Blessings of "Getting Started"

Wow, what an amazing experience I had at the MTC!  We had young return missionary's teaching us  "Preach My Gospel" lessons.  Sister Russon was only 4 months back from serving in Dallas.  She was excited to tell us everything she could about our mission.  We met with a large group of seniors in the church building next to the MTC everyday for lessons.  We stayed at the Marriott...."Shaun's comment about that was "No Way, we didn't get to stay there!"  I think it was a nice perk, but with 3000 missionary's there wasn't an inch to stay anywhere at the MTC!

The MTC really touched my heart.  It was so amazing to see these young missionary's dressed in suits and Sunday dresses!  I felt like I had just been placed in heaven!  I don't think there was a single time I had to open a door!  They were so sweet and loving toward us "senior missionary's", and there enthusiasm was infectious.  By summer there will be 6000 missionary's at the Provo MTC .  They will have a new facility opened for them, and 52 more mission's will open throughout the world.  I'm so blessed to be a part of all of this, and in awe at the organization of the church in this major undertaking.  Can you imagine feeding 3000 missionary's three times a day!


Our District at the MTC:  Top row on right - Sis. Hultz   Front row - My Companion Sis. Campbell, Me, our trainer, and Sis. Shell.  All four of us are going to Dallas.

Ann Venn and I had a great trip to Texas.  The time went by fast, and I don't think we stopped talking the whole way.  She was truly my sister companion on the trip, and took care of my every need!  The weather was good for us.  We saw some beautiful country as we traveled through Utah and Colorado...but Kansas, "well, there surely must be some pretty places there somewhere."

We got a late start from Salt Lake City so we drove into the evening on Saturday.  We went to Sacrament meeting in Salina, Kansas Sunday morning and drove late again that night.  Monday evening we arrived in Texas.  I was completely "stunned" as we entered Dallas and went into this freeway maze! I've never seen anything like it and don't plan on seeing it again anytime soon!!!  It's called 5-high and high it is!

Pres. & Sister Durrant are wonderful people.  I am so blessed to be in the mission field serving with them!  They were so encouraging and anxious to help us get settled.  We received counsel to start out slowly so we wouldn't get overwhelmed, and to love everyone we meet.

We're piloting the new Women's Auxiliary Mission here in Texas.  The church has introduced this new calling in six different areas in the US and had great success with it.  We'll be reporting directly to Salt Lake once a month to give them information on how it's going.  We'll be working in our home ward for awhile and then expand to other areas in our stake.

We have two young elders in our ward.  One has been out only two months and the other four months; so you can see how quickly a senior companion begins training the "greenies".  They said they are happy we are here now as there are several sisters in the ward with non-member husbands.  Some of them won't allow the Elders but are hopeful they'll be more receptive to senior sisters.

My Journey to the MTC

I was set apart to be a missionary on Feb. 4th by Pres. Gordon Tanner.  All but one of my children were there and some of my grandchildren.  I can honestly say, it was one of the greatest highlights of my life!  The spirit of the Holy Ghost was so strong.  Each of my children were given a few minutes to give me some parting advice.  The advice is treasured and the expressions of love and support touched me deeply.  It continues to warm my heart with joy!  Pres. Tanner is such a great and inspired leader.  He was truly guided in the blessing he gave, and knew of my concerns and needs to be a successful missionary.  My memory of that precious hour is priceless!  My "send-off" at church on Sunday was also beautiful!  I am surrounded by such sweet friends in the ward and their well wishes will hold precious memories in my heart.

Made the road trip to Idaho and Utah along with my dear friend Ann Venn, who has been amazing to give her time to me and travel all the way to Dallas TX!  I will always be grateful for her love and sacrifice.  I'm now in Idaho visiting with my 96 year old mother in law, cousins, and brother.  Then on to Utah to visit my grandsons before I enter the MTC on Monday Feb. 11th.

I would like to close this first entry by sharing, again, my testimony of the church and the Savior Jesus Christ.  As I look back over all my years, even while I was a small child; I remember feeling the spirit of the Holy Ghost in my life testifying to me of Heavenly Father and the Savior.  That feeling has never left me in all these years and has continually been a strength to me.  My favorite scripture has been a guidance to me in every aspect of my life.  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths."  Proverbs 3: 5-6

I'm amazed at all the sacrifices made by my ancestors and the prophets so I could be born into "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints".  As I read and study the scriptures, I realize that the men and women who left us that precious history were people with feelings and challenges much like our own.  They were called to be apostles and prophets.  Many of the people they taught listened and were accepting of the teachings of the gospel, and they also became teachers.  They suffered and died, for what they knew was true.  My ancestors did the same.  They heard the message through the Prophet Joseph Smith and had the courage to listen.  They were ridiculed by many for their beliefs, yet they continued on so it could be had for our generation.  I'm so humbled by the blessings I have because of them, and only hope I can be an "Instrument in the Saviors hand" just as they were.  My life has continually been touched and guided by priesthood leaders, and the many angels at my side.

"Oh, that I can be worthy of such love and devotion!"

Mission Call Letter

It finally happened!  I got the letter in the mail this week.  My kids and Ann & Bill Venn met with me at Jenny's home tonight to open it.  Christina & Todd are in Hawaii.  We called them on the phone so they could enjoy the news.  I am going to the Dallas Texas Mission!  I asked them each to guess where where it would be.  Rafael guessed Texas...  I'm so excited!

Preparing for my Mission

In November of 2011 I began thinking about fulfilling my lifelong dream of serving as a missionary in the church.  I went to see Bishop Todd Thompson and he was excited that I wanted to go, and assured me of the many blessings I'd have by serving the Savior in this way. 

I decided to list my home in January, but when I found out how much I'd lose by selling it, I became fearful and backed out.  I continued to have feelings that my time to go was soon.  As spring came it was still very much on my mind, but the economy wasn’t good so I continued to wait.  

On Thursday of this week I received a call from the assistant stake executive secretary.  He said that Elder Hanson of the area seventy would be with us at Stake Conference this weekend and he and Pres. Paxman would like to visit with me.  I can’t begin to share on paper the feelings I had at having these two priesthood brethren come to my home.  My heart was filled with wonder that I would have such a blessing in my life, and that they would take the time necessary to visit with me.

They arrived at my home on Saturday morning.  We had a tender and loving visit.  Elder Hanson said that he knew a little of my background, but wanted to learn more about me and asked me to tell him about myself.  I told him about my six wonderful children that are a great joy to me.   They support and sustain me so much in my life.  I told him my life is filled with joy and peace.  He asked about the callings I had held in the church, and I told him I had served in almost all the callings a woman can hold.  I'm serving as an ordinance worker in the temple, and as a counselor in the Relief Society right now.

He asked about my children and I told him I had only one child that is active in the church, and that my heart ached for my other children to have that blessing in their lives.  He expressed that I must feel great joy in watching my active daughter living the gospel with her family.  I told him what a great comfort that is to me, and how much happiness I feel when I'm in their home and feel the spirit there.  

  

I expressed my concern about my other children and feel there is not much I can do to encourage them now, without creating some feelings of resentment in their hearts.  He told me to continue to pray for them and that my example would play an important part in their lives.  He encouraged me to understand that even the prophets had children who wandered from the teachings of their parents, and  I should never feel alone in my sorrow for them.

I told him I have a goal to go on a mission someday, and that I had filled out paperwork to go in the fall, but had become concerned when I found that I would lose so much money in my home.  He told me to continue to be prayerful and Heavenly Father would let me know when it's time to go.  He said  although it’s important to make myself financially prepared, as much as possible, it should not be something to hold me back when the prompting from the spirit tells me it’s time.

I asked him about his family and about his calling in the church.  He said he's from Portland and spends a lot of time in the Seattle area.  He was just sustained to be an area seventy at the last General Conference.  I expressed my love for Pres. Paxman and his family.  Pres. Paxman was my bishop when I was going through my divorce and was such a comfort and strength to me.  I worked in his home for a few years and became very close to him and his family.  I feel a warm blanket around me when I think of the Paxman family.

Before they left they asked if there was anything they could do for me, and I asked if they would give me a priesthood blessing.  They said they’d love to.  The spirit was very strong in my home and in my heart.  In the blessing, Heavenly Father through Elder Hanson told me:   I would not only go on one mission, but would have the blessing of going a second time.  He expressed the importance of listening to the spirit as I prepare for this calling.  He also blessed me with comfort and strength to carry the burdens in my life.  He encouraged me to continue to be prayerful about my children and that “if I live a life of righteousness” my children would eventually come back to the fold.  He told me of the love that the Savior and Heavenly Father have for me, and assured me they hear my heartfelt prayers.

Having these brothers come into my home was such a wonderful, spiritual experience for me.  I will always be grateful to Heavenly Father for allowing me to have this experience, and feel His love and care.

I had been reading the conference talks given in the priesthood session of General Conference during the week.  I feel like the tender feelings in my heart, as I read these talks prepared me for this blessing.  I've received many gifts of love and charity from good “men of the priesthood” over the past years. They've been ever present in my life when I've had physical and spiritual needs arise. I’m grateful for them, and the ways they've touched my life.

May 27, 2012

My home teachers came this evening.  Brother Hale is the executive secretary to the Stake Presidency.  I expressed my joy at having this blessing come to me.  He said, “Sister Baxter, I can assure you that there were prayers for guidance as to who these brothers should visit.  They only had time to visit two families in the stake.  Heavenly Father let them know they were to visit you”.

                                "I’m so amazed at my Heavenly Fathers love…."