All by Ourselves

Monday morning came early as we gave Kris a big hug and dropped her off at the Accra airport. We went home for a quick nap before heading to our 9:00 devotional. Two wonderful senior couples spoke—The Wades and the Findlays. Both have been serving as Area Young Single Adult missionaries and are fantastic! Their main assignments have been to work with YSA and to help train and establish Gathering Places throughout West Africa. These centers provide YSA a place to gather as friends, learn marketable skills, and share the gospel. There have been many baptisms, marriages, careers, and friendships formed through the Gathering Place. The Wades, Findlays, and Doans have done an incredible job traveling all over West Africa strengthening the YSA. They will be greatly missed—especially by the Doans! West Africa has been blessed with amazing senior couples who are easy to love and have become fast friends for us.

After the devotional, we went batiking with the Ludlows and the Doans. I have definitely become a batikaholic and can’t seem to pass up any opportunity to go. This was the Ludlows’ first time, and they were pros! Below is a picture of the beautiful tablecloth Sister Ludlow made, and my fabric drying in the sun. Batiking never gets old! Afterward, Doug took me home while he went to the office for his afternoon health councils.



All of our company has been so fun, but I’ve definitely gotten off schedule. Doug called me panicked when I didn’t show up with the Doans for FHE at 5:00. Silly me had it in my head that it started at 6:00 and I missed my ride to the office. 🫣 After FHE, we went to the MTC for Doug to do his “Staying Healthy in Africa” presentation for missionaries heading out this week. During that time, I met with President and Sister Duquette and was approved to help at the MTC with missionary clothing after the Browns go home. I am so excited for this continued opportunity—I love being at the MTC and interacting with the missionaries.

The rest of the week was business as usual for me. I am making slow but steady progress with English Connect and am impressed with what is already happening in some missions that have embraced and are actively working the program with their missionaries. It is such a blessing for them. I also had a great time attending the beading class at the Gathering Place and started making a fancy beaded purse. The YSAs are so fun to interact with, and I am learning so much from them. I even helped an elder who is going home to Zimbabwe in two weeks sign up for his Pathway courses, made possible by completing and passing the English Connect materials. There are no coincidences here in Africa—only lots and lots of miracles!



Doug’s week, however, did not go as smoothly as mine.   As part of his responsibilities to keep missionaries healthy, he has been asked to visit hospitals and clinics to find the best medical resources available for our missionaries.  With the opening of several new missions this summer and expansion of missionaries into new areas, this is especially critical.  We were caught off-guard last fall when a missionary in The Gambia required an emergency appendectomy and we didn't have a trusted hospital to send him.  We don't want that to happen again.  However, there has been confusion, misunderstanding, and miscommunication with those who approve travel.  Answers such as "Area Medical Advisers don't travel,"  "We don't have a budget for medical travel," and "This doesn't apply to Africa" were not helpful comments.  By the end of the week, we were able to provide documentation from Missionary Medical in Salt Lake and met with the area president to discuss our concerns.  We all came to a much better understanding of how the role of an Area Medical Adviser can be successful in West Africa - and we will be traveling to Senegal and Guinea in coming weeks. 

Sunday brought a unique and sacred opportunity. Elder Quentin L. Cook was here in Africa and visited a ward near us in Jamestown. He usually travels with a medical assistant, but that person was ill and could not come. Doug was asked to stay within a five-minute range in case medical assistance was needed. We sat in the front-center row of the chapel right in front of him as he spoke. The Spirit was so strong as he testified that he knows the voice and face of Jesus Christ.


Doug and I talked afterward about the impact this had on us. We too desire to know the Lord’s voice with surety. President Oaks reiterated in his most recent address what President Nelson taught: “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” Whether we hear His voice through the scriptures, our living prophet, or personal revelation, we want to recognize and follow Him.  Jesus is the Way (John 14:6 and Africa West Area Vision for 2026).

We look forward to the day when we will see His face and fall at His feet. It is our deepest desire to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which gives us the opportunity to change, do better, and draw closer to the Savior. Sitting at the feet of the Lord’s chosen apostle, Elder Quentin L. Cook, renewed our desire to hear Jesus Christ and prepare to meet Him face to face.

We challenge each of you to identify one thing in your life you want to change to bring you closer to the Savior. Make a plan and work it! Use the gift of the Atonement to turn and become better. No greater joy can be found than walking the covenant path with Him.

We love each of you and are so grateful for the part you have played in helping us do better. Have a wonderful week, and happy post-Valentine’s Day! We love you!! ❤️❤️❤️

Love,
Elder and Sister Baker

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