Happy Tears.

A few weeks ago, I laid in my bed. Crying. Now this isn't entirely usual for me. I cry for one of five reasons:

1. Life is stressing me out.
2. I felt the Holy Ghost very strong.
3. I'm laughing.
4. I'm excited.
5. I'm so happy.

This time they were different happy tears though. Ones I honestly didn't think that I would ever shed because they were tears I have waited two years to shed. My big brother is coming home.

Yes, I know I speak of it often and that I will without a doubt get mocked or laughed at because I'm talking about this. But I don't care. This trial was real for me.

I can't even tell you how many times Adam and I would sit with each other laughing at the dumbest of pictures or crying because life certainly wasn't and isn't fair. Those are the times I will forever remember.

Now all my brothers are all fantastic and mean different things to me because of who they are and what they've taught me. They are all the best. But I think I'm blogging this because it's fresh in my mind. And why not post it on for the world to see?

But for that first time a few weeks ago, I cried happy tears. It was hard to see in the moment for two years why I had to go through a trial without him there coaching me through it, but it was only necessary for me to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior. When I saw my best friend walk away on that MTC campus two years ago, it was the hardest time saying "see ya in two" but in a week he's coming home. A WEEK.

Seeing him serving others and forgetting himself for the past two years has been incredible. It's made him so happy and find himself in a new way. And that made all the tears worth it. It made speaking only once a week via email worth it. Only hearing his voice twice a year and bursting into tears. Happy tears.

Happy tears are the best ones to cry. After a trial or a hard barrier in the road of life, it's good to just cry some happy tears. Happy because you've made it. Happy because it wasn't easy. Happy because it was worth it.

And I've shed plenty of those tears just thinking about giving my big brother a hug. It's been too long my friends. And you betcha you'll hear all about it. And this is making it closer to the reunion of the Three Amigos. (Adam, Andrew, and I!)

Because I get to hug my best friend in A WEEK and cry some happy tears. <3

~Full of Smiles~

And now for some Elder Barnes #4 memorabilia from the happenings of the Torreon Mexico mish!