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Save the Trees and Pray Always
Sestra Baxter
December 28, 2015 -- "I'll write more next week."
So we are all taking turns using the computer in the church to email because the library is closed. So I thought I would hurry and send this, but I'll write more next week.
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December 21, 2015 -- "Every week is the BEST week."
Ahoj to some of the greatest humans living.
Wow, I don't think I could ever express how much I love being a missionary--ever. It is hard, like is so hard, but it is 10000000% worth it!
This past week was a full one. We knock doors. (Yay. Throw back to the wa-tac fam.) We English class contacted. We family history contacted. We did Christmas survey contacting. We did building tour contacting. We set up about 10 lessons and had about 10 cancel. I just learn a phrase for each contacting we do and just repeat it. If they try to talk to me I shake my head "Yes," if I feel the good vibes. I shake my head "No" if I don't feel the good vibes. Ha ha. Then sometimes I just end up testifying about Jesus or The Book of Morman or Joseph Smith, or how the Gospel strengthens families because that's all I really know in Czech and that's all I really know in English! 
This week my companion and I made our way over to Brno one of the bigger cities in the Czech Republic because while my companion was waiting for me with my Visa she was serving in a trio with the Brno sisters and had a baptism. This meant I got to see RACHEL PECK a girl from my home ward before she left for Utah. If that wasn't inspired from Heavenly Father, I don't know what is. It was so good to talk and catch up! The baptism was awesome, and I also got to see Rachel give a wonderful baptism talk. Brno is quite the city. My companion thinks I will serve there, and I would be pretty okay if I didn't. I like my smaller towns with more trees.
Along with going to Brno we went to TREBIC which is my favorite place ever. We get to go over there twice a transfer on Sunday and twice a transfer on work days which is 9 weeks because they wish they had sisters. One of the ladies I was able to skype there in the MTC, and she said I would probably never serve there because they just have Starsis. But it is my life long dream to serve there. (Whatever my life long dream was before I changed it last.)
Little did I know in the MTC I was Skyping with one of the most SOLID members in the Czech Republic! Her husband was first baptized and baptized his whole family which is like 30 people. Then whoever comes into the branch is family. Like even Sestra Holland was told "our home is your home." And they stuffed us full with Cukrovi (the best cookies ever) and other food. Even one of the oldest members in the Czech Republic gave me her mother's shoes!
One of the most heart warming things I have experienced on my mission was that branch having their special Christmas church program. We all partook of the Sacrament, and then they had the Americans (us the missionaries) sing "The First Noel." Right after, we were put to shame with the group that came up after us. They were like a professional band with violin, bass, recorder, and piano. But really they were all just a way good family that could sing and play together. Then the children acted out the nativity in Czech. By that time I was bawling. I don't ever think I realized in my whole life that there was somewhere half way around there world a branch of people in a tiny building celebrating the life of Jesus Christ on their own. Having the same sacrament, and they could feel the same spirit.
That is a true testament to me that Jesus Christ is not only our Savior and Redeemer but the world's. I feel so honored that I get to serve him and study his life and actions everyday. I hope this year He is the center of your Christmas because He should be the center of our lives. And when you remember him, also remember that you have brothers and sisters from all over the world that speak different languages that live in different circumstances that are doing the exact same thing because He is the best human to be on this earth!
Save the Trees and Pray Always
Sestra Baxter
December 14, 2015 -- "WOW! Literally Ahoj from the Czech Republic!"
Dobry den,
Oh my goodness I am here. Like in Czech. It's so happy. I can't even put into words what it is like!
But before I left I had my first baptism. It was the GREASTEST THING EVER! Jim got baptized. He was just one those people you said, "Jump." He said, "How high?" He had done some things in his life that were probably considered the worst of sins ever, but he was able to make a full 180 degree turn in his life through the atoning sacrifice. ( I have forgotten how to spell most english words, and there is no auto correct, so I'm so sorry.) He is one of my favorite people ever, and I think he might be for the rest of my life! Oh my goodness there is nothing happier, I am pretty sure, than helping some one to the waters of baptism and to turn their life to the Savior. (I don't know maybe having a family is? Ne vim I am not there yet.)
Visum Story: Okay so Sestra Sasser, Sestra Henderson, and I were walking this beautiful road doing our 5-7 knocking doors. If you looked up you there was this canopy of pine trees and then there was a fence lined with Christmas lights. Then our phone started ringing. It was our mission president. I had been waiting for this call for six weeks! I was going to Czech! I almost fell to me knees. I was so happy, but yet so sad! I loved Washington. I love where we lived. I loved the people I was able to teach and meet! But it was my time to go!
I traveled with one of the starsis that did get his visa and was in my same mission to the airport. When we were traveling to get on the plane, we saw Starsi Husdson then Starsi Merril who were both serving in different missions but waiting for their visas. We had no idea we were all flying out together. It was so happy. It felt like Alma and the sons of Mosiah were meeting again after their first mission!
It felt like a pretty fast flight into Amsterdam from Seattle. We had a two hour layover for our connecting flight. We were listening to everyone speak and saying "Do you think that is Czech?" Sadly, if it was, I am pretty sure I am only catching about one word out of people when they talk for about eight mins. Like I am pretty sure I might leave this place knowing twenty-three words, but it's fine I think.
Anyways, I met my companion, Sestra Holland. Wow, she is so cute, and she knows Czech--like what??? She is from Ameriky and knows Czech! She is so patient with me. I think due to a lot of my prayers I spent before the mission praying for my trainer hah.
Well there was a point this week where I questioned every thing I've ever learned and ever know. Do the Czech people need what I am teaching? Do they even want the invitation I am extending to them? Thanks for the scriptures in 3 Nephi Chapter 15 and the awesome branch members of like sixteen. It was reassuring to know that every people in every place need to become part of the fold of Jesus Christ! I know Heavenly Father loves his children in every land. I feel so honored to be serving in such a beautiful place with beautiful people. This place is nothing like i've ever experienced before in my 19 years. I am pretty sure I am living in a fairytale with way good food.
Well anyways, though I don't know Czech, with the help of Sestra Holland, Heavenly Father, and me, Jihalava West is going to start making their 180 degree turn to Jeszis. Mark my words. Ha ha.
Love you all your the best!
Keep trying your hardest to keep the earth green and to pray everyday and every night and read your scriptures! Okay.
Oh my goodness I am here. Like in Czech. It's so happy. I can't even put into words what it is like!
Visum Story: Okay so Sestra Sasser, Sestra Henderson, and I were walking this beautiful road doing our 5-7 knocking doors. If you looked up you there was this canopy of pine trees and then there was a fence lined with Christmas lights. Then our phone started ringing. It was our mission president. I had been waiting for this call for six weeks! I was going to Czech! I almost fell to me knees. I was so happy, but yet so sad! I loved Washington. I love where we lived. I loved the people I was able to teach and meet! But it was my time to go!
I traveled with one of the starsis that did get his visa and was in my same mission to the airport. When we were traveling to get on the plane, we saw Starsi Husdson then Starsi Merril who were both serving in different missions but waiting for their visas. We had no idea we were all flying out together. It was so happy. It felt like Alma and the sons of Mosiah were meeting again after their first mission!
It felt like a pretty fast flight into Amsterdam from Seattle. We had a two hour layover for our connecting flight. We were listening to everyone speak and saying "Do you think that is Czech?" Sadly, if it was, I am pretty sure I am only catching about one word out of people when they talk for about eight mins. Like I am pretty sure I might leave this place knowing twenty-three words, but it's fine I think.
Anyways, I met my companion, Sestra Holland. Wow, she is so cute, and she knows Czech--like what??? She is from Ameriky and knows Czech! She is so patient with me. I think due to a lot of my prayers I spent before the mission praying for my trainer hah.
Well there was a point this week where I questioned every thing I've ever learned and ever know. Do the Czech people need what I am teaching? Do they even want the invitation I am extending to them? Thanks for the scriptures in 3 Nephi Chapter 15 and the awesome branch members of like sixteen. It was reassuring to know that every people in every place need to become part of the fold of Jesus Christ! I know Heavenly Father loves his children in every land. I feel so honored to be serving in such a beautiful place with beautiful people. This place is nothing like i've ever experienced before in my 19 years. I am pretty sure I am living in a fairytale with way good food.
Well anyways, though I don't know Czech, with the help of Sestra Holland, Heavenly Father, and me, Jihalava West is going to start making their 180 degree turn to Jeszis. Mark my words. Ha ha.
Love you all your the best!
Keep trying your hardest to keep the earth green and to pray everyday and every night and read your scriptures! Okay.
December 8, 2015 -- "Sister Baxter arrived safely today."
Dear Baxter Family,
We want you to know that Sister Baxter arrived safely today, and she seems extremely happy to be here. We love her already and have been
praying for this day to come. It is wonderful that everything worked out with her visa. She will have p-day on Monday, so she will email you and tell you all about her first week in the Czech Republic. She is serving in the town of Jihlava with an exceptional companion. I am attaching a couple of photos of us with Sister Baxter and the other elders she came with today. We hope you are blessed as she serves this mission! Please call or email us if you ever have a concern or question.
With love,
Sister and President McConkie
+420.777.977.717 (sister)
+420.777.877.767 (president)
November 30, 2015 -- "A super great week"
Ahoj,
This was a super great week in the Washington Tacoma mission. Thanksgiving was AWESOME. We went to three different dinners. (No wonder sisters gain so much weight. Ha ha. Thankfully, I still weigh less then I did in the MTC.) The Whitesides, Valentines, and Edwards each had us over for Thanksgiving.
So our investigator Jim passed his interview!! He is getting baptized next Saturday. It's hard to even say you took part of that work when people are just so prepared by God and other members. I will probably cry. He is such a great human and deserves this so much!
An amazing story: We got a referral from this member we tried to contact her but she never called us back.. the usual.. But then SHE CALLED US BACK...we went over to her house and got to know her. She mentioned she feels like everything in her life has fallen apart. She said her boyfriend just moved out, and she is lonely. She started getting health problems. I expressed after that I was surprised how much the Lord was working in her life. Snd she was like "What? Why does it feel like God is punishing me?" My companion turned to Ether 12:27. She read it and said, "This is ME. Why isn't my name in here?" It was so great, and the spirit was there so strong. She didn't come to church on Sunday :( But we will get her next week for sure!
I love Washington and being a missionary!
Also watch the new Christmas video it is the cutest!
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Save the Trees and Pray Always
Sestra BaxterNovember 23, 2015 -- "With beautiful places come beautiful people"
Ahoj--still from Washington State.
Wow weeks go by so fast. I kind of get sad when I think about how I am like three months down. Like what??? Wow, I can not express enough gratitude for the things my Heavenly Father has given me. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! How awesome that I got called to the Czech Republic by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve then since my visa hasn't come I got a temporary reassignment to Washington by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Pacific Northwest, like one of my favorite places ever. WOW! It is so pretty here. I pray everyday saying that Heavenly Father and Jesus did wonderful, beautiful, AMAZING things to this Northwest state! But along with beautiful places come beautiful people! I love the people of Washington. ( I feel like Oregon, Washington, and Alaskan people are like the same breeds of humans.) The people of Washington are like art. They are fascinating. I love to knock on their doors and observe their homes, yards and decorations and imagine what they look like when they open their doors.
Wow weeks go by so fast. I kind of get sad when I think about how I am like three months down. Like what??? Wow, I can not express enough gratitude for the things my Heavenly Father has given me. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! How awesome that I got called to the Czech Republic by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve then since my visa hasn't come I got a temporary reassignment to Washington by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Pacific Northwest, like one of my favorite places ever. WOW! It is so pretty here. I pray everyday saying that Heavenly Father and Jesus did wonderful, beautiful, AMAZING things to this Northwest state! But along with beautiful places come beautiful people! I love the people of Washington. ( I feel like Oregon, Washington, and Alaskan people are like the same breeds of humans.) The people of Washington are like art. They are fascinating. I love to knock on their doors and observe their homes, yards and decorations and imagine what they look like when they open their doors.
As a missionary you always hear this word "elect." I HATED that word! Missionaries were always trying to find the "elect." It made me feel sick. I didn't want to label "out" anyone. I finally talked to my companions about it, but they helped me understand more what it meant. They said "elect" were the people the the Lord has been preparing to hear the Go
spel and that doesn't mean that people that aren't "elect" now won't become "elect." It just means they are not humbled yet enough to receive it.
spel and that doesn't mean that people that aren't "elect" now won't become "elect." It just means they are not humbled yet enough to receive it.
So I would like to explain my investigator JIM is "elect" as can be! I seriously get teary-eyed every time I think about him. He has been so prepared. God has been so influential in his life. He agrees with everything we are teaching. It makes sense, and he sees are correlation to things. Like even why it would be wise to keep the Law of Chasity and the Word of Wisdom! If everything goes well with his interview, he should be getting baptized Sunday. We also have a sweet family we are teaching, as well as this great guy named Erdie and this super awesome lady from Switzerland. So we might have more baptisms coming up:).
There are so many times I am just like Alma in chapter 29:
" O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am only Sestra Baxter, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me."
I am awkward. I am not good at speaking to people. I say weird things. (Or in the middle of a lesson Czech pops out.) And I am just SO IMPERFECT. I want to be like an angel, but I am a sinner. The past couple weeks I have really been beating myself up about how much I mess up. How could someone like me really wear the name of Christ himself on my chest. I realized I just keep repenting for the things I do wrong and then smile. I can not express to anyone how grateful I am to be able to smile. Every time I feel discouraged I just curve my lips up think about my Savior Jesus Christ and almost instantly I feel better. I hope whenever you are feeling discouraged you smile and look to Jesus Christ because it is only through him we can be made ultimately happy. He is muje Spasitel and muje Vykupitel!
Hear is one of my favorite videos def watch it!
November 16, 2015 -- "Scary roads and wet dresses"
Ahoj to all my favorite pals :)
Washington is as rainy as ever which I am pretty stoked about. But it is also causing a ton of flooding and scary roads and wet dresses. So I told Heavenly Father, even though I love rain so much, to no longer have it come according to my diligence as a missionary. Ha Ha.
I am like generally a pretty nice human, I would say. But I had the urgency to fight a human because they were just so much like Zoramites in Alma. And then I would fight him and then he would remember God plan. But thankfully, I didn't. So now he just remembers my companions and me as missionaries who tried to be nice.
On a happier note, we have this perfect boy (I am going to give him a fake name) JIM WHITE. He is sooo ready to go in the water and to come to JEZSIE. Like wow. I almost stopped believing the field was white and ready to harvest. Jim White is like 23ish years old. I think, due to past transgressions, he will have to do a interview with the mission president and maybe first presidency. But he is willing to do that because he knows how much this gospel will bless him and how much being truly clean by someone holding proper authority to baptize. Literally so stoked for him:)
"I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work—and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times—until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies. If anyone is foolish enough or misled enough to reject 531 pages of a heretofore unknown text teeming with literary and Semitic complexity without honestly attempting to account for the origin of those pages—especially without accounting for their powerful witness of Jesus Christ and the profound spiritual impact that witness has had on what is now tens of millions of readers—if that is the case, then such a person, elect or otherwise, has been deceived; and if he or she leaves this Church, it must be done by crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon to make that exit. In that sense the book is what Christ Himself was said to be: “a stone of stumbling, … a rock of offence,” a barrier in the path of one who wishes not to believe in this work. Witnesses, even witnesses who were for a time hostile to Joseph, testified to their death that they had seen an angel and had handled the plates. “They have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man,” they declared. “Wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true.”
Washington is as rainy as ever which I am pretty stoked about. But it is also causing a ton of flooding and scary roads and wet dresses. So I told Heavenly Father, even though I love rain so much, to no longer have it come according to my diligence as a missionary. Ha Ha.
Well this past week has had its downs. One being, the cutest Korean lady Sally who we met one night knocking a trailer park she could barely walk and speak English let us into her home one night and told us how she loved Jesus and how she prayed every night and talked our ear off about some Korean calendar with babies on them claiming they are her sisters' grand-kids. Ha Ha they were definitely not. Then we left. Being a greenie, I told my companions we had to get her a Korean Book of Mormon next time we went to the mission office. So we did. When we went back, she got to her door and looking out of it told us, "No." And she didn't want to talk to us so I just left it on the porch. I was heart broken:( After that, the guy in the trailer next to her came out. I thought, "Oh, maybe he wants to hear the Gospel." Then he told us he was going to call the cops on us. That was depressing...
I am like generally a pretty nice human, I would say. But I had the urgency to fight a human because they were just so much like Zoramites in Alma. And then I would fight him and then he would remember God plan. But thankfully, I didn't. So now he just remembers my companions and me as missionaries who tried to be nice.
Oh, I thought I should let everyone know, yeah, Christian Fife from the valley is my zone leader. So that cool. I see him quite a bit and will see him at this Zone activity in like 5 minutes he is a way great missionary!
So I am pretty sure we can all agree on how the Book of Mormon is the best ever. But I also know how important it is to read it! Literally, I had no idea how wonderful that thing was till I opened the Book and read it? I didn't know like half the scriptures in Alma were about missionary work. Like what! If I loved Jesus and heard there was another Book about Jesus coming to earth, you know I would be on that!
I thought I would just add Elder Holland's (who would definitely be a firebender) words on to this because he spits fire:
"For 179 years this book has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart like perhaps no other book in modern religious history—perhaps like no other book in any religious history. And still it stands. Failed theories about its origins have been born and parroted and have died—from Ethan Smith to Solomon Spaulding to deranged paranoid to cunning genius. None of these frankly pathetic answers for this book has ever withstood examination because there is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young unlearned translator. In this I stand with my own great-grandfather, who said simply enough, “No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.”
"I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work—and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times—until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies. If anyone is foolish enough or misled enough to reject 531 pages of a heretofore unknown text teeming with literary and Semitic complexity without honestly attempting to account for the origin of those pages—especially without accounting for their powerful witness of Jesus Christ and the profound spiritual impact that witness has had on what is now tens of millions of readers—if that is the case, then such a person, elect or otherwise, has been deceived; and if he or she leaves this Church, it must be done by crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon to make that exit. In that sense the book is what Christ Himself was said to be: “a stone of stumbling, … a rock of offence,” a barrier in the path of one who wishes not to believe in this work. Witnesses, even witnesses who were for a time hostile to Joseph, testified to their death that they had seen an angel and had handled the plates. “They have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man,” they declared. “Wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true.”
AMEN Elder Holland!
Save the Trees and Pray Always
Sestra BaxterNovember 9, 2015 -- "It's heartbreaking, though."
Ahoj Family and Friends,
I hope all is wonderful wherever you are because I know you are in put where you are at for a very certain purpose. I know God works in each one of your lives and maybe puts us in places or maybe mental places because you have something to accomplish while you are there. I love Washington. I also love the people, and I know God has put me here for a reason.
I love being a missionary. It is true when they tell you its heartbreaking, though. My companions and I knocked on this one lady's door, and my sweet companion started to talk about the Restoration. She quoted the first vision, and the Spirit was so strong the lady was brought to tears. I know she felt it, and yet after that she shut the door and said no thank you to our message. Another time we got invited back to this guy's house. He was quite an interesting hunting kind of guy. Also the kind of guy who had a gun sitting under a towel that he whipped out then put away? Thank goodness we brought a member. Anyways, we tried to talk about the gospel and he kept showing us his fishing gear. Finally, we started talking about Church, and it started going alright. He started to express how he has had bad experiences with churches. I pretty much said that is because Jesus Christ doesn't run those churches but he does run The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It felt like fire was blazing my body from how strong the spirit was. I saw in his eyes he felt the spirit but then disregard it and started to talk about fishing. House after house people playing video games, watching tv, saying they don't have time? I feel like they are saying they don't have time for their Salvation. I just want them to be saved. It makes my heart hurt so much.
I went to a baptism this week for one of my old companion's investigator. Wow those are sooo special. My companion wasn't crying, but I for sure was! That is such a special covenant. It is amazing! Being free from past sin and transgressions. Wow how happy! I also know each week we can be made clean again too, by taking the sacrament:)
So our investigator well has been pretty dry. Like two people have pretty much dropped us. So finally we have got three new investigators. So excited to meet with them this next week Yay:)
Always recycle and remember your Father in Heaven loves you!
Sestra Baxter
I hope all is wonderful wherever you are because I know you are in put where you are at for a very certain purpose. I know God works in each one of your lives and maybe puts us in places or maybe mental places because you have something to accomplish while you are there. I love Washington. I also love the people, and I know God has put me here for a reason.
I went to a baptism this week for one of my old companion's investigator. Wow those are sooo special. My companion wasn't crying, but I for sure was! That is such a special covenant. It is amazing! Being free from past sin and transgressions. Wow how happy! I also know each week we can be made clean again too, by taking the sacrament:)
Always recycle and remember your Father in Heaven loves you!
Sestra Baxter
November 2, 2015 -- "I am literally serving amongst the trees"
Haha. So everyone, you almost heard it right. I have been called to the Washington Tacoma mission while I wait for my visa, just speaking English. So great to be back on the west side of the Cascades again, to inhale the moist air and the smell of rotting wood(including trees and houses) and watch as we pass through endless colors of green. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY I am literally serving amongst the trees how great is that?
The morning I left everything went smoothly.Woke up about 2am to get everything ready. Got to the buses and then rode the Front Runner to the airport. Everything was great, but I thought I and my companion at the MTC Jenalyn Thiriot (who was called to Bulgaria) would see each other before we got on our flights. But we didn't. So we didn't even really say goodbye. :(
The morning I left everything went smoothly.Woke up about 2am to get everything ready. Got to the buses and then rode the Front Runner to the airport. Everything was great, but I thought I and my companion at the MTC Jenalyn Thiriot (who was called to Bulgaria) would see each other before we got on our flights. But we didn't. So we didn't even really say goodbye. :(
Besides that, wow, getting out of the MTC was maybe the best experience of my life. Not in a bad way. It was just time to no longer be in spiritual prison. I got to see buildings and people from the outside world, and most of all eat food from the outside world!
So on the plane, we met some awesome people. This one kid/guy, he was going back home to Fairbanks, Alaska coming from training in Park City for skiing. I told him he can probably expect me to be living in a bus nearby his home a couple years from now (for those who get my Into the Wild reference). Also, I sat by two wonderful humans on a plane. One guy I was sitting by was going to Alaska to work and had a daughter attending Dixie State. He had his headphones in a lot and was watching a gruesome zombie movie to avoid my preaching I think. Ha ha. Anyways, I gave him a list of people I knew at Dixie if his daughter need friends. (You got my back bwest). In the end I think he really liked me and just asked me to please be safe. The other lady I sat by was pretty hard core Catholic. I could also tell she wanted to avoid talking about religion, but she was a flight attendant so she is getting me into flight attendant school when I get back maybe? Also, when she and her husband own a bed and breakfast in Paris along the ocean she said I could stay there so I have her number and everything.
So on the plane, we met some awesome people. This one kid/guy, he was going back home to Fairbanks, Alaska coming from training in Park City for skiing. I told him he can probably expect me to be living in a bus nearby his home a couple years from now (for those who get my Into the Wild reference). Also, I sat by two wonderful humans on a plane. One guy I was sitting by was going to Alaska to work and had a daughter attending Dixie State. He had his headphones in a lot and was watching a gruesome zombie movie to avoid my preaching I think. Ha ha. Anyways, I gave him a list of people I knew at Dixie if his daughter need friends. (You got my back bwest). In the end I think he really liked me and just asked me to please be safe. The other lady I sat by was pretty hard core Catholic. I could also tell she wanted to avoid talking about religion, but she was a flight attendant so she is getting me into flight attendant school when I get back maybe? Also, when she and her husband own a bed and breakfast in Paris along the ocean she said I could stay there so I have her number and everything.
The President and his wife picked me and other fellow missionaries up. On the way to the mission office I looked at the other missionaries faces to see what they thought of their mission. They didn't seem to love it, and if I asked if they liked it they seemed so sad. I just prayed they would love the trees and overcast everyday because I love it so much!
I have such cute companions, Hannah Henderson and Raegan Sasseer. They have been out here for quite a while now, and they are the Sister Training Leaders. I am also serving in the Elma 2nd ward, which covers the four towns of Brady, Satsop, Montesan, Elma. They said that this is one of the most booniest places to serve (which just means it has tons of trees and nature and less buildings). Yay! Heavenly Father knows me so well!! They also said it has not rained a ton till I got here. I kind of made a deal with Heavenly Father. If I am doing a good job, you can send the rain for me and if I am not doing good you can make it sunny. I must be doing pretty good because I has been raining so hard here. I LOVE RAIN!
Knocking doors is quite the experience we haven't been let into one house yet. Once upon a door knocking I complimented this lady on her solar panels and her electric car. She asked if our church was doing anything about global warming. My companions asked what global warming was. I wanted to burst. I was so sad that they gave our church a rep about not knowing about what that is. (I have started a recycling program at our apartment, so all is well) Once upon another door knocking, we talked to some atheist. One was an old man. He was very friendly, and I feel like he just wanted to talked to people. He said he believed in nature not God and he said he wasn't interested. But before we left, I had to say "Richard I know God loves you, and if you look for God's hand in your life you will see it" I hope he calls us soon I have a feeling he will.
Once upon another atheist's door we knocked on a lady's door she said "with all the bad things that happen in the world there can't be a God." I almost cried as I watched the fight within her, I knew she knew there was a God, but she was just so angry with him or herself. I hope she will find light soon. We are also working on getting more investigators so I'll write you about them next week.
LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH
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Save the Trees and Pray Always
Sestra BaxterOctober 23, 2015 -- "Please find attached a document containing details of a full-time mission call."
Please find attached a document containing details of a full-time mission call as well as instructions for the priesthood leader to help the missionary prepare for full-time missionary service.
Missionary Department
50 E North Temple ST 3WW
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-5400
Sister Karina Jean Baxter
4007 Bridgeport Way W Ste D
University Place WA 98466-4330
United States
Dear Sister Baxter:
Visa Status
By now you are aware that your visa to Czech Republic has not yet been approved. While this is undoubtedly a disappointment, please know that we are doing everything possible to secure your visa.
We will notify you immediately when it is received. We ask that you and your family members not do anything, such as call or e-mail the consulate, to try to secure your visa more quickly. Such actions may actually slow down the visa process already in place.
While you are waiting, your mission experience in the United States will prove to be a great blessing in your preparation to serve in Czech Republic. We encourage you to work hard, remain focused, and be involved in all aspects of missionary work. As you serve the people in the Washington Tacoma Mission, your testimony and ability to teach will increase, you will set the pattern of study and hard work for the rest of your mission, and you will come to love the people.
Both your initial mission assignment and your current mission assignment were made by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. If your visa is not granted by the time you are halfway through your mission your current mission assignment will generally become permanent.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you dedicate yourself to preaching the gospel to those who are seeking and ready to accept your invitation to come unto Christ.
Sincerely,
Brent H. Nielson
Assistant Executive Director
* * *
Missionary Department
50 E North Temple ST 3WW
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-5400
Sister Karina Jean Baxter
4007 Bridgeport Way W Ste D
University Place WA 98466-4330
United States
Dear Sister Baxter:
Visa Status
By now you are aware that your visa to Czech Republic has not yet been approved. While this is undoubtedly a disappointment, please know that we are doing everything possible to secure your visa.
We will notify you immediately when it is received. We ask that you and your family members not do anything, such as call or e-mail the consulate, to try to secure your visa more quickly. Such actions may actually slow down the visa process already in place.
While you are waiting, your mission experience in the United States will prove to be a great blessing in your preparation to serve in Czech Republic. We encourage you to work hard, remain focused, and be involved in all aspects of missionary work. As you serve the people in the Washington Tacoma Mission, your testimony and ability to teach will increase, you will set the pattern of study and hard work for the rest of your mission, and you will come to love the people.
Both your initial mission assignment and your current mission assignment were made by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. If your visa is not granted by the time you are halfway through your mission your current mission assignment will generally become permanent.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you dedicate yourself to preaching the gospel to those who are seeking and ready to accept your invitation to come unto Christ.
Sincerely,
Brent H. Nielson
Assistant Executive Director
October 22, 2015 -- "I just got reassigned"
I just got reassigned to the Washington Tacoma mission. Some of the Starsis are reassigned too. Starsi Hymas and Starsi Swink are going to Texas. Starsi Anderson is reassigned with me, and Starsi Merril is going to Ogden, Utah(so look for him:))
October 22, 2015 -- "The day has finally come"
Okay the day has finally come to leave the MTC! When I got here I expected to have 6 nice weeks here but then I realized to learn Czech you need 9 weeks.....
So my flight plans . . . I leave Monday at 8:30 am. I would have preferred to leave here at 3 am ( I miss waking up early) but it's okay. Then I go to Dallas then London then PRAGUE!!!! YAY!!
I feel like I haven't talked about my companion enough, because I really do spend most time with the Starsis, but every moment that I get to spend with her I am so blessed! Jenalyn Thiriot is one of the cutest, outgoing, most spiritual humans ever! She really did make are whole zone cry when she talked on Sunday! I am going to miss her so much! We get crazier and weirder each day at the MTC!
I know way too much about the males species... I think I know more about men than I do about women. Poor Starsis Hudson got surgery.. I'd rather not tell you why..
This week I have reflected of how far I have come. One specific thing I looked back on is, somehow I got a hold of some of my old flashcards. (After awhile of writing and studying flashcards, I realized I don't really learn from them and have kind of changed the way I memorize words by writing them on a white board multiple times and erasing) anyways, I realized I knew almost every word in that set of flashcards. I am a very slow learner, but I know that Heavenly Father has quickened my pace. He is awake and aware of me. He knows I need help, and He has helped me learn Czech this whole time--every step, every word, every verb conjugation, every case, every hacek or charka. Through this process, I know that the enabling power of the atonement is real!
Sestra Baxter
As happy as I am to get out, I really cannot deny all of the great times I have had here! It has been such a wonderful experience, and I have gotten to be with the best of people--like the wonderful zone, branch presidency, the Starsis, and my wonderful companion.
I feel like I haven't talked about my companion enough, because I really do spend most time with the Starsis, but every moment that I get to spend with her I am so blessed! Jenalyn Thiriot is one of the cutest, outgoing, most spiritual humans ever! She really did make are whole zone cry when she talked on Sunday! I am going to miss her so much! We get crazier and weirder each day at the MTC!
Fantastic Mr. Fox comes up a ton, that is pretty much what my humor has turned into. Also, for entertainment I have found out this snapping game where you throw like your snapping hands at someone and they catch. It is like so fun!! (I probably didn't explain that very well)
Also I have seen a ton of people that I know in the MTC. That is always the happiest. I've seen Brittany Hulme, Jaxon Fillmore, Andrea Keller, Azure Scott, Bronson Stollworthy (he also has a long MTC stay ahead). Also Dallin from Dixie :)
This week I have reflected of how far I have come. One specific thing I looked back on is, somehow I got a hold of some of my old flashcards. (After awhile of writing and studying flashcards, I realized I don't really learn from them and have kind of changed the way I memorize words by writing them on a white board multiple times and erasing) anyways, I realized I knew almost every word in that set of flashcards. I am a very slow learner, but I know that Heavenly Father has quickened my pace. He is awake and aware of me. He knows I need help, and He has helped me learn Czech this whole time--every step, every word, every verb conjugation, every case, every hacek or charka. Through this process, I know that the enabling power of the atonement is real!
Pray and take care of the earth always:)
Sestra Baxter
October 15, 2015 -- "What I do each day in the MTC"
Ahoj to the best of people on Země,
Thanks again for all your letters and packages!
Wow times flies I will be heading to Ceskíná in less than two weeks. That is insane and super happy and scary. Well this week has been a great I have been to reflect on a lot of how far I have come from first getting here at the MTC.
We had an awesome devotional. It talked a lot about how we as missionaries(or I know even me before the mission) are so important how we are teaching, how we are doing, how we are learning the language , and since we are so concentrated on us we forget about the miracle that can happen in front of our eyes which is, witnessing someones change of heart to God. I reflect back to one of my first lesson with my investigator Phillip I had a planned out lesson I wanted to talk on prophets it ended up going to the Holy Ghost. I had a coaching with my teacher after I expressed to him I thought I taught a bad lesson because it wasn't planned and didn't go where I wanted it to, so I didn't have the vocab I needed. I realized as we talked on that I was blind in that lesson Phillip who was a atheist expressed to me that he had felt something. I was blinded of the miracle that God spoke to Phillip who didn't even believe in God had felt God talking to him. That experience still brings me to tears thinking about it. My head can not wrap around that fact that people don't know that they have a loving God who is their Heavenly Father, a redeeming Savior, and that they can live with people they love forever. That is my only desire to teach people of the knowledge I know. which is that The Church of Jesus Christ is for everybody! WOW do I love being a Missionary!
Tak. Well I have decided to tell you what I do each day in the MTC because my mom is curious and maybe everyone else wonders what someone does in the MTC for 9 weeks. Wake up @ 6 go run on the track and do whatever other stuff need to make the MTC food stay off your body. Then at 6:30 get ready for day. At 7:15 is breakfast. I have a bagel usually or oatmeal then fruit and cottage cheese. Then we have study time in the mornings. 1 hour personal study, then 1 hour companionship study with my water bottle (One time my teacher made me talk to my water bottle because she said to the class, "Talk to your companion," and them she put my water bottle in front of me.
The solo jokes are endless, and even when they're not a joke. I can't tell you how many dirty looks I have gotten from elders, sisters, and even the older couples. It make me so sad sometimes. I don't mean to look disobedient. I didn't choose to not have a companion. But ya, it's whatever because I'll have a companion in 2 weeks. :)),
Then 1 hour language study. Then lunch, which usually consist of some kind of hamburger. They try to get really creative with the names like, "Hawaiian Burger", "Mexican Burger", or "Plain Ole' Buger" or salad. So I usually just get a salad. Then go back to class for 3 hours and learn from the cute Sestra Godfrey. After that we go to Volleyball outside,except the one time I lost a rock, paper, scissors battle to one of the Polish Elders (AKA the Vampires) and we had to go inside and play. Then dinner, which usually consists of deep fried things or salad so I usually get salad. After that I have class for I think another 4 hours with the beautiful Sestra Donaldson and the awesome Bratr Knapp. Then one hour of study. After that we go back to the Res Hall and have an hour then 10:30 lights out. Then repeat.......... pretty much everyday for 9 weeks. (Hayden you're my hero, you 12-weeker.)
Oh some other great things this week. Ha ha, the Slovak elders made a bracket with all the Disney princesses. (I have no idea when they had time for that). But the last two that made it down to was Belle and Rapunzel. I personally have to go with Belle. Also, shout out to Hayden for sending me the lyrics to the Pokemon rap because I tested one of the Polish Elders, and he knew every Pokemon. It was great! I also may get a hair cut here, like maybe 5ish inches. My hair has just turned into this untameable animal and just wants to dread.(Jade don't be so mad at me.) Oh, the new elders and sisters are super awesome and are exposing me to a lot of East Coast, and down south things I never knew. (I still think I will always be a North West girl for life. PNW is the best).
Everyone recycle and read your scriptures this week, and say your prayers!
Love you all!
Sestra Baxter
October 8, 2015 -- "Cesky is very hard, but very beautiful"
Ahoj Fam and Friends,
Super insane to think another week here has passed by! TIME FLIES! So news yet again. So scratch the part about my new companion last week. I actually have sweet Sestra Thiriot as my companion (the blonde in my pictures).
On a language note "Cesky is very hard, but very beautiful" that is my favorite phase to say. Umm I'll get it sometime I think maybe at the end of my mish' but we'll see. Haha kidding. Kind of. I am just doing my very best and trying to help the rest of my class not do push-ups because we have vocab tests and if we get something wrong we all have to do push-ups haha of course that was Bratr Knapp's idea.
Super insane to think another week here has passed by! TIME FLIES! So news yet again. So scratch the part about my new companion last week. I actually have sweet Sestra Thiriot as my companion (the blonde in my pictures).
This week has been eventful and wonderful!!! As it would be for any missionary the week of conference! YAY sooo happy! I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did! There was no falling asleep for me this year! I hope we can all reflect on something that spoke to us while super, awesome, amazing, servants of Jesus Christ spoke to us! And if we didn't get the chance to watch or listen to it, then we can go back on one of the greatest sites ever(LDS.org) and read some. I already have:)
Okay so some main points that I got that I think can apply to everyone (these either could have been from General Conference, Women's
- What shall I do to be born of God?
- Is there more I can do?
- Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ working for you?
- What is holding be back from progressing?
- Be the person you want to marry.
- Am I really a daughter(son) of thee? Therefore what.
- Let your light so shine and be an example of the believers:) (my fav love that prophet)
- Write a scripture on your heart each week and ponderize it
- Ask everyday and night what I can do to serve people around me.
- Let your mom and dad know how much you love them(the letters are coming mom and dad I promise!)
We (Zone 51) lost some of our most cherished member at the MTC to the mission field!: like the Croatians, the 2 Slovenes, and our 12 week unfortunate Macedonians
On a language note "Cesky is very hard, but very beautiful" that is my favorite phase to say. Umm I'll get it sometime I think maybe at the end of my mish' but we'll see. Haha kidding. Kind of. I am just doing my very best and trying to help the rest of my class not do push-ups because we have vocab tests and if we get something wrong we all have to do push-ups haha of course that was Bratr Knapp's idea.
Thanks for all your sweet kind letters and notes and packages.
I am the luckiest human in the WORLD!
Love you all!
-Sestra Baxter
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