It all started with a conversation with Elder Taggart. I wanted to know if we could flip a switch and have light in our entire new familyroom in our new home or if we needed to buy a bunch of lamps when we got home. Neither one of us could remember. We never lived in that house. We watched it be built and we moved in but we never lived in that house so neither one of us knew if we could flip a switch or not. That led to the doldrums OR the wall OR "I made it through the half-way mark of my mission but I still have an entire pregnancy to go. (9 months) At first I thought I was an awful person for feeling this way but then I realized it had a lot to do with things going on around me.
a) our largest group of missionaries (38) is about to hit their year mark. We also printed out the list of those releases that will happen by year's end and we will lose 43. That is not a Happy New Year!! These are our "kids" and we have grown to love them.
b) We had dinner with our Senior Couples Friday night and what a group we are. 22 strong---when we say "pot luck" there is more than 1,000 years of cooking experience combined and it is wonderful. It was bitter sweet, however, as one couple has completed their "documents" mission and the sister Sisters go home in August. The documents mission has fascinated me. They ride the train into Chicago every morning, go to the Cook county courthouse, and take pictures of and record documents. This Elder found a great-great-grandfather's documents while doing this. The sister Sisters are two widowed sisters who decided they could go on a mission if they could be together. They have reactivated, found long-lost shut-ins, and have driven and lived in Logan Square for 18 months. Logan Square has bullet proof glass in the chapel, but the two of them raised 19 children between them so what are a few stray bullets?
c) I'm back to feeding the 5,000.....OK so it was 4 Elders on Monday night--one from Calif.,one from Germany, one from Hanksville, Utah, and one from the Congo. Let me share the Elder from Germany story. His mother is German and a nurse. She was living in Nevada with the American dream life until one day she woke up and her husband had left her with their 5 sons to care for alone. She worked long enough to save enough money to get back to Germany with her boys and buy a house. This Elder was 3 years old when all this happened. She raised her sons in the Mormon faith and two of them are on missions--one in England and one here in Chicago. The missionary from the Congo was raised in poverty by a single mother who had also been deserted by her husband. When he was 16 and his sister 14, his mother put both of them up for adoption. What courage and selflessness for his mom to be willing to realize she had given them all she could and for them to have a better life, she had to make the ultimate sacrifice. The siblings were adopted by the same family, a large yours, mine, and ours family in Utah. They brought them into their circle of love, raised them with TLC, and this Elder joined the Church and is now on a mission. Today I am feeding 4 returned missionaries dinner. They are here from Spanish Fork, Utah and are working on the Chicago Temple remodel for a month. They need a home-cooked meal too, right? Later this week I will help prepare food for 100 Sisters for our Sisters Training Meeting.
d) On the subject of Sisters--some of our Elders are getting pretty tired of homes letting Sisters in where they would not let Elders in. Some of these even request Sisters. Bethany is one of these. She received a Book of Mormon a year ago from 2 Elders but didn't feel comfortable having them teach her. She declined their offer to teach her but kept the Book of Mormon and read it. A year ago a sister in New Jersey was praying whether she should serve a mission or not. She received the distinct impression she should.....she would serve in the States, she would not have to learn a language, and there was one person who needed her influence to join the Church. A year later, this Sister is in her 2nd area, where Bethany is praying for the missionaries to find her again, but please, not Elders. So this Sister found Bethany, taught her the restored gospel (easy since Bethany had read the Book of Mormon for that whole year), and Bethany was baptized Saturday. A year ago we didn't have enough Sister missionaries to put them in that area.
e) humdrum....Name of the week--Latrina. Can you imagine going camping with that name?
Call of the week: "Hello, I'm so and so and I was on the high council with your mission president 8 years ago. I have a referral to give you and I want him contacted by the President, not a young missionary." Right! And I want to live the rest of my life in a luxury resort where I have room service for the rest of my life. Pigs will fly first, buddy. Actually I handled it in a professional way, but I was tempted to be myself.
f) Thinking of things I am missing.....the annual camping trip by all of our Utah kids. Our oldest grandson turned 16 this week and will be ordained a Priest. We are proud of you, Joshua.
g) We have held down the office alone this week as one couple was moving out of a house into a different apartment for the last 5 months of their mission and Elder Crook had some major oral surgery and was down and out all week. I guess that is why we have 9 months left. We are the constant in the office. What we do is repetitive and sometimes boring but it needs to be done. My e-mail for a nametag order read, "Dear Pat, I realize you all have today off because of Pioneer Day in Utah. That trek began here in Illinois but the people here see no significance in a July 24 date. We still need this order filled at your earliest convenience."
On a bright note....our average temperatures for July have been between 72-76 this year. Only 3 days have been in the 90's. There are tender mercies!!! We will press forward. But will someone in Utah check to see if I have ceiling lights in my house in Utah? Just curious.
Love,
Sister Taggart
Sunday, July 27, 2014
The Power to Heal
This week I have studied and pondered the Atonement and its power to heal and empower us regardless of the mistakes we have made, the wrongs that have been done to us or the challenges and trials that we face. I found the conference talk by Elder David A. Bednar noted below to cause me to ponder and reflect on the immensity and the power the Atonement has to help us to press forward every day striving to be all that we can be and who our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ know we can be.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng
Amazingly we complete our 14th month here in Chicagoland this next week. I know I am getting older just because time is just screaming by. My what a journey this has been so far.
As I watch young missionaries come and go and witness the transformation in them as they come to know their Savior and strive to teach and apply the Atonement in their personal lives as well as to assist others to do the same, it is sweet to see the peace, the comfort, the confidence that comes into their lives. As I watch and hear of people struggling with all kinds of addictions, challenges and heartache embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, make significant changes in their lives and begin to live by faith in Christ and allow the healing balm of the Atonement to work in their lives, it is marvelous to know the miracles that come with the change they have made.
"Sweet is the peace the gospel brings". As we carry whatever load is ours to carry, we each have the opportunity to draw upon the Atoning blood of Christ and allow its healing balm to ease our burdens and give us the strength and courage to press forward. As we do so, He gives us peace and joy beyond anything this world has to offer.
July has almost come to a close and we have only had 3 days this summer of 90 degrees plus. What a blessing that has been.
Friday night we had a delightful evening with the mission president, his wife and the 22 senior missionaries who are serving here. We had a pot-luck dinner at the mission home, visited and then heart testimony from the 4 seniors who will be going back home in the next few weeks. We get together like this every other month. The assignments and thus the experiences of each companionship are quite different, but each companionship is having success and enjoying some sweet experiences.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and testify of its power to change lives for the better. I love my Savior and know that His Atoning blood can and will heal our every hurt, heartache, pain or concern if we will turn to Him in faith. As we draw upon that power, we truly are empowered from on high to press forward. I love serving and have the best companion anyone could ever hope for. May you feel the Savior's love in your life this week be blessed with tender mercies is my prayer for each of you.
Elder Taggart
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng
Amazingly we complete our 14th month here in Chicagoland this next week. I know I am getting older just because time is just screaming by. My what a journey this has been so far.
As I watch young missionaries come and go and witness the transformation in them as they come to know their Savior and strive to teach and apply the Atonement in their personal lives as well as to assist others to do the same, it is sweet to see the peace, the comfort, the confidence that comes into their lives. As I watch and hear of people struggling with all kinds of addictions, challenges and heartache embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, make significant changes in their lives and begin to live by faith in Christ and allow the healing balm of the Atonement to work in their lives, it is marvelous to know the miracles that come with the change they have made.
"Sweet is the peace the gospel brings". As we carry whatever load is ours to carry, we each have the opportunity to draw upon the Atoning blood of Christ and allow its healing balm to ease our burdens and give us the strength and courage to press forward. As we do so, He gives us peace and joy beyond anything this world has to offer.
July has almost come to a close and we have only had 3 days this summer of 90 degrees plus. What a blessing that has been.
Friday night we had a delightful evening with the mission president, his wife and the 22 senior missionaries who are serving here. We had a pot-luck dinner at the mission home, visited and then heart testimony from the 4 seniors who will be going back home in the next few weeks. We get together like this every other month. The assignments and thus the experiences of each companionship are quite different, but each companionship is having success and enjoying some sweet experiences.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and testify of its power to change lives for the better. I love my Savior and know that His Atoning blood can and will heal our every hurt, heartache, pain or concern if we will turn to Him in faith. As we draw upon that power, we truly are empowered from on high to press forward. I love serving and have the best companion anyone could ever hope for. May you feel the Savior's love in your life this week be blessed with tender mercies is my prayer for each of you.
Elder Taggart
Sunday, July 20, 2014
We are retired and I could have.......
July 20,2014
This week I realized we are retired! I know, it takes some people longer than others. This week I could have been shopping for patio furniture for our new house, but instead I got to attend a baptism. The furniture will weather and age but the new life this person accepted will continue through eternity.
This weekend I could be camping out with the 4 Utah children and their families but I drove to Buffalo Grove for a zone training meeting.
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Parking was tight,as you can see. I love our missionaries and their fun sense of humor. They thought Elder Taggart would be inspecting cars. I became part of the training as the President called Elder Taggart and I out of the congregation to share experiences as a stake president and I was ask to share why women don't need to hold the Priesthood. Made my day as several Elders and Sisters came up after and thanked us for our inspiring remarks. Made my day when one Sister told us we were "spiritual giants". Made my day when another cute Sister said," I looked at you as you spoke and I loved your outfit. The skirt had buttons and pockets and that vest, where did you buy that vest? I said to myself, 'why am I not wearing that outfit!'" LOL that is the ultimate compliment and flattery for a 63 year old bag!
I could have been sewing and quilting this week but instead I was sewing up slits in skirts so they are modest and seams in suits that had split out on bikes, and bottoms of suits that are threadbare. I also baked cookies for some Elders who mailed me their baptism form but I called and said I hadn't received it. When it is "my bad" they get a late of cookies.
I could be traveling the country with a retired husband but instead I ordered more supplies for missionaries. As I unloaded 31 cases of supplies onto my shelves, I was grateful for a strong back. Thank heavens I ordered German Books of Mormon. Our Missionary from Germany is teaching a German family he found in Evanston. I watch it happen over and over. Our Colombian Elder found a family fresh out of Colombia.....our Polish Sisters find Polish families, our Italian Sister finds those who speak Italian. God really is in the details of our lives.
I could be sleeping in, having leisure days but instead I arise at 6:30 AM and I am going strong until 10:30 or 11 PM. We commented to each other how simple life is, how much we love serving together, and how much we love these young missionaries we are working with. One of them put on his baptism form this week Chicago Illinois Steak. I have had a couple of those but I don't think that was what he was talking about.
Find the missionaries in your area and see if there is anything you can do for them this week. They like to eat, they love to teach, and they are willing to share their testimony with anyone.
We love you and someday.....we will retire.
Sister Taggart
This week I realized we are retired! I know, it takes some people longer than others. This week I could have been shopping for patio furniture for our new house, but instead I got to attend a baptism. The furniture will weather and age but the new life this person accepted will continue through eternity.
This weekend I could be camping out with the 4 Utah children and their families but I drove to Buffalo Grove for a zone training meeting.
Parking was tight,as you can see. I love our missionaries and their fun sense of humor. They thought Elder Taggart would be inspecting cars. I became part of the training as the President called Elder Taggart and I out of the congregation to share experiences as a stake president and I was ask to share why women don't need to hold the Priesthood. Made my day as several Elders and Sisters came up after and thanked us for our inspiring remarks. Made my day when one Sister told us we were "spiritual giants". Made my day when another cute Sister said," I looked at you as you spoke and I loved your outfit. The skirt had buttons and pockets and that vest, where did you buy that vest? I said to myself, 'why am I not wearing that outfit!'" LOL that is the ultimate compliment and flattery for a 63 year old bag!
I could have been sewing and quilting this week but instead I was sewing up slits in skirts so they are modest and seams in suits that had split out on bikes, and bottoms of suits that are threadbare. I also baked cookies for some Elders who mailed me their baptism form but I called and said I hadn't received it. When it is "my bad" they get a late of cookies.
I could be traveling the country with a retired husband but instead I ordered more supplies for missionaries. As I unloaded 31 cases of supplies onto my shelves, I was grateful for a strong back. Thank heavens I ordered German Books of Mormon. Our Missionary from Germany is teaching a German family he found in Evanston. I watch it happen over and over. Our Colombian Elder found a family fresh out of Colombia.....our Polish Sisters find Polish families, our Italian Sister finds those who speak Italian. God really is in the details of our lives.
I could be sleeping in, having leisure days but instead I arise at 6:30 AM and I am going strong until 10:30 or 11 PM. We commented to each other how simple life is, how much we love serving together, and how much we love these young missionaries we are working with. One of them put on his baptism form this week Chicago Illinois Steak. I have had a couple of those but I don't think that was what he was talking about.
Find the missionaries in your area and see if there is anything you can do for them this week. They like to eat, they love to teach, and they are willing to share their testimony with anyone.
We love you and someday.....we will retire.
Sister Taggart
Polar Vortex
Yes, we had a polar vortex this past week, but it was very welcome. Our highs were only in the 60's a couple of days and in the 70's the rest of the week. It was heavenly! But the air conditioning in our office, particularly mine, has not been working well. Even with lower temperatures outside, my office was 80.9 degrees when I took a picture of the thermometer another office Elder bought just to prove how hot it gets. So I emailed a couple pictures to the president of the bank of my office temp showing over 80 degrees. We had asked others to look into it but got no response. So I decided to just go straight to the top.
Well he, the bank president, came into my office this week to see what the temperature was. He agreed that it was totally unacceptable and immediately left our office and then came back with one of the vice presidents and two maintenance guys. They checked the air flow and temperature coming out of numerous vents and left with a promise that an HVAC guy would come in this Monday to determine what the problem is.
I have been concerned that I just might melt and end up just being a grease-spot on my chair. Haha. All of that sweating hasn't done a thing; I'm still short and stout. One of my sons said that I should do some stretches in my office and call it hot yoga, haha.
We attended a zone training meeting this week that Claudia mentioned. The mission president asked the two of us to come up off the cuff and share some thoughts with the missionaries. He asked me to share some feelings about experiences I had as a stake president helping people to allow and to feel the healing balm of the Atonement in their lives. It brought back a flood of memories of many people I grew to love while helping them to work through the repentance process. The power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and amazing as we allow it to work in our lives and help us to be whole again in so many ways.
We love the opportunity to attend these meetings just because it allows us to be around and to visit with the young missionaries. We love their enthusiasm and fire for life and their desire to be instruments in the hands of the Lord to bless the lives of others.
Help someone in your circle of influence feel the Savior's love this week through your love and example. Look for opportunities to be His hands in helping someone to know and feel His love. We love and miss you.
Elder Taggart
Well he, the bank president, came into my office this week to see what the temperature was. He agreed that it was totally unacceptable and immediately left our office and then came back with one of the vice presidents and two maintenance guys. They checked the air flow and temperature coming out of numerous vents and left with a promise that an HVAC guy would come in this Monday to determine what the problem is.
I have been concerned that I just might melt and end up just being a grease-spot on my chair. Haha. All of that sweating hasn't done a thing; I'm still short and stout. One of my sons said that I should do some stretches in my office and call it hot yoga, haha.
We attended a zone training meeting this week that Claudia mentioned. The mission president asked the two of us to come up off the cuff and share some thoughts with the missionaries. He asked me to share some feelings about experiences I had as a stake president helping people to allow and to feel the healing balm of the Atonement in their lives. It brought back a flood of memories of many people I grew to love while helping them to work through the repentance process. The power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and amazing as we allow it to work in our lives and help us to be whole again in so many ways.
We love the opportunity to attend these meetings just because it allows us to be around and to visit with the young missionaries. We love their enthusiasm and fire for life and their desire to be instruments in the hands of the Lord to bless the lives of others.
Help someone in your circle of influence feel the Savior's love this week through your love and example. Look for opportunities to be His hands in helping someone to know and feel His love. We love and miss you.
Elder Taggart
Sunday, July 13, 2014
14 people share one bathroom in Chicago
July 13, 2014
What a two weeks we have had. We mixed family with mission for 5 days and came out as dedicated as ever. Andrea and her family and Natalie and her family both came to see Chicago and us. We all had City Passes and saw the whole city. What fun to have cousins from Utah and Texas meet in Chicago to vacation. Our 700 sq. ft. condo was tested to the max for meals, games, and getting ready for the next adventure. One bathroom for 14 people is a stretch. Now, with experience, we can say what is worth seeing here. They loved deep-dish pizza---Chicago dogs, not so much. Our pool was perfect for the Utah people but much too cold for the Texas bunch. The Ruiz family in Northbrook took us in and made us feel part of their large family. Fireworks were right across the street from their 3 acres so we planted blankets and chairs on grass and enjoyed the show. We actually had to locate children after the show.They had made themselves right at home.
84 people were shot and 9 people killed over the 4th of July weekend here in Chicago. Now do you see why I didn't want to take my family downtown? This city is out of control. Blame flies all around but no one accepts responsibility. Corruption in city government doesn't help. Reminds me of the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon. We have survived two 4th of Julys here and I am relieved that I will celebrate in Utah next year.
84 people were shot and 9 people killed over the 4th of July weekend here in Chicago. Now do you see why I didn't want to take my family downtown? This city is out of control. Blame flies all around but no one accepts responsibility. Corruption in city government doesn't help. Reminds me of the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon. We have survived two 4th of Julys here and I am relieved that I will celebrate in Utah next year.
No sooner had we sent off our family ---our new missionaries arrived. Only four but how exciting for them and for us. The next day was transfers. 47 companionships changed. Where's Waldo begins anew. Then a sad testimony meeting with 6 departing missionaries who we have grown to love and appreciated for their strengths. I discovered, after having family here, this is where my heart is. I love these missionaries and it is hard to see them go home. Then there are the others.....
"Elder, do you have a baptism record for me?"
"Didn't you get it? We sent it to you."
"When did you sent it?"
"Today."
They need me. I love them. As we interact daily I see the growth that takes place over the months. Then when they "get it" they are released and go home. And we get new ones in who need us. As missionaries were in the office last week for transfers, I must have heard, "I love you, Sister Taggart." They really do.
On the 5th of July I had my 22nd referral baptism since I got here. We attended a baptism in our ward last night and drove an investigator to the service. I mended clothes for three missionaries this week. Little by little, we do good. This investigator had an automobile accident a few months ago. He went into a-fib, his heart stopped, he ran off the road, hit a tree, the airbag inflated, hitting him in the chest hard enough to start his heart back up. He determined then and there to bring as many people as he could to Jesus. So when our missionaries found him, his heart was receptive. In church today our lesson was on Temples and Eternal families. That struck a chord with him. He felt something. He wants his wife, who has passed away, to be his for eternity. Then in Priesthood meeting he learned about Family History and he wants to do that too. This Gospel is perfect for all who investigate with real intent to find the truth. It is exciting to see the light come on as investigators see what we are really all about and what we have to offer. We had 4 investigators in church today.
We love what we are doing. We love each other. We love The Lord. We have recommitted to give our all while we are here. The missionaries have already determined our house in American Fork, Utah will be the gathering place when we are finished here and many of them will be at BYU Provo. Maybe should have bought a bigger house?? Two of our sisters texted us the other night to see if we could go to the temple with them. They had permission to go and wanted us to go with them. We couldn't because of the transfer testimony meeting. Then they said, "We just like being around the two of you. We want a marriage just like yours when we get married. We love you both." My dad used to call them paydays. I call them tender mercies that come with the job. What a blessing this mission has been in both of our lives. We gave God the firstfruits of our retirement and it will be a blessing in our lives for years to come.
Now on to the next 10 months. It's GREAT!!!!
Have a great week. Be an example of the believers. Hug a kid. Go out of your comfort zone. You will be amazed at the difference you will make in someone else's life. We are living it!!!
Love,
Sister Taggart
Beautiful Country
We didn't write last week because we had both Andrea and Natalie's families here for a visit. We were too busy and having too much fun with the 12 of them; oh and we were frankly exhausted. We took Wednesday and Thursday before the 4th of July off and had 4 full days to see the sights and enjoy being together. We went to the planetarium, the aquarium, the Field Museum, the museum of science and industry, the sky deck at the Willis Tower, the Bean, Millenium Park, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Lincoln Park Zoo. A member of the ward we attend invited all 14 of us to join them for fireworks on the 4th. The mother of this large Hispanic family has 3 acres and every year they throw a big party to celebrate. We chose not to go over there until about 8:30 because we didn't feel comfortable bringing that many extra bodies to their BBQ, etc. After arriving, we wished we had gone earlier. They had probably 100-125 people there; one of their cousins is a DJ so they had music playing, two bounce houses, volleyball, a dunking tank, lots of desserts and lots of room to park. The grandkids and their parents had a ball playing and when it came time for the fireworks, we just spread blankets, etc on huge huge front yard and watched fireworks going off right across the street. While the fireworks went off, the DJ played patriotic music which made them even better.
Only one family (6) stayed in our 700 sq foot condo with us; the other one stayed 5 minutes away at The Courtyard. When it came time for bed, the entire living area of the dining room and living room floors were covered with sleeping pads we borrow we borrowed from the mission home. All 14 ate breakfast and most dinners in our humble abode; we tested the one bathroom to the max. We played games, played in the swimming pool both at our condo and at the hotel. We laughed, we cried and just had fun being together as family. The week was not without it's challenges, but those are always expected when large groups get together. Andrea, Natalie and families, thanks for making the very long drive to come visit grandma and grandpa.
As we watched fireworks, I couldn't help thinking about all the different places we have been and just how beautiful this world we live in is. Every area has its highlights and it's drawbacks; but every place we have been also has great beauty and much to see and do. We are so blessed to live in this beautiful country even with its challenges and struggles currently. I'm proud to be an American and I love the USA!
Natalie's family left on Monday morning and we went straight to the office to finish preparations for a new batch of missionaries who would arrive that day and training we would provide that night and the next day. On Tuesday of transfer week we play apple cart upset as the president moves missionaries around and changes companionships. 46 of the 102 companionships changed this week. That night we had dinner and a testimony meeting with those missionaries who had finished their mission and would return home the next morning. It is all a bit crazy but the thing we love about transfer week is being able to see lots of young missionaries whom we have adopted as grandchildren and have grown to love so much. So our grandchildren and their parents have returned home to their busy lives leaving us to focus our attention on the 208 here that will just have to do until we get another chance to see our own.
Wednesday night, after a full day at the office trying to sort out who went where, etc. we stayed up late and did 8 loads of laundry to make sure bedding, towels, etc. we're clean and ready for another use. We fell into bed, exhausted every night this week and I must admit that my body allowed me to sleep in until 8:00 twice this week. I almost felt guilty, but thought better of that. This getting old is up quite tiring at times.
This coming week, I would put my sales hat on and try to sell 3 cars, a van and a pick-up truck. I received 9 more bike racks this week. So by the end of next week, I will have had hitches installed and bike racks put on 27 vehicles. This has and will make it easier for missionaries to stay within their assigned mileage. Plus, when they are on a bike, it is easier to contact people. Last month was the first month we have stayed within our mileage allowance as an entire mission. Even at that, missionaries drove almost 85,000 miles and I approved over $16,000 in gas expenditures and $18,000 in maintenance and other repair costs. Accident repair was in addition to that. At times I feel like I am still running a business.
Last night we picked up an investigator and took him to a convert baptism with us. He is probably 84 ears old and his wife passed away three years ago. He was warmly welcomed and I know that he felt the Spirit of the Lord as he witnessed that ordinance and enjoyed some fellowship afterwards. He is coming to church today as well. I love being part of this great work of helping others to come unto Christ.
We love our family, we love the Lord, we love each other and each of you. We also love this great land in which we live and enjoyed being able to see more of it with those we love. Have a wonderful week and make time to tell someone that you love them.
Elder Taggart
Only one family (6) stayed in our 700 sq foot condo with us; the other one stayed 5 minutes away at The Courtyard. When it came time for bed, the entire living area of the dining room and living room floors were covered with sleeping pads we borrow we borrowed from the mission home. All 14 ate breakfast and most dinners in our humble abode; we tested the one bathroom to the max. We played games, played in the swimming pool both at our condo and at the hotel. We laughed, we cried and just had fun being together as family. The week was not without it's challenges, but those are always expected when large groups get together. Andrea, Natalie and families, thanks for making the very long drive to come visit grandma and grandpa.
As we watched fireworks, I couldn't help thinking about all the different places we have been and just how beautiful this world we live in is. Every area has its highlights and it's drawbacks; but every place we have been also has great beauty and much to see and do. We are so blessed to live in this beautiful country even with its challenges and struggles currently. I'm proud to be an American and I love the USA!
Natalie's family left on Monday morning and we went straight to the office to finish preparations for a new batch of missionaries who would arrive that day and training we would provide that night and the next day. On Tuesday of transfer week we play apple cart upset as the president moves missionaries around and changes companionships. 46 of the 102 companionships changed this week. That night we had dinner and a testimony meeting with those missionaries who had finished their mission and would return home the next morning. It is all a bit crazy but the thing we love about transfer week is being able to see lots of young missionaries whom we have adopted as grandchildren and have grown to love so much. So our grandchildren and their parents have returned home to their busy lives leaving us to focus our attention on the 208 here that will just have to do until we get another chance to see our own.
Wednesday night, after a full day at the office trying to sort out who went where, etc. we stayed up late and did 8 loads of laundry to make sure bedding, towels, etc. we're clean and ready for another use. We fell into bed, exhausted every night this week and I must admit that my body allowed me to sleep in until 8:00 twice this week. I almost felt guilty, but thought better of that. This getting old is up quite tiring at times.
This coming week, I would put my sales hat on and try to sell 3 cars, a van and a pick-up truck. I received 9 more bike racks this week. So by the end of next week, I will have had hitches installed and bike racks put on 27 vehicles. This has and will make it easier for missionaries to stay within their assigned mileage. Plus, when they are on a bike, it is easier to contact people. Last month was the first month we have stayed within our mileage allowance as an entire mission. Even at that, missionaries drove almost 85,000 miles and I approved over $16,000 in gas expenditures and $18,000 in maintenance and other repair costs. Accident repair was in addition to that. At times I feel like I am still running a business.
Last night we picked up an investigator and took him to a convert baptism with us. He is probably 84 ears old and his wife passed away three years ago. He was warmly welcomed and I know that he felt the Spirit of the Lord as he witnessed that ordinance and enjoyed some fellowship afterwards. He is coming to church today as well. I love being part of this great work of helping others to come unto Christ.
We love our family, we love the Lord, we love each other and each of you. We also love this great land in which we live and enjoyed being able to see more of it with those we love. Have a wonderful week and make time to tell someone that you love them.
Elder Taggart
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