One Step at a Time

Happy Day everyone!

Well it seems that this is the first day of my last full week in the mission field. I will be released as a missionary on June 20, 2018 after returning home.

Before my mission, I had a blog I'd write in and it was named "One Step at a Time". If I have learned anything on my mission, it is that I must take one step at a time. There is so much going on around us that we can easily get lost, however, when we take a step back, focus on Christ, and take it one step at a time, life becomes more manageable. We can start to see the joy and miracles that constantly surround us. 

For those who have followed along through this entire journey, thank you! The update for the week is that we were able to find two new friends and I was able to do my last two exchanges while on my mission. First, with Sister Searle and the final one was with Sister Lund. I love both of those sisters very much. 

Sis Searle and Sis Baird on exchanges!

Sis Baird and SIs Lund - the final exchange of my mission!

Sis Baird and Sis Lund

I want you all to know how much I have loved my mission. If you have heard my story, you know that I had no intention of and did not want to serve a full time mission. In fact, it was nowhere near the top of my lists of things to do. 

18 months later, it has been the single best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I've learned to love my Savior in a way I never thought was imaginable. I have learned that I can rely on Him for everything. I have learned that every person I come in contact with, I have the ability to love. I have learned that every single member I have met and gotten to know, every single missionary, and every single person I've met while serving my mission I've  met for a reason. I know that each and every person I've spoken to has influenced my mission in some way. 

Representing Jesus Christ is the greatest way I could have spent the last 18 months of my life and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I am grateful for the support that each of you have given me. I would not have made it to this point with out it. 

I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I love serving the Lord every day. I love being a missionary. I love that even though I am finishing my journey as a full time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that moving forward I can continue to represent my Savior every day. I promised to do this when I made the decision to be baptized at 8 years old and I will always strive to fulfill that promise. 

Luis. Madi. Sam. Annie. Kristi. Maddy. Garry. Kelley. Mike. Kristen. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. 

Sending my love always, 

Sister MJ Baird

California Sacramento Mission