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