Elder Austin Barney - Washington Seattle Mission!

All The Way From Seattle:

Hey!

This week was a slower week, but it was still great! I am really enjoying Normandy Park, it is so great!

One of our investigators Te'Aundtre, who is on date for baptism for the 10th of May, got tracted into by Jehovah Witnesses, so he is really confused now because as soon as he prayed to know whether to join our church or keep looking, they knocked on his door. He is still taking the discussions, but he is also taking them from the JW. So this is going to be an interesting situation. I know that God has a plan and that it will all work out for the better!

Today we are going to have a Zone Activity and we are plaing Ultimate Frisbee! I am really excited, I haven't played in forever! Well farewell!

Love you all!

-Elder Barney

(email from April 21, 2014)

Grandma Johnson

April 16, 2014

Elder Barney's Great-Grandma passed away and this is what he sent:

Hey,

Don't worry, President Choi told me to do this :)

could you read this at Great Grandma Johnsons funeral :)

Hello Friends and Family,

I am Elder Austin Barney currently serving my LDS mission in Seattle Washington, and just wanted to write a few things. I will never forget the times when Grandma and Grandpa would dress up and do shows for us when we were little kids. I loved watching them and thought they were the coolest!

Before I left on my mission, grandma would always say this when ever she saw me "Boy! you have gotten so big and strong! I can't wait for you too serve your mission! You are going to be such a great missionary!" I loved talking with her. The last thing Grandma told me before I left was, I will never forget what she said. She said "Now Austin, I don't think I am going to be around when you get back, I just want you too know that when I pass away, that I will be with you will you are on your mission. I love you so much." I know that she is with me and watching over me right now.

I recently read this scripture in D&C 84, its verse 88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. I believe that Grandma is one of the angels that are with me. I know with all my heart that I will see Grandma again, because of Christ and His sacrifice. I am grateful for that knowledge. I know that she is saving us all seats right next to her in Heaven.

-Elder Barney

Greetings from Seattle!

April 14, 2014

This week was fantastic!! The only complaint is that we kicked the hermanas out of their apartment, so there was sisters things like clothing, hair stuff, make-up and hair EVERYWHERE! Everything is labeled in Spanish too, so I am learning Spanish!

So we found out that we white-washed into this area, meaning we opened the area, so we had no investigators, didn't know the ward, nothing so we tracted the first 3 days. We put 4 people on date for baptism, we found 11 new investigators, taught 29 lessons and found a few potential investigators by the end of the week!! The Lord truly answers prayers.

We are also sharing the area with a set of Sister missionaries who have been in the ward, they are pretty cool sisters. The ward is fantastic and they are very missionary minded! I am so grateful to be in a great area!

-Elder Barney

Oh and one more thing,

share this video on facebook, twitter and instagram!!

http://easter.mormon.org/?cid=HPTU041514694

-Elder Barney

Day 1

Day 1 of being back on the mish has been awesome!

My mission president has been awesome and I got a great companion, Elder Kendell. He is a stud! I am in a great area called Normandy Park, I finally got into a Seattle area! I am glad to be back on the mission, and can't wait to start fresh make it my own!

Love you all!!!

-Elder Barney

The Airport

Ok, having done the MTC drop-off, I didn't think anything could be worse - boy was I wrong. To me, the airport was WAY worse than the MTC. Although the MTC gave me a sense of peace (I knew he was immediately safe and in good hands), the airport was - well let's just say it was really hard. Maybe it was because we were saying goodbye (or a see ya later) for the second time - knowing what emotions lay ahead. But, for whatever reason, the airport was very difficult for me.

As he got all checked in, I was shaking. It was hard to breath. I couldn't focus. It was weird, because I have heard that sadness and happiness can not take place in our hearts at the same time - I am here to say that they can. At the exact same time. I was overjoyed that he was going back to Seattle, and completely heart broken at the same time. Happy because I knew this was right and that I wouldn't want him to do anything else, and sad because he is my son, and I was going to miss him, terribly.

His whole life, I have teased him for being really independent. For example: his first day in nursery, as I dropped him off he walked right in, turned around, waved and said, "bye Mom" -- not even a moment of hesitation, no tears, nothing. Independent.

So, for the few days before he left, I would say, I need at least a "look back" or something…his reply was usually something like "I can't look back, I only can look forward" or "if I look back I might turn to salt" or some goofy comment like that.

Well, after the hugs, tears and final good-byes he knew it was time he needed to go. It was SO hard…as he walked down the hallway after going through security, as we watched him go, my heart was so full of love and appreciation for Heavenly Father for sending us such an amazing young man. Yet, in the same space, my heart was so full of sadness, watching him walk away knowing I wouldn't be able to see his face, hug him, or hear his voice for a while. I was sad, but totally ok with it…weirdest conflict of feelings ever.

Just as he was about to turn the corner to be completely out of our view, he looked back, gave a smile and a wave…my heart burst…literally burst into a million pieces of love, joy and sadness. That kid - knows exactly what I needed, and what a tender mercy from him (and the Lord), for me.

Then, later that day - we received an email from him…this is what mine said:

Hey Mom!

Did you notice that I looked back? yeah that was for you! I wasn't sad either, I am glad I have come back. I am glad because its like a fresh start.

I got a really great companion, Elder Kendell. He is a pretty cool dude. I am in Normandy Park which is pretty awesome. I am finally in Seattle! Oh and if you want to send me stuff, send it to the mission office.

10675 Northeast 20th Street BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON 98004-2860 UNITED STATES

I will try and stay as close to the spirit as I can ;)

Love ya!

Elder Barney

-Elder Barney

How great is that! I love this gospel. I love being a missionary family.

From here on out - this blog will be filled with pictures and emails we receive from Elder Barney.

The church is true people - the church is true.

Enjoy!!

Documented: April 8, 2014

This is it...

So, as we quickly (a bit frantic actually) got him ready to go again - we paused for 2 days to listen to Conference (April 2014). I am so glad we did - there were amazing talks THE WHOLE TIME…

Like this one from Elder Holland "The Cost and Blessings of Discipleship" (you can listen to it here https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng).

Then there was this one from Elder Rasband "The Joyful Burden of Discipleship" (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-joyful-burden-of-discipleship?lang=eng).

Then this one from Elder Anderson "Spiritual Whirlwinds" (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds?lang=eng)

That was just some from the first session!!

Saturday afternoon was just as amazing…"Let Your Faith Show" by Elder Nelson (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/let-your-faith-show?lang=eng)

Or "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments" by Elder Hales (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/if-ye-love-me-keep-my-commandments?lang=eng)

Or how about "What Are You Thinking" by Elder Zwick (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/what-are-you-thinking?lang=eng)…

Ok, you get the point?!?! :)

It was amazing - and exactly what we needed to hear, as a family and individually. I firmly believe that this General Conference was 100% for our family - a gift directly from the Lord.

Monday proved to be quite the emotional day. As a family, we had some amazing moments, and that evening, Austin was again, set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (by his Stake President/Grandpa Mark!) and I have to admit - the spirit that was in that room, was stronger than I have felt in a really long time. I knew this was right, as did every single person in that room, including Austin. Again, another tender mercy from our Father in Heaven (by the way - if you ever question - please know that He knows EXACTLY what He is doing)

Tuesday morning, April 8, 2014, at 8:30am was the time his flight was leaving for Seattle. I was anxious, as I know Elder Barney was as well. But, as we got ready, and headed to the airport, there was an excitement and a happiness that was literally tangible the entire morning. It made it very difficult to be sad when the spirit was so strong and full of joy.

I am thankful for tender mercies. I am thankful for this experience that has brought Elder Barney closer to the Savior, us closer together as a family, and our testimonies stronger. I love this gospel. I love that the Lord knows exactly what He is doing - and that He has a plan for each of us that is specific to each of our needs. It might not seem like a 'normal' or 'traditional' plan - or even the plan we had in mind, or expected, but it is EXACTLY what is meant to be, and for that - and all its unconventional ways - is beautiful. I will never regret or wish different for this experience - not for Austin, nor our family. We have grown in ways that would never have happened otherwise.

I know that the experiences Elder Barney will have in Seattle, and for the rest of his life, will be better because of this experience. I know that his mission experience - his entire mission experience - will be for his good, and for the good of others, as he will be able to help others in ways he wouldn't have before. This gospel is true. If it weren't, none of us would be doing what we are doing - because we love the Lord, and He loves us - perfectly.

Documented: April 8, 2014

It is time to return...

So…during his time home, President Freeman (1st Counselor Stake Presidency), took over the weekly interviews and all that good stuff which proved to be a very inspired decision. Austin's Grandpa is the Stake President and Austin really needed the separation of Grandpa/Stake President - which would have been a very difficult thing to do. President Freeman was truly a blessing. He taught Austin so much, and I know that he helped him get ready to head back out in so many ways - that was exactly what he needed.

Being home was a struggle. There were many times when he didn't know if he wanted to return - making that decision was a constant battle - and one that took a lot of prayer, thought and strength to make. He knew what he would be walking back into, and that was hard. He knew that it would be the best for him, but he also knew how difficult a mission is. Keeping the adversary away from his thoughts proved to be more difficult than he realized it would be. But, he also knew that the Lord would help him overcome and make the correct decision.

When Austin first came home, his Mission President contacted the Stake President (Grandpa) and told him that he didn't want Austin to resubmit his paperwork, he wanted Austin to return to their mission. That really made Austin feel good - knowing that he was wanted/needed and that the Mission President wanted to make sure he went back to Seattle.

Once Austin made up his mind to get back out - there was no changing it. He was determined. I know that because of all the special experiences he had, both physical and spiritual, he knew what needed to happen. It was evident of the influence of the Spirit because he was happier and spiritually stronger when he made the decision. It was truly a tender mercy/blessing to witness.

Once he got the go-ahead from all the different Doctors that were needed, it was a Tuesday evening - that Thursday he had his final interview with President Freeman - and the letter was sent to Church Headquarters letting them know and within 24 hours we had notification of travel itinerary - we got the news on Friday that he was leaving the following Monday! We had only 4 days! Good thing he was pretty much ready!

We were so blessed to have witnessed so many tender mercies, many blessings, and many miracles during his time here at home - which was a total of 4 months (126 days to be exact).

We are so grateful to the Lord for helping our family be strengthened during this difficult time. We are so grateful to the Lord for all the many blessings poured down upon us - and especially to Austin. We are grateful to the Lord for giving us so many tools that help us learn and grow spiritually - so we can gain a stronger testimony of Him.

I am grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ - because of Him, we can have eternal life, we can be forgiven of our shortcomings and sin, and we can be made new through Him.

Documented: April 2014