Carving a pumpkin, eating a donut, flipping a bottle and emptying a tissue box

Well hello beautiful people of planet Earth, 

So what do all those thing happen to have in common? Simply a zone activity. It was fun, and today about 2 hours ago. Flipped a bottle for the first time. Only took about 50 or so tries.. 

This week has been so good!! Working with Sister Simpson is amazing!! She is so similar to me, it can be pretty funny at times. 

So a few things from this week, well more like people from this week!!

Thao family! They are so amazing. Their father is already and a member and when we met with them they each said they want to be baptized!! We are going to work on getting them on date this week. Pray that it goes well. Bringing families together is truly the best!!

Cameron! We met with Cameron this morning and he is amazing. He also accepted baptism and believes that modern day revelation is a thing. Even asked the question, if the prophet was for the world or just our church. For those who do not know, he is for the world, whether or not they accept him. Similar to Jesus Christ being the Savior of the world. Whether people accept Him or not, He is still the Savior of the world who did what He did for everyone. So excited to also try and get him on date this week!! 

Logan!! Logan met with the missionaries down in the Roseville mission for about 6 months and was actively going to church. Due to some road blocks, he is not able to be baptized right away, but has agreed to be once those road blocks are out of the way. We are so excited for him! 

Elk Grove is definitely nothing like where I have served before, but I know it is exactly where Heavenly Father needs me now. I love this work. I love being able to give everything I have to the Lord and help others come closer to Him every single day. 

Other exciting news, Sister Simpson gave out her first Book of Mormon this week and it was through a car window. The Lord is preparing people all around us, we just have to open our mouths. 

I love and miss you all!!

Shoutout to the BEST MOTHER ON THE PLANET who had her birthday on the 13thh!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY!! 

Oh!! Also a favor, Sister Simpson is celebrating her golden birthday on the 20th. If you could send her an email, please please do!! abigail.simpson@myldsmail.net

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird <3

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson

Sister Baird and Sister Searle - on splits.

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson being...well being Sister Baird!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson were surprised with some beautiful flowers from Mom and Dad Baird!

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson

Sister Baird and Sister Simpson

1/2 of the way there and trusting in the Lord like never before!

Hey all, 

What a week. I will start with transfer calls. Heavenly Father is quite the comedian. Thursday I got a call from the wonderful President Hymas. He then informed me that I would be training AGAIN, and that I would be shotgun training, AGAIN. So yes, for the third time in a row, this girl is a proud Mama.(In the Mission world, the term 'Mama' refers to 'becoming a trainer to a new Missionary straight out of the MTC'. Its kinda like having a 'kid', hence the term.)
Also, Sister Rowley found out that she was being transferred and they sent her down to Folsom 4th and Silva Valley Wards. My old wards! They are going to love her. My new area is the Elk Grove Ward in the Elk Grove Stake. I found out yesterday that it is full bike!! It is going to be a blast. 

My new companion is Sister Simpson and she is super sweet. She is from Utah and so excited to be on a Mission. She loves holidays, singing, no pulp orange juice and likes to be warm. I swear we are of the same soul. We are going to have fun this transfer. Something crazy, for the first time in my mission I am also living in an apartment. No more members. Most don't go that long living with members, but I guess Heavenly Father knew I needed it. 

The work in Cameron Park was going fairly well. We had a pretty bomb week set up for Sister Rowley and her new comp and when we found the Elders would be taking over it was quite the shock. Hopefully they don't mess it up. I'm praying. It isn't easy having your area shotgunned. (Term implies when both current missionaries get transferred out and the area is replaced by two net new missionaries that have never worked in that area.) Just means I am going to work that much harder not to mess this one up!! 

Cool little fact, exactly a year ago today, I opened my mission call at the Laie Hawaii Temple in Laie, Hawaii. My how time flies!! AND...tomorrow is my 9 month mark, or my half way!! Hence the title of this weeks email/blog!! 

Sorry this week does not have much information on people, but I am looking forward to being able to tell you more about the work this coming week. 

If you are not reading the Book of Mormon daily, do it!! I promise it will change your life. It changed mine and I have seen it changed the people I am around as well. 

I love and miss you all. Enjoy the beautiful fall, best season ever!!

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley
Rice Egg Tacos?

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley
Us being us!

The Meinzers (Ward Members) and Sister Baird

L to R: Sister Rowley, Sister Conover (Ward Member) and Sister Baird

L to R: Sister Rowley, Sister Mies (Ward Member) and Sister Baird

Sister Baird and Sam, a convert and her family!

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley - End of Transfer 2 together.

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley
First preparation day together.

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley - Last pic together.

Sister Baird and Sydney the dog. Not to be confused with Sidney her beautiful Sister!

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley with Brother Ashton

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley with their recent convert, Kristi!

The Cambridges (from their Ward) and Sister Baird and Sister Rowley. 

L to R: Sister Rowley, Sister Goff (Ward Member) and Sister Baird

The Whites (Ward Members) and Sister Baird

I got asked on a double date!!

I love you all <3

Well, I guess I should probably explain the subject line, before I forget to! 

Our Zone has been making an extra effort in doing what is called "Car contacts" in order to truly try and talk with everyone. Well we were driving down the road and saw these two boys, so I pulled over and Sister Rowley ran over to talk to them. Neither excepted a Book of Mormon, but she did get one of their Facebooks. They mentioned that they had a friend who would like to hear about God. So, we messaged him and asked about the friend. He then proceeded to ask us on a double date for Sushi where we could talk about God. When we mentioned two other missionaries who could go meet them for Sushi and talk about God, he then asked maybe just the Sushi?Hahaha, considering I have only ever been on one real date, I thought it was pretty funny. Oh! Forgot to mention, he was from Russia. The other friend on the street was from Chile!

Now about Taia! She is doing amazing! We were able to go and do a Temple tour with her this week and have her actually go inside and sit in the waiting room. The Spirit there is seriously so beautiful! If you have a chance to go to the Temple, DO IT. Take advantage of it, because it is the best place on Earth. It is my favorite place on Earth. 

Conference was also AMAZING. I truly love each and every message we were given. There is something for everyone. No matter who you are or what questions you have, there is something for you. If you did not get a chance to watch it, go and watch it! It is worth, that I promise you. 

Today, we had fun and were able to have a combined preparation day with the North Sacramento Zone and the El Dorado Zone. It was fun to be able to hang out with a Zone that we do not usual get to spend time around. I loved it. We played some fun games, and just had a good time! 

Well, sorry this week is a bit dry, but so is life. Remember, the Lord loves you and is always aware of you. ALWAYS. He loves you and that is never going to change. Ever. Trust in Him and rely on Him. Always. 

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird

How fun to wake up to a GROSS bug on your ceiling.
This also is a tiny picture of it. It was nasty and huge.
Dad comment "We all know how much Sister Baird likes bugs!!"

Missionary parking; backing isn't fun for anyone!

When you both can't be "IN" the church at the same time. Rules.

Brooke - she leaves for her Mission

Alana! I just love her! 

We made ALOT of rice for the Zone lunch in between conference.
They managed to eat a bit over half!

When you get to Church and an Elder is wearing your sunglasses

Sunset!

Morning Glory for the win!

Sunsets in Cameron Park

Hey Oh, Herded a Cow

Hey beautiful people,

What a week this has been!!

So exciting and sad news. We did have to release a few investigators, but that is okay because it means the Lord is preparing others who are ready. 

One of the amazing blessings that came was Taia!! She is amazing!! She is so open to learning even though she has almost no religious background. She did not know the story of Christ's birth. That was fun to explain. Seriously, I love Jesus Christ. He is the best. If you don't know about Him, please please let me tell you about Him. I will tell you all about Him if you give me the chance :) 

Well the good news with her was we were able to put her on date for October 28th!! We are so excited for her. She was a little hesitant, but she put her faith forward and set the date. It is amazing to watch people put their trust in the Lord. It can be so hard to do so, yet so many do. And I get to be apart of it and help them do so. It is such a blessing to be apart of. I am so happy I have 9 more months of this stuff!! It is the best. 

The only semi down side, which really isn't even a down side is we will have to transition her to the YSA Elders. But, not even a huge bummer, because she is still learning and coming to Christ and that is the important part. 

Other news, I saw today that Maddy Habra is on date for baptism!! I am so excited for that girl. She was one of the girls I was teaching when I left Silva Valley. I love seeing people come closer to Christ. 

Hopefully this email is making sense. 

Funny story for this week! Sister Rowley and I were running home to grab something when all the sudden there was a cow in the road!! We ended up having to herd it home and then run off to a study. It was fun. That cow loves grass, let me tell you. It would not stop eating it. It also ate a huge chunk of a neighbors tree/bush. Opps.. lock up your cows people. 

Okay, also women's conference was amazing.  If you did not watch it, go to LDS.org and watch it!! Also watch general conference this week because that is the best too. 

Another semi funny, made me feel awkward story. We were doing a blitz in another missionaries area, and the four Sisters were together because we carpooled. Go planet Earth. Well, we were sent to this gated apartment complex and two of the Sisters decided to semi hop the fence... imagine Sister Rowley half bent over this fence opening it from the inside.. yeah. Awkward part is we then had the manger come talk to us. Dignity people. We must be dignified...but at least it was a fun story. 

Alright, that's all I have this week.
I love and miss you all. 

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley - selfie?

This is for Dad and Sidney! - LOL!
(Ask Sidney about the "I Voted" sticker! She loves those stickers!

A woman who served her Mission in Rockford, IL! Rockford peeps? Anyone remember the Farley's? She knew them! Addison was either almost here or just barely here. Very cool huh?

Golden Potentials

I love you and your smile is beautiful. Two things I think you all ought to know :)

Well this week has been awesome. We had interviews with our Mission President which is always amazing. With our old president they were only about 7 minutes long, but now they are 10 minutes long!. Those 3 extra minutes is seriously the best, let me tell ya!! I am definitely grateful to be under a Mission President who is definitely following the Spirit in all he does. However, please keep him and his wife in your prayers. President Hymas did lose his Dad this week. How grateful I am for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. 

Sister Rowley on her bike!

We did both days of Park Your Car Day this week and well, honestly that has not happened for a while. Being up in the boonies sometimes it is hard to make it happen. Well this week my companion was sure to make it happen and Heavenly Father definitely blessed us. This week we were able to hand out about 7 Book of Mormons which is way more than we handed out the week prior. Then, these were two of the great blessings we saw this week!! 

First, we ended up seeing the Sisters from another ward in the same church building as us Sunday night and they told us about what had happened at church that day. Turns out that they had a random woman show up with a friend and let her know, I want to be baptized!! They asked where she lives and it is in Sister Rowley and my area!! We are so excited to see what happens. We know the Lord put her in our path along with the other Sisters. 

The other blessing happened Sunday at dinner!! We were eating with this awesome family and it just so happened that they had a non member friend of their daughter there. She is actually living with them and has attended church with her friend. We shared the dinner message and when we asked a question no one in the family responded, but she piped up and did. We eventually asked her if she would like to learn more and she said yes!! AND SHE ACCEPTED CONDITIONAL BAPTISM. 

I know that we go through hard times, whether in life or on a Mission, but I also know that our Heavenly Father is so aware of each and every one of us. No matter what we have gone through, He loves you and is there for you. He loves you more than you could ever imagine and nothing will or can change that. 

I love and miss each and everyone of you. Continue to come closer to Christ, because I promise, it is the best way to live your life. 

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley enjoying some 'Subway'. 

Photo Credit: This little guy!

8/18th of the way done!!

I love you all!!

Just thought I should throw that out there. Because I do :)

Okay, this one is going to try and be shorter because I have a few more peeps I need to make sure I write. 

This week was amazingly crazy. 

To start I was sick all day Tuesday and that was a complete joy. Loved it so much. Dang it, that was sarcastic. Still working on that. 

Wednesday running around to appointments and doing an awesome service project at this thrift store. We got to put all the Halloween stuff out!! If you know me at all, I LOVE holidays and decorations for them. I was seriously in heaven!! 

Thursday we had a District meeting and two blitzes. A blitz is where all the Missionaries in the Zone of the District go work in one set of missionaries area. Met a nice Jewish lady and a grumpy old man. It was pleasant let me tell ya. Made me joyous. That night we then had more lessons, kick ball with the youth and then drove up to exchanges. 

Friday I got to spend all day with the beautiful Sister Koller. It was seriously the best exchange I think I have been on yet. We were able to find them a couple of potential investigators and we were able to hand out 3 Book of Mormons!! Plus, it was with Sister Koller so that made it that much better.

Saturday we had the lovely weekly planning. For the other missionaries reading this, we don't normally do weekly on Saturday.. we had no other choice this week!! 

But we had dinner at 4 and then headed to the temple with Sam and Kristi for their first time going and doing proxy baptisms!! It was such an incredible experience. I definitely had tears in my eyes the entire time. *cough, thanks mom cough*. The spirit at the Temple is unlike anything else. Please make it a priority to go, seriously!! Some of us only get to go twice a year. 

Alright so yeah that was my week. We are about half way through the transfer which is crazy, but that's how mission life goes, fast!! Speaking of fast, I hit my 8 months today!! One more month and I will be half way done. When did that happen?? 

For those who still read this thing, thanks for hanging on. You're the real MVP. 

I love and miss you all more than you could ever remember. 

And please remember to take a moment and remember those who lost their lives in 9/11. 

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird

Chasing a goat, zone conference and funeral thrift store.

Hey gorgeous human beings, 

Hope your week has been splendid. I would use a bigger word, but that is Sister Rowley's job. By the way, she is amazing and I still love her. She hasn't gotten sick of me yet, so that's good! 

This week, I will try to remember the highlights. I'll start with the heading. 

So we were going to visit someone and we suddenly see a goat on the road. Not a deer or turkey, the usual, but a goat. So naturally we start to follow it. We chased it for a while and eventually helped it find its way back home. Its name was Bernie by the way, Bernie Sanders.. 

Funeral thrift store. Saddest service I have ever done in my life. We show up and they have us start pulling all the blue price tagged items. It became basically a game. We would get so excited when we found one. They were seriously hidden everywhere. I loved it. We filled an entire cart thing they had so full. We were pretty proud of it, let me tell you. We also had some golden finds! We found this awesome statue of Christ, the leaning tower of Pisa and other beautiful glass bowls and things. We then start to wonder, oh where are these going. Well come to find out, they were going to their DEATH. We were collecting the items they were now throwing into the trash. Yeah, that was fun. We also temporarily misplaced our phone in the store.. no worries, we found it!! Some kind soul turned it in to the person at the counter. 

Now, zone conference!! Oh my goodness. It was amazing. Elder and Sister Martinez were a hoot and gave amazing trainings.

Zone Conference with President and Sister Hymas (California Sacramento Mission President)
, and Elder and Sister Martinez (Quorum of Seventy). 

The Drapers and Sister Baird

The whole conference had the theme of obedience. It is so true, the amount of blessings that come as we are as obedient as we possibly can be. Remember you think it could be PAM spray but it could turn out to be bug spray! haha, sorry if that makes no sense. 

Also I got to sing with one of my most amazing families down in Folsom. The Drapers came and played for me while I sang. It was incredibly being able to see a family I love so much. We also got to go to their home for dinner as well! It felt fun to be back in Folsom for a little while. 

Kristi is continuing to be amazing!! Our goal is to get her and Sam to the temple this Saturday with families. It is such a huge blessing to have a temple so close. The temple is an amazing place to be. The spirit there is so strong. Take advantage if it is close and go as often as you can!!

We are still working with Bernadine. Keep her in your prayers. We are doing what we can to help get through her concerns. She;s amazing though. She came to church this Sunday. Other exciting news, we had three less active members at church this Sunday. It is amazing to see people coming back to the fold!! 

Okay, I love and miss you all!! Pictures will come in another email. 

Much Love Always, 

Sister MJ Baird

Sister Baird, Sister Rowley, Sister Koller and her companion
holding a 'Box of Water'. 

Sister Baird and Sister Koller (her MTC companion).

Sister Baird and Sister Rowley