From: Grant Baldwin [mailto:grant.baldwin@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 28, 2015 11:47 AM
To: Stephen Baldwin <BaldwinSD@ldschurch.org>
Subject: Re: Happy new year

Hey Dad. It was great to see you this week. Talking with all of you while you were in the family room made it seem like i was back in the house. I am excited that all of you are doing well. Also the goals that you have to progress in your work are impressive. If there is one thing that I have learned from My mission it is the importance of prayerfully setting goals and the importance of seeking the will of the Father and not only our own desires. this month my mission president asked us to study the book of john. I just want to share a quick experience that I had this past week. "Reading Juan this past month has been an amazing experience. I have been learning to constantly try to put the will of my Heavenly Father first in my life. When my efforts are strong I can feel and literally see the blessings and miracles that come into my life. This past week my companion and I were returing from having divisions in Oratorio , which is like an hour and a half away from were we live by busitos. I was really tired when we got on the bus to come back to Ixuatan and all I that wanted to do was sit in the bus and rest. There was a man sitting next to me who was quiet and had his head down. I Knew it was my responsiblity to speak with him but what I wanted was rest. Then I thought about one of the verses that i had read recently in the John Chapter 5 that says "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." I felt the spirit and spoke to him. I was suprised to find out that he was an inactive member that had served a mission. He has a family of 6 and now is in the process of reactivating his family and they already have goals for the temple! I know that Gods will for us only brings happiness and that If we submit ourselves to him we can be instruments to help others.

I would Like to invite you to read Juan. Like i have had the opportunity to do this past month. I know that right now you are thinking about your future in your work as well as balancing your responsibilities in the church and as a father and i know that you can find comfort and anwsers in these scriptures. I have a testimony of this Gospel. I am thankful for your example for me and that you are paying for my mission. I cannot describe how much love i feel for our family and how blessed we are. 

PS. Sorry for the spelling and lack of punctuation. Im using a computer from the 80s and hashing things out as fast as i can.

Hapy new years

Elder Baldwin

On Mon, Dec 28, 2015 at 11:35 AM, Stephen Baldwin <BaldwinSD@ldschurch.org> wrote:

Hello Son! It was great to get to talk to you! You look great. Looks like things are going well and the work is going well there. Your comments inspired me to want to do more and do better in my calling. Thank you for taking time to direct some of your comments to Erin. It really meant a lot to her to hear you say those things. It meant a lot to your mother and me as well. You have matured greatly in the past 6 months and it seems you have been able to look inside yourself and gain a lot of perspective. Additionally, being in a third world country, it allows opportunity to assess one’s life and blessings on a regular basis. While a mission provides opportunity to be selfless and serve others, some of the greatest blessings include getting to know what kind of person we want to become and what we need to do to get there. I am so proud of you for the things you are doing and am so excited for the things you are learning. You are a man now and have an incredible future ahead of you. Continue to serve those wonderful people and you will continue to be blessed with special abilities. Grandmother Baldwin told us how she has been praying for you on your mission. It was really neat to hear her talk about it. We love you and miss you a lot. Home is very different. This was our first Christmas apart so very different. Some day you will get to experience that from the perspective of a parent. It is not always easy. But we know in the long run it is for good reason. We love you and hope you have a great new year.

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

We are so glad to see and be with you today! So grateful we were able to skype and that the technology supported us! You look great! you sound great! We could feel your spirit and testimony, Grant! the love is in your countenance! Do not worry about the length of your emails, you have a lot to do on Pdays, keep up the great work! You have been telling us great things. Your current area sounds amazing and wonderful. I loved your testimony of change; specifically about Robin; just experiencing his conversion will make your mission worth it! Remember you are influencing and helping your companion and members around you who draw on your strength and knowledge of the gospel and the church programs. Thank you for serving the people of Guatemala! You are loved Grant; by us ,the Savior and Heavenly Father! 

I wanted to say more---about my testimony. I know that Jesus Christ is our savior, my savior and I am so grateful for repentance and his grace. I love Heavenly Father and his plan of happiness.

Love you Grant 

XOOXOXOXO

12/20/2015

    Yes, Erin had her wisdom teeth out Friday 12/18/2015---She was really silly loopy in the recovery room. Currently she is more subdued. She can't really smile or talk. She is swollen, but things went smoothly considering. Dad and Cole gave her a blessing on Thursday evening; so grateful to have the priesthood in our home and family!

School is out for 2 weeks. It is so great not to have to worry about it for awhile.

     So you are in the country! I was looking up  Santa maria ixuatan and there is this Cool looking waterfall there that I have attached. Have you seen this waterfall? If not, hopefully you will...looks way coo,l they call in a mini Niagara. 

Last email I asked you about Christmas and you did not reply....probably because you did not know the details...So on Friday the 25th---do we get to talk?  by phone? What time...we are an hour behind I think right now because of the time change we had in the fall.

Can't wait to here from you!!!! Let us know...

xxoxoxoxoxo

Mom

Hey I love you guys! I'm way out in the mountains of Guatemala where there area cowboy hats and small horses. My new area is called santa maria ixuatan. My new companion is elder Hernandez from Honduras. I am healthy and there is much work to be done. We are working on building a branch and working hard. The people here are very receptive and the gospél is changing their lives and bringing them happiness. I have written more and the deets are in the fotos. The church has a new video for Christmas that i am sure you may have seen. i would invite you Share it this week with family and friends.

the last part of the letter that i wrote by hand...

28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when hes hall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every on ethat doeth righteousness is born of him.

 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when hes hall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him a she is

12/14/2105

Wow this week has been full of surprises and so much change. To start off I had transfers Monday night.We received a phone call from the zone leaders and I found out that my new area would be Santa maria ixuatan Tuesday I left elder Mendoza in our apartment and took a taxi deep into the capital to a church house. From there I took a bus with other missionaries way outside the capital to a small city called Kalaka from there I took a bus to my new area which is pretty much straight up the side of a mountain. My new area is awesome and I am truly grateful to be here. My companion is Elder Hernandez, he is from Honduras on the coast. He is a convert to the church of about three years, he is a great missionary and has a strong desire to work for the Lord. I can tell he wants to serve the Lord.

It is a new area in the mission, Elder Hernandez and his last companion were the first missionaries ever to serve here. There is not a church building here. There is not a church building here or even a branch right now, we are in extension classified as an extension of a branch. Yesterday in church there were about 18 members that attended we have church in the upper upstairs room of a local members, although there are not many members here, they are all very helpful and very supportive of the work. Our house here is a blessing although we do not have a door forget the bathroom, that's about all I have to say about that.

I have seen many miracles my short time here ixuatan.There is a young man here named Robin that has recently completely changed his life to come active again in the church of our Savior. He left vices like alcohol, smoking, and a life full of pleasure for the natural man to live more abundantly.

I know that the Lord loves each of us personally and his hand of mercy and support is always extended to help us change through the atonement of our Lord. We can have confidence in the love of our Heavenly Father and our potential to become like him. I have seen the hand of the Lord blessing and changing the lives of the people.

John 2:28 -29.  John 3:1- 2

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

12/13/2105

So you are in a new place, been transferred, have a new companion etc. I want details....is your new place dry? Do you like it? How is your companion?

Today in church we had our Christmas program. Christine France was in charge. 

It was a great program. We had the "hymn book Choir" perform most of the songs. This is where people come up out of the audience if they want to sing, and you just sing hymns out of the hymn book. There are no practices, just sing. It is my kind of choir. While we were singing SILENT NIGHT and the part "sleep in Heavenly Peace" came and I started to cry because I thought of you. I hoped and prayed and fasted today that you are in a dry place and are healthy and dry in order for you to focus on the work.

Last night we had the ward Christmas party---good food and the primary with the help of the young men young women singing behind the wings on the stage acted out the Nativity from Luke 2. Of course you can't go wrong when the primary sings. We had quite a few nonmembers attend; and one of the 5 families we were assigned to give the bread and invitation to was that one house by the Just's old home that I wanted to throw the loaf at their window because they won't come to the dooor.....this time I couldn't access their home again. So I left the bread on the ground in front of their locked gate, drove home and called them. A man answered and I told him I left some bread in front of his gate because I couldn't access his home. I said "Merry Christmas and invited him to the party." So at least I was able to talk to someone after 4 years.

  Erin is getting her wisdom teeth out on Friday the 18th so being praying that all will go well with no complications. Her teeth are wacked out they are growing out.

I took your scripture Helamen 3:35 and ponderized this week---great scripture! 

Have a suggestion for this week? Also let us know when you find out what time we can talk on Christmas and if we are able to Skype ??

Love you !

MOmxoxoxoxoxoxo

12/2015-Grant, Elder Mendoza and President Caffarro

12/2015-- Roof of new apartment---finally a dry place, but no bathroom door, AND Grant is transferring, hopefully to an even dryer place.


12/7/2015
Hello Baldwin's and family. this week we have seen many miracles in this small part of the Lords vineyard. First off Our zone was able to meet all of the goals that we set. This may sound like something small but really it was a miracle. There were many blessings received through hard work and prayers and fasting. There were several baptisms scheduled that fell through. All of us elders and hermanas were feeling a little stressed and wondering why all of our investigators as a zone had suddenly all run into major roadblocks in their progression. We were thinking of what we could do to help them take important steps in their lives and in The plan of our heavenly father. Together we determined that we would have a fast as a zone. I am truly amazed and humbled every time I have the opportunity to see the hand of the Lord in my life and in the lives of others and miracles and tender mercies that he extends to each and everyone of us are so real. As a side note this weekend we have the opportunity to travel outside the boundaries of our zone and go have a breakfast with our mission president,  President Caffaro. It was amazing to get together and talk about our experiences that we have had this past week and it was also good to eat breakfast that didn't consist of beans, bread, and eggs. Afterwards we had the opportunity to go to the temple with the recent converts of the zone. We were really excited especially for the Familia Quiminez and elder Bastillos. But unfortunately at the last minute they both canceled their plans to come. I was really hoping they would have the opportunity to come but I am confident we will help them get to the temple as a family. This week we also had the opportunity to move houses. After a about a month of searching, we finally found somewhere new to live. After a little bit of persuasion we were able to change houses on Friday. The new apartment is not too fancy. Unfortunately we do not have a bathroom door, but it is blessedly dry. Elder M. and I were both excited for the change. Unfortunately I will not have the opportunity to enjoy the house much because this week there are changes or transfers I think is what they actually call it in English. I received a phone call last night informing me that I will be changed out. I don't know where I am going or who will be my companion until this evening. Tomorrow I will take a taxi or a bus or something and we will see where I will serve next. I am a little sad to leave this area and all of the people I know but at the same time I am excited to continue learning and growing with the changes.
Elder Baldwin
-------------------------------
Hello,

    This week is all ready over, crazy how fast it went!!!! I hope it went fast for you also. I love you picture with you and Elder Mendoza. How is Hermana Marleny and the 80 year old couple progressing? How is your district and zone, and ward mission leader? 

This week the teachers at my school have been having a Christmas contest---one day is red day, green day, Santa, snowman/snowflake, light up day, etc. I have had the best costumes. There are daily prizes and then for the teachers who participate every day there is an over all prize- a Kendal. So I am disappointed and do not fail to let the judges know that they are weak when they nominate a teacher just because they haven't won yet, it is like not having a winner for the sports teams the weak "every body is a winner" syndrome. For example there was this one teacher who wore a measly little light up necklace for light up day. I wrapped myself in a green table cloth, had lights strung around me with a Christmas lights, with a Christmas skirt.....I also had Christmas lights around my neck. And guess who won? the lousy teacher who "hasn't won anything yet to let's give it to him teacher". What a joke....the library judges told me it would be the best and not just nominate everyone who participates.

Other than the contest, everything is going good. We are healthy this week. I had a cold, but it didn't keep me down, just a head cold, nothing garlic couldn't cure. I am also donating plasma twice a week against your wishes. There is a special going on right now. The first 3 donations were 50 and then it was 20 the first day and 50 the second day during the week, can't beat that. And if I get below 150 pounds, they knock the blood donation down to 720 liters instead of 825....so I am looking at 30 min. in there, I have 4 ponds to go.

   Grandma and Grandpa came down Friday to watch Erin swim a 200 free. The meet was in Cedar both Friday and Saturday. Erin did not want to swim the 200---she hates it. I do not blame her 8 times the length of the pool basically at a full out sprint. Before the race, Erin has having a hard time breathing because of the altitude difference, the pool was too warm, and the chemicals made it hard to breath and made one sick. She told us that she said a prayer and kept singing "The spirit of God" over and over in her mind and she made it! She didn't even throw up or stop and she wasn't the last one to finish, which was one of her major fears. The next day Grandma, Cole, Emily and I drove up to watch Erin swim a 100 backstroke. We left at 10:00---she didn't race until 12;30pm. She did really well- her time was 1:32. So for that we waited for 2 and a half hours, such are the joys of swim meets. After we went to celebrate Emily's graduation from college at George's restaurant on the Boulevard. Yes, Emily has her bachelors..

Love you,

Mom,

XOXOXOXOOXOOOO

----------------------
12/6/2015
Hey family this week has been really good! we have been very busy! We have seen miracles this week and also alot has passed by! we have changes today and have to run into the capital to get my companions credit card. I scribbled down some notes of the week and took a picture. if you guys want to send a letter to jim or grandma or grandpa please type the letter and proof read it before sending. I know that takes effort but if you dont have time please tell them that i will be sending them letter the next week.Please dont forward the pictures of the letters. Its a baldwin family only thing. Tell erin that i love her and pray for her. I am so happy that she is able to progress and move forward with her swimming. Lousiana sounds like a great time! I am happy that you guys were able to have those memories! I also want you all to know that i have a testimony of Our saviour Jesus Christ.I know that he lives that that only through him can we progress and have happiness. His gospel has blessed our family! This week especially I have a testimony of Helaman 3:35. please read it and reflect on how you can apply its principles to your lives. I also recieved the christmas packages from the family and as well from the martinezs. Thank you so much for sending them! the scented cinnamon really is something that puts me right back in the family room with you guys during christmas.send my love and gratitude to the martinezes and grandman and grandpa.Love you guys! have a great week.- Elder baldwin
-----------------------------------
12/5/2015
Granty! Well a lot has happened in the past 2 weeks. I'll be as brief as possible. We left here Friday night the 20th and arrived in Louisiana at around 2:30 am. Robert had purchased a brand new pontoon boat from bass proshop. He took it to Toledo bend, a huge lake that my dad used to take me to when I was little. He got a cabin for 2 nights. We got up early and were very excited to fish. Well, a bad cold front came through the next morning and it goy down to 30 degrees and the wind blew all week end. We got straned out on the lake right at dark saturday as we were heading out to fish for crappie after dark. The waves got 8 ft high and we had to beach the boatin a cove. Luckily there was a private boat launch where after 2 hours of freezing we got someone to drive Jim and Robert to the cabin to get his truck and trailer. The next day we left and went to visit Pat without being able to fish. Had a great visit with Pat and Roberts inlaws. They fed us too much. We each gained 20 pounds eating at seafood restaurants. We went to Dugans ponds the next morning. We found an old aluminum boat that was covered up from Hurricane rita. We got it cleaned out and used a couple of boards for paddles. We caught a lot of crappie and the when we went to another pond, Jim caught a 5 lb largemouth. Then Erin caught a big one and i caught a couple. It was a blast, but so very overgrown. 

We were gonna try to fish it again, but decided to go crabbing down by where I grew up. We saw my old house, my high school, and the 10n acre property mom and pat owned. Robert told me that I own 1 2/3 acres of wooded property there. Its pretty cool. Very large trees and fenced. We had a good day crabbing and brought home a dozen or so. The next day we went back and to a different place where we drove across on a ferry boat. We saw a ton of dolphins while we were fishing by the gulf of mexico. Then we went to Roberts in Baton Rouge. The next day we went out near the gulf below New Orleans and got up at 4:00. We fished all day and caught over 50 fish. We helped Robert tag some of the ones that were too small to keep, but kept like 25 fish. The largest was 25 inches long. I'll send you pictures once I can get them all downloaded. There are tons of videos and pics. Jim caught an eel and a flounder. When he put the eel in the boat, we were all screaming like girls. It was a blast. We went to Pierre Part the next day to see where swamp people is filmed. Bought a larger alligator head at Troys dads store, Duffy's. Then drove all over and found their camp. Then we went down the road to bayou pigeon where Swamp Pawn is filmed. Drove into Rick Phillips swamp seafood place and took pictures. Drove past comquats house:) It was a fun day. Went to a plantation too. That night we watched the LSU and Texas A&M game. Crystal works at LSU now. Robert cooked a huge gumbo that night. The next morning we headed out but it was bumper to bumper traffic all the way from Baton Rouge to Houston Texas. We had a rough day, and almost missed our flight. Ill tell you the details in a few weeks when we talk for christmas. Jim had to run in the airport to catch our plane. We got home at 4:15 am and erin had to get up at 6:00 to get ready for school that Monday. I left my phone in the rental car in Houston, but finally got it sent to me this weekend. We stayed 9 days. Saw some awesome stuff. We need to go back when you get home. We'll plan on it. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. Robert and Crystal are awesome. They spent a ton of money providing a great time for us. 

I have been reading your letters and sharing them. Jim especially asks for them. He is very proud of you. We pray daily for you and hope you are healthy and that the language is getting easier by now. Bret says hi. Gonna try to go back elk hunting next week with him. I just got home at 8pm tonight. We have had tithing settlement so it makes for a long day. Im sure you have your share of long days too. Enjoy the time you have left there. It will go fast. Its a time in history where it is a real blessing to be doing the Lords work when so many people need and are searching and grasping for truth. Stay strong, be a good example, and never get discouraged. Everything happens in the Lord's time and for a reason. We love you and miss you. We are very proud of you. Have a great week! Love Dad.

Family!well.. Its almost December. I cannot believe that it is almost a new year! The time has gone by quickly so has happened and changed In my mission. I love my mission! I am blessed and have the opportunity to see how much the lord has blessed me everyday.I also have the opportunity to learn and progress and to push myself daily. I am truly grateful.

11/30/2015

This week has been good. Elder Mendoza and I have been continuing to work hard to find new investigators "de oro". We have had fun doing it and have found many people that we feel are ready to progress the gospel of our Heavenly Father.  One of these persons is la hermana marleny. she is amazing! she is a sister that lives alone here and that asked her friends to help her receive visits from the missionaries. Yesterday at the church she was really touched by the spirit. She is searching for the truth and really has a desire to do the Lords will. She has the goal to be baptised the 26 of December. This week we also had the pleasure to meet Edmundo and Noami. They a little old couple that have more that 80 years! They were receiving lessons from missionaries earlier this year but they lost contact with the missionaries.They are very receptive and call us the grand kids.They also are working to be baptised in the month of december! 

It is so good to hear from all of you about your Thanksgiving! I hope that all are doing well! We did have the opportunity to celebrate a little bit with some chicken and a small pie that I found in a panderia.I hope that you guys all have a great week! 

Elder Baldwin

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

Thanksgiving Dinner in Guatemala missionary style.

11/29/2015

You sounded great last week. I hope your week a was a as well. Is it still Raining? It is amazing the power of the scriptures and how they can speak to us individually, every time we read and ponder them. Hopefully Kenya is still moving forward and progressing.

    The church is true and it is all about family. I had a great time spending time with the people up "north" . Wednesday around 2:00pm I drove up with Mac, Emily and Cole. We took the truck so Cole and Emily could haul one of their couches. The weather was pretty bad through Cedar, but then it cleared up. They dropped me off at Val's and continued up to Preston. It was really fun at Valerie's. Grey, Lucy, Valerie, Grandma, Grandpa and I played a dice game called "tens". We had pizza. Valerie was quiet the host and very nice. Grey was really excited to play games as well.

   We had Thanksgiving at Grandma's, the Martinez family came. During the meal we went around the table each taking turn and telling what they were thankful for. I was the last and everyone had said what I was thankful for--primarily family, home, food and health. So I said "grace" The atonement. 

   After dinner we colored Christmas scenes  and played the name game. yes the name game, it was fun as always. Friday Grandma, Val, and I went to get a pedicure, and then Saturday Cole and Mac came and picked me up at Angie's at 7:30 am to go back to St. George because Mac had to work at 1:00pm. The drive was terrible between Kaysville and Provo. There were about 10 cars in Salt Lake that were off the road and had hit the middle concrete median. Needless to say I was freaking out and Cole had to tell me to stop shrieking, he was driving. But we made it home and now it is time for school to start tomorrow....3 more weeks and then we get another break.

  Dad and Erin will fill you in on Louisiana next email. I don't think They will not be able to send one tomorrow because the are flying and driving all day today and do not come in until 1:00am. 

Love you!!!

Mom sxx0x0x0x0x

11/23/2015

Its been pouring here all week! there has been rain here almost every day and we have been showered with blessings constantly. Elder Mendoza and I are both really amazed at how much we have been blessed in every moment of everyday. I personally have learned so much this week and am so grateful for the blessings i have received and the love i have felt. I would just like to quickly share one experience that really impacted me this week that we had with an investigator of ours. This investigators Name Kenya and she is the wife of a leader of the church here in milagro. she has been receiving lessons from missionaries for years and had become what we call an "eternal" investigator. She is very receptive but she is definitely an independent person with a stronger attitude. We love her. This week  we were really focusing hard  and praying for direction on how we could help her progress toward an eternal familia. this week in a lesson we had the opportunity to have a lesson with her about faith that was very powerful. At the end of the lesson we had the opportunity to invite her to read doctrine and covenants 39 with her aloud. we asked her to put her name in place of James and think as if the lord was talking directly to you. The spirit that filled the room was powerful and undeniable. Hermana Kenya felt the spirit speak to her through scripture and is now progressing toward an eternal family. I know and can testify that the messages and lessons taught in the scriptures are real and personal. We can grow and learn when we heed the counsel of nefi and liken the words of the profetas unto ourselves. I am so thankful the scriptures and the personal counsel that we can receive. I know that this church is True! I love My Savior and his gospel. Thanks for your support and prayers. Happy thanksgiving!!

-Elder Baldwin

--------------------------------------
11/22/2015

Looks like they are having fun....I am having regrets that I did not go with them.....but oh well. I know that yesterday, Saturday they were with Robert on this boat and there were 8 foot swells..and it was 39degrees....I am glad we were not there for that. But from the looks of Pat, it was good that I sent them. This is my Christmas present for Erin and Dad. I had a bonus from sped at the beginning of the school year, so that is how it was paid for, no credit card debt. I am taking Elder Durrant's talk seriously when he said save each week and ponder a scripture each week. So I have started a savings fund. This week my scripture was Ether 12:27....this week is yours Alma 34:31.

Last night I took Judy Phelps and Drea out to the Anasazi steak house. It is a fun place to go in the winter, but not in the summer because you cook your meat on hot stones. Judy is a widow so doesn't have much of a social life and Dough happened to be out of town. Before dinner, Judy and I went to a temple session together, she kept me awake:) sometimes it is too peaceful in the temple.

Cole and Emily are coming up today, Sunday, with Mac's truck. They are bringing one of their couches to store. Jim is going to bring it back to Preston next week when he heads back. We are going to haul another couch of theirs this Wednesday on our truck---Mac, Emily, Cole and I. They are wanting to leave Wednesday night after Cole gets off work at 7:00pm, but there is a storm coming in that day and I thinking we should leave early Thursday morning.

How is Elder Mendoza? how long has he been out?  Details we want details.

Were you able to obtain new living quarters, one without mold?

xoxoxoxxo

mom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/22/2105
Happy thanksgiving!!
I'm excited to have your mom come up for the holiday . She's always fun to have around .
Is it weird that Thursday will just be another ordinary day ?  Just think of this - for the first time in your whole life you won't eat turkey on thanksgiving.
That's kind of crazy .
So I decided to make a list of some of the things I'm grateful for ....( no particular order )
The gospel
Our family
My home
Jesus Christ
Traditions
Temples
Our health
My body
Prayer
Support
Food
Freedom

I'm sure this year you're even grateful than in years past for the modern day convinces. Right ? Family too right?? Time away from home makes you more thankful and helps you remember why your so blessed .

We are so excited for the great success and miracles that you are being a part of. I went to a women's conference yesterday and learned that Tender mercies are Christ's fingerprints. I loved that. There are so many tender Mercies everyday . I'm so grateful for this. .
I hope and pray you will continue to be safe and protected. Be happy. Stay obedient and be strong .

We love you.
Happy thanksgiving-
Aunt Ang

Hey family! BALDWIN FAMILY ONLY. gracias:) 11/16/2015

This week has been really amazing! I have been so blessed this week. This week i received a new Companion! his name is elder Mendoza. He is from panama. elder Mendoza is an awesome missionary. He has a strong desire to serve the lord and I'm very excited to be able to serve with him here in boulevard! Yesterday we had the opportunity to listen and participate in a multi stake conference that was broad casted to all of Guatemala from salt lake. It was amazing to hear revelation intended specifically for the people of Guatemala. Elder Bednar spoke to us about 3 things. Sacrifice, consecration, and Charity. I know that we cannot sacrifice anyhting for the lord, or be consecrated without having the true love of Christ  as motivation to drive our desires. When we act and obey as free agents with love and selfishness we can move forward in the plan that our loving Father in Heaven has prepared for each and every one of us. 

I am thankful for your prayers and your love. Have a great week. Love you guys! have fun and be safe in LA. tell jimbo that i love him and hope he is doing well. Tell cole and em happs! cant believe that it has been a year! mom- Also if there is anyway that you could find our what i got on my AP test in stats last year i would love to know. if all else fails talk with mcconnell at the high school. Have a great week!
-----------------------------------------

11/15/2015
Today is a great day! 

Today is the first day of tithing settlement----so you know how dad loves it..... fortunately he will be blessed with going on vacation to LA this Friday and will miss 2 Sundays. Jim comes in this Tuesday evening.

Church was good  today. I taught a beehive lesson on the importance of work. I am grateful for it because I always learn the most in preparing. I thought about you and the hard work you are performing; learning a new language, adapting to the culture and enviornm

ent. Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice you are making every moment while being in Guatemala!!! xoxoxoxoxo

We love your voice memo's it is so good to hear your voice. So you have a new companion and hopefully a dryer place to live?

This week I plan on going to Bio-life 2 times this week Tuesday and Thursday... yes I am going to the one in Sunset while Erin is at Swim. My first time was last Thursday. Everything went well except that I was SO cold. I am bring dad's winter parka next time. Also I had to urinate before I started drawing blood so when they started putting fluids back in me during the last part, I thought I was going to burst! I will make sure I empty my bladder right before I donate.

Dad, Erin and I celebrated Cole and Emily's anniversary last night. Yes it was there 1 year anniversary 11/14/2015 can you believe it?

Love you !!!!

mom

11/9/2015


Hey dad! im glad to here that you have been working hard to magnify your calling. I know and can testify that your works have significant influences on our family and the members of the ward. I really appreciate your letters. To be honest I have so much to improve here! These teachings are super applicable to me.At the moment we are working with a family towards baptism! they have to get married so that is our main goal this week. there are others and I will keep you updated this week. We have cambios manana and i am going to recieve and new companion!! Have a great week dad. Thanks for your prayers and support. thank you for making it possible for me to be here. I cannot descirbe how thankful i am for This opportunity.
Elder Grant.
----------------------------

11/8/2015

The computer was being so unresponsive today. I was trying to attach Elder Christopherson'sinterview in word, and I gave up; so here it is down below. I am mailing it with a letter tomorrow. Does mail take around 2 weeks to arrive?

We loved your story on service! It is so true that when we serve, great things happen, things we do not expect. I remember back in Riverdale when they were asking for people to help old Fern move out of her house, I did not really feel like it, but went anyway. After serving she gave us her micro wave which worked for about 4 more years and some food storage.

Last night Erin and I went to David Artchelleta. It was a perfect night, not windy, cold but we were prepared, we had thermoses of hot chocolate, blankets, coats, and treats. We arrived on time with 15 min. to spare, we had great seats, center section. We went to take our seats and  there were people there. So we compared tickets and we had the same seat numbers. So we went to the box office to clear things up and come to find out I had tickets for the night before!!!!! Erin looked like she wanted to kill me. I said, "I could have sworn I had booked this for tonight.....for sure we can just stand in the back. But instead of doing that I found some seats on the second row, which worked for the opening act, then people came to claim their seats. So we moved up some more isles and found some more seats, then people came and we moved up again. This time to stay.... I was praying that no one one come and claim the seats....After David began his show, we were out of the woods and started to relax. I told Erin that from now on she was in charge of tickets, looking at them and verifying when the shows were. David's show was great., he spoke about his mission and what a great experience it was to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and how hard it was for him to come back. How he was thinking about changing his career path and take a different route other than singing. He spoke of the light of Christ and following the still small voice. I was so impressed on how humble and genuine he was. It was great to be at a concert where I felt it was like EFY and love it. He is great live, his voice is amazing. Erin is in love, she wants to marry him. I told him there are many guys out there like David; David just happens to sing for a living. I told her to read her patriarchal blessing and get excited about her own husband to be.

Friday and Saturday Erin also had a swim meet at Sand Hallow, Erin did well on the 50 back stroke/

On her 50 free stroke she had 32 sec. on her 100 free stroke, she felt like she was going to die. It was fun watching her swim, Cole came to watch on of the events. Then he had to go take a test. He is done with his generals after this quarter.

So relieved you received your package!!!! your Christmas one is on its way so no more requests. I sent it Thursday the 5th...I want it to for sure be there before Christmas, I included your hammock in there. 

Wondering how long you are going to have your companion/trainer....it has been 3 months now. How is that going?

Xxoxoxoxo 

MOM
---------------------------------

Que Hay? Well, today has been a spiritually enriching but exhausting day. I had a 6;30 am meeting and I set my alarm. I got up when it went off and showered and got dressed. Just as I was ready to leave I passed my bed and saw that the clock showed 5:08 am. I forgot to set my small alarm clock back an hour. Bad start to a long day. I finally got home at 5:30 this evening. But there is nothing better than making oneself available to the Lord to help get the work done. 

How was your week? Anyone close to baptism? Any new investigators? How long do you think you'll be with your companion? 

Tonight, I came home and took an hour nap and then got up to study and prepare for my staff meeting tomorrow morning. I am so blessed to have the career that I do. We have what is called the Leadership pattern. One aspect of it is recorded sessions of an hour and longer of many of the apostles fielding questions about leadership. Tonight I watched segments of Elder Bednar speaking. One of the things that touched me was when he said that, in order to progress past bad behavior or get through a tough time as a leader, is to ask the Holy Ghost to allow us to see us how we really are. He stated a warning not to do this light heartedly and to take it very seriously. The holy ghost will show us our hypocrisy and faults. Powerful stuff. As a leader, we constantly need to be asking, "What lack I yet?" Then we need to say, OK...therefore what should I do now to correct it. That is where the Lord, the Holy Ghost, and Heavenly Father are waiting to provide the help and guidance once we ask 

In the mission field it is easy to get sidetracked by other influences. It takes constant refocusing and recalibrating efforts. Always remember to have fun because we need that. But then spend the time doing the Right things right. 

Well, it's late and I get to doi it again early tomorrow. Have a great week. I love you and pray for you all the time. DAD.

11/2/2015
Hey Family! This week has been great here in Guate. clear skies and plenty of people to talk to in the street Which is a major blessing. Elder Antonio and i are fairing well this week without much sickness to speak of! This week were very blessed. I just want to share a quick experience that we had with service this week. Last Monday night we were searching for a part member family that we haven't been able to meet with for a while. There are 2 children that are members that are both young( 12 y 15ish) and their parents that aren't members. They are a nice family but they haven't had the desire to progress in the church for a long time.The mom is super nice but we were really having troubles meeting with the dad. we had heard that he did not like the missionaries much at all so we were on our toes about meeting him. So we stopped by their house Monday night and talked with the kids in the door but the parents weren't home. we told them that we would come back and left to search out another cita. Just after we were walking in the street back up toward a different part of our area. We saw a guy in the street caring a massive stove on his back. We couldn't see who it was but we offered to help this senor said accepted the help. We grabbed the stove off his back and started to talking to him and realized that it was the dad of this family just getting home. He was very grateful for the help. After helping him get his stove into his house they accepted a lesson. We had an amazing lesson and the mom and the dad both accepted a goal to be baptized the 28 of this month. The door was opened for this family through just a small act of service. I have a testimony of service. I know that if we follow the Lords Example we can be blessed and also be instruments to bless the lives of others.

I am so thankful for your prayers and I can feel the impact in my life every day. I pray for you every day! I hope that you all have a great week!

11/1/2015

Fall is finally here! The colors are changing. Erin and I actually found 2 trees that have red leaves! It is going to get get cold here this week...Wednesday will be 27 degrees below.

Halloween has come and gone. Earlier in the day I went to watch Jocelyn Cornwall ride in barrell races at the Washington fair grounds. I have been wanting to support her in watching her ride and I finally took advantage of it. It was so fun, the weather was perfect 78 degrees, little wind and Jocelyn did great. I was able to watch her ride 2 events. She is amazing because only 3 weeks ago she had foot surgery and removed bunions on her feet. In order to spur her horse around the barrels, she needs to kick right where her surgery was.....so yeah she is tough. 

  That night there was the annual trunk or treat at the mail boxes with a chilli cook off, this brought a lot of people out with some good mingling going on. I even entered some chilli---it was a joke really the beans were not fully cooked even after cooking them for 5 days. I have learned my lesson on beans--I will only use canned from now on not raW, packaged beans.

   Later that night I dropped Erin off at Raelies for a party and I went to the temple. Dad was working late; I didnt want to go home and then come back for Erin. The session was really small---understandably. I was able to spend a long time in the celestial room--pondered and thought about you and what you were doing right then, put your name in the temple. Then I sat in the lobby a long time reading the scriptures until the temple closed. It was great and peaceful, to not to be rushed and just enjoy the temple.

Dear elder Baldwin

It's a couple days before Halloween and I just sent off your Christmas package today. As I walked out of the building I said a few prayers… I'm hoping it gets in your hands safe and sound. I told heavenly father "he sacrificing so much and working so hard for you please let him get his Christmas package from the Martinez family"

I believe in prayer. And I believe in tender mercies. I am confident you are going to get your package. If you happen to get it in the near future make sure you save it and hold onto it. Don't open it till Christmas day. I want you to have a little something to look forward to Christmas morning. We love you Elder Baldwin! Keep hanging in there! Stay strong :-)

Xoxo

Angie