One of the most memorable spiritual experiences I had as a youth happened while my dad (Bishop Matt Baker, MD) and I were on a medical mission trip in Ethiopia. This trip was arranged through Global Partners, an outreach program of Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. While at Project Mercy, I spent my time tutoring at the school, playing sports with the kids, and dispersing TOMS shoes (a shoe company that gives away one pair of shoes for every pair they sell). I also spent a couple of days in the hospital shadowing my father and the attending physician there. I was able to observe surgeries and the birth of a few precious children. A highlight was the birth of twins, which was one of the most exciting and touching experiences I have ever had. However, another baby delivery that occurred later ran into some complications and the child was struggling to breath on its own. The doctors did everything they could to revive the baby, but after what seemed like countless hours of trying, and even consulting doctors in the US to see if they had exhausted all possible options to resuscitate the baby, it became apparent the baby would not make it. This was one of the most difficult things I have ever experienced. Yet in that moment, I also felt I had glimpsed how deeply Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us individually. I was so grateful to have the knowledge of God’s eternal plan for us. It was comforting to know that this baby’s spirit was returning back to his heavenly home. This is the kind of experience that I will carry with me for a lifetime. I hope that while serving a mission and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that others will be able to receive the comfort and love that I felt in that moment.
