tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48838650930905890812024-03-05T03:43:03.200-08:00Making It Look GoodA blog to share the news about Elder Geoffrey Taylor currently serving in the Nevada Las Vegas West missionMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-37136111472811168952009-02-23T16:28:00.000-08:002009-02-23T18:00:42.868-08:00There and Back Again: An Adventure by Elder Geoffrey Edward Taylor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydvGybQturoDzbFV7rP857oJk3Krd_ZjV0YylayaflHscur8Nuw_SE6rhcusYzwqHtkDU0BbF55kmnf4LtqxK7oHVuDesupZ_dJH0zSFoI_kSXsFfJ-18fJpl8HV1D1f0loig_ybdNy0/s1600-h/IMG_3432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydvGybQturoDzbFV7rP857oJk3Krd_ZjV0YylayaflHscur8Nuw_SE6rhcusYzwqHtkDU0BbF55kmnf4LtqxK7oHVuDesupZ_dJH0zSFoI_kSXsFfJ-18fJpl8HV1D1f0loig_ybdNy0/s400/IMG_3432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306156502497349922" border="0" /></a><br />Hello,<br /> So here we are. I really can’t believe that I am here at this point. This has to been one of the weirdest times for me. My very last p-day. I think I might just have to sit down and write a mass email every week telling people what I have been up to, while it may not be nearly as interesting, but still it will fill the hole left in my life, no more p-days. Well I guess technically everyday will be p-day now. That’s really weird.<br /> So I’m sitting here with the same thought process that you all probably had writing your emails, "What do I say that I can’t just tell you about in two days?" Well a lot has happened this last week. Yesterday was one of the highlights. Well, as it was my last Sunday as a missionary, we were going all day, like <span style="font-style: italic;">all day</span>. We woke up at about 6:10 a.m. and were out the door at 7:00 a.m. and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">didn</span>’t come home for more than fifteen minutes the rest of the day, until 9:15 p.m. So that was a really long day. Good thing I can catch up on my rest when I get home. We had a lot of things to do. I had families to whom I wanted to say good-bye and then we had put on a youth fireside, it was a lot of fun. We did a really good job and I hope that they got the point we were trying to make to them. We really did have a fun time and it seemed as though the youth really did too.<br /> Then the second and probably the best highlight was Katie Beck’s baptism this past Wednesday night. It was such a spiritual experience. We had a ton of people there. She did a great job. She had been nervous leading up to the whole thing about getting water in her nose. She was told that she could plug her nose no problem. Well, she did a great job and went under just fine and did really well. Everyone was pretty emotional, (as they should have been). The Spirit was so strong in that room. Afterward she found the mirror over the font and was dance and playing in it. We had pulled the plug on the font and so there was only a little water and a long way down, so I went over and closed the door so she <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wouldn</span>’t get hurt. This also gave me a great time to talk to her. I asked her how she was doing and what she was feeling. Her response was short, but will be something that I will remember for a while. They were sweet little words and then at the end she gave me a hug. It was a very touching moment for me, and I don’t think I could have had any better <span style="font-style: italic;">last</span> baptism. The family thanked us for everything and that was the night. It was so great.<br /> Well I guess this is the time I give like some really profound thought or some super amazing thing. We all know that I am not built to make these kinds of things. I will say this: I have loved being a missionary. I can’t think of anything I would have done with my life these past two years that would put me in the position that I am in now. Both spiritually and physically, this has been the best two years for my life. I have loved these last two years. They have meant the world to me. Dad wanted me to put my thoughts "right now" into words. I have a lot in my mind. Thoughts of what to do when I get home, what movie to watch first, how much I have no desire to leave the wards that I am serving in and that they are being ripped from me. I have feelings gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father. He has given me these chances to touch people’s lives and be a part of them in some way. I have loved my mission, but even with all that, I can’t wait to hug my Dad. I think that is what I look forward to the most right now. Putting my arms around him and telling him “Hello, and I love you.” He has been the shining star to me as I have gone through all of this. I have looked at the changes he has made and I feel like I need to get more caught up with him. I love Mom and Chanel, too…but come on - throw me a bone here. Well I love you guys so much. I know I write that every week…but how about this time I just tell you in person on Wednesday. Have a great day and I will see you all Wednesday.<br />Love, (For The Last Time)<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-49962944641368959772009-02-18T16:41:00.000-08:002009-02-18T17:12:49.025-08:00LAST CALL...Hello,<br /> So it seems to me that I have been here before, I think I have been here, writing e-mails and reading the wonderful letters that I have gotten over that last two years. It really does seem to me that this time has just flown by. I feel as though my time has been too short, that I haven’t been able to do enough. Yet as I lay reflecting on the last two years, I have been able to think of all the times and people that I have come in contact with. I say “laying down” because it seems that at night is where it hits me the most. I know that I am one day closer to the end. That is both a wonderful sight and something I want to turn and run from. Having the chance to get on with the rest of my life, it is a scary thought. This life, while we do have the difficulties that we have, is a little easier. It is simple; we just worry about teaching people, and hope that they will make choices that we know will bless them. We have no bills, other jobs and or really any other cares or worries. The life of a missionary, it is a wonderful time and simple time and I think that is what I might miss the most. The simple nature of what we do. I know that over the coming weeks and months I will probably forget how simple life can be and get caught back up in the hustle and bustle of life, but I know that if we keep things simple then we can have peace and joy in the things we have.<br /> Well this week has been pretty good. I have spent a lot of time getting my things ready so that this week I won’t have to worry about them and can focus my last week and have a fun time in my last full week as a missionary. Though this week has been a very good one. I was so glad to get my last package, and don’t worry Mom…I filled that box and two others….oh I might need to fill one more too. Don’t you love me? Like I said we have had a lot to do. David Edwards got the Priesthood this past Sunday. That was a really cool event. Always good to see someone that you bring to the gospel continue to live it and prepare to live more of the standards that will bless him.<br /> We had Katie Beck’s baptism interview this past week. That went very well and she is set and ready to go for tomorrow night. It should be a really good night and I am so happy that I will get to see one last baptism before I leave. Then after that happens tomorrow, I think I will feel something like a tornado. It will be the final things, my last Sunday, my last p-day, a lot of things I won’t ever do again. Like today, I went to my last ever district meeting. It that was pretty surreal knowing I won’t have to do that ever again. I did however have to sing a solo at the end of the meeting of my favorite hymn. It was pretty funny, and everyone loved it. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRxmNFPZMOFL9WoVYDfAwHGgQCmHLXQGyx0EkR4Dn5YKN1qzK5mRqJc1P2Q_at5wzflTXFrHcDiOOTzCn4sD8HdtGthqyaYCu8dPQ1JnH9bglLj5yOp3DSQKKlXG7iJfMCzWiWMdODq0/s1600-h/194+beehive+state.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRxmNFPZMOFL9WoVYDfAwHGgQCmHLXQGyx0EkR4Dn5YKN1qzK5mRqJc1P2Q_at5wzflTXFrHcDiOOTzCn4sD8HdtGthqyaYCu8dPQ1JnH9bglLj5yOp3DSQKKlXG7iJfMCzWiWMdODq0/s400/194+beehive+state.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304307347339669922" border="0" /></a>I sang my new favorite <a href="http://broadcast.lds.org/churchmusic/MP3/1/1/words/307.mp3" target="_blank"> hymn #307 </a> ...one verse. I did a pretty good job. It seems as though my world is slowly being ripped from my grasp, yet I will be able to start a new one that has wonderful potential, even though everything seems to be going down the tubes with the rest of the world….maybe they will let me serve another two years? Still I am happy to have been able to have this chance to serve the Lord. To teach people of his gospel and that we are in this life to prepare to meet God. I know that this gospel is true, I know that all the things that I have thought over the past while and will continue to teach this short little while are real and that they can help anyone, no matter who they are or what they have been through.<br /> Well I love you all so much. I want thank all those who have taken the time the last two years to sit down and write me a letter or two or more. I really have appreciated it. Those who haven’t will hear about it in a little while. I am so glad that I have had this chance and to spread my love to the people here and can’t wait to see those I love back home soon. I love you all. Have a great week, and get something done!<br />Love,<br />Elder “Soon to be Just” Geoff Taylor<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Image via </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://carboncopy.hobix.com/archives/194%20beehive%20state.jpg" target="_blank"> here </a>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-37919573200436648912009-02-12T20:48:00.000-08:002009-02-12T21:16:40.398-08:0099 Red Balloons....Nope Just One White One!Hey,<br /> Well it sounds as if you guys were busy with lots of things going on. Seems like you had a great party on Saturday, I wish I could have been there for the paper airplanes. Sounds like tons of fun. But I have to answer a quick question. Chanel asked what the funniest thing was that happened this week? Well, we had a dinner on Tuesday night, and they gave us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kool</span>-Aid to drink, not just any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kool</span>-Aid but the Red kind. Well we went through the evening and had a great time. We left and went to a meeting with our newly called ward mission leader; well as we sat there I realized that Elder Hanson had a red mustache. I had to laugh in my head. Then later when we got home I told him about it, he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wasn</span>’t too happy at all. Still to me it was a funny story.<br /> So what else happened? Oh, I had my last zone conference. That was really weird I must say. It was a really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stinkin</span>' good one. We had an amazing lunch, I know that that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">shouldn</span>’t be the first thing that I mention, but it was really good. They had a chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fondue</span> fountain - it was amazing. The rest of the meeting was really good and uplifting. It is sort of hard at the same time, I mean I am working hard and having a good time. The things that they were teaching I will try and apply into my missionary work these last two weeks…but it is hard to change and do new things the last two weeks. Still we have to do our best and endure to the end right? President talked about lifting ourselves and doing better. He had a single white balloon. The balloon was us and the helium was the Spirit….we need to make sure that we have the Spirit or we can’t be lifted. Well, after that we went out and I got to cut the balloon lose and watch it lift to new heights. It was really cool. Then we had some cool trainings and stuff. It was really a good day. Sort of surreal though….the last one…I will not go to another…but still I am staying strong.<br /> I got to speak slash bear my testimony in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lynbrook</span> ward. It was my “last” testimony in that ward, and it was good. The whole Sunday was about missionary work. The wards here are really starting to get into it. Since last week’s meeting with Elder Perry it has been the hot topic around here. So we are working with the members to get everything rolling. The sad thing is I am getting this started and the work is moving here…and then I have to leave it. That’s what is making this so hard right now. We have people that we are really teaching and working with and things are going so well, I don’t want to leave. I want to see these people progress and work towards baptism. I thought transfers were hard…this is harder…because I know that I will be leaving. I have to this time. It sort of stinks. Still I have to make do and have a good time.<br /> Well I hope that things stay well for you all back home. Mom: in relation to the elders being around the house…I believe you…and I think it would be great to still have them around. So don’t just kick them to the curb when I get home. I hope you had a great birthday Dad. Oh by the by, Chanel won the award for making me the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">trunkiest</span> this week…thanks for the countdown. Well have a great week and I love you.<br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-56875328560890340102009-02-02T15:26:00.000-08:002009-02-02T15:43:52.734-08:00IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!Hello,<br /> So I promise that I am not that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">trunky</span>. Well this week has been a pretty good week. We have had a lot of things going on this week and a lot to do. I must say though that this week was so amazing for a lot of spiritual reasons and then just having fun on top of all of that. You know me…if you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">aren</span>’t cheating you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aren</span>’t trying….I mean if you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">aren</span>’t having fun then why are you doing it? So we have just been keeping it real around here.<br /> Well where do I start? Last Monday is a good place: we had a meeting with my most amazing investigator ever. Her name is Katie Beck and she has Down Syndrome. The best part is that she is so excited to get baptized and so scared at the same time. She <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">didn</span>’t want to do it until she knew she could plug her nose….now when we talked to her about it she just plugs her nose…it is so cute and funny. She is so sweet and I am so glad that I will be here for her baptism. It is going to be on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> of this month…so like a week before I get home. So I will be excited to have that last little blessing from the Lord. <br /> Wednesday, that brought one of the best baptism services I have ever been to or been a part of in person. I can only think of one other that may have been better…but I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wasn</span>’t there. Anyway, David Edwards was baptized and it was such a great service, but like all greatness there are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hiccups</span> along the way. So I will start the story there. We got the church to fill the font at about 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and no one was there, which was good. We had made the phone calls needed to get the Chapel and Relief Society room for the baptism…the font is in the RS room and we wanted the Chapel for how many we thought would show up. Well as we had about 20 minutes before the service started, the Chapel was full of all these youth and a projector….I guess word <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">didn</span>’t get to everyone that we needed that room. So now we had to go a set up enough chairs in the RS room for everyone who was going to be there in the next few minutes….well like super men, Elder Hanson and I came through, and we had just enough room for the 70 people that came to see David get baptized. It was such a great service. The best part was that his non-member parents came to support him. I was so glad to see them there. Quick note….when a church has one of the signs that says maximum occupancy such and such number….you can’t fit that many….that room said 113….we were sweating 70…still it worked out great. A ton of youth came and it was so great. This was the first baptism for the Deer Springs ward in 18 months….that is a long time. <br /> Then I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">didn</span>’t think that that could be topped (and really it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">didn</span>’t) but, on Saturday Elder L. Tom Perry of the 12 apostles and Elder Neil L. Anderson of the presidency of the 70 came and spoke to all the missionaries here in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Las</span> Vegas valley. Before I talk about how cool it was to shake an Apostle's hand, the elders in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Las</span> Vegas West mission, my mission, are SO much cool then those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">gomers</span> on the east side of the valley. So - meeting Elder Perry was so cool, and he is really tall. He spoke to us for about 45 minutes about becoming better teachers. It was such a cool meeting. Sad thing was that it was such a short meeting. I could have listened to him all day. I must say a testimony, in person, of an Apostle is so amazing. His whole countenance changed. It was a very powerful experience. Then later that night he met with all the stake presidents, bishops, and ward mission leaders, and basically kicked their butts into gear. It was so cool to see yesterday the excitement on everyone’s face that was at that meeting. I really think that things will start getting better around here: more teaching, more baptisms, and more fun. It was an awesome weekend.<br /><br />So here they are the answers to the 15 questions about Elder Hanson: <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">How many brothers and sisters do you have?</span> 4 brothers.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite thing to do?</span> Snowboard.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite food?</span> Anything but pizza.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite book?</span> 5 fingers.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite candy bar? </span>Milky Way<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite cookie?</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Snickerdoodle</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite sport?</span> Football.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite Primary song?</span> My Heavenly Father Loves Me.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite temple?</span> San Diego.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What place would you like to visit?</span> Brighton, Utah<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite thing about your mom?</span> She is a straight shooter.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite thing about your dad?</span> He is a really good role model.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is your favorite thing about yourself?</span> My ridiculously good looks.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Do you like to sing?</span> Only in the shower.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Do you like to dance?</span> Only with girls.<br /><br /> Well, there you have it. I hope that everyone has a great week and know that I love you all so much. I can’t believe that it is February 2009 already. This never seemed like it would come but you just can’t slow down time. Oh, just a quick shout out….My Cards…you boys did well, it just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">doesn</span>’t go your way sometimes…you never gave up and you played hard to the end…Congrats to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Steelers</span>, the first 6 time Super Bowl Champs. Cardinals in 2010 Baby! Well I love you all. McKay, Congrats Dude that is some of the best news I have heard all week. Don’t worry man, I’ll be bring home some ties for you to take…you’ll have the best collection in all the land. Well have a good week everybody.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-56893605730089958232009-01-31T08:37:00.000-08:002009-01-31T08:44:40.255-08:00Mr. "Handy" Man...Hello,<br /> Well here we are again! Another rodeo…can you believe it? Well, this week has been a great week and we have had so many things going on and that we have had a great time doing. I must say, as I have gotten to know Elder Hanson more and more this week, we have really had a great time and we seem to get along really well. We both understand the principle "Work hard; play hard." We always make sure that when we have to get things done - we have a good time doing it and that we let people see that we are having a good time and that we are good missionaries. I guess that has really been for me something that I have really tried to do on my mission. I learned early on that I have gifts and abilities and that I needed to use them to help the work along. I have always talked with other missionaries about being themselves, because we were called, not some robot in our place, so we have to just be ourselves. So Elder Hanson gets that and so it makes for good times while we are together. So as for things about Elder Hanson, I will try and send a picture and Chanel, if you would send a questionnaire I will get the answers for you about them.<br /> As for this week: we had a lot going on it seemed like. It seemed like each day was good but Tuesday and Friday really seemed to be the best. Tuesday we met with David to talk about the last few commandments and talk about his baptism. I taught the 10 commandments using the handy hand signals…pun intended. If you haven’t heard of them or seen them, they are by far the best way to teach the commandments. Everyone that I have done them with loves them and then can remember all 10 in order, which most can’t beforehand…again…pun intended. So we taught him and talked about his baptism. We moved it up to this Wednesday the 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> to do it as the wards mutual activity. So that will be pretty cool. He is super excited and we are for him too. He really has been like that golden contact; he soaks up everything like a sponge. So we are super happy for him. Also on Tuesday we were out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tracting</span> and we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tracted</span> into a Baptist preacher. He let us and we talked about Christ and lots of other topics. The weird thing was he let us talk. Sometimes we get into doors like that, but they try and convert us, don’t let us answer any questions or anything. So it was really nice and we got to teach him. He <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn</span>’t believe everything…but thanked us for stopping by.<br /> Then came Friday, another lesson with David, going over the interview stuff and last minute tune-up for everything. It is always a great time to go and talk to him. Well, after that we went and had a lesson with this less-active and part-member family. Totally nice people, younger couple and they have a new baby. Well we stopped by and had a great talk with them and now we are going to teach the wife. She had a lot of great questions for us and so that was really cool. She said that she was interested in the church; it might be her member husband who has the problem. So we hope he will clean up his act and bring his wife to church. Saturday was David’s interview for baptism and it went great. So he is good to go for Wednesday. Yesterday was Sunday and you all know how that goes.<br /><br /> I think that one of the coolest things that happened to this week was one of our newest investigators. She is a 12 year old girl. She is the sweetest little thing, and the most surprising thing about her is her family is totally active. Her only problem is that she has down syndrome. Now normally she <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wouldn</span>’t need to be baptized because of her condition, but she has asked to be baptized. She wants to be a member of Heavenly Fathers church and follow Jesus Christ. SO we are going by tonight to teach her and she will be getting baptized sometime in February, I think it might be the 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> which makes me a little sad that I might not be there. So I hope they do it before I go home. Even still just to be apart in this way is going to be so cool. Working with her and with this family will be such a great experience, something I think I will remember all of my life.<br /><br /> Well I hope that all of you have a great, grand and wonderful week. Keep on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">truckin</span>, and things will come your way. Dad I think the personal assistant thing is a great idea, can you start looking around for me? Well I love you all so much and I hope that you have just a great week. I guess I will talk to you in February. Love you!<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-52186565996161769342009-01-20T17:54:00.000-08:002009-01-20T18:02:18.833-08:00HEY...MEET AT IHOP....Hello Folks,<br /><br />Well this week has been a super busy, more so then any week since I have been here in the area. We had quite a few appointments and so that was really quite nice. It has been an adjustment to the new companion, still things are good. Elder Hanson is a cool guy. He is from Illinois, somewhere near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Joliet</span> he said…like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Minooka</span>…I think. Yeah, that sounds right. He has only been out for 5 months or so…so he is still pretty new. He is really fun though and so far we have had a pretty good time together. He is pretty easy going and laid back like myself so we seem to get along so far. I don’t really see any problems coming up…plus I won’t have to deal with them for very long if they do. He is a good guy...the funny thing is though, when I started my mission he was a junior in high school. That was really weird to me. We have, though, had a lot of work to do.<br /><br /> This week started really with transfers on Tuesday morning. It was a good transfer meeting. Then we went out to brunch. It was supposed to be just a few missionaries, well I yelled across the parking lot of the church at an elder where we were going, and then about 40 or so missionaries showed up at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IHOP</span>. It was so crazy; they had no idea what hit them. 40 missionaries is a lot in one place. It was fun, but just a little more than we had originally planned on. Then we had a great appointment with David Edwards, the young man I talked about last week. We set his baptism date for January 31st, so that will be a fun day, because Elder L. Tom Perry will be speaking to all the missionaries here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Las</span> Vegas that afternoon. That will be a really cool day. A lot of missionaries will be at the meeting…all in our mission serving in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Las</span> Vegas and the other Vegas mission…So it should be pretty cool. Well anyway, the rest of the week saw a lot of normal missionary work.<br /><br /> We met with a lady whose husband is a member and she is slowly working her way to join the church and we are trying to help her along her way. She is a nice lady but will need a lot of extra prayers and help, so we are working overtime on it. She is a really nice lady and told us in the appointment that she knows the church is true, she is just afraid to pray about it.<br /><br /> So we really seem to have our work cut out for us this transfer, I know that I am up to it though. I only have but a short time left, so I want to work hard and finish in the end. It really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">doesn</span>’t feel like I will be gone soon. I feel like this is now my home and that I don’t want to leave. I know everything so well and am so used to being a missionary, I’m not sure what I will do otherwise. Maybe I can live with the elders back home for a little bit? Check into it for me. Well I hope that you all have a great week and that those that are sick get feeling better…I’m starting to feel a cold coming on but I just am going to work through it. No time to slow down now, this train is in motion and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">isn</span>’t stopping until it has to. Well I love you and hope that all is well.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-3141838786379196912009-01-20T15:02:00.000-08:002009-01-20T18:03:27.509-08:00Post Script...<h1 style="font-weight: normal;" class="YfMhcb">GO CARDINALS......They are going all the way.....on the old rusty arm of Kurt Warner.....I just have two words for all you haters out there......LARRY FITZGERALD! Thats right....<br /><br />GO CARDS!</h1>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-6930984021027910182009-01-12T16:17:00.000-08:002009-01-12T17:50:20.847-08:00Google Search: How do I fix a broken jaw?Hello,<br /><br /> Well this week has been a very interesting one. I think I have said that over that last 100 or so weeks about, well I would say….almost 100 times. Somehow each week though, something seems to really come up and surprise me. You would think that at this point it would all be the same old same old, but oh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hecks</span> no…I get a new surprise each week. I guess though you are all dying to know what happened with transfers. I must say it was slightly weird being at my last "transfer calls." I was standing there thinking, "6 weeks from now I won’t care because I will be going home." Not that at any other point in time I have thought about going home, because 6 weeks is a totally long time. Anyway to transfer calls: I will be staying and Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Degering</span> is leaving. I will then be getting a new companion, his name is Elder Hanson I have no idea pretty much anything about him, as he has only been out for about 4 ½ months. So that will be good, because we have a lot to get done here and I only have a certain amount of time to get it all done. So, things will be different around here and I am happy about that. So should be a really good 6 weeks.<br /><br /> Well, as for other things that are cool in nature, we had a great week spreading the gospel. So this is going to be a long story so please prepare yourselves…but trust me it will be worth it. We have been trying to get in contact with this young man and his name is David. He was a referral from some of the other missionaries. We had talked with him and he kept saying "We'd soon get together." Well this last week we finally were able to meet with him. So last Thursday we met with him and had a great lesson, but sadly he had been attending another ward with the people who are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fellowshipping</span> him, which I must say <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">isn</span>’t that “sad,” but any who… we taught him and asked him to come and join us at the ward he belongs to. He said, "Yes!" without any hesitation, so yesterday he came to church. Well, we went around with him through all the meetings. We went to the youth Sunday School class, which takes me back, good old Dave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Luman</span>’s class. I so miss the that nice warm bread and butter to start every lesson, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mmmmmm</span>…..Well now that I am starving...so we had a great time in class and then went to Priest quorum with him. They <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">didn</span>’t have a teacher so Bishop Johnson said, “Elders, why don't you go ahead and teach a lesson since we are all here?” This being something that I was totally not prepared for, we said, "Of course!" and proceeded to go over some of the things we had taught and he had read since we taught him last Thursday. Well we finished and asked if he had any questions, “Well” he said, “I have this question, but I don’t know how to phrase it.” He then said, “How and when can I get baptized?” Well, as a question that we hear pretty much every day...I slowly collected my jaw from the floor and said that that was a great question. We talked about all things he had to do to get baptized. I thought that Bishop Johnson was going to swallow his tongue, maybe. That ward <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hasn</span>’t had a convert baptism in over a year. So we are all very excited for this to happen. We told David to think about a date, sooner rather than later, and told him we would talk more about it on Tuesday when we have our next appointment. So that was pretty cool, so like I said, each week has its own little surprises. Also like I said it was going to be a long story, but come on, that was so worth it, right?<br /><br /> Well, this next week should be pretty good, with transfers and all that. We have a lot of teaching that we are going to be doing this week. So it will be nice to keep us busy, sadly we could be busier but we are going to work on it and keep on plugging away. Well I want you to know that I love you all so much and that I hope that you have a great week. Mom, yeah if you want to, you can keep putting info in your email about things, and yes Dad this is the beginning of a lot of “lasts” thanks for that. Chanel was actually the least <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">trunky</span> one this week….let’s see who will win next week. Well again I love you and hope that you have a great week.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff Taylor<br /><br />P.S. Go Cardinals!Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-39395874000270335602009-01-05T19:27:00.000-08:002009-01-05T19:51:10.439-08:00Who's the Boss?....Well it sure ain't Tony Danza!Hello Family,<br /><br /> Well this week was a pretty fun week. Hard for lots of missionary work to get done but still very nice to be able to sort of relax for a day and then kick it into overdrive for the last little bit here. We had quite the time on New Year's Eve and day. But before I forget, I was so surprised to see that the Beacon Hill ward is no longer. The ward of my youth is no longer in existence. I must say I was a little shocked and saddened, but the church moves on and the gospel is still true. Moving on...on New Year's Eve we had an all day service day. We helped build on our apartment out back. We had about 11 other missionaries here to help us. It was a really fun day. We had a lot to do and have a lot to still be done, but we really got a dent into a lot of different things. And I think the best part of the day was that I kind of got to help play boss for the day. As I knew Brother Stringer and the missionaries there it was easy for me to communicate with both sides and get things done, so I guess bossiness runs in the family…right Chanel? Just kidding…well maybe not. Anyway we had to get siding put on the house and we had to get a dryer vent installed in the attic, we had electrical to run, holes to drill and just tons of stuff to get done. The sad thing is none of us really had much of any construction experience but the Stringers said they were so grateful to have all the extra hands to get things moving. They were so grateful that they fed us a big pizza lunch and then for those that didn’t have dinner they did dinner, too and then we all stayed and played games. It was great. A very fun evening, we played Risk and other games that take hours upon hours. So it was a great way to ring in the New Year….even if they all had to be home well before the new year was rung in. Still a fun day. New Year's Day brought a much needed all day rest. We had a no proselyte day. It was nice - we went bowling in the morning and then just rested up the rest of the day. So really it was sort of a lame day….but it was nice.<br /><br /> Yesterday I had a great chance to go into the Deer Springs ward primary. They asked me to come and speak in there. This year's Primary theme is "My Eternal Family," so you guessed it - I was asked to speak about how so my family will be an eternal family. I must say it was hilarious being in Primary...I forgot what little inhibition those children have, they will say or do anything at any time, but the leaders did a great job and just letting in roll on. I got to tell the whole story about my soon to be eternal family and the kids just seemed to look at me with slight amazement and slight "who-the-heck is this guy?" It was a great time. The kids were overall very good. It was a little crazy with all the changes going on at the beginning of the year but all worked out great. Oh I almost left of the best part. All the adults said I did a great job, and the Primary President said that all the part members in the room were crying, so needless to say….I am amazing. But you already knew that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7W_iVLs6U2Yz4TO3P2Dq06aEPW82BNtlNwhYL1miwf15ENBtWLpkrJN20YpkL09c8eQvjOKC_5CaS1NHHmL1yF27E_WP_pIT5778L0Y4YH8RcWxTWGbsslgpwua6FCS_TsbZLb_d75s/s1600-h/IMG_4970.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7W_iVLs6U2Yz4TO3P2Dq06aEPW82BNtlNwhYL1miwf15ENBtWLpkrJN20YpkL09c8eQvjOKC_5CaS1NHHmL1yF27E_WP_pIT5778L0Y4YH8RcWxTWGbsslgpwua6FCS_TsbZLb_d75s/s400/IMG_4970.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288022861859066386" border="0" /></a><br /> I did forget to talk last week about my dinner with the Craigs. It was so nice. We had a nice little Indian dish (middle east not native) and it was so good. We talked about everything. The kids had all just gone through chicken pox, so we talked about that. I asked Tanner how he was doing, and with out missing a beat he pulled up his shirt to show off the last remaining pox, Ken then said “I don’t know where he learned that.” So it was a great little evening.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DGBEFexaPIInbMJwwQT6A-Vs2L89uGTU5TYyKjuSMZgNoXjqU3AzyKegoh9CUfNEH6-9ar0AddnFqn1mIq_DHU9l5vCDcvgvAutmrLejcmTp8w_S5GXghOdSqO7MHo65qDEdiP_dttQ/s1600-h/IMG_4971.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DGBEFexaPIInbMJwwQT6A-Vs2L89uGTU5TYyKjuSMZgNoXjqU3AzyKegoh9CUfNEH6-9ar0AddnFqn1mIq_DHU9l5vCDcvgvAutmrLejcmTp8w_S5GXghOdSqO7MHo65qDEdiP_dttQ/s400/IMG_4971.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288022870661255890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1jA-iiHQNHyfxTdCgOUcQh9fOurCzCHIvkEJ5hyjVpj9CjVl2K31ltmfiQ6GvWmKQHDeNVP9VOiQ6Ybftkj7c998RzyJKgFbkmJ225wU4PiKVoWw4wtRMdp9ntQEkYK1quoFXxp-JDY/s1600-h/IMG_4972.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1jA-iiHQNHyfxTdCgOUcQh9fOurCzCHIvkEJ5hyjVpj9CjVl2K31ltmfiQ6GvWmKQHDeNVP9VOiQ6Ybftkj7c998RzyJKgFbkmJ225wU4PiKVoWw4wtRMdp9ntQEkYK1quoFXxp-JDY/s400/IMG_4972.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288022869727054242" border="0" /></a><br /> Well I hope that you all have a great week this week and have a Happy New Year! Time seems to fly like and arrow and boy does a fruit fly like a banana. Well anyway I love you all so much and hope that you have a great week.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-83191601499175925202008-12-29T19:26:00.000-08:002009-01-05T19:36:14.910-08:00Well, Take One Down, Then Past it Around to 2009!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hidee</span> Ho Family Unit,<br /><br /> Well, I think that Chanel really did hit the nail right on the head: not too much has happened between now and last Wednesday, but I think that I can make up a few things that will fill this letter out, I hope. I really must say that it was quite a delight to be able to talk with all of you on the phone and have a great time. Christmas was really a nice day. Though at times it seemed a little different. First, the members that we live with had a family gathering at their home and so there were more people then normal here. Most of them thought it was odd that we were here all day, then when they found out that we were living in the home they had that sort of "Oh, duh!" moment. So that was funny. They had quite the spread of snacks and treats and goodies and all sorts of things for people to nibble on - which ended up being good as Sister Stringer put the turkey in the oven and then turned on the wrong oven. She came home from picking people up to find the turkey just sitting there...with the other oven nice and toasty. Still dinner was great and it made for nice time to be around everyone and have a fun time. It was almost normal, expect we don’t ever really have people come by and visit the house on Christmas, it is normally just us. It was a nice day though. The Stringers gave us each some really nice gifts and it was a really fun, wonderful day.<br /><br /> The next few days saw us trying to play catch up and try and get things back in order. That was hard because people are still in their holiday stupor, and so it made trying to converse with anyone a difficult thing. Yet it all worked out and we were still able to come up with a few new potential investigators. Sad thing is everyone is so busy with family and trips or both that they just don’t seem to have much time to really be doing much of anything else. So most good things will start happening toward the end of next week, sadly, and yet it makes us look forward to that. Quick side note: was anybody else surprised that this past weekend was the last of 2008? To me that is just craziness. I mean where the heck did the year go? I mean I feel like just yesterday that we started this thing and now poof it is a sandwich…I mean gone. Well It has been a great year full of fullness and stuff. I mean really great memories and times that I can really look back on and see how the Lord has shaped me to become who I am. Sorry, that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wasn</span>’t much a quick side note. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Anywho</span>, the year 2009 should be very good.<br /><br /> I must say it time for reflections on a year past and a time of resolutions for the year to come. People are often spending time thinking of how much weight they are going to try and lose or what fun new hobby they want to try out. I think that this should be a time of personal gospel review. What I have I done in the gospel this year? What do I want to try and get out of it this year? How can I help bring someone to the gospel this year? So at this wonderful time of goal setting and deal making, make some for our Father in Heaven. He won't let you down like some of those diets will. Well I hope that you all have a great week and well a happy new year as well. Man it is still weird to think that this year is pretty much over and that my black out year is gone away. Its seems like just yesterday I started this whole thing, where did it go? I guess some time I will have to sit down and think about it….right now I’m too busy, the Lord has plans. Well I love you all, have a great week.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-54090323368880640592008-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:002008-12-22T13:17:51.718-08:00The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is to Sing Loud for All to Hear....Then Hit Them With a Snow Ball!Well hello you frozen people,<br /><br /> Man, it was weird to hear about all the snow up there….like you said Chanel that never happens….and to have two big snow storms in a weeks time! Where is Global warming? Just kidding…it is here in Vegas in the summer time. Anyway….speaking of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas weather: last week I said that we had a little snow storm on Monday and thought that would be the most amazing thing to ever happen in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Las</span> Vegas ever. Boy, was I wrong. On Wednesday we had our Christmas conference. That was really good, and I will talk more about it in a second, but we had the biggest snow storm in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Las</span> Vegas valley that day since 1979! That is a long time ago, right Chanel? But really it was so cool to see all the snow on the ground.<br />Question: <span style="font-style: italic;">What happens when you get 4 inches of snow and 80 or so missionaries together in a parking lot?</span><br />Answer: SNOWBALL FIGHT!<br />It was awesome….but very cold. None of us were wearing coats or gloves or any sort of cold weather gear. It just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doesn</span>’t do that here. Needless to say, when I was done with the fight my hands were freezing. Like if you hit them with a hammer they would have shattered into a million pieces. So to warm up, what would you do? Well me: I stuck my head out the window of the van I was riding in and sang Christmas <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">carols</span> at the top of my lungs and so all that would hear. Man, that was really a lot of fun and helped make this a Christmas that I won't soon forget. I guess I could talk about the rest of that day. We had a wonderful day of meetings. We had some really good trainings, some really good music and then we went to watch the Emma Smith movie. I recommend you all see it….and for you haters out there, Emma Smith was an amazing women and well, I won't get on my soap box right now…but she is amazing. The whole day of zone conference and snowball fight and everything….it was a wonderful day and I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">couldn</span>’t have hoped for any better.<br /><br /> Then later on this week we had a little ward party…it was supposed to be a thing where people could invite there friends but really no one did. Still it was a great night of music. The whole night was about Christmas music and celebrating the Christmas season. It was a really good night and the people that we talked to afterward and in the days later said they had a great time and that they would try harder to get their friends out the party next year. Also we have been doing the living Christmas cards this past week. We have had quite a few people thank us and tell us how brave we are to just do this - just the two of us. Really I thought that I would never do anything like this <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ever</span>. Me and one other person singing at the door step? Still it has been great fun and seems to be bringing the Christmas Spirit all around….even though the snow beat us to it. Yesterday we had the chance to sing in the ward choir….well Sister Stringer is the ward choir director…and also fills our pantry…so we sang with the biggest smiles ever yesterday!<br /><br /> Like was said in all your emails - I think Christmas might be around the corner….and I regret to inform you that President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McCracken</span> said that we won't be able to call home this year, because we might not reach our baptism goal for the year so he wants us out talking to people all day Christmas. I think my pants just caught on fire…..because I am totally kidding about not being able to call home….we can and I will. Sometime Thursday I will be calling home. I can’t wait….last call home as a missionary! It should be pretty cool. So speaking of last things: As yesterday was my 22 month mark in the mission field….it seems that everyone is starting to find out that I have not very much time left….and so I have noticed that all the standard questions change….they get the “how long have you been out” question out….which I always let Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Degering</span> answer first….since he has been out about 18 months people are always like….”Oh you go home really soon!” and I just laugh and then they ask me and I say how long I have been out and they are like “WOW, you go home SO soon!” It really is quite funny and as I sit here thinking about what I am saying - only those who have served missions will really understand what I am trying to say - but really it has started to be weird and scary. One of my really good mission buddies goes home on Tuesday and we have been talking about stuff and I am so glad that I have two months left….it is really quite nerve wracking to think that it is almost 2009 and that means I will be home soon enough. Well that is my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">trunky</span> moment of the week….stay tuned for next week's! Just kidding.<br /><br /> Well I love you all and hope that you have a great holiday season and a wonderful Christmas day. For those I won't get to talk to have a great New Year and I will talk to you all soon enough…I love you all so much, have a great week.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-23219925299051186792008-12-15T11:10:00.000-08:002008-12-17T15:20:58.583-08:00What has this world come to?Hidee-Ho Family!<br /><br />Well, it sounds like things are going pretty well for all of you. A snow day is always a welcome sight! No work, no school….those are the best. Sounds like you have all kept yourselves as busy as possible this week. This next week sounds like more of the same for you. It seems to me as I look back that I have a lot to report on so I guess I better quit stalling. Oh, really quick though….I’m glad you liked the picture card. I forgot got to put a warning in the letter about the “scary” video house tour. Elder Ausmus is hilarious and I love that guy…I am going to talk to president this week about maybe getting to serve with him my last 6 weeks…I hope that maybe it works out….if not….well I will still keep in touch with him after anyway. There have been quite a few missionaries that I have made friendships with and it has been one of the best parts of being a missionary.<br /><br />Well, as for my week. We had a lot of different things happen here this week. First off, we decided that we wanted to make a picnic for our investigators. So we picked a day and a time and told them to meet us at this park near their house. Well, we couldn’t have picked a worse day. The wind was blowing like two billion miles an hour and it was cold and everything seemed to got wrong. So we made the lunch anyway and packed it up. We RODE our bikes (it may have been faster to walk them) to their house and decided to do the picnic inside. It turned out really well. We had a great time and it was the family's first ever picnic…can you believe it? Well I was glad to be apart of their first picnic. Then later on that night we went to the Deer Springs ward Christmas party. It was a great night and we had some good fun. Then later on that night (I know this night seems to get later and later) anyway…then we helped the Stringers begin delivering the 12 days of Christmas to a family here in the ward. It is like Secret Santa or something. It is really fun and the funny thing is we have dinner tonight with the family that they are doing it to…so it is pretty funny.<br /><br />Well what else happened this week??? Oh, well, we had a lot of time to do some normal missionary work and so that is always fun. This next week should be pretty busy. We seem to have some sort of something every day this week. Wednesday is our mission Christmas Celebration…quick update as I write this….IT IS SNOWING IN LAS VEGAS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rmY-DAMEAdiid_85gSBOtx-p-uKN9sNQ8CXF9YYrYWd4Tb_xg-OhZC3BabXULqblI_H9JFABQLOZWdrBHQHgQ1tO_i6qnU6C3oBhus2NdLhKLugfGFokGRYZLxwglV-2MdYRyQ6FIV4/s1600-h/150_0645.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rmY-DAMEAdiid_85gSBOtx-p-uKN9sNQ8CXF9YYrYWd4Tb_xg-OhZC3BabXULqblI_H9JFABQLOZWdrBHQHgQ1tO_i6qnU6C3oBhus2NdLhKLugfGFokGRYZLxwglV-2MdYRyQ6FIV4/s400/150_0645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280902577105794130" border="0" /></a>…sadly we all know it won't stick….but still there is snow all over the place and it is raining and slushy mix of stuff. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TDVWz2jYZlFj48gH1rGTUMKUueV6oshrMx3weEYW3hfY7OUg2iktlMVOL8IjZAfWxLTxtzXak1Rid2ib82ZrwP59toM5fcE7rkVaA4P5oQ3mUJ3iBr1w3JvGCv9m96Ncnt4QD3__XB4/s1600-h/150_0647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TDVWz2jYZlFj48gH1rGTUMKUueV6oshrMx3weEYW3hfY7OUg2iktlMVOL8IjZAfWxLTxtzXak1Rid2ib82ZrwP59toM5fcE7rkVaA4P5oQ3mUJ3iBr1w3JvGCv9m96Ncnt4QD3__XB4/s400/150_0647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280902581396064786" border="0" /></a>Anyway back to the Christmas Celebration. We are meeting as missionaries together and having a big Christmas conference…it should be pretty good. I hope that it is as much fun as last year. Then we have interviews with President McCracken and then it will be Sunday and then Monday again…Holy Cow…I know that this week surely will fly by way to fast.<br /><br />Well I hope that you all have a great time this week. I hope that the weather works out well and that you are able to have a great time at the Holiday home evening. I hope that you take a lot of pictures and video of each performance….Chanel can you male a DVD like you did before then we can watch it on the Stringers big screen…just like I was there myself. Well, know that I love you and care so much for each of you and that I hope you all have a great holiday season. Oh man! I almost forgot the craziest part of the week. We got asked by one of our bishops to deliver “living” Christmas cards in which we will be singing Christmas carols to neighbors of the members in the ward….So that should be a great experience…got to get my singing voice all tuned up! Oh and I have learned to play the top hand of a few hymns on the piano this week too….it is nice having one in the house you live in. Well like I said, I love all of you so much and hope that you have a great week this week and that everything goes great tonight. Stay warm and safe…and Remember…ITS SNOWING IN VEGAS….what has this world come to?<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-65629130621287659462008-12-08T15:58:00.000-08:002008-12-08T16:08:17.557-08:00Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful...So Wheres the Snow, Wheres the Snow, Wheres the Snow!?Hello again,<br />Well hello to you all! It really has started to feel like December here. This whole week as we have been out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tracting</span>, I have had some more "You know you’re in Vegas..." moments. As it is December people are starting to decorate for Christmas. This has made me ask the question to myself: "Why do people here decorate for Christmas?" I mean it looks and feels nothing like winter here. I mean, the high temperatures are in the mid 60’s still. I am a little ashamed to say though…it's cold and I have been wearing sweaters all week. When you are used to like 105 to 115 degrees, the 60's can be cold. It does get cold here at night though with it getting down into the mid 30’s. So really - it does get cold, I am not just a wussy.<br /><br />Well this week has really been full of lots of excitement around here. We found out last Monday night that Friday would be our temple day as the temple closes for holiday cleaning. So Friday morning we got to go to the temple. It was very nice, and I ended up seeing a few members from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Las</span> Vegas stake where I had served earlier this year. It was nice to see them and then go through the temple. The sad thing is I only have one more chance to go through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Las</span> Vegas Temple as a missionary, and that will be the day before I go home, so that was kind sad to think about. Yet, it was a great time. We had a really nice member in our ward take us and then he took us for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Krispy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kreme</span>’s afterward. That was a great way to end temple day.<br />Then I totally forgot to tell you guys last week that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tule</span> Springs Stake was being split. So hey, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tule</span> Springs stake was split yesterday. We had stake conference this past weekend. Elder Ronald A. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rasband</span> of the Presidency of the Seventy was there to preside over the whole meeting. It was a really good conference. We went to the Saturday night session and it was really good. All the speakers spoke about being economically smart…weird huh? Then Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rasband</span> spoke about how the Savior really loves and knows each of us. It was a really good talk and the session was great. Then yesterday was the big general session and that was where they did the split. They did it all at once and they broadcast it into three other buildings and the stake center was packed full. They said in total the number of people watching the conference was 3,021. Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Rasband</span> said that it was "...about time..." for the stake to be split. Our two wards are the in the same stake, but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Craigs</span> are in the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Elkhorn</span> Springs stake. We are, however, still in the same zone so that means I can still go and eat at their house on the 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span>. So really not too much changed. Well, I guess it did since they also called two new stake presidencies. That made the meeting really long. They gave all of them a chance to bear their testimonies. So the meeting became a testimony meeting. It was good at first then it really just dragged on and on and on. In the end, Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Rasband</span> spoke on The Family and he gave a really good talk. It was pretty cool when we were walking around before the meeting looking for people, and Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Rasband</span> came around the corner, he shook our hands and asked if we had investigators there, I told him they were are they way, and he said, "Good, they'd better get here." So needless to say I haven’t washed that hand yet!! Just kidding - I’m not that weird.<br /> Saturday was also one of our ward Christmas parties. It was cool, because they set the whole gym up like a marketplace from back in the day. They gave everyone little rocks painted silver and we had to go from place to place buying our food to eat. I thought that it was a really cool idea. Then they did a little nativity play. It was really nice little party. It really made me think about how hard it must have been for the people back in that time. Then last night as we watched the First Presidency's Christmas devotional and President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Monson</span> talked about those innkeepers. If they had only known who Joseph and Mary were, how they would have acted so differently, they would have possibly made more room for them or been more caring for them. I had never really thought about the whole thing that way. I had just thought that those guys were really dumb and that they had no other choice. The devotional last night was really good. If you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">didn</span>’t get to watch it then you really missed out big time. I love to hear the First Presidency speak. These guys are good!<br /> Well I love you all, and hope that you are all having a great and festive holiday season. I hope that you all get to share the Christmas spirit with someone else and make someone’s day a little brighter. Know I think about you often and care for you even more. I love you.<br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-66947290781919212762008-12-02T21:39:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:52:24.198-08:00Gooble Gooble...Touchdown!Hey there Family,<br /><br /> Well I was so glad to hear that all is going well for each of you and that you had a wonderful holiday weekend. Sounds like you had quite the crowd for dinner on Thanksgiving, I’m not too sure how all of you fit in that house but, hey, if you were able to do it - more power to you. Well my Thanksgiving was pretty good. This whole story really goes back a few days. It starts on Monday. We had dinner and it was really good - spaghetti, one of my favorites. Well, we were riding home and I just didn’t feel very good whatsoever. So we got home and I went in and laid down right away. To make this long story short I laid there a little longer and then I realized it wasn’t going to be a fun night. The funny thing is I actually said that to myself in my head that night as I was changing my clothes….the way I felt I knew that it wasn’t going to be a good night. Sadly, I was right. I ended up being up the majority of the night, ”taking care of business.” I don’t know about any of you, but I don’t want to be apart of <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> business ever again. So my week was a very long, slow one. We spent time letting me get back up to speed in the health department. Back to Thanksgiving: well, I had just gotten back to normal…sort of….well I wasn’t really in the mood to play any football and as we had a missionary turkey bowl...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxRW_zJL7KDdRoqRBSD9lMJwm1drw8NbMQhbx1H0OPiqmcwF74dAoVfdjMLMBi0lwL6FDLC4oMlPj4gA_izwSn0zR59TL8BI2HUODq3jVm_rnIuLkjLhWay-AevgmPNuLeVw-TM8Wdc4/s1600-h/turkey_bowl_shirt_bc2c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxRW_zJL7KDdRoqRBSD9lMJwm1drw8NbMQhbx1H0OPiqmcwF74dAoVfdjMLMBi0lwL6FDLC4oMlPj4gA_izwSn0zR59TL8BI2HUODq3jVm_rnIuLkjLhWay-AevgmPNuLeVw-TM8Wdc4/s400/turkey_bowl_shirt_bc2c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275437145406649442" border="0" /></a>I just went in support…and ended up being the coach! It was really fun and funny. I got to throw my hat around, yell at people and do all the things that coaches do. It really was fun….sadly we only went 1-1 and we lost the championship 2-1...but it was a very close game! We had a chance on the last play of the game to score and tie it all up but the pass was incomplete…so we lost, but hey I had a great time and I know that everyone else did too. I mean, come on! When you get to give a fake pep talk to 30 missionaries…how can you not have a great time, right? As for Thanksgiving itself: it was great. We ended up only going to one of the dinners because I knew that my stomach could only handle so much before it would explode again….so I it took it easy and only ate like a plate full of mashed potatoes. We ate with a really nice family. They are the Todd’s and they are really great people. After dinner we played Pictionary…but it was Pictionary Man and it had these little figures you would draw on and it was really cool….I suggest you look into it as a great party game. So that was our Thanksgiving holiday. Mostly me being sick with a few good times mingled in.<br /><br /> We had transfer calls on Saturday night and Elder Degering and I will be staying here in the area….which in the end I think will be a good thing. We have started to build trust here and then to have had one of us leave so quickly would have had major problems with it. So we will be together through to January! That is so crazy to me! I was filling out my new planner yesterday because I am a big nerd when it comes to them and I was writing in the dates and it was weird to think that after this transfer cycle I will only have one left and then it is all over…but I am trying to not focus on that right now. We have a ton of things to do in this area….starting with getting some investigators and then getting some converts. Hopefully we will be able to do that soon.<br /><br /> This week really has been uneventful for us because of my sickness….I wish it were the other way…but your body is your body and you have to listen to it. I mean it is one of the greatest gifts that we are given from our Heavenly Father so we must really take good care of them otherwise we may make ourselves more miserable while we are here on earth. Well, I hope that you all have a great week and don’t worry, Mom I am doing just fine now and the picture card will be in the mail this week so you should get it soon. Also thank you for letting me know you got my trunky letter. That is always something that brightens my day. Well, I love you all - have a great week.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff Taylor<br /><br />Image via <a href="http://myaturkeybowl.com/images/turkey_bowl_shirt_bc2c.jpg" target="_blank"> here </a>.Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-49859138404285173202008-11-24T20:04:00.000-08:002008-11-27T07:54:49.447-08:00Man, I think I really have changed....Hey There,<br /> Well I must say it seems like just yesterday I was sitting here writing you all a letter about the goings on here in little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas. This week has been a good one….lots if things going on….I just don’t really remember them all. We were just <span style="font-style: italic;">going</span> all the time doing all sorts of different things. The nice thing is that the weather has really been quite nice….the crazy thing was that we had a record high last Monday of 80 degrees. I must say that it really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doesn</span>’t feel like it is holiday season….I mean Thanksgiving is Thursday and it will be like 70 degrees….holy cow! So that should be really nice….even though we might not have much time to be outside….as we have been invited to three places for dinner. So that will keep us fat and happy…well at least fat. We also have the turkey bowl….which will pit zone vs. zone down here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Las</span> Vegas…so really it should be a pretty good time.<br /> Well as for things on the missionary front we have had a few moments that were quite memorable. One was pretty funny: we were leaving our investigator's house the other night and as we were getting on our bikes and the kids were running around and then we were riding away…and the mom yelled out….”You guys are black now!” I mean I knew that missionaries really change when they are out, but skin color?? That’s a new one to me. But, hey, any change is good, right? So that was really good. Then we found out that day also that her boyfriend is out of jail now….so that is good, too! They all came to church yesterday. I must say I really love to see the change in people as the missionaries work with them, but as the Spirit works with them even more. This family has come a very long way….they are actually a family. It is awesome to see this change and I really have enjoyed it.<br /> Then I had a very humbling/kick my butt moment this week. I am ashamed of it and the Lord really humbled me. We were out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tracting</span> the other day, (and as I have said I really don’t enjoy the whole knocking on people’s door thing), anyway we were out and it was later in the afternoon and now it gets dark at about 4:30 in the afternoon. Well, we were going and I really was not into it, and it was getting dark and I had more things on my mind and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">didn</span>’t want to knock on doors…to make it worse no one was answering the door…I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">wasn</span>’t in the best mood. Well we saw this lady and she was on the other side of the road…well she was smoking and just walking around and stuff. I thought in my head, ”Well, she won’t listen or be interested, or she will be rude.” So, I just kept walking and halfway up the next drive way…I heard a voice and it said “Hey, are you the missionaries?” My heart sank and I turned around. Sheepishly I said “yes.” Well, we, of course, ended up talking to her for about 45 minutes and found that she was a member and that she had a four year old daughter that really wanted to go to church. Her mom was in town and had been taking the daughter to church and so we talked about that. Well she was a really nice lady. So now my testimony of talking to <span style="font-style: italic;">everyone</span> we see has grown. I felt so bad, and I had a great conversation with my Heavenly Father that night about it. It was a little moment to me that He really does care about all of His children. Then we had another awesome experience the other night. We were riding our bikes and trying to talk with people. We found this guy, his name is Juan, who was walking and he started talking to us…well we talked for about 30 minutes or so in which time he told us his life story and told us that he knew that God had sent us to be in his path that night. He wants to be baptized the right way, ”...like Christ was...” were his exact words. But he doesn't live in our area. So, we gave him the website info to get the missionaries over to his house and then we got his phone number to give him a call to see if he got a hold of them. So in the end we hope the best for both of these people.<br /> We spoke in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lynbrook</span> ward sacrament on missionary work. It was a sister's missionary farewell. She is going to Korea. Yeah, that’s right, should be fun. The cool thing her family is all converts to the church from the fundamentalist <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LDS</span> church. She talked a little about that and how it had changed her life to find the true church…great talk - she will be a great missionary….even if she <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">doesn</span>’t know the language. My talk went very well, I had few people come up and tell me that it seemed like I had done that a time or two before. Well I have, I mean when you hit 21 months out as a missionary you start to get the feel of this job. 21 months man where does the time go?! I really don’t know.<br /> Well this weekend is transfer calls so that should be pretty good. Not too sure what will happen, I really hope that I don’t get changed. I don’t think I will as I only have 2 transfer cycles left, so really I don’t think anything will happen. Also, with Thanksgiving this week it should be nice and fun. Well I hope that you all have a fantastic turkey day. Take lot of pictures! I know that I will try to do the same. I love you all so much and hope the best for all of you. Have good one and open your mouths and share the best gift of all, the gospel.<br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-67625275791659498272008-11-19T17:12:00.000-08:002008-11-22T10:09:10.427-08:00The real question is...Hello Again,<br /><br /> It really seems like it has been forever since I last wrote you a letter. A lot has happened this week to keep us fairly busy. We had some spiritual highlights and some other things that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">weren</span>’t so high. Mom, when you asked the questions: "What was the highlight of your week and the surprise of the week?" and it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">couldn</span>’t have fit any better for this week, we really had some good and some bad happen this week. It was good to hear that all doing well and that you are healthy, (well, except mom). It seems that the cold is going around. Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Degering</span> got it this week as well. It is really nice that some of the members here are doctors and totally love to hook up the missionaries….we are always taken care of…so, very nice.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"What was your most spiritual moment this week?"</span><br />Well, hands down would have to be getting to listen to Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kikuchi</span> of the seventy. It was really a wonderful event. He talked about a number of different things. He spent the morning part of the conference talking about how we need to be more obedient so that we can better receive the blessings of heaven and he said something that really stuck in my head. He said “Your mission will reflect the rest of your life, if you give 80 percent out here, you will give 80 percent in the rest of your life.” That really hit me - that we need to being giving 100 percent...and that really does set the tone for the rest of my life and that I need to make sure that I am giving all I have <span style="font-weight: bold;">all</span> the time. I really have made sure this week to work as hard as I can and every night I seem to be more and more tired….but it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">isn</span>’t going to get much easier from here….real life is plenty hard as well….we just have to buck up and do it. Then in the afternoon we talked a lot about teaching….the how to’s and stuff like that. It was really good and really needed. We have a lot of new missionaries in the mission and they need to know how to be effective teachers and so do us old guys too! We can always improve what we do each day. They changed our morning program around a little as well. One new thing they added is what they liked to call, "A Sacred Grove of Our Own" where we take time to pray and seek for answers in the morning and to have a really meaningful prayer….and just a chance to communicate to our Heavenly Father. Overall the day was really awesome….I loved the whole thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"What was the most surprising moment of the week?"</span><br />Well, by far had to be when we went to visit our investigator family this week. We went on the wife’s birthday and took her some brownies we baked for her and to see how they were doing. Well, she answered the door….looking less then happy. After talking for a minute we found out that her husband was in jail….which was weird because we had seen him just the night before and had had a great lesson with the family. Long story short: he got picked up the next morning and was in jail. He has a court date for today and hopefully he will be out and have no more problems. He was put it jail stemming from a May domestic violence charge….this was all before the missionaries started meeting with the family. He missed his court date….because they gave him the wrong one…and so they came and got him and has been in jail since last Wednesday. So to say the least that was the biggest surprise.<br /><br /> Then lets see what happened? I went on splits with our district leader's companion this week. That was pretty fun. We were in their area and I must say it is a lot more ghetto then our area is. Still, the work is the same everywhere. Then on Saturday we helped Brother Stringer get the house all fixed up and ready for their anniversary. It was their 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> yesterday…so we helped him fix things up and be an extra set of hands and stuff like that. He bought her a baby grand piano…and let me tell you she was totally surprised and it was quite the big deal. It really was fun to be kind of handymen for the day. I really liked it actually…I felt very productive….funny side note….Brother Stringers first name is Jeff, and their oldest son is Jeff Jr. so around here they are always saying “Oh, Jeff” or “Oh, Jeffery.” I must say it is really weird hearing my name all the time. Just thought it was a funny side note.<br /><br /> Well I hope that all of you have a great week and that Mom you can get healthy. This week really had been a great one for me….I have really had a chance to reflect on a lot of different things and can’t wait to get this week started and have things get going….although I love p-day….this week is going to be great. I hope you all have a great one and know I love you all so much.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-35488334060930233222008-11-10T16:44:00.000-08:002008-11-11T22:04:14.205-08:00And the walls came a tumbling down...Hi there family unit,<br /><br />Hope that this email finds you all well and happy. This week has been much like the last, I must say. Not too much has really changed. We are still out there working hard and trying to find as many people as would hear us. Yet all is well. We are both healthy, and as a matter of fact I feel<br />really good...the whole bike riding thing isn't too bad. The area we cover isn't too large since we cover <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">maybe</span> a few square miles and that might be about it. I would say streets but only a few know where they are. Really we have been plugging along. You did say that you want me to go over my whole week in review - and, well, that will take a lot so I will just hit the highlights and hope that this will do.<br /><br />Monday: Well, we finished up our emails and went and had some football practice. We have the mission-wide Turkey Bowl coming <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">up</span> on Thanksgiving so our zone needed to get together and get our game up, you know what I mean? So, we did that for a few hours and then came home and went to our ward mission leader's home for dinner. SALMON. I must say: I love it now! Weird I know...just like Mom who likes to now have big groups of people over to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">house</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Anywho</span> it was a nice dinner and we had a chance to sit down and have a great conversation about missionary work. It was a great night.<br /><br />Tuesday: We had district meeting in the morning and then the same old, same old after lunch. Knocking on doors; dinner; and then home and all the little stuff in between. I mean everyday is about the same: You get yelled at and you have a great conversation with someone. Some<br />days you have more of one and then less of the other. In the end each day is a wonderful gift from the Lord.<br /><br />Well I'm just going to skip to the highlights of the week. Saturday was a busy day. We started out by helping the Stringers help us. We helped clean out the apartment in the back and get things ready for the workers to come in when it's time. So we cleaned and moved and organized all the things that were in that apartment...there was a ton of stuff. Then we got to bust down two closets in the living room that really had no place being there...so that was a lot of fun. Then we went <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tracting</span> with a member in the Deer Springs ward. He lives in a gated community, which we get kicked out of all the time, so that ward has put together the chance for us to go around with members and go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tracting</span> with them. Well, this was the first time that we have had the chance since we got here. Let me tell you what though - at first I thought it was going to be so lame <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tracting</span> with a member who hasn't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tracted</span> since his mission like 17 years ago - anyway he did a great job! He was new in the neighborhood and so he introduced himself and then us. It went very well, we have some potential now that we didn't have when we got here and now he has seen that we can work and that we are here to work, but have a good time doing it.<br />So I think that it was great success and that I had a great time getting to know a few more people.<br /><br />Earlier in the week we had a lesson with a young man named Tad. We found him <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tracting</span> one day and he said we could come back. Well we went back and he was there!! This, for me, was awesome! Well, we talked a little bit and found out that he was baptized when he was younger and that he wanted to learn more about the church. So we have started to teach him, so that is really cool. So we hope that he will keep learning and that he will come to church and become active again. That's the goal and that's the plan.<br /><br />Well Dad wanted to know what daily life was like..We get up and 6:30 a.m., which with the time change has my body all messed up. I wake up at 5:30 a.m. and think it is time to get up and go. So that is hard - plus me getting up at 6:30 hard to imagine anyway. Then we sit around and get ready, shower and get dressed and then we study. I just finished the Book of Mormon again and now I am on the Doctrine and Covenants. I hope to finish it in week or two. Then we study together and that is just about anything but Preach My Gospel, usually. Then we work. Mornings are hard so we try and do less important things and then in the afternoon we tract...that's when the most people are home. Then dinner that is always a highlight! We have eaten with some really cool members here. I hope that I finish it all off here because the members here are awesome. Then we talk to as many people as possible and then head home tired and sweaty and more tired. That's a typical day.<br /><br />Well I hope you all had a great week, have a great one this week if you didn't last week. Love ya! Stay busy! Open those mouths and spread the good news this great and glorious gospel.<br /><div class="ArwC7c ckChnd" id=":iy"><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff Taylor</div>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-88681623834304431282008-11-06T19:02:00.000-08:002008-11-08T22:13:28.964-08:00Whistle while you work...it makes it better!Well Hello Family,<br /><br />I hope that this letter finds all of you healthy and wealthy and wise. This week has been a good one for me and Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Degering</span>. We were able to find a few new people and hope that all goes well with them, and also we are trying to work with some less active and part-member families. These two wards really haven’t had much missionary success in the past little while, with one ward not having a convert baptism in over 14 months or so. That’s a really long time. So our goal is to find people to teach in that ward and do our best to get people to church and get those members fired up to do missionary work. We are really starting to get to know the area better and we have had a few ward parties so that helps with getting to know the members of the wards as well. The Stringers continue to be amazing and helpful in any way, although this week they had all sorts of family in town. The house sure was full up, and we had a dinner with 16 people on Thursday night. It was crazy! Lots of people, lots of food. Much like the party that you all had this week.<br /><br />Well, this week really has been full of missionary work. We have a lot of free time as we don’t have very many people we are teaching and so we have spent that free time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tracting</span>. I don’t know if I have ever said this, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tracting</span> is my least favorite thing to do as a missionary. I would much rather do a lot of other things with my time, but it is one of those things that I have come to love more. A lot of missionaries out here are really struggling with the normal "finding activities" and so they have really been pushing it a lot lately and I have had time to think about why we do it. First: it is something we are asked to do...so we have to do it. Then: it helps build character. I equate it to building a house…we as missionaries want to baptize people, "The Roof," but without things like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tracting</span>, "The Foundation," we can’t hold up the roof, or our teaching pool, so we must do it to keep the balance of the world. We must tract….and lately, as ineffective as it normally is, we have tried to have fun and get to know the people we talk to at the door. Now that I’m done ranting, we did a lot of that kind of stuff this week, "finding activities" as we like to call them. Like I said, we have tried to make them as fun as possible. One of the things we've been asked to do while we are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tracting</span> is to hold the Book of Mormon in our hands. Well, I started playing scripture baseball with Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DeGering</span>, from door to door, it is a fun way to pass the time and a great way to learn more about the Book of Mormon.<br />As for other things that we did this week: We had our beginning of the transfer zone meeting on Tuesday and we learned that Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kikuchi</span> from the Seventy is is going to be coming to do a mission tour next week. I think it will be on Tuesday - so that should be very cool. On Thursday we did service with some other missionaries in the zone, for one of their investigators. We helped them move them to a new house. I was glad to be of help for had we not been there…they may have taken a few days to get it all done! As it was…it took most of the day anyway. Friday brought Halloween and down here we had to be in by 6:00 p.m., which really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wasn</span>’t too much fun as the house was empty. The Stringers were at a family Halloween party, so we hung around and had a good time in the house with the dogs and things like that. On Saturday we went to the youth baptisms for the stake. They do this big general meeting and then they split off into wards after the meeting for the baptisms…then they do like a "Music and the Spoken Word" thing where they just read a scripture and then we sang a song. Well when I was showering that day, (and as I have said before, that really is where do my best thinking)...I was thinking if I might see one Bishop Ken Craig. Well, lo and behold! When I walked into the chapel, sitting on the stand looking all bishop-like was Mister Craig himself! Well the meeting started quickly afterwards and I sat there for a few moments, then we both realized who was who. When his ward went to leave he gave me a hug and said to look around for him after it was all over….well we talked, as you heard, and it was good to see him again. Yes, he did say he wanted me to come over for dinner…we will have to work it all out. Still it was great to see him again…finally. Then came Sunday and the wonderful thing that always is…it was good though…as fast Sunday always is.<br />Chanel had a few questions this week so I will answer those and wrap this baby up.<br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What did you have for lunch yesterday?</span><br />Me: Nothing…it was fast Sunday.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DeGering</span>: Same.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Where do you go for advice?</span><br />Me: My mother.<br />D: The Lord.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?</span><br />Me: um...Don’t use either?<br />D: Dictionary.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Have you ever been snorkeling? Scuba diving?</span><br />Me: No, you know I hate water.<br />D: Yes snorkeling, no scuba.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Have you ever been stung by a bee?</span><br />Me: Yeah under my chin area.<br />D: Yes.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What's the sickest you've ever been?</span><br />Me: That one time I got really sick on my mission and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">didn</span>’t tell Mom.<br />D: Had the flu and a temperature of 104<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What's your favorite form of exercise?</span><br />Me: Sports…golf…riding in the cart…just kidding.<br />D: Running.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What did you do for your 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> birthday?</span><br />Me: I don’t remember…some party or something.<br />D: Went and saw Star Wars 1.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Are you afraid of heights?</span><br />Me: Sort of.<br />D: No.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Have you ever taken dance lessons?</span><br />Me: No, I wish I did though.<br />D: Yes, ballroom dancing.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What's the most memorable class you've ever taken?</span><br />Me: Marketing 1 with Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Resch</span>, best class ever.<br />D: Building Traits…a construction class.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What's your favorite knock-knock joke?</span><br />Me: Joan Toothpaste!<br />D: He <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">doesn</span>’t have one….sadly.<br /><br />Well there you have it. This week has been great and I hope that you have a great one this week. Stay busy and open your mouths, and spread the gospel…I love you all.<br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff Taylor<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">P.S. Chanel please don’t ever tell me how many weeks I have left…that would be great. Thanks. Love ya!</span>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-20003571373997583692008-10-27T13:13:00.000-07:002008-10-27T23:07:28.444-07:00Welcome (BACK) To Fabulous Las Vegas!Well hey there,<br /><br />Well, this has been crazy week to say the least. We have been really busy with trying to get to know the area and stuff. I did make it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas safely….and soundly. I got off the bus and was pleased with the weather (much warmer) and then I was told that I would be living with members. Then I was told that I would need something else…then I got handed a cell phone. Oh happy day!! Finally!! And all other words that mean joy….that is what I felt….A CELL PHONE…I am so happy. Then we got into the car and went to the house. I met the Stringers and they are the nicest people ever. They then took us out to dinner because we had no idea what was going on in the area. So we went and had a nice dinner. Then we got settled into the room. We live in a bedroom toward the back of the house and we are doing that while we wait for our apartment in the backyard to be finished. They have a little place for us to live it just needs a little work. The nice thing is that Brother Stringer is a general contractor, so he knows some people who can help out. Then we spent the rest of the week trying to figure out what was going on around here.<br /><br />We did have some ward parties and things like that to help us get to know the members in the ward faster. We had High Priest party in the Deer Springs ward and then a trunk or treat in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lynbrook</span> ward…the other ward that we cover. We <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">didn</span>’t find out until transfer day that we would be covering that ward...and it should be all right…they are really close together and small wards anyway. We had a great chance to get to know the wards. Then, of course, Sunday was the Primary program in both wards. So we got to enjoy all of that, as well. Those kids did such a great job, they sang there little hearts out and had a great time. We were in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lynbrook</span> ward though and they announced the new Elders….Elder Thomas and Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Degering</span>….Elder Thomas??? How do you mess up Taylor and not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Degering</span>…I have never heard of that last name ever….and you mess up Taylor???? Come on now. So needless to say…Deer Springs is my favorite ward. Just kidding - they are both really good wards. This area is really devoid of missionary work, though, which was much like Carson City. But I think it will start to pick up and then take off...and we have a lot of work ahead of us if we want that to happen. So we are just going out and opening our mouths and each day it seems like we have someone we talk to that wants to learn more so it is nice in that sense. Funny story though: We were riding home the other night on Decatur and Deer Springs Road, (not that any of you know where that is…anyway) we were riding and some people flagged us down. We thought they needed help so we went over….Then they said, "Hey we are doing a scavenger hunt and we need someone to tell the Joseph Smith and Moroni Story." Who better to have stopped then two Mormon missionaries? So we told it in 30 seconds and they then took off….it was really one of the craziest moments of my mission.<br /><br />Well, a little about Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DeGering</span>: he is from Virginia, some small town there….I don’t know the name. He has like 3 older brothers and a younger brother and sister…he has been out 16 months now….we are like the oldest companionship in the zone….and I am the longest tenured missionary in the zone…it is really crazy. I think things will work out though…he is a good guy and we get along pretty well. If you have any questions, Chanel, then just send me a note and I will write you back.<br /><br />Well things have really gone by pretty slow this week…I hope that they start to pick up and that we have things get going in the area. We are just working hard and knowing the Lord will bless us. I am glad to hear that all is going well and that you are having a great time…good luck with the pig and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dyches</span>'…that should be really fun. I hope that you all have a great rest of the week. I love you.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-1870245879926051082008-10-20T17:48:00.000-07:002008-10-20T18:42:54.394-07:00Short, Sweet....well you get the point...Hey Family Unit,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWhm9HmvI2wM8fiEhjkqgy8Vz7GOcZiR3jUim1jRHeXUjC8GBorZRoCW63blCtEXgAGhfTVrQMBmOdwJR17-hyUHX9Rnu4ePWLB4l8QxSxzrQlq93WyK2h3DhP3GIlBzG7NEsZZNkHJA/s1600-h/Busy_Bee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259406763699562418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 202px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWhm9HmvI2wM8fiEhjkqgy8Vz7GOcZiR3jUim1jRHeXUjC8GBorZRoCW63blCtEXgAGhfTVrQMBmOdwJR17-hyUHX9Rnu4ePWLB4l8QxSxzrQlq93WyK2h3DhP3GIlBzG7NEsZZNkHJA/s400/Busy_Bee.jpg" border="0" /></a>Man - I thought that <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">I</span> had a busy week! We really did a lot this week, but then I read your emails and you make me feel like I just sit around and do nothing. I mean, I <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">don’t</span>, but that’s what I feel like. So glad to hear that things went well this week for the Primary program, the one we had here was pretty good too. A few younger kids did an amazing job, talking for like three minutes a piece…all memorized…one even sang an impromptu song about the prophet and apostles. I must say it was very cute. Still - I'm glad to hear of the entire goings on….really you all are very busy. I hope that I can keep up with this pace that you all seem to keep when I get home (I think I will be able to).<br /><br />Well as you know I am getting transferred back down to Las Vegas and I will be in the Tule Springs zone and stake, specifically in the Deer Springs ward. It should be pretty interesting. I’m not too sure about the area, but I know they are splitting one and I get half of it…other then that, that’s all I know about the area. I will be serving with Elder Degering, I think that’s how you spell his name, not too sure though. Anyway, yes we will be on bikes, but only covering one ward so it really shouldn’t be too bad! Plus the winter is starting in Vegas….so it won't be so dang hot anymore. I must say I wasn’t to sure about transfers at first but I think that it will work out just fine.<br /><br />As far as news for this week: I emailed last Wednesday about the most important things like the temple and stuff…so really I don’t have to much else to write. I feel really bad, this letter is so daggum short. I mean all we did this week was tract and tract and try and find new people. We did get a referral from some members who work in Scouts about these two boys who want to get baptized…so it should be really cool. Though I won't be here…I will be leaving. Really I think this this is the way things have gone my whole mission that I have never really left an area bare or with no work…it seems like it always picks up right as I am leaving and then I never know what happens to it. Such is the life of a missionary.<br /><br />Have a great week and I will send you a note once I'm in Vegas. I love you all so much and hope that you are all doing well. Mom, I hope that things get figured out for you and that you all do well this week….welp big gulps??? Well - see ya later!<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff Taylor<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Image via </span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://home.arcor.de/jthunder/stickers05/Busy_Bee.jpg" target="_blank">here</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">.</span>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-70200550989919420122008-10-16T11:36:00.001-07:002008-10-16T11:41:08.123-07:00A silly survey...I sent Elder Taylor a few silly questions - and here they are, along with his answers!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Do you prefer chewing gum or mints? </span><br />I love to chew gum...but both are good.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What's your favorite breakfast food? </span><br />Waffles, I think.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />What's your favorite game show? </span><br />The Price Is Right<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you could have a super power, what would it be? </span><br />Web Slinging like Spiderman.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Do you like guacamole? </span><br />No.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Have you ever been in a food fight? </span><br />Nope, not really.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Name five songs to which you know all the lyrics. </span><br />No...they are all hymns.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What's your favorite infomercial? </span><br />Set it...and forget it! The Ronco rotisserie oven or the Little Giant Ladder system.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What's the longest you've ever waited in line? </span><br />Like an hour or two...Disneyland.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What's on the cover of your weekly planner? </span><br />I bought a brown planner cover for mine.Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-53439116503792700132008-10-15T16:39:00.000-07:002008-10-16T11:33:36.942-07:00Well, it could be worse...it could be laterHey Family,<br /><br /> Hey, sorry that this is so late….today is our temple/P-day…so here is my email. We don’t have too much time to write this stuff….so I sure hope I can get all the stuff in that I want to talk about…if not then I will write about it all next week. Like I said though, today is our temple day. We took three recent converts and six missionaries. It was such a cool experience to take a recent convert to the temple. We took Terry, and we tried to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheyne</span> to go with us, but he had to work. Terry had a great time at the temple. We did baptisms, of course, and they really liked it. Like I have said in the past, the Reno Temple is a small one….so everything is small...very different from back home. Anyway we made is work….I got to be a witness and then confirm a few people and that was really cool. Overall it was really a cool trip…one I will remember for sure.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh8ztqJas9foAKrqJUtCmZKN62M1oXNeTjfr9XIshKlpyUI9lUPD4gbqMVBV1DKMXBuiMan8NOTTgRCVkI31pE6DvnTJ2wgv8KGVdMKSTeiW5tIaD4HU_8LXr4IQCx6hc5u0ostVKXrQ/s1600-h/070514.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh8ztqJas9foAKrqJUtCmZKN62M1oXNeTjfr9XIshKlpyUI9lUPD4gbqMVBV1DKMXBuiMan8NOTTgRCVkI31pE6DvnTJ2wgv8KGVdMKSTeiW5tIaD4HU_8LXr4IQCx6hc5u0ostVKXrQ/s400/070514.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257821205674550834" border="0" /></a>What else happened this week? Oh, yeah, zone conference! That was really good. The assistants to the President did a really cool training all about baptisms and ordinances. It was really cool. They really seemed to tailor it to the zones here. Then our zone leaders did a pretty funny training and I helped out to make it interesting! They were talking about chapter 10 in <span style="font-style: italic;">Preach My Gospel</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PMG</span>, and I told them they needed to dress up. And then I said, "Hey - you should go as Mario and Luigi!" Oh man, it worked out pretty well and they did pretty good. They talked all about different things and then relating them to Mario and Luigi…so it was pretty cool.<br /><br /> Then one of the other cool things to happen this week: we had some new investigators! One is a really nice older lady named Karen. She is a really nice lady and she seems pretty interested in the gospel. We also taught these two teenage girls that these members found for us to teach. That lesson went super well. They really felt the Spirit…and we hope to meet with them again really soon. It was really nice….we haven’t had to many investigators as of late…most of the people that we have been teaching, are less-active folks and so it was nice to teach someone who is learning for the first time, too.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzm4n63eyoHZhPrXuHsYFwTvvdS0W_A4UO0FMezSxquZgZnYqbO2lUynqUu3wF03wWDi0QinC5HkRimfXh9FlB02NVBTG7mxUaCmPuOE4O7IoKadenBOjs7aHXgwD80EQ8pLAUjt6BlaA/s1600-h/P1010027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzm4n63eyoHZhPrXuHsYFwTvvdS0W_A4UO0FMezSxquZgZnYqbO2lUynqUu3wF03wWDi0QinC5HkRimfXh9FlB02NVBTG7mxUaCmPuOE4O7IoKadenBOjs7aHXgwD80EQ8pLAUjt6BlaA/s400/P1010027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257820097553192258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Elder Taylor and Elder Wright</span><br /></div><br />Also, as you know, Connie and Don came and took Elder Wright and me out to dinner. It was really cool to see them and be around them again. It was so weird because you can really tell that Mom and Connie are sisters….they act very much alike. That was a big highlight for the week. We had a great time and great food…and even better company.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdWieTwqJwAK-r8TsaBncL486cB1FPecN_fO-5B4xucHMp5c3e5d8coEhSunT3PgIGY-XnTKehi2_TUxljhAJNlkIXQkZqBOgb6AvbtiNLnHf8PEgt0F1ECwbUJrcwem8eSTOt2yCcWI/s1600-h/P1010028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdWieTwqJwAK-r8TsaBncL486cB1FPecN_fO-5B4xucHMp5c3e5d8coEhSunT3PgIGY-XnTKehi2_TUxljhAJNlkIXQkZqBOgb6AvbtiNLnHf8PEgt0F1ECwbUJrcwem8eSTOt2yCcWI/s400/P1010028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257820096773586498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Elder Taylor and Aunt Connie</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYKp05SXr0npObivd7giXed-Uvv5hWD1rfK1vR8XZS_n9E3u7vNte3RSy7JoN7HC3SerVAkLylghvKexElsviC27oOwnwLAFYvqzKfSTRBWEdQ65H0iehDevOHMXVbDPffUZs5kO8Jsg/s1600-h/P1010029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYKp05SXr0npObivd7giXed-Uvv5hWD1rfK1vR8XZS_n9E3u7vNte3RSy7JoN7HC3SerVAkLylghvKexElsviC27oOwnwLAFYvqzKfSTRBWEdQ65H0iehDevOHMXVbDPffUZs5kO8Jsg/s400/P1010029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257820103703265026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Uncle Don, Elder Taylor (in his rockin' Pebble Beach hat!) and Aunt Connie</span><br /></div><br />That really is all that I can remember for this last week. Maybe I will remember more and write longer next week. We have transfer calls coming up on Saturday. I really don’t know what is going to happen. I’m thinking I will stay but I just never know. I hope for the best though. Well have a great week. I love you all and sorry that this is late…and short.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff Taylor<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Images via </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://graneldathudpucker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Aunt Connie</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://ebullshit.com/provo/070514.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-89287446302106464152008-10-06T22:26:00.000-07:002008-10-06T22:57:49.991-07:00Cake in a Cup...How much more exciting can it get?Hello Hello,<br />Well, I hope that everyone had a chance to watch General Conference this past week. Chanel said she did and told me her favorites….I must say I loved Sister Allred’s talk on Saturday morning. She got after the members and the missionaries to do missionary work. That was one of my favorites and then of course Elder Wirthlin was really good too. The topics to me seemed to be coming in a very timely manner and they really addressed things that needed to be talked about. All the talks were really good. I must say as well Dad, that President Ucthdorf’s talk in priesthood session was amazing. “Stand where you are and lift.” They really are words for us to live by as Latter-Day Saints. All the talks were great and so was President Monson. Overall, I really did love conference. But the next one will be great too….it will finally be Pajama Sunday again…lol. Just kidding…well not really.<br />On the mission front…I must say: my area right now is painfully slow and I mean really painful. We really don’t have anyone we are teaching that is investigating, mostly just working with less-active people, which is fun because that is part of the job, too. We have done some pretty cool stuff this week. I went on splits with part of my district this week and also the ZL’s, too. It was a pretty good time overall.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTs7f5xXle8FRwHTZ-kGGOcdlAelaquskdY7uLlsLzM-Eg166jrmZnoiUhMdVkhQXvDMhQVVwaEGdMeL1Z6NcQcz5mzKF_kynvy83aeUSVNWqeYKj7Be2iXoUhmhuV8lFmoaQLLcBza8/s1600-h/floater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTs7f5xXle8FRwHTZ-kGGOcdlAelaquskdY7uLlsLzM-Eg166jrmZnoiUhMdVkhQXvDMhQVVwaEGdMeL1Z6NcQcz5mzKF_kynvy83aeUSVNWqeYKj7Be2iXoUhmhuV8lFmoaQLLcBza8/s400/floater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254286657835380066" border="0" /></a> When I was out in Dayton we were tracting and found this guy working on some dirt bikes. We asked if we could help, and he said, "Sure!" So, we spent the next 2 hours or so helping and teaching. It was really cool…until…..dot dot dot….(to add more emphasis): Anyway we were sitting there and the door blew open a little bit and the guy said, "Oh, I hope my roommate is wearing clothes." And in my head I said, “Me, too.” And then he adds, "Yeah, because she is a stripper!" So that certainly made things more interesting. Thankfully: 1) she never came out, and 2) she wasn’t nude. So, that was pretty crazy. He was really nice guy and is actually taking those elders out fishing this morning…so pretty cool right???? That really was the highlight of the entire "splits"…and can you blame me???<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqD2Y5M8VErbjh77RMovHRSMMh15rqpDWSQ4gms_iavcNmriMA668iRE7fx6DFX6mlRf4Sf8lbHh2CT2FJDSO0n4EKKn-6J-DRnuDqo7UkmZ2hY7kwZM95Er__1N7MaAWTvz5m3kjf60/s1600-h/lumberjack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqD2Y5M8VErbjh77RMovHRSMMh15rqpDWSQ4gms_iavcNmriMA668iRE7fx6DFX6mlRf4Sf8lbHh2CT2FJDSO0n4EKKn-6J-DRnuDqo7UkmZ2hY7kwZM95Er__1N7MaAWTvz5m3kjf60/s400/lumberjack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254286199376592946" border="0" /></a> This week, we also went back to help the guy for whom we bucked hay. This time he needed some wood split…again something I hadn’t really done. Let me tell you - it was really fun. Now I feel like I can do anything. Ok, maybe not <span style="font-style: italic;">anything</span> but it was a cool life skill to learn. Plus I got a little stronger. So Dad…you'd better be ready to rumble here in a few months…I am bigger then I used to be. You’ll even be proud of my baby gut! Yeah that’s right…I’m working on it. (Really though it's nothing and I hope to work it off before I get home.) The members don’t make it easy, though. We have to eat like ten pounds of food and <span style="font-style: italic;">then</span> dessert. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGQgu08iu2H3pWzw6CQwNOMGcBEu_BkhYHOlXThi618k-mLVqemdkvkqJM05jxcGiqJBetXwDUnXpqy8GaZ5242Z69GShjTP0Ny5Becu3psAcrxRZvlu1YO8lpBI4ojtElZkMAmtgHYg/s1600-h/chocolate-cake-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGQgu08iu2H3pWzw6CQwNOMGcBEu_BkhYHOlXThi618k-mLVqemdkvkqJM05jxcGiqJBetXwDUnXpqy8GaZ5242Z69GShjTP0Ny5Becu3psAcrxRZvlu1YO8lpBI4ojtElZkMAmtgHYg/s400/chocolate-cake-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254285943053144402" border="0" /></a>We did have a cool desert the other night. We were eating with one of our bishops. The family said, ”While we are finishing up dinner - you mix up your desert.” We made the coolest little cakes. They are called Five Minute Cakes and you mix them in a mug for two minutes and then microwave them for three. They make the coolest cakes and don’t worry, I have the recipe…if you want it. It really was a lot of fun and plus if it didn’t turn out right…it was our own fault!<br />Well I really love you all. I hope you had a great week and that you have a great one coming up. It will be busy for us as we have interviews tomorrow and then Zone Conference on Wednesday. So this early part of the week should be really busy. I love you all so much. Have a great week.<br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff Taylor<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Images from </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://laurasmithart.com/smith/artwork/lumberjack.jpg" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.dizzy-dee.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/chocolate-cake-4.jpg" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, and </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2007/PE175/images/floater.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-46760185127179764812008-09-30T16:57:00.000-07:002008-09-30T17:22:14.836-07:00Do I need tickets to THIS gun show??Hey There,<br /> Well I hope that everyone is doing well this week and that all is going well. Mom, sorry to hear that you aren’t doing so well and glad to read you are back at work today. It seems like you all enjoyed the wonderfully slow week in the house. I wish we could get a week off sometimes…your batteries get kind of low during the week…so you just have to work hard and then rest hard at night. We really did have a lot to do this week. We had a lot of appointments early this week. Plus I had my first district meeting of the transfer this week, too. I have to say I hope it went well. This week should be better…we really have to be creative on these things otherwise they get really boring.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5HNHwoH9zn0KXCmlh2gWY_3tpWby4z3Ur1m-A23XFw0hUHCT98-XIkQmuQMTwKcYMEXEVrAaq3E4uD6xptSpvkls5KXa5-hUQ4w7rffr5j38msiurpz-MoVpyeI7jBzveCl2EVXCs6Y/s1600-h/CandyDance07-crwd1-LG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5HNHwoH9zn0KXCmlh2gWY_3tpWby4z3Ur1m-A23XFw0hUHCT98-XIkQmuQMTwKcYMEXEVrAaq3E4uD6xptSpvkls5KXa5-hUQ4w7rffr5j38msiurpz-MoVpyeI7jBzveCl2EVXCs6Y/s400/CandyDance07-crwd1-LG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251974079550950146" border="0" /></a>We got a call later in the week from a member in California, she was coming up here to <a href="http://www.genoanevada.org/thecandydancestory.htm" target="_blank">“The Candy Dance”</a> in Genoa. It is this huge craft fair and party that they have been having for over 88 years now. It's a big deal and was actually a lot of fun and I’ll talk more about it later. Well she needed help setting up her two tents that she would be using this year and called us to ask for help. We gladly went with our zone leaders to help her. This is the point where I say thank you to all my scout leaders and family for making us help set up the camp site where ever we went. She had two quick shades and zipper sides to go with them. I was really like the only one who knew what to do…so I just jumped into action and made it all work….and it took no time at all…which was really nice. Then she took us out to a nice lunch to thank us. We went back Saturday and checked the whole thing out…it look good and The Candy Dance was really pretty cool. They had a old west gun show right in the middle of the street and everything….you know when you have that your party is really cool. Plus a lot of pretty cool crafts…but were still cool to look at while you are there. It was a warm day…but overall we had fun and tried to share the gospel with as many people as possible….sadly they weren’t there for that. All in all it was a great afternoon.<br /> Also cool thing. Terry Terrebrood got the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday. Now we are working to get him to the temple with us to do baptisms. On a sad note…a less-active lady we are working with had her mom pass away. I think I might mentioned she was ill. She passed away and the funeral was this past week. It was a really nice service…everyone spoke very highly of her, but still they were sad to let her go. In better news though, we got a new ward mission leader in one of our wards here. Let me tell you I am really excited about working with this guy…he seems really on top of his game. He is a younger guy, he just got out of dental school and he really wants things to go well here…so that is really what has me excited.<br /> I always hate this point because I feel like something happened this week that I am missing or something. Well, I guess if I remember I can just send you a letter by mail or something. I love you all so much and I am so glad for the support that you give the elders back home…I know that they must really love it. I know always do when we have families like that. Have a great week and I will talk to you all later. Oh, I got the package you sent with Sister Baldwin…thanks for the coloring book, Chanel. Anyway I love you and have a great week.<br />Love,<br />Elder Geoff TaylorMiss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883865093090589081.post-77755067793240749372008-09-22T16:41:00.001-07:002008-09-22T16:47:43.165-07:00Pictures from Elder Taylor<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebinAzzLV0rPPkKUxMv9dGt6EFthTvebP8q0Bgu-IlF7M2bB8A2lZ69RK3TziKUWwGpVPFfKo7e5AG4s8jZFJ_TLJLZDxpvEbPN9Rju90nPp2VivQqBzY9-0n2kfxQZ0UdN1qWTrbZbQ/s1600-h/150_0606.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebinAzzLV0rPPkKUxMv9dGt6EFthTvebP8q0Bgu-IlF7M2bB8A2lZ69RK3TziKUWwGpVPFfKo7e5AG4s8jZFJ_TLJLZDxpvEbPN9Rju90nPp2VivQqBzY9-0n2kfxQZ0UdN1qWTrbZbQ/s400/150_0606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248995521566461442" border="0" /></a>Elder Wright and Elder Taylor with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheyne</span> at his baptism.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cCq2t7U6WoLa5Vw0WKPCy0YKsLTcKcFkAO5hV8_4s2Qe-bGhTwoFv_EpyFQXmowuMMhlevZmhzaotIOyRwuWESpNJRwEEDIRZjxBQldS_WQOZNahQwg72gUrvuJ_rvxPF6rkIFP3by0/s1600-h/150_0602.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cCq2t7U6WoLa5Vw0WKPCy0YKsLTcKcFkAO5hV8_4s2Qe-bGhTwoFv_EpyFQXmowuMMhlevZmhzaotIOyRwuWESpNJRwEEDIRZjxBQldS_WQOZNahQwg72gUrvuJ_rvxPF6rkIFP3by0/s400/150_0602.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248995530875858562" border="0" /></a>Elder Taylor at Lake Tahoe!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oqi_BU7RJUH3AGw3Qe80w5YA3r8gyzUMKrT1o8awE-fWKBs4VLiVMG8fQbwrsi39_fbLRKOVmRQRkbdPnMHtBLbVMpnzMtwngB4OPlcKbXQIpRkm1_b6d0LyiifUEcJ9NYuuXBAzZb8/s1600-h/150_0597.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oqi_BU7RJUH3AGw3Qe80w5YA3r8gyzUMKrT1o8awE-fWKBs4VLiVMG8fQbwrsi39_fbLRKOVmRQRkbdPnMHtBLbVMpnzMtwngB4OPlcKbXQIpRkm1_b6d0LyiifUEcJ9NYuuXBAzZb8/s400/150_0597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248995534443758914" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yar</span> - it be Elder Taylor...ready for mini-golf.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOzAQV0ABVU0oD0jsz83ljjvMKcV5Nct1Uiht_yyrov732r4DIjXYhyphenhyphengXzhiA5Bqs1sPvV_ujGucq-OxduwsHgV2TUCZQj0u7Cyl42a01In2e9dmz3ysFbP6ZipRNAzTguwbxZLEE9M8/s1600-h/150_0585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOzAQV0ABVU0oD0jsz83ljjvMKcV5Nct1Uiht_yyrov732r4DIjXYhyphenhyphengXzhiA5Bqs1sPvV_ujGucq-OxduwsHgV2TUCZQj0u7Cyl42a01In2e9dmz3ysFbP6ZipRNAzTguwbxZLEE9M8/s400/150_0585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248995536620144674" border="0" /></a>Elder Taylor and Elder Wright with his zone leaders at the <a href="http://www.nsrm-friends.org/" target="_blank">railroad museum</a> in Carson City.<br /></div>Miss Fivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353954935456719170noreply@blogger.com0