What a fun trip to Clinton, Iowa to visit my brother Bryce and his wife, Dana. We are both in the geriatric group now so instead of running through fields knocking the seed-heads off dandilions, we sat and visited, walked along the banks of the Mississippi River, and ate wonderful meals. Bryce is the ward mission leader so our experiences involve working closely with missionaries and trying to build God's kingdom. Their ward is very small. Dana's home is filled with antiques and lovely quilts. Made me wish I could spend a couple of weeks piecing with her. Instead I went home with a few new patterns to try to make in my "spare time". Dane fed us like we were royalty. Their yard is serene, quiet, and has many trees. I saw a couple of red birds while there, my mother's favorites. She loved going to Bryce's. I loved watching the white pelicans on the river. They are an interesting yet beautiful bird. Bryce showed us the perimeters of where he works at ADM and told us about all the things they are making our of corn. It was pretty impressive. Sunshine, family, levis, and a break---just what I needed to move into our second year with new resolve. I must add that the drive to and from was therapeutic also. There is something about seeing acres of newly plowed fields ready to plant that soothes the soul. The smells and feelings of home on the farm came flooding back.
Meanwhile, back at our humble abode, the marijuana smells are gone. We were actually missed in our ward and several missionaries wondered why our phones were turned off. We were back in the office Monday morning ready for our week. Crooks and Abbotts both had children and grandchildren in town so we all had a break.
Right off the bat I was sending referrals to Mexico and Colombia and this month I have entered baptisms for people born in Vietnam, Spain, Alabama, Bolivia, the Philippines, Indiana, Illinois, Puerto Rico, Mexico,and Idaho.....all living here in Chicago. The gospel net is gathering from near and far.
Our granddaughter Brittany got her mission call to serve in the St Louis Missouri mission. She has 3 weeks of school and finals and leaves 31 days from the day she received her call. She will serve one mission over and one mission down from us. We have the midwest and Dominican Republic covered right now. Fun to serve the same time as these two beautiful granddaughters. We will miss going through the temple with her but we will be there in spirit.
I spent an hour in JoAnns this week and it was like transfusing new blood into my veins. With the coming of Spring, my mending basket has been filled to overflowing. I sew tucks in skirts that are too big, hem skirts by the dozens. sew slits closed that are too revealing and even did some weaving on a sweater that had 2 holes on the sleeve. I buy thread to match each item, use 5 yards on the item, and then have another spool of thread to store. Slacks are less complicated---black,brown,gray,beige,or navy blue.
I have helped Elder Taggart transport cars up to Buffalo Grove to be fixed and detailed so he can sell them. Now I'm married to a used car salesman. Sad thing is everybody who wants to buy one of these cars wants it for $1000 or $2000. The Church sets the price---he just sells the car. It has been beneficial for me to get out of my cubical and see Spring arriving.
My aha moment came while singing the words to "It May Not be on a Mountain High"....sometimes The Lord just needs us to drive cars, answer phones, sit behind a computer, hem skirts and mend torn slacks. It isn't exotic or exciting or rewarding every day. It is where we are needed at the time. A Sister missionary hugged me this week and said,"Thank you for your sacrifice of your new home, your grandchildren,and your life. We appreciate having you as our grandparents here. We need you. We love you. " So we get up every morning, say our morning prayers of gratitude, and move forward. One reward, studying the Book of Mormon with my companion each evening. We are going through for our 4th time and it is a treat to discuss different passages and feel of the sweet spirit that comes into our home because we are reading that book together. If you don't do so now, start a study of the Book of Mormon today. It will change your life.....and if your life doesn't need changing.....it will help you stay the course.
We love you. We miss you. As we miss more and more family events, we are grateful for our testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lives. His Atonement is for each one of us but we must use our agency to put it to play in our lives. Share your light this week.
Love,
Sister Taggart
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