New companion and a glimpse into the secret life of Relief Society

Funny: My new companion is Elder Baumert, as in bow down, hit your head and get hurt, but with an m. He is a funny elder for sure! He grew up in Dahlheart Texas. It’s in the most northwestern part of Texas. Three hours away from any Walmart. Crazy. He has never owned a dishwasher before and he was amazed to see one in the missionary apartment. haha He was last serving in East Palo Alto, the most ghetto spot in the mission. He is a hoot! Funny kid; likes to read. Anyway, his first night in Pleasanton we were invited to dinner at the Relief Society dinner. It was held up in Ruby Hill, the most posh place to live in Pleasanton. Not only was it in Ruby Hill, but it was also held inside the CEO of Safeway’s home. Very nice home. The original Greg Olsen paintings were really cool to look at while dining. So there we were in an exquisite place eating the most luxurious food with 80 old women. It was so funny. There was us and the Bishop for males. The look on the poor elder's face was so funny. I think he said 5 words that night. I probably overdid it. Needless to say it was quite comical to watch his expressions and it was way cool being allowed to see the secret life of the Relief Society. It was a fun night. 

Spiritual: This week we have been working a lot with Robert. He has not been baptized yet and he is still working on his smoking problem. We met with him on Wednesday and planned on teaching the first lesson with him. Just as a refresher. When we got there, Laura who is our recent convert had invited a friend to come hear the lesson!! It was incredible! The Spirit was so strong. After we finished the lesson I felt inspired to just testify of how much God actually loves us and how much he wants us to come back to him. It was amazing. The Spirit really struck a chord in her heart. She started to tear up and when we asked her if she would like to be baptized she replied with a fervent yes. It made me so happy to see her starting to change her life!! Oh it is such a good feeling to see someone feel the Spirit and desire to change. It is incredible. I love it! We would love to baptize her but unfortunately she lives in Livermore. Oh well. The Livermore elders got an awesome referral that day. All is well in Pleasanton!!

Where I am at: Things are looking up here in Pleasanton. The ward is on fire!! There have been a ton of amazing members who have been talking to friends about the gospel and the ward has really got the vision. It’s incredible. Last year the ward goal for baptisms was 6. This was definitely a stretch goal because the year prior, they had only 3 convert baptisms and for the previous 5 years not a single one. The actual for this year in Pleasanton was 12 convert baptisms. The new goal for this year is 24 convert baptisms!!!!!! This is a goal set in faith and with the Lord’s help we will be able to attain this goal! I love this work and I love this fire that has come into the hearts of these members. It makes me so happy to see the ward really catching the wave as it were. We are looking forward to another baptism this week and another the next week. I will let you know how it goes!

Seriously this work is really fun. It’s hard because there will always be opposition, but when it’s really good, it’s REALLY GOOD. It’s an interesting transition from a fast moving Elder Kerby to a more relaxed Elder Baumert. Things will be good though. This will be a really good companionship. With Christmas coming there have been a lot of missionaries who are a little bummed about being away from home and you get the occasional pang for home, but I can feel the Lord sustaining me in my labors. It’s incredible.

 Baumert and Black. Not the Ordinary!

 California I love you!!!!!

 There was an...Incident. 

Christmas tree oh Christmas tree! How Mormon look ye!