A Baptism and Kangaroos! - Melbourne Missionary Moments - 7/21/13

What a great week it has been!! 

Kangaroos Anyone?

Monday afternoon Sister Gonzales, Sister Trego, Sister Roberts and I went to see KANGAROOS! It was so fun! We went to a place called Cardinia Reservoir Park. About 4:00 pm heaps of kangaroos started coming out of the bush. They are such cool animals. I was able to get within about 10 feet of them and we took lots of pictures. We even saw one with a joey in its pouch!

Look at the cute joey

On Wednesday night we had another lesson with an investigator. He is slowly learning more and progressing but at the same time it's really hard. He can't accept the fact that he might be wrong about something so it's hard to know how to help him. He's been meeting with missionaries for almost a year now. We are really praying for him to know what the next step with him is. Yesterday in Ward Council they decided we will all have a fast for him next week that he will have a change of heart and a miracle will happen. 

On Thursday we had interviews with President and Sister Maxwell as well as some training from the APs. President and Sister Maxwell are so amazing. They care so much about all of us as missionaries. It's like having a set of foster parents out here. The APs did some awesome training about working more with the members. We are doing a lot more to get the members involved in the work, especially after the leadership broadcast. Our mission goal for this quarter is 163 baptisms. Our motto is "Members are the Key 163." Unless the members help the missionaries, our success is limited. As missionaries and members work together as a team the success doubles. Our ward is really doing a lot to step up and assist us more in the work. We went to Ward Council on Sunday morning and everyone was so helpful and encouraging. It is so wonderful to have support and help from the ward members. In Texas we didn't really have that and it made things really hard (especially since we weren't allowed to tract there).

This weekend we had four laurels from another stake staying with us for their mini-missionary weekend. Sister G and I had two other sisters with us. They were awesome. They had a go get 'em attitude and worked really hard. We were able to go on splits on Saturday all day with them and we got so much work done. It was great!

Yesterday was the best day of my mission so far because NAOMI GOT BAPTIZED!! Her baptism was last night and it was beautiful. She looked so happy. We had a lot of support from the ward at the baptism too which was so awesome. She is a completely different person than when I met her 16 days ago. The first night when we were in her home I saw a sadness and emptiness in her eyes that broke my heart. But now if you look into her eyes there is such a peace, hope and happiness there. She was truly prepared by the Lord. I never thought someone could be ready for baptism so quickly but she truly was. Every lesson, every commitment we gave her, she just drank everything in. She is amazing. It was such a wonderful night. Her sons came to her baptism and I know that they felt the spirit. I am praying that they will have their hearts softened and have a desire to know more of the gospel and follow their mom's example.

One thing I have been really working on this week is having patience, especially with myself. There's a quote by Sis. Holland that I have been really focusing on in which she said, "Have the courage to be imperfect while striving for perfection." I'm not perfect and I have been beating myself up lately for little mistakes. I think I expect more out of myself than anyone else does sometimes. So I have been focusing on having patience with myself and letting my imperfections become a catalyst for growth and change instead of becoming a roadblock.

It sounds like it's been Hotter than Hot there. Everyone keeps telling me summer here will be really hot but we will see.

Phillip [Lauren’s brother who just left for the Lima, Peru MTC on Wednesday] - Remember that serving others will help you in all aspects of the work. I know that even if you don't know completely what to say, rely on what you do know and the Holy Ghost will be able to speak through you and touch the hearts of the people. I hope you are loving being a missionary.

Well, I think that's about it for this week. I love you all and pray for you every day.

Love y'all HEAPS!

Sister Baker

...attitude is everything - Melbourne Missionary Moments - 7/15/13

I know I say this every week but I can't believe it's already been another week. And I can't believe that Phillip [Lauren’s brother going to Peru on his mission] is leaving this week! Holy moly does time fly!

This week was SO good. I told you about the sister we are teaching last week and let me tell you, she is GOLDEN! I honestly feel like I'm watching a movie as we teach her. Each time we're there I keep thinking, "I can't believe this is happening. This is like the stories in PMG. This doesn't happen to normal people." We had a lesson with her on Tuesday night and a sister from the ward came with us. Right before we went in to the lesson we said a prayer in the car and asked specifically in it that her sons would come in and join us for the lesson. As we went in and sat down the sons were no place to be found but after a few minutes they both came in and sat down with us. It was a wonderful lesson and the spirit was so strong. We committed the sons to baptism and they both said that they would pray about it. We taught her again on Thursday with the sister from the ward and it was another wonderful lesson. Her sons didn't join us which was a little disappointing but that's okay. I really feel like they will come around as they watch their mom get baptized. As we taught her the plan of salvation she kept talking about how her life has so much more purpose and meaning to it than before she met us. As I looked at her I could see such a light in her eyes that wasn't there when we first met her. Her entire outlook on life has done a 180 since we met her. It's truly amazing to see this change taking place in her.

We stopped by to see her again on Saturday and we were able to just encourage her. We told her about how opposition always seems to come when you are preparing for baptism and we encouraged her to stay strong and to pray harder than ever. She was so positive and listening to her brought tears to my eyes. She told us, "I don't care what challenges come my way because I'm stronger and happier than I have ever been. You've helped me have hope in my life and helped me to have a sense of purpose. I know that a lot of people probably slam the door in your faces or want nothing to do with you but I want you to know that what you're doing is worth it. You're changing my life and it means the world to me." And she's right, a mission is a lot of hard work and we get rejected A LOT. It would be really easy to just give up and throw the towel in but that isn't what I signed up for. And meeting someone like this sister has made it all completely worth it. 

We taught our family on Saturday night and they are doing awesome! We made all of the plans for their son’s baptism and they have invited all of their family and everything. They have changed so much in the time that I have known them and I love seeing it. The son is going to be baptized on the 27th of this month and I can't wait.

On Sunday another investigator came to church and also our sister and one of her sons. Sister Gonzales and I were asked to speak in sacrament meeting. They assigned her to speak about baptism and me to speak about the Holy Ghost and then our assistant ward mission leader spoke about the importance of church and the sacrament. It was a perfect thing for her to hear. She loved meeting everyone at church and her son really enjoyed church as well. Our other investigator disappeared right after church so we weren't able to talk to him much but he sent us an SMS message saying that he had a revelation at church and that he wants to talk to us about it next time we meet with him. We are praying that he is having a break through. We are still working with him and he is making progress but it is very slow progress. 

We haven't been able to see our other investigator at all this week. He has some concerns and differences that he doesn't want to change. He keeps telling us that he is busy but I think that he is trying to nicely drop us. We are praying that something will work out for him.

We finalized plans for our sister’s baptism yesterday. She will be getting baptized on Sunday at 6:00 (just 16 days from when we met her.) I have no doubt that this baptism is going to happen. She is so prepared and she knows that truth for herself. It's been such a blessing to meet her. 

Phillip- I'm not sure where to even start. I'm so excited for you. Being a missionary is the best thing in the world. I wouldn't trade the experiences that I'm having for anything. As a missionary you are blessed so much. Heavenly Father truly loves his missionaries. I'm not sure what advice to give you but here are a few things I've learned. First of all, attitude is everything. If you have a positive attitude you will be happier and be more successful. Don't get discouraged because discouragement drives away the spirit. When you feel weak or homesick or inadequate (and trust me those feelings will come) turn to your Heavenly Father in prayer and let him strengthen you. Love your companion. Even if you don't agree or you feel like you couldn't possibly be more different, just love your companion. If you feel like you are struggling to love them, again turn to Heavenly Father. I've learned on my mission that Heavenly Father really can turn our weaknesses into strengths like it says in Ether 12:27. Be exactly obedient with a willing heart. Obedience brings blessings but exact obedience brings miracles. Don't waste a moment. The time on a mission goes by so quickly. Take pictures, they are some of the best ways to preserve memories. I'm so excited for you to be a missionary with me. I know you are going to be amazing. I better get a good email from you every week!

I'm so grateful to be a missionary. Heavenly Father blesses me SO much. Any sacrifice I make to be a missionary is far outweighed by the blessings that come. I feel like I can say the same things as Ammon:

35- Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

36-Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land. 

37-Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people; whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

Alma 26:35-37

I love you all so much. Good luck at the airport on Wednesday. 

Love you HEAPS!

Sister Baker XoxO

Being Sick on the Mission is the WORST... - Melbourne Missionary Moments - 7/8/13

Our Flat

Man. What a week. This week was not the typical week of the mission.

Last Monday after P-Day we had dinner at the Maugers. They are such amazing people. I'm tellin ya, I feel so at home and so loved by them. It was just Sis. Mauger and their daughter there because Bro. Mauger was flying home but it was great to be there with them. Sis. Mauger is a wonderful cook so we're always excited when they sign up to feed us! By the time we were getting ready for bed Monday night I was starting to not feel very well. 

Our Study Room in our Flat

When I woke up Tuesday morning I felt SO sick. I had the biggest headache and it was making me feel nauseous and everything and I felt like my head was as big as a hot air balloon. Let me tell ya, being sick on the mission is the WORST. Another sister here was also sick (sicker than me) so they asked if I would just stay with her all day. So I was in the flat all day on Tuesday. I slept a LOT, I think my body was just exhausted. But I felt terrible about not being out and doing work. I also spent several hours reading the Book of Mormon. I almost have read the whole thing now since I've been out and I absolutely love it. I am learning so much EVERY time that I read. Since being a missionary I've really come to appreciate the Book of Mormon more and I realize that I've really taken it for granted most of my life. It truly is such a huge blessing to have it to read and study and it truly does help us to grow closer to Jesus Christ and understand his role as our Savior more. So yeah, I felt bad not being able to be out doing missionary work but it was probably a good thing though to let my body kind of re-coup and have time to get better. Tuesday was the only day that I felt really sick but since then I've had a bit of a cold but finally today I feel back to 100 percent.

Sister Baker with President & Sister Maxwell

On Thursday morning we had a meeting with President and Sister Maxwell to get to know them better. Let me tell you, they are incredible! President Maxwell is a gentle giant. He has such a great knowledge of the scriptures and has such a light about him. Sister Maxwell just feels like having a mother out here. She is really sweet and when you talk to her you can tell that she just really loves each of the missionaries. I told her about our relation [she is my mom’s second cousin] and she was excited about that.  Before we left the meeting my companion got really dizzy and almost passed out and felt like she was going to throw up. Our Zone Leaders gave her a blessing and then we went straight home. She was in a ton of pain from cramping and stuff so she just tried to sleep. She ended up sleeping for 5 hours straight. She had a fever and was really sick. So yet again, I had to sit in the flat all day. That is the worst as a missionary. I just wanted to be out working and teaching.

Friday we did a lot of tracting and were really focusing on finding more investigators. Unfortunately we weren't finding a lot of success and it was a bit discouraging. But I've learned that you can't afford to let yourself get discouraged on the mission. You just have to work harder and pray harder. Friday evening our appointment with an investigator fell through because he was sick (seriously so many people were sick this past week—lots of missionaries and members and investigators. Gross, germs everywhere!) Since our appointment fell through we weren't sure what we were going to do. We decided that we would go to visit a couple of people that live on a street that we had tracted a couple of weeks ago. They expressed mild interest when we were tracting so we decided to go follow up with them. After we parked the car we said a prayer before getting out and I asked Heavenly Father to please bless us to be able to teach a lesson and extend a baptismal invitation that night. The first two houses that we went to follow up with no one was home. We went to the last house and there were no lights on and I was about to not even knock on the door but I felt like we needed to because we didn't have other options. We knocked on the door and a woman answered. We explained that we had met her son a few weeks ago and she invited us right in. Her son wasn't home but she said that she would like to know more. As we sat and talked to her we found out that she had been having a really hard night and had been crying right before we got there. Her husband walked out about a year ago so she is a single mom of 3 teenage boys.  As we started to teach her she started to cry and told us "I feel like this is filling a hole in my heart that I didn't know existed." That's like an exact experience that is talked about in PMG so I was shocked to hear her say that. As we finished teaching the lesson and we invited her to be baptized she immediately accepted and now she is preparing for baptism at the end of this month. She was our miracle for this week. It was amazing to see how Heavenly Father answered our prayer of being able to invite someone to be baptized. I have no doubt that we were led there right when she needed us. She is so prepared. She came to a baptism on Saturday and she loved being in the chapel. We had left a Book of Mormon with her on Friday night and by Saturday morning at the baptism she had read the introduction, the testimonies and half of 1 Nephi! She wasn't able to come to church on Sunday because of a family commitment that she had told us about previously but I know that she will be able to come next week. I'm so excited to teach her again tomorrow. She is so prepared. 

We were also able to teach a family on Saturday. They are doing so well! Their son is really smart and is so excited for his baptism. I've watched as their entire family has changed. It's amazing how much going to church and reading your scriptures and praying does. They are like different people now from when I first met them. The son will be baptized on the 27th of this month and then our next goal is to get them to the temple to be sealed as a family!

Sunday our miracle contact from last week didn't come to church but we were able to teach him after church. We asked him why he didn't come to church and he told us that it is because he thinks that the sabbath is on Saturday and not Sunday. He also expressed some other concerns. He was upset that you have to have an interview before baptism and he doesn't want to necessarily join the church, he said he just wants to be baptized. We were able to address a lot of his concerns and help him to understand better. Right now he says that he doesn't want to commit to baptism in our church. It's hard because he has been SO prepared. Part of me just wanted to throw my hands up in the air and give up. But that's silly. Just because you run into road bumps doesn't mean you can't get over them and work through them. People are not going to accept every commitment and not have any concerns or questions before baptism. This is all just part of the process. I know that as we do all we can to help them and as they pray and really seek to know and understand, everything will work out. Of course there will be road bumps and detours, that's just part of the journey.

There was another mission president fireside last night and he came which was good. It was all about Jesus Christ and how he is the Shepherd and we are the sheep of his flock. He was really touched and before we left he was asking about President Maxwell and saying how he thinks President Maxwell is such a great man. Then he asked if we thought that President Maxwell could baptize him. I was shocked to hear him say that because after our lesson earlier I thought that he wasn't really thinking about baptism right now. I was so happy to hear him ask that. I told him absolutely!

We are still working with another investigator right now. He is slowly making progress and right now we are not sure what is the best thing to do for him next but we are praying hard and I know that Heavenly Father will help us.

We watched the worldwide leadership broadcast and OH MY GOODNESS! Amazing! I basically sat and cried through the entire thing. It was incredible. I want every single member of the entire church to watch it.

I love you all! Thank you for your love and support and prayers!

Love you Heaps!! 

Sister Baker

Miracles in Churchill Park - 7/1/13

Wow. I can't believe it's already July!! It's crazy to me, especially because it's cold here. Sounds like you guys have had hot as weather. (everyone in Australia adds "as" to everything: hot as, cold as, skinny as, long as, etc.) 

This past week has been SO good. I've really been trying to increase my faith so that we can see miracles happen here in Churchill Park. This week we received a miracle named Ryan.

On Thursday afternoon we had some appointments with some people who we had met on Tuesday and Wednesday who seemed really awesome and we thought that there was real potential with them. But every single appointment fell through. So we had several hours with nothing to do so we prayed to be led to those who have been prepared. We decided to go do some more tracting in another area of the ward. As we were driving there, I had the thought, "we should go to the library." It was nothing big, just a thought. But I've learned that is how the spirit often works for me. I don't have these huge AH-HA moments but just small simple thoughts. So I drove to the library instead. I'm SO grateful that I listened to that prompting. As we were walking into the library we saw this guy standing outside. At first I walked past him but I remembered that we had set a goal that morning to talk to EVERYONE so I turned around and started talking to him. I found out that his name is Ryan (he's 24) and that he had seen us before at the train station. He was super interested in our message and we set an appointment to meet with him on Friday. Then we went inside the library and this girl stopped us and asked what ward we were in. We assumed that she was a member so we asked what ward she was in. She told us that she had been going to church and meeting with the missionaries and preparing for baptism in another area but that she had moved down here and didn't know where the church was and hadn't heard anything from missionaries. We got her information and found out that she lives in our zone leaders' area so we were able to get her information to them and now she's getting baptized on the 27th of this month! 

On Friday we had our appointment with Ryan. The lesson went so well! We were still introducing ourselves and using the how to begin teaching points when I told him, "As you come to know these things for yourself you will have a desire to follow Jesus Christ and be baptized." He cut me off and said, "Yeah I want to get baptized, how do I do that?" That NEVER happens. It was amazing. He is so prepared. He is getting baptized on July 13th! He came with us to a baptism on Saturday and we were able to give him a church tour and teach him again before it started and then went with the YSA to their activity that night. Then he came to church yesterday and came to the mission president fireside last night. Usually it is like pulling teeth to get people to actually come to those things but he was more than willing. While we were in the church he kept saying, "This feels like home." It was so wonderful! I know that Heavenly Father has been preparing Ryan for a few years now and I know that we were led to him. 

Saturday the baptism that we went to with Ryan was for two sisters. The Elders in our ward have been teaching them but we have been interacting with them a lot too. They are from Zimbabwe and are so beautiful! The Elders asked if I would take them before the baptism and help them get changed and everything. Right before we left the bathroom the one sister just started to cry. She expressed so many feelings to me and I was so glad to be able to be there to listen to her and to calm her fears. We were able to say a prayer and the spirit was so strong. It was such a wonderful time to spend with her right before her baptism.

Last night was the mission president's fireside. They do firesides once a month for the missionaries to bring their recent converts and investigators to. President and Sister Lifferth were there as well as President and Sister Maxwell. It was a fantastic meeting. Afterwards we said our final goodbyes to the Lifferths and briefly met the Maxwells. There were definitely some tears shed. I am sad to see the Lifferths go. They are such wonderful people. But I'm also really excited to work with the Maxwells. They seem really nice and I know that it will be great. Last night I prayed for confirmation to know that President Maxwell has been called by the Lord to be our mission president and I definitely got that confirmation. We have a meeting with them on Thursday this week to get to know them better.

One last thought. I was thinking this morning about how the mission is the only time you have that you truly get to give EVERYTHING that you have to the Lord… all of your time, efforts, EVERYTHING. I found this quote by Elder Neal A. Maxwell that I love. "Consecration thus constitutes the only unconditional surrender which is also a total victory!"

I love serving a mission. It is such a wonderful opportunity. 

Love y'all heaps!

Sister Baker

"Exactly Obedient".... - Melbourne Missionary Moments - 6/24/13

Well this week has been just wonderful! I can't believe a whole week has passed! Time here literally FLIES! It's crazy to think that this week I will have been out for 3 months! I feel like time is just slipping though my fingers and I can't make it go any slower. But that being said, I am loving every moment here. This week has been a great one. I can honestly say that I really really love my companion. I learn SO much from her every day and it is such a blessing to serve with her. We have a lot of differences but we have been able to turn those differences into our strengths and use our differences to bless each other and those with whom we serve.

Last Monday after we finished emails we had a zone activity. We went bowling and it was so fun! I love being with other missionaries and just having a good time. I bowled 110 my first game which I was pretty proud of! I beat most of the elders :) After P-Day was over we went to have dinner and a lesson with a very less active couple in the ward. We are teaching them the discussions again and helping them to come back to church. They are really really sweet people and love having us in their home. They are having us for dinner every Monday so we can teach them. They are really opening up to us and sharing their struggles and concerns. I am already seeing a change in their lives and I can see a real desire to have the church and gospel be a part of their lives again. It's amazing how just reading the Book of Mormon and praying every day can make people's lives so much better!

Tuesday was transfer day. All of the missionaries in the mission attended (except for the missionaries in Tasmania), regardless of whether they were being transferred or not, because it was President Lifferth's last one. We all got there early and were seated in the chapel. When President and Sister Lifferth walked in we all stood and sang Called to Serve. The spirit was SO strong as we sang together. Being with other missionaries is the best. There is such a spirit and love knowing that we are all working together in a common cause of doing the Lord's work. The transfer meeting was great. The departing missionaries bore their testimonies (including the Lifferths). As each one talked, you could really see and feel how much serving a mission meant to each of them. I couldn't help but be emotional because I was thinking about how grateful I am to be serving a mission and to have this opportunity. I feel like the mission is as much for me as it is for anyone else. I learn and grow SO much every week. I look at who I was 3 months ago when I entered the MTC and who I am now and it's incredible how much I've changed. I've learned to LOVE the Book of Mormon. I always knew that it was true but my testimony of it is even stronger and now I can say that there is absolutely no doubt in my mind of its truthfulness and of its power and ability to draw us closer to our Savior. I have developed a relationship with the Savior that is so much stronger than when I left. There are hard times on the mission but those hard times I've been able to turn to my Heavenly Father in prayer and allow the enabling power of the Atonement to work in my life. Ah, so grateful for all that I am learning here.

On Wednesday the other two sisters in my flat went to pick up their new companions. Sister Wirihana is now on the other side of the mission but Sister Trego came home to the flat Wednesday night with her new companion and guess who it is? Sister Roberts from the MTC!! She and Sister Guy got their visas so they are here now! What a blessing to have Sister Roberts in the flat. I love her so much and she is so sweet and kind and loving!

Thursday morning we got to go to the temple which was a wonderful experience! The Melbourne Temple is beautiful! I took some questions with me to the temple and I definitely got answers! As I sat in the celestial room and saw 11 other missionaries there, I felt so overwhelmed with the knowledge that Heavenly Father loves his missionaries. It was such a wonderful day. 

At the beautiful Melbourne Temple

We taught an investigator this week. The spirit was so strong in the lesson and I know that he felt it. Unfortunately, there's something that is holding him back. He feels like he can't get baptized until he gets a specific answer that he is supposed to and he doesn't feel like he has received that answer. We are praying really hard for him and still planning on having his baptism this weekend but right now it's a little up in the air. I am just having faith that Heavenly Father will allow his heart to be touched and give him the confirmation that he needs. It's definitely hard to be patient but I am trusting in Heavenly Father and doing all that I can. 

We also taught our family again this week. It was a wonderful lesson about the Restoration and we were able to commit their son to a baptismal date! He is going to be baptized on July 27th! The dad wants to baptize his son so he has to work out his Word of Wisdom issues so that's why the baptism is a month away but I know that they will both be ready on that date. I love working with their family and I can't wait to see them get sealed in the temple. I know that we are going to get them there!

This weekend was a missionary weekend for the neighboring stake's Priests and Laurels so they spent all weekend with the missionaries. We had a 16 year old girl with us. She joined the church about 2 months ago and she is just awesome. She was with us all day Saturday and Sunday and it was a great opportunity to show her what missionary work is like and to allow her to share her testimony with others. 

To answer some of your questions: It's cold here but it's not too cold. As long as I wear a cardigan and tights and have my coat with me then I'm good. I'll be fine with the things that I brought. It's not as cold as winters at home. The public transportation here is really good but we don't use it much. We might be using it the end of this week though because we are almost out of K's.

This morning when the alarm went off I was so tired! I really didn't want to get out of bed. But I did it anyway. I was thinking about how much easier it would be to sleep in, how much easier it would be to not go out in the cold to exercise, how much easier it would be to break a rule here or there. But then I thought about how much I need Heavenly Father to bless me, I thought about our investigators and families, I thought about you guys at home. I thought about how many blessings I need and it makes it so much easier to be exactly obedient. If we are exactly obedient we are promised to have miracles happen. And that's why you do it. I know that I need the Lord's help and that I can't have it if I'm not willing to do what He has asked of me. I'm obedient not because I am expected to be, not because my companion wants me to, but because I love the Lord and I want to do as He asks so He will bless me. I know that is true with all things we are asked to do. We are obedient because we need blessings and because we love the Lord.

Love you HEAPS!

Sister Baker

Four Seasons in One Day... Melbourne Missionary Moments - 6/17/13

Well, this past week has gone by so fast! It's crazy how fast time flies on a mission.

Tuesday night we had a lesson with Craig at a member's home. We finished teaching him the plan of salvation and the spirit was really strong. He has a lot of concerns with the church but he has a real desire to find out answers for himself which is good. As we helped him to work through some of his concerns and bore testimony to him, the spirit was super strong. We extended a baptismal invitation to him and he said yes. So he is preparing to be baptized on the 29th of this month. It was seriously a miracle that he accepted because he has been meeting with missionaries for ages now and has never been willing to commit but now he's finally getting a testimony of his own and willing to start making committments. Blessings.

Bundled up and ready for tracting in the cold

Wednesday we spent most of the day tracting in the rain. It was cold but that's okay. I feel bad for Sister Gonzales though because she only has a very old rain coat that is kind of starting to fall apart. She is so humble and is always trying to help me out and doesn't think of herself but I really want to do something for her. I'd like to help buy her a coat. It's something I really want to do for her. She deserves it. And needs it.

On Thursday we had our Sister's Conference so all of the sisters in the mission went to the mission office. It was a wonderful and very uplifting day. I learned so much and it was so good to be with all of the sisters and get to know them better and develop relationships with them. And President and Sister Lifferth were there which is a HUGE blessing. I absolutely love them. They have so much love for all of the missionaries and every time I see them I learn SO much from them.

Gotta love the rain :)

Friday we also did a lot of tracting, again in the rain. It's crazy how much it has rained here this week. It's weird though because it will rain hard for an hour then it stops and the sun will come out, then it starts raining again, then sun again, etc. Haha everyone always tells me, "It's Melbourne, we have 4 seasons in one day." I would say it's more like 2 or 3 seasons but you get the point. Friday night we got to see the less active family in the ward that has recently started coming back to church. We were able to teach their family about prayer and scripture study and then they expressed desire for us to teach their family and help them to work towards getting sealed in the temple. They also want us to teach their son that is 9 years old so that he can get baptized. Their family is so cute. They have 5 adorable kids and they are so kind. I'm so excited to help in their goal of being sealed as a family in the temple.

Saturday morning we were able to see a Less-Active/Part-member family in our ward. They have a son who is 8 and has not yet been baptized. Also their aunt Julia lives with them and is not a member of the church. We are teaching her now and hopefully extending a baptismal invitation to her this Friday. The son is preparing to be baptized in July. Saturday afternoon we did a lot a tracting and met three Sri Lankan families who we were able to begin teaching. They are all beautiful, humble people. Each family has only had one lesson so far but we have return appointments with all of them and I'm really excited to teach them. Saturday night we went to the ward activity. It was super well organized and a lot of fun! They did a Mad-Hatter Trivia game night. Everyone was wearing hats and the games were a lot of fun. And the members brought some friends with them so it was a good opportunity to contact them and begin to build relationships with them. One family in the ward is having us for dinner on Tuesday and their friends who were at the ward activity are going to be there as well. That's the best way for missionary work to happen! When members are the middle man then we are way more successful. Then the investigators have a friend from the beginning and someone to support them through the whole process. 

At the Mad-Hatter Ward Activity

Yesterday church was wonderful. Craig came and he said that he loves coming because he always "feels warm and happy." It's so great to see the spirit working inside of someone. We are praying really hard for Craig since his baptism is getting so close. 

Saturday night we got transfer calls (this transfer is only 4 weeks and then next transfer is 8 weeks). I was stressing because I really love this area and really didn't want to hear that I was being transferred. Sister Gonzales and I are both staying in our area which is great! Sister Trego is staying in the flat but Sister Wirihana is being transferred. It will be sad to see her go but I'm excited to find out who the new sister in our flat is. Transfer meeting is tomorrow and they are having all of the missionaries go since it will be President Lifferth's last one.

On Thursday we get to go to the temple. I'm so excited to go to the Melbourne temple!

Well, I think that's about it for this week. I love being a missionary. I learn so much every day and I can't imagine doing anything else right now. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and hears our prayers. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. Spend time reading it EVERY DAY. It will help you so much and help you to really come to know the Savior better.

Love y'all HEAPS!

Sister Baker

A Day in the City - Melbourne Missionary Moments - 6/11/13

Sorry you didn't get an email from me yesterday. It was a public holiday so none of the libraries were open so we had to wait until today to email.

This week has been a great one! On Monday after I emailed you we went to the shopping centre. I bought some boots at Payless because it is cold here. After we went to the shopping centre we went grocery shopping. Then we had to leave to drive up to the Bishop's home. He leaves clear up at the other side of the ward so it takes 45 minutes to an hour to get there. We had dinner and FHE with the bishop's family and with the Elders in our ward. Then we met with Bishop to talk about the ward mission plan and to set goals for how we are going to move the missionary work forward in the ward. We are really focusing on getting the members involved with the work because that's how missionaries are most successful. It is a much better use of our time if we are getting referrals from members than if we have to go out and knock a bunch of doors of which only a few actually open. It was good to be able to meet with Bishop and get his idea of direction and goals for the ward.

Tuesday morning we had a district meeting. We really focused on the Book of Mormon and its role in our work as missionaries. The Book of Mormon really is the keystone of our religion. It holds everything together. I've already seen how the Book of Mormon truly has the power to change lives—especially with Ronesia. After the district meeting we spent the afternoon doing finding. Then we had dinner with a Filipino family in our ward. They were so excited to have us over since Sis. Gonzales is Filipina. I was praying that they wouldn't make some crazy, weird Filipino food and I guess prayer really works because it was just rice and chicken and veggies. I can handle that. :) After that we felt really prompted to visit a less-active couple in the ward. We had never met them before but felt like we were supposed to go there so we knocked on their door. At first the wife said it wasn't a good day and that we needed to call ahead of time but her husband said we should come in. Her heart was softened really quickly and she opened up to us. She had been having a really hard day because that was the day that her 8 week old daughter had died 20 years ago. We were able to share the plan of salvation with her and it was exactly what she needed to hear. She said she wanted to make changes in her life and make the gospel part of her life again. I am so grateful that we followed the prompting to go there that night.

Wednesday we had exchanges with the Coordinating Sisters. I worked in our area with a sister from Samoa. She is so awesome! I really felt like we needed to tract a particular street so that's where we went to start off. It is a LONG street with tons of houses so it took us a solid two hours but we ended up meeting five people who were willing to set up appointments with us. After that we went to see a man that Sis. Gonzales and I met while tracting last week. He was getting ready to go so we didn't have much time but we were able to teach him about the Book of Mormon and give him a copy to read. Then we went to see a family that has been pretty in-active for the last 4 years but recently they have started coming back to church. We have tried to see them several times but haven't been able to ever catch them at home. They pulled in the driveway right as we got there on Wednesday so we were able to go in and get to know their family. They have a son who is 9 and has not been baptized. Our goal is to teach their family the lessons and prepare him for baptism at the end of this month. Then we had dinner with some members in our ward. They are a younger couple and are super awesome! They made chicken cordon blue which was so good! And we had raspberry cheesecake for dessert. It was probably the best meal we've had yet.

Thursday, after studies we went to the mission office for Golden Review. They call all the new missionaries here Goldens because it is our Golden opportunity to decide how the rest of our missions will go. Basically it was a chance to go over rules and do more training with us. I love hearing from President and Sister Lifferth. They have HUGE hearts and are so kind. It's too bad I only get to work for them for a little bit. The meeting was super good and I learned a lot about how it is my time right now to decide what kind of mission I want to have. They stressed that we make sure that we are serving the Lord and not just serving a mission. You can do missionary work all day long and do a lot of great things but if you're not serving the Lord then it doesn't matter.

The Beautiful Melbourne Temple

Friday we spent a lot of the day tracting. It was a people day and the sun was shining which made tracting a million times better. We were able to meet the cutest 84 year old man. We were able to teach him the Plan of Salvation. It was really huge for him because his wife died just a couple of months ago. We have another appointment with him this week. Friday night for dinner we went to another Filipino family’s home. I'm not kidding, all of the Filipinos want to feed us because of Sister Gonzales. They made this noodle and pork dish that was different than anything that I've ever had before but it was good. This family is an interesting situation. The mother has been a member for 25 years and is in the Relief Society presidency in the ward. They have a son that is serving a mission in the Philippines. Her husband comes to church every week and even pays his tithing but he isn't a member of the church. I don't know exactly what the reasons are but this sister told us before we came that we should try to "convert" him. We decided to teach about the temples and about how our families can be together forever. We asked if that's something that he wants but he wouldn't really answer. We ended up committing their family to visit the temple grounds together and for him to pray about what he should do to make his family be able to be together forever. 

Saturday morning after we did our studies we went out tracting for a while. Then we went to an appointment with Craig. We were able to teach him the first half of the Plan of Salvation. He really has a real desire to learn and understand. We asked him to pray about what we had taught him and to read Alma Chapter 34. He came to church on Sunday which was great. We are teaching him again tonight and planning on extending a baptismal invitation to him. I really feel like he can be ready for baptism by the end of the month.

Sunday we were at the church for almost five hours going to church and ward council and missionary coordination. After church we did finding for a few hours before our dinner appointment with the Evans family. They have our investigator, Jessica, living with them. We were able to eat dinner with all of them and then we had a lesson with Jessica. She has been taught by the sisters that were here before us. She is pretty much ready for baptism. We are teaching her again tomorrow and are planning on committing her to baptism on June 22.

In the Train Station

On the train into the city

Like I said, yesterday was a public holiday. All of the Sisters in the mission traveled into the city [Melbourne] to spend our P-day together. We scrapbooked a memory book for President and Sister Lifferth and just spent time together. It was a super fun day and it was fun to see what the city is like. We got to ride the train in which was a new experience for me. I loved the city feel. I would love to serve there at some point. My MTC companion is serving there right now.

In our Houston T-shirts

Sisters from my group at the MTC

I feel like time is just flying. We are so busy all the time which is great! I am learning so much every single day. It sounds like you are all glad that it's summer now. I'm slightly jealous. I have winter now. But it's good because it is really not too cold and I'd rather have it slightly cold than to be sweating bullets like I was in Texas. You can always put on more layers if it's cold. 

I'm getting used to driving around my area but I definitely still have to use the GPS sometimes. Driving on the left seems pretty normal to me now which is good. The grocery stores here are definitely different than at home. But I'm figuring it out. I bought Cherrios last week but they are nothing like our Cherrios. They are all sugared and sweetened. They taste like honey-nut Cherrios which is gross. Usually I just make toast and a scrambled egg for breakfast. Lunch depends on the day. I usually make a quick sandwich or something easy. We are getting fed by the members a lot for dinners which is nice. Each member cooks differently but I haven't had anything too strange.

We get to go the temple once per quarter here. Our zone’s temple day is next Thursday so I will get to go then unless I get transferred for some reason. Transfers are on Tuesday

I don't think I have a favorite part of Australia. I pretty much love all of it so far. I really want to see a kangaroo soon. There are tons of birds here. Luckily I haven't been too close to them or else I'd be nervous. There are colorful parrots in the trees and last week we saw a flock of like 20 cockatoos out on the grass at a park. 

Anyway, that's about all I have time for . I love you all so much! Enjoy your summer.

LOVE YOU HEAPS!

Sister Baker