"Adam fell that men might be; men are that they might have joy." I
taught the Gospel principles class today and the lesson was on the fall
of Adam and Eve. We had a great discussion and after the class an
investigator who has been coming for many weeks came up and thanked me
for the lesson. He said he had never heard the story of Adam and Eve
told that way and he really appreciated the perspective. Thanks to
modern revelation, we know that both Adam and Eve should be thanked for
the difficult decision they made to partake of the fruit. Had they not
done so, none of us would be here and none of us would know joy and
sorrow, health and sickness, pleasure and pain. None of us would have
children and the multitude of opportunities to learn, grow and enjoy
this mortal life. Had they not made that choice, which was always part
of Father's plan, they would still be lounging around in the garden
being provided for.
A 2012 Ford Fusion was totaled this week
after two Sisters made a left-hand turn in front of on-coming traffic
causing almost $7,000 damage to our car and almost $6,000 to the other
car. Fortunately all involved were ok, with none sustaining any major
injuries. Sadly for those Sisters, now neither one of them can drive
because the companion had already lost her driving privileges for a
similar accident the first time she drove. So they are now on bikes
until the president can make a change of companions for both of them.
Thursday
we came out to our car to go drive a car to the body shop to be remove
dents and scratches so that I can sell it. To my surprise, my car
wouldn't start; nothing but a click, click, click when I turned the key.
Fortunately some Elders were at the office so I had them give me a
jump. After getting a new battery, we were back on the road again.
As
the Elders pulled up to my car, I noticed a dent/crease in the hood of
their car. When I asked about it, the two of them looked at each other
with that look of, oh no, we've been caught. It seems after District
meeting this week, the Elder who was backing the driver up, jumped on
the hood after he had backed his companion up. This Elder is maybe 4'
10" tall and weighs maybe 100 lbs. dripping wet. And yet, he out a nice
crease and dent in the hood. I believe the hood will have to be
replaced. "...the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth to
the very center" they were both remorseful and apologized when I saw
them at church today.
As we walked into church today, a man from
the ward who met earlier looked at us and said, "Taggart, do you know
Wayne DeMeester from Redmond, WA?" It is such a small world in the
church; his father, Wayne, and I served as bishops of different wards at
the same time. This young son looks so much like his father, it took me
back many years to when we both served. Remember who you are and what
you stand for because you never know when you might see someone who
knows you or knows of you.
I wouldn't have seen this man, except
we were at the church an hour early for choir practice. The choir
started practices las week for the Christmas program. I must say, it is
really fun to not have a responsible calling that makes it so I can't
sing in the choir. I am loving it.
Our oldest grandchild
returned from her mission to the Dominican Republic this last Thursday
night. We had a nice phone visit with her on Friday. We are thrilled for
the experiences she has had and the people she has met as she has
served. Her life will never be the same because of the experiences and
growth she had on her mission. We love you Brianne and wish we could
have been there to welcome you home. Missing family events with children
and grandchildren is the hardest things about serving a Sr. Mission.
But we are being blessed and so is our posterity because of our
willingness to consecrate this time to the Lord. Hopefully they all
notice the blessings and miracles that are taking place.
Make
time this week to notice the blessings and miracles that are around you
every day. Take time to find joy in the journey, regardless of where you
are in this journey of life and the journey of becoming more like the
Savior. We love you.
Elder Taggart
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Happy to be me
October 26, 2014
We were just coming out of the grocery store yesterday when I saw her.....my dream. Across the street was a garage sale extraordinaire and she had been pushed off to the edge. I realized her value and sprung into action. "Elder Taggart, we must go to that garage sale." His concerns were what his concerns always are, where would we put it, you will want to take it home, we only have 6 months left, you don't need it. What a stick in the mud. That wringer washing machine had my name all over it. "We can put it in the Crooks apartment.....in their kitchen. They will be gone in three weeks." Elder Taggart was still not buying it. We would still need to dry the clothes. Where did I propose we do that? "The Crooks apartment.....in their bedroom, their bathroom, their livingroom and dining area. We could stretch clotheslines all over their apartment." He still wasn't buying it. I had fond memories of wringer washing machines. My mother used one well into the 60's. My arm got caught in the wringer when I was a little girl. I loved watching that wringer squeeze all the water out of the clothes. When we got married, I hated the laundromat. Such a waste of time. Then another poor college student got an automatic washing machine and asked me if I would like her wringer washer. I jumped all over it. I could wash diapers, as many cycles as I wanted, and then dry them on the heater in our living room. It took 10 minutes per side and you could dry 4 at a time. It consumed most of my time but I didn't have to leave the house. I could feed Allison, do dishes, sweep floors, read a book all at the same time I was drying the laundry. Long story short, we didn't buy the washer yesterday. Sometimes sanity does prevail in our relationship.
So you are probably expecting something new and exciting....but we do a very routine job. I drove a car behind Elder Taggart to Waukegan this week. The leaves have gone from vibrant to drab. That's to get you in the proper frame of mind for winter here, I've decided. Just when I was ready for a dull day, I read a sign that made me laugh out loud....DUMB BODIES FROM $1560. The Mafia or a gang of thugs? No, it was a truck company specializing in dump capabilities. Only in Chicago would you think it applied to something else.
"Sister Taggart, we are at the address of 2 referrals you sent us and we are looking at a race track." ( It had said "gated community" on the referral and I guess that could apply) A young missionary who was in the office at the time said, "Not only did they deceive servants of The Lord---they lied about their address.....but we could fix all that with baptism." I love our missionaries optimism.
One Elder has been walking to try to get his weight down. He has lost 60 pounds in 6 months and looks great....except his suit looks saggy-baggy now. We have offered to pay for alterations but he declined. Last week a suit was "found" while cleaning an apartment. The Elder brought it to the mission home. Sister Woodbury had it cleaned then took it to a meeting this other Elder would be at. It was a perfect fit. I love being part of the miracles in our missionaries' lives.
Remember the Romanian family who asked for Spanish speaking missionaries and then couldn't understand them....so they asked for English speaking because they could understand Greek? The rest of the story....the English Sisters were at their wits end. While talking to their ward mission leader, they said the Romanians understand Greek because they were Greek Orthodox. This leader said, "Our Bishop's wife used to be Greek Orthodox and speaks Greek fluently." Problem solved. The Romanians are now being taught. I love seeing tender mercies that only God could put into place.
Our Australian Sister got here 2 months ago and saw the need to get a drivers license. She needed two forms of 10 and her passport only counted as one. At the license bureau they suggested she get a social security card. She had it within a week.( another whole chapter could be dedicated to what is wrong with this picture but I'm to have no political opinions while I'm a missionary.) She took the written test, only mission a few. Then they said she would need to take a driving test. She has never driven a car where everything is on the opposite side, including the road!! She got the ornery lady too. She passed the driving test and the two were fast friends by the end. Turns out the ornery lady has family near Perth, Australia. Small world or a miracle for this Sister so she can be a more effective servant of The Lord?
Our granddaughter Brianne is home from her mission in the Dominican Republic and we visited with her. We are so proud of her accomplishments and so grateful she is back in the U.S.
"Do you currently have a CO2 detector in your apartment?"
"No."
"Do you have a gas stove?"
"Yes, Isn't that the one where the coils turn red on the top of the stove?"
"No, that's the one where you turn on the stove and see fire."
"Then we don't have gas."
I love the innocence of our missionaries. We send them out into the world with so little worldly knowledge and yet they bring the most priceless message to so many.
I'm still laughing. I still have a testimony. I still love my companion. I'm still glad we chose to serve a mission. I still miss my family. I'm still learning. I still wish I had bought that wringer washer. Life is good.
Love,
Sister Taggart
We were just coming out of the grocery store yesterday when I saw her.....my dream. Across the street was a garage sale extraordinaire and she had been pushed off to the edge. I realized her value and sprung into action. "Elder Taggart, we must go to that garage sale." His concerns were what his concerns always are, where would we put it, you will want to take it home, we only have 6 months left, you don't need it. What a stick in the mud. That wringer washing machine had my name all over it. "We can put it in the Crooks apartment.....in their kitchen. They will be gone in three weeks." Elder Taggart was still not buying it. We would still need to dry the clothes. Where did I propose we do that? "The Crooks apartment.....in their bedroom, their bathroom, their livingroom and dining area. We could stretch clotheslines all over their apartment." He still wasn't buying it. I had fond memories of wringer washing machines. My mother used one well into the 60's. My arm got caught in the wringer when I was a little girl. I loved watching that wringer squeeze all the water out of the clothes. When we got married, I hated the laundromat. Such a waste of time. Then another poor college student got an automatic washing machine and asked me if I would like her wringer washer. I jumped all over it. I could wash diapers, as many cycles as I wanted, and then dry them on the heater in our living room. It took 10 minutes per side and you could dry 4 at a time. It consumed most of my time but I didn't have to leave the house. I could feed Allison, do dishes, sweep floors, read a book all at the same time I was drying the laundry. Long story short, we didn't buy the washer yesterday. Sometimes sanity does prevail in our relationship.
So you are probably expecting something new and exciting....but we do a very routine job. I drove a car behind Elder Taggart to Waukegan this week. The leaves have gone from vibrant to drab. That's to get you in the proper frame of mind for winter here, I've decided. Just when I was ready for a dull day, I read a sign that made me laugh out loud....DUMB BODIES FROM $1560. The Mafia or a gang of thugs? No, it was a truck company specializing in dump capabilities. Only in Chicago would you think it applied to something else.
"Sister Taggart, we are at the address of 2 referrals you sent us and we are looking at a race track." ( It had said "gated community" on the referral and I guess that could apply) A young missionary who was in the office at the time said, "Not only did they deceive servants of The Lord---they lied about their address.....but we could fix all that with baptism." I love our missionaries optimism.
One Elder has been walking to try to get his weight down. He has lost 60 pounds in 6 months and looks great....except his suit looks saggy-baggy now. We have offered to pay for alterations but he declined. Last week a suit was "found" while cleaning an apartment. The Elder brought it to the mission home. Sister Woodbury had it cleaned then took it to a meeting this other Elder would be at. It was a perfect fit. I love being part of the miracles in our missionaries' lives.
Remember the Romanian family who asked for Spanish speaking missionaries and then couldn't understand them....so they asked for English speaking because they could understand Greek? The rest of the story....the English Sisters were at their wits end. While talking to their ward mission leader, they said the Romanians understand Greek because they were Greek Orthodox. This leader said, "Our Bishop's wife used to be Greek Orthodox and speaks Greek fluently." Problem solved. The Romanians are now being taught. I love seeing tender mercies that only God could put into place.
Our Australian Sister got here 2 months ago and saw the need to get a drivers license. She needed two forms of 10 and her passport only counted as one. At the license bureau they suggested she get a social security card. She had it within a week.( another whole chapter could be dedicated to what is wrong with this picture but I'm to have no political opinions while I'm a missionary.) She took the written test, only mission a few. Then they said she would need to take a driving test. She has never driven a car where everything is on the opposite side, including the road!! She got the ornery lady too. She passed the driving test and the two were fast friends by the end. Turns out the ornery lady has family near Perth, Australia. Small world or a miracle for this Sister so she can be a more effective servant of The Lord?
Our granddaughter Brianne is home from her mission in the Dominican Republic and we visited with her. We are so proud of her accomplishments and so grateful she is back in the U.S.
"Do you currently have a CO2 detector in your apartment?"
"No."
"Do you have a gas stove?"
"Yes, Isn't that the one where the coils turn red on the top of the stove?"
"No, that's the one where you turn on the stove and see fire."
"Then we don't have gas."
I love the innocence of our missionaries. We send them out into the world with so little worldly knowledge and yet they bring the most priceless message to so many.
I'm still laughing. I still have a testimony. I still love my companion. I'm still glad we chose to serve a mission. I still miss my family. I'm still learning. I still wish I had bought that wringer washer. Life is good.
Love,
Sister Taggart
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Seasons
Yesterday, we enjoyed the beauties and wonders of nature. When I asked
Claudia what she wanted for breakfast before we headed out, she said,
let's go to Dunkin Donuts and get some donuts and hot chocolate; that's a
perfect way to start a fall day. So, with donuts and hot chocolate in
hand, we drove to one of the forest preserves to admire and to take
pictures of the beautiful fall leaves. We sat in the parking lot and
enjoyed our yummy, but not so healthy breakfast and then walked to
explore the leaves. I know that my ability to see colors has not
improved, but for whatever reason, the colors this fall just seem to be
far more brilliant to my eye.
We drove from that preserve into another and we're awed by the beauties of nature. As we walked, we listened to and watched geese flying South for the inevitable winter weather soon to be upon us. As we strolled hand in hand, I couldn't help but think of just how blessed I am to know that a loving Father in Heaven has provided this beautiful earth and a myriad of creatures and plant life to make our journey here even more enjoyable. On top of that, He gave us companions, family and friends to further enhance the journey.
Much like the seasons of the weather that provide variety, beauty and challenges, he also provides different seasons in our lives. I reflect on the season of a house full of little children and the joys, demands and experiences of those years. I remember the season of teenagers and young adults eager to spread their wings and experience the wonders of life; always wishing they were adults so they could do what they wanted to do.
I reflect on the season of supporting missionaries and college students which lead right into the season of weddings and the start of new lives together and the start of new families.
Through all of those seasons, was the season to work and toil to earn a living and provide for the necessities of life and a few of the pleasures. Through all of those seasons, there are ups and downs, challenges and frustrations, heartache and joy, laughter and tears, opportunities to serve. And all of this so that we can learn, grow and become and experience all that is necessary for us to return to our heavenly home.
I'm grateful to be in the season of life that I am. Most of the worries and cares of those earlier seasons are behind me and I can enjoy the fall of my life, serving side by side my sweetheart and having time to just walk among the leaves and enjoy the things around me. I am blessed beyond measure and know that I am known and loved by the Father of all, who wants me to continue to work on becoming like him so that I can enjoy the seasons that lie ahead.
I encourage you to take pause to reflect on whatever season you are in and enjoy the wonders of life that surround you. I know that as sure as winter follows fall, a loving Father in Heaven knows us and loves us and is there to cheer us on and encourage us to stay the course. May you have a marvelous week enjoying whatever season you are in. I love you.
Elder Taggart
We drove from that preserve into another and we're awed by the beauties of nature. As we walked, we listened to and watched geese flying South for the inevitable winter weather soon to be upon us. As we strolled hand in hand, I couldn't help but think of just how blessed I am to know that a loving Father in Heaven has provided this beautiful earth and a myriad of creatures and plant life to make our journey here even more enjoyable. On top of that, He gave us companions, family and friends to further enhance the journey.
Much like the seasons of the weather that provide variety, beauty and challenges, he also provides different seasons in our lives. I reflect on the season of a house full of little children and the joys, demands and experiences of those years. I remember the season of teenagers and young adults eager to spread their wings and experience the wonders of life; always wishing they were adults so they could do what they wanted to do.
I reflect on the season of supporting missionaries and college students which lead right into the season of weddings and the start of new lives together and the start of new families.
Through all of those seasons, was the season to work and toil to earn a living and provide for the necessities of life and a few of the pleasures. Through all of those seasons, there are ups and downs, challenges and frustrations, heartache and joy, laughter and tears, opportunities to serve. And all of this so that we can learn, grow and become and experience all that is necessary for us to return to our heavenly home.
I'm grateful to be in the season of life that I am. Most of the worries and cares of those earlier seasons are behind me and I can enjoy the fall of my life, serving side by side my sweetheart and having time to just walk among the leaves and enjoy the things around me. I am blessed beyond measure and know that I am known and loved by the Father of all, who wants me to continue to work on becoming like him so that I can enjoy the seasons that lie ahead.
I encourage you to take pause to reflect on whatever season you are in and enjoy the wonders of life that surround you. I know that as sure as winter follows fall, a loving Father in Heaven knows us and loves us and is there to cheer us on and encourage us to stay the course. May you have a marvelous week enjoying whatever season you are in. I love you.
Elder Taggart
Taking things for granted
October 19,2014
I have decided that most, if not all, of us take things for granted. Elder Taggart and I have decided there will be things after our mission we will never take for granted again. We had a whole conversation about the wonder of a washing machine and a dryer---in our own living space---that will not require quarters or monitoring. We unlock four doors, walk outside and passed three apartments to get to our washing facility. One night last week we had intended to do laundry but we were out of quarters. Bills in your wallet can't get the clothes washed. Ah--- the wonder of a laundry room within the walls of your own home!
Marina bore her testimony last Sunday about the wonder of our libraries. She is from the Soviet Union turned Ukraine and has been here about 20 years. She has a PHD in physics. As a little girl, her library contained only books of science and history with a twist of propaganda. No novels, no books of poetry or religion. No children's books that could take you away, like Treasure Island. I love Marina. I love her laugh and the way she talks and her two sons (10 & 12) who can't leave each other alone on the church pew. Books have always been a love of mine but I can't have a library card here in Glenview. Since we live in unincorporated Glenview, it would cost me $350 per year to have a library card. Thrift stores abound in good books and other than scriptures, I have little time to read here anyway. But America has libraries---thousands of them--- full of every kind of reading a person could want. Most of us take that for granted. My library within walking distance in American Fork will be seeing a lot of me when I get home.
All of us have families. They may vary as to size and location but we all have a family. A family should be our safe place, our refuge from the world. Lately we have had missionaries dread going home because that is not their reality. A couple of these missionaries are the only members of the church in their family. Parents have disowned them or told them they can come home if they deny their testimonies. For 18 to 24 months they have been out here testifying of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the true church. They become converted themselves. They watch the miracle of change taking place in dozens of lives as they teach people here and as those people embrace Jesus in their own lives. I guess I took for granted my childhood home where I was always safe being who I was. It makes me want to come home and open my home to all the unwanted returned missionaries.
I chuckled at pieces of mail this week. A grandma sent a letter with an Easter seal instead of a stamp and it arrived. We received 4 Halloween boxes from a mother of one of our elders--one for her son and 3 for elders who never receive anything from home. Another mother of one of our sisters sends letters to two of our sisters and two of our elders who never get mail. Such a little thing you may say.....but this mother has 9 children and three of them are on missions right now. She doesn't take for granted someone else will make sure all the missionaries get a letter. She is proactive and somehow finds the time to write those letters.
We had elders to dinner on Monday night. We had sisters to dinner on Tuesday night. We fixed soup and thought nothing of it. Later we received a note from the sisters. " we were having an off day and then we came to your home where we felt loved and the Spirit so strongly. By coming to your home set the tone for the rest of the night. After dinner we taught our investigator. Missionaries have been working with him for about a year. Because of your love and example to us we were able to teach him in the right frame of mind. He committed to baptism Nov 1st. Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being my grandparents away from home." I took for granted I was just giving them a bowl of soup. We often forget what is felt in our homes by others.
I took for granted when these Elders and Sisters complete their missions they are done with us. Not so. I received a Facebook chat from a sister who went home last transfer. She wondered if my grandson, who I collect stamps for, would like her whole stamp collection? She lived in Lehi and he lives in Draper.....why not??? I think we will stay connected to all of these missionaries.
We attended a baptism last night. Never take for granted your membership in this church. This young man has been on a journey, first searching for a wife, then a church. He married a less-active Mormon. They were both at a cross-road. The week he was to fast and pray about his decision to be baptized or not, he came down with a horrible flu. He decided the decision could not be postponed, so he fasted during the flu. She also had to decide if she was willing to commit to church attendance and never look back to inactivity. Never take for granted the Light of Christ you radiate once you commit to following Him. It is real. He was baptized and now their sights are set on a temple sealing a year from now.
Last. Never take your friends for granted. Yesterday I jumped in the car with my best friend and companion for our P-day adventure. We stopped at Dunkin donuts for hot chocolate and a donut and then drove to a forest preserve for breakfast and a photo safari. Both armed with cameras we tried to capture the beautiful fall leaves. We won't be here another fall to enjoy them so we wanted to capture the moment. I capture many moments with this friend of mine. We try not to ever take our time together for granted.
We love and miss you,
Sister Taggart
I have decided that most, if not all, of us take things for granted. Elder Taggart and I have decided there will be things after our mission we will never take for granted again. We had a whole conversation about the wonder of a washing machine and a dryer---in our own living space---that will not require quarters or monitoring. We unlock four doors, walk outside and passed three apartments to get to our washing facility. One night last week we had intended to do laundry but we were out of quarters. Bills in your wallet can't get the clothes washed. Ah--- the wonder of a laundry room within the walls of your own home!
Marina bore her testimony last Sunday about the wonder of our libraries. She is from the Soviet Union turned Ukraine and has been here about 20 years. She has a PHD in physics. As a little girl, her library contained only books of science and history with a twist of propaganda. No novels, no books of poetry or religion. No children's books that could take you away, like Treasure Island. I love Marina. I love her laugh and the way she talks and her two sons (10 & 12) who can't leave each other alone on the church pew. Books have always been a love of mine but I can't have a library card here in Glenview. Since we live in unincorporated Glenview, it would cost me $350 per year to have a library card. Thrift stores abound in good books and other than scriptures, I have little time to read here anyway. But America has libraries---thousands of them--- full of every kind of reading a person could want. Most of us take that for granted. My library within walking distance in American Fork will be seeing a lot of me when I get home.
All of us have families. They may vary as to size and location but we all have a family. A family should be our safe place, our refuge from the world. Lately we have had missionaries dread going home because that is not their reality. A couple of these missionaries are the only members of the church in their family. Parents have disowned them or told them they can come home if they deny their testimonies. For 18 to 24 months they have been out here testifying of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the true church. They become converted themselves. They watch the miracle of change taking place in dozens of lives as they teach people here and as those people embrace Jesus in their own lives. I guess I took for granted my childhood home where I was always safe being who I was. It makes me want to come home and open my home to all the unwanted returned missionaries.
I chuckled at pieces of mail this week. A grandma sent a letter with an Easter seal instead of a stamp and it arrived. We received 4 Halloween boxes from a mother of one of our elders--one for her son and 3 for elders who never receive anything from home. Another mother of one of our sisters sends letters to two of our sisters and two of our elders who never get mail. Such a little thing you may say.....but this mother has 9 children and three of them are on missions right now. She doesn't take for granted someone else will make sure all the missionaries get a letter. She is proactive and somehow finds the time to write those letters.
We had elders to dinner on Monday night. We had sisters to dinner on Tuesday night. We fixed soup and thought nothing of it. Later we received a note from the sisters. " we were having an off day and then we came to your home where we felt loved and the Spirit so strongly. By coming to your home set the tone for the rest of the night. After dinner we taught our investigator. Missionaries have been working with him for about a year. Because of your love and example to us we were able to teach him in the right frame of mind. He committed to baptism Nov 1st. Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being my grandparents away from home." I took for granted I was just giving them a bowl of soup. We often forget what is felt in our homes by others.
I took for granted when these Elders and Sisters complete their missions they are done with us. Not so. I received a Facebook chat from a sister who went home last transfer. She wondered if my grandson, who I collect stamps for, would like her whole stamp collection? She lived in Lehi and he lives in Draper.....why not??? I think we will stay connected to all of these missionaries.
We attended a baptism last night. Never take for granted your membership in this church. This young man has been on a journey, first searching for a wife, then a church. He married a less-active Mormon. They were both at a cross-road. The week he was to fast and pray about his decision to be baptized or not, he came down with a horrible flu. He decided the decision could not be postponed, so he fasted during the flu. She also had to decide if she was willing to commit to church attendance and never look back to inactivity. Never take for granted the Light of Christ you radiate once you commit to following Him. It is real. He was baptized and now their sights are set on a temple sealing a year from now.
Last. Never take your friends for granted. Yesterday I jumped in the car with my best friend and companion for our P-day adventure. We stopped at Dunkin donuts for hot chocolate and a donut and then drove to a forest preserve for breakfast and a photo safari. Both armed with cameras we tried to capture the beautiful fall leaves. We won't be here another fall to enjoy them so we wanted to capture the moment. I capture many moments with this friend of mine. We try not to ever take our time together for granted.
We love and miss you,
Sister Taggart
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Elder Taggart, I have a question
This picture was taken yesterday at the beach on Lake Michigan. We decided to go to the beach one more time before snow flies. The drive was beautiful because of the gorgeous fall leaves, listening to the waves was soothing and being with my favorite person made it a great day.
Our granddaughter, Morgan Taggart was baptized as a member of the Church yesterday in Texas. She is the 4th grandchild baptism we have missed while serving here. We would have loved to be there. We love you Morgan and are proud of the decision you have made.
We saw the new movie, "Meet the Mormons". If you haven't seen it, make time to do so. It is well done and will make you laugh as well as cry.
My whole week has been filled with questions.
-Elder Taggart, we accidentally put diesel in the gas tank. What should we do? $935 later, the car was fixed.
-Elder Taggart, we just got a ticket for having expired license tabs (3 companionships).
-Me, have you checked in the glove box and the apartment because I gave those to Elder or Sister _____ months ago? Two of them found them in the glove box; the other one remembers seeing it on their desk but thanks that it must have been thrown away.
-Elder Taggart, we need to get an oil change and tire rotation. Do we have to pay for that? These are two Elders who have been out for over a year, but who have obviously not paid attention to any training given.
-Me, Elders, take your car into Pep Boys. We not only have have a fleet account with them, but we are their oldest and largest client. They will bill me.
-Chief, the Sisters in our ward have been riding bikes because their car is in the shop for accident repair. Can we let them use our car and we will ride bikes? Very thoughtful and kind.
-Elder Taggart, I really thought you would yell at me for not paying attention causing me to hit a curb and cause a blow-out. Thanks for being so calm. I promise I will be more attentive.
-Elder Taggart, Pep Boys just changed our oil and told us that the top of our dip stick is broken off. They can't get the dipstick out. Mind you, this is the first oil change on this brand new car. We're not sure how it got broken; maybe the Elders did it when they checked our oil.
-Two months ago I put 4 brand new rims, tires and hubcaps on a Subaru because the rims were badly bent from hitting things making it so the seal on the tires wouldn't hold. This week I get a car inspection report from the District leaders indicating that the car didn't have any hubcaps on it. I call the Elders - Why doesn't your car have any hubcaps?
-Elders ____& ____ said one of the hubcaps came off, so they took them all off so the car wouldn't look funny. Besides, the car looks really cool here in the "hood" without hubcaps.
-Elders, take your car into Pep Boys and have them put another new hubcap plus the other three on. We don't want the cars to look cool; we want them to reflect the image of the Church and your sacred calling.
-Me- I call the previous Elders and ask them what they hit to bend a brand new rim and cause a hubcap to come off.
-We didn't hit anything. The hubcap just came off.
-Me- then why is the rim bent enough that they aren't sure they can fix it?
-Well, maybe we did hit a pothole pretty hard
Sorry, but this has honestly been my week with cars. All of the missionaries are required to log their car mileage every day and then turn that report into me at the end of the month along with their gas receipts. One companionship who are on bikes felt left out. So they logged their bike miles every day and turned that report into me. They had honestly ridden 451.8 miles for the months. And they said that this had been a light month.
We picked up four 2015 Toyota Corolla's this week. And so the process of assigning those new ones and having the old ones prepared to sell begins again. I have 10 new vehicles on order, so I will soon be selling more cars.
I love my missionaries, but I have lost some hair and definitely do have more grey hair because of them. Needless to say, my weeks are never dull.
The Lord is my light and my strength. Being in His employ makes all that I do worth it. I love Him and love being able to serve Him even when most of my time is spent dealing with car, iPad and cell phone issues so that the young missionaries can invite others to come unto Christ. I pray that you will feel of His love this week.
Elder Taggart, the car czar
Friday, October 10, 2014
Communication.....ain't it great?????
October 10,2014
Most of my frustrations come from non-functioning technology or lack of communication at all. My patriarchal blessing tells me not to waste any energy on frustration. That word is mentioned three times in the blessing. Did Someone know me or what ? I have grown to dislike intensely any mention of patience or frustration. I suffer from the lack one....which leads to an over abundance of the other. A few cases at point this week:
My maps on the referral system were down four whole days this week. I calmly called the Referral Hotline on day 2 to see if I was the problem or if the system was yet again having issues. ( this is a common theme, I know, since last week my whole system was frozen) I was assured I was not the only one having problems and in 2 days they would have a meeting with the software programmers . So rather than being " frustrated" , I went home and spent the afternoon working on slacks that needed mending (3 pairs) and started a few Christmas projects for missionaries. (40 this year who never get a letter or box) May I just say how nice it is to mend dark pants with dark thread in sunlight where I can actually see what I am doing? I was also able to fix dinner early for the Sisters we had over that evening. I did referrals all week with Google Earth maps but it takes twice the time and it is harder to pinpoint areas where a ward has 10 missionaries in one ward.
2) I got a referral last week for a couple from Romania who speak Romanian but requested Spanish speaking missionaries because they thought they could understand them. So I assigned Spanish speaking sisters. Three days later I get a phone call from these sisters--"sister Taggart, we couldn't understand them and they couldn't understand us. It was a disaster."
" so what do we do now?"
"Well, they have requested English speaking missionaries because they (the Romanians) speak Greek and they think they can understand English speaking better."
Don't even ask. I copied that conversation word for word.
3) I broke all records waiting on the line for the Church Distribution Center this week. 1 hour 47 min. Of music and the spoken word....." All of our representatives are assisting other callers at this time. Your call is very important to us. Please stay on the line and your call will be handled in the order it was received." FRUSTRATION to the max. Do I hand up and maybe lose my place? I addressed 30 letters while waiting. My neck starts to hurt. I clean out a drawer. My neck may be permanently tilted. I used my cell phone to call the Global Hotline....all while I was on hold. My cell phone answered first " why is the distribution center not answering their phone today?" I asked in the nicest voice I could muster with my kinked neck and patience worn to a frazzle.
" why did you phone them? Their email is working."
"I'm not just ordering. I have a question about new pass-along cards."
"Well maybe I can help you."
" I need 100 extra Ensign magazines, October 2014 for the most recent General Conference."
"OK--October 2014 conference Ensigns. Those will come the first 10 days of November."
" Is there a packet of pictures of the Savior to be given out with these new pass-along cards in Spanish?"
" Oh yes. They come with six pictures of the Savior and they are $3 per packet. That program was so successful in South America they decided to make it available here."
I'm still choking on the price....."OK, I'll order 50 packets please." We'll see how it goes before I order more. We are a Spanish speaking mission after all.
Then I asked her about the other phone call where the music is still playing and the voice is still telling me how very important my call is.
"What number did you call?"
I tell her.
" oh, that number was disconnected weeks ago. Here is the new number."
Frustration? I could have been on hold for eternity. Why not put a message on it " this number is no longer in service. Our new number is....." They could even play a little music to go with the message........it gets even better. I click onto my computer to find my order confirmation. She had ordered 100 of the November Ensign to be delivered in December. So I guess half my missionaries will get their Ensign in November and the other half will get it in December. I give up.
So you can see life goes on in the Big City. We went to see MEET THE MORMONS and we were mostly pleased with the reactions of our missionaries. What a good cross section of the world and people of our faith.
I sent my first large bag to Salvation Army this week. Watching other senior couples leave and try to " keep it all" was a wake up call for me. Crooks leave Nov 15 and are in the process of training the Abbotts. The Abbotts have not had enough to keep them really busy daily and this will fill in their time. She is the mission nurse and that job comes in waves. At first we thought we would be picking up all of their assignments in addition to ours so we are happy they have stepped up, even though they don't want to be in the office.
The Farmers Almanac says we are in for a frigid winter. Can hardly wait!!
Try to be patient this week. Try not to feel any frustration. Take a deep breath and realize in the big picture, your digestive system will thank you. Have a good week.
Most of my frustrations come from non-functioning technology or lack of communication at all. My patriarchal blessing tells me not to waste any energy on frustration. That word is mentioned three times in the blessing. Did Someone know me or what ? I have grown to dislike intensely any mention of patience or frustration. I suffer from the lack one....which leads to an over abundance of the other. A few cases at point this week:
My maps on the referral system were down four whole days this week. I calmly called the Referral Hotline on day 2 to see if I was the problem or if the system was yet again having issues. ( this is a common theme, I know, since last week my whole system was frozen) I was assured I was not the only one having problems and in 2 days they would have a meeting with the software programmers . So rather than being " frustrated" , I went home and spent the afternoon working on slacks that needed mending (3 pairs) and started a few Christmas projects for missionaries. (40 this year who never get a letter or box) May I just say how nice it is to mend dark pants with dark thread in sunlight where I can actually see what I am doing? I was also able to fix dinner early for the Sisters we had over that evening. I did referrals all week with Google Earth maps but it takes twice the time and it is harder to pinpoint areas where a ward has 10 missionaries in one ward.
2) I got a referral last week for a couple from Romania who speak Romanian but requested Spanish speaking missionaries because they thought they could understand them. So I assigned Spanish speaking sisters. Three days later I get a phone call from these sisters--"sister Taggart, we couldn't understand them and they couldn't understand us. It was a disaster."
" so what do we do now?"
"Well, they have requested English speaking missionaries because they (the Romanians) speak Greek and they think they can understand English speaking better."
Don't even ask. I copied that conversation word for word.
3) I broke all records waiting on the line for the Church Distribution Center this week. 1 hour 47 min. Of music and the spoken word....." All of our representatives are assisting other callers at this time. Your call is very important to us. Please stay on the line and your call will be handled in the order it was received." FRUSTRATION to the max. Do I hand up and maybe lose my place? I addressed 30 letters while waiting. My neck starts to hurt. I clean out a drawer. My neck may be permanently tilted. I used my cell phone to call the Global Hotline....all while I was on hold. My cell phone answered first " why is the distribution center not answering their phone today?" I asked in the nicest voice I could muster with my kinked neck and patience worn to a frazzle.
" why did you phone them? Their email is working."
"I'm not just ordering. I have a question about new pass-along cards."
"Well maybe I can help you."
" I need 100 extra Ensign magazines, October 2014 for the most recent General Conference."
"OK--October 2014 conference Ensigns. Those will come the first 10 days of November."
" Is there a packet of pictures of the Savior to be given out with these new pass-along cards in Spanish?"
" Oh yes. They come with six pictures of the Savior and they are $3 per packet. That program was so successful in South America they decided to make it available here."
I'm still choking on the price....."OK, I'll order 50 packets please." We'll see how it goes before I order more. We are a Spanish speaking mission after all.
Then I asked her about the other phone call where the music is still playing and the voice is still telling me how very important my call is.
"What number did you call?"
I tell her.
" oh, that number was disconnected weeks ago. Here is the new number."
Frustration? I could have been on hold for eternity. Why not put a message on it " this number is no longer in service. Our new number is....." They could even play a little music to go with the message........it gets even better. I click onto my computer to find my order confirmation. She had ordered 100 of the November Ensign to be delivered in December. So I guess half my missionaries will get their Ensign in November and the other half will get it in December. I give up.
So you can see life goes on in the Big City. We went to see MEET THE MORMONS and we were mostly pleased with the reactions of our missionaries. What a good cross section of the world and people of our faith.
I sent my first large bag to Salvation Army this week. Watching other senior couples leave and try to " keep it all" was a wake up call for me. Crooks leave Nov 15 and are in the process of training the Abbotts. The Abbotts have not had enough to keep them really busy daily and this will fill in their time. She is the mission nurse and that job comes in waves. At first we thought we would be picking up all of their assignments in addition to ours so we are happy they have stepped up, even though they don't want to be in the office.
The Farmers Almanac says we are in for a frigid winter. Can hardly wait!!
Try to be patient this week. Try not to feel any frustration. Take a deep breath and realize in the big picture, your digestive system will thank you. Have a good week.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Autumn, family fun and general conference
The last two weeks have been wonderful! Brian and his family were here
for 5 days and we thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with that cute family.
We had not seen Finn since he was 1 1/2 months old and weren't sure if
he would warm up to us. But Claudia gave him a high five at the airport
and had no idea that this was one of his fun things to do. It was so fun
to get to know that little guy and to renew our relationship with Sadie
and of course their parents. Their visit gave us the shot in the arm we
needed to jump back not the work and to stay the course. We took 3 days
off from our work in the office and also had Saturday to just relax and
enjoy some family time.
The leaves are gorgeous right now. With cooler temps this week, they have changed quickly and with the wind that is always present here, they will likely be gone soon. Mother Nature is an amazing artist. Some ares in Chicagoland saw the first snowflakes of the year yesterday. That is the 3rd earliest snow on record. Our high yesterday of 47 was the coldest temp on record for that date. I do hope this is not a sign of an even colder winter to come.
Last week, I had an Elder call me with car troubles. Here is the dialogue - Elder Taggart, our car is really have problems. The brakes are horrible and the steering just turns and turns but it won't turn the wheels. Me - how long has this been going on? Oh, for at least a month. Why didn't you say something weeks ago? Well, we knew you were planning to sell this car as soon as new ones come in. Yes Elders, but I can't sell a car until it is in good condition and more importantly, I always want to make sure the cars are safe for the missionaries. Oh, we'll now we can't drive it. What should we do. After having this car towed, we spent $2,750 to get it running again. I needed a new steering gear, new bushings and cambers, an SIR coil, an alignment, front brakes and a few other things due to them running over something. I do have 9 new cars coming, but I doubt that I will give these Elders one of the new ones.
We had transfers this week, so needless to say, it has been a very busy one. We had 13 new missionaries arrive on Monday but they came in on three different flights. So I was in the transfer fan going to and from the airport from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm just picking them up. And then as soon as I dropped all of the luggage off, I drove to the train station to pick up the first batch who were returning from being in the city. I picked the last group up at 5:30 and at 6:30 we were at the mission home to train the new missionaries. When my head hit the pillow that night, I was out like a light.
We were back up to the church by 7:30 the next morning so that I could set up iPads for the new missionaries and provide training on using Facebook, etc to share the gospel. We finished that day with dinner and a testimony meeting with the 13 missionaries who had completed their mission and would fly out the next day. I must say that it get more difficult with every group who goes home. Having served most of their mission with them, we have so grown to love them that it makes it really hard to say goodbye to them. We are blessed to rub shoulders with some truly amazing young people. We love them so.
Yesterday and today, we have the treat of being able to listen to prophets, seers and revelators share counsel, wisdom and instruction for us to focus on for the next 6 months. I love General Conference. The messages yesterday were Inspiring but they also caused pause to reflect on changes that we need to make to become better disciples of Christ. My personal favorite thing in 6 hours of conference was the MTC choir in the priesthood session last night. The medley of songs they sung touched my heart; seeing them reminded me of the many missionaries we are serving with as well as the many missionaries currently serving from our immediate and extended family. What a privilege and blessing it is to be part of the 88,000 missionaries serving now. Our lives are rich and greatly blessed as we give our hearts and souls to the Lords work.
May your week be filled with the love of Him whom we serve and love.
Brian's family on the carousel at the Lincoln Park zoo.
Beautiful autumn leaves looking out the office windows.
Elder Taggart
The leaves are gorgeous right now. With cooler temps this week, they have changed quickly and with the wind that is always present here, they will likely be gone soon. Mother Nature is an amazing artist. Some ares in Chicagoland saw the first snowflakes of the year yesterday. That is the 3rd earliest snow on record. Our high yesterday of 47 was the coldest temp on record for that date. I do hope this is not a sign of an even colder winter to come.
Last week, I had an Elder call me with car troubles. Here is the dialogue - Elder Taggart, our car is really have problems. The brakes are horrible and the steering just turns and turns but it won't turn the wheels. Me - how long has this been going on? Oh, for at least a month. Why didn't you say something weeks ago? Well, we knew you were planning to sell this car as soon as new ones come in. Yes Elders, but I can't sell a car until it is in good condition and more importantly, I always want to make sure the cars are safe for the missionaries. Oh, we'll now we can't drive it. What should we do. After having this car towed, we spent $2,750 to get it running again. I needed a new steering gear, new bushings and cambers, an SIR coil, an alignment, front brakes and a few other things due to them running over something. I do have 9 new cars coming, but I doubt that I will give these Elders one of the new ones.
We had transfers this week, so needless to say, it has been a very busy one. We had 13 new missionaries arrive on Monday but they came in on three different flights. So I was in the transfer fan going to and from the airport from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm just picking them up. And then as soon as I dropped all of the luggage off, I drove to the train station to pick up the first batch who were returning from being in the city. I picked the last group up at 5:30 and at 6:30 we were at the mission home to train the new missionaries. When my head hit the pillow that night, I was out like a light.
We were back up to the church by 7:30 the next morning so that I could set up iPads for the new missionaries and provide training on using Facebook, etc to share the gospel. We finished that day with dinner and a testimony meeting with the 13 missionaries who had completed their mission and would fly out the next day. I must say that it get more difficult with every group who goes home. Having served most of their mission with them, we have so grown to love them that it makes it really hard to say goodbye to them. We are blessed to rub shoulders with some truly amazing young people. We love them so.
Yesterday and today, we have the treat of being able to listen to prophets, seers and revelators share counsel, wisdom and instruction for us to focus on for the next 6 months. I love General Conference. The messages yesterday were Inspiring but they also caused pause to reflect on changes that we need to make to become better disciples of Christ. My personal favorite thing in 6 hours of conference was the MTC choir in the priesthood session last night. The medley of songs they sung touched my heart; seeing them reminded me of the many missionaries we are serving with as well as the many missionaries currently serving from our immediate and extended family. What a privilege and blessing it is to be part of the 88,000 missionaries serving now. Our lives are rich and greatly blessed as we give our hearts and souls to the Lords work.
May your week be filled with the love of Him whom we serve and love.
Brian's family on the carousel at the Lincoln Park zoo.
Beautiful autumn leaves looking out the office windows.
Elder Taggart
Genius and High fives all around
October 5, 2014
Dear Family and Friends,
The problem with skipping a week is that the dilemma becomes what to write about and what to skip.
Brian,Billie,Sadie,and Finn were here for 5 days and what a breath of fresh air. Finn was 2 months old when we left and now is 18 months and delightful. He warmed up to us immediately and kept us on our toes with his left-handed throw. ALL BOY, good natured, eager to explore anywhere you take him. Sadie got reacquainted and made a bucket list--which she dutifully checked off each night. What's not to love about days of parks, nature preserves, Lake Michigan beaches, botanical garden, and a free zoo? Then home to activities with Grandpa and Grandma at our condo each night.
On the train ride into Chicago, Sadie and Finn loved the lack of restraints (seat belts and car seats) and Finn loved giving high fives to anyone who would. He also loved the endless supply of rocks to throw into Lake Michigan. Sadie, on the other hand, collects rocks and had to limit her 50 pound collection down to 5 pounds so they could get on the airplane.
Sent from my iPad
She wanted to live in Chicago by the time their visit was over. It was fun to watch Brian and Billie parent these two and appreciate the wonders of Chicago outside city limits.
It was bitter-sweet having family come. We see the growth and development we have missed. We have to say goodbye all over again. We have 7 months left and want to finish strong. And we are needed right where we are.
Favorite quote from our Primary Children's program last Sunday from a boy of 9 years old: " When we sin, we repent. Sinning is making mistakes. I make about 100 a year....or less" LOL
Transfers: I dread them. We received 13 new arrivals and oh, what anticipation and hope they have. They come here ready to change the world singlehandedly. During training you get an idea of who will struggle, who "gets it", and who will just plot along and have a great mission. During the transfer meeting, tears came to my eyes as the "greenies" came in. I thought, " you are so hopeful and you have no idea the ride you are getting on." Then as the 13 exiting missionaries sang our mission hymn (Hope of Israel) I lost it. Another group that has wormed their way into my heart. How can I let them go and expect anyone else to fill the vacancy? It gets harder and harder.
Electronics: ahhhhh, a blessing and a curse. My referral system froze this week. I tried going on several different times, always frozen. I tried shutting down my system and re-booting, still no go. I tried the refresh button, nothing. So I started on online chat with the referral center:
Moi: My referral system has been frozen all day. Is it just my system or is there a problem today?
Help: It must be your system. Have you shut your computer off and restarted it?
Moi: Yes
Help: Have you used the refresh icon?
Moi: Yes
Help: Well then, it must be a faulty internet connection on your computer.
PAUSE............
Moi: If it's an internet connection problem, how am I able to communicate with you right now?
It really scares me when I know more about the problem than the tech does. We think the Tear One Techs are volunteers like us. Scarey!!!!
We are loving General Conference. We had to watch it at home yesterday because our Stake Center is loaned out to the Jewish community for their high holy days and yesterday was Yom Kippur. Kind of funny we can't use our own building for General Conference!
October is here. We have already broken a record for coldest day in October on record ever. I can hardly wait for winter! The warmth we feel comes from the light of the Gospel. Our missionary force is 88,000 strong around the world. We love being part of this great work. You can too. Let your light shine for those around you and if all else fails--give them a high five.
Love,
Sister Taggart
Dear Family and Friends,
The problem with skipping a week is that the dilemma becomes what to write about and what to skip.
Brian,Billie,Sadie,and Finn were here for 5 days and what a breath of fresh air. Finn was 2 months old when we left and now is 18 months and delightful. He warmed up to us immediately and kept us on our toes with his left-handed throw. ALL BOY, good natured, eager to explore anywhere you take him. Sadie got reacquainted and made a bucket list--which she dutifully checked off each night. What's not to love about days of parks, nature preserves, Lake Michigan beaches, botanical garden, and a free zoo? Then home to activities with Grandpa and Grandma at our condo each night.
On the train ride into Chicago, Sadie and Finn loved the lack of restraints (seat belts and car seats) and Finn loved giving high fives to anyone who would. He also loved the endless supply of rocks to throw into Lake Michigan. Sadie, on the other hand, collects rocks and had to limit her 50 pound collection down to 5 pounds so they could get on the airplane.
Sent from my iPad
She wanted to live in Chicago by the time their visit was over. It was fun to watch Brian and Billie parent these two and appreciate the wonders of Chicago outside city limits.
It was bitter-sweet having family come. We see the growth and development we have missed. We have to say goodbye all over again. We have 7 months left and want to finish strong. And we are needed right where we are.
Favorite quote from our Primary Children's program last Sunday from a boy of 9 years old: " When we sin, we repent. Sinning is making mistakes. I make about 100 a year....or less" LOL
Transfers: I dread them. We received 13 new arrivals and oh, what anticipation and hope they have. They come here ready to change the world singlehandedly. During training you get an idea of who will struggle, who "gets it", and who will just plot along and have a great mission. During the transfer meeting, tears came to my eyes as the "greenies" came in. I thought, " you are so hopeful and you have no idea the ride you are getting on." Then as the 13 exiting missionaries sang our mission hymn (Hope of Israel) I lost it. Another group that has wormed their way into my heart. How can I let them go and expect anyone else to fill the vacancy? It gets harder and harder.
Electronics: ahhhhh, a blessing and a curse. My referral system froze this week. I tried going on several different times, always frozen. I tried shutting down my system and re-booting, still no go. I tried the refresh button, nothing. So I started on online chat with the referral center:
Moi: My referral system has been frozen all day. Is it just my system or is there a problem today?
Help: It must be your system. Have you shut your computer off and restarted it?
Moi: Yes
Help: Have you used the refresh icon?
Moi: Yes
Help: Well then, it must be a faulty internet connection on your computer.
PAUSE............
Moi: If it's an internet connection problem, how am I able to communicate with you right now?
It really scares me when I know more about the problem than the tech does. We think the Tear One Techs are volunteers like us. Scarey!!!!
We are loving General Conference. We had to watch it at home yesterday because our Stake Center is loaned out to the Jewish community for their high holy days and yesterday was Yom Kippur. Kind of funny we can't use our own building for General Conference!
October is here. We have already broken a record for coldest day in October on record ever. I can hardly wait for winter! The warmth we feel comes from the light of the Gospel. Our missionary force is 88,000 strong around the world. We love being part of this great work. You can too. Let your light shine for those around you and if all else fails--give them a high five.
Love,
Sister Taggart
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