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
No comments:
Post a Comment