Tuesday, April 21 - 2nd week of this transfer

So, transfers were on Tuesday.  Guess who is in the district now, and who I am sitting next to right now on our ride back from the temple. Elder Lowe (Mom’s note – Elder Lowe was Elder Baldridge’s companion for the 6 weeks that they were  in the Missionary Training Center!  He also got reassigned to Salem Oregon to wait for his visa)  Haha he got transferred from his trainer after one transfer and is now in Lincoln City. But, he also got a text on Friday during district meeting that he got his visa! So he leaves in like four weeks, and spends two weeks in the São Paulo mtc before heading to Manaus. I am convinced I will be here at least one more transfer, but we shall see. We also got two other new elders in our district, and one new sister. The two Elders are Elder Sims and Wilson. I like them both a lot. 

Elder Baldridge's District at the temple

We just went to the temple! The Portland temple is amazing! The celestial room is two stories, and is the coolest one I have seen by far. It was an awesome experience, too. I love the temple

We now have three people on date for baptism! L…. decided May 2^nd would be the best day for her and her family to be there, so that's when hers will be. C….  is on date for the 9th. And M….  is on date
for the 16th. We are super excited about all of them. They all seem to be doing pretty well. The baptism dates are pretty soon, and we have a lot to do before then.
The weather in Oregon is crazy. One day it was sunny, rained, was sunny, hailed, and then was sunny again, all within like 5 hours. It was wild. It was also like 80 degrees yesterday, which was really hot.
But then I realized it was nothing like Manaus, which was depressing... Yuck.
We started working out three times a week this week. Elder Watson and I compromised. We have to wake up at 5:00 to go work out with the Oakdale Elders. So, I like the compromise. Working out half the time and sleeping half the time. It's all good.
So, being on a mission has really shown me that I have way more weaknesses than I have realized in the past. There are so many things I need to improve. Basically, you think you are going to be a good
missionary and then you realize that you never do anything perfect, or even close. But, that's okay. As long as you are trying your best and being obedient and asking Heavenly Father to help, he will help make up the difference. I'm so grateful that the Atonement covers more than just our sins, and helps with our weaknesses too. So, that's my thought for the week. We will never be perfect, but when we do our best and ask for help with the rest, we can be good enough for Heavenly Father to help with the rest.
I love all of you so much! Hope you have a great week!
Elder Baldridge