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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