Elder Braden Baker: "Uhhh, how do you eat this?"

I finally got to watch General Conference this week and I absolutely loved it! This is my second General Conference on my mission and last time I said that it is 100 times better as a missionary. Well, this time I realized the actual truth. The fact that conference is so much better now has nothing to do with my calling or being set apart as a missionary. The difference is that I actually prepared for the last few weeks and really studied, pondered, and prayed about personal questions that I am seeking answers for. Then, I listened to each talk with full faith knowing that I just asked the one man that is inspiring these men and women to talk to me and that He will answer my prayers through His chosen leaders. I can promise and I know that God hears and answers our prayers! I know this because He has literally answered mine and brought immediate peace to me. I'm really sorry I lied to you 6 months ago saying that conference is only 100 times better when you're a missionary. But, good news! Conference is 100 times better when you prepare yourself spiritually with full faith knowing He will answer your questions regardless of who you are.

Wonderful family, sub-par food is the worst combination when visiting a family here. I love this family sooo much and seriously love to visit them, see the cute little girls, read the scriptures, talk about the Savior, and feel the spirit in their humble home. They are so kind and want to show their love to us Elders and the way they show their love here is through food. This week, they cooked a lot for us and all non-veg: beef, mutton, and fish(and of course rice)! Alright, you're probably picturing a nice meal full of good meat and fish... Well, I will say it wasn't bad until they plopped three fish on my plate. I mean, the whole fish like head, tail, scales, eyeballs, bones, everything! It's like they pulled it straight from the dirty pond and tossed it on the pan with a whole bunch of masala of course. I looked at Elder Rajendran, "Uhhh, how do you eat this?" He picks up one by the tail and puts the head in his mouth and bites off a piece, chews it, and swallows. I was a bit shocked hahahah. I couldn't believe he just did that. So, I talked myself into it and I also picked one up and took a bite. *crunch* I bit right through the thick spine bone and the little bones. I managed to finish 1 of them even through all of the crunching and poking in my mouth and throat. It was pretty terrible, I'm not going yo lie. That's one thing I can go without doing again in my life. I told Elder Rajendran that I already have enough of my own bones in my body, I don't need any more.

Jothi and Basker are progressing well! A miracle happened as we have been teaching them and as they continue to accept and apply the restored gospel in their lives. Jothi is working hard to support her family with many jobs. Unfortunately, her schedule now is to work all day Sunday. She asked for her work off on Sundays but they wouldn't let her. They only allowed one Sunday off, but she took advantage and came to church! She and her husband said she felt good and like this is where she needs to be. The only problem she was having is her work schedule on Sundays not allowing her to come to church each week. Last week, they accepted our invitation to be baptized and really want to be baptized. Still, the problem remained the same. Even if she were to be baptized, she couldn't attend church and partake of the sacrament each week. We kept praying for her to get a better job and not even a week after she committed to being baptized, a new job opportunity came to her out of nowhere. She is having an interview this week so please pray for Jothi! This is a great example of taking a leap of faith into the dark knowing that Jesus will be the light to guide you along your way. I look forward to Jothi's baptism and her start on the covenant path.

One thing that I felt a lot during conference is that God truly loves all of His children. I just had a desire to go and tell everyone I know that I also love them and I know that the Lord loves them so much. I can truly feel that immense love from God for His children by serving them and I invite you to continue ministering and serving His children and think of how much love God truly has for ALL of His children. I love you all, have a great week.❤️

Love, Elder Baker