Corn fields of Wisconsin,burned chicken,and LeButt

Dear Family and friends,
What a week!! I could write a book about it but I will spare you that much reading. For starters, June has been the wettest Chicago June in 21 years. So nice of them to break all these records while we are here to enjoy the benefits. We had 4 days of fog so thick last week that you couldn't even tell where the city was. Then we learn Chicago has only had 8 days of fog on record and we were lucky enough to be here for half of them. Apparently it takes cold temps in the middle of Lake Michigan water and warm temps along the shoreline and voila, you get fog.

I have laughed and cried with the missionaries this week. " Sister Taggart, we found our diamond this week. He is on date for baptism in July." This missionary didn't bother with referrals that had no phone number a month ago, now he finds them and finds a diamond. (I guess my diamond story is going to stick for the 209 missionaries who heard me speak.)

One morning we were in the office by 7:30 AM and the phone was already ringing. A blessing was needed at Advocate Good Shepherd Facility in Buffalo Grove. Could I get the missionaries there quickly? A non-member was unhooking her father , a member, from life-support and she wanted a Priesthood blessing for her father and herself. That is rather early but I called our Elders in that area and they said they would be more than happy to go. When I told them the names, they said,' We have given Oscar blessings before. We'd be honored." Two minutes later Elder Taggart's cell phone rang. It was this Elder. "Elder Taggart, what kind of a blessing do we give??" So I hear my husband explain how a blessing of comfort would be in order for both daughter and father. We are reminded often they are only 18 or 19 but what amazing Elders we have.

Oh--referrals. One man requested Spanish missionaries. When they arrived, the man said he really preferred English Elders. So I changed assignments and sent English speaking Elders the following week. They went to see him and he pretended he spoke no English and requested Spanish Elders. So I assigned him the same Spanish Elders. The Elder called me and said, "Do we have to play this game, Sister Taggart?" I then explained he had requested the missionaries but we were going to call his bluff. This Elder is from El Salvador and speaks perfect English. I told him he was to speak Spanish first. If the man requested English, he was to then speak English. If he was interested in hearing the Gospel, here would be the perfect weapon. This Elder said, "I like it, Sister Taggart. I like this plan." .......I will go and do........

This week we had our 46th wedding anniversary. The President gave us the afternoon off and we explored the Chicago Botanical Gardens.......the mission phone rings, "Elder Taggart, our steering wheel is locked and our key won't go in. What do we do?" He calmly explains if they gently jiggle the steering wheel while putting the key in, it will start. "Oh, it worked! Thank, Elder Taggart." We stroll through beautiful Japanese gardens, tropical plants, English walled gardens.....the mission phone rings, "Elder Taggart, our bikes were stolen last night while we were having dinner with a member. What do we do now?"....We enjoy waterfalls with ferns and plant life all around them. We enjoy precision planted vegetable gardens. We learn about plants native to the Midwest......mission phone rings "Elder Taggart, we just tried to fry chicken for the first time and we kind of burned our kitchen wall. Who do we call for that?"(see photo) Forty six years --we are done raising our six children but now we have 209 others!! We laughed as we had our celebration dinner at The Olive Garden. Elder Taggart's cell phone rings. It's our youngest daughter wanting to talk about our next family reunion.....oh, and happy anniversary. Through it all, I do love this man I married so many years ago. He promised to show me a good time and he certainly has fulfilled that promise.

I answer the phone one day and it is Kylee Jones from Renton,Wa, here in Chicago for the day. She knew one of our Sister missionaries but mission rules prohibit any contact with your past life while serving a mission for our young missionaries.

Bruce's youngest brother, Jay and his wife Adrienne and son Seth were here for a convention. We went out to dinner with them. It is always good to connect with family. On the way to meet them, GPS took us on a detour and we ended up in the heart of "The Hood." What an eye opener. At one time these homes were where the elite of Chicago lived. Beautiful three storied mansions once with manicured yards. Now 3-4 families live in each divided up mansion, run down and exuding poverty. We watched a teenaged mother beat her little boy at a crosswalk but didn't dare even roll down a window to tell her to stop. After a few minutes I realized I was holding my breath. I coached myself to breathe in and breathe out.....soon we would be safe. We passed a young woman driving an old car with a huge wad of cash in her hand, the window side with the window rolled down. Was she going to do a quick drive by drug purchase or were these her earnings so far this evening? It breaks my heart.

Dinner at Giordani's was great but the company was better. Good to catch up on that little family and all they are doing. We helped support this little brother on his mission and now here he is, buying us dinner on ours.

On our way home, Elder Taggart decided he didn't need GPS and.....you guessed it....we found ourselves in the middle of Little India. Their dress is exotic. At 9 PM there was still a hustle and bustle. I felt safe here even though it was dark. These people are so grateful for a piece of the American dream, you could tell by their stores. There wasn't the hopelessness of the Hood. We laughed together as we tried to find our way out of the maze. Elder Taggart asked me, "Will California Ave. go all the way through?" I assured him it would and it did. A year ago I would have been clueless but I have looked at maps for a year so now I know a few things.

Is this retirement? Saturday we were up at dawn to drive to Wisconsin for Youth Conference. Oh how my very soul longs to see farm country, old barns, silos, corn growing in fields, and open spaces every so often. I know people love living in Chicago but weather aside, how can a soul be stacked in such living conditions and feel free?  Where can a youth in The Hood walk to think and reflect about their future? Where in Little India can a body find solitude and peace? Where in our condo can you breathe fresh air----dirt just moistened by a rain storm?

Youth conference was good---lame by Renton Wash. standards. Short shorts and flip-flops were standard attire, for both youth and leaders. I saw some good things happening too. Two young women had arrived from Guatemala 2 weeks ago speaking not a word of English. But the Church is the same wherever you are. Two sisters from our ward stayed with them and translated everything into Spanish for them to understand. I love the Youth of Zion. As for the lax dress standards and lack of planned activity during the conference....where there is no vision....

Well enough. I received a text from two Sisters this week signed with LeButt. For a minute I didn't know who it was from. Then I laughed and laughed....Sisters Lepule and Buttars, who else? Gotta love 'em.  And we love you too. Go see a cornfield this week. It does wonders for your soul.
Sister Taggart

46 Years

This week we celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary; we took the afternoon off and enjoyed strolling through the Chicago Botanical Gardens. They were gorgeous with lots of variety; gardens and plants from various parts and/or climates of the world. The colors were spectacular even for me with my color challenges. We weren't really off because I had my usual calls from missionaries with problems or questions. We enjoyed dinner at The Olive Garden. I enjoyed conversation with the woman I dearly love throughout the day. Our conversation topics varied as we strolled down memory lane from past to present. We ended the day with a movie. My life is so richly blessed because of the woman I married many years ago when I had no clue what our lives would be. Boy do I love her.

Sunday an investigator who came to church asked me to please help him find a shelter or somewhere he could sleep at night and get a few meals. His family situation is difficult. His wife passed away and his children really don't want to have anything to do with him. On Monday morning I was able to find a shelter not too far from us so I called with information. I'm anxious to talk to him today; hopefully he will come to church so I can find out how his week has been. I am reminded so frequently just how blessed I am in so many ways.

We were only able to do water aerobics a couple nights this week because most evenings this week storm clouds have rolled in bringing lots of rain along with thunder and lightning. When it rains here, it really rains.

My youngest brother, Jay along with his wife,Adrienne, and his son, Seth, have been in town this week for an architectural convention. We enjoyed dinner and conversation with them on Friday evening. Seth reminded both of us so much of Natalie's son Garet; we couldn't believe the resemblances. Thanks for a nice evening Jay and family. We know there were other fun things you could have been doing.

We drove up to Wisconsin yesterday to speak at youth conference for the stake we are living in here. It reminded me of so many times the Taggteam spoke to the youth in the Renton Stake in Washington. We do love the youth and really do enjoy teaming together to instruct them. After such large groups in Renton, it was a bit sad to see that only 51 youth chose to participate in the one here. It also caused me to reflect on the amazing group of leaders we have enjoyed working with over the years. There was not much planned for the youth here and I reflected on the many amazing youth conferences we enjoyed in WA because of the hard work and vision of great leaders. Thanks for your impact on our lives; a high standard was just always evident.

As we drove up and back, we enjoyed the rolling hills, the barns and farm out buildings along with lots of fields of crops, mostly corn and wheat that were growing in such neat rows. It took my sweetheart back to her roots on the farm with fond memories of those days growing up. Wisconsin is beautiful and green.

We can't wait for time this week to spend with Andrea and Natalie's families. We are taking two days in addition to the 4th off just to have fun with them. I look forward to those memories made. Our 700 square foot condo will be put to the test, but we are excited to see more family.

Life is so rich and full when you have a fantastic companion by your side, you have and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and jump in with both feet to engage in serving others. May your life be blessed this week as you look for opportunities to serve someone else and lighten someone else's burdens. We love and miss you.

Elder Taggart

Referrals are amazing!!

Jun 22

Dear Family and Friends,
Never a dull moment here in Chicagoland. Last week there were twin tornados that came through the Midwest. Like one isn't bad enough. These twins wiped out most of a town. Also on the news in Chicago---a black bear was wandering around neighborhoods in Rockford. People came from all around to take photos as the bear was in trees, yards, and on the road. A regular Yellowstone traffic stopper. Game wardens suggested everyone just go about their business and leave it be. After all---the bear was there first. Genius!! "Go out in the back yard and play, kids, and leave the bear alone!"

Referrals were amazing this week. I sent my missionaries to Sophia Loren (Garcia), George Bush (Martinez) and Jesus or JJ. I am always amazed by who wants a visit from our missionaries. I also had several phone calls with "Sister Taggart, we found our diamond!" so I guess that is going to be the standard for missionaries here for a long time to come.

My husband provided some delightful side trips this week. I am the designated driver when Elder Taggart takes a car in for repairs or a truck in to get a truck-bed liner. Yes, I even drive on the freeway now here in Chicago. We got lost near O'Hare Airport, Mannheim Road to be exact. Who knew? As we passed The Gentleman's Club....the Alley Cat Club.....the Ambience Club.....2 Beltone Hearing Aid stores....I could only imagine one thing, lots of dirty old men who were hard of hearing in this neck of the woods.

"Hello Sister Taggart. We got a really awesome referral for you. We met her on the side of the road because her car had a flat tire. While we swapped tires she gave us her information so a missionary can come teach her."

"Hello Sister Taggart. While on Facebook today I contacted someone in Pakistan who wants a Book of Mormon. Do we have missionaries there?" (we do and I did)

"Sister Taggart, how do you come up with the quotes that come with our proof of residency letters?" (I have to send 2 envelopes to be postmarked. One has the library letter in it signed by me, explaining that this Elder does in fact live at this address. The other envelope has a page of quotes to inspire or uplift missionaries. I find these in various places.) "Your library letter quotes were definitely Spirit directed specifically to us. Thank you so much for all you do for us."
                        The Quotes of the Week
"Rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to sets goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass."  Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
                                and.......
"Not only does the Atonement of Jesus Christ overcome the effects of the Fall of Adam and make possible the remission of our individual sins and transgressions, but His Atonement also enables us to do good and become better in ways that stretch far beyond our mortal capacities."  Elder David A. Bednar (CR 4/2014

My deduction is YOUTH WITH THE GOSPEL ARE POWERFUL PEOPLE.

I sent two referrals to the Missouri St. Louis Mission. Our granddaughter ,Brittany, is in that mission in a town only 4 hours from us! I hope she gets to teach a referral I send someday.

We went out teaching with 2 Sister missionaries this week to "protect" them. The man ended up being someone we had met before. He is from Iraq, is about 55, is addicted to pain killers and is living out of his van right now. The world has many sad people in it. We can offer him the Gospel but can't really help the condition of his life. He just got back from a trip to California to visit his mother's grave. On his way back, he drove through SLC, Utah and spent a couple of days. He loved the temple and temple square. The people were very good to him and he felt peace there. Who swings through SLC on their way home?? Someday, maybe, he will accept the gospel.

I must close and finish my talk for church today on Studying the Scriptures. I think I've got that one covered, do you? A daily dose does wonders. If you are searching for answers or want peace in your life, say a prayer and then read your scriptures. I know where of I speak on this one.

Love you and miss you.
Sister Taggart

Family

In just two days, I will have been married to my sweetheart, Claudia (aka Sister Taggart), for 46 years. What an exciting journey the two of us have had in that time. She has been the best thing that has happened in my life other than my relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you babe.

We are super excited to have family coming to visit the week of the 4th of July. Andrea, Natalie and their families will be here that week. We will enjoy sharing the sights of Chicagoland, laughing and playing with them. I personally need a grandpa fix.

This coming weekend, we travel North to Wisconsin to speak to the youth of the stake here at their youth conference. They want us to speak to them about preparing to serve a mission. That will be fun and bring back many memories of youth conferences with youth we love back in Washington. The Taggteam will once again work together hoping to inspire youth to be better and prepare themselves to serve others.

We look forward to a visit and dinner with my youngest brother, Jay and his family later this week. He will be in town for a convention and is bringing his family.

I am glad I know that families can be forever. It is in families that we learn most of what guides our lives. In the laboratory of the family, we learn to love, to work, to laugh and to cry with others, to share and to give, to serve and to lift. Our greatest joys and deepest sorrows are usually connected to those in our family. Parents work hard to teach and inspire their children and to help them to see their potential to become and to do anything they really desire. It's been my experience that most don't stray far from those things they were taught in their family. I have also learned that our family expands and grows as we embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and strive to live by His teachings. I express my love and appreciation to those in my immediate family as well as to those who have become part of my family in many others ways. I love and appreciate you!

We really do rub off on those we love and serve. Have a wonderful week as you reach out to someone you love and appreciate.

Elder Taggart

Zone Conference Training June 2014

Zone Conference Training June 2014

Luke 15: 8-10

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that [is found] and repenteth.

When Elder Taggart and I got married, his grandma Howell asked if we would like to have her mother’s diamond ring. We were young and poor so we drove to Idaho to get the diamond. It was a small thing but, hey, it was a real diamond. I was thrilled to be trusted with a family heirloom.

Fast forward a few years….it is Saturday. We are in our first home and have 2 little girls. I have just cleaned the whole house, vacuumed, dusted, dishes, washed toilets, done the laundry, changed various diapers and washed my hands a dozen times.

Elder Taggart is working the night shift so he is not home. I sit down to feed the baby and notice the diamond is NOT in my ring. I am sick. I have lost the heirloom diamond I was trusted with. I start searching……

The washing machine hose

The dryer lint collector

I sift through the vacuum dirt, every dustball and dirt clump, hoping to find the diamond.

I check under all the cushions.

I unmake every bed in the house.

The baby cries and cries and cries.

I pray. I panic. I call my little brother. He comes over and takes the traps off all the sinks. The diamond is nowhere to be found.

We pray again.

The baby cries and cries and cries.

4 or 5 hours later, at about 10 PM, it is time to feed the crying baby and put the toddler to bed. I put the baby on the bed to change her diaper. As I pull her foot out of the sleeper---the diamond falls out onto the bed. I say a prayer of gratitude.

I would like you to liken each referral as a piece of silver or a diamond.

Preach My Gospel refers to them as a “sacred responsibility.”

Preach My Gospel says to find them within 24 hours.

STATS  We have 1671 active referrals right now in our mission.

385 of those are NEW REFERRALS

276 are being CONTACTED

100 are being TAUGHT    

842 have been dropped…..that is about half.

STAND UP IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A PHONY REFERRAL (now you may be seated. You see you are not alone)

STAND UP IF YOU HAVE TAUGHT A LESSON TO A REFERRAL (about half, now be seated)

STAND UP IF YOU HAVE BAPTIZED A REFERRAL. (these are the diamonds and they are precious)

We will not baptize all 1600 referrals but I know, among the 1600, are diamonds waiting to be found.

            I have analized our referrals and I have identified the TOP 3 problems in our mission:

1.     ATTITUDE  It’s a waste of time…..it’s too hard if there is no phone number…it isn’t a daily priority

2.     REPORTING ON IPADS…..slow…..we forget….it is easier to send them back to Sister Taggart than to ADD INTERACTION and tell me what the problem is so we ping-pong referrals back and forth.---not in our area-----spanish needs English-----sisters instead of elders----TEMPLE

3.     Making referrals a daily priority…..part of daily planning

 

 

If I had waited to find the heirloom diamond for a day or a week----the sleepers would have gone through the washing machine and the diamond would have gone down the drain and been lost.

 

Referrals are the same. If you wait until their courage is gone, or until they change their mind, a diamond or baptism may be lost forever.

 

WILL YOU please commit to being diligent and finding all the referrals assigned to your area?????

Bribes, Deer in Chicago, and "Are we there yet?"

Zone conferences are a busy time for Elder Taggart and I. We have 8 Zones but combine to only have 4 conferences. We are supposed to do training in all Zones, inspect every car in the mission, deliver mail and packages to the far reaching areas. Our calendar said the meetings were to begin at 8 AM.When you drive to Valparaiso, IN, that means you get up at 4 AM to get ready, drive through Chicago traffic, and make it on time to collect car keys before the meeting starts. So we reserved a hotel room for Monday night---a little retreat---hahaha!! Monday afternoon, while meeting with the President, we discover the time was a mistake made by the other secretary....the meetings start at 9 AM.  Too late to cancel reservations. Our meeting ran late which put us in ugly Chicago traffic on a rainy, foggy evening. When we got to the hotel, Elder Taggart's phone began to ring, a car accident then a bike accident then an Ipad area book glitch and a new phone someone needed help setting up. That's what I call a retreat!!!

It is exhilarating being among these missionaries. We watch Zone leaders conduct meetings, do training, assist where needed. They are wonderful. We had rain while inspecting cars in 2 Zones but clouds literally parted or held their moisture for the 2 hours it took to inspect the cars, mileage, lights, trunks, interiors, tire pressure, scratches and dents. Not glamorous but Elder Taggart magnifies this calling just like he has every other church calling. In two Zones the cars were so dirty he gave a bottle of Gatorade to all those riding bikes and no reward to any of the car drivers. One car had a note, "Elder and Sister Taggart, here is your bribe " with 2 chocolate covered strawberries---and a clean car. Gotta love em.

We saw few deer in the open fields of Buffalo Grove or Indiana but almost hit 2 when we got closer to home in the city. A word about Chicago traffic---you don't measure progress by miles per hour. In bad traffic you measure it by how many car-lengths you have moved in 30 min. Glad we have no kids in the backseat asking,"Are we there yet?" The only traffic that could be worse in the US is NY or LA because they have more people than we do.

The President pulled Elder Taggart and I aside after one of the conferences to talk to us. He said our training talks were perfect. Then he got tender and said, "I know why you are here. You are the example of a good marriage half these missionaries never had. You are the role models of a father because theirs deserted them or a mother who was never there for them. You are such a blessing in their lives---showing them how a marriage works. Your family is sacrificing you for a short time so these missionaries can have a role model to pattern their lives after." I do confess, we have a great marriage and Elder Taggart tries to match his tie for the day to whatever outfit I am wearing. The Sisters love that. They see us hold hands and laugh together. They see that I am not subservient but neither is he hen-pecked. It is an equal relationship.(unlike some other couples here)

We realize our time here is precious. We have served our whole lives but this is different. We love serving these missionaries. We love swerving side by side. We love being together each hour of each day. Glad this  Father's Day I have the husband I have and the family we have. A wise choice years ago by a young girl!! I'll include my talk for those interested.

Love,
Sister Taggart

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Let me first start with a Happy Father's Day to all you men who are part of my life and have had an influence for good on me. I am grateful today for generations of fathers who have left a legacy of faith and righteousness. Today I honor them and pray that my life will continue that legacy. I realize the older I get just how many sacrifices fathers make to provide for those they love. And by provide I mean not just the necessities of life but importantly the spiritual leadership and emotional strength and support needed to navigate the minefields of this life. I pray that my posterity will look beyond my human weaknesses and remember the things I have tried to teach them in word and deed.

We had the wonderful privilege last Sunday evening to be the speakers at a fireside with the Renton Washington stake via Skype. What a great time to be alive when such technology is available. They could see us on the big screen in the chapel and we could see them as though we were speaking from the pulpit. It was a thrill for us to share thoughts and experiences about missionary preparation, what a typical day is like for us, some experiences and then some Q & A. It was good to see many friends whom we love and miss. It has been exciting this week to hear from some who have now decided to take a leap of faith and serve as senior missionaries.

I heard this week that the church currently has need of 1700 senior couples and only had 22 to assign this past week. The need is great and the Lord will bless those who have the faith to make the leap. We have loved our first year here in spite of a harsh winter. We are enjoying many experiences together that are blessing our life and marriage. We love serving together. The blessings and tender mercies for us and our posterity are significant as we serve. It is a great to be serving at the same time as our two oldest grandchildren, Brianne and Brittany (Sisters Ewell).

Here is my Spanish phrase of the week shared by two sweet Sister missionaries. i Tenemos nvestro carro! Which means, We have our car back! Yay! I love the young missionaries whom we serve with. They are such a joy and blessing most of the time.

We had four zone conferences this past week which means that we traveled from almost the Wisconsin border on the North to Valparaiso, Indiana on the South. With the help of my sweet companion I inspected 72 mission vehicles. I was pleased overall with the improvement of care and cleanliness of most of them; at least that was true in two of the zones. In the other two zones, since their cars didn't look great, I gave the awards (various snacks and goodies) to all who are on bikes as their primary means of transportation. I did some safety training as well as some additional Facebook and online proselyting training. It thrills me to see the young missionaries faces light up when they see the Taggarts. We surely do love them.

We had to hurry back from the conference on Friday so that I could finalize the transaction of selling a pick-up truck. I sold a 2012 Chevy Colorado truck with 57,000 miles on it for $18,500. I have 4 more vehicles being prepped to be sold. I am busy, needed and loving what I do.

So far today, 4 companionships of missionaries have sent me a text message wishing me a Happy Fathers day and telling me they love and appreciate me. It is sad that so many of them do not have a father in their life or he is abusive, addicted to something or just not involved in their life. I hope in some small way I can help to fill that void. The president told those of us in the office that we had no idea what role we play in helping these young people see a happy marriage.

Life is great when you have your best friend by your side. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and changes lives for the better. The Atoning blood of Christ will heal broken hearts and take away the pain and sorry of poor choices as we repent and turn to Him. His way is the way to joy and happiness. I am most grateful today for my Father in Heaven and my elder brother Jesus Christ for their love and example of fatherhood and love.

Make time this week to reach out to those you love. Have a blessed week.



Elder Taggart

A pioneer I'm not!!!

Another week has flown by. We seem to be settled and when the heated days come, it's hot and humid but it doesn't phase me like it did last year.

I had a missionary call this week. He needed supplies. "I need 1/2 case of Books of Mormon, a large print  Book of in Spanish, some pass-along cards and a large pizza with pepperoni." I think the missionaries are comfortable with us.

I sent a referral to Gary, Indiana---the industrial section. He wanted the Elders to come to his place of work. When I went on Google Earth and saw the area---I said a prayer. The uneasiness went away and I assigned the Elders in that area to visit Jonathan. I always follow up with a phone call when it is a phoned in referral. One Elder called me later. "Sister Taggart, thanks for that referral. He is awesome. He just finished reading the Koran and is excited to read the Book of Mormon. He thought Moroni's promise was cool. (Moroni 10:4-5) He wants to meet with us next week. Thanks so much."  I just deliver the message or make the assignment.

Our water aerobics each evening seem to be working. A year ago we were too tired to do anything but stare at the wall after office hours.

I have polled more than 50 missionaries this past week about the advantages of having Senior missionaries to serve with. They  unanimously love all of the 22 old missionaries. The top 3 reasons are #1 we have experience #2 we can reach people they can't and #3 they love the safety net of "grandparent figures" close who love them and are here to help them. Many of these missionaries have grandparents who served missions and helped, by example, them want to serve too. So although we missed Kalayna's baptism in Texas yesterday, we are where we need to be. She had loving parents, Grandma Marsha, an aunt and uncle, cousins, and friends to support her.

My miracle this week was an irritant at first. I got a call from one of our Sister missionaries, "Could you find the mission for this address in Virginia so when our investigator and her 2 kids arrive this evening, the missionaries there can help her unload her truck?" I was irritated because it was 3:30 in Chicago which means it's 4:30 in Virginia. Why do they always wait until the last minute for these requests??? There are 2 Virginia missions. I tell her I'll try. Only a 19 year old thinks an hour's notice allows plenty of time to arrange a moving crew. I call the Richmond Mission office and get an answering machine....meaning they are gone for the day. I call the Chesapeake Mission, they assure me it is not in their mission but is in the Wash. DC South mission. By the time I locate their number (online) and call, the Wash DC office has closed too.l call the Sister back and apologize. Too little too late. She is still in phone contact with her investigator. The next morning I get a phone call from this Sister missionary again. There had been a horrible accident on the Interstate highway and her investigator had to pull off and get a hotel. Did I still have the Wash DC South phone number? When this young mother pulled into her apartment in Fredericksburg, VA, there were 4 Elders there who unloaded her truck in no time. Then 2 Sister missionaries came to tell her they lived in that same complex and they would be happy to help her continue teaching her. Again, Sister _____ thanked me, like I had done something special. God is in the details and knows the needs of each one of His children.

My referral maps were down all week. I talked back and forth with the referral center in Provo at least 10 times. They know me by name. I hate being a pioneer on this new system. Trail blazing on a computer and Ipads is not my idea of a good time! Someday my grandchildren will be able to say, "My grandma was one of 30 to pioneer this program for missionary work." Or not. We just finished doing a Skype fireside for the Renton Washington Stake that was interactive and fun. So good to see so many of the people we love and miss. Who thought we would be sitting in Chicago speaking to a congregation in Seattle? I never did.

Advice for the week...write a thank you note for someone who was a pioneer for you. A friend, a teacher, a parent, a sibling.....usually the eldest sibling. It is hard being a pioneer but there is still such a need in so many areas. Have a great week and know you are loved by your Heavenly Father.
Sister Taggart
 

Memorial Day + FIRE-WEST NILE VIRUS-WARM FUZZIES

JUNE 1st. In two days we will have been out one year. What a year of learning and growing, adventures and service.

Our week started with a Memorial Program in the park among our new ward family. We love this ward and by the way, the quartet pictured sounded like they had sung together for years. Elder Taggart had the solo verse, of course. We didn't know it at the time but two of our Sisters in Indiana were getting burned out of their apartment. Their upstairs neighbors had the fire in their apartment which necessitated evacuating the whole complex. The Sisters got out with their backpacks and the clothes they were wearing. Members and the Red Cross helped them out the first two days, then they moved in with some other Sister missionaries. (advantage to having multiple sets in each ward.) The fire department put enough water on the roof to cave it in and cave the floor and ceiling below in . The Sisters were able to get all their clothes out but their shoes, furniture and bedding were a total loss. They sent home photos prior to an explanation which freaked a couple of parents out. Oh, you young missionaries!!

I assigned Elders to give 3 Priesthood blessings this week. One was a Sister in Mexico Guadalajara East mission area. She is not a member but her relatives living in Chicago are. I said a prayer of gratitude as I realized the miracle of me being able to locate the e-mail address of the appropriate mission, send the request, and have someone so far away respond. The second blessing was here in Buffalo Grove....so easy to go on Google Earth , locate the hospital, then find the closest Elders in that area. That man has lupus. The third one was a request from Indiana wanting a brother in a hospital here in Chicago to receive a blessing. He caught the West Nile Virus while visiting the Philippines with his wife and was in pretty bad shape. So I was able to connect people to the Priesthood blessings they needed. Amazing, when you think about it. I always thank the Elders for being willing and worthy to use their Priesthood to bless the lives of others. One Elder replied, "Sister Taggart, that's just what we do." I love these Elders.

We had transfers this week. That makes 9 transfers I have survived. We did our training for the 3 new Elders we received on Memorial Day evening. One is from Chile. So I play Where's Waldo for a few days as I try to get mail to the right location.....re-stock the gutted supply shelves.....order a few more name tags....and watch the food we prepared disappear. We had about 100 come into the office after being assigned new companions and areas. As they leave the office it's hugs from the Sisters, a handshake from the Elders and "love you" as they walk out the door. We love them all as if they were our own grandchildren. I also brought home a pile of clothes to be mended.  Keeping 200 clothed is a bigger challenge than I ever anticipated but what a blessing to be able to provide this simple service which is huge to those who can't do it for themselves.

I have a jar of colorful pom-poms on my desk (thanks, Ekins) otherwise known as "warm fuzzies." They take one when they pass my desk to put in their pocket to remind them each time they touch it that someone in the office loves them. One Elder said, "Sister Taggart, can I tell you what these mean to us? I took one of these and put it in my pocket and forgot all about it. I wore the pants a couple of times and then threw them in the washer. The next week I wore the pants again and went to a teaching appointment. It was a disaster. I came out of that appointment feeling awful. I stuck my hand in my pocket as we walked away and felt the warm fuzzy---still in the pants pocket. I smiled and immediately felt warm inside because Sister Taggart loved me. You might think they are silly but I'd like to take another one if I could."

We said goodbye to 5 departing Elders which is always bitter sweet. They have been valiant warriors here on the battlefront of good vs not so good. Two years changes them all. Maybe it's changing me too. What in our lives needs to be changed? Who in our lives needs to hear "I love you" and feel warm & fuzzy when they are near us? Reach out and find them this week. It doesn't subtract from who we are but adds so much to our lives.

Love to you all

Sister Taggart

 

Those who have gone before

Hi,

This week started with a Memorial Day celebration at a ward picnic at the park. I sang in a quartet of men singing America the Beautiful. I love this country and the beauties that surround us. Even with all of the problems in our government currently, this is still the greatest country and a land blessed above any other land.

Actually the week started with a walk in the cemetery across the street from our condo complex. We walked for an hour, noticing all the pretty flowers and huge monuments build in remembrance of those who have gone on before us. We were amazed at how many huge mosaleums  and grave markers there were. We paused to look at and read several headstones but mostly just enjoyed a peaceful walk hand in hand.

The picnic, music and walk in the cemetery caused me to reflect on the many who have gone before me and who have sacrificed so much so that I could enjoy the life I love. I am grateful for the thousands upon thousands who have served and who are serving today so that I can enjoy the freedoms and blessings of living in the United States. I have reflected on parents, grandparents, in-laws and posterity for generations who sacrificed much so that I could live here and be able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I love my life and realize that I am so blessed.

We decided to take advantage of having a swimming pool right outside our sliding door. Three nights this week we have been jogging and swimming laps in the pool. We do 40 laps jogging and using our arms to help propel us. There have been some sore muscles but we are determined to get into better shape. The aerobic exercise is easier on old joints in the pool.

We also walked through two nature preserves this past week enjoying nature and trying to find places family might enjoy during visits this summer. I miss the tall Douglas Fir of the Northwest but have grown to appreciate the mighty oaks we have here. The wonders of nature have always intrigued me.

I stood in line for over an hour at the city clerk's office this week to secure City of Chicago parking stickers for some cars. I am amazed that this city is on the verge of bankruptcy since they nickel and dime you constantly with fees and taxes. Most freeways here are actually toll roads and every city or village requires their own parking sticker if your vehicle is housed there. But the blessing of standing in line was being able to talk to a guy about the church for about 45 minutes. He saw my name tag and asked, "are you a Mormon missionary?" That lead to a discussion about what we do and what we believe. He is a musician and loves the Tabernacle Choir. He saw them perform in SLC many years ago and couldn't say enough about how much he loves hearing them.

My week ended with the other two senior office Elders rear-ending someone on the freeway as they were coming back from moving some furniture between apartments. They were driving the pick-up truck we are using while we wait for our new one to arrive. The trailer they were pulling was still filled with furniture. I am guessing the damage to the truck will be 4-5 thousand dollars. But no one was seriously hurt. I guess it doesn't matter whether you are 18 or 67, you can still cause an accident creating job security for Elder Taggart. This accident came after 3 hit & runs in parking lots and another rear-ender this week.

Make time this week to pause and enjoy the beauties and wonders of nature wherever you are and reflect on just blessed you are to live where you do and be able to enjoy all that you are blessed with. I love this land I live in and I love the gospel of Jesus Christ that directs and defines my life. May your week be blessed in many ways.

Elder Taggart