WEEK 95 XINZHU: A week of.... Well.... Normalcy? Can that be said of missionary work? It was a normal amount of crazy?

Dang. That was a fast one. Let's just get to it!

Monday was a great day. 

Basically we just went to Costco and I blew my MSF like one does at Costco. I then worked on the puzzle and played some board games with the compiono (said in an Italian accent) 

Then we met with some young men that we are helping get out on missions, it's probably one of my most favorite things to do. To see these young men who will be going out soon, one leave in August, and just helping them get ready and knowing how awesome the time is going to be for them. It's amazing. 

It makes me sad that I did like hardly any prep. We meet with these guys twice a week. I had never met missionaries before my mission. Maybe once when I was young they came over for a couple minutes, but I have no recollection of any interaction. That is something I regret, but now I can help other people and it is great! 

We then hung out with the traveling assistants, they came to have a sleep over. It was pretty fun. 

And that was the day! 

Tuesday I forgot to write in my journal... I was on exchanges and the elder needed to talk, so we talked. It was a good day though!

Wednesday was great because we started the day waking up early and playing Frisbee! Again playing Frisbee with a mask is kinda the worse. So I didn't. And it was just a goooood time. 

Then we had a meeting with all the mission leaders and I started feeling anxious because we weren't doing as good as we should be doing, and there was a lot to change and I was like oh noooo, but after the meeting I realized... This isn't scary, this is an opportunity! And when I made that change in my head I felt great and ready to go! So do that, it' S cool. 

Then the Elder made me super good Taiwanese fried rice, he's like a pro cook. 

Had a good English Group. Talked about English things. I'm pretty good at English guys, not prideful or anything, 

Then we got one of our new friends to come and meet with us. It was so good. 

Then I finished the puzzle I'd been working on. Finished it in 8 days about. Felt pretty good about that. Not like the good old puzzle days with Mitchell where woody sat on the table for forever until McKay went and finished it XDXD

Good times. 

Thursday was a cool day. 

Why? 

It had been exactly a year since I got on island for the first time. Crazy. That year went by soooooo fast. 

There were a lot of good times! 

There were also a lot of not Good times. 

But why else was this a crazy day? Well I also got my flight plans, signifying I have less than one month left on island. Let's just say that's not my favorite thought or feeling ever. 

We try not to think about it. Like ever. 

Then we met with a guy who was soooooo funny. He had terrible English and it was the only language he wanted to use, both Chinese and Taiwanese were attempted. He just kept yelling into his phone "CHINESE BOY CHIIINEESSES BOOOOYYY" at my companion cause he couldn't remember his name. 

Let's just say that didn't make my companion very happy who is very stalwart in his taiwanese citizenship. Oh well. 

We won't be teaching him again.... Sad. 

Then we had an LA who said he would give us ice cream if we sang him and old Chinese song. 

So we sang the song. 

Video below... 

Still waiting on the ice cream

Friday was good. I finished 3rd Nephi and this time through I really felt like I came closer to Christ. Something that I have been doing this whole entire mission process, but it felt so different reading his own words. I love scriptures. And Jesus. And being a missionary. 

We then met with a guy who was definitely playing a game of league of legends while we were talking with him.. 

It made me realize how much I had changed since the beginning of my mission. I probably would have done that to. So grateful for the mission clarity to give up video game addiction hahaha. Don't do it kids. It's just like drugs. 

Well not exactly... 

But kinda! 

We then had Thai food for dinner. Called a bunch of people. 

Saturday was good.

We got to go do service at a members farm! It was so awesome to be outside and just messing around in his farm. We got to help him make a pizza oven! Super fun, now I want to make a pizza oven! 

Then we helped a friend overcome the 1 Nephi 4 dilemma. I think we did it! 

Then we had lunch with a member. 

Met with a grandma

Helped two other young men prep for their missions. 

Made some macaroni vegetable thingy for dinner. It was way good! 

Met a new friend. 

Then we went to a members Brazilian pizza place to fold pizza boxes. It was a lot of fun, and one of our friends that we haven't seen in a long time came! So amazing!!!! 

It was really fun, we then got to be in the kitchen for a little bit and it reminded me of the gold old days making pretzels. Except I think pizza is cooler. 

Then they made us Brazilian pizza and boiiiiiiiiiiii it was good! Made me happy! 

Sunday was church. Lessons. More lessons. More lessons.... Food?? Ummm.... Calling people... 

Yah, we had one guy that we met with and the spirit basically took over and we invited him to be baptized and he accepted a date! This is the first date I've set in this area so that was an awesome miracle!!!! Did not expect it, but God did, and so that is why he stepped in! 

Yah, honestly this week was pretty normal. Nothing to crazy. Lots of lessons. Lots of fun. Lots of staying inside. 

Oh yah, they extended the quarantine another two weeks. So if in two weeks we re opened I will have one normal week left on the mission.... Oh well! Make the most out of it! 

(I'm actually loving this version of missionary work, it is a lot more affective!) 

Anyways, Love you all! 

Elder Baird

Something about Socks

So.... Since nobody took me up on giving me so advice on how to fast better (cmon guys) I decided to do my own study. Like every good missionary I was reading Preach My Gospel, when I came across this line. "When we fast and pray with faith, we are more receptive to receiving answers to our prayers and blessings from the Lord." 

Then the spirt taught me this "To make my fast effective I need to pray for my needs throughout the fast, not just at the beginning and then wonder when the revelation will come." 

And that is my insight on how to improve my fasts. Thank you personal revelation and study! 

Yay! 

Pictures

Video of us singing!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QV7nKUGCavL5vuzV9

Puzzle (it glows in the dark 😲😲)

Brazilian pizza house

Thank goodness I'm tall

Quote

Me and the sky

Frisbee

I'm with a future missionary 

Our members are funny

WEEK 94 XINZHU: Okay, I should probably explain myself and come out clean.

That elder almost throwing up was not my companion. I forgot to put an explanation on why that gif was in my email. 

That is another elders companion who was trying stinky tofu for the first time in his life. He's pretty new to Taiwan. Let's just say it didn't go well with his mouth... 

It takes some time to get used to!

Anyways it was a pretty quick week. Mostly stayed inside like the rest of Taiwan, had a bunch of lessons, and I've got more time to write this week yeah!!! 

On Monday we went to the mall! I bought a Krispee Kreams donut!!!! That's so nuts guys! They had it at the mall! 

And not just that, but Baskin Robin's!!!!! 

Granted it was Japanese ice cream so not as good, but it's the brand that counts right? 

Then we met with my companions high-school friend who just happens to live in Xinzhu, and now we are teaching him the gospel! Nice

Tuesday. We met with a new convert. We've recently been sharing things from Preach My Gospel with the members in our ward and it has been amazing! To the point where this member started reading it on her own and told us "I'm remembering why I joined the church" not that she ever went inactive, but she just felt that she was learning so much again! 

Guys if you've never read PMG you need to. It's so amazing. I like what one missionary said, it's like the Book of Mormon, all the same principles, just put out into easy chapters that you can understand" (slight editing on my part (she said it in Chinese so you're welcome)) 

Then we had district council. First one of the transfer which was pretty good.

Then I was kinda stressed out. Had a bunch of stuff going on, trying to keep all the missionaries in your zone from going home can be hard sometimes hahaha, lol, but I was a little frustrated and so I just started praying and pleading with God to help me. And I got a prompting to write a list out. And so I wrote a list out and it helped a lot. But not all the way. 

So God sent a miracle our way. 

It came in the form of a text saying "Missionaries can you come over right now and help me move stuff?" 

God gave us the opportunity to serve!!! Now for those of our in not Taiwan missions that might sound a little weird to you, but like community service is not a thing in this country, neither is the, hey can you come help me out service, really a thing. There aren't times where the Ward is like let's go help so and so move in or out. It's just not a culture thing. You do it yourself. 

So as a missionary I have done very little service, I mean other than sharing the one thing that cac give people eternal life of course. 

So this was a huge miracle, we got to get outside and work out and move and helps ome people! It made me very happy and pulled me immediately out of my feelings. 

So guys, next time you're feeling down, go lift a refrigerator up your stairs and your washing machine through a window (don't ask) 

Wednesday we had the first ever mission conference under the reign of Mission President Yang. Pretty cool. Who is the Supreme lord ruler now! Hahaha star wars jokes. 

So anyways it was good, he seems to be adjusting well. We are praying for him hard. It was different of course, but I know for a fact that he is the new mission president and this is all that matters! 

We taught English (this is the only service we do basically) 

Then we talked with all the district leaders about how we want to improve and we need their help. So that was good. 

Thursday was amazing! Mostly just because of personal study. I felt like I grew so close to Christ! I read 3 Nephi 6-9 and it was incredible. The mercy of God is insane! And if you doubt it, then go read your scriptures. Rad. 

One of the families we met last week came by and gave us mangoes and cookies. How nice is that? 

Then I went to bed. I was tired. At least that is what my journal says I can't remember that long ago. 

Friday we did studies and then our weekly planning session. Then we hopped on the train headed for Taibei! We were going on exchanges which meant I got to go back to the area that I had left 2 transfers ago! Arriving at the train station felt like arriving in your home city, and then when we got to the office it felt like I was at home. It was soooo nice and so fun to be back up there. We then had a great exchange with Elder Keogh. I love that elder. 

We met with a guy who said that he wouldn't pray about if the book of Mormon was true or not because he said he already knew it was. When we asked how he knew that he said "because you wouldn't deceive me" 

Apparently I would make a good con-man

But guys, you have to pray and study to know spiritual truths just so that we are all clear, and if you don't believe me then believe the prophets! 

"No one can know spiritual truths without prayer." (PMG 39)

Boom

Saturday we finished up our exchange. Had some goo lessons and then took the train back home. 

Got home and called some peeps and it was pretty much a day. 

Sunday was good because it was THE FLIPPING FOURTH OF JULY AND EVEN THOUGH LIKE NO ONE IN THIS COUNTRY CARES I DO AND I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR MY COUNTRY AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SERVE M COUNTRY FULL TIME JUST LIKE I'M SERVING THE LORD FULL TIME BUT AT LEAST WHEN I'M SERVING THE COUNTRY I CAN LISTEN TO MUSIC WITH EARBUDS SO THAT IS PRETTY NICE EH? 

We had a good church meeting and we actually had people come which was a miracle! Yay! Fasting was fun as always. I love having the opportunity to put my spirit over my body. 

Although I didn't feel super edified this fast, I don't feel like I was all the way there. If anyone's got any ideas or advice on how to be more edified through fasting I would love to hear them! 

Anyways, then we had some good lessons. Nothing to crazy just the usual. 

For dinner I made tilapia with rice pilaf and yam which was fun. Quarantine got me chefin' like a booooooss now. 

Then our ward mission leader called us out for sucking at doing what we were supposed to do and it made me embarrassed because he was totally right and we need to change and report better... Hehe he.... 

Yah. That was pretty much the week. 

Feel free to send me an email. I've got nothing but time over here! You're running out of chances anyways so be quick about it ey? 

Love you all! 

Elder Baird

Something about Socks

(I realize that some of you don't know why this section is called something about socks, if you are confused and you would like to know you are more than welcome to check out my very first emails on my blog! 

Oh yah! A blog! Here's the link and news reel

BREAKING NEWS:

There's a new way to hear all about Elder Baird time in Taiwan! No longer do you have to scroll back through all my emails during your daily "Have to read something that Elder Baird wrote" fix! 

Thanks to the hard work and countless hours of a mother who is too nice there is now a new way! 

https://elderspencerbaird.blogspot.com/

Click on the link above and you will be taken to an internet blogging platform that will have all my letters and pictures in one place! As well as added pictures and videos never before seen! So there you go! Invite all your friends as well! The more the merrier! 

If you'd like to support the blog please send all your love in the form of a package to the address listed on the blog! 

Okay back to the something about socks. 

I've been thinking about the past a lot lately. It feels like every day that goes by there is just more past to think about. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not so good. Recently I was thinking about my time in the office. I had such a fun time there and it was just so great! 

Sometimes I wish that I could go back. 

And I did go back this week. It was odd to go back to the place that I spent the most time of my mission at. And I went back and realized... 

I like the present more than I do the past. For how much I loved the past, going back to that apartment to that office to that city and to that environment just felt... Trapping? Can I say that? I mean who's going to tell me no by the time you're reading this I will have already sent it soooo too late. It's in the past now. 

But isn't that just the point? Things come to pass. And when I went back to the past I did feel trapped. I realized a very important thing. 

You can make a whole lot more out of the present than you can the past. 

And that is how I want to live! I don't want to get to college and be like daaaaang I wish I was a missionary. I don't need to trap myself like that. Because that is the past, right now is my time to make a difference. I don't wasn't to wish those office days back because I can't do anything with them! But right now every day I can do something! And because of the saviors atonement I can repent every day and become closer to God every day! 

Why would I want to take a step backward on that path? 

So I invite you, make something with your present, cause honestly you can't make something with your past. 

Pictures!

Krispy Kreme!!!

Baskin Robbins!

Food

The person with the best story for this picture wins a prize! 

Train pic

My recent P-day and night time past time 

Mission leader conference pic

Sean!

People wanting purpose in life be like people playing this version of Where's Waldo and they still don't find us

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)