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Elizabeth in Poland – Her Missionary Service Blog
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Z Bogiem zostań aż spotkamy się❤️
“God Be With You Till We Meet Again” Hejka kochani! This is my last missionary blog and the end of my full-time mission in Poland. A few days ago, we found out my original flight home on April 7 had been canceled due to airport closures. However, the US embassy in Warsaw found me another…
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God Bless the People of Poland!
Hejka cześć friend and family! You may have heard that recently a lot of missionaries are being sent home. We’re still hanging on over here in Poland! We are just one of a couple missions in Europe where missionaries haven’t been sent home as of yet. Like the rest of the world, our life and…
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Finding Peace during the Korona Wirus 🦠Outbreak
Hejka cześć friends and family! In one week, so much has changed and so here are some updates on missionary life in Poland and the effects of the corona virus: As of today, there are around 150 known Covid-19 cases in Poland with 3 deaths, but drastic measures have been taken pretty early on to…
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Our God is Always with Us!
Hejka cześć friends and fam! I’m constantly grateful for the opportunity to serve in beautiful Gdańsk! This week: -Had an awesome Zone Conference in Warsaw all about family history 🙂 It’s so true that as we learn about our ancestors, we learn more about ourselves! And of course, missionary work is done on both sides…
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Little Things Matter
Hello dearest friends and family❤️ This week: There are no coincidences! God will put the right people in your path at the right time. I absolutely saw that this week 🙂 Our friend Łukasz from Katowice came to visit!!! It was such a highlight of the week to see him! A new senior missionary couple—the…
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A More Excellent Way💫
Hejka cześć my dearest friends and family!!! ❤️ This week: – Met Ivonna from Argentina at a finding activity!!! We approached her in polish but when we heard her say ”no hablo polaco” we switched into Spanish! We asked her if she’d ever heard of El Libro de Mormon and turns out she used to …
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Są silni
Hejka cześć friends and family! These last couple weeks: -Our friend Adam got baptized! It has been so cool to see his progress as he has prepared for baptism the last couple months 🙂 -Got to visit the Solidarność museum! The Solidarity movement is all about the Polish protests against communism behind the Iron curtain…
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I am a Swedish missionary now// Wesołych Świąt!!!!
Hejka cześć kochani!!! These last few weeks have been such a whirlwind of fun and hard work 🙂 I LOVE Gdańsk!!!!! – We had our Christmas zone conference! We sang so many Christmas carols, had a great devotional and went to the Christmas light show at one of the castles in Warsaw. My absolute favorite…
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Dzięnkenini
Hejka friends and family! Merry Christmas! ❤️ Big news–I’m training a new missionary! After being in a trio for 2 weeks with my beloved MTC sisters, Siostra Jones and Siostra Sjödin, I picked up my new companion Siostra Frantz in Warsaw and we came back to Gdańsk together! She is AMAZING! I already know this…
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Elizabeth in Poland – Her Missionary Service Blog

Between the Carpathian Mountains and the Baltic Sea in the enchanting land of Copernicus, Chopin, and Mickiewicz, there lives a marvelous and innovative Polish people who have fought valiantly for more than a thousand years to preserve their cultural identify and way of life. From far across the seas comes a Mexican American young lady – a triathlete, a tri-musician, and an aspiring tri-linguist who has traded two years of college studies for the privilege and opportunity to minister in the name of Christ by serving, loving, and learning from the Polish people. This is her journey. -
Z Bogiem zostań aż spotkamy się❤️
“God Be With You Till We Meet Again” Hejka kochani! This is my last missionary blog and the end of my full-time mission in Poland. A few days ago, we found out my original flight home on April 7 had been canceled due to airport closures. However, the US embassy in Warsaw found me another…
“God Be With You Till We Meet Again”

Hejka kochani!
This is my last missionary blog and the end of my full-time mission in Poland.
A few days ago, we found out my original flight home on April 7 had been canceled due to airport closures. However, the US embassy in Warsaw found me another flight! I will be flying into Chicago on Tuesday and then to Dallas on Wednesday 🙂 As I leave Poland, I leave a wonderful country that like the rest of the world continues to take extreme measures to contain the COVID-19 virus. As of today, there are 2,311 confirmed cases and 33 deaths.

This last special week of the mission has been amazing—although we were inside, we continued meeting and teaching people every day through Skype and Facebook. I am so grateful for technology!
It’s been such a dream and a privilege to get to be a missionary in Poland! I will be eternally grateful for my time here, and the wonderful people I have met, taught and served with. I feel just like Jacob in the Book of Mormon when he says: “the time passed away with us, and also our [mission] passed away like as it were unto us a dream.” (Jacob 7:26) That is what the mission has been for me. It has gone by so fast!

The biggest thing I have gained from serving a mission is an absolute knowledge that Jesus Christ lives and that He loves each one of us individually and perfectly. I know that He wants to have a personal relationship with each one of us! I know our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for us, and I know that everything happens for a reason. There are no coincidences. We are in each other’s lives for a reason! I know Jesus Christ is our best friend, if we want Him to be. If we allow Him to be! Through Him and by Him we can receive a fullness of joy. I know that He wants us to find lasting happiness and peace. With Him at our side, we can overcome challenges and find peace in the midst of every trial. His promises to us remain the same—He says: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

During the last couple days, I’ve been reading through 3rd Nephi, where Jesus visits the people in the Americas. I love chapter 17, verse 21:
“And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.”
One by one, He ministered to the people there, and one by one He ministers to us. ❤️
I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon! I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God; that as we read it alongside the Bible, we can find answers to so many questions. The Book of Mormon brings such a special spirit, and I find great peace when I read. If you ever have any questions or would want to read together and talk about it, please let me know! 🙂 I love this book!!!

I also testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that through him the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored as it was originally when Christ was on the earth. I am so grateful for a living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson who leads and guides the Church under the direction of God❤️ I’m grateful for the opportunity to listen to him during this next weekend! I am excited for the insights we’ll gain. President Nelson’s promise 6 months ago that this conference will be different than any other has already been fulfilled! I can’t wait to see what’s next 🙂 You can watch conference at churchofjesuschrist.org on Saturday and Sunday.
I have loved being a missionary. I am so grateful for each and every experience!!! Thank you dearly for all of the support and love :)) kocham was! Do zobaczenia wkrótce!
Z miłością, Siostra Baldwin

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God Bless the People of Poland!
Hejka cześć friend and family! You may have heard that recently a lot of missionaries are being sent home. We’re still hanging on over here in Poland! We are just one of a couple missions in Europe where missionaries haven’t been sent home as of yet. Like the rest of the world, our life and…

The entire mission (all 40+ missionaries) in a zoom call this week! Hejka cześć friend and family!
You may have heard that recently a lot of missionaries are being sent home. We’re still hanging on over here in Poland! We are just one of a couple missions in Europe where missionaries haven’t been sent home as of yet.

Like the rest of the world, our life and work in Poland has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. As of today, there have been 749 cases confirmed with 8 deaths. This increase in infections is following very well the geometric progression model that predicts a doubling of the infection rate every 4 days. It remains to be seen when Poland will flatten the infection growth curve. But things are pretty locked down now.
As missionaries, we’re still allowed to go outside and get fresh air, but we aren’t allowed to street contact or proselyte. Right now, our missionary work is all online. Despite the fact that our normal missionary schedule has totally changed over the last few weeks, great things are still happening. The message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ brings so much hope and peace–something that is so needed at this time. ❤️

This week I also hit my 18-month mark as a missionary. These last 18 months of representing Jesus Christ here have been an absolute privilege and I am excited for the couple of weeks I have left. I love this Gospel! I love the joy it brings. I saw an inspiring quote this week that I wanted to share with you:
“Sometimes the Savior calms the storm.
Sometimes He lets the storm rage and He calms you.”
And it’s so true! Even when the world is full of crazy events and things we don’t really understand, we can find the peace and comfort we need in our Savior and in His promises to us.

Our Savior, our best friend, our example and our strength❤️ “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;” (Isaiah 41:10)
I love you all! Życzę wam zdrowia!!! Kocham was!
Siostra Baldwin
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Finding Peace during the Korona Wirus 🦠Outbreak
Hejka cześć friends and family! In one week, so much has changed and so here are some updates on missionary life in Poland and the effects of the corona virus: As of today, there are around 150 known Covid-19 cases in Poland with 3 deaths, but drastic measures have been taken pretty early on to…

Hejka cześć friends and family!
In one week, so much has changed and so here are some updates on missionary life in Poland and the effects of the corona virus:
As of today, there are around 150 known Covid-19 cases in Poland with 3 deaths, but drastic measures have been taken pretty early on to slow the spread of the disease. Despite the precautions, the number of cases is starting to grow exponentially though as of this week the numbers are still relatively low considering Poland has a population of 38 million people. As of a couple days ago, schools, museums, theaters, and malls are all closed for two weeks. The governors of different cities have encouraged everyone to stay home. Travel in and out of Poland has been banned and international flights have been suspended for the next 10 days. No trains are currently going west to Germany or east to Ukraine. A few days ago, President Trump also banned any foreigners from Europe from entering the US- however, the ban does not apply to US citizens. The situation is changing daily so what I share today may be much different in a couple of days.

For us missionaries, it currently means that although we are not in lock-down yet, we have a 2-week food supply just in case that becomes necessary. Currently we are not allowed to tract, street contact, teach English class, or hold any group meetings. But we are allowed to work on Facebook and keep having skype lessons 🙂

For me, the plan is still that I will come home to Texas in early April. When I cross the border, I’ll be screened for coronavirus and regardless of the results of the screening, I will at a minimum be self-quarantined in Texas for 14 days (unless something changes before then).

During the initial panic last week regarding the growing pandemic, many of the grocery stores were emptied of a lot of food; as of today, the stores have mostly restocked and this morning there was plenty of food, medicines, and (maybe most importantly) toilet paper!



During this confusing time when the situation changes daily and nothing really seems certain, where can we turn for peace?
The lyrics of one of my favorite hymns comes to mind:
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?
Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.
In a chaotic world full of daily changes and imperfect people, Jesus Christ is a constant. He is constantly there–our loving older brother who wants the very best for us. During this uncertain time, I have received a lot of strength from the knowledge that no matter what is happening in the world, His promise to us is the same–PEACE.
I also have a strong testimony that faith and prayer are powerful. When we have faith and we act on it, we open the door for God to work miracles in our lives. That doesn’t just mean we can sit back and do nothing—but rather that when we work together with God, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.

I hope you all have a wonderful, happy, and safe week! Wash your hands often, take this time inside to learn a new skill or read a good book, and tell someone you love them. I love you all!
Z miłością,
Siostra Baldwin
Pictures
-Singing hymns in old town with the elders
-old town is EMPTY
-riding the empty bus
-adventures in old Town
– No toilet paper!?!?
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Our God is Always with Us!
Hejka cześć friends and fam! I’m constantly grateful for the opportunity to serve in beautiful Gdańsk! This week: -Had an awesome Zone Conference in Warsaw all about family history 🙂 It’s so true that as we learn about our ancestors, we learn more about ourselves! And of course, missionary work is done on both sides…

Hejka cześć friends and fam!
I’m constantly grateful for the opportunity to serve in beautiful Gdańsk!


This week:
-Had an awesome Zone Conference in Warsaw all about family history 🙂 It’s so true that as we learn about our ancestors, we learn more about ourselves! And of course, missionary work is done on both sides of the Veil [Dad note: the word ‘veil’ is a metaphor used to illustrate the physical and spiritual separation between the living and the deceased]!

-Started teaching someone we met on the train 🙂 She’s so awesome, keeps her commitments to read the book of Mormon and pray daily, and is just a ray of sunshine!!!

-Got lectured about politics for 40 minutes on a train ride to a lesson. During the whole thing I was wishing I couldn’t understand it haha
-Climbed up to the top of St Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk today! After a 400-stair climb, the view was absolutely gorgeous!

To close, I want to share a scripture from 2 Timothy 1:7-
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Our God is always with us! We never have to be afraid of what the future will bring, because He is by our side. His promise to us is that He will not leave us comfortless or alone, but that He will be with us through everything. I testify that His promise is true for you! ❤️
Kocham was tak mocno!
Zawsze z miłością,
Siostra Baldwin

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Little Things Matter
Hello dearest friends and family❤️ This week: There are no coincidences! God will put the right people in your path at the right time. I absolutely saw that this week 🙂 Our friend Łukasz from Katowice came to visit!!! It was such a highlight of the week to see him! A new senior missionary couple—the…

Hello dearest friends and family❤️
This week:
- There are no coincidences! God will put the right people in your path at the right time. I absolutely saw that this week 🙂
- Our friend Łukasz from Katowice came to visit!!! It was such a highlight of the week to see him!

- A new senior missionary couple—the Johnsons—have moved to Gdańsk! We were all so sad to say goodbye to Elder & Sister Bridges a few weeks ago, but it was wonderful to get to meet Elder & Sister Johnson this week. They are amazing!
- We got transfer calls! Siostra Frantz and I are staying in Gdańsk :))) And another Siostra, Siostra Littlefield is coming to join us from Warsaw so we’ll be a trio! We are so excited!
- -Went to Auchan (a big store kind of like a super target) with the Johnsons this week.. I was a little bit shook being in such a big store haha!

To close, I wanted to share a thought I loved from Sunday school yesterday. It was that the seemingly boring, slow moments in our life are part of the glorious plan our Father in Heaven has for us. We may not realize it in the moment, but these experiences are shaping us into the people HE created us to be.

That really resonates with me! Every little thing we do sculpts us as people. Whether it’s choosing to be patient and kind, remembering and showing our gratitude for our blessings, doing small or big acts of service or any other good thing, it all adds up for our good. God will bless us for it!
Kocham was tak mocno! Love you all! Have a wonderful week❤️🤗
Siostra Baldwin

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A More Excellent Way💫
Hejka cześć my dearest friends and family!!! ❤️ This week: – Met Ivonna from Argentina at a finding activity!!! We approached her in polish but when we heard her say ”no hablo polaco” we switched into Spanish! We asked her if she’d ever heard of El Libro de Mormon and turns out she used to …

Hejka cześć my dearest friends and family!!! ❤️
This week:
– Met Ivonna from Argentina at a finding activity!!! We approached her in polish but when we heard her say ”no hablo polaco” we switched into Spanish! We asked her if she’d ever heard of El Libro de Mormon and turns out she used to go to church in Argentina:) she’s the coolest!

– this week has really been one full of languages because in an effort to invite more people to english class, we’ve been posting on Ukrainian Facebook pages! Since Ukraine and Poland border each other there are a lot of Ukrainians that live in Poland! 7 new people were in class this week and one of the couples came to church:))

– Got lost in a hospital complex on our way to deliver a Book of Mormon… But we made the delivery!!
– Got proposed to.. TWICE

– Got hit by a car. Basically here at most crosswalks there is no light–the pedestrians usually have the right of the way. So once you start walking on the crosswalk the cars will stop for you. This time though the driver wasn’t paying attention and although he was going reallllly slow he didn’t stop and actually hit Siostra Frantz and I!! He felt so bad about it but we were totally fine haha!

– Church was super great and busy as always:) So many people were there!! Someone even asked: “Why are there so many people here? Is it a special occasion?” It wasn’t a special occasion, just an awesome Sunday! The Gdańsk branch is growing!!! :))
– Taught Relief Society. It was awesome because we had a few people who only spoke Russian there but Siostra Marinella, our Relief Society President speaks both Polish and Russian and so she translated for us:) We focused on Elder Bednar’s address from this last conference, “Watchful unto Prayer Continually”. I would absolutely recommend it! ❤️
And lastly I want to share a scripture–Ether 12:11-
” But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled.”

There is a lot of happiness to be found in this life. Without a knowledge of Jesus Christ and his gospel, life can be okay. But our loving Father in Heaven doesn’t just want us to have an okay life – He’s got greater plans for us! That’s why He gave us his son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is The More Excellent Way – the way to find more happiness, peace and direction in this life than in any other way possible. He is our advocate, our loving brother and He can be our best friend, if we let Him. If we want Him to be. I am so grateful for that and for the perfect plan Heavenly Father has for each one of us!
Kocham was tak mocno! Modlę się za was!
Z miłością,
Siostra Baldwin
Pictures:
-returning to the mothership
-biedronka, the polish grocery store!
-classic polish street
-Jesus❤️
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Są silni
Hejka cześć friends and family! These last couple weeks: -Our friend Adam got baptized! It has been so cool to see his progress as he has prepared for baptism the last couple months 🙂 -Got to visit the Solidarność museum! The Solidarity movement is all about the Polish protests against communism behind the Iron curtain…

Hejka cześć friends and family! These last couple weeks:
-Our friend Adam got baptized! It has been so cool to see his progress as he has prepared for baptism the last couple months 🙂

-Got to visit the Solidarność museum! The Solidarity movement is all about the Polish protests against communism behind the Iron curtain from the 50’s all the way to the late 80’s. It was especially cool to also learn about the protests that were also going on in Hungary (where my dad served his mission) at the same time. After visiting the museum I am even more in awe of the people here. The Polish people are AMAZING!!


-Lots of talking to people on the street the last couple weeks 🙂 we’ve had some awesome conversations. I’ve been especially proud of Siostra Frantz–she is fearless and has such a powerful testimony!
-Got the first door slammed in our faces in a while(we mostly street contact here haha)

-Taught Sunday school with 5 minutes notice! The members in Gdańsk are so awesome and we had a great discussion on the symbolism of Lehi’s tree of life vision in the Book of Mormon 🙂
To close, I want to share a quote I’ve loved this week! It says,
“Our perfect Father in Heaven does not expect us to be perfect children yet. He had only one such child. Meanwhile, therefore, sometimes with smudges on our cheeks, dirt on our hands, and shoes untied, stammeringly but smilingly we present God with a dandelion–as if it were an orchid or a rose! If for now the dandelion is the best we have to offer, He receives it, knowing what we may later place on the altar. It is good to remember how young we are spiritually. “

As much as we study and grow and experience everyday in this life, we are still so young spiritually. I think that’s one of the beautiful things about life–our Father in Heaven is fully aware that we won’t do everything perfectly and that we’ll make a lot of mistakes along the way! But that’s ok, because that’s part of His perfect plan for us. Because of Jesus Christ, we can repent every day and every day become a little bit better, a little bit more like the people that God knows we can become. And in the process, we start to find the peace and the happiness God has promised us!
Love you all!!! Miłego tygodnia!! ❤️
Siostra Baldwin
Pictures:
– Polish winter and mistletoe growing in the trees in clumps
– Adam and Ola!
– Polish winter and mistletoe growing in the trees in clumps
– The iron curtain and a communist parade
– Starsi on exchange
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I am a Swedish missionary now// Wesołych Świąt!!!!
Hejka cześć kochani!!! These last few weeks have been such a whirlwind of fun and hard work 🙂 I LOVE Gdańsk!!!!! – We had our Christmas zone conference! We sang so many Christmas carols, had a great devotional and went to the Christmas light show at one of the castles in Warsaw. My absolute favorite…

Hejka cześć kochani!!!
These last few weeks have been such a whirlwind of fun and hard work 🙂 I LOVE Gdańsk!!!!!

– We had our Christmas zone conference! We sang so many Christmas carols, had a great devotional and went to the Christmas light show at one of the castles in Warsaw. My absolute favorite part of conference though was when Prezydent Chandler sat down at the piano and casually played the most beautiful Christmas medley ever! He and Siostra Chandler are SO talented.
As part of the conference Siostra Sjödin and I sang a duet in Swedish at the conference! We sang “Blott en Dag”, an absolutely beautiful hymn about taking things day by day and relying on the Lord through it all. Below is the English translation:


– Learned how to make Czech cookies with Natálie. She’s the BEST

– Christmas Eve (Wigilia) was amazing. We celebrated with members in the branch, the Bridges, and the Elders and it couldn’t have been better! We had more than the traditional 12 Christmas dishes, including Barszcz (delicious beet soup), Śledź (pickled herring, a kind of fish), Moldovan salad, Carp, Carp in jello, and so many more! And of course, the polish tradition is that you have to try them all! It was definitely a meal I will never forget!!!


– The Polish Catholic tradition is to go to mass at midnight the night of the 24th and we got to go! We were so tired but it was so much fun to stay up and go with our friend Martyna. We went to one of the really old churches in Oliwa Gdańsk and it was the Archbishop’s church so he was there for the mass! We sang lots of carols and then listened to the prayers. One part of the mass that was cool was when the priest sang parts of the prayers and then everyone sang the responses back. It was so beautiful!

-This week we had exchanges with the Lublin Sister and they came to Gdańsk! I got to be with Siostra Berrett all day and we had a blast! The elders in Gdańsk were on exchanges too so all 8 missionaries, plus some of our awesome Gdańsk friends joined us to carol in Old Town. Halfway through our singing it started ice raining, but we weren’t going to let that stop us! We went under a bridge and just kept on singing–and it was even better because it echoed all the way through Old Town! So many people stopped to talk to us and to take some video 🙂

-Found out Ela, a friend who comes to Zupa every Saturday finished high school in Argentina and is fluent in Spanish so now we both have someone to practice with :))
-Got invited to a Jewish concert at the synagogue by someone we’re teaching to celebrate the last day of Hanukkah. We went, hoping it would be at least as good as Fiddler on the Roof and it was even better!!! 😉

The Lord is with us through every experience. I can testify that He knows us personally, and that can continue to learn and grow even through our trials as we rely on our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ isn’t just something that happened almost 2000 years ago–it affects you and me, every. single. day. Jesus Christ died for you personally, because He absolutely knows you and He knows the person you are capable of becoming. He is on our side!!! He wants us to be successful and happier than we can ever imagine!!! Because of him, we can find lasting peace in this life. When we are weak, we can find strength through him. When we are hopeless, we can find comfort and direction.

The Lord teaches us in D&C 121,
“… all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
Therefore, hold on thy way; Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”
HE– all powerful, all loving God- is with us forever and ever! And with Him, NOTHING is impossible!
I also read a wonderful talk this week from this last general conference, called “Holiness and the Plan of Happiness” by President Eyring. I would definitely recommend it 🙂 It’s a great talk to start the new year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! KOCHAM WAS TAK MOCNO!!! ❤️
z dużo miłością,
Siostra Baldwin
Mail?!
Siostra Elizabeth Baldwin
Ul. Wiertnicza 135
02-952 Warszawa
Poland
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Dzięnkenini
Hejka friends and family! Merry Christmas! ❤️ Big news–I’m training a new missionary! After being in a trio for 2 weeks with my beloved MTC sisters, Siostra Jones and Siostra Sjödin, I picked up my new companion Siostra Frantz in Warsaw and we came back to Gdańsk together! She is AMAZING! I already know this…

Hejka friends and family! Merry Christmas! ❤️
Big news–I’m training a new missionary! After being in a trio for 2 weeks with my beloved MTC sisters, Siostra Jones and Siostra Sjödin, I picked up my new companion Siostra Frantz in Warsaw and we came back to Gdańsk together! She is AMAZING! I already know this transfer is going to be great! 🙂


Thanksgiving was fantastic! The senior couple here, the Bridges, had us over for a huge thanksgiving meal and it was so good! We had every Thanksgiving food you could possibly think of- pies, turkey, potatoes, stuffing, green been cassarole and more. Several members from the branch and so many of our friends in Gdańsk came!

We got invited to present about our beliefs at a university class and it was amazing!The professor was so respectful and the students had a lot of good questions. Several of the students asked us afterwards for copies of the Book of Mormon! It was a great experience and a testament that there are people who are searching for the direction and knowledge the gospel brings–they just need to have it offered to them!

My favorite scripture this week is Mosiah 2:20-
“if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another”

Because that is EXACTLY how I feel! I absolutely love being a missionary. I love teaching the restored gospel. I love learning new things every day. I love the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I love that they work together to testify of Jesus Christ, of His life and how thanks to Him, death is not the end! Families can be together forever! I love helping people develop a relationship with God, and I love the people of Poland with my entire heart. I absolutely love serving in Gdańsk. I’m so grateful for this time the Lord has given me to get to share the most important and joy filled message in the world! ❤️

Zawsze z miłością,
Siostra Baldwin
Xoxo
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Hola a todos!
This week went very well. Happy Mother’s Day Week!
My Mother is the light of my life. I am where I am because of her love and encouragement! She has taught me what it means to put God first in my life. I love you Mami!!!
Words of Wisdom about Motherhood:
“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling…it is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.” Elder Neil L. Anderson
“Few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of both the mother who bore us and the mothers who bear with us.” Sheri Dew
“What Mothers do is an essential element of Christ’s work.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
“There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of Motherhood.” Elder M. Russell Ballard
“There is no limit to what a woman with a Mother’s heart can accomplish.” Julie B. Beck
I don’t know where I would be without the knowledge that families are forever. This goal begins with the Mother who brings children into this world and teaches them right from wrong, to always put God first, and to serve those in need. Mothers are the most important part of a family. They are the ones who nurture and help the family grow into becoming the family Heavenly Father wants them to be.
We are preparing this week for a baptism. This will be the first baptism I will attend in person on my mission! Zoom is not the same! 😊 What an experience it will be to see the joy of this young friend to experience what it’s like to have the Holy Ghost with him always. In 3rd Nephi 11:33 it says “And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.” This scripture is so true! If we want to return to our Heavenly Father, then we must take the first step which is to get baptized.
I encourage and invite each of you to reach out to the missionaries where you live and take lessons from them because what we teach is something so cool and so powerful that it will change your life forever!
I like the quote by Marcus Aurelius: “What we do now echoes in eternity.” Now is the time, my friends, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy it brings into our lives. Share the good news that Jesus is the Christ!

Thanks for everything that has been done for me while I have been out here serving! I love all of you and hope this week is a blast! STAY SAFE OUT THERE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Buena Suerte tambien! ❤
May the good Lord bless you all! ✌🙏✨❤ Until next week!
Elder Baldwin
Mothers are Important
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HOLA A TODOS! What a week it has been! Am I right? A lot of changes happened this week in this part of the vineyard.
Change #1: To begin with, this week I hit my 7th month in the mission field! Isn’t that Crazy? I have been out for 7 months already and I have been able to see and experience much. I have sweet memories of people, places, and situations that remind me of what I am about and who I am becoming.

Change #2: On transfer day, Tuesday April 26th, I saw my companion, Elder Walton leave for his new assigned area. We spent 3 months together seeking out people to teach, visiting those who called upon us to receive a blessing, praying with those whom we visit regularly and who feed us, and discovering new places during our P-Day (preparation day). I enjoyed his leadership as a District Leader, and his friendship. As I saw him leaving I became a bit sad. 😥 I didn’t know that these two transfers would teach me so much about love and how to care for someone else. Thank you “Compa”!

Change #3: I was also excited to receive a new companion. His name is Elder McBride and he has been out in the mission field for 20 months. I am impressed with the language skills he has gained while serving out here. A mission can do a lot for one person. It’s Crazy!!! I am grateful for the chance to have a companion who has been out here 14 months longer than I have. He comes with a lot of experience and because of it I have already learned so much from him!
Change #4: With this new transfer I may get to drive now because I know the area. I will enjoy this very much.
Change #5: One thing I have learned while out here is to become a hard worker. My perception of hard work has definitely changed! Hard workers earn joy and happiness and that is what I have today because of the choice I made to serve a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I like to call it the BEST TWO YEARS because it is true, these are the best two years of my life! My life continues to change everyday as I serve. I am grateful to my sister Elizabeth, who served her mission in Poland, for her example of hard work. She just recently achieved a high ranking status at BYU Provo Utah, where she was picked to be on the BYU EMT (Emergency Medical Team). Isn’t that so cool? At least I think it is. She works very hard and is achieving her dreams. She continues to save lives—as a lifeguard in her youth, and now as an EMT. She is one of my heroes! Just like my older sister, I am also saving lives here in the mission, spiritually speaking.
It’s so much easier to make the right choices when you are doing good for other people, so I invite you to do good for other people and find joy and happiness. Change your lives for good, change your heart, change your perspective, and turn to the Lord. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I love you all and please please please send me emails, letters, stickers you name it! 💗 love you all and hope this week is a blast!
STAY SAFE OUT THERE FRIENDS AND FAMILY!✌
“The Only Constant in Life is Change”
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Hello y’all! From the dusty, desert streets of Scottsdale, Arizona!
This past week was our last week before missionary transfers—#5!
To finish off this past transfer, I gave my first talk in Spanish in the Camelback Spanish Branch. I was quite stressed about it because it required much more preparation than talks I had given before. I was surprised that my speaking assignment was a minimum of 10 minutes. I took 12. I practiced it in Spanish, and it seems to me that the talk went very well. A few members came up to me afterwards and thanked me for my efforts and the message. All the members here are super kind and sweet to us. I have felt at home ever since I started serving here. My assigned topic was: “Member/Missionary Team Work,” which is the best work there is! I spoke about how members can assist missionaries in the work of the Lord.

Some of the ideas I shared include:
- We need everyone to help!
- We can’t do this on our own.
- Members are a key element in the processes of conversion and retention.
- Members and Missionaries make a powerful team.
- Members/Missionaries (together) can reach out, give service, invite and share.
- The Spirit speaks to us in many instances.
- Feeling overwhelmed is natural but remember what Elder Uchtdorf said: “The Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead, “The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” I also quoted President Thomas S. Monson: “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him”
I know that if we work together, the Lord can work with us to bring many more souls unto Jesus Christ. I encourage each one of you to reach out to the missionaries in your area and go on visits together. I know we can make this happen. I have a strong Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it can change lives. I know that President Nelson is a true prophet of God. I know The Book of Mormon is true and testifies about how we can find peace and happiness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As a missionary, I want to better myself and become even a greater disciple of Jesus Christ.

We have also continued teaching and our young friend says he is ready for the next big step! HE IS READY TO BE BAPTIZED; MAY 7TH IS HIS SET DATE!!! We have also continued talking to Jr’s mother. And she wants him to get baptized on the same day as his friend. Isn’t that just so exciting!! This week we will be working on preparing for those baptisms.
I am so grateful for the time I have spent on the mission so far. I have learned many different things. This week my mom taught me to make Green Mexican Salsa! Also, my companions have been great teachers to me. For example, my last companion helped me expand my understanding on how to communicate with members more effectively.



It has now become my turn to lead this area! It’s kind of nerve racking! All the work we have put in has to continue on to reach out to those who are interested in learning about Jesus Christ. I am grateful again for the service and love you all have provided for me. You are all in my prayers 🙏❤. Thanks for being Awesome! and have a good Week!

Love you all and Buene Suerte!
(Good luck)
Elder Baldwin
Tasty Green Salsa & My 12-Minute Spanish Talk 🌶
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This past week was a long week. We have continued teaching those who are seeking to learn more about the Gospel. Our young friends are always excited for our next visit. That’s how we should feel about Jesus Christ when He comes again.
This world is in turmoil right now and it needs all the love and support it can get. Easter Sunday brings that love. We had a wonderful Easter here in the Camelback Spanish Branch. Everyone who attended was so happy to get back together and celebrate. The joy I feel when I am around the members of the Branch is immeasurable. Some of the children ran up to my companion and me and were like ” Oh!! The Elders Are Here!” That made me feel very welcomed. I can truly see that I have made a big difference in the lives of these members of the branch, and they have made a difference in mine. I honestly feel at home.

I have continued to learn a lot while I have been out here. Patience has been on my list all this week. Daily situations demand patience. Not easy, but necessary. Some experiences cannot be readily shared but I am grateful that we have President Smith to help us navigate our mission.
As we celebrate THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST, let us remember that it is because of Him that we can find peace and joy in this life. I really like the scripture (John 11:25.) “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” This scripture promises that death is not the end. It encourages me to become a better person and teach those who would like to be taught the same principle I am learning.

Thanks to all of you for the love, care and support! I would not be out here with out the encouragement I received and will continue to receive! I LOVE AND CARE FOR YOU ALL! ❤💙💜
BUENE SUERTE!
ELDER BALDWIN
EASTER THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!
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Family and friends!

What a week it has been! Learning and growing to become a better person is well worth it! We recently had one of the Twelve apostles, Elder Neil L. Andersen, speak to us in person here in the Arizona Scottsdale Mission. It was a mission-wide gathering. All the missionaries from the Mountains and the missionaries in the Valley got together to hear one of God’s chosen apostles.

What he taught was very meaningful to me. He thought that staying in an area for awhile is good sometimes up to 6-8 months because it will help us get to know the members very well. When you get to know the members well, you develop relationships of trust, and you can serve better because you learn about their real needs. He also taught us that learning the names of all the young men and women we serve is important because we are helping mentor them, and hopefully—through our example– encourage them in the right direction and even to serve a mission.
Recently I heard that we are going to receive the visit of another apostle of the Lord. We do not know who it is though. I hope is President Nelson! Wouldn’t that be a cool story to share? Indeed! I think it would. If he comes this will be my second time to be in close proximity to the Prophet of God!!! So exiting!

My cousin – Jared and I walking into the Conference at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas The first time I saw the Prophet—President Nelson– was back in November 2018. He came and spoke at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Sister Wendy Nelson, his wife, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, and Elder Adrian Ochoa, a General authority Seventy and his wife were also present. We traveled from Dallas to San Antonio and attended this meeting with family and cousins. The youth were allowed to sit very close to the podium and my cousin Jared and I were seated on the third row. When the meeting finished, President Nelson walked next to where we were sitting and literally, he was like two feet away from me! I remember him shaking the hand of a child who was seated in front of us, and I wanted to shake his hand too. What an eventful experience that was for me! I was so excited to see him so close to us!

When I was in the Primary, I used to sing the song “Follow the Prophet”.
“Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, follow the prophet; don’t go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, follow the prophet; he knows the way.
My testimony is that by following the Prophet, we too can win spiritual, physical, and mental victories against the adversary. I know the Lord calls prophets, and when we listen to their words and act upon what they ask us to do, we are blessed.
Elder Walton and I have continued teaching Bro. Gonzalez. Learning the principles of the Gospel is important. Before anyone can be baptized, we always make sure they understand the first principles and ordinances of the gospel which are: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We plan to review them again this week with him. His baptism is planned for April 16 the day before Easter. I think that is a perfect time to be baptized, so family can invite friends and relatives to witness this ordinance and partake of the Spirit of the Lord.
Thanks for all the love and support you all have shown me. If you would like to write any personal emails to me my email, send them to: Joshua.baldwin@missionary.org For letters send them to:
Elder Joshua S. Baldwin
Arizona Scottsdale Mission
6265 N. 82nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
THANKS SO MUCH Y’ALL AND HAVE A BLESSED WEEK! 🙌🙏💕


An Apostle Visits our Mission
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This week was quite interesting. We had General Conference, we met a lady in the laundromat, and we found our apartment door wide open.
General Conference: This past weekend we enjoyed listening to the General authorities of the church. It was awesome. For me, the general theme was: “Continue to preach the Gospel.” I really liked President Nelson’s talks: “Preaching the Gospel of Peace, The Power of Spiritual Momentum, and Now is the Time. In his Sunday morning talk, President Nelson focused on encouraging the youth to serve missions because the mission field is a learning ground.
The talk from Elder Dallin Oaks was also very interesting as he spoke about the family and the stance of the church on marriage: “we affirm that the family proclamation, founded on irrevocable doctrine, defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.” I find great comfort in knowing that this doctrine will never change.
These talks taught me a lot. What did you learn from General Conference?
Lady at the laundromat: We began talking to her and she asked us about our teaching. We shared with her the Book of Mormon and she rejected it immediately. I find that many people will flatly say: “The Book of Mormon is all a lie” without haven’t ever read it. I wish people would take the challenge to read it, as I have done it and ask God if it’s true. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Moroni, a prophet from The Book of Mormon invited all to read, ponder and pray.
“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (The Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:3-5)
The invitation is for all of us. You too can find out as you read, ponder and pray if the book is true.

Finding our apartment door wide open: Upon returning from one of our regular days, we found the door of our apartment wide open. My first thought was to check if anything was missing. Luckily everything was there. I was concerned mainly about our bikes because they were just right there leaning against the wall. I was also worried because one of the Sister’s bikes was stolen recently. I feel the Lord protected our place, and I am grateful for that.
The mission has taught me to work with others and it has shown me that not everyone you meet will want to talk to you. A mission is a tough time, but in the long run blessings will be given to you and your friends, and family for serving. Also, the mission has taught me how important the family is. I feel I love my family a lot more. Being away from the family for 6 months has given me a different appreciation for all my family members. I am planning to spend more time with family when I return home. I am looking forward to enjoying family relationships more. I know I am going to be a different person. I am planning on spending my time engaging more on activities.
We have continued teaching our young friends and are still working with Jr to get him baptized. His mom works all week so it makes it difficult for us to set a baptism date for him. He does sound like he is interested though.
I love being a missionary. The lessons learned out here are valuable. I am grateful for what I have learned. Thanks for all you guys do and continue to do your best.
Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing.
Choose the right! There’s safety for the soul.
Choose the right in all labors you’re pursuing;
Let God and heaven be your goal.
(Choose the Right. LDS hymn #239)
Buena suerte amigos.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson is my Mom’s favorite Apostle! 🕶 Mission Possible 🕶
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“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (The Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:20)

Hello family and friends,
This week was a very great experience in the mission. Although It’s been hard being out here away from family and friends, I have been able to find many reasons to feel happy. It’s been a wild ride these past 6 months learning and growing and meeting new people. I have learned so much! It takes a brave young soul to decide to go and step away from his/her family for two full years and decide to serve. Because I have been out here, I have seen numerous blessings for my family and friends.
I would like to share with you some of the things I am learning:
📜 Talking to people more openly
📜 Asking for help when needed
📜 Experiencing the joy of serving others around me
📜 Making good friends for a lifetime
📜 Understanding that not everyone will want to listen to you
📜 Knowing that missionaries are truly Christ-like people
📜 Gaining comfort with being on my own for long periods of time
📜 Speaking Spanish more regularly
📜 Knowing that God loves me and that He works on His own timing and not mine
📜 I HAVE THE BEST PARENTS IN THE WHOLE WORLD, WHO GOT ME TO THIS SWEET POINT IN MY LIFE


Many great things happened this week. We have continued to teach our 9 yr old friend. We had scheduled his baptism on April 2nd not realizing that General Conference was that weekend, so we pushed it back a week. We have planned his baptism for April 9th. So exciting! The lesson we taught him this past week was on Temples, and obtaining a Temple Recommend (permission card that Church members use to access the Temple and its accompanying blessings. The card is given to those who demonstrate their faithfulness and commit to honoring their covenants with God). He asked us: “How can I get one of those?” We sadly told him he has to wait until he turns 12 years old, but I’m sure he will continue preparing for that special day. We also have continued to try to teach other people, but they worked all week long and it’s been hard. This week we plan to involve more members of the branch to help with these families.
WHO IS LOOKING FORWARD TO GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND???? because I sure am! Come join me in watching the Prophet of our day speak about how you can find peace and happiness in this HARSH world we live in!
I am grateful for the Mission experience I have been able to have, and the friends I have made. 6 months is a big step in this stage of my life. I sometimes wonder what would have been like, if I had not chosen to serve a mission. I am grateful for the positive impact my parents and family have had on me. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THESE NEXT 6 MONTHS! And the joy and happiness they will bring to me, my friends, and my family!
Thanks again for all the love and support ❤ I love you all and wish a blessing of protection as I am out here serving at this time.
P.S. GENERAL Conference Here we Come!! 🥳🎉🎊
BUENA SUERTE!!

PRESSING FORWARD!
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I am finally out of my Teen years! I have waited so long for this to happen!! I had a great birthday thanks to all of you who wished me a happy birthday. Thank you for the cards, the gifts, the food, the cake and all your love. My mom told me this would be a special birthday for many reasons, and she was right! Having a birthday in the mission field is different, but great! I enjoyed the day thoroughly!!!!!!


This week I was able to ride my bike more and I enjoy that. I had my bike shipped from home and I feel great. Also, this week we had a lesson with our young 9-year-old friend. This kid is promising. He is super excited to continue learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy and happiness it brings.
My thoughts about death and the resurrection have continued to linger in my mind, and I am grateful to know that after we die, we go to the spirit world where we wait until it is time to be judged according to our desires and service here on Earth. Our family members that have passed on are there in the Spirit world learning about the gospel and waiting for us to join them. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:18-19). Missionary work is organized in the Spirit world. Everyone is learning about faith, love, covenants, baptism and more. This knowledge brings great joy into my life.

I am grateful for each one of you and for the knowledge that I am loved while being out here during this difficult time in our world today. The world is an interesting place! I had some experiences this past week while we were out riding our bikes that show what I am trying to say.
🚗 A car drives up to the apartment complex where we were at, and a guy rolls down his window and asks my companion and I if we have any candy. I said, “no we don’t.” Then I thought about the CTR rings, and I thought that it would have been hilarious 🤣😆 to give him a ring as candy! (CTR rings are commonly worn in our religious culture as a reminder to ‘Choose The Right.’)
🚙 Another guy gets out of the car and walks up to us and starts saying, “man, I love you guys. I don’t believe what you are teaching is true, but I call you guys my “brothas” in the gospel. Then he says “Hey, that name tag you guys are wearing does not mean a thing! Take it off.” I am there watching him and he continues to say “they are brainwashing you guys.” He continues talking to us and points to me and says “I’m older than you and you’re older than him.” In my mind I think: “Wow! this Dude got it right.” He then talks about the Book of John and I ask, “you mean the Book Of Mormon?” and he says “no, the Book of John”. He gets super close to my face and I think “OK, please God make this fast. If he punches me make it quick.” Luckily he did not. Five seconds later he says “ugh” and walks off into the distance of the apartment buildings. Truly, this experience tested my ability to stay calm in an unpredictable situation, but I was reminded that Heavenly Father watches out for us.
My foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is firm. I now know for sure that this Church is true, that the prophet is truly a prophet of God, and that he is our friend here on earth. I encourage and invite all the family to take time out of your day to read at least a chapter or two out of The Book of Mormon, and you will feel the joy and happiness it brings into your lives. I LOVE ❤ YOU ALL! and THANK YOU again for the BIRTHDAY CARDS, LOVE, and SUPPORT!
P.s A big shout out to my Mom And Dad for all they have done for me and the love and support I have received from them! ❤💙💜
BUENE SUERTE ESTA SEMANA!!!

My 1ST BIRTHDAY in the Mission Field!
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“LIFE is good when you find happiness in all things.” – Elder Baldwin

What’s up y’all!
This week has been a great week. This is the end of my 3rd Transfer! I am literally coming up on 6 months of my mission. It’s surprising to see how fast time flies when you are in the work of the Lord for the right reason. During this week we visited and taught a few people. We had the two boys we are teaching, and their families came to Church again this past Sunday. It was a blessing to see them and their families learning about the Restored Gospel. Isn’t it wonderful to invite friends to come and partake of the Sacrament each Sunday? I am grateful to have that opportunity. We had exchanges this week and as usual, we had interesting experiences. So, we are riding our bikes and a guy sees us and yells: “LDS GANG!!! YEA!!!!” I started to laugh. 😅 It made my day hearing him say that.


Every week in the mission has its own special experiences. This week back home my family attended the funeral services for my dear Uncle Gene. He was special to me. He supported me in my Boy Scout journey by helping me fulfill the requirements to earn merit badges. He shared with me his love for trains, he taught me how to refinish wood, and he was a great example of determination. He experienced many hardships while serving our country in the Navy, and he was one of the few who traveled to the North Pole in a submarine. I love Uncle Gene and will miss him.
As I expressed my condolences to my Tia Elia, I felt impressed to share the scriptures found in The Book of Mormon in Alma chapter 40. In this chapter, the prophet Alma wrote about “Christ bringing to pass the resurrection of all men—The righteous dead go to paradise and the wicked to outer darkness to await the day of their resurrection—All things will be restored to their proper and perfect frame in the Resurrection.” I am grateful for this knowledge and the hope that brings to my soul. To know that death is not the end, brings me peace. I will see my Uncle again one day thanks to Jesus Christ our Savior.


As I shared my love with my Auntie Elia I quoted the following “there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works” (Alma 40:21). I was able to bear my testimony that I know this is true and that Uncle at this time is in good company with my Abuelito Salva and Grandma Betty who passed away a few years ago and Achilles—my cousins’ dog, whom I loved so much. I reminded my Tia Elia that now Uncle is free of physical pain.

I am grateful for the Fowlks family, for giving me the opportunity to share my love. 🙏❤. My thoughts and prayers go out to them at his time. It is of most importance to always know that we are not here on this earth forever. We are sent here to learn and grow and complete a purpose which is to become more like God the Father and his son Jesus Christ.
I wish I were there to support the family, but this is not the time. I am about to hit my 6 months mark this March 27th. Can y’all believe that! I remember just barely getting off the plane to meet my Mission President and his wife. I am grateful for the time I have had to be out here. This experience is shaping me into the person I would like to become. Life in the mission is hard but the friends you meet and people you talk to help you grow and achieve greater things in life. Thanks for being the best and continue to do so. I love you all and talk to you soon 💛

Striving without Shrinking
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Hola a todos!!!!! This week was awesome because I had an up-close-and-personal encounter with Heavenly Father’s and Jesus Christ’s creations. Yesterday on P-Day (Preparation Day), we went to the Phoenix Zoo, which is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. It was amazing to see all the awe-inspiring animals our Father and Christ have made. One of my favorites was the Bobcat. It’s mind-blowing to me to see how each animal has its own personality. I enjoyed my visit tremendously and left the zoo feeling grateful for this opportunity to enjoy myself.


We have continued teaching a few kids. Last week we taught The Plan of Salvation lesson to a small family too. As I finished talking about the three kingdoms of glory, I asked Damion, the kid we are teaching the following: “So is Baptism something you want to work towards?” He said “YES” with great excitement! In my whole entire life, so far, I have never seen such an excited child want to have the blessings and be baptized to become a follower of Jesus Christ. Every time we share with him the principles of the gospel, he explains to us that he loves Church, and that he learns a lot as well. I am so happy for him because he is having the opportunity to enjoy the company of the Holy Ghost constantly as he continues to learn how to pray, read the scriptures and obey the commandments.


We are all in many ways just like Him, we are children of our Heavenly Father learning about prayer, scriptures, commandments, and all His creations. The Mission is a great experience to have because it gives you the opportunity to remember who you are and share this knowledge. Also, the mission field is a place where you learn how to steer clear of negative things, feelings, thoughts and actions as you focus on serving and sharing the pearl of great price: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46). I invite you to CHOOSE to come out and SERVE those who have not had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am grateful for and pray for each one of you! It’s so good to get letters from family members and emails as well. It brings me great joy to know that there truly is a loving Heavenly Father and that He has given us the blessing to return to Him through the merits of Christ our Lord. Thanks for the love and support ❤
BUENE SUERTE MI FAMILIA!

Finding Joy in God’s Creations