All Systems Down

This week has probably been the most frustrating of my whole mission thus far. The computer, when down, can be as frustrating as a computer up and running that you don't know how to work. One day this week I couldn't do referrals because that system was down. So I calmly decided to order from Distribution the $1000 worth of supplies I need to replace what missionaries have taken. The volume of missionaries consumes many more supplies than it used to. With 35 more scheduled to arrive in two weeks, I need to be prepared. Each companionship requires a case of Books of Mormons, all six of the pamphlets we give out, two or three types of pass along cards, a DVD player for training, a couple of Bibles, Restoration videos to give out, Faith in Christ DVD to give out, etc. So my job is to anticipate what they will need next and have a supply . Last week I phoned in an order and she confused so many items because she didn't speak English all that well and I didn't have order numbers....I vowed never to phone in an order again.( like the Scripture mastery bookmarks we put in our missionary welcome packets....she sent the tear apart scripture mastery cards given to seminary students. Also the Book of Mormon pass along cards she sent with the phone number on the back for the U.K. And Ireland to respond to. Sure they would appreciate us passing those out...NOT) as I got the order to the check out point, a white bar came across the screen and said YOU ARE NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET. I took a deep breath and started my wondrous coping skills. I went on to my next task.....address labels for 90 letters. Yes folks, I readdress that many letters every day, plus 11 to 15 boxes a day. Those mothers are sending letters and stuff to their young missionaries like crazy . Our mailman loves us. He calls us his job security. So I get the labels typed on the computer, put the labels in the printer, print them up, and the last line of every label ends up on the top of the next label. At that point I said something about putting my shoe through the computer, Elder Taggart came to my aid, but nothing could be done to fix the problems. I did a few other menial tasks and we headed to Costco to buy food for the Leadership Luncheon for 45 that was the next day. We decided to treat ourselves to dinner first. I never eat Costco hotdogs but I was in the mood that night. We stepped to the window. They were out of hotdogs! Hoe can Costco ever run out of hot dogs? Just go back on your own shelves and buy a few. I mean really. Not my best day, but to my credit, I showed up the next day to begin again.q

We did Subway sandwiches, salad,chips,and cookies for the lunch. They love me, what can I say. I told the Elders they could have the entire footlong if they wanted. They love me. Clean up was a snap and we were back to pick up a wrecked car, now fixed. We believe in repentance for cars. I think the reason Elder Taggart's neck has been stiff is because he dealt with three accidents and two tickets this week. He hates to call in the photo tickets knowing each one in the companionship because they split the cost of the ticket and they are a minimum of $100. A right turn on a red light is $100. In most states that is legal so it is hard to break that habit.

I helped pick up 6 new cars from Fox Lake Chevrolet this week, took three cars in to be fixed, took Bruce to have massage therapy, and drove back and forth from the stake center to the office. I don't like driving here. They are too aggressive and act like they have nothing to lose.
I have mended three pair of slacks this week. One shy Elder, from Mexico, was too embarrassed to show me where the crotch needed to be fixed in his pants. Do they think I mend them with my eyes closed to preserve modesty. The pants are not on them. They are just pants! I love these innocent Elders and Sisters.

This week we did missionary work at Pep Boys, Subway, and the Chevy Dealership. They all want to know who is buying so much, what this work is all about, why we would give up our normal lives to do this for a bunch of 18 to 21 year old "kids". We do it out of love for our Savior Jesus Christ, Love for our fellowmen who we want to have the gospel in their lives, and obedience to a Prophet's request to leave the comfort of home and family for a period of time and serve. We love our missionaries and many of their faces light up when they see us. To some we extend the feeling of home--normal--safety. This week the mailman ask me what he could call me. "What is your name?" I explained we use the title Brother or Sister in the church because we are all God's children and literally brothers and sisters. He hesitantly said OK and then I told him I would be proud to have him as my brother. He smiled, about a mile wide, and said, "I would like that." So he is Brother Mailman and we all get along fine.

We got a single missionary from Bogata, Colombia this week. He didn't need the two weeks of Spanish so he came in ahead of his group. He liked the connection when I told him my little brother had served in his country many years ago. We transferred him to his area as we went to pick up cars. He and another Elder, from Mexico, began to compare notes about their respective countries and language. The Elder from Mexico said the dialect this Colombian Elder spoke was like a dialect in the high mountains of Mexico. I had chills as I watched these two handsome Elders speak, knowing the stories of the Book of Mormon and how people were separated. Here I was with two descendants of those great Book of Mormon peoples, listening to them reconnect. My testimony of the Book of Mormon was strengthened that day.

I have suffered persecution this week. I bought a new skirt,blouse,and two pair of earrings with the gift card Natalie sent and a new dress with the money Doug sent. Any time you rotate new items of clothing into your rotation of outfits, there is a feeling of something from the Sisters around you. They think you have entered the "costly apparel" cycle or something. I also bought 5 jackets from the Salvation Army to take me into winter. It is fall here and I keep getting warnings I will need lots of layers to stay warm this winter. So go ahead and hate me, I got new clothes , deal with it. Also, the shoes I have hated all summer because of swollen feet now fit me loosely. Go figure.

Conference has convinced me I am in the right place at the right now. We consider ourselves the stabilizers . So many, many young missionaries, away from home for the first time. We just have to love them and make them feel like they can do hard things, adjust quickly,and learn to love where they are and the people they work with. This week will be better. The Church servers will not be dedicated to General Conference this week. I have faith my computer will work. I feel if we are not part of the hastening, we may get mowed down by its momentum ,so I keep getting up and trying to give my all and do my best....even if I am tempted to put a foot through my computer occasionally. I'm learning patience with myself and technology. What a task! Love it.

Love,
Sister Taggart