Week 6

Hello all!

I'm super tired, so this email might actually be a little shorter than normal, and I'm not just saying that! I've attached a couple of more photos. One's of me and Sister Richardson breaking out the winter gear. The other is of our candy haul from the ward Halloween party!

I don't have my journal with me, or my planner from last week, but I will try to remember some of the things that have been happening! It's amazing how busy you can be, even when you only have one thing (missionary work) to fill all of your time.

I might jump around a bit, so bear with me.

Lots of teaching this week! It was great. I think my favorite part of missionary work, or my favorite thing to actually do, is go and teach lessons. That's when you have the chance to really feel the Spirit, testify, and get to know the people you're teaching.

Halloween was really fun, but not as off the hook as it was going to be originally. There was rain and rain and rain (just like in Washington!) so the party got moved to the ward building, and instead of trunk-or-treating, it was door-to-door inside the building. So it was still pretty fun! Ashley and her kids came, along with some other members of her family, and a couple of less active members that we have been working with came. We were excited about that. Sister Richardson, Elder Dorland and I were also some of the chili cook-off judges. We took it very seriously. The winner was a cheesy chicken chili, that was delicious. (Not as good as Dad's chili though. I seriously got a craving for that while we were trying all the chilis. I know I ask for a ton of recipes, but could Chelsey or Mom send me our chili recipe?) Ashley also gave us princess crowns, so Sister Richardson and I were "dressed up" as princess missionaries. You can see Sister Pumpkin White wearing my crown in one of the photos.

We have three people with baptismal dates! One for the 16th, one for the 23rd, and one for the 30th. Now, sometimes these dates are uncertain, because baptism is such a sacred covenant, and we want people to be completely prepared to make and keep that promise. But they are working towards those dates, and we are so excited for them. In case you're wondering, Ashley is working towards the 16th, Edna the 23rd, and Abby for the 30th. It's amazing to see how much each of them is learning and growing, and how they really desire to be baptized.

I gave Parker Quinn's letter, but we haven't taught them since then, so I haven't had a chance to ask him what he thought.

Transfer calls were on Saturday. Only one member of my district, Elder Tiegs, is leaving. He's heading to Illinois. We're getting three new missionaries though, because they're reopening Sikeston (the two elders who used to be there left because one tore his ACL and had to go home). We're getting two sisters in Sikeston, and an elder in Poplar Bluff to replace Elder Tiegs. One of the sisters who is coming to Sikeston is my great-grandmother.

I think I explained before: your trainer is your mom, then her trainer is your grandma, etc.

So my mom is Sister Richardson, and my grandma is Sister Johnson, and my great-grandmother (who is coming to Sikeston) is Sister Allen.

In my personal study this week, I have been reading in 2 Nephi to Jarom (hitting up Omni tomorrow!). I want to share my thoughts on 2 Nephi 31 in particular, though. I love this chapter. 2 Nephi 31 is one of the chapters in the Book of Mormon that explains the doctrine of Jesus Christ so clearly. The doctrine of Jesus Christ is the way that He has given us to return to Him: faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

Christ showed us this way throughout His life: "And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do." (verses 10-12)

Sometimes, we try to make things complicated, because it seems like things that are complicated are somehow better or more advanced. But the way of Christ is powerful in its simplicity. Follow Christ. Have faith in Him and His Atonement. Repent. Be baptized. Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. And then continue following His way, and live true to the covenants you have made, throughout your life: "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (verses 19 and 20)

Sorry this week is kind of short. I'll make it longer next week!

I love each of you! Thanks for keeping me updated on your lives. I'm always so happy when I get mail.

Sister Barret