June 16

Luke, I am your Father!

What's good, what's good? I can tell you that everything is good in the hood! We had another amazing week, they all seem to blend together, and when it is all said and done, I know I will be able to say I had an amazing mission experience. This is most certainly where God wants me to be! So let me share a little more!

Monday we checked out the Science Center, and that was kind of amusing. We were like children again (kind of like the Zoo or Aquarium). It was free and the Natural History Museum cost money, but we didn't feel compelled to slap that over. It was a pretty good day, and I think we have done about everything there is to be done in Atlanta. It's a sign that I have been here long enough. Just joking, I will be here another transfer, I'll talk about that later! I did hit 300 days as well. Crazy Crazy.

Tuesday we got to spend some time in the House of the Lord. The temple is an amazing place, where I can have my questions answered. And they were, by the Big Man himself! We had plenty of instruction on the new training program they are launching, so we can become "Preach My Gospel Doctors" and be certified. We are now waking up at 5:50 each morning to get an extra thirty minutes of study time each day. It is kind of overwhelming, but it'll be for our best good!

Wednesday was a peachy day (yeah, we have many of those too, since we are in the Peach State. I haven't had a peach yet though....) We were out and about, and we got totally poured on! Luckily I had an umbrella (didn't do much for the sideways rain). We had to talk 1.7 Miles to get to the church to do some baptismal interviews. Miracle Hour as we like to refer to it. We got drenched, but it makes for a good story! We met a lady along the way that is 22 and has 5 kids, disowned by her family, single Mom. She let us right in to pray with her, and it was quite powerful! We will be spending the Spanish Missionaries over asap! The interviews went great (still one of my favorite parts of being the District Leader), I had three of them. People are so prepared, and the missionaries out here are so incredible, they get this stuff done and get the people dunked. I got to speak with Bro. Collins again, love him! His Less Active daughter was in an accident and needed a blessing.

Thursday I realized I had lost 20 lbs here in Twin Oaks, which is awesome to hear. We had a great weekly planning session, and had some dinner with the Neff Family. Then we stopped in and gave Sis. Collins that blessing, I know I am here for them. That whole family has blessed me so much!

Friday we were here, there, and everywhere. It has been raining often, or fixing to everyday. It has been keeping it cooler thankfully! We went and saw the Coppock Family, and then went to have dinner with Bro. Priest, the Less Active we found and are working with! He is a master chef and wants us over every week. He got a job, and his life is truly changing. It is moments and people like this that I know that all of this has to be true. We had fried apples! I am just trying to fulfill the commandment: "Thou Shalt put some South in thine Mouth". I think it is in the 6th book of Moses somewhere ;)  We also had the opportunity to teach Patience in the Atkins home again, and had a great lesson going over the Restoration. She is doing well, and it is kind of disheartening to hear she is possibly wanting to switch to the Single's Ward. Overall, we hope that she is happy!

Saturday, the Traveling Assistants came to Twin Oaks to exchange for a day and a half. Elder Gautavai and Elder Bernard came and we hit it hard! Both are Polynesian so it was a good time. We saw many miracles, and Elder Gautavai has been the Assistant since I have been here. He is a splendid missionary, and I hung in there with him! It was a confirmation to me that I am doing many great things out here. I just happen to hold myself to an extremely high bar. Perfection is what I am shooting for (probably not going to happen.. not for now at least). We also got to see the four baptisms! What an amazing day! We found three families and talked with a ton of people. They had some nice remarks for us too. We had a car though (as much as I wanted them both to have the MARTA experience).

Sunday was superb as usual, got to stand in on some confirmations, feel the spirit as well. I hope you all got the the picture from the Allen's for Father's Day. They are the sweetest people. There is just such a friendlier vibe than when I got here. I got to speak with the Wallace's as well from Lost Mountain, and I truly miss them as well! I hope I can go back someday soon! That is the Zion of the South! We taught a few people along the way, nervous because there was no transfer news. We met with our investigator Darius, and he is certainly progressing! He is now 25% certain about being baptized, and the reason he has us over, is the way we show him love and treat him. That we don't just wear our faith, but we live it! Got home a little before 9:00, and took reports.

Today, I found out that I will be staying here in the Twin Oaks Ward, and Elder Skouson will be leaving. Super sad day! My firstborn in the wilderness! He will be going to a Spanish Area until he receives his Visa! I will be getting a new companion, and we will be Zone Leaders for the Atlanta East Zone (as if I don't get enough sleep as is..). It should be an exciting change, but I have loved every minute of being the District Leader. Change is good though, especially when I don't feel adequate. I am sure the Lord will provide, as he has thus far! He is too good!

That's a wrap! Hope everyone had an excellent week! Seems like it, and I wish everyone a superb one ahead! I know we will! Thanks for all of the love and letters! Prayers too! I can always use them! Let me know what I can do for y'all! Love you all so very much! Have a blessed up week!

Love,
Elder Dallan Barnes

Working for the Lord doesn't pay much at all. But His retirement plan, it's out of this World!

Mon 6/09/14

I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse

We meet again! I am super glad to see that all is well at home, and that I still get emails! Thank you for that! It is certainly heating up here, what about back home? I have been drinking so much water, but the good thing, I am still losing weight! Running for Buses, and walking all day will do that for you! So let me give y'all the overview of the week!

Monday we did in fact go to the King Memorial Historic Site as well as snagged some Chicken and Waffles from Gladys Knight! The Memorial was amazing, and I really want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King's Life. We got to see where he is buried, the house he was born in, as well as the church he was a minister for. It is amazing what one man can do to the world. Talk about being the right person, at the right place, at the right time. I think we can all make those kinds of differences, because we are where we are supposed to be! The Chicken and Waffles was a bit of a let down, $13 for for wings and a waffle. I guess the picture and experience make up the difference.

We had exchanges and district meeting on Tuesday, which made for a miraculous day. It was all about lifting expectations, and inviting people to be baptized. We set a goal of inviting at least 2 people per day per companionship. Me and Elder Schnell got 6, 1 of which accepted a specific date, his name is Darius, and he is a former investigator, I think I mentioned him before. We saw so many tender mercies too. We were out and about all day, in the heat, and the best thing I heard was,"Being on Foot is really tiring." All I can say is that it is worth it. We met with Nieta too, she's the bomb! We can always count on her to make us laugh and lift out spirits! Small world as well, Abby's roommate, Taylor Powell, her brother and wife just moved into the ward down the street from us. Small world!

Wednesday was alright, hump day right? We got to speak with Patience our investigator, and she was a little down. We helped console her and add to her faith. Hebrews 11 is one powerful chapter. She is still looking to get some things taken care of, but she is hoping to be baptized on the 12th of July. With God, all things are possible, I know that much. We also met a man who was on laughing gas, and got so excited when we invited him to be baptized and to receive the Holy Ghost. Got to love the south, particularly, Decatur! Another gentleman was convinced that the Book of Mormon would help him get women. Absolutely, but maybe not the way he was thinking. The Allen's had us over for Dinner, I'm so glad we have them here!

Thursday we ran out and about, trying to get some planning in, but some pressing appointments needed to take place. Brother Priest, the Less Active we found was eager to have us over again, and explained to us how much we lift his spirits. I would love to take credit, but that is certainly the Holy Ghost. Despite his situation right now, he still wants to feed us. It amazes me the sacrifices people go through for missionaries. I don't know if I can ever repay many people. One small miracle took place, while we were going to go see a new investigator named Darius. On our way there I felt like we should give him a call, let him know we were going to be a little early. I saw in the phone that there was a Former Investigator, named Darias, and called him thinking not too much of it. Come to find out, this was not Darius, but indeed the former. He had just lost his sister two weeks ago, and was extremely distraught, looking for purpose and wondering if he would see her again. We testified there on the phone, in the name of Jesus Christ, that he could and will as he accepts the Gospel. Talk about the Lord's timing and placement. We would have never called him, had we not been headed to this other investigator. We will be meeting with Darias this week, and plan on helping him receive the knowledge and peace he is yearning for. I can't say enough about the Roylance's either, they had us over for dinner, and they are the best!

Friday, we exchanged again, but with the Elders here in Twin Oaks. We had Elder Packard's last Zax Attack (Zaxby's run), because he is headed home on the 19th. Transfers are right around the corner, it is so crazy. We had a powerful day as well, teaching the Coppock's and David the nonmember said he would have no problem being baptized on the 28th. It poured the whole bus ride down there (thankfully, the one time you appreciate MARTA being slow), and when we hopped off, it subsided. Then the sun peeked out, and we were in a Sauna the rest of the day. That's good for your skin right?! I got to do a Baptismal Interview for a lady named Kay, that they Elders have been teaching. She is amazing, truly! The best interview I have had. She was uneasy about it at first, but I suppose I have a way of making people feel comfortable. She wants to call and let y'all know the impact I made on her, from this interview. Such a sweet, honest, and loving lady! We capped the night at the Atkin's with Patience, and talked about bearing up burdens, and how they can assist us. She is struggling a little bit, and trying to find a place where she can fit in. Being shy is of the devil!

Saturday, was one of the longer days I have had. Usually they are miracle packed, but not this one. No one wanted to hear from us, nor would anyone answer the door. Someone said that Friday was national doughnut day, maybe they had some hangovers from that. It was high 80's, 90% Humidity, and we didn't have too many solid appointments. We spent a good diddy walking, and riding, but the sun can just sap your energy. I drank extra water, and didn't have to use the restroom until when we got home. I must have been sweating it out. We met with a lady  named Tonya, and she loved to hear that she could find out if what we were saying was true (apparently the opposite of what other proselyting churches do....) We had to run home to make it in by 9:30, but we made it!

Sunday was great as usual. Less sleep of course, but the Sacrament makes it worth it. Nothing too earth shattering hit me during church, but we did get to do a little family history work to see if we could find a name to take to the temple. I couldn't find any, so we will just need to do some work. Especially Grandpa Barnes' side! We do have royal lineage though! We're kind of a big deal. We got to sit down with the Embley family, they are the bomb as well! We found our way up to the Cairn's for dinner, and a little bit of a team up! We got to speak with Thomas, one of our recent converts, and I missed him an awful lot. He has been working so much, that it is hard to get in contact with him. I also wish that I could have gone to Africa or somewhere foreign, cultures fascinate me!

That's about all I have! We are debating on Coke World or The Fernbank Science Museum for today! We also need to find a good BBQ place around here, I have been missing that. Transfers are coming up next week, so we will see what happens.

That is about all I have for this week! I wish you all the best of weeks ever, and hopefully you all will find something fun to do for Father's day! Have a super blessed up week, and let me know what I can do for anyone! Fight the good fight, keep the faith high!

Love,
Elder Dallan Barnes

"Marta: Taking you forever to get nowhere."

	Mon 6/02/14 4:42 PM

Happy June!!

I still am so amazed at how quick the time is going! I wish I could have a pause button at times (and maybe a rewind one in some instances..). But God is so good! Too good at times! My week has been one of the finest weeks in my service. So here goes nothing!

Tuesday we had an amazing time with the Partridge's at Stone Mountain! We were able to see some glass blowing, and ride the tram to the top, and also do a bit of a Rope Course. It was so much fun! I am so grateful for members that take care of us as if we were their own. They said next time they will take us to do the rest of the things we didn't do, like the Mini Golf, etc. I will need to come back for the Laser Show they have on the rock face. Thank you for the Pizza! The other Elders are appreciative as well!

Wednesday was District meeting again, and it felt like an odd day. We ended up spending all of our time at the Church, because we had to do training, lunch, and Weekly Planning there, up until when we had Gospel Study. Nothing too major went down, just a long day at the office I suppose. It is so much more fun to get out and do! I also packed and got ready for Boot Camp!

Thursday we were up early so the District Leaders could make it to Fayetteville. We swapped companions, and off we went with the other 3 District Leaders in the Atlanta East Zone. The Zone Leaders had the Camp Tuesday and Wednesday, and we got a little insight to what it'd be. We got to spend the day, night, and day at the Mission Home and be taught from President and Sister Harding, as well as the Assistants, and The Mission Presidency. They had the Fayetteville and Atlanta Zone's there. It was amazing, to not worry about all of the usual things, to take our minds of it all and just learn, and grow in faith. It was all about raising expectations, increasing faith, and becoming the missionaries that the Lord wants us to be! We were fed all 3 meals each day (hadn't had that since the MTC), and we even got some activities in. We played a little football, watched some fireworks, and watched Ephraim's Rescue. We didn't get to bed until 12:30, but it was so worth it. I am so blessed to have the mountain of a couple my mission president and wife are.

Friday Morning, we had an early morning jog around a lake, in the fog, next to an airport. Remember the Titan's status! It was pretty powerful, and we ended by jogging in the forest, and came across a banner that President had set up. We had a Joseph Smith like experience, with President burying some copies of the Book of Mormon, that we uncovered. They had some notes and a book mark in it. Overall, I just felt so much more united amongst the other District out here. Sometimes I feel like I am on my own, but I know for certainty that everyone else is having similar problems and successes. We had more instruction, as well as meals, on how to become finer instruments. We even had a water balloon fight, which turned into everyone gang up on President. And no, no one got sent home! We were taught about the Speed of Trust, which is an expensive program that Franklin Covey puts out to major businesses and corporations for increasing their productivity! We wrapped it all up with a devotional and off we went! So spoiled to be where I am at! Not a place I would rather be. I think the most moving thing was to see President get fired up (have yet to see him do such), about working. He spoke to some missionaries on the phone, and after, he turned to us and said, "I'll be straight up, I'm asking you to work harder. Work your tail off! Don't just work smarter, but work harder." I got home late that night, and got some rest as usual! I could always use a little more. The other thing I realized is that everything truly is in my power to do. Any excuse I can think of, can be overcome with faith. That'll be what I will work on, increasing faith so that I could get to the point of Jacob 4:6, Unshaken Faith.

Saturday, we hit it pretty hard, making it a point to achieve the indicators that we have placed before us. It was a slower day, but I invited like crazy, and I must say, I haven't felt better. True Success is in inviting! We are still working to find those that the Lord has truly prepared, but we ended the week finding 20 New Investigators. It rained and was a gloomy day, but I was determined. I hope this fire can branch to my companion and to the District.

Sunday, was a miraculous day. Fast Sundays are so powerful as is, but to recognize the extra blessings we get, makes it all worth it. We were blessed with 7 less actives returning to church, and 2 Investigators. One of the less actives we found here at the library, bore his testimony. I have had it easy compared to many of these people out here. After church, we went to a street we were inspired to go to, and we found 6 New Investigators. All were invited to be baptized, and are willing to when they find out it is true! I know that this is truth! One of the people we found, actually met with missionaries a few years ago, and wondered why they stopped coming by. Cool story is that, his door was the one I was lead to, but knocked others on our way to it. Such a beautiful thing it is, to be in the service of God.

Today, I think we will go to the Martin Luther King Memorial, and possibly Coke World. But You'll hear about it next week!

That's about what I have for y'all! Have an amazingly blessed up week! Let me know what I can do for you all! I'll be out here sweating my butt off! Yeah, I am losing weight! Love you all so very much! Fight the good fight!

Love,
Elder Dallan Barnes

"If Satan can't kill you, he'll hold your tongue." President Harding

"If you do it in His name, you need to do it His way." President Harding

"There is no downside to dreaming; there's infinite downsides to doubting."

5/27/14

Everybody's working for the Holidays!

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all had some solid time off and enjoyed some R&R time with family! We had some of that, with many of my black familia out here! It was great! But yes, Tuesday Pday, kind of strange, but we'll make due! Let me tackle the week and I'll see how y'alls panned out!

Monday, we ended up playing some sports (if you could call it that) with the other Elders in the Zone. It was a game called Chuck Norris Tennis Balls of Death. I'm not sure the etymology of the name nor the origin. Except one thing I do know, Chuck Norris touched MC Hammer. And that's enough for me. There's two people on the stage chucking tennis balls, to hit people and get them out. The other people are sneaking around trying to get the flag, and take it to the other side of the gym. We set up tables as barricades, and to make things interesting, we had the lights out. It was kind of fun, reminded me of Paintballing. I miss that for sure. We talked with some people towards the close of the night.

Tuesday was District Meeting Day again, and that went well. I am becoming more apt to getting less sleep, which might be a bonus. We met some interesting people as usual. People's beliefs about God just astound me! And that is why we need the Priesthood, to govern the Body of Christ. Without it, ideas have crept in. We met with our investigator, Patience, and read an Isaiah Chapter with her out of the Book of Mormon. We totally had the Spirit of Revelation, and it was amazing. Our thoughts must have truly been the Savior's thoughts. Elder Skouson actually read that chapter that morning, and got nothing out of it. We also met with the Smejkal family the Atheist/Agnostic Part Member Family, and we invited them to read and pray. Alma 32 and to pray about it. The Spirit has been working with them too! He related the Telestial Kingdom to the "Downtown Holiday Inn with all the Crack Whores." Yeah, something like that! That became the joke of the night. We're so thrilled for them, to see their faith growing, little by little. 

Wednesday we were on the hunt for a Less Active, named Jose, and we found ourselves in a white neighborhood. And by virtue, no one wanted to hear from us. When we left, the first non-Caucasian we found, wanted to have us back over in a few days. She must have been the real reason we needed to be there. We had Gospel Study as usual, and afterwards I got to do 3 Baptismal Interviews. I do really enjoy doing them! My faith grows so much. It was for the Children of the Wynn family, whom I interviewed a few weeks back. I got clever, and I called it, Wynn-terviews. Their kids are amazing, like absolutely. I wish I had as much faith as them when I was their age. It was a good time, and I am so blessed that I can connect with younger people. That is a spiritual gift! Karlee must have it too with all of the BabySitting she has done.

Thursday was a long day, but we made 91 calls! And contacted a few referrals. One of them is rock solid, from Germany, and looking for a church home. We had a 30 minute conversation with Alicia, and are pumped to see her soon! Like on Wednesday! She's also a professional singer, so maybe I can get some voice coaching as well! I could make lion's purr with my voice, with her help! 

Friday was spent moving one family out, the Ludlow's. It was an amazing thing we showed up, because we were just about the only help they got. And let me first just say, I cannot stand when people stand around. To make things worse, people that stand in the way while standing around. I was a little frustrated, but just kept my mind focused. It was in the 90's and 95% humidity, so we were sweating it up! We got it all taken care of in 3 hours, up and down 3 flights of stairs countless times, but we did it. We had dinner at the Embley's home, and they are just so amazing! I cannot get over them, and to make our day even better, we made it up to the Atkins to teach Patience again! Members are the best! I wish they could be more involved. 

Saturday we helped with another move, the Hoyt family. Thankfully there was a much better turnout for that one. We were at it for an hour and a half, and off we went. The best part of the day was the Baptism of the Wynn Kids, and a girl named Abby. The Father received the priesthood and got to baptize his kids! All I could think, is that is what it is all about. Families. Finding and binding them. They are quite the addition to the ward! Ronnie Jr, the 9 year old, sought me out to say," Just the man I was looking for. I really want you to confirm me tomorrow." It was pretty touching actually, that I could have a 30 minute interview with him, and that me of all people, he wanted to confirm him. God is so good, and he works through us to make sure our needs are met. We met some more crazies, a guy was convinced that the 2nd Coming was a space ship we will all fly around the Universe in. He also told us (he is black, by the way)," If heaven is full of black people, I don't want to be there." Too much of a good thing is bad, I guess. We also taught a lesbian couple, that was neato! I am not ashamed of the Gospel! 

Sunday was super long, but amazing. I have been really quite sick lately, and am not sure if it is allergies or what, but it was so hard getting up, not to mention we get up earlier on Sunday. But I made due, and just did what I was supposed to. I was blessed accordingly, because God always delivers. I got to confirm Ronnie, and I had the chills and was shaking a bit. Through Ordinances, Godliness is most certainly manifest. We had an investigator come, Adrian, that is pretty legit. We have called him almost every other day, and he appreciates that. Patience made it as well. I had no reason to complain. We later sat down with the Stowell family, who are about as legit as they come, and discussed the work here, and how it can be better. They just get it! We talked to Nieta at church for a little (such a miracle she made it, and she gets to go to the temple today too!), and on the phone later for about 40 minutes. She's about as legit as they come too! 

We were a little disappointed as we went to the city square of Decatur on Memorial Day. It was almost like a ghost town. It was the indicator that we needed to get to people's homes! So we did just that. We visited with a few Less Actives, and found around their homes. But it wasn't until it really started raining that we found those that the Lord had prepared. We were lead to go see a lady we found the day before, and there was also a Less Active that needed to be found. That area was calling us there! It was a little ways out of the way with MARTA, but we felt inspired. We even had our dinner appointment cancel on us (which usually is the least bit a miracle), but it allowed us more time to find, teach, testify, and bless! We were able to find 10 New Investigators, a good chunk of them families. We blessed 11 People with the 4 hours we spent, in the down pour. It was truly amazing! And to put a cap on the day, we were challenged by a Reverend of another Church. This is the truth! That kind of opposition only would come because this is truth. 

And that is about that, we will be going to Stone Mountain with the Partridge Family today for Pday, so that should be a blast!

That's that! Thanks for another weekly check in! Thanks for all that y'all do! Please let me know what I can do for anyone of y'all! Have an amazingly blessed up week! Love you all so much!

Love,

Elder Dallan Barnes

What does a watermelon and a sweet pea have in common? 20 minutes.

May 19th

Dearest Beloved Family,

What's good in the not so hood? I think have fully realized how not sketchy Utah is. It truly is Zion (most of the members who aren't from there would disagree!) Maybe if there was more to do there that would make it better! And if it had trees and greenery! My week has been splendid, and I am excited to hear about y'alls! It could be better, but such is life. We continually met crazier and crazier people. So let me jump right on in to it.

Monday we had a lazy Pday finally, and to be honest, it felt like such a waste. I napped for much longer than I had hoped, and I didn't feel rested one bit. Three hour nap. I have a fear that I won't like naps when I get home. Of which, I will have a problem with. So yeah, nothing too major happened that day. We taught a family, the Shivers Family (All I can think about when I hear that name, is the song on Muppet Treasure Island, Shiver my timber, shiver my soul.... What a classic!) about the Plan of Salvation. They have committed to be baptized on June 14th so we are excited to help get them there! There are four of them, which would be just the best.

Tuesday, I had to put together another District Meeting, which was a little more difficult. Revelation still happens though! We were in the middle of the meeting, talking about miracles, then I hear a little bell from the back door opening. I don't usually leave it unlocked, but this time I did. A lady named Annie came in and was in shambles, and needed some love. There was not a better place to stumble upon. It was hard to top that! People are truly being prepared. We got to have dinner at the DaSilva's family's home, and I had some really good chicken, it wasn't fried, but his wife is from Macon. Finger lickin' good! We got to teach the Smejkal family again (he has been Less active awhile and has adopted Atheist Beliefs, his wife being Agnostic too) and it seems like things are ticking. It is just a matter of time. It was a miracle we made it on time. We were bus hopping like Pro's. The Lord had to have timed them for us.

Wednesday we ended up having to teach Gospel Study, on Following the Prophet. I felt like it went really well, it is amazing what some planning can do for you.

Thursday, planning day as usual. We had several appointments set up, that didn't quite pan out. To make things worse we had Brother Roylance out with us. We improvised, and went to find a Less Active. A naked man in just a towel angrily told us that he just got out of the shower (Thanks Sherlock, Or maybe Georgians lounge around naked in their homes... That must be why they don't answer their doors). We found out the person we were looking for does live there. I asked the man at the door what his relationship to him was, and what he heard was "What is your relationship with him?" then proceeded to tell us he wasn't gay. We ended up spending a moment with the Roylance family working on their family mission plan, and they are amazing to say the least.

Friday was another strange day. We met a Hobo Pimp, that every other word he said, was "Pimp" or "Pimpin'". Apparently The Trinity is a Pimp, said the 3 toothed man. It was overall just a strange conversation. I felt a bit of prejudice too, a couple of people yelled loudly out there window to "Get the **** out of our Neighborhood!" People wouldn't even stand by us at the bus stop. We met a Catholic Muslim man from Somalia, who told us he hates all the Jews and if he killed them, they would go to a better place (Good thing we are Christian). One man started rapping for us, and nothing rhymed. But he was trying, bless his heart! It was Christian Rap too. We met with our investigator named Patience, and she is doing so well! She cannot get baptized until she moves out, but we set a goal with her for baptism. July 12th! To have a Job and be out. She has been taught it all, so it is just a matter of time.

Saturday, we met a couple of other interesting children, them being first a Less Active Member who needed a blessing at the VA Hospital. He is from Alabama, and he could use some friends/company. He told us that he had a dream that Jesus Christ came down and told him he wouldn't die until he had a mate. He then told us," I So I am on the Hunt!" We taught a lady named Danita and her family, that we were led to last Saturday, and hopefully she will let us help her move. She loved what we had to say, even if her shirt said, "Pretty women turn head. Me and my B******, we break necks." No neck Breaking here brochacho. We linked up with a Less Active that sat by us last Monday at the Library. He is wanting so bad to come back to church, and he even has a son out on a mission. I did get the package, thanks so much Mom! And a letter from Abby! It had been a little while since I got mail, and to make things even better, you cooked for us Mom! Thanks for the Pizza too!

Sunday was a good and long day. It rained all day, and we also had a Linger Longer again. Nieta stooped in with her kids. I had missed them so much too! She is looking to switch jobs here soon, and I am most certain the Lord will lead her to where she needs to be. The Stake Presidency stooped in for a while so everyone was on their best. Things are rolling here in the Twin Oaks Ward. Much more so than when I got here in February. We helped another family with their family mission plan, the Embley's. They are amazing too. Them and the Roylance's. I had the blessing as well to give another baptismal interview for a young woman named Abbi. The other elders have been working with her, and she is ready to go. They said she was pretty shy, but I did not catch any of that. My people skills I must have gotten from my parents!

So that's about it. We will be doing a sports day with the other Elders in the Zone, and just keep it simple. That is about all I got! Thanks again for the sweet email! glad to hear all is well back at the Barn! (get it, Barn... Barnes!) Y'all are doing amazing, because you are amazing! Keep it up and continue to fight the good fight! Let me know what I can do for anyone of y'all! Thanks for all you do! Have another blessed up week, and we will 'connect' next Monday! Love you all!

Love,
Elder Dallan Barnes

Quotes:

"You want to know why my hands are so rough? Booty Slappin'" - Our Hobo Pimp Friend, Twynn. (Made sure to not shake his hand again..)

"Don't worry, babies bounce." Bro. Roylance, when his son slipped off the couch. I am sure that is what you said when you dropped me. 

Atlanta Aquarium......totally amazing!!!