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
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