November 30, 2014
Holidays on a mission are hard. You find
yourself saying, "If I were home I'd have a potato masher or 2 more pie
pans or a platter to put the turkey on. Oh wait, we only had a turkey
breast and that only requires a dinner plate, perfect. We had Elders J
and W over on Monday for Elder J's 21st birthday. Pretty sad when at 21
you look forward to a dinner with two old folks. Such is life on a
mission. So we decided Thanksgiving would be just the two of us. Elder
Taggart fixed the whole meal while I frantically sewed on hands. Six
hours of hand sewing, what fun. We had 3 dinner invites but I knew I
needed this "day off" to work on the quilt. What a project to take on. I
am 39 1/2 hours into it now and figure I'm halfway done, counting the
quilting.
Highlight of the week was putting our small Christmas
tree up. Our apartment is small and our ornaments lame but missionaries
love coming here because they say it feels like home. Elder Taggart
said wherever we are together, that is home. He has helped do everything
I couldn't do as I sew and then he gives me neck and shoulder massages
when I am too tight to sleep. What a companion!!
As we push
toward another transfer with dread, I am reminded we only have 4 left.
We hate to see our strong, seasoned missionaries go home. We are the
old-timer couple now as we have been here longer than all but the J's.
This is how we did Christmas last year. This is what we found works
well. Ah--the voice of experience. The Abbotts are doing a great job in
the office but as they flew to Denver for 5 days for Thanksgiving, one
young Sister said, "You guys are always here for us." I guess we lend
stability and we're good for something.
Only 23 Mondays left.
That is our crazy day in the office and if we can survive Monday we know
the rest of the week is doable. As we went to put the fall tablecloth
and center piece away we realised we could send it to Salvation Army
because we won't be here for another autumn.
Elder and Sister J
came into the office this week with 2 more baptism records. They are the
Military Liaison couple on the Great Lakes Military base. They have
40,000 recruits come through each year. They are there for basic
training 5 weeks or 2 months if they are training to be a SEAL. In their
time here they have had two dozen baptisms. They mostly give rides to
and from O'Hare Airport back to the base. They are serving a different
mission but they are making a difference.
That has been our
hope--that we can make a difference in a life, lift a burden from a
young missionary, assist where needed. As I wrote my appreciation cards
to the 10 outgoing missionaries this week I know each one. We have had
laughs together over the phone. I have hugged each Sister each time we
meet. I have prayed for them by name.
So we continue to press
forward with steadfastness. No glory or fame with this position, just
increased love for our missionaries, our family, and our Savior. And I
will continue to sew on hands until they're done, or my right arm falls
off...whichever comes first!! We love you and hope your have a wonderful
holiday season with your loved ones gathered close.
Love,
Sister Taggart
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