The Last Best Place

I PROMISE I didn't mean to leave yall in the dust, My P-Day got switched(again)

Whelp. This is it. It all is quite honestly sureal. 

If you looked me in eyes 2 years ago and told me where I would be in life. The things I would have learned and done, and the emotions and gratitude I would feel this seemingly insignificant week in December, I would have been lost in awe at what you spoke. I would be speechless...

This short, well spent period in life means everything to me. 

We had a great week per usual, there is no such thing as a bad day. We had a great lesson where we were able to meet 2 new friends and start teaching them. Kyle and Kayli from Florida. They just moved here and the Lord directed us all together. We spoke in church and some of our friends came! We even got to milk some cows for a final Wyoming goodbye :) 

I sat at the top of the chapel in sacrament just in tears. A wave of emotion came over me as I was sitting in a beautiful wooden chapel, as a beautiful organ solo filled the curved walls, and as I looked over my dear friends one last time. I hate to see it go. Nothing compares to serving along the saints in the Last Best Place. I wish words could convey the love I have for the people of Wyoming and Montana, and I owe a lot to their charity and love.

I have a lot to learn still, and a lot left to accomplish. But I've learned that as we are humble, obedient, and do things because we love the Lord; He will bless us with all that He has, and our will can become His will. The Lord has been with me every step of the way, He truly loves His children, and He loves us too much to leave us as we now are. 

Frankly a weekly email is too shallow to convey the words and thoughts I have, I would love it if you came to hear me share my experiences at church!

It'll be Sunday the 26th at 11:30!

I may even Crack some jokes there will be food and a good time after at my home  

Love you all, see you soon!

Nicholas Cage Up in Here

 

What is up yall! Splendid week from ya boi Elder Barlow!

So we finished up our quarantine this week, so glad that is ova! Went fishing to pass the time, some good ole fish tacos to lighten the mood!

Finally got out and did some missionary work! Kinda a miracle this week, the Nativity is going on this weekend at our church building, and we went and visited it after we got out of quarantine. A ton of members from Burlington were there helping out and because they remembered me we got a ton of referrals of people living in Cody, KINDA NICE

Also got to hold an 1830 copy of the Book of Mormon, had to flex

other than that, last week here in Cody kinda sad wit it, but we are GRINDING. We got some lessons and some service, so we finna pop off don't worry. And it SNOWED! It really is all coming together out here!

Hope yall have a great week! Peep the season finale next week! See ya soon!!!

Quarantined Week 2!

 

Quarantine Buddies

What is up my friends! Coming back at ya with another weekly! We don't got many of these left

So highlight this week was definitely Thanksgiving! We've been quarantined all week so that hasn't been too fun, but Thanksgiving we were given 2 meals, and we even made a meal of our own, it was kinda fire ngl. Always good to talk to the fam as well!

Our Amazing Home-Cooked Meal!

Other than that, just trying to pass the time! Went on a few roadtrips (Don't worry we have the miles) and have just gotten some good studies in! This is just a good time to reflect on my mission and get my ducks in a row I guess. Our quarantine should end on Thursday if all our symptoms are gone

Enjoy the photos! Wyoming is just gorgeous! Not a bad place to be quarantined!!! See for yourself!!!

The other quarantine buddies

Viewzzz

Pilots Peak

South Fork

Pahaska Tepee

Grizz Country

Episode V "The Covid Strikes Back"

Yo what is up gang! Sorry I'm emailing on Tuesday... My Pday got switched cuz of transfers, PLEASE don't kill me for this one! This is an interesting week that's for sure!

So we start off the week kinda on fire ngl. We had exchanges and some really awesome lessons! Even invited a few of our friends to church and built some great connections. 

But that's where the fun ends...

We be quarantined for covid. I'm doing just fine don't worry, but since Thursday we've been stuck inside! Not a great way to spend Thanksgiving but it's whatever If there is a week to not do any missionary work, its this one, when everyone is out of town and busy. Bright side to everything!

So we've just been partying it up. Because we got miles and a beautiful area we are just gonna road trip. Kinda pays to have Yellowstone in your area. So here are some photos of our travels! 

Also we got transfer news for my last 3 weeks, I'll be staying in Cody to finish up! Pretty happy about that!

Hope ya'll have a great week! I'll survive don't worry! 

Now this is a Cody Moment

 

ATTENTION - CRAZY WEEK YALL

This week was A W E S O M E !!! Started out with a super lit Pday up at Buffalo Bill reservoir with the district! And also a lit district council with interviews! And exchanges with THE Elder Sam Hatch!

We've had a really great week when it comes to the work. Had quite a few lessons! We did a chapel tour with one of our friends and it went really well! The murals have a lil presentation that basically teaches the restoration for us! Gave out some books of Mormon and just overall had a great time!

Did some mad service as well, chopped a crap ton of wood, cleaned up some vinyl fencing, and helped someone move!

We also got to go out to Wapiti (just outside Yellowstone) for some service and it is gorgeous out there! And got a little buggy ride with some Belgian draft horses! 

You could say it was a good week for sure! Just partying it up per usual!

All Things Denote There Is a God

 

The other day my friends and I explored the Buffalo Bill dam just outside of Cody

It was one of those moments; a day that is cemented in time. A memory to always look back on with a smile

The Shoshone River was full of crystal blue water, The rocky cliffs were littered with sagebrush and trees. A chorus of water and laughter filled up the steep canyon walls. The cold, rapid wind pierced through our clothes, while the treasure that is the present pierced my heart...

It reminded me of a quote from the author C.S. Lewis:

"We can say we believe in Christ as we believe in the sun at noon day, not that we can see it, but that by it, we can see everything else"

Everything, testifies of a Supreme Creator. The majesty of the mountains, the course of rivers, the breeze in the air, and most miraculously, you and I!

And because He created all these things, It is Him, that allows us to enjoy everything that is!

And so, when we get lost in the rocky cliffs of mortality, or confront the tapestry of trials that is so beautifully woven throughout our lives. We ought to remember who's hand is in all things, and that same hand is at the front, anxious to lead us in all things! (Isaiah 41:10)

I'm grateful for moments like these, that just by glancing at the many things around, we are able to see divine design, and the Diety that loves us all so very dearly.

It is only through the Savior, and having a deep personal relationship with Him, that we are able to fully enjoy these carefully crafted chapters!

"The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

- Alma 30:44

Zone Conference Babyyyy

 

What is up yall! This week was actually super great. Definitly give it a read!

We start off with good ole Pday. Went on a hike with the district which is always a good ole time. Then we had zone Conference! Brother Littlefield came which was super awesome (He does a lot of social media work and works closely with the general authorities) he gave some great insights for us and definitly fired me up for the final stretch here.

We have had nothing but great visits and lessons this week. We've been able to find a couple of new friends and more on the way. The wheels are starting to turn that's for sure haha. We haven't gone a day without meeting someone new and sharing the gospel with them. Either on Facebook or in person. It has been really awesome!

Had to drive out to Powell for a couple of Baptisms. Gonna give a couple of chapel tours here this next week. Went to Bubbas Barbeque. Ate some really good Salmon. Going to do some mad service as well. Just good stuff all around! 

That's kinda it. Just missionary work haha, nothing too crazy. Hope yall have a great week!