December in Minnesota . . .

This is NOT the santa he is used to seeing . . . please send some  warm weather!

Fellow elders from the MTC . . . reuniting at the Christmas conference - JOY!

Sister Howells . . .  giving her Christmas message to the missionaries.

How deep is the snow really . . .

Oh no, a deer is down  . . . cpr quick!

Rhett's trainer along with the other missionaries that Elder K worked with

December 20, 2010

ok mom you next haha

Yes i got the water proofer. I have used it on my bike seat and so far it works good. I dont know what one is better. Maybe later we will find out. I also got the labels and what not so the cards were off in the mail last Tuesday I think. Thank you for the return labels. It sure did make my life a whole lot easier.

For calling home yes it was 45 minutes but we got it approved to 46. I guess one minute is a lot for some missionarys. I will call you, I'll do my best to call in the afternoon time. That is not our pday any more so yeah. freaking lazy missionarys mess it up for every one. We will be combining our lunch and our dinner that day to talk to every one. We haven't planned when but I will call you. I'll probably *67 it so you don't know and can't call back ; )   haha

Lucky mitch for being able to run wrestling and be able to do all of that. I miss wrestling so much. but I am glad that Chase is doing well at 60's keeping me proud. Go tigers!

Any thing about Rand and Karen? no news on them for a while.

That is such good news about the Wengert family. I am glad that some thing good has happened and they have some reason to rejoice. It's been a rough time for them the last few months. What a blessing for them and everyone.

This week has been an interesting one. Not a lot has happened but what did happen, happened. we had a Christmas Conference on Tuesday I believe. It was really good I was able to sit on santa's knee and ask for some heat for christmas. I dont think it will happen but maybe some time in the future I can get away from this cold! The training was all on the atonement; about how Christ, when he was in the garden how He didn't suffer for all of us at one time. He did it just as we do ordinances today, one by one. That made it a huge reality for me. Freaking cried like a baby.  Than also when he was stripped and beaten ... president made it very graphic and I cried some more. Finally after all was said and done, there was some light that was let out and that was the resurrection. Thank goodness for that.

There at the conference I was able to see some of the missionarys from the mtc. What a great time!  We were able to talk about all we have learned.

We where able to pick up an excommunicated member. We went by her house once but she sent her son out who is 17 and is very excited to go on a mission. His name is Devon, we talked to him and went on our way. We went by again on Wednesday and she let us in but Devon wasn't there. We talked about the Christmas conference and than we shared a message about baptism and why it is so important. She said that she has been thinking about doing it again and having Devon baptize her. That stunned us so much. It was a really great experience. We don't know her first name, just a last... Sister Page.

Before I forget I hope that in this up coming package there is some anti/defogger.  I didn't call for approval (I think he's talking about his sun glasses) but I went out side to try and see if it would work.They fog up, so if you could send some that would be good. Aunt Mary wrote me a little bit about that, kind made me a little nervous.

We went to Cindys she was so depressed and so frustrated.. It was difficult to share a message but we were able to cheer her up and than left.

Than on Thursday Eddies uncle that he lived with when he was in cali died, so we went over on Friday so we could vist and cheer them up.

This week hasn't been fun. it kinda feels like - - -  in the remember the titans when julius says "zero fun sir". It kinda feels like that right now. It was fun but it's no fun anymore. I was told that the more we teach and find the more happiness we find... (that makes a momma sad . . . please write him if you have a moment)

Yes, we do talk to the Paynters. We talk to them whenever possible. President Paynter is a great man and knows so much. He has been a great help to us.

For the chocolates, I like the carmel and the preztels covered in chocolate. 

On saturday when we call it may be around... never mind I'll just call, I don't want to sike everyone out!

love elder baker

p.s. dad in D&C 133, I forget the verse, but it talks about 144,000 in heaven and than also in revelations 14 1, I think. Can you give me your insite on that please either in a letter or on the phone whatever works. thanks pops!

hmmmm . . .

I guess these are the goggles he wears when he rides his bike . . .   cute eh?

He's alive!

As a mother, when I heard about the 4th biggest storm in Minnesota history and the biggest snowfall in December EVER, I must admit I was a little worried about my little Arizona desert rat . . . but today he wrote and he sounds as good as ever . . .

December 13, 2010
Dear Fam:
Well, you should be worried.  Little Arizona boy is freaking out!!!  The storm was great for us!  It actually started on Friday night, we cam in early because we didn't know about the storm and decided we should go in, but we ended up being out until 9:30 pm, so much for being in early.  Saturday was really weird, no fun - it had already dumped like 6-8 inches and the plows all went to down town and the roads were a freaking mess.  Cars sliding and stuck.  We had a Christmas Ward brunch that morning at 10.  We left about 7 because we figured we could help people out.  We helped maybe 4 people shovel their cars out and their drive ways . . . but the real fun was that night!  We only had one appointment, thank goodness and we walked to that.  Most of the snow was up to  my knees and then in some of the snow drifts it was up to my waist.  We finally decided to walk on the road and jump off the road when a car would come.  That night we helped about 50 people!  I know it's against the rules to drive peoples cars, but Elder Katoa and I would hop in and drive peoples cars (remember he is from Texas and I am from AZ and these people live here) we had lots of good laughs about that.  We got a few appointments with the people we helped. 
Don't worry about being on our bikes, we are fine, we have learned how to ride them on ice and snow, it's not a big deal.  The rule is if it is -40 with windchill we can come in.  Don't worry about me, I am fine.  And even though we got hit really hard with the blizzard, it is perfect for missionary work.  Geez, no worries mom . . . my comp is from Texas and he is Tongan though, we are alot smarter than you think we are mom . . . we aren't stupid teenagers any more . . . no we are just kind of stupid, hahaha.  but I haven't been cold yet and he hasn't either, the only problem that I can't seem to figure out is the goggles thing.  Minnesota doesn't belive in anti or defog stuff and so I don't know what to do about the goggles, my contacts from here to the library (and it's -2, no windchill) and my eyes also froze shut once or twice - fun times on a bike =)
oooo and they cancelled church so we did more shoveling and helping.  I am freaking sore.
We are going to the temple on the 30th, it will be so nice to go again.
We had a Christmas fireside, but it was with the President and members could go if they wanted too, but it was mainly missionaries with investigators.  It went well, we had Eddie and his family come.  Hopefully now he may understand who Christ is.
How is christine?  I heard she got hurt in that soccer game.  I hope all is well.  Go Tigers!  wrestling and soccer teams are doing well!   good job coach!
I haven't gotten the spray water proofer.  the last thing I got was the cards and Jenni's ipod and the Christmas presents . . . when can I open them?  (maybe on Christmas, that'd be a good day!)
I talked to Clint.  It was really good to talk to him and hear a familiar voice from home.  when he called we were tracting and so Elder K kept on going while i talked.  when I told him about clint calling, he kind a freaked.  I thought it was really weird because normally he is really chill about stuff.  We went to go meet up with Clint and he stopped and we talked and he said Elder, I don't feel comfortable at all . . . I said ok, let me make some calls and see if this is approved.  I called the dl, zls, aps, president, sister Howell, and none of them answered, so I took that as it wasn't approved.  Sad story, but it's all good.
Sis. Covington is still in an induced coma, we will be going over with Bro. Nelson to see her some time this week.  the Deah kids situation continues to get worse and worse, but we're still going over to teach them.  Pres. Paynter is has talked to us alot about how to deal with all this stuff.  I feel bad for him, his life has really been stressful the last couple of weeks trying to get all this stuff straightened out.
I am surviving just fine.  the only big problem I have had with the snow is the brightness.  I have had really bad headaches from all the light and reflections and what not.  but other than that no big deal. (I think he should ask the mission president if he can wear his sun glasses when it is really sunny . . .)
On Tuesday we had a district meeting, this one was really different.  One of the are's in our district had really low numbers - it wasn't us - but anywat President Howell came and called us all to repentance.  I don't htink Elm Creek could figure it out, but all is well.  At the end we were talking about finding ideas and I asked the president if it could be approved to ride the buss to down town and back during rush hours so we could talk to people during that time.  He said he was thinging the same thing and hope some one would bring it up.  It was kind of weird that it was me saying that and that was the answer to his prayers.  It was neat to know that the spirit was there.
On Tuesday we picked up a former investigator.  We went through the phone and called all the numbers that we didn't know.  It turns out that Cindy had been wanting us to come back and visit with her.  We went over on Tuesday and shared a brief lesson about Joseph Smith.  She really liked that because that is what she is struggling with. 
How is Aunt Pat and Elder Preston Haws?  I thought alot about them this week.
I hope all is well . . .
Love, Elder Baker
PS yesterday I was able to see Elder Abata at the fireside.  It was great to catch up with him and to see how much we have both grown.  I also saw Sister Daisey Sandkamp.  She is a really sweet member in Eagan.  We had dinner over there every Friday and as a poly, she would stuff Elder Kinikini and I so full  She ran up to me and gave me a hug.  Kinda weird, but made me feel good that someone remembered me.
In 12 days we get to call home.  Kinda weird, I don't know if I will write and email that week, or maybe I will . . . what do you think?  (What do I think?  I think he should write AND email AND call!!!!!  I am the mother!!!!!)

Can you find Elder Baker?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Rhett has this picture labeled "little white boy" - he does look kinda small between these two polys!

A message to the world . . .  Merry Christmas!

December 6, 2010

Dear Fam:
I am about a 15-30 minuted drive from Bloomington, depending on the weather.  We may be going to theTemple on Wednesday so if something works out great (my nephew Clint Mortensen was going to Bloomington), if not oooo well.
That's way cool about MarjAnn.  I am freaking going to miss it.  It's a good thing pregnancy is 9 months so I won't miss too much.  I could imagine two Rhetties, but not two of any body else ; )
That's way cool Annessa (his cousin) for that choice to go.  I got some news that Sabrina Weldch is going on a mission too!
Goodness ummmm, no lights please, there is already so much stuff and no space.  When a missionary leaves, they take everything out, so save some time and money, no thanks.  (I just asked him if he wanted some Christmas lights . . . that's all . . .)
One of the days this week Elder Katoa and I almost go frost bite . . . weird experience, really weird.  Our hands were like a sun burnt red and hurt so bad we couldn't do anything with them.  We went to a members house and asked if we could go in.  when we took our gloves off she was freaking out and so I guess for that you put your hands in ice water.  Surprising enough the ice water was actually warm.  We are going to get some gloves to put over our gloves and also some more face coverage stuff like goggles.  It's kind of making me sick with all this money stuff, but hopefully it will all pay off.We have been waiting for  you to say that" and they said they would, but when we talked to the ward mission leader, I guess there is more stuff we have to do in order to baptize them because they are Liberian.
Eddie and his family didn't come to church.  That was kind of sad, but in our list visit with them, there is more goin on.  Eddie is a really nice guy, but he doesn't know why he wants to be baptized - maybe it's to tell the judge he is a good guy -  so we are going extra slow with him.  He doesn't even know who Christ is.  It's going to take awhile with them.  They cancelled their wedding and he will be moving in with April sometime this month . . . life just keeps getting weirder and more complicated.
I got that stuff from Duluth.  I laughed so hard when I got it.  (I thought it was stuff he asked for - not sure why he laughed . . .) The water proofing stuff is great, thank you.  I was able to get my boots and my Sunday shoes re-water proofed.  Do you think I can get a spray on kind as well?  I would like to get my jackets, gloves, pants and backpack with it.  Lately it's so cold in the last snow/blizzard, none of the snow melted on our pants or jackets.
JRand, I was able to contact one of your college lady friends.  I bore my testimony on Sunday. We talk to people that we don't even know and I'm not nervous, but once I talk to a large  group of people I get nervous, so dumb, but such is life.  anyway, I talked about the snow and when you're riding a bike  in 3 to how ever many inches of snow it is really rough.  When there is a path in front of you like Elder Katoa makes, it makes life easier to go, but harder to stay on the path.  It is kind of the same with the teachings of Christ and how the path is narrow like a bike tire print, but it makes life easier as long as we follow it.  After church Chelsey Kingston came up to me and said, "do you know Rand Baker," and I said yes and she went on about how she knows him.  It's a small world out there for sure.
On Saturday there was a baptism in the ward, a boy names Kinwoedge (Liberians have really interesting names like that).  We had everything figured out to get all of our investigators there and it was going to be perfect.  But once again Satan won that round.  The ride to pick up the Deah kids got lost and came to the Church to tell us.  The ride has a cell phone and she could have called us or the Deah kids.   When we told her that she was like ooo yea, I guess I could have.  Very frustrating but, oo well, and then the ride for April and Eddie decided not to pick them up.  What the freak!!!!
But Sunday was a good day.  We went to Sis. Convingtons house on Saturday, she is not active.  She will be having open heart surgery this week on the 10.  It was a nice visit and she said she would be at church if she got a ride and so we got her a ride - her home teacher, Bro. Nelson, but in the morning he forgot.  He got to church and was really apologetic to us.  No need to apologize to us, say you're sorry to her.  But it all happened for a good reason.  We went over with Bro. Nelson to her house after church and she was really sad.  She told us that she had picked up smoking a few years back and needed to stop before the surgery.  We were able to talk to her and calm her down and did our best to get her to use her faith in Heavenly Father that he would be able to help her.  We gave her a blessing.  It was a very neat and spiritual time.  I don't think Satan won that one.  We, the Lord's side, definitely won!
It's been a rough week and all the snow and cold doesn't help.  I can't wait till it warms up in the 90's! have you been able to get the pictures I have been sending on the email?
Love,
Elder Baker

November 29, 2010

November 29, 2010

Dear fam:

Last night at dinner with the Taylor family (wife is Mexican and husband is white and kids want to be wrestlers – awesome family) we got to talking about calling home and how just a few months ago it seemed so far away . . . it’s already going to be December.

For Thanksgiving we went to two dinners, I was so full, it was stupid.  It was nice though that I didn’t have to go run to burn off all the dinner – my first time (away from wrestling) to have a real thanksgiving and I wasn’t even home to have it.    The turkey bowl also went well.  It was 9 degrees at kick off and then it warmed up to 10, but it was fun, everyone had a really good time there was about 30 of us – 10 were missionaries.

I got a letter from Rosemore’s this week, and that was exciting to hear about their family and how everything is going.

Ooo and one thing I figured out is that it takes letters 4 days to get to AZ or the other way, and it takes 3 extra days if you use the mission office, just a heads up.

My hand is fine (from the bike wreck); it’s just about all the way healed up.  My head is fine too.  My shoulders have been hurting a lot since then.  When I get older I think I just want to get new shoulders, these ones I have are slowing me down ; )

GEEEZ bobby! That truck was such a nice one, (Spence had a wreck on his way home from Idaho during Thanksgiving in Artie’s truck) hahaha, at least you didn’t wreck Ana! (Ana is the ’64 ford)

 . . . 26 degrees, well that is cold, I’ll give you that – I still love the heat.  I get all bundled up and try to carry some 520 (our telephone area code) proud with me.  Last night there was an Arizona sunset.  Elder Katoa was like “Elder Baker, looook!”  I looked and I said that was cool, but the ones in AZ are better.  I sure do miss that place.

Eddie came to church as well as April.  Eddie continues to show his dedication to the church.  He walked 5 miles to get to church.  He is a strong guy, but I don’t think he knows why he is so dedicated yet.  April and Eddie will be getting married on the 18 of December by our Bishop, and then some time aft that we will get him baptized.

The Deah family is doing great.  We visited them twice last week.  We taught them about the restoration and then the Book of Mormon.  We also committed them to baptism and they said they would when they find it is true.  All of this is really sweet!  We may be able to baptize 5 people in this transfer.  This area used to be the leading area in the zone.  It fell back for a little bit, but now hopefully it gets back to where it was.  On Sunday at ward coordination, Elder Hess gave the same thing that I did when I first got here – about the ward family focus list. 

This is a four elder ward.  Elder Katoa and I live with the Paynters.  Elder Tuimunga and Elder Hess live down on the south side. 

We get the Ensign, but it takes a little longer to get to us.  The mission home is very busy and they try and we eventually get them, it’s just a little bit . . . slow.  We still haven’t gotten the conference one yet, so if you want to send it out, I wouldn’t stop you.

I freaking lost my MTC notebook thing . . . ooooo I was so mad when I found out I had lost it.  Like you said, write stuff down so you don’t forget it.  I wrote so much down so I would all ways have it and I lost it !!!  goodness, sometimes being a blond is no good.

There is a thing here in minny (Minnesota) that’s called frizzing rain.  I didn’t know what that was till it happened.  It can be two different things.  One is like hail, but instead of bruising when it hits you, it cuts.  Elder Katoa got some cuts on his hands where he wasn’t covered up.  It could also be when it falls as rain, but when it hits the frozen ground, well it freezes leaving a flat piece of ice over everything, making it just about impossible to walk or start to bike.  We have learned that it is possible to bike on ice, it’s just really hard to get started.

Ooo last thing that I can remember is we have “ganiantis” a west african name, but named nana in the ward.  Last night Elder K and I got the impressions that we should go over to his house and talk to him about temples.  We went over there and started to talk to him about them, but it went totally different. He talked to us about how he is a king of Ghana , how he had so much over there, how he could do whatever he wanted.  People tried to kill him over there and all these crazy stories.  He told us that he came to America to get a job to get money and send it to those people that he is a king over, even though some of them tried to kill him. He said that he wants to be happy and live comfortable. nana is all having some visa problems and getting residency - and this is the reason why we went over there. We talked about laws and how to do things. Thank goodness for US and  AZ history. It was really cool how we received some revelation not knowing that he was in so much need but heavenly father knowing all things told us so we could help.  By any means, it was a neat experience.

well sorry if there wasn’t t much to report on.  (I think it was a pretty informative letter actually!) it was only 4 days to report on.

well tell next week I think. they may be moving our pdays around some more.

love elder baker