WEEK 12 VANCOUVER: Sooo..... much..... Foooood....

But don't worry, I'm staying in shape.

Kind of

It's hard to get a full workout it with the allotted time.

But I try my best

:)

Wednesday highlight was? Ya. Food. Lots of food. Member meal from an awesome couple with the cutest kids ever. So it was pretty epic. They were like the most Utah family ever, but aren't from Utah which was lowkey kinda trippy. But I worked it all after with basketball. I'm becoming a baller. Now I just gotta grow like 6 inches, then I'm ready for the big leagues.

Thursday we went to Steve's baptism, whos just such a goated dude. He even gave me a bracelet that he gives all his "borthers". Hes so flippin awesome. I got to talk to him after the baptism, I asked him about one of his necklaces and he said his friend gave it to him before he took his own life. Then he said that is was so cool, cus he felt his friend in the font with him. And told me how excited he was to baptize him in the temple. And that just was such a huge testimony builder, because at least for me, I take my baptism for granted. But it truly is such an amazing thing that I got when I was young. But seeing his testimony and faith was so cool. It's moments like this that truly make this work double cool epic.

Had a couple lessons on friday which are always good. And played more basketball. Because it's time to invade the sunset community centre youth basketball group. It has begun. And no one can stop us.

Saturday we had an english class training. Apparently we being trained for the big leagues english class. So what better way to do that then getting taught spanish. New spanish elder in the making right here :).  It was an hour of learning how to introcude ourselves in spanish, then played a game. So I can offically count to 14 in spanish. How epic is that? Then went and hungout with colin and went to this super big art showcase thing, and we met Colin's friend whos a proffesional photographer. So it was fun to talk with him. You're better dad, don't worry. Ohh and we a member bought a bunch of us pizza, so that was pretty epic. Quite blessed i'd say. Then went and toured waterfront which was super fun. But new finding idea? Public Piano? Could be fun...

Sunday was so awesome sauce. I actually love sundays here. Splitting two wards is soooooo fun. I get to meet double the people and it's just so great. We had a lesson with Selina today, and lemme tell you, the Plan of Salvation Pamphlets are so clutch. It teaches is so much better than i ever could in chinese haha. Also, guess what? We had another member meal... and watched hockey..... yeaaaa it's pretty epic.

Also cool miracle. Some of the sisters brought a friend to church and when he walked in I was like, wait, why are they with Sam. And I talked to him. His names Kevin. Then I was talking with the sisters and I was like yo, this dude is just like Sam. Looks exaclty like him, talks like him, and has the same manorizms. Then they were like he has a brother. So we asked him, and turns out they're identical twins! But they aren't in contact with eachother, and might have some beef. But they both live here, and both signed up from our facebook adds. Coincidence? I think not. I don't know whats gonna happend, but God definitely has a plan for the both of them.

Peter's birthday!!! Peter is the coolest guy ever. (I think I say that about everyone, but like, they're all just so cool). Hes a super recent convert, and he always just wants to have lessons with us. And we're like bro, you already know everything. So at this point we teach him some random stuff, then just have him teach us the lessons. He's so epic. But we tuaght him a lesson then he took us out to lunch. And then as every monday, it's FHE, something I def did all throughout my life.... But today we just played board games. So it was pretty dope.

Then today. P-day. It's lowkey so crazy how fast time flys here. But we got to go to the temple, again. I'm actually so blessed to be able to go all the time. Bought my christmas gift. Shoutout Santa, and parents. Got some basketball shoes so I could cook even more. And they're Curry's, so my 3 game about to go crazy. Also shoutout to mom again who got me christmas decorations. Aren't moms just the best! Love ya ;) But had institutde just barely, which obviously means more free food. Yeeeesss. Then epic gospel class. So I'd say life is going pretty great.

Something I love about being a missionary is all the different types of people I get to talk to and hangout with. Something I've come to learn is that people are just epic. They're all so cool. You def grow up in a bubble in school and stuff. So this is a nice change.

I also gave a talk on Sunday, so I'll throw that in here if ya'll wanna read it. I'd say it's pretty good. Would recommend. But don't judge, I wrote it on a phone, and that was just the draft.  But the idea is there.

Have a fun Thanksgiving. Rip Canada. No Thanksgiving here, so eat some extra mashed potatoes for me. Please. and. thank you

Peace My Friends

-----------------

Talk:

Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters, my name is Elder Baird, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to give a talk today. When I found out I was serving in the YSA, I was so hyped. Because that’s exactly where I wanted to go. A little about myself. Im from Lehi Utah back in the states. Ya i know, im as basic as you can get. Im the youngest of a family of five, and my parents couldn't have been more excited to get me out of the house. Jk. I just startred my second transfer. I bet President got a good kick out of it when he decided to put the two greenies together speaking mandarin. But it’s been good. I’ve absolutely loved it here in Canada, and I love the work I’m apart of. 

Today I wanted to talk about the principle of Enduring to the end. In the gospel of Jesus Christ, we teach five main points. Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. As a kid, I always thought the concept of enduring to the end was a little weird, because I thought it was just saying to suck it up when your going through hard times. Just wait for the trail to be over. But the older I’ve gotten, and the more I ready the scriptures, Endruing to the End has a completely new definition for me.

I’m an athlete. I love pretty much all sports, but I focused on Lacrosse in high school. One of my lacrosse coaches has taught me what enduring to the end is, and showed me the two different parts of enduring to the end. The first, enduring to the end through the trails and challenges of life. and The second, enduring to the end through the joyful and good times of life. Growing up enduring to the end always had a negative connotation to me. It seemed life a miserable process. But the more I’ve learned, the more I realize that enduring to the end is a joyful thing.

J. Ty Hopkins gave a BYU devotional titled “Lessons on Endurance” which I think sums it up perfectly. In his talk he gives a story about him preparing for one of the hardest and longest bike races in the world called the Tour Divide. During one of his practice races he talks about how it was brutal, exhausting, and overwhelming. He had a really awful mindset and was ready to give up. He went to bed that night in the middle of nowhere, and when he woke up. He found himself surrounded by a beautiful meadow of flowers. In that moment he realized that he was only focusing on the negative and how hard it was, without focusing on the beautiful scenery around him. He was only focusing on the imposibility of reaching that finish line. After he saw the flowers, his mindset shifted and he was able to finish the race.

After this experience he gave this quote. It says: “No longer did I think there was just one ingredient to endurance: work. I no longer held onto the idea that endurance was just grinding it out and surviving to the finish line. Endurance wasn’t a necessary evil that needed to be survived in order to get a prize. Instead of focusing on going through the finish tape with hands up, my focus became the ride—the process. There were so many sights, sounds, and feelings that I had missed during day one of that Colorado Trail Race. I realized that these sensations and feelings could have affected me in a profound way, much like the experience of waking up in that beautiful mountain meadow. Endurance is that process: the process of learning and growing during a sustained effort and of seeing good in hard circumstances. It is a process that leads to refinement and growth.”

For me, that’s what endurance is. Enduring to the end doesn’t mean get to the finish line. It means to live the process. To learn and grow through every step of the way. It’s seeing the flowers. Especially when times are hard. That’s when seeing the flowers becomes so important. Seeing the blessings and miracles God puts in each one of our lives every day.

This principle also is included when we think we’re living the best life possible. Sometimes we are living in an endless meadow of flowers, and nothing seems to be going wrong. 

In 4th Nephi, it’s talking about the after Jesus visited the people of Nephi. And in verse 16 it says: “16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” The reason they were the happiest people ever created was because their love of God. 

But years past at in verses 23 and 24 it says: “23 And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that the people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceedingly rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.

24 And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.”

They had everything, and yet they still turned to wickedness. Why? Because they didn’t endure to the end. They lived in that meadow of flowers, and decided to take it for granted and threw it all away. And you see that so many times through the Book of Mormon. The people turn to Christ, then fall away into wickedness.

And that’s what enduring to the end is. It’s a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ because it’s something we have to do everyday. It’s the process we live and find joy in everyday. It’s the process of learning and growing through the hard times. It’s giving God all your love and all your gratitude everyday with everything you have. Its living thr gospel of Jesus Christ through the bad and the good. Giving our all to God.  It’s always seeing the flowers for what they are, no matter how many you’re surrounded by.

And the best part about it, is that we have a best friend who makes Endrance easy, and possible. Jesus Christ is that best frined. Jesus Christ has walked every step of each of our lives. And will help us. Through the good and the bad. He will give us the flowers. He will help us recognize the flowers. He will help us Endure to the end, and give us everlasting life.

I want to finish with my testimony, I know that this Church is true. Jesus Christ is my best friend. He has helped me endure the good and the bad, and I’m eternally grateful for it. This is the Church of Joy meant for everyone. I’m so grateful that I have this opportunity to be on a mission and help people find joy through Jesus Christ. Because He is the reason the flowers exist in the first place. 

And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

-----------------

I love the rain...

I think y'all get the point. I may or may not like Christmas

Spanish class be like

This will be the only time in my life that I'm up early enough to watch the sunrises

WEEK 11 VANCOUVER: Light is what makes vision possible

Time fly's when you're having fun!

Yaaa so this week has felt like an eternity.

Not really. Everyone always said it takes 6 months for the mission to finally start going fast, but lowkey it's flying right now. Every p-day I'm like holy crap, it was doing this last night. It's kinda crazy, but I'm having so much fun, so I guess the statemnt proves true.

Tuesday was Zone Conference pt.1 / mission tour. We had Elder and sister Stanfill of the seventy, and it was crazy good. Super spirit filled. What a dude. Actually so amazing. And I got to hangout with all the dope missionaries. We also had a lesson with our friend Selina which was great. She's just trying to find out what that seed of faith looks like, so hopefully she'll get it planted and grown. But she's super willing. After that we went out with Mo whos a bro. Awesome sauce!

Wednesday came around where we had a couple lessons which were epic. Love how real the spirit is. Like the church is true. But then we had a member meal, blessed, and had basketball night. So you can't get much worse than that. The joys of being a missionary;)

Thursday. Guess what. Another memebr meal. Obviously. Ate "Weird Bean Thing".

Can confirm.

"Weird Bean Thing" was actually quite really good bean thing. So, extra dope. And they're a young Utah couple, so it was an epic evening.

Friday we went driving. And no. not boring car driving. But golfing driving. Yessir! Ya boi went golfing for a lesson. It was super fun, and I'm locking in for when I get back. But it was with a friend whos been really struggling with life, and I think it was good for him to get out and just have some fun. Please please please (no sabrina) keep our friend Sam in your prayers. Cus I just met him, and no all I want to do is see him smile. And Jesus can do that for him. It will be 慢慢来, but it will happen.

Met a dope dude at a doughnut shop on Saturday

Sunday was stake conference. And after that, the Korean branch grabbed us and told us we had to eat. So Stake Conference really did turn into Steak Conference. It was kinda epic.

Got to watch part of K-pop demon hunters yesterday which was also pretty epic. Then had FHE and played Volley ball, and partied to real life actual music. Like holy. I forgot that ish existed. And I can say right now, that was blessed. Don't get me wrong, TABCATS are the goat. But 2 years of that, mmmmmmm. Lady gaga was a nice change up.

Then today was glorious P-day. Got to play even more volleyball and mafia. Also just got back from institute which is free dinner and gospel class. You really can't get better than that. But don't worry ya'll, I'm still working out. Don't fret.

But ya, this week was super duper pretty litty. (have fun translating all this Pappa) The lord loves his missionaries, and even better he lovese his sheep.

The subject of this email comes from zone conference. We were talking about light, and the light of crhist. So I decided to do a quick Facebook meta search. Rip Chat. Asking what light was. It gave me a super scientific answer, and I was like bruh I don't need this. But at the end it said "In summary, Light is what makes vision possible." And I was like yooooo, straight bars. But I really loved that, because Christ is the light of life. So many times we can get cuaght in the darkness of - "am I good enough? Nobody loves me. What's the point?" And that's where the light of Christ becomes so important. Because it gives us the eternal vision. Yes you are good enough, "You are good enough for me". Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love you more than you could ever imagine. Ohh, and also, I love ya'll. So cross that one off. And Jesus is the point. Christ makes vision possible. So this Christmas go spread that light, and ask for it if you need it. Cus he will always give. Jesus Christ is literally Him.

But that's it from me.

Keep Smiling 

Let's just say we have some fun

Sooooo blessed 

I'm ready for the big leagues

Hehe, I love Christmas

Always gotta trust Him

WEEK 10 VANCOUVER: Holy Flippin Awesome Sauce

I bet ya'll weren't expecting this! Suprise, I have p-day today. So that's fun I guess. We got ZC tomorrow, and a general area 70 is pulling up. So Elder Baird will be on his best behavior. Chinese AP in the making, just you wait.

This week was flippin awesome sauce. Had my last day in Burnaby. We started off Wednesday morning going to Edmonds Community Center, and right as we walked in, all the Chinese people started talking to us. It's a success. I have officially infultrated the Edmonds Senior Ping-Pong group. And now they're comming to our ping pong. It's quite litty. Then played Pickleball with some members and a friend. Went to a lunch with a member who hasn't been to church, but bro said he'll pull up. So Cheng Gong. Then had my last Burnaby English class. Lowkey, future teacher in the making. (But not really, cus i'd probably crash out if I tried to teach a bunch of yungins.)

Transfer day came around, and me and Elder Flak finished up the transfer with ping pong. How fitting. But such a blessed 6 weeks. Learned so much. Had so much fun. Saw so many miracles. It truly was a #blessed 6 months. Then we transfered. Me and Elder Meyer are now in Vancouver and having an amazing time. we had 2 lessons today which was a record for me, and had another English class. It's a little different, but just as fun.

Real day 1 of the transfer started and we did what everyone usually does. Went to the GYM!!! It's actually so dope that we have a gym. It's small, but got everything I need. It is actually so amazing and I'm so freakin happy. I've missed it. We met with a friend Sam today whos been going through some really ruff stuff, and had an incredibly spirit filled and sprit led. I really hope we can help him get through his struggles and help him to give those burdens to Christ. Cus he's such an awesome dude. We also went out finding. Prayed that we'd get a number, and as soon as we got on the skytrain the doors were closing and a dude runs and gets smooshed in betweet them, but makes it in. So we talked to him, got his number, and invited him to all the activities. So prayers answered. Kinda niffty how that works.

Saturday we got to hangout with a member Colin, whos the most awesome dude ever, and went to Grannville island. Had a super baller time with him, and I bought a dope tie. Wakled through all the stores and a big market place which was dope. Then ran into our frined Jacky randomly, and went to the music festival they had goiing on. Then had a birthday party for Crystal. Shes a family were teaching, and they are sooo cool. Some of the other elders borke their tramp. Rip. I guess they feed us too much here. But I'm a good Elder. So I just watched. And laughed. A lot... But the party was epic, had so much fun. Laughed a lot.

Sunday came around and it was just another great day. Since were the Chinese Elders, we split two wards. Van 1st and YSA. So started off the day with Van 1st, and Stella Crystal and Cici pulled up, which apparently they haven't in a while. So that was dope. And they were also having the primary program that day, and I just couldn't stop smiling. It was so cute and awesome. This ward already just takes me back and I fell like I'm at home again. So it's super awesome. Then YSA ward which was also super duper awesome. Both in english which is kinda nice too. But I met some awesome people, and got more awesome people too meet. So I'm so hyped for this transfer. Also had a member meal with a guy that's an animater for Pixar and worked on the Spider-Verse movies. So awesome.

Then had P-day today. We went to Costco this morning, and on our way out Elder Meyer was like wanna get pizza. I was like sure why not, cus I hand't eaten that morning. So we went and got our 10am pizza and hotdogs. And while we were waiting for the food this guy walks up to us and starts talking to us about our Chinese nametags. Then we do the whole we're missionaries for our church things. And bro was like bet, I'll pull up. So awesome miracle and to see how God continues to guide his work. We also went on a hike today which was epic, it's so beautiful up here. Then had basketball and FHE tonight. Watched a movie. So life's going pretty great. Its pretty Holy Flippin Awesome Sauce!

I've been reading this book call 'The Divine Gift of Forgivness' by Neil L Anderson. And it's so incredible, would highly recommend everyone reading it if you want to be happy. Or just be friends with me, that works too ;) But seriously, go read it.

“Even when you feel like you are at the very bottom of life's ladder, there is something you can do. You can look up. If all you can manage is to simply lift your eyes to Him, you have done something in an effort to return to Him… More important than where you are is the direction you face, and especially Whom you face.”

Here's the quote I pulled from it this week. And it really stuck out to me. Cus sometimes we think that we have to be this perfect person and do everything right and do this and that and that. And make sure all this is perfect. And I'm living a super righteous life. And it just piles up, and only leads to discouragment. Sometimes all we really need to do is just look up. Know we're not perfect, but that literally does not matter. Face Christ. Then from there with his help we can sort out our problems. There's no reason or need to climb the latter in one day. Sometimes we just have to spend a week looking up. Then over time, we can begin the climb, one rung at a time. And when we do that we can be proud of ourselves because Jesus will always be there, arms wide open, so give Him that hug.

Ya boi's getting more and more hyped for Christmas!

Love ya'll

Unfortunately missionary work was required, so I was not able to retrieve a pot of gold

The member meals cannot defeat me

Balcony views be like-

Straight vibes all around

It was worth the 2 hour drive I guess

WEEK 9 BURNABY: 🎄🎶 It's Beginning To a Lot Like Christmassssss 🎶🎄

The answer is yes. I am currently listening to Christmas music. Do I have any regrets? Absolutely none. 

Thanksgiving has already passed here, and Halloween was last week. So now my life can be in full christmas mood. It is quite amazing and quite beautiful. (Shoutout to my amazing mom who sends me all the good tunes!)

But yes, I love christmas. October, November, and December are literllay the best months ever. Now I get to live Christmas and be a missionary and spread joy. So blessed.

FOR THE 2nd ROUND PICK OF THE 2025 BEAUTIFUL BRITICH COLUMBIA MISSION. 

THE VANCOUVER 1ST AND YSA PICK.......

ELDER BAIRD!!!!

It's confirmed ya'll. Ya boi's heading to downtown Vancouver for this beautiful Christmas season, and gets to spend it with the YSA peeps. I've already met a bunch of them and they are soooo awesome. So I'm super hyped. I am a little sad to leave Burnaby, cus it's been quite amazing here. But I'll be backk sooner than later.

Following my last email sent, we had a district P-day, which was pumpkin carving. So guess what I did. Played pickleball and basketball. So blessed. I had a lot of fun while my comp carved Kolob. So it was pretty epic. Later that night we had a lesson with our friend Zack. So we decided to put him on bap-date. It was actually so epic! First one for me. So really awesome night. In PMG his name is Zack (chess kid) cus that's how he was found. Now hes got an awesome testimony, and really wants it. December 13. So that night, I ate some ice cream. Pretty great!!

On Wednesday we had district council and sister Vincent pulled up. (Shes mission president). So me and Elder Flake had to extra lock in for our training. But it was lit. Later that day we helped a member move, which was fun. I love also being able to do that type of service. The joys of having a young breakable body. That night we also had a call with Vincent, and it was just a huge miracle. Something had changed in him since the last time we met with him, and he just seemed so much happier. I love this gospel so much and the joy it brings. We're hoping to get him on bap date soon. So pretty exciting.

Happy Spooktober everyone!!!

Had exchanges today. So me and Elder Barnes were tearing it up here in Burnaby. That afternoon we had our weekly Ping-Pong  activiity. So balled out there. Then met a homie named Felix, played Rumi-Cuub with him for like 2 hours. Then played ping-pong for an hour with him. Super awesome dude whos heading to YSA, so I get to hangout with him. Then we got booted home cus on Halloween our curfeew was 6. Apparently people here like to dress up as missionaries and blow stuff up. At least we have some influence ig 

Then novemeber hit. Which means...... CHRISTMAS!!! Yes the first thing I did when I woke up was listen to some Christmas music. So blessed. This day also marked my 2 months of carrying the nametag. And it's 2 months I won't ever forget. It's flown by so fast, but been so incredibly amazing. I love being a missionary and I love Jesus Christ. 

We taught English class, and usually we have like 6 or 7 people shows up, but today we had 15! It was a huge miracle and it was such a blast. I may not be the best english teacher, but I am the best goober. Soooo it's pretty awesome. Then some members tooks us to lunch. Super awesome and converted family. I love it. Had a lesson with Han today and it was such an awesome lesson. Ohh. and guess what. We got him on bap date today too. Such a cool expirence. December 28th. Hes actually such an awesome dude. Love him so much. Then right after the lesson Elder Flake was like 'yo, we gotta go to shadbolt', I was like bet lets go. Went there and handed out a BOM and invited this couple to church. So awesome day of miracles. And now December has even more cool stuff happening. 

Today we also went to the temple and hot pot. So #blessed.

But amazing week. The lord has so many miracles in store and it's pretty epic to see them. I'd ask ya'll to keep the friends in your prayers, especially the two that are prepping to make this amazing step in their lives. Also played so much ping-pong this week. I get more and more asian everyday. Ya'll wont even recognize me when I get back. hehe.

Something that's come to my mind is something my amazing Coach would always tell us. Everyday I wear my skyridge lacrosse hoodie around the house, and on the right shoulder it says "ASET" - abandon self, embrace team. The most important thing you can do in a team sport. You can't ever do it on your own. That mindset is our biggest asset. And I just had a thought of "ASEG"- Abandon self, embrace God. I could never do this work alone. I could never live life alone. Wheen I choose to embrace God, the victory is so much more achievable. And when the score isn't the outcome we want, we can learn so much more through God, rather than trying to win it on our own.

Love ya'll. Send me updates of ya'lls life, I am quite curious. Merry Early Christmas!!!

ASEG

#blessed

Now the theme song is stuck in your head

Welcome to the beautiful British Columbia 

Awesome sauce

Ya'll I tried my best. Sports were just more tempting

You heard the man