San Diego #24 12-15-08

Hey Fam:

Thanks for all the future packages I'll get next monday. They're still holding them all back. But thanks anyways.

Sounds like your'e all keeping pretty busy. It's better to have too much to do than nothing to do (just ask Jen) ha ha. Well here are a few funny stories that will cheer ya up.

1. It's so cold, I now have to wear my pink sweatpants (capris) under my skirt at night.

2. I hit a land mark on Saturday. I've now been in every less active member's home in my area!

3. In Spanish "suegra" is mother-in-law and "cuñada" is sister-in-law. I unfortunatly learned that the hard way. We were trying to set up this perfect lesson for the Gonzalez family (plan of salvation) so I called Hna. Medina, the sister-in-law to see if she could come to their house, but I asked her to go to her mother-in-laws house.

4. So, we've been teaching this crazy little lady named Sophia. Her sister is less active. They are losing their hair, really Catholic, but sweet. Anyway...me and Sis. Howarth have tried a few times to get her with a baptism date but haven't been able to. So we were on exchanges the other day. So it was me and Sis. Marsh and I was just checking on how her reading is going and we were talking and the conversation went to baptism. Sis. Marsh committed her, the Sophia says "I think thats a little too soon." (For the 25th of December) and normally we have to work hard at helping people decide that is waht they want and all Sis. Marsh said was "no, it's not" and Sophia was okay with that. Too bad she went to a 7th Day Aventist Church yesterday! Needless to say we still have some work to do with her.

5. We had a meeting with Pres. Donaldson the other day adn he said they want to split the CASD (CALFORNIA SAN DIEGO) Mission into 3 or 4! Soon! Here are some population statistics: Utah-2.5 million people, San Diego-2.1 million people Ü

6. Fla Grande! Well, we have been working with this less active family: the Fla Grande (they all have different last names so it's easier that way) They were all baptized like 7 or 8 people a little over a year ago and are all very less active now. We got them to go to the temple with us though-and got a refferal out of it! It's a super long, stressful, Hiliarous story, but my hand is tired so if you want to know, you'll have to ask.

So...Thanks for everything

Ben-we ate Thanksgiving with the Aguirre's family. The food was well, immitation American Food, not very good

Christmas? We dont want to go back to the Aguirre's, so we'll see if any one invites us. If not, we're going to saty home.

Probably between 5 and 7 we'll call, but we don't really know

Love, Hna. Baker

Spring Valley #4

San Diego #22 12-1-08

Querida Familia Mìa

Okay...Leticia got baptized yesterday! There were lots of miracles the entire day, it was amazing! I don't know what I've told you about here, but i'll do it again, just in case; She's 22 and is a miracle! Her story is very personal, so I'm not going to tell you the whole thing, but she's a member refferal, and she was ready from the minute we met her. She has a lot of 'walls' up but we're slowly breaking them down, it so fun to see the change in her. She is so much happier now, I can't really describe it I guess. She's very special that's for sure. Anyway...Maybe someday she'll tell you the story.

Ok...Qué mas (WHAT ELSE?) The Gonzalez family, Teresa is the sister of Hno. Medina from Lemon Grove. (The guy that calls me "Little house on the Prarie") She's recently reactivated and her husband and children aren't members, but they will be on the 21st of December.

Hna. Baker

San Diego #23 12-8-08

¿Cómo les van familia mia?

HOW IS EVERYING MY FAMILY?

Bueno todo esta muy bien aquì. Tengo nuevas para ustedes...listas...El Presidente Donaldson quiere que todos queden en el area que esten por la Navidad! Yay! Entonces voy a quedarme aquì en Spring Valley por la Navidad! Y los trazlados empiezan el 26 de Diciembre.

(OKAY-FOR ALL YOU WHO ACTUALLY KNOW SPANISH-FEEL FREE TO CORRECT ME ON THIS! I'M USING A TRANSLATER FOR SOME, BUT I HAVE NO IDEA IF IT'S RIGHT.)

WELL, EVERYTHING IS WELL HERE. I HAVE SOME NEWS FOR YOU...READY...PRESIDENT DONALDSON WANTS EVERYONE TO STAY IN THE AREA THAT THEY ARE IN FOR CHRISTMAS! YAY! THEN LET'S REMAIN HERE IN SPRING VALLEY FOR CHRISTMAS! AND TRANSFERS BEGIN ON DECEMBER 26.

Los Gonzalez tienen una fecha bautismal por la 21 de Diciembre (una Navidad muy blanca) La mama Teresa (la Hna. de Hno. Medina de Lemon Grove) es miembro pero inactiva, la Papá y las tres hijas so investigadoras. La hija mayor es Melisa. Ella tiene veinte dos años y tiene Down Syndrome. Siempre ella me hace sonreir. Proxima es Fidencia ella tiene 13 or 14 años pero es tan linda y la mas chica is Teresita ella tiene 8 casi 9 años. Una familia 'de oro'. Son tan lindas, ya can testimonios tan fuertes.

THE GONZALEZ FAMILY HAVE A BAPTISMAL DATE ON DECEMBER 21 (A VERY WHITE CHRISTMAS) THE MOM TERESA (THE SISTER OF BROTHER MEDINA OF LEMON GROVE) IS A MEMBER BUT INACTIVE. THE DAD AND THREE DAUGHTERS ARE INVESTIGATORS. THE OLDEST DAUGHTER IS MELISA. SHE IS 22 YEARS OLD AND HAS DOWN SYNDROME. SHE ALWAYS MAKES ME SMILE. NEXT IS FIDENCIA. SHE IS 13 OR 14 YEARS OLD, BUT IS SO PRETTY, AND THE LAST GIRL IS TERESITA. SHE IS 8 OR 9 YEARS OLD. A FAMILY 'OF GOLD'. THEY ARE SO PRETTY, ALREADY HAVE STRONG TESTIMONIES.

Bueno...Ayer, Leticia se confirmó! Directamente des pues ella me pidìo. So di notas al obispo sobre que el debe decir in la bendicion. Y no, no hice nada. Yo dijé que era una bendicion de su padre celestial y ella sonreì. Leticia es muy especial, una milagro grande. Un dìa ustedes pueden conocer la porque no puedo explicar mis sentimientos acerca de ella en palabras.

WELL...YESTERDAY, LETICIA WAS CONFIRMED! (okay-i'm not sure if this is right...i used a translator) DIRECTLY GIVE SO SHE ME PIDìO. SO I GAVE NOTES TO THE BISHOP ON WHOM THE DEBIT TO SAY IN THE BLESSING. AND NO, I DID NOT DO ANYTHING. I SAID THAT WAS A BLESSING FROM YOUR CELESTIAL FATHER ADN SHE SMILED. LETICIA IS VERY SPECIAL, A BIG MIRACLE. ONE DAY YOU CAN KNOW HER BECAUSE I CAN'T EXPLAIN MY FEELINGS ABOUT HER IN WORDS.

Robert es el mismo Robert. Lleva la corbata que madre compró cada semana a la iglesia. Ayer en la iglesia tenìamos (yo y la Hermana Howerth) tenìamos que enseñar a las mujeres jovenes. Solamente voy a decir que fue una experencia, pero todo esta bien.

ROBERT IS THE SAME ROBERT. HE WEARS THE TIE MOM BOUGHT HIM EVERY WEEK TO CHURCH. YESTERDAY IN THE CHURCH, WE (SISTER HOWARTH AND I)HAVE HAD TO TEACH THE YOUNG WOMEN. I AM GOING TO SAY IT WAS AN EXPERIENCE, BUT EVERYTHING IS WELL.

Oh-tengo una prejunta...Que es el resete o las ingredientes in un "Lime Ricky" porque yo estaba pensañdo que you sabìa pero cuando lohicimos no era un Lime Ricky entonces le lamamos nuestra bebida nueva "Little Jimmy" entonces si ustedes saben que es un "lime ricky" Digan me por favor!

OH-I HAVE A QUESTION...WHAT IS THE RECIPE OR THE INGREDIENTS IN A LIME RICKY? (i think this is what she is trying to say...but i have no idea...she wants to know if a Lime Ricky and a Little Jimmie are the same.)

Sorry, I just realized I wrote all that in Spanish-just have someone translate it for you. Thanks for all the letters and the future packages.

Yeah, your going to have to tell Ben and Bri the whole moving out of state thing just isn't going to work out. That's crappy aabout chad's foot, sorta funny story though. Good luck with school Jen, have to say, I'm glad I"m not in your shoes.

Good Deal
Hna. Baker

Slide Show #3

San Diego #21 11/24/08

Well Familia-

I really did write a letter last week, it was actually 3 pages long and had more details than I usually write. But I lost it, it was stamped, in an envelope and everythihng but I have no idea where it went. I lost Schallen's too. (OH, JUST SO EVERYONE KNOW...SHE DIDN'T LOSE IT...SHE MAILED IT AND WE GOT IT RIGHT ON TIME...I THINK SHE HAS LOST HER MIND...)

Last monday we went sight-seeing withteh Steignbaughs. We went to Balboa Park for a little bit. It was awesome! Then we went out to Coranado Island, always good times, then they took us on base! It was so cool! We watched helicopters and air plains (ANOTHER MISSPELLED WORD), we saw the ships, tugboats and regular boats, (I learned that there was a difference Ü. I learned the hard way by making myself look stupid, as usual.) But it was fun!

Okay...Leticia Rdgz baptismal date for the 30th. We had a bad lesson in sunday school yesterday. It was supposed to be on family history but we hae some crazies in our ward that went all out stating their oppinions (MISSPELLED...AGAIN) on the after life. So today, we'll go over and do damage control. She got really confused. Hopefully everything goes through. She in her 20's and has had a hard life, she's super shy, but is doing well at opening up more and more when we see her. I like her, she has a fun attitude. I like making her laugh. But for reals, she is super sweet and loves learning, and the story how she was found...wow, really cool (IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE STORY, IT'S IN LETTER #20)

Anyways...So I had to speak in sacrament meeting yesterday AGAIN!. It was supposed to be people from the stake but they didn't show up! So me, and Sis. Howarth had it! Schallen actually came to visit us again with her family, so they were there too. Pretty stressful.

I'm learning to lead music now, not because I want to though, but because at the last 2 baptisms my name happens to show up on the program to do it. So I've decided I should probably learn how to do it.

We're teaching the Gnzlz family now. The wife is a member (acutally Hno. Media from Lemon Grove's sister) her husband isn't a member, neither are her 3 kids. Her oldest daughter actully has Down Syndrome. She's so sweet. They'll be bapized soon. Sounds like your having fun back there.

Anyways...funny story time. We were tracting the other day and talked to a guy on the street. We watched him go through his back gate of his yard, and we went on our way. Well, when we got to his house, we had completely forgotten about him and knocked on his door anyways! He opens up and we're like whoops...pretty funny.
Anyways...I think that's basically it

Thanks for all the fruit leather!

Thanks
-Hna Baker

San Diego #20 11/17/08

Mì Famila:

¿Cómo esta todos? ¿Qué hay de nuevo?(HOW IS EVERYTHING? WHAT'S NEW?) Yay! No more doctor for a while!

Well, let me tell you about our newest investigators...Sophia. She's this little old grandma that lives with her sister (Hna. Navarro), a less active member because she has to work. Their both loosing their hair(LOSING...UNLESS THEIR HAIR IS REALLY BEING LOOSENED..?) and live in a rented 1/4 of a house. Sophia doesn't work because she had a stroke.

Leticia RDgz. Okay this is a cool story...Gabriela (recent convert in San Diego)was a school (like 2 weeks after she got bapized) and felt like she shoudl go talk to this stranger in one of her classes. And she didn't...went home and had a dream about it, so the next day, she did. She started talking about her church and I guess Leticia just started crying. So she went to church with her in San Diego and the sisters there (Sis. Hobbs, Marsh, and ?Newbie?) taught a first and gave us the refferal because she lives in our area. Leticia and her family are Catolico pero Leticia tiene mucha buenas preguntas (LETICIA AND HER FAMILY ARE CATHOLIC, BUT SHE HAS A LOT OF GOOD QUESTIONS...IF ANY OF YOU ARE LIKE MY MOM, PREGUNTAS DOESN'T MEAN PREGNANT, IT MEANS QUESTIONS! HA HA) Hace unos dìas enseñabamos el Plan de Salvación y ella estaba tratando a no llorar. (A FEW DAYS LATER, WE TAUGHT THE PLAN OF SALVATION, AND SHE WAS TRYING NOT TO CRY) Ella tiene 20 algo años y estaba casada pero ahorita esta divorsiada. (SHE'S 20 SOMETHING YEARS, AND WAS MARRIED BUT NOW IS DIVORCED.) ¡Ella is tan buena! (SHE IS SO GOOD)

I think I already told you about Adriana. She's still doing so good. And rumor has it, we're going to start to count re-activations in our #'s now! YAY! Th's where a lot of our work goes but before there was nothing measuring it, so it often looked like we weren't workig. Reactivations since I've been here...Carlos Lewis, Saraì Rosales, Medina Family, Hna Higuera, Elizabeth and Evalyn. In progress: Fanny and Carlos Diaz, Malfabon Family, and Rosie, Luis, and Angel (3 members of the familia grande)

Last night was the re-dedication of hte Mexico City Temple. and Saraì went! That's huge because to be there you had to be temple worthy! and she came!

Okay, here are a couple of funny stories...
We were talking to Robert and he had some questions about Adam and Eve, Sis. Howarth was testifying about how Eve had to have courage to partake of the fruit and how she admired her for all that she did...and how we wouldn't be here without her. And Robert said "so your hero...is someone who disobey's God." He didn't quite get the point, but he does his classic Robert face 'like are you stupid' look. It was so funny!

Then we were out at the Familia Grande's Last week and we were talking to Abril, this 10 year old girl (most of the time they don't come to the door), so we'll talk to who ever will come to us) (more background...Fla Grande was this huge miracle, this family of I think 11 or maybe 7 was baptized, in his Latino/Panic culture where kids get married, they still live w/parents and when parents get old, they move in with their kids, So the Fla Grande has a ton of families in one house and we call them Fla Grande because it's easier to keep track of them Ü) So we're talking to Abril, who just asks us, well, dumb questions like "so do you eat? and how do you spell...?, how old do you think I am?, and what do you think my name is?" So were asking her when Rosi an Luis would be home, and she made up some time, and Sis. Howarth says "perfecto, vamos a regresar entonces-perfect, we'll be back then...and Abril looks at us and whispers "perfecto". I couldn't hold it in, I just busted up laughing.

Well, my hair has gone really blonde. I haven't done anything to it, but it's really blonde and long.

Oh! We're also teaching Ana and Mario Flores. Ana is the daughter of Hna Blass, a less active member. She has Alzheimers and we go over every once in a while to sing to her because she remembers hymns, she gets really excited to hear it, she'll sometimes try singing, but her eyes really light up. It's fun, so we're teaching Mario and Ana. Ana likes it, but Mario is afrade (AFRAID...STACIE HAS LOST HER SPELLING ABILITY...) to pray. We think it's because he already knows) but if he recieves his conformation, he can't deny it and he's going to have to change. And he's scared, so that's the iceburg we're chippin' at with him.

We're going sight seeing with the Steinbough's today, so we'll probably send some pictures next week. Yay!

Oh, we've been listening to the same song for the past 3 DAYS! Please send Bar-J inspirational and churh and Christmas music.

We went to Balboa Park and Coronato Island, the to the military base (restricted access) It was fun. We're on our way home now.

I guess that's basically it. Transfers came adn gone, me and Howarth are still the same! Having fun. Zone Conference is tomorrow. It's fun

Hna Baker

San Diego #19 11/10/08

Bueno; Mi familia:

Well another transfer gone by! I'm still in Spring Valley as a matter of fact, our whole distict stayed the same. For the Spanish sisters-well every companionship changed but ours, so the Baker, Howarth duo lives on still.

Next monday, the military couple-the Steinbaugh's are taking us sight-seeing and Liz Walker is going to go with us sometime too!

Let's see...What happened this week...Well we figured out the secret of tracting! It's not successful...in finding too many Spanish people that are interested. We find refferals for the English elders a lot. BUT, whe you do it, the Savior's got your back. When we knock on doors, we get refferals like crazy! And when we don't knock on doors, nothing!

God is so good, he really is, take for instance Adriana-She is a refferal-Supeer (SUPEER!? HA HA, SHE MEANS SUPER) good! She's looking, and likes what we're teaching her. She came to the Charla Foganera (I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS IS...SOUNDS LIKE A MIX-N-MINGLE TO ME Ü) last night and loved it! And Julietta and her both ALWAYS read more than what we give them!

Check out the Conference edition of Ensign. Page 82. Sis. Kruger . She served English Spring Valley Sister when she was here and on page 73, Sis. Perdomo (former comp.) singing.

So...oh, can you find and send me a picture of me with red hair...no one believes me because my hair has really gone blonde. Adrianna is really so good! So is Julietta.

K, i guess that's it

Send me pictures of Tysone

Love,
Hna. Baker

San Diego #18 11/3/08

Holy Cow, I can't believe it already november! That's so nuts, I don't even want to think about it! I still feel like I just got here! Well Family, time is flying!

I'm so glad to hear that Grant got a liver, what a miracle, and grandpa's miracle, there are miracles everywhere!

Well, I went to Chula Vista this week for exchanges, it was fun, I got to go visit the Saldaña family (Schallen and Howarth's recent converts) and I think I finally got the Le, Lo, and La's figured out in Spanish! Now that's a miracle!

Sounds like Ty was a big hit for Halloween! We went and helped Carlos and his wife (non-member) move. She thought it was so funny that I could reach things on the top shelves, so that was basically my job in the move was to get the tall things.

Benjamin Tafolla got baptized yesterday. It was so good, he run up and hugged all the missionaries after. The Tafolla's are a less active family in Lemon Grove. I worked with them a lot my first transfer, the they gave that area to E. Bonasta and they are doing so good now! Hna. Tafolla and I talked last night and she's so happy. It makes me happy to see that. Next step, temple.

Transfers are next week. Everyone thinks I'm going to Chula Vista, I have no idea, I want to stay and work in Spring Valley, but whatever. I'd like to try a companion for more than one transfer, just to see what its like, ya know...

OH! I forgot to tell ya, the culearacha's (IF ANYONE KNOW WHAT THAT IS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW...I'M RATHER CURIOUS) are getting bad! It's so grose! (MISSPELLED BY MY HERMANA)

I got my flu shot, but I'm fine. Everyone (but me) got sick after they got it, including my compania.

Bye,
Hna. Baker!

I'm guessing this is for Silvia...because it has her name... :)

Hola amiga mio!
Que Tal... Pues, Gracias por su "carta" y por la carta que llegara! usted es
tan tan buena Silvia. Ojala que todo este bien con usted y su bebe. Nicolas debe ser
grande verdad? Bueno, tengo que irme pero gracias por todo. Voy a esperar su carta, y
anuncio!

(como misionaros no podemos hablar en la forma tu. chistoso, pero voy a segir los
reglas...)

Con todo mi amor

-la hna. baker

San Diego #17 10/27/08

¡Bueno! ¡Familia Mio!

Pues...Usdeda han cancido la Schallen verdad? (WELL...YOU HAVE KNOWN THE TRUE SCHALLEN) Ella es tan tan buena, ella fue me primer compañera y me cae bien. (SHE IS JUST AS GOOD, SHE WAS MY FIRST COMPANION AND I LIKE HER) Deveras ya termina su mision y cuando ella regresaba por solamente y dias ella vinó conmigo y predicaba otra ves. (DEVERE AND ENDS ITS MISSION AND WHEN SHE RETURNED FOR ONLY DAYS AND SHE CAME WITH ME AND PREACHED ANOTHER LOOK~SORRY EVERYONE, I HAD TO USE A TRANSLATOR ON THIS ONE, AND I CAN'T READ HER HANDWRITING VERY WELL. WRITE A LETTER TO HER AND TELL HER TO WRITE A LITTLE NEATER FOR ME Ü) Ella es me ejempla perfecta (SHE'S THE PERFECT EXAMPLE)

So...exchanges are this thursday and friday, I get to go to Chula Vista. Yay! Hopefully, I'll get to see the Romero's. I'm excited. The last 2 exchanges, I've stayed here, so it will be fun for a change.

No investigators at church this week :( I really hate Satan. But Carlos came! A less active that I've worked with since the beginning of my mission! Huge miracle!

How's Grant? Grandpa? Grandmas? Wanna hear something funny?...When I first got here, I couldn't even sleep with one sheet on. Now...I've switched to my thicker sheets-2blankets and I sleep in sweats, and sometimes a jacket. Funny huh...

So we're teaching Julietta. She's super good, and Darlene (english) her nephew just got killed in a drive by last week.

Wanna hear something interesting?...I'm servingin the most wicked place in the entire world. Pres. Donaldson sadi the 12 and 1st Pres. are really watching California on the wickeness scale to judge the Second Coming. Interesting eh? He's got "ins" with the 12 and has told us all these cool secrets, stories, and docterine.

After November voting, They're goig to start all the truth restored campaining. So that will be fun. First they'll chang pass-along cards out and the next phase is Bus-Boards, the prime time TV commercials. Cool huh?!

Well...Tell everyone Happy Birthday (THIS IS JEN TELLING EVERYONE HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR STACIE~SO H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y!)

HNA Baker

Another Email!...i'll post her letters tomorrow!

McKay

Ok...
You're right, blogging isn't alowed, my sister (thanks Jen) takes care of all of it, I just check and send e-mails...We are a very obedient mission.
Yes I'm spanish, and you're lucky to be switched! Pres. Donaldson is switching a lot of people. We use spanish all the time, every day, but we are in the United States so we use english too :) "teach when you find, find when you teach" Actually we are the only sisters in our zone right now, so we do both english and spanish work.

I would suggest getting Spanish and English everything (with english you'll get stuff in the mtc that you need) and Spanish you could call pres. Donaldson or Sis. Donaldson to see if they give anything when you get swithed. I think they do but I'm not sure.

Get ready to work hard! BIG things are happening in the California San Diego Mission!

Here's another reply from my favorite Hermana!

Hey Mckay,

The San Diego Mission is the best in the entire world!! you are going to love it! Are
you english or spanish?

Anyway... If you have any questions feel free to ask away!

I am so excited for you!!

-HNA BAKER

San Diego #16 (10/20/08)

Hola Familia Mìo:
Okay....I'm not driving this transfer (sorta like a backup) So I'll get my eyes checked when I'm designated driver.
Tell dad to take lots of pictures, I want to hear how the hunt goes. Things are good, we're starting, well already started, tracting games. Every house that has a "yes on prop 8" sign we knock and play spanish house spot. -these are the signs: Christmas lights (all year around), a mop outside, lots of plants in pots outside, Mexican flags and virgin mary schrine. It's pretty gun. Last week we hit a gold mine! We knocked a street called Glenco and every single house was Spanish. Then we knocked on Parkbrookand good like 10 refferals for english and for the Tagalog elders!

Jenn's questions:
*HOW ARE YOU LIKING SAN DIEGO?* Yes, I like San Diego.
*HOW IS YOUR SPANISH COMING?* I'm learning Spanish.
*HOW DO YOU LIKE SERVING A MISSION?* I like being a missionary.
*WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MISSIONARY EXPERIENCE?* Cat jumping up my dress.
*HOW IS ROBERT DOING?* Robert is good, He was really excited for the tie! He said "thanks, this is so much better than my other one, thanks, tell your family thanks." He was super excited. He got the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday. He really is a special little kid. He got Rita (his mom) our old investigator to church too!
*HOW IS THE WEATHER?* The weather is okay, hot in the day (super hot) and cold at night 55-60 degrees. (but your body adjusts to the constant heat so 70-60 is cold) Yep-I'm a aCalifornia Girl.

We're actually bi-lingual Hermana's right now. They are short on sisters this transfer, so they took the english sisters out of our area (Sis. Richards) and well, people are requesting sisters...so we're it. So right now, we have a couple of English investigators too.
Sill working hard...that's about it. Glad to hear Ben's doing well with the seminary stuff. Pres. Donaldson says right after voting we're going hardcore on the new "truth restored" stuff. We are the ultimate "preach my gospel" mission president has expanded on so many tactics and ideas in PMG. It's Great!
That's all I have to say for now
Hna Baker

P.S. Jen-what happened to sending me quarters?

San Diego #15 (10/13/08)

So anyway...
Thanks for the package and letters. Robert will be excited to get the tie. Thanks for the cards, was that all of them? Grandma's letter talked about the Jazz game a lot. Sounded like she really liked it.
I didn't go to the eye doctor because they said the insurance wouldn't cover for eye care.
We had quite a week... Lots of weird experiences, but lots of miracles too. Maricarmen Saraì Rosales came to church! She's a less active that we just found...So great, shes only 22 but really stong, has a lot of light in her eyes. Francisco and Clara aren't getting baptized anymore...long story...he asked us to not come bakc...So whe are going to respect that...but we are going to flood their hous with members! I just got e-mail...I'll try to do the eye Dr. thing again.

That's all I have to say
love, Hna Panadora

Oh-I had to speak in sacrament meeting yesterday...yeah...afterwards a little girl came up to me and apoligized for falling asleep. (I didn't know she did, but sure made me feel good Ü) Put that on the blog eh? Ha! It was funny though

San Diego #14 (10/6/08)

¡Hola FAmilia mìo!

So here's the deal...I can't read street signs at night and everyone tells me I need to get glasses. So I made an appointment today but the lady didn't think the insurance covered it. So can you mail me some information that I need, because I have no idea.
Well, my new companion is Sis. Howarth from Sandy, Utah. She's great, we laugh all day! She's my sister (trained by Schallen) She'll die in February...We'll see if I kill her or someone else.
That's So good to hear about grandpa! How's Grant? Conference was really good this year. The 70 Edwardo Gavarnet, I actually met him in the MBC. Him and his wife (part of a training they have to do is sit through an MTC class) and he and his wife came into my class. He's super nice.
I'm not training...thank goodness! We actually got a suprise sister from the MTC adn she went with Sis. Hobbs.
In February, I'll be teh oldest. Crazy! so we've had some huge miracles this week! We actually got a date for Clara and FRANCISCO! Oct. 19! He's completly had a change of heart. And we found this less active girl, 22 years old. She's great, I've never seen someone less active with so much light in their eyes. Super Huge
Tuesday Oct. 1 was transfers. We dropped Sis. Olmstead off at teh Higuera's to go to the airport. Then it was me and Perdomo for part of the day. (I was the driver) We left an hour and a half early to go to transfers (normally it takes 20 min) to get a vacuum and do some paper work. Sis. Olmstead either gave wrong directions or we missed the exit. Long story short, I saw Sea-World (in the parking lot to turn around), was at the airport and point Loma. About 50-60 miles way in the wrong direction. But I got to see the ocean again. Sis. Perdomo video taped it all, so if you are in Salt Lake at the temple, ask for her and she'll show you the video.
We had a really good week. Tomorrow is Zone Conference. We'll learn more about being one of the few selected "truth restored" missions and some Hebrew.
Liz walker called me today and said she got the card...she thought it was very sweet. Thansk for sending it. Liz's mainy is so good. They help so many people. They take care of us, give work to people that need it. Super good family. I can't even explain it. I'm gunna take a nap.

Love: Hna Baker

Stacie emailed me this to put on her blog

i Muchisimas Gracias Silvia! Usted es tan tan buena. Y estaba pensando en usted el otra
dia...y no he recibido una carta de usted hmmm..... debe escribirme mi amor... Como Esta?
pues... La Queiro mucho Y Gracias por su comentario en mi blog.......

Spring Valley Pictures 2

San Diego #13

Hola Familia Bonita:

¿Qué tal? Bueno, este trazlado ya se fue. Qué rapido, verdad!Pues, mañana tengo que ir al officina y rocoger mi compañera nueva. Se llama la Hermana Howerth. (How are you? Well, this transfer already left. How fast, indeed! Well, tomorrow I have to go to the office and meet my new companion. Her name is Sister Howerth.) Schallen actually trained her, so we'll get along great from all the things she told me. Yesterday's baptisms were only 3. (oh, Sis. Howerth is my sister so you can add that to the story Ü) Robert got confirmed yesterday. So my first recent convert is the future prophet. Umm...I don't have a whole lot to say for this week, I'm just excited for transfers tomorrow.

I got to spend the day with Sis. Richards (from England) while my compies went to departure activities. It was fun. It was like working with Schallen again. She is the (was the english sister, she's getting transfered to La Mesa) English sister for Spring Valley. I was teaching her Spanish. I've served with her a few times. She's awesome.

Clara and Francisco didn't get baptized, but Robert did. I like the pictures you've drawn on the walls. Looks good. Tyson's getting big it looks like.

HNA Baker

San Diego #12

Hola Familia Mìo:
Tell Ben I say Happy B-day, I think I forgot to say last week. Okay...Robert got baptized yesterday! (The future prophet). Almost everything that could have gone wrong did. We ended up whiting out almost the whole program. I gave the closing prayer, and all the missionaries ended up singing (spur of the moment). Both speakers fell through, so E. Sherman and Bomsta spoke. So it went well...in the end. Robert loved it and we got a ton of investigators there and a ton of member presant lessons. Next week is "the waters of sweetwater". It's looking like there'll be 9 people getting baptized, mabye 10. (We'll have 2 or 3)

Since both my comps. leave this transfer, I'll still be in Spring Valley, unless they close it, (They won't) and in interviews, Pres. asked both me and Sis. Olmstead if I could handle training...hnnmmm...I just said I could step it up if it came down to it. So that just adds a little stress. It won't be this transfer because there aren't any Spanish sisters (or any sisters in general) coming.

Sis. Olmstead served with Sis. Lopez for her 2 transfers here. She's way nice, and Well Perdomo is a temple square sister so...

bye! HNA Baker

San Diego #11

Hola Famila Mìo:
Well- I thingk I told you last week about Robert (future prophet). Well this week we invitedhim to be baptized (he's only 12, but his mom is super supportive) He told us, "wow, don't you think that's a little fast, maybe in a month or so." (for the 21st) It was great because it just shows how he thinks things out and wants to do what is right. We told him to pray about it. We went over the next day to invite them to the Mexican Independance Party at the church and he says to us, "I aws wondering if it was still okay with you, becasue I've been praying a lot and I feel in myheart that this is what Heavenly Father wants me to do, so if it's okay with you all, can I get baptized on the 21th?"

Clara is going to get baptized on the 21st too. We're still working on her husband. Grisel came to church yesterday! Huge surpirse! Cesar (esposo y boyfriend) is being kinda a tard and to not fight with him, she just goes to church with him. (He only goes whey we invite her to ours, he doesn't love us very much). So Sunday, I kept feeling like we needed to go invite Grisel to church, so we go adn invite her, she says no probably not, she'll probably just go with Cesar. So we left it at that. Then in Relief Society, I was spacing off Ü while Sis. Perdomo was doing an announcement in front (my companion) and in th emiddle of it she's just bla bla bla Grisel! bla bla bla (She surprised us and cam waling in!) Cesar and Leo went out for the day, and she saidshe chose to come to church instead! It was awesome, I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs! I didn't though. There were so many miracles yesterday! It's crazy! I only wrote a couple!

I would write the rest but the sprirt constrains me so I must not. No just teasing. If ya want me to I'll tell ya but it's hard to describe things, expecially as we're driving down the freway! We're on our way to Coronto Island. Last transfer Schallen took me to go see the ocean when we went to Chula Vista for the day. It was so cool an Sis. Olmstead is taking me to the island to see the ships and boats because everyone thinks it's funny to watch me get excited (like with Christmas lights at home...)

I'll send pictures sometime (probably next week after baptisms)

Oh mom, this English Family, the Walkers are always so nice to me. They'll do anything for us. They always take care of me and check up on me. Would you write them a thank you card or something? Don't tell her I told you to, just say I'm very grateful for her and Mark.

So how is everything? Send more pictures. I like them. Thanks for the socks and pills.

Well, that's it I guess. I'll write again after I get the mail, but yeah, thanks for everything.

I just got the mail-wow-that's too bad about Grant. He's definately in my prayers.

San Diego #10

¡Hola Familia mìo!
Well, I'll start off by telling you about a little miracle. We found the future prophet. His name is Robert and he actually found us. We were getting some last minute contacts last night in a parking lot and he came up to us and asked if we were Mormons...(turns out hes has had lessons from Schallen and Marsh before) He gets on-line all the time, he reads the BOM, He know more than most of the Young Men in our ward! Oh yeah, he's only 12. We're going to start teaching him agains, so so so good! His mom wasn't really interested (yet). Karla está practieando con testigos (is practicing with the Jehovah's Witness') again! Blasted testigos (Jehovah's Witness')! She just wants to explore, she'll notice a difference though. It Rained!, the other day for like 15 minutes! We were inside studying but it was still nice. The companions are good (3-somes are tricky). Yep I got the package. Cathy said Christy is pregnant! We're going to be one of the "truth restored" missions. A lot of things are changing. Sounds like the ward campout was fun. I forgot to tell you, Karla's kids love the candy. I sent pictures of them in the trunk. I didn't get e-mails last week, so I just checked it and sent them out. Bye

HNA Baker

P.S. Karla's kids say "Gracias for las dulces y envie mas por favor" (Thanks for the candy and please send more) Karla's kids want you to send more candy Ü Just if you feel like it.

Also if you have time, could you send me soem church music...any gospel music-english or spanish. If not...not biggie, I make up my own songs anyways...

Do you put the pictures on the blog? They make it pleasing to look at? (FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE LOOKING FOR PICTURES...I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PUT THEM ON THE BLOG, BUT HAVE RAN INTO SOME TECHNICAL DIFFICUTIES...BUT I'M WORKING ON IT)

Stacie responded to some comments!!!

THanks Pam...miss ya too.

Silvia Silvia Silvia... I'm glad I can still give ya a chuckel...

Boyd- we get the funniest kids like that "mi mama no esta" and some kids that
first lie and when we are walking away bolt out of the door running at us and scream,
she's here she's here she's lying...MENTIROSA!! its really funny...

San Diego #9

Hey Fam,
Did you get the pictures I sent last week? Sounds like Jen has a secret admirer in the primary class. I read your letter and laughed for like 20 minutes. My companions thought it was funny too.
Well, We're still working hard!
Sister Olmstead is from Pleasant Grove and goes home at the end of this transfer. HNA Perdomo is from Colombia adn goes back to Temple square at the end of this transfer...So, i'll be in Spring Valley again next transfer. Yay! I drove last Saturday because we did splits-Sis Perdomo went with HNA Raminez, and Sister Olmstead wen to the temple and I went with Sis Busby. But someone had to be able to drive, so when we called President to see what he wanted us to do because Olmstead was going to the temple, he told Sis. Perdomo to give me the phone and he asked me to drive. It was funny because she REALLY wanted to. Made me laugh.
Jen have fun with school. Tyson is getting big.
Want to hear a funny story...turn this paper over (BECAUSE THIS IS A BLOG, IT WILL BE OKAY IF YOU JUST SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE FUNNY STORY)

(PRETEND THIS IS THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAPER)
So we were doing street contacting and I came across a testigo (Jehovoh's Witness). I am talking to her and give her a pass along card and she says "oh pues soy un testigo de Jehovah" (I'm a Jehovah's witness) So I say it's okay, God still loves you anyway...Just kidding. I didn't do that. I wanted to but didn't. Her is a real story.
So my mom, when I was born raised me and did a good job training me, then she died, so my aunt (Sis. Olmstead) came to take care of me. We picked up a stray from Temple Square along the way. I'm pretty sure my aunt is going to die, and whe she does I'm going to get rid of the stray!
I have no more to say
-HNA Panadora
-Herman
-HNA Baker

San Diego #8

Familia Mio (MY FAMILY)
¿Cómo están? Que Bueno. Todo esten bien aque pues...(ALL IS WELL HERE?? I'M GUESSING ON THIS ONE)I'm in a 'tri-panionship' now with Sister Olmstead and then an emergency transer sis. Perdano came over. She's actually a temple square missionary doing her time over here, so she's a little... Today we went to Liz Walker's place to wash the car, and she took us to In & Out Burger, she really takes care of me. She's an English lady that is friends with Schallen's family, but the watch out for me and make sure I've got food adn they give me directions all the time. It's funny to see how concerned they are about me since Schallen left. So my new Comps. Olmstead is from Plesant grove and goes home this transfer and HNA Perdomo is a temple square missionary born in Colombia raised in Florida. So...I'm in a tri-panionship. They both actually go home this transfer.
If you see Cecile, tell her I say hello.
So...I think just about everyone I know has gotten married now. Ü
Okay, I guess that's it.
Bye
HNA Panadora

SORRY!

HEY EVERYONE...
SORRY I HAVEN'T POSTED STACIE'S LETTERS FOR A WHILE...SCHOOL HAS KEPT ME PRETTY BUSY! KEEP WRITING COMMENTS! SHE LOVES TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE!

San Diego #7

¡Hola!
So transfers are tomorrow, Schallen, well, I killed her, she's headin' home to the ranch in Montana. It's a bummer because we are always having a blast, and we work hard. She took good care of me.
My new companion is HNA Olmstead. I'll tell ya about her when I meet here.
Okay so what's going on, some granola (YES SHE WROTE GRANOLA???) told me we are at war with Russia? (FOR ALL OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW...NO, WE'RE NOT AT WAR WITH RUSSIA. Ü)
Okay, what else...tell Bri happy birthday this month.
I'm staying here in Spring Valley, and am expected to be able to run the area...Ü Okay, so Griselle amazes me everyday. She wants to learn. She wants to be baptised, the only problem is Cesar isn't interested right now, and they have to get married. But she is so close!
Karla and David are progressing. I taught Karla my very first day here, she was doing great but then took a dive, that's when David moved in. We thought we'd lost her her, but we went to her trailer one day and she had done a complete 180. She even makes David read the LDM (LDM MEANS EL LIBRO DE MORMON...THE BOOK OF MORMON). The only thing holding them back is marriage. She has come from being against marriage to not believing in it to Sometime in Feb. to get married. So, she's come a long way, but still working on that.
All the little kids say thanks for the "Greenie" candy. That's how we got Karla's kids to stop lying to us. Everyime we'd pull up to the trailer, her kids would bold out before we'd even get out of the car and say "Me mamì no esta" (MY MOM'S NOT HERE) But the candy changed that.
This area is about to explode with baptisms.
So Griselle...the English Sisters found her walking down the street and gave us the referral. She said she never walks anywhere, but that day she needed a key made, and her car broke down. So...the sisters fund her. We taught her Lesson 1, and she loved it and wanted to learn more. So we left her a pamphlet and set an appointment. The next day we go and she's there waiting for us, we teach Lesson 3 and when we're teaching repentance, she started crying. We taught baptism and she wanted to be baptised. She told us she's been waiting for this message. She prayed for the very fist time. We get daily contact withe her and she loves it. Se waits for US to come. She's had a hard life and continues to amaze me everyday. She had to get married to Cesar to be able to get baptized. They've been together for 10 years already. When we went over with Alisha Romero the other day(A 17 year old rock star. She was baptized 1 year ago w/her family and is a huge asset to missionary work). We found out Cesar didn't want to get married and she told him to move out. We are still trying to help them just work it out, but Griselles is really trying to be good, she wants to do what's right. She already quit smoking and drinking. She's just so good!
Karla is amazing; when we taught the Word of Wisdom while on exchanges w/sis. Hobbs, Karla just gave us her coffee-all that she had in the house. I wrapped it up in green tissue paper and gave it to Schallen when she came back. (exchanges were just for a day)
-Okay have fun!,
La Panadora

P.S. Hi Tricia-Thanks for your picture! I really like it!
P.S. Tell Katie Pluim congrats on her call.

CARMA!!!

Carma!!
GOOD LUCK ON THE HUNT!
you'll find a job in no time with your "MAD SKILLS" :)
Tell everyone I say Hi

-La panadora

San Diego #6

Hola Famila-
Well it's P-day again! Working hard! And seeing lots of miracles! Karla and David are so close to baptism. We had exchanges, so on friday Sis. Hobbs and I taught the Palabra de Sabiduria (WORD OF WISDOM), and Karla willingly gave me her coffee! The only thing that is holding them back is they don't believe in marriage. But it's happened before, we're going to see it happen again. Same with Griselle y (AND) Cesar. For Griselle to get baptised she's got to marry him. But it will happen! Patty and her family (from Lima), are starting to progress again. So lots adn lost of Milagos (MIRACLES!)
Oh man, I won the award for biggest blow. I jumped out of the car the other day to contact this couple walking down the sidewalk, the wife was really nice, She's like "We already have this movie (Lamb of God)" So I'm talking to her about it, It's all going really well, then the husband was like..."What church are you from?" So I tell him, and he's like "Oh Mormons, huh, well...Have a good life." With this attitude adn look like he was clawing my face off. So everyone says I win the award.
Ok-Thanks for the package and thanks for the pictures. Wow. Ty is really blonde. Tell Bri Happy B-Day this month sometime.
Jen if people want to email me, they can leave a comment on my blog, Then I'll email you to post on the blog, or they can write letters, I always write back!
HNA Baker

San Diego #5

¡La Familia Baker!
¿Comó están Mì Familia Bonita?(HOW ARE YOU MY PRETTY FAMILY?) Estoy muy buien. (I AM WELL) Enseñamos a mucho gente.(WE TEACH A LOT OF PEOPLE) El otro dia, tuvimos 100 contactos! (THE OTHER DAY WE HAD A 100 CONTACTS) Okay, so a couple days ago, we did a 100 contact day so that was fun, we went to yard sells (NOT SALES, SELLS Ü)a few different stores and we chased down every person we could see. It was so fun. Then we taught Griselle a 3rd and committed her to baptism. Her story is amazing, I don't know if i wrote it before or not. So if anyone hasn't heard it say and I'll tell ya.
Reyna's doing better, Eladio left and went down there to meet her in Acapulco. They were excited to find the church down there. We have Sister exchanges (only for Spanish because the English sisters lost this privilege) I'm staying here, Schallen is going to El Cahone and Sister Hobbs is coming to Springvalley to be with me. that's Friday.
We're going to try to get a commitment from the Mendez or unfortunately we'll have to drop them. They are a good little family though.
I go to the Dr. today and when I get mail I might right again later, depending on what you write.
Well ya didn't write much! so bye!
~HNA Baker~

Email August 11

SILVIA: IF YOU THINK THAT WAS FUNNY... I STILL CAN'T STOP LAUGHING AT IT, AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF MORE FUNNY EXPERIENCES LIKE THAT (OR BECAUSE I TEND TO NOT USE MY BRAIN AT TIMES) BUT THERE ALL FUNNY.

LIKE THIS ONE TIME... I ALMOST GOT IN THE WRONG CAR PARKED ON THE STREET. WE HAD JUST GOT DONE AT A CREEPY GUY APPT. (WE HANDED HIM OFF TO THE ELDERS) AND WE WERE TALKING (ME AND MY COMP) AND I WALKED UP TO SOMEONE ELSES CAR (NO ONE WAS IN IT) OPENED THE DOOR AND ALMOST GOT IN.

YEAH, PLENTY MORE LIKE THAT

I got this as an email today 8/4/08

HEY JENN POST THIS ON MY BLOG!

Carma- that is so crazy that you're going down to where silvia's at. How fun! WHat are the odds of that! Have you heard what went on in the photo lab?

Silvia: MI AMIGITA!! Yeah send me a letter and some pictures! I want to see Nicolous and the new baby! when are you do? You and carma should go do lunch Since your going to be vecina's and all :)

Annette: its always fun to hear from you

THanks for the Comments everyone!!

San Diego #4

¡Hola Mi familia!
How was camping? Yeah, Yeah, I had fun too. We'll here's a funny story for ya...so we're visiting some less actives , and we were singing "Divina Luz" (DIVINE LIGHT) only the prettiest song ever. When (just me and my companion were singing) this crazy cat that was running around chasin bugs runs up to me and is just hanging out at my feet while we were singing. The next thing I know the cat has jumped up my skirt. Yeah, it jumped up my skirt and clung on (with its claws that have never been clipped) to the inside of my skirt. Needless to say, I had to stop singing becasue I was trying not to laugh. Very Funny! I can't stop lauging about it. This week has been full of experiences like that! We've taught some really good lessons , and had a lot of laughs too. Thanks for the package, we really like the giga pet. The CTR Ring fits great. Missionary mall sent me some clothes, and a letteer. I'll try to send pictures in an email today.

Ok, I guess that's all

Thanks bye,

HNA Baker

ON THE ENVELOPE: Jen-Just so you know-I have a picture of your swollen face on my desk. I look at it whenever I need a laugh. So does Schallen Ü

San Diego #3

¡Hola Familia!
¿Cómo les van? (HOW ARE YOU GUYS?)So I never got an email from Jen. What's the good news? Have fun camping.
So we keep really busy. Hna. Schallenberger is amazing. I don't know if i said this last week, but she was actually called English speaking. She is really amazing though. This is her last transfer. (She extended) So it will be weird without her.
Yesterday we were visiting a less active lady and when we were leaving we went and started talking to these 3 cute girls 2 little black sisters and a little Mexican. One of them had a Hannah Montana shirt on and sis. Shallen (she's done this before, it's funny)tells them she's Hannah Montana-They all jumped up and were all excited, then she's like "No, just kidding" So we get in the car to leave and we drove by they screamed-"We love Hannah Montana" and the did a dance. I'll try to remember to send the video next week on email, so we're like bustin' up laughing,we weren't expecting that.
OK so...I'm in the Sweetwater zine. Look for that or Bonita on the map. Not too far south of the big City. We went to the temple on Saturday. It was great, the old dude that drove us, wow, he drove like a maniac! It was scary ride. But I enjoyed it.
So Reyna, Eladio, and Gabriel are very recent converts, but they just found out that Reyna is very sick. She has anemia (right now, more water than blood running through her)So she had to go back to Mexico to get a transfusion Saturday morning. But they were Illegal, so now she can't come back. Eladio is fixing up and painting their apartment so he can go over there. But she has so much faith, her co-workers were over there one day when we were teaching, she was testifying like no other. They are all really scared. Then we told them they have the church down there too, and her face just lit up. They'll be okay.
Feel free so send brownies or treats when ever your little heart desires. I'll remember to send pictures this week.

Hna Baker

San Diego #2

¡Hola Familia! ¿Qué pasa?
So the airplane ride was fun and squishy. We were on a tiny plane and we were all packed in there pretty tight. Got to California, went with Pres. Donaldson to the temple. It is huge, very pretty. The humidity and constant warmth is weird to get used to, but I'm working on it. Then we went to meet our companions. My companion is Hna. Shallenberger, she's from close to Mazula, Montana. She was actually called English speaking, but Pres. Packer switched it when she got here, her first day.
From there we immediately started teaching. We met Karla Hernandez, she has 3 cute kids and doesn't live with her boyfriend. We taught her, then went to some other lessons and went to a park to talk to people. Then every time we saw someone on the road, we'd jerk the car over and chase after them. Hna. Shallenberger works hard. I love it.
We live close to the airport, so our apartment is loud (and by a fire station). The next day we taught Karla again and committed her to baptism. Cool huh? I have seen so many miracles here. I have met so many amazing people. The other day, we saw some people on the sidewalk, so we pulled the car over, I chased them down. He was a priest and an Iraq-ee (I THINK SHE MEANS IRAQI) refugee. I've meet (I THINK SHE MEANS MET) so many cool people and been completely blown off by others.
Oh tell Bish., that I had fish tacos the other day at a member's house.
Most white people here are jerks, from my experience. There are tons of testigos (WITNESSES) out too, passing out anti-Mormon pamphets (ANOTHER SPELLING ERROR BY STACIE), they always have umbrellas. (Jehovah Witnesses)
There are a lot of churches that all they practice is anit-Mormon Doctrine. Crazy huh? The other day, we were trying to track down a referral while we still had daylight, and were going up to a door when some big black dude hollers at us "Hey Sistas" runs over to us tries grabbing Hna. Shallen's have a prayer circle. It was so funny. We left right after that because it was getting dark. So yeah, I've had a lot of experiences like well sorta like that, but have seen milagro (MIRACLE) after milagro (MIRACLE).
Thanks for the anillo (CTR RING)
Our area is called Spring valley. We cover Bonita, Spring valley, Lemon Grove, Paradise Hills ?, and Encempton ?. Something like that. I don't know. I'm completely lost, I just go and do.

Hna. Baker

HELLO EVERYONE!

Just so you guys know, I fixed Stacie's blog so when you post a comment she can read it as an email. So feel free to comment on the blog!

San Diego #1

¡Hola mi familia amado!
Estoy en San Diego ahora. Yo he llamado en el télefono en el aeropuerto pero,hay no persona allì. Que triste. Pero esta bien. Entonces, el avion fue muy pequeño, pero he mirado del ventana. Tocé unas fotos a traveìs el ventana tambien. ¿Chistoso yo no? (Hello my beloved family! I am now in San Diego. I called on the phone in airport but there was no person there. That's sad. But it's good. Then the plane was very small, but I watched out window. And I took some pictures through the window. Do I not funny? SORRY IF THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE...I'M NOT SURE IF I'M RIGHT ON THESE ONES, BUT I USED A TRANSLATOR FOR SOME OF IT.)


Okay, so I'm in San Diego, I rode in an airplain (yes she did spell airplane wrong) IT wasn't big, I thought airplains were big. So Pres. Donaldson had me pray in Spanish, then he told me I'm teaching in Spanish tonight. ¿¡Qué Locó?! It's really hot and humid and I'm wearing a sweater for some brilliant reason. That's me though, very logical. Oh i couldn't get my luggage down to 50 pounds so I had to pay $150 to get it. Stupid huh? But yeah, I'm here and I've got a lot to do. I have to memorize 90 scriptures(English/Spanish) great huh?. I wish I could memorize it easier but I can't. -k- I'm going to go change my shirt.

I'm here and safe. I'll write on Monday.

-HNA Baker

Hermana Baker is in San Diego

Stacie called from the airport and left a message on the answering machine. She didn't bother to give us any details before she left on her flight information, so we didn't know when to be home if she were to call. But we do now have a message saved on the answering machine that we can play anytime to hear her voice! ☺ We also received an e-mail from President Donaldson that night. He said she had arrived safe and sound, and that her Spanish was excellent, and that she would be using it to teach that night. He also attached a couple photo's taken at the San Diego Temple. So no more letters to the MTC... Here's her new address:
Hermana Stacie Baker
California San Diego Mission
7404 Armstrong Place
San Diego, Ca. 92111-4912
Maybe Jenn can attach them for us-

Letter #11 3 de Julio 2008

¡Hola Famila!
Que Pasa? So I miss taking pictures so much that in gym last tuesday we played horseshoes then I took pictures. I didn't break any rules, but I didn get some pretty fun pics. I did get the clothes, thanks a ton and thanks for sending all that stuff to Calilfornia. By the time you get this, I'll be in California, so yeah, don't send me mail here.
(Jerdo- Sorry I forgot to write to you. I got your note pumpkin, Jen tells me you are abusing the authority I game you... Way to be! that's how it works best!)
I'm going to send a box of stuff that I don't need/want to take with me. You don't need to open it. Just put it in my room or something. So knee High's get ruined so fast! I don't even understand how. So if anyone feels a sudden urge to send knee high's randomly, go for it. :) Let me know how all dad & grandma's and grandpa'sDr. appt.'s are going. What is Berrets diseas? When does school start Jen?
Will the hot tub be fixed by the time I come home? Happy 4th of July tomorrow.
When I woke up this morning the hot air balloons were all over from BYU. It was way great. I'm excited for San Diego weather. It's starting to get pretty toasty down here. Well I don't really have much to say. HNA Baker

Letter #10 6-26-08

¡Hola!
So I sent Jen an e-mail about this cool new watch. Well I broke it. It said waterproof, so I didn't take it off in the shower & it filled up with water & is in the process of breaking, but the flipping awesome light still worked.
So we were pretty much 10 feet away from some Apostles. Elder Hales spoke at the Tuesday fireside & we walked past Elders: Holland, Scott, Christoferson, Hales, & Elder Perry (who is stinkin' tall!) on the sidewalk. All week the Elders in our zone have been stalking the G.A.'s. (General Authorities) They took some poparatzi photo's of the Prophet. Sounds like camping was "kick in the head" fun - chistoso- I'll send a note with stuff you could send to California for me, because my straightener broke. The Hermana's in our room moved back down the hall, so we're down to 3 again. (I like it better this way) My hair is getting so long. Elder Holland & athe other Apostles and all the mission Pres. were walking down the sidewalk after the devotional (cont' from before- sorry) I'm so scatterbrained) They were all waving & telling us they loved us. (it was cool to hear their voices without tv or microphone... they are real people) :) Then some Hermana Queseso (cheesy) burst into song. It was the cheesiest thing I've ever participated in. But is was way cool. I met my mission Pres. & his wife. They are way smart. Their son just got called to the same mission. Wierd huh! We'll be their first transfer. So he said we'll be the favorites. The Battalion Center will re-open when we are there & they are starting to build a visitor center at the Temple. I'm the only spanish HNA, the other 2 are english visitor center. They are going to be the first 2 ever. Also Elders are going too. So good stuff.
HNA Baker
On the envelope: Oh, I also saw Sis. Natalie Shaw. I see her often, it's fun to talk to her. Oh, I just got my flight plans too.
Stacie also sent about 10 pictures with this letters, but I don't know how to post them. (I think I do good when I can actually post a letter!) So I'll have Jenn do it when she comes home from camp, or Bri can when she comes over.

Letter #9

Hola Familia (HELLO FAMILY)-
¿Qué Pasa? (WHAT'S UP?) ¡Tengo about 2 semanas in el CCM! (I HAVE ABOUT 2 WEEKS LEFT IN THE MTC) ¡Estoy Animo!(I'M EXCITED) Things are good. We are all Spanish now...so I'm sorry for my English. But yo ir al San Diego-tengo que aprender Mexican y mas español. (BUT WHEN I GO TO SAN DIEGO-I HAVE TO LEARN MEXICAN AND MORE SPANISH) So we have 3 new Hermanas (SISTERS) in our room now, they aren't in our zone but whatever. One is from San Diego. Anyway...our room went from 3 to 6 and it's pretty crowded. But at least we all have the bottom bunks. Okay so we've been reading the missionary handbook, and it told us to be obedient...and iron our clothes...(which I haven't been doing because I hate it) So I woke up the next morning went into the hall to the iron, plug it in and turn it on. Start ironing, as soon as it touches my skirt smoke and stink...and a shiney new melted hole in my brown skirt...entonces (THEN)... I need a new brown skirt at least, because I can't even switch shoes now. Because all the rest are black and grey. Great huh? I think you said there was a sister missionary mall in Layton didn't you?...hint...thanks. gotta go.
Oh, I walked into a pole the other day. I saw it and everything. Just kept walking. it was pretty funny. I'll admit...
Thanks for all the packages...
-HMA Baker

*SPANISH TRANSLATION PROVIDED BY JEN*

Emails to Jen

Hey, Sounds like you had fun...and sounds like your face is pretty fat by the way
mom made it sound. I definatly have to see some pictures. I've been to the Manti pagent before, so I know what the temple looks like, I've always wanted to go down there, but never found the time to do it. So the roomies moved out, its just us 3 again in the room. I like it better this way. One of the other sisters kept waking me up with her snoring and one night she was yelling in her sleep. I was the only one that heard it apearantly but it was really loud. So I've got about a little less than 2 weeks left in utah. crazy... Oh, for our tuesday night fireside, we got to hear from Elder Hales. He spoke about the atonement. It was really cool, We skipped dinner to go wait in line, for an hour. But we got floor seats(honestly I would have rather sat in the lower part of the bleachers, I couldn't even see him.)Then when it was over we were just walking out the door to go back to class, when I looked up at the sidewalk and there's Elder Holland. It was really cool, we waved and he told us he loves us. Then right behind him was, Elder Christofferson, and Scott. Then all the 70s and Mission Presidents. So someone behind me cheasily started singing. So we sang (it was really cheesy!!) But yeah all in all at the fireside was (Elder: Hales, Perry, Holland, Scott, Christofferson) (Richard Hinkley, and a bunch of other neato people) So cool beans! Also There's some twins that
got here the same day that I did, THere both really nice, I just found out that they
played piano or something on the RM soundtrack. I think something like that So look for the name (CHATLIN) or maybe I spelled it wrong... Entonces (THEN)...Tonight is Hermana Miller (MI MAESTRO)'s (MY TEACHER'S) last day. Que Triste (That Sad)... She's going to Peru and Bolivia for a month. Yeppers... Anyway...I chuckled when you told me you got kicked in the face. It reminded me of when I was unzipping my tent to go out and go to the bathroom, and I heard that aweful noise(THE OWL) and zipped it back up. I miss camping already. We are right up in the mountains here, so when we go outside its really pretty. I think next time we have Gym outside, I'm going to take my camera and just take pictures. I really miss taking pictures...Anyways. I'll send some pictures in this letter.(the one in the Mail) Oh and post this on my blog because I don't remember who wrote it to me, But anyone that wants me to write to them, has to write to me. So yeah, you should post this on my blog... And also How many hits does it have... Because if its not bajillions,you don't even have to do it anymore. So let me know, and I'll tell ya if you should do it or not I guess... Anyway...Oh I got a cool new watch... I thought it was stupid at first, but then I was trying to turn the alarm off, and I pushed the wrong button and the light on it, changes colors. its really spiffy If I do say so myself. Yeah, Send me some more pictures of Tyson, only print them as real pictures, My eyes have gotten worse since I've been here and they just look too fuzzy for me. You can send them to maceys on a tuesday, I think they are still doing the 12 cent special every tuesday. So give it a good ol' school girl try...:) Que Chistoso! (That funny!)

ANNETTE: I thought it was just in our building that they name vaccumes, But its all of
the buildings...how funny is that!!

MIKEY: Que pasa Calabaza? Gracias por su comentario...


Oh and I've seen and talked to Natalie Shaw a few different times...Its fun!!

Bueno...(WELL)

Hasta Proximo Vez! (Until next time!)

Letter #8 6-12-08

Hello Fmaily-
¿comó estan? ¡estoy muy bien, muy felizWe are now an HSI District Hable su Idioma (Speack your language) that means my english is going to suffer. I'm just going to use that as my excuse Ü) I don't really know what to say. Things are good. Still learning tons. Teaching in spanish. The district says thanks for the brownies-they are celestial *(ANYONE WHO HAS EVER TASTED MY MOM'S BROWNIES KNOW THAT IT IS TRUE!!!) We have a 'progressive investigator'. It's just for pretend, but it's still fun. We teach her in English. My teacher's are awesome. Hermano Chandler is 23 and going to law school in the fall. Hermana Miller just turned 25. She's awesome. She's going to be a math teacher. My companions are awesome. Herman Harrell is 1 semester from graduating when she comes back. We decided we're going to come home and do service missions and travel. HMA Gormley is fun. She always makes me laughl El Fin (THE END)

-HMA Baker

Letter #7-06/07/08

Hola Familia,
(Here's my question-Is everyone in your district spanish speaking or is a bunch of missionaries just randomly put together? Jen: In my district 3 of us are going to San Diego. 1-Argentina 1-(well it was 2 but one went home)Dominican Republic 2-Chicago 1-Penn Harrisburg. All spanish speaking. So we're going all over, but were all spanish, I just assume than they put a lot of prayer into deciding districts. We had a new 0 com sit in for a 1/2 hora de la clase (1/2 hour of class) today. Y (And) we are in todo español(all spanish). now, so lo siento(i'm sorry), but my letters will get worse.
Oh! Happy Birthdays Dad and Jen and Happy Father's Day sometime this month too. With Emails: don't email me. i only get 1/2 hour on thursday to email. you can send 'dear elders' as much as you want pero (flaw/defect) i'll just send one if i forgot to write something in my letter. Dear Elders come every day. So that's the best way if you want me to know something quick. Thanks for the gailletas (cookies)! Fueron muy delisiosa (They were very delicious).
Anyway...Things are great. Yesterday in class w/hermana Miller a new 70, his wife , a boss for BYU employee thing, and a member from the MTC presidenct sat infor a 1/2 hour porque (because) it's manditory for new 70's, but it was weird. We are completly spanish now. Even teaching in spanish. It is so much fun! Me Gusta Mucho (I like it alot) For service every saturday morning (6:30) we start and go clean toilet! I like that much more than spanish Ü just kidding it's really grose (spelling error by Stacie) I think it's really funny, all the vaccuums here have names. It's funny. I don't really know what else to say

-Hermana Baker

Letter #6 May 29th, 2008

La Familia Baker,
Hey Madre - Can you write to the Sister Missionary Mall and tell them their clothes are all crappy? I've had to sew tons of buttons back on & now the dress shop is having to fix my zipper on a skirt. Hermana Harrel said she had a fireside from the dude that owns it, & weh they get letters they sometimes get them free clothes. ¿so will you give that a try por favor? This week has rocked! Last Monday we were in the RC center doing inbound calls & chats. We got this chat from a girl named April. We started talking about the Ley de chastity turned it into the restoration & prophet then to Christ. She ordered a BOM & we set an appointment to talk to her again on Monday! So Hermana Harrell & Gormley & I have a real live investigator! On Sunday Fox RX Julie B Beck talked (General RS Pres) & Tureday it was Sis Dibb
(2nd counselor in Gen YW) Also Pres. Monson's daughter cool hun! Elder Butler went home. I don't know if I told you that yet. Then Elder SEcrist left for the Dominican Republic this morning. Jen: Dad asked me if you guys could send me pictures. So I said yes, just send whatever you want. Hey could you send some more brownies some time. We (Hermanas) ate them all before I could share w/the district. ¡Grasias! We teach in the TRC & TEC a ton. It's fun. I got all the pills, thanks a bunch! Send pictures of Tyson sheking hands. That is so funny. I'll send pictures in e-mail probably tonight so you'll get them before you get this letter. Tricia Powell writes to me. She's cute. Jen your talk was good. Pretty full of Doctrine & looks like it lasted maybe 35 segundos. Tell everyone I say Hi. Not this week, but nest we start teachingthe full lessons in español, Todos en español: Y entones vamos a hablar todos español en la clàse! si i no chiste! ¿ies loco verdad!? Hermana Baker Grasias por sus cartas

*The spanish doesn't make sense to me so we just guess...

Fifth Letter - 25 de Mayo 2008

Family,
Okay, losiento now that my brain has settled down a bit. I called the DR. office. He is changing my dosage again. They said they would call you & talk to you. Thanks for all the packages. My companions agree that those are the best brownies in the world. Tell Ben & Bri that I did write them. So if they want their own letters, they have to write to me. This week has been crazy. Elder Butler decided that he wanted to go home on Friday morning. Just out of the blue. No one not even his companion Elder Secrist suspected anything. So Friday we were all really bummed. I'll try to remember to send pictures this Thursday on P-day. I've taken quite a few. We get a new service assignment on Saturday. (Yay no more toilets!) Wanna hear something funny, all the vacuums are named. I ususlly use Lucy. She's the best. I've met a couple people going to SD English speaking. They are kinda weird. Oh I found out why I'm not supposed to wear green. It's border patrol! Funny huh! Hey if you can find out which mission Zach Robbins is in, E. Myers is going to Harrisburg Spanish & find out when Natalie Shaw comes in. That would be great. Thanks for the 100mcg pills. They came just in time. & there will be a new dosage from the Dr. now. Thanks for the song book in Español. We got our diploma when we gave them our gowns back they they mailed the graduation certificats I think. (Sorry... random... Jen's Grad.) You might want to check in Mr. Myers office just in case... You should send me pictures of Tyson every once in a while. (or any kind of picture doesn't really only have to be Tyson.) We learned a new word "lastima" it is kinda like crap or darn or that's too bad. We say it all the time, it's fun. I really have to concentrate hard to write in English. But Entonces, things are good still learning lots. I'm really tired all day long, well I gotta go, I've got a couple letters to write then study the 2nd some more...
Hermana Baker
Oh - Julie B. Beck spoke in RS Meeting. (General RS Pres. Cool Huh)

Fourth Letter - 5 -22 - 08

¡Gracias Por sus carias! ¡i y por las duices! Esos semana has been bueno. Nosotros jugames Horseshoes en gym mucho. es muy divertido!
Elder Kingsford (going to San Diego) lo siento reminds me of a mixture of Geoff from Maceys + David Penrod. He's got OCD and uses it as an excuse for everything. My teachers rocl Hermana Miller + Hermano Chandler both super smart. My companions are Hermana Howell (Chicago South) and Hermana Gormley ( Argentina Yesario) They're both really cool. Gormley's dad owns Zeppa hats. (Huge college + sports teams hat co.) We didn't get Hermana's on Wednesday. Just Elders (12) All 70+ elders waiting for their visaa from Mexico have been sent out. Some to Ogden (Woodmansee) So. SLC + Provo, places like that til they get their visas. The list keeps backing up too. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just say because I don't really know what I tell you about in my letters. It rained here so much here the last few days! ¡loco! Nos Vemos Hermana Baker

Third Letter - written 5-15-08

Familia-
Como LE VA Mi Familia?
So I'm doing laundry right now and we have time to write. Grasias par sus Cartas. Who won American Idol? How are the Jazz doing? I counted my pills this morning and I only have 9 left, which isn't enough to get me to the first of June. So we went and got my blood drawn today. Soo call the Dr. when you get this and get my prescription and send it ASAP. I don't know what I told you in my last letter but I have 2 companeras now. They are both really cool and my district is the best!! We went to the Temple today and we fasted for Pres Dickerson and for the missionaries to get their visas. Apparently there is a dude in Mexico that is over visas and doesn't like Mormons so there are over 70 missionaries stuck here waiting for their visas. Crazy huh. We get new missionaries here next wednesday so that will be fun. WE also have a challenge from our branch presidentto invite 20 people to be baptised a week. (yes even though they are missionaries.) and 3 times a day testify in spanish, that oneis from Hermana Miller. So far we are all doing great. Please send the sruff in the last letter that I asked for ASAP. Muchas Grasias. Thanks for the letter dad, that meant a lot. I am in class from 7 am - 9 pm. pretty much, even in gym. I help the other Hermanas con espanol. We thught the first lesson in english a couple days ago, it was cool. We also did door contacts in spanish, our first lady was a native, and she flew right past with the language first, but then all the sudden I just started blabbing, I can barely even remember what I said! It was so cool. After the hermanas were like, how could you understand her and how did you talk do fast? and honestly I had no idea it was cool. umm, yes dad, you can send as many pictures as you want and I'll try to send some maybe later tonight or on next Thursday. Things are great! I really love it hear! My district Rocks! They stand everytime we come in the lunch room or leave. They are funny and the zone has a game where they hide spoons in the elders pockets then in class they'll reach and pull out a spoon. It's funny. Well I gotta go. Hasta luego! Hermana Baker

May 15, 2008

Ben, Bri and ty
Thanks Ben, so so much for your letter! It came at the perfect time, and it has helped so much! I defiantly wish everyone could experience at least the fist week of the MTC. You definitely have to be ready to be here, to learn, to change... But I love it here! The teachers are great, everyone is always so happy. I have already learned so much! My district is really close, were all like family! Que Bueno! I'll send some pictures sometime, I don't know when but I will. We really focus hard core on like two things. Gospel and Spanish. We went to the temple today, it was really neat. I've started to get up a half hour earlier at 5:30 to study a little more 3 or so days a week and it's really helped a lot. We were doing the TRC the other day and contacting in spanish. We got this native lady who I could hardly understand what she said, but then I started talking and I don't even remember what I said.. My companions said I talked so fast they couldn't even understand me, but the native lady did! It was so cool. We've done the RC and the TEC too. We teach the first lesson in English two times the the 2nd lesson in English two times then we do Spanish first and 2nd two times each. Its kinda scary but I gotta get over it. It's weird trying to pretend to teach investigators when you know they are teachers and members and probably know more than you do.
I just looked at my arms and apparently walking to the temple this morning I got sunburned.
okay I gotta go! Thanks again!
Hermana Baker

Letter #2

¡Hola Familia! ¿Comó le va?

Things are great. I'm learning a lot. They really keep us busy. Every 15 minutes is scheduled. But its good. By the second day, I was dreaming and praying in Spanish. I'm even having a hard time writing "en" (means in, in Spanish for all of you who don't know Spanish) English. I am learning tons every second. I really like it here.

I started out with "uno compaÑera" (one companion) named Hermana Harrell, she's really cool. My Hermanas in the district were Hermana Gourmley and Hermana Tillotson. Both awesome. On the third day Hermana Tillotson got transferred to another district because she is more advanced in Spanish than she thought. So she got tore away like in those reality shows, it was really sad. So now we are 3. It's really Fun.

My district is the best! There are 2 elders going to my missión. Kunsler and Kinsford. We'll fly out together I think. We 3 are the only Hermans in the zone and first "en" 5 weeks. So everyone was glad to have us.

Bish. and Julie sent me cookies, we will eat them today, haven't had a chance to yet and I got them on Thursday. Went RC (referral Center) yesterday and did out bound calls. It was scary at first, but then on one I called answered their phones, it wasn't bad. Ü

The elders in 20B distríto are so funny. They and they (she wrote that mistake not me) got the whole zone to stand up anytime an Hermana comes to sit down or gets up to leave at any meal and in all the meetings.

How's being an only child Jen? How are things, doing anything fun, o ve telévision mucho (or watch a lot of t.v.)?

Oh-I'm the coordinating sister, so I'm in charge of a whole 2 sisters. Funy (another mistake by Stacie) huh? We all get a long really well, so there are no problemas (I'm sure you can figure out this Spanish word...if not...it's problems)

My teachers are incredible. Hermana Miller is awesome! and Hermano Chandler is great too.

On our zones tradisión (tradition) for sacrament meeting is to randomly call 2 personas (people) from the zone to speak on a topic given in the week. so we have to prepare a 5 min. talk in advance. Not bad though only like 20 people.

-Hermana Baker

¡Gracias por todas!

THE SPANISH TRANSLATION WAS DONE BY JEN Ü

We Got Our First Letter Today!!!

Hola Mi Familia!
They are having us write letters to you while we are waiting for interviews. They keep us so busy! I have barely even thought about you (How does that make ya feel?) :) Just kidding. There are 2 elders in my district going to my same mission. They seem nice.

My companion is Hermana Harrel from Orem. She is really nice. She's going to Chicago South, Spanish speaking.

I'm doing good, I have had a few moments where I'm not very overwhelmed. But for the most part, I've got a lot to learn. I really like it here, and am excited to learn Spanish.

There are 4 Hermanas in my room. One from South Carolina and Colorado the other. Both going to Argentina.

Gotta go! Adios!

Hermana Baker

(on the envelope) P.S. Sorry so scatter brained :)

MTC May 7, 2008

Well... Stacie entered the MTC today, May 7th at about 12:30 P.M. after the heart wrenching "pep talk" meeting they have. Elders and Sisters out one door with huge smiles-- and crying families out the other. The Baker family survived the MTC with many tears. Okay, I admit it, I bawled the most. While everyone was crying and hugging Stacie goodbye, I looked at Tyson and he was smiling and clapping! And if anyone wants to know- it's not any easier the second time, and no, I still don't like the MTC much. *ü* We'd have posted our sad pictures, but we've all got used to Stacie taking all the pictures, and we forgot our cameras! So what ever pictures were taken are on Stacie's camera. She'll be there till July 8th.
Here's the address for Stacie at the MTC.
Sister Stacie Elaine Baker
MTC Mailbox # 247
CA-SD 0708
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1763

My Talk

Our Savior and Redeemer
Stacie Baker April 27, 2008


I have chosen to speak to you today about Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ and the invitation he has given to all of us to come to him and be saved.

Before we were here on earth, we were all in Heaven, with our Heavenly Father, with our brother Jesus Christ, and with our families and friends. All of us here, and everyone that has ever set foot on this earth, made the decision in Heaven to leave our Heavenly homes to come to this earth and be tested. Knowing the only way to make it back into Heaven, to be with our loved ones again, is to get 100% on the test. We were given the gift of agency, which is our gift to choose and make decisions in our lives. Each of us is responsible for our own selves to make the right decisions.

But life is tough and we all have trials & Tests. We all have tough decisions to make that can determine our Heavenly state. To sin is to knowingly and willingly disobey God. Ya know, 10% of all your income can be a lot of money, and its not your fault the cashier gave you too much change, after all you did wait in that long –seemingly endless- line. It’s not a big deal if you copy an assignment, its not like it’s a test or anything. When it comes down to it, cheating is cheating, lying is lying, and a sin is still a sin no matter what angle you try to view it from. In this game called life, you get one strike and you’re out. Whether you completely fail or you get 99.9% we simply aren’t good enough. To get back into Heaven you have to be perfect, and the only way is to let Christ Perfect us.

Our Heavenly Father knows us all so well, that he knew before we even left Heaven to come here, that we would screw up. He knew which sins we would commit, and when we would commit them. But he loves us all so much and wants all of us to come back to him, that he had another part to the plan. He sent his son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins. His purpose in life was to atone for our sins; for you see he is the only perfect being to live a perfect life. So he is the only one worthy enough to pay for our sins. I looked up the word “Christ” in the bible dictionary; I’d like to read to you what it says: “…”
He wrought the perfect atonement for all mankind by the shedding of his blood. He lived his life and experienced death, for us. The act of the atonement has already been done. We need to do our part and repent, so that our loving brother didn’t suffer for nothing. He is our only way. After we have done all that we can do then he will take care of the rest. Only then can we be saved by his grace.


Christ himself has invited us to take part in the atonement and repent. He invites all of us to come to him and be saved. It’s that simple. Mathew 11:28 says “come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden. Luke 18:16 and Mark 10:14 say “suffer the little children to come unto me.” And in the first chapter of Mark 17th verse Jesus said come ye after me. These are just a few examples of the invitations Christ has given us. He wants us to repent, He wants us to come to him, He wants to save us! In the pre-existence he willingly and lovingly accepted his calling to be sacrificed on our behalf. He is our Advocate with the father. He is our savior, He is our only way. All he asks of us is that we appreciate his atonement by coming to him and repenting of all our sins.

He loves us so much that he died for us shouldn’t that make us want to sin less and to do better. There is an easy way to do this. Learn of him, Get to know him and come unto him.

What a better way to come to someone than to follow them. When I think of following Christ, I think of the many examples he set for us, as he lived his life. From the time of his birth, even until the time of the resurrection; he was showing us the path that would bring us eternal happiness. In his youth he was found teaching in the temple, he was constantly working miracles and serving others. He taught about faith, love and kindness. He taught with parables and visual examples, so that those he was teaching could understand. He wants us to understand, the blessings repentance can bring as well as the consequences that will come if we do not. He wants us to learn of him, to get to know him, so that when he comes again in the last days that we will recognize him, and know that he is our Savior.

I know without a doubt that this is Christ’s Gospel. That the work being done today is his work. The only way to feel of his eternal love for us is to repent constantly, and follow him. Brothers and Sisters he invites us to come to him. No matter what point we’re at in our lives, he is there, waiting and willing. He wants to help; he wants us to be happy. Don’t let his sacrifice of love go to waste. We need to forget our pride & Selfishness & Loose ourselves in his cause.
I know that President Monson, his counselors, and all that serve with them are true servants of God. And the messages they give today is what God wants us to hear; that it is doctrine, in these last days.
I know The Book of Mormon is the word of God & I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that he was fulfilling prophecy in the Bible.
I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve a mission and the experiences I’ve had in my life that have led me to this point. I’m grateful for my Savior & the wonderful opportunity we have to repent because of him. Brothers & Sisters, we have a personal invitation to come to know Christ. I urge you to read his scriptures, to pray to know him, and to come to him and repent. There is no greater blessing than this.


I humbly leave these words with you.
In the name of Jesus Christ
AMEN

I am Speaking on April 27th at 11:00 a.m. at the church on:

2123 N 2000 WFARR WEST , UT 84404

We are also having a little get-together afterwords at the West Wood Village Club House From 3-5 p.m.

1111 N 2000 WOgden, UT 84404

Hope to see you there!!

Hey all!

While I am gone, I don't want you to miss me too much. So I'm going to have either my Mom, my Sister, or my Sister-in-Law, Post my letters, e-mails and pictures up here!

I leave for the MTC on May 7th of 2008 and will be back in October ish of 2009 ish (If I figured it out right) :)

To write to me here is the address:



Thanks All!!

-STACIE