Well it is highly likely that we will break the record for snowfall in the month of January. The record is 41.7 inches and we are at 38.9 inches with snow in the forecast 5 of the next 6 days. That's 3 1/2 feet of snow in one month. That's nothing in the mountains of Utah or Colorado, but there are no mountains here.
We were thrilled with positive doctor's appointments this week. We have each lost 5 lbs. since we left on our mission. Now if the bloodworm comes back with satisfactory results we will be giddy. The Chicago cold is not being kind to Sister Taggart's arthritis but other than that we have been healthy. We were so excited, we went to McDonalds immediately afterwards which is the worst place you can eat if you want to be healthy; go figure.
They have been working on fixing our shower since Tuesday. They tore out all of the tile and wallboard, replaced a couple of rotted studs and then put up new concrete board and tile. They have covered it with plastic every evening so we could still use the shower. It has been like a makeshift shower in the mountains when you go camping. Hopefully they will finish he job tomorrow. I am really grateful for any kind of shower when I know my granddaughter, Sister Ewell is in the Dominican Republic showering using a bucket, a cup and cold water. I am truly blessed.
Our mission president challenges all of the missionaries to read the Book of Mormon before general conference the first weekend in April. He asked us to read it and mark all of the references to the Savior and The Atonement. We are using the Institute manual as a study guide as we do so. I continue to be amazed at how much more I learn every time I read that book. I am also grateful for its witness of Jesus Christ and his redeeming love. It truly does go hand in hand with the Bible and brings clarity to much of the doctrine that was removed from the Bible through numerous translations. I love the scriptures and appreciate the guidance they provide in my life.
In December, we were shopping at K&G's to buy some gift certificates for missionaries who don't have much and really need some new clothes. The lady who checked us out asked us about what we are doing here. We tried to paint a picture for her in the 5-7 minutes she was ringing up our purchases. As we were leaving she said that she had a 17 year old son who would really benefit from e kind of experience our young missionaries are having. She said that she may bring him to visit us sometime. We left thinking that the conversation was nice, but not really thinking we would see her again. Well this week she called me and asked if she could bring her son in that day to talk to us hoping that we would be able to help him see the need to make better choices. When they arrived, the assistants to the mission president just happened to be in the office. These are two sharp young men who help the president in any ways to run the affairs of the mission. This young man has no direction in his life and really doesn't want to listen to mom and dad. He just wants to be a rapper and live to do gigs whenever and wherever he can get them. It just happened that one of the assistants was a rapper and native dancer in his country before coming here. He was able to connect with this young man on a personal level and hopefully help him to see the need for higher goals and direction in his life. Both missionaries testified to him of the power and direction that comes from allowing God to be involved in your life. I responded to some questions his mother had and provided some council as I had done many times as a father and in various church callings. I don't believe in coincidences; God is in charge and places people and circumstances in our lives to bless us and others and to help us to stretch and grow. I have been praying that this young man and his more will read the book the missionaries gave them and come back to see us again with a desire to know more.
Life is amazing; my companion is awesome and I am loving the opportunity to be with her and share many experiences with her. We are together 24/7 and it doesn't get much better than that. I encourage you to look for the tender mercies and little miracles in your lives this week. They are there often if we pause to take note of them. Have a blessed week.
Elder Taggart
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