Sister Ann Elgaaen in Houston, Texas South: November 16, 2020 JIM IS BAPTIZED!!!!!

Hello Family and Friends!

JIM IS BAPTIZED!!!!!!! I got the chance to speak at Jim's baptism, and I wanted to share the general idea of what I talked about with all of you!

Picture yourself as a young child about 8 years old. Your elementary school class is going on a field trip to a beautiful mountain. You will see crystals and gems inside the caves as you and your class hike to the top.

This is exactly what I was preparing for at 8 years old. I was so exited to go on this hike with my class. The night before the hike, I prepared a water bottle, filling it with the coldest water, and placing it in the fridge so it would be extra cold for the next day. I went to bed with excitement for the trek ahead.

I made sure to bring my water bottle to school the next day, and soon we loaded a big yellow bus and began the journey towards the mountain.

When we arrived and began the hike, I found it was harder then I had expected. I grew thirsty as we walked, and remembered the cold water I had in my Backpack. Pulling out the jug, I unscrewed the lid and took a sip. Right as the liquid hit my tongue I spat the water out. It tasted disgusting! I was so confused. I had made sure to fill the canteen with fresh water the night before.

My friend Burton and I stepped off to the side of the trail where we dumped the water out onto the dirt. IT CAME OUT GREEN!!

I knew exactly what had happened. My older brother had switched out my water for pickle juice!!!

Suddenly I wasn't prepared any more for the long hike. I became dehydrated and tired quickly. I was so focused on finding water, that I don't remember the beautiful scenery that surrounded me. Sometimes my friend would allow me to drink from her water bottle, but I knew she had a limited supply and needed it for herself.

In the end, I did not enjoy the hike!

Shifting a few years afterword's, and I am now 12 years old. It is my second year of attending girls camp which is a week long camping trip for young women ages 11-18. Part of this camp is a hike that differs depending on age. For girls my age, we were required to perform a 8-12 mile hike.

You might be able to imagine how I felt about hikes at this point. I was not looking forward to it.

This time however, I decided to fill my backpack with water bottles! I would not go without water!

As we began the long hike, my bag weighed heavily on my shoulders. I dragged my feet in the dirt and my face was red from the heat. I fell to the back of the group and made my way slowly along the trail.

Soon a leader slowed down to walk beside me. She could tell I was struggling to keep up with the group. After a while, I pulled off to the side of the trail and dropped my draw string backpack filled with water bottle's to the ground. I sat on a nearby rock and tried to catch my breath. The leader stood beside me as we watched the remaining hikers move past us. I did not want to go on any longer.

She let me sit for a few minutes and then her face brightened with an idea.

She reached out her hand and helped me off the rock. She showed me the string that hung down from her backpack; she told me to grab onto the string and to not let go! She bent down and took my bag onto her shoulders and we moved onward, connected by the drawstring on her backpack.

With the bag not weighing me down, and my hand tightly grasping onto the leaders strap, the hike became easier... almost enjoyable. I pointed out the shape of the trees and the color of the plants. When we had hiked up far enough, I marveled at the snow that surrounded the mountain top in the middle of June! Eventually I walked besides the leader instead of behind, and somewhere along the decent I let go of the leaders string and was hiking with a new found enthusiasm.

I remember the overwhelming appreciating I felt for this leader. I let tears fall from my eyes as I expressed my gratitude that night as we sat around the campfire.

For that leader, it might have been an inconvenience to slow down on the trail and take on the heavy draw string backpack that a 12 year old girl had so carefully packed. She could have complained or became frustrated, but instead she encouraged and loved unconditionally.

She met me where I was, and helped lift me up to accomplish things I never could have done on my own.

This is what it means to live your baptismal covenants. Mourn with those who mourn, comfort those who stand in need of comfort, and to bear one another's burdens that they may be light.

Even though we might not recognize the difference we are making, I can promise that as we are living our Baptismal covenants by living as the savior did, loving and serving those around us, we are making a difference.

I love you all!! I hope you get PUMPED FOR THANKSGIVING!!

P.s. transfers came. I am staying in Alvin with my new companion Sister Barlow!!