Wed Feb 19,

Crazy Turn of Events....

So, I was hoping to get in and email on Monday, but President's day derailed that. So no, I am not dead, not being held hostage, still breathing and still loving Georgia. I am not entirely sure what you know about what has happened, but it has been a real mad house. The last minute transfer, to where I am now. First things first, I am in Decatur Georgia (right outside Atlanta), AND I am on MARTA ( Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Public transit baby! Let me just say, we are almost always the only white people on the Train. But it is pretty fun being a nomad, or a vagabond of sorts. Plenty of people to talk to as well! It's a thrill of sorts! Let me tackle my week, not sure how in depth this one will be because time is limited today (Someone ruined emailing from Members computers for the rest of us...)

Monday and Tuesday was nuts. Packed all my stuff and I still had to leave stuff behind. We found out Tuesday morning that we needed to be packed and ready by 12 and at the church. It was supposed to be my visiting day, but that got blown out of the water. They moved transfers to get ahead of the ice storm, which was crazy to say the least. It was super hard to leave, like leaving home again. So sudden, but I hope I will be back! It would be crazy to finish out the mission there. On the van to my new area, I rode with Meservey, which was sweet to see him, but the exit before we got to the building, our tire shredded on the freeway. I am not sure if you saw the youtube video, maybe it is on the mission facebook page. How do you feel about me learning the harmonica too? But, I met my new companion and I am in the Twin Oaks ward, which is huge! 5 sets of missionaries, and a lot of work to be done. My companion is Elder Moore, he came from the North Mission and knows Vandersloot very well! So it is pretty sweet! He has been here in this area for only 6 weeks, but he has been 18 months out. We are going to do work! We hunkered down for the night for the ice storm. A lot of bro time!

Wednesday we were apartment locked because MARTA didn't run for the next few days. But we did get out and walk as much as we could and called like a frillion people. It was closer to 120, but you catch my drift! We had several phone lessons, just trying to remain productive. It was dumping snow and rain though, it was crazy! The weatherman was right again, and President had us get as much water as possible just in case our Power went out, thankfully it didn't. When we got out, it was pandemonium all over. It wasn't even snowing, it was little BB's of frozen rain, most interesting thing ever. I also figured out a reason why I was here. So Brother Collins that took us out to Zaxby's, his Less Active Daughter lives right down the road from us and her son isn't baptized. It was so crazy how we discovered the relationship. We'll be working with him now! So amazing, all the little ties!

Thursday, Locked up again...

Friday I had my first MARTA Experience, which was eye opening. But it was fun, an experience indeed. We just talk with everyone though, the bus and trains are kind of fun, but I have made sure to keep hand sanitizer close by! We also walked the streets and met some interesting people too. Some guy professed that he was out drinking and talking to Joseph Smith. Totally the real deal. Cocaine is a heck of a drug. What we ended up doing was meeting some of the members out here. Not quite as strong as Lost Mountain, but there are still several amazing people. I don't think anything will amount to Lost Mountain, but that's just fine! I was so blessed so serve there. I think I am here to strengthen the ward as well, to build it up so every ward can be a Lost Mountain. I am still bummed I didn't get to say goodbye to many people.. We met a Recent Convert and her non member Husband, and he was saying some of the craziest English. Like, Inskructor... Skress... Dum Slum... Gangsta... Miskrakes... fruskrated. I was so giddy to hear it! That is the accent I need ;) But, we got him on date after much talk about Sports. And Happy Valentine's too! Hope it was magical!

Saturday was a similar story, just meeting members and investigators. It is so crazy how prepared people are, when you just open your mouth and talk with them. It doesn't even have to be about the Gospel. Just being friendly. Everyone we talk to loves Jesus, so that is just the best!

Sunday was a pretty warm reception, the ward seems very pleasant! And there is a lot of diversity, which is a bonus. Starting over is tricky! But, it is all part of the learning experience! Nothing too crazy happened Sunday, but it was nice to feel the Spirit. I got to say the Closing prayer for Sacrament, first time ever.

Monday, we went and did a little sight seeing. Turner Field, the Olympic Park, Downtown, the World Trade Center, Marriot Hotel, a store called Suit City (greatest store ever, missionary cloud 9). I might be picking up a black suit soon, we will see. 2 suits for $150, and they are good looking suit. There is a whole wall like 100 feet long devoted to ties. I also feel the urge to learn how to cut my own hair, we will see how that goes!

Tuesday, I would have gotten back to you, but we were packed with appointments. Another solid day of missionary work!

That is just about all I have to say about my Week. A whole new world has been opened to my eyes. Wish I had more time to respond to all y'alls questions, but we are on a limited email schedule.. Next week will be more extensive! We got appointments to jet to. But I love you all so very much and appreciate all that you do, especially the email! It is always a comfort to know that I have someone behind me at all times! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you! There might be some actual ATL stuff headed your way, since I am in the thick of it now! I guess I am a hoodrat from here on out. Keep being amazing and fighting the good fight! Have another blessed up week!

Love,
Yo Eldah

(Elder Dallan Barnes, see what I did there? ;])

Feb 10,

Well, after being totally blindsided, I come to you a broken and miserable man.

 

So, not sure if you got the word, but I am getting transferred, after being told we weren't. Ouch town, population, us. But the week was good, let me jump into it!

 

Monday we hit Goodwill and I got a 1976 BoM. Light blue cover with Angel Moroni on it. It was worth the $2. Eternal Joy and Happiness, what a bargain! We also ate with the most Southern Family in the ward, the Moore's. Southern people are pretty proud of their traditions. And it is impossible to break into their social strata. But I commend them on their strict adherence to their roots! I wish I had some South in me. Maybe Grandpa Barnes has family history from Georgia or the South. We had chili, and we think it might have had squirrel or rabbit in it. It tasted alright though!

 

Tuesday wasn't much of a missionary day. We had Zone Training in Douglasville at 2:30, and it went until 6:30. We hit up Stevi B's beforehand with the other Elders. 23 pieces, not too shabby. We had a dinner appointment that day, so I took it easy. I have to break the 30 barrier! There was a lot of good things mentioned at ZTM and it was really about the Doctrine of Christ and how it empowers everything we do, forever. And how we need to strive to hit the Key Indicators set before us. We also got to sit down and visit with Maria shortly, she is doing well, and certainly not avoiding us. It is really hard teaching in her home with her 4 kids. They could really use a father figure. But we just read from the BoM. She is working like 14 hours a day now. From 9:00 PM, to 1:00PM. Unbelievable.

 

Wednesday, we had a sign seeking moment. I opened up to a scripture randomly in Isaiah, and it was talking about darkness and shadows. The 'o' in shadow was filled in. So, like from Muppet Treasure Island, I yelled, "THE BLACK SPOT!!!" Then we looked at what time it was, and it was 11:34, which on digital clocks, looked at updside down, spells hEll. Our appointment with the Bristol's didn't work out, because the Merryman's went to go see the Saratov Approach. Have y'all seen it? It is supposedly pretty good! Maybe it is a movie for when I get back, because it is about missionaries getting taken hostage.

 

Thursday we had our cleaning check, and the Senior couple said we clean better than the Sisters! Right on! A+! Really what I am trying to say is that I was trying to see how bad I could make my room, to see if I could clean it. Or maybe I am just a little lazy. Probably the latter. We had an awesome dinner at the Krogh's home, then an lesson at Rob Johnson's with Allen. We went back to the basics. Read the intro and the testimony of the witnesses, then showed Elder Holland's Testimony of the Book of Mormon. We had Rob and Allen a little teary. It was one of the best lessons I have been able to participate in.

 

Friday we have the FHC, and I reworked my iPod just in case I was getting transferred. Also got some videos from Elder Wilson that we have been recording lately. We also listened to more of Elder Holland, and what a gift he has for speaking. Someday I wish I could speak like that. We also listened to a song "The Prayers of the Children" Such a beautfiul song! We also did a little finding, and I was a little nervous at first and just like that, the person opened the door and my mouth was filled. I guess I am just a natural when I rely on the Lord. Two awesome new Investigators! One of them, we had stopped the car, and felt inspired to visit the one with a green truck. We were about to get out, but we noticed some old man, watching us having a smoke with his pitbull out. We hesitated a little, but I just said we got to do this! So we did, and we met a lady named Jeena. She has never been baptized and hates how there are so many churches and that the bible has been tampered with. We were grinning afterwards! I also got a letter from Armand which was super fun! We also had the opportunity to visit with the Okezie's again for dinner and a lesson! We commited them to coming to church! Glory has been wanting to, but Obe has been dragging his feet. But it was so good! We were so pumped!

 

Saturday, we had the busiest day planned out. 6 appointments! Only 1 went through. We also had a priest out with us for some of it who has Asburgers. We hope he had a good experience. We met with Brandi at Kai's home with Rob Johnson, and had an amazing lesson on the Plan of Salvation. Converts get exctied to be on the other side of the lesson. Brandi is going to get dunked! We also finally got to have Steak Conference with the Sears! It was so worth that wait. I love being over in their home! Our question for them, since they love that for our message to share, was embarassing moments. It was super funny, but then we wrapped it up with Romans 1:16, about not being ashamed of the Gospel. It was a very good thing that we did Steak Conference, little did we know that there would not be another opportunity!

 

Sunday, started of rocking! We got Obe, Glory, Brandi and her daughter to church! We were so thrilled. I don't know why it is so hard to get people to church, but when you do, it is like you are on top of the world. It is probably easier to marry people than get them to church. Granted our gators left after Sacrament, but their was enough spirit to touch anyone! We loved it! To make matters better, we were going to be staying another transfer. I also found out that members that cannot remember our names, refer to me as the big, athletic, smiley one. Smiling goes a long ways!! We had another dinner at the Krogh's which was awesome as usual! We love being there! They played the "guess your first name" game. Then it turned into Middle name, and Brother Krogh guessed both of our middle names, with no hint, on the first try. It was freaky! It was as if we just became family at that point. After an amazing day, we got home to a miserable text that we would need a ride to transfer meeting. Totally blow a hole in our hot air balloon. Sucks to suck. I guess there was some last minute change that needed to take place. We got word today, and I will be leaving, not sure where or with who, but I feel like I am getting ripped away from home.

 

So today will be a packing day and there will be some serious Ice storms coming tomorrow, so I hope I can see everyone to thank them and say see you soon! I know I will tear up at a few homes.

Well that is my scatter brained week in a nutshell! I will let you all know all the dirt come next week about where I am, who I am with, what we are doing, and what our favorite chick flick. Thanks for writing me and I am glad to hear all is still well! Hopefully you have another amazing week ahead and always continue to smile! Oh, and Happy Valentine's! I hope it is a lovely day! Thanks for all that you do for me, it means the world to me! I love you all so much, and we will chat real soon! Let me know if there is anything I can do for anyone! Have a blessed up week!

 

Love,

Elder Barnes

 

The purpose of the Gospel is to make bad men good, good men better, and to change human nature. 

February 3

I have one question for you... WHY WAS I NOT IN THAT MOVIE??

Another week for the record books, and I am sure you have been following a little of what has been happening out here. If not I will inform you. First and foremost, I am alive (hence the email). It was an amazing week! So let me decleat it, if I may!

 

Monday was awesome as usual. P day never really does do it for me, I could go for a whole day. We were able to make it to Rob and Shay Johnson's for FHE, and they had Courtney over for a meal beforehand. We were hoping Maria was going to make it, but she got called into work. We taught the Plan of Salvation and Courtney is eating it up. He has heard it before which was awesome, the only problem is that he still needs to figure out his living situation. We will most likely (unfortunately) have to hand him to other Elders. It bites! It Feeds! It's bringing me to my knees.

 

Tuesday. Snowpocalypse. We had caught wind while we were shopping on Monday that some snow was coming, and we also heard from Bishop while we were at their home that evening. The last couple times we heard snow was on the way, it was a fluke. This time it delivered! We had a bomb district meeting and we listened to Jeffrey R. Holland's MTC Talk "Feed My Sheep". It is a life changer, especially for Missionaries. But afterwards, we went outside and found oodles of noodles of snow. Best day every. We did it all, snow ball fight, snow angels, didn't quite do a snowman however. If there was a mountain, I would have skied on two copies of the Book of Mormon if needs be. It seemed like the world was ending to everyone out here. People were going 5 miles an hour, when in Utah it would have been a pretty regular day. I filmed it all, so don't worry! We also went to go check out a Grocery store to see if all the bread, milk, and water was gone. Sad to say that it was still there... But we were driving home and saw this one lady stalled out on some snow and a gentleman pushing her. We felt inspired, so we pulled over in a parking lot, prayed, and sprinted over to the car. We got her over that hill, not sure what happened after that, but after a series of high fives all around, we turned around and saw a Cameraman from the Channel 11 News team filming us, and then he motioned us over for an interview. Of course I had to say "I LOVE YOU MOM!" Our one chance at the lime light! We didn't make it on TV unfortunately, there are apparently sadder stories going on that are more important. President Harding wanted us to head back to our apartments as quick as possible and hunker down. We felt the urge to get out and push cars. We threw on sweatpants underneath our slacks, and rocked the Nike's, and we set out. We pushed cars for 4 hours! Most fun I have ever had! We got to be the Tender Mercy that day for so many people. Many had to abandon cars and walk home, it was the craziest thing. We were sprinting everywhere waiting for people to start slipping! We retired home and slept a good nights sleep! I didn't think a few inches could shut a whole city down. Most of the people out here blame it on the lack of equipment as a substitute to their lack of driving prowess. Understandable, but C'mon Man! Own up to your faults. Sounded like a bunch of BYU fans if you know what I mean.

 

Wednesday, felt like a ghost town. Most people didn't answer doors. No one was driving. It felt so eery. We weren't allowed to use cars so we went out on foot and made calls all day. We were a little saddened that we couldn't help more people, but we did what we could with what we had.

 

Thursday we were carless again, and thankfully more people answered the door. We spoke to an Atheist, and they are the most pesimistic people ever. No hope at all. It's a sad way to lead a life. We also found several other good people. We had a goal to invite 2 people to baptism and to get 2 new Investigators. So we were at 2 New Gators and 1 Baptism invite, so what do you do, you pray and act! The next and last door, because it was already dark, we met a young man named Darell. He was all tatted up, and the house looked super janky. But he was a sweet guy, with 3 kids and struggling hard right now. The Gospel won't make it easier by any stretch, but it will give you hope that the dawn will break!

 

Friday we were finally allowed to hit the cars. We got to work the Family History Center again, and no one showed up. It turned into a browse LDS.org day. Came across some good talks and messages. There is such a wealth of knowledge on that website. We were at it again, knocking doors and talking with everyone, found some really sweet people. I am also pretty good a discerning lies. One lady acted like she was on the phone when she answered the door. Worst Acting Job Ever award goes to her. We had dinner at the Okezie's again and they are so close to coming to church! We'll get them there soon! We also found out from them that Oreo's and Milk make you fart. So, that isn't a good date idea!

 

Saturday we had 6 appointments, and 3 went through. 50%, we could bat the majors, or shoot free throws in the NBA (if you are Shaq). Our day started rock solid. We had Rob Johnson out again, and we were able to get a lady named Brandi on Date. She actually visited the church two weeks ago but couldn't find us because she went at 9:00 instead of 12:30. She said God led us to her the first day we met her because she was needing a prayer. Everything made sense to her and she is so full of faith. Another lady we visited was Cheri, and she wouldn't quite commit to a date, but she definitely wants the Gospel. She has her own struggles right now, but when you lean on the Lord, he will always deliver. He can't not deliver, or else he would cease to be God. After that, our next 3 appointments fell through. Allen was busy with a work conference call. Maria had to work the previous night so she was sleeping. Another gentleman named Mac wasn't home. But we were able to visit a Recent Convert, Alessandra, nearby. She is amazing too! I wish I could see some of these people before they found the Gospel. We met two very wicked men. On different doors, but they came after our first amazing appointments. Satan was trying to over throw us. We got cursed at and threatened to have the police called on us. Another door was this very crude redneck, we called him Bat Crap Crazy old man. He was talking about Wild Women, etc. And how he doesn't care about the Superbowl, he just wants to get drunk. As if you really needed a reason to get drunk my friend. The spirit was definitely not there. So we pressed onward! Had an awesome dinner at the Wiblin's and called it a day!

 

Sunday was awesome. I even got up to share my story about pushing cars and bearing testimony on how Christ runs to us in our time of need. It feels awesome to share what you know! Y'all should try it! It really isn't that scary. We were hoping to have 6 gators at church, but only 2 pulled through. Tyson, the 8 year old we are teaching was waving at us while we were on the stage. And Allen made it as well! He is like one foot in the font, one foot on dry ground. We had an amazing Dinner at the Sears again, and unfortunately, Brother Sears had a meeting to go to, so we didn't have our Super Bowl Steak Conference. We had Lasagna instead but it was amazing! Steak Conference will happen next Sunday! An amazing family!

 

So there is that my friend-holios, take it or leave it! 

Through much weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, we were not able to watch the superbowl. But we were getting text updates from The Barnes's. It sounded like a real flop, and Seattle wiped the floor with the Broncos. That is the beauty of the game, any given day. Defense wins championships though! Peyton doesn't seem to show up in big games, compared to his brother Ely. I might have uttered, "GO SEAHAWKS" at one point. I did get the Superbowl package which was awesome! Thanks for all you do! Mom I am glad Mama Barnes keeps you in the Loop! Sounds like you would have never known about the Winter Death Storm. And say what?? Seahawks were the better team? Your fanhood is in question! No sandwich, bummer. I loved taking the leftovers to school! It probably was the bad omen not having it! I agree though, there is nothing good about a Fry Fest. No one walks away feeling good, physically or mentally.

 

And that is just about a wrap! Thank you all for the very uplifting, inspirational, and edifying messages. I am on a spiritual cloud 9! Just joking, I love the letters, it is nice to know all is well back at the Plantation. I am glad everyone is still thriving! Keep up the good work soldiers, and Continue Fighting the Good fight! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you! Have another blessed up week!

 

Love,

Elder Dallan Barnes

 

Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice. 

                           Teaching Relief Society......They look like they have a captive audience!!!

                            Check out the world champion rock skippers....yes it should be in the Olympics!

Jan 27

Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and... COMPLETELY REDEEM YOURSELF!! (name that movie!)

 

So let me dive right into my week! It is awesome to hear from y'all again and I apologize for the lack of substance last week. Darn Martin Luther King day. But yes, God is good! Sounds like all is good back the dude ranch (that's an actual word by the way).

 

The remainder of Monday was super awesome. I hope you got the photos from Red Top Mountain. Brother Miller called to get us permission from President Harding to leave the Zone. Clutch Mc Clutchins. It was super beautiful though. It is a park with a man made lake, called Lake Alatoona, or something to that effect. I was jonesing to do some wakeboarding, or landing flips on the air chair, to be honest, I felt like Dallan yet again, but that doesn't happen all too often. It was so awesome to get out though. I love skipping rocks too! That is about as close as I could get in the water, but we did throw Elder Wilson in, just for spite. Not really, but when I get home, we are going to do some outdoorsy things, maybe go see the National Parks in Utah!

Tuesday it snowed again, sign of the times, I tell you what. We are earning mega wife points, as missionaries refer to it. But the crowning visit of the day was linking up with Steve and Amy and their cute family. It had been too long, Amy had gotten her tonsils taken out, then got the flu, all during Christmas. Can you just say shoot me now? Their kids are so funny too. Kyle, their oldest, who is 5, said," Elder Wilson, you are the skinny one. And Elder Barnes, you are the.................. tough one." Nice recovery! A for effort!

 

Wednesday, the crowning appointment was our visit at the Bristol's home for Chris, Anita, and Tyson. Anita, the Mom, asked us to make this lesson, more of a discussion, to involve her husband. We were able to, I say we quite liberally, draw and color plan of salvation cut outs. Elder Wilson is a phenomenal artist. But it was awesome at the Bristol's. I love teaching the Plan of Salvation. And we truly didn't end up teaching much of it. It was more important for The Merryman's to hear everyone's testimonies of it. Tyson is still super sharp, Chris and Anita are super thankful for all that we do. It just feels like going to Grandma's. Incredible people!

 

Thursday, they are still just the longest. Weekly planning isn't too exciting. And maybe people just aren't home on Thursdays. But, we have been getting more bold at doors now. If at the very least, I want them to walk away with them knowing that I know what I am doing is true. Just going to put it on out there, you can send it back my way if you don't like the goods.

 

Friday, we got a knock on our door from the Traveling Assistants at 9:20 PM. Exchanges! I wasn't very nervous at first, I was a little embarassed about our apartment, but they were definitely sent at the right time. We have been wanting to make some changes to make us better missionaries. The Lord waited until we were ready to change. But, they totally crashed our party. But before that, we had the Family History Center, and I was surprised to see that ours goes back to the 11th Century. That's flipping old! If only we could make it back to Adam now, that'd be something. I did secure two mighty MTC talks, and no doubt you will listen to them when I get home. Elder Holland is amazing. I did get the ukulele package Mom! Thank you so much! I am super excited to get it all figured out, and ready to jam! Maybe singing at people's doors really will be heart softening.

 

Saturday, tend to be the best days, but this was even better. To have a super seasoned missionary help me along. Elder Freeman, he's from Lehi and his heading home in 3 weeks, went with me. Everyday can be like a Saturday, as long as we are doing what we are supposed to, God cannot deny us miracles. We did it all though! We invited 4 people to baptism, and one will be baptized on February 8th. Her name is Maria, and we fell out of contact with her the past few weeks! It was so well planned because Elder Freeman served 14 months in spanish speaking areas. Her parents will do anything for her to get to Church. She is 21 with 4 kids, husband has been deported, and just looking to change. We got her to pray, and it was the most beautiful thing ever! We taught a lesson with Kai at The Barnes's home. We talked to several people in Kroger, Publix, and Walgreen's. We tracted a few doors, we made 105 calls, Allen made it to Stake Conference as well (it was a regional broadcast this weekend from a Stake in Orlando, it was broadcast to 48 stakes in the South East, with Elder Nelson speaking). Glorious day! Best Day yet!

 

Sunday, we were nervous that we would slip back into our old ways, but nope! Luke 17:32, Remember Lot's wife! We are not going to go back, Miracles are truly out there, and I don't know exactly why it took me so long to see that. We had Stake Conference, which was really perfect for investigators and members alike. We had 30 minutes inbetween Stake Conference and Dinner/Lunch at the Sear's home. So what did I suggest? Knocking doors! We got 3 new Investigators, and invited 2 to be baptized, both accepting but not to a certain date. We then had an amazing dinner at the Sear's home. Easily one of the best families in the ward! We got to help them with dinner, do the dishes, have salmon, share a message. It was amazing. I hope you got the picture from her too Mom! Sister Sears is an absolute sweetheart. We were supposed to have steak, but next Sunday, we will be having our own "Steak Conferenec". I just love being here! We are considered family to them, which was super touching to hear. God placed me in this ward for a reason, and there are just so many families that have had a profound influence on me! After the Sears, we had to hit an appointment, for some reason or another, it fell through. So we stalked this one young man, drove by him, decided to swing back around. We lost sight of him, and started knocking doors to find him. Turns out, he is the Son of the Okezie family. They had been missing us really bad, and thinking of us. We had a nice chat with Glory and Obe, and we will be seeing them this week. She is wanting to come back to the LDS Church! Winning. The miracles don't cease there, we go to see another appointment, and we miss the road, so we head down the Road the leads to Maria, and stop in, because we didn't see her at stake conference. She opened the door as we walk up, and she had the biggest grin and glow about her. She let us right in! We talked with her, and it is amazing to see how the Gospel Changes people! I ended up playing with her kids, as the distraction, it was super cute cause all of them were trying to find Jesus pictures in the Book of Mormon. She is excited to meet with us tonight at Rob Johnson's for FHE. We found out Courtney will be there too! The Miracles! They just can't be contained! We went to the appointment we were originally going to go to, and they both accepted baptism invites. April and Michael, we had just ran into before the Sears! We'll meet with them this Saturday. Then, we had to polish the night off with talking to one more person on the street. It was 8:00, and we spotted one person, and we just talked with him. Who am I? Am I still Dallan, because he would never do something like that back home.

 

So there's that. No Zaxby's today, or Stevi B's. But all is well!

 

So, I think my fingers are about bleeding now. They haven't had a type-out like this in a few weeks! I hope you enjoy hearing from me as much as I enjoy hearing from y'all! Keep on keeping on! Fighting the Good Fight! And let me know if there is absolutely anything I can do! I love you all so much, and keep being amazing! Have another blessed up week!

 

Love,

Elder Dallan Barnes

 

If you have a date with Destiny, does she have a Sister, and is she hot?

 

Faith is measure not by Quantity, but by Quality!

Jan 20

This is going to have to be Freaky Fast!

Thanks again for your weekly email! Glad to hear all is well back at home! It is a holiday so the Library was closed today, so we are at the Phillip's to email. A few technical problems and we only have one computer. So let me cut to the chase!

Monday: I was able to pick up a Ukulele, which has been relieving! Just to unwind a little to some music. I can't wait to start playing hymns soon! We hit up Stevi B's again, I  wasn't even trying and put down 21 pieces.... What's wrong with me?? I am becoming a food-a-holic! 

Tuesday: Nothing too major came about, just hitting streets, and maybe people are too cold to answer their doors. Georgians love their heat! Lots of work to do and we are expected to make 40 calls a day. Good thing I learned how to work hard! Bishop Shell also took us out to a little Mexican Restaurant for Lunch, SUper thoughtful of him! 

Wednesday: I have been really into my morning workout lately, involves over 1000 jumps with the jump rope. And 300 pushups and situps and squats. I still have yet to get a scale, but my pants seem a little looser! Winning! We had a super amazing lesson with a Less Active Part Member family that has been attending church this past month. Their son, Tyson, wants to get baptized, so we taught the whole family at their grandparents home, he happens to be the stake Patriarch. Such an awesome teaching atmosphere, and he is a sharp kid for only being 8. He reminds me of me a little, and the fact he is getting taught by missionaries at 8 like I was. The Dad, the non Member was super thankful, and he seems to be asking the right questions to move towards baptism. It's a slam dunk of a family! We taught the restoration using a jenga tower! Brilliant!

Thursday: Nothing too crazy to report on, just the usual. Knocking doors and moving on. We are finding some great people, but not many are too keen on being baptized. "I've already been baptized!" Austin, what would you do when you'd hear that out there in Samoa?

Friday: Similar story as Thursday. I guess we are just in the hang of things now. That is what missionary work is! 

Saturday: Our other super amazing day this week. We got to teach Allen and address his concerns. He keeps telling us that he isn't prompted to be baptized and isn't prompted to stop investigating. But he keeps telling us he will when he gets the all clear from the big man. We also got to teach Kai a New Member lesson with her Home Teacher. She is rock solid, and that is the beauty of the Gospel. It can change people! You would have never suspected her to be the one that would get Baptized. We also went out with the West's and visited several people. He is the ideal example of a Member Missionary. We didn't have any appointments so he put together everyone we saw. 

Sunday: We got to teach Relief Society, we got a last minute call to do so. It was on the Plan of Salvation so it wasn't bad. We were definitely the Elephants in the room! The Last frontier for Priesthood Holders. We needed a dress to fit in around there. But, it is particularly easy to teach them, because it is a discussion, chatty cathy's! Sister Carnell even snapped a picture of us teaching, hope you got it Mom! 

That is just about it! ANother week down! Thanks for the package Mom! I am looking forward to opening it come February! WIsh I could repsond more, but I hope you all have an amazing week! I think we are going hiking with the Miller's. Have another blessed up week! I love you all so much! 

Love,

Elder Dallan Barnes

Missionary work isn't easy, because Salvation isn't a cheap experience. 

January 13th

 

Well olo, my people!

Another week in the books. It feels as if, maybe, perchance, I was emailing about a week ago. It doesn't feel like a week. This one went by quicker than others which was neato. So let me tackle it!

 

Mondays are always superb! We were able to have a lesson with the Courtney, our investigator, at Rob Johnson's home. Courtney is really going through a lot, but it was a perfect match up. Courtney really just wants his family to be tight nit like the Johnson's. The Gospel definitely strengthens families.

 

Tuesday was the frigid of the freezing. 6 Degrees. Plus humidity. Cuts to the core of you. I am still thoroughly impressed with my coat's performance! NorthFace makes a good one! But it was so cold. We would knock 3 doors at a time, then scurry back to the car because that is all we could handle. They even closed school because "it was too cold". What is this?? Mamby Pamby land? Don't get me wrong, it was cold, but to close school? Really? Maybe I am just bitter because I never had a snow day. Later that day, we visited with Justin, our Recent Convert, and he has some serious concerns, especially with the title of being a priest. He wants to pursue a secular life... I never thought I would see some partake of the tree of life, then spit it out and move to the great and spacious building. It was super frustrating debating with him. He is pretty set in his mind. Hopefully the Spirit will work on him!

 

Wednesday, we got trimmed up at the Heinhold's, and I think my old hair might resurface more often! Although, Elder Wilson, thinks my new hair is better looking. A cool miracle was that we prayed specifically to go and find a family, and we found two! One was at a yard sale! We also managed to get the cops called on us. Some lady thought we were kicking down her door. Funny thing, we used the doorbell twice. What good is a door if you aren't going to answer it? I had some amazing Blackberry Pie at the Mankowski's home, with some BBQ. It was a long day of fasting, and it hit the spot!

 

Thursday we got to attend the temple, which was long overdue. We were up at 5:00 to ensure we made it there on time, with the other Elders. We also had Zone Training after that, which was neat indeed. I wish we could go to the temple more often. I never considered this, but President Harding pointed out, that it is the purest place in the state of Georgia. Such a blessing! Elder Wilson Stopped at Guitar Center and picked up a guitar. I have gotten the itch to pick up an instrument. We will go by today and get a cheap ukulele. If we could play hymns at people's doors, all the people will just beg to be baptized. At least that is what we are hoping for. We were supposed to have another meeting with Courtney at Bishop Shell's home, but Courtney didn't feel comfortable leaving. But they had a nice chat, him and Bishop.

 

Friday, heartbreak set in. Courtney is no longer living with his wife, and isn't allowed to return. I could not imagine. I wish there was more we could do. If I had it my way, he'd bunk with us! I just feel so helpless. Emotionally draining... Another Heartbreak was us meeting with Bob Feeney. We hadn't met with him all December, so we were thrilled to stop by. He told us that his Daughter said "You will not forsake a lifetime of Catholic living." Bob's wife was devout, and so is his daughter. She is misinformed and won't hear us out. But, Bob promised he would be baptized when she comes around. I have been working with him from day one, and to walk away, was tough. We will drop in once a month or so, but still. Devestated.

 

Saturday was amazing, we had the Baptism of 4 children. One of them was Lindsey Phillips. We were worried before hand because of the freezing temperatures, that the baptism would be post poned. Luckily, none of the lines froze and there was no flooding. It was beautiful though. To hear the primary sing Families can be together forever. Touching! The other cutest thing was that these twins were baptized, both 8. One is Autistic, and was hugging his brother the whole time they were singing. The Phillip's had us over afterwards, and they are just the bomb! Seriously! Y'all will have to meet all of these fine people in person! They know about Weiner Water Soup, and brought us dinner, with the appetizer being just that. We had to try it. We have the footage. It was so gross, like puke status. Wouldn't recommend it. I still feel sick thinking about it.

 

Sunday was amazing though, as usual. Allen made it to church out of the blue and Kai also came. We have been worried about both of them! Such a relief! And we also will be teaching a man who has been coming to church for the past month with his child. Primetime baby! I guess these things tend to fall into your lap when you are doing what you are supposed to. The church was packed too! They had to bless another set of trays. That has never happened here. I bet the ward will split within a few years. Did y'all tune into the CES Fireside? Amazing right? His book is exactly what he spoke about.

 

That's about it for me, hitting it and quitting it, as my brotha's would say down here in da South. We got a mighty week ahead and are praying to see miracles! Thanks for the email fam!

 

Thanks for all you do for me! I love all of you so much! It is always comforting to hop on and see an email! I am so spoiled! Keep being amazing, every last one of you! I hope that this week will be better than the previous and that you all keep fighting the good fight. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you! I am just an email and 7 days away! Have a blessed up week!

 

Love,

Elder Dallan Barnes

 

If all dogs go to heaven, and wolves go to hell, Where does Balto go? :(

 

You're never going to hit the ball if you are envisioning all the ways that you could possible miss it!