BARRANQUILLA , COLOMBIA MISSION
Monday, December 31, 2012
See You Soon!
12/31/12
Hola Familia!
Please know that I truly know that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, who lives and runs his church through living prophets and apostles.
I love you, see you soon!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
Please know that I truly know that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, who lives and runs his church through living prophets and apostles.
I love you, see you soon!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
12/24/12
Hola Familia!
Phew, we survived Los cambios and now have a zone of 18 missionaries in 4 districts. The missing missionaries have been replaced and everyone has their beds, fridges – miracle, chairs, desks, fans and irons. All set and all for 2,400,000 pesos colombianos.
This week we will be focusing on doing a ton of intercambios with the new district Lideres and teaching, the new Elder Moss and I, a bunch of Latinos how to play ultimate. Ya! For Christmas the three zones of Cartagena went and ate lunch in a new mall in front of the castino and the zone leaders had to be the waitresses – I mean waiters. President made everyone stand and sing We sang in the center and I was hoping so bad that a big tsunami would come, but nothing. Flipping Mayans-
Still got no one in church – sad but things get complicated here at Christmas here. I find if I ever just feel down all you got to do is start talking to someone and the whole world changes. Doesn't matter if they accept or not.
Merry Christmas!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
Phew, we survived Los cambios and now have a zone of 18 missionaries in 4 districts. The missing missionaries have been replaced and everyone has their beds, fridges – miracle, chairs, desks, fans and irons. All set and all for 2,400,000 pesos colombianos.
This week we will be focusing on doing a ton of intercambios with the new district Lideres and teaching, the new Elder Moss and I, a bunch of Latinos how to play ultimate. Ya! For Christmas the three zones of Cartagena went and ate lunch in a new mall in front of the castino and the zone leaders had to be the waitresses – I mean waiters. President made everyone stand and sing We sang in the center and I was hoping so bad that a big tsunami would come, but nothing. Flipping Mayans-
Still got no one in church – sad but things get complicated here at Christmas here. I find if I ever just feel down all you got to do is start talking to someone and the whole world changes. Doesn't matter if they accept or not.
Merry Christmas!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
The Iron Rod
12/17/12
Hola Familia!
O Gosh this is difficult! For more than a month we have had zero people in church! A Month! Like come on! Something has got to give and I think it is going to be my mental soundness. It has been a struggle and an adventure
We did a zone meeting and emphasized that we have to renew our testimonio Del BOM every day, and that should been in teaching our investigators. This is definitely a necessary habit because it really is the iron rod. I'm grateful for what I have learned from it.
Merry Christmas!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
O Gosh this is difficult! For more than a month we have had zero people in church! A Month! Like come on! Something has got to give and I think it is going to be my mental soundness. It has been a struggle and an adventure
We did a zone meeting and emphasized that we have to renew our testimonio Del BOM every day, and that should been in teaching our investigators. This is definitely a necessary habit because it really is the iron rod. I'm grateful for what I have learned from it.
Merry Christmas!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Rolling Hills and Majestic Clouds
Halo Familia!
Had to do a huge vueltas! Turned out being like a super amazing adventure that I will for sure as heck describe in detail, but not in this letter.
We experienced an eventful week! Starting el lunes With my adventure and Tuesday being totally stressed out of my mind given to impossible tasks at the same time. Wednesday in the Concilio in Barranquilla and Thursday had to finish the impossible tasks. Friday my comp had to break into our apartment through the tiny shower window. Saturday was totally normal, but a completely rough day. It was also my comps birthday. Sunday the first investigator in a month showed up, but of the other companionship. Struggle.
In total I traveled more this week and further away from the mission home then I ever have before. It was totally sweet and kinda freaky! We were in a bus and we just kept going and going and going and it all worked out well. The countryside here is incredible, rolling hills with majestic clouds and anteater crossing signs! Iguana roadkill! "O There's someones… Racoon!" You guys will be glad I went so far. We had a member, you remember Richard?, with us so it was totally fun and adventurous.
Tuesday the assistant asked miracle of me, but to make it work made the Elders of Arjona get up at 3 AM to come to Cartagena to deliver me the one Elder Huata. I'm such a nice Zone Leader!
Wednesday was my last Concilio. I found it totally interesting because the other assistant cried – he's Tongan – his name is Moses Nelson Lotulelei. The Pres got all solem talking about weaknesses and stuff. Then I got letters!
Thursday night I went to Arjona and it is far away and sweet. I love the trees here! They could make some crazy multilevel treehouses here. We took care of some stuff here – Friday normal and Saturday. The Church has a long way to go yet in Columbia – just got to do the simple things and be truly really converted. I'm still and will always be working on that.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Step-by-Step
Hola Familia!
The fridge came! Yes! I'm sure it was on behalf of of mom's fervent prayers. But unlike the fridge the investigators did not come! Dang – my smiley one banged up his knee in futbol practice and is on house rest for two weeks. I know nothing about physical therapy, but I don't believe what they are doing to him is the answer. We are trying to keep his amino up so he will progress. My other family didn't come either, but they did commit to talk and plan on getting married – Sweet! Step-by-step I suppose. Four weeks – zero assistance. Our ward is struggling!
The Lider Misional of the Stake was more normal! It was great and we will start to see some real results. It all depends on effective home teaching.
We had an ineffective week – like for real. Really bad. A lot of talking in the street, little work with members and algunas vueltas we had to do. Almost got to watch a toenail get ripped off of an elder in my zone, but the doctor said it wasn't necessary. What a shame. Had already the apprehensive repulsion going on.
We are still going slow as a zone, but will see if we can kick it into gear and my area too. I got good missionaries with lots of energy and things. Just got to channel it. Weird to work again with a missionary who is not so new, but he's actually my brother.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Gods Rescue Team
11/26/12
Hola Familia!
Complicado-Everything is just so complicated and inefficient. Things that should be so easy and they make so complicated, like the fridge we've been waiting for for three weeks – like come on! How hard is it to deliver our fridge?
Then we got this crazy Stake Mission Leader who is just a total nut! He's sincere and goodhearted and stuff, but planned another of these totally ineffective "rescates or rescues". Made us skip our sacrament to go and so we couldn't even help our 2 golden (I hope) Families assist – because I had to complete with this obligation. I say, behind his back, God already established his rescue team – it's called home and visiting teachers! These rescues accomplish nothing without those follow-up visits! So we had some mixed up prioridades that I won't let happen again.
Had a great Thanksgiving breakfast-that's all. Been struggling a lot with out our fridge. It's becoming a hazard to my sanity, along with other problems in the zone. We have kind of stumbled out of the starting block and trying to pick ourselves back up. Got lots of training to do with a zone where three of the 4 Leaders are totally new.
Excited about a really smiley investigator named José Luis and still this family – all beautiful. But they, like us, missed church. Dang!
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
Complicado-Everything is just so complicated and inefficient. Things that should be so easy and they make so complicated, like the fridge we've been waiting for for three weeks – like come on! How hard is it to deliver our fridge?
Then we got this crazy Stake Mission Leader who is just a total nut! He's sincere and goodhearted and stuff, but planned another of these totally ineffective "rescates or rescues". Made us skip our sacrament to go and so we couldn't even help our 2 golden (I hope) Families assist – because I had to complete with this obligation. I say, behind his back, God already established his rescue team – it's called home and visiting teachers! These rescues accomplish nothing without those follow-up visits! So we had some mixed up prioridades that I won't let happen again.
Had a great Thanksgiving breakfast-that's all. Been struggling a lot with out our fridge. It's becoming a hazard to my sanity, along with other problems in the zone. We have kind of stumbled out of the starting block and trying to pick ourselves back up. Got lots of training to do with a zone where three of the 4 Leaders are totally new.
Excited about a really smiley investigator named José Luis and still this family – all beautiful. But they, like us, missed church. Dang!
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Gaining Momentum
11/19/12
Hola Familia!
We found a beautiful family. Chosen and concrete. We taught and we verified and loved and came Sunday and we passed by and excited them and they were going! Yes – so we went excitedly outside the church and even though, tut-tut looks like rain, we are hopefully praying and sacrament starts in pouring rain-The minutes go by and they haven't arrived. I finally thought despairingly as did Obi one Kanobi
"You were the chosen one!"But we saw them later and they are still beautiful and will come next week. Will be able to prepare them better.
More than that we are in the Busqueda and it has been a slow process, but little by little. Eight baptisms for this Saturday fell through, of the zone. We got to make sure they get back on track and we're still trying to organize the zone and doing errands. (Helping an Elder Palmer with Elder Arnett be legal here in Columbia – pain in the butt, but fun.)
I feel good, excited – even though we are going slow! But gaining momentum.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
We found a beautiful family. Chosen and concrete. We taught and we verified and loved and came Sunday and we passed by and excited them and they were going! Yes – so we went excitedly outside the church and even though, tut-tut looks like rain, we are hopefully praying and sacrament starts in pouring rain-The minutes go by and they haven't arrived. I finally thought despairingly as did Obi one Kanobi
"You were the chosen one!"But we saw them later and they are still beautiful and will come next week. Will be able to prepare them better.
More than that we are in the Busqueda and it has been a slow process, but little by little. Eight baptisms for this Saturday fell through, of the zone. We got to make sure they get back on track and we're still trying to organize the zone and doing errands. (Helping an Elder Palmer with Elder Arnett be legal here in Columbia – pain in the butt, but fun.)
I feel good, excited – even though we are going slow! But gaining momentum.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Tranquillo
11/12/12
Hola Familia!
I will admit, last Monday night I was so disappointed! Auh, I sighed – they didn't call me to train again. Felt like I had just been dumped – or more realistically like a really good family night or well planned activity fell through. Dang...
Thusly I wallowed in self-pity Tuesday thinking I was so sure! It was 100%! Alas, it was not to be. But on Tuesday night I found out I was going to get my cell phone back. I thought I would die-Tranquillo-
My new Zone is called El Nogal. Which is some type of tree. Elder De Los Santos and I have 16 missionaries to care for, including ourselves. Three wards are here close and then we have 2 Puealos-Turaco – Codama (went there once) and Arjona that had sweet scenery to get to them, but like 45 minutes away. Still have a nice house, though a tiny bit smaller-but self-igniting stove!
And so my Dominican Republican comp is funny and knows a moderate amount of English. Does a jellyfish every time you go for a high-five and never has been in a leadership position before, so he is mind to mold! We actually had the same trainer Elder Zurita – he'd be so proud!
So they threw me into a leadership – entirely new zone – opening an area –
With someone completely new in this – this'll be a fast transfer. We had four in attendance in our Elders Quorum meeting. We got some work to do!
This also meant I got to go to Concilio again and it was long, but edifying. Just some parts are like gosh! Figure it out Zone Leaders! You are supposed to be capaz!
I did not escape the Encirrros, but I did pretty much ignore it. We went all the way to Turbaco! And looked for any other excuse to leave – and in the Concilio, Barranquilla. I got some letters! Tell them all thank you! Then a different day we moved some missionaries out of our house and the cambios were all hectic. Elder Ramirez, my son, took my spot in Alto Bosque! Perfect! He's already training a newby- way to go son! I'm so proud.
As a ZL the time flies. Hoping to start this Zone off with a Bang. Got lots to improve and obviously God has given me this chance so that I'll make those improvements.
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sin Makes You Stupid
Hola Familia!
Sin makes you stupid – so stupid. We are entering into the most vile week of the year in Cartagena. And I'm here for it – who's up for round too? (I mean tuu, I know it's Spelled with two u's.) but seriously I feel they just put themselves in, what for me would be my own personal hell, if I were sent there. Sitting – in a bad smell – alcohol – trapped with horribly loud repetitive music more often then not inappropriate. They live in my own spiritual prison.
At least some of them want to be saved from it! Like Luz! I have no idea how she has so much faith. She's a girl that has 24 years and hasn't been taught any life principles till now. (ei. She had an 8 year old son-do the math. Another one of like five years. Lives with an aunt or something.) Anyway she's totally striving to live the gospel and came to church even though she was in a lot of pain! She asked, "If I quit living with my boyfriend, can I be baptized?" Yes – we might allow that. And yesterday Elder Webb said to me "We should go visit Luz." So we went and gave her a blessing for the pain and after she said "I knew that you guys were going to come. After church I was crying because I hurt so bad and I fell asleep and dreamed you guys came and put your hands on my head and woke up thinking it was real. Even almost asked Breiner(the boyfriend) if you guys had come." She's had other crazy dreams that have come true. Even came to our English class – making the assistance two instead of one!
We also found Jorge again, my deported ex-drug dealer friend. Totally borracho and lieno de profanidades, but he speaks English perfectly and we told him "Jorge- you said you wanted to change! Go home!" But his mind was already gone. I was tempted to punch him in the head and knock him out and carry him home, but I didn't. Next time.
I ate six fish eyes.
I'm still being shown my weaknesses a lot. With these festivals I feel just hopeless. Like how am I going to have an effective anything with this cursed noise! I can't even sleep! -Only one night, but then you just keep on keeping on. I don't feel trunky or anything, but my mind has been weak!
I've also learned from my comp that I'm still not like Christ- real Christ like attributes, if you really have them-w/stand the test. Like Christ says – it's easy to love those who love you. It's maintaining that love in all circumstances that counts. Sometimes my love just flees, for little things, but I usually try to repent.
Anyway I'm anxious to know the transfers tomorrow and who wins between Obama and Mitt!
Realizing that all this is a lifetime process – and that the mission is just like a boost. Big one.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Trying to Love and Serve
Hola Familia!
We've moved! YA! I have my own desk! Two bathrooms! Granite countertops! A hot tub! Not really. But it's a sweet house! God has delegated to us and we love it.
Almost as much as our investigators loved the chocolate chip cookies! We gobbled them up in an exitosa niche de hogar, at which assisted two investigator families. Although they did not make it to Stake Conference, (transporte).
My comp hurt himself again. First the toenail, then where we live there's a good park and basketball court and we can actually do exercises. We were doing some sprints – nothing hard – and all of a sudden Elder Webb is on the ground. He didn't trip or anything. His leg just gave out and he's got a nice road rash and now is missing skin and a toenail on the same leg. I just stood there dumbfounded-
La entrevista con el Pres was great! He told me he might move me to another area which would be rough, but ok and we'll see what he decided to do in nine days! This has been a super fast transfer and one where I have felt a lot of development. Just cuz of circumstances pesadas– I feel tested.
We have been visiting a Aniris and Alexander (participation in the glory of chocolate chip cookies) almost every day. Seem really excited. And if Eltas and Hilberto go well we are going to ask him to fast and pray this week with us so he'll be able to divorce and marry. Just keep the law of chastity. We reestablished contact with Eltas Scott, but he's like hard to read. But also participated of the glory of cookies. My deported drug dealer friend disappeared-for two weeks we haven't found him-sketchy.
In my free time I'm reading the Bible and I just finished Genesis. Totally sweet, but weird. I also started a few weeks ago the New Testament in my studies and it is also enriching.
I had a sweet birthday-don't you worry-Hard Rock was sweet. Played "shower the people you love with love" by none other than James Taylor. I bought myself a sweet hammock, but forgot to tell the hard rock people it was my birthday to see if they'd give me cake or something.
And they even sung to me in the night! Had a little cake! Which I frosted and put your candles in and we enjoyed pieces of cakes.
We are trying to get everything for the house. The first 2 nights we had only two mattresses. The first night Elder Webb slept in the hammock. We slept three people on two mattresses. The next night I was on the floor and still three on the two mattresses. Interesting and somewhat dorarosa.
Really trying to help my comp. I have to refine myself a bit more to help him eficazmente, but he's doing well! Trying to love and serve him. Pray for him –Elder Weston Daniel Webb.
Elder Taylor
Friday, November 9, 2012
HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY PATRICK!
10/22/12
Hola Familia!
Have not moved yet! Exasperating! God has been really testing the Christ like attributes that I've supposedly been developing in the last 21 months. Good thing I've developed them so well!
We had hardly any good solid work this week due to the toe complications and failure of member participation, but I think my area is it Asexual- keeps producing good fruits and we hardly fertilize it at all! The last three weeks new families have just come to church out of the blue! The first week the husband of a less active and she showed up. Last week the dad who's totally prepared, just needs a divorce, and his son showed up. They are sweet! Came yesterday. Also an old investigator and her brother came back from Monteria and we found them in the church. Another family was so sad they couldn't come, but she is finishing high school so I guess that's important. All this with only half the work we normally do!
Monday, Tuesday, and the better part of Thursday Elder Webb and I were stuck in the house. So horrible. With his toe he couldn't leave, and our mini missionaries were not dependable. God has really been blessing us anyway as you can see from my self fruit producing area. I really can't complain about how things worked out.
Feeling really good and working hard! Trying to help Elder Webb and he's doing really well, walking in sandals this week. Whenever I start to think negatively or feel ungrateful for my mission situation or feel like God forgot – I think of you guys and know I am so loved.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
God Is Merciful
Hola Familia!
A new family came to church! They are totally beautiful, and came! Woohoo! Some old investigators showed up and want us to teach and baptize the nine-year-old son, and help him to be humbled so he'll get baptized too!
All this came in spite of a super ineficacia– God is merciful – because on top of an hour long transport both ways, an extra hour of study every day, lack of personal space and fan and searching for a house desperately. Elder Webb, well- they ripped the toenail of his big toe completely off! Incapacitated! Dang it! He had an ingrown toenail, for like a month but didn't want to go to the doctor so he kept quiet about it and just agaunted the pain till it got so bad and now he's out till Thursday and I am looking for mini missionaries. (Hard work is easy work done at the wrong time.) So I missed my first full day of work last Friday in a year and a half, for sickness-I wasn't sick-but for the toe of Elder Webb. We sat in the house all day and literally studied Spanish, so much. But I did get a chance to listen to Opa's funeral that Opa sent me. That was touching. My comp was looking at me like " What's wrong with you?" Don't worry about it! Good stuff.
We did find 2 good houses. I ask for that in every prayer. But they got rented out the day before both times. It is difficult. I seem to be the only Elder in my district who gets it. We need a house to work effectively! My zone leaders and the office got it, but the other companerismo don't. It's just frustrating – like sacrificing a few lessons now to find a house will give us more and more spiritual lessons in the future! Anyway I'm learning patience.
We did and Inter Cambio this week before the entire separation of the nail from the toe. I went with Elder Neff from Willard and he was cool. Like super cool. Only has like a week and half left in the field so I tried to talk the least possible in the lessons and let him teach and guided him in what to say and we had a dang good day! I believed I helped him a lot!
Saturday we had a couple of important appointments. Elder Webb was missing his toenail and we only had one mini missionary to babysit him. I had to find another one to follow me to these appointments. (Of our deported drug dealer friend and this great young family.) The youth would not do it! Totally unhelpful, so I start calling the older men and Jhon Jairo accompanied all day and was a power. I ended up almost scolding him about home teaching. I said, "Well it's the way God wants us to take care of his kids and we can't deny it." Cuz they are not good at doing it at all! Drives me nuts–
Just found out they approved the house! Ya! I should move by the 22 of October. That is good news. Heaveny Father is merciful – because I was going nuts. We are going to get some work done! I'm totally stoked about the house. And about the sweet early hat b – day present I bought, and about the family that came, and about the lots of references we got yesterday, at the steak activity, and the New Testament I started to study, the Bible is great, and about the challenges of the mission. This could be a time of a lot of growth.
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Tall Forest
Hola Familia!
Totally aware and alert for three of the five sessions! Wahoo! Struggled yesterday cuz between Saturday and Sunday there was loud horrible bulla outside till like 3-ish, But can you believe that? Karlie and Shalie will be able to turn in their papers the month following my return! Not that you're obligated to go or anything. :-) But now look, as we analyze, a bunch of 19-year-old girls will be gone and all those who are 20 to 21 that were already planning on going will be gone and who will I date? Presidente Monson! You've jeopardized my exaltation! No, I'm just kidding.
So we fought to find a house this week with little luck. We got so close and it was snatched from us. It was a dang good house too. Well apartment. So we are still living in tight conditions and due to the transport, the house searching, and Gen. conference I had literally the lowest numbers I've ever had in my mission. Made me laugh.
Everything had fallen through one day and we wondered what to do. Like hasta plan fell through and we prayed and I felt we should head towards the Relief Society Presidents house. So we start heading that way and on the way during normal missionary tasks. I say to my comp "Touch that door." We go and miraculously found where 2 active members of a part member family live. And planned a family night with them. My height made their seemingly uninterested brother laugh. Really hoping we can help him.
Don't know if I told you that my areas called Acto Bosque– which means high or Tall Forest. Perfect for me right? Found out yesterday I hate big crowds of little Colombians. Or just crowds, unless I'm with dad or some other tall person. Here I just felt like– uh huh and Tu' Que'? Which being interpreted is "uh huh and you what?" But individually I love the majority of the Colombians!
Also found another deported drug dealer who's really repentant and from New York. Speaks perfect English and my comp taught in a really majestic voice in English to him. It was interesting – repentant people mecaen bien. I saw Richard from a year ago! He invited me to lunch and is just a nice guy, in between sessions on Saturday. Yeah, my comp is super unique. We get along well, though our living situation is not ideal. His problem is just that when he doesn't understand me he doesn't say anything, so I'm like, Uh Elder I told you to do that. And he's like- Oh, you did? All surprised! Like, come on man! He was also trying to do surgery to himself on his feet – bad idea. I had to scold him, but with a pinch of love. Don't worry.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Monday, November 5, 2012
Totally Firm! Yes!
10/1/12
Hola Familia!
Don't know what to tell you first. So many things happen! That's slightly sarcastic. I'll tell you in no particular order! I filled up the notebook where I wrote all my letters! This is a new book! Wahoo! Luz Torres was leaving cafe' to be baptized. Wah hoo! They sent me to Cartagena again! Got here Wednesday night, but on Tuesday had a sweet experience…
For some reason beyond my comprehension they sent me at 9 AM Tuesday morning to Barranquilla. Didn't need to be there till Wednesday morning, but being obedient I complied.
Worked in Hipodromo Todo El DTal. Saw a Hermana who for three weeks I was there help us a ton! Shared a little message. Then to Loreana who is still sick and paralyzed in her little room, but we sang her some good hymns. I was really impressed with Elder Linder who accompanied me that day. Real sincere guy. That night, of Tuesday I was staying in that same house where I was robbed so long ago. I decided to go see the man Moses who lives literally two minute away. I went and I saw the new Lider Missional Del Barrio! He's totally firm after 14 months! Yes, he's the one who got baptized this Saturday after I left my first area. The only person that we found him baptized. He's telling me they just called him a week ago and he'll always be in contact with the missionaries. He's all worried because a bunch of people got baptized, but stopped coming. But not him! He's totally firm! Said "You angels who arrived at my door." Yes! He's so awesome!
So that was cool to reminisce a little bit in my old areas. On Miercoles we had a trainer's capacitation. Basically told us not to break the law of chastity and to not come back here to get a wife with someone with we flirted with in the mission. Check, message received. Is this tape recorder broken? It keeps repeating itself. We traveled the scenic 3 hour way to Cartagena instead of the scenic one hour scenic way. I met Elder Webb! My new comp. A blondie from Arizona. Lots of language stuff going on and they dropped me right into a baptism. Which he performed flawlessly. But now we are back to square one. The Arizonian just completed his first six weeks in the field. I found some great Lideres here. Hoping to get some work done. We got a lot of studying and we live super far from our area, like a 10 to 15 minute walk and 30 to 40 minute bus ride. Desperately looking for house and investigators. Been getting real wet – the streets are like rivers! Full of trash and nastiness. Still cool to watch.
Elder Webb is great – pray for him because he's got some real challenges. Not so much in the mission, but just things that are hard. He's not crying every day so he's doing better than I was! (That's mostly joking.)
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
Don't know what to tell you first. So many things happen! That's slightly sarcastic. I'll tell you in no particular order! I filled up the notebook where I wrote all my letters! This is a new book! Wahoo! Luz Torres was leaving cafe' to be baptized. Wah hoo! They sent me to Cartagena again! Got here Wednesday night, but on Tuesday had a sweet experience…
For some reason beyond my comprehension they sent me at 9 AM Tuesday morning to Barranquilla. Didn't need to be there till Wednesday morning, but being obedient I complied.
Worked in Hipodromo Todo El DTal. Saw a Hermana who for three weeks I was there help us a ton! Shared a little message. Then to Loreana who is still sick and paralyzed in her little room, but we sang her some good hymns. I was really impressed with Elder Linder who accompanied me that day. Real sincere guy. That night, of Tuesday I was staying in that same house where I was robbed so long ago. I decided to go see the man Moses who lives literally two minute away. I went and I saw the new Lider Missional Del Barrio! He's totally firm after 14 months! Yes, he's the one who got baptized this Saturday after I left my first area. The only person that we found him baptized. He's telling me they just called him a week ago and he'll always be in contact with the missionaries. He's all worried because a bunch of people got baptized, but stopped coming. But not him! He's totally firm! Said "You angels who arrived at my door." Yes! He's so awesome!
So that was cool to reminisce a little bit in my old areas. On Miercoles we had a trainer's capacitation. Basically told us not to break the law of chastity and to not come back here to get a wife with someone with we flirted with in the mission. Check, message received. Is this tape recorder broken? It keeps repeating itself. We traveled the scenic 3 hour way to Cartagena instead of the scenic one hour scenic way. I met Elder Webb! My new comp. A blondie from Arizona. Lots of language stuff going on and they dropped me right into a baptism. Which he performed flawlessly. But now we are back to square one. The Arizonian just completed his first six weeks in the field. I found some great Lideres here. Hoping to get some work done. We got a lot of studying and we live super far from our area, like a 10 to 15 minute walk and 30 to 40 minute bus ride. Desperately looking for house and investigators. Been getting real wet – the streets are like rivers! Full of trash and nastiness. Still cool to watch.
Elder Webb is great – pray for him because he's got some real challenges. Not so much in the mission, but just things that are hard. He's not crying every day so he's doing better than I was! (That's mostly joking.)
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Wet By Rain
9/24/12
Hola Familia!
So close! We got so close!
So, Friday night we are walking in the street and my Comp says "I got to go to the bathroom." I asked surprisingly – you can speak English and you didn't tell me?! No that didn't happen, but we went to Luz Terreo's house to ask her the favor. My comp enters and I sit where I can see the door and she asks me – "You have to listen to his gases?" You speak English too? What? I thought that was a funny comment coming from 56 your old lady. Anyway she sits opposite me and says – "You're leaving next week?" – "Well most likely." I respond . "Well, now that we are alone" she says, and my missionary senses start tingling – "I'm going to tell you something." Oh no, I think, oh no. The last thing you ever want to hear as a missionary. "Me Bautizo Manana." What? We can do that, so we try to get it all planned and we did her an interview and – drum roll please – she drinks coffee! Dang it! So close – she never told me that. She said she didn't think they'd stop her. Got some pride to tear down still, but her and her Nieto will be ready soon.
And so we go. Leaving this area with having gotten wet by rain, nothing else. No baptisms. But hopefully leaving some good stuff. Still feel like I am trying to figure out all this stuff. Like how to make things happen.
But the people, even if they don't progress, are cool. I have a friend named Jorge, but we call him Fred and he knows a lot about English so I gave him an English Book of Mormon and he liked it. Also Juan Ochoa got a job so we haven't found him again, but dropped off a book of Mormon. Jesus and Elisette are struggling going to church, but she's got a ton of faith. Been trying to get references and stuff and excited to see how the Combio goes. Thanks for writing.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
So close! We got so close!
So, Friday night we are walking in the street and my Comp says "I got to go to the bathroom." I asked surprisingly – you can speak English and you didn't tell me?! No that didn't happen, but we went to Luz Terreo's house to ask her the favor. My comp enters and I sit where I can see the door and she asks me – "You have to listen to his gases?" You speak English too? What? I thought that was a funny comment coming from 56 your old lady. Anyway she sits opposite me and says – "You're leaving next week?" – "Well most likely." I respond . "Well, now that we are alone" she says, and my missionary senses start tingling – "I'm going to tell you something." Oh no, I think, oh no. The last thing you ever want to hear as a missionary. "Me Bautizo Manana." What? We can do that, so we try to get it all planned and we did her an interview and – drum roll please – she drinks coffee! Dang it! So close – she never told me that. She said she didn't think they'd stop her. Got some pride to tear down still, but her and her Nieto will be ready soon.
And so we go. Leaving this area with having gotten wet by rain, nothing else. No baptisms. But hopefully leaving some good stuff. Still feel like I am trying to figure out all this stuff. Like how to make things happen.
But the people, even if they don't progress, are cool. I have a friend named Jorge, but we call him Fred and he knows a lot about English so I gave him an English Book of Mormon and he liked it. Also Juan Ochoa got a job so we haven't found him again, but dropped off a book of Mormon. Jesus and Elisette are struggling going to church, but she's got a ton of faith. Been trying to get references and stuff and excited to see how the Combio goes. Thanks for writing.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Like DUH!
Hola Familia!
I learned an important lesson this week. If your teeth hurt you go to the dentist, if your bum hurts- proctologist, eyes- the eye doctor, and the more sacred parts of your body – urologist! We unnecessarily took Elder Hill to the hospital where they did all these unnecessary and costly procedures, including an ultrasound. Just so they'd tell us to go to a urologist – like DUH! Don't know why that slipped all the ZL's minds but whatever. I got to be translator!
I don't know if I did right or not – possibly employed a little bit of Satan's plan. Jesus and Elisette set finally came to church. I feel like Sunday is game day, where real opposition comes in the most harmless looking forms. "O, a friend came to visit.", or "I've felt laziness", or whatever their excuse. I always say to my investigators, if we look for excuses we will always find them – "Don't look for them!" There are no excuses. Anyway, I went to their house and just waited as they got ready and we went in a taxi Juntos – Coste'nos else. Can be difficult. But Elisette loved to the church, so it all turned out good.
Cambios are on the 26th of this month and it's probable that I'm going to leave! My house is small. My comp is also. Got to do better at building him, but I do tell him I love him every night. Gave him a sweet keychain for Dia Del Amoryamistad. Comp study has been difficult – got to do better this week. He's coming off five baptism in his other area and it's been hard because no one's been really progressing. Coming on 4 meses here and squat. Hoping I'm not doing something wrong, but look on the bright side – haven't baptized any menos actives!
I'm in the war chapters of Alma again and it's amazing to me how often it talks about being free and the priorities they had. It is so simple. Nothing really matters in your life if your family's not going good. Why that has become so hard to understand I do not know. God is first and foremost our father.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
The progress of a real conversion is not easy.
9/10/12
Hola Familia!
Jess, I know how you feel. I'm sorry. I now find myself with someone who is exactly like I was when I had 12–14 years. I was not easy to love! And a little bit full of blasphemy. But that's why I am here, too quitar the apostasy from myself and all those who surround me. But he's good, always wants to improve and stuff. Humble and that's important. So this week was super normal which is great. Some major difficulties in getting people to church and after four months here still no one is close to be hitting the water. I haven't been finding as much lately and I feel just kind of like stuck. Like "Alright how are we going to get things rolling?" I want to do activities and such, but the church is far away – like a 25 minute walk. Part of why there are lots of less actives – or at least some of them use it as an excuse. But I feel like we are lacking a base, because a select few are diligent or effective home teachers and our leaders of the Rama aren't super effective either. For example, they put a goal of 10 baptisms for this month when two people are prepared and willing. I think critically, "Why on earth would you baptize ten if you're not even willing to home teach them after?" I've been praying to find real converts: that will pay their tithing, attend church, and do their home teaching. I'm still looking.
The progress of a real conversion is not easy – it was never meant to be – it requires time in most cases! It requires that you give your whole heart! It requires that you never give up! I am in that! Feel like I should be right there with the Lords investigators, sword in hand, so hopefully that'l come.
Yet, I'm still a Nino'. Last week I ate so much and drank so much that I totally barfed after lunch and was in maze at a burned bloated dog I found in the street – strange –
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
Jess, I know how you feel. I'm sorry. I now find myself with someone who is exactly like I was when I had 12–14 years. I was not easy to love! And a little bit full of blasphemy. But that's why I am here, too quitar the apostasy from myself and all those who surround me. But he's good, always wants to improve and stuff. Humble and that's important. So this week was super normal which is great. Some major difficulties in getting people to church and after four months here still no one is close to be hitting the water. I haven't been finding as much lately and I feel just kind of like stuck. Like "Alright how are we going to get things rolling?" I want to do activities and such, but the church is far away – like a 25 minute walk. Part of why there are lots of less actives – or at least some of them use it as an excuse. But I feel like we are lacking a base, because a select few are diligent or effective home teachers and our leaders of the Rama aren't super effective either. For example, they put a goal of 10 baptisms for this month when two people are prepared and willing. I think critically, "Why on earth would you baptize ten if you're not even willing to home teach them after?" I've been praying to find real converts: that will pay their tithing, attend church, and do their home teaching. I'm still looking.
The progress of a real conversion is not easy – it was never meant to be – it requires time in most cases! It requires that you give your whole heart! It requires that you never give up! I am in that! Feel like I should be right there with the Lords investigators, sword in hand, so hopefully that'l come.
Yet, I'm still a Nino'. Last week I ate so much and drank so much that I totally barfed after lunch and was in maze at a burned bloated dog I found in the street – strange –
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Thursday, October 18, 2012
May They Stumble Not!
Hola Familia!
Elder Holland is real! All this time believing in him as some Santa Claus – Like I figure finally I received a good handshake (grip). Believing is seeing. We did the line where we all go through and shake hands with him, Elder Maynes, and Elder Waddle. Elder Waddle- I shook first and he said "Me Gano." cuz he is like six fourish. And I couldn't decide whether to answer in Spanish or English so I was just kind dumbstruck and his sweet little wife decides to translate it for me. "You beat him!" I felt like- hey, I speak Spanish. But then the next one- Elder Maynes said "Where are you from?" Again with the Spanish English thing… "Uh....Alpine?' And then even Elder Holland-"Como esta?" Stop it! I know you speak English! So I answered "Hey how are ya?" And I kept going through the line -"Oh hi", President and wife.
They said some inspiring stuff. Waddlel – numbers don't count, conversos count. Maynes – Coherederos Con Cristo. It really impacted me with Holland when he said- when PMG came out, the General Authorities kind of made a deal. 1000 converts for one – who do you think that one is? The only one convert we want to guarantee out of your mission is YOU! That impacted me a ton cuz I feel like I'm accomplishing that. Then he said- then when you're converted you'll have thousands throughout your life. Then he said the mission is real life. It's the closest to real life you are ever going to get. And that he'd like to pop less actives returned missionaries in the nose. Like, didn't you get it? He mentioned the missionaries church choir which my zone made and it went alright with the song. I saw Rameriz and Arnett which I had been looking forward to. They looked good! Another funny thing Elder Holland said- what chance do the sheep have if the shepherd doesn't care? He came down and was among us. Walking around and even got in the face of some missionaries. It was sweet.
Also received various wedding invitations and participated in one wedding cake. My old English investigator and his Columbian future wife came by to invite me to their wedding 22 Septembre. An 18 year old investigator got married to the first counselors daughter of 17 – Weirdos! But felt totally love by my British friend. How kind of him to invite me.
We are doing alright as a companionship. I kind of rail on him, but patiently and only when he makes negative comments. Like even after the apostle came he just grumbled about the bus and being tired and he said he'd understood nothing (and it was cool because I understood it twice- in English and in Spanish.) But I totally called him out on it and he became thoughtful – winner! And my district leader is sweet and is even more into railing on him than me. Both are from Peru. Still need to work a lot on the teaching part.
A couple new investigators are cool. Sister Bellena Barbosa or rather, Hermana Barbosa came and we had only had like two supershort lessons with her and she surprised us. Also a new half gringo I found named Juan. We taught and he was interested to learn, will see! Another one bore her testimony in church and it was funny – she's been attending church for almost a year, but still won't accept a baptismal date. She and two other women read and are going through Alma in the Book of Mormon. Rocks, but all got trials, hurtles to jump to get to baptism. May they stumble not!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Totally Powerful
Halo Familia!
Elder Holland comes this Saturday to my mission! Wahoo! That'll be sweet. We are going to have a meeting with him from 10:30 AM till 11:45 AM and I'm sure it will be the sweetest hour and 15 minutes I've experienced in my entire life. We've been preparing a choir for him and I'm sort of worried about it. With all the practices and a zone conference the work went super downhill. But I realized a super fault I have in my work – verification – you got to be on top of these people. So we've committed to a plan where we are going to see them almost all every day. Through us or the members.
The zone conference edified me. Mostly just made me want to complete goals and love people and be one with my Comp – he's actually cool. I just think it was hard for him to change areas and stuff. I've totally smashed him a couple times with the doctrine and liked it. We actually watched a video del Elder Bednar and he said the answer is always in the doctrine. Always cool to see. And that is what changes behavior.
A couple hard days past where everything fell through – everything. My comp got all thoughtful and quiet and I just kept going like "get over it dude" and he did. I prayed that God would give my investigators a trial of faith in going to church and He did, and they failed. Except two. It rained a ton at 1:30 PM right before church started and stopped at like 1:50 to 1:55 so they could have gone. Had they been diligent they could've gone, but I know that God answers prayers.
Also it's necessary to have a repentant and building attitude cuz that is where God helps you to progress. I'm cruising through the BOM(Book of Mormon) – totally powerful!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
It's fun to see the lightbulb go on!
8/20/12
Halo Familia!
I miss Elder Ramerez. He went to Soledad 2000. (Where I was robbed.) Then came Elder Mandico. I realized how severely prejudiced I had become against Peruvian missionaries. I don't know why Peruvians drive me nuts, and it's not just cuz they're short. Although that is a large factor, (or small?) But I do realize that if you cannot learn to like someone or love them that says more about you than it does about them.
But I'm also not training. Pretty bummed about that I was. My comp is pretty new, 4 months here and totally Peruvian. Speaking about Peruvians Elder Max Pacaya is in the other mission, Columbia Medellin.
My investigators have problems. They are serious problems that come from alcohol and sin. Don't do it! Others it's fun to see if the light bulb go on. "Oh that is a sin, that's bad" or "Oh that makes me feel good! I want to know more!" We got some good people coming along, but slowly. I'm still in Bastidas 1 Santa Marta. But finally a less active we found knocking doors came to church with his investigating wife, well girlfriend.
Received packages and mail. Tell people thanks and all that have written, and sorry I've never sent a real letter in the Postal Service from here. With regards to food the best thing here are the fruits and fish and the juices.
We were in a trio house since Friday with a brand-new gringo Elder Hill from Abilene Texas. He's super lucky because living with gringo, me, it makes everything easier when you start. Been super fun. His comp got here today. Elder Hill and I sang for 15 minutes for a little member kids birthday in English. They loved it.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Halo Familia!
I miss Elder Ramerez. He went to Soledad 2000. (Where I was robbed.) Then came Elder Mandico. I realized how severely prejudiced I had become against Peruvian missionaries. I don't know why Peruvians drive me nuts, and it's not just cuz they're short. Although that is a large factor, (or small?) But I do realize that if you cannot learn to like someone or love them that says more about you than it does about them.
But I'm also not training. Pretty bummed about that I was. My comp is pretty new, 4 months here and totally Peruvian. Speaking about Peruvians Elder Max Pacaya is in the other mission, Columbia Medellin.
My investigators have problems. They are serious problems that come from alcohol and sin. Don't do it! Others it's fun to see if the light bulb go on. "Oh that is a sin, that's bad" or "Oh that makes me feel good! I want to know more!" We got some good people coming along, but slowly. I'm still in Bastidas 1 Santa Marta. But finally a less active we found knocking doors came to church with his investigating wife, well girlfriend.
Received packages and mail. Tell people thanks and all that have written, and sorry I've never sent a real letter in the Postal Service from here. With regards to food the best thing here are the fruits and fish and the juices.
We were in a trio house since Friday with a brand-new gringo Elder Hill from Abilene Texas. He's super lucky because living with gringo, me, it makes everything easier when you start. Been super fun. His comp got here today. Elder Hill and I sang for 15 minutes for a little member kids birthday in English. They loved it.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Basis is Home Teaching
Halo Familia!
We'll see if we can whip this out – writing late because we went to ParqueTayroma today! Totally sick! Look it up! I'm pretty sure they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean there. I have sweet pics I'll try to send.
Our bathroom exploded this week. All three other elders used and It got nastily clogged. Nothing I haven't fixed before (even when it all comes out of the shower drain – normal), short version – dirty water enters house beneath-mad owner yells at us-we call a guy-cannot shower-guy comes, fixes it. Not our fault – just poorly built. Showered in the kitchen sink.
My Comp finished the book of Mormon and I gave him a sweet pen so he'd be an Elderzote. That was sweet to see.
We had a couple blowouts with investigators this week. Gustavo Se Rebelo' said "never will I go to the church", so we know there's a deeper doubt there. And others have had super bad experience (violence) in their matrimono that we had to call super directly to repentance and then later we left a task that they'd tell each other that they loved each other – cute! But a new one came to church (finally) after a month he came and is going to bring his wife next week. Will see!
And then we went to the rich part again and we actually have two potential families there! They are hard to find a lot, but usually complete the compromises. Such is already being married, but will see!
The church needs a lot of help here in Santa Marta and the basis is home teaching – do it – it really is the churches most important calling, or assignment, but it only works if you do it.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Lots of Ups and Downs
8/6/12
Halo Familia!
Happy birthday Ila and Fae! I know you don't know me very well, but I am your favorite uncle! Just a year ago I was Cartegena unable to study, anxiously awaiting the fotos of your small baby bodies! We'll celebrate your half birthday or Juntos, alright?
Lots of ups and downs. Sweet birthday party. Fight with drunken father. Failed baptismal interview. Successful lessons with members. Failed assistance. Desire to be morally clean and avoid hellfire. Gustavo had a birthday, like mom. We tried to do something for him and everything was wrong, but then we tried again on the third, happy birthday mom!, And finally worked! We had a sweet little cake with five candles that represented 19 years of his life. Then we were going to watch Transfor- I mean the Testament, but it did not work. So we read 3 Nephi 11 and it was super spiritual, with cake beforehand. Then Lionel didn't come to his interview, but we patched it all up and got excited for church, and came and we'll see if we prepare him for an upcoming Saturday.
Which is sad because combios are next week and I might leave, but I might also stay, but leave another area with zero baptisms. But if I good or at least semi-decent missionary comes there should be a Pocoto'n De Frutos. I realized we are teaching almost 10 couples which are in various stages of progression- but they are there. When we got here there wasn't hardly anything! We have found beautiful families and future missionaries and we just need to capacitate the members more and there should be a good harvest if I go or not. At least they'll have a direction and something to do. Got to ask me questions specific ones because P-days I am brain-dead.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Halo Familia!
Happy birthday Ila and Fae! I know you don't know me very well, but I am your favorite uncle! Just a year ago I was Cartegena unable to study, anxiously awaiting the fotos of your small baby bodies! We'll celebrate your half birthday or Juntos, alright?
Lots of ups and downs. Sweet birthday party. Fight with drunken father. Failed baptismal interview. Successful lessons with members. Failed assistance. Desire to be morally clean and avoid hellfire. Gustavo had a birthday, like mom. We tried to do something for him and everything was wrong, but then we tried again on the third, happy birthday mom!, And finally worked! We had a sweet little cake with five candles that represented 19 years of his life. Then we were going to watch Transfor- I mean the Testament, but it did not work. So we read 3 Nephi 11 and it was super spiritual, with cake beforehand. Then Lionel didn't come to his interview, but we patched it all up and got excited for church, and came and we'll see if we prepare him for an upcoming Saturday.
Which is sad because combios are next week and I might leave, but I might also stay, but leave another area with zero baptisms. But if I good or at least semi-decent missionary comes there should be a Pocoto'n De Frutos. I realized we are teaching almost 10 couples which are in various stages of progression- but they are there. When we got here there wasn't hardly anything! We have found beautiful families and future missionaries and we just need to capacitate the members more and there should be a good harvest if I go or not. At least they'll have a direction and something to do. Got to ask me questions specific ones because P-days I am brain-dead.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
I Love Repentant People
7/30/12
Halo familia!
Glad the 24th was a blast. Totally slipped my mind they don't really recognize the pioneers here in Columbia. I saw a man the other day just like a Boy Scout, but with a grey sash and yellow neckerchief with the world On it. I thought there are scouts in Columbia? This is worldwide? So I asked him what organization do you represent?, Not knowing the word for scouts. I was wrong, scouts still haven't made it to Columbia. But he was nice. His daughter is actually an inactive member that we've got to go see. That happened yesterday Sunday.
Saturday, I went on Inter cambio to the other area and we went on a bus ride to Boada and I fell in love with Columbia over again. The countryside is sweet and the Spanish song playing was perfect, not totally worthless. There were all sorts of crazy things going on and in a visit to a member I was reminded how important love is in our invitations.
Friday I ate what I think was a chicken kidney. Our investigators Anyela T Osirs made as lunch. Up way up there on the hill. They lived in the house of wooden board, no floor, two or three rooms separated by boards or just a curtain. Almost all homes have a TV of some sort and a lot of pirated videos. No running water in the house of Anyela, but she gave us a beautiful juice of a soft pink color, chirmoya. These two are super, but there is esposos are a little slower. But willing, so that's good. Looking for their papers to get married.
I discovered on Wednesday how much I love repentant people. We taught the law of chastity to Leonel, he's 22 and has a son of 21/2 years, he told us.Obviously committed Adultery. "Where am I at?" It was a tender moment to share Isaiah 1:17-18. Repentant people are fun to teach.
I finally did something christian like this week, felt pretty good. I really requires an extra effort for me. But I did it, one step at a time. we're getting there.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Halo familia!
Glad the 24th was a blast. Totally slipped my mind they don't really recognize the pioneers here in Columbia. I saw a man the other day just like a Boy Scout, but with a grey sash and yellow neckerchief with the world On it. I thought there are scouts in Columbia? This is worldwide? So I asked him what organization do you represent?, Not knowing the word for scouts. I was wrong, scouts still haven't made it to Columbia. But he was nice. His daughter is actually an inactive member that we've got to go see. That happened yesterday Sunday.
Saturday, I went on Inter cambio to the other area and we went on a bus ride to Boada and I fell in love with Columbia over again. The countryside is sweet and the Spanish song playing was perfect, not totally worthless. There were all sorts of crazy things going on and in a visit to a member I was reminded how important love is in our invitations.
Friday I ate what I think was a chicken kidney. Our investigators Anyela T Osirs made as lunch. Up way up there on the hill. They lived in the house of wooden board, no floor, two or three rooms separated by boards or just a curtain. Almost all homes have a TV of some sort and a lot of pirated videos. No running water in the house of Anyela, but she gave us a beautiful juice of a soft pink color, chirmoya. These two are super, but there is esposos are a little slower. But willing, so that's good. Looking for their papers to get married.
I discovered on Wednesday how much I love repentant people. We taught the law of chastity to Leonel, he's 22 and has a son of 21/2 years, he told us.Obviously committed Adultery. "Where am I at?" It was a tender moment to share Isaiah 1:17-18. Repentant people are fun to teach.
I finally did something christian like this week, felt pretty good. I really requires an extra effort for me. But I did it, one step at a time. we're getting there.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Every Week Build a Little More Faith
7/23/12
Halo Familia!
We as humans look at problems and conflicts and trials wrong. They are not meant to destroy us. Satan wants to use them that way, but that is not their purpose. They are so that we have a chance to show faith. Especially here, I think of the Sabbath day. Everyone here works on Sunday and that is their excuse every Sunday. This is an excuse! They'll believe God parts the Red Seas, but don't understand that that is a minor miracle for him than themselves and us individually choosing to show faith and look for the way to keep His commandments. It doesn't even have to be all at once. Every week you build a little more faith til you can actually do it and do it consistently. But they just trap themselves, sometimes not even searching for how to do it, saying "If God wants" thinking that if it was His will He'd come and give them a piggyback to church Sunday morning.
Then, as I walked under a blazing sun another thought hit me. Am I enjoying this? Is this just a chore? Where is my attitude at right now? And upon completing 18 meses I promised to myself that I will enjoy thoroughly these last six months. This determination was immediately tried because that Thursday we walked all day long and every single appointment fell through, every last one, but I enjoyed it. Not really, but it didn't get me down.
Our investigators are awesome. The majority are reading a ton, like 50 pages in a couple days. Most of the costenos don't have a huge habit of reading. One Mr. Regalado totally understood Moroni's promise, " it's a test!" Moroni is saying "don't believe me, ask God." And he got pretty excited and I've been enjoying the lessons more because I decided to do it. Be more joyful.
We went to visit a reference of a member whose daughter's kidneys do not work. (I think that's what rinones as means.) Even to the point where she's on dialysis. Only 17 years old. Gave her a blessing. It was super cool. Then we went back on Sunday and sang "I Stand All Amazed" to her and we stood all amazed at the spirit and her mom offered a prayer. We left and return to a house nearby where I'd seen a family that we hadn't contacted. It turns out it was a less active member or less than active who had recently moved to the house and wants to come back to the church! Coincidence? I think not!
I finally finished El Lia De Mormon. Read it super slowly. My goal is to finish it again by the end. Also finished Jesus El Christo, but in English. I liked it bunches and understood about how poderoso the life of Jesus is. I read it mostly in my spare time. Also in waiting for my entry visa I was able to gain a little crush on the Bible.
Played soccer today for the fourth time in the mission and I kicked butt. Not really but I surprised some people.
I'm still with Elder Ramirez finishing up training with him, he's doing super well. He is a lot pacienter with me then he should be. I've been struggling in comp studies, but we made plans to make it better. Think I'm going to study with him standing up, because it is just too much sitting! In fact I made a pledge to myself that I will never just stay in the house sitting. I will get out and do something. But for now I will make good use of the sitting.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Halo Familia!
We as humans look at problems and conflicts and trials wrong. They are not meant to destroy us. Satan wants to use them that way, but that is not their purpose. They are so that we have a chance to show faith. Especially here, I think of the Sabbath day. Everyone here works on Sunday and that is their excuse every Sunday. This is an excuse! They'll believe God parts the Red Seas, but don't understand that that is a minor miracle for him than themselves and us individually choosing to show faith and look for the way to keep His commandments. It doesn't even have to be all at once. Every week you build a little more faith til you can actually do it and do it consistently. But they just trap themselves, sometimes not even searching for how to do it, saying "If God wants" thinking that if it was His will He'd come and give them a piggyback to church Sunday morning.
Then, as I walked under a blazing sun another thought hit me. Am I enjoying this? Is this just a chore? Where is my attitude at right now? And upon completing 18 meses I promised to myself that I will enjoy thoroughly these last six months. This determination was immediately tried because that Thursday we walked all day long and every single appointment fell through, every last one, but I enjoyed it. Not really, but it didn't get me down.
Our investigators are awesome. The majority are reading a ton, like 50 pages in a couple days. Most of the costenos don't have a huge habit of reading. One Mr. Regalado totally understood Moroni's promise, " it's a test!" Moroni is saying "don't believe me, ask God." And he got pretty excited and I've been enjoying the lessons more because I decided to do it. Be more joyful.
We went to visit a reference of a member whose daughter's kidneys do not work. (I think that's what rinones as means.) Even to the point where she's on dialysis. Only 17 years old. Gave her a blessing. It was super cool. Then we went back on Sunday and sang "I Stand All Amazed" to her and we stood all amazed at the spirit and her mom offered a prayer. We left and return to a house nearby where I'd seen a family that we hadn't contacted. It turns out it was a less active member or less than active who had recently moved to the house and wants to come back to the church! Coincidence? I think not!
I finally finished El Lia De Mormon. Read it super slowly. My goal is to finish it again by the end. Also finished Jesus El Christo, but in English. I liked it bunches and understood about how poderoso the life of Jesus is. I read it mostly in my spare time. Also in waiting for my entry visa I was able to gain a little crush on the Bible.
Played soccer today for the fourth time in the mission and I kicked butt. Not really but I surprised some people.
I'm still with Elder Ramirez finishing up training with him, he's doing super well. He is a lot pacienter with me then he should be. I've been struggling in comp studies, but we made plans to make it better. Think I'm going to study with him standing up, because it is just too much sitting! In fact I made a pledge to myself that I will never just stay in the house sitting. I will get out and do something. But for now I will make good use of the sitting.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Friday, September 14, 2012
You Shall Live!
7/16/12
Halo Familia!
Throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon and even the D&C there are a tons of promises that are like do this and you will, you shall live! I love that promise, it is just a full life. I believe that in as sense that eternal is not limited to- after all is said and done. It's also a fullness of life which we live in mortality. Doesn't matter what trials we have if we keep the commandments, those trials only add to the fullness, or completeness of what we experience and we never have to worry that we are missing out because God always feels it to overflowing what we might have lacked. It's good to know that being so far away from stuff. But in this faraway place we are getting awfully better and more efficient. I learned a lot with Elder Dino who I had met a year ago, he spoke in a general conference recently. He didn't remember me and we went to Barranquilla for a conference and it was good. I actually did way better paying attention.
Yesterday eight people that I strive to love came to church and seven of them have baptismal goals, wahoo! Three are Jovenes two of which already said they'd like to be missionaries. Four parents came with all their kids. Of the eight, six we really didn't know if they would come. No one of whom we thought would actually be there came. So maybe we need to reevaluate who is really interested.
I got the pillowcase works great, and all the notes and a letters. Tell them thanks.
I'm doing super well. Completing 18 Meses this weeks, that's exciting. Trying to work effectively. Working hard and learning a lot. Also my companion is great. Send me a list of new questions to answer this week!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Halo Familia!
Throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon and even the D&C there are a tons of promises that are like do this and you will, you shall live! I love that promise, it is just a full life. I believe that in as sense that eternal is not limited to- after all is said and done. It's also a fullness of life which we live in mortality. Doesn't matter what trials we have if we keep the commandments, those trials only add to the fullness, or completeness of what we experience and we never have to worry that we are missing out because God always feels it to overflowing what we might have lacked. It's good to know that being so far away from stuff. But in this faraway place we are getting awfully better and more efficient. I learned a lot with Elder Dino who I had met a year ago, he spoke in a general conference recently. He didn't remember me and we went to Barranquilla for a conference and it was good. I actually did way better paying attention.
Yesterday eight people that I strive to love came to church and seven of them have baptismal goals, wahoo! Three are Jovenes two of which already said they'd like to be missionaries. Four parents came with all their kids. Of the eight, six we really didn't know if they would come. No one of whom we thought would actually be there came. So maybe we need to reevaluate who is really interested.
I got the pillowcase works great, and all the notes and a letters. Tell them thanks.
I'm doing super well. Completing 18 Meses this weeks, that's exciting. Trying to work effectively. Working hard and learning a lot. Also my companion is great. Send me a list of new questions to answer this week!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Do the Will of the Father
Halo Familia!
Another Fourth of July outside the US definitely not as cool as inside. Nobody here knew. Actually I was the only gringo I saw all day, but I did speak an unusual amount of English to my companion.
I'm still here and Bastidas. No change at all. We found out that Elder Dino of the 70 and Elder Holland are coming tomorrow and in September respectively. It made me all nervous for some reason.
I realize more and more here how important the family is and just spending time with the family. People here don't get it. Well a lot of investigators, work and work and work and then drink and that is it. We always tell them there are two parts. They barely fulfill the temporal, got to make a better effort espiritualmente. Mosiah 4:15-16, 16:16-17. Then we shared with one 2 Nephi 9:46-47 or around there about waking up to a terrible reality. I loved it. Think we are going to do it again with an investigator we found totally boracho. Gosh, it is horrible to break the commandments. They are totally slaves! And only fulfill the part less awesome of being a dad because the spiritual is the challenging and gratifying part-I would presume.
I'm still a totally impatient person. Lately what bothers me most is when people say "Si dios quiere", like 'if God wants or God willing." Hey you're going to go to church right? "Si dios quiere". Oh I unleashed on an investigator-we have to do there will of the Father. We have to look for it. If we wait for it and throw all the responsibility to God we will end up in hell, saying Lord Lord, but still not doing the will of the Father. til we are judged and end up in a lesser kingdom. "Will you do the will of the Father and come with us to church this next Sunday?"
Well, we'll see if they come. Everything is normal. Feeling good.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Keep the Commandments and Smile!
7/2/12
Halo Familia!
Me siento bien aca en bastidas. Though this week included a lot of learning and cambios are this week. It was a super fast transfer. We studied at ton and I took out a lot of a apostosia from my little friend Elder Ramirez. He's super. We'll see a family sometimes and I'll walk by and he'll be like "Elder una familia." "Well talk to them dang it. Don't let me slow you down." It is usually how I respond to him and we have found some good investigators like that. Almost all our families. Though only a few came to church, like two. So we got potential. We tried tracting in the richer part of our area and it was Duro! They all say "no, I know the word. I'm clear in my doctrine." You know what buddy. That's exactly what the Pharisees all said to Jesus when he showed them something new and miraculous and you know where they are now?
I haven't said that yet but I definitely will. I like my poor friends more. Though they don't come to church.
They live super humbly, the majority of the people here. Lots in just a one room house of bricks, one light bulb, no running water-a few buy it and carry it up to their house for the week. It's a service we've helped with several times. And some of the hills are super steep! Where I live there's running water. This is more on the hilly hillside. But they seem content and grateful for what they have. Still definitely know how to make noise.
My comp is understanding more of the importance of the Book of Mormon and also the atonement in his life. It has been cool to share thoughts together on it. 2 Nephi 9:39 is a favorite scripture. It is just horrible in every sense to break the commandments in any manner. Don't do it and smile!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Halo Familia!
Me siento bien aca en bastidas. Though this week included a lot of learning and cambios are this week. It was a super fast transfer. We studied at ton and I took out a lot of a apostosia from my little friend Elder Ramirez. He's super. We'll see a family sometimes and I'll walk by and he'll be like "Elder una familia." "Well talk to them dang it. Don't let me slow you down." It is usually how I respond to him and we have found some good investigators like that. Almost all our families. Though only a few came to church, like two. So we got potential. We tried tracting in the richer part of our area and it was Duro! They all say "no, I know the word. I'm clear in my doctrine." You know what buddy. That's exactly what the Pharisees all said to Jesus when he showed them something new and miraculous and you know where they are now?
I haven't said that yet but I definitely will. I like my poor friends more. Though they don't come to church.
They live super humbly, the majority of the people here. Lots in just a one room house of bricks, one light bulb, no running water-a few buy it and carry it up to their house for the week. It's a service we've helped with several times. And some of the hills are super steep! Where I live there's running water. This is more on the hilly hillside. But they seem content and grateful for what they have. Still definitely know how to make noise.
My comp is understanding more of the importance of the Book of Mormon and also the atonement in his life. It has been cool to share thoughts together on it. 2 Nephi 9:39 is a favorite scripture. It is just horrible in every sense to break the commandments in any manner. Don't do it and smile!
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Keep Praying
6/25/12
Halo Familia!
My English friend Russell came to church yesterday! With his fiancé. A surprise family came that I did not expect, and the mom of Eric who recently passed away and it was sweet. Except for the fact that the power went out. Not awesome. So hot! And right before the sacrament the first counselor came down and asked Elder Ramirez and I to give talk. And Eldor Ramirez spoke for only like three minutes. 20 for Elder Taylor, woo hoo!
I keep praying for the same things cause I read about prayer in Jesus the Christ and you got to be persistent and effortful in your prayers maybe that's why a lot of investigators don't progress. They don't give an effortful in your prayers. So I'm going to explain that to them.
We found some good families this week and used a variety of members for each one. Went pretty well. My area is super sweet though my house is small. We actually have the less silly part of the area. There are two companionships in La Rama Bastidas. My area is like point of the mountain but more pointy hills with lots of little houses and things covering it. Like little canyons. Dirt rocky road and they never end. You can just keep going up the hills looking for someone and go up and up and up. I like it a lot. Well, I started using the brown shoes, I had only worn them like twice and so they are very new so no worries. Russell, got the same infection I got a year ago. Gringos.
José didn't come to church, but he is still excited. The Assistant came and did splits with the other companionship and rebelled against them in the house. Making up a dumb rule. I was like man, you're here to help not to be a pest. Then we got eaten by a secretary for having an ugly house. But we tried to fix it today. I got letters for the first time in like two months!
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Halo Familia!
My English friend Russell came to church yesterday! With his fiancé. A surprise family came that I did not expect, and the mom of Eric who recently passed away and it was sweet. Except for the fact that the power went out. Not awesome. So hot! And right before the sacrament the first counselor came down and asked Elder Ramirez and I to give talk. And Eldor Ramirez spoke for only like three minutes. 20 for Elder Taylor, woo hoo!
I keep praying for the same things cause I read about prayer in Jesus the Christ and you got to be persistent and effortful in your prayers maybe that's why a lot of investigators don't progress. They don't give an effortful in your prayers. So I'm going to explain that to them.
We found some good families this week and used a variety of members for each one. Went pretty well. My area is super sweet though my house is small. We actually have the less silly part of the area. There are two companionships in La Rama Bastidas. My area is like point of the mountain but more pointy hills with lots of little houses and things covering it. Like little canyons. Dirt rocky road and they never end. You can just keep going up the hills looking for someone and go up and up and up. I like it a lot. Well, I started using the brown shoes, I had only worn them like twice and so they are very new so no worries. Russell, got the same infection I got a year ago. Gringos.
José didn't come to church, but he is still excited. The Assistant came and did splits with the other companionship and rebelled against them in the house. Making up a dumb rule. I was like man, you're here to help not to be a pest. Then we got eaten by a secretary for having an ugly house. But we tried to fix it today. I got letters for the first time in like two months!
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Faith Like A Rock
Halo Familia!
A young husband in the ward this week passed away. His wife got chickenpox, well let me explain, he was in the hospital and sick with pulmonic cancer and got better. Came home, Friday one and half weeks ago. We paid him a visit and gave him a blessing. He entered the clinic again that night. Was there a couple of days and got sicker. His wife got chickenpox and couldn't go see him. He got super bad and passed away on Thursday and on Sunday, wait no on Thursday okay, Wednesday. We did a fast for him and her and she asked me to offer a prayer on her house and gave her and one of her kids a blessing, with another member. Then on Thursday morning he passed away and she had chickenpox and her kid was sick.
But enough about death. Let's talk about life! Kristina! There is a baby in your belly! Are you stoked out of your mind? I am!
But Then we went to her house and saying how great thou art with her and she was faith like a rock. "Comprendoout perfectemente el plan de salvacion." Cool solemn experience.
Also Joses at blood sugar rose two 512. Problem. He was in the clinic a couple days. That said he wanted to join the church. We told him he could.
We found a bunch of people this last week. Including a couple beautiful families but no one could come to church really. Including a man named Russell from England who I'm teaching, but I'm not sure he understands. We teach him and his fiancée in Spanish.
I pray for five things recently always. That people feell the part of Gods love they need to feel through me. That we find complete families. That we find sacerdosio. (Both of which are ready to build the kingdom of God.) That i will have the gift of tongues and that we"ll work effectively with the members. Have them in every lesson possible. I'm thusly we continue to chase down familias.
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Health Tip
6/11/12
Halo Familia!
Health Tip – if you have dry skin before you waste your money on lotions make sure you are drinking enough water! That's how your cells receive hydration most ineffectively. I think there are a lot of problems like that. We focus on fruits of the problem, hacking at those when really we just got to drink more water. Or just do better planning of lessons and comprometer a los miembros and verify – all of which we are working on.
José and his son came again! They are totally powerful. During a lesson José said in Spanish "this is like driving in a nail-you got to hit it a couple of times." Then he came with his son and during elders quorum he looked at me and pretended that he was hammering. Like you're getting to me. Nailed it!
A lot of lessons failed us this week. We scale and hill – "ay, no hallegado" o "Esta dormido". Like alright I'm going to start throw in perros, but then we usually find someone. That's the thing here nobody says no. Like one in five, then nobody really comes to church. Working on it. José does! Also working on the first visit. How to make it a memorable experience because I know they won't remember the words I say, but the way they feel. Got to use the routine right and make them face reality and tear their heart out and improve it and replace it (– broken) But that's our job.
We went looking for a family. Lopez Vega, way up on the hill. Like super up there and it was night and spectacular. I was definitely made for this area. Didn't find the family. Being a trainer is sweet. My comp and I will pass a family on the street normally a man and his kid and will pass them completely. Usually then we looked at each other and I'll say to him "why didn't you contact him?" And he'll basically go running after them. Totally awesome and usually we get an appointment.
Love you all times,
Eldor Taylor
Halo Familia!
Health Tip – if you have dry skin before you waste your money on lotions make sure you are drinking enough water! That's how your cells receive hydration most ineffectively. I think there are a lot of problems like that. We focus on fruits of the problem, hacking at those when really we just got to drink more water. Or just do better planning of lessons and comprometer a los miembros and verify – all of which we are working on.
José and his son came again! They are totally powerful. During a lesson José said in Spanish "this is like driving in a nail-you got to hit it a couple of times." Then he came with his son and during elders quorum he looked at me and pretended that he was hammering. Like you're getting to me. Nailed it!
A lot of lessons failed us this week. We scale and hill – "ay, no hallegado" o "Esta dormido". Like alright I'm going to start throw in perros, but then we usually find someone. That's the thing here nobody says no. Like one in five, then nobody really comes to church. Working on it. José does! Also working on the first visit. How to make it a memorable experience because I know they won't remember the words I say, but the way they feel. Got to use the routine right and make them face reality and tear their heart out and improve it and replace it (– broken) But that's our job.
We went looking for a family. Lopez Vega, way up on the hill. Like super up there and it was night and spectacular. I was definitely made for this area. Didn't find the family. Being a trainer is sweet. My comp and I will pass a family on the street normally a man and his kid and will pass them completely. Usually then we looked at each other and I'll say to him "why didn't you contact him?" And he'll basically go running after them. Totally awesome and usually we get an appointment.
Love you all times,
Eldor Taylor
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Make sure you stay hydrated!
6/4/12
Hola Familia!
Fans don't really work when they are only blowing hot air at you, and showers- the fact is also nullified by hot water( luke warm) in my current circumstances.
In fact I fasted Saturday to Sunday – normal – but I just had an unquenchable fire inside of me. I neglected preparing myself for this fast well and so received a fire inside of me that I had never before experienced and hopelessly attempted to moisten the cracked and dried ground of the garden inside of me. Filling a bucket and immersing my head, showering thoroughly and even pouring my refrigerated water on my head but to no avail. Thusly I was more tormented with little or no air from my fan as I sought rest that would not come. And it did not come, until vanquished by infernal, internal aridity and the taunting call of juco from the fridge. I arose and as the clock struck 12, I did drink. Immediately every sweat gland kicked in and I found out I needed more with in 10 minutes so I drank more. And I slept well! Weird Bodily experience. Make sure you stay hydrated!
But besides that I saw Hermona Gaviria and El Presidente this Sunday. In fact I had to teach" Gospel Principles" in front of them and all our investigators and in Spanish, but the subject was The Day of Rest, super easy. Then I was put in charge of leading the missionary choir for the Charla Folonera El Pres. had that night, I did a bang up job!
Then Jose Ricaurte came to church and he's totally sacerdocio. With his 15-year-old son. Lost his wife a while ago, like 10 years and another reference of, (a menosactivo who came back this week). Eduardo, he's totally awesome and has a reference that is a good one, not sacerdocio.
Also I had to eat a cow stomach twice this week. It's not that bad but it's definitely not good. I had a huge chunk of some part of the cow in my soup yesterday and it had hair like a scruffy chin. Like the hair I grow on my Chinnish looking. And a fat and tendon looking thing. Didn't even phase me. Ate the soup, left that thing wallowing in its own to putridity. But all the pieces of stomach surrounding it I ate – not too bad.
Comp received his visa on Wednesday and we traveled to Barranquilla – you would not believe some of the towns we drove through. Totally poor, live almost in the water. Unbelievable and so many! Little light bulbs are the only source of light. Humbling.
While I was there I got to go to the urologist! But not for me. I just accompanied elder Bean . Urologist man spoke perfect English. Asked about the underwear he used "Uh, well a boxer. " Then after he said " well 2 boxers. I wear a religious underwear and then a boxer." Funny awkward moment – I don't think I could have been avoided. "A religious underwear." True, but it made me laugh.
Then I saw Elder Arnett in the office. He's a great friend. I also found out that of all those who came with me to Colombia I will be the only gringo who survives the Columbia Barranquilla mission. The rest of my group either had difficulties and won't finish with me or were transferred by Pres. to the Midellin mission. Totally solo.
Found out my Comp is scared of toads! We did a small service and cleaned leaves and trash and branches and stuff from a members road and found toads, and he ran away! Course I caught it and tormented him with it.
Starting to really understand my purpose more. Don't know why it took me so long. I've been kind of a slow learner. Just trying to reach another deeper level of meaning in my purpose as a missionary. Especially in verification – lots of calling. The other day Elder Ramirez and I walked past an Evangelical church and all of a sudden my Comp says, in English," it's big and an abomination!"
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Ready to Dig In
5/28/12
Hola Familia!
Felicitaciones! Couple things – I’m super glad Opa’s funeral went well. I still belong to the mission Colombia Barranquilla – asi que I will not go to Medellin. Though it would have been sweet, but I no longer belong to the zona paraiso y a zone no longer is under my care. Just a new, little corruptible missionary is, hahaha!
He’s from Tabasco Mexico and a convert of 1 and 7 months- and totally awesome and kind of mouse like. Still hasn’t read past Enos in the BOM but has a strong testimony quiere trgajar and has a meta de leer todo (I mean read it all) by June 16 – 10 pages or so a day – (I helped do that) – (in English a lot more – clinica)) I have been talking to a ton of Spanish lately and it has gone way down hill from being with gringos for so long but I’m working on it.
Oh and I’m in Santamarta – bastidas and it’s poor! So that’s totally different, and there are a ton of mountains. And my area can be pretty hilly or hillacious and I’m just ready to dig in. Got to train the members a little and we’ll start getting things done. In the training program now we have 2 hours of comp study and it still doesn’t seem like enough. I’m trying to use it well. I’m actually in the area where E Arnett started his mission – kind of fun, right? Also added to my prayers that we’ll find families and sacerdocio to build this ward. The missionaries before had 3 baptisms right before they left and didn’t leave a ton of investigators – like 2 really real ones so we’ll see how it goes. I’m trying to focus a lot on working effectively con cos miembros and in being direct and loving and bold like I was to Franklin – just telling what God expects of them – and with love. You guys are the best.
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Hola Familia!
Felicitaciones! Couple things – I’m super glad Opa’s funeral went well. I still belong to the mission Colombia Barranquilla – asi que I will not go to Medellin. Though it would have been sweet, but I no longer belong to the zona paraiso y a zone no longer is under my care. Just a new, little corruptible missionary is, hahaha!
He’s from Tabasco Mexico and a convert of 1 and 7 months- and totally awesome and kind of mouse like. Still hasn’t read past Enos in the BOM but has a strong testimony quiere trgajar and has a meta de leer todo (I mean read it all) by June 16 – 10 pages or so a day – (I helped do that) – (in English a lot more – clinica)) I have been talking to a ton of Spanish lately and it has gone way down hill from being with gringos for so long but I’m working on it.
Oh and I’m in Santamarta – bastidas and it’s poor! So that’s totally different, and there are a ton of mountains. And my area can be pretty hilly or hillacious and I’m just ready to dig in. Got to train the members a little and we’ll start getting things done. In the training program now we have 2 hours of comp study and it still doesn’t seem like enough. I’m trying to use it well. I’m actually in the area where E Arnett started his mission – kind of fun, right? Also added to my prayers that we’ll find families and sacerdocio to build this ward. The missionaries before had 3 baptisms right before they left and didn’t leave a ton of investigators – like 2 really real ones so we’ll see how it goes. I’m trying to focus a lot on working effectively con cos miembros and in being direct and loving and bold like I was to Franklin – just telling what God expects of them – and with love. You guys are the best.
Love you all tons,
Elder Taylor
Gospel is Totally True
Hola Familia,
The mission president called me this morning I was prepared for your e-mails. I feel peaceful with regard to Opa's death and even more so knowing that he left under a priesthood blessing. Gospel is totally true.
Yesterday with a less active family around the time grandpa crossed the veil from 2 Nephi 9. Especially verses 10 and 13 and basically what I understood is that Christ round house kicked death and hell right in the face. We were reading from there and it was like I had never read it before. We walked out and I said to my companion " I had never understood so clearly the truths in that chapter and I know right where my grandpa is and why he's there and where he's going.
God prepared me a little bit and while I read your letters this morning I felt grateful, mom and dad that he died with so many tender mercies. Blessing that mom was there. Good stuff.
We struggled again to get anything super productive done. We had zone conference this last Thursday and I am not made to sit in a capilla all day. But learned some good stuff. Gotta gain a testimony more of my ability to follow the spirit. Then that night of Friday I got totally scolded by the sister missionary. Took out scriptures and made me read them over the phone and by the end I didn't respond nor did she wait for me to respond. But I did find her a mini missionary to fix the problem.
We are working a lot more with members and it is good. (They always give us food) And should be effective. Finally met with Ricardos family and he brought his daughter to church.
Transfers are this week. We'll see how it goes I'm pretty stoked and it was great to call you guys. Love you all tons and know that Opa is doing well and working hard.
Love you all tons!
Elder Taylor.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
