We Are Missionaries

Yesterday Bruce and I were set apart as full-time missionaries.  Bishop Larson had been concerned that no one in Utah would know us or what we had accomplished or who we had been in Washington. We met the stake president minutes before he layed his hands upon our heads and I am here to tell you.....Heavenly Father knows who you are no matter where you live and serve.  The setting apart blessings were amazing and he could feel our spirits and we felt his.  He is a worthy conduit for our Heavenly Father to send his blessings through.  A side note.....his counsellor is the brother of Bruce's youngest brothers wife. ( did you connect that?). Small world.

Today was our first day in the MTC and we are the biggest group of senior missionaries to ever come through.  There are 101 of us and we will cover the globe once we get out in the world.....Mongolia, Russia, a teamster going to Nauvoo, several going to the Phillipines, one to the Dominican Republic, one to Federal Way, Wash to open up the new mission office, several to SLC, Japan, Australia, Scotland, Missouri,Mexico on a construction mission where he will oversee the building there, London, Georgia, Colombia, Halifax, Peru, Alaska, Martin's Cove, and yes....Chicago, Ill.

We made friends immediately...the couple from Gilbert, AZ. , who had to delay their departure while their 42 year old son in law died of pancreatic cancer.  What faith.  All of us have made sacrifices to be here but the Spirit is strong, the work is literally surging forward, and what a blessing to go out with all of these new young missionaries.

At lunch we saw a cute little blonde hurry toward us and Paige Oliver nearly knocked me down with her hug.  It is good to be recognised and loved.  Robert Munk served us our lunch and it was good to see the youth still strong in the faith.  Seniors are pampered and much appreciated.  We only went to 3:15 and then we got to come home to do our homework in Preach My Gospel.  It is good to have companion study with my hubby.  About time we get to serve together again.

Seniors can be separate, swim, dress down at home (with badge still on) and attend cultural events where they serve.  One couple was told by their president to bring their snorkel gear because he would take them out when they got to Australia.  Some seniors swim for exercise so there you go.  We also don't have a curfew but they know we will all be in bed by 10 PM anyway.

We love you.  We miss you.  We hope to represent you well.  We unpack a few boxes each night.  Who cares if we leave boxes in the middle of the floor.....we have a greater work to do.  We love the Gospel.  We are excited to move forward with whatever The Lord has in store for us.  I was blessed that the "challenges of the mission would come easy to me".  Much to look forward to.

Love,

Sister Taggart