2013! peace out!

Hello!!!
Oh how wonderful it was to talk to my family on Christmas!!!! That was probably the best Christmas present I could have ever recieved! This Christmas was one of the best krimmas I have ever had. I am pleased that everyone said that I look "glowing" I was worried that the glow stick I ingested wouldn't work. (sorry that was such a horrible joke... I try to be funny) 
On friday our friend Gerard was Baptized! It was a great service and he looked really happy, we were so excited for him and for our little branch.
This last week we spent a LOT of time finding new people to teach, I am getting quite sick of walmart, malls and the target.... I can tell you exactly where to find just about anything you want. It's almost like i work there but I think my job is a lot cooler than the walmart people... I am bringing people eternal salvation and they are just bringing them really low prices on everything you ever dreamed of having (well maybe not everything)
Our branch president is doing a lot better, he was able to be at church again after his surgery. I have gotten really close to him and his family, they are some of the best people I know! They have adopted me into their family and I feel so blessed to have them :)
 Oh some good news!!! I am not being transfered!!!!! I get at least another 6 weeks in my little branch :) our goal this next transfer is to bring as many souls as we possibly can to their savior Jesus Christ! We are going to work hard and go crazy :)...... but not too crazy!
I am not really sure how my new years will look... Honestly I can't even remember what I did a year ago so I am sure this new years will be just as memorable, or more. I will probably end up going to bed at my normal 10:30 pm, that happens to be my favorite part of the day anyways.
it's weird to think that it is almost 2014... A year ago this whole process of the mission started... I can't believe how fast time is going by... I feel like I say that all the time but honestly it is racing by. The only thing that I can do is learn as much as I can while I still have all this life left in me
2013 has been a crazy year for me! It hasn't been the best year of my life but it has by far been one of the best years for my life! I have learned so much about myself and about my Savior. I feel like I am becoming the person I have always wanted to be, there is still a lot of work to do but some progress has been made! My years started with a new job working at legends grill, meeting some amazing people, dating someone who helped me learn so much, finishing another semester at BYU, spending a month before my mission doing really fun things, and then leaving on a crazy adventure! It has been a packed year and I bet next year will be even better!
Hurrah for 2013 :)
Sorry I don't have a ton to write about today! ya'll are my favorite and I really miss you but we have a lot of amazing things to look forward too :) We will be together forever!
I love you guys :)
have a blessed- awesome- rockin New Years! Stay safe and go crazy for me :)
I will talk to ya'll next year!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Sister Emzil Barnett

MEEERRRRYYY KRIMA-time

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
This is a great time of year isn't it? I love Christmas, I must be my grandmothers granddaughter :)
This week we have an amazing blessing to be able to have a baptism right after Christmas, we are so excited to be able to bring this Christmas present to the Lord!
This is a time of year that we all get to reflect and look towards the future, we are able to remember our savior Jesus Christ. It truly is Joy to the World that he came for each of us- joy that I want everyone to know and feel!
This week we spent a lot of time finding new people to teach, we haven't had a ton of success but we are working as hard as we can. I have an amazing companion who is such a hard worker and loves being a missionary! We are becoming better friends, which is making the work a lot easier!

I know that the lord knows me so well and has put me into this little branch so that I can learn and grow and become exactly the person he wants me to be. I am learning how to love some, not so lovable people and I am learning to be patient and control only what I can.
This last week I went on exchanges with Sister Sullivan, the one sister I have served around the longest. It was good to be with her and learn a lot about being diligent from her. She is a very hard worker and knows how to be a great missionary, we came out about the same time and it is really cool being with her because we both know now how to be missionaries... it is cool to be able to see the people grow and change around me. Progression, change, the atonement in action!
This coming week is going to a amazing and I know it will fly by so fast! Next week is already transfers and I have no idea what is going to happen! Next week my trainer- sister markowitz will be going home. I feel like it is the end of a crazy era with her leaving, she is a great missionary and will be missed in the GAM!
The time on the mission is flying by so fast... I can't believe it is Christmas and I GET TO TALK TO MY FAMILY!!!! I am so excited! I remember when I called home from the airport and pa jokingly said that he would talk to me next week at Christmas and now it is this week!!!
Thank  you to everyone for the packages and Christmas greeting :) it has been so fun to get things in the mail and they always brighten my day!
I am kind of sad that I only get one Christmas season as a missionary... maybe I will stay a little longer next year so I can experience two!!!!
(I can just imagine grandma's reaction after reading that!!! "NO!!!!!!!!!" and then she will pretend to cry :) and now she will think of all the ways to convince me to come home when I am supposed too)
I don't think they will let me stay any longer than I am supposed too.... But it was a good thought :)
Well my dearly beloved! I LOVE YOU
Talk to ya'll soon!
love,
Em

Here we go again

Okie dokie! here we go again!
This last week went by really fast, I am not sure what to say about it but I will do my best!
I am going to send ya'll a picture along with this email of my little branch that I serve in, I sure love these people!!!
Our Branch President, President Bristol went into surgery this last week, he is doing well now! The last three months I have gotten really close to the Bristol family, I don't know what I would have done without them here in the Branch. They are the family that we will be spending Christmas with and calling from their home!
One of our investigators, Gerard has decided to be baptized! we are so so so excited for him and the great blessing this will be in his life! I was really excited when he told us this, my companion started filming me but the video is too long to send over email so I will have to show ya'll when I get home!
lilly is doing amazing! We had a new member lesson with her this last week and we were able to go and eat dinner with her and her family on Wednesday night, they are really great people! Although her brother asked me some very interesting questions regarding the church, sometimes the questions people ask make me laugh!
on Friday we had zone conference, it was a Christmas program and it was really good! they even played a Grinch song which made me so so so happy! I can't wait to watch that movie next year!!!!
Saturday we spent the vast majority of the day just trying to talk to people around stores, everyone was rushing around became of Christmas's.
Yesterday after church we went to the petitta's home (grandma sis petitta is going to come see you when they are in Utah coming up :) she is bringing a small bag of things I don't need home) Hopefully this won't be the last time I see them on my mission... they won't be back from their daughters wedding until after transfers (which are in 2 weeks! time is going fast!)
This evening the branch is having an annual branch Christmas party, we are going to have a white elephant gift exchange... Lots of people usually show up to this! I am excited :) 
I  hear the weather in Utah has been freezing! i am sorry ya'll have to suffer through that!!!
I want to bear my testimony to each of you about the power of prayer in our lives. I know that I have a Heavenly Father in my life who loves me and listens to my needs and desires and who helps me through the tough times which are many. I know he is there for all of you as well :) Trust in him and believe in good things to come!
Thank you for everything :)
Mail would be nice :)
Love,
Sister Emily Barnett

New Address and other mission things

Family!
Another week has some and gone in the life of sister barnett. It was a crazy week... but that's how it is in the life of a missionary I guess! On wednesday it will have been 28 weeks since I walked away from ya'll at the MTC. those precious weeks in the service of my Savior, weeks that have changed me forever!
Last week we moved to a new apartment! it is a lot warmer than my last one... I am thankful about that!
my new address is....

Sister Emily Barnett
151 Cleburne Pkwy
apt # 1215
Hiram, GA 30141

In the move we lost a few things.... like our dinner calendar. Also I don't have a functional desk yet... one of the legs wasn't working right so they couldn't put it together (I really don't know why I just told you about that really not important aspect of my life... my mind is everywhere today) But it is slowly feeling like a nice little home fro missionaries to live it!
Friday the baptism of Lilly went really well! I was honestly suprised at how smoothly it went... I love when things work out how they are supposed to! On sunday she was confirmed a member of the church by our Branch Mission Leader who happens to be 19- it was a really cool opportunity to be able to watch him use his preisthood keys, he has been an amazing BML and has been so patient with all of my growing pains. He is going to be a great missionary, he has and will change many peoples lives! I am going to miss that kid when I have to leave this branch.
This last week I spent a few hours on the phone talking to my mission president about a situation that happened last week with the sister training leaders in the zone. President Harding has taught me so much about faith and forgiveness truly he is an amazing inspired leader. Sometimes I feel like I was specifically sent to this mission for him- I needed his love and help in my life more than I knew I needed.
Things are going well with Sister Nielsen, she is an amazing missionary and I am so grateful for her love and example to me! We have our struggles but things are getting much better than they were before! I know she is supposed to be here in the branch and I know she is supposed to be my companion.
I have been thinking a lot about Christmas recently (I know it's an odd thought to be having around this time of year) and It is hard not being home but honestly I will never have a Christmas like this again. We celebrate this season to remember our Savior Jesus Christ who was sent to this earth for each of us. There is nothing I could be doing that could be better than focusing my life on him at this time- I feel so blessedto get this opportunity. 
Thank you to all of you who support me in my mission, because I have your support I get to help others feel love that comes from God! 
I hope ya'll have a great week! Remember that you can find skrength (thats how the georgians say it)  in scriptures! Remember that I love ya'll! 
Have a blessed week my dear family :) 
Love, 
Sister Emily Katherine Louise Barnett (I have a really long name....)  

DECEMBER

Hello!!!
It was a good fat thanksgiving. I ate some delicious smoked turkey (I never want any other kind of turkey ever) and had a lovely thanksamony with the bristol family, I even got to dress up as a pilgrim for a little bit. I didn't even have to purge becasue of all the members feeding us :)
I got sick this last week and had to spend some time in bed (I felt so guilty) but I am now feeling a lot better! Which is good because Sister Nielsen and I are going to tear it up this week! We are going to find more people to teach so that we can stay busy with the end of the year fast approaching!
It was interesting not being able to talk to the fam this thanksgiving but I feel special that ya'll set a place for the missionary at the table. I sure missed eating saurkraut and mashed potatoes with ya'll but I am so grateful that I was able to spend this thanksgiving doing something I love more than anything in the world- sharing my testimony with others.
This Friday lilly will be baptized, it has been an amazing privledge to be able to teach her about the restored gospel. I truly feel like the Lord placed this very prepared individual in my life as a testimony to me that this work truly is his. I realize a lot of times that I don't really need to be here- that the Lord could do this without me but he has given me the great opportunity to be here at this time in my life.
Yesterday I felt very prompted to go and bear my testimony during sacrament meeting. I didn't know what I was going to say but as I stood in front of all of the YSA's I felt and exceeding love for them, a love that I have only felt a few times in my life. They always said that on a mission you grow to love the people you serve, I guess I didn't really understand or know what that love was like until yesterday. I desire for all these people to find happiness and joy, I want them to be able to understand how far reaching the atonement is. I want these people to be okay!
I can't believe it is the month of December and that I get to be here on a mission this Christmas, this is going to be the best Christmas of my life for this reason- I am a representative of Jesus Christ!
This Tuesday we get to move to a new apartment, which is exciting and stressful... I realize I should probably get rid of some of my stuff if i am ever going to want to get it all back home... who taught me to like clothing so much? if it makes you feel any better I haven't purchased any article of clothing for more than 18$ here on my mission (other than my boots...) Next week I will know my address for sure so I will be able to let you know what it is :)
Well friends, family, country men! Thank you for all you do! I love ya'll and I am so grateful that I have such a great family :)
Keep staying amazing!
Sis Emily Barnett

Thanksgiving

Transfer #5
Happy thanksgiving!!!!!!
I hope everyone has a great week and remembers to be thankful for everything they've got! I am grateful for so many things right now in my life... but I will spare you of the entire list :)
I have a new companion, her name is Sister Nielsen and she is a great woman! I actually knew her before because she has been serving in the same zone as me in the Lost Mountain Ward (my last area) We went on exchanges with each other a few weeks ago. She is from Pueblo Colorado and she also went to BYU for 2 years before the mission. She is a very kind, loving, strong individual and I feel very strongly that she has a lot to give to this little branch :) I am excited for this transfer!
So do you remember me telling you about Lily last week? well she is doing awesome and is set to be baptized on the 6th of December :) I honestly feel like she is a tender mercy of the Lord, she doesn't need me but I need her! I need to see success and so I am being blessed with this privilege :)
Things without sister Diehl is kind of weird.... I miss her a lot but she is doing great things I am sure of that!
This next week for thanksgiving we will be going to a few of the members homes who I have gotten very close with- it will be a great day and I will probably be really really full!
Also in the next week or so we will be moving into a new apartment but If there is mail that accidentally gets sent to the old apartment I will get it because my district leader is going to be living there and he will give it to me. but I will let you know what my new address is when I get it!
This week I have been reading a lot about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, I am really growing to love the bible as I have never before. I could study it all day long but unfortunately we have other things that we must be doing. While reading this I have received an additional witness through prayer that Jesus Christ truly is my Savior and Redeemer- He is my mediator. Through him all is okay :)
Today I am thankful for Jesus Christ and his gospel, I am thankful for my family and friends who love and support me, I am so thankful to be here in Georgia, and I am thankful for all that my future has in store!
I hope ya'll have a great thanksgiving :) and a blessed week!
Love,
Sister Em Barnett

Another late one

Hey Family,

Things are going well, this next week I will be getting a new companion. The days of the big diehl are over and I will be the senior companion for the first time on my mission! I am stoked!!!!!

We may be moving apartments as well but I am not sure what is going on yet, I will let ya'll know the deal next week.

I am so excited for the work that we have to do here in this area the next six weeks, we have an amazing new investigator named lily (she is about six feet and 2 inches tall- funny how that works) i really am so excited about her and the potential she has.

I am so glad that things are going well at home. continue to keep going forward.

I am sure ya'll are wondering about Mark. It was one of the craziest experiences of my life, and it brought up a lot more emotions and feelings than i thought it would have. It was hard not having the immediate support from my family and friends but some how I did it. I am grateful that I had the support around me that I did. These people here in Georgia are my family and I love them all dearly.

Mark is a really good guy, he is a great father and a hard worker. It makes me happy to know that he turned out just fine.

I am really going to miss sister diehl, she changed my life in which I will forever be grateful for. She was there for me through so many hard times and she watched me grow in so many ways. She is a good woman and I know she will continue to change lives :) I will make sure she comes and visits ya'll at home in 7 months when her mission is over.

Well family- there is much to be done!

I love you so much and you are all constantly in my prayers! I can't wait to talk to you in 37 days!!!!
love,

Sister Emily Barnett

Few weeks late... Sorry

Dearest Family!

Can  you believe that it has been six months this Wednesday since we have seen each other? I feel like so much has changed and it has been such a crazy few months since the moment I said goodbye at the gates of the MTC.

33% completed with a full time mission- that's pretty cool huh? I never thought I could do it!

Also don't get too excited but..... Christmas is coming so soon and we will be able to talk to each other!

Woohoo!!!!!!

Oh also some very exciting news..... This Friday I will hopefully be meeting my half brother, I was able to get permission from my president and so it is happening!

I am so excited to see him :) I feel so blessed that I get this opportunity!

This last week has been really good,  we went on two exchanges and I was able to stay in my area for both of them. it was really cool because I finally felt for the first time on my mission that I was a missionary and that I could do this by myself.... I guess that 's what you get after 6 months right? haha

We also had zone training this last week, we were able to go to the temple and then we were taught by our mission president and other local leaders of our mission, we talked a lot about faith in the work... I definitely need to work more on having faith in the Lord.

Heleman 11:10-19 in this scripture Nephi is recording his prayer to the Lord.... I want to be better at praying like Nephi- persuasive and humble.

I realize there is so much I want to change in my life and about myself in the next year. I want it to go fast but at the same time I am so excited for all the miracles and the amazing blessing this next year will be for the rest of eternity!

I truly believe that this last six months has been the best for my life. I love this work and I love the Lord! I am so excited for my future and for the amazing life I have ahead of me :)

I love you all so much! have a great week and I shall talk to you next Monday!

Love,

Sister Emily Barnett

Fall

In my last letter I made mention that the fall wasn't as beautiful as I was expecting... Well that changed! The falls in this place are amazing! I guess I just wasn't patient enough :) That's something I am working on!
Things have been well this week, I am not feeling sick any more and things have been happy! We had Mission leadership council on wednesday, it was a great council in which we talked about a lot of different things pertaining to the mission and the work in this part of the lords vineyard. President really stressed the importance of obedience to the mission rules to bring about miracles in this work, I know I still have a long way to go but I know that as we are obedient that we do see miracles. I have seen miracles from being obedient on my mission.
It's crazy to say but I am creeping up on six months in the next week... I can't believe how fast the time has gone and I can't believe that in a short year I will be on my way home- maybe already home depending on the transfers and where they hit. In a way it is kind of a sobering fact, I don't know how I will be able to leave this place but mostly the people that I love. I thought 18 months was a lot longer than it actually is when I started out.
I know that this is the work of God, I can not deny it at all. I know and I have had unmistakable experiences to know that the Book of Mormon is true and that the church it is espoused to is the Lords kingdom on the earth. I know that families can be together forever becasue of the binding priesthood power. I know that Christ lives. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God.
I desire all to know these things as well, that is why I am here serving a mission.
This coming week we will be going to the Temple for zone training meeting, it will be an amazing experience because it always is. I miss the Temple because that is where I feel at home. I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to go so often while on my mission, not everyone has the blessing of this on their mission. The Temple will always be the focus in my life.
We are working on building our teaching pool back up again after it fell apart a few weeks ago- we have been able to find a lot of people to talk to through the members and also other missionaries! We have been asking most of the members who they know who would be interested in recieving the gospel- this method is working really well world wide and they are trying to impliment it even more among the missions in the united states!
Oh also did I tell ya'll that in the next few months our mission will be getting IPads and facebook! I am not sure what the stipulations will be but we are excited to use these tools in our teaching and finding efforts.
oh I forgot to tell ya'll the other week... but I bought some boots that are really cute and they were on sale, I got them half off. (that was random but maybe you wanted to know)
we went of exchanges with some sisters down in timbuk2- it was really fun :) I am sending a few pictures of that exchange! The sister I was with cooked for me twice that day! she is amazing!
Have I ever mentioned that I love food? because I do- I want to cook a lot more when I get home one day, that is a goal of mine!
okay I think I have talked enough.
I love you guys and I miss you so very much :)
53 days until christmas!!!!!!
love,
Em

Elder oaks

Hello!
I was expecting a much more beautiful fall here in Georgia considering all of the tree's... hopefully it is still on the way but as for now I will dream of the beautiful Utah fall!
I have been sick this last week with a cold and a sinus infection, I was put on antibiotics for the sinus infection and the cold is just something i have to deal with- hopefully it will be gone in the next few days so I won't be such a hard companion to deal with. :)
On Saturday I had the great privledge of being able to shake Elder Oaks hand, it was such an amazing experience to be able to be that close to someone who is a special witness of Jesus Christ. It talked about a lot of things but there are two subjects which really stood out to me. The first one being the Sacrament, throughout our life we will partake of the sacrament 1000's of times but it is because we need each and every one of those times to be able to fully repent and renew our baptisimal covenants so we can continue to enjoy the blessing of having the Holy Ghost with us at all time. The gift of the Holy Ghost is what makes us different, what a blessing it is to have him with us at all time :)
The second thing he talked about was the 10 things missionaries should take home from a mission.
1. A testimony of the Father and the Son
2. A greatly enlarged testimony of the gospel
3. Love for the people among whom you labor.
4. Greater love and appreciation for your parents
5. Understanding the meaning of hard work
6. Understanding the meaning and importance of personal virtue
7. Increased polish and poise
8. Courage to act
9. Faith to try
10. Humility to pray  
I thought these were cool and something I wish to have by the end of my mission- to truly become a missionary by realizing that this is not my time but the Lords.
I was able to drive through Atlanta for the first time since being here, it's a cool city! I also ate at the famous resturatnt The Varsity, my arteries feel very clogged from the food I ate.... I probably won"t ever eat there again but thats okay- it was a good experience (I am sorry if I repeat myself in letters- time is very jumbled) This coming week we have Mission Leadership council at the mission home, it will be my first time going there :) I am excited to be able to be at this council and talk about the progress of the mission.
We have been working with a lot of less active members and recent converts- It has been really good! I love these people.
This morning I was thinking about how blessed I have been, today I feel overwhelemed with gratitude.
I am so thankful to have the love and support back at home, I am thankful to be a part of the Georgia Atlanta Mission, and I am so thankful for the blessing of the gospel in my life and the testimony that I have.
I love you all so very much and I hope you have a great week :)
Love,
Em

Hi There

Hello!
Another week has come and gone, here we are again. Currently we are in the children's section of the library so there are little kids sitting behind me playing games on the computer... oh to be a kid again!
Things have been super busy here in millcreek. This last week we had Elder Evans of the 70 come to our mission and talk to us about a lot of things- he also changed quite a few of the things that we do in the mission- which is exciting!
This coming week Elder Oaks of the 12 apostles is coming to talk to this mission and the north mission!!!! ( I get to see my MTC mission friends!!! woohooo!) I am so excited to hear him speak!
This morning we were able to go help plant flowers on the temple ground- it was really cool that we were able to be on the temple ground for a few hours to be able to serve the lord in that capacity.
I am doing pretty good, this week my goal is to drink more water and to eat right- I realize that when I don't do these things I am a lot more tired and I am not able to do everything to the best of my ability... so thus the new goal!
I realize it is getting a little hard being with the same person for three months straight. I love Sister Diehl but I am grateful when we have exchanges every week because it gives us each a little time to breathe. I have been learning so much from all the other sisters, hopefully they are learning a little something from me too! I usually like to make commitments with each of the sisters, a personal commitment and work commitment, they seem to be going well and they help me to make my own commitments for my own personal progression.
We have been working with two guys who are super religious (non-denominational with a baptist influence) they ask so many questions at every lesson. Sometimes (most times) I get really frustrated because I can't even finish a sentence without them asking all these nity gritty questions. Thus I have been doing a lot of studying to try and help them understand... This last week I may or may not have told one of them that their bible may not be absolutely completely true because of errors due to translation and grammatical misinterpretation- the guy may or may not have gotten really mad at me... ( my comp and the member with us may have been even more livid at me....) not a great situation I ended up getting myself in.... I was able to smooth the conversation over but I realized that sometimes I just need to keep my mouth shut because I am passionate and stubborn. This can be good and it can also be bad... Moderation in all things right?
Missions are funny because they expose everything under the sun that I struggle with/am bad at... I am happy that I still have a little bit of life left ahead of me where I can work to be a better person. here a little there a little. precept by precept!
Thank you for listen to me ramble today, I love ya'll so much!
I will talk to you soon :)
Love,
Em

Squirrels and cockroaches

Dear Family friends and country men! Lend me your ears.
Things are going pretty well here in the GAM. This last week we didn't have a car so we haven't been able to get around as easily but no fret hopefully we will be getting it back today!
Funny story- so the other day the zone leaders were walking out of the church building and they were holding something behind their backs- I asked them what it was and they told me that I really didn't want to know... well I was stubborn and I made them show me... They had intentionally killed a squirrel with their car on the way to the building and they had put it in a plastic bag with the intent to skin it later. Lets just say I was a little mortified with them and their actions ... But then I touched it and it had gone into rigor mortis, I wasn't so upset by it at that point- mainly because it was cool and I like body things... but that is what the missionaries do in Georgia apparently- I thought I would give you a little insight. Hopefully no one is grossed out... remind me not to tell you about how the eye ball came out of it's head ;)
Anyways....
The powder springs stake has stake conference this last weekend. Elder Evans of the Seventy came to speak to us- he talked a lot about missionary work and inviting others to participate in the work of salvation for themselves and others. He invited everyone to go to the temple often and to pray for missionary opportunities. It was edifying and wonderful!
This week in my personal study I have been studying a lot about the influence of the Holy Ghost and the plan of salvation- there is a really cool talk I have that I need to send to pa because I think he would really like it (so I just need to get around to that) But anyways... This morning I learned something really cool! As we pray we can be led by the Holy ghost to know what to pray for and that way we align our wills to the will of the Father- Isn't that cool? I guess I never understood that before.- it's amazing the things that I have been learning on my mission!
Grandma, thank you so much for the package that you sent me! I was so excited and the cute little BYU bear made me happy.
I really wish I could express my gratitude to all of you. I honestly couldn't do this without all of your prayers and love. I think about ya'll often, I worry but I know you are taken care of. I am excited to talk to you in 75 days (not that I am counting down or anything :)) I think it is so strange that it has been almost 4 months since I have heard your voices and almost 5 months since I have seen ya'll. absence makes the heart grow fonder right? You all must really be fond of me by this point ;)
Oh also I may have given you the wrong zip code on my address it's 30127
Well! I love you! Take care and have an awesome week.
from your little missionary in the Georgia woods.
Sister Barnett
P.s did you know cockroaches fly? nasty  

Transfer week

Hey guess what!? I'm not getting transfered! Sister Diehl isn't either, she will have to diehl with me for at least another 6 weeks (did you get my pun? haha)
The residuals of last week left this week to be a hard one as well but things just have to start looking up for us this week :) I just know it!
Conference was so good- I am excited to get the printed version to be able to study it. I kept trying to find people I know in the audience, I felt oddly close to home. I miss home.
This week we aren't going to have a car becasue it's getting fixed, I imagine we will have pleanty of time to study up on everything! before I came into this area the boy scouts trailer hit the side of the car and put a huge gash into the door, they are going to get us a new door. The car we drive is red, I don't like the color very much.
In our zone we are getting another set of sisters so now we will be over 5 companionships, hopefully they aren't crazy :)
As of now (for the next 6 weeks) make sure to send any mail to
Sister Emily Barnett
120 b Brownsville ext
powder springs GA 30127

So the weather is getting a little bit cooler at night here in the big GA. we aren't getting any snow though! I hear there is snow at home... Weird! Do ya'll still have leaves on the trees? Things are just begining to change color here... this last week I took off my shoes and I crunched (leaves don't get quite as crunchy here because it's a little bit more damp) in a few of the leaves, just like mom and I used to do :) it made me happy!
The other day we walked up kennesaw mountain (not a real mountain) with one of our investigators, we talked about the plan of salvation with him.... but then he tried to convince us to become unificationists, I told him I would read his book when I get home becasue we always ask people to read our book. Other religions facinate me, especially their view of the fall of Adam and Eve.
Grandma, thank you for the sweater you sent me! I wore it yesterday :)
I have come to the point in my mission where I feel like two realities are coliding together, Sister Barnett and Emily. It is a really interesting thing that I don't even know how to describe. At least these two people are starting to turn into one person- a very changed person. Change is good.
I really loved Elder Hollands talk that he gave in Conference, he spoke about depression- which hit home for me in a lot of aspects. I believe that one day we will all be perfected and those imbalances within our brains will go away, we will all rejoice- especially for those whom we love who will be made whole. I can't wait for that day.
Well my dear family, I love you all so much! Christmas is coming up in a transfer and a half- I can't wait to talk to ya'll :)
Macie... HAPPY BIRTHDAY this coming week :) I hope you have the best day ever! I will be thinking about you :)
okay, i think that is all I needed to say.
LOVE,
EMILY

Long Week

This week was the longest week of my mission! So much has happened and my heart has been through the wringer... Let me explain.
On Monday one of our sweet investigators father died unexpectedly. She was struggling all week and we spent a lot of time helping her through this time in her life, for a lot of the week we were just friends helping her get through... We attended the Funeral on Thursday, so many people came to support this dear family. It is amazing to see the impact that one person can have on others. 
All week we were planning on a baptism that was going to take place on Saturday... everything was going well, the interview happened and our investigator even showed up to the baptism, she was dressed in white about ready to go.... But then she decided not to go through with it. It was probably one of the most difficult moments of my mission. In that moment I was about ready to throw in the towel... But the Lord is merciful and helped me make it through the week, and now I sit again here at the computer reading emails from home. What a miracle.
This morning in my personal study I was reading an amazing talk by Brad Wilcox from the most recent edition of the Ensign magazine. there is a quote I wanted to share with ya'll
"The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can live after we die but that we can live more abundantly (see John 10:10). The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can be cleansed and consoled but that we can be transformed (see Romans 8). Scriptures make it clear that no unclean thing can dwell with God (see Alma 40:26), but no unchanged thing will even want to."
A few days ago Sister Diehl gave me some very good advice... She told me that I need to allow myself to change on my mission. While reading this talk I realized that Change is good and it is what is needed to be a better person, it is the reason that Christ atoned for our sins.
Change is a very scary thing for me, but I know it is needed! I pray that the lord will change me into the person that I need to become. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who allows me to change, and be better.
Men are very changeable, I know this now.
This coming week is the last full week of the transfer, I hope I don't have to move again! We will be going to the temple again for Mission Leadership council. I am so excited to be within the walls and to feel the peace in the temple. It is something that I need this week. Other then that we don't have any crazy plans... which is just fine with me, I need things to be normal for five minutes!
Thank you for being in my life dear family :) I miss you oh so much but I know that we will meet again one day. Until then!

Also, can you believe that it is October tomorrow? Time is slipping by.
Love,
Your Sister Emily Barnett

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Blessed week

I really needed to hear from ya'll today, thanks for the emails! I miss you guys a lot, but I am trying really hard not to break any rules and call you ;) (just kidding, I wouldn't really do that)
Things are going well in millcreek, we have a baptism this weekend of one of our investigators. Her name is Phylicia and she is awesome! We have been working with her this whole transfer and she is now ready for baptism :) we are so excited for her! We have been really busy trying to figure out how to do everything in the time we have been given, I realized that I am a horrible planner and I have so much to learn from Sister Diehl about that... Transfers are in a few weeks and I hope that they don't take one of us out! This is the first time that I actually want to stay in an area, It is challenging but I know that I need the challenge.
I am getting a lot better at teaching, it is something that comes very naturally for me which is cool! The part of missionary work that I struggle the most with is contacting random people, I am learning to get over my fear of it. If you could all say a special prayer for me that I will get better at it, that would be great.
On friday two of our YSA's got married, we were able to go to the reception for a little bit to talk to some of her family members and friends. It was really strange to be at a wedding, I was a little weirded out... As missionaries we don't really think about that stuff but then when we do... it's just weird. This couple put their wedding together in 2 weeks! isn't that crazy? If I learned anything from their wedding it is that I don't ever want to get married and if I do I will probably elope. Ya'll will just have to be okay with the fact that I am not going to have a crazy wedding.....We are not talking about this any more because it makes me feel weird.
ANYWAYS! Sorry I haven't been able to write back to a lot of the letters I have gotten recently, I just don't have much time but I am working on getting them all out soon!
Sister Diehl and I are doing well for the most part we have our days here and there but mostly things are awesome with her! She is one of those people that I plan on being friends with for a long time after the mission, it's cool how that works.
This week I will be going on an exchange to my old area, maybe I will get to see some of my recent converts! That would be awesome :)
I love you all! Have a blessed week! (People say that all the time here in the south!) 
Sister E. Barnizzle

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This week!

Hola!
This week I actually wrote a whole list of things to tell ya'll so maybe my email will actually make sense today... Ha :)
Things are pretty good for me and Sister Diehl, we have been keeping busy... very busy!
There are a few random things I thought I would share with all of you...
My hair is growing out again! I can finally put it in a ponytail and stuff. I don't think I am going to cut it that short again, I have decided that I like long hair the best.
When I get home from my mission can I take a really long nap? like 3 days long? I am so tired and I am so excited to just sleep one day... but I can't do that yet because I have a lot of work to do here. Also when I get home I am going to be a vegetarian for a few months and I am going to rid myself of all of the gross things that are in it.. Just in case you were wondering.
The other day we walked outside and it felt like fall, it reminded me of home. I am super excited to see all of the leaves here in the fall time! I bet it is beautiful.
I think it is spider season... Daily there is a loud scream coming from me because I see a spider somewhere.... I hate bugs but they are everywhere!
Anyways... So this week was pretty good, we struggled a little bit because there were some hiccups with the flow of our week with zone training and exchanges that we had to go on... But still we managed to pull through to another p-day!
this week I will have been on my mission for 4 months! How crazy..... time is a very strange thing on a mission, my perception of it is changing quite a bit. I realize that now 18 months is a very short amount of time and it will go by so very fast. I am proud of myself that I made it this far into my mission, it has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, I have kept a relatively good attitude and I am continuing to move forward thanks to the grace of my savior. I am a much better person for these 4 months and I am sure that I will continue to learn and grow ( I will be so tall that you won't even be able to recognize me when i get home!)
Yesterday we were standing in church and a girl comes up to me and starts hugging me, I was so confused but then I recognized her... Last semester I worked with her at legends grill! It was so weird to see her because I felt like two realities were coliding... But it was really awesome to talk to her and get to know her a little bit more!
A struggle that we are trying to overcome right now is learning how to plan most effectively. We have so much to do all the time and so many obligations that it is hard to keep up. We are learning how to be really good planners, which is something I desperately need to learn how to do! I am grateful for such busy times like this!
This week I learned a lot about charity and unconditional love that our savior has for each of us! It is so crazy to think that even when we are stupid and we mess up a bazillion times... that still God love us so much and he will never leave us. He will never leave us even when everyone else does becasue he has unconditional love for each of us. I am grateful to have this knowledge.
Anyways! how is everyone? I miss you all so much.
Thank you for the letters and everything else! You are the people who keep me going, seriously :)
Love you!
Sister Emily Katherine Louise Barnett
Also this week I heard a weezer song on the radio and It made me think of home. Will someone listen to some weezer and think of me?
:)

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Hello!

Dearest Family!
This is the busiest I have been on my mission. Things are CRAZY! I am trying  my hardest to keep going becasue it is hard! Sister Diehl is a fire cracker and has so much energy all the time.
Where should I even start! So this last week we went to mission leadership council and we were able to attend the temple! It was so wonderful :) I am extra lucky this transfer and I get to go again this week! What a blessing for me, I need the peace the temple brings right now.
As of now our mission has 230 missionaries, which is so amazing! There are a lot of people but still the work is so busy.
On sunday Sister Diehl and I spoke in sacrament meeting, it was the first time in my life that I didn't have a talk all written out before I had to give it. we were both asked to speak for about 20 minutes, I had no idea how I was going to fill the time with minimal notes. Some how I was able to take up all the time I needed, I was very amazed with myself in that moment. our topic was basically the first lesson and how we have seen the hand of the lord in our missions. I was aked to talk a little bit about myself, so I talked a lot about all of the people back home who I love... It makes me happy when I get to talk about home :)
We were able to get 4 new investigators this week and we taught so many lessons. The experience I wanted to share with you was when we were reaching one of our new investigators (the one I told ya'll about last week, who we followed and then talked to) we were teaching her about the plan of salvation and she brought up a lot of interesting questions but then some how we started talking about the word of wisdom and how that law makes sense to her. It was so cool to see her understand that commandments have been given to us to keep us safe and because one day we will be living in this same body so we need to take care of it now. For the first time in a long time she was able to see her worth and how much her Father in Heaven truly loves her and wants her to be happy! I love this gospel for so many reasons, one of them being is that it brings happiness and a new life to people who have basically given up.
Tomorrow sister Diehl and I will go on our first exchange with some of the sisters in our zone, we are really excited for this experience and to be able to learn from these amazing sisters!
One of my favorite things is to recieve letters from home, they are so wonderful and they make me very happy. Thisweek I was having a really hard time but them I got a letter from a dear friend that was full of encouragement and love, it was literally a tender mercy from the Lord that I recieved that right when I did.

Also I think I am going to be hitting my 4 months on the mission soon, how crazy! (is that even right?)
Today for P-day we will be going hiking!!!!!!! I couldn't even express to you how happy I am that I get to be outside for a few hours! When I get home I think I am going to live in the mountains for a few months... How are my mountains by the way?
Will ya'll send me pictures of everyone and of home?
Well I need to be going now! remember that I love you so much! I couldn't do this with out all of you :)
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Sister Emily Barnett

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No need to fear!

DO NOT FEAR!!! Everything is just fine here in Georgia, crazy as every but just wonderful!
So yesterday we had a "Labor for the Lord" so our P-day was changed to today!!! I have SOOOO much to tell everyone!!!!
Okay first!!! I am now in the Millcreek YSA Ward!!! I love it so much, I feel like I will have so much success here... It is in the same stake as I was in before, so that is pretty awesome since our area is over the entire stake!!! My companion is also so AMAZING! Her name is Sister Diehl she is from Lindon Utah and she went to BYU as well! Our lives are strangly twisted together. Recently they started a new "Assignment" to help sisters in the mission, they are called sister training leaders.... and well.... Sister Diehl and I are the STL's for this wonderful zone.... we will be in charge of training sisters and going on exchanges with them weekly. It's a lot to swallow but I trust that the Lord has a great plan for me and wants me to learn lots this transfer! It is so strange to be in a YSA ward... I feel a little apostate at times but that's okay :)
We have had some amazing miracles and we are working so hard! Sister Diehl is probably one of the best missionaries I know and I feel it to be such a privledge to be working with her. I know we will be friends for a long time, God is so kind to me!
The other day we were driving down the street and we saw a young women walking down the street, we kept driving past and then we decided that we needed to turn around and go and talk to her... so we did. We parked down a street and got out and started to follow her (you wonder why return missionaries are such good stalkers... Pay good attention) we didn't know how we would get the opportunity to talk to her but we just kept walking behind her.... We got to cross walk and we were able to start a conversation. We gave her a book of mormon and set up a time to meet her again, we will be seeing her tonight and I am so so so excited to teach her. Missionary work makes me so happy. I can be having a horrible day but the second we are able to go out and talk to people about Jesus Christ everything changes. This gospel brings me so much joy and I want everyone to recieve it!
It is so strange to me that I am not going back to school right now... This is the first time since I was 5 that I will not be going to school in the fall. I miss home but I am so happy to be here. in fact I don't know if I will be able to come home :) (just kidding I will come home when my time is over)
I know this church is true, so true! There is no doubt in my mind. I hope ya'll can feel the love that God has for each of us! Keep being amazing!
Well my dearly beloved, I wish I had more time to converse with ya'll but president only gives us an hour.... :(
I love you!!! So  much!
Sister Emily Barnett

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TTTTTTRRRRRAAAANNNNSSSSFFFFEEEEERRR WEEK

Sorry for the annoying subject line of this email... But this is about how I feel right now.
I was expecting to stay a little longer in the Lost Mountain Ward, but that isn't in the plans for me! I will be heading off to my new area on Wednesday. I am a little bit sad because I grew quite attached to this ward. I am going to miss the Johnson family and the other people I have come to love. I know that my work and purpose in this area has been completed and I am a much better person for it. Hallelujah
Often while I have been on my mission I have wondered why I felt so prompted to do this when there are countless others who I know could have been ten times the missionary I am. But then I realize that Miss Emily Katherine Louise really really really needed a mission more than she even knew. I know the Lord is shaping me into the person that I need to be and I am grateful. I am pretty sure my future family is really grateful I decided to do this as well.
Do ya'll remeber the investigator that tried to "drop us" well.... She came to a baptism we had on saturday and she brought her son who then came to church the following day! They are both going to get baptized, I know it :)
It's amazing to see things come out of the wood work! I know that as I am obedient and diligent great miracles happen.
On Saturday night the Nashville Tribute Band came to our area and performed a show for everyone in the powder spring and neighboring stakes, it was an amazing missionary opportunity for members to invite their friends and neighbors. The coolest part of the whole thing was when the band had all the full time missionaries come up to the stage, they sang a song and we stood there while everyone in the audience applauded for us! The band then told everyone there to be nice to missionaries :) Ya'll should check out their CD's because they are awesome and the music is all about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!
I am trying to think of what else to write about in this email...
Oh! I wanted to tell ya'll about all of the road kill! I have seen my fill of dead things on the side of the road... Luckily I haven't killed anything yet, I probably would be very upset if I did. Anyways that is a random weird/gross thing about Georgia.
The weather this last week has been a little cooler, which has been wonderful! I think Georgia has stranger weather than Utah sometimes. One minute it will be all sunshiney and then the next you look up in the sky and giant drops of water are about to fall on you without any notice of little rain drops first... I have almost given up having a strong aversion to umbrellas but I am still holding strong... I refuse to use them.
I am going to leave ya'll a verse of one of my favorite songs... I Believe in Christ by Bruce R. McConkie
I know that as we trust in the Lord we will be able to do all things! This I know!
I love ya'll
I believe in Christ- my Lord, my God! My feet he plants on gospel sod... He is the source of truth and light!
Sister Emily Barnett

p.s Give the Barney family my love! I am so sorry to hear about the sudden death of Gweny but I know she is in the rest of the Lord and she will come again with a perfect body because Christ broke the bands of death, what glorious news! God be with her till we meet again.

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Three Months!

Three months.
Oh how fast time flies... days are long weeks are short and months are even shorter. Next week is transfer week again. I am not sure what will happen but I know that what happens will be what is right. I will let ya'll know in my next email on Monday if I am leaving or if I am going!
This last week was wonderful! The Baptism went so well, everything flowed perfectly and the spirit was so strong. I don't think there was a dry eye in the whole room. I feel so blessed that the Lord allowed me the wonderful opportunity to get to know this beautiful family and to teach them, it has been such a privilege. Everyday I grow closer and closer to my Heavenly Father in a way that I believe only this mission could do for me. As hard as it was to leave on a mission I am so grateful to be here and I realize now that it wasn't really a sacrifice at all. I have been blessed far more than I have given, the Lord loves us all. This I know!
To tell ya'll  a little bit more about the ward I am serving in... In the northern part of the ward there is quite a bit of wealth but as you go more south it gets more into the sticks and the people who don't have has much money. I am serving in the south part of the ward right now so we work with a lot of people struggling financially, I feel a little bit more comfortable with this group of people for some reason, they are humble and they know that they must rely on God to keep them going.

 We work with a lot of African Americans, people I have come to love dearly. The problem we are facing is the lack of diversity of the individuals who are active members of the church, most of the people are wealthier white folks. When we do get people to church they are often upset because of the lack of outward diversity, then they struggle to come back again. This is a huge reason why this baptism we just had was so important and will dramatically help the missionary efforts in the ward... The family we just baptized is of African American descent. Because of the increasing diversity of the ward, all will feel welcome! The work will continue to go forward and less people will feel uncomfortable. We have already seen such a huge change in this ward as this family has come into the gospel, some of the less active members have already started to come back. It is so beautiful to watch!
This last week I have been trying to memorize the story of Joseph Smith found in JSH... I have never been super good at memorization but I almost have it down. I love being able to study and pray about the Book of Mormon over and over again. I have felt in my heart that it is true and that Joseph Smith was called to be a Prophet of God in this dispensation.
I love you all so much. Thank you for your love, kindness and support. I have truly been blessing with some amazing people in my life. I miss you all so much but I know that we will all meet again soon enough.
God be with you!
Love Sister Emily Barnett

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What a week

I often struggle to begin these letters, starting things has always been a difficult thing for me to comprehend I guess. I remember when I was little and I would watch movies, I had the hardest time figuring out how the heck people ever knew how to start a movie, It's a hard task if you think about it. Anyways, this week has been good here in the life of Sister Emily Barnett.
Each week in the mission field I learn so many things about myself as an individual and every week my love for other people grows a little bit more. I had an amazing experience with a receent convert the other day. We talked about trials and how God has literally delivered her out of bondage so many times, she reminded me a lot of my mom and similar struggles she has gone through. As I see other people in situations that I am so familiar with, the Lord allows me to recognize that change is possible. We are Human and we can change. Each and every one of us. The atonement is so real and I am grateful for this opportunity that I have to witness it in peoples life, and especially my own and my family.
I am so happy to hear that everyone is doing well, I pray for each of you like a million times a day. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you all.
We were able to go to the Altanta temple this week for zone training, it was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to go again. My heart aches to be back within the walls of the temple. At sone training we talked a lot about the vision to baptize- as we view all people as they can become, dressed in white in the water of baptism! I left that day feeling edified and wonderful about the work of the Lord.  
We have had some wonderful lessons with the Johnson family this week! They will be getting baptized on Saturday!!!!! I get emotional just thinking about them and the changes we have seen with in them the last few weeks. They are amazing and I hope to be like them some day! I have loved watching their family grow closer through the gospel, they comment every day how much happier their life is now. Tonight we will be attending the 3 FHE with them, I am so excited :)
I know the gospel brings families closer together, and I know that the Gospel can bring my family closer together as well... It already has in so many ways.
I love family!
I should probably get going so I can write a few more emails... just know that I love all of you more than anything but more importantly I hope you know how much Heavenly Father loves all of you. Find ways to have missionary experiences!
Love,
Sister Emily Barnett

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August

Hello! How is everyone?
This last week was a very bitter sweet. We have an awesome family on date for baptism on the 17th of August but we also had one of our investigators "drop" us, which was super sad and hard to swallow. We pray that she will find happiness in her life and with the jehovah's witnesses that she worships with.
We have been a crazy kind of busy here in the lost mountain ward trying to find people to teach. I've got to admit... tracting isn't may favorite past time... Does this make me a horrible missionary? I hope not! I just know there are better ways to find people to teach and that is through memebers! The only success we have had with our investigators are ones who the memebers refer to us. If anything I think this mission will make me a better memeber of the Church, I have learned so much about how it works and every little thing that goes into making it run. It really is so wonderful, I am so happy that I have the opportunity to be a disciple of Jesus Christ my whole life, not just on my mission.
Today we are having zone p-day and we are going to play kick ball with all of the elders and sisters in our area. Later this week I get to go to the Temple with my zone as well for zone training. I am so excited! I miss the Temple so much because I do not get to attend as often as I did at home. I am grateful for the opportunities I get to attend when I do. It is my goal that when I get home I will go to the Temple every week. 
This week I was reading a lot in the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah 2-4 I love these scriptures and king benjamin. Ya'll should check out Mosiah 4:9... I know that I have a Father in Heaven who knows everything and who loves me just the same. I know that the Lord has a plan for all of us and that if we trust in him everything will be okay... That is somthing I have learned this week. Everything will be okay when we trust in God.
I am sorry this is so short today. I will have more things to write about next week. I love you all and I am so grateful for all of you!
Have a great week.
Love, Sister Barnett

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Sorry! A week late

Hello!
Another week has come and gone and here I am again sitting on the computer in the library writing a letter to all of you! How is everyone? Can ya'll believe that July is over?
This was a really great week for me, I feel like there was a lot of personal growth that happened for me. The lord allowed me to see so many miracles!
I want to tell you about a family who we have been teaching this last week, Shay and Rob. In the Lost Mountain Ward they have a history of really good key indicator numbers (how many lessons we teach each week, new investigators, baptisms, etc) except for three... Baptism, confirmation and investigators to sacrament meeting. This week our President promised us that as we refocused that we would be able to get two people on date for baptism. With this promise Sister Mataele and I got to work. We worked and we worked and we worked. Late last night we had one more appointment with Shay and Rob before we had to report our numbers, we just prayed that they would be the ones who the lord promised us we could get on date for baptism! We already had Shay on baptism but we were still waiting on Rob, he is such a strong man but he always tells us that he is just trying to figure everything out before he commits to baptism.
We finished the lesson with the family and then we again invited Rob to be baptized, he told us that he really wasn't thinking about baptism but he was just trying to live right and be obedient in keeping the sabbath day holy. We shared 3 Nephi 27:20 with him "Now this is THE commandment, repent all ye ends of the earth and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." we then explained to Rob that being baptized is a commandment and that we must do it to live with our Father again. During this discussion the spirit was so strong in the room there was no doubt that it was there and Rob turned to us and said "well I guess this is really what I should be focusing on as I pray." We asked him that when he receives an answer for himself if he would be Baptized with his wife on the 17th. He said yes!
Through this experience I know that as we are patient that the Lord will allow us to see miracles. I know that the Spirit was the one speaking to Rob and that the things that came out of my mouth as I spoke to him were not my own. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be here on a mission. These haven't been the best two months of my life but they have already been the best two months for my life. The Lord is blessing me in so many ways, I truly believe that I will be a better person because of this mission.
I am trying harder to give my whole heart to this mission and to the will of the Lord, I figured out that I am kind of a stubborn person and that I like to do things my way. I am learning to do things a little differently now and man is it hard!
I would like to share a scripture with you guys before I close up this letter. Heleman 5:12- "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
I know and I have felt that as I have built my foundation on the Lord that I am strenghtened and that I can do anything, this has been so evident to me as I have been serving a mission. I promise you that if you trust the lord and build on him you will be blessed beyond belief and most of all you will find Joy.
I am finding Joy in the Journey! This week I recieved the Song Book I asked for from Barbara Leary. There is a song in it called "Misty's song" I want to share a part of it that I love because I feel that as life gets us down we always need to remember to find Joy in the Journey, Joy isn't something for the future it is for us to experience now!
"tell me the reason I was born to roam, telll me the reason I am so far from home. How many mountains will have to climb, how many memories will I leave behind. There is a valley called Peace of Mind, there is a river running right by it's side, there is a moment of glory so new."
I want you all to know how much I love you! Thank you for everything :)
Grandma, thank you for getting that package together for me! I love you.
Sister Barnett

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2 months!

Okie dokie! Here we go again!
First I want to say thanks for not forgetting me! At transfer meeting I had 7 letters waiting there for me :) Love ya'll! I hope to have time to write a lot of letters today!
I am now in the "Lost" Mountain ward, these people are crazy and they think they have a mountain. They don't really know what mountains are. My new companion is Sister Mataele! She is AWESOME! I already love her so much, and guess what? she too is from Hawaii and she is a Polynesian. I don't know if it is coincidence or not but I guess I just give off that sort of vibe. Maybe I should be a Polynesian when I get home, I will move to Hawaii (family, don't get me wrong... I don't want to go and live with you know who) and eat their food all day.
It has been a little difficult for me integrating into this new mission, they do things a lot differently than GANM did them. Also all the Elders and Sisters in this area are close with each other because they have all been here for a long time, so I feel like an outcast in a way. hopefully all of this will change soon and we can have more unity and love in our district.
The Lost Mountain ward is a lot different from Jonesboro, I guess I didn't realize that the last area I was in was pretty ghetto... but it was and now I am in a super wealthy ward, I feel like it might be a little bit harder to connect with people here... But so far we have had quite a bit of success! We have a wonderful African American woman on date for baptism at the end of August! Her daughter and hopefully her husband will be baptized at the same time as well! This morning we taught her the second lesson and it went really well.
Also this week I had my first bible bashing experience... It was crazy! We tracted into a pastor and he invited us in and just started bashing with us, I eventually had to tell him that we weren't there to fight with him about anything and that we had to leave. Honestly it was a really hard experience at first, but then I remembered what ya'll have told me... That people may not accept the things that we teach but that I should not get too upset about it, thank you for those words of advice and love, they sure come in handy!
So currently all the bugs are winning the game, on my legs alone I have 22 mosquito bites! It's a little hard to shave your legs when there are so many bites so if I come home looking like a hairy mammoth then ya'll can blame the bugs! (just kidding)
Our new apartment is in the middle of a forrest basically so at night you hear all kinds of critters making sounds, especially the cicadas, those things are nasty! I actually started collecting all of the dead bugs I find in our apartment. I plan on sending them to someone but I don't know to whom quite yet. All ya'll know that I am crazy so you shouldn't be too weirded out when you recieve a box full of bugs. Be prepared!
So Pa wanted a run down of what a day in the life of a missionary usually consists of so I am going to explain that a little bit right now.
6:30 Wake up, pray, make bed, exercise (running around the neighborhood usually)
7:00 get ready, eat, etc

8:00 Personal Study! The best part of the day.
9:00 Companion Study
10:00 12 week training program (only for the first two transferrs)
11:00 lunch
12:00 Be out of the house meeting people on the streets, appointments, lessons, tracting, etc
6ish- dinner
9-Be back in our apartments to plan for the following day.

9:30 call in for a conference call with our district, which consists of 6 missionaries total- report miracles, numbers and certifications
10:00 get ready for bed, write in journal or just pass out if you are already too tired.
10:30 lights out.
On certain days these things are a little different. On monday we have P-day so we email, go to the store, etc. on tuesdays we have district meeting in the morning so things are a little different and things are pushed back a little bit. On sunday we obviously have all of our church meetings and what not so that day is different.
Anyways this is what I do day after day!
I hope you are all having a wonderful week and that the weather isn't too hot! It has been raining quite a bit here in Georgia, which I am so grateful for because it gets really hot and humid. I miss my dry heat!
Oh did I mention that this wednesday will be my 2 month mark? Crazy how fast time goes, so much has happened in the past two months but it also feels like it has been no time at all. The days are really really long but the time goes by fast. I really do love my mission, I feel like I am changing a lot but still staying the same. I miss home a majority of the time but I am really doing my best to focus on the work and what I am doing. I honestly could not do this with out all of you! Thank you.
I know that I my redeemer lives. I know the Book of Mormon is true, a power like none other comes into my life ever time I read it. I know that through prayer we can know of the truthfulness of all things!
Love you all! Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Emily Barnett (I miss being called by my first name a lot!)

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Goodbye Jonesboro!

Hello! 
It's so good to hear from all of you, it has been a quite week because my mail is starting to thin out. Maybe it's because no one loves me anymore? I sure hope not! (I learned my amazing guilt tripping skills from my grandmother) I bet it is because next week is transfers and they have been holding my mail at the mission office :) 
So guess what! I am being transferred to a new area with a new companion on Wednesday, I am a little nervous but I was also grateful for this opportunity. This transfer is an answer to my prayers.
Also other exciting news! This Saturday... KENNEDY IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My first baptism and I might not even be able to go since I am being transferred... nonetheless I am so excited for Kennedy!!!!! Everyone is so excited for dear Kennedy! She will be entering into the gate back to her loving Father in Heaven. She is following her Savior Jesus Christ and it will bless her life and her families life so much! We will be teaching her every day this week so she can have all her lessons in before her baptism.

Tonight we are teaching The Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching is beginning to come a little bit more natural for me. I love sitting in a lesson without really knowing what to say but then some how words start flowing from my mouth. It really is a miracle because when I first got here somehow I had forgotten how to speak, it was the strangest thing. 
Another amazing miracle that happened to us this week... Sister Larsen got sick and had to go to the doctors, we were out a little later than normal trying to get her prescription filled so we were trying to hurry home. We went to the Kroger across the street from where we live and as we were walking in one of the employees who was on his break started talking to us. Long story short... We gave him a Book of Mormon and gave him a place to start reading. As we got back into our car and started driving away we could see him sitting on the bench reading the Book of Mormon. It was an amazing experience for me especially because I was able to watch someone have faith and begin to have a spiritual experience! I was so excited, I think my companions thought I was a little crazy though because I was so ding dang excited! Times like that I love being a missionary :) 
On Friday we went and visited a less active member, he really likes philosophy and his wife is apparently a Witch. We spent a little while talking with him, deep down I think he knows the church is true but he doesn't want to admit it. He made an interesting comment about the Book of Mormon that I has kept thinking about after it was said. He said that the Book of Mormon is just another set of guidelines...
 A few weeks ago I had finished reading the Book of Mormon again and, like I have done every time, I did what it says to do in Moroni 3:3-5 I knelt down and I asked if the book was true. This time I did it I didn't get an answer right away, I kept waiting and still nothing happened. After this conversation with the less active Brother I kept  thinking about and studying more in my mind to know if this book really is true, although I have received the answer before I wanted to know again. The next day I was sitting and studying and in my heart I knew!  I came to a peaceful conclusion that The Book of Mormon isn't just another set of guidelines. There is absolutely no way that a man with very little schooling could have written that book, there is no way that I can deny the things that I have felt and learned while reading this book. I know from the bottom of my heart that the Book of Mormon is true and that it comes from God, by reading and following the precepts it contains we will be able to live again with our families and our Father forever. I know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of this dispensation sent to restore Christ's Church on this Earth. I know that Jesus is the Chirst, he is my Brother and my best friend.I am so grateful for this knowledge that I have received. 

I love being a missionary, although things are tough and sometimes I just want to quit I know that this is the Lords work and I am doing exactly what I need to be doing in my life. Because of this I will be a better Wife, Mother and leader in the Church. I am so grateful the Lord has given me this opportunity to stand as a witness for him. I invite ya'll to do the same, I promise you that as you come unto him you will find so much more joy and fulfillment in your lives. 
I love ya'll so much! Thank you for all of your love and prayers :) 
This time as a missionary is going by so fast! I have almost been out for two months and I can hardly believe it! Soon enough I will be back home with all of you wonderful people, don't miss me too much until then! 
Next week I will let you know about the new area I am in :) 
What can I do for all ya'll? 
(I am working hard on my southern talkin') 
Have a fantastic week! 
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo 
Sister Emily Barnett 
p.s Grandma, give Park City lots of lovins from me :) I sure miss my mountains and the beautiful dry air! Tell the condo I will be seeing it two summers from now (unless you sell it or something, which is perfectly fine if you decided that is what you need to do)! 

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Another Week!

How is everyone doing? I was really excited to write everyone, I just miss you all so much!  
Grandma, I am sending you a package this week 
I had a wonderful week!
Where to start... Okay!
Tuesday- We had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Temple, the spirit there was so strong. It was wonderful to be at home, you don't even know!
Later that day we met President Harding! I already love him so much, I feel like he was always meant to be my mission President. He talked about a lot of wonderful things and we got some new training materials that I am excited to get into more! 
Wednesday- I was able to actually really teach my first real lesson as a missionary to Miss Kennedy! It was really awesome and I feel like we really helped her to understand! She is on date to be baptized on July 20th!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED! 
Friday- We went to a funeral early that morning... it was a little sad but it was also so cool because earlier that week we had taught the Plan of Salvation to Kennedy, the spirit testified to me that I will be able to be with my family forever. I am so happy for this knowledge. 
Later this day we went tracting in a neighborhood and we met quite a few potential investigators, we have some follow up appointments for this next week! It should be good :) 
I want to tell you about one of my favorite people we met this last week. Her name is Shemeika, a few years ago she was investigating the church but then she moved and got lost in the whole thing. She want's to start learning more again! I am so excited for her and I feel like she is so elect and ready to receive the saving ordinances that will bring her back to the presence of her loving Father in Heaven! 
Sunday- We had an amazing fast and testimony meeting in the Jonesboro ward, oh how I love these ward members! They are all so amazing and the ward is so diverse! I am going to miss these people when I leave here. 
We had interviews after church with President Harding, we talked for a little while and he explained to me that we need to search and rescue souls! 
I know President Harding has been called of God to be the mission president for this area, in this time! I am so thankful to be able to serve with him! 
This morning all of those serving in our ward went bowling together! We had a great time and it was fun to just let loose for a little bit :) 
We have transfers on the 17th, I am not sure if I will be staying in this area or leaving, Obviously I will let you all know when I get the news :) 
Okay, I want to tell you a few weird quirks about Georgia! 
-People do not know how to drive in this crazy place, they are all so bad at it. 
-Some black people speak this dialect of English called "Ebonix" basically they mumble and slurr a lot and say things that you can't even understand. I hope I will become fluent in this language. 
-When making a left turn in an intersection it is apparently illegal to drive into the middle of the intersection before you turn. Grandpa you wouldn't like this very much. 
-The rain here is absolutely ridiculous! the other day we walked 10 feet outside and we were completely soaking wet! 

-People in the south love to talk and talk and talk.
-People in the south love to hug all the time! 
-There are so many bugs here, anti-itch cream has become like candy! 

Before I say goodbye... I want you all to know how much I love you! Thank you so much for all of your love and support! I wouldn't be able to do this without you! 
I know that the atonement is real and that as we use it in our life and do the things that we need to we will be able to return and live with our Father in Heaven again. This promise is for everyone on this earth. I am so grateful for this knowledge and the wonderful plan that has been laid out for all of us! 
D&C 6:36- Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not! 
I promise that as we look to Christ, our Savior we will be able to not fear :) 

Love you!!! 
Sister Barnett :) 
See ya'll soon enough. 

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Happy Fourth of July!

Dear Family and Friends!
Happy Independence day this week! I hope you all have a safe and lovely holiday :)
This last week was a wonderful week in my life, we had some amazing experiences. So like I said last week we got out new companion Sister Larsen, at first it was a little weird having her around but now we have things a little bit better under control. Sister Larsen is from Idaho, she has a lot of energy and she is allergic to a lot of things.
Last Tuesday we worked on putting names and addressed into Sister markowitz's GPS (I am going to have to get a GPS sometime soon, there is no way of getting around Georgia without one) after we finished doing this we went to a members house for dinner, the family was so funny and I had to run into the bathroom so I wouldn't choke from laughing so hard. That was the first time I was really able to laugh since being out here, it was such a nice thing. After dinner we went and tried to contact a referral. The referral we had was form this lady in my companions last ward, it was for her boyfriend. When we went over there a woman walked out of her house and yelled "we are not interested" (a lot of people think we are Jehovah's witnesses around here) and we proceeded to ask her if the man who we were looking for was around. She then came out to the sidewalk and started talking to us, come to find out this women is the boyfriend wife. When we found out what was going on my stomach started turning over, It wasn't the best situation to walk in on. We talked to the women a little longer and then after giving her a Book of Mormon and inviting her to church we left and went home, the rest of that night I felt really discouraged and sad that there are so many people in the world who are going through hard times like this.

The following day Sister Larsen and I went on exchanges up to a ward called Snelleville, with Sister Mayes. Our experience up in Snelleville was amazing and exactly what I needed. We went contacting and we ran into some really cool people who were very accepting and would listen to us and what we had to say, this is one thing I love about the South, people are mostly willing to listen and be nice even if they don't really want anything to do with you. Later that day after dinner we went to this neighbor hood and we decided that we were going to do a "Harvesting Blessing" which is when we go into someones house and say a prayer blessing the family and the home by virtue of our calling as missionaries. The first door that we knocked on was a middle aged black women and her youngest daughter, they invited us into their home and we talked about Christ for almost thirty minutes. We then gave the blessing and left so they could feel the strength of the spirit, it was so amazing and I feel like Heavenly Father Led us Right to her door. After this we went to Bible Study at the church building where we studied a little bit about the story of the women at the well.
The following day was our goodbye luncheon, our whole zone got together and President Wolfert came, many people bore their testimonies and we said our goodbyes. It was hard for a lot of the missionaries to say goodbye to GANM they have been here for a long time and now they are going to have to finish up the last few months in a new mission with a whole new mission president. For us new people it wasn't as bad, it's a little sad but I am also excited and I feel like this mission is the mission that I am supposed to be in.

On Friday we met with our 13 year old investigator for a little bit, we didn't teach a lesson but we just stopped by to see how everything is going. She seems to be doing well and she is really excited for girls camp next week... I am a little jealous of her that she gets to go to girls camp...
On Saturday we had a conference call with our new mission president! His name is President Harding and he is from bountiful or something like that. He seems like a really wonderful man I am excited to meet him tomorrow when our whole zone gets to go to the TEMPLE together!!!!!!!! I am so so so so so so so so so so excited! I will learn a lot more about this new mission tomorrow, I will let you know more about it!
Later Saturday night the ward in which I am serving in had a talent show, it was so fun to see the ward come together! This ward is a new ward because they just smooshed two wards together so people are still struggling because they don't know each other as well, this talent show really helped everyone out I think :)
Earlier today we went to the Gone with the Wind museum here in jonesborro, it was pretty interesting. (I bet it would have been cooler if I was actually into that) The coolest part was the plantation house, I want one of those one day!
This week I was allowed to drive one of the mission cars, man was it nice to drive!
Thank you all for all of your prayers and love, I felt them when things got hard. I miss you all more than you know. Thank you for being in my life. I couldn't do this without all of you!
I know that my brother Jesus Christ lives and that he atoned for all of us, not just to redeem us from our sins but also to give us strength beyond our own. As a missionary sometimes you are so exhausted and the only thing you want to do is call the people you love but somehow the Lord gets you through those dark moments and he give you hope, I have realized that when I have the savior near I am close to home.
You are in my prayer and in my heart! I love you so much!
Also to all you July babies!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Grandma, Mom, Malis,Lily! Love you guys :)
Love,
Sister Barnett

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Quote

Wishing will not make it so. The Lord expects our thinking. He expects our action. He expects our labors. He expects our testimonies. He expects our devotion.

President Thomas S. Monson

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New address!

Sister Emily Katherine Louise Barnett 

Georgia Atlanta Mission

112 Governors Square Suite A

Fayetteville, GA 30215

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1 Month!

Dear loved ones!
In two days I will have been on my mission for a month! Yay! 
The last month has been one of the craziest months in my entire life, I am so grateful for the many experiences that I have had. It has gone by fast! 1 more to go! woohoo
So let me tell you about this last week.... 

We started teaching a part member family. It is comprised of a single mother with a 13 year old daughter. The mother is a member and her daughter is ready to be baptized. We taught the first lesson with the Stowell's, it was really powerful experience. Hopefully we will be able to teach them again soon! 
We visited Mama Helen again this week, we talked a little bit more about the Book of Mormon and we invited her to be baptized. She said she would think about it! We hope to get her to come to church this next week, it is just hard because she is often sick. 
We went biking quite a bit this week! I have never been so sweaty and nasty in my life!
Yesterday we got a car, we actually accidentally stole it to the other elders in our ward... I felt bad for about a whole two minutes, until I got in the car and blasted the AC. 
Today we got a new companion, Sister Larsen. She was in the MTC at the same time as me. Her companion got really sick and has to go home so she got to come and be with us. It's a little strange but it should be good! 
So the mission average weight gain is about 35 pounds... I am so worried that I will get fat! I didn't think that was a real number until all of the dinners that members have tried to feed us. This last week a Haitian family fed us dinner, there was literally enough food to feed 20 people. I was so full by the end of it! We have been trying hard to exercise a lot so that we can stay in shape... Pray that I won't be too fat in 18 months! 
Last night we participated in a worldwide leadership training, President Monson spoke about having faith in missionary work, it was an amazing meeting! The majority of the meeting it talked about member missionaries and how important they are to the work of helping others receive salvation. Something was said that was powerful to me was " full time missionaries are only there to support the members in missionary work." The brethren really emphasized the importance of member missionaries. I have realized that this time on the mission will be just a small part, we all have the responsibility to be member missionaries! The work members do is so important, I have realized this so much in the last month! Please, I plead with you to help others to come unto Christ. This is the most important work on the Earth, I testify that this is true and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this great work. 
Thank you for all of your love and support, I love you all more than you know. This last week I was really missing home so I prayed really hard that I would receive mail, and the next day I received four letters in the mail. I believe that this was a tender mercy of the Lord. Thank you all of you for being answers to my prayers. 
I received a package from Kaylie and the Grandparents! It was excited and wonderful to hear from all of you! Grandma- thank you for the cardigans, it's funny that I don't really actually remember why I asked you for that color... I think I was tired that morning I called. 
I am grateful for the friends I have already made while I have been here. There are some amazing people here, I am so blessed!
What can I do for all of you?! How is everyone? 
Well I love you all so much! Take care. 
Sister Barnett 

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