Mission Life This Week

Hi,

We just finished going to two blocks of church and I have a few minutes before dinner will be ready so I will write a bit.

I am so grateful to be a missionary and to be able to serve with my wonderful companion. Yesterday for our P-day we decided to do something fun and relaxing since it has been months since we done so. So we packed a picnic lunch and went to the lake. Lake Michigan is huge. It was a beautiful, sunny day. We sat on our folding chairs on the beach and watched all of the people playing in the water. There were lots of people on sailboats, catamurans, and on sail boards, along with lots just playing in the water or enjoying the sun on the beach. It was quite relaxing as we thought of being on a beach in Hawaii. Just the people watching was fun.

The homes on North Shore beach are amazing by themselves. There are many multi-million dollar homes on that shore; huge with large manicured yards and all kinds of water toys by them. We definitely see the huge difference between the haves and the have nots here. The extremes between the rich and the rest are very noticeable.

After relaxing for a few hours, we had to hurry back to do the normal P-day activities of laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning the apartment and getting everything ready for the Sabbath.

We had a new missionary sister arrive from Poland this week. Sister Antkowiak is 21. She met the missionaries 3 years ago while walking down the street on her way to her apartment after a day at college. She loves to read, so when the missionaries offered her a free Book of Mormon to read, she gladly accepted it. She said that reading it changed her life because it answered so many of her questions. Three weeks later she was baptized and joined the church. She said today that she already loves Chicago and the people.

Life-changing stories like this are actually quite common when learning about various younger missionaries lives. They are just an amazing group of young people. I think we have now adopted at least 20 or so of them as grandchildren. We try to make sure we have a variety of snacks, etc at the office so that when they come in, they can get a treat.

I got a bee in my bonnet early yesterday morning and went on a 4 mile walk. This all occurred before sister T cracked an eye. It was a delightful walk, but I don't usually go 4 miles. I wish that I had time to go that far more often, but it is usually only 2-3 miles. I enjoy the time to think while I am walking and enjoying nature.

My love for life and for the gospel of Jesus Christ has deepened here. I am sure that in part, my love  for the Savior has increased simply because we are spending much more time focusing on serving him and his children whom he loves. It is a thrill to see a light come into someone's face and eyes as they study the scriptures and embrace his gospel. I love being able to play a small part in helping that change to take place. Take time to say hi to someone and allow them to see the light in your eyes so that they will have a greater desire to know why you are happy, etc. I love you and miss you but wouldn't want to be anywhere but here right now. Have a great week.

Elder Taggart