Merry Christmas!

**NO EMAIL FROM SISTER BAIRD THIS WEEK**

As a family, we had a chance to Skype with her and truly see how much she has grown. It is simply amazing! 

Here are some pictures from our Skype time with her. ENJOY!

Baird Family picture with Sister Baird and the whole family!
(Look closely as we even had Tim on FaceTime on a phone!)

Sister Baird was so happy watching Arabella, her niece!

**BONUS**
This past week, the California Sacramento Mission got together and had a Mission Christmas party. Patrick Twomey, our resident SUPER STAR photographer extraordinaire was in attendance, therefore, we were provided some amazing shots. Enjoy!
 

Elk Grove Zone

Some of the Elk Grove Zone

Elk Grove Zone - showing off the Elk Grove Shirts!

Elk Grove Zone

Sister Baird - being Sister Baird

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson - paying attention intently! 

Sister Baird - conducting a musical number at the Mission Christmas party!

Sister Baird - conducting a musical number at the Mission Christmas party!

Elk Grove Zone - performing a skit

Talk in Church, Christmas Party and a Christmas miracle!

Hey all!! 

I am not sure I will be able to email next week so I will say it now...

MERRY CHRISTMAS ADAM! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! 

AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 

If you don't get it, one day I will explain it to you.:) Christmas is the best!! 

For this week, I am just going to go through some of the highlights that happened. So yes! We had Church yesterday AND Sister Simpson and I got to speak! It was great. I actually love speaking in church. Ask me why? I have no idea. We got to speak on Christmas and how the Atonement relates to it. I  loved it. We also got to sing with the Ward choir! We also had a little miracle on Sunday (not the Christmas one yet..) but we had this lady come to church who we found out was a member, but has been struggling for quite some time. She came all on her own! It was amazing and such an example to me. 

Then we had the Ward Christmas party on Saturday! Oh so fun! Some how we got the job to chase all the little kids around the gym for 20 minutes - so that's fine. I am not complaining ahah. Don't worry, I did not hold any children! It was tough, but I pushed through! 

And time for the Christmas miracle!! 

So to start, this transfer I have been studying a lot on Faith. Our Mission has had a focus on the idea that each companionship has the opportunity to baptize every transfer. At the beginning of this transfer, we had hope, but with the Thao's falling off date, I was definitely struggling to have the Faith. Well, earlier this week, I made the decision to trust God and have Faith. So, I turned to Sister Simpson and said "we are going to have a baptism this transfer". Heavenly Father said we could, so we are. She said okay and just went with it. Well, we got to meet with our investigator Gary and he is NOW ON DATE FOR JANUARY 6!! That is the last Saturday of the transfer!! Heavenly Father truly does provide when you have the Faith!!

I love you all and encourage you to remember the true meaning of the season. Merry Christmas you beautiful people!!

Much Love Always,

Sister MJ Baird

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
*Photo Credit to Patrick Twomey

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
*Photo Credit to Patrick Twomey

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
*Photo Credit to Patrick Twomey

11/18th of the way there!

Good Morning Baltimore!!!!!! 

I have zero reason as to why I chose that opener besides that fact that I just sang it and it is a good song. Smiles. 

Okay so I am going to try and keep this one a little shorter because I want to try and get a few more individual emails out. 

Exciting news is that we have a new investigator named Gary. He is awesome!! He was a referral from Elders in Rancho and now he is our investigator and accepted conditional baptism. We have high hopes for him and we hope to be giving you great news in the near future. 

In other news, we got to go to the Live Nativity in Folsom and I got to see a whole bunch of my former members and it was amazing. On top of that, I got to see Sister Rowley and Sister Wong. So, I got to have all three of my "daughters" in one place and I got to meet my "granddaughter".

I have a request to let everyone know that Elder Schwenson says 'hello'! He is pretty great. He broke his foot and loves Christmas music. You basically are his best friend now. :)

We had exchanges this week and I got to be with Hermana Quizon.

Sister Baird and Hermana Quizon

It was different being in Spanish work, but it was a fun experience and we were able to get the Hermanas a new investigator!

Sorry this week is not super exciting, but I want you all to know how much I love being on a mission. I hit 11 months and it is definitely surreal, but I am grateful for the chance to serve. Best decision. Especially since I never thought it was a decision I would make. 

Sister Baird and Hermana Barrera - 11 month mark!

I love going along with the Light the World and want each of you to go along with it as well. I promise it will bless your life. 

Much Love Always,

Sister MJ Baird

Smoreos at Vampire Penguin!

Vampire Penguin together with Hermana Quizon and her companion!
(and Sister Baird and Sister Simpson!) 

P-Day with Hermana Berrara and Hermana Singer

Lighting the World

Hello beautiful Lights in the world,

Just like every other missionary in the world, I am going to first say just how much I love this Light the World video this year. I won't spend a lot of time talking about it, but if you have not seen it, please go look and watch now. Also watch and participate in the 25 ways in 25 days. It is the best!! We were able to surprise bake a brownie, that looks like a cake for a member on the first day. I love seeing the joy it brought to them. Something so simple, brought so much joy!

This week has been a roller coaster in a way. The first part of the week went pretty well. We were going about doing 'normal missionary work' when we found 2 new investigators!! Then, on Thursday, we had Zone Conference. I seriously love Zone Conference. Just when you need a boost - it is there. We had a training by the Assistants to President and they showed a video called "Missionary Work and the Atonement". I cry every single time I watch it. If you get a chance to watch it, please do. It is amazing. 

Elk Grove Zone at Zone Conference

Sister Baird at Zone Conference
President Hymas on far Right
*Photo Credit to Patrick Twomey

Sister Baird sliding into a picture at Zone Conference.
*Photo Credit to Patrick Twomey

After that, things became a bit rough throughout the remainder of the week. Appointment after appointment fell through, then after many attempts, we had no one attend church again. It was not an easy thing, but we are trusting that things will happen in the Lord's time.

We then started our day off by receiving a text from the Thao's wanting to postpone their baptism. That broke my heart a bit, but we are not giving up on them. Our next step is to figure out how to help them move forward.

Was it the best week of my mission? No, but that is okay. It wasn't the worst either. 

We got to help decorate a tree.

Decorating Christmas decorations is a favorite pastime!

 I got ornaments to decorate from my family. I get to share the Light of Christ with all those around me. There are always moments of joy, even in the hard times. 

So this week, remember to have joy and Light the World because this world could always use a little more light, especially the Light of Christ. 

Also, Christmas Devotional was very good, I recommend!! 

I love and miss you all. What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Much Love Always,

Sister MJ Baird

The Lord's work, not mine!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING BEAUTIFUL SOULS!!

This week has been amazing. I will try to focus on the main parts. 

First,Thanksgiving dinner!
Oh my goodness, if you ever get the chance to eat Pat Mullen's food, you are a lucky soul. Due to my fun taste bud decisions, Thanksgiving dinner has not always been my favorite. However, this year, there was almost nothing I did not like. It was seriously amazing. SO much good food. Although I don't get to spend this holiday season with my family, I am grateful that I get to spend it with such amazing people out here. 

Thanksgiving Day Service

Thanksgiving Day Service

Thanksgiving Day Service

Then Thanksgiving night we had a Zone Family training. Due to safety we come in at around 7 and do a training as a zone and then have a unity activity. The training was seriously amazing. We really focused on how we can have the faith to find and the faith to baptize. Like the subject line says, this is His work, not mine. I am honored to simply be a vessel for His work. We were then able to see the amazing Christmas video put out by the church #LIGHTtheWorld!! If you have not seen it, go watch it now. Please, if you love me, you will. It is on LDS.org and Mormon.org. SO AMAZING.

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson

Then in general news, Sister Simpson and I were able to have luck with the fours. We were able to find 4 new investigators, even with it being Thanksgiving week! I love when the Lord uses us to be in the right place at the right time. He is preparing people and we just have to be willing to open our mouths.

And then one of the highlights of the week!! We were able to put the Thao family on date for December 30TH!!! We are so excited. The father is a member already which means this could complete a family. It is such an amazing feeling to be able to bring a family together. 

A Thao family son.

Well, I hope your Christmas music is on and decorations are out, for it is the season!! I love and miss you all!! Send me pictures of your decorations, I would love to see them!! 

Much Love Always,

Sister MJ Baird

FROM A FACEBOOK POST: on November 26, 2017
"Though Thanksgiving was a few days ago, I don't think there is ever a bad day to be grateful. Today I want to express my gratitude for this incredible gospel that I get to share each and every day: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of this beautiful gospel I have so many blessings in my life. 

I have the opportunity to be sealed to my family for all time and eternity.
I know that I can be with my Savior, Jesus Christ and my Father in heaven again. 
I know that even with the many mistakes I make I can be forgiven over and over again. 

These are just a few of the many blessings this gospel brings. What are you grateful for this year?"

Have Gratitude as your Attitude!

Hello people to whom I am grateful to know!!

With Thanksgiving this week, I just wanted to list some things that I am grateful for!!

First, Sister Simpson. For being my companion. She has been such a great companion and I am excited to be sharing the holidays with her. Yes, we are staying together for the next transfer!

Second, President and Sister Hymas. For being amazing Mission parents. 

Next, My family and friends who continually support me. 

Fourth, The Book of Mormon for being Another Testament of Jesus Christ and for bringing greater peace into my life. 

Fifth, Heavenly Father for being a loving Father who knows me so perfectly and for sending His Only Begotten Son for us. 

Sixth, for Jesus Christ for going through what He did. He went through what He did so that we never would have to be alone or feel alone. He understands perfectly how we feel, always. 

Seventh, I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ for shaping my life and me into the way it needs to be. All of who I am and who I hope to be one day become, is, because of Christ's gospel. 

Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to share that for a full 18 months of my life. 

Have an amazing Thanksgiving and always remember to "Have an attitude of Gratitude". 

Oh fun fact from the week, going into Saturday, Sister Simpson and I had no 'new investigators', but, on Saturday we were able to find 5 new ones!!

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird

Special Treat for you all! This was from Sister Baird's Facebook Page. (November 18, 2017)

Someone left my name on the Board, so of course a picture was in order!

Fun with Sister Simpson!

Do you seen the creepy crouching man? 

Fun during comp study. Don't trust me with chalk. What would you guess it is?

Happy 2 Months Sister Simpson!
BTW - She didn't know the sign was behind her!

Here comes another 6 weeks!

Bottom Row: L to R :
H. Barrera, S. Root, S. Thomas, S. Simpson, Sister Baird, S. Searle, H. Singer, S. McDonald
Second Row:
H. Peterson, H. Najero.
Third Row (Elders) L to R:
E. Gibbons, E. Cook, E. Nelson, E. Berry, E. Snow, E. Martineau, E. Pearson, E. Henry, E. Edgington, E. Allen

10/18th of the way there!

Another month down! Talk about weird. I am officially in the double digits. A little gross. 

This week has been good, and I want to talk about two main things that happened this week! Well, I guess kind of three. 

Just information because I know you all care.. 

I sang in church and we got to have interviews with President this week. Both fun awesome times. 

Now the three great blessings of the week!

First: Mary Beth and team ups!

So this week, we did team ups and I was with the awesome Sister Searle. We ended up stopping by this less active man's home and he let us in! There was a woman in the home, so we were able to! Well, long story made a bit shorter, he has been less actives for ages and she is a non member who has some kind of relationship with. Not really sure, but I will worry about that later. We ended up talking to them for over an hour and answering a lot of her questions. We ended it by setting up a return appointment with the two of them and giving him a chapter to read in the Book of Mormon. She is convinced that she will not join the church, but I will let the spirit deal with that one. Book of Mormon and the spirit are pretty amazing tools. 

Second: Cameron and Brandon!

Well Cameron is an investigator that we have had for a bit. We thought he was super promising and then he just dropped off. Nothing. So we decided to try one last time before setting him to former. Well, we knock and like most our life, no answer. As we start to leave a truck pulls up! Of course we go and talk to him and it turns out it was his brother Brandon! Well, we were talking to him, gave him a Book of Mormon and set up a return appointment and then Cameron walks out! Turns out he felt bad for leaving us hanging and came to see if we were still there. Well, he starts asking questions and we end up teaching the two of then the entire Plan of Salvation. They are amazing!! It was amazing to see the Lord's timing going on and to be apart of it. 

And number three: the Hastie/Hathaway clan!

This is an amazing family. So sweet. Simply put because this email is getting long, they did not come to church Sunday, but she invited us to their home for dinner and an FHE (Family Home Evening) tonight!! Half the family is members and half are not. We are so excited to begin working with them. One of the daughters was looking through the pictures on my tablet and finds on the temple. Points at Moroni and asks what is that? We then tell her and end up giving her a Book of Mormon of her own, which she did not have, and by the time we left she had almost read the entire introduction. She was so excited. She then was reading again Sunday evening when we were talking to the woman we set the dinner up with. If a 10 year old girl can read the Book of Mormon, so can we!!

I love you all and know that God is a God of miracles. He loves us and He uses us to help others, we just have to be open and willing to respond to the spirit. 

Stay amazing and smile, because it is always better with a smile!

Oh, also, instead of P-day being on Tuesday for transfers, they will now stay on Monday. 

Much Love Always,

Sister MJ Baird

Sister Baird

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Posing in front of the California Sacramento Temple.

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Showing a little personality!

A business borrowed her name!

California rainbow!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Smiling! Doing what they do best!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Making faces....Doing what they do best!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
These two love being companions. Can you tell? 

Sister Baird and a little lady. Name not shared...
we'll see if we can get it and update later!

"Oh, okay Hold on!" *Waits five minutes and no one comes*

Well hello gorgeous humans!!

Mission life is fun and great, did you know that?

I wanted to just share a thought.

We are all humans, all of us. No matter what religion, race, height, age, weight. None of that changes the fact that we are humans and all deserve to be treated kindly. Just because you would prefer not to be talked to, does not mean you can't be kind and respectful. 

Every day missionaries will go out and put their heart and soul on their sleeve just to try and share what they love and know about. What they hold close and dear to their heart. WHY?? Because it makes us happy and we want everyone around us to experience that same pure JOY and LOVE that comes from what we share. 

Imagine chocolate for a moment, you love it. You decide that you want to share what makes you so happy, the chocolate, with the person next to you. They don't want the chocolate so they decide to yell at you and ask why you would even think to offer. Why would you even think to talk to me? Go away and take your chocolate with you!! A bit sad, isn't it? The poor fellow was just trying to share his chocolate, something that made him happy. He thought it could make the person next to him happy too. 

That is what missionaries are doing, so I would ask, all of you who see missionaries, please be kind and respectful. Because, hello. My name is Sister MJ Baird and I am a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Every day I step out the door ready to wear my heart on a sleeve to share what I hold closest to my heart with everyone I see. Why?? Because it makes me happy and I want those around me to experience that same joy. Yes, so those two Elders or Sisters, whether walking, on a bike, or in a car, please be kind, because they are human too. And your friend here is one too. So please don't hid. Simply smile and be kind. That's all I am asking. 

I love being a missionary, but it just seems to be that people forget we are human too. 

Yes, the subject line was an accurate event that happen this week along with another event of a man yelling at us and slamming the door. Don't get me wrong, I am happy and okay, but it does sadden me to know how much people don't think to treat others kindly. 

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson - a member sent us this picture via text. Oh how we love these random pics!
Definitely makes our days, weeks!

Sister Simpson is amazing as always. Training her in 6 weeks has not killed her yet! We had Halloween this week and as a zone we had a training. Or really just an activity. Over 300 compliments were given in about 2 and a half hours. It may have been even over 350.. It was pretty cool. 

Sorry this one was longer, but we are working hard. It is officially winter here in Cali, as the rain has started! We have some amazing people we are working with and I am excited to see what happens with them!

Stay amazing and know that you are loved!

Much Love Always,

Sister MJ Baird

This was a picture received via text from Sister Hymas, President Hymas' wife.
What a treat to receive! Oh how our hearts melt when we receive these pictures.

I was hugged by a man...twice.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL YOU GALS AND GHOULS!! 
No idea if I said that correctly, but I went for it. Can you tell I am excited for the holidays??????? Sister Simpson and I walked up and down every Christmas isle in Walmart today. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

If you have not guessed, or don't know me well enough by now, I love holidays. I don't know why, but I do. They make me so happy and we are coming up on the whole long row of them!! One right after the other. Let me show you what I mean..

HALLOWEEN

THANKSGIVING
CHRISTMAS

NEW YEARS
VALENTINES DAY
ST. PATRICKS DAY
EASTER

MAY DAY
MOTHER'S DAY

So many for so long and I am so pumped. Want to know a weird thought though? 

That last holiday on that list, Mother's Day!  It will be about a little over a month before I come home. Yay! Weird. Time is about to fly.....like the wind.

Maybe I should get to real talk now. I just got so excited. This week has been amazing!!  Something I have learned from Sister Simpson is that I get excited and amused REALLY easily. I guess it just doesn't take much to make me laugh. What can I say?! Smiling is the best. 

On Saturday, we were on exchanges and I got to go with the amazing Sister Searle. She recently entered the Mission field at the same time as Sister Simpson, so she is still pretty new. It was pretty fun. We were able to get them 2 return appointments!! We are praying that they don't fall through (AKA...not happen). During our exchanges on Saturday, we also had a blitz!! We had the 3 sets of Missionaries from District who were able to work in Sister Simpson and my area. From this blitz, we were able to find 1 new investigator who said yes to baptism and 2 new potentials, one of which said yes to baptism!! It was a day of wonderful blessings. 

To explain the subject line...on a mission, I am not allowed to hug anyone of the opposite sex. For safety rules and precautions and all the fun reasons. So while on this blitz, this man - yes the New Investigator who said yes to baptism, gets so excited to see Sisters, he hugs us!! Then, before we leave, he hugs us again!! Oh my goodness, I felt pretty awkward. It's been awhile since I had a full hug from a man. Oh, and let me make it better...he was 56. Haha, I am so excited to teach him though. Please pray he can come to his lesson on Friday. 

That was the exciting news for the week. We got to also teach Gospel Principles this week and finally got on our bikes. It has been a week of adventures for sure, but a good week nonetheless!!

Love and miss you all!!

Much Love Always and Happy Halloween!!

Elk Grove Zone Conference

Sister MJ Baird

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Those smiles are contagious!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson....
Smiling?! Oh that smile from Sister Baird!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Taken while they had been feeling a tad under the weather!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Sunglasses and...funny faces!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Sunglasses and Smiling!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson...
They are so happy to be companions!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson
Well, being Sister Baird and Sister Simpson!

The "Elk Grove District' "Sisters"!
Sister Searle - Back row far left
Sister Baird - Back Row 2nd from left
Sister Simpson - Back row - center
Sister McDonald - Back row - 2nd from right
Sister Root - far right
Sister Thomas - front and center - taking picture.