December 27, 2010-Baby Bryan Came Home!

Dear Family and Friends,
I forgot to mention about transfers today. So I am writing early, but that is okay, because I talked to you guys 2 days ago. So this email will be a recap for everyone else.
1st-It was wonderful to talk to everyone on Saturday. It was great to answer the phone and to my surprise was a Chinese speaker-Chris! It was so great to talk with him and hear his insights about missionary work. Earlier this week I also talked to Elder Daniel Young, who also gave me tips on how to be a better senior. It's great to have so many friends who are great examples.
2nd-Transfers-Elder Terra was transferred and I stayed. He is such a great guy and I'll miss him. It was a hard transfer and he was always a great example of faith. On the plus side, he went senior, so I know that there is another great missionary ready to lead. My new companion is Elder Craig, from Burley, Idaho. When he said where he was from, I recognized the name. I asked him if it is near Oakley, Idaho or Almo/City of Rocks. He looked shocked and said I'm the first person to know where he lives. Thanks to the Taylors and Matthews for great trips there. He went to BYU-I and he was studying agriculture. I know we can have miracles now, because I have an Idaho farm boy for a companion. He is great and I know this transfer will be good.
I would like to thank everyone for the Christmas cards-the Nelson family (18th Ward), the Atkinson family, Meredith Barton (who wins the award for "Best Title on a Letter"-Elder Joshua The Great Barton), Adam Barton family and the Boshards. Oh, and Timo. I got a nice letter from him in an envelope that I think the Hutchings gave him, because I thought I received another wedding invite-I love wedding invites.
I also got great emails from Grandparents Bartons and Widmars. Great to hear from them and the family.
Christmas Eve was a normal work day and we had a small churrasco (BBQ) that night until 10. Christmas Day we sang hymns and gave out "Joy to the World" DVDs. We called home (very fun) and then a member asked us over to dinner. They finished talking to their missionary and then we ate an amazing dinner of chicken and rice/beans. And lots of juice. I love juice. It's much better than soda.
I'll be honest, I don't have a Christmas thought, because I really didn't feel like it was Christmas when you're dripping sweat or it's raining up to your ankles.
That's about it today. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Barton