My Last Email As a Full Time Missionary

This might be the hardest weekly I've ever had to write, especially cause I wrote one last week, it's too soon. I've loved serving the Lord for this year, it's been the hardest, most amazing, life-changing, and miserable year of my life. Through all of that, I have learned and grown so much and I'm grateful for every single day that has taught me. I'm so blessed. 

I've met the most amazing people and loved every single one of them. I don't think I fully realized how much one could love until I came out on a mission. I have been able to see through God's eyes for a little bit, and it has been the best gift that anyone could ever give me. 

On that note, I'm coming home. For those who I've told already, I'm so grateful for your love and support. It has been the hardest decision because I have truly loved my mission more than I can express. 

For those struggling with mental health, I understand, but more important than that I know Jesus understands. He has never left my side, even though I sometimes can't feel Him. He has helped me so much and I'm so grateful for how close I've been able to get to my Savior and Brother. 

I just want to tell you that I know He listens to you and answers you. That's a promise from someone who has a calling to represent the Lord. 

I'm so grateful for this name tag that I get to put on every day that has His name on it. I cannot tell you what a blessing that has been even in the hardest times. 

Since this will most likely be my last email, I want to leave you all with the invitation to pray to know if God is there and if He loves you. Once you get that far, I promise you He will bless you for your efforts. 

I know that He lives, I know He loves and listens to us. I know that He is the only way we can find peace in these crazy times and in this life. Please reach out to Him, He is waiting to embrace you.

I love you all,

Sister Bailey 

Thanksgiving and Being Thankful

 Happy Thanksgiving! I know this year is a little weird and it doesn't seem like there is much to be grateful for, but I know there is still a lot that we have been blessed with. 

I know I have been blessed with a wonderful family that has been with me through thick and thin. I have wonderful companions and a beautiful area. I'm so grateful for all of yall! I encourage you all to look for the blessings in your everyday life. 

- We have Kellie on baptism date for December 1! It's so exciting that she is finally able to get baptized.

- We have been working with some new members, I don't think I've ever seen anyone so excited to learn. It's kind of intimidating. It was cool, we went over and I felt very prompted to bring her one of my preach my gospels (what we use to study) and she started crying. She said it was exactly what she needed! 

- Sister Leila Randall from home was able to stop by and have a visit! It was so good to see her! 

- We have a moment about once a week, where we lay out a blanket on the sand and stargaze! It's so peaceful and makes me realize how grateful I am for this wonderful world that we have been given. 

If you need something to be grateful for, look around for a minute. I'm sure you'll find something! I mean just look at social media being flooded with #givethanks! 

You could also just come to the south and meet wonderful hilarious old ladies who have more guts than you ever will. Or just look at the destruction that Michael left behind that has still to be cleaned up. This is the most interesting place to be, but I'm so grateful for it! And the fact that I've been able to serve a mission here with the most amazing people ever! 

I love yall!!

Sister Bailey

Mexico Beach

 I moved again... here we go to my fifth area. Bet you aren't as cool as me. I'm now in Mexico Beach and in a trio! There are three of us, which I was not looking forward to, but now I love it. Both of my companions are amazing, I am so blessed.

- I had to say goodbye to Sister Thueson, which was one of the saddest moments of my life. 

- Halloween has now passed, but not from my heart. We were actually able to hand out candy and kind of dress-up...? If being a McDonald's worker is dressing up.

- We got to volunteer at an Ironman! Watching those people run by made me tired, but honestly so inspiring. I could never do that, but I applaud anyone who can.

- I've decided I want to own a turtle, so if anyone wants to send me one...?

- Last time I was in the Panama City Zone, we went to a food drive and I loved it! I got to do it again and got some sun. Because of the food drive, we were able to meet some good people, and thus I was able to climb (literally climb, while spiders crawled) into one of these people's windows to let her back into her house. Ms. Audrey was very grateful.

- It's a small world, one of the members in one of my last areas, Moultrie has family that lives in Mexico Beach. And we are teaching them! I was so excited to find this out.

This week Temples have been on my mind, one of my companions had the opportunity to go through for the first time and it brought back a lot of feelings. I have realized, even more, the sacred power of temples. I know they are closed right now, but if you are anywhere close to one, I urge you to go on the grounds and feel the spirit there. That is something I wish I could do. I know that Temples answer so many questions and bring so much peace, and I know that as we search for answers we will find them at the Temple. I pray that y'all may be able to find and feel the comforting presence of the spirit at the Temple and are reminded of God's love for you.

I love you all so much! 

Sister Bailey

Bugs, Humidity and Halloween!

 Covid is back with a vengeance here in the Florida, Jacksonville mission. We now have half of Jacksonville and all of Tallahassee under quarantine, so transfers have been postponed... on the bright side, that means I get at least another week with sister Thueson! 

- A wonderful sister from Elk Grove, took me and my companion out to lunch! Thank you Gabby Chandler! She knows my grandparents and hunted me down to make sure she saw me. Honestly, one of the best days of these last two weeks.

- We've been teaching a woman named Pearl! She's incredible. We taught her the Plan of Salvation, which describes where we come from, why we're here, and where we are going. She soaked it in and is so excited to share it with her family! Everytime I get to teach people about Gods plan for us, it helps me realize how blessed I am. 

- We were invited to a members Halloween party! I was living my best life. Especially on the haunted hayride! I LOVE HALLOWEEN! We also carved some pumpkins, so we're getting into full fall spirit here in the 90° weather with 85% humidity...

- Update on how I deal with bugs:

A lot better. I know only run away, no screaming involved. We find a cockroach in our apartment at least once a day, so you could say I'm a pro at dealing with them. Still cannot handle spiders though. 

- Also, I'm applying for college... that's not fun. Anyone want to write my essays? 

This was sent to me yesterday and it really hit me. 

Christ, Who really was perfect, did not call Himself to be until after He was resurrected.

(& Greek/Hebrew translation of perfect is: finished & complete).

SO!

Be kind to yourself. Be proud of yourself.

Be proud of the steps, no matter how small they seem to you, that you have taken to be better.

Be proud that you are trying even when you aren’t there yet. No one is.

Every single step we take closer to Him is noticed & magnified & blessed. 

& don’t forget the adversary suuccccckkkkks 

It’s dangerously subtle & easy it is for him to skew our perspective 

He’ll get in our vision to stop us from progressing, from doing what is right, from trying, to give up, 

To stop us from turning to Christ, from crying to Christ, to jump ship, or keeps us standing still--

anything to pull us away from God, it's clear who it is coming from. 

But regardless of how real & subtle the adversary’s pathetic attempts are, the reality is, they’re still pathetic. And not reality. 

& you have the actual power to cast him off.

-Al Fox Carraway

I love you all so much! Make this the most amazing week yet!

Sister Bailey

Fried Frog Legs

 

Hey Y'all!! 

What is up? I hope you've had the most amazing week! I know mine has had a lot of ups and downs. But a lot of good has come out of it. 

- We found two new people to start teaching, we are super excited about one in particular. She has already read the Book of Mormon once and is on her second time. That never happens.

- We got to do chalk art with some other missionaries! 

- Y'all, I tried frog legs. Gotta say they weren't my favorite. They tasted alright, but the texture and the look ended up being a no go for me. But had to happen at least once while in the south.

- Wasn't General Conference amazing? For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a world wide, two day event, where our Prophet and Apostles speak to us. They are representing the Lord, so what they say we take as if the Savior had told us. If you get the chance I highly recommend the Saturday night session directed to the woman. 

- Before the Sunday sessions of General Conference, we got together with some missionaries and made a huge breakfast. It reminded me a bit of home. 

There is always a lot of hard and bad in a week, but I've been trying to focus on the good. I highly recommend it . As I focus on the positive, I tend to see it more and look forward to it. My life is so much better finding the happiness that is sometimes a little more hidden than we want it to be. I challenge all of you to look for the blessings in your everyday life, there is so much more than we realize! 

I love you all so much! 

Sister Bailey

Birthday And 9 Months to Go!

 First off, thank you for all the birthday wishes! I'm so grateful for your love and support. Wish I could hug every single one of you! And that's another thing, I'm halfway through my mission! 9 months down, 9 more to go. It honestly has past by so quick.

So instead of my regular letter, I thought I would say a bit of what I've learned thus far. 

- I have learned how to not judge others, just simply love them. It makes life a lot easier

- I have learned how to not care so much about what others think of me. What I'm doing is so important and I need not be ashamed of sharing it.

- I have sort of learned how to stand up for myself. I should say that I'm still learning that, and I will be for a long time.

- I have learned how to cope in weird places and circumstances. Covid19 has been hard on all of us, but a huge learning experience. It has also helped me realize what I'm grateful for.

- I have learned the importance of a handwritten letter.

- I am learning how to be kinder to myself.

- I have learned that it is more important to love and get hurt many times, than to let yourself turn jaded. And trust me, it hurts a lot. 

- I have learned it's okay to not know the answers now. They will come.

What have y'all learned in the past nine months? I hope you have learned how important family is and how much God loves you. I would say that is all you could now and you would be okay. 

No matter how many times you fall down, I pray you get back up again and know how much I love you! 

Sister Bailey

Service, Service and More Service!

 If you want to know what missionaries do now that we can't knock doors, I'll solve that for you in one simple word: service. There was only one day this week that we did not do service for someone here in the Gainesville area. I absolutely love it!

- We got transfer news, we're both staying! I could not be more excited! This is my first companion, since my trainer, that I get to be with longer than 6 weeks. 

- We had what we call a zone Conference, where a bunch of missionaries meetup to learn how to be better and help each other. It was so freezing cold, so I wrapped up in a table cloth for the whole 8 hour meeting. There were no blankets.

- Did I tell yall about Hector? He came up to us and basically asked for a Book of Mormon! Coolest experience of my life. This never happens! But since then he has stood us up. We will keep trying. 

- We filmed a funny video for Facebook, that we were then told to maybe not post on our Gainesville page, so it's on my personal. Go check it out. (Shameless self plug)

This week I have learned how much easier life becomes when you give it all to the Lord. I have been struggling a bit on the mission, so the other night I prayed for a long time that I could let Him take it away from me. He didn't take it all away, but I know I'm not carrying it all alone. When your burdens are too much to bear, please know you don't have to carry them alone. He wants to help you, so try letting Him. I promise you, life will get a little more bearable.

I love yall so much. Thank you for your constant prayers and support. You can do it!

Sister Bailey

(Note from Mom: Brennan's birthday is September 22. I know she would be over the moon if you sent her a card!)

309 NW 6th St.

Chiefland, FL 32626-0849

Doug Makes Amazing Sourdough Bread!

 Hi, wow, it's been a week. How about y'all? 

If I were to describe my week real quick to you, it would be falling asleep in the church on uncomfortable chairs because we haven't stopped moving; the life of a missionary.

- We went on trade offs this week, that's when the people who are more in charge come be your companion for 24 hours to see how you're doing as a missionary. I don't like them all that much. Let's just say, I missed sister Thueson a lot, and I'm so glad to have her back!

- We have been up to Gainesville too many times. I'm really really tired of long drives; we live an hour away. 

- We spent all day Saturday washing cars and working on a Facebook video that took way too long to make... It         comes out tomorrow. Please watch it for Elder Kapele's sake.

- We got Russ back on baptism date! He is super excited and super ready! 

- My companion got me the cutest little baby yoda stuffed animal! And it smells really good. I'm obsessed!

- A woman gave us pegacorns... she has something like 100 of these stuffed animals in her house.

I'm so grateful for prayer and what it can do for us. It is such a blessing to be able to communicate with our loving Heavenly Father as often as we want. I always felt like I was annoying Him with my many prayers. But in the scriptures it says to weary Him with your prayers. So keep going. Anytime of day. I promise He is listening and He will respond.

I LOVE YALL! AND HE DOES TOO!

 Sister Bailey

(Side note from Mom- My sister Tanja and her husband Doug went to visit Brennan today. She is only about 2 hours from them. Doug made her homemade sourdough bread and gave her the sweetest blessing. I must admit I bawled as he told me about how much love God has for her and what a strong woman she is. I'm so grateful she got called on a mission so close to family!)

Spiders and Cockroaches!

 I love Chiefland and Cross City so much already and it hasn't even been two weeks! But it definitely wasn't that way when we first got here...

The day we moved, transfers, was on a Wednesday, but we didnt get to our new apartment till Thursday. Apparently the elders before had taken the keys to the car with them to Jacksonville. We had to stay with some other sister missionaries while waiting for the keys to show up. It was a mess, but a great way to start with a new companion. We're already best friends.

- We got to the area with someone already ready to be baptized! That is so exciting! We're working on setting up a date to do that now. 

- We have had so many amazing service opportunities, members, and lessons with people looking into the church these past two weeks, We didn't have time to clean our apartment until a few days ago. If we're not moving, we're sleeping. It definitely is exhausting, but I love it. 

- We share the area with elders, so it's like having three companions instead of just one. But we are working it out. At this point, I've convinced one of the elders and my companion to get guitars so we can jam out together. 

- I've officially hit eight months out on the mission. Which means I'm a month away from halfway. That is crazy to think about. 

- Another update is that there are way too many spiders and cockroaches here. If there is more than one in your apartment a week... it's too many. You would think I would be used to bugs at this point.

Thank you to all those who write me or take the time to read my blog; I know I'm pretty bad at writing you back, but know that I love you all a lot. You're in my prayers and on my mind all the time. I know that you are not alone, God knows you. He knows where you are and what you're going through. He knows your thoughts, your doubts, your insecurities. He is with you, you don't have to face this alone. And don't try to. I've tried to do it alone, and I was miserable. He has already taken it all on Him, so give Him the rest.

I love yall, He loves y'all! 

Just keep swimming!!

Sister Bailey

My Comp. cut my hair, it was getting way too long!

The Cat Came Back

My my my, after 6 weeks of being in Bristol FL I am being transferred. I don't feel like I did anything here, but I am excited to head to Cheifland and Cross City, Fl. Its somewhere near Gainesville, if that helps. Elders are there currently, so I'll be whitewashing in. That's really all I know how to do, so I'm pretty excited about that! 

In other news:

- We have been doing service, cleaning out a vacant house. It's full of spiders, roaches, mouse poop, and a lot of mixers and toaster ovens. Let's just say there has been a lot to throw away. But it has been so nice to get out and do something.

- We've done a lot of service, we ending up pulling staples out of a ceiling, then out of our shoes. I'm sad to be leaving this area because of the many chances we get to serve people here. 

- Every time we get home, its normally around 9:30. There is a tiny cat that comes rushing towards us. She always let's me hug her and play with her. We're now best friends. The other night she knocked on the door. It was 10 pm, not sure who would be knocking on the door then. But I answered it, and in she walked. I told myself that as soon as she walked into the house she was mine... it was hard giving her back. 

Anyway, I have felt very blessed this week because of my knowledge of the afterlife. So many people here have been passing away, or have been very sick. I have been blessed to share with them, that this is not the end. There is more to be had then what we have now. We will live with our Father and Mother again, just as we did before we came to this world. I don't know where I would be without this knowledge, it has brought so much peace into my life. 

I love you all, God loves you all!

Sister Bailey

Corona Testing Isn't Fun!

Remember how last letter I told you I was safe from "the dreaded Rona"?

Well, I still am. But let's just say getting tested is not fun!

We are all negative here. Hope yall are too!

Some great things happened in the past two weeks!

- We are locked indoors again, but that doesn't stop the work from moving forward! We have gotten a lot of people asking for Book of Mormons and Missionary Visits! And guess what? Almost all of them have answered our phone calls! It's a miracle!

- We found a miniature pool table in our apartment, some Nerf guns, and spray paint. You can definitely tell that the elders lived here once. We did have a Nerf war and I majorly lost some pool.

- My mom's best friend sent me puzzles and cookies! One of the best packages I have ever received! Thank you Kristin!

- I am learning how to stand up for myself. That has been hard, but really interesting. I am also learning that it's okay to have people not like you. It's been a growing few weeks.

I felt really prompted this week to share my testimony with you, so here goes nothing.

I know that we are all beloved children of Heavenly Parents.

I know that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world and for each one of us. I know that because of Him, we are never alone.

Life is hard, and it doesn't get much easier. But we don't have to do it alone.

Why would we if we have someone there with His arms outstretched to help us.

If you have the chance, go read Alma 7 from the Book of Mormon. My favorite verse ever is in there, and I promise it will help you if you are feeling down.

If you don't have a Book of Mormon, or you really don't want to read it, go listen to "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen.

I know there is a life after this, this isn't the end! And what a blessing that is!

I'm so grateful for the things that I know and get to share.

I love you all so much!

Please stay safe,

Sister Brennan Bailey

Fourth of July

Well, there has been another outbreak of Rona, but don't worry I am safe. 

Turns our everyone in this area went to a wedding where three people had it and it has spread quickly, so nobody is really letting us inside their houses at the minute. 

- Last Monday we went on a hike, yes they exist here in Florida, one of the few. It was a nice hike, but we got severely attacked by bugs. Biting flies suck!

- The Fourth of July was lightning and thunder, so we got a "show" all day. We did end up going to a members lake house and watching the clouds light up different colors. It was too foggy to see the actual fireworks. But hey, homemade ice cream is always a bonus!

- Of course everything we had on the fourth got canceled, so we accomplished two puzzles while trying to set up more lessons and contacts.

- I met a sister missionary that used to serve here and Bristol and then ended her mission in Brunswick. That was cool getting to talk to her for a minute. (Dean and Silvia , she is coming your way:) remind her that I told her to tell you hi!)

- My companion is allergic to peanuts, so while she was in the shower I opened up the front door and ate some peanut butter. It feels contraband. Like I'm a little kid that has gotten into the candy and is trying to sneak some without their mom knowing. 

 Because of this outbreak things have slowed down again, but it still feels like time is speeding past! I'm loving being a missionary! There is literally nothing else that I'd rather be doing right now! It is such a blessing. I encourage you all to look at the blessings that are around you right now, they may be small, but I promise they are there. I know it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but there are fireflies with us, if you can just find them. 

 I love y'all!!!

 Sister Bailey

Bristol Florida- Here I Come!

Woah, so much has happened. I don't even know where to start!

- Last Sunday 5 policemen showed up at our door and asked us about our neighbors, who we have definitely heard fighting above us. Safe to say, we didn't feel safe seeing those neighbors, so we drove to Valdosta, Ga to stay with the sisters there! (Good thing too! I'll explain why later)

- We met Dianne (we have taught her over the phone up to this point) in person for the first time! We were able to have a lesson with her on her porch, and while the rain poured down we got to know each other and Gods presence. Don't worry, we were safe and stayed apart. 

- Its peach season in Georgia, so we got the best peach ice cream ever! Highly recommend.

- DIANNE GOT BAPTIZED!!  The biggest news yet! It was the most amazing, spiritual experience of my life and I could not be more  happy or more attached to this wonderful woman! Only a few people attended and we all stayed feet apart and wore masks. But that didn't stop the spirit from entering. I'm still shocked and living in a high moment, might be up in the clouds for a minute. If you need me, come join me! I ain't coming down soon.

- Transfers, the dreaded call where you figure out if you're staying in an area or leaving. I am leaving, sadly. I do feel like I have accomplished what I could here in Moultrie, under the circumstances. And I feel like leaving is my next best step. I'm excited to say that I will finally be serving in Florida!

- We called Dianne and told her and we both started crying. She said she would hunt me down if I didn't keep in contact. And then she went on to say that she considers me her daughter! Oh my, tears galore! 

- I'm going to Bristol, FL. 10839 NW Main Street Bristol, FL 32321. Feel free to write me :)

I think that's about it! So much in between, but those are the highlights. 

I encourage all of y'all to look for the highlights in your week, the way that the universe has blessed you. And then thank Him! He deserves a happy fathers day too! I promise the harder you look, the more you'll find! Each day is a blessing!

I love each one of you so much! I know God does too, even you Ved:)

Make it a great week!

Sister Bailey

You Gotta Keep Your Head Up!

Hey Y'all!!

Let's start with the good news first, shall we?

Dianne is getting baptized! Look out June 20th, we are coming for you! We have never met Dianne in person, but she has been prepared immensely by the Lord and is so ready! Its absolutely incredible! She's so ready to the point that she is planning her own baptism! 

You may or may not remember a woman named Dorothy we were teaching in Brunswick. She was on baptism date, but then fell off the face of the planet. Well, I have been able to get back in contact with her and that has been so amazing!

Not all has been sunshine and flowers, we have heard rumors of being quarantined until July. But then with the protests, who knows, it could be a whole lot longer. 

I seriously love Moultrie, but there are only about 30-50 active members of the congregation, so we are not being fed and we are super worried about over working our members. 

I definitely came out to the south expecting to gain weight, not loose it. But here I am.

Let's just say missionary work is stressful and not for the faint of heart. But when you get that one person progressing towards baptism. It brings more joy than one can even fathom. I've never met Dianne, but I love her more than words can express. So through this all I can find small bits of joy, the little bits of yellow in the black. I hope y'all can find those in your life. I know it's hard right now. But I can promise you that the Lord, or the universe, is with you. They are watching over you and know exactly what you're going through. So as Andy Grammer sings, "you gotta keep your head up, and you can let your hair down!" (I definitely sang that in a lesson I taught to other missionaries)

I love y'all so much!!

Sister Bailey

Extra Post for your Reading Enjoyment!

I know I wrote last week, so don't go expecting some big amazing letter. But I felt like I needed to write today. 

- I'm falling in love with my mission! The more I talk with people and they open up, the more I love them. I literally almost starting crying yesterday because of how much love I feel for these incredible individuals! 

- We have met a wonderful man who texts us scriptures every morning and night! It's the best!

- We were able to go over to a members backyard for dinner! It's crazy how that one thing can make you feel like a normal person again. They let us pick blackberries, let's just say I'm a very happy person. 

- I've been reading a lot of talks recently and wanted to share some of my favorite quotes from them.

- "You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that “with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37), know that He is your Father. You are a son or daughter created in His image, entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help with your righteous endeavors. You may take upon you the holy name of the Lord. You can qualify to speak in the sacred name of God (see D&C 1:20). It matters not that giants of tribulation torment you. Your prayerful access to help is just as real as when David battled his Goliath." - Russell M Nelson 

- "Spiritual self-esteem begins with the realization that each new morning is a gift from God. Even the air we breathe is a loving loan from him. He preserves us from day to day and supports us from one moment to another." - Russell M Nelson 

- "That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased." - Heber J Grant

I love you all so much! And I hope you can go into this week with hope that miracles still happen. I promise they do, and it is incredible to witness. I quote my 2 dad a lot, but he is right. "I wish you lots of openness and observation to let yourself fade and let the spirit truly work through you." (Thank you Ved!) It is when we open ourselves us that miracles occur. Keep looking, there is no such thing as a small miracle. 

Love ya!!

Sister Bailey

"heavy blessing us"

Dang.... I hope you're sitting down!  If not, do so cause you better be ready for a crazy update. 

Let me just say God is "heavy blessing us" as my companion would say. There have been so many instances in these past two weeks that one might consider a curse, but looking at them closely we can see that Gods hand is in the works here. In my life as well as yours, I encourage y'all to go back and look at your week and see what blessings God or the universe has given you.

I had to get my journal out for this, so you know it's going to be serious. 

- Sister Duerden and I went to drop off a birthday card at a members house that we had previously heart attacked. We were excited to meet them in person. Let's just say the man who answered the door was not the member family and he very quickly slammed the door in our faces. My first slam! 

- Transfers! A time where you could be getting a new companion or a new place to serve in. Good news, I'm staying in Moultrie for at least another 6 weeks! I'm so excited to stay with these wonderful people. Sister Duerden has been moved back to Florida and I have a new companion named... sister Downey. If this sounds familiar, it is, cause she was my MTC companion! 

- At transfers I met my doppelganger! A new sister in my mission looks just like me and we have the same style, smile and laugh. We are the same!

- We got to go down to Tallahassee for transfers, and were able to get Thai food. You've never seen two happier girls. We went to a beautiful park to eat, and just remarked on how gorgeous this world is. Even if it is a little too hot for May.

- Elder Bednar spoke to our mission again! This time over zoom, but it didn't make the experience any less powerful. That was so incredible!

- We found a fun store called the Latin house where we got a ton of crazy flavored wafers, which were way too good. Definitely ate them all in less than two days...

- Story time:

 We got invited to a little girls baptism! My first on the mission, I was pretty excited. We were asked to speak and fill the font. So 9am comes and we get in the car to fill up the font for the 11am baptism. And our car won't start.... it just clicked. Here's where some might say, "why didn't God answer our prayers and let the car start?"

 Well, He answered our prayers in a different way that day. We ended up calling a lot of members, one to go fill up the font, one to try and jump our car, and one to bring us to the church because the jumping didn't work. On a Saturday morning, most people don't answer their phones, but the few that did were so willing to help. 

 When the man showed up to try and jump the car we literally had to push the car backwards into another spot so he could get to it with his cables. So it sat in two parking spots the entire baptism.

 The baptism consisted of the family, the member who filled the font, and us. But it was so good. Both sister Downey and I gave talks. Sister Downey had forgotten her phone with notes and scriptures, so she had to improvise the whole thing. 

 After another member came and tried to jump our car, then realizing that wouldn't work he went to the store, bought a new battery and replaced it for us. Let's just say he was an angel in disguise!

 - Yesterday, we called an interested person to see when we could read the Bible with her, she said right now wasn't a good time and to call back today. Well, not even five minutes later, she called us back and said she couldn't pass up the opportunity. We read, she opened up, we have another appointment to read more, and we're sending her scriptures every night! That was a miracle.

I'm realizing the longer I've been out on the mission, the more I find happiness in the little things, in the things God finds happiness in. I know times are hard right now, for all of us. This is definitely not how we expected to be starting off 2020, and who knows how long it's going to be. Even with all this uncertainty, worry, and anxiety that I know I feel, and I'm sure y'all are feeling it too. I know that God is in charge. He is watching over every single one of us and He will not leave us defenseless or alone. What a wonderful promise! 

Something I wrote in my journal is, one step, one breath at a time. As my second dad always says, "you can do it!" (Love you Ved)

Take a deep breath, you've got this, your break is coming. Trust in the Lord and all will work itself out. It's scary and daunting but worth it! 

I love y'all so much! 

Sister Bailey

Paper Cranes, Face Book Videos and throwing a Book of Mormon

These past two weeks have probably been somewhat similar to what y'all have been experiencing. But we've made it entertaining.

- We've spent every zoom call folding paper cranes, and then we've hung them in our dining room.

- The entire district, or all the missionaries in our general area came over to our apartment for sacrament. They stayed for awhile and we filmed an intro to our Jesus Week on Facebook. It was so fun! 

- We drove past the house of an interested person, he lived on the side of two busy highways. We yelled out the window, while at a red light, "hey are you Adrian?" He seemed super excited to talk to us for a second. We tossed a Book a Mormon to him as the light turned green.

- Our smoke detector keeps chirping. 

- I've been asking God some questions, and in my personal study, He answered them in the scriptures. It was so cool cause I had been reading in these chapters and He still found a way to answer me. With Joshua 1:9 and 3 Nephi 13:32.

- The elders came over and raided our apartment, they took a whole pizza out of our  fridge and some games out of our closet. They left loaded.

- We're fishing today.... not my favorite pastime. 

- We made a singular muffin in a giant pot, cause we had no muffin tin.

- We found a strange wall that we had to take pictures in front of.

- A wonderful member made us food, that smelled horrendous. We had to buy air fresheners, we made banana bread, and stir fry. We did a lot of things to try and get rid of that smell... 

I know that it's a hard time for everyone, but keep pushing forward and keep looking for ways to serve and be a light in others lives. I can promise it makes this whole quarantine thing much better. 

As my host dad always says, "you can do it!" 

I love you! God loves you! 

We can do this!

Sister Bailey