If someone had told me a year and a half ago what I would be doing, I would have told them they were crazy. I never knew, as I sewed away in my perfect sewing room with a view, that millions and millions of people worked in cubicles just like the one I have now and never see the sun. I never knew when the Church boasts 83,000 young missionaries around the world, what is needed as far as a support team to keep them going. I never knew how pampered I have been to go on vacations several times a year....to see children or be there for grandkids' events or just take a few days away with my hubby. I never knew how many teenagers can run a computer or Ipad like a pro but lack basic problem solving skills. I didn't imagine that after telling my own children to clean their rooms and hang up their clothes I would have 209 teenagers to tell "clean your apartment, wash your sheets weekly, clean your bathroom."
A few examples: One Elder told me this week he never does dishes. He always uses paper plates and cups. One Elder went on splits this week and noticed a "smell". (I call it the "missionary smell.") When he asked the other missionary how often he washed his sheets, he matter-of-fact explained he only took his sheets off the bed if he was transferred to another area. It came to a head this week as 2 Elders had to leave their apartment because of infestation. They had to dispose of all of their food, wash everything washable, dry clean everything else, bug bomb the place numerous times, got rid of all the furniture and STILL ended up taking cockroaches to their new apartment. Now the church is having to pay to have the new place bombed with bug bombs and the new landlord is not a happy camper. The classic remark from one of them, "How did that cockroach get in our bottle of olive oil?"
Thus my letter to reprimand two Zone leaders who failed their apartment inspection and laughed it off. The Senior Elder over apartments laughed it off with them. So the inspectors came to me to plead their case and I got caught in the middle! Oh office politics, who knew????
We attended a wedding of the most recent convert in our ward. The President performed the ceremony in a backyard setting as rain dripped down on us. I love seeing people change their lives as Christ enters in, even if it means lots of bug bites on my legs and a dripping wet outfit. We have grown close to this family and many others in this ward. (note to self, always use insect repellent before attending a wedding.)
We had Sister missionaries to dinner Tues. night. I prepared Hawaiian haystacks because it was quick and easy. The one from Poland thought it was the most wondrous American meal she has had and wanted the recipe. LOL!!! The other Sister is from Gilbert, AZ and this meal was one of her favorites as she was growing up. Our Polish Sister brought 4 more skirts for me to alter--" hem two up 4 inches, take this waist in 2", and could you add 1 1/2 " to the waist of this skirt? I got it on sale and it's too small." I accomplished her wishes in three hours. Two more pair of slacks for our AP and this week alterations on the wedding line dress for the wife of our President. Their son gets married this month in the Chicago Illinois Temple so both his parents can attend. (Mission Presidents are not allowed to leave their mission area for 3 years) Again, I never imagined what bringing my sewing machine would do for so many--well over 100 alterations or repairs in a year. I found out missionaries move into an apartment where clothes have been left by other missionaries who have gone home, so they bring things to me so I can make them fit them.
Thursday, Aug 7, 2014, 2:00 PM "there is a shooter still at large in this area. Please inform your missionaries they should remain vigilant and in their homes as police continue to address the problem." Our job is to help keep our missionaries safe. This e-mail came from one of our landlords. They watch and worry about our missionaries too. Phone calls went out immediately to those in that area. Gotta love Chicago.
I must confess, I have always been a homebody. Going to the office day in and day out gets to me. I have covered my gray cubicle with tropical fabric. I look forward to Saturday, P-day (Preparation day) every single week. It breaks up the routine. I can stay home all day if I want. This week we were going to do a fun activity. Elder Taggart's phone started ringing at 7:45 AM and did not let up at all. Flat tires, broken Ipads, lost phones, cars in the shop, it never ends. 15 phone calls later we jumped in the car and headed for the shores of Lake Michigan. If they planted palm trees every so often you would think you were in Hawaii. We just walked along the sand, sat on rocks and listened to the waves coming in and out, and talked. No swimsuits or picnic or even beach chairs. We miss the water. We miss vacationing. We didn't expect that. A few hours on the beach and my batteries were charged again.
A Sister who goes home next transfer has started mourning the end of her mission. She has come to accept this as "home". She goes back to a good active family but Chicago is where she has made a difference. As you read the Book of Mormon, one theme that runs through and through is what an impact one individual can make, for good or bad. "He did cause" or "he caused" jumps out of many pages. As we face this next week, let's notice what we cause. Take a step back and see if you are making a difference. One thing I decided to do this week is to write 5 notes of praise and gratitude to 5 individuals. I don't know if it will make a difference or have any impact on those 5 missionaries but it made me feel better. I love you and miss you.
Sister Taggart
Illinois Chicago Mission
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