Greetings Loved Ones!
I'm here in ...... drum roll please ....... KUNA IDAHO!!!!!!!! HOW INCREDIBLY, AMAZINGLY, AWESOME IS THAT???!!! Of all the places I could've been sent, I get to be in the one place I've actually been to before! And to make it even more awesome, Corianne's ward, my roommate from BYU, is one of the wards we are over! I can tell God loves me, cuz he keeps making my life awesomer, and awesomer!
Well, we made it to the airport at 5:30 am Tuesday morning, and safely arrived in Boise at 8:30 pm - that's a story I'll cover in my next email. LONGEST DAY EVER. But I'm here! I'm now officially serving in the Nampa, Idaho Mission. No more Boise for me. I love my Mission President, he is seriously the coolest. I have the best trainer in the mission, probably the world! Seriously, Sister Nickolaisen is the nicest, sweetest, coolest trainer ever. Okay, I may be a little biased.
I just wanted to let you know that I arrived here safely and I'm doing fine. You should be getting an email and pictures of me from my Mission President sometime soon, so look for those!
I love you guys A LOT. You are always in my prayers! I'll send you a nice big email on my P-day, which is on Monday's now.
Love,
Sister Taylor
Monday, June 24, 2013
Week 1 - MTC June 12, 2013
Hello Family!
Where to begin, where to begin? It's just so crazy to me that I've already been here at the MTC for a week! I'm lovin' it!
Sister C. and I met with an investigator, Nathan. We had a short discussion and gave Nathan a Book of Mormon, then we invited him to church next Sunday and he accepted our invitation! YAY! It's so great to be able to share my testimony with others. In Preach My Gospel, there's a quote by President Thomas S. Monson, "Regarding one's testimony remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses... Teach and testify. There is no better combination."
I want to share an excerpt from my journal entry last Sunday:
At tonight's fireside we watched the Joseph Smith movie. It was so powerful! I came to a realization today during the part when Joseph Smith's father dies, and the thought came to my mind, "Why was I born at this time?" It only took a moment for me to answer my own question. We have the knowledge that the Lord has saved His strongest spirits for the last days, and I feel so humbled and blessed to be one of those spirits. Not only to be among the strongest but to also be a missionary, trusted by the Lord to bring His sheep the Gospel of Christ. What a cool cool thought, huh!
I know I keep saying this but I just LOVE the MTC!!!!!!! The days go by so quickly because they're so packed with classes and meetings, but I have enjoyed each of them so, so much!!!
Oh! Before I sign off, I fly out of SLC at 8 am Tuesday morning! Which means I have to be up at 3:00 am to get everything ready in time. YAY!
Well my laundry is done and I have to go. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Love, Sister Taylor
Unexpected Encounter - June 11, 2013
A note from mom: It's always fun to be reminded just how small our world really is! We were so excited to open the following email and picture of our Sister Taylor - the first picture of Lindsay as a missionary sporting her missionary badge, and of course that endearing smile of hers.
June 11, 2013
Shari,
I don't know that we have met, but I am in your ward. My parents serve in the MTC and ran into your daughter a few minutes ago at the weekly devotional, which they just moved over to the Marriott Center. She recognized my Mom who she had met while Mom was visiting. They took this picture and asked me to send it to you. They said she is doing well!
R.W.
Lindsay's Response:
June 12, 2013
Mom,
We were walking to the Marriott Center for a devotional when I saw her. I was so excited, and equally as excited when she offered to take a picture and send it to you! I know that probably made you happy. Mervyn B. Arnold was the devotional speaker, wow, what an amazing man. I highly recommend looking up his talks for FHE (Family Home Evening) or personal study.
Love you so much!
Sister Taylor
Time Well Spent - May 31, 2013
We spent our last evening together as a family celebrating Kyle's accomplishments as a budding pianist at his first piano recital. Afterward, we soaked up every last minute together eating yummy sandwiches in an open air restaurant, talking and laughing, then made our way to a pastry shop to end the evening on a sweet note!
First Letter Home
June 6, 2013 - MTC day 2
Hello from the MTC! I'm writing you a letter right now because it turns out my "P" day here in the MTC isn't until Wednesdays. Sorry for misleading you! Well, there is so much to write about already!! The first day was pretty crazy. They waste no time and start teaching you right away. There are five Sisters in my District; Sister V., Sister L., Sister S., and Sister Cluff. who is my companion. Sister Cluff can be very shy but she has already opened up so much and I think we make great companions. I learn so much from her everyday!
Mom, you knew from our conversation on the phone that I was super nervous the day I entered the MTC. The Lord was really watching out for me and within the first 10 minutes here I saw Sis H., Sister Lagrosa, Elder C., and (I'll save the best for last), Sister Hancock! We gave each other a big hug, she gave me her address and e-mail so we can keep in touch. An Elder in my zone, Elder Jenkins, was in my EFY group at SVU! Seeing all those familiar faces really calmed my nerves.
I have AWESOME teachers. Brother Adjei, is from Jamaica and he has a very high pitched laugh, which we get to hear A LOT. Brother Littlefield, is so much fun and soooo cute... oops, did I say that out loud? Don't worry, I haven't had any "moments" with any more missionaries, accidental or otherwise. My Branch President is, President Hatch, he is very nice and greatly emphasizes EXACT OBEDIENCE. So if the mission schedule says to be up by 6:30 am, we are to be up by 6:29 am. I think it's a great principle to follow! The Branch President's wife is so sweet and gave us homework tonight to write a letter home. She said that moms will be a nervous wreck until they finally get that first letter saying everything is okay. So here's me saying everything is okay!
The MTC is HARD! We have very long days and are expected to jump right in to being a missionary. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated! I hate to cut this letter short, but it's 10:27 pm and I've gotta be in bed by 10:29 pm!
I love you all soooo much and you'll her again from me soon!
Love, Sister Taylor
A note from mom: We will refrain from publishing full names without the individuals permission to do so.
In the second paragraph Lindsay mentions Sister H., Sister L., and Elder C., who are all from Ashburn and have known one another for years. Sister Hancock and Lindsay were roommates their freshman year at BYU.
For those of you not as familiar with the LDS (Latter-day Saint) culture and the many acronyms we frequently use:
MTC - Missionary Training Center
At the Church's Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, young men and women as well as retired men and women from around the world come together to prepare to serve the Lord. The purpose of the MTC is to provide an atmosphere of peace, love, trust, confidence, and respect in which missionaries can prepare for missionary service.
EFY - Especially for Youth
The objective of Especially For Youth (EFY) is to provide an uplifting, edifying, an learning experience for youth where they can strengthen their commitments to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
SVU - Southern Virginia University
Southern Virginia University (SVU) provides the finest undergraduate, liberal arts education in a wholesome Latter-day Saint environment.
Hello from the MTC! I'm writing you a letter right now because it turns out my "P" day here in the MTC isn't until Wednesdays. Sorry for misleading you! Well, there is so much to write about already!! The first day was pretty crazy. They waste no time and start teaching you right away. There are five Sisters in my District; Sister V., Sister L., Sister S., and Sister Cluff. who is my companion. Sister Cluff can be very shy but she has already opened up so much and I think we make great companions. I learn so much from her everyday!
Mom, you knew from our conversation on the phone that I was super nervous the day I entered the MTC. The Lord was really watching out for me and within the first 10 minutes here I saw Sis H., Sister Lagrosa, Elder C., and (I'll save the best for last), Sister Hancock! We gave each other a big hug, she gave me her address and e-mail so we can keep in touch. An Elder in my zone, Elder Jenkins, was in my EFY group at SVU! Seeing all those familiar faces really calmed my nerves.
Host Sisters ready to whisk Lindsay away and into the MTC
On her way to the MTC with Grandma Robison and cousin Makenzie
A quick reunion with Glenwood roommates! Go Cougars!
The MTC is HARD! We have very long days and are expected to jump right in to being a missionary. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated! I hate to cut this letter short, but it's 10:27 pm and I've gotta be in bed by 10:29 pm!
I love you all soooo much and you'll her again from me soon!
Love, Sister Taylor
A note from mom: We will refrain from publishing full names without the individuals permission to do so.
In the second paragraph Lindsay mentions Sister H., Sister L., and Elder C., who are all from Ashburn and have known one another for years. Sister Hancock and Lindsay were roommates their freshman year at BYU.
For those of you not as familiar with the LDS (Latter-day Saint) culture and the many acronyms we frequently use:
MTC - Missionary Training Center
At the Church's Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, young men and women as well as retired men and women from around the world come together to prepare to serve the Lord. The purpose of the MTC is to provide an atmosphere of peace, love, trust, confidence, and respect in which missionaries can prepare for missionary service.
EFY - Especially for Youth
The objective of Especially For Youth (EFY) is to provide an uplifting, edifying, an learning experience for youth where they can strengthen their commitments to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
SVU - Southern Virginia University
Southern Virginia University (SVU) provides the finest undergraduate, liberal arts education in a wholesome Latter-day Saint environment.
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