Dec 30

Hi Mom,

Christmas was a big hit for us.  We got to see a lot of people, but mostly it has been great to be so focused on our Savior this time of year.  To be honest, Christmas as a missionary is different but probably one of my favorite experiences so far. 

Lyssa (Dani's sister) sent mustaches for Christmas.

 

This week has been a bit chaotic trying to pull everything together for the baptism and wedding.  We have been working a lot with the ward, and in turn the ward has done so much!  You know how hard it is for me to not try and do everything myself...  Well, I guess you could say I am changing.  The ward has really gone above and beyond in helping prepare for decorations, food, and her dress.  They have done the same for the baptism.  I know that Jon's conversion and the family's return would not be nearly as strong is they didn't feel so much support from the whole ward.  Fellowship is SO important!  Everything I am sure is going to go off perfectly, or close to it.  I will be sure to inform you on all the details.
Guess who is the photographer for the day....  Some things never change.

 

On a different note, we met someone new in the ward this week.  Her name is Allison.  She joined the church about 10 years ago in Santa Rosa, CA.  She has been in Ohio for about 2 years now, and we just found her.  She is very intelligent, and fun to talk to.  She is 29, and it feels like she is my age.  That is probably because we don't get to work with people who are our peers very often.  She came to church yesterday, and had a great time!  Hopefully we will be seeing a lot more of her. 

 

We also met a man named Bob, who is 83.  He was referred to us by a man, who had no interest in the church what so ever, and randomly called us to give us Bob's information.  I felt very inspired to bring Julie along with us to teach.  He is a business man through and through, and reminds me a lot of Grandpa Bakker.  He is very smart, and seems to really like us.  He took a few minutes and was talking about some of his investments that he has been working on recently and was excited to have someone who understood about 5% of what he was talking about as far as his different projects go.  He wants us to help him with his family history.  At the end of our time, he offered Julie a job (which she has been on the hunt for).  The next day, Julie told us how she felt that she had needed to be there, not just for the job, but for Bob.  It was a really amazing experience for everyone who was there.  The Lord knows who, when, where, and why for everything.  I love being a tool for him to work through.

   

All is good in The Ohio.  The weather keeps us on our toes, and the work still continues.  I know that we are meant to be here at this time.  I love you all!

 

Love,

 

Sister Bakker