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