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
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