Life is great! Isn't it?!? I mean, yeah, there are times when it's hard and when you want to just lay in bed all day. I think we can all sympathize with that day. There are also days when life just doesn't go as planned and then sometimes you're like, "what??? I thought I knew what to expect!" But, through it all, and finally at the end of the day, we realize that God loves us. He loves each one of us personally and he has given us each amazing strengths and we can trust in him and his son, Jesus Christ to help us improve on our weaknesses. "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." -Ether 12:27. The power of this scripture is overwhelming. On this earth, we are imperfect. But, as imperfect as we are, we can become PERFECT through Christ. That is so amazing. Let me tell ya, there are a lot of imperfect people here. But, they have such big hearts and they all just want what's best for each other. I can see that in such force when I talk to them.
I am in the Antioch(An-tee-ock) 1st ward. It's west of Oakland and is probably the hottest area in the mission....but we've been lucky so far. We haven't gotten that much heat. My trainers name is Elder Gubler. He's from La Verken, Utah. Yes, for those of you who have gone to Zion's National Park, you have probably driven through. It's a tiny town of 3,000 people. He went Hurricane High School, and played football there. He says he was a lineman but man, I think he's the smallest lineman I've ever met. He's really chill and is very obedient and he's here for all the right reasons. I've learned a lot from him and we're going to have a great six weeks here in Antioch. We live in an apartment complex. Not the nicest, but it works. We have all the neccessary kitchen appliances, a washer and a drier, a working shower, A/C that works, food that nourishes the body and of course, scriptures that nourish the soul so I guess we're doing great! Our area is very diverse. We have poor areas but also very nice areas. There are parts that remind me a lot about Provo but also, you can tell that it's definitely not the same friendly neighborhood that I know so well. I am meeting a lot of different kinds of people too which I've never had before. I'm trying hard to relate to them and figure out their stories because I know they all have one. I love it here though.
To explain the subject line, no it is not like I imagined it but wow, it's so amazing. I'm learning so much and growing much more than I could have possibly imagined. I love the people, the food, the ward, my companion, etc. I'm having such an amazing experience. Thank you for all your support.
I'll tell about an experience we had right after getting off the plane. There were ten of us. We had already gotten the group together. A couple of members had come up to talk to us and we got really excited to have met someone out of Utah that was Mormon... :P But, that's beside the point. We were about to walk off when these two airport employees started talking to us. They knew who the Mormons were and had actually been to the Temple grounds in Oakland. They wanted us to sing a song so of course, programmed into our brains are Primary songs. We sang I am a Child of God to a couple of ladies in the middle of the Oakland airport. It was so comforting to feel the spirit so quickly and it really gave me confidence that we aren't here to create huge miracles. We are here to bring the spirit into peoples lives by small and simple things. I'm sure we didn't change their lives completely but hopefully we planted a small seed that can grow into something amazing. That is my goal, to help others come unto Christ by small and simple things.
I love it here in Cali. I've got a lot to learn but slowly and surely I am getting better. One thing I've learned is how to trust in the spirit more in my life. The Holy Ghost knows much more than we know and if we have faith in his promptings, we can be guided in our lives. So, I give you all a challenge. For one day, 24 hours, dedicate yourself to listening to the spirit. Start with a prayer and some scripture reading and then listen to the spirit all day. Any thoughts you have, act on them. That could be the spirit telling you that someone needs your help coming unto Christ. At the end of the day, write down the thoughts and feelings you have. You may find that you want to have that always in your life. :)
I love the Gospel. Through the teachings of the prophets, ancient and modern, we can be guided in our lives. I love you all. Keep doing good in the world and be missionaries everywhere you go.
With Love,
Elder Barnett
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