WEEK 93 XINZHU: Get out of here Luigi (boards) I'm flipping Mario today. Better watch all my pipe fixing plumber skills ok???

Honestly this was a pretty chill week! 

Other than allll the not chill stuff that happened! Well, I mean it was chill, but just super hot chill you know? Like hot chilly peppers. I think that's a thing?? 

Let's take a start with Monday!!! We got transfer news! I'm staying here in Xinzhu for my last transfer (as expected) and my new companion is........ Drumroll......... More drums..... 

More drums....... 

Elder Tan!!!! 

Hahaha none of you know who that is. And to be honest I didn't really either! The only thing I knew about him when I opened my call was that he is in the Taiwanese military so that's pretty cool cause I'm like military and all that. So pretty swag. 

Then the sisters were like, let's go to the beach. We will pay for the taxi! So we were like, we've got nothing better to do so let's go for it! So we hopped in a taxi and drove to the beach. The taxi driver was like, what are you crazy white kids doing. Can't you see it's raining outside? That's when we realized it was raining. Then the beach was closed. Then we went to another place. Then we walked out for like 10 minutes around the dark stormy beach, then one of the sisters was sick. Then we went home. 

And that was our P-day trip to the beach! Enthralling! (It was actually pretty lit for those 10 minutes so not complaining, and we literally had nothing better to do soooooo) 

Tuesday morning we did another 5k and Elder Gardner taught me how to change my breathing and it literally changed my life! I ran so much better and by the end I was like yo is it over? 

Let me just tell you folks. Oxygen is important for the normal function of the human body. Make sure you're getting your recommended dose of daily oxygen, which for the average adult eating 2000 calorie diet based on the daily values is... A lot. Your recommended dosage may be above or under the daily values. 

Then we had district council. Outside again. Until it started to rain. Has anyone ever done sacrament in the rain before? How'd it go? We moved inside so we didn't actually get to do it. Oh well. 

I called a guy that we had met earlier that week. He didn't answer the phone. So I finished reading 2 Corinthians. Good stuff. And then I decided to call him again. As I was calling him I told Elder Gardner "I really don't have faith that he would answer" and as I finished that sentence he picked up the phone. 

That was a spiritual slap to the face. Needless to say after the phone call I said a very earnest prayer for forgiveness. Good learning experience for sure! Have faith kiddos. It's better than being slapped by the spirit! 

Then we met with our favorite LA (the one who taught his daughter to pray on last week's episode of the elder Baird letter) and we shared about the plan of salvation and about temples and how awesome eternal marriage is and we were like, do you want that? And he as like yah! So now we're working on that and it is super exciting! 

And we had a bunch of other lessons but no time to report on those. They were good! 

Then we woke up. For Elder Gardners last day in Xinzhu. Kinda sad. But we started it ou with a mission leaders conference which was pretty great. President said that we were doing good and that is about all I can ask for! We met with a young man and he set a date to go on his mission which was great! I love helping people go on missions! It's my favorite! Then we had English Group. A member gave us dinner. And we just called it a day! The last day :(((

Waking up was sad. Elder Gardner finished his packing. And off to the train station we went. I dropped him off and waited for my companion! Who came! 

And that was the beginning of my adventures with Elder Tan. We started it off right by eating lunch. Yum. Then we had a couple of lessons. Did some language study. And had dinner! 

Now, Elder Tan had brought with him the new water filters. In Taiwan you use a water filter, because if you don't... Well... You'll die I guess. And the church gave us some new ones so we went to work setting it up. 

For those of you who don't know I'm a professional plumber. And being a professional plumber means you get water. 

Everywhere. 

Which I did rather effectively. 

Turns out that the pipe was too big. So we couldn't install it. Sad. 

So the next day we call a guy to switch the pipe (if we had had the part I coulda done it I promise!) And boom we had water.

Friday was a pretty good. Honestly just a tooooon of planning. We had weekly planning and zone vision planning and daily planning and all of our studies and it was a lot. We got soaked going to the store cause Taiwan love randomly raining and I had a big bowl of oatmeal gloop for dinner. Pretty good day! 

Saturday was just more lessons as usual. Didn't leave the house once. I guess this is probably what prison is like? We just are filled with joy because of the spirit and we're doing God's work. The days actually go by remarkably fast for being inside the whole time. That is a miracle if I ever knew a miracle for sure! We had a bunch of lessons, and I would tell you about each one if you cared and if I had time. Neither of those are true. Two negatives make a positive. So heeeerrre we go! 

Just kidding. It was a good day. we will leave it at that. 

Then we went to bed. 

Then we woke up. 

And what we woke up to was surprising. 

Water... On the floor. Again. Turns out or fake professional guy didn't do it right. 

After further investigation we found out that the water filter was leaking. That is not what a water filter is supposed to do mind you, so we were slightly confused. A wonderful way to begin your Sunday morning. So I finished reading Ephesians which was awesome. Such a great book of scripture. And then we had church. Then studies. Then lessons. Then more lessons. Then more studies. Then dinner. Then lessons and calling people. 

And then it happened. 

Our final time with President. We did a Zoom video call. And that was the last time I'll see him in Taiwan. I am so grateful for him and his wife. They have been amazing! And it is hard to send them home. Really hard. But it is there time. While we were in the meeting the spirit testified tome incredibly strongly that the new mission president was called of God. It was an incredible experience. 

It reminded me of when I got to see President Nelson speak for the first time in priesthood session and the spirt bore a powerful and undeniable witness that he was called of God.

Like when just a couple weeks ago the spirit bore a powerful and convincing witness that Joseph Smith was called of God. 

Like when, every day, the spirit gives me peace and assurance that I am called of God. 

How grateful for that I am. This time here is incredible. I'm so glad for my fellow servants in the work. Especially for Elder Hughes! He's gonna do wonders out there! We all do in this work! 

And you can to at home! So go and do the work! That's all the time I got! Please send me an email if you love me and if you don't well then I know where your heart is! 

Love you all

Elder Baird

WEEK 92 XINZHU: You get a miracle, and you get a miracle, and you get one and then all hell broke loose. Kinda.

Guys! The gospel is real! The church is true! And I am freaking legend*

*only under the influence^

^of the spirit obviously

So let's start out with the fact that my companion is leaving  still not sure where to yet (we find out tomorrow) but man these past 6 weeks have probably been the best of my whole mission. Easily. So many miracles and all while stuck in my apartment! Thanks elder Gardner for being a straight up G

So Monday. A member drove us and the sisters up to a mountain and it was pretty dope. Saw some freaking big spiders. Like hand sized. Not face sized thankfully. But it was fun to get out and into the wild. Well the "wild" of Taiwan. 

It was fun. Then Costco. Which was also really fun. I love America. And Costco is just America. Even if it's in Taiwan. Sells weird meat. And a lots of tofu. It's still America! Hahaha. 

Then we met with two kids who are prepping for their missions which I just love! I love helping other people get out on missions cause missions are just that great! 

Then it was Tuesday. As we were doing our personal study we got a text saying that a member needed service. And when she said service she meant service! Haha. Moving 45 lb plates up 4 steps of stairs for a half an hour is definitely service hahaha. Oh well. It was a lot of fun! 

We had district council and then had exchanges with the district leader which was fun! We had a good time. Had some good lessons and some fun biking time. There was a beautiful sunset and it made me happy cause I was a little sad. But God always be there with the natural beauty of this world. Love it so much! 

The sun woke me up the next morning at 530 and so it was fun. Sunrise plus east facing windows just does that. We had some good studies and some good food (we eat like kings here at 7-11) 

Got home and ate some dinner. Planned. And then we had our English group.

And that's when all Hell broke out... 

Or rather broke in.. 

As in Lucifer joined our English group which is something we were definitely not expecting. And he didn't talk. Till the very end. And he was just a normal dude. I was pretty scared, but nope! All fine. Then he left. But we got his phone number. 

They said the devil went down to Georgia, but actually he came to Taiwan to learn English. And we got his number, So that's pretty great! 

(not as great as a golden fiddle but still) 

Then came Thursday. The day of miracles. So my journal is pretty big. Each page has 36 lines and it's big. And basically every day I write one page or less. But not Thursday. I wrote 3 whole pages! That is how crazy it was! So let's just jump straight in right after the break! 

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Do you feel tired? Are you lost in life? Do you have happiness? Is each day just the same thing one after another? 

Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Gospel is perfect or you! 

Email me and find out more! 

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Commercial breaks. Advertisers are trying to get into everything now. Videos, movies, music, and now even emails! What has capitalism done to us! HAhahah

So it all started with a mission devotional. Gave me lots of feelings. These feelings led me to pray. Which led me to feel God's love. Which led me to leak. Which led me to re-realize why I was out here and for what purpose. Which led me to just go crazy with the spirit! 

Not gonna go into the details because that is for me, but the great thing i, each of you can have your own experiences with prayer! Try it today! Cause it is the best. Make sure to go and do it okay? 

Anyways, then we started exchanges. The last exchange of the transfer. Kinda crazy that this was number 7. But time does that thing where it goes. 

So I grab my new comp for the day Elder Miller and we start biking back home. We stop at the local plant store to buy a basil plant cause your Boi needs his fresh herbs. Tried to baptize the worker guy. He wasn't down. But he did take an English Group invite so that is a step in the right direction I'm sure! 

Got home super sweaty (oh yah it's summer in Taiwan in case you forgot. We dying out here) and sat down for our first lesson. It ended in a technical difficulty catastrophe. But hopefully she felt the spirit right? haha..... 

Then we had probably one of the sweetest experiences of my life. We were having a lesson with an LA of 9 years and his daughter came too. And we were talking about prayer and she asked "what is prayer?" and this lead to us watching this dad, an LA of 9 years, teach his daughter how to pray. It was one of the most tender experiences I have ever seen. I was trying so hard not to cry (succeeded! kinda...) but just to see this father start to come back and lead by example in his family. So we invited them to pray as a family! And it was just incredible! We're gonna get him back and sealed in the temple you better believe it!!!!

Then we had a lesson with Charlie (the referral from our bishop) and we taught him lesson 2 (plan of salvation aka the reason we are on this ball of dirt hurtling through space at millions of miles an hour) and just for future reference. If you're teaching someone who is smart, bring someone smarter (bishop) or else you are toast because their Chinese is way to advanced for you. 

But we were fine! Woot! The lesson went swimmingly and was full of the spirit! 

Then I made Thai yellow curry for my companion and I. Honestly speaking. I added too much water. But that was okay. 

Then we had a lesson with a member and we asked for referrals. He gave us one which was a miracle! Then I did what preach my gospel teaches which is to ask for another one (now I had never done this in my life. But I felt the spirit. And I was on exchanges) and he gave us another one!?!?!?! What??? Miracles! (For those of you serving in places other than Taiwan, this doesn't happen. Like ever. So yah) 

Then a lesson with an LA who asked elder Miller 20 minutes worth of questions about Hawaii (Elder Miller is Hawaiian) 

Then we had a lesson with another LA that was incredibly spiritual and I felt the spirit literally guide what I was saying and I know I was speaking God's words to this his child. And that was incredible. And that is where I will leave that hahah. 

And that was the night and it was just soooo awesome and I love the spirit so much. It's just great. Check it out sometime for sure! 

Friday 

We may be the first missionaries to stream on twitch. 

That's right. You heard it. Elder Baird was streaming on twitch (a platform like YouTube, but instead of for recorded videos, it's for live videos) 

So we have an LA who is a professional video game streamer. Like really professional. Plays in world competitions and stuff. And we called him Friday night and turns out he was streaming at that time. 

So we basically just got to talk to his entire fan base and share the gospel with them. The chat would ask us questions and we would respond and it was sooo much fun. So basically we are super famous and we just talked to soooo many people. More than anyone else that day I'm sure. I felt like a real OG. 

What a Meme. 

Saturday was pretty fun. Started with a run. As great personal study. People skipped our lessons which was just swell. Then we met with a guy who Elder Gardner had taught at the beginning of his time in Xinzhu. And he set up with us again and it was an amazing lesson. He basically just came out and was like, I'm ready to start learning the gospel again which was just a huge miracle! He had said that he had asked some of his American co-workers about our church. 

We braced ourselves.

And turns out his friends said that he loves this church, and even though he isn't a member he told our friend that he should meet with the missionaries. And so all of these things just started to click in his life and now we are meeting with him again! What a cool miracle that is! 

Then 2 more people didn't show up to their lessons. I mean how hard is it to click the answer button on your cellphone? Pretty hard I bet! Haha, I'm sure they have great reasons and just happened to forget about their eternal salvation that day XD

That night a member family drove to our house and gave us mangos! This is something that all you guys are missing out on! Mango season in Taiwan is like heaven in heaven! Nothing could be better I'm sure and so that was awesome! 

After that we did a digital temple tour with a different LA and it went so good (minus the technical problems at the beginning.) But it was such a spirt filled time and it gave him direction! To the point that he came to church, and he set a time to get a temple recommend with the bishop! This hasn't happened in soooo long and so we were hyped about that! 

Then we met with another other less active ward missionary who Elder Gardner has never been able to get ahold of. And it was super great. Basically just became bros with him because that's what he needs. 

And if Paul can be a jew for he jews and a gentile for the gentiles (see 1st Corinthians) then I can be a bro for the bros and a missionary for the members! Thanks Paul! You da best! 

Then we had our last zone prayer of the transfer which was sad. But it really has been a great transfer and everyone has worked so hard especially in the face of opposition rearing it's ugly head suddenly. But it's been good! 

Then we cleanse dour kitchen till we went to bed because we wanted it to be clean for the sabbath because cleanliness is next to godliness and the sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath so repent Today and clean your kitchen is how the scriptures say it I believe. Quote me on that one sure. 

Then Sunday. We went to church (shock) I fixed a bunch of coding problems for the office (shock) We had lessons (shock) and I called a bunch of people (shock) 

My hardboiled eggs exploded. That was very sad making. Not sure how I feel about that. 

Then that day we went to drop some cards off at a members house when suddenly the wind blew them away. So we played scavenger hunt in the middle of the streets of Taiwan on our bikes. Totally safe and totally would recommend for anyone over the age of 10*

*(18 and below should have adult supervision) 

But we found them and were slightly annoyed because we lost one and now we were gonna be late for a lesson but we got it dropped off and all was well. 

But on the way we met a guy from California who talked with us and said he wanted to go to church and meet with us! And so that was a huge miracle and so let's pray that he actually does have this desire!!!! 

Then some lessons. Then some dinner. Then some lessons. Then a meeting. And then I wrote this! 

And I finished Preach my Gospel. Our mission president challenged us to restart it 3 weeks ago and finish it by the end of the transfer. Finished it is, learned I am. 

And that was the week! Hope yours was as spirit filled as mine! And if it wasn't? Then do the things that will give you access to the spirt! You already know what they are so just do them! And if you don't then ask someone who does (me)! 

Love you all! 

Elder Baird

Something About Socks

What is a miracle? The guy you met on the street wants to be baptized? You find 10 dollars on the ground? Your best friends buys you your favorite food on a day you're sad and you didn't even tell them? Jesus heals a bunch of sick people? 3 days of darkness? A day and night and a day that were just one day? Daniel doesn't get eaten by the lions? Shad, Mes and Bennie don't get burned by the fire and SEE JESUS??? You throw some swords over the wall and they don't make any noise? 

Wait.. 

What??? 

Hold on... You throw some swords... Wait I'm confused... 

Well let's open the scriptures! Alma 55:16-17 "And now this was according to the design of Moroni. And Moroni had prepared his men with weapons of war; and he went to the city Gid... And cast in weapons of war unto the prisoners... and all those things were done in a profound silence"

Okay... This may be the most underrated miracle in all of the book of Mormon, but to me I think it is super cool. Just think about it. How are you gonna throw weapons of war into a city? Over the wall right? Well they aren't on top of the wall, they're on the bottom. So they are gonna have to climb up and throw them over the edge. 

Now I don't know if you've ever bundled a bunch of weapons together, but they ain't quiet when you move them. But somehow, Moroni throws enough weapons over the edge to arm everyone inside the city, even the women and children. 

And so we see here that God has the power of controlling noise. How cool of a miracle is this??? Even though it's different than some of the other ones in the Book of Mormon does not make it any less miraculous. 

It is the same in our life. Your miracles and my miracles are different. But if we look with a humble eye we will still see the hand of God in it all and we will now it is a miracle. I love this principle. Just that as long as we look with a humble and grateful eye we will see these miracles. And they might be little. But they are significant and they are from God. And just because they aren't as "cool" as someone else's story does not mean anything. Never discount God for what he has done for you. Never! Because he knows best, and since he loves us he will always help! 

Pictures

 

Hike pic

Hike pic

The guy made my bed with the sheet on top of the blanket... I guess that is how they do it in Taiwan

Basil plant

Food pic

Real pepper Jack cheese! 

Mango pics

Hike pic

Hike pic

Hike pic

Hike pic

Moving pic

Our LA preforming his water drinking skills (he's so funny) 

WEEK 91 XINZHU: The week that was crazy and almost totally inconceivable, but it wasn't so it was just crazy but still good!

Daaaaang (Elder), back at it again with those white (people in Taiwan)

Dang it's been a week and I love that in my life. It's actually been soooooo good! And I've learned so much, and my testimony's grown, and I've been crushed, and I've been happy, and it's just been pretty good!

I love serving the Lord!

Let's start out with Monday.

Went to Costco and dropped like 2000 dollars. We love that! Bought tilapia, chicken, and some other stuff that was yummy. 

Tuesday I woke up with craaaaazy stomach pain. Love that for me. So it basically wrekt my whole morning. 

Then I had the coolest revelation learning about the atonement reading Alma 34. It was literally sooo cooool. So go look at that and get your own revelation. Cause we all need to learn about the atonement for ourselves. It is the most important thing in our lives, and we have to understand it. A lot of people don't get it. They're just like, yah I believe, but you have to know! And you have to learn. And it takes time and effort. But it's soooo worth it. So make sure to go and read that. You'll thank me later! 

Then after a district council where we had sacrament outside the church on the sidewalk (kinda wak) we took the train down to the boonies of Miaoli! I went on exchanges with my favorite black Fijian Indian elder Lal. Those of you who don't remember elder Lal didn't read my emails while I was in the MTC I guess. We are the same generation (came to the MTC and Taiwan at the same time) so it was suuuuper fun to be back with him! He's culture training a new American. Basically he's already been a missionary in Utah for 9 months and now he has finally made it to Taiwan. So of course we made him eat a 1000 year old egg. 

He didn't throw up which was impressive! 

We played some Mahjong to finish up the night. Elder Blackhurst had never played before so we taught him and then he proceeded to win all 3 rounds! Elder Lal was furious because he is way good and lost to his new white baby which was just soooo funny.

The next day we went out to breakfast and then had a lesson and did some contacting. Nearing the end of the exchange it was time to go to the train station. So we hop on our bikes and start over. And after 10 seconds find that Elder Blackhurst's tire is wrekt. Now we have a problem. One bike. 3 elders. A train in less than 10 minutes a mile away. 

So we ran. 

And it was rough. 

It was like 110 or something. We have to wear masks. In our church clothes. And I've got my big exchange backpack. 

We Meade it right as the train doors opened. Miracles do happen. And we will be able to have strength to run as fast as we can, but not faster than we can because that's how God works. So yah. Don't do drugs kids! 

After we got home I made Tilapia with rice pilaf which is something my mom would always make for us that I haven't had in soooo long and so it felt great to eat that! It was soooooo yummy. Then we had English group. Online English group is still not my favorite, but I will live. 

Thursday I read Alma talking to Helaman and it was soooo good. Yall just read the book of Mormon and you'll feel soo good. Honestly tho. So much fun. And that's not the mission goggles talking ;) 

The we had WPS.

Then bamboo council

Then we went to the church for some lessons and all of them canceled except one. It was sad, but we are glad that the one still answered. He will be blessed for that I am sure. 

Friday then began the day the world turned upside down... But not like in the musical. Or in real life. See the thing I the world is constantly turning upside down due to it's axial rotation, however, even though there is rotation there is no up and down because down is just wherever gravity points too, and since the earth is not flat and is in fact spherical in shape down is actually in. It's the center. So for the world to turn upside down it would have to infold on its center and that would just be a catastrophe. 

Science. 

So we had zone conference over Zoom which as very sad. This is the first time Taiwan has ever had to have Zone conference over Zoom. QQ (this is the cry face in Taiwan) and even though we didn't get to be with President and sister Peterson for their last zone conference it was still an absolutely amazing experience. 

We started the day with a 5k, haven't done one of those in a while and it was pretty fun! Glad my companion likes to run. That is a blessing! 

So we came home after our run and then got ready for the conference. We logged on and all heaven broke loose. The opening song was a recording of my missionary medley that was played (sheet music is being sold for any who want it) and then it just toooook off! 

We talked about some miracles people were seeing and then we were informed that we would be getting a tour of Carthage Jail. And my mind blew up (again, not literally) 

I've never been able to go to any church history sites in my life (not including the ones in st. George, thanks grandma and grandpa) and so it was so cool to be able to get a video tour of Carthage from the missionaries serving there. And it was incredible!!! The spirt was so incredibly strong and as we saw the place that Joseph Smith—the first prophet of this dispensation and the hand by which this church was restored—died, I could not help but cry. My testimony grew 10 fold in that one instant. So amazing! 

I then went and had an amazing conversation with God during the lunch break. I love prayer. Especially heartfelt prayer. Super recommend. 

Then after zone conference we had a couple lessons, called some people, and a great time and then it was night time. As zone leaders we have to make sure that everyone gets home on time. 

And this is where all 地獄 breaks loose. 930 is when a missionary should be home. So everyone starts texting in home around then. 945 comes around and everyone has texted in except one set of elders. 950... 955...

Then it hit 10.

Now 10 is when things change, you are required to be home by 10. And they still hadn't said home. 

We started to worry as all good zone leaders do. We were unable to get ahold of them at all. 

10:10

We call the APs. They say that we should be ready to go to their house. 

Now this provides a problem because their house is a 30 minute train ride away from house. And there is only one train every hour. So we prepare to get on the 10:40 train. 

1030 nothing

And so we get ready to leave. We have no clue what is going on or why they aren't home, all we know is that we are going to have to take the train to their house and we were just hoping that they were okay. You hear horror stories about this kinda stuff as a missionary and so we were just a little nervous. Neither of us had done this before. We were gonna be going out waaaaay past curfew. And it was just a little unsettling. 

But we were excited for the adventure of trying to find out what happened. I even felt promoted that we should wear our tennis shoes and not our regular shoes. 

So we say a prayer to head out the door to the train station when all of the sudden! 

They text us saying they were home, there phone had ran out of battery, and everything was okay. 

And that was that. 

And I totally made up the prompting that we should wear tennis shoes. That was my nerves not the spirit hahaha... 

So we went to bed and that was the end of one of the craziest days of my life! (sounds a lot less crazy when your type it out *sigh*) 

Saturday we met with a non member referral from our bishop and it was one of the best lessons I had ever had on my mission. The spirit was strong and he was just so engaged and he wants to keep learning! He like actually has a desire! And so it might be the first time I've seen that and so that was a really neat experience. 

I even made an analogy about games only to find out that his work is making games! If that wasn't the spirit then I don't know what is! 

Then I made mozzarella lemon pepper tilapia for dinner. Much good. 

Then some more lessons. Then a norther one. And then basically some more stuff and that was the day! 

On Sunday we had church, I took a nap (finally!!!) and we met some cool members. It was pretty chill. Not a ton happened. But I did make some good fried rice! Love that for me. 

Yah and this was pretty much my week. Kinda a long one eh? Who knew so much could happen when you're locked in your house all day! 

Anyways, hope yall had a wonderful week and make sure to send me something like an email or a present. Either or is fine. Take your pick! 

Love you all! 

Elder Baird

Something About Socks 

This is what I wrote down from my experience at Carthage Jail, 

"Why would I cry for the death of a man I never knew? 200 years ago. Someone who is just a leader. Never have I cried for the death of a president of a nation. Or hearing the story of those killed in war. The pain is real as we hear these stories but it does not affect my life. So, why would I cry for a man 200 years dead that I never knew, unless... I did know him. I knew him as a prophet. I knew him as a holy man. As one called of God to fulfill a great work. I know Brother Joseph. I know him as the prophet of the restoration. I know that he was the man chosen by God to restore his gospel. Why would I cry if it weren't true. Why would my spirit sing in praise at the life of this man and cry in sorrow at his death. I know that this is true, because the Holy Ghost testifies to my spirit of the truth. The connection is real. Joseph Smith is a prophet. And it was through him that this church, Jesus Christ's only true church, was restored. This is my testimony and the witness that the spirit has born to me at this time. Anyone who says otherwise has not met Joseph Smith the man. Joseph Smith the prophet."

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet. Simple as that. Hope you all can find your own testimony too :) 

(hint: read the book of Mormon!!!) 

Pictures:

WEEK 90 XINZHU: (no subject)

Helllllo there. 

Another week in the good old apartment. Between lessons, sweeping, eating, sleeping, studying, more lessons, people not showing up to lessons, calling people, more lessons, and playing the ukulele the week has gone right along. 

Honestly it's been pretty quick. 

Also we had two exchanges this week which was pretty crazy. So I will just get into it then! 

Monday was fun. We went swimming. 

Well not really. 

But it sure felt like it! 

We went an played some basketball with the other elders. Just 4 of us because right now we are unable to be in the same room with over 5 people. So it was just the 4 of us. 

Then we decided to leave and it was pouuuuring rain! Like soooo bad! And so we biked home, and within 15 seconds we were soaked. Just soaked. 

So 25 minutes later we got home just drenched. We were already so soaked that we just decided to go and buy food then. So we walked in the rain. Took a train in the rain. Did everything in the rain. Then we got home and I got a warm shower and it felt so great! 

So yah it was pretty great. 

Then it was Tuesday and June! Wow! June. I started my fourth journal. Crazy. Then we went down to exchanges in Zhudong. It's kind of out in the middle of no where. So then we had online district council and we had sacrament in our house which was kind of fun. We just tore a piece of bread in half for the two of us, and then we realized it was too big. It's a lot easier to laugh during the sacrament at home than at church hahaha. Oh well. It was still a great experience. 

Then we made brownies and muffins! I think it was my first time making brownies so that was kind of an adventure, 

Then I practiced writing my cursive S because why not! 

On Tuesday we had interviews with President. It is the last one I will have with him as a missionary. I may or may not have cried. That information  will not be disclosed at this time. 

Then I played the piano for the Peterson which was kind of fun! I played a new song I've been working on! Stay tuned for it in my second piano book coming out sometime this fall! 

If you haven't had an opportunity to get ahold of my first piano book "Praises to the Lord" Hit me up and we can talk about getting you one! 

Shameless self plug in an email all about my self. 

Not that shameful tbh. 

SUDDENLY... PINEAPPLES

Then one of the young men in our ward opened his mission call! He's going to Taiwan (believe it or not) And he will be going to the MTC right when I get home so I might be able to run into him or something! 

Thursday brought another exchange. Back to back exchanges are exhausting! But I got to go with Elder Qiu who I had never really met before and he is awesome! Wee had a great time together teaching lessons! I loved the way she shared his testimony and about how the gospel had changed him! I'm super grateful for my time with him. 

Basically it was a lot of lessons and calling people. Just like normal hahaha

Friday we ended exchanges, and we had our weekly planing session. Then a lesson with a family who was cool. Then two people stood us up. So I swept the floor. 

Then I was exhausted from exchanges and so I went to bed early cause I can. 

Saturday I woke early and then we went running. 3 miles sucks. But 3 miles in a mask sucks even more. Like a lot. But oh well

Showed my plant off to one of the people we are teaching. He was very impressed by my rosemary. I am too. He sits on my desk and makes me happy. A little bit of the outside world on my desk.... 

What is the outside world... 

Is there an outside? Have we been lied to our whole lives? What if the outside is still the inside. What if this earth is actually just a snow globe inside a giants house. And they just look at us all day and put our snow globe on the shelf. We wouldn't know! Cause we are just living our lives. But for all we know we are sitting on the shelf of some giants house. Who knows? 

That's what I've been thinking about lately. 

Maybe I've been inside to much... 

What's inside? 

Are we inside? 

Or are we just outside... 

Anyways I finished the book of Roman's on Saturday. I love Paul and all, but I think he's got something about food that I just don't get, he keeps telling people not to get offended by your brothers meat and I'm just like, okay Paul we get it, your vegetarian, but what does this have to do with the Gospel. 

(Full disclosure we have no proof that Paul was or was not vegetarian, I just have no clue what he is trying to say, in Chinese we say 看不懂) 

I had rice and veggies like a real Taiwanese Boi and it was yummy. Eating at home is fun! 

We had church today on the sabbath, and it was fast Sunday which is always fun. Always a great chance to exercise our spirit. Show who's really in charge. It's actually how we become perfected. 

I heard something by Cleon Skousen (a genius) today that I liked "being born again is your spirit being in control of your body" 

And I like that! That is why Jesus gave us the Be attitudes. These are the things that we need to become so as to put our spirit in charge. I'm grateful for the sermon on the mount. Especially that we have the account in the 5th gospel (3rd Nephi folks (duh)) 

Go and read it. I'm sure you've got time. I mean I do, so don't you? 

Wait, the rest of the world isn't stuck inside there house???? Inconceivable! 

I met a lot of cool families this week. So that was fun. I love families. Especially my family!!! 

Especially my mom!!!! 

Because it was her birthday!!!!! She's like 48 now or something like that! I mean it may not be considered old, but it's getting there!!!! 

Love you mom :)))) 

And dad too, just not enough to celebrate his birthday... My bad,,,, 

Anyways, I hope you all had a great week! Love you all! Please send me an email, I've got nothing but time. Well actually I have everything except time, but not actually cause I don''t have your email. 

I've got nothing but  your email, so hit me up!!! 

Love you all! 

Elder Baird

Something about socks

Jesus said it best in the sermon on the mount. So just go to him! 

Pictures

Brownies!

Mac and Tuna!!! With Japanese mayo that wasn't that good tbh

This bike matches my helmet! 

Exchange pics!

Exchange pics!

Screenshots from just some of the lessons

Me signing the Taiwan flag (that means my mission president is leaving 🇹🇼}) 

Zone pics!

Screenshots from just some of the lessons

Screenshots from just some of the lessons

Screenshots from just some of the lessons

Screenshots from just some of the lessons