Week 5 - Kuna 07/08/13

Hello Family & Friends!

We had a really fun 4th of July.  We went to the parade in Melba, which is a small town of about 300 people.  So this tiny town hosts a big parade and fireworks show every year on the 4th and people from all over Idaho come to enjoy the festivities!  Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the fireworks show because it started at 10:30 PM, which is our bedtime.  The Melba Elders said all of the missionaries from the district were invited to a BBQ at one of the local members homes.  We had an interesting time to say the least and I'll leave it at that.  After the BBQ we caravanned to another members home and lit fireworks.  The Elders though it was great fun planting firecrackers behind me and my companion.  Sister Nick and I were shooting evil looks the Elders way for most of the night.  

One thing about the mission that I didn't expect is that we have meetings  ALL THE TIME.  Hours and hours of meetings.  It can be quite, well honestly - boring.  I have a hard time sitting still for too long and I find that I have a hard time focusing after about 30 minutes. Working out in the field is the best though!  We meet awesome new people everyday! The members are so supportive and kind.  I can't tell you how many people have paid for our groceries and invited us into their homes for dinner.  It truly is wonderful to have so much support!

Last Friday all of our appointments and our back up appointments had fallen through and we were trying to figure out who to see.  I had a really strong feeling that we should go visit someone we had found in the area book at the mission office the other day.  We had no information about him other than his name and address.  Before each visit we pray and I felt prompted to include in my prayer that we be blessed to find other people as we went out to teach this man.  We started walking up to his house and we ran into this woman who was trying to catch her dog.  We started up a conversation with her and I asked if we could come back to teach her the lessons.  She said, "Well, my husband's the Mormon in the family and he's never been able to convert me, but you sure can give it a shot!"  I was filled with so much happiness at that moment, I can't even put it into words!  Finally, a new investigator!  We said goodbye, and got to the house were were planning to visit.  We knocked on the door and a young man opened it.  I introduced Sister Nick and myself as representatives of Christ and began to testify of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon.  I then asked if we could come back to teach him the lessons. 

He said, "Yes, of course! The missionaries used to come by about a year ago, but they all of a sudden stopped showing up!  Can you come back tomorrow?"  We totally said yes!!!  I love receiving answers to my prayers and I know that if you pray in faith you will receive an answer.  We have been able to meet with him again and he and his family are so amazing.  Sister Nick hasn't been able to officially meet with them because she's been sick.  I've been going on splits with other sisters in the area so we could keep our appointments.  It was really scary at first, but the members here are such great missionaries.  They helped me out a lot!

We really are children of a loving Heavenly Father.  He loves each and every one of us so very much, no matter what kind of person we are nor the decisions we may make.

Random thoughts:

*My district is the best, like really.  We're all best friends.  I love it!

*The mission car we're driving had Utah plates and we finally received the Idaho plates - I get to keep the old Utah plates, YAY!

*We also went to a baptism the past Saturday.  It was an investigator that the Melba Elders had been teaching.  It was such an amazing experience to witness my first convert baptism.  The spirit there was so powerful.  He's invited us to come to all of his family BBQ's, sweet!!!

Anyway, I'm really not sure what else to say besides I know that this gospel is true.  The more I study these things, the more the Spirit testifies it to me.  I encourage everyone to study Preach My Gospel.  It isn't just for missionaries.  It's for everyone!  I love being on a mission.  I have never felt so right about anything in my life.  I know that the blessings that will come from giving up 18 months of my life to the Lord will be abundant.  I love all of you so much and I pray for you every single day.  

Love to all,

Sister Lindsay Taylor

Sister Nick and I have decided that we're going to come back to 

Kuna and buy houses on W. Lil Robert Ct.

In Melba at the 4th of July parade.  Doesn't Sister Nick look like she's having fun?

Elder Eegle, Elder Mang, Elder Fuller and Elder Diaz

Also enjoying a HOT 4th of July Parade.

Week 4 - Kuna 07/01/13

One of the many beautiful fields in Kuna

Shout out to all of my Canadian family out there!  I get poked fun at a lot for the Canuck blood I have flowing through my veins, but I'm proud to say I stand true to my heritage!  O' Canada!

It rained here all last week which made the farmers really happy!  It's getting HOT, HOT, HOT - I'm going to have seriously weird tan lines by the time I get back home.   Sister Nick and I were weeding the other day and the weeds were super prickly and really hurt my hands, OUCH! Oh, and did I mention it's been HOT, HOT, HOT?!   

We've been very busy working with two families who are getting pretty close to baptism.  Exciting, right?!  I taught my first lesson the other day and it went very well even though I was super nervous.  I know I'll become more and more comfortable each time I teach.  Everyone we've taught have been so kind and there is always such a sweet spirit in the room.

Sister Nick and I gave two talks each last Sunday!  I usually take forever preparing my talks, and I read them word for word, but I only had an hour to prepare this time and was able to fill in the gaps while speaking at the pulpit.  It was kinda cool!  I felt pretty legit.  

Our planning for the MTC day is going very well.  It's officially scheduled for the 13th of July!  The Stake President and Mission President are totally on board.  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures during the activity.

We had dinner with a lovely older couple last night. The husband was a spiritual giant!  His stories really brought the spirit - I'll have to tell you guys about them some time when I have more time to type them up.  I really do love it here, everyone is so wonderful.  I seriously want to move here someday.

Oh, funny story.  The six year old, little miss B.,  I mentioned last week is absolutely in LOVE with me!  We were over at their house for dinner last Monday and the funniest thing happened.  Little miss B. was talking  about all of the things she wanted to do with me that week.  Then she got really excited and said, "Oh!  The next time that you come to visit me...", and then she half-heartedly gestures toward Sister Nick and says, "And her.... I'll have lots of pictures and presents to give you!"  Sister Nick and I were trying so hard not to fall over laughing.  She's a little sweetheart and she says the funniest things.   Another funny moment with little miss B., we were sitting in church waiting for Sacrament to begin and I asked her what her favorite food was.  In a very loud and excited voice she answered, "POMEGRANATES!  Did you know you can eat two of those things and it won't even give you the poops?!"  Kids.  Gotta love em!

Mom, I'm beginning to know how you feel sometimes - there's NEVER enough time in the day to get everything done.  So many people to see, so much paper work to fill out, meeting to attend, etc.  Our day is FULL!  I can't wait until my 12 week training is over so I can have that extra hour to go teaching.   Sister Nick says I get a look of disgust on my face every time she mentions it.  But ya gotta do what ya gotta do!  I just want to be out serving the people, but I do know the extra study time will help me become a better servant.

Alright, here's my spiritual thought for the week:

I absolutely love reading the hymns and then looking up the scriptures that go along with them.  This morning I was reading through the hymn, Let Us All Press On, and was particularly moved by the third verse:

1. Let us all press on in the work of the Lord, That when life is o'er we may gain a reward; In the fight for right let us wield a sword, The mighty sword of truth.

2.  We will not retreat,  though our numbers may be few When compared with the opposite host in view; But an unseen pow'r will aid me and you In the glorious cause of truth.

3.  If we do what's right we have no need to fear, For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near, In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer, And prosper the cause of truth.  

And I love the scriptures that go with; D&C 6:33-37;

33  Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34  Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35  Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36  Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37  Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.  Amen.

So powerful!  The blessings that come from being faithful are so numerous.  What is everyone's favorite part of that scripture?  I'd love to hear from family and friends in an email or letter.

Love to you all,

Sister Taylor

Kuna - Official Mission Change & New Mission President

July 2, 2013


Dear Parents,

     Thank you for sending such a wonderful qualified missionary to serve the Lord and the people of the Idaho Nampa Mission.

     Sister Cannon and I have been called to serve as your missionary's new leaders.  We are committed to watch over and care for your missionary just as you would.  Thank you for your trust.

     We have attached a picture of your missionary with the two of us.  Thanks again for your faith and trust.



With love and appreciation,



Stuart B. Cannon
Idaho Nampa Mission President
Elaine S. Cannon

President and Sister Cannon with Sister Taylor

Pictures - Destination Boise!

All of the missionaries that flew into Boise.

Me and my MTC district.

Elder Henderson and I - So fun to see him again!

(Elder Henderson is from Ashburn and his family is in our home ward.)

Elder Stapley and I - He's awesome!

Elder Stapley was one of the zone leaders in my district at the MTC.

MTC - A Few More Pictures

My MTC zone teacher, Sister Frost, she was amazing!

My MTC district and my teachers.

Another picture of my MTC district on the temple grounds.

Ran into another one of my good friends, Elder Brown, from EFY!

Sister Lagrosa and I -  We saw each other at least twice a day every day at the MTC!