

Love,

Sister Barnes JR (Soon to be just Sister Barnes!!! Cray cray!)

Constant Change

So I have come to realize that life as a missionary is a constant change...but I am not opposed to that! I actually welcome it! :) I got my new companion and am now in a trio. Her name is Sister Robinson and is a Idaho/Utah girl. She is a cute, nineteen year old and basically speaks the same language as me. You know like...abbreves...and a British accent... I'm working on it K! But I have been blessed with my companions so far! We have a good time and like to laugh while we work. :)

Mother dear....a few things. Thank you so much for the Easter package! :) It made me so happy! I have the best familia evs. Also, you have no idea how happy it made me that you kept up my tradition of banding the kitchen sink hose!!!! I'm sad Dad didn't get too wet but I'll just say that I had something to do with you getting sprayed a bzillion times. ;) He he. Finally, that was definitely a member sending you pictures of me and not my companions! I know you worry bout me, but I'm very obedient Mother. You really don't need to worry. :) So that member actually called you just in the other room and I was like "Ummmm....is this allowed?" Ha ha but that's Sister Fierro for you! She also told me to tell you that if you ever need to get me something to tell her and she'll get it... Wow. That was a mouth full.

Dad. I'm sorry I keep forgetting about the bike! We don't really ride them. We have a car and just walking on no drive days. We did ride our bikes to p day activity last week and right when I got on....I ran into a tree...and then a curb... Oh brother. I don't know how I've lived this long, but why did you want to know exactly?

So I actually got sick this past week. I had the 24 hour flu. I don't know what's up with my immune system lately! I never use to get sick! But yeah...it was nasty. We had to stay in for the day and then I had a babysitter at night...kind of humiliating. Ha ha. But it really wasn't bad at all and I'm all better! :) It was just a quickie sicky!

So how great was general conference?! Yeah yeah?! (Sidenote: Remember the picture of Auttie and me asleep on the couch? I always think of that pic at general conference. :)) Oh it is like music to my ears. The prophets and apostles are truly called of God. How bout President Monsen's talk on obedience? Wow. And I heard Helaman 5:12 a few times. So I hope we are all building our foundation on Christ! No matter how hard life gets, if we have that foundation, we never need be afraid. Never. I love this gospel so much...I know I say that every time but I can't imagine life without it. Life is hard enough as it is...Can you imagine how hard it would be without having this knowledge? That's why I'm here! To share the knowledge I have been blessed with with everyone so they can have that hope and that peace as well. How great is my calling!

Love Sister Barnes Jr.

P.S. Sister Barnes Sr. is coming home that soon? Family Reunion without me? PFFF! Have fun NOT having fun without me there! Ha ha joke. :) I love ya'll so much. Take pics and send them to me! :)

New. Newer. Newest.

So to explain the title...I'm gonna be a trainer!!! Ha ha. April Fools! But April Fools about that April Fools because I really am training... Who do these nineteen year old girls who decide they want to go on missions think they are?!?! So I'll explain. Sister Perkins and I are getting a third sister who we will be training because I still have six more weeks in my own training! So President told me that he wanted both Sister Perkins and I to train this new sister, but then next transfer Sister Perkins will train in a new area, and I will finish training the new sister! So basically I know what I'm doing for the next two transfers. So I'm training....but I'm being trained... I'm getting a sister but I will also be a mother.... Try THAT out for size! Ha ha! It's a little nerve racking. I barely got here and am still trying to get the hang of things. But I went to the new trainers meeting and received much comfort. There's only a few English sisters coming this transfer which I was very surprised about because I thought I would be the last choice! But President reassured each of us that he made no mistakes and that God has called us to this position. I know I am small, but God calls the weak and the simple. Alma 26:12 explains this perfectly. "In HIS strength I can do all things." So I'm really excited for this new sister! I call her Braunya because I'm pretty determined that's what her name will be... Heh. So another thing... I am very independent and stubborn as you may well know. I like to rely on myself and it is hard to ask for help. I found this in my studies this past Easter weekend... "None of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that His people do not feel confident in His care or secure in His hands." This really got to me. How often to I rely on myself when I should ALWAYS be relying on the Lord. I've learned that more now than ever. I can't do this alone. And what a comfort it is to know that I can have that help because I really can't do this alone! I just can't! I know many of us are familiar with the redeeming power of the atonement, but are we with the enabling power of the atonement? Another important thing to remember...He may let us slip, but he will never let us fall. How great is our God. What a great reminder this Easter season brings us of our Saviors atonement.

So Autumn...I'm jealous of your hair...How did it get sooo long?! And I have just had this guilty feeling lately about the time when I almost killed us on the beach of Mexico.... I know you know what I'm talking about. I'M SORRY OKAY?! You shouldn't have let me behind the wheel! But I'm pretty sure God knew we needed to be on missions because there was no way we were gonna make that. Sooo...I just thought I would finally apologize....three years later...And parents, I'm glad you are having fun without me!!! But really...I am. :) Stop being on TV until I can be with you DAD! It sounds like the family is doing well. I love you all! Ya'll are fab.

So my week... Well...everyone keeps asking me what my ethnicity is? It's like no one's ever seen a white girl with dark hair before! They don't believe me when I tell them... So unless you guys are keeping secrets from me and I'm actually adopted... I'll consider them crazy. Also, there's a girl named Bianca Rivera that will be trying out for X Factor in a couple of weeks so if you happen to see her on TV, I know her!!! Mary....Mary loves our church and accepted baptism but has no desire to quit smoking. But no worries! I have faith this will happen! Delma....made a breakthrough! She actually realized she felt the spirit yesterday. She is progressing but very slowly. But we are continuing to work with her. Jim...Jim came to the very first lesson that we taught in sunday school. His friend later told me that he was especially touched by my testimony....being so young and brand new. It just shows you the power of the Holy Ghost. PFFF!! I know it wasn't me! But through me, the Holy Ghost can tell people what they need to hear. So we're teaching Jim tomorrow and we'll see how it goes! :)

I have a question for ya'll. How is YA'LLS missionary work going? Another thing I have learned is that this work is definitely not for full time missionaries. This for ALL of us. We have been blessed with this great gospel. Should we not share it with our brothers and sisters? It is not just a nice gesture...this is our responsibility. Every soul is great in the eyes of God. Just remember that.

I love ya'll and I hope life is fantastic! I'm loving this gift I have to be on a mission and I grow and learn everyday. I know this church is true and I know this gospel is true!

LOVES LOVES!

Sister Barnes JR