Sweet tie - I need one like that for the fourth...
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Email Letter - 25 June 2008
Hey Fam,
So first things first, we had our last zone conference with President and Hermana Shakespear...for real this time. They are really leaving this weekend. He got up to give his doctrine lesson for this conference and starting by bearing his testimony of the work and of the gospel. It was really powerful and moving to hear him share his love for us. Next week we will meet President Castillo and his wife and two daughters that he’s bringing with him. It will be different but it will be good.
So I got my new comp finally ha-ha and he is a little bit different. His name is Elder Adams and he’s from Arizona, he has been here for 17 months and people still can’t understand him. More often than not I have to ¨translate¨ for our investigators and members. It’s a little hard because lots of times I don’t fully understand myself what he is saying or what our investigators are saying but I’m getting there. I would say that by the end of this transfer that I’ll be able to understand just about everything and then pretty soon after I’m hoping to be able to speak in the way that I want to.
I have had to work a lot with my patience with this one but it is helping me to grow for sure. I am very grateful for Elder Avalos and what he taught me with doing all the books and things because my comp doesn’t really like to help me with those either. He’s a little bit stuck on worldly things like girls and music but I’m doing my best to look past all of that and work with him. He has a bad past of breaking rules with other comps and that worries me a little bit but it also shows that president has a lot of confidence in me and trusts me to work hard and to help him to do the same.
I have been told that I should move up fast into leadership positions if I don’t get put into the office. It’s a little scary but I would love to be a zone leader or something for a long period of my mission. People think that I'll move up to district leader not next transfer but maybe the one after and then train and then move up from there. Scary thought for sure but it would be fun I think. Ha-ha.
Today we had the whole zone in Saenz Pena again and we played basketball and went out to lunch. It was way fun but I just found out that there are golf courses in Resistencia and in Posadas (Missiones) and so I wanna go there to hit up some golf. Ha-ha.
Overall things are going well and I’m getting better and things because I’m in a position where I have to. We will see how it all works out but I’m trying to be as positive as I can. I love you guys so much. Take care of yourselves.
Tay
So first things first, we had our last zone conference with President and Hermana Shakespear...for real this time. They are really leaving this weekend. He got up to give his doctrine lesson for this conference and starting by bearing his testimony of the work and of the gospel. It was really powerful and moving to hear him share his love for us. Next week we will meet President Castillo and his wife and two daughters that he’s bringing with him. It will be different but it will be good.
So I got my new comp finally ha-ha and he is a little bit different. His name is Elder Adams and he’s from Arizona, he has been here for 17 months and people still can’t understand him. More often than not I have to ¨translate¨ for our investigators and members. It’s a little hard because lots of times I don’t fully understand myself what he is saying or what our investigators are saying but I’m getting there. I would say that by the end of this transfer that I’ll be able to understand just about everything and then pretty soon after I’m hoping to be able to speak in the way that I want to.
I have had to work a lot with my patience with this one but it is helping me to grow for sure. I am very grateful for Elder Avalos and what he taught me with doing all the books and things because my comp doesn’t really like to help me with those either. He’s a little bit stuck on worldly things like girls and music but I’m doing my best to look past all of that and work with him. He has a bad past of breaking rules with other comps and that worries me a little bit but it also shows that president has a lot of confidence in me and trusts me to work hard and to help him to do the same.
I have been told that I should move up fast into leadership positions if I don’t get put into the office. It’s a little scary but I would love to be a zone leader or something for a long period of my mission. People think that I'll move up to district leader not next transfer but maybe the one after and then train and then move up from there. Scary thought for sure but it would be fun I think. Ha-ha.
Today we had the whole zone in Saenz Pena again and we played basketball and went out to lunch. It was way fun but I just found out that there are golf courses in Resistencia and in Posadas (Missiones) and so I wanna go there to hit up some golf. Ha-ha.
Overall things are going well and I’m getting better and things because I’m in a position where I have to. We will see how it all works out but I’m trying to be as positive as I can. I love you guys so much. Take care of yourselves.
Tay
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Email Letter - 18 June 2008
Hey family,
So I’ll start with the phone call that I got on Saturday morning from my zone leaders saying that we needed to get to the supermarket and buy as much food as we could but enough for at least a week, it was really just in time and I know that President Shakespear must have received some revelation because Saturday night is when it got really bad. The markets ran out of milk among other things. Ha-ha. Life as a missionary in Argentina. Now I’ll explain why, the president of Argentina is making some bad decisions in the eyes of a lot of people but especially the farmers so they are blocking all of the major roads in almost every province in the country and won’t move.
This is especially bad because we are trying to do transfers this week and it’s just getting worse not any better. As of right now I’m stuck in Saenz Pena with my two zone leaders. I’m getting a new comp who is stuck and can’t get to me and my old comp left already. A quick side note, in order to get to Saenz Pena we had to take a taxi and go in dirt roads and stuff. It was so crazy but quite an experience. We are hoping that they will at least let some busses pass so that we can get missionaries to their areas but I’m pretty sure that there will be a lot of people taking back roads to get to where they need to be this week. It’s a little crazy but its fun as well.
So I’m sorry to hear about another water mess but look at the bright side...at least you have water.
As far as my package goes, that’s pretty sweet that Danny Russell is bringing it and I’m sure that it will get here way faster but just send it to the mission home and I’ll get it in a couple weeks when I’m there for zone conference. I had no idea that Danny was doing that kind of stuff but it’s pretty cool.
So other than the road blocks and no one having food things are going well. We have a few families that we are excited to teach and one that is progressing really well that I’m so ready to baptize. Ha-ha.
So the Hermana that feeds us every Saturday came down hard on the other Hermana's in our branch on Sunday. She was teaching them about missionary work and asked why none of them have been helping us with our appointments and why they haven’t been feeding us. That’s when the branch president’s wife chimed in and told all of them that we didn’t have any food and we don’t have any money to get food so they need to feed us. These two Hermanas would do anything for us and they are basically our moms here. One washes all of our clothes and the other feeds us every week. It was funny because that same day right after church we had two other Hermanas ask us when we could go have lunch at their houses. Hna Suarez and Hna Gomez are our life savers and we love them.
So my new companion that I haven’t met yet is a gringo which means that I get to speak English!!! (I’m not so sure that’s a good thing because my Spanish wont progress as fast) I’m still excited though. I hear mixed reviews about him so we´ll see how things go. I’m sure everything will be fine and I hope that we have lots of success together but I’ll have to tell you more about him next week because I don’t know him yet.
I’m a little bit sad to hear that they changed the regions around and that Provo won’t have the good old Timpview rivalry anymore but it will probably be good for both schools. It sounds like Provo got put into the weaker region though which is a little interesting but whatever.
Anyway I want you all to know how much I love you and appreciate all that you do for me. Take care and I’ll write next week. Love you!!!
Tay
So I’ll start with the phone call that I got on Saturday morning from my zone leaders saying that we needed to get to the supermarket and buy as much food as we could but enough for at least a week, it was really just in time and I know that President Shakespear must have received some revelation because Saturday night is when it got really bad. The markets ran out of milk among other things. Ha-ha. Life as a missionary in Argentina. Now I’ll explain why, the president of Argentina is making some bad decisions in the eyes of a lot of people but especially the farmers so they are blocking all of the major roads in almost every province in the country and won’t move.
This is especially bad because we are trying to do transfers this week and it’s just getting worse not any better. As of right now I’m stuck in Saenz Pena with my two zone leaders. I’m getting a new comp who is stuck and can’t get to me and my old comp left already. A quick side note, in order to get to Saenz Pena we had to take a taxi and go in dirt roads and stuff. It was so crazy but quite an experience. We are hoping that they will at least let some busses pass so that we can get missionaries to their areas but I’m pretty sure that there will be a lot of people taking back roads to get to where they need to be this week. It’s a little crazy but its fun as well.
So I’m sorry to hear about another water mess but look at the bright side...at least you have water.
As far as my package goes, that’s pretty sweet that Danny Russell is bringing it and I’m sure that it will get here way faster but just send it to the mission home and I’ll get it in a couple weeks when I’m there for zone conference. I had no idea that Danny was doing that kind of stuff but it’s pretty cool.
So other than the road blocks and no one having food things are going well. We have a few families that we are excited to teach and one that is progressing really well that I’m so ready to baptize. Ha-ha.
So the Hermana that feeds us every Saturday came down hard on the other Hermana's in our branch on Sunday. She was teaching them about missionary work and asked why none of them have been helping us with our appointments and why they haven’t been feeding us. That’s when the branch president’s wife chimed in and told all of them that we didn’t have any food and we don’t have any money to get food so they need to feed us. These two Hermanas would do anything for us and they are basically our moms here. One washes all of our clothes and the other feeds us every week. It was funny because that same day right after church we had two other Hermanas ask us when we could go have lunch at their houses. Hna Suarez and Hna Gomez are our life savers and we love them.
So my new companion that I haven’t met yet is a gringo which means that I get to speak English!!! (I’m not so sure that’s a good thing because my Spanish wont progress as fast) I’m still excited though. I hear mixed reviews about him so we´ll see how things go. I’m sure everything will be fine and I hope that we have lots of success together but I’ll have to tell you more about him next week because I don’t know him yet.
I’m a little bit sad to hear that they changed the regions around and that Provo won’t have the good old Timpview rivalry anymore but it will probably be good for both schools. It sounds like Provo got put into the weaker region though which is a little interesting but whatever.
Anyway I want you all to know how much I love you and appreciate all that you do for me. Take care and I’ll write next week. Love you!!!
Tay
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Email Letter - 11 June 2008
Hey Fam,
So some bad news to start of this letter, we ran into some serious problems with Nora...the lady that I was supposed to baptize this weekend. She had some things that she wasn’t really honest with us about but that came out in her interview so we won’t be able to baptize her now but maybe a ways down the road. It was hard to take but I’m glad that she chose to work it out now.
We have some really great investigators right now and things are going well. I’m starting to understand more now but it’s still tough to get used to because they speak in vos here (I don’t know if I explained that) anyway things are getting better.
We have transfers next week which will be fun because there is a very very good chance that either I’ll get moved or my trainer will, more likely him because he´s almost at the end of the allotted amount of time that you can have in one area. I got word that President Shakespear will be here for the next round of zone conferences to introduce the new president. That will be weird not to have pres. Shakespear anymore but it will be good for him to get home to his family.
So today we are in Saenz Pena again for p-day but today we went to the zoo here which was pretty fun and I took lots of crazy pictures.
Overall things are going really well and I’m starting to take over lessons more and more when I can understand and answer in the way that I want to. I get a lot of compliments on how well I’m speaking from members and from my comp and even from the assistants to the president. I still can’t really talk the way that I want to but people understand what I’m trying to say so I’m making progress.
I’m always glad to hear that things are going so well with everyone and I can’t wait for the football season to start so that I can hear how well the boys are doing and Hayleigh with her dance as well. I want you all to know how much I love and miss you. Take care.
Tay
So some bad news to start of this letter, we ran into some serious problems with Nora...the lady that I was supposed to baptize this weekend. She had some things that she wasn’t really honest with us about but that came out in her interview so we won’t be able to baptize her now but maybe a ways down the road. It was hard to take but I’m glad that she chose to work it out now.
We have some really great investigators right now and things are going well. I’m starting to understand more now but it’s still tough to get used to because they speak in vos here (I don’t know if I explained that) anyway things are getting better.
We have transfers next week which will be fun because there is a very very good chance that either I’ll get moved or my trainer will, more likely him because he´s almost at the end of the allotted amount of time that you can have in one area. I got word that President Shakespear will be here for the next round of zone conferences to introduce the new president. That will be weird not to have pres. Shakespear anymore but it will be good for him to get home to his family.
So today we are in Saenz Pena again for p-day but today we went to the zoo here which was pretty fun and I took lots of crazy pictures.
Overall things are going really well and I’m starting to take over lessons more and more when I can understand and answer in the way that I want to. I get a lot of compliments on how well I’m speaking from members and from my comp and even from the assistants to the president. I still can’t really talk the way that I want to but people understand what I’m trying to say so I’m making progress.
I’m always glad to hear that things are going so well with everyone and I can’t wait for the football season to start so that I can hear how well the boys are doing and Hayleigh with her dance as well. I want you all to know how much I love and miss you. Take care.
Tay
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Email Letter - 04 June 2008
Hey Fam,
So we´re in Saenz Pena again today and we all got together to play ping pong again and we bought a bunch of ice cream and made a lot of peach cobbler. Oh it was good. Who would have thought that a bunch of elders in a third world country could figure out how to make peach cobbler. Ha-ha.
Anyway I have some good news...we are going to have a baptism a week from Saturday if everything goes as planned. Tomorrow we are going to go over the baptismal questions with Nora and answer any questions that she has and then on Friday our district leader is going to give her the real interview and if that goes well the baptism is on! It’s an exciting thing and I can’t wait.
It has been really cold as of late, and when I say that I’m cold it must really be cold right. It has also been raining which has been horrible because we just get muddy. So yesterday we had the bomb in our area but it wasn’t really a bomb because only two other elders came. The others were either sick or were too busy. It was a good one though. We got a lot done and found a lot of families that we can now go back and teach and that’s what we needed.
So as far as transfers go...we have them in two weeks and I’m almost positive that one of us will go but I think it will be him because he’s almost at his limit in one area. You never know though.
We had our last formal interviews with President Shakespear last Thursday and even though it was so amazing I wish that it could have gone on forever because at the end he said...¨Elder this is my last formal interview with you¨ that was a heart breaker. We talked about how I’ll have to give him and Hermana a visit after I finish my mission which I’m looking forward to doing in 20 months and three weeks. It’s amazing how fast time is going here.
One thing that I have realized is that I wish I never would have stopped playing the piano...yes dad you were right. My new zone leader is so amazing at the piano and it makes me wish that I would have just stuck it out. Oh well, shoulda coulda woulda right.
So some unfortunate news, since it has been so cold my knee has been getting pretty stiff again. I’m working with it every morning and I’m sure that it will get better with time so don’t worry.
I want you all to know how much I love and miss you. Thank you for all of your love and support. Take care.
Love, Tay
So we´re in Saenz Pena again today and we all got together to play ping pong again and we bought a bunch of ice cream and made a lot of peach cobbler. Oh it was good. Who would have thought that a bunch of elders in a third world country could figure out how to make peach cobbler. Ha-ha.
Anyway I have some good news...we are going to have a baptism a week from Saturday if everything goes as planned. Tomorrow we are going to go over the baptismal questions with Nora and answer any questions that she has and then on Friday our district leader is going to give her the real interview and if that goes well the baptism is on! It’s an exciting thing and I can’t wait.
It has been really cold as of late, and when I say that I’m cold it must really be cold right. It has also been raining which has been horrible because we just get muddy. So yesterday we had the bomb in our area but it wasn’t really a bomb because only two other elders came. The others were either sick or were too busy. It was a good one though. We got a lot done and found a lot of families that we can now go back and teach and that’s what we needed.
So as far as transfers go...we have them in two weeks and I’m almost positive that one of us will go but I think it will be him because he’s almost at his limit in one area. You never know though.
We had our last formal interviews with President Shakespear last Thursday and even though it was so amazing I wish that it could have gone on forever because at the end he said...¨Elder this is my last formal interview with you¨ that was a heart breaker. We talked about how I’ll have to give him and Hermana a visit after I finish my mission which I’m looking forward to doing in 20 months and three weeks. It’s amazing how fast time is going here.
One thing that I have realized is that I wish I never would have stopped playing the piano...yes dad you were right. My new zone leader is so amazing at the piano and it makes me wish that I would have just stuck it out. Oh well, shoulda coulda woulda right.
So some unfortunate news, since it has been so cold my knee has been getting pretty stiff again. I’m working with it every morning and I’m sure that it will get better with time so don’t worry.
I want you all to know how much I love and miss you. Thank you for all of your love and support. Take care.
Love, Tay
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Email Letter - 28 May 2008
Hey Fam,
So it finally rained!!! It’s good for the people and I’m happy for them but it sucks for us because all the roads are just muddy now.
So I have to tell you about my horrible week and then we´ll see if I can think of anything good. Ha-ha. So in the last week we have killed three of our five best investigators...well actually we had one quit on us. her name is Nora and she was about to have her baptismal interview but we had to switch her baptismal date twice for one reason or another and she decided that because it had been switched SO MANY times that God didn’t want her to be baptized so she told us that she didn’t want us to teach her anymore. It was really sad for me because everything was fine and she has member friends and everything but we just chanced it a few too many times. As far as the others go we had to drop the DoSanto family because they were never home so we never taught them. The other family left to live in Córdoba because that’s where all the work is. We have had a few investigators that have gone to work there because no one can get work here in Chaco.
It’s been a rough week. We do have a new family though that we found the other day and they live close to the church as well which is so much better because it’s just a 2 minute walk instead of a half hour or more. Ha-ha.
So the Hermana that makes us lunch every Saturday has this son that is 16 and had hair like a girl and refused to cut it...it was the Hermana´s birthday on Monday and she has been asking him to cut his hair forever so I thought that I would give a little back to her because she does so much for us, I paid her son $100 pesos to cut his hair for his mom and he did it. She almost cried. I’m not telling you this to brag or anything but it was so special to her and so I thought that it would be something to share with all of you. The American dollar is now worth four pesos so it was only $25 US dollars for me. It was a nice feeling because she always helps us. And to tell you the truth he actually likes it. Ha-ha.
It has been tough with losing all of our investigators but our zone has a plan to help us out and all but one companionship is coming out to our area next Tuesday and we´re all going to split up and bomb Villa Angela in order to find families to teach. I’m excited for ¨the bomb¨ and I think that it will help us greatly.
I’m doing well here but we are having some trials as of late but I know that the lord with help us if we ask. I want you to know how much I love you all and how often I think about you. Thank you all so much for your prayers and for your love. I miss you all greatly and not a day goes by when I don’t think about you. I love you.
Tay
So it finally rained!!! It’s good for the people and I’m happy for them but it sucks for us because all the roads are just muddy now.
So I have to tell you about my horrible week and then we´ll see if I can think of anything good. Ha-ha. So in the last week we have killed three of our five best investigators...well actually we had one quit on us. her name is Nora and she was about to have her baptismal interview but we had to switch her baptismal date twice for one reason or another and she decided that because it had been switched SO MANY times that God didn’t want her to be baptized so she told us that she didn’t want us to teach her anymore. It was really sad for me because everything was fine and she has member friends and everything but we just chanced it a few too many times. As far as the others go we had to drop the DoSanto family because they were never home so we never taught them. The other family left to live in Córdoba because that’s where all the work is. We have had a few investigators that have gone to work there because no one can get work here in Chaco.
It’s been a rough week. We do have a new family though that we found the other day and they live close to the church as well which is so much better because it’s just a 2 minute walk instead of a half hour or more. Ha-ha.
So the Hermana that makes us lunch every Saturday has this son that is 16 and had hair like a girl and refused to cut it...it was the Hermana´s birthday on Monday and she has been asking him to cut his hair forever so I thought that I would give a little back to her because she does so much for us, I paid her son $100 pesos to cut his hair for his mom and he did it. She almost cried. I’m not telling you this to brag or anything but it was so special to her and so I thought that it would be something to share with all of you. The American dollar is now worth four pesos so it was only $25 US dollars for me. It was a nice feeling because she always helps us. And to tell you the truth he actually likes it. Ha-ha.
It has been tough with losing all of our investigators but our zone has a plan to help us out and all but one companionship is coming out to our area next Tuesday and we´re all going to split up and bomb Villa Angela in order to find families to teach. I’m excited for ¨the bomb¨ and I think that it will help us greatly.
I’m doing well here but we are having some trials as of late but I know that the lord with help us if we ask. I want you to know how much I love you all and how often I think about you. Thank you all so much for your prayers and for your love. I miss you all greatly and not a day goes by when I don’t think about you. I love you.
Tay
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Email Letter - 21 May 2008
Hey family,
So I’m glad to hear that all is well...except for the water mess. Ha-ha. Our city still doesn’t have water as a whole but our landlord worked out something and we have running water again so we have it made...for now.
This has been a long week so far and it’s not getting any shorter but it’s really been good. We had zone conference in Resistencia on Monday so on Sunday after church we traveled to Saenz Pena and on Monday morning our whole zone traveled to Resistencia at five am, yes I said five. We all woke up at four and got ready and went on our way. It was a really good conference and I think that its Presidents last which was sad for me because he’s such a great man. He spoke to us about the plan of salvation and it was amazing to look at it from a few different views. Then Hermana Shakespear spoke to us about the power of music. She is also a great speaker and I enjoyed it a lot.
After the conference we went and had to sit in the office for about 6 hours because the guy that drove us to conference from Saenz Pena was sleeping in the van and someone came along and stole the keys so we were stuck until he could get another one made. We finally left and got back to Saenz Pena at around midnight and got into bed around one. I then had to wake up at five to get to the bus station by 6 so that I could work in my area on Tuesday with my district leader.
It was a long hot day and it was so humid which always just kills us. Then we went to bed and had to get up this morning at 5 so that we could get on a bus and come back to Saenz Pena for p-day. I leave on a bus tonight at 7 to get back to my area so that I can work there tomorrow. It’s been a long few days but that’s the life of a missionary.
Things are going well other than all the travels and we are hoping to get with some investigators this weekend and make some baptismal dates that will actually come through. I’ll let you know on that though. I’m glad to hear that Mom’s birthday went so well and that you had a nice fun trip with the Binghams. I was sad to hear about the Jazz but it always happens it seems like, so I’m used to it as we all are.
I love you all very much and ill write you again next week just like always. Take care.
Tay
ps. I talked to Elder Hemmert and he should have already called you. He is trying to work it out with a family that is coming down to just bring the package with them so just have it sent back to you and we’ll just work it out. Sorry for the hassle but just have it sent home.
I told Sean to have you buy me some shoes as well to put with my stash so just take some money out of my account or something. I’ll call the office again and tell them to call you. Thanks for everything Mom and Dad. Love you
So I’m glad to hear that all is well...except for the water mess. Ha-ha. Our city still doesn’t have water as a whole but our landlord worked out something and we have running water again so we have it made...for now.
This has been a long week so far and it’s not getting any shorter but it’s really been good. We had zone conference in Resistencia on Monday so on Sunday after church we traveled to Saenz Pena and on Monday morning our whole zone traveled to Resistencia at five am, yes I said five. We all woke up at four and got ready and went on our way. It was a really good conference and I think that its Presidents last which was sad for me because he’s such a great man. He spoke to us about the plan of salvation and it was amazing to look at it from a few different views. Then Hermana Shakespear spoke to us about the power of music. She is also a great speaker and I enjoyed it a lot.
After the conference we went and had to sit in the office for about 6 hours because the guy that drove us to conference from Saenz Pena was sleeping in the van and someone came along and stole the keys so we were stuck until he could get another one made. We finally left and got back to Saenz Pena at around midnight and got into bed around one. I then had to wake up at five to get to the bus station by 6 so that I could work in my area on Tuesday with my district leader.
It was a long hot day and it was so humid which always just kills us. Then we went to bed and had to get up this morning at 5 so that we could get on a bus and come back to Saenz Pena for p-day. I leave on a bus tonight at 7 to get back to my area so that I can work there tomorrow. It’s been a long few days but that’s the life of a missionary.
Things are going well other than all the travels and we are hoping to get with some investigators this weekend and make some baptismal dates that will actually come through. I’ll let you know on that though. I’m glad to hear that Mom’s birthday went so well and that you had a nice fun trip with the Binghams. I was sad to hear about the Jazz but it always happens it seems like, so I’m used to it as we all are.
I love you all very much and ill write you again next week just like always. Take care.
Tay
ps. I talked to Elder Hemmert and he should have already called you. He is trying to work it out with a family that is coming down to just bring the package with them so just have it sent back to you and we’ll just work it out. Sorry for the hassle but just have it sent home.
I told Sean to have you buy me some shoes as well to put with my stash so just take some money out of my account or something. I’ll call the office again and tell them to call you. Thanks for everything Mom and Dad. Love you
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Email Letter - 14 May 2008
Hey Fam,
It was so good to talk to you all on Sunday and I wish we would have had more time. I’m glad to hear that everyone is doing so well.
I don’t really have much to say to you all this week since Sunday because we haven’t worked the last two days. I woke up in the middle of the night on Sunday just throwing up like crazy. I was a horrible two days of just laying in bed with just sprite and crackers but that’s what the area doctor said I needed to do. I’m feeling a little bit better today though so I think we´ll go out and work tonight.
I was sad to hear that Jake Trammell came home. Josh told me that he broke his foot or something but that’s all I know. I hope that he gets better and right back out there.
We still don’t have water but I think that our landlord is working on it and we should have some tomorrow he said. Hope that works out.
I’m sorry that I don’t really have anything to say today but I’ll have some more next week after we get some work done. It was a nice chance to start the Book of Mormon over again though because that’s really all I could do was study and I’m almost to Alma in just a few days. Crazy ha-ha. Anyway, I love you all very much and I’ll write next week like always. Love you!
Tay
ps. happy birthday mom!!!
It was so good to talk to you all on Sunday and I wish we would have had more time. I’m glad to hear that everyone is doing so well.
I don’t really have much to say to you all this week since Sunday because we haven’t worked the last two days. I woke up in the middle of the night on Sunday just throwing up like crazy. I was a horrible two days of just laying in bed with just sprite and crackers but that’s what the area doctor said I needed to do. I’m feeling a little bit better today though so I think we´ll go out and work tonight.
I was sad to hear that Jake Trammell came home. Josh told me that he broke his foot or something but that’s all I know. I hope that he gets better and right back out there.
We still don’t have water but I think that our landlord is working on it and we should have some tomorrow he said. Hope that works out.
I’m sorry that I don’t really have anything to say today but I’ll have some more next week after we get some work done. It was a nice chance to start the Book of Mormon over again though because that’s really all I could do was study and I’m almost to Alma in just a few days. Crazy ha-ha. Anyway, I love you all very much and I’ll write next week like always. Love you!
Tay
ps. happy birthday mom!!!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Email Letter - 07 May 2008
Hey Fam,
So things have gone well this week.
Last Thursday we had our interviews with president and he is just amazing. I think that he´ll be a Seventy after he finishes his mission here because he just speaks with such authority and love. He has an answer for everything and it’s perfect.
I didn’t get transferred which means at least another month and a half with my trainer in Villa Angela which I’m happy about because I want to stay here.
I don’t think we´ll have any baptisms for a least a few more weeks because of some problems we´ve run into but we´re still working with our investigators and they are progressing along. We have been working a lot with inactive members and have had good success at getting them to come to church which is amazing. I think I’ve figured out why we have so many inactives in this branch though...lots of people don’t like the branch president which is really sad but that’s why they don’t come to church anymore but like I said we´re working on that.
I’m excited to call home on Sunday obviously and I’m glad that it’s not right after a crazy transfer. The language is always getting better and I’m starting to be able to help my comp out a little more with questions that people have. It gets better every week and I hope that one day it just clicks. One thing that my comp is going to start doing he said is that when they have a question he’s going to have them speak really slow and ask me. Ha-ha. I think that might help. One thing that I have been doing is when we´re walking down the dirt filled streets and I think of a verb that I don’t know I write it down on a 3 by 5 card and look it up later, I have a nice long list but its working great.
Things are going well and I love all of you to death. Thank you for all that you do for me and I’ll talk to you Sunday. Love you.
Tay
So things have gone well this week.
Last Thursday we had our interviews with president and he is just amazing. I think that he´ll be a Seventy after he finishes his mission here because he just speaks with such authority and love. He has an answer for everything and it’s perfect.
I didn’t get transferred which means at least another month and a half with my trainer in Villa Angela which I’m happy about because I want to stay here.
I don’t think we´ll have any baptisms for a least a few more weeks because of some problems we´ve run into but we´re still working with our investigators and they are progressing along. We have been working a lot with inactive members and have had good success at getting them to come to church which is amazing. I think I’ve figured out why we have so many inactives in this branch though...lots of people don’t like the branch president which is really sad but that’s why they don’t come to church anymore but like I said we´re working on that.
I’m excited to call home on Sunday obviously and I’m glad that it’s not right after a crazy transfer. The language is always getting better and I’m starting to be able to help my comp out a little more with questions that people have. It gets better every week and I hope that one day it just clicks. One thing that my comp is going to start doing he said is that when they have a question he’s going to have them speak really slow and ask me. Ha-ha. I think that might help. One thing that I have been doing is when we´re walking down the dirt filled streets and I think of a verb that I don’t know I write it down on a 3 by 5 card and look it up later, I have a nice long list but its working great.
Things are going well and I love all of you to death. Thank you for all that you do for me and I’ll talk to you Sunday. Love you.
Tay
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Email Letter - 30 April 2008
Mom and Dad,
So things are going well and we made another baptism date with another investigator named Nora. She is awesome and I’m hoping that all goes well and we baptize her within the next month.
We have transfers next week and I don’t think that I’m going anywhere and I don’t think my comp is either but you never know. The transfers are on Wednesday and I don’t really know how they work so I might not be emailing next Wednesday just a heads up.
We have interviews tomorrow with President Shakespear and I’m looking forward to talking to him because he is such a great man. He always has a smile on his face and only wants the best for us. He is like the dad more than the President which is cool. I’m going to miss him and the Hermana.
The more I hear about other areas the more I think that I lucked out, I’m starting to think even though I think that the people that are in my area are poor they are pretty much average here. It’s crazy how different things are.
I was happy to hear about Josh and Kevin H. but more happy to hear about Trevon because I was worried about him. It sounds like he should be okay though.
I sent off a package for Mom today but it also has pictures from the last week in the MTC and the first few weeks here which you should enjoy. It should be there in 15 days from today and if it’s not then tell me so that I can get my money back. When you send things the special way they are guaranteed and they should be a little bit faster. It sounds like the tape got there faster than the 15 they said so that’s good.
The other thing is for mother’s day I will be calling you because its cheaper for me to do that then it is for you to call me. I should be able to email or call you about that next week so that we can set up the time and everything.
So last Friday we had an activity in the Roma (branch) and only like ten people came. Sad huh. We´ll try another one in the next few months and I think that it will be a better turn out when I can actually help plan. Ha-ha.
I’m still getting better and better at Spanish as they weeks go by...or at least that’s what I’m told. the problem is that they speak in Vos so some people I can understand and some I can’t but I’ve figured out a way to study verbs better and with the Lord’s help I’m figuring it out as I go.
To be honest with you I have been pretty sick for the last few days. It’s the same cold as I had in the MTC but it’s getting worse because of all the dirt so I’m working with Hermana Shakespear on that and with prayer I’m hoping that it gets better soon.
I’m looking forward to talking to you in just over a week and I think about you often. I love you all and thank you for all that you do for me. You’re the best family I kid could ask for. Thank you for helping me get to where I am today. Love you.
Tay
So things are going well and we made another baptism date with another investigator named Nora. She is awesome and I’m hoping that all goes well and we baptize her within the next month.
We have transfers next week and I don’t think that I’m going anywhere and I don’t think my comp is either but you never know. The transfers are on Wednesday and I don’t really know how they work so I might not be emailing next Wednesday just a heads up.
We have interviews tomorrow with President Shakespear and I’m looking forward to talking to him because he is such a great man. He always has a smile on his face and only wants the best for us. He is like the dad more than the President which is cool. I’m going to miss him and the Hermana.
The more I hear about other areas the more I think that I lucked out, I’m starting to think even though I think that the people that are in my area are poor they are pretty much average here. It’s crazy how different things are.
I was happy to hear about Josh and Kevin H. but more happy to hear about Trevon because I was worried about him. It sounds like he should be okay though.
I sent off a package for Mom today but it also has pictures from the last week in the MTC and the first few weeks here which you should enjoy. It should be there in 15 days from today and if it’s not then tell me so that I can get my money back. When you send things the special way they are guaranteed and they should be a little bit faster. It sounds like the tape got there faster than the 15 they said so that’s good.
The other thing is for mother’s day I will be calling you because its cheaper for me to do that then it is for you to call me. I should be able to email or call you about that next week so that we can set up the time and everything.
So last Friday we had an activity in the Roma (branch) and only like ten people came. Sad huh. We´ll try another one in the next few months and I think that it will be a better turn out when I can actually help plan. Ha-ha.
I’m still getting better and better at Spanish as they weeks go by...or at least that’s what I’m told. the problem is that they speak in Vos so some people I can understand and some I can’t but I’ve figured out a way to study verbs better and with the Lord’s help I’m figuring it out as I go.
To be honest with you I have been pretty sick for the last few days. It’s the same cold as I had in the MTC but it’s getting worse because of all the dirt so I’m working with Hermana Shakespear on that and with prayer I’m hoping that it gets better soon.
I’m looking forward to talking to you in just over a week and I think about you often. I love you all and thank you for all that you do for me. You’re the best family I kid could ask for. Thank you for helping me get to where I am today. Love you.
Tay
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Email Letter - 23 April 2008
Hey mom and dad,
So this week as been good. We are actually in our own area for p-day which is a nice change but the bad part is the computers aren’t as nice or nearly as fast. Oh well.
I’m glad to hear that the trip went so well and that you all had fun. It was different for me not being there either but I’m on a nice trip myself...if you can call it that.
We have had some interesting things happen the last few days, we were contacting on Sunday afternoon and we ran into this guy that was sitting on his porch with is daughter drinking maté of course but we started to talk to him and he invited us to sit down so that we could teach him a lesson. Turns out that the guy and his wife are having some problems getting along so we decided to turn the lesson toward families and busted out the proclamation to the world on families and started to read bits and pieces with him. Eventually his wife showed up and we talked with both of them. We are going to start teaching them this week and have a really great lesson planned.
The other was on Monday night we were contacting again and ran into this older lady, when we started talking to her she started crying as well and talked about how she is sick and how her kids are all having problems with their spouses and how hers left her awhile back...she’s like 70 so I felt bad about that. She asked if God really loved her why would he let all of that happen to her. We talked to her about the Atonement a little bit and are excited to go back and talk about that more with her as well.
We finally made a baptismal date with the Do Santo family that I told you about on Saturday for May 10th. They came to church and are really excited. We just need to get the inactive dad to marry his...well girlfriend that has had 7 kids for him and they are golden. Remember that the dad is just inactive and we´re trying to work with him as well.
After what mom said in her email about guys calling about my package I’m a little worried that it’s not going to get here and that’s not a good thing. The other day while doing service for a family in the branch I tripped in the ditch that we were cleaning out and I twisted my knee...oops. It’s a little sore but not too bad when I take the ibuprofen. I’m still trying to get over this cold that I’ve had since the MTC and all the dirt isn’t helping with all my sneezing but I’m really doing just fine. Just small things that aren’t too bad. I eat well and I think that I’m still around the same weight as I was when I left the MTC.
It has been really hot as of late and the sun just beats on you like you’re getting punched in the face and its horrible when the humidity is really bad as well but Hermana Shakespear made a rule that we all have to have a cowboy hat or some sort of protection from the sun on days like that so it’s a little bit better when I’ve got that on.
It’s awesome that the jazz are doing so well and keep giving me updates because I’m not allowed to check for myself. As far as Quin goes I think that you should play him up if he wants to. I think it would be better for him to get into the system and work with the better coaches but tell him to start working with Josh or Sean or someone on throwing the ball if he wants to play quarterback...this is when I wish that I was at home to help.
Tell Sean that I’m proud of him and Carter as well in stepping it up in school. I got mom’s present done today and I should be sending it out next Wednesday when we´re in Saenz Pena again for interviews with President. I only get my mail when I’m there because the zone leaders get it and we´re two hours away so it’s hard to get it from them. I love you all so much and think of you constantly.
Love, Tay
So this week as been good. We are actually in our own area for p-day which is a nice change but the bad part is the computers aren’t as nice or nearly as fast. Oh well.
I’m glad to hear that the trip went so well and that you all had fun. It was different for me not being there either but I’m on a nice trip myself...if you can call it that.
We have had some interesting things happen the last few days, we were contacting on Sunday afternoon and we ran into this guy that was sitting on his porch with is daughter drinking maté of course but we started to talk to him and he invited us to sit down so that we could teach him a lesson. Turns out that the guy and his wife are having some problems getting along so we decided to turn the lesson toward families and busted out the proclamation to the world on families and started to read bits and pieces with him. Eventually his wife showed up and we talked with both of them. We are going to start teaching them this week and have a really great lesson planned.
The other was on Monday night we were contacting again and ran into this older lady, when we started talking to her she started crying as well and talked about how she is sick and how her kids are all having problems with their spouses and how hers left her awhile back...she’s like 70 so I felt bad about that. She asked if God really loved her why would he let all of that happen to her. We talked to her about the Atonement a little bit and are excited to go back and talk about that more with her as well.
We finally made a baptismal date with the Do Santo family that I told you about on Saturday for May 10th. They came to church and are really excited. We just need to get the inactive dad to marry his...well girlfriend that has had 7 kids for him and they are golden. Remember that the dad is just inactive and we´re trying to work with him as well.
After what mom said in her email about guys calling about my package I’m a little worried that it’s not going to get here and that’s not a good thing. The other day while doing service for a family in the branch I tripped in the ditch that we were cleaning out and I twisted my knee...oops. It’s a little sore but not too bad when I take the ibuprofen. I’m still trying to get over this cold that I’ve had since the MTC and all the dirt isn’t helping with all my sneezing but I’m really doing just fine. Just small things that aren’t too bad. I eat well and I think that I’m still around the same weight as I was when I left the MTC.
It has been really hot as of late and the sun just beats on you like you’re getting punched in the face and its horrible when the humidity is really bad as well but Hermana Shakespear made a rule that we all have to have a cowboy hat or some sort of protection from the sun on days like that so it’s a little bit better when I’ve got that on.
It’s awesome that the jazz are doing so well and keep giving me updates because I’m not allowed to check for myself. As far as Quin goes I think that you should play him up if he wants to. I think it would be better for him to get into the system and work with the better coaches but tell him to start working with Josh or Sean or someone on throwing the ball if he wants to play quarterback...this is when I wish that I was at home to help.
Tell Sean that I’m proud of him and Carter as well in stepping it up in school. I got mom’s present done today and I should be sending it out next Wednesday when we´re in Saenz Pena again for interviews with President. I only get my mail when I’m there because the zone leaders get it and we´re two hours away so it’s hard to get it from them. I love you all so much and think of you constantly.
Love, Tay
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Email letter - 16 April 2008
Mom and dad,
Things here are going okay. I'm doing well and we are still working hard. We are going to be making a baptismal date with that large family that I told you about and hopefully on the 10th of May they will be members of the church. That’s really the only good news that I have for you.
We had our zone conference last Thursday and I know that I’m going to miss President and Sister Shakespear so much. They are amazing people with such great testimonies but I’m looking forward to one more conference with them. I had to stand up and bear my testimony because I’m new and that was fun. Ha-ha.
My comp thinks that I speak so well that he tells everyone how good I am and the people think that I’m fluent or something and just go off on me. Ha-ha. It’s fun though because I’m learning a lot from my comp and from all of the people. I think by the end of my next transfer ill understand just about everything and then try to pick up and be able to talk the way that I want to. It’s been good having a native companion and I’m grateful for it but I love to do divisions so that I get English sometimes too.
Overall things are going well. Sometimes my comp and I have little tiffs but that happens to everyone I think. We are working well together I think. I have my first transfer in two weeks but I think I’ll be staying put and with the same comp for this one as well but maybe the next one I'll leave. We have transfers every six weeks. I hear stories about other mission houses and I’m afraid to move but we´ll see how it goes.
We have been spending a lot of time in Saenz Pena with our district and zone leaders. We are here again today for p-day and I worked here last night on divisions with our district leader. It seems like we come here once a week which is like five hours of travel both ways. To be honest I don’t mind it at all because like I said I get to speak English when I'm here.
I just want to tell you how much I love you mom and dad and how much I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for me. I’m so grateful for such great parents that love and support me in all that I do. I’m grateful for your example to me and how well you raised me and prepared me for my work now and for my life in general. I love you so very much and I miss you as well. Thank you for your prayers. Send my love to everyone and let them know that I’m grateful for their prayers as well. I love you.
Tay
Things here are going okay. I'm doing well and we are still working hard. We are going to be making a baptismal date with that large family that I told you about and hopefully on the 10th of May they will be members of the church. That’s really the only good news that I have for you.
We had our zone conference last Thursday and I know that I’m going to miss President and Sister Shakespear so much. They are amazing people with such great testimonies but I’m looking forward to one more conference with them. I had to stand up and bear my testimony because I’m new and that was fun. Ha-ha.
My comp thinks that I speak so well that he tells everyone how good I am and the people think that I’m fluent or something and just go off on me. Ha-ha. It’s fun though because I’m learning a lot from my comp and from all of the people. I think by the end of my next transfer ill understand just about everything and then try to pick up and be able to talk the way that I want to. It’s been good having a native companion and I’m grateful for it but I love to do divisions so that I get English sometimes too.
Overall things are going well. Sometimes my comp and I have little tiffs but that happens to everyone I think. We are working well together I think. I have my first transfer in two weeks but I think I’ll be staying put and with the same comp for this one as well but maybe the next one I'll leave. We have transfers every six weeks. I hear stories about other mission houses and I’m afraid to move but we´ll see how it goes.
We have been spending a lot of time in Saenz Pena with our district and zone leaders. We are here again today for p-day and I worked here last night on divisions with our district leader. It seems like we come here once a week which is like five hours of travel both ways. To be honest I don’t mind it at all because like I said I get to speak English when I'm here.
I just want to tell you how much I love you mom and dad and how much I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for me. I’m so grateful for such great parents that love and support me in all that I do. I’m grateful for your example to me and how well you raised me and prepared me for my work now and for my life in general. I love you so very much and I miss you as well. Thank you for your prayers. Send my love to everyone and let them know that I’m grateful for their prayers as well. I love you.
Tay
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Email Letter - 09 April 2008
Hey Mom and Dad,
So things are getting better here this week.
I spent the last weekend in Saenz Pena with one of the zone leaders so that I could watch conference. What an awesome experience to listen and to sustain a new prophet. I think that I liked Elder Holland’s Sunday afternoon talk the best. Of course both sessions on Sunday were in the afternoon but you know what I mean. I couldn’t help but think about the family during many of the sessions because that all they talked about. I did love this conference a lot though.
Things are getting better and my knee is doing better as well. I can feel the blessings when I pray and you pray as well. I’m glad to hear that everything is going well there and that you’re all excited for the trip.
I’m back in Saenz Pena right now for divisions with the district leader and then we all get into a van in the morning and head to Resistencia for zone conference...5 in the morning. Oh dear!
To answer the questions about my bathroom and stuff, yes I have a shower but it’s just the bucket that heats up the water and we do have plumbing but it’s different and it’s taking some getting used to but it’s not so bad. Compared to other areas I lucked out with my house.
The Branch President’s wife does our laundry for 20 pesos a month which is awesome. They are a great family.
We have been teaching a lot and have 1 person with a baptismal date on the 26th, let’s hope it doesn’t fall through.
I have a funny story...last night when were out contacting there was a hole in the sidewalk and my comp didn’t see it and fell in. I felt so bad but it was so funny. He's okay, just a few scratches but he´ll live I think.
I’m getting used to only having Spanish in my life but it’s still tough to communicate sometimes.
I’m trying to figure out how to use the mail and when I do then I’ll send some paper mail to you. It should only take about two weeks to get to you but unfortunately yours takes forever to get to me. Don’t use pouch because that takes twice as long.
I have decided now hearing from other elders that you should send a package every 3 months because that acceptable I guess. Ha-ha.
I’m starting to get a hang of things but it’s starting to rain a lot and I don’t like the mud so now that just one more thing to get used to I guess. I think I’ll probably buy some boots to wear so that I don’t have to wash my pants every day.
I’m starting to do better with my Spanish and I can pretty much understand almost everything they say if they talk slow for me. We did our first service yesterday, cut down a lot of weeds from the branch presidents house using a shovel and spade which was hard and now I have blisters on my hands but that the difference here...no weed eaters. I’m going to run now but things are going better and I love you all very much.
So things are getting better here this week.
I spent the last weekend in Saenz Pena with one of the zone leaders so that I could watch conference. What an awesome experience to listen and to sustain a new prophet. I think that I liked Elder Holland’s Sunday afternoon talk the best. Of course both sessions on Sunday were in the afternoon but you know what I mean. I couldn’t help but think about the family during many of the sessions because that all they talked about. I did love this conference a lot though.
Things are getting better and my knee is doing better as well. I can feel the blessings when I pray and you pray as well. I’m glad to hear that everything is going well there and that you’re all excited for the trip.
I’m back in Saenz Pena right now for divisions with the district leader and then we all get into a van in the morning and head to Resistencia for zone conference...5 in the morning. Oh dear!
To answer the questions about my bathroom and stuff, yes I have a shower but it’s just the bucket that heats up the water and we do have plumbing but it’s different and it’s taking some getting used to but it’s not so bad. Compared to other areas I lucked out with my house.
The Branch President’s wife does our laundry for 20 pesos a month which is awesome. They are a great family.
We have been teaching a lot and have 1 person with a baptismal date on the 26th, let’s hope it doesn’t fall through.
I have a funny story...last night when were out contacting there was a hole in the sidewalk and my comp didn’t see it and fell in. I felt so bad but it was so funny. He's okay, just a few scratches but he´ll live I think.
I’m getting used to only having Spanish in my life but it’s still tough to communicate sometimes.
I’m trying to figure out how to use the mail and when I do then I’ll send some paper mail to you. It should only take about two weeks to get to you but unfortunately yours takes forever to get to me. Don’t use pouch because that takes twice as long.
I have decided now hearing from other elders that you should send a package every 3 months because that acceptable I guess. Ha-ha.
I’m starting to get a hang of things but it’s starting to rain a lot and I don’t like the mud so now that just one more thing to get used to I guess. I think I’ll probably buy some boots to wear so that I don’t have to wash my pants every day.
I’m starting to do better with my Spanish and I can pretty much understand almost everything they say if they talk slow for me. We did our first service yesterday, cut down a lot of weeds from the branch presidents house using a shovel and spade which was hard and now I have blisters on my hands but that the difference here...no weed eaters. I’m going to run now but things are going better and I love you all very much.
Tay
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Email letter - 02 April 2008
(Papi's note - I hesitated to post all of this, because it's clear that TK is struggling a bit, but I wanted to share it with everyone, and also need to preserve the trials as well as the highlights, so included everything... TK also mentions a chat that we had - it lasted for just a few minutes, and the extra information from the chat can be found in my note at the bottom of this post.)
Hey mom and dad,
Things here are good but I’m stuck with a native companion that knows pretty much no English. I’m learning a lot but it’s hard because he can’t understand me. I can understand him and pretty much everyone if they talk slow. The members in my area are really nice but there are only about 30-35 or so.
We have been teaching a lot and I love it but I’m having some problems and I don’t know if I should talk to President about them or not. My knee is locking up and I can’t straighten it or bend it all the way. I’ve been praying and taking lots of meds but it doesn’t seem to be working. Next Thursday we have zone conference and that’s when I’ll talk to him if I decide to but we´ll see.
I’m not going to lie this is really hard and I try not to but I often think of you and I makes me cry. I miss you guys and I need you. I knew it would be hard but not this hard. I don’t mind the heat or the dirt or even the blisters on the bottom of my feet but it’s hard without my family and with my knee acting up.
There are so many dogs around here but they just lie around and do nothing. I don’t think that they belong to anyone so they just roam the streets and do whatever. The culture is way different obviously and I’m trying to adjust. I’m learning a lot of Spanish but I still can’t get everything out that I want to especially with my comp so it’s a little frustrating but it is coming.
It’s just me and my comp in our area that’s about the size of Provo...or at least it seems like it. It’s called Villa Angela and it’s in the Chaco province which is about three hours from Resistencia. We had to spend the first two days with some of the zone leaders in Resistencia because there is a nationwide strike with the farmers because they aren’t getting enough money for their crops or something so they took all their trucks and tractors and blocked off all the roads which means no busses.
After two days the assistants to the President just drove us here on dirt roads. That was an adventure. The only roads that are paved in our area are main street and maybe one other road. Which means...yes dirt and lots of it. I don’t mind it so much though.
Let me tell you about our house. When we got there I almost threw up. It looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in years so I made my comp help me for the first hour to clean and stuff and now it’s better. It’s just us two and it’s basically a kitchen connected to a bedroom. Our bathroom is outside it’s like a little outhouse building.
I miss speaking in English and I’ve been trying to figure out how to chat with dad but it’s not working.
We should be emailing about this same time every week I hope so if you wanted to chat with me and make it work that would be great. I’m not really sure what else to say. I’m glad that everyone is doing well and tell Sean that I’m very proud of him and that I’m sad I missed it but right now there are more important things I guess.
The grocery store is way different and I don’t really know what to buy that I would eat so I’ve been living off of frosted flakes and the nasty milk that they have. Ha-ha. We went shopping again today and I got some fruit and stuff so I think I’ll be better this week.
My companion is Elder Avalos and he’s from Buenos Aires and he’s nice but like I said it’s hard to communicate with my limited vocab. Things are going well and I’m still alive so that’s always a plus.
We have an appointment with a family tonight that I think we´re going to baptize. They love the gospel and are ready so I think we´ll set a date with them tonight. There are six, a mom and five kids that are old enough. The dad is just inactive. I’m excited about that.
Well I’m chatting with you now so I’ll end this but I love you all very much.
Tay
- Note - the following additional information from a chat session:
- TK and his companion walk 12-15 miles a day by his estimation. This is contributing to the problems he's having with his knee. It is our hope and prayer that his body will adjust and that he won't need any real medical attention to resolve the issue.
- TK has not been able to get any physical mail since arriving in Villa Angela because of the strike. He and his companion were not able to attend their district meeting.
- TK is a foot taller than his companion, and believes he could "take him" even with his bum knee. (Humor shining through the struggles !!!)
- TK and his comp will head to Resistencia next week for Zone conference, and will likely collect his physical mail then.
- When TK and his comp are tracting, they don't knock on doors, the stop outside the fence around the home and clap.
- TK likes his comp, and despite the language barrier, they are getting along. But he does get a little frustrated, because his comp only seems to want to teach families with a father, and there are many families with no man in the household which they are passing by right now. He is working to help his comp understand and begin to teach these families too.
- TK will be using his gmail account as his primary email from now on because it is much, much faster than the myldsmail account.
- TK will try to upload some pictures next week.
- TK sends his love to all, especially his brothers, and made careful mention that we make sure that JK knows he is thinking of him too.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
First email from Argentina - 26March2008
Hey Mom and Dad,
We just got done doing a few contacts in the square and its crazy.
We flew in last night and went to the President's house for just enough time to drop off our bags and then we went to the mission office and had pizza. Just the Elders, the Hermanas had dinner at the President's house.
After we finished we went to our apartment which is right across the street from the President's house and showered and went to sleep. we woke up at 6 this morning so I was up while you were all still having nice dreams, we then had a little introduction from the President and his wife and talked about how to be good missionaries and about health stuff. We had breakfast and then started on learning about all the rules and other stuff.
I wrote a letter that has the mission address and everything on it but you probably wont see that for a few weeks. We had some lunch and then came out to the square to do contacts.
We meet our trainers tomorrow and then go to our areas from there. I just wanted to let you know how things are going but i gotta run...we have to go talk to more people. Just let everyone know that I love them and that I'm working hard.
My p-days are Wednesday just as an fyi so that's when you'll hear from me.
I love you all. Talk to you next week.
tk
We just got done doing a few contacts in the square and its crazy.
We flew in last night and went to the President's house for just enough time to drop off our bags and then we went to the mission office and had pizza. Just the Elders, the Hermanas had dinner at the President's house.
After we finished we went to our apartment which is right across the street from the President's house and showered and went to sleep. we woke up at 6 this morning so I was up while you were all still having nice dreams, we then had a little introduction from the President and his wife and talked about how to be good missionaries and about health stuff. We had breakfast and then started on learning about all the rules and other stuff.
I wrote a letter that has the mission address and everything on it but you probably wont see that for a few weeks. We had some lunch and then came out to the square to do contacts.
We meet our trainers tomorrow and then go to our areas from there. I just wanted to let you know how things are going but i gotta run...we have to go talk to more people. Just let everyone know that I love them and that I'm working hard.
My p-days are Wednesday just as an fyi so that's when you'll hear from me.
I love you all. Talk to you next week.
tk
TK Landed...
And is doing just fine, thanks very much.After (too) many hours on planes, TK and his group landed in Buenos Aires yesterday morning and spent much of their day there at the local MTC and on the Temple grounds. He called us again from the airport and let us know that he was doing well, that Argentina was beautiful so far, that the humidity is bad, but not too bad, and that the day was great. He particularly enjoyed his steak lunch at the MTC.
It was fantastic to hear the thrill in his voice, and to know, that despite the difficulty, he is optimistic and happy and well.
Shortly after we spoke, he boarded another plane to take him to Resistencia, and we hope to hear from him again soon via email that he is well and working.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he begins the work in earnest.
- TK's papi
Monday, March 24, 2008
TK is on the plane...
Well technically, he's between planes right now, sitting in the LAX international terminal.We've been blessed to speak to him twice today, once from the SLC airport, and again a few minutes ago from LAX.
He is excited, and scared, and nervous, and happy. He's hoping that he'll be able to give out a copy or two of the Book of Mormon while he's traveling.
We love you TK, be good, be safe, work hard!
- TK's papi
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
14 March Update from TK
The enclosed tape is for SK's b-day.
I've received my travel itinerary. I fly next Monday and arrive in Argentina on Tuesday.
Please text my friends and let them know that they should now start sending letters and emails to Argentina.
I need AA's number and TH's number so I can call them from the airport.
Please let me know when will be a good time to call on Monday.
I'll send extra stuff home with Sister P.
I need a few things:
1 - A razor and shaving cream
2 - A bar of soap
3 - Please check the rules for baggage on Delta and LAN and let me know what I need to prepare for.
4 - After dry cleaning, I'm down below $100, so I need some more cash
5 - Phone card, so I can call you.
Thank you so much for everything. I love you all so much and I'll talk to you Monday.
P.S. Do you think you could send the hair clippers with Sister P. for a day? I'll send them right back.
I've received my travel itinerary. I fly next Monday and arrive in Argentina on Tuesday.
Please text my friends and let them know that they should now start sending letters and emails to Argentina.
I need AA's number and TH's number so I can call them from the airport.
Please let me know when will be a good time to call on Monday.
I'll send extra stuff home with Sister P.
I need a few things:
1 - A razor and shaving cream
2 - A bar of soap
3 - Please check the rules for baggage on Delta and LAN and let me know what I need to prepare for.
4 - After dry cleaning, I'm down below $100, so I need some more cash
5 - Phone card, so I can call you.
Thank you so much for everything. I love you all so much and I'll talk to you Monday.
P.S. Do you think you could send the hair clippers with Sister P. for a day? I'll send them right back.
Pics from the MTC 1
TK & Matty
TK & Matty 2
TK's Comp studying hard
TK & His Comp at the Temple
TK & His Comp, MIB
Emailing us - we hope.
The District at the Temple
The District that plays together...
TK & Sanford
TK & Sanford 2
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Almost gone
Tay leaves the MTC next Monday, the 24th of March. He arrives in Buenos Aires the morning of the 25th, and then we assume he gets on another plane which will take him to Resistencia, but we'll know more once he gets there I guess.
In some ways I think it's going to be easier for him to actually be "on the mish" and working with the people rather than across town from Mom and Dad. In others, it's going to be tough those first couple of months as he adjusts and as the full separation sets in.
Thankfully, his attitude is perfect, and his testimony has grown tremendously.
I'll post later today with MTC pictures he sent home yesterday and will share some quotes from his latest letters.
with respect,
-TK's papi
P.S. Now would be a good time to start sending your letters to Argentina in addition to, or in place of, those sent to the MTC. See the info in the left column of the blog for more info.
In some ways I think it's going to be easier for him to actually be "on the mish" and working with the people rather than across town from Mom and Dad. In others, it's going to be tough those first couple of months as he adjusts and as the full separation sets in.
Thankfully, his attitude is perfect, and his testimony has grown tremendously.
I'll post later today with MTC pictures he sent home yesterday and will share some quotes from his latest letters.
with respect,
-TK's papi
P.S. Now would be a good time to start sending your letters to Argentina in addition to, or in place of, those sent to the MTC. See the info in the left column of the blog for more info.
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