There was Some Thunder Over Louisville

It's been a crazy and good two weeks! 

We've had a baptism, and finding many people, and fireworks!!

So starting last week we moved! We're now in the old mission office next to the ward building that we go to. I now have an address that I can be sent things, so just reach out to my mom if you want that. One of the elders in the old one called it "vibey" and I think that's a fitting description. Not great but there's a certain fun vibe to it.

We've had splits the last two weeks. Last week I was here with Elder Corbridge the district leader and the week before that I was also here with his companion Elder Ransom. They're both awesome! With Elder Ransom I learned that even if I don't feel "led by the spirit" our job is to make sure we give time and listen if He has something to say in all things we do. Last week with Elder Corbridge I learned that sometimes God isn't going to hold our hands in all situations. He wants us to make choices for ourselves and let us prove to him that we have the ability to choose the right path. If we use the best of our abilities, but we don't quite choose the most right decision, God will gently guide us if we just listen to him. (Sensing a pattern? Because I sure did. Lately I've been wanting to feel more "guided" by the spirit. But we cannot take it too far to the point that we are trying to give up our agency which is our most important gift from God.)

We also had a baptism! That was a whole process... But so worth it! Marine is apparently very careful about her personal information which made it a but difficult to learn her birthday, full name, and where she was born haha. But once we got it all figured out she was baptized on a week ago Sunday and it was so good! She's a very quiet person and I honestly hadn't ever seen her smile until the day of her baptism. We've visited her at least 3-4 times since and she has been so happy every time. I can truly see the sprit purifying and improving her life. It's amazing to watch!

Also 11 days ago on Friday we did service for a member family. Brother and Sister Connor are converts of about 5 years and are both super cool! Sadly brother Connor really injured his back lately so they've needed a lot of help in their yard. We went over and mowed, cut branches, picked up sticks (there are a lot of sticks everywhere in Louisville which is odd), and had lunch with them. Sister Connor is super cool though, she has visions haha. She was telling a lot of really cool stories about seeing the hearts of others and how she has the faith to receive all that she prays for. They are both so awesome!

We're been teaching a father and a son named Chenga and Luenda. Luenda seems really interested and has lots of good insights in what we have to say, and apparently Chenga hasn't been interested in the restoration or the church in the past but seems a lot more now which is amazing! Hopefully it continues onward!!

Sadly we haven't gotten back into contact with Tangente (we invited him to a baptismal date over two weeks ago and haven't seen him since), but we did see his younger brother a couple days ago and he said he'd pass on the message to his brother. So there still hope! But we did get into contact with Junior (BMW guy), which is so exciting! I would love to see him progressing because he's a super awesome guy!

So yeah that's been the last two weeks. I've learned a lot, but most importantly they the sprit talks in many different ways, very often in ways we don't hear or understand. It could be a thought, feeling, words, music, other people, etc. But just remember that if "13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." Moroni 7:13 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/moro/7?id=p13&lang=eng#p13 

I also received some good advice from my trainer. He said that if we are worthy, we will feel the spirit every time we read our scriptures. We just need to pay attention, write it down, and remember what it feels like. 

 

I love you all and have a wonderful week!

 Elder Baird