! Hola Familia!
This isn't going to be the longest letter of my life because I have a lot to get done today, but I'll do my best! Mom, you did a wonderful job translating the beginning of my last letter, 100%.
Today I had a really cool experience going to the temple. While we were on our way up, we stopped with Elder Vonasek and Elder Christian, who are in our zone, and were just talking by the fountain. A sister came up to us and asked if we could give a blessing to a man who was sitting over on a bench with another man and woman. She explained that he had a court case he was feeling uncomfortable with and asked if we could do that for him. We eagerly said yes, and walked over. The man's name was Sergio. The other Elders just looked at me, so I stepped behind the bench and proceeded to give him a blessing. It was a really neat experience and a great way to start off the day at the temple! So I've officially given my first blessing as a missionary! Dad, right when they asked me, your saying flashed through my head - "Be where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there!" It was such a great blessing. We didn't have a reason for not going right in to the temple, but I know that it's because the Lord needed us there.
In answer to your question, the three steps to personal revelation are: Receive, Recognize, and Respond. I feel like I am doing a lot better and have come a lot closer to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ.
It's good to hear that Megan got her homework done. Now the important thing is to stay caught up! I don't think that South Jordan would be such a bad idea for Megan. Maybe it would help her focus and run with a better crowd.
What kind of car are M-A and Swift looking in to? So is Melanie actually going to be driving when I get home? That's weird.
Dad - this new job at work, is it a pay raise along with and hour raise? What would you be doing on the line? I'll keep my fingers crossed.
So my debut with Maren's group was at age 11, uh? That's so cool. We'll have to keep that one handy so I can see it when I get home. We have some pretty good singing sessions here, especially in the showers. Oh, what a beautiful noise. Haha
Our Zone leaders, Elder Wilson and Elder Jemmett, left this last week, along with the other companionship in their district. Elder Edwards and Elder Dawson. It was REALLY hard to see them go. We all have become so close because of being together every minute of every day and because of the Spirit we feel together. I think I cried more that night than when I said goodbye to you all. It was just really hard. That night, elders Wilson and Jemmett conducted an awards ceremony for us. Elder Wilson's mom had sent some ribbons to hand out. Not everyone (companionship) got one, but it was fun for all. Elder Trane and I were awarded the title of "Star Students." We are speaking better Spanish than most of the district's that have been here two weeks longer. That may not sound like much, but when you are in class for 12+ hours / day for 6 days a week, you learn a lot, or you can. Elder Trane and I have just tried to be obedient and to use our time effectively and the Lord has greatly blessed us. Alma 26:12 has made itself manifest through this endeavor.
I was able to get a picture with President Trost last week (I read your mind) so that will be coming soon. Well, or when I get my other card back. Haha.
Mom, to answer your questions, the red and green Christmas presents were from Ammie Fackrell. It was little pictures of the Savior and a Lifesaver storybook. I have received letters pretty consistently from Alison, Ammie and Hallie. I have also heard from Carson Homer twice - he got his mission call! He's headed to the Philippines! I'm really excited for him!
Where did M-A get a job? When do they expect to hear back from more schools?
Yeah, the traditions here in the MTC are pretty cool! There aren't a lot, but we've come up with a few! Haha.
So far, I haven't met any missionaries going down to Uruguay with me. There has to be some, but I just haven't' bumped into them, I guess. The newest district in our zone, that's been here two weeks, are all going to the east mission in Uruguay. 4 Elders and 3 Hermanos. I've heard the two missions have combined conferences sometimes, so maybe I'll see them at some point.
I haven't run into Elder Peterson yet, but I'm sure I will, and I'll be sure to get my hug!
Oh, by the way, is the PIN # for my new card the same as my old one? Can I just cut up my old one now? Also, do you think you could find a poem for me? I think we have it in a book somewhere... it's the one about the boy in the race who falls but gets up every time because of his dad... if you could, that'd be great!
ENTONCES...
I love you all. I miss you very much, but I would not trade this experience at this time for anything. This is exactly what I needed and i couldn't be more grateful. Keep the letters coming, they really do brighten the days here. Melanie and Megan, that goes for you too!
!Yo Amo Ustedes!
Elder Taylor
Ether 12:27 and "Grace" in the Bible Dictionary
-The Lord will not take away our weaknesses, but He will give us the help and strength needed to overcome them!
Dad -(and everyone else) - Keep the quotes coming - you know I love them!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Letter #6 MTC
!Hola Familia!
?Como Estan? Estoy muy, juy bien! Yeah, I'm basically fluent. Haha. I hope your Spanish is far enough along to understand that! It is actually coming along very well. There's only a couple of tenses (Past Subjunctive and another) that we haven't learned yet. I can understand a lot when I talk to people and I can actually say quite a bit of what I want to say as well. It's amazing how fast you can learn when you're doing what the Lord asks!
Mom - what happened to your resolution? I still haven't received your Sunday letter... maybe I'll get it at dinner mail.
Everything is going well here. We are all learning a lot and making the changes necessary to become the best missionaries we can! I was blessed with a tender mercy this week. Monday night I was reading my Patriarchal Blessing and had some questions about learning the process of personal revelation and what not came into my mind. Guess what our devotional on Tuesday night was on?! The steps of receiving personal revelation and how we can become better! The speaker was Gerald N. Lund, who wrote "The Work and the Glory. It was a great opportunity and blessing.
Dad - how did you get Pres. Trost's email? Neither of us can figure it out. I play the piano like every week here. I guess lessons are sorta paying off. Haha.
I'm gonna go shower and then we're going to lunch and our temple session, so I'll finish this a little later...
OK, I'm writing a little more before the temple. Haha. Elder Trane's still getting ready. I hope you are all doing well. Mom, how are the classes comin' along? Are you keepin' up on your homework?
Dad- what is this couch table going to be? I'm trying to picture it, but I'm "drawing" a blank! (Get it? Haha) Yeah, my car would someties not start. I would just twist the terminal and it would work. It only happened a couple of times. How did the clamp break all the way through? That's weird. What have you decided to do with the truck? Are you gonna get a new one yet? What is this new position you're going for? When does it all "go down"? (Ask Nathanael for meaning.)
I was not happy to find out about the Seahawks game. I was hoping for a win. Oh well, maybe next year, when the Lions make the playoffs Trane's family and a few of the others do some ports updates, but not much. So if you ever feel like it, drop off some scores or something.
The lemonade is now officially gone. I savored it as long as I could. I'm now thoroughly convinced that's what we'll be drinking in heaven. If you ever run across any extra lemonade, you know where to send it!
Has anything happened with Meg's IPOD yet? That's not cool. I hope it will turn up. Megan - stay up in school! It's too hard if you get behind! I know you can do it Goose, just focus!
Melanie - that goes for you too! Stay caught up in school! Are ya liking it more? It's fun. Stay involved and make usre you hang out with the "good kids". And NO dates til you're 16.
Girls -I'm still waiting anxiously for Book of Morman news from you. It's been a month and I've got nothing. Have you started?
I'm sorry for the missed week-it won't happen again!
Wow, I love the temple. We just got back from our session. The Spirit is so strong in the temple. It truly is the House of the Lord.
Mary-Anne and Nathanael - I love you both very much! I probably won't have time to write, because we have class, but if I have a minute I'll try and sneak you in!
Mom, Dad, M-A & Nathanael - look at facsimile #2 in Abraham item #7 and let me know if you see anything AMAZING! The Church is SO true! I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
ps Don't erase the pictures on the card! Put them on the computer and send the card back to me full so I still have the ones I want. I'll delete some when it comes back.
?Como Estan? Estoy muy, juy bien! Yeah, I'm basically fluent. Haha. I hope your Spanish is far enough along to understand that! It is actually coming along very well. There's only a couple of tenses (Past Subjunctive and another) that we haven't learned yet. I can understand a lot when I talk to people and I can actually say quite a bit of what I want to say as well. It's amazing how fast you can learn when you're doing what the Lord asks!
Mom - what happened to your resolution? I still haven't received your Sunday letter... maybe I'll get it at dinner mail.
Everything is going well here. We are all learning a lot and making the changes necessary to become the best missionaries we can! I was blessed with a tender mercy this week. Monday night I was reading my Patriarchal Blessing and had some questions about learning the process of personal revelation and what not came into my mind. Guess what our devotional on Tuesday night was on?! The steps of receiving personal revelation and how we can become better! The speaker was Gerald N. Lund, who wrote "The Work and the Glory. It was a great opportunity and blessing.
Dad - how did you get Pres. Trost's email? Neither of us can figure it out. I play the piano like every week here. I guess lessons are sorta paying off. Haha.
I'm gonna go shower and then we're going to lunch and our temple session, so I'll finish this a little later...
OK, I'm writing a little more before the temple. Haha. Elder Trane's still getting ready. I hope you are all doing well. Mom, how are the classes comin' along? Are you keepin' up on your homework?
Dad- what is this couch table going to be? I'm trying to picture it, but I'm "drawing" a blank! (Get it? Haha) Yeah, my car would someties not start. I would just twist the terminal and it would work. It only happened a couple of times. How did the clamp break all the way through? That's weird. What have you decided to do with the truck? Are you gonna get a new one yet? What is this new position you're going for? When does it all "go down"? (Ask Nathanael for meaning.)
I was not happy to find out about the Seahawks game. I was hoping for a win. Oh well, maybe next year, when the Lions make the playoffs Trane's family and a few of the others do some ports updates, but not much. So if you ever feel like it, drop off some scores or something.
The lemonade is now officially gone. I savored it as long as I could. I'm now thoroughly convinced that's what we'll be drinking in heaven. If you ever run across any extra lemonade, you know where to send it!
Has anything happened with Meg's IPOD yet? That's not cool. I hope it will turn up. Megan - stay up in school! It's too hard if you get behind! I know you can do it Goose, just focus!
Melanie - that goes for you too! Stay caught up in school! Are ya liking it more? It's fun. Stay involved and make usre you hang out with the "good kids". And NO dates til you're 16.
Girls -I'm still waiting anxiously for Book of Morman news from you. It's been a month and I've got nothing. Have you started?
I'm sorry for the missed week-it won't happen again!
Wow, I love the temple. We just got back from our session. The Spirit is so strong in the temple. It truly is the House of the Lord.
Mary-Anne and Nathanael - I love you both very much! I probably won't have time to write, because we have class, but if I have a minute I'll try and sneak you in!
Mom, Dad, M-A & Nathanael - look at facsimile #2 in Abraham item #7 and let me know if you see anything AMAZING! The Church is SO true! I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
ps Don't erase the pictures on the card! Put them on the computer and send the card back to me full so I still have the ones I want. I'll delete some when it comes back.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Letters about MTC Branch President Phil Trost
Aaron's MTC Branch President is a President Trost. When we lived in Magna our bishop was a Phil Trost. Craig was writing to see if they were the same person.
Craig to Phil Trost,
A message from Craig Taylor, Magna Spencer 5th Ward
Good Morning,
It has been awhile since we have talked.
Our son Aaron Taylor is in the MTC and says that his branch president has the name of Trost.
I was wondering if that is YOU?
If not, hello anyway.
We are doing well. We are still in South Jordan. We adopted four children, three firls and a son. Mary-Anne is married and has just graduated from the U. Melanie is in 10th and Megan is in 7th. grade.
Thanks for your time. Hope to hear from you.
Thanks,
Craig
From Phil Trost,
Yes it is me! Jan and I were called to preside over the Lisbon Portugal Mission from 1999-2002; when we returned we were called to the MTC where I have been serving for the past 4 years; we worked with Portuguese missionaries for 3 years and about a year ago I was trasnferred to preside over a Spanish brance; your son is an outstanding missionary; he currently serves as a district leader; he also has blessed us with his piano skills; I can see that he has been a model son for you and that you and Liz have trained him well; his companion is an Elder Trane from Idaho Falls - he is also an obedient missionary.
We were with Elder Taylor on Tuesday night and I introduced him to Jan; she was thrilled to meet him and she asked him about his family.
I will be up tonight to see him and to see pictures of his family -I'm excited to see you again (via family pictures). We think the world of you!
Tell your sweet wife "Hi" for us.'
Phil Trost
Craig to Phil Trost,
A message from Craig Taylor, Magna Spencer 5th Ward
Good Morning,
It has been awhile since we have talked.
Our son Aaron Taylor is in the MTC and says that his branch president has the name of Trost.
I was wondering if that is YOU?
If not, hello anyway.
We are doing well. We are still in South Jordan. We adopted four children, three firls and a son. Mary-Anne is married and has just graduated from the U. Melanie is in 10th and Megan is in 7th. grade.
Thanks for your time. Hope to hear from you.
Thanks,
Craig
From Phil Trost,
Yes it is me! Jan and I were called to preside over the Lisbon Portugal Mission from 1999-2002; when we returned we were called to the MTC where I have been serving for the past 4 years; we worked with Portuguese missionaries for 3 years and about a year ago I was trasnferred to preside over a Spanish brance; your son is an outstanding missionary; he currently serves as a district leader; he also has blessed us with his piano skills; I can see that he has been a model son for you and that you and Liz have trained him well; his companion is an Elder Trane from Idaho Falls - he is also an obedient missionary.
We were with Elder Taylor on Tuesday night and I introduced him to Jan; she was thrilled to meet him and she asked him about his family.
I will be up tonight to see him and to see pictures of his family -I'm excited to see you again (via family pictures). We think the world of you!
Tell your sweet wife "Hi" for us.'
Phil Trost
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Letter #5 MTC
!Hola Familia!
?Como Estan? !Yo estoy muy, juy bueno! I hope this letter finds you all well! I was really excited to receive the package from Mary-Anne and was even more excited when all the letters were inside! I don't have a ton of time before we need to head for lunch and the temple, so I'll try and answer all the questions, but if I forget some, please forgive me!
On Tuesday, we had the great privilege of having two of the Quroum of the Twelve Apostles here! M. Russell Ballard and Richard G. Scott were here to train the new MTC Presidency wo they spoke to us. elder Scott only bore his testimony, but it was extremely powerful and sincere. Elder Ballard spoke mostly on the need to set weekly, achievable baptisimal goals! It's kind of hard to do that here in the MTC, but we can apply it to our own goals here. It was great to hear their counsel and feel of their Spirit.
Yes, I have seen Spencer Frandsen, but only very briefly. I will try and get the three of us together ASAP. I only sent a few pictures with this letter because they were from other Elder's cameras. I am developing some of mine today. I will sent the card at a later time. The Spanish is coming slowly, but surely. I can understand A Lot, but speaking is another story. We teach in Spanish on Monday for the first "real" time, so that will be interesting.
Right now a lot of my study is devoted to Spanish and just becoming a familiar as I can with the content of the lessons.
I am very sorry to hear about Steve Crookston. That is really rough. But that's one of the great messages of the gospel - we can live with our loved ones again! What an amazing blessing!
Oh! By the way, Pres. Torst IS the same guy! I asked him in my district report last wee and he came up to me after sacrament and said, "So are you Craig and Liz's Son?" It was really near. And his wife (Janet?) spoke to me after the devotional on Tuesday so that was really cool! What a tender mercy the Lord has blessed us with!
Oh, and I deep forgetting to mention this - they have pushed us back a week to my original departure date - the week of February 19th - We won't get our final travel palns for probably another month or so, but just so you are aware!
Dad, how did the HAR go? Did you have any other cool missionary experiences? What ever happened with Olly, anything?
Just so ya'll know, I've started actually working out in gym. Running and lifting - it's great. Ya'll better get on that. or I'll be running circles around you when I get back!
Melanie - keep up the good work in school! I know you can get better grades, you've just got to work for it! The Lord will help you! How is your Book of Mormon reading? I haven't heard and I really want to hear what you're learning and reading!
Mom - how is the class coming? What filming did you have to do? I'm so proud of you for continuing your education and being diligent - it sets a great example for all of us!
Alright, well I better go shower so we can go to lunch and then get up to the temple! know that I LOVE YOU ALL and that I pray for you multiple times daily. Tell Mary-Anne that I'll try to get her letter written, but if not, I love her too! It'll make us even for last week when I didn't write you guys! Haha. Nathanael - cheer loud for the Seahawks this weekend! There's a kid from Chicago in my district and I would really like him to stop talking about the Bears! Haha. Love you all! Take Care!
Love Always
Elder Taylor
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" - Joseph Smith
Elder Trane's Home Address -
1370 Merrett Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
?Como Estan? !Yo estoy muy, juy bueno! I hope this letter finds you all well! I was really excited to receive the package from Mary-Anne and was even more excited when all the letters were inside! I don't have a ton of time before we need to head for lunch and the temple, so I'll try and answer all the questions, but if I forget some, please forgive me!
On Tuesday, we had the great privilege of having two of the Quroum of the Twelve Apostles here! M. Russell Ballard and Richard G. Scott were here to train the new MTC Presidency wo they spoke to us. elder Scott only bore his testimony, but it was extremely powerful and sincere. Elder Ballard spoke mostly on the need to set weekly, achievable baptisimal goals! It's kind of hard to do that here in the MTC, but we can apply it to our own goals here. It was great to hear their counsel and feel of their Spirit.
Yes, I have seen Spencer Frandsen, but only very briefly. I will try and get the three of us together ASAP. I only sent a few pictures with this letter because they were from other Elder's cameras. I am developing some of mine today. I will sent the card at a later time. The Spanish is coming slowly, but surely. I can understand A Lot, but speaking is another story. We teach in Spanish on Monday for the first "real" time, so that will be interesting.
Right now a lot of my study is devoted to Spanish and just becoming a familiar as I can with the content of the lessons.
I am very sorry to hear about Steve Crookston. That is really rough. But that's one of the great messages of the gospel - we can live with our loved ones again! What an amazing blessing!
Oh! By the way, Pres. Torst IS the same guy! I asked him in my district report last wee and he came up to me after sacrament and said, "So are you Craig and Liz's Son?" It was really near. And his wife (Janet?) spoke to me after the devotional on Tuesday so that was really cool! What a tender mercy the Lord has blessed us with!
Oh, and I deep forgetting to mention this - they have pushed us back a week to my original departure date - the week of February 19th - We won't get our final travel palns for probably another month or so, but just so you are aware!
Dad, how did the HAR go? Did you have any other cool missionary experiences? What ever happened with Olly, anything?
Just so ya'll know, I've started actually working out in gym. Running and lifting - it's great. Ya'll better get on that. or I'll be running circles around you when I get back!
Melanie - keep up the good work in school! I know you can get better grades, you've just got to work for it! The Lord will help you! How is your Book of Mormon reading? I haven't heard and I really want to hear what you're learning and reading!
Mom - how is the class coming? What filming did you have to do? I'm so proud of you for continuing your education and being diligent - it sets a great example for all of us!
Alright, well I better go shower so we can go to lunch and then get up to the temple! know that I LOVE YOU ALL and that I pray for you multiple times daily. Tell Mary-Anne that I'll try to get her letter written, but if not, I love her too! It'll make us even for last week when I didn't write you guys! Haha. Nathanael - cheer loud for the Seahawks this weekend! There's a kid from Chicago in my district and I would really like him to stop talking about the Bears! Haha. Love you all! Take Care!
Love Always
Elder Taylor
"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" - Joseph Smith
Elder Trane's Home Address -
1370 Merrett Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Letter #4 MTC
Dad,
So I don't even know where to start. I have officially been homesick for the first time on my mission. But I never expected it to come the way it did. I think I'll jsut copy what I wrote in my journal... Dec. 31, 2006 - Sunday, It was after a fireside where Sheri Dew spoke about missionary work, which was great!
"After the fireside we were given the opportunity to watch "The Testaments" which most of our Zone did. I have seen this movie multiple times before and loved it, but it has never hit me like it did tonight. I truly felt the love of my Heavenly Father in my life. As I said before, I didn't expect the homesickness to come the way it did; I honestly expected to miss my mom or Mary-Anne first, but I didn't. The truth is, it came through the recogniton of my father's love for me. One of the story lines in the movie is that of the relationship of Helam and is son, Jacob. It truly touched and pierced my heart because it spoke of the love which my dad has for me. One part that hit me especially hard was when Helam was praying for his son. I con't help but think of all the times that my father must have knelt in earnest prayer for me. I am so grateful for my dad and for all that he has taught me. I haven't always been receptive to his counsel when he has offered it, but I hope that somehow he will know that I am always listening and am looking to him for an example. I would not be half of the person I am today without the love and counsel of my father. I am so grateful for him and for the relationship we have. I love him so much!"
Dad, I just want to say thank you for all you have done for me. I have so many great memories of us and I'm so grateful for that. A lot of laughter and smiles have plagued our time together. Some of the elders in my district have fathers who are not member of the church, or are not active. This has just deepened y gratitude for you. Today I went to the temple for the first time, and I couldn't help but think of how sad/weird it was to not have you there. I've been to the temple without you multiple times, but I just missed your presence there today.
Dad, I love you. I love the example you set for me as to what a diligent and worthy priesthood holder should be. So much of my knowledge of the gospel and the goundation of my testimony is based on what I have learned from you. Thank you.
I don't know if I;ll have time to write another letter to the family, because we have class tonight, so send them my love. Tell mom I will make up for it! You all mean so much to me, and I cont' wait to hear from you! I love You! 3rd John 1:4 - I'm doing my best!
Love Always, Your Son,
Elder Taylor
So I don't even know where to start. I have officially been homesick for the first time on my mission. But I never expected it to come the way it did. I think I'll jsut copy what I wrote in my journal... Dec. 31, 2006 - Sunday, It was after a fireside where Sheri Dew spoke about missionary work, which was great!
"After the fireside we were given the opportunity to watch "The Testaments" which most of our Zone did. I have seen this movie multiple times before and loved it, but it has never hit me like it did tonight. I truly felt the love of my Heavenly Father in my life. As I said before, I didn't expect the homesickness to come the way it did; I honestly expected to miss my mom or Mary-Anne first, but I didn't. The truth is, it came through the recogniton of my father's love for me. One of the story lines in the movie is that of the relationship of Helam and is son, Jacob. It truly touched and pierced my heart because it spoke of the love which my dad has for me. One part that hit me especially hard was when Helam was praying for his son. I con't help but think of all the times that my father must have knelt in earnest prayer for me. I am so grateful for my dad and for all that he has taught me. I haven't always been receptive to his counsel when he has offered it, but I hope that somehow he will know that I am always listening and am looking to him for an example. I would not be half of the person I am today without the love and counsel of my father. I am so grateful for him and for the relationship we have. I love him so much!"
Dad, I just want to say thank you for all you have done for me. I have so many great memories of us and I'm so grateful for that. A lot of laughter and smiles have plagued our time together. Some of the elders in my district have fathers who are not member of the church, or are not active. This has just deepened y gratitude for you. Today I went to the temple for the first time, and I couldn't help but think of how sad/weird it was to not have you there. I've been to the temple without you multiple times, but I just missed your presence there today.
Dad, I love you. I love the example you set for me as to what a diligent and worthy priesthood holder should be. So much of my knowledge of the gospel and the goundation of my testimony is based on what I have learned from you. Thank you.
I don't know if I;ll have time to write another letter to the family, because we have class tonight, so send them my love. Tell mom I will make up for it! You all mean so much to me, and I cont' wait to hear from you! I love You! 3rd John 1:4 - I'm doing my best!
Love Always, Your Son,
Elder Taylor
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