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.

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