Blog of Cloyd

Email 88

2012-02-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

So, about my week. There are a few things I would like to share with you this week.

I'll start off by telling you a little about the challenges that come from being a missionary. This last week there were plenty of those; we met so many people last week who seemed absolutely opposed to the spreading of the gospel. It was crazy.

For example, yesterday Elder Robinson and I were looking for an inactive member of the church. We went the address that was on the ward list, but when we arrived we realized that we didn't have the full address: he lived in a block of flats and we only had the street number, not the letter of the flat. So, we went inside and knocked a few of the doors to try and see if any of the other residents knew the man we were looking for.

At one of the doors a middle-aged man opened. He was dressed rather strangely. He had this French-looking hat on and was dressed up as if he were ready to go out to a poetry club. We asked him about this inactive member and he told us that that man had moved long ago. Then he asked us if we were Mormons. When we told him we were, he basically told us that we were ridiculous for believing in God and everything else. He started ridiculing the Church: calling us racists, polygamists, you name it. As he ridiculed us he used some nasty swear words.

After one particular swear word, I calmly said, "Will not please not use that word in front of me?"

Well, that set this man off. He got really mad and started shouting at me, deliberately using that word at least a dozen times in the one sentence. He then continued mocking us and what we were doing. I told him that we were leaving and we started to walk away as he slammed the door in our face, still cursing us as he did so. He was one of the most hostile people I have met on my mission.

Then, today Elder Robinson and I were walking in the city centre for our P-Day. I was walking a little ahead of Elder Robinson when I heard someone, who was really upset, start shouting. I turned around to see this man, absolutely infuriated, clenching the shoulder of Elder Robinson's jacket and shouting obscenities into his ear. I quickly ran over there and grabbed the guy's arm. He let go of Elder Robinson and started to walk off, cursing us and the Church as he did so. It was insane!

So, those are a few of the crazy things that happened this last week.

All the other things that happened were great. :)

Gabriel and Shani, our recent converts, both stood at the pulpit in sacrament meeting this last Sunday and told their conversion stories to the ward members. That was a great experience. They both bore powerful testimonies, and it was obvious that they understood what they had been taught from the way they spoke. I was so proud and happy as I watched them. Every time I see those I have taught and baptized participate in the Church, it makes every single part of my mission 100% worth it. I am so glad that I am out here serving the Lord. I remember back to when I taught Derek Steen. Once he was baptized in Airdrie, I literally said, "If nothing else happens on my mission, I can go home happy." Not so! I realized in that sacrament meeting how wrong I was to say that. There have been so many more great experiences on my mission since that time. Yes, baptizing Derek was perhaps the greatest accomplishment of my mission, but I would never be completely happy without having seen Shani and Gabriel and James and everyone else baptized, too. Each of them means so much to me and I am so grateful to the Lord for allowing me the opportunity to teach them His gospel plan.

Anyways, that is all I will share with you this week because time is running out. I hope you have a great week and know that I love you all.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email 86

2012-02-11T08:47:00.003-07:00

Hello,

Anyways, now about my week. We got transfer calls this morning, and I am staying here another 6 weeks. Elder Smith is leaving me and is going to Cumbernauld, around Glasgow. He leaves on Wednesday. My new companion, Elder Robinson, arrives that day also. I have never met Elder Robinson. I am told that he has been out for 6 months and that he is from Australia! Cool! :) And, President Griffiths told me, he is very shy and part of my job will to try and break him out of that shell. :) I am happy about that--there is something endearing about shy people, I think.

That's all I know so far. I am excited about transfers. I was hoping I would move, but I am excited that I am getting a new companion, anyways. Getting a new companion is almost as good as getting a new area. Almost. :)

Other exciting news: Gabriel Koba was baptized yesterday! :) Wahoo! I have attached photos of that. There are three photos: one of Gabriel, Elder Smith, and myself; another of Gabriel and his wife, Linda; and another of Brother Gall and I. I thought I would take a photo with Brother Gall at the baptism, because it was the perfect opportunity and I may never actually see him baptized, although we have been teaching him longer than anyone else. Haha.

Anyways, the baptism was great. Elder Smith was really worried that he wouldn't be able to dunk Gabriel in one go because he is quite a big fella, but I acted as one of the witnesses to the ordinance and it seemed to me that Gabriel got dunked no bother.

Afterward, while he and Elder Smith were getting dressed, I sat by his step son and his wife on the front row of the chapel. The man conducting the service invited all who wished to come up and bear their testimony. After a few testimonies, Gabriel and Elder Smith walked in, and when Gabriel sat down by his wife she gave him a bouquet of flowers. :) It was very sweet. There was a special spirit there.

When Gabriel had come back into the chapel, I bore my testimony. I love bearing my testimony at a baptism. It is such a fulfilling thing, seeing someone make that step. I was able to tell Gabriel once again that I knew the Lord loved him, and that He was proud of the tremendous step of faith he had just taken. Being able to stand there and bear my testimony to him was the capstone of an already fantastic day. I am very glad I took that opportunity to share my feelings with him.

Anyways, other than the baptism the thing of greatest mention this week was perhaps all the snow we received. It snowed most of the day on Saturday, and Elder Smith and I were wrapped up very, very warm. We actually spent the majority of the morning building a swing set for a member family in the ward. The father of the family has arthritis, and so he couldn't assemble this swing set without us. It was terribly cold building the thing in the snow, but we had a good feeling doing it. :) They are a wonderful family.

I love you all, and I hope you all have a great week. :)

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email # 85

2012-01-30T13:16:00.001-07:00

Hello,

No, Brother Gall is not the minister I mentioned; he is just a very involved member of another church. The minister's name is Paul and we haven't been able to see him for a while because he has been ill. We have an appointment to see him next Tuesday. And no, Shani and Gabriel did not know each other before they met at church, after we had taught them both.

Anyways, I have had a really good week. Today was another great P-Day. We went to St. Andrews today, the home of golf! How cool is that? we took pictures on the super-famous, old bridge there on the Old Course, and we bought golf balls to take home as souvenirs. :) It was fun. I have attached photos.

Anyways, other than that, another fun part of my week was the Burns Night. Burns Night is a celebration of Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns. To be honest, I don't know anything about him except for the fact that his moral standards lousy. But, Burns Night at the church was fun: our ward made haggis and turnips and we listened to some Scottish poetry from members of the ward and watched some of the little girls in the ward dance some Scottish dances. It made me proud to be here in Scotland. :)

Most exciting of all, Gabriel Koba accepted the invitation to be baptized on the 5th of February, this coming Sunday! :) Elder Smith and I are so excited about this. We had been asking Gabriel for about a week and a half to pray and ask God if he should be baptized on that day, and finally on Saturday he called us and told us that he would. :) I was grinning from ear to ear. When Gabriel gets baptized it will be the second one this transfer. That will be the first time on my mission that I have witnessed two baptisms in one transfer. What a blessing!

Everyone says that the last six months of your mission are the best, and I believe that my last six months will be. This coming Sunday is moves call, where I find out if I am staying here in Dundee another six weeks or getting transferred. I am hopeful that I will get transferred, but I will be happy with whatever happens. I am sure that the Lord has a lot in store for me in these last few months I have left.

Everyone back home should pray that, if the Lord is willing, I transfer down to the Republic of Ireland! :)

Anyways, that is all I really have to say this week. I hope everyone back home is well and I hope that you all have a great week. I love you all.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

P.S. I have attached a photo of Sister Murray scooping some haggis on her plate at the Burns Night. Yum! :)

Email 84

2012-01-23T13:08:00.001-07:00

Hello,

We had a good week this last week, and a good day today. Today we went to Arbroath Abbey with the Clarkes, the senior couple here. They are the best. I love asking senior couples to take us out sight seeing! It is always great. Elder Jones and I did the same thing with the Holts in Northern Ireland: they took us everywhere we wanted to go and provided lunch on the way. Today the Clarkes took us everywhere and provided snacks on the way, and they even paid our ticket fee into the abbey! They refused to let me pay. I love going sight seeing with senior couples.

Anyways, I have attached a few photos from our sight seeing. The Arbroath Abbey is famous because, at least in part, the Declaration of Arbroath was signed there in 1320, which is regarded as a spirited statement of Scotland's claim to freedom. The abbey was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion. 1178! That is old.

Other than that, last week we had 4 investigators come to church. That was a huge blessing. Brother Gall was there, as usual. (He has been to church only 2 times fewer than Elder Smith and I; 13 times in total.) Shani was there, and was confirmed a member of the church by our ward mission leader, Brother Murray. And then we had Gabriel and Bobby there. I will tell you a bit more about them.

Bobby is a referral from the other Dundee elders. They called us last Saturday and asked us what we were doing later that day, because they had an appointment for us. Luckily, we had no appointments at the time and so we were able to go. We went and met Bobby, a 21 year old who is looking to learn more about God and find help from Him. Bobby is a recovering heroine addict, and he lives at home with his mum. When we met with him on Saturday we taught him the beginning of the Plan of Salvation and invited him to come to church. He came and had a great time--perhaps because our ward is full of attractive girls his age. Haha. Actually, that definitely added to his enjoyment. We know because he told us. :) We are planning to get Bobby very involved in the YSA scene.

Gabriel came to church for the third time yesterday. He is doing great. He was married to his partner Linda last Friday and told us at church that now that he is married we can pick a date for his baptism. Although we haven't discussed it with him yet, Elder Smith and I are hoping to schedule him for the fifth of February. We are sure that he can reach that date. We have been able to teach him 2 full lessons so far: the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation. When we were teaching the Plan of Salvation, Gabriel did something that really impressed us and that has given us confidence in his ability to be baptized on February fifth. Gabriel randomly asked us what our view was on smoking and drinking. Elder Smith told him rather bluntly that in our church we do not smoke or drink tea, coffee, or alcohol. Rather than questioning why, Gabriel told us that he was going to quit every single one of those immediately. We offered to help him by going through a program with him, but he refused. He said that he got himself into this situation and that he was going to get himself out of it. And he has! When he came to church on Sunday he proudly told us that he was no longer smoking or drinking tea or coffee.

So, that is how our investigators are doing. Other than them, Brother Gall is just moseying along. :) He is sort of puzzling to Elder Smith, Brother Murray, and myself. We don't really know why he won't accept a date to be baptized, and we are starting to think that he is just going to be a slow mover. I am not really too bothered with that. If he keeps coming to church and having a great time like he is, I don't care if it takes him a year to get baptized. One day he will, and when that day comes, I will be just as happy for him as if it had been today. I love Brother Gall and I love visiting him and sharing the Gospel with him. He is a great friend.

Speaking of people who get baptized after years and years, I just found out this week that a woman Elder Turner and I were teaching in Bangor got baptized this last week. Her name is Jennifer. She had investigated the church for years, but was never baptized--she just couldn't live the Word of Wisdom all the way. Elder Turner and I got close with her, but the same problem prevented her from getting baptized when we were there. I am happy that some elders were finally able to work it out with her and get her baptized. :)

Anyways, that is all for me. I hope you all have a good week and know that I am doing great here and loving life.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email 83

2012-01-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello,

We had a good week here. I will tell you about a few things.

First of all, Shani's baptism was yesterday. :) It was great. Elder Smith baptized him and he got him under the water in just one dunk! Wahoo! :) I have attached some photos from the baptism. We had a great turnout from the ward members, and there was tons of desserts and treats provided by them following the baptism.

Unfortunately, all the treats led to me feeling ill! I had a terrible night last night. I laid in bed from 10:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m., at which point I puked in the toilet. Yuck. I puked three more times after that and didn't actually get any sleep until 3:30 a.m. today. The worst thing is that Elder Smith might be getting my illness now. I think I was sick because of food poisoning at the baptism, but now that Elder Smith feels sick as well I am not sure.

Anyways, that was that. The next experience I want to tell you about happened on Tuesday when I was in Perth on exchanges with Elder Barney. Elder Barney and I went to the Perth Branch's Book of Mormon class that evening. There were only about 5 people at the class. I introduced myself to all of them. One of the older woman in the class asked me where I was from. When I told her I was from Mesa, Arizona, she asked me, "Do you know Tom Clark?" I told her that it didn't ring a bell. But then she rephrased his name and asked me if I knew E. Tom Clark, and instantly I remembered that Kimberly's dad and grandpa's initials are E. T. Clark. I told her that I was very good friends with a Kimberly Clark, who was probably Tom Clark's granddaughter. She then told me that Tom Clark was the missionary that first taught her and her husband the gospel 50 years ago. She told me that he and his companion had knocked on her door when they were young missionaries. Her and her husband had listened and been baptized in 1961.

I was so excited to have a connection with this woman. Her name is Anne Crook. She told me that because of Elder Clark, she has 7 children who are all members of the church, and that one of them is now serving as a member of the stake presidency in a Scotland stake. Her and her husband are very active, and Elder Barney had nothing but good things to say about them.

How cool is that? Small world! I think this is a perfect example of how I will never be able to measure the effects of my missionary service. The effects of these 2 short years is endless. If I bring one person into this church and they stay active, that harvest will continue to grow and grow into infinity.

It was obvious that Elder Clark had a profound influence on Sister Crook. She told our class about the powerful witness of his testimony, and how her and her husband had wondered, "How can he say that he knows this church is true?"

I am so grateful to be able to teach people here as a missionary. It is a tremendous privilege.

I've got to go. I hope you all have a great week and know that I love you.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email 82

2012-01-12T14:27:00.006-07:00

Hello,

Well, things are looking good! We have two solid investigators with baptismal dates in January. Both of these investigators are from Africa. The first is being baptized this coming Sunday. His name is Shani. The second is a man named Gabriel. He is being baptized the following Sunday (although that date may be pushed back just one week).

First I will tell you about Gabriel. We met him late one evening on the street as we were on our way to an appointment. If my memory serves me right, we were in a huge rush. Luckily, the Spirit prompted us to stop Gabriel despite our rush. That night he told us he was marrying a Christian and that he wanted to learn all he could about Christianity. We set up a time to meet with him a few days later.

Anyways, when we went by for our appointment Gabriel wasn't in. We didn't think much of it--I can't tell you how many times I have thought people on the street will definitely be in for our appointment and they let us down. It happens constantly. The sad thing was that, as far as Elder Smith and I understood, Gabriel had told us the night we met him on the street that he would only be in Dundee for a week--that after that he was going to Holland and wasn't coming back. So, when Gabriel missed his first appointment with us, we thought that was it: we would never see him again.

Well, a week or two later, during the afternoon, we were in Gabriel's "multi", which is a very tall apartment building, with at least 20 floors of 6 apartments each. The person we were going to go visit that afternoon wasn't in, and our backup plan wasn't in either, so we were standing in this multi wondering what to do. Gabriel's name came to my memory, and even though I remembered that he was supposed to be out of the country we decided to go by anyways. It was a good thing we did, because Gabriel answered the door and let us straight into his home. That afternoon we had a great lesson with him about the Restoration. We watched the 30 minute movie with him. He told us it was powerful and that he wanted to read the Book of Mormon and come to church with us.

That was a Saturday. We were excited. What added more to our excitement was that Gabriel was ready for church the next morning when we came to pick him up. He walked for 15 minutes with us to the church and had a great time.

After that weekend, the Christmas season fell upon Dundee--including Gabriel. He went out of town until this last Friday. We weren't in contact with him at all until Saturday.

Saturday we phoned Gabriel and asked how he was. He told us that he was great, that the holiday season had been fun, and that he was glad to be home. Then, without us even asking, he told us that he wanted to come to church again. :)

Yesterday we went by and picked him up for church. This time we had a lift and so we arrived at the church building 30 minutes before the services began. So, we had a lesson with Gabriel. We asked him to tell us what he remembered from the lesson we had had with him at least 3 or 4 weeks before. We were so happy when he recited the First Vision for us as if he were the missionary.

Gabriel loved church yesterday, and he told us afterwards that he wants to meet with us "at least 3 to 6 times a week" so that he can learn about Jesus Christ and prepare for his baptism. He is coming to Shani's this Sunday, too.

We are super excited about him. His story is a little miracle--the kind that happens all the time in my work. There are so many miracles that occur in this work. I am sure that I overlook and take for granted most of them.

Anyways, that is all the time I have. I guess I will tell you about Shani next week. In the meantime, just pray for him to get baptized this Sunday! :)

I love you all,

Elder Barton

Email Number 81

2012-01-12T14:27:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I am so glad the holidays are over. I am sure that we will start teaching more lessons now and that my emails will get more interesting. Because, honestly, not much happens over the Christmas season. We have one progressing investigator at the moment, Shani. He is doing great. Everyone else has just been off the radar for weeks!

I was able to make some new years resolutions, myself. I am super excited about them. I love making goals. I don't know why. I just love it. I have my goals stuck up on my wall where I see them every single day. I have decided that looking at your goals every day is the only possible way you can ever accomplish them. If you want a scripture reference for that, see Mosiah 1, verses 1 through 5, paying attention to the phrase, "always before our eyes."

Anyways, I guess I will tell you about Paul and Mary. Paul is a baptist minister we are teaching. We had our second lesson with him this last Monday. Man, does he know his Bible. It is nuts. I was so nervous going in there to teach him. His wife, Mary, is very good friends with a member in the ward. Paul and Mary actually just moved into this member's old house a few weeks ago. Just after she moved in we ran into her on the street and she said we could come visit her and her husband.

Paul went to university in England studying religion. He has lived all over the world--he has moved house 39 times. When he was at university he studied Mormonism, and he would have to pair up, in this class, with another student in the class and pretend like they were Mormon missionaries. While they were acting as these missionaries, they would have to defend Mormon beliefs to other Christians who were trying to tear them apart. Can you say, "wow"? Ya.

Anyways, the great thing is that when we went to teach him for the second time on Monday, while I was really nervous at the start, my nerves soon left me. It is easy to teach people the gospel because it all comes back to the Book of Mormon. Paul has tons of questions--some of them are very good questions--and there is no possible way Elder Smith and I can possibly answer all of them. We simply don't know enough. But the great thing is that we don't have to! :) All we need to do is teach simply and humbly, and bear our testimony that if Paul and Mary will sincerely read and pray about the Book of Mormon, they will receive a witness that it is indeed a book from God, and all their questions will be put to rest.

I love the Book of Mormon. One of my new years resolutions is to read it for half an hour every day this year. That resolution is inspired from President Ezra Taft Benson's talk, "The Book of Mormon is the Word of God". He encourages that practice in that talk. And I know that he gave that counsel years and years ago, but I believe it is still great counsel today. When I was at BYU I read the Book of Mormon for half an hour everyday, and, just like President Benson promises, it kept me as close to the Spirit of the Lord as anything possibly could have. My love for that book and my testimony of Christ grew so much through that process. So, this year I have recommitted to doing that. And I am going to do it way past 2012--I am going to keep doing this for the rest of my life.

One last story. On New Years Day we had to do service for two hours. That was something President Griffiths asked. Well, Elder Smith and I didn't find out that we had to plan this service project until the day before from our zone leaders, so we had no idea what we could do. We decided to call the Williams, the family we spent New Years Day with, and ask them if they could arrange something for us to do at their house. They had just moved in that week and so we figured they must have tons of stuff they needed done.

Well, we show up at their house on New Years Day and Sister Williams shows us what she has for our service project. She took us up to her room and gave us five big bags full of socks. There were so many socks. Then she told us that she wanted us to fold them all into pairs. Haha. She gave us this grin that seemed to say, "You suckers!", and left. Haha. Elder Smith and I spent forever putting socks into pairs. It was awful, but pretty funny at the same time.

Well, that's enough from me. :) I will talk to you again on Monday. Until then, have a great week. :)

Love,

Elder Barton

Email #78

2011-12-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

*the most recent email was just all answers from my mom so I won't be posting it. But the pictures are from that email! :)

Hello,

You should come to Scotland, Mom! We probably visit people like your cat woman four or five times a week. In fact, funny story. This last week we were in someone's home, and they had a little dog who lived inside. Well, I sit on the couch and he comes over to sniff and lick me. All of the sudden he jumps up on the armrest of the couch and I stand up to pick him up and put him back on the floor. As I stand up, he moves from the armrest of the couch to where I had been sitting. Then, he gets nervous and takes a leak all over my seat. Haha. This has happened at least three times as we have visited this investigator. I love knowing that I am sitting on a couch that the dog has tinkled on over and over again.... Not. :)

I can't believe Emma is going to be in Florida all summer! Rude! Actually, this might not be that bad after all! Why? Because Derek and Amanda Steen get married in June of next year and they are planning on doing that in Florida! I know this because I got a surprise phone call from Derek Steen this week! :) Elder Smith and I were sitting in a member's home this last week, and while we were waiting for dinner to be ready we had two phone calls from a number I did not recognize. The second time this number phoned, I answered, and it was Derek! I was so surprised that I think I yelled in this member's home. Anyways, we talked for five minutes and he told me that they will be in Florida next year and that I can come visit them and stay with them in their condo for as long as I want. (I think they have a timeshare thing there.) So, I could go visit Emma in Florida after I get home and see Derek and Amanda and their family sealed in the temple while I am there. That sounds easy to me.

By the way, Derek is doing amazing. :) He loves the Cumbernauld Ward, and he was just ordained an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood last week. :) He and Amanda are serving as ward missionaries in their ward, and they are very, very active. I have talked to the missionaries who serve in their area many times since I left Airdrie, and they have always had so many positive things to say about the Steens. The elders always say that the Steens are some of their absolute favorite people in the ward. :) I cannot begin to explain how happy it makes me feel to hear good news about the Steens.

Anyways, about Arthur Gall. He is doing great. He has been to church seven times now! Haha. I have never had an investigator who has been so committed and consistent, perhaps Derek Steen being the only exception. Arthur Gall, who we call Brother Gall, was at our ward family home evening last week, and this week he is going to a special early-morning adult seminary class every day at 7:00 a.m. with the other dedicated ward members. He is terrific.

Brother Gall is very comfortable with Elder Smith and I, and we have talked to him about baptism a lot now. When Elder Smith and I prayed about a date for him to be baptized on, we felt good about the 17th of December (yes, my birthday :) ). So, we have talked to him about that date, and he is praying about it and pondering about it. He says he will be baptized very soon, but he wants to make sure this is the last time he gets baptized--he was just baptized in his Seventh Day Adventist church five years ago. He wants to be sure he is doing the right thing. However, we are hopeful that he will be baptized on the 17th. Yesterday evening we went and taught him with a member of the stake presidency who he is friends with, and this stake presidency member told us that he is confident that Brother Gall will get baptized on the 17th. I hope he is right. I can't think of a better birthday present! :)

There are really no barriers to Brother Gall getting baptized. We only have two or three more lessons with him and then we have taught him everything we need to. After that, it is just up to him.

Anyways, it was a good week. I want to thank Dad for his letter. After I read your letter, the next day we were in a members home teaching about missionary work. We read D&C 84:88. That scripture stuck out to me like never before; I'm sure you will understand why. Anyways, it has gained a special place in my heart and I have committed it to memory. Thank you, Dad.

Well, that is all the time I have to talk to you this week. Sorry I don't have any really good stories this week. I will talk to you all soon.

Love,

Elder Barton

Email 77 and... THE KILT.

2011-11-28T22:21:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving itself was really lame for Elder Smith and I--we didn't have a dinner appointment so we ended up making enchiladas at our flat. They were only decent. However, we weren't disappointed because two or three days before, on Monday, the Clarkes, a senior couple here in the Dundee zone, made all the Dundee missionaries an delicious Thanksgiving dinner. The Clarkes are amazing: Elder Clarke used to be a stake president and then the Mt. Timpanogas Temple President, and Sister Clarke is a fabulous cook. :) I was very proud of myself when we ate the Clarke's dinner because I was the only one in the whole zone who could stomach seconds. Everyone else was full after one plate! (Granted, the plates were enormous.) How pathetic is that? There were some big elders there, too.

We don't really have any Christmas plans yet. Just yesterday a member family invited us over for Christmas Eve, but other than that we haven't really talked about it with any members. We have quite a while yet to figure it all out.

We haven't been able to see Derek since the last email. He is working on getting a job and so he cancelled our last meeting. We don't really mind. We'll see him when we see him. The pram lady is not doing very good. I can't get a hold of her. I don't know if she is really that interested in meeting with us. We will just keep trying to call her and see what happens. Its sad when we have amazing miracles with people and then they don't progress at all. There's not much we can do, though.

For starters, today, in addition to getting my kilt, I bought a Christmas tree. I am going to have it up in our flat for all of December. I am so excited to set it up tonight.

Other than that, the week was really normal. There are not any outstanding miracles that I wish to share. I will tell you a little bit about Arthur Gall and how he is doing.

Arthur Gall is evidence that the Lord is working on each and every one of us all of our lives. God and Jesus Christ will never give up on us while we still have a chance to be saved. They constantly long to bless us. They send messages our way each and every day, and they have their hands stretched out all the day long to save us.

I say that Arthur is the evidence of all this because we have been working with him for quite a while now. As I have said, we found him our first full week here, and we have been teaching him consistently since then. He has come to church six times in a row now. We have taught him almost everything that is needed for baptism, and we have talked to him about baptism numerous times. However, despite how many times we have talked about it, and despite his belief in the Book of Mormon and his church attendance, Arthur still doesn't have a baptismal date. The reasons for that are numerous and complicated, although they are not very concerning. The gist of the matter is just that he is a slow mover.

Anyways, I have been praying regularly for the Lord to soften Arthur's heart and to help him desire baptism, and this week I think I saw many times that the Lord is doing just that--day by day, little by little, he is working on Brother Gall; God is softening his heart towards the church and baptism, and he is pulling him away from his other church--a church he is very, very active in.

Until last week, Arthur would rarely say anything negative about his other church, the Seventh-day Adventist church. He seemed to love the people there and the teachings. The only thing he would express concern about was the church's founder, Ellen G. White. (I think that is her name.) To their church, she is a prophet. Brother Gall likes most of what she says, but some of it he says is just stupid. Anyways, that is the only negative he ever gave us about that church. But in the last week he has been telling us over and over all the problems he is finding there. He says that the people are there just to socialize, that no one really listens to the sermon, and that they demand too much of him. I don't really know if this is good or bad, all this complaining about his other church, but I am going to go with it and take it as a good thing. Maybe the Lord sometimes works on people, helping them to join his restored church, by making them disinterested and dissatisfied with what they are currently experiencing.

Anyways, that is the update on Arthur. He was at stake conference yesterday, and he was able to talk to President Griffiths for ten minutes at least. We were pretty happy about that. :)

I love you all. Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email 76

2011-11-21T17:13:00.001-07:00

Hello,

This week I want to tell you about a man we are teaching named Derek and some miracles we had with him in the last week.

Elder Smith and I found Derek about a week and a half ago. We were out in Dundee city centre one night street contacting. One of the people we stopped was Derek. Derek is from Poland, and he is very large; he looks like he could play quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. Derek doesn't speak English very well, but from talking with him we were able to find out that he is homeless, and that he sleeps on the streets each night. He told us that he was here in Scotland to find work, and that he wanted to pay for his wife and two teenage boys to come over here as soon as possible.

That night we told Derek that we could help him. We set up an appointment to meet him at our church, which is about a thirty minute bus ride from the city centre.

Well, a few days later our appointment came. Elder Smith and I waited for Derek at the church for twenty minutes but he did not come. We called him two or three times to see where he was, but there was no answer.

A dropped appointment isn't really a big surprise, so Elder Smith and I went about the rest of our day as normal. About two hours after we were meant to meet with Derek, we are in a totally different part of our area, and who do we see but Derek walking towards us at a bus stop. I get up from the bus bench to say hi to him and notice that he doesn't look very happy. When I ask him what is wrong, he starts saying in broken English that we didn't show up for our appointment. His English was so bad that I could only catch fragments of what he was trying to say, but I gathered enough to know that he thought we had bailed on him and he was upset because he had wasted a lot of time and maybe even some money paying for a bus. I tried my best to tell him that, in reality, we had been waiting for him at the church and he had not show up, but he couldn't understand what I was saying and stormed off in frustration, saying words that would indicate he didn't ever want to see us or meet with us again.

After he stormed off, I looked at Elder Smith and said, "I don't think he understands what I was trying to tell him. Let's go chase after him." Elder Smith was fairly convinced that chasing after an angry, huge, Polish man was a bad idea, but I insisted and so we followed Derek to a street corner a short distance from the bus stop where we had been. Derek was sitting on a brick wall on this street corner, obviously put out. We told him once again that we were here to help him and that we wanted to meet with him. After looking at some of his maps, we all came to the agreement that he had been at the wrong place for our appointment. We set up another time to meet with him, this time in the city centre's post office, a location we all understood.

So, the day came for our second appointment. We arrived at the post office on time and so did Derek. We walked with him to the city library, which is located in a large mall, and there we taught him the English alphabet and, using some Polish pamphlets, how God is his Heavenly Father and how through prayer he can receive help from Him. We even printed off some sections on prayer and the Restoration in Polish from lds.org so that Derek could study until our next appointment. When our appointment ended, we left, and Derek stayed in the library to look for jobs on Google.

After Derek, Elder Smith and I had lunch. We decided that we would just grab something quick at the food court in the mall and then go to our next appointment. We ate at Burger King. Elder Smith and I both ordered the double angus beef burger meal. :) He got his much faster than I did. As he was eating, I had an epiphany. "Why don't we save some of our food and give it to Derek in the library after?", I asked Elder Smith. He told me that there was no way he was giving Derek some of his double angus beef burger. That ended that idea. Haha.

I got my food, and when I was half way through my burger, I realized that Burger King had given me a single angus beef burger, not a double. I looked at my receipt, and sure enough, they had messed up my order. I asked Elder Smith if I should say anything to them. He then suggested that I did and that if they gave me another burger we could go and give it to Derek, since he is homeless and doesn't have anything to eat.

So, I went and told Burger King my problem, and sure enough, they gave me a double angus beef burger for free. :) When I had finished my meal, Elder Smith and I walked back into the library. Derek was sitting at the same computer he had been at half an hour earlier. We gave him the burger and I think we made his day. :) He was very grateful. As we left the library the second time, Elder Smith looked at me and said, "Don't you just have a good feeling?"

I think the Lord planned for Burger King to mess up my order. I think he planned for us to run into Derek again after he missed our first appointment. I think He knows and loves Derek dearly, and He wants to help him in any way He can. It is such a blessing to be a tool of the Lord in blessing His children, children like Derek. :) God is our Father, and He knows our needs and will provide. Everything will work out all right if we are faithful.

Anyways, that's all the time I have. I will talk to you next week.

Love,

Elder Barton

Email 75

2011-11-15T14:17:00.001-07:00

Hello,

What a week! Thanks for all the information, Mom. I was thinking about the wedding many times this week and I was sort of bummed I was going to miss it all. But, once I realized that Seth and Emma couldn't go in the temple and see it either I didn't feel so bad. :) Ha!

I can't believe they are married! That is great. I can't wait to get all the photos from the photographer. Also, where are Josh and Sarah going to go for Christmas this year? :) I am sure this is going to be difficult. If they stay in Utah I will probably get to finally talk to Sarah. If not, I guess I will just have to wait until June. :) Either way I will be fine.

I don't know what else to say about the wedding. I hope it was great. What a memorable week this has been.

Anyways, this week has been very good here in Dundee. I love Dundee, by the way. It is such a great city. I will definitely come and visit here if I ever come back to Scotland after my mission.

Here is just a random reason why I love Scotland: the chippy. Today I took Elder Smith to eat for his first time at the chippy. A chippy is a small restaurant where chips (known to Americans as fries) and fried things are served. You can get a fish supper, sausage supper, fried pizza supper, you name it. Whatever you get, you can bet that it will be battered and then fried. It is delicious. Sometimes you can even get fried Mars bars. Wow! I love the chippy.

Anyways, I will now go to some more spiritual reasons why I love Scotland. :) We had a lot of those this week, too.

First I will tell you about our scripture study class. Elder Smith and I have started holding a scripture study class at the church every week on a Thursday night. We started this class as a way to find new investigators in the area. Last week was our first class and we talked about the introductory pages to the Book of Mormon; the title page, the introduction page, the testimonies of the three and eight witnesses, the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, etc.. It was a lot of fun.

Unfortunately, this first time we didn't find very many people to teach from the class--only our current investigators turned up. At seven o'clock in the evening when the class started there was only Elder Smith, Arthur Gall, Bobby Duncan and myself there, and we were the only ones in attendance the whole night.

Anyways, I pounded through a hymn on the piano for us, we had an opening prayer, and then Elder Smith talked to us about these introductory pages of the Book of Mormon for about an hour. We had a good time, with tons of class participation from myself, Arthur, and Bobby.

Near the end of the class, Elder Smith read to us the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was definitely in the room as he read. After he had finished, we all shared what stuck out to us while he was reading. Then Elder Smith bore us his testimony on the Book of Mormon and its divine origin. I then did the same at his request.

Here is the great part: after our two testimonies, as Elder Smith was about to close the lesson with a prayer, something felt undone; the Spirit was telling both Elder Smith and I that something more needed to be said, although neither of us had any idea what it was. Feeling this way, I looked at Elder Smith, he looked at me--both of us sort of puzzled. We both looked as if we were about to speak.

Just then, Arthur raised his hand and hurriedly said, "I feel that I, too, can give testimony tonight." My face instantly turned from puzzlement to glee. :) Arthur proceeded to bear testimony to all of us that he, too, knew that the Book of Mormon was true. He said, among other things, "I've had this book in my house for a long time now, and it is no coincidence that you missionaries and I met on the bus four weeks ago. I believe that the Book of Mormon is true. If it wasn't true, the Lord would have told me by now. I love reading it. I look forward to reading it every day."

Arthur's testimony was lovely. I was smiling from ear to ear as he spoke. :) There is probably no greater joy I have as a missionary than to see others accept and love the things that we teach them. This is what is happening to Arthur.

Anyways, after his testimony, everyone's eyes turned to Bobby. :) "Is there anything you want to say?" Elder Smith asked. Bobby then proceeded to tell us about his experiences in the church over the last few weeks. He told us that he had met us on the street a few weeks before, and that when we spoke to him then he felt something, and so he invited us back. He told us that he had wanted to change his life, and that he was doing that when we met him. He told us that the day we met him on the street was the remembrance day for a daughter of his that had died. Three years before then, she had passed away, and so when he met us, he was looking for God and we were able to, through the Spirit, fill that hole.

Bobby also told us that he has epilepsy, and that from the day he started meeting with us and praying, he hasn't had one epileptic fit, and that from the day we taught him about the Word of Wisdom, he hasn't even wanted a cigarette. By the end of his testimony, Bobby had tears in his eyes. It was a wonderful thing to be there and see him and feel the Spirit of his testimony.

What a great work this is! I love it. I love being here with Elder Smith, walking around and teaching others about Jesus Christ and helping them through filling His shoes. I love to know that I have done what He would do if He Himself were here. That is my calling--to say and do what the Lord would say and do if He Himself were ministering to the very people I serve.

It reminds me of one of the last lines from my absolute favorite talk, Think on Christ, by President Ezra Taft Benson. He said,

I testify to you that there is no greater, more thrilling, and more soul-enobling challenge than to try to learn of Christ and walk in His steps....

“What would Jesus do?” or “What would He have me do?” are the paramount personal questions of this life. Walking in His way is the greatest achievement of life. That man or woman is most truly successful whose life most closely parallels that of the Master.

I know the Lord lives. I know that He loves us. I know that apart from Him no one can succeed, but as a partner with Him no one can fail.
I know that God can make a lot more out of our lives than we can.
May we all have the moral courage from this moment forward to more fully strive each day to think on Christ, learn of Him, walk in His steps, and do what He would have us do.
That is the truth. When we truly ask ourselves those two questions President Benson suggested as often as we possibly can and then follow through with our thoughts, the Lord makes more out of our lives than we possibly can on our own. His only goal is to give us eternal life with Him and His Father. He loves us and He wants the best for us. As we follow Him, we will find more happiness in His steps than could be found on any other path. As a missionary, I have learned this truth, and I am trying my best to follow it each and every day of my life.
I love you all, and I hope you have another great week.
Sincerely,
Elder Barton

Email 74

2011-11-08T10:58:00.002-07:00

Hello,

So, about the lady with the pram. She couldn't make the appointment we set up because she had to go and visit her gran at the last minute. We haven't been able to set up another appointment with her since then, so nothing much has really happened as of now. We will keep calling her this week and hopefully we can get something set up! Sorry there isn't more information for you at the moment!

No, I don't need new shoes. Only one of the three pairs of shoes that I came out here with looks bad. The other three are totally fine and I will just wear them down to the ground.

I love how your Sunday is totally different from Dad's. Haha it sound like Primary is an absolute riot. I hope the primary program works out this Sunday.

The last package I received from you was the one that had Brother Alder's CD in it. It had some salt water taffy and licorice. I will probably get the latest package tomorrow because our zone leaders are going to Edinburgh for a zone and district leader council tomorrow and I will be seeing them the second they get back to Dundee. When they come back to Dundee they will bring any packages for missionaries in the zone and so I'll get yours then.

That's so great that Seth blessed the sacrament today! Wow! I am so proud of him. Elder Wadsworth, my companion in the MTC, used to always say this to me, and I love it: "Every missionary is a miracle". He was saying that all missionaries are miracles because the world is so wicked today that a young man who is worthy to represent the Lord for two years is a miracle all by himself. I think it is the same with worthy priests. Any young man who is worthy to bless the sacrament in this wicked world we live in is a miracle all by himself. You are a great, Seth. Keep up the good work!

That is an awesome photo of Josh and Sarah, Mom. Absolutely awesome. I think you are an excellent photographer. You can definitely take my engagement photos, too. :) By the way, I want you to send me some prints of the photos from Josh's wedding. I want as many photos as you can afford to print and send--at least as many as you sent me after the family trip to the U.K. last year!

So, I went and picked up all my kilt stuff today. The kilt itself is still being made and will take up until the beginning of December, but I took all the other stuff home. I went and put it all on when Elder Smith was writing letters and then I made him take some dorky pictures of me in the kilt outfit, minus the kilt, plus my running shorts. Haha. I have attached most of those photos to this email. I cannot wait to get the whole thing!

Anyways, I am so excited for Josh and Sarah's wedding. I cannot believe how fast it is coming. Wow. I am sending a letter home to those two, but I doubt it will get there before you leave to D.C., so they will just have to read it after. But congratulations and have a fantastic time! I wish I could be there to see it all!

My week was very good. We had some great lessons. The Lord has blessed us with some great people to teach here in Liff. I think I will tell you today about Bobby. He is our most progressing investigator right now.

I approached Bobby four weeks ago when he was walking with his two girls home. He has a daughter named Chloe and a daughter named Debbie. Chloe is nine years old and Debbie is sixteen. Bobby is in his thirties. He lives with his partner Adele, and they have been together for seventeen years.

I don't even remember what we talked to Bobby about that first day when we approached him on the street, but he said we could come back and teach him in his home. We set up a time for a few days later, and when the appointment came we talked to him about the Restoration. We asked him what it would mean to him if the Church is true and if the Book of Mormon really is the word of God, and he said that it would help him to know where God wanted him to be. We then talked to him about baptism, and how if he knew the Book of Mormon and the Church are true that baptism would naturally follow. We promised him that if he were to get baptized he would be washed totally clean. When we asked him how it would make him feel to have all his past mistakes washed away, he sighed in relief and said, "That would be amazing." I knew when he said that that it was something he definitely wanted.

Bobby has made some bad choices in his life. He has had serious addictions and come off them. He wants to improve his life and help his small family. He and Adele want to get married, and Bobby wants to be baptized and washed clean. He has kept every appointment we have made with him since that first lesson but one. He is really dedicated to doing what we ask, and he is so kind and loving.

Bobby's first time visiting the local Church was at the the ward's Halloween party. The party was mostly for kids, so Bobby brought Chloe along with him. I was so nervous that first time. I knew that if Bobby didn't feel comfortable in front of all the members he would probably never come back. I also knew that if Chloe wasn't having a good time she would rub off negatively on her dad, and she would probably never come back. I definitely had a prayer in my heart, asking the Lord to please help the little kids to befriend her. They did. By the end of the night she was having a great time and Bobby felt comfortable and made a few good acquaintances.

The next Sunday he came to all three hours of Church. That was the Sunday before yesterday. We were seated in Sunday School with him, which is the first hour of Church, when the class ended. All of the sudden a recent convert family came rushing over from the back of the room. The wife of the family gave Bobby a kiss on the cheek and a big hug. Elder Smith and I were absolutely shocked. No one I have brought to Church had ever been so well received ever. Haha. :) Turns out that this family is good, long time friends with Bobby. Bobby used to be good friends with their youngest daughter, who passed away due to some heavy addictions. The death of this girl was actually the catalyst that helped Bobby to get off his addictions for good. We couldn't have asked for better fellowshippers for Bobby than this member family. Their name is the Short family.

Anyways, we have been able to see Bobby often since that Sunday. We told him that in order to be baptized, he and Adele would have to get married. We told him that he couldn't be baptized while they were living together. I was really happy when Bobby asked if he could just move out and live with his gran for a while so that he could get baptized, and then they could get married soon after that. He wants to be baptized so bad! :) We are working with him to get married sometime before the end of this year. But who knows, he might just move out and get baptized before then!

Anyways, that's Bobby. I'll keep you updated on his progress. And just so you know, Arthur Gall is still doing great as well. He was at church for the third time last week. Wow! He loves it!

I love you all. Have a fantastic week and wedding. I cannot wait to hear how it went. :)

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email 71

2011-10-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I can't believe Shawnee is married! I got the invite two days ago and it hit me! Wow! He looks like a good guy. I am happy for her. And the wedding and reception sound like they were great. Now, if Nicole gets married before I get home that will be very strange!

What?! Chloe was in the hospital?! That is so scary! I've never been so worried reading your email! I expect another lengthy update on how she is doing next week. Why did she have to get emergency surgery? I am going to write her a letter right after I finish this email. In the meantime, tell her that I am praying for her.

I heard Steve Jobs died. How sad is that? I don't know if Apple will still be the same. Although, the new iPhone sounds amazing. Wow. How great is Apple? I definitely want to see one. You and Josh are so lucky!

I love that Dad cried when he saw the iPhone commercial. Haha.

Poor Josh. The money vacuum has officially turned on.

No, I have not received your latest Halloween package. I will probably get it in about a week or two. Also, for Christmas, I have no idea what I want. Actually, I don't think I want anything. I would rather you just allowed me some more money to spend on souvenirs over here. How does that sound?

Speaking of souvenirs, today my email is going to be a little different. We are going to be talking all about kilts. :)

First, though, I will just tell you that last week we found four new investigators, scheduled two more people for baptism (in their first lesson), and made two investigators of ours into progressing investigators. That was a tremendous blessing. I am excited about the people we have to teach. We now have seven people to teach, compared with the two we had when we arrived a week and a half ago. Wahoo! :)

Anyways, on to kilts. Now, I went to the kilt store today for preparation day. It is called Keith Scott's in Dundee. They have been around since 1890, and I think it is a good place to get one. Besides, Elder Smith already has two kilts (he bought them when he was in the U.S. because he is like 50% Scottish) and he told me that their prices are pretty standard. So, I have decided that I am going to buy a kilt in this area, because I am worried that if I don't buy one now I will leave Scotland for Ireland and might not come back before my mission is over. I don't want to take that chance.

So, I have a few questions, for Dad mostly, and then I want to get a general opinion from whoever is still reading these weekly emails for what tartan I should get. Here are the questions for Dad:

1) What is my kilt-buying budget?

2) How should I pay for it? I am worried that I am going to overdraft on your Alliance Bank card or something like that. Is that possible?

Now, here is another question which is mainly for Dad. There are all kinds of kilt styles to buy. You can get a very formal kilt, a semi-formal kilt, a casual kilt--you name it. The formal kilts come with vests and jackets, the semi-formal ones just have a jacket, and the casual ones just have a kilt and a shirt and some other totally-Scottish accessories. Now, if I were going to wear a kilt to a wedding or to church or something, I would want a formal or a semi-formal kilt, which go for a package deal at Keith Scott's for £495. But, I am really just planning on wearing this thing for causal events--like Halloween or the occasional church event or something like that. I don't think I would ever wear it to a wedding or church. So, I was thinking of getting a causal kilt--one without the jacket and the vest--just a kilt, a shirt, and the standard accessory items. Does that sound like a good idea? That would cost about £150 pounds less than the formal or semi-formal kilts. At the moment, that is the package deal I think I want to get. Anyways, I have attached what this casual kilt outfit would look like as picture number one. I have also attached what a formal kilt would look like so you can compare. Tell me what you think. If you could please include your thoughts in Mom's next email, that would be great, Dad. Thank you!

Now, there are four other pictures attached to this email. Those pictures are simply tartan fabrics. When I was at the store today, I browsed through hundreds of different tartans and picked about twelve that I liked. I have narrowed that number down to my top four favorite tartan patterns. Here they are:

1) The Hamilton hunting tartan. This is the one that is green, with a thick blue checkered pattern and small white lines.

2) The Earl of St. Andrews tartan. This is the tartan that is light blue with dark blue on top of that with many white lines on top of that.

3) The Buchanan hunting tartan. This one is green with thick black and brown lines and thin blue and yellow lines running through it.

4) The Auld Lang Syne Burns tartan. This one is a blue background with thick brown lines on top and fairly small black and blue lines running through it.

Ok, I want to hear which ones everyone likes. And that means EVERYONE! I want this email posted on the blog, and I want comments from everyone. Pick two--your most favorite and your second favorite. Then, Mom, I would like you to tally the results and email me back with them for next week. I think this will be a lot of fun to see what everyone thinks. Also, Mom, I want names behind the votes, because your vote is naturally going to hold more sway than Dad's style choice, Emma's will hold more sway than Josh's, and etc.. :)

Anyways, that is all the time I've got today! I hope there are lots of votes! I need the results back by next week so that I can make a decision. I am planning on going back to Keith Scott's next preparation day and buying the thing. Then it takes four weeks for them to get it all ready.

I love you all. Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Oh! I almost forgot! Mom, I just wanted to comment on the invites I have received lately. First of all, Josh's invite was amazing! I thought it was the best one I have ever seen. I couldn't see anything wrong with it whatsoever. Also, Seth's birthday invite was great. Elder Smith was impressed. He said our family must go all out for these sort of things. Haha. I told him I didn't have posh invites to my sixteenth birthday!

Email #70

2011-10-10T22:00:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I hope you have a wonderful birthday tomorrow, Seth! What is happening for it? Are you going on a date? Are you having a party? I want to hear next week what you did and how it was and what gifts you received. Have a great time! I love you!

It sounds like the wedding is coming together nicely. Today we had our zone development meeting here in Dundee and I told some of the missionaries that my older brother was getting married in a month. One of them suggested that you make a cardboard cut-out of me and have it there for the reception. I thought that was an absolutely brilliant idea. I think you should get a life-size one and have me in a tuxedo or something--a full body cut-out, not just my face. That would be amazing! Who would be better to come home to than myself? Can we please make one?

Elder Jones went home this week. I got to see him one last time in the mission home. I was there Wednesday morning to pick up my new trainee, and he was there waiting for his parents to arrive. They are going to see all the sights here in Scotland and Ireland for a week or two before he flys home. It was great to see him one last time. We talked about doing a pan-American tour next summer, driving from Alaska down to the bottom of South America and flying back. Haha. :) I think he was serious, too. I told him I would love to go, but he said I would have to commit to taking the whole summer for it, which I don't know if I can do. :) Haha.

Anyways, about my new trainee and my new area. My new trainee's name is Elder Smith. Joseph Smith....

JK! :)

He's Elder Jeremy Smith. He's from California, a place called Pittsburgh. It's up near Sacramento. He has had a pretty crazy life. He is a fighter--literally. He has told me some crazy stories from his life before his mission. And, before his mission he baptized something like seven people! Wow! His girlfriend Katie is his main motivation in serving a mission. He baptized her a year or so before he came out, and she was the one who really encouraged him to go.

Elder Smith and get on just fine, and we are working hard. Elder Smith is a very confident teacher.

When we got here in Liff, which is really just part of the city Dundee, our flat was a mess, our area book hadn't been updated in five months, and we had no one to teach. Wahoo! :) I was and am so excited about it. Seriously. I told Elder Smith, whitewashing is the number one missionary adventure, especially when the area is dead. President has sent us in here to fix it all up, find some people to teach, and baptize. I love it. It gets me so excited, especially when I don't have to worry about zone or district leader responsibilities and when I get to teach a new missionary the ropes. What a fun challenge!

Last week we tried to find as many people as we could. I have been talking to absolutely everyone trying to teach them. I have been stopping everyone in my path and everyone in sight. I have been crossing the street to talk to a person and then crossing back to the other side to talk to someone else. I have been knocking on peoples' car windows to see if they are interested as they are parked in a car park, talking to people on the buses, asking the people who deliver the mail if they are interested, everything. It is a blast. I really just love missionary work. It is like a big game. It's an enormous game of Where's Waldo. But, in this game, instead of just spotting out Waldo, you have to go and talk to him and convince him to let you back into his house and eventually baptize him.

We have also been working really hard to gain the trust and confidence of the members, and so far it has been going well. I knew we were doing a good job when yesterday, after sacrament meeting, a member of the ward approached Elder Smith and I and said that he had some friends of his for us to teach. He said that he can tell he can trust them to us and that he wasn't going to give them to some missionaries who he didn't trust. What a blessing! That really made my day. We are seeing him tomorrow to learn more about it.

The Lord has really blessed us in the last three days. We have found tons of potential investigators. And, yesterday we were able to schedule two people for baptism early next month. :) It is a couple, a mom and a dad. Their name is the Mains. They have four children. They have investigated in the past and we were able to teach them yesterday and recommit them to baptism. I don't know why they weren't baptized already--it doesn't seem like it will be that hard. I am excited to see what happens with them.

Anyways, that was my week. This is a fun time, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I am sure the Lord will continue to bless us to find His prepared children as we are diligent and obedient.

I love you all. Have a great time in Utah, family! Talk to you soon.

Love,

Elder Barton

Email 69

2011-09-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This week was also great here in Irvine. Why? Because we had a baptism! :) It was amazing. James Meaden was baptized this Saturday in Irvine, and yesterday he received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

I guess I will spend today just telling you about James. Some of this might be old but hopefully not.

James investigated the church earlier this year when two of my favorite missionaries in the mission were serving here in Irvine. Their names were Elder Duncan and Elder Christianson. These two elders taught James every single missionary lesson and scheduled him for baptism. James got so close to baptism at that time, but because of some pressure he relapsed back into old addictions and the missionaries lost contact with him.

Months passed. Then, about a week before I got here, Elder Bland and Elder Sindylek were out one night with a local member, Brother Jack Wilde. Their last appointment of the night dropped, and so Elder Bland suggested they go by some former investigators. They looked in their records and felt impressed to go by James. So, they went by. James was in. They invited him to begin again to take the missionary lessons, and he accepted.

That was Elder Bland's last investigator lesson here in Irvine. At the transfer, I came into the area with Elder Sindylek, and we have been teaching James ever since. In the month or so that I have been here, James has managed to give up all his addictions, come to church 5 times, and read from the start of the Book of Mormon to 3 Nephi 12. He has been an absolute miracle. He has kept every appointment I have set with him. We have gone by every evening, with rare exception, at 8:00 p.m. to talk with him, and he has always been there waiting for us. In the last two weeks, he has become noticeably healthier and happier, and almost every time we go into his home to talk with him, he has a story for us of another friend or acquaintance of his who told him that he looks better and seems happier than his old self. He has truly changed his life, all in a matter of weeks.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to teach James. It reminds me of what you told me in your letter, Dad. It was the letter you gave me to read on the plane over here to the United Kingdom. You gave me 5 or 6 points of advice to have a happy and successful mission. One of those points was to remember the poor. You talked about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to take meek souls out of the gutter of life and give them the tools that they need to shine with immortal glory. Well, James is one of those meek souls! He is one of those souls who now, as a member of Christ's restored Church, is shining so bright that all those who know him can't help but comment. He is now a disciple of Christ, and his future is bright.

I love James. I admire his dedication, his humility, and his faith. We were able to see him the night before his baptism. It was just him, Elder Sindylek, and myself, upstairs in his dimly lit flat. All we did was read in the Book of Mormon with him. We read for about an hour, and it was one of the best lessons I have ever had on my mission. James was just about to start 3 Nephi 8 in the Book of Mormon that night. We read chapters 8 through 11 with him. For those of you who have read those chapters, you know how powerful and meaningful they are. If you haven't, do.

Chapter 11 of 3 Nephi is where the Saviour appears to the Nephites after His resurrection. In that chapter, He answers their hosanna cry, which means, in essence, "grant salvation". He teaches them what they need to do to be saved. He talks about faith, repentance, and baptism--by fire as well as by water. He lets each one of them come and feel the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet. My mission president, President Griffiths, an accountant by trade, recently did the math and found that if each person present that day took only 30 seconds with the Saviour, such a procession would have taken over 20 hours! (See 3 Nephi 11:15 and 3 Nephi 17:25) The Saviour stood for 20 hours as each and every person at the temple that day came before Him! What an incredible expression of His love for us!

As we read those chapters with James, I felt the Spirit testify to us that what we were reading was true, and that James was making the right decision in being baptized in the Lord's name. It was a wonderful lesson, and one that I won't soon forget.

Being a missionary is a once in a lifetime oppurtunity. The Church is true! It changes lives.The Book of Mormon is scripture from God, and God speaks still today through His servant, Thomas S. Monson! What a wonderful blessing it is to know of these things.

I love you all, and I hope you have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter 67

2011-09-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Have a great time in Spain, Mom and Dad!

For whoever actually reads this, I had a fantastic week last week. I know that I said today I would tell you about all the church statistics and such, but there has been a change of plans. I want to talk about what happened this last Sunday.

So, Elder Sindylek and I are the zone leaders here in Paisley and that means that we are responsible for about 20 missionaries all over the west of Scotland. It also means that we get the pleasure of covering some of the areas and units where missionaries are not currently assigned. So, while we are based in Irvine, we also cover a branch in a place called Beith and a branch down in a place called Stranraer, which is right on the coast. We attend these branchs' church services as often as we can.

Last Sunday I had the privilege of traveling down the west coast of Scotland with Stranraer's branch president, President Colborne, and with a member of the Paisley Stake Presidency, President Doogan, to attend church in Stranraer. Elder Sindylek was with the other two elders who are also based in Irvine, and the three of them dropped me off at President Colborne's home at 8:30 a.m. to catch a lift down to Stranraer with him while they attended church back in Irvine. For me, it was a wonderful drive for about one and a half hours down to Stranraer, with the ocean on one side of the road and beautiful fields and hills on the opposite side of the road.

Anyways, we got to the building around 10 a.m. The church building down in Stranraer actually used to be a bank, and the Church has leased it and sort of renovated it into a make-shift church. It has a huge winding staircase up to the classrooms where they hold the Priesthood, Young Women's, and Young Men's classes. It also has enormous safes that used to hold all the money, but now are filled with the Bishop's manuals, books, and scriptures.

We had a short branch presidency meeting before church started, and when we got out of that meeting for church to begin, most of the members were already there. They probably only have 15 active members in Stranraer. Despite, the small number, I didn't know hardly any of them.

We went up the huge winding staircase to have Priesthood, and when I walked in to the classroom, I realized, to my absolute joy, that Brother Sloan, a recent convert in the branch, had brought 6 of his non-member friends to attend Priesthood with us. What I didn't know was that at the same time we were having Priesthood, there were 4 of his wife's friends down in Relief Society with her! All in all, the Sloan family had brought 10 non-members with them to church!

Well, the objective of the class in Priesthood quickly turned from talking about the gathering of Israel to teaching all these new brethren about the basics of the Book of Mormon. They all seemed intrigued, and before I knew it the bell was ringing and it was time for Sunday School.

After the bell had rang, rather than have all 10 of these non-members attend Gospel Doctrine and understand absolutely nothing, President Doogan from the stake presidency made an instant decision and said that we were going to have a special class for these non-members and that I was going to be the teacher. Wow. Anyways, in a matter of minutes we had gathered all the sisters from Relief Society and all the brothers from Priesthood into the chapel for this special, impromptu investigator's class.

After an opening prayer from President Doogan, I begin. And let me tell you, I don't think I have ever prayed so sincerely for the Holy Ghost to give me utterance as I did in that opening prayer on Sunday.

In that class, I was able to stand for 40 minutes in front of 10 non-members, 2 recent converts, and a member of the stake presidency and teach the Restoration. It was an absolute privilege. I was able to testify of our Heavenly Father, of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Restoration of the Gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. After the class, we passed out a copy of the Book of Mormon to everyone present. By the end of sacrament meeting, 8 of those non-members were new investigators, and 2 of them had baptismal dates set. It was absolutely amazing.

I am so grateful to be a missionary. It is an absolute blast. Everyday is an adventure. The Lord sends His prepared children to us when we and the local members open our mouths and share what we know. 10 people came to church on Sunday! Why? Simply because Brother Sloan opened his mouth and invited them. That is all he did. These people he invited weren't even friends! At least half of them had only known him for a week! I was absolutely amazed by his willingness to share the gospel. As a result of his missionary efforts the last week in Stranraer, the work down there is now booming.

It reminds me of a quote Elder Bednar recently shared with the mission presidents here in the United Kingdom. He said, "The best measure of our conversion is our willingness to open our mouths.” How true that is.

I testify that God lives, that He loves us, and that He blesses us when we do His will. He knows what is best for each and every one of us, and He wants so greatly to give us all that He has, that we too may taste eternal life. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Barton

Email 66

2011-09-12T17:58:00.003-07:00

Hello,

So, before I forget, I need to tell Grandma Kendrick that I met some people she knows in church yesterday. I met a woman named Margaret Fackrell. She said Grandma will know who she is. Apparently, Sister Fackrell's mom or grandma, Marion Stewart, taught for Grandpa a long time ago. Sister Fackrell was here from Ogden with some family doing a family history holiday. Small world, right?

So, now to your email. No, President Yates did not come tracting with us last week. We will hopefully get him out this week. But, Elder Sindylek and I have been trying his tracting approaches, and it is a lot of fun and it seems to help a little bit--I'll tell you when we start seeing the really good stories from it. :)

That's a funny story with Scout. Ouch! :) But, to be fair, Mom, most people who guess at how old you are usually think you look really young--like when they ask you if you and Josh are married. So, I guess you win some and you lose some, right? :)

I want to see pictures of Shauni's wedding! Good for her! :) I am excited to meet him when I come home.

So Jerry bought the Blair's home? Where did the Blairs move to? Haha

I guess it is alright if Seth's friends use my drum kit. But, if they ask if they can move it out of my room at all, to anywhere in or outside the house, the answer is a definite no. It's one thing having people play on it, but I definitely do not trust anyone to take it apart, move it around and set it up somewhere else.

So, I guess I will tell you about my week now. To start off, I should probably tell you about all the general authorities I met on Saturday! :) We had a mission conference in Edinburgh on Saturday. It was an absolute blast for me. I got to see people I haven't seen in a year: like Bishop Gallacher from Dumbarton Ward, Bishop Puri from Airdrie, President Bleyl from Airdrie, Elder Scott Jones who was in my MTC district, etc. I also saw Bishop Noble, Bishop Coulter, and President McCruden from Bangor there, as well as Bishop Lowry from Lisburn! It was such a reunion! All the missionaries from Scotland were there; the missionaries serving in Ireland weren't.

I seriously think that getting to the Celestial Kingdom will be a lot like that mission conference. We will get there and see all the people we have loved and missed for so long and our joy will be overwhelming. I imagine that we will be just like Ammon, who, upon seeing Alma again after completing his mission to the Lamanites, was "swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength" (Alma 27:17). I think I felt a little bit of what he did at the mission conference on Saturday.

It is amazing to me how these relationships and bonds I have formed on my mission have blessed me. The people you meet as a missionary just bless your life forever. I have made some eternal friends here serving the Lord. What a blessing!

Anyways, here are the famous people we got to see. :) First, Bishop David H. Burton was there. He is the presiding bishop of the Church. Then, Elder Kerr, an area seventy here in the British Isles, Elder Causse, of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and Elder Clayton, of the Presidency of the Seventy were all at the meeting. Wowsa! It was a powerful.

I don't think members of the Church realize what the Church actually does. Did you know that the Church builds a meetinghouse every 29 hours? That is incredible! Next week I am going to tell you all the impressive, mind-blowing statistics about the Church--just so you appreciate how amazing it is. :) I know I appreciated the Church a lot more when I was told about them.

Anyways, I have to go. Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Barton

Letter Number 64

2011-08-29T08:48:00.002-07:00

Hello,

There is no way that Emma has me topped for pictures on her study desk. Actually, is she in Heritage of Helaman? Because if she is in Heritage than we can't compare or compete because the circumstances differ too greatly. But if she is in Helaman than I think you should review the pictures of my desk and see if she has her walls more covered. No way.

Anyways, I am glad she is excited. I am sure she will love it. I still remember what it felt like on those first few days. It was a blast: exciting, unnerving, fun, and new all at the same time.

Ya, the Cannon Center is pretty gross. Here is a tip, Emma: breakfast and lunch are always better than dinner. I hated dinner at the Cannon. Lunch, though, is usually alright. But, let me tell you another thing. Once, President Gordon B. Hinckley gave a talk at BYU and said this, talking about the students and their relatively small problems, "I hear complaints about the food from those who are fat." Seriously, he said that. I heard the talk here on my mission. He talked about how such little problems are ridiculous to complain about compared with all the terrible things that are happening around the world. And it is so true. We sit and complain about the food in the Cannon when we should just be grateful that we have something to eat! I wish I was better at being grateful for all the things I have instead of complaining about what I lack. I am so not perfect at it.

Yes, Paisley is pretty much on the outskirts of Glasgow. I work in a place called Irvine, and it is about an hour drive southeast of Glasgow.

My new companion is great. He is fun, excited, and always happy and optimistic--but not the kind of always happy that just drives me crazy. Haha. Elder Sindylek speaks English and Czech fluently, plus a little bit of German--about as much as me. Here are some other things we have in common--Elder Sindylek likes to organize things, loves Jack Johnson, and used to wear flip-flops all the time! He is great! :) He is from a town called Brno in Jihomoravsky kraj. (Kraj is the equivalent of county, he said.)

My new address is:

4 George Court, Bank Street

Irvine

KA12 0PJ

Scotland

United Kingdom

You can send packages to the mission home. That would be the fastest way.

That is sad about preschool. I am sure we will still see Miss Jody around, though.

So, Irvine is great. We have a big ward. Everytime I get into a new area I make it my number one priority to learn every member's name as quickly as possible. We have like 130 active members in Irvine, and I think I know about 75% of them now. That is not bad for one Sunday! I have all these notes on their lives in the back of my planner so that I can remember them and all their kids names and gain their trust as quickly as possible. Moving into a new ward is always so much fun.

Guess what! Elder Baldwin, myt trainee, is also in Irvine Ward! :) He has been here for the last 3 months. He and his companion cover half of Irvine, and Elder Sindylek and I cover the other half. It was great to see him again for the first time since I left Airdrie. I am going to spend a lot of time with him the next six weeks. I am really looking forward to it! It's funny how excited I was to see him again.

Anyways, we have some great investigators, too. But, I will have to tell you about them next time because I am all out of time. :) We are going to the beach with Elder Baldwin and his companion, Elder Breakall to play some frisbee. :)

Love you!

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email 63

2011-08-22T12:13:00.002-07:00

Hello!

We started teaching Allicia just after the sister missionaries got white-washed out of Bangor. The sisters had taught her one or two lessons, and we came in and started the lessons over again and finished them. The hardest part was getting her mom to come to church consistently; that was the only problem to Allicia getting baptized. But, we sat down with Allicia's mom one lesson, asked her why she found it hard coming each Sunday and frankly told her that unless she started coming regularly her daughter would not be able to be baptized and stay active. We were nice about the whole thing but also blunt. Ever since then Allicia, her mom, and her older sister have come regularly. She has two brothers that are also members, although they come to youth activities more often than church. Allicia's step-dad isn't a member--but one day he will be! :)

Oh, Allicia is nine years old. :)

Seth is a stud! Keep it up, buddy! Those sound like some great friends that you are hanging out with.

I have no idea where my bow tie and cummerbund are from choir. Sorry! The only place that would make sense to me would be the chest of drawers I have underneath all of my license plates.

Your sunbeams sound like a lot of fun, Mom. :) I am glad you enjoy them. I want to come and help in your class when I get home.

Good attitude, Mom. I like the quote from Dr. Suess. It reminds me of the gospel. :) Ha. But seriously, it reminds me of the movie Together Forever. In the movie there is a song with the same title as the movie, written by Michael Maclean, although that might be the totally wrong spelling of his name. Anyways, I love the song because it talks about how hard it is to say goodbye to the good times and to the good phases and places in our lives because we know that those memories and times won't ever happen again. But then it talks about how we should thank the Lord above that we can be together forever someday. One day, after the Saviour comes and this world becomes a celestial glory, we will all live together forever, with a perfect recollection of the happy times and feelings we had together. What a blessing! I cannot wait for that time. I try to remember that whenever I am saying bye to something or someone: one day, if we live as we should, we will be together forever, and we will remember all those good times we had with a perfect recollection.

Anyways, speaking of goodbyes, I guess I should tell you about transfers. I am getting transferred out of Bangor. I am leaving Northern Ireland and going back into Scotland, to serve as a zone leader in the Paisley Zone. Paisley is right next to Glasgow in Scotland. I will be serving with an elder named Elder Syndelek. He is from the Czech Republic. I don't know him at all. I am excited about the whole thing. I have been in the Belfast Zone for the last six months, and I am ready for a change.

I am sad that I will miss Brother Lee Watson's baptism this Saturday, though. Elder Turner and I taught him every one of the lessons. Three days ago he was interviewed and found worthy to be baptized. It is all happening in the Bangor 1st Ward this weekend, and I leave three days before. That is sad, but the important thing is that he is getting baptized. :) Elder Turner and I will have finished this transfer with two baptisms! Wahoo! Two baptisms in one transfer is the best I have ever had. I haven't even come close to this much success before. The Lord really has blessed us here in Bangor, and I am so grateful for that.

In fact, Bangor has been doing so well that the President Griffiths has decided to send another set of missionaries here. So, now there will be two sets of missionaries in Bangor, one set for each ward. Elder Turner and his new companion will no longer have 9 hours of church each Sunday. :) Haha. That really is such a good thing, because it means that there is a lot of missionary work going on in this area. Bangor is so busy that the Lord is sending in more missionaries to help do all the work! That is such a great blessing. I am glad to be leaving the area in such a good condition.

It's amazing how fast time goes by. This morning Elder Turner and I put an elder on a ferry over to Scotland so that he could spend some time in Edinburgh with the other elders in his group before he goes home, having completed an honorable two-year mission. A year ago I was with that same elder in Glasgow, knocking doors in the rain and teaching investigators that hardly spoke a word of English. And now he is going home. It is amazing how fast your mission is over. I feel like time just gets faster and faster each and every transfer!

I hope that as I go to Paisley I can once again dedicate myself to the Lord and promise to be an even better servant. I know that He is sending me to Paisley for a reason. I am excited to get to work with Elder Syndelek and see if we can't see some of our brothers and sisters baptized. The Lord is really in control of this work. He is the one who gives us success. If we will trust Him, endure the trials He allows us to suffer, and press forward with faith, there truly is "a bright crown in store" (Hymn 250, "We Are All Enlisted").

To close, I guess I will just tell you about the opportunity I had recently to go to young men's camp here. The stake president invited us to come and have a good time with the young men, just to show them that missionaries can have fun to and that they should serve a mission. :) So, on Friday night we went and played football (soccer) with them all and then on Saturday morning we went and had breakfast with them and did a workshop with the stake presidency. We were invited to bear our testimonies to the young men in that workshop. That was such a wonderful privilege. There are so many young men in this church who can serve missions but don't. Especially in this country, where the church is small and the youth struggle to live amongst their peers as faithful Latter-Day Saints, so many young men choose not to serve. I was able to stand in front of these young men and bear my testimony to them that this is the Lord's work, that He wants and needs them to serve a mission, and that doing so will be one of the best decisions of their lives. I hope that the Spirit was able to touch at least one of those boys' hearts while I bore my testimony. There is something special about being at a camp and hearing the testimony of another person; some of the most spiritual experiences of my life have happened as I was on a camp with the young men, whether it was high on a mountain alone or gathered around the campfire with my quorum. There is nothing quite like it.

Anyways, I have to go. I will email again next Monday. I love you all. Have a great week. Enjoy BYU, Emma. :)

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Email 62 and Pictures!

2011-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

**My mom said the last email was really boring so that's why we skipped one.

Hello Everyone,

Sounds like a sad week back home! I can't believe Emma is already leaving to Utah for school and that Mountain View is already back in session for Seth! Summer is officially over.

I feel bad for you, Mom. It sounds really hard watching all your kids leave. I hope you get to do something fun as a family this last week before Emma goes. That is one thing I wish I did more before I left on my mission and to BYU: hang out with my family. Tell Emma!

About the woman who finds me attractive, the conversation with President was quick and painless. Actually, Elder Turner was the one that told him. Apparently President just laughed and said not to go teach her while I am here and see if she still progresses. I found out that she found me attractive because she told the first councilor in the bishopric! Haha. He told her that that wasn't going to work out, and then he called us and told me.

So, Allicia's baptism was great. It was so good. :) I have attached a few pictures from it, one of those being Bishop Coulter and Allicia. Bishop baptized her. The other one with lots of people is Allicia's family. I have also attached a picture from our preparation day last week where we went down to Newcastle with a member of the ward and saw the sights.

The Spirit is always really powerful at baptisms. We had three or four investigators at the baptism, and they all said that they could feel the Spirit. I did, too. I was privileged to be able to give a talk to Allicia on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That was a lot of fun because I was speaking to the whole audience but addressing Allicia the whole time and trying to focus the whole talk to her; I have never had to do that before. I shared the story about Seth loosing his Beany Baby, Ears, to talk about prayer and how that helps us to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost. I also shared my experience in finding out that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. It is amazing how the Spirit will guide our words when we are called upon to speak and when we prepare as best we can. I saw that yet again as I gave that talk.

My favorite part of the baptism was singing the song, "When I am Baptized". What a wonderful song! I think it is one of my absolute favorite church songs. I definitely felt the Spirit as we sang that song at Allicia's baptism.

The gospel is such a wonderful thing. It is a blessing to all who will come and see what we share. Sister Ore, the woman I told you about who phoned me a few weeks ago to tell me she knew the Book of Mormon was true and that she could see and live with her father again, came to the baptism and to church yesterday. I was sitting next to her in sacrament meeting. The closing hymn was "Families Can Be Together Forever". As we sang the song, my thoughts turned to her. In the text of this simple song are some of the most precious doctrines and truths we know--and they are especially meaningful to Sister Ore. It made me so happy to know that she was reading those words and that the Spirit was telling her that they were true. The gospel will bless her life enormously.

We are greatly blessed to be members of the Church! It is true! Christ will come again. What a wonderful time to be alive.

I hope you all have a great week and that everything goes well with Emma's last week in Mesa. Stop reading and do stuff with those who matter most, Emma: your family! :)

I love you. Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

P.S. I also found out yesterday that a woman who I found in Airdrie with Elder Baldwin was baptized on Saturday! Wahoo! :)

Number 60!

2011-08-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hello!

You can send packages to the jeweler in Lisburn. I will be here until August 23rd at least.

I love Dad. Haha. I think he should keep up the skateboarding and he and I will go when I get home--although I might have to ride in the hall for a little while, too, just to get used to riding one. :) Also, I don't think you could have a cooler skateboard then Dr. Suess. That is absolutely class. Way top go, Dad.

Send me Emma's cinnamon rolls! They look great and I haven't had a proper cinnamon roll in over a year!

To answer your question, we are still teaching the woman who's father died: sorta. She has reverted back to drinking again and so we haven't been able to see her in about two weeks now, but she still wants to be taught and we have an appointment to see her later this week. Her family is opposed to her joining the church--very, very opposed. They have threatened to disown her. So, that is a huge hurdle we have to cross. It wouldn't be the first time someone has had to leave their family here to join the church, though. The stake president, President McCruden, who Elder Turner and I talk with every week, was completely disowned when he joined. His family never forgave him for it, and now his father is dead. Isn't that sad? It is amazing the faith of some of these people: they are willing to give up everything to join the church which they know to be true.

Anyways, my life has been good. This upcoming week should be fun, too. I will be flying 4 times this week. Wahoo! :) I have to go to Edinburgh and back twice: once for a meeting and once for an exchange.

So, we had four investigators at church yesterday. That was a wonderful blessing. That is probably the most I have ever had.

One of those investigators is named Lee Watson. I think I have talked about him before. Anyways, he is going to be baptized either on the 13th or the 20th of August. Wahoo! :) He is totally solid. He has been to church 4 times now, and he has been taught almost everything and received a witness that the church is true. We have been teaching him consistently since the day I got here, really. He was very religious and was (and still is) dating a member of the Bangor 1st Ward and wanted to learn more, so we taught him. We invited him to be baptized once or twice, but it never worked until last Tuesday, because he was always scared that he would find out something we believed that he didn't like later on and he didn't want to make any commitments until he had definitely felt God telling him that the Book of Mormon was true. Fair enough: we wanted him to have that assurance, anyways.

Then last Tuesday he told us that he had received his answer. He told us that his prayers had changed. Before, he had been praying and asking questions like, "what about this?" or "what if this happens?" to Heavenly Father. But then he just started asking, "well, is it true?", and the Holy Ghost had come and told him that it indeed was. It is great to see the happiness he feels now. He keeps telling us how excited he is for his baptism, and we are excited, too.

Anyways, life is good. Super, super busy, but good. I hope it is good for all you back home, too. I love you all.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter 58

2011-07-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I got all the pictures of the proposal. It looks like it went great! The ring is beautiful, Sarah is lovely, and Josh is smiling from ear to ear. Haha. I can't believe they will be married in just a few months.

It's true, it does seem like lots of people get married with brothers on their missions. In fact, today I am on exchanges with Elder Drewery, from England. We are spending the day back in Lisburn. He opened up his emails from home today to see pictures of his brother's wedding, while I opened up my emails from home to see pictures of Josh's proposal! I thought that was funny.

I can't believe Dad gave the dogs away! What?! That is crazy! I am very upset. Two weeks ago you asked me my opinion; I don't think I gave an answer. I was thinking about it once this week, as I played with Bishop Noble's puppy Labrador named--what are the chances--Jack, and I remembered that I had to tell you today, "Yes, I would be upset if you gave the dogs away." And then I come to email and guess what! they are gone! Jeez! I am sad. Maybe we can just give Dad away before I come home, too. Haha. :)

Unlike Emma, I don't really associate the Harry Potter movies with my childhood, so I am not really too bothered that they are ending. Haha.... I heard that the new one was out, though. Most everyone in the ward has gone or has plans to go see it.

Yes, Dad told me the story about the accident he and Emma had. No, I don't think you mentioned it last email, because I was incredibly shocked when I got Dad's letter on the subject. Talk about scary! I am glad they both got out OK. I prayed and thanked Heavenly Father for watching over them that day--it sounds like it could have been a really ugly accident.

The pictures I have attached to this email are the pictures of the 4th of July and a picture of the haircut I recently gave myself. Haha.... I was buzzing my head with the razor I bought last year in Airdrie, and I sort of forgot to put on the attachment. I was lost in thought and did it without thinking. I know, stupid. So anyways, instead of shaving my hair to a size 3 or 4 like I normally do, I ended up cutting a huge streak in my hair--size 0. It was bad. Luckily I did it on the 12th of July, so nobody saw me all day, and I was able to get a professional hairdresser, a member of the ward, to come fix up my head the next morning. He did a good job, so now you can't even tell I messed up. My hair is just really short now, like a 2 all over. It is sort of growing on me, although I don't think I am even allowed to have my hair this short as a missionary, and some people think I look like a convict. Haha. So, I am going to just stick to a 3 next time: or maybe just go to a barber. Haha. I know you'll love it, Mom! ;)

Anyways, that was probably the most exciting thing that happened all week: me ruining my hair. Other than that, we have spent tons of time doing transfer week stuff. We had to wake up at 3:30am on Wednesday morning to take elders to the airport, and then we drove like 300 miles that day. It is nuts. And it doesn't just end on Wednesday, either. It is an all week affair, transfers. It is all over now, though--at least for another 6 weeks.

We had our zone development meeting today. It was a two hour meeting, and Elder Turner and I trained the missionaries on prayer and on following up. It went really well. It is amazing how much proper planning influences the outcome of a meeting. Elder Turner and I hardly had any time to plan for this meeting because of all the transfer things we had to do and the appointments we already had set up, but we used every spare moment we did have to plan, and we managed to get it all planned and organized in time. Without that effort in planning, I am sure the meeting would have been a total flop. We wouldn't have qualified for the Holy Ghost to help us teach. I have seen both sides of the coin: there have been meetings where we didn't prepare as thoroughly as we should have, and there have been meetings where I have made every effort to prepare. The difference is stunning. The Spirit really aids us when we have prepared. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30)

I don't think that applies only to the teacher, either. The missionaries in our zone need to prepare spiritually for the meeting, too. Last time we had a zone development meeting, that didn't happen. Elder Turner and I showed up later than expected, just 5 or 10 minutes before the meeting was supposed to start. We found all the elders and sisters just sitting around chatting. It was a mess. We hurriedly got everyone into the chapel studying with some prelude hymns, but it was too late, really. The environment wasn't there. Elder Turner and I were stressed, the missionaries were out of focus, and the meeting suffered. This time was totally different. Everyone was in their seats twenty minutes early studying quietly; Elder Turner and I were prepared well in advance, with all the tools we needed for the meeting set up and ready to go long before it was to start; someone was playing hymns on the piano to bring the Spirit in before the meeting. It was great. And it influenced the entirety of the meeting to be great. Hopefully I can create that kind of a meeting every time I am in charge.

Anyways, that's all I have time for today. Sorry if this email is short. I hope you all have a great week.

Love,

Elder Barton

P.S. Andrea is in her 40s.

Email 55

2011-06-27T16:18:00.002-07:00

Hello All,

So, today is a special day. In 1844 on this day, the 27th of June, Joseph Smith was martyred. It is amazing to me to think back on his life. Yesterday the Bangor 2nd Ward had a fireside where we watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration". I was touched again by his courage and faith. When I think that no better man ever lived on the earth except Jesus Christ, I am astounded. Think of that! Other than our Saviour, he was the very best man that ever lived on this earth. That is incredible. He is such a wonderful example for us as saints. He followed our Heavenly Father's will out to the end, even when it culminated with his death.

Two days ago I was on exchanges with the assistants to the president. Elder Young flew over here to be with me in Bangor while Elder Turner flew to Edinburgh to work there with the other assistant. Elder Young and I were at one point in the day walking up and down the city centre in Bangor just talking to people, trying to find someone to teach. Near the end of our street contacting, I approached this family of three and started telling the wife that we were talking with people about how there is a prophet on the earth today.

I had no idea the kind of reaction I was about to get. The wife said, "You chose the wrong people to talk to." Before I could ask why, the husband was standing next to me. His wife informed me that he was a presbyterian minister. Their son, who must have been in his late teens, just started laughing under his breath.

This minister started going off about how I had been deceived by Satan while his son and wife just chuckled to themselves. He took time to tell me how clever the adversary is, that he has been working on me for quite some time. He told me how our church has been deceiving thousands of people around the world by adding to God's holy word, the Bible. He told me that there was no need for the Restoration, and that the Prophet Joseph Smith was a liar and a puppet of the devil. Eventually he even told me that if I did not repent, I was going to burn in hell myself. It was quite the conversation.

Now, as missionaries we aren't supposed to bash about doctrine. And I didn't want to do that. But I felt like I needed to take a stand for our beliefs when this man was telling me what he thought we believed. I did my best to try and correct his opinions and to tell him what I know to be true. Elder Young just stood there and said practically nothing--he told me after that he has talked to so many people like that in the past and has decided to never get involved. And it is true, I have met a lot of people on my mission who just want to tear down our beliefs and who have no intention of changing their viewpoints or of asking our Heavenly Father if what we teach in our church is true.

And that is exactly the problem: no soul will ever be converted who isn't wiling to experiment upon the word. We must ask Heavenly Father if the Book of Mormon is true. We must ask Him if Joseph Smith is a prophet. Study and prayer are absolutely essential to gaining a testimony of our church. And even if we studied and prayed until the end of time, if we don't have any intention to act on the answer the Lord can give us, we will never know that this is truly His kingdom on earth.

I am so grateful to know that what we teach is true. This is Jesus Christ's church. He leads it. Today God speaks to us through His prophets. If we will heed what they say we will find ourselves in the celestial kingdom. What a wonderful time it is to be alive. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith and the sacrifices he made so that I could have the spiritual knowledge I have today. I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father and his Only Begotten Son appeared to that boy prophet and revealed to him Their true nature. I know that They live. They love us. This is their work in which we are engaged. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all. I hope you have a great week. I will talk to you soon. :)

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter 53

2011-06-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Sounds like California is a blast! I can't believe that you haven't been since we were all together! That is crazy! That is going to be one of the first places we go when I come home. I am almost jealous, except Bangor is sort of like California so that makes it OK. :) Haha. Today after we email Elder Turner and I are going to go eat at an all-you-can-eat pizza place and then we are going to go walk around the city centre and hopefully check out the marina. It should be fun!

Elder Turner is great. We are getting along just fine. He works very, very, hard and we are starting to see a lot of success. This last week we taught more investigator lessons than I have ever taught since I was in Dumbarton! I will tell you more about that later on.

I love driving here. It is such a blast. The sad thing is that you can only drive for a year before you need a U.K. license, and so I only have like 4 days left to drive. Usually I would switch off driving every other day with my companion, but because I only have a few more days to drive at all, I have been driving every day the last week or so. I love it. The roads are fun, the car is fun, the roundabouts are fun. It's all great. If I move down to the Republic of Ireland next transfer I will be able to drive again, since it is a different country. I wouldn't mind going down there, anyways.

I think Elder Turner and I have practically won over the Bishop here. Last week someone he invited to church came, and yesterday we scheduled that same person to be baptized at the end of this month! I am sure that will make him happy. :) I will tell you more about that later.

The Bishop doesn't tell us what to do. That is not in his stewardship. We just do what he asks to gain his trust. But it isn't like he commands all our time. He only asks us to do things now and again usually. I've never had a Bishop that tries to control the missionary's time.

I love going to ward council. I think it is a great thing to do. I am coming to understand so much more how the church is operated. It is a great thing to learn. Some wards operate a lot better than others, you realize. Both Bangor 1st and 2nd Wards run fairly smooth. The Bishops have it all under control and things seem to happen when the meeting closes. That is usually the problem in the wards I have served in: the ward council meets for an hour and just talks and talk, but then nothing happens after the meeting. No one actually goes out and does something. Here people seem to do things. It is fun to watch and learn. I am sure it will come in handy in my future.

Thank you for sending pictures. I always love to see pictures when I come to email. Keep it up, Mom. :)

I rock at making Yoshi noises. I showed Elder Jones about 2 weeks ago. He wasn't very impressed. I love that Elder Jones is still in the zone. I call him every now and again for missionary purposes, and then after we talk business we always have something funny to say.

Anyways, I will tell you about this last week here in Bangor.

Like I said, we taught more investigator lessons this last week than I have in a very long time, since I was in Dumbarton. We also found 3 new investigators and we have 2 people with a baptismal date! That is exciting.

One of the people we have scheduled to be baptized is named Lee Watson. He is great. He is the boyfriend of one of the active members in the ward, and he is in his 30s. Two weeks ago, Bishop Noble, the one we are trying to win over, was at Sister Emerson's house while Lee was there. Lee must of asked some questions about the church, because Bishop Noble caught on that this person was sort-of interested. So, Bishop invited him to church. He came. Then, yesterday, he came again!

It is funny how I get to teach people. Nothing I do ever seems to find these people. Haha. With the Steens it was Isaac's heart defect; with Helen it was a neighbor next door. And now with Lee and the other person we have scheduled, it is a boyfriend and a part-member family that both show up at our feet without us even looking for them or asking around! Everywhere I go, I just seem to be blessed with out any effort on my part. It is crazy. It just goes to show that the Lord is the one in charge in this work, and He will send me people to teach if I just try hard and endure in faith. So, that is what I am trying to do.

Anyways, I am grateful that Bishop asked him to come to church. He said he probably wouldn't have normally done that, but that he did it because this month in June there is a Europe-wide fast that people will come to church. The Area Presidency here in Europe have invited every member to bring someone with them to church every Sunday. It is an enormous invitation. Bishop was simply being obedient to that invitation from the Area Presidency, and look at the blessings that are coming from it! Someone is being baptized--just because he invited them to church.

Lee is excited about what we are teaching him. He is in school, and he just finished a degree in digital photography. He is listening to the Book of Mormon on his smart phone because he is dyslexic and has trouble reading.

Yesterday we asked him to be baptized. We taught him the Restoration. It was our first real lesson with him. We talked about how that church that Christ established was fractured when His apostles were killed, and we told him that through Joseph Smith that same church is again on the earth with it's proper Priesthood authority. We asked him if he wanted to find out if the Book of Mormon was true, and he said he did. Then we asked him to be baptized, when he found out the Book of Mormon was true, on the 29th of June. He said he would. It was great. It worked out perfectly. He is very prepared. He has been looking around at a myriad of churches, and now that he is dating a member he has been coming to ours and he likes what he hears. I am confident that he can be baptized on the 29th. Please pray for him!

The other person we have scheduled to be baptized is named Jenny Caddies. She is in the Bangor 2nd Ward. (Lee is in Bangor 1st.) She is the wife of a member who has recently started coming back to church. She has actually investigated the church many, many, times--she told us she has probably heard about the Restoration 10 times--but now she seems to have a real drive to stop smoking and be baptized. Her and her husband want to go to the temple and be sealed to each other and to their two little children. They have a 6-month old boy named Preston and a 2 and 1/2 year old girl named Amy-Lee.

We have Sister Caddies scheduled to be baptized on the 9th of July. It is easily within her reach. Hopefully her and her husband will both be done smoking by the next time I email you. Please pray for that, too! :)

Anyways, life is good. I am learning a lot and working hard. I am so far from perfect, but that's OK because I am trying and I have a long, long time to become perfect. I have been trying for the last few weeks to continually think of my Saviour whenever I make any decision. I believe that is truly the fastest way I can become like Him. I just need to focus on Him, nothing else. I know that He lives. I know that He loves me. I know that this is truly His work--I am just one of his servants, laboring along side Him in His vineyard. This is truly the last time He will labor here before His glorious return to earth. What an exciting time to be alive! We are in the last days. The world is coming to its final scenes, and we are blessed enough to be in the Lord's true church. So much is expected of us. I know that He will prepare a way for us to accomplish all He asks us to do if we will only trust Him and keep His commandments. That is the sure way to happiness. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all. I pray for you daily.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter #52 and Pictures

2011-06-06T14:02:00.002-07:00

Hello,

So, I am in Bangor. It is quite the place. We live in a very girly flat. It has inherited sister missionary after sister missionary and it shows! There is extra perfume everywhere and the sisters have an entire cupboard full of water storage! Ridiculous! But, one good thing about inheriting a sister missionary flat is that it was relatively clean when we came in and that the area book and records are mostly up to date. That's good--and very unlike when Elder Jones and I white-washed into Lisburn. The flat also has a jacuzzi and a very nice office. I have a legitimate desk now, like the kind you would see in Dad's office. It is great! So, the flat is good.

Here is my address in Bangor:

Elder Caleb Cloyd Barton
Flat 4
244 Clandeboye Road
Bangor
County Down
BT19 1QB
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom

Send post to that address but send packages to C.R. Lowry the Jeweler. Thanks!

Ya, I miss Elder Jones a little bit. He and I got on like a house on fire (that is what they say here to mean really well. :) ). He is in Coleraine now, and so that is weird because I still talk to him on the phone like every day. But my new companion, Elder Turner, is also great. He is from Kent in England, and he has been on his mission for just over a year. He is in the group of elders that came out a transfer before me. He and I think the same, which actually can make things sort of difficult because we both like things done a certain way and we are both bossy and controlling. Haha. But Elder Turner works very hard--harder than any companion I have ever had--and so I am sure that we will see a lot of success together.

The wards here in Bangor are great. We were at church yesterday from 8am to 5pm. It was a ton of church. And, the wards are huge so we have a ton of names to learn. Elder Turner and I had whoever we sat by in the two sacrament meetings tell us the name of everyone who got up to bear their testimony so that we could learn their names faster. That is one thing I will definitely be good at after my mission: remembering names.

I only have 12 days left till my year mark! Weird!

I'm sure Dad is loving the scouting trips. I am definitely going to go camping when I go home. I miss that. The Bangor 1st ward has a camp out this weekend and I wish we could go. Haha.

So, the Bangor library has about 8 iMac computers. It's awesome. I am on one of them right now. I told Elder Jones when I saw him after transfers and he was extremely jealous. :) Haha.

What else is happening in Bangor.... Well, the Bishop of the Bangor 1st Ward is very tough to please. The sisters left us tons of little sticky notes (they left sticky notes on everything!) that said that he has a hard time trusting missionaries. That seemed very true on Saturday night when we were able to stop by and introduce ourselves to him and his family. He didn't seem to be too happy that we had been busy with transfers and driving here and there instead of being out "working". But, I think he is starting to like us now. On Sunday we showed up to ward council 15 minutes before it started and he was very impressed. He told us that the sisters were always 15 minutes late to that meeting. Ever since then I think he likes us. It's amazing how simple it is to win someone's trust; all we had to do was show up a few minutes early to a meeting and that was that sorted. I am sure he will come to love us as he sees the hard work we do and as we do as he has asked.

After that ward council meeting on Sunday, the Lord blessed me with another opportunity to gain the members' trust. I sat by the Primary President, Sister Bleakley, during the meeting, and afterwards I felt impressed to tell her that if she ever wanted us missionaries to come into primary, we would be happy to help--we love primary. She was very happy about that. It seems like no one had ever offered to do that before, which is surprising considering there were sister missionaries here before and not elders! Anyways, now we are teaching next week's primary lesson! I am glad I followed that little prompting I received.

One by one we will win over the members here and baptize all their friends! Haha.

We drove 600 miles from Wednesday to Saturday. We had to go to the airport 4 different times, and we had to drive all the way to Antrim one day because the elders there had received a threat that there was a bomb in their apartment complex. Well, they didn't receive the threat, just the apartment complex. So, we went and picked them up and drove them to their district leader's flat. It was a crazy couple of days. And it isn't over yet: tomorrow we have to spend all day in Edinburgh for zone leader council. Hopefully we can do normal missionary work after that! I am excited for the plane ride, though.

So, that is life. I will attach some pics of recent happenings.

I love you all. Have a great week and I will talk to you soon.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

On the North Antrim Coast

The Mussenden Temple

Caleb and Elder Jones on the coast

Transportation Museum

Their Car.

Email 51

2011-06-01T09:27:00.002-07:00

Hello Family and Friends,

It's good to talk to you again. It has been a busy week since last time I emailed you for a variety of reasons. I am glad it is summer over there. It sounds like a blast.

Dad got a new office?

I can't believe that Cameron is expecting a baby! Wow. There are so many things happening over there when I am gone. I am going to come home to a totally new world. Haha.

I hope everything went well with Emma's graduation and that she got home at a reasonable hour this time! Haha. Probably not.... And I hope that Josh ans Sarah had a good time in Mesa. Are they still there?

So, I thought of some things for my package. I am getting transferred later today, but you should still send the package to C.R. Lowry in Lisburn because I am staying in the Belfast area (more on that later!). Anyways, here is what I came up with for the package:

1) Cornbread Mix. That stuff was so good. I loved it.
2) A new shower loofah. The ones they sell here are awful.
3) CDs. :) Music is always good, as long as it keeps my thoughts on the Saviour.
4) One CD in particular: "This is the Christ" by Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It comes out in June.
5) Salt water taffy. This sounds delicious!
6) New journals. I know you just sent some, but I need more of that same kind, because I sold one of the ones you sent to a missionary here who wanted one, and now I need another one or two.
7) (This is the most important one!) I would love all the mormon messages. I heard you could purchase a DVD with all of them on there, or if not, you could download them all to a DVD or put them on an external hard drive or something. But that would be amazing. Those mormon messages are awesome and I would love to have them.
8) And, of course, Twizzlers Nibs. Black is good, too. Send equal amounts of both. Haha.

Thanks! :)

One more thing, Seth keeps telling me that he isn't getting my emails because, "Mom never gives them to [him]." Haha. I don't know how true that is but if it is, please give Seth my emails and tell him that he should learn all the Dave Matthew's Band song so we can play them later. :)

Anyways, I am getting transferred. So is Elder Jones. In fact, he is already gone as I write this. I am spending the day in Lisburn with Elder Vollheim before my new companion arrives off the ferry from Scotland. Then, he and I will drive to Bangor tonight. Bangor is my new area. It is pronounced "Bang-er", with "er" as in Steve Irwin. So, that is exciting. They are whitewashing us out, and Elder Turner and I are whitewashing into Bangor. We are still the zone leaders here in Northern Ireland; we will just be in a new location. There are tons of whitewashes going on this transfer: 4 in our zone alone. Elder Jones is whitewashing into Coleraine, a place in Northern Ireland, and he will still be in my zone. I am excited about that because he is now a District Leader and I am his Zone Leader and so I will boss him around all the time. Haha. JK... But seriously. Elder Jones is training a new missionary. I am sad to be leaving him. We had a ton of fun together, and he is my favorite companion so far. But hey, life moves on.

Bangor area covers two wards: Bangor 1 and Bangor 2. So, that means I will have twice as many members to work with and that I will go to 8 hours of church each Sunday. Haha. Now, I know that might sound awful to you all, but as a missionary church rocks. Haha. So I am excited about that.

Moving into a new area is great because no one knows anything about you. You can be whoever you want to be when you move into a new area. I am determined to be my best self yet. :) I feel like Elder Turner and I can do a lot of good there and see tons of success if we work hard. Elder Turner is a fantastic missionary. I have only seen him at meetings, but I know he is very obedient and gifted. As long as he works hard and is obedient we will get on fine. :) Haha.

Bangor used to have sister missionaries in it. We are whitewashing them out. I think it has had sister missionaries for a long time, and apparently the flat reflects such. Haha. We will see what it is like later tonight.

Anyways, the move was unexpected. It had not even occurred to me that they might move both Elder Jones and I away. We just got whitewashed in! I am sad to leave Lisburn, but we are leaving the area in great shape for the elders who will be taking over here. We have a lot of investigators with them to work with (well, at least for this mission. :) ), and we have 2 progressing investigators. I will tell you about them.

Colin Winters came to church on Sunday. It was Stake Conference, and it was broadcast to the British Isles from Salt Lake City, so that was a strange first experience at church, watching big T.V.s for two hours, but he loved the messages all the same. President Monson spoke to all the saints here, and I think it was good that Colin was able to listen to our living Prophet. The best part was that after the meeting was finished, the members of Lisburn ward did an amazing job at fellowshipping Colin. He just stood and talked with the local members for literally an hour. Haha. We didn't even say anything to him. We just introduced a member to him, and they would talk for like 15 minutes, and then while they were talking we would go find another member and say, "Have you met Colin yet? Will you go over and introduce yourself?" Haha it was great. He knows probably 20% of the active membership now, and he already knew a few of the members from work in the Royal Hospital beforehand. I think he is at a great point for the new elders coming in, and I think he will be baptized in the upcoming months. I am sure I will here about it if I am still the zone leader here when it happens.

You know, now that I mention it, that whole experience was a huge answer to prayer. I just realized that. Immediately after the meeting finished on Sunday, we were sitting by Colin, and there weren't really any members around to talk to him. I was almost in a panic because I know how important it is that he makes friends in the ward. So, I offered up a silent prayer right there in the cultural hall that Heavenly Father would inspire the members to come and fellowship Colin. Then, when the blessing came seconds later, I didn't even recognize it. I just recognized it now, as I wrote about it to you. I guess there are a few lessons to be learned from that: God answers prayers and keep a journal so that you can recognize and record those answers when He does.

It reminds me of a story I heard earlier this week. Apparently, when all the disasters in Japan were going on, the mission president over there was in a panic. He called President Monson asking him what he should do to protect these missionaries, and the Prophet said, "President, you have the power to make miracles happen in that mission---so make them happen!"

I love that. It is so true. I hold the Priesthood: the one power that can stop Satan in his tracks. I am entitled to the ministry of angels. I hold the power to move mountains, to part waters, to organize universes. I have the power to do miracles. When I need a miracle, all I need to do is ask--all I need to do is call them down. I think, in a little way, I did that with Colin on Sunday.

I hope that I can continue to grow in my priesthood power. There is so much I don't understand.

Anyways, I have to go. I love you all! Have a great week and I will talk to you on Monday.

Love,

Elder Barton

Email 49

2011-05-18T21:54:00.002-07:00

Hello!

So, I only have like 5 minutes because the time allotment on our parking ticket is going to go over and then if a cop comes by he is going to give us a huge fine! Agh! Elder Jones only had like 45 pence to put in the machine. Usually we would have a lot more time in Lisburn, but we are in Belfast city centre.

Anyways, I will have you know that I booked the 23rd as my P-Day. I get to do whatever I want and Elder Jones has no say in the matter. He got last P-Day. So anyways, yesterday at our mission meeting I talked to one of the senior couples, the Holts, and asked them if they would take Elder Jones and I to see this Mussenden Temple and Giants Causeway next week, and they said they would! So next Monday should be fun. I told the Holts I would pay for petrol and for lunch. Haha.

Dad should definitely get the iPhone and the iPad. I figured out how to make use of an iPad in day to day living. And guess what? Last week we were in a meeting with President Boyd K. Packer's son, a member of the first quorum of the seventy, and he had an iPad! Haha. And, the Stake President here has the new iPhone. I decided Apple products are tools for righteous men.

Anyways, sorry this is so short. I will just let you know that we are teaching a man named William. He should be baptized in two or three weeks. He is SO good. He is a member referral from a member of the bishopric, and he really wants to change his life. He hasn't been happy in a long time, but when we left last lesson, he was smiling from ear to ear. :) He loved it. But then at the same time, he doesn't feel like he should be able or allowed to be happy, because of his past life. He really needs the gospel, and so do his two little girls. Guess what their names are? Emma and Chloe. Haha weird.... :) Anyways, he told us yesterday that he went out and bought a suit for church. So he will definitely be there this upcoming Sunday. I know that the reason we are teaching William is because we have worked hard here and the members trust us. They didn't trust some of the missionaries before us, and so of course they didn't refer their friends to them! But now that they have seen how we work and the Spirit that we carry, they are referring their friends to us. It is great blessing. I hope I can live worthy of it. I really hope that I stay another transfer, too, because I am pretty sure that William will be baptized sometime in June, and I also think that we could baptize Colin Winters that month, too.

Yesterday we had a meeting with all the zone and we talked about member missionary work. That really is the only way to do missionary work. There is no way that our mission will reach its goal of 424 baptisms this year unless we can win the trust and love of the members and teach and baptize their friends.

This morning Elder Jones and I had a meeting with the stake president, President McCruden and talked about that same thing. I love having this calling as a zone leader because of the interaction I am privileged to have with people like him, and for the way I get to train and be with all the missionaries in the zone. President McCruden is committed to do everything he can to help us in our work. He is an amazing person. When he was 17 he joined the church, and when he did so his family completely disowned him. He told us that he has never looked back. The saints here in these countries have amazing faith.

Anyways, I have to go. I hope we didn't get a parking ticket!

Love,

Elder Barton

Email 47

2011-05-03T20:53:00.001-07:00

Hello! :)

So, I am writing this email on an enormous iMac. :0 (That's the mouth-hanging-open-with-drool smiley.) I am on exchanges in a place called Portadown and they have a huge iMac here. Great! :)

Anyways, yes, the flat I am in now is bigger than any of the flats I have been in in the past. It is the basement flat of this big house, so it is a pretty decent size. The Landlord, Gary, lives above us. He is great, and he has 3 little kids who love to play football (soccer) with us. :) We played with them yesterday on our Preparation Day and it was great. The reason I didn't email on Preparation Day is because it was a bank holiday here and so none of the libraries were open. They have bank holidays here all the time. It is sort of ridiculous.

I couldn't agree more, Mom. I am convinced that if we will just do the basics the big things will fall into place, too. It really is simple to live the gospel. Just do the little things and it will all work out in the end. That's why I love Preach My Gospel. All it teaches you is the basics. It teaches you to read the scriptures, pray, attend church, pay tithing, and that's about it. It is so easy. We just get lazy and stop doing those easy things.

Great! :) I am excited for the CD. Thanks Mom. :)

I do not want to come home to a new house. Haha. :) That's all I will say about that. But what is Dad's calling and what building do we go to church in? I guess you can answer those questions on Sunday. Oh, that reminds me. Mom, if you get a letter from me before Sunday, you should not open it. It is a Mother's Day letter--to be opened on Mother's Day!

Yes, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so the royal wedding was actually a big deal here. We even had permission to watch it, although I didn't. But I saw a picture of them kissing in some newspaper, and the wedding was all anyone could talk about for like 3 days. Most of the people in Northern Ireland like being a part of the U.K..

Anyways, I will call between 4:30 and 7:30 on Sunday. Have your Skype account logged on, too, in case something goes wrong calling on the phone and I try to get first contact with you through that. I am excited to speak with you again! I feel like Christmas was just the other day, though. Crazy!

This week was a pretty good one for Elder Jones and I. We found four new investigators last week. It was wonderful. All of them seem very promising. We just need to get to see them on a consistent basis and they will get dunked no problem. I think the best one we have is named Collin Winters. Collin is in his 30s. He is an anesthesiologist. He works at the Royal Hospital here. He has two kids, and he is very open to learning about our church. The only problem is that he is very busy. Hopefully we can just get him to pray about the Book of Mormon. The first few lessons are so crucial! We saw Collin one time last week and we are planning on seeing him again this Friday.

One of the other people we have to teach is named Craig. He is the boyfriend of a recent convert names Alice. We are excited to teach him since he is a member referral and they are always the best. There is absolutely nothing better than teaching a friend or spouse of a member. That is truly the way forward in missionary work. And we are excited, too, because the Europe Area Presidency has asked that all of Europe dedicate the Fast Sunday in June to having our "voice of invitation" be heard. They said that "the time for growth in our countries has come." It was very powerful. They have asked all the members in Europe, every single one, to bring someone to church with them every single week in June. What a fantastic challenge! Elder Jones and I are going to go around and try to get the members pumped up about it, because if the members will get on board we will definitely have some wonderful teaching opportunities in June.

Anyways, I wonder if there is anything very exciting to share.

Oh ya! I will tell you about what happened on Sunday. So, Elder Jones and I were going by former investigators. We had picked out this girl named Linsey. She was the last person that we went by that night. As we drove to her house, we were listening to a talk Elder Holland gave at the MTC. He was talking about how the Spirit will only testify through us if our motives are pure. He talked about how we needed to love those people we taught, even if it was the first second after meeting them. We had to instantly love them and see them as our Heavenly Father sees them. So, we pulled up to Linsey's neighborhood with this talk playing, and I got out of the car with a little more determination than usual to love whoever I saw and to see them as God does.

We knocked on Linsey's door, and she peered through her living room door's window. She was very thin, and she looked scared as she stared through the window at us. "Who is it?" she said. We told her we were the missionaries. "Are you the Jehovah's?" she said. "No" we replied. She then slowly opened the door from her living room and came to the front door and opened it. She asked us why we had come. I had been trying to see her as Heavenly Father does, to see her great potential as one of His daughters, and all of the sudden, when she asked that, words just came out of my mouth and I said, "We are here to tell you that Heavenly Father loves you and that He has a plan for you."

Linsey almost burst into tears the moment I said that. She told us that she had been thinking that day of ending her life, and that when we had knocked on her door she had been reading the Bible and sobbing, pleading with God in prayer to help her. "And then you came" she said.

I thought that was an amazing experience. I don't know how we ended up at her house that time. I don't know how significent that was to her. But, I do know that that wasn't a coincidence. It was an answer to prayer. Somehow the Lord was able to lead me and Elder Jones to be in the right place at the right time. What a great feeling. :)

Anyways, I love you all. I will speak to you soon. :)

Love,

Elder Barton

Number 43

2011-04-10T16:30:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Anyways, this week nothing much happened. We were really busy, though. We have a fairly big area, and that just gets bigger when you start traveling all the way across the zone for this and that. I feel like we spend a lot of time in the car. Elder Jones likes having a car, but I don't. Not because I have to drive--I actually enjoy that and I am getting to be a pro. at driving manual; I just don't like having a car because then the music gets stuck in my head and you don't get to talk to as many people in the street and you don't get to enjoy the weather. I loved walking all over Airdrie and just talking to every person who crossed our path. It was a lot of fun.

But, I guess if we didn't have a car we wouldn't have got to go to Newcastle. There is this small town called Newcastle in our area. We went down there on Friday, I think. It was so beautiful. Newcastle has this giant, stunning mountain on one side of it, and the ocean on the other side. It was so pretty. We spent a few hours there and I wanted to go to the beach so bad. I told Elder Jones we could just skip dinner and go check it out. Haha. That wouldn't have been allowed. Maybe some day I'll get to spend some time there.

We don't really have any investigators right now. At least not any progressing investigators. All of the ones we are teaching are super busy and its impossible to schedule appointments with them. But, we just keep trying and ask the Lord to make up the difference.

This upcoming week I am going to try and step it up. I am going to step up to a new level of dedication to missionary work. Conference always gets me pumped to do things like that. President Uchtdorf did it conference, and Elder Oaks did it in his talk on desire. I am going to make sure that my "do it" switch is on the "now" position, just like President Uchtdorf said in Priesthood.

I am convinced that if I can just study and pray effectively, all the other things I need to do will just happen. I will gain the Spirit, I will know how to help the missionaries in this zone, I will know where to go and what to say, and I will know what I need to do to become a better missionary. And, as I do these things and as I am obedient to the rules the Lord has given us missionaries, we will find success--in His timetable. He will make up the difference, and he will sustain my righteous goals and actions. That is my goal for this week--to increase the effectiveness of my prayers and my personal study. Hopefully the end result is baptisms! :)

Elder Jones and I are having a great time together. We laugh a lot. :) He is great fun, and also a great worker. You are definitely right, Dad: you are almost guaranteed good companions as a zone leader. That is a plus!

Today we were super busy. We had to do all the weekly cleaning, then go shop, then go clean, and now we are emailing. We have to end preparation day early to talk to people on the street so that we can go have dinner at a member families' home at 6pm. The Harkness Family. They are fantastic. Just like in Airdrie, there are some great members in Lisburn. I don't think I will be disappointed with any of the wards I serve in. I haven't been so far!

Anyways, I have to go! Sorry this email is pretty boring; hopefully I have more to talk about next week. I should, since Zone Leader Council is tomorrow. I have to catch a plane to Edinburgh at 6:00am. That means we are waking up at 4:30. :( Yikes! It should be fun, though.

I love you all. I pray for you every day.

Love,

Elder Barto

Email #40

2011-03-21T07:27:00.002-07:00

Hello!

So, moves calls were last night. Very exciting. I am being transferred. :) Wahoo! I am actually very ready to get out of Airdrie and to get a new companion. Not that I don't love this place or Elder Baldwin; I've just been here a long time and I am ready for a change of scenery.

Anyways, I have been called to go to Northern Ireland, to be the new zone leader in the Belfast Zone. :) I am very excited to be able to serve as a zone leader. It will be a lot of fun, and a big new challenge as well. I will have many more missionaries to lead.

I like new opportunities to serve, because it brings with it a new motivation to become better. When I was first called as a district leader 3 months ago, I felt overwhelmed. I felt like I was so unqualified. That feeling motivated me to become more, to rise to a new level of commitment. I am sure this calling will do the exact same thing, and I welcome the refining effect.

I don't know much about Belfast. But, for those of you who are unaware, I do know that Northern Ireland, the country that the Belfast Zone covers, is not a part of the Republic of Ireland. They are two separate things, and I think they are separated because of religious tensions, although I am not sure. I am sure I will learn a lot more about that when I get over there. But they are different. For example, Northern Ireland uses pounds while the Republic uses euros. Anyways, I will know more next week.

My new companion, the other zone leader, is named Elder Evans. I don't really know him, although I might have met him before. He is a big guy, though. I do know that. and Elder Fernandez, my current zone leader here in Glasgow, tells me he is the funniest missionary in the mission. So I am excited.

Anyways, other than that, nothing much really happened this week. On Saturday we spent the whole day moving the Steens from their house in Greengairs, Airdrie, to Cumbernauld. Did I tell you that they are moving? I don't think I did, actually. Well they are. :) They already have. They are moving into a bordering town and will be in a new ward. Airdrie Ward is so bummed that they are leaving them, but Cumbernauld is excited as all get out because they hardly have any members come each week. Anyways, their new house is beautiful, and it was a lot of fun to dress up in regular clothes and spend most of the day with them, helping them move.

Elder Baldwin and I did get to teach them one time this week, too. We taught from the new member lessons in Preach My Gospel, and we talked about these two principles: eternal marriage and priesthood and auxiliaries. I knew it would be the last time I would be able to teach them, and so I chose to talk about two of the greatest topics. We talked about preparing to receive the Priesthood and about the holy temples and how he and Amanda can prepare to be sealed there next year. Derek told me that he wants that blessing more than anything else, and that if he could he would stop everything he was doing, pack up, and drive there right now to go inside. He has such a desire to be sealed to his family, and I have no doubt that they will be in Salt Lake next year.

Tomorrow Derek and Amanda are taking Elder Baldwin and I to lunch and we will say goodbye. I am not looking forward to it.

Anyways, life is good. Being a missionary is a wonderful blessing. The Lord loves us all. I love you, and I pray for you daily. Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Oh! P.S. Apparently the packages to Northern Ireland get picked up right by the zone leaders, so if you are going to send a package, wait until I send you the address in Northern Ireland to send it to, because then I will get it much much faster. I will include the address in the next email this upcoming Monday.

Email 39

2011-03-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hello! :)

We baptized Derek yesterday. :)

I am so grateful to Heavenly Father. I don't even know what to say. I truly feel that if I accomplished nothing else on my mission, yesterday would make it all worth it. The Steens would make it all worth it.

Thank you so much for all your prayers! Thank you for your fasting! I know they made a difference. Derek has so many people in this church who love and pray for him, and he doesn't even know half of them exist! :)

The baptism was wonderful. On Saturday night, Elder Baldwin and I spent two hours before that night's planning session cleaning and scrubbing the baptismal font and setting up chairs in the primary room. Luckily, I was able to find a little CD player in the primary closet, so we got to listen to the primary children's songbook as we worked. :) It was a lot of fun.

And then yesterday, March 6th, we woke up extra early. We were up and getting ready at 5:45am. We had to be at the church by 7am to get the font filled in time for Derek's baptism. We were the only ones there, and we were making sure that the water was warm and everything was where it was supposed to be.

Amanda's family started arriving around 8:30am. We probably had 30 extra people at church yesterday because of all the family that came from all around the Glasgow Stake to support Derek. Most of Amanda's family are members of the church, and they were all there for his baptism. It was wonderful to have such a crowd come, since the baptism was at 9am and that is pretty early for some of these families.

Derek, Amanda, Isaac, Emma, and Amanda's 12-year-old son Joshua arrived at 8:45am. Once they were all settled, I went to go get changed with Derek. We came out both dressed in white--just white. What a wonderful symbol....

Derek and I walked into the chapel together and sat on the front row. We were able to hear both Amanda's Dad and uncle Philip give talks about baptism and Gift of the Holy Ghost. I was lost in thought. I was so happy to be given this opportunity to baptize Brother Steen. He is truly a dear friend.

Then it was time for his baptism. We walked into the font as everyone in the chapel filed into the primary room. I raised my right arm to the square and said, "Derek McKinley Steen, having been commissioned of Jesus Christ I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Then something went terribly wrong. Haha. :)

Perhaps it is because Derek is 3 times my size, or perhaps it is because I didn't practice with him beforehand, or perhaps it is because I am an awful baptize-er, but for some reason Derek wasn't fully immersed the first time and we had to do it again. Haha....

Second time is a charm, right?

Luckily, whatever mistake we made the first time the Lord fixed the second time and the witnesses said we could go.

As embarrassing as it was to not get it right the first time, I walked out of the font with Derek and both of us had an outstanding feeling. I just felt such peace. It is indescribable. Despite having to do the baptism twice, both of us had that peace. The Holy Ghost confirmed to both of us that what we had just done was right. Derek had just become a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I am so grateful that I was able to baptize him. I am so thankful to hold the Priesthood of God. I hold His power. I hold the power that can raise the dead, that can move mountains, that can create universes. It is such a wonderful thing to be entrusted with that sacred trust. This Church and the power it holds is a miracle. It really is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth" (D&C 1:30).

In Sacrament Meeting, Derek was confirmed a member of that true and living church. He was told to receive the Holy Ghost, and he has. You can see it in his face. :) I asked him how he felt afterwards, and he smiled and said, "I feel great". :)

It was such a blessing to be able to have testimony meeting yesterday. I was able to bear my testimony, so was Amanda's dad and uncle, and so was her mom.

Derek's uncle-in-law, Philip, the one who told his conversion story a few weeks back, said this:

"It is amazing how your greatest difficulty has brought you your greatest blessings."

That is very true. Derek's son, Isacc, is in large measure the reason he was baptized yesterday. The frightening and humbling experience of his birth allowed Amanda to return to the Lord and Derek to find the Lord. That experience led them to wear they are today--active, happy members of the true Church of Christ. Their story is truly amazing.

I know that the Lord prepares those He needs to accept His Gospel. He knows each and every one of us. He loves us. He speaks to us daily. I know that if we will listen for His messages, He will guide us. He will lead each of us to a happier life by better following Him.

I am so grateful to have been a part of Derek's baptism. I am so grateful that the Lord allowed and trusted me to teach them, to help them on their way back home.

Yesterday after church, Derek and Amanda paid their tithing and fast offerings. :) They are well on their way to entering the Lord's House next year. I cannot wait for that day.

I love this family. :)

Anyways, I love you! I will email again next Wednesday. :) I will probably be somewhere new then, too!

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter 39

2011-03-02T21:30:00.003-07:00

Hello, everyone,

This week was fantastic. Everything is working out great. I am getting so nervous about Derek's baptism, but he knows that what he is doing is right and that the Church is true.

We were able to teach the Steens 3 times this last week. And every day that we weren't in their home having a lesson, we were calling them and seeing how they were doing with their reading and making sure they have no questions or concerns. I am so convinced that contacting them each day has power. It allows them to feel "the sustaining influence of the Holy Ghost", as Preach My Gospel says.

The other day we talked about Thomas S. Monson. We watched a short video clip about him and bore our testimonies that he is truly a prophet of God and that he receives revelation from Heavenly Father. Derek felt the Spirit as we watched. He told us that President Monson has a presence about him that makes you want to "sit up on the edge of your seat so that you can hear every word". It was a great experience. Derek understands that as he follows the words of Thomas S. Monson, he will never go astray. When we left that lesson, we asked him to watch the talk titled, "The Divine Gift of Gratitude", with his wife and then to pray and ask God if Thomas S. Monson truly is a prophet. He and Amanda did the very same night, and Derek could hardly wait to tell us how it went when we saw him the following day at church. He told us that as he had prayed about Thomas S. Monson, he had received the same feeling he had felt when he prayed after Stake Conference. It had made him shiver all over. :) It is such a wonderful thing to be able to teach people a principle, invite them to find out for themselves, and then hear how God answered their prayers. To me, it confirms that Heavenly Father is happy with the work I am doing. He is answering the prayers of those who do what we, His servants, ask. What a great blessing to have the Holy Ghost confirm the truth of what we say!

Derek has already picked out the songs, speakers, and pray-ers for his baptism. He has a white jumpsuit already to go, and he has invited his parents and all his in-laws. Everything is in order. I just pray and pray and pray that Satan doesn't come in and mess something up! But I believe that as we continue to work hard this week and to pray without ceasing, then Heavenly Father will protect Derek.

It sort of reminds me of this scripture, spoken to Joseph Smith after he lost the 116 pages of manuscript, the translation of the "Book of Lehi":

"Behold, you have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them.

And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.

For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—
Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."

I believe that this applies to what I am doing right now. If I will be faithful, obey Heavenly Father and the rules and commandments He has given me as a missionary, be diligent, and pray unto Him in sincerity of heart, He will protect myself and Derek Steen from all the fiery darts of the adversary. I know that the power of prayer is real. The Lord can bless and heal others through our faith and obedience.

I am so blessed to be able to teach this family. I truly love them. I want nothing more than to see them sealed together as a family next summer. Elder Baldwin and I have given them the tools to do that.

Yesterday, Derek said the closing prayer in our lesson. It was the first time he has prayed in front of me. He has been sort of nervous up to this point.

Derek offered such a great prayer. His prayer helped me realize the impact Elder Baldwin and I have had on his life. This is what he said:

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending the missionaries here today. Thank you for sending them to teach me and to help me get ready for my baptism. Please bless them. Please watch over them on their journeys, as I regard them as dear friends...."

I am so blessed to have this association with the Steens. Preaching the gospel is such an amazing privilege! It is such a wonderful opportunity. I know that this is our Heavenly Father's work. It brings the most satisfaction. There is nothing better that I could be doing.

I love you all. Have a great week. :) Please pray for us here in Airdrie.

Love,

Elder Barton

Letter 38

2011-02-22T15:37:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Ok, about my companion. I'm just going to tell you straight. Elder Baldwin is great, he just really struggles to focus. He whispers to himself about 60% of the day--even in lessons. His mind is just constantly somewhere else. Anyways, that part drives me nuts, but it is giving me the great opportunity to learn charity and patience--although many times I feel I have a lot to learn.

It isn't that hard living with someone 24/7, though. I am not sure what I thought it would be like before my mission, but I am very used to it now. You get used to people. I am very used to Elder Baldwin and the quirky things he does. I really do love him.

We will talk about Derek Steen later, but for now I will just tell you that George is nowhere to be found. George Higgins, I mean. We walked into him on the street sometime last week, and he said that his mom is back in hospital. She is not very well at all. Now I think he is back down in England, and it is impossible to set anything up with him. I think it is going to take much longer than we had planned to baptize him. Definitely not in this transfer--and I really don't think I will stay another. But I think one day he will be baptized. It will just take more time.

Now, I am sorry if you feel as though all your prayers for George Higgins have been in vain, but I have one huge request. Actually, it is more like I am begging: please pray all you can for Derek Steen! However sincere and powerful your prayers were for Brother Higgins, I hope you will double that sincerity and power and faith when you pray for Derek Steen.

Derek is scheduled to be baptized on the 6th of March. That is not this Sunday, but the next. When he does, I can come home happy. Seriously. If I baptize Brother Steen and he stays active and he and his wife go to the temple like they are planning on doing next summer, then I can go home not having baptized another soul. My mission will have been a success. That is how strongly I want to baptize Derek Steen.

By the way, I sort of wanted to tell you this after Derek was baptized, but it is just so exciting that I can't wait. Derek and Amanda are planning on going to the United States, like they used to every year until Isaac was born, next year, in July, to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Do you realize what that means?! I will be home! If they stick to their plans, they will be sealed in the Temple in Salt Lake about a month after I get home from my mission, and I will be there. I cannot express how much I want this to happen.

It reminds me of a scripture I recently read in Mosiah:

"And now... God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive." (Mosiah 4:21)

This scripture could almost summarize my mission right now. I am completely dependent on the Lord for helping Derek to be baptized on the 6th of March. I am working like it is all up to me, and then I am praying like it is all up to Him. And although I am not the best missionary and I am so far from perfect, I know that God is a God of mercy. He will grant unto me whatever I ask of him--if it is right, and if I ask in faith.

There is strength in prayer. When we pray with sincerity, our prayers are answered. Every time. Of that there is no question, for the Lord himself has said it through his servants the prophets.

Please, oh please, pray for Derek Steen to be baptized on the 6th of March! Pray that he will find the faith to avoid the temptations of Satan, who will try his hardest to make him doubt those things he has felt!

Derek came to Stake Conference, and afterwords he had an incredible experience where the Holy Ghost testified to him that what we have taught him is true. He was talking in the Bishop's office with his uncle-in-law, Philip Hogg. They knelt to pray, and Derek offered that prayer. Derek told us that when he said that prayer after Conference, he felt some sort of feeling. A warmth. A love. Then, he stood, and the feeling changed--it became 100 times as powerful. When he told us the story on Monday he said, "And that's when I knew". The Holy Ghost has told him that this is God's church, and he is determined to be baptized.

Satan knows this! He has tried his hardest to make this family flee from the truth, to scare them into doing nothing. His attacks will only increase now, because as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, "When we are accomplishing the most good, the greatest opposition comes."

Please pray for Brother Steen!

We have seen Derek and Amanda a few times in the past week, to teach him all those things he must know before he is baptized. Last Monday after we taught them, they told me something that I will forever treasure. We got talking about how I have been in Airdrie for quite sometime, and Amanda said this:

"I think you stayed here for us. Derek and I were talking, and we think that it took someone special to convert him. We think you have stayed here this long for us."

I believe that is true. I believe that I am here in Airdrie for the Steens. I love them. I want to see them sealed in the Temple. I want them to stay faithful and active for the rest of their lives. I want to meet them again in our Father's Kingdom--the Celestial Kingdom of God.

I know that if I, Elder Baldwin, Derek, and Amanda will do our best, he will be baptized on the 6th of March. I pray that he will.

Thank you for your love and support. In addition to praying for Derek, I am praying for all of you. :) I love you all.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter 37

2011-02-21T18:13:00.001-07:00

Hello.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Amanda Giles. :) She is great. And yes, I know Robby. He is great, too. I went to dinner with him and Amanda for her cousin's birthday while I was at BYU. He was very nice and very funny, and they seemed to have a lot in common. I want to see pictures of the wedding! And, if somewhere, someday they read this, congratulations you two! :)

I am excited to hear about the talent show from Emma. I love the letters. I got two from Dad last week. They were the letters from January 30th and February 6th. I was dying when I read the one about your marathon. I loved it. Sorry you got your worst time ever, but at least it made for a great story. :) Also, the spiritual thoughts are great. They always seem to come to my mind throughout the day, and they always apply in some situation. And finally, I definitely think you should write the essay you titled, "If I get into BYU on the strength of my father's essay, did I still get into BYU?". Haha. Good luck, Emma! :) I'm praying for you!

So, it has been a great week. A few people we are teaching are, to use a Scottish phrase, "doing my nut in". That basically means driving me insane. Those people would be George Higgins, the Barbers, and Brother Montgomery. I am fine with everyone else and what they are doing. :)

I will briefly talk about why these people are driving me mad:

1. Brother Higgins. We happened to pop by his flat the other day and catch him in. He had just got back up from England from being with his mom. She had been let out of the hospital the day before, and so he came back up just to sort some stuff out with the local job center. He said that he would come to church the next day, yesterday, and that he would be back down to England on Monday, today. He said that he was even thinking about moving down to England permanently to be with his mom and family, and that he would be going and coming for the next little while, making it virtually impossible to stay in consistent contact with him or to set up teaches with him, as he doesn't know the duration he will be in one place or the next, and as he never answers his phone. He also told us that he had started smoking again when he was away. I left that pop by visit a little frustrated. And then he didn't show up to church! Needless to say, he is doing my nut in.

2. The Barbers. After having had an amazing lesson with them, Georgina told us throughout the week that her son Garth had read the entire Book of Mormon and loved it. We were so excited to see them last Saturday. Then, they dropped us. They never showed up, and when we finally got Georgina on the phone for 3 seconds, she told us she wasn't interested and hung up. Frustrating.

3. Darren Montgomery. I am not even going to talk about him, because it isn't anything that outstanding. Hopefully we can see some progression with him this upcoming week.

But enough of the slow-movers! The Steens are doing great! :)

We had an amazing lesson with the Steens last Monday night, and we are seeing them again tonight. I will talk about what has happened with them in the last seven days.

So, we arrived at their house at 7:30. Their house is out in a tiny, tiny town called Greengairs. It is about an hour and a half walk from our flat in Airdrie, so luckily we managed to get a ride from Bishop Puri.

Amanda's family came to this lesson last Monday. The reason they came is because Derek, her husband, had been texting Amanda's uncle the week previous and asking him why he joined the church. (Just as a side note, whenever you have an investigator who, without any prompting from you, is texting people and asking them questions about the church and baptism, you can pretty much be sure that he or she will be baptized. :) ) Amanda's uncle had told him while they texted that he and his brother, Amanda's dad, would come over on Monday and tell him the whole story. So, they did, and that is why all of Amanda's family were at our lesson last Monday.

Anyways, we all sat down and talked, and then we started our lesson. We actually didn't do very much teaching ourselves, at least not until the very end. Amanda's uncle did most of the talking. HE answered Derek's question about why he joined the church by telling his conversion story.

Amanda's uncle, whose name is Brother Philip Hogg, had one of the best conversion stories I had ever heard--and you get some pretty good ones up here in Scotland because many people are first-generation members of the Church. He talked about how he had one day seen his dad's bible and asked, "Why aren't there prophets and apostles today?" His dad had told him that they didn't need them anymore. That had never felt right with him.

He talked about meeting with the missionaries and the Jehovah's Witnesses. He talked about all the questions he asked, and about all the thinking he had done. He talked for about 45 minutes, and he told of some wonderful spiritual experiences and how he had finally come to know that the Book of Mormon was true. Then he talked about how he had covenanted with the Lord that if He would help all his family to be baptized and accept the gospel, he would serve a mission. Well, the Lord kept his side of the deal. Within a year, all of Brother Hogg's family were also members, and he remembered that he now had to serve a mission. :) He served in Salt Lake City, Utah.

At the very end, Brother Hogg was in tears and he, "Derek, you asked me why I joined the Church. I'll tell you. It's because it is 100% true. It is all true. It isn't 99.999% true. It isn't mostly true or sort of true. It is 100% true. Joseph Smith really did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. This book, the Book of Mormon, is really scripture. It was translated by the gift and power of God. These two missionaries are truly Christ's representatives here today. And the Priesthood they and I hold is the power of God on earth--the same power that healed your son Isaac. It is all true."

It was such a powerful testimony, and Derek really felt the spirit. Everyone felt the Spirit! :) I was so grateful Brother Hogg had come.

After a little while, we talked about what we were all feeling and how that was God's witness that what had been said was real--it was true. Derek recognized that, and he told us all that he had felt it before.

By this time, I had waited long enough. I asked Derek to be baptized if he knew that the Book of Mormon is true. He said that once he knew that, he would. :)

Then, on Wednesday last week, I called him to see how his reading was going. He told me that he had been listening to the Book of Mormon, one chapter at a time, on his iPhone, as he drove the night bus down to England. We talked for a little while, and then he asked me this question, which pretty much made my week. The conversation went something like this:

Derek: So, I do have one question.

Me: Sure, go ahead.

Derek: Well, I have been thinking a lot about baptism, and I was wondering something.

Me: What is it?

Derek, So, if I do decide to get baptized, do you have the power to do that?

Me: Yes....

Derek: OK, great. Because I wanted to ask you if you would baptize me if I do decide to go down that route.

At this point I think I wanted to say, "Are you kidding me?! Flip yes!!!!!!!!!!!", but I think I said something like, "Ya sure! I would be happy to." It was such a great feeling. After the phone call I started dancing in front of Elder Baldwin and he had no idea what to do. :)

I am so excited about the Steens. I find myself walking around and thinking about them. I daydream about Derek getting baptized, him and Amanda getting sealed with their children, and young Isaac, the miracle baby, growing up and serving a full-time mission. I pray someday all those things happen. If they did, I could leave my mission and be completely content. I would not need to baptize or even teach another soul.

Anyways, I need to go. I love you all. Happy Valentine's Day. :) I pray for you daily and hope you are praying for me and these special people here in Airdrie.

Love,

Elder Bartonc

Letter 35

2011-02-02T17:42:00.002-07:00

Hello,

Unfortunately, this weekend did not go the way I was hoping it would. But, before you get all sad and cry, know that it is all ok. :) George did not get baptized last Saturday, but it was through no fault of his own, and through no fault of Elder Baldwin and I. It was his mom's fault! Haha. His mom fell over unconscious in her home in England for no apparent reason and had to be rushed to the hospital. This happened a week ago, and George has been in England ever since with his mom and dad. We talked to him on Saturday, and he said he will give us a phone when he is back up in Scotland, although he doesn't know when that will be. But we are not worried about him--he still wants to be baptized and I am sure he will be.

And, hopefully I will still be the one to baptize him, because I am staying in Airdrie another 6 weeks! Haha. I will be here now until the middle of March (so send mail to my Airdrie address for February at least because it is faster). And Elder Baldwin is staying with me. Weird. I will spend one quarter of my mission in this town, and I will spend one-sixth of it with Elder Baldwin. It's ok, though. I love Airdrie. The ward is amazing. I was very surprised to hear that I was staying, though. I thought for sure one of us would leave here, and I was pretty sure it would be me. In fact, I was so sure that I was leaving that I took a bunch of pictures with many of the ward members. Haha. I will attach them to this email.

Your last email was fine. I was actually waiting to hear something about all the withdrawals. I will take out the money for the emergency reserve fund tomorrow. And if I don't use it by the end of my mission, it will probably be spent on my kilt. Haha. :) Seriously, though. I'm buying a kilt. Bagpipes are too much money.

I would buy souvenirs if I saw anything really good. But Airdrie doesn't make anything cool. Really. Haha.

I am not wearing the shoes in that photo I sent. The new shoes I bought are my meeting shoes. :) I only wear them to places like church and district meeting and zone conference. And i got those at half price, too!

Oh, by the way, I got the hats. They were at my doorstep about a week after you sent them. So thank you. I am wearing them often, but I realize now that the gray hat you sent is really, really ugly. Haha.

Oh! I also got my Valentines Day package yesterday! Thank you very much! :) I was not expecting that at all. I love the new pillow case. :) And the Twizzler Nibs that are really long are cool, although sort of depressing. They seem to take away from the style of the classic Twizzler Nibs. But they still taste good! I will maybe set up some of the decorations you sent, but maybe not. I still haven't been bothered enough to take down the Halloween decorations you sent in October. Haha. We have bats still hanging all over our walls and a big "Happy Halloween" banner up above our sink. Haha.

I want to go see Dad at work when I get back. I have that on my list of things to do when I get home. Along with this one: "Buy a marimba." Haha. :) But I am sure Dad is amazing. I wish I had seen him at work before I left.

Oh my gosh. I cannot believe you have already given up on your new year's resolution to give up candy. Haha.... Way to go, Mom! :) Let's see how long it takes to break your "shopping for pleasure" resolution. I bet that will end before this month is over.

Wow! That is amazing about Sister Pratt. I definitely agree--prayer can work miracles

Who did Josh take for Econ 110? Because if he didn't take Kearl then it doesn't matter what grade he got--everyone knows that Professor Kearl's class is 1 billion times harder than any other professor's class. :) And, you are right, I would be bugged he had got an A, but an A- is not an A. :) But it is still obnoxious because I am sure he didn't spend one-eighth of the time I did studying and still managed to get an A-. How could he get a C in Old Testament, though?! Haha.

Ok, before I tell you about my week, here is the info. on the pictures I attached. The first is a picture of Brother Malcolm and I eating take-out Chinese at Sister Cotter's. We are on assignment from the Bishop to see her every Friday and everytime we do she gives us money for take-out Chinese. :) Haha. The next picture is me and most of Bishop Puri's family. They are great and I love them. The next is me and my ward mission leader, Brother Wark, and his wife. He is 23 and she is 27. They are so great. They were married last year in September. As you can see, Brother Wark is such a huge dork. Haha. The next picture is me and the Hunters. They came to the Warks last Sunday night, the night I found out if I was leaving Airdrie. They did not expect me to take a picture with them, and Sister Hunter was so embarrassed to be in her pajamas. Brother Hunter just cuddled my arm. Haha.... He is also a huge dork. :) The next one is me and all the elders in my district. A few of them are leaving this next transfer and so we got a big photo together. Don't mind the way our legs are all crossed over like we are very feminine. It was the only way we could fit on the bench. :) Haha. And the last picture is from today. It was Elder Baldwin's birthday today, and we got a little cake at our favorite cake shop, Bon-Bon's. It is the BEST. :)

Well, it has been a good 10 days here in Airdrie. :) It is such a wonderful thing to be a missionary! Seriously. I don't think there is anything better in the whole world. All we do is get up, jog around, study the gospel, and then teach people the gospel. :) Could anything be better?! :)

Yesterday we got to teach the Steens one more time. Wow. I love this family. Brother and Sister Wark came with us and we watched Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration and then talked about the movie and how we each knew that Joseph was a Prophet. It was amazing, and Derek Steen (the non-member) was crying after the movie. And he is this huge guy who used to play rugby! He said he was really touched. Apparently he is a softy for the Spirit. :) I am positive he will be baptized this year. I just hope it is in 6 weeks! Ah! The Steens would build the Kingdom of God like nobody else in Airdrie. They are amazing. We are seeing them again next Monday.

THis week I learned a valuable lesson about sacrifice. Here in the Scotland/Ireland Mission, we keep track of "Quality Gospel Conversations". This is when you stop someone, either on the street or at their door, and you talk to them. But, to count as a QGC, you have to teach, testify, ask a question, and then companion number 2 has to testify and get a return appointment. It is actually sort of hard to get that much time with people.

But this week I learned a lot about how we can show the Lord our desires and He will bless us. It comes from being exactingly obedient and from sacrifice. Elder Baldwin and I managed to do both of those things perfectly on Monday, and we were blessed with 21 QGCs in one day. It was amazing, considering our total for the last week was 30. We got two-thirds of that goal in one day because we sacrificed. We got out exactly on time, and we skipped our lunch to GQ people on the street. We were so blessed because of it. It also affirmed my testimony of what you wrote me, Dad. The first 30 minutes of every day truly are the most important. We need to get right out to work and show the Lord where out heart lies.

Well, I don't have much time. But please continue to pray for George Higgins and Derek Steen. These people could easily be baptized in the next 6 weeks if the Spirit touched their hearts as it can. I know the church is true and that we can truly gain unparalleled happiness from doing the work of the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,

Elder Barton

Letter 33

2011-01-20T19:00:00.002-07:00

The latest from Caleb - this is his address for the nest couple of weeks.

Elder Caleb Barton
23H North Bridge Street
Airdrie Scotland
ML6 6NL
united Kingdom

Howdy,

Elder Partridge will be home before the October Conference? That is hard to believe! Yes, things do get faster. I know they do for me, and probably for you. It seems like things just get faster at an accelerating rate, actually. Like a exponential graph.

I am glad you like the emails. :) I will keep trying to write stories that will inspire and uplift. That is what the White Handbook tells us our emails should do, actually! :) Could you possibly add some people to your email list? Anna Toone told me she hasn't heard a word about how I am doing, so she is obviously not getting them. I guess someone could just inform her about the blog. And Devin Oakes wants to be added, so if you could add them, that would be great.

I think I will just send my mini-Preach My Gospel back to you and then you can figure it all out back there. I think that would be a lot easier. And then you can include some note from the family or something in it. :) Like a special page with your testimonies and a picture or something. That would be a fantastic thing to have in the back of my Preach My Gospel! So I will send it back to you. Hopefully today, but if not today, definitely next week.

Haha that is great that another elder had a mini-PMG. I'm sure it wasn't as good though. :) Mine is unbeatable!

Wow Mom! That is so great about Brother Mills and the recent-converts in our ward! :) Great stories. What an important lesson and what a powerful way to learn it. I hope you wrote the whole thing down in your journal. That is amazing. I would of never guessed that about Brother Mills, either. What a testimony. I will definitely try to apply that this week as we work. Thank you for sharing that experience with me. And I will be praying for you as you work on turning over this new leaf.

I heard about the story with the shooting of the Tuscon Congress woman. It is all over the news here, too. When I heard about that and the floods in Australia, it made me think that the end is fast approaching. Then I read in Doctrine and Covenants about Elijah turning the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, and how that was a sign that the Day of the Lord was nigh at our doors, and it made me think that Jesus must be turning the doorknob even as we speak. And yet, so many people have absolutely no idea!

Say hi to the family for me! :) I love you guys!

It has been a fairly good week here in Airdrie. I am starting to get the feeling that I am leaving, though. I don't know why. I still won't know for 2 weeks, but the feeling is already here. I just pray and pray and pray that we will be able to baptize George Higgins before I leave--if I leave.

George has had a rough week. He lost his job this week, and his mom had a heart attack down in England. It is really bad. All the chaos made it really hard to see him, too. Sometimes I just think to myself, "Satan is so good at what he does." Seriously. And then I just try and think of ways that we can beat him. I think I am going to fast this week that George will be baptized on the 29th. You can just keep praying. Pray that he will overcome his addiction to cigarretes.

My district had some great success this week. Elder Vollheim from Norway and Elder Beal from Utah (who also wrote Emma. Haha.) were able to baptize the woman they were working with. Her name is Mary Weir. She is such a wonderful woman. They had been teaching her for about 2 months, and she was baptized yesterday right after church. The ward that she was baptized in, Cumbernauld Ward, had not seen a baptism in 7 years. Wow. They were very excited for Mary, to say the least.

I wasn't able to go to the baptism, but I was in Cumbernauld on Tuesday, and I got to see Mary. I was on exchanges with Elder Vollheim and on Tuesday evening, Cumbernauld Ward all got together to watch the film Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. There were about 10 people in attendance. We all sat and watched this film on a small TV next to the baptismal font.

It was a great time. Many of the ward members had never seen the film before, and everyone was deeply touched. Some were also deeply amused by the terrible immitations of a Scottish accent in the film. :)

Afterwards I got to talk with Mary Weir. She was so nervous to be baptized in less than a week. But, she was also so happy. It was amazing. She kept on saying, "I just know it is the right thing to do." She talked about how welcome she felt at church and how everyone there was just "dead nice". :) It was wonderful to see the happiness that had come into her life since she had started to learn about the truth.

I want that for George. I want him to gain that happiness. I want him to meet with Mary Wier and talk with her about how she was able to overcome her addictions to smoking and find the joy that is the Gospel. I want George to see how happy she is. I know meeting with her will help him feel the Spirit and redouble his efforts to be baptized. And then he will feel true joy, just as Mary did on Sunday.

It is amazing the way the Lord works. Elder Covey and Elder Vollheim found Mary Weir on a bus about two months ago. I think they were on a bus back from Airdrie, right after exchanges. They just started talking to her on the bus. And now she is baptized!

The Lord definitely prepares people, and he puts them in our path. Mary Weir was put on a bus. Now, the elders didn't have to talk to her. It would have been much much easier not to on a bus. So many missionaries are terrified of talking to people on the bus because it is a little unnatural. That "awkward" word comes back into play. Too many missionaries would have missed Mary Weir because they would have let their fears frustrate what could of been a glorious oppurtunity for them to participate in the work of the Lord. And so their oppurtunities are frustrated--not His. "The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught." (D&C 3:1)

I believe that if Elder Covey and Elder Vollheim wouldn't have talked to Mary that day on the bus, God would have saved her for some other elders--some elders who were faithful and dilligent enough to have her. He would of saved her for two elders who were brave enough to talk to everyone in their path, no matter where they may be.

It is so easy to be quiet because we feel "awkward". But when we do so we are only hurting ourselves! We are stopping the Lord from blessing us with success, and we are stopping Him from the process of changing our very natures into His. If we only do what He asks, we will be blessed and so will countless others. Our very natures will be changed!

Seth, you demonstrated this last week. I loved your letter about how you stopped that man on Adobe when you were running. You just felt like you needed to teach him about the Gospel. And so you stopped! It would have been so much easier to keep on running and let him be. It would have been so much easier to push that prompting aside. But the Lord blesses us when we follow the propmtings he gives us. He blesses us with even more guidance and even more success. And in that increased success we find increased joy.

I am also sure that this principle doesn't only apply to doing missionary work. I am sure that the Lord will bless us and guide us more often as we do anything that he asks. Just like Emma going to the temple last week at 6am on a Saturday morning. Sometimes we get these promptings to do something, and sometimes that something may be awkward or uncomfortable or inconvenient. But when we do it, we are blessed. We are happy. The Lord doesn't send us promptings so that we will follow them and be miserable.

When Josh got home from his mission, I remember seeing this quote on many of his things. I think it is beautiful and totally applicable. It has stuck with me ever since I first read it:

"Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it...." -- Joseph Smith

I love that quote. I know that is true! God is only here to make us as happy as He is. That is His entire purpose. That is truly the "object and design of our existence"--to be happy. And I know that following the promptings of the Spirit and obeying the commandments of God is the path that Joseph Smith referenced.

I hope that we can all follow the little promptings we receive from day to day, no matter the things He asks us to give up in the process. Let us give him our agency; let us do what He asks. As we do we will be richly blessed. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and support. I am continually praying for all of you.

Love,

Elder Barton

Letter 32

2011-01-11T22:56:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Alright, I am glad we are actually on Number 32. Not that it really matters. Can you believe I have been out 6.5 months? It really does go very fast. I got a letter from Elder Oakes, and he said that he has been out something like 14 months now. I am sure it is about the same for Elder Partridge. Wow!

That is a crazy story about Grandma and the woman you all helped. I don't know what she should do. We told James when we gave him the food that it was a one-time thing. I mean, missionaries are not suppossed to turn into a welfare program. We are set apart to teach, not to feed. So if Grandma doesn't have good feelings about giving her a job, then I wouldn't do it. I have learned something from Gearge Higgins: "follow your gut." :)

That is great about Taylor. I can't believe him and Matt Hoe are home already. I remember going to their homes just before they left. Time flys!!! AHHH!!! Sounds like church was great, though. I got the Knight Family's Christmas card two days ago. Sounds like Bishop is going country all of the sudden. And Ryan is going on a mission. Where is he going again?

I'll let you know what happens with the hats.

Josh is in D.C.? Wow! I thought that wasn't happening till next fall. He must be loving it. I would love to do that. Except, I don't want to do politics. I would just like to walk around doing nothing if I went. :) Let me know if he does anything super exciting, because I am sure I will now be getting letters about once every 6 months from him. :) Haha. But it's ok. I am fine. So don't get on his case too much, Mom.

Ok, so about my mini-Peach My Gospel. I need some pages. :) Sorry to be a nuisance. It is beautiful and I love it, but it is incomplete without these pages. Before I tell you what is missing, let me just say that when I showed the Ward Mission Leader (who I love), Brother Wark, my mini-PMG last night he was outrageously jealous. He and about 5 other elders here want you to send them one. :) Haha.

Anyways, it has been a good week. George Higgins came to church on Sunday. James Stevenson did not. :( But we are excited about George. He is doing great. The Holidays are all over, and the work is picking up speed again.

I don't know if I told you this story, but I want to. I will have to be quick, but bear with me.

About a week ago, Elder Baldwin and I got in to our flat for the night. We were tired. It was late. But, we knew we had to plan the next day. That is what we do every night, right when we get it. Plan the next day.

So, we sat down to plan. I let Elder Baldwin lead the whole thing. It is good experience for him, and it helps him take control and figure out how to work and plan from experience, which is the best way. Anyways, he led the session. It should of took 30 minutes. It took an hour and a half. We finished with just enough time to take our clothes off, brush our teeth and go to bed. Elder Baldwin was so frustrated that it had taken so long. I tried to comfort him, but it was useless. We both went to sleep in a less-than-pleasant mood.

But the next day was a real testimony to me. We followed Elder Baldwin's plans the next day and it was amazing. Everyhting he planned worked out perfectly. We contacted a less-active member we have been trying to find forever. We had 2 lessons just from chapping doors. We found so many potential investigators. It was great!

The best part was Laura Campbell. We chapped her door just before we had to turn to go home. Laura had just lost her Mom the day before. She told us that she thought we were "heaven-sent." She asked us if we could come back another time, after the funeral. I was so happy to have been the angel sent to help her know that she can be with her mom again. It was a fantastic experience.

Afterwards, I realized something that President Griffiths had already told us: that revelation comes when we are really struggling to receive it. Elder Baldwin and I found Laura and had that experience because we had planned for 3 times as long as we should of. We had sacrificed doing whatever it was we wanted to do the night before in order to try and find the Lord's will for the us in the next day. And He had blessed us for our sacrifice; He had shown us where to go and given us what to say in the very moment we needed to say it, and to the very person whom he had prepared to hear it. We had received revelation!

I know that that is true. If we really want answers and if we, like Enos, cry to the Lord, sacrificing all we can to find them, the Lord will tell us the truth. He will reveal to us His will. Revelation takes dilligent, consistent effort.

I hope I can continue to apply that lesson throughout my mission, and I hope it was of some benefit to you. I also hope I didn't just tell you that story a second time. :)

I love you all. Thank you for your prayers.

Love,

Elder Barton

Number 31

2011-01-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Are we really on Email Number 31? I felt like we would be a lot further. 31 just sounds weak! I think there has been an error in counting somewhere. :)

I got Dad's letter explaining why he bought the toilet. And, I must admit, I think it sounded like a very thoughtful gift. He eliminated your biggest problem! And then did the TV problem, too! I wish he could do the same for me--eliminate my problems, I mean. If only there were a magical device that just led you to those who wanted to be baptized. Wait, isn't that device called the Spirit? :)

I am glad Chloe came to visit. And that is great that she got such wonderful grades! Wow! I would think that it would be hard to be dedicated to online courses, too. Very impressive.

Yes, we have a carbon monoxide monitor. The mission is all over that. Every flat has one, and we are supossed to check it regularly. And don't worry--we do. It works fine. I have no fears about dying from carbon monoxide. I mean, this is Elder Barton we are talking about. Let's get real people. No gas is going to kill this much man.

Send the L/XL hat. Hat Number 2. And no, it is a different hat from the one I tried on. You sent pictures of the one I tried on, but I like Hat Number 2 better.

Haha so now they have you as a secret ward activites person... activites for missionary work. Sounds cool. Congratulations on the mysterious and secretive-sounding calling, Mom. :)

Wow. New Years Eve sounds really boring. You must be getting old! It wasn't as bad as ours, though. We just sat around in the flat from 6pm to 12:05, at which point we were in bed. Haha... We didn't even have a TV! And, even if we did, we just had church movies! :)

Oh, I got the Book of Barton. It was great. :) I loved the tartan theme and all the embarrassing stories about Mom and Josh. :) And I cannot believe that Dad didn't work for so long. Holy cow! Anyways, I would like the 2010 predicitions and I would like to contribute to the 2011 predictions. So thank you in advance!

Well, I have good news here. Elder Baldwin and I have two investigators scheduled for baptism. George Higgins and James Stevenson. You know about George, but James I have never mentioned. He is pretty new. He is the brother of Katey Stevenson, the recent convert. Katey is the one that I wrote the letter to in church a few weeks ago. Her older brother James wants to be baptized. Both him and George Higgins are scheduled to be baptized on the 29th of this month. Pray for that to happen, please!

Today I would like to tell you a story about James. For a theme for my story today, I would like to use this hymn: Because I Have Been Given Much.

On Tuesday of this week, we went to see James. James lives alone in a fairly dodgy part of town. He has a few couches and a radio but not much else. In short, he is very very poor. He is so poor, in fact, that when we called to ask him why he didn't show up to church last Sunday, he told us that it was because he didn't have any shoes to wear--the heel had broke off the one pair he had.

We came to James home and started talking to him. Just seeing how he was. He told us that he wasn't good. He told us he felt scared. He was scared about the way his life was going. When we delved a little deeper, James told us that he had been refused money from the local council because had never responded to their letter months before--a letter he had never received. He told us that he had 80 pents left on his electricity for the night, and that he hadn't eaten since the Thursday before.

I sat there and listened to all this. And I thought to myself, "What are we supossed to do? Do we help him? Are we even allowed to help him? Are we supossed to just leave him here another night, where he has no food and no money for his heating?"

James told us that when he had been scared the night before, he had looked up 'beggar' in the index of the Book of Mormon, because he had felt like a beggar. That had led him to Mosiah 4. He asked us to explain some verses in the chapter. We did. They all talked about imparting your substance to those who don't have any.

Now, I do not think James was trying to trick us into helping him. He is just not that bright. He was genuinely scared. You could see it in his eyes, and you could feel it from the way he sat there in the couch across from us. He needed help.

So, I said a silent prayer. I knew we weren't allowed to give him money, so I prayed to know what to do. It was obvious that teaching the Plan of Salvation was not really the thing James needed right then.

After I had prayed, I remembered that a member had given us a lot of food for Christmas--the kind of food you give missionaries when you know that your own family wil never eat it.

So, I turned to James and I said, "Want to go for a walk?"

We left his house and started walking toward Airdrie Town Center. It was about a 15 minute walk there, and it was quite. James wore the shoes he had received from his uncle.

When we got to the town center, Elder Baldwin and I left James at a bus stop. We told him not to leave until we came back. Then, we went to our flat, another 5 minute walk, making sure he didn't follow us there. We loaded a plastic bag with the food from the member, came back, and gave it all to James. "We can only do this one time, James, but we want to help you out." Elder Baldwin said.

Afterwards, we left James and started our way back towards the flat. Elder Baldwin turned to me and said, "You know, we did a good thing. It reminds me of that song." He then sang one line of Because I Have Been Given Much: "'I cannot see anothers lack and I not share.'"

I thought about that line as I walked. "I cannot see anothers lack and I not share". That is how I felt sitting in James house. I had to help him. I could not just sit there, teach a lesson, and then leave, knowing that what James really needed that night was something warm in his stomach. "Because I have been given much, I too must give."

I think we did the right thing in helping James that night. I think we gave him what we needed.

The beautiful thing is that I know I have what he needs. When all is said and done, what James really needs is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The bread of life. Without that spiritual food, nothing else will suffice. And I guess that is why I am here on a misson--to bring the starving souls of the world that which will quench their hunger and thirst forever. I am here to bring them a knowledge of their Lord and Saviour and his saving Atonement. What a beautiful gift to give. And what an obligation. Truly, "because I have been given much I too must give."

I hope we can all look for oppurtunities to share what we have--whether that be spiritual or physical in nature. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all. Thank you for all you do for me. I am praying for you.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter 29 (Sorry about the big skip)

2010-12-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! :)

I am so glad you got my letter on time, Mom. :) Thank you Heavenly Father for helping the postman get it there on time! I was really worried a few days ago that you would think I had forgotten. I am glad that didn't happen--at least by the end. :)

Sorry Dad bought you a toilet. Haha... Wow. I'll have to hear the logic behind that decision on Christmas.

I actually did not get my Christmas package on the 17th. I got all my packages yesterday on the 20th at zone conference (which was FANTASTIC by the way. We got to watch ALL of Remember the Titans!). I don't know why Sister Griffiths said she'd see me on my birthday. I'm sure she wasn't lying intentionally. She was probably confused. It seems to happen a lot with her. :) She is sort of like this forgetful, blonde-haired high school girl, but 30 years older. Haha... :)

So yes, I got my packages yesterday. And the one Sister Griffiths gave me right when she saw me was actually not yours. It was Chloe's. :) THANK YOU CHLOE! I am wearing the tie you sent this very minute!

Elder Brophy is in that picture from the conference Ensign! You know, my trainer? He is the one in the back. And one of the guys in the front, to the left, is in my district.

Speaking of which, I am now a district leader. Elder Covey, who was my district leader until a week ago, finished his mission recently. President Griffiths called me last Monday night for moves calls (where we find out if we are moving areas or staying) and asked me to be his replacement. So, now I am the district leader, and there are 3 companionships in my district. I am sort of overwhelmed by the whole thing. Elder Covey was an amazing leader. His grandpa, Steven R. Covey, pretty much wrote the book on how to be a good leader. So, I have very big shoes to fill. But it is fun. It is a lot more work, but fun. I hardly even find time to write in my journal at nights anymore because I am phoning the elders and planning and tons. But it is fun, and I am grateful the Lord thinks I am cut out for the job.

Also, I will be in Airdrie another 6 weeks with Elder Baldwin. So that means I'll be here until about the 2nd week of February with him. I am happy to stay. :) It is a good place to be, and, just like Dumbarton, I love the ward. Amazing members.

I think we can Skype! I think that will be fine. Unless you don't. I thought it would be fun cus then I could see the Christmas presents. Haha. It might make me sad when we say bye, but I'll get over it.

I like the plan of Skype and talk. Because I don't want my companion to be there for all of it. Actually, I am not sure I want him there for any of it. Haha... So maybe we will just phone. But I will definitely just phone first and then we can see. I'll let you know on Christmas. But we only get one hour, Mom!

The 2 hour window will be between 5 and 7pm my time. I will call somewhere in that time frame. I have no idea what that is your time. But that is the time frame. I've already asked the Bishop's wife if that is ok. Her name is Sister Puri.

Anyways, it has been a good week. Very good. I am sorry if I came off sad or void of all hope last week--I don't remember feeling that way! I mean, the work is hard, but you just keep going and things work out. One day, one day, we will baptize someone. :) Haha... And if we don't it really doesn't matter. I am trying my best and that is all that counts. I am grateful I have come to realize that. It took me about 4 months to really realize that, but I have. Baptisms do not measure success. Obedience, dilligence, and our determination to love the people and become as our Saviour measure success. Thats what Preach My Gospel says, even! Basically. :)

So, what experience can I share with you this week...

I think I will talk about Sunday.

Sunday had its ups and downs. We had a great day at church. We had an investigator there, and the ward had a wonderful Christmas program.

A recent convert, Sister Katey Stevenson, came. Sister Stevenson is this 19-year-old, red-headed girl who was baptized about 2 weeks before I arrived in Airdrie. Her attendance at church has been spurratic, even though she has a great testimony of the gospel. I was very glad to se her at church again.

Sister Stevenson sat by Elder Baldwin and I during Sacrament Meeting. She usually sits by us when she comes. I am 99% sure it is because she is EXTREMELY shy and she doesn't know anyone else in the ward too well. So, she sat by us, and I tried to make her feel welcome.

About halfway through the meeting, while the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric was talking, I was thinking about how happy God must be with Sister Stevenson. She is, despite being the only member in her large family, making the effort to come to church and live the gospel each day of her life. She is developing faith in Christ. She is reading her scriptures--though she hardly understands a word. She is praying. She is doing so much. And it must be so hard to do! Because she really does not know anyone else who is determined to live as she does.

While in this thought, I felt like I should write down what I was thinking and give it to her. So, I wrote a little note on a notecard I had in my bag. I wrote about how happy I think Heavenly Father is with her, and how proud He must be that she is developing faith in His Eldest Son. I told her that He loves her and is grateful for her. And then, I signed the note and passed it over to her.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Sister Stevenson take the note, read it, and start to cry. She was sniffling through the rest of the meeting. When it finished, I turned to her and said, "Thank you for all you do Sister Stevenson." She, in her usual shyness, could only smile back.

I felt so good after giving her that note. I love notes. I love the power that can come to peoples' lives from such a simple act of kindness. I wonder what effect that note will have on Sister Stevenson. I hope it will fortify her faith and her desire to come to church. I hope it will guide her to continue doing those things that are right. What power one little inspiring note can have!

I think that is what Christmas is all about--little acts of kindness. Imagine what a great world we would live in if everyone made it their duty to do some small act of charity for their neighbour each day!

I am so grateful for the gospel that teaches us to serve our fellowbeings. I am so grateful that we have been blessed with its light. We have a knowledge of who we are and where we are going. How wonderful! We are all so truly blessed.

I hope we can share a little bit of that with others this Christmas season--in word and in deed. Then the light of Christ will truly illuminate our Christmas.

I love you all, and Merry Christmas. :)

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

Letter 25

2010-11-22T22:30:00.001-07:00

Hello Family! (And Friends! :) If you still read this!)

I completely forgot! Thanksgiving is this week! I don't think I will even remember when it's Thursday... And we are having dinner Thursday with a German member and his Scottish wife and family, so I doubt they will do anything special. Haha... Oh well!

Haha you fall asleep in EVERY MOVIE! I don't know how you do it. I heard Harry Potter was really good. Our Ward Mission Leader went and saw it with his wife. They are a recently married couple and they just party all the time. I love them both. The Warks is their name. They really enjoyed it. I get to see that one AND the next one right in a row when I get home. Ya, I am cool. :)

Yep, my companion is not as tidy as I am. He doesn't even do his dishes. But that's ok, cus it gives me an oppurtunity to serve him. But yes, it does drive me crazy sometimes. Good thing we deep cleaned our flat today. It is spotless. You would be so proud, Mom.

I am going to buy my own tree! :) Dad knows me all too well. I am going to use your money, too. Haha... I promise I won't get a too expensive one. I'm making Elder Baldwin chip in so it will probably be fairly cheap. I still don't know how we will decorate it... Haha...

For my Christmas Package, there is one thing I really want. It is a church DVD set. It is called "D&C and Church History Visual Resource Guide" and it includes the new movie "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration". I think that would be AMAZING to have. It also includes a few other movies that are great. It costs 6.95, I think. Also, if you find any tie clips, I would like those. There is this Elder here who has a Gold Plate tie clip, a Temple tie clip, etc. I was coveting them. But don't stress to find it, Mom. Really. I will be fine without it. :) I will be fine with everything I already have!

Wow. Quite the experience with the Elders. And what late notice! And they didn't even stay for dessert! That is awful. You will be happy to know that I am extremely polite going into members' homes. It is so important to make a good impression--otherwise there is no way on earth that they will refer their friends to us. And yes, teaching kids is hard--they really aren't that accountable, and here they just get baptized and go less-active. I don't really think it is right. Baptized investigators are not the goal; truly converted investigators are.

I have sent two pictures. The first is Elder Miesbauer and I with Brother Wark (the ward mission leader) the night before Elder Miesbauer left. The other is Elder Baldwin with the giant dog named Charlie. He is an English Shepard Dog, I think. I want one when I get home. He is huge!!! And so fluffy. Haha he belongs to a woman who we are teaching, who I want to get baptized SO BAD!!!! I think she will in a few weeks. Her name is Moyra Gibb. Please pray for her. But anyways, I think Elder Baldwin looks really good in this picture. He is definitely a nerd, but he is great anyways. We are getting along just fine. It is great to be a 'Dad'. Ha.

Anyways, it was a pretty good week this week. We have a few very good investigators, and we have had some great experiences with them this last week.

I would like to talk about the Steen family. The Steens are a wonderful little family. The parents, Derek and Amanda, are in their early 30s, and they haven't been married that long. They have two little kids. The oldest is only four, and her name is Emma. :) Her birthday is a day before our Emma's birthday. She is so shy, and she hides from me anytime I try and talk to her. But I think she is beginning to like me.

Derek and Amanda's other child, Isaac, is only a few weeks old. He is a miracle--in every way, shape and form. Isaac was born with a heart defect, and he wasn't given more than a few hours to live. But, through the power of the Priesthood, he was kept well. He is breathing evidence that miracles occur in our day.

Amanda was a less-active member before Isaac's birth. Her husband, Derek, isn't even a member. He told me that he had never prayed in his life--until the day his son Isaac was born. Derek and Amanda prayed, and Amanda's active father gave the child a blessing, and Isaac's life was saved.

This experience has humbled this small family. They were referred to us by their Aunt in the Glasgow Ward. We have seen them twice. Each time we have been over, they have been in tears as they talk about their little son Isaac Jacob Steen. Amanda says that she gave him the name not even knowing that she was naming him after some of the greatest prophets who have ever lived. She only realized when her Dad told her days after his birth.

Derek is still uncertain that what we have--the Gospel of Christ--is divine. He knows God has helped his family, and I know he feels the Spirit when we come, but he is still not certain.

Last time we visited, which was this last Tuesday, the family shared how strange things had been happening around thier house since the first time we came. There had been disturbing visits--to Amanda and to Derek--of black ghostly figures that drive any good feelings away.

I was so amazed by all that this family had been going through. I told them that I am sure the Lord has great things in store for them. The Spirit was so strong, testifying that what we were telling them was true. I was in tears as I talked with them. The Lord must have great things ahead for the Steens. He must! There is no way that these dark figures and these amazing miracles would be happeneing unless someone in that family was meant to do special things for the Lord.

I shared with the Steens this scripture from Joseph Smith--History:

It seems as though the ^cadversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the ^dopposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?

I know that, like Joseph Smith, the Steen family has great things in store for them. The Lord needs them in these last days. He is preparing their hearts to receive him.

The same is true for all of us. The Lord is preparing us and molding us to be the people he needs us to be. The Lord doesn't call 19-year-old boys on a mission because they are the most fit for the job. He calls 19-year-old boys because he knows that while they are in his service he can mold them into the worthy and faithful priesthood holders they must be for the future.

Please pray for the Steens!!!

I love each of you, and I pray for you. You are in my thoughts.

Love,

Elder Barton

Letter 24

2010-11-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Life is good here in Airdrie. I love spelling Airdrie. :) What a great name for a town!

Switching companions is fun. Moves are fun. It is like a new adventure every six weeks. And the Lord knows what is best and he gives you who you need to be with. But yes, sometimes I miss Elder Miesbauer. I missed Elder Farnes when I left Dumbarton, too. Elder Farnes is actually back in Utah now. I told him he better send me a wedding announcement.

Yes, Elder Baldwin has told me about Bainbridge. He actually was living in Naples, Italy just before his mission, but he lived in Bainbridge during high school. His Dad is a U.S. Navy doctor, so he moves around quite a lot. He was born in Virginia, then moved to Florida, then San Diego, then Bainbridge, and then Naples. Haha... Isn't my memory so good? :)

There is a good chance I wiill be with Elder Baldwin for 3 months. Usually you stay with a greenie that long. So we will probably be together for Christmas. But who knows!

About the mission home, I usually go once every 6 weeks. But I think that is unusual. Usually, I think, most missionaries go less often. I traveled there with random other elders who were also moving across the country, so I wasn't alone, but I wasn't with my companion. And yes, training is a one-time thing. Once you train it doesn't mean you are training the rest of your mission. And thank goodness, because it is hard work! Haha...

Good for Josh! Let me know which job he finally decides. I am not surprised he got the first job--Josh has always been a very smart guy. The only reason I beat him in Astronomy was because I spent the whole day studying and he studied for like 5 minutes. Haha... I have to work to understand things. Josh just gets it. Dork... :)

I am glad the talent show was a hit. Seth seems like he was the star. He is incredible. I can't wait to hear his guitar playing when I get home. :)

Oh! Josh took the Orin Hatch job? Ok... Mom, I don't think this whole emailing me at various times during the week is working out. You repeat stuff. Hahaha....

How much will Josh be making and when does he start? Good for him!

I think President and Sister Griffiths would enjoy the Book of Barton. I am excited for it. :) That is like a christmas present in itself!

I hope the YM's and YW's activity about Joseph Smith goes well! I am glad that I have passed that awkward stage in life where I wondered if I had a testimony. I used to think that when I prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true or if Joseph Smith was a prophet that I had to receive some special 'burning in my bosom' feeling instantly in order to have received an answer. I am glad that I know now that I have a testimony and that it didn't have to come that way. I have always known that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smtih is a prophet, and that knowledge has just accumulated drop by drop through years of righteous living. I think that is a pretty good way to gain a testimony. :)

Anyways, it has been a good week here in Airdrie. My new companion is great. He is a total nerd, and he has some focusing problems, but that's ok. He has a desire to improve and he is here for the right reasons. And that's all that really matters. :) I think having a desire to do better is probably the most important thing we need. I think the people that enter the Celestial Kingdom and the ones who live to see the Savior come are going to be those who really want it. Those people are going to have an unquenchable desire to know the truth and to live in a way that is pleasing to their Maker.

Today I would like to comment on the letter that I received from Dad. Just before we left to come emailing this morning, the post fell through the chapper. It was the letter Dad sent me on the 5th. It was amazing how the things he said really flowed into what I had studied this morning.

In your letter, Dad, you talked about following the Prophet. And what you said was so true: when we follow the Prophet we are happy; when we don't, we suffer. That message was echoed about 5 times in this last conference, too. Perhaps it is a message that the Second Coming of Christ is fast approaching, and that we better pay attention to what President Monson is saying.

In my personal study today I read a little about the events leading to the Second Coming. I LOVE the way Nephi describes things in Chapter 22 of 1 Nephi:

15 For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as ^astubble; and the day cometh that they must be ^bburned.

16 For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the ^awrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.

17 Wherefore, he will ^apreserve the ^brighteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.

I LOVE that! When the final hour is here, and the wicked are all around us, we do not have to fear if we have been righteous! The Lord will not suffer that we are destroyed. He will fight our battles. He will conquer our enemies.

I am so grateful for the strength that comes in righteous living. Living the gospel is the only path that provides true peace. We can be sure that as we follow the voice of the Lord--through his own mouth or through the mouth of his prophet--we will be safe. We have nothing to fear. What a great message of hope. It is such a privilege to be sharing it here in Scotland.

I hope that you can all live in such peace.

Love,

Elder Barton :)

P.S. Please send me a photocopy of my call letter. The one that told me I was coming to Scotland. And if you could let me know what scripture I chose for the missionary plaque in the ward building, that would be great, too. Oh! And please send a copy of my farewell talk. :) Thank you! :)

Oh! for Christmas, I thought of one more thing. I would like some DVDs I can show investigators. Together Forever, Special Witnesses, this one about the BoM, etc. We will talk about it next week. :)

P.S.S. The picture shows our bedroom. My bed is the one that is perfectly made. Elder Baldwin's is the one that... isn't. :) I thought you would get a laugh out of that. :)

Letter 23

2010-11-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

So, sorry I scared you all by not writing yesterday. Dad was right--it was because of transfers. And boy are tranfers exciting.

Elder Miesbauer is gone. He left to Ireland to turn a branch into a ward. Haha... He is an amazing missionary and I am sure he can do it.

I, on the other hand, am still in Airdrie. And guess what? I am training in Airdrie. That means that I have the privelege to be companions with a brand-new missionary and help him learn how to do the work. My trainee, Elder Baldwin, has been on his mission a total of two and a half weeks. Haha... He arrived in Edinburgh yesterday from the Preston MTC.

It is such a privelege to be able to train him. I received the phone call from President Griffiths on Sunday, and he told me to be in Edinbrugh on Wednesday morning by 10am to pick up my new companion. So Wednesday, yesterday, was a CRAZY day. I woke up at 5:30 and got a train into Glasgow. Then I got a train into Edinburgh, and then the Zone Leaders in Edinburgh picked me and a few others up to go to the mission home.

At 10am President & Sister Griffiths and the Assistants had a meeting with all the new trainers. There are only 8 of us training this moves. President told us how he selects those elders who will train the new missionaries:

President told us that in his office is a huge map of the mission, with all the missionaries pictures on it where they are serving. He said that before the end of the transfer, he takes off all the pictures of the elders who are going home. That leaves holes that need to be filled. Then he sees how many new elders will be coming in. And the first thing he does, before he picks the new district or zone leaders, fills in the holes, or whatever, is pick the trainers for these incoming missionaries.

He told us that he had picked about 25 missionaries who could be trainers. Then he had gone through and prayed about each one of them. Then he had eliminated elders' pictures until he had 8, the number of new missionaries coming into the mission. Then he had prayed and confirmed with Heavenly Father that these 8 elders he had chosen to train the new missionaries were the ones Heavenly Father wanted.

After he told us that process, he said, "You have been called by God. Heavenly Father has called you to train these new missionaries... And how you serve them will play a vital role in their potential as missionaries."

I was overwhelmed as he told us that process. Heaven felt very near. I believe President. I believe that the Lord has given me this responsibility, and it is a humbling one. I hope and pray that I will have the strength I need to serve this new elder well.

You will NEVER guess where my trainee is from. Bainbridge Island, Washington. :) Can you believe that?! I was so amazed when I found out.

Anyways, I will send you what I wrote President. It gives a pretty good summation of everything I just said, and adds a little more detail, too:

Hello President,

Elder Baldwin and I made it back to Airdrie last night safely and in time for our joint-teach with a new investigator, whom I will mention later.

I am excited to serve with Elder Baldwin. I am humbled by the responsibility I have to train him. We have only been together for one day, and he has already taught me things. We were planning the day, and we were just talking about our investigators, and he said, "Do we have teaching records?" I was embarrassed that we hadn't already referred to them. I am sure he will learn quickly--and that I will also.

I think I knew when I first heard Elder Baldwin speak that he would be my companion. That has happened to me on numerous occassions. When I went to BYU before my mission, I didn't know anyone. But those first few days there, there were certain people I met that I just felt I would get to know a great deal better. I had a feeling they would become good friends. Elder Freckleton was one of those people. And now we are both serving in this mission. The same thing happened in the MTC. I had a good feeling about my soon-to-be companion before we were ever assigned together. I don't know why this happens so often, but I am sure it is the Holy Ghost whispering to me.

I hope that I can serve Elder Baldwin. I was asking the Lord in the days previous to moves day what the most important thing I need to do for my new trainee is. I felt like the most important thing I could do was show him, whoever he was, that I loved him. I think that was inspiration, and I plan to follow it. I plan to let Elder Baldwin know, in word and in deed, that I love him.

Airdrie is great. We are teaching a great deal of people, and one of those is the mother of a recent-convert. The mother's name is Sister Gib. She is doing wonderful, and has been coming to church with her daughter regularly, but was not a new investigator until last night. Now she has committed to read and pray about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I am sure that she will be baptized this move.

I enjoyed reading "Follow the Brethren" again today. I have resolved, once again, to follow my leaders' counsel quickly and exactly. As President Packer says, we are truly free as we obey. When we are perfectly and immediately obedient, we allow the Lord to give us ALL he desires to give us. We are free to receive ALL His blessings. I pray I may be quick to observe my leaders' counsel.

Thank you for all you do, President. I am so grateful for all the service you and your wife give.

Love,

Elder Barton

Number 21

2010-10-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

Hello family and whoever else gets and reads this email,

Don't worry mom, I can move back east for you. I've always wanted to live somewhere like that. Then you guys can come and visit me whenever.

Scotland has pretty fall colours as well, except I don't really see too much of it since I am stuck in the city center. I'm sure Dumbarton is beautiful, though. Dumbarton was a really open area. Airdrie is really packed, with buildings everywhere.

Haha I definitely get enough sleep. We sleep 8 hours each night. When I said that my body begs for rest, I was just talking about how when you are out walking for miles each day, your body starts to beg for you to just sit down and relax for a while. Your legs hurt and you want to just take a break. But, breaks are for wusses. :) So we just work till its bedtime, and then we sleep eight hours and start it all over again the next day.

The weather has gotten a lot colder this last week. I have started wearing my rain jacket everywhere I go and I wear gloves most of the day. It still just rains at random times. I was at a dinner appointment at a member's home, and we were talking about the weather, and he said, "You can always tell when it's winter in Scotland." I said, "How's that?" And he said, "The rain is cold." :) Haha very true... And it really does come in sideways sometimes. It is crazy!

I think I have lost weight since I came to Airdrie, because we just walk all day long. We don't even ride the bus that often. And we run each morning for exercise. We must be nuts. But, I don't have a scale in my flat, so I don't know how much I weigh now. I weighed 12 and 1/2 stone in Dumbarton (they measure by 'stones' here. Isn't that crazy? I think a stone is like 12 pounds... Do the math. :) )

I do need more sweets. Keep em' coming. :)

So, thank you all for your letters. They make me happy. I love hearing about all that is going on. And Grandma, thank you for the information about John Stoker. It was amazing to read about the impact that he had with the formation of Bountiful and other things in Utah. And you definetly inspired me with President Hinckley's quote. I am trying hard to serve the Lord with an eye single to His glory.

Also, please thank Bishop and Sister Knight for their letters. I don't know where they found the time to do all that. It was very good to hear from them.

So, it has been a great week. We found a lot of success this week. Lots and lots of success. Still no more baptisms, but they are on the way. :)

But, before I tell you about it, I want to tell you a little piece of information I found out yesterday as we were talking to some people on the street. Apparently the name 'Miesbauer' (my companions last name) means 'bad farmer' when translated. Hahaha I thought that was hilarious. I hope you appreciate it. :)

But yes it has been a great week. We had two investigators at church this week with us. What a blessing! Getting investigators to church is probably the most important thing we can do for them before baptism, because there they learn so much, they can find answers to the questions in their hearts, and they can feel the Spirit and the love of the members. Aside from that, the members really start to trust us when we manage to bring people to church.

The two investigators who came to church yesterday were George Stallard and George Higgings. :) George and George. Talk about confusing. That's why it is helpful that we are calling them Brother Higgins and Brother Stallard. Aside from being a rule, it is making things a lot simpler.

Brother George Stallard is the man I talked about last week. He is the one that found out that the Holy Ghost had spoken to him. It was wonderful to see him laughing and feeling the Spirit again during sacrament meeting. And then it was wonderful to see everyone reach out to him after the meeting. He was one of the last people to leave the building. I was very grateful for their friendship.

Brother Higgins, on the other hand, is a brand new investigator. We found him on Friday, had a teach with him on Saturday, and got him a ride to church for Sunday morning. WE are SO grateful to have found him.

It is so strange the people who become progressing investigators. I was just walking down the main shopping street on Friday when we found Brother Higgings. He was standing just outside of a shop. He had just finished working night shift and was headed home. We stopped him, and because of our conversation, I would have never thought that Brother Higgins would have come to church.

When we stopped him on the street, Brother Higgins was less than happy to talk with us. He was tired from working all night, and he seemed to just have a tough attitude in general. His left leg was useless, because he had been in Iraq and his land rover had gone over a mine, which had exploded and left his leg useless. He had to use a walking cane to get about. At 28, he wondered how in the world there could be a God. We told him that he could find greater happiness through the Restored Gospel. He was very cynical. He said, pointing to his leg, "Does it look like I have much to be grateful for?" Somehow, we managed to get him to invite us over to his home the next day for an appointment.

I was surprised when he was actually in for his appointment on Saturday. As we began to teach him, he was still cynical and tough. But it was amazing to see how the Spirit worked on him as we continued to teach. Sometimes he would get sidetracked talking about some nonsense, and we would have to very bluntly interrupt him to keep on track. He was hard to teach. But when we talked about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, he believed it, and he stopped interrupting. He just stared at the pages of the Book of Mormon while we talked to him. We testified boldy that if the book he held in his hands was true, then this is the only true and living church on the entire earth, and that Joseph Smith had to be a prophet. We testified so many times, making sure that he understood the importance of that book he held. And by the end of the lesson, he was actually joking with us. He was happy. He enthusiastically accepted a date to be baptized, and he agreed to come to church. I didn't even notice how different he was until I left his home. His attitude had completely changed during the lesson.

I hope that he will seek to know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know he can find an answer. The Book of Mormon is central to my testimony. It truly is the keystone of our religion. I know that as Brother Higgins accepts it and abides by its precepts, he will find a reason for hope. The cynicism he now holds will vanish, and he will see clearly in the light of restored gospel truth. The Gospel can truly change his life.

Anyways, that is all for this week. I hope life is well in the States. I love you all and pray for each of you everyday.

Love,

Elder Barton

#20 And PICTURES!

2010-10-18T16:10:00.001-07:00

Hello Family, :)

Today is a great day. I don't really know why, either! It is POURING rain outside, and we just spent an hour in that rain walking to an appointment who didn't show up and then walking back! And it was so windy that you couldn't even hold your umbrella still, so you just had to get soaked! AND it is preparation day so we shouldn't even be teaching ppointments ANYWAYS! ANNNND I didn't even have my rain coat on so the water was just sinking into my suit! Hahaha but for some reason I still think it is a great day and I loved the experience. Elder Miesbauer and I actually loved it so much that we were singing "If There Is Sunshine In Your Heart" as we walked back from the droppped appointment. :) We actually sing a lot walking to and from places. And we wave to every car. I think I have officially turned into a dork. :)

P.S. As I was walking to the library, I ate my last Halloween-style Twizzler licorice. It was the last sweetie from the package you sent. I think that package lasted me a long time!

Anyways, it sounds like it was a crazy week back home. Texas, then Utah, then back to Arizona. Talk about a drive! I am glad it was good, though. I am surprised you talked about

moving back to Utah! Jeez. I guess it does make sense if all your kids live there.

Grandpa's funeral does sound like it was beautiful. I am so glad everyone got to speak. That sounds like more inspiration. :) I think if you sent the recording I could listen to it. I will ask the President. If I were you, I would send it, and then if I can't, I'll throw it away and let you know he wouldn't let me listen to it.

I actually read Connor's email the other day. It was the one where he just arrived in Nicarauga. It was amazing how different his mission is from my mission. It made me really wonder why the Lord sent me here to Scotland to serve. Maybe I needed to be humbled. I don't know. But please do send his emails each week by post. That would be very convenient.

That was very nice of Chloe! Too bad I still haven't got a letter. ;) JK. BR.

I am glad you are going to Massachusetts. That sounds like it will be a lot of fun. I hope you can all get along. Hahaha...

Oh ya, before I tell you about my week, I need to say some other things. Grandma asked me in her latest letter what I want for Christmas, and I have some ideas. :) Of course I have ideas. Here we go:

1. New ties. I already have ruined 2 ties out here. Guess which ones? Just guess. The fancy orange 'Daniel Cremuix' tie ( :( ), and the nice green and blue checkered one. It's ridiculous. So ya, send some ties. Not super posh ones, but in nice colors, like red and dark green and definitely not blue. I have too many blue ties.

2. A CD called "Grateful Praise" by an a capella band called "Eclipse", and a CD with the 'I Love the Lord' track from the combined BYU Men Choir.

3. Haven't got there yet. I'll think of something. :)

Oh, and please tell Grandma K. that yes, I can print the stories of our ancestors, but I would prefer if they were just sent, otherwise I have to pay twenty pence. But whatever way she wants to do it is fine, as long as she keeps them coming! :) I love you Grandma!!! AND YOU TOO, GRANDMA BARTON!!!!! :)

Also, Grandma K., no one really argues with us about polygamy. Its not a big issue here. Actually the biggest issue is aetheist people and catholics. EVERYONE is either atheist or catholic, and they don't want to listen. It's rough!

But, I have had some great experiences this week. I would like to tell you something that happened this last Friday.

Elder Miesbauer and I had an appointment with a man named George Stallard. George is in his 40s, and he has no kids and is not married. He is a driving instructor in Glasgow. Anyways, our appointment was at one, so we decided to get there at about 12 and chap the doors beforehand. So, as we were chapping, George texts us: "Have to go to work today. Can we reschedule?"

We were SO BUMMED. It was like the 3rd time he had dropped our appointment. So, Elder Miesbauer thinks and says, "We are by his house, so why don't we just go by early and see if we can catch him before he leaves?" So, we did. We saw him just as he was getting ready to leave. He let us in for a few minutes, and before we knew it, an hour had passed with George.

It was a great teach. George told us that he had prayed about Joseph Smith and that nothing special happened. He didn't think he got an answer. So, we were sitting there just trying to figure out exactly what had happened when he prayed. And then I had the idea, 'read Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3'. So we turned there. I had George read it. It was amazing as he read. Elder Miesbauer says, "A lightbulb just went on. You could see it in his eyes." And it is so true. The Spirit poured understanding into his soul. After he read it, George smiled and said "I totally understnad that." :) He committed to be baptized in a few weeks. We are praying for him a lot.

I have felt that, when the Spirit just pours pure intelligence into my mind. In fact, I felt it today, and I want to share that, too.

Each morning we study for an hour alone, and then for an hour together. Today I had a wonderful personal study. It was so good, that when I was telling Elder Miesbauer about it in companion study, I was about to cry.

I read today in the conference Ensign of May 2010. I read President Eyring's priesthood talk, titled "Act in All Dilligence". I remember that when I heard this talk live in conference, it didn't really make sense to me. I didn't really follow it. But today as I reread it, the Spirit poured pure intelligence into my mind. And now I LOVE it.

President Eyring talks about faithful priesthood service. He talks about how the Lord blesses those who are 'unfailingly dilligent' in their service. And the blessings are incredible. They are blessings I want with all of my heart.

These few lines really struck me:

"We are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence, never being lazy or slothful. The pattern is simple but not easy to follow. We are so easily distracted...

When I find myself drawn away from my priesthood duties by other interests and when my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: “Remember Him.” The Lord is our perfect example of diligence in priesthood service. He is our captain. He called us. He goes before us. He chose us to follow Him and to bring others with us."

I love that! "Remember Him". What a mantra. What a rallying cry. It is something I am going to adopt. Because, so far on my mission, I have definitely felt my body 'beg for rest'. It has sometimes been very exhausting. And sometimes I have not been as dilligent as I should have been. But with that cry ringing in my ears, I have no doubt that I could find the strength to serve the Lord with all I have. And listen to the blessings promised to those who do. President Eyring talks about giving visiting a faithful man and giving him a blessing, and then he says this:

"As I sealed the blessing, I was taught by the Holy Ghost at least part of what the Lord had already done for this faithful priesthood holder. He was clean, his sins washed away. His nature had been changed to want what the Savior wanted. He had no fear of death. The desire of his heart was to live to give service to his family and to others of Heavenly Father’s children who needed him.I walked out into the night grateful to have witnessed the Lord’s kindness to His unfailingly diligent priesthood servants. He changes their hearts to want what He wants and to act as He would act."
I long for that! I want the Lord to change my very nature. I know that as I read that today, the Lord spoke to me through his Spirit. He asked me to rededicate myself to his service. He asked me to "Remember Him". I know that as I always do, my nature can be changed. I can become the man He wants for me to become as I serve Him with an eye single to His glory.
I love you all, and I am so grateful for the oppurtunity to serve here for two years. Please pray for me as I pray for you. :)
Love,
Elder Caleb Barton

The Flat

with the Gallacher family (from Dumbarton)

a profile pic of Elder Miesbauer. Doesn't he just look so Austrian?!? :) I made him do this dorky pose so I could send it to you all. :)

Number 19

2010-10-17T17:04:00.002-07:00

Hello Family,

Wow. I don't know how to begin. This morning I received the letters you sent on the 5th of October. In your letters you said that you were on your way to Utah for October Break, and that Grandpa was doing better and should be out of the hospital soon. I felt relieved. Things must have really been quite sudden, as your email states.

I will miss Grandpa. Thank you for the beautiful story about his casket. I'm sure it really was the best casket ever made. I wish I could of been there to help build it.

I hope that the funeral was peaceful and lovely, and I am confident that it was.

It sounds like there was a lot of revelation and inspiration received regarding Grandpa's death. The idea to build the casket, the inspiration to Grandma, and Dad's last-minute visit a few weeks ago to San Antonio. What an amazing testimony to the reality of a living God and his living Son! If they did not live, none of these amazing experiences would have ever happened. The inspiration our family received would have never come. But, they do live--and becuase they live they love and inspire us.

I also received some inspiration regarding Grandpa's death. But, unlike the rest of our family, I realize now that I didn't follow that inspiration as I should of.

A little over two weeks ago, as I read one of Dad's letters, I had this distinct impression: "You need to write Grandpa a letter". So, I wrote it down in my planner's to-do list for the next Preparation Day.

Well, Preparation Day came. It was a busy Preparation Day, with transfers and travel for missionaries all over Scotland and Ireland. I was transferred to Airdrie that day, and I spent a lot of the time in the car traveling all around Glasgow.

It makes me very sad to say that I never wrote Grandpa on that Preparation Day. I know I could of found time. There was time enough to write. But, I put it off, thinking, "next week I will write".

The next week was General Conference, and the inspiration came again. And this time I followed it. The next Preparation Day, Monday the 4th, I did write Grandpa. I mailed it on the 5th. I thought that would be good enough. I thought that surely my letter would reach him in time.

He must have died the next day. My letter probably reached Texas today.

You always here of people having promptings of the Spirit, not following those promptings, and then seeing the negative consequences later in life. But, until now, I don't think I had ever seen something like that in my life. If I had ignored inspiration before, the consequneces weren't so blatantly obvious.

I should of written Grandpa that first Preparation Day, as soon as the inspiration came. I don't think I will ever wait to write someone a letter ever again. What a lesson to me about inspiration! When the Lord tells us to do something, we do it--the first time He tells us. If we don't, we might end up regretting it.

I do find some comfort, though, in knowing that sometimes I do valiantly follow the inspiration I receive--as soon as I receive it. In missionary work the consequences of not following inspiration come all too soon. If you don't chap that door or stop that person, you will probably never see him or her ever again.

So, while I sometimes fail to follow the inspiration the Lord gives me, I am getting better. This week I had a few experiences that proved that.

Elder Miesbauer and I have been meeting a lot of people. And we have had some great success this week. We found 12 new investigators this week. That is a huge jump from the 4 last week. I think that some of the success is due to us following the promptings we received.

Just two days ago, on Sunday, I definitely followed inspiration. We had an appointment after church with an investigator. But, because we were not so sure that he would show up, and because the travel time to his home was enormous, we decided not to go. We instead decided to go and try by some of the less-active members in the area.

We walked up the road from the ward building (yes, Airdrie has a ward building), and tried by a less-active man. His wife answered. He wasn't in. We set up another time that we could come by and meet with him.

As we walked back down the road to some more less-actives, I leisurely looked around. One house just caught my eye. In the past when I was the junior companion, I would have been a bit unsure of myself in randomly selecting just one door on the whole street to chap. But now, as the senior companion, I guess I felt that I had the right to make that sort of decision.

So, we chapped the door. Just one door! Out of the whole street. There had to be 60 houses on that street, and we chapped just one door.

An older woman came to the door. She instantly said, "Are you looking for my daughter Lisa?". We, surprised at the introduction, said, "No... Who is Lisa?". She told us that Lisa was her daughter, and that missionaries had met with her in the past. She gave us her phone number, telling us to come by another time and see if Lisa was in.

We went by yesterday. Lisa was in. She was excited to see us. She is now a new investigator. She has a few children. We are excited to see her later this week.

We only chapped ONE DOOR. I was amazed afterwards at the success of that one door. I was also happy that I had followed the inspiration God had given me.

So, I am learning. I can be taught, even if I am stubborn. :)

I love you all. I will be praying for the Barton Family. Know that I love you. I am sure Grandpa knows how much we all love him.

Sincerely,

Elder Barton

17th Email

2010-10-04T17:57:00.003-07:00

Hello Family!

So, life is great. :) Airdrie is really good. I don't know too many members, but I like the ones I have met. I guess the people all over Scotland are just wonderful.

I arrived in Airdrie Wednesday night around 6pm and the first person I met was the ward mission leader. He told me that my standards were about to raise and that the work was about to start rolling in Airdrie. He is 23, just married, and he has been the ward mission leader for about as long as Elder Miesbauer has been in the mission--6 weeks. He has a great attitude, and his goal is to completely immerse all the members in missionary work. It is an exciting time to be in Airdrie!

The first family I met was the Hunters. They are WONDERFUL. They have 7 kids. The youngest is 5 years old, and his name is Caleb. :) He has an older brother named Joshua. And the dad teaches history and the whole family is really into music. Wow. I loved them so much. Haha... I'm sure you will be hearing a lot more about them.

Anyways, about my companion, he is an amazing Elder. elder Mie4sbauer is from Austria. he talks with a slghtly amusing german accent. It's not one of those really rough accents that you would hear in a World War II movie, but morelike the accent you woulod hear if yopu were watching a comedy show and this strange german man showed up speaking english. With that said, Elder Miesbauer is far from strange. He is completely dedicated to the Lord, and is more than willing to work his hardest and be perfectly obedient. He told me that after being with me he realizes just how apostate his last companion was. Haha... They wouldn't ever talk to people on the street or on trains or busses, I guess. But now we do. It is actually a lot of fun. Trying to talk to people on the train can be really awkward if you sit there waiting for people to sit near you, but we have developed a really easy, smooth way of talking to people on the train. We just don't sit down. Haha... We walk from person to person, and ask, "Can we sit and talk to you for a second?" If they say no then we walk past them, and if they say yes, we sit down, get to know them, give a lesson, and then stand back up and walk to the next person. It is very easy. The 'getting to know them' part is extremely important. Elder Miesbauer says this, "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care". I like it.

Elder Miesbauer has 3 siblings, just like me. He has an older brother, then him, then a younger sister, and then a younger brother--like me. Except the ages are not the same. His dad converted to the church in Austria when he was 4, and his mom was already a member. He lives in Linz, north of Salzburg. Very cool. It made me happy to tell him that I had been to Austria. Haha...

Yes, we watched conference. It was AMAZING. I think conference is the higlight of my year too, mom. This is how it works in Scotland.

Since we are 8 hours ahead of you guys (or is it 7?), we watch the sessions at weird times. We watch the Saturday Morning and Sunday Morning sessions at the same time as you do back home. So when you are watching it live, so am I--6 bajillion miles away. I thought that was cool. Except, when you are watching Saturday Morning Session at 10am, I am watching it here at 5pm. And same with Sunday Morning. But all the other sessions are just recorded and then shown whenever.

So, Saturday I only got to watch Saturday Morning Session at 5pm, and then I had to travel home on the train to Airdrie. It is a 1 and a half hour journey from the stake center in Glasgow to Airdrie. Then, on Sunday, I watched Priesthood Session at 10am, Saturday Afternoon Session at 1pm, and Sunday Morning Session at 5pm. It was a party. Conference Conference, Conference! Spiritual enlightenment, spiritual enlightenment, spiritual enlightenment! So fun. :)

I think there were some amazing talks this conference. But first, wasn't it cool, CHLOE, that Elder Holland spoke first Saturday Morning, and President Eyring spoke first Sunday Morning? I thought so! I hope you thought so! :)

Anyways, I loved so many talks. I did really love Elder Hollands' talk, Mom. As I sat watching it live here, and you were watching it live back home, it was fun to here him talk about how his parents supported him on his mission. I was thinking of you guys! (Except I wasn't crying. Sorry... I was touched, though.) That's cool that we were both thinking of each other at the same exact time. Except that probably happens a lot, because I am sure that you guys can't help but think about me all the time, so if I ever, randomly, start to think about you, you are already thinking about me. :)

I loved every single talk of President Monsons'. They were all so amazing. My goal for the next six months is to develop an attitude of gratitude. Wish me luck. I am going to make plans later today on how I can do that.

I also thought President Uchtorf was hilarious. "That's all very fine and good, but what does it have to do with an airplane?" Hahaha... So funny. It was also funny when he actually took a drink of water mid-talk. Never saw that before in conference. I turned with a face of shear amazement to Elder Miesbauer when he actually took a drink of water. Haha...But aside from being funny, his talk on simplifying our lives was excellent. I think that is something I struggle with--worrying about stupid things. I just need to slow down and take each day at a time. Stick to the basics. I love when he said, "In family relationships, love is really spelt t-i-m-e. Time." That is so true. I am so grateful for a family who made spending time together a priority!

I loved Elder Kearon, President Uchtorf, and President Monson in Priesthood Session. As usual, Priesthood Session was probably the best. Haha...

Then, I loved Elder Edgley's talk, 'choose faith'. That should be the title, anyways. I see it so many times--people we teach get absolutely distraught that they don't understand it all right now. They worry that it can't be true, because they don't understand things like plural marriage, the Atonement, why woman don't have the priesthood, and etc. Their faith weakens because they dwell on these insignifcant appendages. But, it DOESN'T MATTER! Of course we wont understand it all right now. We are only Human. I am only 19. I don't know why woman don't have the priesthood, I don't know why, exactly, blacks didn't. I don't understand some things. But it is ok! I am only 19, and my thoughts are not his thoughts. (I think that is Isaiah 55:8-9). What I do know is that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that without a doubt. It guides my life. No man could have written it, especially in 85 days. I know that the Lord answers my prayers. I know that when I listen to the prophet, I am happy. I know that that man behind the pulpit each 6 months who claims to be the prophet blesses my life each time I listen to him. I know that I feel something when I see him stand, and when I hear him speak. I know that I feel the same way when I read from the scriptures. And because I know these things, I know that this is Christ's only true church. This is the literal kingdom of God on the Earth. Because I know these things, I know that nothing else really matters. I don't need to understand it all. I just need to 'choose faith'. I need to cling to what I already know by the power of the Holy Ghost. If I can just do that, then eventually it will all make sense. It will all be ok.

Amazing talk.

Anyways, that is all I really have time for now. We are teaching a man named Darren. He basically found us. He is amazing. He is 19, and looking for the truth. He was truly prepared. It's amazing when you find people who just want to read it all, who want to come to church, and who want to be baptized, without you even asking. Darren is one of these people. He should be baptized fairly soon. Just pray for him! :)

I can't believe Seth is the panther. That is AMAZING. Especially since he is the best panther they have ever had. Good job copying the cheer leaders--those football players think they are weaving them into their little web of attraction by playing the game, but what they do't understand is that while they look at the field, you get to talk to all of them!!! Us Bartons are so clever.

Ok, so don't send any packages just cus I listed some things. You can wait till November. Also, I don't want vanilla toothpaste, I want wintergreen mint. Yum! I will look for it here, but I swear they don't have it. Also, in that next package, make sure to send me a copy of the October Conference Ensign!!!! Thank you. And the cream of Benzaclyn expires in October, so that's why I need more cream. I guess I can use the old pump.

I love you all!!!!

Love,

Elder Barton

PS: No, I do not have a car. Busses and trains and my own two feet in Airdrie. And our flat is GREAT. I thought my last flat was good, but this one is even better I think. Great view and two huge windows for the sun (or rain) to come in. We are on the top floor, facing the street corner. It is wonderful.

Number 16

2010-09-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

Sorry I didn't tell you (Mom) that I wouldn't be emailing on Monday this week. It is 'moves week' again, so we have preparation day on Wednesday. But next week will be Monday again.

Thank you for praying for Hilda! She does seem very good. We are seeing her again today! It was the only time she could meet us, and so we are sacrificing our praparation day to teach her! But it's ok--I would much rather be teaching her than doing stupid other things.

Unfortunately, though, I will not be seeing her again after today. It will be up to Elder Farnes (and Elder Freckelton--he is transferring to Dumbarton to take my spot. :) You remember him, right?).That is because I was transferred. I am now in an area called Airdrie. Airdrie, like Dumbarton, is in the Glasgow Zone. Elder Farnes calles the Glasgow Zone the 'Glasgow Triangle'. It's like the Bermuda Triangle--once you get in you never get out. I hope that is not true. Haha...

But yes, I am now in an Airdrie (pronounced air-dree). I am also the senior companion. My companion, Elder Miesbauer, is from Austria. He has been out six weeks less than I have. I am sort of nervous to be the senior companion! The Airdrie area has been having a lot of success lately and I would hate to come in and ruin that all. Haha...

I really don't know what Airdrie is like yet, though. I am still in Glasgow until late today. So I guess I will tell you what it is like this upcoming Monday.

Yes, I write President Griffiths every week. I usually write him and then I write you. It works out pretty well. And when I say 'write' President Griffiths I mean email President Griffiths.

Emma looked beautiful for Homecoming! I hope she had a blast. I'm sure I will hear about it in her next letter. Speaking of letters, you will need to stop sending post to Crosslet Road. My new address is:

23H North Bridge Street
Airdrie
ML6 6NL

I am glad Ashley got my letter. :) Sometimes I worry if those things ever make it. Haha!

I do not have bishop's address. But I will try to get that for next week. Also, the way you are sending packages works fine. Just keep on sending them to the mission home, and I will usually get them pretty soon. I received your Halloween package on the 28th of September, so that is only 11 days after you sent it. Not bad at all!

Speaking of that package, thank you so much! :) I loved all my sweeties (that is the name for candy here). I gave Elder Farnes one bag of popcorn when I first opened it, and he downed it in literally 2 minutes. I was hesitant to give him another bag. Haha... I will be sure to put up all the decorations when I arrive to my nw flat later today. :)

That's a funny story about Dad. :) Yes, a 'rubbish day' means a bad day. The day the rubbish bin goes out is called Tuesday. :)

Nice hike. Sounds like a typical dad thing to do. Haha... I am sure it was beautiful, though. I think most of the time Dad's little adventures turn out to be pretty good in the end. Most of the time. :)

Oh man... I miss Fred. Haha sounds like you guys had such a fun trip. I burst out laughing when I read Fred's postcard. Thanks for sending all those (and yes, Mom, yours was definitely the coolest one. :) ).

Apple is so good at business. Look at that customer service! And what's the result? Dad comes home and instantly buys their stock. Ya. Customer service is everything. They are really bad at that here in Scotland. I don't know why.

Speaking of Apple, we met a man chapping doors. He let us in. While we taught him I couldn't help but notice that he had the iPhone 4. Ooo Baby. :)

My mini-constitution is in Fred's safe. :) Hahaha too bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buy your own! :)

Ok, I don't have much more time. Um... I guess I will just tell you that I am loving everything here. The work in Dumbarton is still going slow, and I hope it picks up before Elder Farnes goes home in six weeks. I would like to see him have another baptism. As for me in Airdrie, I hope I can keep up the pace the last Elder left. They just baptized 5 people in Airdrie last weekend. 5!!!! That's very very good. And, as Elder Brophy used to say to me, "Baptisms breed baptisms". I hope that is true!!!! :)

I love you all. I will share a story with you next time. Until then, know that I am doing well and trying my best, although I still feel like a very weak servant sometimes. I hope life keeps going well for all of you back home. Send Grandpa and Grandma Barton my love. I am praying for them. Also Grandma Kendrick and Bart.

I love you all!

Letter 15

2010-09-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

It was an amazing week. I will share my stories in order of amazement.

The first miracle we saw happened on Saturday. Two days ago. I told my Mission President about this, and I think I will just paste exactly what I told him:

Hello President,

It has been a great week. There has been a lot of talk about miracles this week, and with good reason.

Elder Farnes and I are working very hard on our vision of baptizing a family. We were challenged at zone conference to have a vision, and we do here in Dumbarton. We want to baptize a family of five. But a family of six or seven would also be acceptable. :)

Anyways, this week we were searching for that family as usual. Elder Farnes was looking out the car one day and he had a thought that we should chap Bonhill Road. So, the next day we chapped Bonhill Road.

Nobody on the street wanted to talk to us. It was getting time for us to head off to a dinner appointment when we had one last house on the street. Literally--one more house. We chapped the door, testified that the restoration of Christ's true church could bless this woman's family, and she let us in. It was remarkable! We were so shocked when she invited us into her home. This woman was so willing to learn and study the message of the Restoration, it was incredible. We left her home absolutely giddy that we had talked a woman so kind and prepared.

While I walked back to our car with a smile stretching across my face, I realized that this woman had five children and loads of grandchildren. :) All of the sudden, my excitement reached a new level. With all of my soul, I wanted the Lord to watch over her and keep her safe from the powers of Satan which would destroy her faith. I wanted her to feel the Holy Ghost while we were away. I am praying for her morning and night.

This experience truly was a miracle in my life. It was a testimony to me that the Lord can inspire us--as weak and simple as we may be--to find those who he has prepared. The Holy Ghost can be our guide, if we follow the inspiration he gives us.

A scripture I read this morning in personal study really solidified this truth even further. It is Moroni 7:13:

'But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, EVERY THING WHICH INVITETH and enticeth TO DO GOOD, and to love God, and to serve him, IS INSPIRED of God.'

Inspiration doesn't have to be grandeous. It can be as simple as the thought to chap a street. I think Elder Farnes was inspired to have us chap that street, and I think that we were led to that woman and her family the other day.

Thank you for all you do, President. I love Dumbarton and the work here.

With love,

Elder Barton

That was the experience I shared with President Griffiths. It was such an amazing experience. It was just after a rubbish day, too. It is amazing to me that the Lord leads us to major blessings when we are down on our luck! I think sometimes he just leads us to people who accept just so we can find the strength to keep going. Can you imagine if nobody was EVER interested? We would just give up, I suppose! So, I think the Lord leads us to happy, smiling faces every now and again, just so that we can keep going. It doesn't even matter if that person is REALLY prepared--just as long as we can move forward after.

But while I say that, I do think that woman we met was prepared by the Lord. She was AMAZING. She lived in this nice house (my companion says you can tell it is a posh house because it even has a name. Haha...) and she had an iPad box on the living room floor! (That's the bit about Apple. I don't know how they always get into my emails... :) ) She is so willing to listen about all we have to say, and I know she would build the ward here if she were baptized. Please pray for Hilda!!!

She was the exception, though. It is very hard to find well-off people who are humble enough to hear the message of the Restoration! So hard. People with nice lives and nice things think they have everything going for them. The more people I run into, the more I agree that those who are poor are more likely to have been humbled by the Lord, and are more likely to be willing to seek Him out. No wonder the Lord said it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven! We must keep that humility and faith as the Lord continues to bless us in our own lives.

Alas, I do not have any more time to share the other stories of the week. when I get home, I will share my journal with you. :) Until then, love life. We are so blessed. We have so much, and we are loved by the Lord. We are in his true church. What more could we ask for?

Love,

Elder Barton

Number 14

2010-09-13T15:36:00.001-07:00

So, Saturday, September 11th. What a day:

It started off horrible. We went GQing on the high street (main street) in the early afternoon and found absoluteley nobody. It was exceptionally bad. Haha. Usually we find at least one new investigator from GQing, but not that day.

Then we had an appointment with an investigator cancel, so we looked at our backup plans. Tried all those. No success. Everyone was busy or away.

By now it was 1:30pm and we had no appoinments until about 4pm. Not a good situation to be in. Added to that, it was pouring rain. That doesn't make for an ideal chapping doors situation.

My companion and I sat in the car outside our appointment that had fallen through. We discussed what we could do and where we could go while the rain just kept pouring down outside. I was feeling rather frustrated, and I wondered if this would turn into another day where we had '0's in almost every area.

We decided to go to a small town called Garlochead. This is about a 20 minute drive from Dumbarton, over some rolling hills and up some winding roads. It is an absolutely beautiful drive, just like you would imagine Scotland to look like.

When we came into the town, we parked the car and said a prayer. Elder Farnes asked the Lord to lead us to those who were prepared. He asked that we would be led by the Spirit--in our steps and in our words. That has been our continual plee for about the last 3 weeks.

We started chapping doors. It was still raining, but we chapped anyways. I figured, "Hey, the more drenched we get, the more likely people are to feel pity for us and let us in".

I don't know why it happened, or what we did differently this day than other days, but for some reason we were amazingly blessed. In the 3 hours we were there, we found at least 8 people who were interested in our message. I think 4 of those people had families. 2 of them let us into their homes the minute we contacted them to share a message. It was INCREDIBLE.

I have no idea why it happened. Yes, we were out working in the rain without a rain coat and without an umbrella, but that didn't seem like such a big deal. It was fun working so hard in such weather. I guess I really thought the Lord would see our desires that way, and He would bless us for it. Maybe that is why we found such success.

It could just be the power of prayer, though. There really is power in praying, as I've talked about before. And, since we had the ward fast for missionary work last Sunday, maybe that fast and all those prayers are starting to be answered. I am not sure.

Whatever the reason, September the 11th was a miracle.

I am so grateful to be out here serving the Lord. I am loving the work. It is a blessing to go out each day and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe that is why I love GQing and chapping, even if they aren't the most effective ways of doing the work. I just love those things because it allows me to talk to so many people--it allows me to bear testimony to someone about every 15 seconds about what I know to be true. :) What a wonderful blessing! Going from door to door, person to person, bearing testimony about the one true God and His Only Begotten Son.

Anyways, I will talk to you again soon. Until then, know you are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Love,

Elder Barton

Number 13

2010-09-09T16:30:00.001-07:00

*Sorry about the behindness.... this is the most recent. :)*

it has been a slow week. We really are struggling for people to teach. We are still praying for our five-member family, and this fast Sunday we had a ward fast to find a family to teach. So I think things are about to pick up big time.

Your letter was so perfect for this week, Dad. I was on exchanges with a brand new elder for three days this week, and we had it rough. No new investigators, despite all the finding we did. This elder had been out a week, and he was discouraged. And then I got your letter and you talked about how sometimes we just have bad luck. The story of Job, and the story of the Sons of Mosiah who fell among the more hardened part of the Lamanites. I feel like that was my week--hard. :) We just didn't find too much success. But that is completely ok. I think that the Lord will bless us if we continue to search and work just as hard as before, even with no apparent, immediate, success. Eventually, we will find and baptize our family. :) The ward is getting excited about it more every week. Hopefully they will show that enthusiasm in REFERRALS!!!! Haha...

I loved hiking this mountain this morning. It let me have a lot of time to reflect on my life, and on my mission thus far. At first, all of us missionaries were in a big group going up. But, like what always happens on a hike, the group started to split further and further apart. Eventually we were in small clumps going up the mountain. Fragmented. I was behind two elders, and just started thinking about how my mission has been so far.

I feel like I have learned a lot. The Lord has blessed me to see the bigger picture in what I are doing here. The thing I learned most with Elder Brophy was patience I think. Patience with him, with others, and most importantly with myself. Patience is so crucial. With it, no dissapointment or road block can really bother us too much. Without it, we are upset and irritated at every little thing that goes wrong.

I have also learned a little more about charity. Charity is an amazing concept. When I first came out, I was head over heels about obedience, obedience, obedience. But I lacked in charity. And now I think I am coming to understand that love and charity really are most important in this work. We have to love our companion, and look for the good in him. We have to love those we teach. We have to love the members. I love this quote from President Uchtdorf. It is on the front of my Daily Missionary Planner:

"The Savior spoke of love as the great commandment.... We can spend our days obsessing about the finest details of life, the law, and long lists of things to do; but should we neglect the great commandments, we are missing the point and we are clouds without water."

I love that. I want to be a cloud WITH water. :) And I think that is one thing I am slowly learning. I am learning so much while I climb this mountain called a mission!

I love you and pray for you everyday! Please pray for me and pray that we will find more people to teach!

Elder Barton

P.S. Please tell Grandma thank you for the Scottish names and that I received her letter with more Family History! Thank you Grandma! Also, all the stuff you thought you had sent, you have. Nothing more. And no, I am not missing the AZ heat. :)

Oh, and please tell Emma I am so jealous she saw John Mayer. :) Dang her. And tell Seth congrats on the A's in all his subjects!

Love you all!!!!!!!

Number Nine (with Pictures)

2010-08-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Here's how I am doing. I will try to think of some interesting story to share.

Here is one:

It is about attitude. A few days ago, the eternal truth Dad has always told me about how you can 'choose to be happy' really came to light for me. I had woke up at 6:30 from an AWFUL dream. I won't go into what it was about, but it really made me downhearted. And what added to that was the fact that my companion, Elder Brophy, was also in a super bad mood. But he wasn't sad--he was crabby. He had an extremely short temper that morning, and it seemed like everything I did frustrated him to the point of pulling his hair out. The vibe I got from him made me even sadder.

Anyways, I was getting showered and ready for the day, and I thought, "I really don't want to feel this way. I want to be happy. I need to be happy, or I will never do any good for anyone, including myself." And so I knelt down and I prayed. I begged Heavenly Father to help me--to help me be happy and find joy in serving Him. And then I got up and I got busy. I went to work. And within an hour I was happy as all get up. The Lord blessed me. :) He and I changed my attitude that morning. It was a concious choice and a prayer answered. I hope I can always remember to choose to be happy.

That is something I wanted to share. There is one more experience I would like to talk about.

Elder Brophy left yesterday morning. I helped him on a train to Edinburgh at 8am. The night before was a strane night. It was so sad to see him end his mission. I felt so bad that he had to say bye to everyone, and leave everything behind. He i SOOO loved here. I am going to have to work much harder to gain the member's trust now, and I don't know if I ever will to the degree he did.

Anyways, on his last night he was reading some letters friends had gave him. One of the letters was from Emma, Helen's (who we just baptized) 11 year old daughter. This is what she wrote. It touched me heart when Elder Brophy shared it with me.

She wrote: "I just wanted to say goodbye to you before you go. You have made my mum smile and before she never smiled. You have brought some light into her life again..."

I LOVED that. What a blessing it is to have been a part of that! I helped her see the light. I helped her smile. :) And what's more, her daughter has noticed. She too has been affected by the Gospel and the joy it brings. :) Emma went on in the letter to say that she was also planning on being baptized shortly. I will let you know about that soon. But when I heard what she wrote I felt like I could come home and feel like my mission was a success. :) If that's all I did in two years it would be ok, because I have changed someone's life forever. What a marvelous gift the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to those who live in darkness.

I love you all back home. I hope all is well. My new copmpanions name, FYI, is Elder Farnes, from Kayesville, Utah. I have been with him for about 2 hours, and I only know he has 3 younger brothers and that he played soccer in high school. He goes home in 12 weeks. I'll tell you more soon.

Love, Elder Barton

Letter #8

2010-08-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here is my update. Drumroll please...

I BAPTIZED SOMEBODY!!!!! :)

Helen was baptized last Saturday. :) She was interviewed Thursday night, and we weren't planning on baptizing her till next Saturday, but once she passed she told us she wanted to be baptized ASAP. So, we hurried and made it work for this last weekend.

The service was great. I played the piano (the one hymn I know, 'Be Still My Soul'. I knew Beginning Piano at BYU would come in handy :). ). I also was able to baptize her. It was a wonderful experience. I was scared before hand, but I had faith that it would turn out all right. Helen is not what I would call a fit person. She is quite large. But it was fine baptizing her. :) And I didn't mess up the words at all, so that's good.

After I finished baptizing her, the words of the ordinance really stood out to me. It starts, "(persons name), having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you..."

That word commissioned really stuck out to me. I thought about how I have been commissioned of Jesus Christ. I thought about what that means.

I think it means that I have been called by authority here to Scotland, and I have also been given authority. It is truly an absolutely amazing thing to have the authority and power of God--the Priesthood. I can trace how I received my Priesthood from Dad to Grandpa, all the way to Jesus Christ himself! How amazing is that? I have my Priestood authority from an unbroken line to the Savior. That really hit me when I thought about that word commissioned. I don't know why.

I am so grateful that I have been commissioned to serve the Savior. What a responsibility! I am wearing His sacred name on my chest every hour of every day for the next two years. That is humbling to me. There are so many times that I fall short of representing Him in what I think, say and do. I am constantly striving to be like Him, but I am nowhere near close--yet.

I realized that this week. I thought before I left on my mission that when I got here I would suddenly become this magical, perfect-in-every-way servant of the Lord. NEWS FLASH: it doesn't work like that. You don't magically become better when you are set apart as a missionary. You still have to work at it--you have to work at yourself. It's a slow process, and if you expect sudden perfection you will only become upset and discouraged. I learned that this last week, and it has helped me a lot. We are all slowly struggling on the path to Heavenly Father. None of us can get there by just winking our eye. It takes time.

Anyways, It was a great week. I hope all is well with you all back home.

**note from Emma: check the side bar for Caleb's apartment address!**

Letter #7

2010-08-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, some news from me.

Another great week.

Elder Brophy and I are getting along fine. Though he can be very sarcastic at times, and sort of depressing and negative and mean, he has a great heart. He works hard and really loves the people. We actaully had a great time in our flat last night. Haha we started shooting each other with water guns, except mine was awful, so I got creative and started making war with him using air freshner cans, a vacuum (called a hoover), and a towel. It was very fun, and the flat was a disaster after. Haha. I, of course, cleaned it all up immediately after the fun--no mess in my flat. :)

I also want to tell you all about last Wednesday. As you probably know, we always plan the next day at 9pm the night before. So we had set Wednesday's plans Tuesday night. They were relatively normal--nothing amazing.

So we are going about Wednesday, and I didn't notice a thing. Normal day. Then, on Thursday, Elder Brophy says, "Do you realize how spiritually guided yesterday was?" Then he started telling me all the things that just happened to work out perfectly. I will name a few:

1st, we had stopped by our flat for lunch around 11am, and the landlord just happened to come by right then to fix a few problems we had in our flat. He came right at the start of 11am. If it had been 11:45, we would have had to waste 45 minutes waiting for him to finish. But he came right when we were there! A small, useful miracle.

Then we are teaching these two people. Stuart and Cheree (Sher-ee). We just finish answering their questions, and a nieghbor drops their baby back off. So I thought, 'dang, they will have to leave now because their baby is here again.' But no! Someone else in the home offers to take the baby to the store with her, so we can finish teaching Stuart and Cheree! It was another miracle, and it allowed us to teach them the Restoration and for them to feel the Spirit and commit to praying to know if Joseph was a Prophet.

Then, we are in this town, and we need soemone to go on splits with us for later. We had called everyone, and no one could come. We were about to leave the town and head back to Dumbarton without anyone, but we said, 'we'll call Phil one more time'. And guess what? This last time, we called Phil, and he answered and came out with us! It was another miracle.

There was even more that day. But the fact is that I hadn't noticed any of it. The Lord had guided our day and set every little thing up, and I wasn't even aware until Thursday. The Lord inspires us all the time! We just need to realize it. He inspired that Tuesday night plan, so that Wednesday went smoothly. It is amazing.

The other thing I want to talk about happened on Saturday. We took Stuart and Cheree on a church tour. Showed them pictures on the wall, talked to them about the Primary, the Sacrament, and showed them the Baptismal font, along with other things. Cheree told me right when she entered the church that she had prayed about Joseph Smith, and that she felt a warm feeling. She had though it would be a big miracle, and had actually looked out the window for some sort of sign after her prayer. :) haha. I told her that such miracles were exceptions, and that the warm feeling was the Holy Ghost, telling her he was indeed a prophet. :)

Later I walked with her into the baptismal font. When we walked out, she told me that she had felt ''butterflies" in her stomach the second she walked in, sort of like when she had prayed. :) Again, I told her that the Holy Ghost was answering her prayers. He was pointing her to the truth. Then I went to talk to Stuart, and she sat down on a chair behind me. When I turned around a minute later, she was sitting there silently, and she was crying. :) She was so grateful to Heavenly Father--that He would answer her prayers. That He would show her the way back to Him.

I testify that God lives. He loves His children, and He has prepared a way for them to return to His presence. That way is Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. He died for us, that we could return, if we will only wash our garments in His blood. He loves us. He knows us personally. He will answer our prayers. I have seen that so many times already. I love watching the joy that fills the souls of those I teach when they realize how the Savior is reaching out in love to them, all the day long. I love that. I cannot wait to see the joy they feel when they are baptized into His true church. In the name of Jesus Chrsit, amen.

I love you, and I wil talk to you again soon. :)

Elder Barton

And here are some pictures from our favorite elder! (finally) Can I (as in Emma) just say that I really think this should be the one and only time he gets a buzz cut? Thankfully hair grows back, right?

This is the Presont MTC aka as the 'ap mtc' as Caleb called it

Caleb and his MTC companions outside the Preston Temple

Out in the Scotish Countryside

Caleb's companion Elder Brophy in a member's apartment with a rubberband ball in his hand

(why? I do not know)

Letter #6

2010-07-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I was trying to think of what to write you about, and a couple miracles come to mind:
1st: This week we have been working a lot with Helen. She is the first miracle. She is SO committed. She stopped smoking this week. She used to smoke 70 ciggarettes a day. WOW. But now she smokes 0. :) It only took three days and the commitment that the truth of the gospel can bring, and she stopped smoking in three days. How amazing is that? :) I know the Lord has blessed her. I pray for her all the time, and I know that he answers my prayers by giving her increased determination and a testimony of what we teach her.
The second miracle I want to talk about happened on Wednesday I think. I was on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. This means that I was not with my companion, but with one of the Zone Leaders. The other Zone Leader was with my companion in Dumbarton while I spent the day in Glasgow. Anyways, we were looking for a less active man in the flats in Glasgow. These big, old apartments. His address was 12A. The Zone Leader, Elder Chung (from Taiwan), had never met this less active man before. So we went looking for him. We didn't know if 12A would be up the first or second flight of stairs, so we tried the first. There wasn't a 12A on that level, but there was a door without a number. So, we thought that might be it, and we knocked. Turns out it was the wrong door, but that's not the miracle. The miracle is that this lady answered that door and said, 'Wow, its the mormons.' I said, 'Ya! Have you ever met missionaries before?'. She said 'yes, I am a member, and I haven't seen the missionaries in 27 years.' CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! The Lord led us to a lady, a member, who had been missing from God's fold for 27 years, BY ACCIDENT. We weren't even looking for her. We were looking for someone else, and we just happened to choose the 1st flight of stairs, and knock on a door that might be it. That's how God works I think. He works in His own way, and in His own time, and if we are dilligently trying to work and be obedient and good, he blesses us. It was an amazing experience. Elder Chung has a return appointment with her, and she seemed excited to meet with us again. :)
Ok, one more. Dad, you say that you have a firm belief that the last 30 minutes of every day are the most important. Well, about two days ago Elder Brophy and I were going through a list of former investigators and calling them to see if we could get an appointment. Elder Brophy was doing the calling at the moment, and I looked at my watch. It was 8:55. Only 5 minutes and the day is over. So I thought of what you said, about how the last 30 min are times for miracles. And we had seen no apparent success with these calls so far. So i prayed. I said 'Heavenly Father, bless us to answer someone's prayer, and to find someone who will listen.' Well, Heavenly Father did bless me. I flipped through the list, and stopped on a name that caught my eye. I can't remember her name, but I called her. To my surprise, she answered. :) She let us set up another day to come by. We got an appointment. She was happy it seemed. I don't know what will happen with her, but I thik the Lord answered my prayer, and that I answered hers. :) It is a tender mercy of the Lord. It is His hand.
You see His hand a lot out here. :)
I love you all. Be happy. :) It's a choice to be so. I love you. Hope the Jamboree was great seth. You were a fantastic patrol leader, I am sure. I hope you were positive and upbeat. That's what motivates people.
Please blog this, Emma. :) I love you.
Elder Barton

Letter #5

2010-07-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Family and Friends,

Ok so here is the news with me:

I spoke in Church on Sunday. Spoke on agency. It was pretty good. There are only like 30 people in church every week. It was really strange standing up to that small of a crowd. One of the ladies in the ward was in Utah last week, for her son's marriage. She went to a BYU ward while she was there, and this week in church she told me, 'they don't need you over there! In the BYU ward i was in they called this girl to be the 'birthday specialist'! They are just making up callings!!' Haha she had a good point though. It is crazy to think that while the church really stuggles in other parts of the world for members, places like Mesa and Utah are packed full of members. I still don't plan on moving to Scotland after my mission. :) Haha

We are now teaching this lady named Helen. She is about 40 and very nice, even if she is mostly deaf. She has an eleven year old daughter named Emma. :) (Yay!!!) Haha... Anyways, funny story with them. The first time I met their family, Emma was with a friend. So I said, 'what's your name?' to Emma. She told me her name was Emma. Then I said, 'Oh!! That's my sister's name!' Then I asked Emma's friend what her name was. She told me her name was Sally. I resisted the temptation to say, 'Oh!! That's my dead dog's name!' Haha... :)

Anyways, Emma and Helen are great. We have committed Helen to be baptized on the 31st. Elder Brophy needs one more baptism this transfer to reach his mission goal. I am sure either Helen or Emma will be that last baptism. I even overheard Emma telling one of her other friends, Sasha, that, 'it just feels different when (the missionaries) are here. It feels right.' :) I loved that. You can definitely feel the Spirit when you teach others about the Gospel and how it can bless their lives. It's a wonderful calling I have, to be able to see the peace and joy that others feel when they are first introduced to the true Gospel of Jesus Chirst. I love that feeling, and I cannot wait to feel the joy of seeing someone I have come to love enter the waters of baptism. We have been so blessed to be born and raised in the Church. These people have no idea what they are missing. They are kept from the truth simply becaus they know not where to find it. (D&C 123:12)

Well, life is good. It's pretty much like living in the USA, except we drive on the wrong side of the road here, and people are not nearly as well off for the most part. We are very blessed in the United States. We are very educated, and the Lord has given us many blessings. Remember that.

Oh ya, one last thing--my letter supply has stopped. Remember how I got more mail than anyone in the MTC? Ya, those days are over. After I left the mission home I have got one letter. It was from Grandma aand Grandpa Barton, yesterday (thank you!! :) ) Haha Elder Brophy thinks no one likes me. Haha at least he jokes that way. But it's ok, I know the mail is just slow. ;)

I love you all, keep doing what you know you should. :)

Love, Elder Barton

Letter #4

2010-07-12T08:29:00.004-07:00

Ok here we go. :) I have about 30 minutes. I don't know.
Here are the answers to some of your questions, then I will share an experience with you.
1st, the mission presidents name is President Griffiths. Not Griffins.
Here is a little about Dumbarton. It is only me and E. Brophy here, and we cover 1 ward--the only ward in the Dumbarton area. I love the ward! It has 50 active members, and the people are great. They are so nice. I am starting to understand what they are saying, too. Haha. It's been rough but I am getting better. Anyways, everyone I have met in the ward is great. The bishops name is Bishop Gallacher. He is like 40. He has a son on a mission in Manchester.
I definitely will be fat when I come home. At least if I stay long in Dumbarton! Elder Brophy and I have a dinner appointment EVERY NIGHT!! I've only cooked once so far and that is in the 5 days I have been here. It's crazy! AND, there is one man who feeds us every week, and he is a chef!!! Haha that's his profession! So the food has been excellent. But yes, I will miss licorice. Send me some!!!
E. Brophy and I have a car. That's how we get around. I have only driven it once so far, but E. Brophy tells me that I will be driving for the last 3 weeks of this transfer (they call tranfers 'moves').#
I can only email home. No friends. Just family. But you can forward this to whoever (including the blog :) ). And, I get an hour, even though E. Brophy and I just email as long as we need to. There is no point sitting here forever when I can be done in 30 minutes. So ya, I don't think time will be a problem.
We shop at a place called ASDA (az-duh). It's a europe's Walmart. Walmart owns it. And it is just like Walmart. I've only been there once though--like I said, we have a dinner appt. every night. :) And lunch always just seems to be provided for too. But no, I do not eat chips with every meal. Usually there are potatoes and meat and veggies, with ice cream and some sort of cake for dessert. It's very very fattening, I'm sure. But I always finish my plate completely. That's good, besides the fact that I might weigh 300 lbs. when I get home.
I will now tell you about my past week and some cool experiences I have had.
Two days ago I really saw the hand of the Lord in my life. As you probably know, every day I try to recognize one moment where I saw the hand of the Lord working in my life to guide me and help me. Well, on Saturday that happened like 50 times. :) It was incredible.
Here is the first time: We were teaching these old ladies about the Restoration, and E. Brophy was talking about the great apostasy. He was about to get to the part about Joseph Smith, and I hadn't said much so far. And so I prayed sincerely in my heart that he would look over at me and let me teach. And guess what? The second I did that, he looked over, and I got to share the 1st vision with these 3 older sisters. :) It was amazing, and I felt the Spirit very strongly. I know the Lord answered my prayer by inspiring my companion to look over at me.
2nd: We had a dinner appointment that night with a single sister in the ward. Now, as many of you probably know, the elders arent allowed to be alone with a single sister. That's against the rules. So they have to take someone with them. Well, we were getting awful close to our dinner appointment, and we had no one to come with us. No one. And we had called EVERYONE. So we didnt know what to do. But, for some reason, I wasn't afraid. I knew that the Lord would help us, becuase we were trying to be obedient to his rules. And he did. I called the single sister who was feeding us 2 hours before and told her that we would be able to make it, even though I didn't know who would come with us. Well, this single sister said "Whos coming with you?" I didn't know. But this name came into my head, and so I said, "Sister Towie". I hadn't even talked to Sister Towie about coming with us. But I told this single sister she would be.
Anyways, later we go by Sister Towies house and talk with her about our problem. And guess what, she volunteered to take a bus and meet us at the single sister's house for our dinner appointment. :) And that's exactly who I told the single sister we would bring! I think it was inspiration, and that the Lord's hand was definitely in it.
THEN, late that night, around 8:30, we are going somewhere, and I see this family unloading stuff from a car. I say to Elder Brophy, "Should I go talk to to them?" he says yes, and so I get out and start talking. Then I realized they had lots to carry upstairs to their flat (apartment). So I ask if I can help. They say yes, and we spent the next 30 minutes in their house teaching them. :) They seem great. We are going back next week, and I think they will be accepting. There is one child in this family, and he is one years old. Both the parents are very nice, and they had lots of questions. I saw the Lord's hand after teaching them, and I knew God had led me.
I realized to, that God will only show us how often he leads us with His hands if we respond to the first time he shows us how He has guided us. If we realize God led us, but then fail to write it down for later times, he will not show us the 100 other times he directed us that day, becuase we didnt cherish the one time he DID open our eyes. We need to recognize his hand, write it down, and then He will show us more. He will show us that He really leads us every hour of our lives.
Anyways, some thoughts. I am glad you had such a great trip. :) I'm also kind of glad that you are back in Arizona. It was weird thinking that you guys were here in the British Isles at the same time as me. I like thinking that you are back home in America.
To my friends, write me! :) I would love to hear about your lives. I hope they are going splendidly. I love you all, and I am so grateful for you.
To Seth, when do you leave on the Jamboree?! I am sort of jealous. The Jamboree is such an awesome experience. Remember to be a friend to the other scouts--it can be sort of lonely being away for so long. You will make some great friends. And have fun and get some cool patches. :)
Emma, please blog this. :) I love you. I hope you do get married here in Scotland. Haha, not. I want to come in America.
Love you all!

Letter Number Three

2010-07-09T04:56:00.002-07:00

I have ten minutes to write you right now, and then from now on you will be hearing from me on Mondays!

Anyways, life is good. I have a companion now, and he is great. His name is Elder Brophy. He is from Northern Ireland! His dad is actually the branch president there. This is Elder Brophy's last tranfer (his last six weeks). He has trained 4 other elders already, and one of those elders he trained is now an assistant to the president. Haha. Anyways, Elder Brophy knows a lot.

Oh ya! You are probably wondering where I am! :) I am in Scotland. The missionaries from the MTC were split up pretty evenly between Scotland and Ireland, and I am in Scotland. I am in an area called Dumbarton (pronounceddumb-barton. Can you believe that?! haha). It is great. We have a nice flat (apartment) and I slept well last night. So that is good. Anyways, I love you all, and I hope life is great. I found at tons of post waiting for me at the mission home, so that was nice. Thanks Mom. :) I also got a letter from Jared and Mandy and the rest of their family! :) But I have to go!

Have a fun rest of your trip!

Love, Elder Barton

Letter #2

2010-07-08T00:08:00.003-07:00

Hello Family and Friends,

I will just get started writing, and then I will respond to your questions. It's like D-Day coming in here to write--its so intense that the whole world seems to be hanging in the balance. If you don't finish, the world explodes. Probably.

Anyways, it has been a great week! A week from today I leave to Scotland! Wahoo!

1st order of business: I now way 153 lbs. Ya, they feed us good here in the MTC. I think that is an extra 8 pounds I have gained. Don't judge me.

2: I just got a haircut, and Mom, you would be freaking out. Elder Wadsworth went before me, and he just got a 3 on all sides. (That's like a buzz for all you who have no idea). I said, "That looks good! Give me that!", and now I too have a buzz cut. Haha.

3: Today has been an excellent day. We went on a Church History Tour. I saw the apartment where Gordon B. Hinckley wrote his dad and said he was wasting his time on a mission, and where he got the letter saying, "forget yourself and go to work". That is great advice for any missionary. I also was able to go to the River Ribble, right by that apartment, and see where Heber C. Kimball baptized the first United Kingdom member. Very cool! The ground has a very special feel to it. Brother Kimball baptized 9 people there in his 1st week. Wow!

After we visited those sights in Preston, we were bussed over to Downham. This is where Heber C. Kimball was inspired to go when he arrived in the U.K..He baptized 25 people on the way there in a town named Chatburn,and then when he got to Downham he baptised another 25. When he left Downham to go back to the U.S. he was bawling, with more tears than he thought possible. He asked Joseph Smith when he got back to the States why he had felt such a sadness in leaving, and this is what the Prophet said: "Heber, don't you see? You were walking where ancient prophets walked, and they left their blessing on that land, and their blessing fell on you." It was a really cool story. What made it even cooler is that after telling us missionaries that story in Downham, President Clegg said, "That blessing from ancient prophets did fall on Heber C. Kimball, and today it falls on you." It was a very special experience for me. I felt the Spirit very strongly. I know the Lord has great plans for the United Kingdom, and He needs faithful, obedient missionaries who will work mighty miracles here and bring thousands unto Him. I know that with His help it is possible.

3: Thank you for sending me a copy of Kearl's letter. :) I am so happy it finally came! I want it framed and put on my wall. Haha... But seriously.

4: Oh ya! One cool fact: I get more mail than any other missionary in the MTC. Hands down. Haha. I got 2 packages yesterday, and one letter. All the guys were teasing me when I brought them into the cafeteria for lunch. They are just jealous. :) But thank you for all the mail! And thank you for the package Mom! I could always use more candy, evein if I have gained 8 lbs. Haha. Please tell Sister Beecher thank you too! She sent me a HUGE package with cookies and lots of other things. I bet it was very expensive.

5: This last Friday was very cool. Here is what happened: We had a "finding experience". This only happens in the England MTC. They took us out and put us on a bus and sent us to downtown Manchester. They told us to go and talk to everyone that we could. I took the promise that the Lord gives in D&C 33:8-10, and I talked to everyone I could the second I got dropped off. And you know what, the Lord blessed me. From the second I was at the loading platform for the train until I got back, I was talking to everyone I could. And because I was, Heavenly Father put people in my way who were prepared. When the Lord can trust us, He blesses us. He knew that I would talk to everyone, and so near the end of my hour in Manchecster, He put this guy in front of me. This guy did not look like someone who would be prepared. He had tatoos, was listening to his iPod, and was rather large. But I went up and I talked to him. And ya know what? He even missed his bus so that he could stay and give me and Elder Wadsworth his information. He was so excited to talk to us. And even though I have no way of finding out what will happen, I think he will get baptized. It was awesome, and it really showed me that if we just "open our mouths", the Lord will fill them. And if we open our mouths consistently, he will lead us to those that are ready, because He can trust us to talk to them.

Ok, that's about it. I don't have time to talk about the cool amazing awesome talk I heard from Elder Bednar, but I wrote Dad about it, so when you get home to Mesa you can all read that part. It was amazingly comforting.

On to your questions.

I cannot send you pictures, at least not in the MTC. I only get 30 minutes and it takes like 15 to load pictures. Maybe later.

I think the Cleggs are from Farmington, Utah. That's what the guy typing next to me says anyways. Haha

That is so sad about the orange groves!! Are they ripping them all out inbetween Val Vista and 40th? So there won't be any left when I get home?? :( Becuase if so then that is terrible. I will miss those groves. They are like a part of home I feel.

Send the emails to everyone who you have an address for who would actually care to read it. I don't want to bug people with emails they don't want to read.

I have no idea how tall I am. I will figure that out before next email. Promise.

Wow! That is an eventful start to the trip! Typical Josh though. Haha and I'm sorry Grandma. That is hilarious though! I hope you guys have a blast in the U.K.! I think you are here now! Tell me how it all goes!

I think I will be gone on the 7th, or leaving that day. But ya I REALLY dont want to see you. That would be hard. Haha so plan carefully. I drive to Scotland next Wednesday.

Love you guys!

The First Letter!

2010-06-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well, this is sort of stressful. I only have 30 minutes to email here at the MTC and I feel like that is not NEARLY enough time. Anyways, life is good. :) You can all sigh in relief, becuase I know you have been worried sick about me.

Dad, I did give away my pass along card. I actually gave away three. :) I was super happy about that. I sat down right after I said bye to you bye some lady who was eye-balling my tag (just like you said--sit by people who stare at you). It took me about 3 minutes to some up the courage to say something, but then I started talking to her. Told her a little about the church, and left her a card. Then I gave one to the lady who sat by me on the flight.

I met about 30 missionaries in Atlanta. I was SO surprised! I thought there would be like 6! It was fun though. Those 30 are pretty much the only ones here in the MTC now. There are 35 of us here. Crazy! There are 4000 missionaries in Provo, so I consider myself part of the AP MTC. :) Wahoo!

Elder Frecklton is here, and he always has a smile on his face. :)

My companion's name is Elder Wadsworth. Great guy, Elder Wadsworth. He is my District Leader. He is tall and played football for the University of Hawaii, though he is not very wide. (That's the best way I know how to say that. :) ) Anyways, he is very humble, and he has a great sensitivity to the Spirit. (He is definitely one of those companions that I can learn from, Dad. Not the lazy kind at all) I am lucky to be with him. Elder Wadsworth is the 7th of 11 children, and he looks just like Uncle Paul, and he talks like a black person (Weird combo, right?) Haha but seriuosly! He talks that way because he only hung out with black people in Hawaii. Anyways, his Dad was recently the mission president in Las Vegas, and so thats where he went to high school. He is from Orem though.

President Clegg is my MTC President. He is amazing, and so is his wife. He was set apart by Elder Holland and he used to be a temple sealer before he was the President here. He really knows a ton, and since there aren't many missionaries here, I get to see and listen to him all the time.

It is not AT ALL cold here. It hasn't even rained since I got here. Crazy! I have a feeling Ireland and Scotland will be a lot different, though.

I just went to the Preston Temple today and it was a wonderful experience. I learned more than I have ever learned before in the Temple. I think that is because all you do here in the MTC is learn to find the Spirit. You learn to teach and you learn to teach by the Spirit. Here in the United Kingdom we teach people, not lessons. That means that we teach to people's needs, not just the scheduled lessons. It really makes sense.

Anyways, the Temple here is beautiful!!! Wow. The prettiest Temple ground I have ever seen. Honestly.

Nobody has a man-bag as cool as mine. :) Except guess what?! I don't even get to use it in the MTC!!! You arent allowed to carry bags around in the building! it stinks!!! I know I will put it to good use after, though. :)

One of the coolest experiences here (and there have been many) was when we saw the Jospeh Smith movie as a group. They have a theater here where we watch movies and lessons on DVD. It's great. Anyways, that movie took on a whole new light as a missionary. I cried in all the usual parts, especially when Jospeh Smith stands up and says "silence ye fiends of the eternal pit", and when the Scottish guy shows up with his bagpipes, but I also cried a lot more. I cried when I saw Parly P Pratt walking down the streets of England. And also, when Joseph Smith is martyred and it says 'shall we not go on in so great a cause?', I was feeling the Spirit so strong... It was amazing. We ARE going on in so great a cause! That is what I am doing here in England, and that's what I will do in Scotland. President Clegg stood up after the movie, and all the missionaries were sniffling and crying, and he just stood there in silence. Then he said, "You have been called by a Prophet of the Lord, and you have been set apart, to take the message you have just seen to the world. What a great responsibility you have." It was absolutely beautiful, and the Spirit was so strong.

The Spirit is everywhere in this MTC. It's everywhere. I love being here, and I don't really get homesick anymore. We are too busy, and that's the goal. I just want to work my hardest, and I want to be perfectly obedient. I know that this is Heavenly Father's work, and I know that he loves His children here in the United Kingdom. I cannot wait to go to Scotland and bear my testimony that Christ lives, that he loves us, and that His Gospel has been restored on the earth today.

I love you all. I hope life is great. :) Please pray for me, as I am praying for you.

Love, Caleb

P.S. Please put this on the blog. Thank you Emma! I love you! :) And Seth, get ready! The mission is the best thing you will ever do. I am sure of that, and I haven't even left yet. I loove you.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodnight

2010-06-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog World,

If time is money, then I'm impoverished. I leave on my mission in three days. Wowsa.

Before I go, I just want to let all my peeps know that it has been a great life. I am so extraordinarily lucky to have the friends and family that I do. In other words, I have been extremely blessed. I want to tell all my friends that you are amazing people. Seriously. Each one of you is so charitable, kind, and fun. It has been such a blessing to know every one of my friends.

While I am away, I expect to get mail. Seriously. If I don't get mail at least once from every one of my friends, I am going to think, "What the heck." And who knows, if you don't write, we might not be friends when I get back. o: (That's a face saying, "Ooooooo!", like as in, "Ooooooo, roasted!" You get the idea.)

Also, I hope all you girlfriends (I realize that girls are now the predominant readers of this blog.), have a great two years. If you get married, send me an invite. That's not a request--that's an order. I want to see the guy. Although there is no way he will be as charming and spiritual as me, I still want to see him. (JK, I'm sure all your husbands will be studs--just slightly less studlier than me.)

Studies show that the average missionary comes home to find 80% of his former girlfriends married.

I love you all. Thanks for a lot of laughs and for all the love and support. I don't know where I would be without you.

Until I come home with a Scottish brogue,

Elder Cloyd