Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.

Kj, I know you're right. You said, That there is a time and a season for everything, and that to live will be an awfully big adventure... But... I never thought that today would come. or that it would be such an emotional mix when it did come..

OY! that is all that I can say. OY VE!

Today after packing everything away we had breakfast with the West pointers. Menudo and chili reyeno! yum! The mom said a wonderful prayer that had me in tears and then we were off. Check out at the mission office, make sure you have all your cards and information turned in and spelled correctly. Well done good and faithful servant...

WHY AM I DRINKING PASSION ORANGE GUAVA!??!?! It always makes me emotional...

This week we had such a wonderful week! Sadly I left my planner in my other pants, so I can't tell you all the dirty details. But here's what I remember.

We gave a lady a blessing so she wouldn't be hurting so much recovering from chemo.

I gave a blessing in Spanish to a fellow and the words came that I wasn't even sure if they were right but they turned out to be perfectly said.

Had departing interviews with President Bowen and it was a very spiritual meeting. About letting the lord guide me where he needs me.

Watched "Joesph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration" with the west pointers and the spirit was so strong. there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

I found Bloomingdales' Testimony on Mormon.org. Holy cow! She is on fire!

Stake conference was lovely. All about missionary work. Speakers were Recently returned missionaries and a couple ones from some who were going out to the field in a couple weeks. It really was a conference directly to me. I'm not sure why everyone else was there, but i hope they something out of it too. ;)

we walked for a whole day talking to people in the street and sharing the Gospel.

...

I'm tearing up right now...

man... I don't want to leave.

Oh Mr. Frodo I'm torn in two...

...

I've learned a lot out here.

I talked with a return missionary who had become inactive in the church and in my heart I vowed to keep doing the little things to keep contact with Father in heaven. You know, reading the scriptures, praying going to church: the classic three. It's like you said mom, "It is hard to stay in touch if you don't stay in touch! " And it's the Same with God, and I don't want to fall out of touch with him.

This time out here has changed me forever.

I'm not the same.

Nor do I wish to be the same as I was before.

I can hardly believe that I shall be leaving California in less than a day.

Where did the time go!?

Thankfully as I look back over the things I've done out here and the people I've met and the things that I've learned, I can see that although it was just a blink of an eye, I've fought the good fight, and I've kept the faith.

I know that this church isn't just a nice Idea - It's True! And I know that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God, our saviour and redeemer. I know that He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith to restore that which had been lost: the gospel. And I know these things because I asked God to tell me if it was true, and HE told me that it IS!

If you don't know it, or if you aren't sure if you know it- I'm going to take advantage of the short time left that I have as a duly ordained minister and Representative of Jesus Christ himself and say- Find out! Do what it takes.

Come on Guys. I just spent two years of my life proclaiming this to everyone that I could. Figure out why I did it! Why is this something that I would devote my life to?

I can tell you why- It's because I know that it's true.

I hope you can find that out too.

I pray that you can.

You can start by reading in, and praying about, The Book of Mormon. It truly is Another testament of Christ.

I love you all.

Thank you so much for supporting me on this adventure... quest... thing. I thank you for every prayer and thought and letter you sent my way. It made my pathway bright.

well...

this is it.

so long.

and thanks for all the fish.

-Elder Soren J. Barker

Sept 12 And in three...two...one...

HELLO!

Wow. This has been one of the BEST weeks! Lot's of wonderful things! So... where did I leave off last week?... AH! I remember!

Tuesday Lot's of contacting people.

Wed. WAS SO HOT!!!!! We were both sweating so much. Yuck. But we were able to meet with Army Boy's family and talk about the blessings we receive from God according to our faith. And then we had dinner with The West Pointer family. Great food. I'm going to have to get her recipes Because... Shoot-Dang! Good Sope and Agua de Jamica. Oooo sooo good. In the evening we went to Miss Moon and read a little with her and figured out when we were going to have her Baptismal Service (on Sunday!) and we got her ready for the baptismal interview.

Thursday we had an amazing Zone conference! President Bowen's cousin from the Quorum of the Seventy was there. WOW! It was amazing! Like, we talked about the importance and implications of covenants and alot about the Covenant God made with Abraham concerning his posterity (The saviour would be born of his linage, the gospel and priesthood would be sent by his posterity throughout the world, etc.) and agency and how important it is to choose to use our ability to choose correctly. It was a very spiritual meeting. I learned a lot. Too much to write down. Ask me about it later. In the evening we met with one of our investigators and read some in the Book of Mormon with him.

Friday, we were able to meet with some great people and invited them to the Dia de Hispanidad activity on Saturday. We had Miss Noon's Baptismal interview and She passed! Woo!

Saturday was such a fun day! We taught a couple people in the morning and then we went to the activity! We were there to man the Missionary Table, and while there, we got to catch up with how families are doing in the other wards that I've served in. People getting sealed in the temple, and getting baptized and going on missions and great stuff! It was so great! And there were cultural dances and foods and music and we had some of our investigators come and it was a great activity.

Sunday Church was great. As always. DUH it's Church! It's Always Awesome! But then after church was the wonderful Treat! I was just standing around waiting for my companion when another missionary said, "Elder Barker, follow me!" so I waited for my comp and then went to see what the missionary meant. There I saw a sight I had given up hope of seeing: My dear friend who was baptized a year ago! We embraced and talked and just smiled and it was wonderful to see him. AND he told me that his son is preparing for baptism AND that his wife had accompanied him to church! WOW! So great! THEN we had a wonderful baptismal service (for Miss Moon) And the missionary who first started teaching Miss Moon was there and it was great. Then I got to go attend a baptism in my last ward and it was SO wonderful to see the family who I had taught enter into the covenant of baptism. Wow. AMAZING DAY!!!

And today I mailed home my books and we played soccer in my space cadet suit (ha ha. too funny) But really I played in my Mexico Shirt! MEXICOOOOO!!!!! So yeah. Things are good.

I love you all soooo much!

Catch you next week!

-Elder barker

Sept. 6 How could it possibly be time already?!?!

So the dreaded envelop came this week. We, in missionary lingo, lovingly call them the "Trunky Papers". It's the flight plans, packing instructions, check out procedure, final interviews and temple trip stuff... Yikes. I can hardly believe that it's time for me to actually be receiving this info. Wow... Time is a strange thing. I'm still trying to wrap my head around he whole "time" concept. Oh well. The time has come.

So Monday we had a funny time with a guy on the street. He was pruning his Chyote plant.

I asked Elder Castillo, "What's Chyote?"

"It's a green thing that they put in chicken stew," he replied. Then added, "It's nasty."

Turning back to the gentleman he said, "Esta Rico no?" (it's tasty isn't it?)

"Si, Esta Ricisimo!" (oh yeah! it's so delicious it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. In fact, I think I'll have some right now, since you mentioned it. Thank you my good man!)

Ha ha ha.

Tuesday we had a lesson with an older lady who's husband had died five months ago and her sister-in-law died recently too. Whew! That's alot to take in a few months. So we talked about the plan of salvation and how God has a purpose for everything and how we will see our loved ones again. In the evening we had exchanges. (This means he and his companion "exchanged" places, or split up for the evening to teach with other members or other missionaries so they can see more people in an area that evening----Anne).

Wed we taught the older lady about the restoration of the Gospel. She seemed, kind of, Eh... about it all. Hmmm... that evening we did alot of contacting of people who had met missionaries in the past.

Thursday we met Sleepy who lived at the home of some people that had listened to missionaries in the past and had some time. So we had a lovely time getting to know him. He was pretty tired from working all day though (hence the nickname). In the evening we talked with that one family that I can't figure out a name for... about the love that God has for them. It was great. Then we exchanged back.

Friday we had a super long dramatic service project helping this lady and her kids (think Calvin times four and that'll give you an idea about this kid) move a truck loaded with stuff into her storage unit (which could only hold 1/4 of the stuff. So we got all this organizing and moving and relocating to a different unit and the Kid had to pee so he went in a bottle then chased my companion around the complex with it.... It was fun.

Later the older lady we'd been meeting with kind of said, "Don't call me; I'll call you." Oy.... Then we talked with Army kid about church and maybe meeting with the YSA missionaries. Later in the evening we met with the West Pointers and talked about baptisms for the dead cause they were going to the Temple the next day. Great stuff!

Saturday we took a stress test survey to see how stressed out we are. I got Green (not stressed out). Surprise surprise. Other missionaries in the district got Orange (Almost freaking out under the pressure) Whoa... I'm glad that the Lord has helped me to deal with pressure out here. We taught some kids who we met last week and the lesson went really well. They are super receptive and they are awesome! They just speak English... so we won't be the ones teaching them. Then in the evening we taught a guy on the street about what the Book of Mormon is. I love meeting people on the street! It's such fun!

Sunday was AWESOME! West pointer's Dad blessed the sacrament, my comp talked me into bearing my testimony cause it's the last Fast and Testimony Meeting in my mission, West Pointer the Oldest got ordained as a priest, and The church is true!

After church we met with Sleepy and he had read and remembered really well what he had read, Cool. So we talked about prophets and the importance of scriptures. Then we watched The Testaments with a family, then raced to a seminary kick off and sang a musical number, then ended the night with that one family that I can't think of a name for... It was a good day.

Monday we had an awesome Family Home Evening with the Westpointers! Life is so great!

I love you all.

I love the Lord!

Things are good but they are getting better.

Catch you next week.

-Elder barker

Aug 29 Seven Days in the Life

Hey! How are you? Weathering the storm I hope. Yikes! I heard on Tuesday that an earthquake hit NY, is that true? Wow... Then a hurricane?! Sheesh. Well I guess it's one of those signs of the times we read about in the scriptures. You know the whole, "Earthquakes in diverse places and the ocean heaving over her bounds," kind of thing. I guess the figurative fig leaf is budding out and the signs of summer are at hand. But it'll be ok. Hooray for the plan of happiness!

Anywho, on my side of the country things have been dry nd warm. And ths key bord hates me. AD HJSDASKYK WUIL WD. Darn sticky library devices. ragga shmagga....(rumbling of mutiny)

So...

Monday we had a lesson with Miss Moon, Who told us that she had tried to get a hold of us the previous Thursday to have the wedding with us as the witnesses. WHAT?! I received no such call! "I called you guys up but you didn't answer. So we had to postpone the wedding until this week." Nuts... you mean they could have been married already if it weren't for Sprint's lousy phone coverage? We got the plans all together for a wedding at the old courthouse in Santa Ana for Thursday at 1:00.

Tuesday we had a meeting with the whole mission! Wow! That was the third time in two years that we've gotten all of the missionaries in one room. Fun! AND there wa IN-N-OUT!!! SOOOOOO good. yum. My companion ate three burgers. heh heh. Then we had a wonderful testimony meeting. I didn't have time to share mine... oh well. In the evening we tried to contact some people but no dice. Then we had coordination meeting with the Ward Mission Leader who told me, "Elder Barker from Maine!" Yup that's me. "You know that there was a 5.8 earthquake on the east coast right?" WHAT?! That never happens -NEVER! "Well, it did." Yikes... SO hope you are well and not too shock up- if the rumors are true.

Wed we started the day off with a Session at the temple. So wonderful. I LOVE THE TEMPLE SO FREAKING MUCH!!!!! I highly recommend going there for any readers who haven't yet. It's such a heavenly place. We taught some fun people, but contacted a cool couple in the evening. She was sitting outside in her yard and we struck up a conversation and----what do you know! She and her husband are interested in learning more. Cool!

Thursday at 11:45 we got a call. "Elders! could we make the wedding earlier?" um.. we're in district meeting until 12:15... SURE we can get out of it and go to a wedding!" So we ditched the other elders there and we went to the wedding! SO fun! It was sweet to see the Disney shine in Miss Moon's eyes. And as they said, " I do," it was so nice to know that finally they were married and keeping the commandments of God. Hooray for not just living together and playing house! Hooray for commitment and responsibility! Then we went out to eat. Later we met with some folks and some recent converts and helped them get things in order to go to the temple on Saturday.

Friday was a BLAST FROM THE PAST!!!

Dun Dun DUUUUUUNNN!!!!

So if you look in the archives of Letters from Elder Barker You may search almost the exact day last year and you will know who the blast from the past was. Friday was the 26th of August BUT last year on the 25th of august I met a woman who made my blood boil and my car get towed. We were walking around, and were just about to cut through an apartment complex to get to an appointment quicker and a voice from my nightmares rang out:

"WHAT do you think you are doing? Are you on the premises by the invitation of someone?"

NO!!!!! THE WITCH WHO HAD MY CAR TOWED LAST YEAR!!!!

"We are just walking though to get to the other side. We weren't even going to contact any on here in the comple- "

"OH no you don't! You walk around! Don't you see the signs?!"

OH MY FREAKING WORD!!! THIS WOMAN IS OUT TO GET ME!!!

"-oops! Sorry about that. We'll be sure to walk around then. Thanks."

"AND JUST so you Know, 145 C was evicted. SO you can stop going by there!"

"-what? Who... I have know Idea what you're talking abou- "

"There was someone there who was meeting with you people and they've been evicted so you can stop bothering the people there!"

"-Well That's not us... but thanks for the heads up."

yikes....

We had a wonderful lesson with a woman who has a simply lovely daughter with downs syndrome. So sweet. Then in the evening we had exchanges with the zone leaders.

Saturday was a day of much contacting and faith finding.

Sunday was church and the west-pointers were sustained and ordained to the Holy Priesthood of God. WOW! so cool to see they're progressing in the Gospel.

Anyways... that's the long and short of it.

Hope you are well. I love you so much!

catch you later!

-Elder Barker

Aug 22 What a weekend!

This week was wonderful! The West pointers Got BAPTIZED!!! Wow. So Great! I even got to be part of the ordinance, But I'm getting ahead of myself----

Monday, We had an awesome Zone Activity: DODGE BALL!!!! It was super fun. And then in the evening we had family home evening with Miss Moon. It was a good time, sharing the story about king Lamoni's father from Alma 22. Great stuff; look it up.

Tuesday we had a great meeting with the zone and discussed mission rules and stuff. Lots of good energy. We taught this one guy who came to church on Sunday saying, "Soy Mormona. El Salvador. Jose Smith. Moroni. Soy Mormona." Ok... so he's not all there. And it was super funny teaching him because, A) his conversations would go around and around on repeat And B) His outfit: He looked like a mix between Genie from Aladdin and a pimp. Ha ha. Pink silk leopard shirt and blue paisley pants. Crazy. Then we taught the West Pointers the last few principles that they needed to know before baptism and answered some questions and ate some DELICIOUS flautas. I'm drooling thinking...

Wed. We got stuff together for the baptismal program then met with our one-legged friend who loves soccer and even though he's been learning more about the church for 18 years----still won't get baptized. Then most of the West Pointers had their baptismal interview. The dad couldn't make it cause he works. And they passed! And we met with another family and talked about the gospel for a bit.

Thursday I was on exchanges with this Newbie from Mexico and it was super fun. I wasn't too familiar with the area so we got lost a couple times. I mean, I know this area, cause I served here last year BUT that time it was in English and I never was able to adventure into the heavily Spanish areas, So it was an adventure exploring.

Friday West Pointer's Dad passed his interview and we taught a crazy lady who reminds me of a marionette: Her movements and head gestures were just so over dramatic it was almost comical when she'd talk. In the evening we had a missionary activity, where we watched this movie as a ward. Good movie. Our non-member friends liked it too. It was called, "And Should We Die." It was about when Pancho Villa was about to attack the Mormons in Mexico and at the end a Bishop gets shot because he wouldn't deny that he was a Mormon. Then we had a great organizing/planning/meeting where we got maps and figured out where everyone would go for the upcoming Missionary Stake Activity on Saturday.

Saturday was AWESOME! We started off with the missionary activity where the young men in the stake all came together and we went out contacting people with them. What an experience! It was wonderful. The YM loved it too. Then we set up stuff for the West Pointers' baptism and had an awesome service! I got to baptize the Dad and one of the sons. Very cool experience. When the son came out of the water he commented to me, "I feel lighter." Awesome! After that we all went to a carne asada cook out and had a blast!

Sunday the West Pointers got confirmed. The mom commented after Sacrament Meeting, "Taking the sacrament never meant anything to me before, but now- I can feel it working in me." Cool. After church we attended another wonderful baptismal service in the ward. Great things are happening in Zion these days. Then we contacted and taught two guys on the street in the evening. Great week!

Whew.

I hope your week was as fun as mine was. Man, I love you guys. Thanks for the love and support.

Catch you next week.

WOO HOO!!!

-Elder barker

Aug 15 How awesome can it get?

Hello! Wow! I am totally loving being in this new area. IT"S ON FIRE!!!!

Like we have so many wonderful people that we are working with, and it's so great to see how the gospel lights up some one's life. I LOVE THE GOSPEL SO MUCH!!! I'm glad that it's true.

Monday we taught a family about the plan of salvation. I don't have a code name for them yet... still thinking about it. And then in the evening we taught a woman who I will call Miss Moon. She is a cool lady. She's living with a member and they are busily arranging things for the wedding, so that she can get baptized. Silly people, living together is for married people. Anywho, she is super excited about the church and getting married and working towards temple marriage. Woot!

Tuesday we had a great day teaching recent converts who are so strong and bearing testimonies at Girl's camp and then in the evening we had a correlation with our ward mission leader. WOW! He's active! And happy about the work! What a difference!

Wed. We taught a crazy born again lady, and a guy who has an issue with baptism signifying being born again, and a lazy one-legged man watching Fivel Goes West, and an undeceive member who comes to church but feels uncomfortable asking God if it's true BECAUSE he knows that he'll get an answer and then he'\d have to change, and then we taught that one family who I don't have a name for BUT who are preparing to be baptized soon. Busy day.

Thursday we met with some great less actives and helped them overcome some concerns. And then we met with a family and taught about the Plan of Salvation. MAN I love teaching about the plan. Is there anything that brings more peace and security than knowing where we are going and where we came from and what in the heck in the world we are doing here? I submit that there is not!

Friday I ate Menudo! (It's that soup that every missionary is afraid of and tells wild stories of trying it and then being told what it was and then becoming violently ill.) It's cow stomach soup! AND IT WAS SOOOOOOO GOOOD!!! I have to learn how to make it because it was scrumptious. The Mexican family were all looking at me and waiting for me to throw up but I was just enjoying every bite! Yum! and we also taught that one family a bit about faith.

Saturday we taught an old man in a cat/ant/parrot-infested apartment. Interesting experience. Smelly. We had dinner with a stubborn christian guy who goes to church with us and accepts Joseph Smith as a modern day prophet, BUT doesn't think that he needs to be baptized by proper authority. We also had a wonderful lesson with a family that is going to be baptized this upcoming week. Crazy part of the story is that when we arrived, they had visitors in their living room. It was the pastors from their previous church who were there trying to convince them to come back and to not listen to us. BUT the family knows what's what and told them that they have found a place where the fullness of the gospel is found. Wow. Then we had a great lesson about the ten commandments.

Sunday we had a boat load of people at church. It's so fun going to the same building as the other ward I served in. I get to see lots of people I know and they cool thing is that they remember me! YAY! after church we went by the one legged guy and talked to him about being baptized. He says that he can't give up coffee. Oy. Then in the evening we met with that fam that's going to get baptized... I'm going to call them West Pointers, cause the kids want to go to West Point. We taught the West Pointers a bit about prophets and temples. Great lesson. Great family. Great area!

I love you all. Hope things are going well.

Happy festivities back home. I hope the bugs aren't too fierce.

Love ya,

-Elder barker

August 8 And so the end begins

Hello! Wow. A great transfer is about to begin! Saturday we got the call to see who would be going where. Elder Jaquez had been itching to get out of the ward even though he only had just gotten there- but the man Likes English better. BUT he's still in the ward. and that's where he'll finish. I on the other hand have been transferred out of the ward, so I go off into the sunset. Now I don't know what the deal is with me going to areas that I've already served in BUT it happened again! I'm back in the area I was in a year ago! Woo hoo! POLLY World I LOVE IT!!! BUT, this time I shall be in the Spanish ward! YEEE HAaAAA!! I'm still in Spanish! And I'm in my favorite area! AND LIFE IS WONDERFUL!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!

So this was the week:

Mon. we did the usual Monday thing: ya' know, shopping, emailing, that stuff. Nothing too exciting. In the evening we tried to meet with Tamales but she was busy moving he sister into another apartment. Funny thing about this family There are the grandparents, parents, five of the six siblings and all of their children living in the same apartment complex. Close family! And when they come to church together they take up two rows! It's so cool to see. Anyways, like I said not much happened on Mon.

Tues. we had Chinese food with some less actives and then taught Jean-luc Picard a little bit. It's hard to keep him on track though. He got off o some... ahem... interesting topics. Then we taught the x-boxer and his wife. She had a really weird concern with what she was reading in the book of Mormon.

"They ate raw meat?!" -yes.

"But why?!" -because they were fleeing the destruction of Jerusalem and had they lit a fire in the wilderness it would have been like shouting 'here we are!'

"But, how could they eat raw meat?" -The lord told them that he would make the meat sweet to them so it wouldn't be dangerous.

"But! Why wouldn't they make fire?!" - um.. because it was a commandment at the time because they were running away.

She just couldn't wrap her mind around the idea of doing that. But in the end her concern was resolved---something about beef jerky and sushi... I couldn't quite catch the whole resolution.

Wed we had a lesson with the Peruvians, who, it turns out, AREN'T MARRIED. oy.

So when were you two married?

"Oh, it's been what... seven years now, right honey? yeah seven years."

-Oh that's wonderful! You know my sister is getting ready to get married. what was the hardest part about your wedding?

"Oh.... well... actually we aren't married."

THEN WHY DID YOU SAY YOU WERE?!!! LIARS!! whatever.

I couldn't quite get a straight answer from them about why they weren't married yet. HELLO?? you have a child! What on earth would be keeping you from being married?

"The rings."

-What?

"We're waiting for the rigs to arrive from Peru." -....

Thursday was district meeting. And then we had tacos with the x-boxer and his wife. They have been reading a lot! so cool.

Friday, we went to get our car fixed because the service airbag light has been on for the past 6 months and I was told that it was just a malfunction in the wiring. BUT when that truck hit us head on and the airbag didn't go off I realized that it wasn't just the wiring.

JUST KIDDING ! We didn't get hit.

But we took it in the have the recall thing about the light fixed- but it turned out that there actually was something wrong with the airbag. So... good thing we checked.

Lesson: DON"T ASSUME THAT WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OFF IT"S JUST ELECTRONICS!!!

Later we taught Jean-luc Picard and his wife! Finally I met her. They don't live together. Interesting lesson: She thinks that she's active in the church... yet this was the first time I'd laid eyes on her. Weird how one's concept of reality can be so different from actual reality.

In the evening we had dinner with the Peruvians. SUCH GOOD FOOD! wow. and then we talked about eternal marriage and how that should be a goal for them.

Saturday we helped jean-luc Picard move his stuff From his son's house. Then in the evening we had carne asada and then coordination with our less active ward mission leader. And then got transfer calls!

Sunday I said goodbye to a bunch of people. Had carne asada. Packed my stuff and

Monday here I am! back on the golden streets of my favorite area! WOO HOO!!!!

life is great , isn't it?

Do you realize how much I love you all? Well if you don't, I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

Thanks for your love and support! You rock my world!

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

catch you next week.

-Elder Barker

Jun 11 Latest Elder Barker Email

Subject: Four days and seven hours ago--------I wrote you last.

SO! not too too much to report on, Except For the fact that on

Thurs. We met our new mission president! He is so Cool and down to earth, and loving, and Guess what?! He looks like Agent Sunshine from West Wing, Or... What's his name in CSI... But you know who I'm talking about. It kind of makes me think of the time that Dad had an Army General who looked like Patrick Stewart and because Dad respected Capt. Jean luc-Piccard he transferred some of that automatically to his General. It was a lovely meeting with them. Boy, they've had some hardships ever since they accepted the call to be mission presidents. They must have some wonderful mission to accomplish. Why else would the adversary try so hard to stop them? anywho, Good Idahoan folks who love the lord and love each other and are willing to do what the lord asks of them. After the meetin' we had a lovely Curry dinner with the Former Boxer and his wife. She still hasn't read... Nor did she make it to church. oy... We tried talking to a bunch of people we needed to make contact with but with my temporary companion feeling pain in his back and with other people not being home, we didn't talk to too many.

Fri. Elder J. Took his English test to get a cool diploma thing that gives him college credit for English. (Hey! I speak English too. I want a cool diploma too!..) In the evening we had a great meeting with the Peruvian family with the daughter that says the funniest prayers: "Thank you for my cough going away- cause I don't like it. And also we had sandwiches and they were yummy and... yeah- in the name of Jesus Christ Amen!" Peru just beat Mexico so spirits were high. And hey! They read the chapter we gave them (Alma 34) Which talks a little about the purpose of life. But they didn't make it to church either! ARRRGH!

Saturday Was Hot. And we had wonderful meetings with wonderful people. I don't remember if I told you about the family that had us give their 13 yr-old daughter a blessing cause she was scared to go into her room? She felt that there was something not good there. Well we stopped by to remind them of church (they didn't come either) and to see how she was faring. Still scared. So we had a discussion on what might be the cause of it. ("Somebody going to the palm reader and inviting weird spirits home? hmm?") It was a good discussion.

Then we had dinner. And then our coordination meeting fell through. So on the way from the meeting that didn't happen, we got the impression to stop by the family that we stopped by last Sunday. Just as we pulled in the driveway he came out the door. "Speaking of the Holy Ghost! I had JUST said a prayer for help-- And here you are." So here's the deal: The day after we met with him, they had another argument and his wife headed off for her vacation early. So he's been all alone and has been going crazy! So we talked more about avoiding contention and such and then headed home. It's amazing how God orchestrated that meeting: Our Coordination meeting falls through, we get the prompt, and then we go, and Poof! He's just been praying about what to do next. cool.

Domingo- the pianist didn't show, so after hearing the first song A Capella I couldn't stand it any longer so I ran up and played the rest of the hymns for the meeting. Oy... my piano skills are shaky. BUT it was better than the Battle of the off-tune congregation. Yikes! Also I spoke on the plan of salvation--my favorite topic! I love it soooo much, cause it gives me the most hope! Too many friends who have passed on into the spirit world. Too many things that are unfair about life. How grateful I am for a loving God and a Savior who provided a way for us to see our loved ones again. And to be resurrected in our perfect and proper form. Maren- we have a date to go running together in the millennium! SO that was fun at church. Then after church we went to a baptism and "Oh! Elder Barker! We don't have a musical number... could you-" Yeah, yeah yeah. I see how it is. One good deed in church and then I never get to rest. -But I guess it's good to share your talents.

and now it's today. Hi!

I love you so freaking much! I hope things are going great!

YIKES! the time is flying far too quickly.

It keeps doing that you know...

I love you.

Catch you next week.

-elder barker

Jun 27 I just looked at the calander!

Did you realize what happened 167 years ago today?! The blood of Joseph Smith was spilled in a mobbing of Carthage Jail where was being held on false accusations of treason. "Long shall his blood which was shed by assassins plead unto heaven while the Earth lauds his fame."

Wow. This week was such fun.

Tuesday we were able to meet with Jean Luc Picard's older twin brother. apparently his new leg is not the right size so we helped him put on his old one. It was so funky seeing him without a foot. I mean- the prosthetic isn't a foot-foot-foot thingy, BUT when he disconnected it and all that was there was a wobbly Nub! It was cool and creepy and fun. We also met with the X-Boxer and his wife. It was a wonderful lesson on the importance of going to church as a family. (Unfortunately She hasn't quite been able to put that understanding into action yet... We'll keep trying.)

Then we ran to the church for a meeting BUT! We got Hi-jacked by Obispo to help him cook food for the youth. SO we made HOT DOGS WRAPPED IN BACON!!!!! Soooooo good- but sooo bad. (if you note there are more 'o's in the 'good' part of the comparison So I think that means that they are more good for you than they are bad- right?) Then we exchanged with the district leader because his companion, Elder Park, was in my area about a year ago and he knows the people.

Wed was fun because I was with Elder Park and everyone thinks we look alike. For a few weeks here people were mistaking me for him all the time. We were able to meet with a couple families that hadn't been taught in months and because Elder Park is magical we were able to set up times to go back and teach these families. Dinner was Muy picoso. And when it's spicy it always is a challenging situation. If I say, "WHOA! esta es demasiado picoso para mi!" They will think that I'm a Wimpy White Boy. But if I say, "Esta es perfecto, Que tipo de chile es? Chile de arbol? Ah Mi favorito." Then my mouth burns off and I can't talk for the rest of the day, and then next time they will put more chile in the food....

Thursday we met with one of the families from yesterday and, here's the deal, Sparky: It's sad when the people are converted to the missionaries and not the Gospel. Because as soon as the missionaries are transferred some people don't want to listen anymore. Oy... I hope that by my going by with Elder Park I somehow have made it into the "In" crowd. We also met a really interesting guy and taught him about the Restoration. He was in a coma for 11 months and died 3 times and now is trying to find a path of spirituality. Well sir! We are just the people to talk to! He was so receptive and accepted to learn more and It's GREAT! The one tiny little problem is that- he speaks English... So, That's a good thing for the English ward, but we have to keep searching for the honest in heart and the humble in the Spanish Genre. Oy...

Friday I was Back with Elder Jaquez! And it was weekly planning. and yeah... Friday was Friday. Not to many people were home or willing to listen to us.

Saturday was another one of those days. But hey- Mexico won the gold cup. so that's something.

Sunday was lovely. Church was uplifting, and Elder Mallo (pronounced Ma-show) and I did a musical number in sacrament meeting. We sang and danced to the tune of "there's no business like show business" - ha ha just KIDDING! I played the piano and he sang a fun version of an hymn. Uh oh now the ward knows I can play the piano- Now I'll never have a moment's rest at church. Then in the evening we had a couple lessons with some people. Elder Jaquez is so good. I just wish that I could speak Spanish like him. He says I have a Mexican accent. Oh well. I guess you pick up the accent of the people were you learn it.

I hope things are going good with y'all.

Thanks, as always, for your love and support. It really means a lot to me to have such great friends and family. I love you all.

Further up and further in!

Catch you next week.

-Elder barker

June 6 Old friends in new places

ello, hello, hello, hello!

Wow, the time is going by so quickly. Too quickly! GAAAHHH!!! (ahem*)

Well, To get down to the nitty gritty-

Tuesday we stopped by this young gal who we've been trying to contact for a while. But she really doesn't have any motivation to do anything at all. She has quite the acne problem and she is quite self conscious about it. We tried to talk to her about how God doesn't look on the height or worldly appearance of a person but looks upon the heart. But she still didn't want to think about letting us talk to her about the God let alone come out to church. It's so sad that our society puts so much emphasis on Looks. I wonder how many people would be active and helping in their communities if they weren't worried about how people would look at them?... This gal has a daughter who is... 9 months... maybe more. But she was just sitting there in her walker thingy and staring up at me sadly. SO I tried to pull my magic and get her to smile- BUT NO! she wouldn't even flinch! I Guess It's like they say, "like mother like daughter." Funny part though- when I decided to just give up and mirror the face that she was putting out to the world, She started crying! "AH HA! So you can dish it out but you can't take it huh?!" Man, she was such a baby. ;)

Wed we taught a lady on her door step but it was a little tricky because her home is actually a front for Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. I swear there were about 50 kids going in and out and asking how much the candy she has hidden in her closet costs. It's actually quite amazing. At first her home looks like a regular home but then a quick as lightning she opens the hall closet and it's like a secret magical room that is just overflowing with candy and chips and toys and do-dads. So... it was tricky teaching her.

Thursday- we had a meeting with this one family and the old Dad who pipes up every now and then actually said something quite profound, "Everyone you ask will tell you that their church is the only true church. How can you actually know which one is true? Are they all true, or are they all wrong?" Well hermano, that is exactly what we help people to figure out. AND the great part is that we'd rather people don't take our word for it. DON'T! Because it's true- I'll always say that the church is true ('cause it is.) BUT if you ask GOD then He can tell you if what I'm saying is true or not and if there is a true church on the earth and which one it is. Profound question, no?

Later in the evening we met with that one man I told you about who looks like Jean Luc Piccard and he said, "Hey! His Spanish is improving! The first time he came by and said a prayer I couldn't understand a word. But now, it's better."

Ha ha. that's nice to hear.

Friday was Friday

Saturday I was on exchanges with the district leader But EVERY person we planned to meet with Wasn't there! Oy.... I hate when that happens.

Sunday was a reorganization of the bishopric. So the guy who was acting as Bishop was released from his position and another was called to fill the position. AND Guess who is the New Bishop?! My Ward mission leader from my last ward! Wow. Small world, big stake. It's interesting to see how the Lord works. I'm excited to see how the New Obispo's energy will help the ward.

And now it's today.

Well, guess what?!

I love you!!!!

Thanks for your love and support and prayers on my behalf. things are going good and they're getting better all the time. a little better all the time (can't get any worse).

You rock my socks! Have a great week!

catch you later.

-Elder barker

A week and a half of Fantastic-ness May 5th

WOW! It's only been a week and a half but such cool things!

I must tell you everything!

No... there is too much darling: TOO MUCH!

(That is why I must show you---That is why you are here!)

Monday last: a woman came in to church with no pants who asked for to fill up her water bottle in the chapel. We gave her water, and some pants, but as we looked to find some food to give her, she vanished into thin air! Hopefully she isn't in the supply closet. That would be a shock during Sharing Time in Primary.

"Well kids, today we are going to use colored paper to- AAAAAHHH!!!!!"

ha ha ha. Weird.

Wed last: I picked up my suit from the dry cleaners and there was a man doing his laundry who said, "you guys are the Enemy!"

-What?

"I work for the Devil!" and with that he showed us the large 666 tattooed to his neck.

-oh. that's to bad.

"Naw man. it's a Heck of a lot better than working for God. But my work is hard, not like yours. All you do is knock on doors all day. I recruit! I'll probably find 7-8 people today who will stop believing in god and start believing in the Devil."

-hmm... that's interesting. Well, have a nice day!

Now, I share this story because I have found some things to be very true.

1. gas prices are way too high!

2. there is balance in the universe. I can't tell you how many times I have had an amazing spiritual experience that was followed shortly after by a nasty experience. And how many times I've had a run in with evil people and then balance comes through by having a great experience. The same is true of this fellow, because...

Thursday last was a wonderful conference with Elder L. Tom Perry! I love being in the presence of one of the Lord's Apostles. Wow. What a sweep of the spectrum!

Wed: servant of Satan and Thursday: Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was quite the conference. He talked of many things. Mostly about how we have to help the world understand the importance of The Book of Mormon. Amazing meeting! He is a Man of God and a true Apostle of the Lord. (Do you know what that means?!)

Friday Prince William and Kate got married!

Saturday was a wonderful service project, Mormon Helping Hands style. Fun stuff. Cleaning up at a Cinco de Mayo festival.

Sunday was lovely.

Monday O-bin ladin began pushing up the daisies.

Tuesday was hot!

Wed was too.

and today is... today! HI!

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!! Ai Ai Ai!

Hopefully everything is good in your neck of the woods.

I love you all more than I can put down in words.

I hope you are happy and healthy and all that good stuff.

Things are going good!

AND IT'S ALMOST MOTHER'S DAY!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY

Ma ma! I love you!!!

catch ya all next Monday!

-Elder Barker

Didn't I just read the one he sent last Thursday?

(Yes, but it wasn't my idea to have Preparation day so close together).

SO! Happy Post Mother's Day! I hope your weekend was good. Mine was.

Thursday we went to the temple. Oh how I love the temple! I seriously could spend a whole day there. I wish I could. I'll just put that in my "things to do when I have time again" list. And then in the evening we taught English class. Fun fun. one of the students explained why Cinco de Mayo is so cool. And I didn't know that it wasn't Mexico's Independence day (shows how much I know): It is a celebration of a battle won by Mexico with the help of a Texan captain/general/leader dude. hmm.. cool.

Friday was lots of planning and then people weren't home so we had dinner at this Mother's Day activity. AND this one family that we invited to come actually showed up! Huzzah! So that made the day.

Saturday we had a couple great meetings. We met with a family that we had been trying to teach for a while who has a son who just got baptized in another ward and it was AWESOME! They were feeling the spirit so strong. And they understood everything that we shared with them and they have great desires to learn more! Hooray! I love LOVE Love it when people actually have a desire to learn! Spiritual progression is hard to motivate when one doesn't wish to me motivated. And then in the evening we met a family who has some good potential. So is was a good day.

Sunday was church and I called home! YAY! I love calling home! Good to hear your smiling voices.

And now it's today!

I love you so much! have a wonderful funderful week!

Thanks for everything.

Hurrah for Israel!!!

-Elder Barker

Happy Day after easter! April 26

Can you believe it?! 1978 years ago (if my math skills haven't failed me) Christ was resurrected! What a great thing to know! Yesterday our ward mission leader was sick so Elder Tinti and I got to teach Gospel Principles class and we had a wonderful discussion on the Atonement of Christ. How marvelous the promise of resurrection to every single person who ever lived or will ever live! Perfected and glorified bodies that will no longer see corruption or disease! HOORAY! One man in the class bore a wonderful testimony about how grateful he is that through the atonement of Christ he can be with his family forever. Great stuff.

Monday We went hiking. It was great! we saw a rattle snake and everything! I love hiking!!!!

Tuesday we met with this man who tells us that he has seen in vision, "La santisima, la beisima, la hermosisima- virgin de Guadalupe" Ok. cool. Have you read any from the scriptures that we left you last time? no? hm... and we had lunch with some less active members. Man! the salsa here is PICOSO! i think the chili de arbor is about the hottest chili I've tasted. Whew!

Wed I was on exchanges and we taught this one couple. It was funny cause they were so tired and bored, they were falling asleep while talking with us. And the lady had the hairiest arms I've seen.

Thursday was a training meeting for the district. Fun-fun. Tweety called us saying, "I have to meet with you! It's urgent!" -OK we'll meet.. what's up? "I got this paper from the mission office and I don't know what it is! We have to meet!" OK. (later) "What does it mean when it says 'Write your conversion story?" -It means to write how you came in contact with the church and you experiences converting. "Oh, OK." -anything else? "Nope. that's all." -Couldn't you have Asked us This Over the Phone?! ha ha ha. Funny guy. English class was fun too. This little luchador guy was trying to sell me vitamin supplements. HA!

Friday was weekly planning and CALI DOG LUNCH!!! I'm telling you- it's heaven in a bun. Bacon-hot dogs-onions-peppers-tomato-jalapeno-ketchup-mayo-mustard-amazingness... Ahhh so good. We met with The Angel's and Demon family. It's interesting to see how when one little doubt creeps in about not being able to keep fully a commandment of the Lord, it brings spiritual progression to a halt and we are back to square one to motivate them to take a leap of faith. Later we met with Tweety. He's so funny. He shared his written conversion story and testimony with us (the mission asks recent converts to send them in). Good stuff.

Saturday We met with a member from the ward who is struggling emotionally. We shared that the Gospel of Christ brings comfort to the wounded soul and when we turn to Christ we are never alone. We later taught a woman with her twin daughters, She wasn't too interested. Oh well. She has the Book of Mormon and she knows how to find out that it's true. She'll come around.

Well I hope that your week was wonderful and full of Joy.

I love you all!

Keep up the good work!

HE IS RISEN!!!

-Elder Barker

"what's new with me?" you say. Well... April 19th

Monday We played an awesome match of Ultimate Frisbee! Fun stuff. Tweety called us up and said, "Hermanos. can we meet up tonight?" -Uh sure... is everything OK? "Yes fine! I just want to meet up with you guys, for like 15 min at the chapel." OK!

So he gets there and we say, -Is everything OK? This was kind of last minute. "No, no. Everything is fine. I just wanted to be in the chapel. i feel good here." We started off with a prayer and then he looked up at a painting of Christ on the wall and started talking to it... "you always watch over my kids. You know what's going on. Thank you. You are the best." Ha ha. So we explained how we can pray anywhere and we don't need to pray to a picture to pray. funny lesson.

Tuesday was Interviews with President Watrous. So sad... That was the last formal interview with him. (sniff*) He bore his testimony of the saviour to me. WOW. So strong. "I know that Jesus is the Christ and I know what that means. Jesus, is a name that comes from Greek. In Hebrew it is Jeshua, or God saves. Christ, is also Greek. In Hebrew it is messiah, anointed one. Jesus is the anointed one. He was anointed in the pre-mortal existence. Someone had to anoint him. That was God the Father." So good. Later we had a meeting with Angels and Demons. The Father was like, "I'm ready to be baptized! i don't have any fear or anxiety or anything!" the mom on the other hand, "What happens if he's baptized and I'm not?..." hopefully she can gain a desire soon.

Wed. We had a lesson with Tweety and before the lesson I took down the picture. After the opening prayer he was like, "Hey... where's the picture?" ha ha.

Thurs was Thursday...

Friday We had a lesson with Angels and Demons. He was all excited about his baptism so we taught him a couple more commandments and set a time for the bap interview. Then we met with this Gal who had met with missionaries in the past and we talked to her and she really had read a lot of the Book of Mormon, it was pretty fun teaching her. Hopefully she'll be able to make it to church.

Sat. We went to the temple for a grounds tour. It went well. It was really weird though, because while there I saw two Men who had served in this mission with me who had gone home already. Weird to see them without Name tags... WHAT?! There's life after the mission?! anywho. after that we got together with Angles and Demons and The Zone leaders came and did an interview AND... He's going to wait for another week. He wants to be sure he can be able to keep the commandments and Because of economic stress he's not sure he can pay tithing. So we'll keep meeting with him and help him build the faith in God that even in tough times when we are obedient to the laws of God He will help us though.

Sunday was a Ward conference. Great stuff. Lot's of people were there who usually don't come, so that was fun to see them. Angels and Demons didn't make it though... and we weren't able to contact them by phone or in person... I hope all is well. Later we walked past this guy making carne asada who said, "hey I'm a member of the church! Come have some carne!" I can't turn down food- especially CARNE ASADA!!! But then after that we went to our dinner appointment and the lady of the house Pulled out four plates of food and set two in front of me and two in front of Elder Tinti... Oh dear... Elder Tinti said, " Come on elder! you can do it! it's all mental." So I stuffed myself to the rafters- no it was higher than the rafters. think Geese feeding until every time they lean over food falls from their mouth full. That was what it was like.

And today we went hiking again! And... that's all folks!

Thank you ever so much for all of your support. I need it.

I love you all more and more every day.

stay strong. Keep Cool. Smell sweet and EAT MEAT!!! Ha ha Just kidding.

Love you lots!

-Elder barker

Another week

This week wasn't too too eventful.

Monday We went hiking up in the canyon. Wow. It is so nice to breath AIR! Santa Ana air isn't the same as real Air. It was quite beautiful up in the trees and rocks. Looking back over the valley we could see the whole mission. It's pretty small geographically. Population wise... I'm sure it beats Maine's with a stick. SO MANNY PEOPLE!!! So little time.

Tuesday: We taught Tweety. Good lesson about the Restoration of the priesthood. Later we taught The Ages and Demon family. (Which I realized as i was walking away from the library last week that I didn't explain why I call them Angels and demons. Mostly it's because their daughter is... Evil. During conference last weekend they made it to the last session and we were able to get a hold of a coloring book for the kido and we got some crayons and expected everything to be fine. And it was... Until she looked up at my companion and promptly snapped each crayon in half viciously and then flipped open the coloring book and scribbled on the page, turned the page- scribbled on it, turned the page- scribbled on it. All the while looking not at the book but At my companion with that scary look that you only see in lame horror movies. Yeah.. Angels and DEMON!!!!! ) It was a good lesson on the plan of salvation. Funny Quote:

"So, do you have any Questions?"

"No we're good."

"you sure? Any questions at all... About the plan... anything..."

"Oh I do have one."

"Ok great!"

"Do you guys have shirts with Jesus on them?"

"..."

ha ha ha. later we taught English class. it's getting better... i think. In the evening we got a phone call from some other missionaries telling us that they saw Tweety Smoking at the park. Oooo Not good news.

Wed We met with Tweety and as it turned out he didn't smoke. It was just an illusion. he was holding a pen in his hand and His Friend was smoking near him. Whew that was a close one. Later we had dinner with a Philippino/Mexican family. Wow. Philippino food is soooooo good.

Thursday: was leadership training. Very long. I heard through the grape vine that Mexico and Japan were hit by another earthquake. Whoa. Lot's of signs of the times.

Friday was... Friday.

Saturday We met with Tweety and talked about the importance of confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then we had a lesson with a less active member, and later with a man who told us that he had an experience similar to Joseph smith's Vision. But instead of seeing God and Jesus Christ he saw the Virgencita de Guadalupe. Hmm... cool. Later we read with a fam that didn't read... OY! I guess the old saying is true. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. In the evening we met with a recent convert and went over the law of chastity with him. We talked to him about how it's interesting that the world seems to have forgotten some of the commandments of God. Keeping the Sabbath day Holy (by not working on the Sabbath or by turning our foot from doing our own pleasure) The Word of Wisdom (God's health code [after all he designed our bodies: Who would know better what to stay away from?] Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, drugs) and the law of chastity (not engaging in sexual relations before marriage and strict fidelity within marriage). What is the world coming too?

Sunday Tweety was confirmed!

And that was that.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

thank you for the cards, letters, emails, prayers, thoughts, and all that jazz.

love ya!

_elder barker

More pics...because Christmas happened and I forgot to post these...sorry guys! -Kj

Puddle Hopping!

This has been a wet week. The streets were so full of water that Elder Tinti and I were thinking of pulling out some innertubes and floating down the road. It was a riot having to hide behind traffic light boxes to avoid getting splashed and praying that the driver isn't anti-Mormon. "HA HA! TAKE THAT, MORMONS!" (OK that part didn't happen, but it would have been pretty funny if it did!)

Monday we were approached by this fellow on the street who was really annoying. "Una pregunta- una pregunta- una pregunta" Dude! you've already asked twelve preguntas and we aren't getting anywhere. All you want to do is prove how much you think you know and overlook the truth when it is plainly put before you. So--- have a nice day! After that we had some hot dogs. I can't remember if I've told you about the hot dogs before... They're to Die for! Wrapped in Bacon, with mayo mustard and ketchup on a toasted bun, tomatoes, sauteed onions and a grilled Jalapeno.... Wow.

Tuesday we met with Tweety. Poor guy. he keeps falling asleep during our meetings. Funny story (and I'm getting ahead of myself) on Saturday we met with him again and he was like, "OK! Give me one minute to sleep and I'll be OK-zzzzzzzzzz....zzzzzzz... has it been a minute yet? no? zzzzzzz....... time? no? ....zzzzzzzzzzzzzz....zzzzzzz "OK time" Yeah! See? Now I'm all rested and ready! Ah... much better." ha ha ha. Funny guy.

We taught the English class in the evening. It's so funny. They were learning how to say a prayer in English and this one guy (Who apparently is a famous luchador from Mexico [not because he could fight well but because he got beat up every time]) couldn't say "Heavenly Father" he'd say "Hebemi fadder" No no no... watch my mouth. Heh-ven leeee Faaah Thheeerrrr. Got it? OK say Heh "heh" now Ven "ven" Now Lee "Lee" Now father "father" OK Say heavenly father "Hebemi fadder" Slowly but surely... right?

Wed was the wet day where we had to hide from puddle splashes.

Thursday was district meeting. I always hope that my district can understand what I'm trying to convey. After that we went to Wendy's. Memo to me! Never get the fish sandwiches at Wendy's! I was thinking, "Ooo a fish sandwich! that'll be a taste from home! I simply must try it!" Wrong! It was horrid! they just don't know how to make fish right in the Pacific I guess. After that we met with tweety and helped him learn how to tie a tie. He was so excited to have ties to wear to church that would match his shirts and yadda yadda yadda- It's hard to teach tweety. When he isn't falling asleep he's gabbing your ear off.

Friday was Friday. One kid said something pretty interesting. I asked her, "Do you believe in God?" -Yes we do! We have two gods! One right there! (pointing at the statue of la virgin de guadalupe in the shrine surrounded with Christmas lights flashing on and off in the living room) and one in the back room!

Hmmm.... later we taught a family that has been kind of... I don't know... lazy in their progression. And it's like I want to show them all the great things that will come as a result of praying and reading in the scriptures, but they just... won't. So, we talked about the restoration of the gospel and the mom just was totally not paying attention. So I asked her what she was feeling or thinking, and she opened up and told us that she doesn't feel that she's received an answer from prayer and this and that. So we testified of the truthfulness of prayer and invited them to really come to church this Sunday. (And they Did!)

Saturday Was a crazy day. We tried to get tweety to a baptismal service in the morning, but he got lost and showed up late. So we planned on meeting up with him again later. Then the zone leaders called and said, "what are you doing right now?" -uh... getting out of the car to go talk to people.. why? "We need you to do a baptismal interview in 20 minutes! our investigators came to the baptismal service and they want to be baptized... today." Oh! OK. So I got to interview this sweet old couple and, man they were ready. Then we taught tweety and he fell asleep... so we told him to get some sleep and make it to the baptismal service that evening (he made it). i twas a wonderful service. It was funny because, i was sitting there and then they announced that i was conduction the music. Oh... OK! :D And then after the ordinance harped it was announced that we were to sing songs together, oh.. OK! :D So twenty minutes of conducting. Whew. It was a marathon.

Sunday was pretty cool. That family made it to church. Later in the evening we taught a couple lessons that went relatively well. It's hard to teach when their consumption of Alcohol is clouding the spirit.

And today!

I love you all so much!

have a great week!

-Elder Barker.

Snork!

Od Dear... By dose is so clogded ub...

Oh well!

Hello, Hello and Hello!

Let me see, what happened this week. OH that's right!

Monday: elder Tinti was trying his luck on one of those games at the mall that you can win stuff if you are really accurate and lucky AND HE WON! An $800.00 watch! (not the best accessory to be wearing around the ghetto of Santa Ana, but still it was cool)

Tuesday: Our sink backed up and we played plumber until we realized that we had no idea what we were doing. (I NEED A BIGGER WRENCH!) Thankfully the apartment maintenance crew knows what they are doing. It was fun. "Hey why isn't this draining?... Whoa... Why is water coming up out of the drain?... WHY ISN"T PLUNGING IT WORKING?!!! AAAAAHHH!!!!" we

Later we taught our most progressing Investigator... I can't remember if I gave him a name last time... I shall call him Tweety! (If you saw his car you would know why.) So Tweety is doing good. If he can keep up the whole staying away from smoking he'll be right on track! But funny thing is that every time I speak his eyes start drooping and hid head starts nodding. I'll say that it's because i have a soothing voice...

Wed: Zone conference was so great! There was a brother who spoke to us. Brother Virgin was his name and when he served his mission in Pennsylvania and the states round about, back in the day, he only had one family during his entire mission join the church. He thought that his mission had been a failure. BUT! Later he found that the son of the woman he baptized had served a mission, marries in the temple, served as mission president, had kids who all served missions and the kids' kids and now serving and one is serving in the California Anaheim mission. Cool! Kind of awesome to think about how many people are affected because of one person doing what's right despite opposition and assumed failure.

Thurs: I went on exchanges with one of the missionaries and we had a grand day out! We taught a man who we met right as we were walking away from his door. We taught a couple others and had a feast of a dinner, and taught another man who we met outside his home! It was a blast!

Fri: Nothing really happened.

Sat: Was a wonderful Temple tour and Tweety came.

Sunday was... Sunday. In the evening we were out in the rain, which we were later told by people we met was radioactive rain from The melt down on japan. So... If I suddenly grow a third arm or I gain laser vision, or turn green and burst out of my shirt when I get upset You'll know why: I served a mission in radioactive rain.

Well... That's the news from lake Wobegon where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.

Hope things are good for you in your neck of the woods.

Thanks for your love and support.

Catch you later!

-Elder Barker

Heavens He's tasty and expeditious!

Where's Waldo?

No worries. Sorby's got 'im.

Happy Pie Day!

Well hello there! It's been a wonderful week of madness!

Well this week We invented an amazing dish! Italian sausage Tacos! Oh man... They are to die for. Simple Fire up the barbie and roast some Sausages, onions, and jalapenos and then while that's cooking whip up some guac and Spanish rice, then have the whole thing in a tortilla! Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot!

We had some wonderful lessons with people this week. One girl who works at El Gallo Giro was so prepared to hear our message. We stopped by her apartment with another member, because we can't teach a single lady without another male present, but she didn't answer the door. So we left a note for her to call us, and we went away kind of disappointed. BUT an hour she called! So we called the member and had a great lesson! So, that was cool. But the catch is that we have to pass her to another group of elders in another congregation, because She's English speaking, and now I am all Espanol. Oh well...

Oh I found out that B, From my last ward, ( you remember B he's the Muslim who read the book of Mormon in a week) got baptized! YAY! good to hear.

On Friday we had a lovely dinner. It's called "Siete Mares" And it has about every seafood creature in it that you could imagine. crab, clam, shrimp, craken, fish, the whole nine yards. It made me think of home... mostly cause it smelled like the bay. ;)

We also met some wonderful people and taught them and they are excited to learn more! Yay! so things are going good.

Well... Wow... Japan... Too intense. There was even rumors of the tsunami coming over to California, so things were a little tense for a bit. Man. But the good news is that the Missionaries in Japan are safe! Hooray! Actually I wasn't too worried about them, I just hope that the people of the world don't do the whole, "HOW COULD A LOVING GOD LET THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPEN???!!!" To questions like that I think about the Plan of Salvation, and how wonderful it is to know that Death isn't the end of life! It's a graduation to the next part of the plan. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones, but the sting of death is swept away by the Promise of Resurrection that is given to everyone by Jesus Christ.

So it goes.

Know that I love you all! thanks for your love, prayers, and support!

I hope all is well with you.

Catch you laters!

-Elder barker

This week's episode of: MISSIONARY MAN!!!

HELLO!

What fun! This week was pretty great. The Spanish is coming along nicely. I understand a BUNCH but the whole Make a sentence that has the correct conjugations and the subjunctive tense and putting the emPHaSiS on the Correct SilAblE is still a challenge. BUT Life goes on and the perplexed look that says, "Que en el mundo?" on our investigators faces makes me laugh. So, things are good

Monday, Elder Tinti gave props to English speaking missionaries after we knocked a predominately English area. "What?... " "Not interested!" "JESUS DOESN"T LIVE HERE!" Those kinds of phrases don't usually come out in a Hispanic area. I guess the Spanish aren't quite as RUDE as English folks.

Tuesday, I lived up to Obispo Santos' wishes and knocked so many doors that my knuckles became bloody! Don't worry: the doors in Santa Ana are sanitary........I think. I got my shots.......right?

Wednesday, we went up these rickety old stairs to find somebody who had met with missionaries in the past, and Elder Tinti Broke though one of them! Don't worry, it was the second to the last step. Later we walked past the "Tent Church" which in my book is one of the greatest examples of Silliness I've seen. There is this run down tent where every other night, the services go on and on, and the singing is just awful and on Wed when we walked back, I guess somebody was speaking in "tongues." To me it sounded like, "Gla bla beega ble!" So I wasn't edified by it at all...

But the best part of it it the pastor's home next to this run down tent is all spiffy and nice and has new paint and good windows and all that stuff.... hmmmm, I wonder where the money goes from that congregation?

Thursday was district meeting, and my district seemed to understand what I said, so improvements are happening! Yay! I can talk in Spanish!

Friday was a lot of searching.

Saturday we taught a cool lady who said, "that just rings true! I've always known that God is our father and Jesus Christ in the Son of God!"

Sunday was testimony meeting and it was awesome! One hermano got up and started talking about how he was reading in the scriptures the other day where Aaron was blessing the Israelites outside the Tabernacle and he said, "And can you just imagine, Aaron dressed in his robes and wearing the ephod and raising his hands to bless the people and saying, 'AL AHEG LA BLEG A BLEE GLAAAP A BLEWW GAGA BA!" It was just like the tent church! Thankfully, Obispo Santos got up and said to him, "We don't understand what you are saying. We speak Spanish." YAY! Obispo saves the day! It was just too Hilarious.

And that was that.

Things are going great! I'm loving it! And I love you! Thanks for the letters, emails, cards, love, prayers, all that Jazz.

love you much!

be well.

-Elder Barker

HOLA! (Feb 28)

WOW! One week down!

Wow... that's all I can really say.

Most of the week i didn't have a clue what was going on and the other part I didn't have a clue how to explain myself and get points across. Lots of praying for the gift of interpretation of tongues for those we teach so they can understand me.

ANYWAYS! Tuesday I met the bishop (or rather Obispo) of my ward Obispo Santos. (Cool name huh?) After teaching English class in the evening, he came into the relief society room and asked if we could talk for a 1/2 hour. Sure. It was so cool. He pumped me up so much to work. "Everyone in Santa Ana will know Brother Joseph again! So wear out your shoes and bloody your knuckles knocking and talking to everyone! Camine Commo un Leon! Walk like a lion!" And he said more too, but I can't translate very well, but It was good stuff.

Thursday I was on exchanges With Elder Saxton! Blast from the past! Funny thing: second birthday in the mish, and I was with him for the last one too! Fun Fun! We taught some great lessons, and had a grand ol' time.

Yes, I did get the b-day packages in time! Thank you thank you thank you! That really is too cool that you were picking out all that Spanish stuff mom, and you didn't even know that I was going to be serving in a Spanish area! What an inspired Mother I have.

In church on Sunday Obispo Santos asked me if I would bear my testimony in sacrament meeting. Oy... Miraculously we went over on time so there wasn't time for me to go. YAY! But I know he'll try to get me later. Funny story: after sacrament meeting I was standing in the hallway and an Hermana put her head out of the class room door and said in Spanish, "Elder! I need you to dress up like king Benjamin and come in and talk to the kids about king Benjamin! Can you do that?" ...Uh... sure! So I got to be a king for a few minutes!

Sorry I'm not including too many details about the week. I'm still trying to get down who it is that we are teaching and all that fun stuff.

Wow. The Lord is great! I'm so thankful for your prayers and thoughts and good wishes in my direction. I love you all!

Be well!

-Elder barker

Hola! Soy Un Misionero! (feb 22)

Wow! What a week! WHAT A WEEK!

First off, Happy President's Day... yesterday... I hope it was presidential for all of you.

The big news from this part of town is that I am no longer a knight who says, "Nee" I am now a Knight who says, "Iky-iky-iky-kapang-I'm in a Spanish area now- zip boing." Wow... Didn't see that transfer coming. But I guess I'm staying true to my usual transfer cycle. 4.5 months in an area. But SPANISH?! Wow.

So Last week (and you'll have to forgive me- I forgot my old planner at the apartment so I don't remember all the details)

We met with B almost everyday. He went to the beach to have a bonfire FHE activity with the Branch. But other than that we met with him everyday and everyday he was further and further in the Book of Mormon. By Friday he came to us and said, "I don't understand this part." And he opened up to the index. -You're all done? "Yes of course. But what is this part talking about?" -That's a study aid that you can look up stuff by topic, but B you finished! "I read until 4am every night. I read more than you do!" -Yes, B that's true. WOW! And he came to Church and he's just doing great! When I told him that I was being transferred he was really sad, "You aren't just my teacher or a friend! you are my brother! How can you just leave me?" So we talked about how the Lord calls us to different places to labor and serve. Man... I'm going to miss him.

We had a great miracle happen! Power of prayer manifest! We were trying to get this TV remote to work so that a district meeting could have a TV to do some training but the code just wouldn't program into the remote. We spent about 30 min. trying to get it to work, using different combinations of buttons and so on and so forth. So we stopped and said, "let's pray." We knelt and prayed and then picked up the remote AND VI-OLA! It worked! Huzzah! So--moral of the story, nothing is too big or too small to ask God to help with.

Well my new area is about 1/10 the size of my last one and the apartment is about that too. My companion, Elder Tinti is very cool and his Spanish is Awesome! Mine on the other hand... isn't. BUT I get to learn! We have some lessons to teach today and tomorrow I teach district meeting so I will have many opportunities to perfect my espanol.

After Church on Sunday Bloomingdale's came up to us and proudly waved her newly issued limited use temple recommend! So now she can go to the temple and do baptisms for and in behalf of those who have passed on who never were able to do that themselves. "I just wanted to thank you for teaching me and getting me to this point and all of that. Now I know everything!" -Well... you don't know everything yet. You're still learning. "Oh... that's right. I'm just getting ahead of myself." Ha ha ha.

Pues... Gracias por sus oraciones y apollo. I love you all so much!

Be well!

-Elder Barker

They're Popping out of the snow! (feb 14)

LIKE DAISIES!!!

WOW! This week has been amazing!

Recently we've been meeting with Tonks' Father. He's struggling with alcohol problems. We knocked on the door last week and asked if Tonks was there but she wasn't. So, we asked if we could do anything to help, and he said in Spanish, Yes come in. We sat down and he explained that he wanted to quit drinking. So we've been going by. On Monday he said, "When you are here I feel good. I don't know your names, but that doesn't matter. You bring the love of God into this home." And then after the closing prayer, I looked up and his hand was resting on the scriptures. He read the title very slowly, "The Book of Mormon." Then he asked, "You are Mormons?" -yes. "God Bless you! Thank you my brothers for coming into my home! You are always welcome here."

Tuesday we watched The Lamb of God with Ski Cap. It helped to clear up some questions he had about Christ. Then we met with a guy who I'm going to call, Lucky Charms--cause he had a leprechaun tattooed to his arm. It was an interesting meeting. He was very hospitable, and listened... a bit--mostly he was smoking cigarettes and taking a hit on his Bong. He had an interesting view on life: "I'm going to live my life to the fullest and have as much fun as I can--not at the expense of others of course. And the way I see it, when we die it's just a deep sleep. And If there is something after then I got a 50/50 chance of going to Heaven or Hell." Hmmm... It's sad to see what one's mind comes up with when the knowledge of God's Plan of Happiness isn't there. He'd know that his odds are sooooo much better than 50/50 for one thing.

Then we met with Tonks' dad, and when we knocked on the door he asked, "Quien es?" -los Mormones! "Ah- esperaba." I have been waiting. By the end of our evening he said in Spanish, "I only can use one eye, but I will use it--to read the Book of Mormon." Later in the evening we got a call from some missionaries passing the information of a man to us so we could meet with him. He is from Iraq and he was forced to leave because he was interested in learning more about Christianity. The government was going to kill him. And now, because of some unique spiritual experiences, he is interested in learning about the Book of Mormon and joining the church! Wow. I will call him B.

Wed we met with B outside his apartment, he is such a nice man and he is so sincere. We told him that we had to set up an interview with one of the mission presidency for him to be taught. (It's for safety reasons: Too many times a Muslim has joined the church and then they are never heard from again.) But WOW! B is so excited to read and he already received and answer that the Book of Mormon is true! How exciting!

Thursday I was on exchanges and we had some amazing experiences. We talked this one couple on the street who really tried to avoid talking to us: "Oh, no hablamos espanol." -Esta bien. Hablamos! Podamos dar les un- "Oh... Parlez vous Francias?" -Oui! C'a va? ha ha! My four years of French did pay off! And while I was out of the area on these exchanges, B got interviewed!

Fri we got word that B could be taught! And we got a hold of a copy of the Book of Mormon in Arabic! He was so excited to get it! He was like, "The way this is written looks like the Koran!" He was so stoked! Then we were able to get him to an activity and the Branch members did a wonderful job fellowshipping him, and making him feel at home.

Sat I was baby sitting a sick elder. But B made it to a baptismal service and he got so excited to be baptized!

Sunday B made it to church! And he loved it! It was really great! And that's all for this week!

HAPPY VALENTI E'S DAY!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH!!!

WAAAA HOOOO!!!

Life is great!

Catch you next time.

-Elder Barker

Another Week in the life (Feb 7)

Hello!

Boy this week was fun! Ups and downs: the whole nine yards.

On Tuesday we were on exchanges with the Assistants and We had an interaction with a young man who claimed to be Atheist (In my experience there is no such thing. Only a mere denial of what the heart truly knows to be true). He really was a character. He wasn't very interested at all and he wouldn't accept our invitation to find out for himself if it's true. Oh well. It was just so sad to meet him and talk with him because He truly wanted to not believe. He had grown up Christian but somewhere down the line I guess something happened and he lost his faith entirely. It pains me to see that. Someone so unsure of their way through life and so unwilling to make the effort to grab the hand that can help him through.

I share that with you, I suppose, to urge you to not to lose faith. what ever is going on can be overcome, and whatever will come your way can be endured, and endured well I might add, as you follow the steady hand of our Father in Heaven.

Anyways! we met with Skicap! and talked about the Word of Wisdom! His inactive member roommate came out half way though the lesson and asked, "What are we talking about today?" -The Word of Wisdom. "Yes! I LOVE this part! This is the best! The five words of wisdom man!" So it was good to have his support. And at the end of the meeting he poured out his drink and said he was going to start living it again! Sweet!

Later during that day we met a girl who spoke french. Gahh! my french! WHERE has it gone?!

so sad...

Thursday night we were contacting people and we met a woman on her way out of her home and we struck up a conversation. It turned out that she was moving the next day, and we offered our help. She said no, but after we explained that we are representatives of Jesus Christ and all we do for two years is talk to people about Christ and do service, she accepted. So on Friday, we (and a couple other missionaries) helped her and moved her stuff to her new home. She was so grateful. "You are such blessings! I don't know how you fit all of that in the Uhaul. It's simply miraculous." It was such a great experience.

Later Friday evening we were walking around and we met these four young boys. They were just hanging around, so we sat down with them and talked about the Book of Mormon. At the end of our meeting they each said a prayer asking Heavenly Father if the book is true. Such a wonderful experience to hear from these 13-14year old boys their desire, much like the boy Joseph Smith's, to know what way to go.

Saturday we were blessed to be able to speak with four different Spanish families. It sure was fun. I don't know how they understood a word I said, but I suppose the lord blessed them with the interpretation of tongues. We didn't even have Spanish Scriptures with us. Oy...

Sunday (Superbowl) was pretty good. It was amazing to see the city slow down when the game was on. The streets were empty. The houses were dark, accept for one on the street where you could hear cheers and laughing every time a goal was scored. Not too many people were interested in speaking with us while the game was on. Oh well.

Something that I keep finding interesting is the people that we meet who say, "Oh that's OK. We don't need to talk to you. We have friends who are Mormons, so we're good." That is such a silly thing to say. I think of it this way: If a person is sick and a doctor comes and says, "Here: If you use your medicine and follow this diet you will be well on the way to recovery." And the sick person replies, "Oh that's OK. We don't need to talk to you: we have friends who aren't sick, so we're good."... Do you see where I have a little bit of a disconnect? We met so many people this week who said that.

Anyways. The work continues to move forward. No unhallowed hand can hinder it! Thank you all for your prayers and support and love. You keep me sane.

I love you all!

More than you'll probably know.

Be well! Stay happy. Be strong!

Catch you later

-Elder Barker

BLOOMINGDALES GOT BAPTIZED! (Jan 31)

What a wonderful week!

Monday was the start of our wonderful goal of finding 1,000 people as a mission this week to share the book of Mormon with. All of us missionaries knelt in prayer at 5:00 to start this wonderful week and It went well. In the evening Bloomingdale's Got baptized! It was such an epic event. It was packed! Like... Standing room only and the Guy who spoke was the institute teacher and he was Wonderful!

So! And... oh, Bloomingdale's' Mom is Jewish! WHY WASN'T I TOLD?!!! Hello!!! I LOVE THE TRIBE OF JUDAH!

Anyways, the speaker brought alot of Hebrew connections into the reason for baptism and the role of Christ being our redeemer (or in Hebrew, our kinsman). Great stuff. And the Refreshments! WOW! Amazing! So.... it was good.

Tuesday Elder Reidhead and I split up for what was planned to be a short exchange (just to pass off a guy who should be taught in another ward) BUT It ended up being the whole day! We just couldn't work out the logistics of switching back. So that was fun. We (Elder Toland and I) taught Bloomingdale's about missionary work and how she as a member can share with her friends! She is so stoked and has a huge fire in her. When Elder R. and I finally met up again it was time for another exchange!

Wed was a fun day. Lots of talking to people. But we didn't really get to teach anything. This one woman who is a Jehovah's Witness was just getting home from ministering. She talked our ears off about all kinds of stuff ranging from, "Oh So you ONLY do this for 18 months?!" well, actually it's 24 months. "That's All?! WE minister ALL our LIVES!" Then she went on about some weird stuff that I didn't quite grasp. Anyways.... You get the picture. Not the most effective day. And then Elder R. and I met up again JUST in time for our NEXT EXCHANGE!!!

Thursday I got to help a young missionary see the importance of inviting every one to draw closer to God, specifically though baptism. And It was a great day to help him grasp that because we met with the cousin of one of the girls on the branch who had attended Bloomingdale's' baptism (Whom I will call McDonald's because she works there). So McDonald's really wanted to learn more about the book of Mormon so we got her one in Tagalog so she could read it better and we taught about why it is important to even have the Book of Mormon and we invited her to pray to God and ask Him if the book is true. Good stuff.

Friday was Friday. On of the Elder's in the zone wasn't feeling well, so we went on splits so his companion could go out. So I stayed and read in the scriptures for a bit.

Saturday I played babysitter again and I caught up in my journal! (It's been 4 months since I've been caught up so that's a good accomplishment) and I read thorough 1 and 2 Chronicles and had wonderful time to ponder and reflect on stuff.

Sunday Bloomingdale's Got confirmed and was given the gift of the Holy Ghost! And Church was great! In the evening we gave...ooh I don't know if this girl has a nickname...I will call her Flower. We gave Flower's Mother a blessing because she will be having surgery on Monday (today) and it was great.

SO! the week was fun! and full of great things!

I hope yours was as well.

I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAN I CAN EXPLAIN!

Be well!

Love,

-Elder Barker