October 30,"TRUNKY O TREAT"

This past week we had an amazing lesson with Wendy and Cheyanne about the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. We were a little worried going in, mainly because of the sweet tea phenomenon here in the south but it was such a spiritual lesson. We were talking to Wendy all about how the Lord sometimes asks us to give up something small so He can bless us more. I think that was a lesson I really learned this past week as well. She really seemed to understand it all and said that it was such a small thing that she is willing to give up to the Lord, who has done so much for her. She is truly converted to God and it is so cool to see the positive changes it is having in her life. 

The Pace ward had a Trunk-o-Treat this past week, and Sister Boyce and I did a room. Cheyanne, our investigator, helped us out A TON, spending hours with us cutting, assembling, arranging, the whole thing. It turned out so good, and we had so many investigators and less actives come. There seemed to be more nonmembers than members, and everyone had a blast. 

Also, MADDIE JONES FINALLY IS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE CHURCH!!! Maddie has been waiting for over a year to get baptized, each time her mother pushing the time back. She at first told Maddie that if she was still going to church for 6 months she could get baptized, she was, then her mom told her in the summer, she was still going, then a year, and she was still going. Finally her mothers heart softened and now she is a baptized and confirmed member. It was such a spiritual baptism, the whole room was OVERFLOWING with how many members from the ward showed up to support her, and keep in mind that NONE of Maddie's family came. Brother Cass, one of my favorite members and also Maddie's sunday school teacher, was able to baptize her, and it was such a sweet moment seeing them hug in the font. Brother Cass had a pretty similar experience when he was younger so they related well to each other. In essence it was such a happy day!

I had my exit interview with President Smith and can I just say I am so grateful for my President. I know he loves me and sees so much for me, and we are planning on staying friends after the mission. I am so grateful for my mission. It means so much to me. It has humbled me beyond belief, it has been soul stretching and the hardest thing I have ever done in ways that were different than I expected, but is has helped me grow and for that, I will forever be grateful. I know this is the Lord's church. He is real. He lives. He loves me. He has been the constant source of strength when I had no where else to go. I want to thank Him for all that He has done, without Him I am truly nothing. 

I love this work! I love my mission!

And I love y'all!

Sister Baker