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