You can't be sick on a mission. There is no one else to do your job. You were called to fill a specific slot and the mail, referrals, nametags, supplies won't happen if you are not there. Monday morning I get a phone call,"Sister Taggart, we are teaching a man from Nigeria and he wants to read the Book of Mormon in his language, but we don't know what that language is. Do you know the language and do we have a Book of Mormon in that language in the office?" I quickly answer, "Give me 5 minutes and I'll call you back with answers." You are now asking yourself,"How does the Claudia we knew know such things?" I hang up from that call and push a button and ask,"Siri, what languages are spoken in Nigeria?" Within seconds my Iphone responds. I go back to our foreign language drawers and there is Igbo. In less than 5 minutes I have solved a mystery and filled a request. What a wonder I have become. A year ago I avoided all things electronic---except my sewing machine and dishwasher. Now look at me go!!
On the flip side of that, some days I hate my computer....still. I turned it on "Wednesday and had 28 referrals to assign to missionaries. Average number for any given day so no big deal. I assign 3 and then it says I have 50. Wow! bonus day. I assign another and it says I now have 60. Wait a minute. Something is suspicious. I scroll down the list of names. They are all duplicated 2-5 times. Same name, address, phone, and date. I spend 30 minutes to delete duplicates--a long, fail-safe method so you can never just inadvertently delete a name accidentally. I finish and move on to other tasks. The next day it does the same thing and also the next. I call Salt Lake. I hate being the problem child but we are instructed to report all problems. I am transferred to 4 different people, none of which can help me. ""The person who could help you is off today." "All of our techs are not here today." I ask the million dollar question, "Is there any hope? Am I ever going to have a system without glitches, problems, and down time?" She couldn't promise me anything but told me to have a nice day and within minutes, an email came through saying "problem resolved." Good thing I have a strong testimony based on a sure foundation and not technology.
We went to the National Candy/Snack "Convention on Wed. for part of the day. My last chance to pick up samples of approximately 800 different candies!! Trick or treat on steroids. A closure for Elder Taggart as he wears a different nametag now. He said goodbye to co-workers from as far back as his Hershey days--32 years ago. He has no enemies, burned no bridges along the way. His old partner couldn't believe how good he looked ("like a successful banker") and how relaxed and happy he seemed. As this partner was admittedly trying to avoid seeing and speaking to certain people and avoid being seen by others.....Elder Taggart could face them all guilt free, and be genuinely happy to do so. Even a past employee who had gone to work for our competitor and taken millions in business from us---no ill will--completely forgiven. A hug, how is your family? How are you? Part of the reason I love this man so much. Genuinely Christlike.
We discovered a new National Historic Landmark just down the road. The Grove is an 82 acre preserve that was once owned by the Kennecott family. He was a horticulturist among other things and the grounds and buildings have been preserved as a working village of that era--schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, greenhouse, tent, Indian dwellings, etc. Kennecott's son explored "Alaska and was instrumental in the US purchasing Alaska. My companion and I love nature, love to explore, and enjoy our walks together.
We attended the temple with a group of missionaries this week and were asked to be the witness couple. I got teary in the Celestial Room as I hugged a redheaded sister and thought of our Brittany. I missed going through the temple with her before she left on her mission this week. "This sister thanked me for being here for her as she misses home and her grandma. My aha moment came as I realized God's circle of love provides for all of His children. Sometimes we get possessive as families when we should extend our reach to include many, many more than our own blood relatives. Zachary turned 12 and received the Aaronic Priesthood last Sunday. We were sad to miss that but realize he has a righteous father and mother to guide him. We Skyped him which is a great use of technology.
Friday night was our Senior missionary dinner. We are 22 strong in this mission and could use that many more. After dinner the president had us go around and express the blessings we have received from our missionary service and sacrifice. Answers ranged from health, finances, growing closer as a couple to a myriad of blessings their families are receiving back home. We have10 of those missionaries going home by September and only 2 being replaced. It is a pretty impressive group to hang out with. Sacrifice really does bring forth the blessings of heaven.
Have the missionaries over for a meal. Go on a teaching appointment with them. You will be amazed by what God is doing with the "weak and simple" of the world. We love and miss you but we are more convinced than ever we are right where The Lord needs us. Count your blessings this week and see which ones you should be sharing.
Love, Sister Taggart
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Sweet week
This week was sweet for a few reasons. Our second grandchild, Brittany, entered the MTC in Provo to begin her training to serve in the St. Louis Mission for 18 months. We are so excited for her. One of the great blessings we see from our service as missionaries is that our posterity is catching the vision and having a greater desire to do likewise. It was also sweet because we spent Wednesday at the Sweets & Snacks show at the McCormick Center. We have attended that show for many years, but this time was particularly sweet. I was able to walk the entire show floor and feel no stress or pressure as had always been the case previously. We were able to visit with many dear friends from the candy industry which gave me closure on the whole retirement thing. Many were surprised to see us and asked many questions about what we are doing here in Chicago. Plus we were able to go back to the office with lots of treats to share. Spending this time with my sweetheart was a sweet experience. Another sweet experience this week was being able to be in the temple with young missionaries we have grown to love and admire.
The fleet manager from Salt Lake was in town one day this week to do additional training and some follow-up. He left after only 4 hours saying that I should be the trainer since I know the system so well. Go figure; this old dog can still learn new things. He did show me one new report that has been added to the system. I can now run a report that shows me exactly what work has been done on every car for a given date range. Or that same report can be run to show how much has been spent on a variety of different services such as accident repair, tires, batteries, etc.
I have mentioned in previous emails how many accidents we had this winter. I was shocked to see that from Nov thru March we spent almost $84,000 on accident repair. That's almost the price of a new car every month.
We picked up two new cars plus one new van this week. I began the process of preparing three more cars to be ready to sell. We had 4 more accidents this week. Three of those were hit & runs in parking lots. We have probably had 20 of such hit & run accidents these past few months. Not once has anymore put a note on our car letting us know they had hit us and given us their contact info. What's wrong with people these days? Did they not learn anything from their mothers/fathers? Or perhaps did their learn from their example not to own up to your mistakes?
I am excited to have tomorrow as a day off, at least until evening. We will then do training for new missionaries who will arrive tomorrow. We only have 4 new ones coming in this time, a far cry from the groups of 38 or 32 we received in the fall. I am very grateful for the men and women who have served in the military to make and preserve this great country in which we live. Even with all the problems in government these days, we are so blessed to live in this part of the Lords vineyard. As we talk to missionaries and other people who are here from other countries, I am reminded that we have it so much better than most in the world.
I pray that you will have a sweet week. Make time to thank someone who has served our country, make time to make a sweet memory with those you love, make time to let others know why you are so blessed and happy. May you feel the love and peace this week that comes from Him whom we serve and share that love with someone around you. Thanks for your influence in my life.
Elder Taggart
The fleet manager from Salt Lake was in town one day this week to do additional training and some follow-up. He left after only 4 hours saying that I should be the trainer since I know the system so well. Go figure; this old dog can still learn new things. He did show me one new report that has been added to the system. I can now run a report that shows me exactly what work has been done on every car for a given date range. Or that same report can be run to show how much has been spent on a variety of different services such as accident repair, tires, batteries, etc.
I have mentioned in previous emails how many accidents we had this winter. I was shocked to see that from Nov thru March we spent almost $84,000 on accident repair. That's almost the price of a new car every month.
We picked up two new cars plus one new van this week. I began the process of preparing three more cars to be ready to sell. We had 4 more accidents this week. Three of those were hit & runs in parking lots. We have probably had 20 of such hit & run accidents these past few months. Not once has anymore put a note on our car letting us know they had hit us and given us their contact info. What's wrong with people these days? Did they not learn anything from their mothers/fathers? Or perhaps did their learn from their example not to own up to your mistakes?
I am excited to have tomorrow as a day off, at least until evening. We will then do training for new missionaries who will arrive tomorrow. We only have 4 new ones coming in this time, a far cry from the groups of 38 or 32 we received in the fall. I am very grateful for the men and women who have served in the military to make and preserve this great country in which we live. Even with all the problems in government these days, we are so blessed to live in this part of the Lords vineyard. As we talk to missionaries and other people who are here from other countries, I am reminded that we have it so much better than most in the world.
I pray that you will have a sweet week. Make time to thank someone who has served our country, make time to make a sweet memory with those you love, make time to let others know why you are so blessed and happy. May you feel the love and peace this week that comes from Him whom we serve and share that love with someone around you. Thanks for your influence in my life.
Elder Taggart
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Calm amongst the storm
This week screamed by because it was so crazy busy. On Monday the president asked me if I would attend all 4 zone training meetings and inspect every iPad. So, with the help of Sister T at 3 of those, we looked at 209 iPads. We checked Facebook to see if missionaries were following family and friends back home and to see if their news feed looked missionary appropriate. We checked iMessages and photos as well as Area Book. This all had to be done in a two hour window. By the time we finished, my eyes were shot from staring at a small screen.
Fortunately most missionaries are being obedient in using this technology to enhance their ability to invite others to come unto Christ. There are/will always be those who will push the boundaries and go around the guidelines. The biggest need for correction is to have missionaries unfollow family and friends back home. If they see everything that's happening back home, they have a difficult time not getting homesick. They also have difficulty focusing on the work they are called to do here.
Sadly, some have been sending iMessages and FB chats to friends and family frequently. But now the president knows about those and can deal with the disobedience so they can succeed and grow.
I also trained the 32 District Leaders after each zone meeting on inspecting vehicles. They have asked me to make sure that every vehicles gets inspected every month. I'm good but there is no physical way I could go from top of Illinois to the bottom of Indiana to inspect cars every month and be able to accomplish anything else. So I will have the District Leaders do that for me. Then I will only have to enter the inspection information on every car into the CARS system.
I sold another car this week. Perhaps there is a second career budding when I get home haha.
Yesterday, which was my P-day (day off so to speak), my phone went crazy with missionaries calling to tell me that a message popped up on their iPad telling them they needed to change their password in 60 minutes or they would be locked out of their device. It would have been nice to know this would be happening in advance. So after several calls, I sent a message out to the entire mission with a new password for them to enter into their device to unlock it.
I also prepared dinner for some Elders last night since Sister Taggart was under the weather. We had a yummy roast with mashed potatoes, a Cesar salad, rolls, squash and homemade brownies and ice cream for dessert. Sister T did make the brownies on Friday. I served her a plate in the bedroom do she wouldn't contaminate anyone haha.
Sister Taggart mentioned the crazy storm we had on Monday. I've never seen it rain so hard for so long. Nor have I seen thunder and lightning coming so frequently and striking so closely. A companionship of Sisters drove too fast through the water that accumulated quickly and then parked where the water level rose high enough to come in the doors of the car. So their car had 4 inches of water in it and also wouldn't start. Obviously they called Elder Taggart to solve their dilemma. The car is in the shop now being dried out and fixed so that it will start.
The calm in the storm this week has been being able to see every young missionary in the mission and to visit with them a bit. We do so love them and appreciate their love and enthusiasm even though they at times do act like typical 18 year olds. The real calm every day comes as we are able to spend time studying the scriptures and conversing with Father in Heaven through prayer. That calm gives me strength and resolve to press forward in faith. I invite you to spend time in the scriptures and in prayer getting closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the one who changes hearts and makes all things possible ultimately.
Elder Taggart
Fortunately most missionaries are being obedient in using this technology to enhance their ability to invite others to come unto Christ. There are/will always be those who will push the boundaries and go around the guidelines. The biggest need for correction is to have missionaries unfollow family and friends back home. If they see everything that's happening back home, they have a difficult time not getting homesick. They also have difficulty focusing on the work they are called to do here.
Sadly, some have been sending iMessages and FB chats to friends and family frequently. But now the president knows about those and can deal with the disobedience so they can succeed and grow.
I also trained the 32 District Leaders after each zone meeting on inspecting vehicles. They have asked me to make sure that every vehicles gets inspected every month. I'm good but there is no physical way I could go from top of Illinois to the bottom of Indiana to inspect cars every month and be able to accomplish anything else. So I will have the District Leaders do that for me. Then I will only have to enter the inspection information on every car into the CARS system.
I sold another car this week. Perhaps there is a second career budding when I get home haha.
Yesterday, which was my P-day (day off so to speak), my phone went crazy with missionaries calling to tell me that a message popped up on their iPad telling them they needed to change their password in 60 minutes or they would be locked out of their device. It would have been nice to know this would be happening in advance. So after several calls, I sent a message out to the entire mission with a new password for them to enter into their device to unlock it.
I also prepared dinner for some Elders last night since Sister Taggart was under the weather. We had a yummy roast with mashed potatoes, a Cesar salad, rolls, squash and homemade brownies and ice cream for dessert. Sister T did make the brownies on Friday. I served her a plate in the bedroom do she wouldn't contaminate anyone haha.
Sister Taggart mentioned the crazy storm we had on Monday. I've never seen it rain so hard for so long. Nor have I seen thunder and lightning coming so frequently and striking so closely. A companionship of Sisters drove too fast through the water that accumulated quickly and then parked where the water level rose high enough to come in the doors of the car. So their car had 4 inches of water in it and also wouldn't start. Obviously they called Elder Taggart to solve their dilemma. The car is in the shop now being dried out and fixed so that it will start.
The calm in the storm this week has been being able to see every young missionary in the mission and to visit with them a bit. We do so love them and appreciate their love and enthusiasm even though they at times do act like typical 18 year olds. The real calm every day comes as we are able to spend time studying the scriptures and conversing with Father in Heaven through prayer. That calm gives me strength and resolve to press forward in faith. I invite you to spend time in the scriptures and in prayer getting closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the one who changes hearts and makes all things possible ultimately.
Elder Taggart
Saturday, May 17, 2014
the germ
The germ.....where did it come from? It couldn't be from the crazy temperatures here in Chicago. At the first of the week we were at 89 degrees and muggy. By Friday temps were 38 degrees and we were shivering again. I say--make up your mind. Is it Spring or not????
Could I have gotten it off of one of the 100 Ipads I checked this week? Indiana on Tues.,Buffalo Grove on Thurs., Chicago on Friday. Pres. Woodbury specifically asked Elder Taggart and I to show up before each Zone Training meeting to take possession of each Ipad, before they had time to extract any information. Then we sat in a cold church classroom while we checked their notes, photos, Imessaging, videos,Facebook and Area Book. Overall I was proud of the obedience most of our missionaries displayed. Some had been Imessaging family and friends from home and some were still following family and friends on Facebook but most were obedient with exactness. It was the screens I had to touch....smeared and not so clean. I could have caught any number of things. The owner of one of the Ipads I checked was hospitalized the following day---so maybe.......
Handshakes carry germs and I did shake hands with most every Elder this week and hugged a bunch of Sisters.
After inspecting Ipads, I went straight to my sewing maching to mend clothes of missionaries. "They couldn't hold germs. Pants, tie, shirt pockets. When did gray become an approved color for shirts for missionaries?
We could have worn my resistance down by the schedule we kept this week. Up by 5 AM two mornings so we could drive the distance to Indiana or up to Buffalo Grove near the Wisconsin border. Then each day we would rush back to the car and office so Bruce could sell his 3rd car one day and I could do the mail, referrals, and answer the phone as questions came rolling in. Can you have missionaries at this address to help a lady move today?
What language do people speak in Nigeria? Do we have a Book of Mormon in Igbo? (yes)
Could you have some books sent to a prisoner in Indiana?
How many times did I touch the elevator buttons, a door handle, the restroom door where germs could have been lurking?
Could letters have held a germ? I handled letters from El Salvador, England,Japan,Germany, Guatemala, Uganda, Canada, Samoa, New Zealand, Korea, Taiwan, Italy, and Romania this week. Not to just place blame outside the United States---I also handled letters from 30 states and 47 cities in Utah. No germs there!!!
And did I fail to mention the flash flood we were caught in Monday night? We left the office after 6 and made a dash for the car. Elder Taggart had the umbrella but when it rains inches and blows sideways--what good is an umbrella? We were soaked. We had lightening and thunder we could feel all around us. Stay in the car, right? We drove through Taco Time so dinner could be on schedule and decided to sit there and "wait it out." The heat was cranked because we were wet and freezing. It didn't let up. An hour later the flash flood warning started on both our phones. They were serious. The road home had become a one foot deep river, coming over gutters and covering sidewalks. We were thankful for my SUV. Driving slowly, we made it to our parking lake....I mean lot. As the lightning subsided, we waded in ankle deep water to our apartment. We weren't flooded but one hour more of rain like that and we would have been Crazy Chicago....but no germs involved there, right?
Needless to say---I'm sick today. Elder Taggart is serving the Elders a wonderful meal while I have been banished to the bedroom. After putting in 60+ hours last week, it has felt good to stay in bed, drink lots and nap today. I'll be at it on Monday. The hastening work continues on, with or without us so hand on and enjoy the ride this week. Avoid germs??? Not possible if you are involved with life. I'll use more hand sanitizer this week and so should you.
Love,
Sicker Taggart
Could I have gotten it off of one of the 100 Ipads I checked this week? Indiana on Tues.,Buffalo Grove on Thurs., Chicago on Friday. Pres. Woodbury specifically asked Elder Taggart and I to show up before each Zone Training meeting to take possession of each Ipad, before they had time to extract any information. Then we sat in a cold church classroom while we checked their notes, photos, Imessaging, videos,Facebook and Area Book. Overall I was proud of the obedience most of our missionaries displayed. Some had been Imessaging family and friends from home and some were still following family and friends on Facebook but most were obedient with exactness. It was the screens I had to touch....smeared and not so clean. I could have caught any number of things. The owner of one of the Ipads I checked was hospitalized the following day---so maybe.......
Handshakes carry germs and I did shake hands with most every Elder this week and hugged a bunch of Sisters.
After inspecting Ipads, I went straight to my sewing maching to mend clothes of missionaries. "They couldn't hold germs. Pants, tie, shirt pockets. When did gray become an approved color for shirts for missionaries?
We could have worn my resistance down by the schedule we kept this week. Up by 5 AM two mornings so we could drive the distance to Indiana or up to Buffalo Grove near the Wisconsin border. Then each day we would rush back to the car and office so Bruce could sell his 3rd car one day and I could do the mail, referrals, and answer the phone as questions came rolling in. Can you have missionaries at this address to help a lady move today?
What language do people speak in Nigeria? Do we have a Book of Mormon in Igbo? (yes)
Could you have some books sent to a prisoner in Indiana?
How many times did I touch the elevator buttons, a door handle, the restroom door where germs could have been lurking?
Could letters have held a germ? I handled letters from El Salvador, England,Japan,Germany, Guatemala, Uganda, Canada, Samoa, New Zealand, Korea, Taiwan, Italy, and Romania this week. Not to just place blame outside the United States---I also handled letters from 30 states and 47 cities in Utah. No germs there!!!
And did I fail to mention the flash flood we were caught in Monday night? We left the office after 6 and made a dash for the car. Elder Taggart had the umbrella but when it rains inches and blows sideways--what good is an umbrella? We were soaked. We had lightening and thunder we could feel all around us. Stay in the car, right? We drove through Taco Time so dinner could be on schedule and decided to sit there and "wait it out." The heat was cranked because we were wet and freezing. It didn't let up. An hour later the flash flood warning started on both our phones. They were serious. The road home had become a one foot deep river, coming over gutters and covering sidewalks. We were thankful for my SUV. Driving slowly, we made it to our parking lake....I mean lot. As the lightning subsided, we waded in ankle deep water to our apartment. We weren't flooded but one hour more of rain like that and we would have been Crazy Chicago....but no germs involved there, right?
Needless to say---I'm sick today. Elder Taggart is serving the Elders a wonderful meal while I have been banished to the bedroom. After putting in 60+ hours last week, it has felt good to stay in bed, drink lots and nap today. I'll be at it on Monday. The hastening work continues on, with or without us so hand on and enjoy the ride this week. Avoid germs??? Not possible if you are involved with life. I'll use more hand sanitizer this week and so should you.
Love,
Sicker Taggart
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Mother's Day
Let's just say I had the perfect breakfast made by my companion....oatmeal pancakes from scratch topped with homemade chunky applesauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. He went without the ice cream but it's Mother's Day and I can eat what I want,right? The program at church didn't make me cry or get mad or feel anything except "I did my best and I'm pretty much done!" One of the speakers was one of our converts. Her mother came to our church today instead of the Catholic Church. Keith's wife came with their two little girls. We had 3 investigators in our Gospel Principles class. An all around good Mother's Day. I'll be skyping with kids for the rest of the day.
The second photo is from an Elder who knew what kind of a week I have had. Finally the referral center in Provo, Utah recognized my system needs some upgrades and it really has been malfunctioning. I realize they usually think it is user error because these dumb old ladies who go on missions try to keep things up and running.
I went to a Women's Conference yesterday that was a joke. The cooking class I went to said onion chopping goggles are a must ! If I would have been in a different setting I would have laughed loudly! Are you kidding me? She also said it takes at least 2 hours to prepare every good meal. Well I have news for her. We have grilled veggies and fish or chicken in 15 minutes and we are doing just fine. Elder Taggart is looking good as he loses a few pounds and the two hour goggle thing....good luck with that on a mission. She doesn't like her mascara to run down her cheeks with the onion tears right before her guests arrive. I guess goggle rings around your eyes are preferable. I would never make it in Chicago.
The second class I went to was on the art of grandmothering. She has 7 and has had such an adjustment to what they should call her and how should she interact with them. She has read numerous books and has also taken two classes on grandparenting . My jaw dropped. Are you kidding me? Bond with them when they are babies, get down on the floor with them when they are toddlers, play games with them, do crafts with them, buy buckets of playdoh,read books to them, make up stories as you lay by them at bedtime. It made me homesick for my 25 grandchildren while this woman analyzed what a good name for her would be because she doesn't like grandma and how can she ever learn to relate to her 13 year old grandson. I LOVE BEING A GRANDMA! I miss those little bugs, and the teenagers, and the things we loved doing together......without the benefit of classes.
So you see...I haven't changed much. Chicago is getting hot and muggy. I'm not sure which is worse, the frigid winters or the miserable summers. Why would anyone choose to live here?
Must run to talk to children. If you are close to yours, give them a hug. Kiss the chubby cheeks of your grandchildren. Enjoy listening and being a part of the lives of youth. Next week will be different but this week , this is all you get.
Love,
Sister Taggart
The second photo is from an Elder who knew what kind of a week I have had. Finally the referral center in Provo, Utah recognized my system needs some upgrades and it really has been malfunctioning. I realize they usually think it is user error because these dumb old ladies who go on missions try to keep things up and running.
I went to a Women's Conference yesterday that was a joke. The cooking class I went to said onion chopping goggles are a must ! If I would have been in a different setting I would have laughed loudly! Are you kidding me? She also said it takes at least 2 hours to prepare every good meal. Well I have news for her. We have grilled veggies and fish or chicken in 15 minutes and we are doing just fine. Elder Taggart is looking good as he loses a few pounds and the two hour goggle thing....good luck with that on a mission. She doesn't like her mascara to run down her cheeks with the onion tears right before her guests arrive. I guess goggle rings around your eyes are preferable. I would never make it in Chicago.
The second class I went to was on the art of grandmothering. She has 7 and has had such an adjustment to what they should call her and how should she interact with them. She has read numerous books and has also taken two classes on grandparenting . My jaw dropped. Are you kidding me? Bond with them when they are babies, get down on the floor with them when they are toddlers, play games with them, do crafts with them, buy buckets of playdoh,read books to them, make up stories as you lay by them at bedtime. It made me homesick for my 25 grandchildren while this woman analyzed what a good name for her would be because she doesn't like grandma and how can she ever learn to relate to her 13 year old grandson. I LOVE BEING A GRANDMA! I miss those little bugs, and the teenagers, and the things we loved doing together......without the benefit of classes.
So you see...I haven't changed much. Chicago is getting hot and muggy. I'm not sure which is worse, the frigid winters or the miserable summers. Why would anyone choose to live here?
Must run to talk to children. If you are close to yours, give them a hug. Kiss the chubby cheeks of your grandchildren. Enjoy listening and being a part of the lives of youth. Next week will be different but this week , this is all you get.
Love,
Sister Taggart
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Today at 9:40 AM
Happy Mother's day to all of the amazing women in my life! I have been blessed by the influence of not only my own wonderful mother but also by the mother of my children (my sweetheart), a wonderful mother-in-law, the mothers of my grandchildren and many other women of faith and conviction over the years. I honor each of you and express my heart-felt love and appreciation for the imprint you have made on my life. The world would be a very boring place were it not for the women God has placed in our paths to nurture, love and teach us.
I sold 2 cars this week. Maybe I do have hopes for a second career after I return home. I have 4 more ready to sell this month and another 15 or so that will be ready to sell between now and the fall.
The weather has been wonderful! We have had sunshine, blue skies and even some Seattle rain. I got absolutely drenched one morning this week as I was walking and the skies opened up. That was not not a Seattle rain; it was pounding off the pavement.
I will get some relief starting this week on inspecting cars. I will train the 28 zone and district leaders this week on just how to inspect them. I will then have them inspect every vehicle each month. I will inspect each of them once per quarter to insure they are not overlooking anything important. I am hoping this will improve the overall cleanliness and care of the vehicles.
I had fun taking my sweetheart shopping this week for some new summer outfits. We are finding you get really tired of wearing the same outfits week after week. That is particularly for me with 4 suits and only so many ties you can add to enhance a white shirt.
As I have watched the influx of any new sister missionaries, I have marveled at the Spirit they carry and their ability to share what they know and love. I have thought often, what better training could they receive to be mothers, wives and homemakers than to be in the Lord's service where He can tutor and train them. No doubt, they will be mothers who have a deep commitment to know and to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ as they raise a righteous posterity to further enhance the hastening of the Lords Second Coming. This hastening will continue until He returns again and many valiant young missionaries are going to be needed to share the good news of the gospel. They will be prepared to press forward in faith because and not doubt because they know their mothers know it.
I encourage you to reach out to the many mothers in your life and thank them for their example of faith, courage and love. Have a blessed week!
Elder Taggart
I sold 2 cars this week. Maybe I do have hopes for a second career after I return home. I have 4 more ready to sell this month and another 15 or so that will be ready to sell between now and the fall.
The weather has been wonderful! We have had sunshine, blue skies and even some Seattle rain. I got absolutely drenched one morning this week as I was walking and the skies opened up. That was not not a Seattle rain; it was pounding off the pavement.
I will get some relief starting this week on inspecting cars. I will train the 28 zone and district leaders this week on just how to inspect them. I will then have them inspect every vehicle each month. I will inspect each of them once per quarter to insure they are not overlooking anything important. I am hoping this will improve the overall cleanliness and care of the vehicles.
I had fun taking my sweetheart shopping this week for some new summer outfits. We are finding you get really tired of wearing the same outfits week after week. That is particularly for me with 4 suits and only so many ties you can add to enhance a white shirt.
As I have watched the influx of any new sister missionaries, I have marveled at the Spirit they carry and their ability to share what they know and love. I have thought often, what better training could they receive to be mothers, wives and homemakers than to be in the Lord's service where He can tutor and train them. No doubt, they will be mothers who have a deep commitment to know and to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ as they raise a righteous posterity to further enhance the hastening of the Lords Second Coming. This hastening will continue until He returns again and many valiant young missionaries are going to be needed to share the good news of the gospel. They will be prepared to press forward in faith because and not doubt because they know their mothers know it.
I encourage you to reach out to the many mothers in your life and thank them for their example of faith, courage and love. Have a blessed week!
Elder Taggart
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Cars to sell
I never thought I would be a used car salesman but I currently have 5 cars and 1 truck to sell. I think I might go crazy. With my phone number on the for sale sign of each of these, I get calls constantly asking about them. Most of the cars have between 50-60 thousand miles on them and they are priced between 8-10 thousand dollars. I am amazed how many people have asked, "don't you have some that are 2-3 thousand dollars with only 40,000 miles on them?" And then you have the people who you can't understand because they don't speaka the language so well. And they seem to be the ones with the most questions.
I will have another 15 or so more to sell by the end of the year; oh goody.
We try to have missionaries over for dinner almost every week. It is wonderful to have them in our humble abode, to feel of their spirit, get to know them better and hopefully provide a bit of 'home' to them. I am amazed at how much they can consume. We raised 6 kids and I never remember any of them putting away as many groceries as these young missionaries do. But we do love them and thoroughly enjoy having them in our lives.
Our granddaughter, Brittany, received her mission call to serve in the Missouri, St. Louis mission. She only had 34 days from the time she opened her call until she leaves. That will create some craziness because she also had 3 weeks of school and finals to finish in that 34 days. She went through the temple on Friday night and it was really hard not to be there with her. But she was surrounded by lots of others who love her. We are so proud of her and excited for her to join her older sister and us in the mission field.
Smile and be happy this week; people will wonder what you've been up to. Make it a great week.
Elder Taggart
I will have another 15 or so more to sell by the end of the year; oh goody.
We try to have missionaries over for dinner almost every week. It is wonderful to have them in our humble abode, to feel of their spirit, get to know them better and hopefully provide a bit of 'home' to them. I am amazed at how much they can consume. We raised 6 kids and I never remember any of them putting away as many groceries as these young missionaries do. But we do love them and thoroughly enjoy having them in our lives.
Our granddaughter, Brittany, received her mission call to serve in the Missouri, St. Louis mission. She only had 34 days from the time she opened her call until she leaves. That will create some craziness because she also had 3 weeks of school and finals to finish in that 34 days. She went through the temple on Friday night and it was really hard not to be there with her. But she was surrounded by lots of others who love her. We are so proud of her and excited for her to join her older sister and us in the mission field.
Smile and be happy this week; people will wonder what you've been up to. Make it a great week.
Elder Taggart
What is normal????
I don't spend a lot of time delving into the mysteries---I don't have the brain for it. This week I have had several occasions to ask, "Is that normal?" I'll let you in on a few of them.
When we were driving to Clinton, Iowa a couple of weeks ago, we passed a sign for the city Normal, Illinois. Now ask yourself, "Who in their right mind would name their city Normal?" What is normal? Did everyone in the town assume they were normal? What criteria did they use to determine they were normal and the cities outside their boundaries were not normal? Food for thought. Could your city presume to be normal?
An Elder, who barely speaks English, (at least over the phone) asked me this week if we have a book to teach English as a second language. He wants to start teaching a class. Is that normal? Would you not want to be sure of the English language before you start teaching others? Oh the confidence of these young missionaries. It was an easy decision. The text book is $72 and we don't indulge in such expenses.
The squirrel at our apartment went berserk this week. I feed him nuts on occasion--nothing regularly. He saw Elder Taggart sitting on our couch yesterday and attacked our screen door. The squirrel was crazy. Is that normal? Dozens of dumpsters to dive in and he selects our screen door to attack. I fed him some nuts.
Is it normal to be complacent about marijuana second-hand-smoke? An upset mother e-mailed this week about her son having to breathe second-hand marijuana smoke in his apartment one day a week. (Her email reminded me of the squirrel) We assess apartments regularly. Are they in a gang infested area? Move them out! Has there been gun violence? Move them out. Marijuana smoke? Buy them a hepa filter for their apartment. Is that normal? It is in Chicago.
We went out to dinner with a couple here in Chicago celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. They are Church Service Missionaries and have helped us a ton finding apartments. We all had on name tags except Mark, the single real estate guy who has helped us find apartments. We dubbed him Saint Mark. Elder ________ is in his late 70's. He is a former Chicago policeman. He works in the Chicago Temple several days a week. So is it normal that he is applying for a concealed weapons permit? It is in Chicago.
We fed the Elders dinner Wednesday. That is normal for us. At 4 AM the next morning I sat up in bed and said, "I forgot to get the salad out of the frig for dinner!!!" For my brain, that is normal.
We will not be having a normal Spring this year. The Polar Vortexes caused it to be delayed. The tree, flower, and grass pollens should all come out at once, they say, causing a Pollen Vortex....my worst nightmare as far as allergies go. Summer temps will be mostly in the 70's. Now that, to me, is normal.
This morning, as I was putting on my make-up, I noticed something on my chin that was definitely not normal. In a nursery rhyme is one thing but hairs on my chiny chin chin is quite another. Do I pluck them or shave them or wait to have them waxed? What is normally done? Alas---this will be continued on an ongoing basis, I fear.
We are on a new diet! Normal for our blood work results. We are on a new budget! Normal for the May review after spending too much from Jan to April. We still are madly in love....normal for us. We still love the missionaries and The Lord . Normal. May you have a normal week---whatever that is!
Love,
Sister Taggart
When we were driving to Clinton, Iowa a couple of weeks ago, we passed a sign for the city Normal, Illinois. Now ask yourself, "Who in their right mind would name their city Normal?" What is normal? Did everyone in the town assume they were normal? What criteria did they use to determine they were normal and the cities outside their boundaries were not normal? Food for thought. Could your city presume to be normal?
An Elder, who barely speaks English, (at least over the phone) asked me this week if we have a book to teach English as a second language. He wants to start teaching a class. Is that normal? Would you not want to be sure of the English language before you start teaching others? Oh the confidence of these young missionaries. It was an easy decision. The text book is $72 and we don't indulge in such expenses.
The squirrel at our apartment went berserk this week. I feed him nuts on occasion--nothing regularly. He saw Elder Taggart sitting on our couch yesterday and attacked our screen door. The squirrel was crazy. Is that normal? Dozens of dumpsters to dive in and he selects our screen door to attack. I fed him some nuts.
Is it normal to be complacent about marijuana second-hand-smoke? An upset mother e-mailed this week about her son having to breathe second-hand marijuana smoke in his apartment one day a week. (Her email reminded me of the squirrel) We assess apartments regularly. Are they in a gang infested area? Move them out! Has there been gun violence? Move them out. Marijuana smoke? Buy them a hepa filter for their apartment. Is that normal? It is in Chicago.
We went out to dinner with a couple here in Chicago celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. They are Church Service Missionaries and have helped us a ton finding apartments. We all had on name tags except Mark, the single real estate guy who has helped us find apartments. We dubbed him Saint Mark. Elder ________ is in his late 70's. He is a former Chicago policeman. He works in the Chicago Temple several days a week. So is it normal that he is applying for a concealed weapons permit? It is in Chicago.
We fed the Elders dinner Wednesday. That is normal for us. At 4 AM the next morning I sat up in bed and said, "I forgot to get the salad out of the frig for dinner!!!" For my brain, that is normal.
We will not be having a normal Spring this year. The Polar Vortexes caused it to be delayed. The tree, flower, and grass pollens should all come out at once, they say, causing a Pollen Vortex....my worst nightmare as far as allergies go. Summer temps will be mostly in the 70's. Now that, to me, is normal.
This morning, as I was putting on my make-up, I noticed something on my chin that was definitely not normal. In a nursery rhyme is one thing but hairs on my chiny chin chin is quite another. Do I pluck them or shave them or wait to have them waxed? What is normally done? Alas---this will be continued on an ongoing basis, I fear.
We are on a new diet! Normal for our blood work results. We are on a new budget! Normal for the May review after spending too much from Jan to April. We still are madly in love....normal for us. We still love the missionaries and The Lord . Normal. May you have a normal week---whatever that is!
Love,
Sister Taggart
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