Dear Taylor Family,
So it´s official-I´m here in Uruguay! (Subject line=I am in Uruguay) It
has been a crazy week, to say the least. I don´t know if President
Bankhead has sent an email, letter, or anything, so I´ll just start from
the beginning, deal? Ok, sounds good.
What do you last know? Hmm...oh, Miami. Ok, well the flight from Miami
was nice and LONG. While E. Arrieta and I were waiting at the gate,
everyone around us was looking at us, and we saw one guy say to his wife,
"Ellos son Mormones." Which means, "They are Mormons." That was pretty
funny. I sat by myself on the way to Montevideo, which was just fine with
me! E. Arrieta was one row up and across the aisle, but he was talking with
people in Spanish, so I just tried to sleep the whole time, which kinda
worked and kinda not so much.
I woke up in the morning to the stewardess asking me if I wanted "a light
breakfast." Of course I said yes. I then looked out the window to see
Brazil a few thousand feet below. Cool, uh? When we flew over Jamaica, it
was all lit up, so that was cool too. Then, a few minutes later, I got my
first glimpse of Uruguay. Lots and lots of open field. Don´t worry Mom, I
got lots of pictures from the plane! We landed at the Carrasco Airport, or
at least I think that´s what it is called. We didn´t pull up to a gate,
we just sort of parked. So that was fun. Again, don´t worry, I got
pictures. We then wasted about an hour of the Lord´s time in order to get
past "Migraciones." Oh joy. Picked up our baggage-the handle on my big
suitcase was kind of bent, so I have to like hit it down now, it´ll break
sometime.
We walked out and President and Hma. Bankhead were there, along with the
Assistants, E. Caffaro and E. Stones. E. Caffaro is from Orem and will be
playing football for BYU-keep an eye out for him. E. Stones is from MOSES
LAKE and he knows the Boyce´s! So that was really fun to talk about! They
are both great Elders, and I enjoyed the time I got to spend with them. We
then went to the mission home and had a light lunch of sandwiches and some
good juice. The mission home is on the same block as the temple, and the
mission home of the other mission. The people here call it "Manzana de
Mormones." Or the Mormon Block.
E. Arrieta and I then took a half hour nap (request of Pres. Bankhead)
and then we had our interviews w/ Pres. Bankhead. We are going to get along
great, he and I. Haha. He is big on obedience and trust, two things that I
have come to really value already on my mission. We then had a short
orientation about mission rules and programs and what not. Around 6, Pres.
and La Hma. left to go get two Latino Elders who were arriving at the
airport. A Peruvian and a Mexican-the first time they have had either here
in the mission.
So here I am, the only one in the house who can´t speak Spanish, besides
La Hma! Oh well. It was easy to understand the Assistants, the Pres., and
even sometimes E. Arrieta, but I have found that it´s a lot harder to
understand the natives! We then took a walk up to the temple, the 8 of us.
(4 nuevitos, 2 Assistants, Pres. & La Hma.) There at the temple we sat down
a a little wall inside the grounds and the President talked to us about the
mission, what he expects, and what we need to do to be successful. Again,
obedience and trust. Our mission theme is "Un Nivel Más Alto." Which
means, "A higher level" or "A level much higher." The President spoke in
Spanish the whole time, because the two Latinos don´t understand any
English. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could understand almost
everything.
Ate dinner, talked, and left for the mission offices. We slept at the
mission offices. Fun night sleep. Really hot. In the morning, E. Flores
(one of the Latinos) and I met up with two of the other Elders from the
mission who have been here for a couple changes and we all went to the
doctors and migraciones. It was the first time I´ve ever had a doctor
appt. and not understood the reason they were doing ANYTHING! Great fun.
that took all morning. Went back to the offices and had lunch, a hamburger
of sorts that wasn´t very good, and then some more orientations. Finances
and mail stuff. I can only email family, but anyone can email me through
the mission email. urugoest@gmail.com or something like that. I´ll find
out and send it to you next week. They said the mail system is pretty good,
they haven´t had many problems. FEDEX would be worse, because then the
Mafia figures that there´s something extra valuable inside, so they take
it. Anyways, yeah.
After all that, the 4 of us Nuevitos, along with the Assistants and the
President, went and did a session at the temple. It was really cool, but
ridiculously overwhelming. One of the scariest things I´ve ever done. When
I got in the Celestial Room, I just wanted to cry. I love the temple, but I
just couldn´t understand, it wasn´t very comforting. Haha.
The next morning, we met our trainers. They took us up to the roof of the
office building and we were overlooking Montevideo when our trainers came
up behind us and started to sing "Called to Serve" in Spanish. I teared up,
not gonna lie. After they were done, we turned around. My companion´s name
is Elder Tyson Stoddard. He went to Bingham! How crazy is that?! When I
turned, we both were like, Wait, I recognize you. It was awesome. His
family lives in Kaysville now, but yeah. Small world, even 6,000 miles away
from home.
We´re serving in Artigas, the most northern area of the mission. It took
a bus ride of 8 hours to get here. We can walk to Brazil in 15 minutes.
It´s great. RIDICULOUSLY hot. I was like 40 degrees Celsius yesterday-I
don´t know what that is Fahrenheit. Plus humidity. Blugh. It rained on
Friday-the most rain I have ever seen. I was SOAKED. I love it. Aside from
the overwhelming fact that I can hardly understand anything. That´s hard.
But if it wasn´t hard, it wouldn´t be worth it. It will come.
We are teaching some awesome people. Porfilio, Nati, Javier, and Elisa.
Extremely humble, and eager to learn. A lot of walking, and a lot of being
extremely tired. Cold showers every night before bed. The hot water
doesn´t work, so in the morning showers are dreaded.
The members here are awesome. We are in a branch. I think there was only
like 25-30 people at church yesterday. We passed the sacrament with the
only deacon. I love the people. They are very patient with me, and love to
hear me try and talk. Haha. E. Stoddard says I speak very well, without
many mistakes. The big thing I have to work on is vocab. But it will come,
I´ve only been here a week. With the Lord on my side, I can´t fail.
This morning we played soccer with the zone, there´s 10 elders and 2
hermanas. We played soccer and then we watched Curious George. Then we went
to La Coca´s house and had asado, which is like a barbecue. It was
fantastic. By far the best meal so far. The food´s good so far. Lots of
Mayo on everything, that´s weird. Lots of potatoes and bread. Anyways,
yeah.
We have a lesson with Porfilio tonight, so we´re gonna go prepare for
that. Know that I love you all, and that I am loving the opportunity that I
have to serve the Lord and the people of Uruguay! I am truly blessed to be
able to be here. It is hard, but I wouldn´t have it any other way. The
Lord is watching over me. You are forever in my prayers. The Church is
true. I love you!
-Elder Taylor
P.S. I don´t remember Mary-Anne´s email address, so send it to me. My
P-Days, if you haven´t figured it out, are on Mondays. I love you!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Letter #11 MTC
!Hola Familia!
Well, here it is - my last P-Day in the MTC! That's so cool! We are definitely ready to get out of here. This hasn't exactly been the most productive week of our MTC stay. It's been really hard to stay focused. Pres. Trost said the Lord can't be too mad at us if we're just anxious to serve His children, right? Haha. Pres. Trost is so chill. We really lucked out with our Branch Presidency here, Pres. Trost, Bro. Harper, and Bro. Anderson are all amazing men, and we are very blessed to have them.
Richard G. Hinckley came and spoke on Tuesday - that was pretty cool. One thing he said was sad, though. He said that "Pres. Hinckley will most likely not be here when you return." He said he's not forseeing or predicting, but that he'll be pusing 99? by that time, so by the natural flow of things ... you get the idea. So that was sad to think about.
We got a new district of 10 Elders, but we won't really get to know them, so that's too bad. Although one of them went to Elk Ridge with me - Elder Daniel Hammond. He's way cool. But I think he moved to Missouri or Kansas or something after that, so it was fun to see him again.
Don't worry about the line that has me coming back on the 27th - I didn't get reassigned to Miami! No worries. It's just something they have to do for scheduling, but it doesn't affect us, so it's all good. If I have time, I'll call from Salt Lake, we'll just have to see. I'll most likely call Mom's cell first, so Mom make sure you charge your phone! I don't know how long we'll have to talk, but we'll see. I can call both from SL and Miami if there's time, so yeah.
Dad, thanks for all the flight advice, I was hoping you'd hook me up! I'll do my best to not flirt with the stewardess. Duh! It's been really nice to not have to deal with girls, actually. Maybe I'll just be a bachelor my whole life! So you designed the new Conf. room? Was that your job, or did you just do it?
Thanks for updating me on elder McCarty! That's so cool. Our experiences are definitely going to be quite different, aren't they? Go find Jeremy and tell him to get moving - the Lord needs him out here! He has such a strong testimony, and he will be key in many people's ability to feel the Spirit and be converted. But he can't do that at home!
Yes, I finally got a letter from Alison yesterday. It was the shortest one so far, but I'm not picky! She sent me a couple of pictures - the one with a Tacoma probably being my favorite!
We are getting ready to go get haircuts and then I'll probably get a box ready to send home, so that's all for now! I know this is short, but I will talk to you on Monday, so it's all good! Love You!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
ps Carson goes throug the temple Saturday (the 17th) - send him my love !! Thanks!
Well, here it is - my last P-Day in the MTC! That's so cool! We are definitely ready to get out of here. This hasn't exactly been the most productive week of our MTC stay. It's been really hard to stay focused. Pres. Trost said the Lord can't be too mad at us if we're just anxious to serve His children, right? Haha. Pres. Trost is so chill. We really lucked out with our Branch Presidency here, Pres. Trost, Bro. Harper, and Bro. Anderson are all amazing men, and we are very blessed to have them.
Richard G. Hinckley came and spoke on Tuesday - that was pretty cool. One thing he said was sad, though. He said that "Pres. Hinckley will most likely not be here when you return." He said he's not forseeing or predicting, but that he'll be pusing 99? by that time, so by the natural flow of things ... you get the idea. So that was sad to think about.
We got a new district of 10 Elders, but we won't really get to know them, so that's too bad. Although one of them went to Elk Ridge with me - Elder Daniel Hammond. He's way cool. But I think he moved to Missouri or Kansas or something after that, so it was fun to see him again.
Don't worry about the line that has me coming back on the 27th - I didn't get reassigned to Miami! No worries. It's just something they have to do for scheduling, but it doesn't affect us, so it's all good. If I have time, I'll call from Salt Lake, we'll just have to see. I'll most likely call Mom's cell first, so Mom make sure you charge your phone! I don't know how long we'll have to talk, but we'll see. I can call both from SL and Miami if there's time, so yeah.
Dad, thanks for all the flight advice, I was hoping you'd hook me up! I'll do my best to not flirt with the stewardess. Duh! It's been really nice to not have to deal with girls, actually. Maybe I'll just be a bachelor my whole life! So you designed the new Conf. room? Was that your job, or did you just do it?
Thanks for updating me on elder McCarty! That's so cool. Our experiences are definitely going to be quite different, aren't they? Go find Jeremy and tell him to get moving - the Lord needs him out here! He has such a strong testimony, and he will be key in many people's ability to feel the Spirit and be converted. But he can't do that at home!
Yes, I finally got a letter from Alison yesterday. It was the shortest one so far, but I'm not picky! She sent me a couple of pictures - the one with a Tacoma probably being my favorite!
We are getting ready to go get haircuts and then I'll probably get a box ready to send home, so that's all for now! I know this is short, but I will talk to you on Monday, so it's all good! Love You!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
ps Carson goes throug the temple Saturday (the 17th) - send him my love !! Thanks!
Friday, February 9, 2007
Letter #10 MTC
!Familia!
Aren't these the most beautiful printed words you've EVER seen?! Ah! This totally makes up for Christmas! Haha. If you couldn't tell, these are my FLIGHT PLANS! Two of the greatest words in the English language!
I don't know if the times are in Salt Lake time, or if they've been translated to the times of the area. Dad, maybe you can tell me.
I'll probably be calling during my lay over in Miami, so plan on that!
I can send you and actual plan because I received 2. One said I was flying solo and the other said I had a comp., but it didn't have his name. So I went to the travel office to check, and it turns out they were working on the other Elder's plans at that moment. He is in the advanced group (he's a native speaker) so they were just making sure that's when he was leaving. He was actually there to get his plans, so I got to meet him. His name is Elder Arrieta and he's from Miami, FL, so he speaks English as well! He seems like a pretty chill guy, so I'm not worried at all. I;m actually REALLY excited because it will give me a chance to practice my Spanish before I get down there!
OK, well I just needed to write you and tell you the plan, so there you go! I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
I'M LEAVING THE MTC! THERE ACTUALLY IS A MISSION OUTSIDE OF PROVO! THANK HEAVENS!
Aren't these the most beautiful printed words you've EVER seen?! Ah! This totally makes up for Christmas! Haha. If you couldn't tell, these are my FLIGHT PLANS! Two of the greatest words in the English language!
I don't know if the times are in Salt Lake time, or if they've been translated to the times of the area. Dad, maybe you can tell me.
I'll probably be calling during my lay over in Miami, so plan on that!
I can send you and actual plan because I received 2. One said I was flying solo and the other said I had a comp., but it didn't have his name. So I went to the travel office to check, and it turns out they were working on the other Elder's plans at that moment. He is in the advanced group (he's a native speaker) so they were just making sure that's when he was leaving. He was actually there to get his plans, so I got to meet him. His name is Elder Arrieta and he's from Miami, FL, so he speaks English as well! He seems like a pretty chill guy, so I'm not worried at all. I;m actually REALLY excited because it will give me a chance to practice my Spanish before I get down there!
OK, well I just needed to write you and tell you the plan, so there you go! I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
I'M LEAVING THE MTC! THERE ACTUALLY IS A MISSION OUTSIDE OF PROVO! THANK HEAVENS!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Letter #9 MTC
!Hola Familia!
Well hello there! It's been along week because I just barely got your letter this morning! So I've been waiting to hear from my family all week and from Alison as well - still haven't heard from her. Although I did beat E. Trane. We hadn't gotten a letter since last Thursday until I got yours this morning - thank heavens. I was going crazy! Haha. E. Trane and I were starting to make plans to blow up the mail truck - now only E. Trane is...
Today is a beautiful day! The walk up to the temple was really enjoyable! The last couple of days we have gone outside for our study time, so that has been a really nice change. I love the MTC, but I am definitely ready to get out of here!
Cool story - are you ready?! Tuesday night (Feb. 6) elder Richard G. Scott came and spoke to us about prayer. It was an awesome experience to hear how an Apostle of the Lord feels about prayer! One of the things he said that REALLY stuck out to me was, "We have the privilege, we are encouraged to talk to the most powerful being there ever was or ever will be!" He is a man truly called of God to help lead and guide this church today. And that's not even the coolest part... after this, he shook every missionary by the hand! I shook the hand of an Apostle of the Lord! It was such an amazing experience! The look he gave me was one of the most sincere and kind looks I have ever received! Not to mention it felt like he was looking into the corners of my soul! Haha. It was a truly humbling experience. So that's my cool story for the week!
No, we don't get up once a week at 4 am - just when the district has to leave at 5 am. haha. E. Heniger and E. Anderson received surprise travel plans last Friday, so they're headed out on Tuesday, but they don't leave until 10 am. or so. E. Trane also received flight plans last Friday, but they turned out to be fake. How bad does that "stink"? It's like taking away Christmas!
We are expecting our flight plans tomorrow. So I will probably write you tomorrow and let you know when I'm headed out and when you can expect to hear from me! So that's exciting! We're all pretty anxious.
Mom, I'll draw you a sketch here, if I can find the time and ability to do it - I make no guarantees! No, I'm not wearing Grandpa's bracelet at the the MTC because Pres. Trost has asked us to have no jewelry besides watches and CTR rings. So as of right now it is sitting on my dresser with Elder May's name tag. When I get to my mission, my Pres. might feel differently, so hopefully I'll be able to there. I can't get another name tag to send to you unless I break one of the ones I have. Once I get to Uruguay, though, I might be able to through the mission. you also may want to check at the distribution center. I have heard rumors you can get them there...
Melanie, Dad told me you did really well on your vocab test last week - keep it up! I have lots of vocab to memorize too, only it's all in Spanish! Haha.
Megan, keep up the good work in school. It will be easy if you keep up and do your best! I read your essay often, it is a great source of strength for me - thank you!
We can't get the Martinelli's here, but it's not a big deal. We don't do cute, creative things in the MTC, Mom! Haha. We're a bunch of 19-20 year old kids, remember?!
I used the new card at the ATM today to check the pin and pull out cash for stamps. It is the same PIN #, so I'll cut up the old one. Thanks for taking care of that for me! I will write Grandma J next week and tell her thanks, along w/ an update. Thanks for passin' on the info!
Oh! More news to share with the family. One of the new Hermanas we got yesterday is form Rexburg, so of course I asked her about Peggy and Mel. She was in their ward! She was really excited, as was I. Her name is Hma. (Aubrey) Rammell. Thought you might want to let Peggy know. Apparently she's a big fan!
Dad - have you heard anymore about that new job and what not? Has the application gone in, or is it still in the works? I don't think I'll be wanting a sleeping bag, but if I end up wanting one, I'll probably just get it down there.
I haven't thought of anything else I need before leaving. I'll probably be sending some stuff home, though. What would the best way to do that be? Just me pay for and send it? I heard if it's staying in Utah we can just send it and have the fam pay for it when they pick it up. Which would you prefer?
If you have a few minutes, I wouldn't mind a few more of my ties, for trades and what not. If you see any nice ties on store runs - snag them. Green ties and brown ties would be nice. Just and idea!
I have now seen E. Peterson twice, but not much more than a greeting could be said. Too bad he's going hungry, but he has no room to talk. Two months, and then he can talk!
Ah, tell Caleb Lumberg I say hello! I'll have to send some pictures to that stud! He is going to make one awesome missionary! And tell him to keep up the piano, it's a winner! I've almost got my song done, by the way. I've just had a minute, here and there after meals to dink around, and it's not very long, but it provides a pleasant distraction at times!
Well, I think that's all the news for now! I hope that this letter finds you well! Know that I love you and think of you often! This Church is so true and I'm so grateful for the chance I have to share that message with the people of Uruguay! I love you all and can't wait to hear from you!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
Well hello there! It's been along week because I just barely got your letter this morning! So I've been waiting to hear from my family all week and from Alison as well - still haven't heard from her. Although I did beat E. Trane. We hadn't gotten a letter since last Thursday until I got yours this morning - thank heavens. I was going crazy! Haha. E. Trane and I were starting to make plans to blow up the mail truck - now only E. Trane is...
Today is a beautiful day! The walk up to the temple was really enjoyable! The last couple of days we have gone outside for our study time, so that has been a really nice change. I love the MTC, but I am definitely ready to get out of here!
Cool story - are you ready?! Tuesday night (Feb. 6) elder Richard G. Scott came and spoke to us about prayer. It was an awesome experience to hear how an Apostle of the Lord feels about prayer! One of the things he said that REALLY stuck out to me was, "We have the privilege, we are encouraged to talk to the most powerful being there ever was or ever will be!" He is a man truly called of God to help lead and guide this church today. And that's not even the coolest part... after this, he shook every missionary by the hand! I shook the hand of an Apostle of the Lord! It was such an amazing experience! The look he gave me was one of the most sincere and kind looks I have ever received! Not to mention it felt like he was looking into the corners of my soul! Haha. It was a truly humbling experience. So that's my cool story for the week!
No, we don't get up once a week at 4 am - just when the district has to leave at 5 am. haha. E. Heniger and E. Anderson received surprise travel plans last Friday, so they're headed out on Tuesday, but they don't leave until 10 am. or so. E. Trane also received flight plans last Friday, but they turned out to be fake. How bad does that "stink"? It's like taking away Christmas!
We are expecting our flight plans tomorrow. So I will probably write you tomorrow and let you know when I'm headed out and when you can expect to hear from me! So that's exciting! We're all pretty anxious.
Mom, I'll draw you a sketch here, if I can find the time and ability to do it - I make no guarantees! No, I'm not wearing Grandpa's bracelet at the the MTC because Pres. Trost has asked us to have no jewelry besides watches and CTR rings. So as of right now it is sitting on my dresser with Elder May's name tag. When I get to my mission, my Pres. might feel differently, so hopefully I'll be able to there. I can't get another name tag to send to you unless I break one of the ones I have. Once I get to Uruguay, though, I might be able to through the mission. you also may want to check at the distribution center. I have heard rumors you can get them there...
Melanie, Dad told me you did really well on your vocab test last week - keep it up! I have lots of vocab to memorize too, only it's all in Spanish! Haha.
Megan, keep up the good work in school. It will be easy if you keep up and do your best! I read your essay often, it is a great source of strength for me - thank you!
We can't get the Martinelli's here, but it's not a big deal. We don't do cute, creative things in the MTC, Mom! Haha. We're a bunch of 19-20 year old kids, remember?!
I used the new card at the ATM today to check the pin and pull out cash for stamps. It is the same PIN #, so I'll cut up the old one. Thanks for taking care of that for me! I will write Grandma J next week and tell her thanks, along w/ an update. Thanks for passin' on the info!
Oh! More news to share with the family. One of the new Hermanas we got yesterday is form Rexburg, so of course I asked her about Peggy and Mel. She was in their ward! She was really excited, as was I. Her name is Hma. (Aubrey) Rammell. Thought you might want to let Peggy know. Apparently she's a big fan!
Dad - have you heard anymore about that new job and what not? Has the application gone in, or is it still in the works? I don't think I'll be wanting a sleeping bag, but if I end up wanting one, I'll probably just get it down there.
I haven't thought of anything else I need before leaving. I'll probably be sending some stuff home, though. What would the best way to do that be? Just me pay for and send it? I heard if it's staying in Utah we can just send it and have the fam pay for it when they pick it up. Which would you prefer?
If you have a few minutes, I wouldn't mind a few more of my ties, for trades and what not. If you see any nice ties on store runs - snag them. Green ties and brown ties would be nice. Just and idea!
I have now seen E. Peterson twice, but not much more than a greeting could be said. Too bad he's going hungry, but he has no room to talk. Two months, and then he can talk!
Ah, tell Caleb Lumberg I say hello! I'll have to send some pictures to that stud! He is going to make one awesome missionary! And tell him to keep up the piano, it's a winner! I've almost got my song done, by the way. I've just had a minute, here and there after meals to dink around, and it's not very long, but it provides a pleasant distraction at times!
Well, I think that's all the news for now! I hope that this letter finds you well! Know that I love you and think of you often! This Church is so true and I'm so grateful for the chance I have to share that message with the people of Uruguay! I love you all and can't wait to hear from you!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Letter #8 MTC
!Hola Familia!
How are things going in the good ol' Taylor home? Things are going really well for this Taylor! This has been a really busy week, but then again, which week hasn't been? I don't know if Mary-Anne has told you yet, but Elder Trane and I were called as Zone Leaders last week. So this week we have been in "training." Which basically means that we are doing everything, but the current Zone Leaders just make sure we don't screw anything up. Tuesday morning was kind of our first official duty. We had to wake up at 4 A.M.. (Yes, 4 A.M.) to check the district that was leaving out of their rooms and make sure they got to the bus and everything. We could usually go back to bed, but Tuesday we couldn't. One of their Elders was having some health concerns, so they had to send him home to Boise for a few weeks to get him on some medication. So, he was on a different flight and didn't leave 'til later, which meant E. Trane and I were his comps from 4:30-8. And then after we had class and what not, so it made for a long day! I just hope and pray that Elder Oakes will have the determination to get back out here. The Lord and the people of Argentina need him.
Last night, we got a new district of 8 new missionaries. Elder May, E. Packer, E. Trane and I were responsible for giving them a tour of the MTC and helping them get comfortable. They are really quiet and kinda weird, but then again, who wasn't their first couple of days in the MTC?! Haha.
Yes mother, I was able to translate your Grandpa Talbot formatted letter aall by myself. I had to double look to see what was happening, but it didn't take too long. It was a little difficult to continuously read it, though, I'm not gonna lie! Elder Trane thought you were just crazy, and I kindly reassured him you are!
Melanie, I heard you had a cool experience in seminary on Mon, Jan . 29. Could you share it with me? I would love to hear about all that you are learning! And you have Bro. Christensen for Seminary!? That is SO cool! I really do love that man! Tell him I say hello, along with Bro. Montoya. The things those men taught me have helped me become who I am, and have helped me make it where I am today; and I couldn't be more grateful!
Mel, I wish you all the luck in the world in your audition! I am so excited for you. Just don't be scared and make sure to say your prayers!
Goose - it's about time you found that IPOD! I was gettin' worried. Sheesh kid. You better hold on tight to that thing or you'll lose it when I come home! I am so jealous that you got to go to the Jazz game; did you yell extra loud for me? You better have! Congratulations on the YW's b-ball game, that's sweet! You'll have to let me know how you do. I've been playing a lot of basketball here. There are some really good guys and it's really fun to paly with them! So maybe you won't beat me when I get home...!
Yeah, I heard about Abby and Mike about a month or so ago from Hallie! I'm really excited for them, that's so cool. I hope they at least send me an invite, seeing as how I know both of them. Haha. Make sure you send them my best wishes!
I wrote to Carson a minute ago and told him to let ya'll know when his farewell is. Please go and show your support to him. He is/was such an amazing example to me. I love that kid and he is going to be an AMAZING missionary! Give him a big hug for me!
I haven't tried the new card yet, but maybe I'll go do that today, just to check.
As for the "heavenly" package - thank you so much! After 19 years, you know me so well! As for our last night in the MTC, I think we're going to do Martinelli's... so if you find them @ a good price, send a few because I don't know if like Zink's family will send any (he's the only member in his family.) so yeah. That would be great!
Make sure you let the ward know I'm doing great and am loving this opportunity! Tell the bishop I say hello. Bro. Sellers and Bro. Lundberg. They have had such an amazing impact on my life. Others have as well, but them especially.
I've only seen Elder Peterson once, and it was in passing, and I don't think he saw me, so I'll try and snag him before I leave.
Yo Amo Ustedes = I love you all! (usted = you, singular; ustedes = you, plural; not ya'll, but to a group)
The pictures/videos were great! Thank you SO much! Now we just need to get the girls to open their mouths!
I love you all and I pray for you often! Yo se que La Iglesia es verdadera. Yo se que Jose Smith vio a Dios y a Jesucristo. !Se que Jose Smith fue llamado ser us profeta de Dios y el restavro la eglesia verdadera en estes ultimos dias! !Jesucristo vive y nos ama!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
Dad, I'm not dreaming in Spanish yet, but I am thinking in Spanish a lot, which is a good sign!
Mom, good luck with your diet! I'm eating better too. I've only gained like 5 pounds, but yeah. Some Elders in our zone have gained 20! E. Trane has gained 15!
LOVE YOU
PS That poem I think is the only thing in the book that it's in. I thought we got it for Christmas or something. Maybe I saw it someplace else, I don't know.
How are things going in the good ol' Taylor home? Things are going really well for this Taylor! This has been a really busy week, but then again, which week hasn't been? I don't know if Mary-Anne has told you yet, but Elder Trane and I were called as Zone Leaders last week. So this week we have been in "training." Which basically means that we are doing everything, but the current Zone Leaders just make sure we don't screw anything up. Tuesday morning was kind of our first official duty. We had to wake up at 4 A.M.. (Yes, 4 A.M.) to check the district that was leaving out of their rooms and make sure they got to the bus and everything. We could usually go back to bed, but Tuesday we couldn't. One of their Elders was having some health concerns, so they had to send him home to Boise for a few weeks to get him on some medication. So, he was on a different flight and didn't leave 'til later, which meant E. Trane and I were his comps from 4:30-8. And then after we had class and what not, so it made for a long day! I just hope and pray that Elder Oakes will have the determination to get back out here. The Lord and the people of Argentina need him.
Last night, we got a new district of 8 new missionaries. Elder May, E. Packer, E. Trane and I were responsible for giving them a tour of the MTC and helping them get comfortable. They are really quiet and kinda weird, but then again, who wasn't their first couple of days in the MTC?! Haha.
Yes mother, I was able to translate your Grandpa Talbot formatted letter aall by myself. I had to double look to see what was happening, but it didn't take too long. It was a little difficult to continuously read it, though, I'm not gonna lie! Elder Trane thought you were just crazy, and I kindly reassured him you are!
Melanie, I heard you had a cool experience in seminary on Mon, Jan . 29. Could you share it with me? I would love to hear about all that you are learning! And you have Bro. Christensen for Seminary!? That is SO cool! I really do love that man! Tell him I say hello, along with Bro. Montoya. The things those men taught me have helped me become who I am, and have helped me make it where I am today; and I couldn't be more grateful!
Mel, I wish you all the luck in the world in your audition! I am so excited for you. Just don't be scared and make sure to say your prayers!
Goose - it's about time you found that IPOD! I was gettin' worried. Sheesh kid. You better hold on tight to that thing or you'll lose it when I come home! I am so jealous that you got to go to the Jazz game; did you yell extra loud for me? You better have! Congratulations on the YW's b-ball game, that's sweet! You'll have to let me know how you do. I've been playing a lot of basketball here. There are some really good guys and it's really fun to paly with them! So maybe you won't beat me when I get home...!
Yeah, I heard about Abby and Mike about a month or so ago from Hallie! I'm really excited for them, that's so cool. I hope they at least send me an invite, seeing as how I know both of them. Haha. Make sure you send them my best wishes!
I wrote to Carson a minute ago and told him to let ya'll know when his farewell is. Please go and show your support to him. He is/was such an amazing example to me. I love that kid and he is going to be an AMAZING missionary! Give him a big hug for me!
I haven't tried the new card yet, but maybe I'll go do that today, just to check.
As for the "heavenly" package - thank you so much! After 19 years, you know me so well! As for our last night in the MTC, I think we're going to do Martinelli's... so if you find them @ a good price, send a few because I don't know if like Zink's family will send any (he's the only member in his family.) so yeah. That would be great!
Make sure you let the ward know I'm doing great and am loving this opportunity! Tell the bishop I say hello. Bro. Sellers and Bro. Lundberg. They have had such an amazing impact on my life. Others have as well, but them especially.
I've only seen Elder Peterson once, and it was in passing, and I don't think he saw me, so I'll try and snag him before I leave.
Yo Amo Ustedes = I love you all! (usted = you, singular; ustedes = you, plural; not ya'll, but to a group)
The pictures/videos were great! Thank you SO much! Now we just need to get the girls to open their mouths!
I love you all and I pray for you often! Yo se que La Iglesia es verdadera. Yo se que Jose Smith vio a Dios y a Jesucristo. !Se que Jose Smith fue llamado ser us profeta de Dios y el restavro la eglesia verdadera en estes ultimos dias! !Jesucristo vive y nos ama!
Love Always,
Elder Taylor
Dad, I'm not dreaming in Spanish yet, but I am thinking in Spanish a lot, which is a good sign!
Mom, good luck with your diet! I'm eating better too. I've only gained like 5 pounds, but yeah. Some Elders in our zone have gained 20! E. Trane has gained 15!
LOVE YOU
PS That poem I think is the only thing in the book that it's in. I thought we got it for Christmas or something. Maybe I saw it someplace else, I don't know.
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