WEEK 51 MUZHA: OOF

Well, let's make this one quick, huh?

This week was rough. Our numbers were terrible. No one set up with us. And all our lessons gave us pigeons. 

But you know, that's okay. Sometimes you win some. Sometimes you lose some. And in missionary work, as long as your playing the game, you're on the winning side. 

Jesus scores all the points in this game of life. Every point is his. But he expects us to not be on the bench. He expects us to be on the field. And if we are? We win. So let's keep our head in the game. Even when things look tough, stay in the game!

Sadly the hard times are still hard. 

Anywho... I'm staying in the same place this transfer. This is my first time I've had the same companion before. So we will see how that goes. I've been out for a year and this is the first time. 

Huh. 

Not exactly when I expected it. 

But that's also life. 

I'm trying to think of what actually happened this week.... 

Oh, I saw a suuuuuper nice Ferrari! In Taiwan! I know! Definitely got pictures with it. I was like, my Boi Elder Lindsay would like this. So I got pics.

Let's talk about breaking into people's houses. If you ever wanted to make a living breaking into people's houses, Taiwan would be the place to do it. Why?

Because you can hire someone to do this for you! How do I know this? Well, my companion has locked the keys in our house not once, but twice now! And all we have to do is call our friendly neighborhood locksmith who will just break into our house. 

Literally no questions asked. None. We just pay him and he leaves. 

Also it's way cheaper than in America. I remember one time when I had a friend once who was a little forgetful, and on our way to a wonderful day at Lagoon, she locked the keys in her car.

For those of you who don't know who I'm talking about, that's okay. 

It's Tayda. 

Anyways that was very expensive and it's very not expensive here. So that's nice. 

Anyways, needless to say. He's lost responsibly of the keys  oh well. Can't have all the things right? 

Yah, I don't know what else to say. I'm gonna go play the guitar now. Thanks yall! 

Hope you have a good week! 

Love, 

Elder Baird

Something about socks. 

Come follow me baby! (I'm gonna write a song) 

So when reading about Nephi in the book of Helaman, it can be really easy to think, 'woah, God just gave Nephi all the power in the world' 

And that's true. Nephi could say anything and it would be done. Flood? Done. Drought? Done. Famine? Done. 

But what happened when Nephi actually asked for a famine? Did he just say, 'gimme a famine Lord. It's gonna be good. Trust me.' 

No! He said one of the most humble prayers, if not the most humble prayer, in the Book of Mormon! And if you don't know what I'm talking about you really should go check it out. The book of Helaman is amazing! 

But it made me think about how humble the man, with all the power, was. And it made me realize that I wanted to be more humble in my prayers too. So I invite yall to read this in Helaman 11 and check up with your prayers to God!

Yeet! 

Pictures

This snail was GIANT!

Snail

Forgot to bring a mask on the bus....

Sometimes you're just tired in the day. 

And of course. The Ferrari 

The two great empires of Taiwan. Starbucks and 7-11

Cool

Mustang. Love this car folks. 

Missionary work in the 21st Taiwanese century 

New zone T-shirts

My buddy and I dueting on two pianos 

Ping Pong champ here

WEEK 50 MUZHA: Like my dad before me, I end up in the police station. And what does it take to have a bad baptism?

┌(。Д。)┐

Well what's up everyone! It's Elder Baird here back with a new and exciting email! What could be better than that??? I would say nothing. Other than the hike I just went on, and the Zone baking I'm going to right now.

So let's see how much Spencer can write on the train! On your marks, get set, go!!! 

So Monday, I'm writing a song with Elder Pond. He's playing cello, I'm playing piano, we are going to arrange first Noel and Canon in D for the Christmas concert. So that will be nice!

Also my Taiwanese mom bought me a ukulele (づ ●─● )づ so that was awesome! Freaking love Kelly! So that's lit.

Tuesday. Not a lot of stuff happened other than all the missionary work we did. So that was fun. I love me some missionary work! Things are moving pretty smoothly which is way nice. Couldn't ask for much more. We had a great District Council so that is cool! 

Wednesday we had English group. We had a new friend come! Actually 2! So that's awesome! However one of them we met on Tuesday, and he's super cool! He's from Japan which is lit, but he doesn't speak English or Chinese very well... But that means that when we meet with him we need to find some members that speak Japanese so that then they can talk! So that will be cool!

Thursday 

I went on exchange with Elder Broderick!!! Oh my, what a missionary. For those of you who haven't been following along at home, Elder Broderick was my MTC companion. We were also quarantined together. 

I have lived with this man for 11 weeks, and I finally was able to go out and do missionary work with him!!! So that was awesome! We saw some really cool miracles and we just had an awesome time! We hit the streets hard, got some setups, got some new friends, shared the gospel, visited members, ate some food, did some pushups, and called it a day. 

Friday

We had a lesson and then exchanged back to our original companions. Then I went to a Buddhist funeral. And let's just say that was an experience. They literally sang one song for an hour! It's like a prayer and scriptures mixed together. 

Why were we at the funeral you may ask? 

Well, one of our members is Buddhist. Don't ask how he's still a member and Buddhist, it's a long story and I don't have that kind of time. But his dad sadly passed away at 98. Seems like a solid time to go. But he invited us and the bishop to the funeral. 

Before the funeral though this member/friend/Buddhist had to read a 20 minute scripture for every year his dad had been alive. 

Ladies and not ladies, that is 98 twenty minute scriptures. I'll do the math for you. That's almost 33 hours of scripture that he had to read! Guys! That's more than a whole day! I don't know why but I think they believe that you have to do that before they can go to their heaven, or hell? I don't understand the whole afterlife thing. 

So anyways, after listening to this monk sing a scripture for an hour our friend had to go do this bowing 拜拜 scripture reading thing that was something. And then everyone was going to go worship him, so we left.

It was an experience. 

Then we had another exchange that night! So many exchanges. 

Then Saturday we played some frisbee and my exchange companion Elder Hsu lost his phone! So we prayed, looked, looked some more, called it, called it some more, and finally someone picked up. Turns out the phone was at the nearby police station. So we quickly went and grabbed it and all was well in Zion. Or at least Taiwan. Or at least muzha. So yah. 

Our day was really tight so we did all of our studies and then headed over to a different chapel to get ready for the baptism!!! Yeeeeee!

Which brings me to the question. What does it take to have a bad baptism? 

Friend arrives 30 minutes late? Still a good baptism. 

Friend brings dog with them to the Baptismal service? Still a good baptism! 

Friends clothes don't fit him? Still a good baptism! 

Not enough water in the font? Still a good baptism! 

Someone didn't give a talk? Still a good baptism! 

The person baptizing forgets the words? Still a good baptism! 

There's no refreshments after because @ladyrona don't like no ice cream? Still a good baptism! 

So, what does it take to have a bad Baptismal service? Obviously a lot more than that! Because despite everything it was soooo good! And I'm so grateful that brother Wang is now a member of Jesus Christ's restored church! What an amazing blessing for him! 

Sunday! Our friend was confirmed and given the Holy Ghost! Who wouldn't want the Companionship of the Holy Ghosts? I know I do! Then we had lunch with a different friend and a member. Then we went home to plan and do some studies. But we took a nap because we were exhausted!

But we overslept!! So that was awkward. It all ended up okay so that's fine. We just missed a little bit of language study but that's life.

Anyways that's about all time is allowing for today! 

Love you all!

Elder Baird

Something about socks:

Eternal families. 

What could be better than that? At first thought maybe some things could be. I guess it would depend on your family situation. But eternal families in eternal love and happiness? Now I don't think there's much that can beat that. 

On my exchange with Elder Broderick we had a lesson with a part member family. And we were teaching the plan of salvation. And as I testified of the power of eternal families the spirit was so powerful. I was tearing up and the non member dad was completely attentive! He was loving it! 

After the lesson I went up to him and was like "eternal families are such an amazing blessing. And your family needs it." 

And he was like "I know." 

So hopefully Elder Broderick can get this family together! But it was just so cool to testify of such an important truth and have him pay so much attention! 

Eternal families are amazing guys. Make sure that when you've got your own family, you make it a priority to make it an eternal family! 

Pictures! 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Qb5YZmjw19SjRZYr7

Christmas tree + new helmet

Chicken head

Great view 

The bridge gang

I don't know how this picture happened.

Cool view

Awesome culture

Baptism! 

Frisbee mornings

WEEK 49 MUZHA: The day the pigeons flew. Plus 200 bananas.... Plus I couldn't come up with a good subject line so I did this...

If I were a butterfly... I'd fly to and fro... And on my flight from to and fro people would look at me. But what would they see on this journey from to and fro? Well me obviously. So why matter what they see and this journey from fro and to. Because the to we come from fro will never be the fro they came from to the to they go to.

I think this poem has a lot of meaning. So yah. See for yourself I guess. 

Well here I go again, on my own. Think I've used that song before Sadly... But it's true. I'm back with another email about my life. What could be better than that? I would say nothing personally. Other than, of course, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ which will change our lives for the better in so many ways. And not just for now. Even when we kick the can. We will still be blessed. 10/10 would recommend. See your local missionaries now for help on how you can have happiness and peace for ever! And if you act now! We will throw in a book of Mormon for Freeeeeee!

"a free DVD!" 

Let's think.... What did I do this week. 

Let's start off with Saturday. Who doesn't like Saturdays? I know I love them! We got so many different visits that day! Like that morning we were like "wow! Our schedule is so full! That's awesome!" 

Somebody didn't tell us it was national set your pigeons free day though... 

Because ladies and gentlemen and rough men and galies (I figured the opposite of a lad-ie is a gal-ie. You know. Science rules) 

Not 1!

Not 2!

Not 3!

Not 4!

Not 6!

BUT 5 if our lessons stood us up! 

Ahghhgghjabghah words cannot describe my frustration and anger at the moment of this unjust treatment of one such as I! 

Actually.... 

They can... 

I was OK. 

"but Spen... (remembers he was slapped last time)... Elder Baird, how is that possible! How can you have a good day after getting stood up 5 times?"

Well, good question. And it's because of one thing. Member work. 

In this past zone Conference, which was on Wednesday (more on that later) President spent a long time talking about how important member work was and that we would feel more fulfilled if we focused on it. 

So that Saturday we focused on our member work! And I was happy! What a wise man that president of ours is.

(for those who don't understand how this has anything to do with the coincidence of Taiwans national pigeon releasing day... It doesn't... Although, in Chinese the word used for "to stand someone up" is 放鴿子。放＝release 鴿子=pigeon. So yah, we were releasing 5 pigeons in one day crazy right?)

Another funny language thing. Having a Taiwanese companion means that I frequently ask Chinese questions. It also means that he frequently asks English questions.

And folks. English is weird. 

So one explain to me the difference between word and ward. Now you would say, well the vowel sound is slightly difference. 

Then folks. If the a and o make different sounds, then why is Lord pronounced like ward and not like word. I vote we change the language.

Also, trying to get your companion to say 'as' correctly. And not add an extra s is very entertaining and just ends up with us swearing at each other. On accident. Of course. Lol.

I heard the song "Big girl, you are beautiful" so shout out to all those mica fans out there. They play it in Taiwan apparently. 

Okay, Wednesday. 

What happened Wednesday.... I feel like there was something important.... But what.... 

Oh

Yeah! 

It was my birthday!!! Yay! I'm 19! If you didn't wish me happy birthday you are no longer considered for any bequeaths in my will. Sorry!

But yah. That was cool. It was also zone Conference. Which means that president had everyone sing to me. So that was fun I guess. Does anyone actually like getting sung to by big groups? I don't... But it was a great zone conference! Learned a ton.

Then after almost losing my Youyo card. (Taiwanese debit card) we made it to English Group. And after English group the district all ate cake together! Fun times.

Also our friend passed his Baptismal interview! So he's going to be baptized on Saturday! Yay! 

Yah, that's pretty much it. I'm gonna go do some stuff cause I can I guess.

Love you all! 

Elder Baird 

Something about socks! 

So I was doing this week's come follow me. Sooooo good. If you're not doing come follow me with your family or by yourself, there's still time to repent.... Most likely.... Maybe.... Not sure.. I hope for your sakes there is! 

But I read Alma 62:41. This is the very end of the war chapters, and I think that it is also the whole purpose as to why the war chapters were included in the book. The whole 20 chapters or whatever, all for this one main idea. 

"But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened... and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility"

This is the whole point! They went through the exact same war. Both groups of people. But one group chose to be humble and the other chose pride. 

We have the exact same decision whenever we come across a trial. Trust God. Or harden our hearts. So what are we gonna chose? When leads to happiness. And the other one to misery. 

But the choice is ours. It doesn't matter what the trial is. The result is always the same! 

Anyways that's it! 

Videos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/p52xL4Y9GHEaoV2f6

Pictures (the part that the people who don't really love me just kind of scroll down to before deleting the email... I know who you are!) 

666 bus... 

Am I basic white girl enough? 

My favorite members taking me out for my birthday! Yay!  

And awesome restaurant we went to

We eat shells here I guess

Generation reunion! At least most of us 

The ties

Solid meme

District cake eating

WEEK 48 MUZHA: I swear Sister Peterson's prayers move Typhoons

So as you can guess, the typhoon did not land here. And yes in Chinese you use the word land to say if a typhoon hit a place. Kind of odd I know. But the whole language is odd so it's really just ordinary. 

So my fun week of 7 straight days in the rain *sadly* did not come to fruition. Oh darn. I'm so sad. Look. My face. So sad.

Anyways I can't believe that we've already gone through a whole week! How crazy is that! Super crazy is the correct answer in case you were wondering. But although this week was fast. Not a ton happened. 

Except all the stuff that did happen. That stuff did happen. And it was a lot. But other than the stuff that did happen, not a lot of other stuff happened. You feel? 

Putting my confusing sesquipedalian nature and pulchritudinous character away so as to not cause a false blandishment.

Let's get on to the week. 

Monday was basketball day. That was fun! 

Tuesday was a day full of things like an awesome District Council and, let me check my Calendar, oh right. Nothing.

Wednesday was a great day because we had interviews with President Peterson who I love dearly. What an amazing man. I am so glad he is my mission president.

Then we had English group which was pretty good! We found a new friend and that was great!

Thursday I met Enrique. He is from Belize! And is here going to college. I stopped next to him and he was way nice! He said he was a Catholic but that he could meet the next day. 

I was kind of scared to meet with him. The whole thing would be in English and he was a Catholic. I had never taught a Catholic before and so I worried that he might just start bashing us or something. But I was excited that he was willing to meet! 

Then the rest of the day happened. As normal. 

The next day, Friday, was exchanges! I got to go with Elder Xu in my area. And it was a great time. He is an awesome missionary and I loved working with him!

Then we met with Enrique that night. 

And ladies and gents, boys and girls let me tell you. It was amazing. 

Turns out that he has rejected missionaries in the past, but when we talked to him he had just been at the hospital and had received some very sad news. 

So when we came to talk to him he was like, 'well maybe this is from God, which I mean it is cause the gospel is from God. 

We then went on to have such an amazing lesson. Full of the Spirit and just full of amazingness. He was loving the whole thing and easily agreed to meet again! 

So we will be meeting him on Tuesday and I am super excited!!

So Friday was great! 

Then Saturday happened which was also way good! But time and things so can't really say everything. 

My P-day is running out of time... 

Then Sunday was awesome! We had 5 friends set to come to church!!!

And no one came. 

Why God?

Who knows. They just didn't. Until with 10 minutes left in sacrament meeting one guy showed up. And then left immediately after. 

So that was a fun little reminder that agency is a thing. 

Anyways. I'm out of time for now. This letter kind of sucks. I'm sorry I'll make up for it next week!

Love you all!

Elder Baird 

The hottest jeans ever

The helmet I'm making. It's gonna look sweet!

A cool wall

What I did for P-day. (spent hours deciding on a zone t-shirt design) 

Me and my Comp!