WEEK 76 TAIPEI/TIANMU: RIDICULOUS

ME: *faces closet*
Professor: *opens closet*
Me: *holds breath*
Demon Boggart thingy: *exists closet*

Me: *panics*

Boggart: *turns into this week*

Me: * *

Me: "*insert email title here*" 

WELCOME BACK FOLKS! Boi do we have a lot to talk about cause this week has been *insert email title here*. But that is okay! 

Quick side note before we get started, I know that there are some new people to the something about socks series here, so I'll do a quick introduction of my emails! 

First off, they are amazing. Easily the best emails to come out of the Taiwan Taipei mission. Like super good. Professional blogger mom style. Also I do have a blog if you want to read more (link in the description below) 

Second, I'm super humble. 

Third, yes they are long. I've got a lot to say *shrug*

Fourth, English is not my strong suit anymore. 

Fifth, I like to go on really long scriptural and doctrinal rants sometime because guys, JESUS IS AWESOME! And if you don't believe me, read the scriptures! 

Sixth, I'm super awesome. 

So now that we've got the introduction out of the way, let's get into this *insert email title here* week. Definitely watch to the end, you're not gonna want to miss this one! 

P-day was awesome! It is that way. We went to a place with a member and did a bunch of hikes. Went to the ocean. To a cave. To lunch. And to a light house and tower. I also got to hear the conversion story of one of the missionaries we were with. She's 31 and serving her mission and her story is just amazing and goes to show how incredible and AWESOME JESUS IS. 

Then I started writing a giant report for President about the current state of some of our missionary tools like pass along cards and tracts cause they need to change and I want to do it and need his permission. Trying to convince this man is hard, let me tell you! 

And that was basically it. So let's move on to Tuesday! 

Listened to a talk called "The Way". It's all about Jesus and how AWESOME HE IS. Definitely recommend you look it up on gospel library right after you finish reading this email.

You remember the anxiety from last week? Well it came back during personal study, but luckily everything that I was reading in the scriptures was all about peace which was a huge miracle. We then listened to a talk for missionaries by Elder Gong which really helped me reflect on fear. It made me realize that fear is kicking out my faith. And that I'm not trusting in God enough to help me through this change during transfers. So super great. 

Then I failed two sisters on their language tests. 

I've got to say it was kind of funny. Hopefully they aren't too mad that I just told the whole world about this. They aren't missionaries anymore so..... 

They'll be fine I'm sure. They probably won't read this so I think we are safe anyways. *phew*

Then during District council someone helped me realize during practice teaching that I'm not relying on the spirit enough to know what questions to ask. 

Then later that day I talked to my companion about how to conquer fear and we had a good talk. It reminded me of a talk by Elder Rasband about fear. Super good! 

Then I talked to President about it. And he was like, don't fear. Trust God. 

So that night as I was writing in my journal I wrote that "Sometimes I feel like I'm just not enough. But I'm a son of God and he will help me become better. I know that's true" 

And it was just a great day to reflect on my faith in Jesus and God. 

Wednesday was just not super great. Stress and Anxiety were kind of in the attic basically the whole day. I woke up 6 that day when my alarm went off. Woke up and saw 3 missed calls from a sister who was supposed to be getting on a train. They needed pictures of the seat numbers and I hadn't sent them yet. So I woke up and immediately I was thrown into stress. So I spent a lot of the morning trying to figure out all of the train stuff that was happening for all the returning missionaries. 

I did a meditation in the morning which helped a little. But I was just anxious the whole entire day. Worried about all the missionaries going home. Anxious about what next transfer was going to be and how I would make everything work. And just anxious over the fact I was anxious. 

After we got all of the going home missionaries stuff taken care of Elder Costales and I were just so burnt so we went and walked around a pond and contacted. Threw food at fish who were asleep and what not. 

And I realized that I was moving the next day which was sad. 

But that night as I wrote in my journal I remembered the verse in Moroni 8:16 "Perfect love casteth out all fear." Generally when I look at this I'm like, 'My perfect love for people on the street will make me not fear them'. But through this past week of anxiety I've realized that it's God's perfect love for me that can cast out all of MY fears. And I had never thought about it like that before and I loved that so much! 

Then Thursday I was pretty anxious during breakfast because we were with all the new missionaries and some of the going home missionaries and it was just a lot of people and wow. This doesn't happen to me like ever. But this week has been just *insert email title here* so I guess it happens. 

Then I got my new companions and after helping everyone else do everything so that they could get to their new places, and help all the new missionaries to their meetings, and translating, and cleaning the Peterson's house, we finally got to go home and do some personal study. 

And I just sat down and read the Book of Mormon for like an hour straight. 

And I just know that the spirit was with me and I realized at that moment that I wasn't as stressed as I felt I should be. And so that was an awesome miracle! Then we started planning and it just went so well and I was shocked that as I turned to focus on the work, all of the anxiety that had built up for the past week was gone! Like GONE! It was amazing to see the immediate goodness of God in this situation. 

Then we went to our new area. We now officially are the missionaries that live the farthest away from their area in the mission. Go us! We spend a lot of time on the subway now.... 

Anyways, we had a great time in the new area and I just got way excited for the new transfer! Way different pace! 

Friday was full of office work. Making sure everyone was where they should be and helping Elder Song learn the office. We also threw away like 100 bikes. So that was fun! 

Then we went up to Tianmu (our new area) and read the Book of Mormon with a man who hasn't been to church in 20 years. It was a great experience to see the power of JESUS WHO IS AWESOME and the Book of Mormon which is another testament of Christ (WHO IS AWESOME) 

Then Saturday happened.... WWWOOOWWWWW Now this day was "insert email title here* 

So got up early so that we could take a bunch of missionaries to the train station so they could go home. Getting everyone into the car was a struggle and I was worried we were going to be late to the train, but we weren't, and they all got home in time! Yay them. 

Then we went up with all the other returning missionaries (the Americans who were taking a plane, not a train, home) and ate breakfast with them. Then they all got on a bus and the Petersons went down with them. So I'm just sitting in President's house and all of breakfast is out and I was like, well I'm just gonna clean up! And so I did and guys service just makes you happy. And then it makes them happy. And that makes you more happy and it's just so much happiness. Definitely do some service today. Like right after you read this email and listen to that talk mentioned above. 

After that we got to take care of all the missionaries' bikes. Getting them to the train station and taking them home. 

It took 2 hours to take care of all their bikes... It was *insert email title here* Like it took sooooooo long. We were doing multiple trips to the train station and it was a long time. 

Then we had to take a fridge to one of the senior missionaries apartments. As we went out we saw that the car was almost out of gas. So we asked the people in charge if we should fill up. They said yes. 

And guys. It took 2 and a half hours to drive 15 minutes away to give them the fridge, and get gas. Apparently getting gas in Taiwan (especially diesel) takes forever. From the time we started to get gas it took over an hour!!!! *insert email title here*

Afterwards we took the train up to our area only to find out that our lesson was canceled. So we took the train back. 

We spent over 6 hours on transportation devices... 

*insert email title here*

And while I could have thought it was kind of a throw away day, we didn't stop trying. As we were walking home I saw a guy on a motorcycle. So I talked to him. And he listened which was pretty shocking. We asked when he'd have time to learn more and he said he could learn more right then! So we taught him about God and said a prayer with him and it was an amazing experience! Just goes to show that we can do the work no matter what happens in the day! So liiiiiiiit. 

Then Sunday happened which was great. I love Sundays. Because church is a great time to feel the spirit if you are paying attention. The sacrament brings you the remission of sins and help we all need, if we pay attention. And we can help all of our friends and members if we pay attention. 

After church we found out that one of our companions might be emergency transferred. So the scramble to get all of his knowledge about our new area began. Then we found out that we had to change a bunch of code so that everyone could report their numbers for the week and it turned into a crazy afternoon scrambling to get everything down. Afterwards we had a bunch of stuff that President assigned us to do. And so that's what we did! 

And guys what a *insert email title here* But that's no problem. We're out here doing the Lord's work and sometimes it's crazy for us mortals, but he allows us to do it. And you know what's pretty great is that my record for getting through *insert email title here* days in 100%. I've made it though every one! And I can keep on keeping on with the help of the Lord! 

And so can you!!!! 

Love you all! 

Elder Baird

Something about socks:

So I learned somethings going through this past week with a lil anxiety about everything. And I talked about it a little above, but I'm going to go a little more in depth real quick. 

And that is on our focus. Where are we focusing? 

On one of my worse days as I was struggling to just even get my mind on reading the scriptures I heard a parable that really helped. 

A man one day found a pearl of incredible value. He was incredibly happy with the beauty and purity of the pearl and he wanted everyone in town to see it! So he got the best craftsman in the town to build a beautiful box to put the pearl on display in. The box was elegantly crafted with inset gems and stones. 

When the man opened the exhibit dozens of people crowded in to see. But as the man noticed what the people were looking at, he began to weep. For the people did not see the beautiful pure pearl. Only the elegantly carved box. 

How many times in our life do we miss the pearl. So caught up in the box? There were so many times this week as my mind was racing that I realized that I had forgotten all about Jesus who is the only source of true peace. I was so focused on outside things that I didn't take time to look inside. Worried about everything else around me that I didn't even remember what I was doing it for.

And sometimes we lose our focus in life. Because sometimes the box is soooo distracting. But when we realize that we have to make the choice to come back to the pearl. Cause yah maybe the box is worth something, but it is nowhere close to the value of the pearl. 

I'd just invite yall to think about how this parable is playing out in your life. What is your box. What is distracting you from the pearl, the peace that you need and long for. 

I know that has helped me more than anything else this week. Just striving to focus on the pearl. On Christ. WHO IS AWESOME!!!!!! 

I'm in a cave!

From our walk at night 

ET? 

This study day was awesome! I had all the standard works two journals 3 pens and revelations from God! So lit! 

This man brought his dog to church

Me and my comp could be on a magazine

Shock 

Awesome view

Also could be on a magazine

Awesome Pic of  me and the beach 

I'm so strong! 

Lighthouse

Cave pic

Dope scriptures and sword Pic? 

WEEK 75 TAIPEI: I do the Chinese New Year thing

Welp. It's the new year. So I guess it's 2022 and I'm 20. Finally. One more year and I'm legal!!! Wooooot! 

*nervous laugh*

Let's start at the beginning of the week because Monday was great! 

I woke up. 

And CLLLLLLEEEEEAAANNNEEEDDDD

Since it is new year the missionaries have to do a deep clean of their apartments because it's tradition to clean your house before the new year comes. Sweep out the bad so there is room for the good. 

President takes this as a great excuse to inspect out houses in the name of "loving the people and learning their culture" Needless to say we don' t buy it and know it is a ploy. But I like this ploy so consider me in! 

My parents decided that football was more important than me. Oh well. 

Then President came himself to check out our house. We passed. I'm a legend. Then he took us to dinner! 

I also bought some Chinese jujube tea, but somehow I lost it and I'm sad. So I bought some peppermint tea from the interwebs. (spoiler it's not very good :( ) 

I also bought a fountain pen. That was fun! 

Pretty solid P-day

The next day my fountain pen broke. Lol. 

We went to District council and they brought two pizzas and I ate one of them all by myself. 

Yum? 

Then I called the cops. 

No not because of too much pizza, but because that night we saw a car go straight into a rail guard thing and smash it and I wanted to call 119 (everything is backwards in this yrtnuoc) and that was fun. 

Then we had a lesson with a guy. 

Now this guy showed up at church two weeks ago which was a miracle, but I thought it was strange because who does that right? 

But he finally set up with us and asked to meet at the big park next door (think central park, but a lil smaller) and so we were like, sure? At night where there aren't lights. We weren't sure how we would share the Book of Mormon with him if there wasn't enough light for him to see. 

But we went there, and before he got there he sent a text and was like "you guys up for some walking?" 

We said sure?

We then spent the next 30 minutes walking around the park playing a Pacman game that he likes where everyone else is Ghosts so you can't be on the same path as another person. 

We tried to share a little but he wasn't interested really, just asked all the questions about the polygamy and women and government and stuff that is typical. He said he was moving. Then he said he needed to go and he left. 

But I got to walk around the park which was nice! 

Wednesday was the day of train ticket madness. One of my jobs as office Elder is to help people who are far away buy train tickets. And I had a loooooot to buy. 

So I bought them and we were going to send them out when we find out that since the next day is New Year's Eve, every single post office is closed. 

So we were like, okay it's never closed that long in America for holidays. We will just go before our deadline. 

But nope! In Taiwan everything is closed for at least a week! The post office doesn't open for a weeeeeek! It made us have to think of some clever ways of getting the tickets down. Uber was a good one, but we didn't go with that. I wanted to drive them down there, but President didn't go for that. 

But eventually after massive headaches we got it taken care of. 

That is when I had interviews with President and found out that I would be moving. 

Not from the office, but I will no longer be covering the English ward. To be honest, I was crushed. I have been so happy here and it has been a great time! But my companion who has been in the office for 6 transfers is moving to a place nearby and will be covering that ward and the English ward. While as I am now covering the Tianmu ward. 

I'm kinda sad. 

This ward has been amazing. And yah. 

So I went to bed a lil sad. 

The next day I had a mid-life crisis. Not really a mid-life crisis, but a mid-journal crisis. As I wrote in my journal about when I woke up and what I did for exercise or my activities for the day I realized that none of these things really matter in the future. But it's the spiritual experiences that do. But I didn't have any real cool experiences that day and so I didn't know what to write and it was all very stressful. 

But we had dinner at Presidents house for New Year's Eve because the English ward doesn't feed the missionaries for New Year. I don't know if you remember when this happened last year (wow a year ago!) but basically in all the other wards the missionaries get basically a lunch and a dinner every meal for 1 to 2 weeks. 

But since white people don't celebrate this unless you live in Lehi that doesn't happen for us, which is fine by me because it is waaaaaay to much food! But the Peterson had us over and we had real good salmon! Yum!!!! 

Friday we had a member from Tianmu ward (where I'm serving next transfer) take us to lunch and he knows nothing so it was kind of funny. 

Then one of our RCs had a party at her employer's house and we ate there so we did have some meals! It was fun to be with all the Filipinos since I'm leaving them soon. And I've grown to love them so much! They're my favorite people I've met on my mission!!! So goooood. 

But we played some corn hole while we waited for people to get there and let's just say I won the first game against my companion and then we played two more. 

That night I told the members and bishop (who was there) that I would be moving and they were like "Oh, okay" and moved on with the conversation. At first I was like, oof! Rip me. 

But then I realized that they knew that change was part of life, so why make it bigger than it needs to be! 

So it actually ended up quite comforting! 

Until I woke up the next day and President sent us the transfer board and I found out that not only was I going to be District Leader next transfer, but that I was going to be in a trio. In the office. But only two of us are office elders. And my anxiety went through the roof. I hadn't had a bad anxiety attack for like 6 months and this triggered it. Not sure why though. 

So I tried to do some personal study but couldn't focus. So I tried to play some piano to calm down and that didn't help. And so I was like...Welp I gotta do something. And I know that the Book of Mormon offers solace and peace. So I decided that I would pull it out and hope to calm down. 

And as I was reading I read 2 Nephi 26:8-9.

And even though what it says and what I got out of it are not super related, I got out that as we look steadfastly towards Christ, we will have peace. 

And it helped me find the eternal perspective that, one transfer in a trio is not like anything. And I'll only be in this ward for two transfers and in all reality it's only my choices that matter not the situation. 

And it brought peace as I focused more on Christ. 

It was a great reminder to me of not only the power of the scriptures, but the power of Jesus the Christ. 

Then we spent the whole day working on transfer calls. 

I finished a textbook on Chinese Grammer. That was a read.... 

I also finished a book called "Witness For His Names" by Elder Holland. And that was a READ! It is all about the different names of Christ and really helped me get to know him better in a different way. Highly recommend. 

I mean I recommend the Grammer book too if you want to not enjoy yourself. 

But if you want eternal salvation I recommend the one by Elder Holland. 

On Sunday I started something called the forty day fast. I'm excited! We went to church and since it's Valentine's Day all the talks were on love. Christ-like love to be exact. 

I liked this focus because my only two actual Valentine's experience involved one where as a 7th grader I asked someone over text to be my Valentine and it didn't go super well....... I was young k? 

And the other one was a lot later and it involved me inviting my date to come with me as I got a spray tan. Buying her Korean food in a cup (which she didn't eat). Pancakes (which she didn't eat) . And a stoopid movie (which she didn't watch). 

So needless to say this approach went a little better for me. Christ is my Valentine. Yeet. 

But anyways church was super good and I got a lot of cool insights! 

Afterwards we had lunch with the Filipinos. I was Fasting which kinda sucked cause this was last lunch with them. But they are all so loving and told me that when I come back in however many years they will feed me. Then we took a big group picture featured below. 

It was an awesome time! 

Then we redid some office stuff and started some work on the 2020 mission history which is cool. 

And that was basically the day! 

Anyways, not a toooon of time. So I'm just gonna end this here with my love! Have a great Valentine's Day, and don't take your date out to get a spray tan!

Love,

Elder Baird

Something about socks

Love for God means we love His children. Show love to someone close to you today. It will be fun :)))))) 

Red envelopes from a member!

Dinner with the Petersons! 

Cool temple sunset. I love working near the temple! 

Elevator picture with my favorite peoples! 

Floor wet

We got stalked while playing...

Last lunch. Like the last supper, but earlier.

New hair cut

WEEK 74 TAIPEI: 1776

Okay let's get down to business. 

To defeat. 

Satan. 

Did they send me bendi? When I asked for waiguo? 

@President

Another week has come and gone in the slammer. Pregotory (kudos if you remember). 

Well, chef Prego back with some exilerating news! And that is..... 

... 

.... 

So for P-day we went to a super cool hiking place and, you guessed it, took a lot of pictures. 

Cause what else would you do at a hiking place. 

On Tuesday, President was taking the elevator and I pressed all the buttons on the outside as we took the stairs and we heard him shouting and I almost died laughing. It was sooooo funny. 

I then broke my glasses while I was trying to clean them. Karma I guess. 

We met a dope guy on a motorbike. He said he will meet with us tonight, so let's hope that he shows up and it goes through! We love finding new people to teach! 

Got up at 6 on Wednesday (for those who don't know we are privileged in Taiwan and wake up at 7 and go to bed at 11. Just because the 便利商店s have taken over Taiwan including our sleep schedule) and had a great Pull day. Loved that. 

Then I read my new favorite chapter in the Bible which is none other than John 14. Wow it is so amazing! It's all about commandments and guys I can't tell you how much I love keeping the commandments. There is nothing that brings me more joy than knowing I am coming closer to God by keeping His commandments. Eternal law is amazing folks! 

Then we drove President's personal car to the hospital at 12:30 because that is when they said to go, and then we got there at 12:30 and they said the doctor doesn't get there till 14:30...

Centralized Health Care woes... 

Then we drove a different car back to the hospital. Got a car wash because that's where it's at. Doctor looked at me and was like "You've got what we call serious acne" 

To which I replied,

"Wow your English is really good!" 

I also appoligized to another missionary that we had sometimes not had a good relationship and that felt good. Apologize to someone today. It feels good. That's the invitation. Along with reading John 14. All part of the invite. 

Then on Thursday we went to the eye doctor he was like, "Wow your eyes are bad." 

To which I replied. 

"Wow your English is really good!" 

Then I had an excruciating time of buying my own glasses. Guys I've only ever gone glasses shopping with my mom or someone else to give me advice. And that was hard enough when it was American styles. 

Now I'm dealing with Asian-style glasses, no mom in sight, and only a small Filipino boi to keep me company and offer advice. Let's just say, it wasn't good advice...... 

Then we went on exchanges with none other than my elder Elder Pond! I went up to Danshui (his home) and it was one of the booooougiest exchange of my life. 

Guys the weather was perfect. And after we got on the train we got on a bus to take us to the apartment but we got on the wrong bus and instead we got off near a small library which we did Language study at. And they had a balcony and so I just chilled in the sun and (unbeknownst to me) annoyed everyone as I tried to speak Chinese. 

I think that was the first time my toes had seen the sun in a hot second. 

Then we went near the beach and taught a video call lesson. What a dope time. 

Then we went to a beachside Starbucks and listened to a man play guitar as we finished our language study on the beachfront. 

Super dope sick nasty other slang terms that make me hip and groovy. 

We then taught an RC about temples and he had already gone and gotten his temple recommend and we had no clue! Straight up legend. 

Elder Pond made us chicken curry noodles for dinner. They were a solid 8/10 which is pretty good. He's a hodgepodge master. 

Then we had a street contact with a guy who was like, "Yah I don't believe in God anymore." 

To which I replied

"Wow your English is really good!" 

He wasn't speaking English... 

Awkward. 

But we started talking about experiences that we had feeling God's love fur us and really just bearing testimony that God existed, which he does, and that he loves us, which he does (you included), and that God is waiting for him to come back. 

And I was inspired to share the story of Enos with him. Now I had never shared this on the street before so I wasn't sure exactly what to do. But since denying a prompting from a God is generally a stoopid thing to do, and I ain't no fool, I shared it with him and it went super awesome. 

And then he said that he didn't want to meet with us. 

Heart broken. 

So we said a prayer with him and went on our way. 

Elder Pond then shared with me that while we prayed with this man he had s strong feeling that God was so happy that we had given his son a chance to hear the gospel. That God was so proud of us for trying. 

And isn't that just the truth. God is so proud when we try! To quote our prophet "God loves effort". He loves it when we exert our strength in pushing forward this the greatest work of all time, namely the gathering of Israel. 

And he will be so happy when we try :) That's true! (du du dud ud du 1780....)

So we woke up on Friday and went to the office for interviews. I was kinda cranky because of lack of sleep, lack of food, and lack of spirt. 

Then we went and did a service project (like the second one on my mission) and basically went and chopped down a forest with hand machetes. It was very rough. Super fun. And I have over 30 mosquito bites on my legs.... Oof. 

But afterwards when we went back to do our work I was stressed out by everything and didn't think I could get stuff done. So I said a little prayer. Well many. And started. And as I worked I started to feel better! Getting things done made me happy. And even though I was still tired I wasn't cranky. So good. 

Talked to an atheist. That was fun. 

Also I wore contacts which I hadn't worn in like two years and I kinda enjoyed them tbh..... Oh no..... 

Then Saturday I woke up to a loud of worriement because the future Is unknown sometimes. But that is okay. We went to the hospital for Elder Costales. Sat there for like 90 minutes. Finally got home and did some personal study. Took a lil nap because nap life = swag life. 

Then a lil wps I just squished a spider. I thought I should put that in here my mom would be so proud of me. 

Had some good lessons. And basically that was our day. It was full with other stuff but that was just stuff... 

Then Sunday!!!! Woke up and went to church for the baptism of our friend Marina! Guys I love Marina so much and it was amazing to see her be immersed in the waters of baptism. May I just say how grateful I am that the true order and ordinance of baptism has been restored? That we can be baptized in the same way Jesus was in the Bible. Jesus was baptized by immersion. In the River Jordan. By John who held authority from God to do so. That authority, the priesthood, is on the world today! It was restored! And now we, like Jesus, in order to fufil all righteousness and keep the commandments of the father can be baptized. By immersion. All the way in and all the way out. By someone who has that power from God to do so. And afterwards, like Jesus, we can receive the Holy Ghost. 

How happy I am that we have these truths and that Marina was able to experience them for herself. 

Then we had a family history workshop before church and that was amaizng! It's so cool to see these new sisters' fire to do this work. All they want is to be baptized for their ancestors (oh yah we do that too, because God loves all his children even the dead ones, and wants them to be baptized too). 

So amazing. 

Then church. Also amazing. Marina got confirmed and got the Holy Ghost. Super cool hip swag. 

Then we had a gospel essentials class with all the Filipinos. 

Then we went to dinner with our ward mission leader who is one of the best men on earth. Love him so much. 

Then we had our recent convert (RC) fireside! So I ran tech for that and did video and audio and we had over 600 views online and a lot of people there! What a great success! 

Then we had a meeting with President where he basically told us that things were changing, but since there's missionaries in my mission on this email I can't say anything yet but they will find out eventually. Hahaha. 

And then we went home and called it a rap! 

What a great day. So much joy comes in serving God. A lot of it. In fact, according to the first presidency in Preach My Gospel "More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children." 

So find someone to serve. 

And get some Joy!

Love you! 

Elder Baird

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4ykWtXcyVCs18YFr9

 

Cheese

Swag traditional Taiwanese Indian clothing

Rock in the pond yoga

Broken glasses

Driving presidents nice car with sunroof open 

New Asian style glasses 

Lesson on the beach

Basic white girl Starbucks picture

Starbucks Beach vibes

Dinner with APs

Lol

High School musical jump

Bridge pic

Meme

Lol